Nostalgic Gnews

Here I am in Rockwell Power Plant, watching over a setup for an event which we are organizing for Collezione.  As I write this, I can’t help feel nostalgic. Collezione, has been around for close to 20 years now. Like Benetton and Le Tigre (Hold that Tiger!!!) in the 80’s, the Collezione brand has been a part of my “fashion sense” when it came to shirts. Actually for the past two weeks or so, I’ve been feeling nostalgic .(re: old)

It all started when coming home from picking up my kids from school, I passed by Hemady street in QC before turning left to Aurora Blvd. I got the shock of my like when I saw my former office, the Magnolia Nestle Ice Cream plant all boarded up. In its stead the Magnolia Residences was to rise. I really felt sad, especially when I saw the Magnolia Flavor house all empty. Memories of my dad and my mom bringing me there, along with Kuya and Ate to have a chocolate milkshake or chocolate parfait soon rushed in. I remember, going there every Sunday to buy my Lolo a half gallon of Mocha Ice Cream, and Ice Cream Cake if one of my cousins was celebrating their birthday. My cousins and I would fight over the dry ice!!!I was a salesman for Magnolia Ice Cream in the late 90’s. In fact it was my first “serious” job.  Even when I left Magnolia for another job, I would sometimes bring Janice,Coby and Zach there to enjoy the ice cream,barquillos or milkshake. Reese, sadly will never get to enjoy that experience.

Magnolia Ice Cream Flavor House (circa 1970's)

As I write this, I suddenly remembered all my old stomping grounds, or places that I used to go to when I was younger.

Do you guys remember Broadway Centrum? Located at the corner of Aurora and Gilmore, Broadway Centrum was the 2^nd mall I frequented.

Broadway Centrum

What was the first? I’ll get to that later. The Centrum had two state of the art theaters (at the time)It had SenSurround, a large screen and loveseats(!)  Some of the movies I watched here were Jaws 2, Superman, Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century. The Centrum had shops, but nothing really was special except for the 2 cinemas.

Some of the movies I watched either at the Westside or Eastside cinemas of Broadway Centrum

Now  the cinemas were converted to  TV studios for Channel 7 for shows like Eat Bulaga and I think Master Showman. (Walang tulugan!!!) The mall is still there though. (Click here if you want to watch the Buck Rogers opening theme)

As you pass Broadway on you right, heading to Cubao, pass Magnolia, pass Balete drive, on your left would be the famous dept. store Arcegas. Probably only people who lived in QC would remember this st this store. They had the best go-karts, tricycles and bicycles. I had a Patria bike though. They had two theaters there. I watched Carrie there.

Watched the horror flick "Carrie"in Arcegas Cinema.

As you enter Cubao, here is where my childhood memories really kick in. On your left, the 3 theaters, Diamond, Remar, Coronet 1 and 2 welcome you. In Diamond Theater, I remember watching (with my Dad) Terence Hill in “My Name is Nobody.”

Diamond Theater will always be special to me. My dad took me here (on a schoolday no less) to watch this Terence Hill movie.It was my first movie with him. I remember all the movies we watched together in the Cubao cinemas.

Remar Theater was the classiest of the 3 cinemas I mentioned. It had “Sensurround,” the precursor of Dolby digital and THX. Earthquake, Midway and Rollercoaster were movies shot in this kind of sound format.

Some of the movies I watched at Remar Theater

These 3 movies were recorded in Sensurround.

Then in Coronet, I remember lining up with my Dad for Towering Inferno. Years later, I watched Star Wars. While in Coronet, I would always eat at their Ice Cream Place which served burgers wrapped in tin foil. It later would be named  Jollibee Burgers.

The best sci-fi movie ever? The best "disaster" movie ever? I watched both in Cubao theaters

Moving further down, the biggest theater in Asia at that time, New Frontier stood majestically, dwarfing all the other buildings. I watched “The Cassandra Crossing” here. With its large lobby, regal stairs leading up to the balcony, large movie screen, watching at New Frontier was truly an enjoyable experience.

Now abandoned and probably waiting to be torn down, The New Frontier Cinema Theater used to be the biggest cinema in Asia.

"The Cassandra Crossing"

Behind New Frontier was its smaller sister Nation Cinema. You have to pass thru Queens Supermarket to get there.

Beside New Frontier, stood Fiesta Carnival. When mom would go shopping at Rustans Cubao, I would beg her if I can play at Fiesta Carnival. Pretty much what my kids do now when they see a Power Station or Time Zone. I would go jump on the Moonwalk, ride the train, or play at the shooting gallery, to win Tootsie Roll candies.

Rustans Superstore

This was the only picture of Fiesta Carnival I can find. Sayang...

Now, Shopwise stands where Fiesta Carnival used to be. You can still see traces of the old facade and structure.

If I needed school supplies, there were two places to go to. Of course it would be either National Bookstore or Alemars beside Cinema 21.

Alemars was located here beside Cinema 21. Here in Cinema 21, they were not really strict with the "For Adults" movies then. (ex.Katorse w/Dina Bonnevie and Alfie Anido) Hehehe.

