Not all good for Manny Pacquiao after all

Just after Manny Pacquiao annihilated Brandon Rios on their much anticipated fight in Macau another controversy popped-out from the media of his non-payment of back taxes from his previous fights in the U.S.  Unable to enjoy first the fruit of his labor, series of problems unfold after the BIR chief introduced serious findings that caused the boxing hero various problems.

I hate the timing of this direct but malicious accusation to Pacquiao as an attempt to destroy his name.  Why single-out a guy who, for so many times, brought honor to this country?  Why not pin down Napoles, or other senators and congressmen accused of tarnishing the images of various organizations?

This country is sick.

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Points to ponder:
1)  Why did it take more than two years for Pacquiao to submit a certification from the IRS that he paid taxes in the U.S. from 2007-2008?
2) Ms. Henares (BIR chief) said not all of Pacquiao's account have been garnished, Pacquiao's side proved otherwise.
3) It was Pacquaio's camp who revealed to media of the scenario of his tax's case not the BIR.  Out of respect to MP, BIR could have filed tax evasion case long time ago because he is a boxing hero.
4) Why for instance, BIR, cherry-pick Pacquiao and garnished his accounts while Lucio Tan who had long-standing battle on and off the court had not experienced the same.

It's your call folks.

Luck Strikes Twice!

As luck would have it, I again, won in the raffle at CF Ronquillo.  I only have 22 tickets which I got accidentally.  Before the draw, I saw people having hundreds of tickets - I thought that my chances of winning would be very slim.  However, God is so good that he allowed me to snare another victory.  Though, the amount I won was not so big I felt it was so special to win for the second time in a row.  Thank you my friend up there!

Lucky Again!

Whew!  I was so down last Tuesday (October 8, 2013),  I only have Php170 inside my wallet and I am bound to go home.  After reaching the LRT Avenida Station,   I remembered that I have raffle tickets from the Casino Filipino, Ronquillo Branch so I decided to stay for while. At exactly 7:45 p.m. I went to the 3rd Floor of the Ronquillo Arcade where the raffle was being held.   

I have been praying all along.  At 8:00 p.m. the first name was called, a senior citizen went to the stage and wheeled-in a roulette, he won a Php10,000 worth of pre-bet coupons.  I knew all along that only 3 lucky patrons will be called so I continued to hum my request, "Please Lord, please... call my name..."  and the second name was uttered.  My name was called!

I again prayed that I get Php100,000 worth of pre-bet coupons I adjusted the arrow and pointed it to ten times (10 x Php10,000) wishing that I could get the highest prize.  Unfortunately, God did not grant my request.  I only got Php90,000!  Yeheey!  Thank you Lord.

A new dilemma arose, I am not good at gambling and I might lose all the 9 pre-bet coupons without winning any of them.  Luckily, a man offered me to buy all my coupons at 40% cost.  I was now caught between GOOD and BETTER (lol).  I called my wife for a decision and suggestion but she came in late.  I have sold all 8 coupons for Php32,000 and retain only 1 so that I could play  thinking that I would win it at a cost.  Sadly, I lost that bet after I played it.  I told you, I am not good at gambling.  My wife told me that I should have sold it all.   What a missed opportunity.

Anyway, I went home Php32000 richer and was able to immediately pay my bills.  I would like to thank Casino Filipino for the opportunity and of course my friend up there for making impossible thing POSSIBLE!

Interview Questions Answered

I saw the following questions from Natalia Pogonina's site same questions I will answer as a chess player myself.

What was the earliest memory of playing chess?
I was a late bloomer.  I played chess at the age of 13.  At first everything was just for fun, but later got captivated by its beauty.  I ate, dreamed, worked, and played chess during my college days for the University of the East chess team.

What is your most memorable game?
It was a game I played at chess.com.  I am playing with a higher-rated opponent but outclassed him in such an artistic matter. Press this link about the game.

