Amazing Toastmaster Evaluators

'just attended this week's Manila Bay Toastmasters Club meeting at Casino Espanol de Manila and we were joined by the Bayanihan Club. It was awesome to hear guest evaluators who shared their wealth of experiences. Kudos to Jared our outgoing president and welcome Sir Meo. I had a terrific evening!

A Dismal Performance at the Manila Chessfest!

I joined the 441st Manila Open Chess Tournament yesterday at SM Manila Lower Basement and I scored 4.5 out of 8 games. I scored 4 wins, 3 losses, and a draw. I could have scored better had I not lost the last game and probably get the category award as the best unrated player of the event. However, I was not as lucky as the rest of the newbies since I was paired with the veteran NM Adrian Ros Pacis. After post-mortem analysis, NM Pacis suggested that I should have not taken his knight on g5 for it gave him the opportunity to push his pawns. My other disappointing game happened on the 5th round wherein after having a pawn and a spatial advantage the game ended in a truce. My lapses on judgment was very clearly evident as I gave away every advantage I had as I self-destruct.

Perhaps, I should join tournaments again in the future to further my experience.

Congratulations to the winners and to all the players as well. Special mention to GM Laylo, GM Antonio, and NM Andador for getting the major awards and to all the sponsors (i.e., Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, PAGCOR, Spartan Mining, and SM Prime Holdings of course for the venue! Below are the results of my games against various opponents:

Losing a Winning Game

Manny Pacquiao lost a seemingly winning game against Timothy Bradley last night that (at least) according to two idiot judges who favored Bradley - the new Wheelchair Weight Champion.

One of the judges declared, that Bradley out-punched and out-smarted Manny Pacquiao, however, the compubox stats says otherwise (see photo). So, I was wrong when I said that one of the judges was an idiot - for he was not only stupid but also a liar.

The words of former heavyweight champion Lenox Lewis has destructed the above-mentioned judges but also the sport he loved so dearly: “Pac won the fight. Bradley won the decision. (Arum) won another payday. Boxing lost its integrity and the fans lost confidence."

I am hoping that the decision made will be overturned in favor of the rightful winner. Hail to boxing!

With Reckless Abandon

I first heard of the phrase with reckless abandon from Mr. Quinito Henson during a boxing match in the Philippines last Sunday afternoon and I quote, "he throws punches with reckless abandon..." I googled it and found this one - with reckless abandon: to do or to say something without regards for consequences

In my case, it was a different version of reckless abandonment.

May 18, 2012

I went to my hometown to mourn on the sudden demise of my mother. I just couldn't believe it - my wife, my kids and I just visited her during the Mother's day celebration and she's ok!

Before my mother's death I had an scheduled trip to Singapore (May 21-25) and my wife & kids (with other relatives) would also go to Hong Kong (May 19-22) which were pre-planned months ago. Our family collectively decided to entomb my mom on Sunday, the 20th of May.

May 19-20, 2012

I was almost sleepless for two days entertaining relatives & guests and playing cards as well. I would just sneak out to take a short nap only to wake-up again due to constant taps from my friends. The final day of the mourning was spent through praying and following the relatives erehiya "don't look back," "don't bring back any food you brought to the cemetery," etc.

I am very thankful to my relatives, friends, and kababayans who helped and sympathized with us during our moments of grief.

May 20, 2012 (afternoon)

After my mother was buried, I prepared my baggage(my wife and kids went ahead of me for their trip to Hong Kong was on May 19, 2012 - I whispered it to my mom on her coffin)for I have a trip to Singapore at 6 a.m. on May 21. But before leaving, I borrowed US $200 and Philippine pesos to my sisters Margie and Leah thinking that I might incur several expenses in Singapore. I (with my cousin Michelle) left hastily after that for we wanted to catch the Supercat on its 5:30 trip. However, we arrived late and had to be contented with a 6:30 p.m. long trip on a Montenegro vessel.

Disappointed, disgusted, and outraged we search for better seats only to know that the ship was full-packed. "Why is this happening to me?" I asked my self in solitude. Later, we found a bench in front of a huge industrial fan! It rained during that trip so passengers went inside the air-conditioned room that added to my discomfort. On the middle of the trip I felt this tingling pain to pee and I cannot hold it any longer. So I left my baggage at my seat WITH RECKLESS ABANDON (Michelle was already asleep so I left my bag beside her so no one could take my slot). I stood up and pursued my way to the comfort room. Upon my return, I saw this mother and child tandem occupying my seat. By golly! I politely asked them to vacate my seat and the lady said, "Dito ka?" At the back of my mind I was telling my self, "Do I need to say Yes! ^+X$%<{" I then realized that it was so hard to travel without a sleep and it was very hard to control my temper.