Behind it was COD. I never really bought anything in COD, but every Christmas season, we would watch the Christmas show on their balcony of moving mannequins. It’s the same show now being shown at Unimart/Greenhills every Christmas.

COD Dep store in the 70's

I mentioned that Broadway Centrum was my 2^nd Mall, my first mall of course is the Ali Mall. LaSallians went to Shoppesville in Greenhills, Ateneans went to Ali Mall in Cubao.(Ngeyek) People  nowadays don’t even know that the mall was named after the famous boxer, “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali when he fought the Thrilla in Manila in 1974.

The mall named after "The Greatest"

Ali Mall as it looks now.

Nope, I didn’t go nor hang around  Skatetown. I usually went to Shakey’s or watched movies there. I usually ate at Sea Beauty or Big 20 in Ali Mall. Ali Mall also was near the bus terminal, where you would take the Love Bus to go to Quiapo or Makati.

The Love Bus.....

As you leave Cubao and go along Highway 54, you will see Tropical Hut on your right as you cross Ortigas Ave.Y ou can go down to Greenhills to eat at the original Good-Ah or eat at Chew Chew Junction. Prices at Good-Ah there was only P8 for Goto, P7 for tokwa’t baboy, 3P for softdrinks. Change for a twenty, ang sukli,pambili yosi. Camel or Winston Red.

When you reach Makati, Rustans Dep store with it’s blue tiles welcomed you. Further down, beside PECO, was The Rizal Theater. Other places I remember are Erewhon, SM-ACA, Makati Supermart with its famous spaghetti. Haaay, I could go on and on.

Makati in the 70's

Blue-tiled Rustans Makati in the 70's

Rizal Theater in the 60's(?)

Btw, to complete my nostalgic trip, Janice and I ate at the Whistle Stop Restaurant, now  located at the other side of Jupiter. We feasted on old favorites, Mixed Sate and Hainanese Chicken. They had interesting flower vases.

My favorite drink. I used to buy this in the Ateneo Grade school cafeteria for 50 centavos!

Fress Gusto, you'll like it very mucho!!! If i remember correctly, Gary Valenciano was the kid in the commercial.

What do you guys remember? Would love to hear from you…………..

Found most of the Retro pics in the internet, thanks for sharing…

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!! Finally, my  first blog for the year. I actually intended to write about something last week, but for some reason, I just didn’t know what to write about. Well, now I do.

I’ll start with a short background on what I have finally decided to write about. Our family driver went on vacation, so which meant for the first 2 weeks of January, I was “excused” from office work, as I was to play the role of driver to my two boys, and occasionally to my daughter.  I was able to squeeze in some work that Juice asked me to do, and even spent a day interviewing applicants for our office. I envisioned myself writing entries for my blog while waiting in Starbucks Katipunan . As it turns out, yup, I did hang around Starbucks, but found myself playing Plants vs Zombies most of the time. Nghyahhh!!!!

Kaka-addict....

My routine almost everyday then, would be waiting for the boys, then rush over to Reese’s school to pick her up. As we leave ADMU, the boys would assume their position for talking a nap, as they normally do. In this case, I would  tell them to make room for their sister, who also takes a nap while going home from school. So I pick up Reese around 20 minutes later, the boys asleep. She squeezes in the back seat lies down beside Zach. 5 minutes later, all 3 are fast asleep. While waiting at the intersection of Araneta and Aurora, I just looked at my 3 kids. Wow, I have got to be the luckiest guy around. I have a VERY patient, understanding and beautiful wife, who is also my best friend, and I have 3 wonderful kids. That’s when I decided to write about how I am looking forward to 2010. Life is great!!!  In my future blog, I’ll write about a review of 2009, and some great luck and memories I had, but for now, I just want to write about how great 2010 has been to me, this early into the year.

On New Year’s eve, the entire family was on hand for fireworks, food and fun. Reese though lasted until 11:30pm, but fell asleep. We welcomed 2010 with a bang!!!

Sparks still fly when I am with Juice

Parang entrance ng WWE.....

Coby seems sad 2009 is gone....

Sleeping Beauty....

Coby's first champagne

Juice and her mini-me Zach celebrating 2010

My first and probably best news (so far) that reached me has been concerned our company Creative Juice . We finally got word from the SEC that we (CJ) are the “proper” owners of the name Creative Juice and that the other company having the same name has to cease and desist using that name. Wow. The underdog has it’s day. Aside from that, a prominent company for hygiene hired us to handle their mall events this year.. Our first major event under our company is going full blast on March. Expo Kid promises to be a fun filled event, hope you guys can go. There have been inquiries for events, prospective new clients this January, for events later in the year. My partner has been really working hard, and we are being rewarded. My family is blessed to have her.

See You In Rockwell!!!

Two of my friends from GB via Canada are coming home both carrying good news. Fino and wife Rochelle are visiting and she brings news that she is pregnant with twins. Terry will be arriving in May with his fiancée to get married. Good news indeed as our GB family is growing.

