A True blooded Scorpion

As another year starts for me, here are the top 10 SCORPIO description that in my opinion truly defines me as an individual. All descriptions as tweeted by @ScorpioAreUs.

Let me know what you think if this really ME.

In RANDOM ORDER...

1. Scorpios are great lovers and romantic, they can sweep the other person off their feet.
2. Scorpio makes an excellent entrepreneur or manager and can be an inspiring & charismatic leader.
3. Scorpio have strong reasoning skills due to their intuition & analytical skills. 
4. Scorpio finds it difficult to keep their mouth shut when they dislike someone.
5. Scorpio have their own way of doing things & don't give a damn if people approve or not.  
6. Scorpio will get you through whatever you are going through, help you heal, & send you on your way again.
7. Scorpio is good at solving emotional problems, just not theirs.  
8. Scorpio are hard to resist & possess passionate desires, deep emotions & seductive sexuality (hmmm...)
9. Scorpio always dress to impress but it's the way they look at you with their sexy glare that makes the biggest impression (whoa!)
10. Scorpio either over exaggerate or don't give a fuck! 

Inspiration

Bumped into this few nights back and this has made me totally inspired. Not just with my work but this pushed me to totally persevere for my family. Hope you'll find inspiration too. Dad Speaks. 

Weather, weather lang 'yan

SERIES 1

The intense rains that caused another Ondoy-like flooding in Metro Manila last August 2012 was unexpected. This type of "flooding" was supposed to happen every +10 years or so. At least this is what I was told.

I remember in the year 2000, barely 11 months of adapting to the Manila lifestyle, massive rains caused floods in Pasig that took more than 30 days to subside. It was no issue for me then since I was alone with no children to worry about.

Nine years after, in August 2009 Typhoon Ondoy poured a year's worth of rains that inundated the whole of metropolis including [to no surprise] Pasig City. While it was such an unfathomable devastation that crippled the National Capital Region not sparing places like the Makati Central Business District, the floods subsided in approximately 12 hours or so.

But not in Pasig City. This time my priorities has changed and I was not just fending for myself. I now have kids I worried about when 3 days have passed and the flood level at the street outside our house have not subsided. We relocated to a safer place for 30 days.

So who says it's 10 years? Ondoy was 9 years apart. 2012 Habagat was not even 3 years since Ondoy.

On that fateful Monday night [August 6, 2012] the heavy rains have not stopped since Sunday afternoon. This has started to worry me. I found myself watching by the window for signs of water rising at the street. By Tuesday morning, our streets remain to be flood free but the intense rains continue and by midday, the flood has reached gutter deep. We were still safe at home but my anxiety has not subsided.

On Wednesday morning, there was a sign of hope as the sun shone to give a glimmer of hope. Yet, Sandoval Ave which served as our only exit out of the Village and out of Pasig City is now impassable. And just before lunch, the rains once again poured to no end. The street flood is now higher by 5 inches above gutter. This was just a beginning. By 2PM, the rains was raging endlessly that even caused waist deep flood along C5. And the street water has reached our garage...and our yard and our kitchen. The toilets no longer work. We decided to flee while it was still early or was it?

The kids were a priority. For as long as they are safe, we are okay. I guess in the end there are still a lot to be thankful for. Still few days from that 2-day deluge, the floods along our usual routes have not subsided.

We moved to a safer place once again and because classes will soon resume.  And I am not sure if we can survive the 3hour morning rush out of the Village from the back door. Kids have to be in school at 7am hence we need to leave at 5am. No way.

                                     Images courtesy of www.lifestylecheck101.blogspot.com

It is still the wet season, so there is still a huge chance of heavy downpour and a high possibility of rains. I am excited for summer to come. Luckily, since that Habagat in August, Metro Manila was spared of Typhoons except for the occasional thunderstorms and rain showers. Still all these are tolerable.

But to me, the anxiety is eternal. With slight thunder I am worried not just for my kids but for all the people who I know will be more than affected than I am. People living near the river, people who are still on the road and people whose shelter are unstable.