What was your worst defeat?
I was on the peak of my chess career and has had performed superbly in different chess tournaments here in Manila but had to stop full-time as I was beaten by this kid at the Divisoria Chess Tournament.  I was chess-struck for I just won a tournament at the same venue a month ago.  The defeat was a tough pill to swallow since I was trailing the leader of the pack by just a full point and currently on the 3rd to 5th place just below my San Beda and University of the East colleagues.  I was happy with my position and I felt that my friends were looking at me in admiration.  I show-boated during the game for my opponent has only few minutes on his time control.  I played with fire and got burned with it.  I lost a winning game.  I was not the same after that.

Which living player do you most admire?I
Magnus Carlsen.  He doesn't stop playing in an equal position.  He squeeze for more and more until everything turns into a battle!

Who is your favorite singer/composer?
Michael V.

Which book would you take to a desert island?
I Will Persist Until I Succeed by Og Mandino

If you could edit your past, what would you change?
The chapter in my life wherein I got madly in love with a girl who dumped me.  I alter that part.  I wish I did not meet her.  I am so devastated.
 

What makes you happy?
Existence

What was your biggest disappointment?
When I lost my first-born child.  So creepy.  I felt I was a tiny form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
There is no second chance.
 

Financial Mishap

I been experiencing financial mishap this month. My investments aren't working fine. I wish things would be better in the coming days!

Wish ko lang na mali ako!

Sa aking palagay may magpapakamatay na namang General, kasi sobrang nakakahiya iyong pagkakasangkot nya sa pork barrel scam. He will be a disgrace to the academy kapag hindi niya nalusutan ang kasong ito. Wish ko lang na mali ako!

Message for the 10,000th Okinawa International Center Participant

As a former JICA Scholar at Okinawa, Japan , I was given a task to make a special message for the 10,000th participant at the Okinawa International Center - a milestone that happened after 28 years.  Here it is:

Message:

To the 10,000th participant:

Like you, I was once a participant at the Okinawa International Center (OIC) from 2007 to 2008.  I had amazing experiences – I was able to work with talented Japanese teachers and employees, I met interesting classmates and friends from various countries, I learned varied cultures, and I reached places I never dreamed of visiting.  I thought everything was a dream!

Allow me to share with you what happened to me after my training at OIC sponsored by MTEC and JICA – I immediately got a morale-boosting promotion from Creative Arts Specialist I to my current position.  Not only that, I was able to share the learning I gained during the workshops in Okinawa International Center to my colleagues here in the Philippines.  I became a better person and a worthy individual.

You are blessed!  Not only that you reach a major milestone of becoming the 10,000th participant of the OIC you also had responsibility to be at your best during the training period for you are being watched and being envied by all. 

May you be able to surmount all the challenges that may come your way and may you be able to share your new-found knowledge to your countrymen after the duration of your training.

Again, congratulations and best wishes!

Philippines my Philippines

Just when I heard that some of our lawmakers have denied their direct association with Janet Lim-Napoles (the pork barrel queen) I came across with this blog complete with a picture and intricate historical details of PDAF transactions. The Filipino people deserve to know the truth. Read it to believe it. You have been warned!
http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/08/anonymous-speaks-pork-barrel-scam.html

New at heART

I joined the Arts Club at the DepEd Central Office Culture and Arts Section. As a beginner, I really don't know what to do. I just let my hands do the talking. Here it is ladies and gentlemen - my masterpiece(s). Thank you COCOLIFE for the chance to be part of one of your programs.

What a Life!

I had a face-to-face confrontation with a street criminal yesterday at Carriedo St., Manila as I witnessed how he opened the zipper of my backpack. I turned around and saw a young adult with a pointed object on his right hand. I hastily prepared myself to give him an elbow right to his jaw and grab his hand until I employ a rare naked choke just as I always see in the UFC. But before I could do that another man appeared from nowhere and bumped me purposely causing me to stumble. That fall allowed me to return to reality that the man I was pursuing was not alone as he walked side by side with the man who bumped me to the dark side of the street. What a life!