On the sporting side of life, I started the year with good friends Reggie and Nelson, we of the FAG 4 (short for Fabulous Golfers 4, or Friends At Golf 4) minus Al. (He of the 6 handicap) We teed off at Navy at 6:30am, finished our front 9 at 8am. We had a first in our golf game, all 3 of us scored pars on hole number 5, albeit in a variety of ways. I had a regulation par, Reg chipped from the fringe, and 1 putt to save his par, while Nelson blasted his way from the bunker, and also 1 putt his way to par. (And the crowd goes wild!!!) After 4 holes of wild play, I settled down after this hole and scored pars, bogeys and had a couple of doubles, but no triples. My two playing partners were more consistent throughout. Reggie, playing his new Hybrid set of clubs for the first time was playing great considering, it was his literally his first time to try out his new set. Nelson was hitting the ball long as usual, and his short game was great. We finished around 10am, and when the scores were handed in, we all broke a 100. Nelson scored a 93, while Reg and I turned in identical scores of 96. Oh, what might have been. If Reg had actually practiced with his new set, he might have scored less, while, if I had played my 1^st four holes better, I surely would have scored lower. Nevertheless, we were all happy to welcome 2010 with all of us scoring under a 100. Reggie has a blog called The Duffer, please visit the site.

Posing, as usual

And again......

Yet again..........

Reggie at the 15th hole

Nelson's turn at the 15th

Polly was giving me advise how to get "birdies."

Apparrently, she was giving advice to Nelson too....

The Prince and the Frog

Further good news happened in the sporting side of my life as the Ateneo Basketball League kicked off during the weekend.  I have two teams, one is in the seniors division, (40yrs old and above) while one is my “fun” team. My senior division team, Team Ijares, is 2-0, Team Adolfo (formerly Team Yap) is 1-1.  Last year, my second team had a grand total of 1 (one) win last year, and that came at the last game of the season. This year with a couple of new faces, we wanted to modestly double our win total last year. We were all loose and had modest expectations as the game started. In our 1^st game,  Lo and behold we built a big lead at the start of the 4^th quarter and never looked back. We won by 13 points,and it felt great to be playing with old warriors Andrew Marcelo and Nelson, who were playing their first ABL game in 5 years. We already achieved our goal halfway.  We lost our second game though, but by just a mere 3 points.

More good news, my family and I are ready for our adventure by end of this month, please wish us luck.

It is the Year of the Tiger. I hope all of us will have ONE BIG ROAR in 2010. Rawwwr!!!!

Can I just add, husay kumuha litrato ni Reggie……………

Photos taken at Malarayat On Dec,2009 by Reggie Nolido

Lastly. I liked this video, its all the hits of 2009.

Click here. Enjoy!!!!

I’m Back….. with Sports Gnews

Sept. 10,  I finally parted ways with my colon.  Thanks to all who who said a prayer or two for my surgery, and my recovery. To all my friends, who texted, emailed, visited, in the hospital and in the house,  SALAMAT PO!!! I have a  9 inch scar in the middle of my stomach. Youch!!!  So much for parading around the beach. On a positive note, my Doctor, actually gave me free liposuction, and took out the fats in my stomach. Thanks Doc. I entered the hospital, a light heavyweight weighing 175lbs, I left weighing like a welterweight, at 147lbs. Now more than two months  later, I have managed to gain some of it back. Oh well……

Zach even stayed overnight to help mom watch me. But I think he just enjoyed eating my hospital food.

Me with my breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus merienda....

My 3 special ladies were there to support me

The day of my operation, was probably the fastest day of my life. The nurses woke me up at around 4pm, to do the final prep, which included, one final trip to the john, and giving me my pill to knock me out. A brother from the chapel of St. Lukes, passed by and gave me some blessings and prayers, and it gave me the confidence I needed. I immediately felt the effects of the pill they gave me. I remember turning to Janice and telling her to kiss me already, because I was literally falling asleep, then ZZZZZZ.  During my 4 hour plus operation, Janice documented  the waiting period, and aftermath of the operation. With the help of my Ninang  Tessie Tomas who was there, along with my Mom, my Mom in law, and Tita Julie Lingan, during my operation, please watch this. If you are squeamish, don’t bother. Click here to view.

As I mentioned two months have passed since my colectomy, and now I would say I am back to 90% healthy. Just recently, I played my first basketball game. Not bad, a couple of baskets, a couple of rebounds and assists, lots of missed shots. Hehehe. I was just happy to be playing.

So many things have happened since my operation. I didn’t know where to begin to or what to write about in this blog. Should  I write about Ateneo’s double back to back championships?  My successful concert with Tux in Singapore or my vacation in Singapore?  Ondoy?  I decided to write an easy article, something that I have wanted to write about since the last  NBA season ended.

MY ALL TIME PHIL JACKSON TEAM

Phil Jackson just won his 10^th Nba  championship, surpassing Red Auerbach. Who would make up Phil Jackson’s all time dream team?