I look forward to the day when, even at the heaviest downpour, no one of us will worry about severe inundation. Our local government should start working on short and long-term range plans. But I appreciate how the local government of Pasig (and perhaps other LGU's across Metro Manila) continue to work on cleaning up gutters, creeks and rivers. A few have installed submirsible pumps.

Yeah, I still worry about rains. And perhaps that's natural for a father like me.

[Please watch for the second series featuring my love affair with PAGASA and DOST NOAH.]

--------------------
Please check blog with similar topic.

http://lifestylecheck101.blogspot.com/2012/08/photo-updates-on-flood-in-sandoval-ave.html

Cool Change

I've finally found the perfect title for this blog. Dad Speaks. For all the new generation Dads in the metropolis.

So I'm saying goodbye to my old blog name....

Oh La La, Bianca!

Who can ever miss this?  Bianca Gonzales has proven that a woman her age will continue to exude that immaculate sex appeal, ethereal beauty and intelligence possibly uncommon to her contemporaries.

And this video will leave your shrewd imagination to the wild! Oh la la, Bianca!

Understanding AZKALS

The AZKALS in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Photo by Neil Etheridge as posted on Twitter @Neil38Etheridge "Nice little trip")

Despite their loss to Turkmenistan Friday night, March 16 2012, the AZKALS continue to prove that they have indeed gone a long way. In the AFC Challenge Cup, we defeated two (2) former champions and we are gunning for a 3rd place, likely competing with Pakistan on March 19, Monday.

Following the AFCCC, the AZKALS will definitely be on the lookout of our Asian Comrades. And we are in for a stronger AZKALS this summer at the Long Teng Cup and 2012 Suzuki Cup.

The growing number of AZKALS fans are definitely happy, satisfied and just as excited for this team to reach that pinnacle of success in the coming years. Come to think of it, it was only 2 years back since this country has understood what Football is all about. Or have we?

Marred by multitudes of accusations and stones hurdled at them, the AZKALS are still in pretty good shape. Sexual harassment is very serious and a very strong form of accusation. This needs to be resolved and penalize those that are proven guilty. Until such time, let us leave that to the authorities. But notwithstanding the comments of Arnold Clavio and Rhea Santos, the insensitive, insecure and obsolete newscasters from GMA 7, the AZKALS continue to make waves in last friday's game with Phil Younghusband goal at 25 minutes.

What most people do not understand, including the critics and cynics, the Philippine AZKALS has given so much pride for us Filipinos and for our flag, both here in the Philippines and abroad. I speak for a number of fans who are intelligent enough to know that they may not look like your typical brown skinned Juan dela Cruz but are Filipinos by blood one way or the other. I am fair skinned with chinito eyes having come from a Fil-Chi forefathers. But that does not make me less of a Filipino. I travel to the US and I embrace the American culture to be part of our heritage. I have family and friends in North America. That does not make them less Filipino.

Apart from pride, the awareness on Football has grown tremendously. Go to ULTRA and you'll see football practice almost everyday. Filipinos now talk Football. Isn't this something. Yes, the AZKALS may look like foreigners now, but do we not also foresee our "brown-skinned" boys playing for the Philippine National Team 10 years from now? Because of this strong awareness, do we not also realize that the Tondo Football could be a breeding ground for the next Phil Younghusband?

Arnold Clavio and Rhea Santos uttered the word "MA-SAMPOLAN". What does that mean? Their arrogance was downright demeaning. It doesn't matter now if they seek understanding or if their network thinks it's not offensive. They have made an awful call of judgement and it will forever stain their credibility and integrity. Tough reality.  

GMA7 should know better. Their stand on the issue speaks a lot of who they are and what they believe in. Nothing close to "WALANG KINIKILINGAN, SERBISYONG TOTOO". Whatever their anchors or commentators say, it is reflective of their principles and ethics. I can't help but compare them to ABS-CBN. In the recent past, a few reporters or anchors were handed that "disciplinary action" memo because of ethics, or a violation of their core principles. I do not see that in the other network. I pity GMA7. And I pity their News and Public Affairs team who have worked doubly hard to bring this station close to what ABS-CBN has achieved. I wouldn't be surprised if one day TV5 will surpass GMA7, especially now of this one-sided stand.