After a long travel via Montenegro vessel we then took a bus in going to Manila. As if the driver was testing me and everybody else's patience he tried to load every passenger he can in an already full-seated bus. Damn!

May 21, 2012

It was almost past midnight when we reached Manila. I assisted first my cousin in getting a taxi to Sucat and after jotting down the taxi's name and plate number I hurriedly went home.

I was inserting things inside my baggage when I noticed that the pouch containing the money I borrowed was not in the same place where I put it. I looked at it on my other bag but instead of finding answers I found questions! Where did I put it? I repeatedly searched for my pouch but I found nothing. That was the time that I cried. I cried and cried until no more tears were there to hide.

Test of Faith!

A man decided to test his faith when his town got flooded. A rescue boat comes along but he denies their help. "My God will save me" he told them. So they went away. The waters rose, so next along comes a large Lifeboat. Again the man says "my God will save me" and sends them away. The floodwaters rose up to his roof and a helicopter appeared. For the third time, the man sent them away stating "my God will save me". Having then drowned, the man's angry soul got up to heaven and upon meeting God asked "so why didn't you save me then?". God replied "What are you on about man, I sent you two boats and a bl00dy helicopter."

-heard from my colleague at Couples for Christ

1st Time in Singapore

Whew, I'm now in Singapore. I had a great time with my colleagues and friends.   Here are the pictures guys!

Which One to Choose?

I was scheduled to go to Hong Kong on May 20 to 23, 2012 with my family, however, my supposed inspection work at Singapore will happen on the same date. So, my wife and kids will be in two different countries on that week. Sometimes, you don't know what life offers.

Great Time with my Wife and Kids!

I had a great time with my wife and kids yesterday.  We started by going to Binondo Church then dined out at MacDonald's Divisoria branch.  After that, my wife and I had a soothing foot massage at a nearby therapeutic parlor.

Never Again

I been experiencing compulsion to a kind of diversion. I been wasting too much of my time and my resources. I am committing myself too much to improve, however, I always fail. This time I promise not to be indulged too much in it. Never again, unless it is necessary.

Nice words from my old notes

Kapwa tayo lumaki sa isang liblib na nayon, doon sa kagandahan ng kalikasan at ang halimuyak ng mga bulaklak ay nagkapagpapabago sa pusong tahimik, sa mga kaluluwa'y ang munting pangarap ay nabubuhay ng mapayapa.

Ikaw ay kasingdikit ng takipsilim, ang iyong buhok ay maiitim na kawangis ng madilim na gabi kung lumalatag sa kabukiran, ang iyong mata ay maiitim ding buhay na buhay at ang iyong makipot na bibig ay sariwang sariwa at ang mga labi'y kakulay ng saga.

Nagsumpaan tayo sa isang malaking puno na may luntiang dahon na nakayongyong sa isang batis na gabi't araw ay may awit ng kalikasan.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I got these lines from my old notes, I didn't get the author and the source.

Classy Birthday Celebration at Quezon City

My family attended the birthday celebration of my brother-in-law, Froilan, at Quezon City, Philippines. Firstly, we partook sumptuous food at the cozy Cafeteria Buffet located near the GMA Network.

Thereafter, our group moved to Quezon City Circle to let the children (and adults as well) to enjoy the newly-installed structures at the park. What an experience!

Hurdled the International Arbiter's Examination

'just got a message from my colleague that I passed the FIDE Arbiter's Examination. Wow. God is so good!

Here is the link for some details >>>FIDE<<<

Answered Prayer!

My family just moved-in to our unit (condominium for teachers) at Numancia Residences and we spent our first night yesterday. It would be cost-effective for us since our family would spend only minimal amount on maintenance and utility costs. My wife was so lucky to get this unit instead of us paying P10,000.00 for apartment rental plus water and electric bills. Instead of paying our bills, I think, the rest of our budget would be paid for our food and supplies. Thank you Lord for providing us this wonderful blessing.