10 NBA Championships for PhilJax

STARTERS:

G – Michael Jordan  G- Kobe Bryant  C- Shaquille O’Neal   F- Scottie Pippen  F- Dennis Rodman

At Guard, Michael "Air"Jordan

at the other guard, Kobe Bryant

In the middle, The Big Diesel, Shaquille O'Neal

At one forward spot, Scottie Pippen

At the other forward, The Worm Dennis Rodman

RESERVES:

G- John Paxson  G- Ron Harper  G- Derek Fisher  G- Steve Kerr

Paxson finished off the Lakers and the Suns with his clutch outside shooting

Harpers's defense and versatility helped Jackson win titles for the Bulls and Lakers

D Fish in the clutch for the 2009 Lakers

Kerr took over Paxson's role as outside shooter in the Bulls' 2nd 3peat

F – Toni Kukoc  F-  Lamar Odom  F- Robert Horry  F- Glen Rice

"The Waiter" served up outside shooting and assists to his Bulls teammates

A decade later, another #7 and another lefty, Lamar Odom, helped Jackson win a title.

"Big Shot Rob" in the clutch

Glen Rice helped Shaq and Kobe win their first crown

C- Pau Gasol  C- Horace Grant

The Nba Conquistador Pau Gasol of the Spanish Armada

Grant won 3 titles with the Bulls and helped LA win one more.

Honorable Mention:   BJ Armstrong, Rick Fox, AC Green, Bill Cartwright, Luc Longley, Will Perdue, Craig Hodges, Trevor Ariza,Cliff Levingston

Game time: Rodman rebounds the miss, passes to  Pippen who brings the ball down, he looks left and sees Jordan on the left block, Kobe on the right wing, Shaq in the middle. Who will he pass to? What a dilemma. Pip might average 20 assists a game with this lineup.

Once the starters build a sizeable lead against their foes, the second team comes in with two left handed and versatile forwards, The Waiter Toni Kukoc  and Lamar Odom. Brute force is replaced with finesse as Pau Gasol comes in. Defense and clutch outside shooting are provided by Ron Harper and John Paxson.

The third team,  comes in to finish the game. Composed mostly of outside shooters with unlimited range, Steve Kerr, and Derek Fisher at the guard spots, “Big Shot Bob” Robert Horry, Glen Rice at the wings and Horace Grant, a big guy who plays outside.

What a team. Arguments can be said that Jackson has been lucky to have elite players, but Red had Russell and Cousy, Riley had Magic and Jabbar, Daly had Isiah and Joe D., so why cant PhilJax have his?

One of the best clutch performances of all time, Pippen helping the flu-stricken Jordan after he defeated the Utah Jazz with an outstanding effort.

Rodman and Kukoc celebrate their 2nd championship together

Shaq and Kobe during happier times

Getting these star players to buy into a complicated offense/system like the triangle takes imagination,  creativity and lots of patience. Who will join these 15 players? Artest? Bynum? Morrisson?

Can you imagine these two in the same backcourt?

Will Jackson win his 11th ring in 2010?

Let’s wait and see. Agree or disagree with my choices, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

BTW, who do you like better, the Laker Girls or the LuvaBulls?

Great to be back… you know!!!

Health GNews or How I Spent My Last days with My Colon

3 to 4 years ago, I was diagnosed to have a condition called Diverticulosis. It sounds scary right? It sounds like a sickness that House M.D. will try to solve or Gail Grissom will investigate. What is it? What is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the large intestine..In diverticulosis, the pouches in the colon wall do not cause symptoms. Diverticulosis may not be discovered unless symptoms develop, such as in painful diverticular disease or in diverticulitis. In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam. Painful diverticular disease causes abdominal pain and cramping, especially on the left side. This condition normally affects much older people, 50-60 year olds. What can I say? I am special. My doctors are surprised that I have it. I experienced cramping in my abdomen that time, and was rushed to the hospital, and that’s when I found out I had it. That was my first attack. How does it feel? The best way for me to describe is it that it feels like I have a balloon filled with water in my stomach. When I lay down to sleep, and shift to my sides, I feel my abdomen’s weight shifting either left and right. My 2nd attack occurred last month. That day, started out innocently enough, as I played golf with the Nolido family in the morning, watched Ateneo lose to UP in basketball in 1st round UAAP action , then dinner at a death anniversary of a good friends’ mom. After dinner, while walking to the car, I felt the abdominal pain again, and immediately I knew that it was another attack. This time I was hospitalized for a week.

At Lourdes Hospital

A CT scan showed that it was worse. My doctor advised me to have surgery. Janice and I decide to look for a 2nd even a 3rd opinion. They all diagnosed that I had to have surgery. At first they would only remove one part of my colon, then after looking at it again, they said 2 parts, then after all the tests, it was diagnosed, that my entire colon would be removed.

Yup, puwede pala yun, to remove the whole thing. I thought I would be a semi colon, yun pala Colonil (as in zero). So now, I am here in St. Luke’s to have surgery. I want to share with you “How I spent my last days with my colon.”

Monday to Tuesday Aug. 31 to September 1 – My colon and I spent the days like any other day, meetings here and there, so nothing really special yet.