What a Finale - Chess Candidates Tournament, London 2013

Wow.  What a finale.  Chucky forgive me for doubting you regarding your  mellow fights against players with Russian descent but putting it difficult against non-Russians.  Kasparov was correct afterall in asserting that Ivanchuk is one of the best chess players in the world.  In this tournament, had not for the endemic time control-problems Chucky had been into he could be a worthy champion.  Just imagine beating numbers 1 and 2 players in the world.  He is making a point.  Salute to the organizers and sponsors of prestigious tournament.  The topsy-turvy results every day make it more exciting.

Amazing Virtual Zoo Experience

What an amazing experience at Tutuaban Mall, Divisoria, Manila, Philippines.  My wife and kids have been very happy to see these kinds of virtual zoo canvas.  Allow me to share with you this wonderful chance of being there.


I hope you guys will visit this place in the Philippines. See you!

Pissed off at a cable company

Got disappointed with a cable company's failure to install.

1) Why didn't they just tell they can't install on the schedule d time.
2) Overpromises but underdelivered
3) Full of air (puro hangin)

I couldn't believe that such a prestigious company would be treating a public servant like me and that would waste much of our (family's) precious time.  If you couldn't do the installation just say "NO."  Please don't give false hopes.

2013 I Wish I Will Win!

Well, as we all know 2012 was now a history and to sum up my experiences on the past year allow me to cluster what happened to my year-long struggle.

Financially, it was not as productive as I want it to be.  My investments have not been wise so to speak.

Professionally, there were highlights in my career like that of my one-week travel to Singapore wherein I inspected supplementary materials prior to its delivery to SPHERE-funded provinces in the Philippines.  There were also various travels to different schools nationwide that have been effective.  However, I was not able to continue my Toastmaster's club attendance due to conflict of schedule at the office.  That was one of my regrets.

Spiritually, it was not as abundant as my family expected. I failed to attend in the CFC-SOLD meeting due to my travels to various parts of the country.

In sports, despite my continuous practice of chess online, I have not been lucky to have a place in a tournament I joined at.  I was miserably at the middle of the group wherein I should have been better due to my experience and arguably high rating.  The only consolation I've got was when I passed the FIDE Arbiter's examination after the Department of Education sponsored me through Philippine Sports Commission.  I only need two norms to be officially called FIDE Arbiter.

Like in the past, I have been addicted to raffle(s) at the Casino Filipino for a chance to be multi-millionaire.  But my name was never been called...not even once.

As usual, the members of family were the best thing I've got and I am so thankful to them as they helped me weathered the storms in my life..

With a new year coming in -- 2013 I wish I will win!

Merry Christmas to All!

I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New Year.  May the FORCE be with you.

Not a Bad Year for the Philippines After All

NOT A BAD YEAR FOR THE PHILIPPINES AFTER ALL: Just when everybody thought that the Philippines was destined for a boxing doom - Nonito Donaire Jr. threw his favorite left hook on the chin of the unsuspecting Arce from Mexico. The Philippines has been vindicated for last week's failure of Manny Pacquiao. vs. JMM! Nonito - you are the man!


CONCIDENCE:

(1) With time dwindling down to 3 seconds Donaire connected with a "Hail Mary shot" like that of Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao; and(2) Arce fell to the canvas and slept for a while like that of Manny Pacquiao.

Head First!

There are two varied meanings to this post...

I just saw an awesome game between Pacquiao and Marquez -- they were two gladiators trying to outwit each other in boxing held at MGM Arena this morning.  Pacquiao tasted the first knock-down during the third round by what experts called "A punch that I didn't see."  However, as Filipinos were known for its resiliency, Pacquiao gave a tremendous left straight in the next round (is that a straight? I got to see the tape again) to the face of Marquez that connected and boom! the score was about even.  After that round, it was all Pacquiao -- who gave a tremendous beating on Marquez and was leading in all judges score cards.

Then came the sixth round, Pacquaio was again annihilating Marquez throughout the round until the bell rang signalling that there were only 10 seconds left.  As the former was pursuing the latter, Marquez made an out of this word side-step and position himself to throw that well-prepared punch under the guard of Pacquiao.  Sadly, Pacquiao fell HEAD FIRST!

Only if Manny Pacquiao used his HEAD FIRST by not attacking Marquez during the last 3 seconds it would have been a different story.

