Saturday, February 27, 2010

too tired and sleepy

Arrived at Manila from Boracay late in the afternoon and got stalled on a heavy traffic at Moriones. I got asleep and woke up with huge taxi bill. Upon reaching my apartment I immediately search for food and liquid to fill my hungry stomach and to quench my thirst. I almost took 2 containers of H2O... My bed was so hypnotic that the sudden touch of my body on it was like an eternity.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

IMCS Workshop @ Bora


Another opportunity to visit Boracay Island within 4 hours...

It's my third time to visit the island and definitely not the last one.

How I wish my family is with me. Haay...

Monday, February 15, 2010

'been busy lately

Spent the nights after work playing billiards to improve my craft but sad to say things have never been better.

Had to stop attending the IELTS review due to this useless desire of improving.

There were times that colleagues at the billiards hall had to challenge me on playing chess to which they never succeeded in beating me.

Had to stay late evenings watching online games of Wesley So at Aeroloft Tournament (one of the hardest tournaments in the world).

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Star Paper 10-Ball Billiards Tournament

Maybe you will be surprised that I joined the 2010 10-Ball Billiards Tournament sponsored by Star Paper. Yes, other than chess, playing billiards is one of my hobbies. I am really not an expert on this game but to tell you the truth I can make a shot.

I still remember that during my abrupt training at Okinawa I am the only who could beat the Malaysian friend on the 8-ball game.

My first tournament game here at Star Paper was a mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement in the sense that the opportunity is once and a lifetime, and fear because I really don't know what is at stake for me on this tournament - err... I mean I really don't know whom I will face on the elimination round.

Came the tournament proper, I faced a certain A. Recto from Silang, Cavite. I brought my cue stick and had my silent prayer before the game. Luckily, I was given a plus 1 score (that was the prize I was given for being a novice) by the tournament director. I was just enjoying the game and was taking time to savor the moment.

The games were so thrilling as I led 6-5 on a raise to 7 game. On the 12th rack it was my turn to shoot the 5-ball and it was kinda difficult shot and I was having a hesitation. But I took and shoot it (rather than making a placing) the way I wanted it and I missed until the 5-ball went in front of the left side pocket. I sweated profusely as I visualize the imminent danger of losing since all the next balls were beside all the pockets. He made the shot and all the other shots thereafter to reach the final game. On the final rack, he made a strong break thereby shooting the 7-ball. I prayed a lot and the more I prayed the more shots he made and came the last 3 balls 8, 9, and 10 and I prayed again..."Lord give me this one," but it was not given to me. Maybe my opponent's prayer was more forceful and effective. After the game I learned that it was his fourth-try to join on the same tournament.

Well, guys that was my experience and this time I didn't feel the pain of losing.