Wednesday, September 2 – Played basketball at Valle 6 with my usual group. Highlight was Paolo and Nico Teodoro,old team mates, showed up and played too. My colon and I said farewell to my basketball friends, and I will be seeing them in 2 to 3 months time. I played 3 games, won 2 lost 1. I took a lot of shots, more than my usual quota, sinulit ko talaga.

Thursday, September 3 – Morning meeting with Juice, then went to ADMU to pick the boys. My colon and I bade farewell the grade school for now. Then in the evening, I met with poker buds Noy, Heng, Chris, Mark, and birthday boy Blue. We played a couple of games, while also tuning in to Halikinu Radio. Lost all my games. Haay, malas. Still, my colon and I bid my buds goodbye. See you in a month or two. The weekend was coming up, and this will surely be a last hurrah for me and my colon.

Friday, September 4 – Went to Mall of Asia with Juice and Reese to meet up with good friends Al and Reggie. Al, Juice, my colon and I, met up with Al for a a while to talk investments, them later, Al, colon and I met up with Reggie to go to the Golf Expo at SMX. It was a productive day, as I was able to buy a golf bag at 50% off and a new 54deg. Nike wedge. Reggie bought a new driver, jacket, and a golf set. The day ended very well as my colon and I, with Reg, Juice and Reese, ate at Cafe Med. Busog! Colon bloated but happy. Parang last few meals niya na ito, kaya, I gave in.

Saturday, September 5 – My colon and I went to our event, Mommy Milkshake Marathon. Despite the rain, families came with their kids to run in the 5k and 3k at Bonifacio Hi-street. Around 400 people came to run to their support for breastfeeding. I had another event immediately after for a fbric softener, and that went well also. It was my mom-in laws birthday, and we celebrated at Astoria Plaza with my in bro in laws and my sis in laws and our respective families.. We checked in had dinner and spent the night there. My colon and I were tired from the events, but we were happy as we got to eat pancit, bbq, chicken, and chorizo rice. Yummmm!!!!! I slept with nervous excitement as I would play golf the next day, early morning. Sunday, September 6 – Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The weather did not cooperate with us, and it was raining. After conferring with my golfing mates we decided to postpone the game for Monday. The families went to Shang Mall for mass and lunch. Colon and I were happy as we ate in Mongkok Chinese restaurant. Chicken feet and Japanese siomai as appetizers, then fried rice, sweet sour pork, salt and pepper squid…. haay colon and I were stuffed again.

At Astoria Plaza

We then went home and met up with Nelson and Reggie. We were off to watch the rematch of Ateneo vs UP at The Arena in San Juan. Being an alumni of both schools, my colon and I were excited for this game. It was sweet revenge for the Blue Eagles. They went up 12-0, then 19-4 to practically take the fight out of the Maroons. The game thought was marred by a sad incident. UP player and former Blue Eaglet’s dad Alvin Braganza’s dad was carried out of the arena in a stretcher. I found out the next day that he passed away. My condolences to the Braganza family. Dinner that Sunday night was another gastronomic delight for my colon and I as we ate a virtual repeat performance of Chinese food, but with different viands. But same result, bondat parin. Next up in my colon farewell tour was Golf the following day.

Nelson, Me, and Reggie at the Arena. (Photo taken by Philip Sison from Fabilioh.com)

The Battle of Katipunan Round 2

Al Hussaini scored early over his smaller defenders

Eric Salamat scored a career high 23 points mostly on drives like these

Captain Kirk

Salva provided muscle off the bench

Jai Reyes, here defending Mike Gamboa, had 6 triples in the game

Vince Burke and the Blue Eagles stuffed the Maroons

Monday, September 6 – It was slightly raining when I arrived at Reggie’s house. A minute or 2 later, Nelson showed up. We then hopped aboard Bubbles (Reggie’s van) and went to Navy in Fort Bonifacio. We arrived in Navy around 6am, and the rains had actually stopped. We teed off shortly after. The 3 of us finished the front 9 all tied with a score of 52. The back nine was actually better for me, as I adjusted my tempo with very good results as I was now hitting my driver straight and long. At the 14th hole, it suddenly rained. As in bumagyo. I was literally in the middle of the fairway when the heavens opened up. When the rains let up, fire away!!! It was quite an adventure especially on the water logged greens. Try putting over a puddle of water. The weather cooperated with our flight and wasn’t a factor anymore the rest of the day. I scored a 97, Nelson, 99 and Reggie 100, all season highs or should I say lows for the 3 of us. Thank you Golf Expo!!!! At least my last golf game ended memorably. With a heavy heart, my colon and I bade farewell to my golf set. See you in a couple of months.

At The Navy Golf Course

Come Rain or shine.......

Tag araw o tag ulan......

Laro parin.....

Pampering was up next before I made my visit to the hospital. I got a haircut, pedicure, and trimmed my goatee. My last meal at home (for the week) was my mom in laws “Dollibee” burger plus potato chips. Yummy as usual. Before leaving for the hospital though, I got a call from Coby’s Coach E basketball coach. He asked if he would allow me to let Coby play basketball with NBA Superstar Tim Hardaway in the morning show “Unang Hirit.” Of course I said yes. So with that, my colon said goodbye to the house, never to return again. I was able to get in my room 3 hours after we arrived. The good news was that I was still allowed to eat. So my colon and I had a last hurrah of McChicken and fries.

