Like a true Petron fan and cheers to friendship

I never really watched basketball because I  did not grew up playing it. But being a son of someone who covered sporting events as part of his work, I have learned to watch and love the PBA games. Most of my relatives loved Ginebra. Instead of just loving the team for the sake being in sync with my relatives, I looked into other teams at that time. What caught my attention back then were the San Miguel Beermen, the flagship and original franchise team of the San Miguel Corporation. Coaching legend Ron Jacobs was tasked to revive a team of rich championship tradition, which is starting to age into once again a contender. The character of the team and the fiery attitude of Ron Jacobs caught my fancy. From them on, I rooted for the San Miguel Beermen. Even if the team changed names, Magnolia Beverage Masters or the current Petron Blaze Boosters, I still rooted for them. I never changed my mind and decided to cheer for another team.  Since then, it was this mother franchise I grew fond of watching.

*Trivia Break: Did you know that Marc Pingris played a season for Magnolia Beverage Masters/San Miguel Beermen (now Petron)? It was when he got traded for a center because Rommel Adducul was sidelined due to a sickness.  He won one championship with SMB. Small world. ;-) http://www.sanmiguelbrewery.com.ph/beermen%20news/beermen18.php - see third picture

Petron Blaze Boosters lost in the recently concluded 2013 Governors’ Cup Finals, 4-3. If I were a very young fan or a new fan, I would have taunted and scowled on the other team for the games I watched live or even in TV. Or blame the players whenever they lose a series. But for being a fan of this franchise for years, I learned to be a responsible fan. Never be too proud or too bitter.

The incident of taunting by certain fan clam of the Boosters is saddening. I personally think they stepped out of bounds. I have seen these guys. They are fanatics and are young. They probably got overwhelmed by their youth.  I hope the recent incident will make this guys be mature for them to be more responsible fans of Petron.

The Petron Blaze Boosters may have lost the recent Finals series versus San Mig Coffee Mixers my fellow fans. But let us look into it at a bigger picture. See it not as a loss but a picture of positivity. Why? Because Petron is finally making a move towards a positive direction after having the team undergone tumultuous coaching changes (Siot-Ato-Rajko-Olsen). 

Coach Gee Abanilla took this team into the Finals in just his first conference. How he handles team decorum during games is commendable. No arrogance versus the other team or against the players.  Coach Gee’s modest target is just to reach the playoffs in a good position because Petron went into various coaching staff changes. Petron exited early in both the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. The latter left an ugly picture of Balkman strangling Santos.

They were given much more – a runner up finish. As far as coaching is concerned, it seems they are headed to becoming a better team under Coach Gee Abanilla. Incidentally, he was the one who formed from scratch the UAAP men’s basketball champion team De La Salle Green Archers before being moved by San Miguel Corporation to Petron.

June Mar Fajardo looked far from being a dominant big man at the start of the year. But with Danny Ildefonso as mentor, he matured into a big man. A little more time of mentoring and he will eventually stop having episodes of “masyadong gigil” attitude and learn to shoot pressure-packed free throws. In case you haven’t noticed, he could have been hailed as the Finals MVP if Petron won the finals series being the most consistent player for Petron.

Marcio Lassiter played for Petron in the long haul after being in the injury list for quite a while. Given more time to train, he will be back into that Marcio of that Powerade team. Marc Isip will eventually play a big part come next conference. He just came in too late to significantly bond with the team. I continuously have supported my alma matter, FEU, even after graduating so I know this guy has good set of skills.

A true fan or supporter of Petron should not continuously lambast the team for its shortcomings as if "wala slang ginawa". They are now making a way to be back into the picture of being a contender. From an All Filipino Cup of an embattled coaching staff to a second conference of an ugly and violent import tantrum, they have battled their way back into contention not just in paper but also in reality, being the runner-up of the 2013 Governors’ Cup. So let’s look forward to more fruitful stints for the Petron Blaze Boosters/San Miguel Beermen. By way, congratulations to Asst. Coach Olsen Racela for winning! 

Post script: On a personal note, I enjoyed every moment I had with my friends for three games of the series even if they are San Mig fans. Hahaha! Well except for one who is a Ginebra fan but nevertheless enjoyed the bonding as well ;-) Bonding with friends is never less valuable compared to a championship series.  




Kudos to the true champions – friendship!!! Cherry tomato for Sheldon (pronounced Shel-den in a slang manner)!!!! Who’s Sheldon? Just a friend’s dog who plays dead after being shot by a finger gun…. Pewch!

//nallaseyer17 October 26, 2013  

Bohol in mind

It was only summer of last year that we visited Bohol. March of 2012. It left a permanent imprint in my mind of how beautiful this place is. The people, the surroundings, the greenery, the cleanliness, and to top it all is how heritage is so deeply valued in this picturesque island.  I loved it so much that I literally wanted to live there. It was exactly the opposite of Manila - whose continued modernization is aiding the destruction of its identity. I hate to say it but in Manila, it seems only the rich progresses further with the poor neglected. Enough about Manila! Hahaha!