Awful Finances on the Last Month of the Year

I been experiencing financial dilemma especially this month of December.  Record-low on my financial accounts had been observed.  Debts were soaring high and instability on my reserves were evident.  Previous accounts payable and interest bearing notes have matured and all were waiting to clobber me.

Happy 6th Year Birthday Isaiah Joaquine Asi

Let me take this opportunity to greet my youngest son, Isaiah Joaquine, who is celebrating his 6th birthday today.  Isaiah, have fun and may God bless you abundantly.  I love you son.

Battered and Blue

Surprisingly, this feeling of emptiness due to financial dilemma is again bothering me.  I felt that I have a noxious personality that I always feel awful after spending time with myself.  My belief that I will be welcome to my family is clearly, non sequitur, on my part.  Everything had a strong pecuniary slant.  I am a fool causing things to misdirection.  Really, there is something quixotic in me about money.    

Victim of Faulty Investment Scheme

Sad to say that I was one of the victims of the faulty investment ploy.  Due to this wrong decision to invest I am now suffering financial difficulties.  Had to pick up the pieces and rebuild again.

Textbook Monitoring at Dumaguete City

I just arrived from a one-week textbook (TX) audit and monitoring at Siaton East & West and  Zamboanguita districts.  Believe me, the educators there were so hospitable.  The property custodians accompanied my group to mountainous far-flung areas with really kilometric rough-roads.  But we kept going and going just to oversee if the needed TX were delivered to the Filipino school children.  I was too tired most of the time due to the heat but seeing my colleagues (especially from the districts) laughing despite of the rough condition just to take us to the schools motivated me to continue.

General Cleaning of Unit

Yipee!  After a year of transferring from Tayuman to Binondo I had the chance to have our condo unit get cleaned up due to long vacation.  OMG, I was terrified to see legions of roaches all over the place.  The maternal cabinet had been the most heavily hit.  The foul smell was so alarming but I don't have a choice but to get rid of it.  Whew, it's good there were no rodents in attendance!

Worthwhile Experience at Quezon Province

Hospitality? It is one of the innate qualities of Filipinos,right? I experienced it at Quezon Province when I visited the place last week. My extreme gratitude goes to Sir George Aguila and Sir Virgilio Abrenica for the extraordinary support! Here are some of the pictures. I hope you'll like it.

We stayed at this place in Mulanay for one night. Thank you for the experience!

My First Time to Visit Quezon Province

Hello everyone! I had an scheduled trip to Quezon Province this week and yesterday my group (with Sir Tony our team leader and Sir Rey)went to Buendia JAM Terminal for our travel to Lucena. As if things would be going for the better - the moment we set our foot inside our bus it immediately left. The chauffer and the conductor assisted me in charging my cellular phone and camera batteries. At the Grand Central Terminal we were accompanied by Quezon Division Supply Officer George Aguila with Virgilio Abrenica whose demeanor have been outstanding. We had a long trip to District III Catanuan District wherein we passed by Pitogo and many more notable towns at Quezon. Our couterparts from the division introduced our group to the district supply officer Sir David who was not only very friendly but also very professional.

After setting our things, we were given a sumptuous dinner by the host district. Thereafter, I went to a nearby bar to sip my favorite SMB lights and listen to the band. I have been scouting for a massage parlor in the town but I did not find any at the time being. I headed to my station at about 10 p.m.

This morning, our group facilitated a brief orientation to very cooperative school heads of district three. I had a welcome remarks and I presented to our audience the importance of this activity: 1) to monitor the textbook situation on their district and to assess the 1:1 textbook to pupil ratio which was advocated by Secretary Luistro at the start of the school year.

To sum it up, the orientation had been well attended and very useful to everyone. I would like to thank the Division of Quezon Province for a very warm welcome and of course Sir George, Sir Vio, and Sir David for their support to our cause.

I just had a confession

I just had my confession at Quiapo Church and I shared everything I knew were my sins. At the end of my ordeal I was told to pray the rosary!