Tuesday, September 08- 6:30am. Tim Hardaway is being interviewed by Drew Arellano and Suzy Entrata. They then call in two kids who will play two all with him. Tim and Coby are paired together up against Drew and another boy. Coby and Tim smoke the competition, as Coby makes all his shots, while Tim misses one. What a performance. Proud daddy naman ako.Click  here to see the video.

Coby with Tim Hardaway

So here I am in my hospital room. My doctors visited me already, and my colon and I are scheduled to part ways at 7:30am tom. Thanks my colon, I will miss you. It’s been a great 41 years. You were literally a part of me. See you guys. Wish me luck!!!!

College Basketball GNews part 2

At the halfway mark of the current UAAP season, The FEU Tamaraws and the Ateneo Blue Eagles are tied for 1st place..

Ateneo vs UST

After winning it’s first 2 games against powerhouse FEU, and contender UE Warriors the Blue Eagles went up against UST. The Blue Eagles were all revved up.Rabeh and Eric Salamat sparked an early breakway . Then Emman “The Man “ Monfort was simply awesome. Off the bench, he pumped in 20 points (which included 6 3 pointers) to lead the Blue Eagles to victory. They had defeated the top 3 teams in the league. Next up, were games against cellar dwellers. Visions of a 1st round sweep were playing in every Blue and White supporter’s minds.

Eric Salamat sparked an early breakaway

Bacon Austria blocks Chris Camus.

Rabeh scored at will at the low block.

Emman Monfort scored 20 points off the bench

Ryan Buenafe and the Eagles were pointing to the top of the league

Then a week later the team was ambushed by the UP Maroons. The Eagles, were flat and overconfident, while  the Maroons were playing with passion, and also had luck on their side. It seemed like everything they were throwing up were going in, while the Eagles couldn’t buy a basket. Good bye undefeated season. Good bye 14 straight wins dating back to last season. The loss was not that hard for me to take because I am also from UP. I always said that if Ateneo would lose, I would rather it be to UP. During the singing of the alma mater, Nelson Regalado and I stood up for both anthems. I ran into Patrick Gregorio SBP Vice chairman, and Smart Big shot,who was my AIT basketball teammate during my college days, and he said “ Brad, parang nanalo na tayo ng championship.”

Salamat and Long connected early for a lay up, and ADMU looked in control.

Monfort also connected early in the game.

Marc Lopez and the Maroons took over in the 2nd half

The Maroons challenged Ateneo's interior defense.

Magi Sison swatted away the Eagles' bid for a sweep.

The shell shocked Eagles look to bounce back.

The Blue Eagles have since rebounded from that loss to win its next two games versus Adamson and NU , and are tied for 1st place with FEU. Despite the two blowout victories, something seemed to be lacking from the team, compared to it’s last 3 games.” Parang kulang ng gana or energy.” Rabeh, in particular has been strugling since the UP game. Going into the last game vs DLSU, who have won their last 4 games, ADMU had to realize that The Green Archers are no pushovers despite the graduation of JV Casio and Rico Maierhoffer. The Archers with Mangahas, Malabes, Bagatsing, Webb, Barua, Atkins, and up and comer Bringas are all very capable and dangerous players. Experts will say that ADMU has the edge and are expecting a blowout. I would beg to disagree. When it is Ateneo versus La Salle, throw out all the stats. Anything is possible.

Blue and Green was replaced with Yellow

The players wore yellow shirts over their unis during warm ups. (This shot courtesy of Thats Entertainment fan Reggie N)

Laban = Fight!!!

Another epic game is to be expected, and WOW, did we get it. As a gesture of camaraderie and respect for Cory Aquino, the crowd was asked to come dressed in yellow. It was a breathtaking site as the Araneta Coliseum was 80% yellow. Both teams and their coaching staff wore yellow shirts also. Reggie and Sue Ann, Coby, Janice and I were among the 15,000 people who showed up to watch the game. After a prayer the game was on!!! Webb and Bringas did damage from early on. For Ateneo, Rabeh scored early on and Salamat was also delivering.  Then DLSU suddenly surged ahead, as ADMU couldn’t buy a basket. They were visibly rattled by Tayshaun Andrada’s 3 shotblocks and Webb’s daredevil drives. The half ended with Dlsu leading by 8 points. They further streched the lead to 11 at one point. Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini who finished with 13 markers sprained his ankle late in the fourth period after stepping on Malabes foot. Things looked bleak. Jai Reyes’ back-to-back three-pointers sparked the Eagles’ comeback from eight points down, 46-59, early in the fourth period.Two free throws by Bacon Austria later tied the game. Erik Salamat paced the Eagles with 13 points, including a triple that shattered a 57-57 deadlock for a 60-57 Ateneo lead late in the fourth quarter. ADMU was up by 4 points with 24.7 second left in the game.  Bringas hit a  quick 3 pointer to cut the deficit to one. After two Ryan Buenafe free throws, the Eagles had a 3 point lead with 14 seconds to go. With time running out, Hiram Bagatsing pump faked Austria, leaned forward and took a double pump 3 pointer. BANG!!! Tie game. A shot for the ages. We’re going to overtime.