Arnold Clavio along with Rhea Santos, Lyn Ching-Pascual and Connie Sison are epitome of the Pinoy Crab Mentality. So sad to hear those opinions from them, the supposed experienced journalists, err, host. Apparently Arnold Clavio has only spoken to Cristy Ramos but I doubt if he has sought the side of the AZKALS? Obviously one-sided opinion. Now tell me, Walang Kinikilingan?

Bottomline is, there are still a lot of us who support Philippine Football. We condemn sexual harassment and violation against women. But we also believe in Azkals and their will power to carry the Philippine Flag in the global Football map.

Miriam, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber

Charice

Thumbs Down Run Down: Why are some weeks end in some very funny news? Here is a weekend thumbs down:

Charice New Look

Image courtesy of @haroldgeronimo, PEP

                                               Who's Charice and who's Maverick

My first impression was "what the hell happened to her"? The hair is "forgivable" but the ink on her arm maybe not. She is a pop start and not just an ordinary pop star. Does it really matter? Yes it does. She is a role model to the young all over the world especially the Philippines.

I do not think her gender is an issue. She changed her looks but I hope she doesn't change her attitude. At least not for the worse.

AFC Cup Challenge *UPDATE*

 ABS-CBN Sports has announced via Twitter [@abscbnsports] telecast of the AZKALS game:

abscbnsports AFC Challenge Cup Schedule: Philippines vs. North Korea on Mar. 9, Fri LIVE at 4:30 p.m. (5:15 p.m. kick-off) on Studio 23. 3/7/12 9:07 AM

abscbnsports AFC Challenge Cup Schedule: Philippines vs. India on Mar. 11, Sun LIVE at 6:30 p.m. (7:15 kick-off) on Studio 23. 3/7/12 9:07 AM

abscbnsports AFC Challenge Cup Schedule: Philippines vs. Tajikistan on Mar. 13, Tues. LIVE at 4:30 p.m. (5:15 p.m. kick-off) on Studio 23. 3/7/12 9:08 AM

Other updates from ABS-CBN Sports:
Tajikistan is the 2006 AFC Challenge Cup Champion while India was the 2008 Challenge Cup Champion. North Korea reached the 2010 World Cup and is the defending AFC Challenge Cup Champion.

As of February 2012 ranking, Philippines remain at 156 in the FIFA World Ranking. While Malaysia dropped to 152 (-2), Korea DPR to 111 (-5) , India to 158 (-4), Tajikistan to 145 (-5).

Go AZKALS! We believe!

Thumbs Down Rundown Friday (March 2, 2012)

This week ended with some "thumbs down" news from Twitter. Read along.

• SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Inquirer Libre [@inquirer_libre] Ms. Cristy Ramos (former president of Philippine Olympic Committee and daughter of former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos) was a match commissioner of Philippine - Malaysia FIFA friendship game went inside Azkals dugout before the game when she said that Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado harassed her. Read more details here http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2012/03/cristy-ramos-files-sexual-harrassment.html

• TAYLOR KIRSCH NAIA EXPERIENCE

Harold Geronimo [@harold_geronimo] Hollywood actor Taylor Kirsch was stopped by a NAIA customs officer who apparently asked for an iPhone. But Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon dispels this news since there's no way this can be true.  It was reported that Taylor Kirsch ran out of passport pages and was refused entry. The customs officer offered remedy and entry in exchange for an iPhone. CC Biazon said that there is no way a customs officer can check passports and this must be another agency. For their part Bureau of Immigration checked and found no entry record of a Taylor Kirsch and would want to know other details such as his real name. Further to this, ABS-CBN News reported that the actor went to Indonesia and not the Philippines.

• GIRLFIGHT errr...CATFIGHT

krizzy  kalerQUI [@krisaquinoSTD] Top television stalwarts Manny V. Pangilinan and Gina Lopez in a heated exchange over mining in Palawan during the Conference on Mining's Impact on Philippine Economy and Ecology:  "Huwwat? Gina Lopez vs. Manny Pangilinan? #girlfight este #catfight. All I can say - Never trust a man who fights with a woman.