Bound to Tagaytay City

Again, for the nth time I will be going to Tagaytay City - now at Tagaytay International Convention Center (last week I was at Girl Scout of the Philippines Center). I will be staying for one week to assist on the institutionalization of learning materials nationwide. Hopefully, workshop sessions would be fruitful and beneficial to participants. Our speakers would employ series of LM innovations never been heard in public schools. About the project, for your initial information you can press this link.

BTW, Our participants will be ICT coordinators coming from Regions I, II, and III on the 17th to 18th ; and Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, and NCR on the 20th and 21st of September. Our major sponsors are SPHERE and AusAID.

About the Chess Olympiad: Happy for RP Chess Team

I have been diligently following the games of RP Chess Team over the internet and I am so impressed by the showing of our chessers. SGM Wesley So tremendously showcased his vast improvements of the game. Having drawn a match against Armenia's best SGM Levon Aronian proved to be a huge achievement. As usual, GMs Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua chess moves were a beauty to behold. Having participated in various tournaments, both local and foreign, they were very much cognoscente of the game. Not to be outdone was the performance of IM Oliver Dimakiling who proved he was a tough nut to crack. He demolished every opponent assigned to him except Armenia's experienced board 4 player. First Asia's GM Eugene Torre's antics to provide astonishing positional game was again evident in one of his games in the recent Olympiad.

There has been a post at philboxing.com site questioning why IM Dimakiling was fielded instead of GM Torre during RPs game vs. Armenia that caused RPs downfall. I believe that the comment against IM Dimakiling was not only made to denigrate him but the RP chess team as a whole. That poster, I believed, has became a maudlin due to Dimaks loss to a stronger and better player.

Let me share to you may 1 cent response: Firstly, during that time RP has had winning streaks and they have never been beaten by anyone in the Olympiad. Right? "Why would we fix it when it ain't broke." There was no need to change the horses at the middle of the battle. What if he won? Lastly, Torre was still mourning that time and I think (though he is ready) he is not yet emotionally prepared.

I am praying that the Philippines will demolish their opponents on their next games. Good luck!

The Country is Mourning

The country is mourning over the untimely death of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. I do not have personal knowledge of this person but as I observed it - the whole weekend was truly dedicated to him. News reporters (both local and foreign) had been going gaga as to how and why such a wonderful person would experience an early demise. One of the most admirable traits of this man is his humility. Hail to you Sir Jesse.

NBA Dream Team Thoughts

'just when the NBA Dream Team 2 thought they were far better than the Dream Team 1, the former won the basketball Olympic gold by measly 7 points. They were almost beaten by Lithuania in the elimination round via a scary 99-94 game.

Losing a Mother

The Day the World Went Quiet

I just lost my mother.

There are griefs that whisper, and there are griefs that roar. This one is both. It is the quiet ache in the middle of the night, and it is the deafening silence when I realize she will never call my name again.

She wasn’t just my mother. When my father died in 1987, she became both my Dad and Mom—my shield and my anchor, my teacher and my fiercest protector. She carried the weight of two lives so I could carry mine.

Now, she is gone, and the world feels like it’s missing a piece it will never get back.

I miss her hugs—the kind that wrapped not just around my body, but around my entire being. I miss her endless stream of advice—sometimes tender, sometimes stubborn, always rooted in love. I even miss her gentle scoldings, because they meant she was still looking out for me.

Grief is a strange companion. It hides in the smell of her favorite cooking, in the old sweater I still can’t throw away, in the quiet spaces of the day when my mind wanders back to her without permission. I find myself wanting to tell her about my day, to hear her laugh, to ask her what she thinks—only to remember she’s not here to answer.

Mama, I miss you in ways I don’t have the words for. But I carry you with me—in my choices, in my dreams, in the person I am still trying to become. The love you gave me did not end when you left. It lingers, like sunlight in the evening sky—fading, but never truly gone.

They say time will heal. I think time will only teach me to live with the ache. But if loving you so deeply means hurting this much, then I will bear the hurt a hundred times over.

Thank you, Mama, for being my home when I had none, my courage when I had little, and my joy when the world felt heavy. The day you left, the world went quiet… but in my heart, your voice will never stop speaking.