After a year and a half or so, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake crushed the picturesque image of Bohol. My heart is broken into pieces. I personally saw how great this place is. The destruction of old churches is not just about the crumbling of heritage structures. Nor the damage the Chocolate Hills sustained are just soil erosion. Bohol heavily relies on tourism and heritage as their source of livelihood. It is their life. So hell yeah! Carlos Celdran is right. Political will should be in place. It is just right to help rebuild these structures. (I just do not know about the Chocolate Hills. Maybe DENR have an expert opinion on its eroded parts?) 

The churches of Baclayon, Maribojoc, Loboc, etc... as well as the Chocolate Hills watchtower are not merely structures. They are  testaments of their identity, culture, and faith. More importantly, they are what they live for. Their livelihood. I can not imagine Bohol surviving and being progressive without these structures.  So hell yeah. Mr President, political will is needed here. This is where you can put your so termed "personal pork barrel" into good use.

For those who can help, do so in your own little way. But for those who can't for whatever reason,  just sincerely pray for the eventual rise of Bohol. Pray for Bohol. Pray for Central Visayas. I sincerely have Bohol in my heart and in my mind. Rise Bohol! Rise! To end, I leave you only beautiful images of Bohol.

(all photos taken March 2012 - Baclayon Church and Chocolate Hills)

On being FIBA Asia near champions

This is maybe yet the best year for the men's basketball team in many many years. Gilas Pilipinas finished 2nd place behind Iran.  Great  run, great spirit. Pinoy pride at its greatest.

However, it saddens me that the too early celebration in the win vs Korea might have somewhat predicted the outcome of the final game. In a post game interview, MVP was asked to give a message to the players going into the game against Iran. MVP said what? "Pasok na naman tayo." He is pertaining to being qualified for the Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain. All were in tears after that emotional win vs Korea, seemingly making  the championship game vs Iran less important. It somehow showed in the final game. There was less enthusiasm in the players taking their shots. Less emotions (at least in my point of view. No pun intended.) Never mind Douthit is absent. They showed they can do it vs Korea. But the Philippines somehow had less fire in their hearts as a team in the championship game.

I have nothing against the Gilas boys but it would have been nicer if the SBP (Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas) president urged the players to play  with more fire in their hearts for their last game - a championship game - rather than saying "Pasok na naman tayo." Seemingly,  the goal is make it to the Basketball World Cup and not be crowned as champions in this FIBA Asia staging.

You are the host country. Go for the highest goal. Be the champions. Just a sad message from a staunch basketball supporter. Nevertheless, it is a good job for Gilas Pilipinas and it looks good. This shows that the Philippines is in track of reclaiming its spot as one of the best in the basketball world.

Good luck in the Basketball World Cup. Show you deserve to be there. Congratulations! Go for that Olympic slot!

Thoughts on Meralco issue

MERALCO or Manila Electric Company is the country's topmost electricity provider. Its head office is in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

Why does the meaning do not fit the acronym? MERALCO is originally known as Manila Electric Railroad And Light Company.
 

Yes, it is also a railroad company back in the pre-war days. Manila maintained a tranvia line back in those days prior to the LRT and MRT. (Manila was like Paris then.) However, the tranvia line was badly damaged after the war and was never rehabilitated.

In the early 2000's, the tranvia lines are still visible in some parts of Manila. Today, it is totally under cement roads.Why Manila Electric Company? Because, MERALCO is originally held its main offices at San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila. Its former main office building recently made news as it was approved for demolition by a certain city building official without even considering preserving its heritage value

Last July 5, 2012, before it becomes completely gone, we got the chance to marvel the remaining parts of its heritage.Several questions came into my mind upon visiting the structure:

1. Why Meralco did not consider applying a National Historical Institute recognition considering it was designed by National Artist Juan Arellano and its adjacent sculpture done by renowned Francesco Monti?

2. Why the new owner did not properly coordinate with proper authorities regarding preservation, restoration, and/or adaptive re-use of its integral parts? (the top part of the sculpture aka "The Furies" was sliced off due to improper casting for replication and/or restoration)

3. Why city building official Mr Balagot issued a demolition permit without consulting the Heritage Act of 2009?

4. Are conversation and heritage advocate groups really empowered by the National Heritage Act?

 

These questions only made me realize that the National Heritage Act needs more specific and stringent guidelines for implementation. This is reality. Sad state of heritage in the country. I wish that the day will come for a universal application of the law so as everyone will be knowledgeable enough of what heritage is. 

Current State: The demolition was stopped by Mayor Joseph Estrada to at least save "The Furies" for replication and/or salvaging its remaining parts. But this was only after relatives of Monti in Italy wrote a letter to the Office of the Mayor with evident disgust of how his work is being treated with disrespect.

The Dan Brown Inferno Brouhaha

I am not writing this piece to come into defense of Dan Brown. Yes, I do read his novels. However, this does not mean I advocate for him. I agree with some of his views while in others not. Just like will Carlos Celdran, I openly comment on his page if I don't agree with his opinions on certain issues. 