Ely Buendia

The March-April issue of ESQUIRE is out with iconic Ely Buendia on the cover. Aptly labeled as "The Last Interview".

Here are some photos courtesy of Esquire Facebook account.

Vitaliano Aguirre, you rock!

Saludo ako sa yo, Atty Vitaliano Aguirre! While everybody played dumb, you were brutally frank and f*ing honest! Ika nga iba, "You Rock"!!!!

And this one, I cannot shake off my head..."Waaahhh"! You should have ended your bantering Senator Judge Miriam with nothing less than a - BANAT LINE!

Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup 2012

Philippine Azkals will be playing in the AFC Challenge Cup starting March 9, 2012 with a match vs. Korea DPR.


AFC Challenge Cup started out as an international football competition for emerging nations (those in the lowest of three categories as designated by the AFC president) that are members of the Asian Football Confederation but emerging nations have likewise participated in the qualification and final rounds. (Source: Wikipedia)


Following the FIFA Friendship game with Asian Powerhouse Malaysia Tigers, Philippine Azkals showed great confidence, perseverance and superior defense. We expect the Azkals to give these experienced teams a strong fight (I hope) in the AFC Challenge Cup. 


In the FIFA friendship match, the game ended in a draw (1-1 PH vs. MY) with excellent performance from Dennis Wolf, Jason Sabio, Neil Etheridge, Angel Guirado, Phil Younghusband. 


Here are the Azkals game schedules in the AFC Challenge Cup:
March 9        PH  vs. DPR Korea   3:00 PM 
March 11      PH  vs. India            3:00 PM
March 13      PH  vs. Tajikistan     3:00 PM


Watch it on Studio 23! Go Azkals! We believe!

A Case of Information Diarrhea

Information overload. That is how I felt today. At 6:45am, I had to "pep talk" a colleague friend who's in a frenzy about feeling too incompetent for the job. It took me until an hour later for a swift realization and bring him back to reality.

Lunch came early at 11:30am with a seemingly dreadful news about a near-future rationalization. I suspect high possibility. This has left a remarkable anxiety. I suspect others felt the same way too.

Then a quick meet up that culminated severe anxiousness. My thoughts flowed with immense sadness, wishful thinking and unsurmountable chest pain. Could be another case of acid reflux.

Too much information. A case of information diarrhea. A sure hit to a spot where it can hurt you.

Giveback

We did a little Christmas giveback to children affected by Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Just few of the snapshots I did to capture the moment.

Following JEREMY LIN

nydailynews.com

There's a new craze in town. Call it JEREMY LIN. 23 years old, 6'3", New York Knicks Point Guard, Taiwanese/American. Everybody knows the story - once unknown, now on his way to stardom. People call it a Cinderella story. 

Floyd Mayweather, Jr lashed out on Jeremy Lin saying that he is getting attention only because he is Asian. Was it a racist remark? But as Jason Reid of the Washington Post would say, ethnicity is only part of the story. What Mayweather don't get is, it is all about winning - 38 points and outscoring Kobe Bryant is simply more than impressive.

Maybe he is getting attention, just like any Asian who made it in the big world. Yao Ming, Tiger Woods and Manny Pacquiao to name a few. But not just because one comes from an ethnicity means one gets attention. There are more than two asians who are in the NBA right now [http://asianathletes.wordpress.com/basketball/]. It takes more than one's color or race to get noticed. One has to have the talent, ability, intelligence. One has to be a genius in what he does.

I believe this is just a start of Jeremy Lin's rise. JEREMY LIN - now a name, soon a (NBA) legend.

"Players playing that well don't usually come out of nowhere. It seems like they come out of nowhere, but if you can go back and take a look, his skill level was probably there from the beginning. It probably just went unnoticed."

—Kobe Bryant, after Lin scored 38 points on February 10, 2012. ESPN

Photo courtesy of National Post

Photo courtesy of Washington Post

Mga Patok na Miriam Pick-Up lines

At the recently concluded doctor's convention, I had the chance to listen to the irrepressible Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Suffice to say that I was elated upon learning that she was the guest speaker at the opening ceremonies.