In the overtime session, Noy Baclao, bucking a hand injury,had seven points,4 in OT, and had 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Nico Salve tipped in a miss and had a jump hook to seal the victory, 76-72.

Ateneo squeaked past DLSU in Overtime

We were all smiles while singing the Alma Mater song. Whew!!! Tumaaas BP ko. Watta game!!!

The Blue Eagles are set to meet UE as their first 2nd round opponent this Thursday, and on Sunday, will meet the Archers again. Ateneo has to step up their game further if they expect to repeat as champs. All the teams they defeated will want payback, and wil go all out. Rabeh’s staus is day to day, but ADMU had to learn to play without their MVP  who is clearly frustrated..” Rabeh has to step up and be patient,again,he is a marked man. Noy, who is doing yeomans work on defense and is crashing the boards, has to be active or assertive in offense, Long, should not hesitate to shoot his much improved jumper while Buenafe and Salamat have to get their games in control as they tend to drive recklessly hoping to fish for fouls. Jai and Eman are doing teaming up well as tag team point guards, while Salva continues to be a force off the bench. They have to find their MOJO which was present in their first 3 games. The DLSU victory showed that the boys still have a big fighting heart, but they would need more than that to repeat. Good luck to the Blue Eagles!!!! Good Luck to all the teams!!!

Greeting you from the Big Dome...... Wambigfayt!!!

Music GNews

It has been 3 weeks since my last entry. Lots and lots have happened in that short span of time, to prove the adage that time does indeed fly. First of all………

(Thanks to one of my FB friends. This picture was lifted from his site.)

TITA CORY, REST IN PEACE !!! YOU ARE TRULY AN INSPIRATION. I WAS PROUD TO HAVE BEEN THERE IN EDSA. YOU WILL FOREVER BE ASSOCIATED WITH WORDS LIKE LOVE, DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM, and PEACE!!! THANK YOU!!!

STux on You

In my last entry I mentioned that we would be having a show by the Tux in the Music Museum. The two weekend shows were a success. People left the show, smiling, as they enjoyed 2 hours of fun, laughter and more importantly good music from artists, that if you think about it, were really from another generation. No knock on the current crop of singers out there now, but the music and talent that was showed those two nights are a miles apart from what you hear (or see) now. Mr. C or Ryan Cayabyab said, “Emy and I are so happy to see your show. The whole time on the way home we could not stop gushing about the love we felt, and be reminded of how excellent all the artists are.  It is a great generation of performers. Sigh.”

Hibang sa Awit talaga........

Guests for the two nights were, Zsazsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, Regine Velasquez, John Lesaca, Gary Valenciano and Kuh Ledesma. They each performed a duet with the Tux, as well as solo numbers which were all well applauded by the crowd. For the finale, two former Tux members, Manolo Tanquilot and Zeb Zuniga, both of The Opera, joined the Tux in singing “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Carlo also came out and sang the number with the group. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.

With Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez

Nanette Inventor aka Dona Buding showed her RnB side

The one and only Diva, Kuh Ledesma

with Mr. Pure Energy Gary V.

Backstage with John Lesaca,Zsazsa Padilla and Anne Francisco,photographer and makeup artist.

Zeb Zuniga

Manolo Tanquilot

Carlo performed the finale number with the group

As you know the show was a benefit show with the proceeds going to Carlo’s chemo treatments and after 2 shows, we were still short of our target goal. So a repeat of the show was quickly decided. Unfortunately, Zsazsa, John, and Kuh had prior commitments already and couldn’t make it to the repeat. In their stead, Marin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and Vernie Varga readily said yes to guest. The repeat was another sold out success. Thanks everyone for supporting Carlo and the Tux.

In the repeat Vernie Varga guested

Martin and Pops also guested in the repeat and performed a duet

Heal!!!!

Me in my office at Music Museum

Friends like The CompanY, Ryan Cayabyab, arranger Marvin Querido, Olive Isidro, were on hand to support Carlo. Also in the photo is Direk Freddie Santos and Sound Engineer Willie Munji

Photo op backstage, Janice with the other Gary V

It was Coby's turn for a pic with Gary V.

Gary V and Gary V

More beautiful music to come..........

In my next blog, I’ll write about my “vacation.” See you then!!!

This week’s Gnews…

This week will be a very busy one for me. This week I will be donning a variety of hats, and will assume different responsibilities. Let me share with you how my week will be.

On Thursday, I will be wearing my business hat, but also the concerned citizen, husband, friend hat as we launch “Hope for the Flowers” in Mall of Asia Main Atrium at 12noon. “Hope for the Flowers” is a photo exhibit of World class photographer Jun de Leon, and features moving and touching  images of Cervical Cancer survivors, and the recently concluded Tour of Hope, a bike tour from Alabang to Camsur. Guys, we don’t want to lose our wives, moms, female friends to Cervical cancer. Try to pass by the exhibit or go to thetourofhope2009.multiply.com to find out more.