My take on this sudden brouhaha: The problem with some people is that they tend to look at things too literally. Hey! Those things are really present in Manila. Traffic jams, pollution, prostitution. The “gates of hell” reference points out to what the character experienced and not Manila per se or Philippines per se. No direct sentence stated as "Manila is a gate of hell". It has been used figuratively. It will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

This is more so like the recently concluded elections where some of us failed to see with an analytic eye and mind.We only saw superficially. Too literal. Some of us voted with simple name recall. A popular surname does not necessarily mean that he or she will serve as the same of his or her father, husband, or uncle. There is a failure to some in examining their choices deeply. 

                                                                                                                  

A certain facebook page of facts stated this: "...also called the city "the gates of hell" in his latest novel, Inferno". But when I read the news page in its entirety, there no portion stating that Brown directly said "Manila is the gates of hell". Here's what on the news page: In Inferno, ...one of the characters goes through the "gates of hell" in Manila. If you have read up to this part, you might take it too literally. But if you read this: The book went on to detail a turning point in Brooks’ life. “I’ve run through the gates of hell,” she said. It is will be seen as figuratively used. 

The actual news page article title fans the too literal views. Dan Brown calls Manila "gates of hell" in novel. But as I read it in its entirety, I see it to mean two different things. The facebook page saw it too literally whereas the news page contents on in its entirety quoted the book where it has been used figuratively. This is the same to an actual news footage shown on another channel wherein the reported read the page aloud. Again, the word or tagline has been used figuratively.

          

There is no controversy here. Those things are present in Manila. Let us use this as wake up call to change Manila and have it back as once it was known, a pearl of the orient. As for the gates of hell tagline, it has been used to refer to what he has experienced as if he had been run through the gates of hell. No direct reference per se to the city or the country. Again, it will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

Your opinions may differ from mine but I am glad to say that mine was made by keeping an analytic eye and mind rather than see things too literally and stir an unnecessary controversy. 

Downplayed by Mitch

             Again, it took me a while to write an entry for this sort of blog site of mine. When I decided to “blog”, I wanted to write at least one article or opinionated entry each month. But it proved to be quite difficult to do. You see, there are many topics that are worthy of opinions or write up. But only a few gives you the vibes to actually sit down and write.

            I am now writing. So for those who bother themselves to actually read this piece, you might have wondered what made me to sit and actually write. Well, it is actually a book. Yes, a book! It’s Mitch Albom’s “The Time Keeper”. I am fond of books but I elect to wait for the paper bound version before I buy one. And yes, I recently bought Albom’s book. So far, it is Mitch’s greatest book. It is so nicely written that I recommend it for everyone to read. 

            I will not offer a synopsis of the book as it will only serves as spoiler of which will cause an injustice to the author. If you want to know the whole story, go buy one. I assure you that you will not regret it.

            The central elements of Albom’s novel are success, failure, love, life, and time. These are so beautifully intermixed that it leaves the readers in awe and truly make them “reconsider their own notions of time”

            It is not simply a book but a source of inspiration. If you don’t feel encouraged enough in your current state of life, read the book and be moved by the valuable lessons efficiently downplayed by the book:

1. A single failure can make us feel like it’s the end of everything but “ends are for yesterdays, not tomorrows”. We must not give up easily because the very next moment maybe an answer to our prayer. To end life is like denying the most important part of the future – Hope.  

2. Life is not forever. Enjoy every emotion that life has to offer. God limits time so that we know how precious every moment is in our lives.

3. Live your life to the fullest of your ability. Keep calm and trust God’s plan.

Bravo, Mitch Albom! Well done! Can’t wait for your next book!

Graduate School: Journey and Faith

                I sort of missed this. Writing and expressing your thoughts. Writing without the margins of a recommended thesis format. No APA format. Hahaha. It has been a while since I last logged into my blogger account. It feels great to be back. It feels great to have finished what you have started.

                My graduate school journey has not been a smooth one. I have not consistently enrolled with a “full load” so I know I will not be able to finish in two years. Second Semester, AY 2011-12 should have been my earliest plausible day of finishing my graduate studies. But many things, to my dismay, affected my emotional stability, focus, and self confidence. I went into depressive states many times; not necessarily becoming psychologically incapacitated to be confined in a mental institution. But surely enough to derail me in my thesis. And even the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever contributed to it.

           I  am very fortunate to have been surrounded by people who gave me the necessary push to continue and finish instead of just quitting. I am also thankful of having found in time a new sense of faith. Add to it a series of “Keep Calm” reminders.  It has become from a simple schooling to a mission. To show to the people who believes in me that I can do it. It was tough. It was nerve-racking.  Yet, I was able to make it.

To all my professors, classmates, and to my research adviser, I say thank you even if I know no form of thanks is never enough to show my appreciation. To family and loved ones, thank you.  I just love you all. And most importantly, to God be the Glory. Prayers are indeed powerful.