For more reasons than one, I was looking forward to her infamous "PICK-UP" lines. True enough, she didn't fail me or the hundreds who instantly turned on their camera phones in the hope that she might juggle a few new researched spiels.

I decided not to record her speech but instead I listened intently to her talk. As expected, the nature of her topic was the impeachment trial. But I guess everyone has her or his piece of mind on that, so let me share a few and those that I have collected in the net from Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Image owned by sunstar.com.ph                     

"Pangalan mo palang kinikilig na ako, paano pa kaya kung magka-apelyido na tayo!?"


"Tatakbo ka ba sa eleksyon? Boto kasi magulang ko sayo eh.."


"Sana magkasama tayo sa pila para kapag may sumigaw na ng 'Next!', tatanungin mo ako nang 'Tayo na ba?'! "


"Sana Facebook status ka na lang, para pwede kitang i-LIKE"


"Ibenta mo na bahay mo, total dito ka na nakatira sa puso ko"


"Sana OFF ang ilaw, para tayo na lang mag-ON"


"Noodles ka ba?, kasi 'Lucky Me'"


"Para kang holdaper, lahat ibibigay ko sayo, wag mo lang akong saktan"


"Maglaro tayo, huwag lang taguan, kasi 'a girl like you is hard to find'"


"Bastos ka rin ano, di ka man lang nagpaalam, tuloy-tuloy ka sa puso ko"


"Nakalimutan ko pangalan mo eh, pwede na lang ba kitang tawaging 'AKIN'!"

Girl: Saan mo ako idi-date?

Boy: Sa sementeryo...

Girl: Ha!? Bakit?

Boy: Para mapatunayan kong patay na patay ako sayo!

Nasa sementeryo na sila...

Boy: [parang natatakot sa mga multo] May nararamdaman ka ba?

Girl: Naku, nakakatakot naman..ano yun?

Boy: Ang tibok ng puso ko!

Boy: Para kang isang bulaklak...

Girl: Aww...dahil ba mabango ako at maganda?

Boy: Hindi, dahil maugat ang mga paa mo!

Watch for more! Till the next blog!

Can't wait til March

Subsequent to my previous post, I've attempted to search for Ipad 3 news. The big Apple fan that I am.

Here's what I've got. According to SlashGear (www.slashgear.com), the Apple Ipad 3 event will be held on first week of March. This is apparently what is also reported by IGNTech and TheNextWeb. But another news is coming through the grapevine - that Apple will launch an Ipad 2s rather than 3. Then this can be another case of WTF!

The NextWeb has shown what is the likely difference between an Ipad 2 to an Ipad 2s or Ipad 3. Here's a clip from TNW.

Image courtesy of The Next Web/Repair Labs Blog

Excerpt from TNW: http://thenextweb.com/apple/2012/02/08/this-photo-suggests-that-the-ipad-3-will-come-with-a-larger-battery

A. You can see here that the mounts for the logic board are very different, which means the logic board shape will be different allowing for . . . .

B. More battery. The width of where the logic board sits on the iPad 2 appears much larger than that of the iPad 3. We have long heard that the iPad 3 was going to provide longer battery life, and this back housing seems to support that.

C. The camera is different. It is hard to make a judgment just by looking at the casing, but what we can expect is a different camera on the iPad 3 than what we had on the 2.

D. LCD will be different than what we have had before. Whether or not it will be the super screen we have seen reported will have to wait. But the different mounting does mean that the LCD has been redesigned at the very least.

There has never been such a huge anticipation of a gadget launch than that of an Apple product. Oh well, many can be so cynical about Apple, perhaps those who owned non-Apple gadgets. At least my twitter timeline has perhaps updated at least 100 tweets in less than 30 seconds!

Until then, I can't wait til March.

Take Xian Lim

Xian Lim on Men's Health Feb 2012 issue

Some girls going gaga over Xian Lim. I am not just talking about some girls - my daughters. And I  do not take offense.