Try to visit the exhibit and learn more about Cervical Cancer.

On Friday (and Saturday),I will be wearing my “showbiz” hat, as well as friends hat. The musical group The Tux will have a concert, “STux on You, You’ve got a Friends’” at the Music Museum .  As most of you may (or may not) know, I have been the Production Assistant / Road Manager for the Tux for over 20 years now. (Wow! Popo, wala bang pension fund)

Tux in the 80's

Tux in the 90's

TUX 2009 version (o ah, d naka-photoshop yan)

2nd Album of TUX, thats me sa pic sa dulo

This concert is a very special one. It not only marks the major return of Tux to the music scene, but is a fund raiser for one of the members. Last March, 2009,Tux was asked by LSGH to perform as part of their  50 year  celebration. The group which has 4 members  from LSGH, gladly obliged. The concert was scheduled for May 15.  It was during preparations and rehearsals for this particular concert that we found out that one member of the group wouldn’t be able to perform. Carlo had gone for a check- up, found a lump in his colon, that had to be removed. The operation was a success in that the lump was successfully removed. But further tests were needed  to see if the tumor removed was benign or malignant. The other 6 members of the group gathered themselves, and, as the saying goes. “The show must go on.” And perform the guys did!!!! Inspired by family and friends, and Carlo who was there, fresh stitches and all, the guys sang their hearts out!!! After almost 5 years of inactivity they performed admirably. Wow, proud ako!!!  After the success of the concert, people were asking for a repeat. We quickly decided to try to put up another show.

Yeah man..........

Don't tell my ......

It was a great performance!!!! Praise God!!! D sila hinimatay or tumirik!!!

After a couple of weeks, we received a text from Carlo’s wife Marika. Carlo was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. She asked for info if we knew anyone from pharma companies to get discounts from Carlo’s meds and chemo treatments. The members of the group met with Direk Freddie Santos and decided to put up a concert to help in Carlo’s medical bills. So this Friday and Saturday, Tux will take to the stage, along with friends ,Zsa Zsa Padilla, John Lesaca, Nanette Inventor, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, as well as ex-Tux members, and members of the group Opera Manolo Tanquilot, and  Zeb Zuniga, and  tenor Nolyn Cabahug who will take time out from their busy skeds  to help out. If you guys want to enjoy good music, and have a laugh or two along the way, please try to watch our show this weekend.

Regine Velasquez will be one of the guests

Good music and good friends. Perfect combination. See You!!!

On Saturday, I will be donning my business hat , as well as my Dad hat, as the very very first ever, EXPO DAD is held at the Rockwell tent. This event comes from the heels of two very successful  Expo Mom events. I decided, “Sandali lang, paano naman kami? Aba kami yata ang nag da-drive sa inyo sa mga event na iyan. Equal rights naman….” Well not exactly that way but, Dads it’s our turn.

See You July 18!!!!

The event will have booths to cater to every dads taste.  Aloha Boardsports, Dynamic Sports ,(distributor of Titleist, King Cobra,Head),Spoofs, Clever Cats, Coach E Basketball school, and Mobile 1 are just some of the booths that will be part of Expo Dad. Interesting demos/talks  like “Aikido and Time mangement”, Fencing from SEA Games medalist Walter Torres,a talk from Anton Diaz on Daddy Blogging, even a fashion show for dads, will spice up the Expo. Raffle draws every hour will add excitement. So new dads, old dads, groovy dads, tekkie dads, sporting dads,BASTA dad ka, please make your way to Rockwell Tent this Saturday, July 18. By the way, Moms, there will be booths also that we are sure you will also enjoy. See you!!!!

Spoofs, King Cobra, and Titleist will be some of the names you will see in Expo Dad

Coach Wawit Torres will be doing a fencing demo

A Coach E Basketball booth will also be there

And finally my busy week will be capped off by my donning my coaching hat. The 4th MPG Invitational Basketball Tournament kicks off this weekend. My team, Team Africa, named because of our captain Noy Africa is in it’s 3rd year of existence. The first year we joined, we reached the finals, and last year, we reached the semis. This year, we hope to go all the way and win it all. But it will be a really difficult task as all the other teams improved by stocking up on youn talent, while we pretty much just gained weight:) Positive thinking dapat. So, I cap off my week, by bringing out my inner Sonny Jaworski. BTW, the Big J, and I have another thing in common, I am also the elder statesman of the team. HAH!!! This is you…………

Chot Camacho (trailing in the back #6) will be one of our key players.

Joey Puno brings versatility to the team as he can play 3 positions

While I provide 41 years of......... experience!!!! Mwahaha!!!

I hope to see you in my events, especially during the weekend!!!!

ONE BIG FIGHT BLUE EAGLES!!!! DEFEND THE CROWN!!!! ANG POGI NI SALVA at ANG TAPANG NI MONFORT!!!!!

Wambigfayt!!!