At this day and age, I have a mouthful to say about the local show business (showbiz). I will not expound on this but suffice to say that I dread the thought of my daughters expressing their desires of becoming artistas one day. Of course the prospect of earning money and becoming famous might excite them to no end but there are reasons a father would rather dream that their daughters, or sons, finish a degree and become successful chefs, or lawyers, or get a career in the corporate world or put up a business of their own.  Hoping of course that there are still  huge opportunities waiting for them by the time they finish college.

Here is a singular thought: Celebrities or showbiz personalities should strive to become role models for their fans and followers.

But there are those whom we learn and discover to be worth following. Take Xian Lim. He is multi-talented (acting, singing, playing instruments, sports, etc. ). I take Xian to be somebody with a huge brain and heart. He is romantic and he has remained tarnish-free [read as no drugs, no fathering some teeny booper) even after a couple of years in the business. I also learned that he is a good son.

Little girls and yes, wives, mothers and lola's have experienced some kilig watching ABS-CBN's "My Binondo Girl". Undoubtedly, there is an exemplary chemistry between Xian Lim and Kim Chiu. Kim must have been so thrilled when Xian Lim took time to get a choir to serenade her. Guys like Xian - hopeless romantic.

And this is what every father dream that their daughters meet one day. Not an artista, but somebody who is, among other things, responsible, intelligent, charismatic, romantic, a good son to their parents and perhaps sports minded.

I wish that Xian Lim continues to become a great role model to all young men in and out of Philippine showbusiness.

Note: The author is in no way connected to Men's Health Magazine Philippines or Summit Media. 

Juan Ponce Enrile, ikaw na!

I am not really a big fan of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. I grew up believing he is from the dark side. This despite his strong and positive contribution in the EDSA revolution in 1986. But as one gains wisdom, I also realized how intelligent this man is. Suffice to say that our elders believe that one great thing about the Marcos presidency are the great men in his cabinet.

www.gov.ph

At the onset of the CJ Corona Impeachment at the Senate, I have a newfound respect for this statesman. He has shown what every senator should have done prior to the proceedings - to prepare and to study. Well done, and great job JPE.

Links to other info about Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
http://www.dnd.gov.ph/DNDWEBPAGE_files/past-snd/enrile.html

Excerpts from the interview of Erwin Romulo on July 19, 2011 as published in Esquire Magazine:

This is what I learned from Fidel Ramos: Don't smoke too much cigars.


I have no regrets. One thing I can say about myself is I have been always deliberate in what I do, and what I blocked out. I never regret.


When it comes to women, some you love, some you don't. Some are good company, some are for fun and some are just passing through.


Some people think of me as the devil incarnate, I respect their opinion.


It's nice to have grandchildren. They're your pets, but you're not responsible for them.


When somebody threatens me, that is the worst thing for them.

These are just some of the few lines that made me laugh by head off. JPE, ikaw na!

Not your usual men's magazine

I first learned about ESQUIRE magazine {http://www.esquiremagazine.ph/} via the huge hoopla created over Twitter by the metro socialites (and wannabes?). There was no strong desire from this metroman who thought this is another men's magazine. Your usual run of the [paper] mill. A global brand localized to fit the pinoy mindset.  Although I must admit,  I caught myself a couple of times oggling the Manny Pacquiao issue at Fully Booked.

A few weeks back, upon the prodding of a friend, I bought the latest copy of Summit Media's new baby. The January-February cover depicts a highly political issue, what with FVR, Erap, Gloria and PNoy on the cover illustrated by Studio 5. 

After browsing and reading, yeah, there is your usual sexy, men-enticing ladies. But that's a bonus. More importantly I must say that Esquire has substance.  Political and relevant. I particularly like that you can read articles.

The Philippine Esquire is slightly different from those that are published in other countries but it is strong and evident that Summit Media has allied with media practitioners that are experts in their own field. The political, the young urban professional, those in style, those in showbiz, those in music, those in the corporate.

You can't blame me for searching in bookstores for back issues, specifically their premier issue. After all, Esquire Philippines is not your usual men's magazine.

Kung Hei Fat Choy

This is my first post. And today is the start of the New Lunar Year, or we call it Chinese New Year. This is probably a good way to start this new piece - on Ne Year's Day.