Just take a look at the Men's draw in this year's US Open! It looks like the current top 4 players are going to meet again in the semifinals. Normally though, the draw is made so that the top seed (1) faces the 4th seed while the 2nd seed battles it out with the 3rd seed in the semis. In this year's US Open though, the top seed, Novak Djokovic, is slated against Roger Federer, the 3rd seed. I was expecting Federer to face Nadal in the semis now that Djokovic has taken over the number one spot. I don't know how this happened. I guess it's not fixed. And the only guarantee is for the top 2 seeds to not meet each other until the finals. Regardless, the match ups of the current top 4 players are worth watching! It's going to be a tennis-packed weekend!
Due to almost 2 days of no tennis due to rain in New York though, the semifinals and finals schedule had to be moved. The current schedule is as follows:
Last July 3 was the Yamaha Run for Heroes at the Bonifacio Global City. On why it's called a run for heroes, I have absolutely no idea. Any how, I got sponsored again and this time around, I challenged my ankles, knees, and legs on running the 10k. Another step closer to the ultimate goal of running a full marathon. (By the way, registration for the Singapore Marathon has already started but plane fares and the registration fee on its own is quite hefty so I might just have to postpone my plans for another year - we'll see...) Technically, this wasn't my first 10k as I was able to accomplish the feat twice before at my training ground. Read on the learn a few tips on how I managed to survive my first 10k.
Surviving my first 10k wasn't as easy as I hoped it would be. The organizers chose a race route that had so many uphills! Midway through the race I was losing energy fast and was beginning to question myself. For a moment, I cursed the organizers for choosing such a route! I also insisted that the race route was bogus and that it was definitely more than 10k! In the end, I still survived and I'm very happy to have overcame all the obstacles - more mental than physical really. Here are a few pointers on how I survived and improved my run:
For the Goldilocks 45th Anniversary Run at Bonifacio Global City, Powerade sponsored my run! I was officially 1 POWERADE RUNNER for that event. I love having my runs sponsored! If you need somebody to run for you, contact me! (^o^)/
Probinsyano moment kicked in when we had to put on a chip on our shoes to record our time. This is how the chip tag should look on your shoes.
I thought I'd contribute a little to help the environment.
On a recent Surfing Yoga Samba trip with FLOW, I received a gift certificate entitling me to a pair of Ocean Minded Flip Flops. I've never heard of this brand so I wasn't really that excited to claim it but as soon as I got my pair of Ocean Minded Durbo flip flops, I loved them! Not only because they were so comfortable to wear but most especially because of the company's concern for saving the environment.
The pair I got is world champion surfer Bede Durbidge's signature sandal. It is called the Durbo after his nickname. The strap is made from PU Nubuck. It features a nylon toe post made from recycled plastic bottles. And the footbed and outsole are made from recycled Croslite material. In short, it's made mostly out of recycled materials!
Bede Durbidge - www.BedeDurbidge.com
For every pair that you get, a portion of your purchase price is also donated to the Surfrider Foundation. It is a non-profit grassroots organization that is dedicated to the protection of the world's oceans, beaches, and waves through conservation, activism, research and education.
Here's a simple message from Gary Ward, President and Founder of Ocean Minded:
BE OCEAN MINDED.
That simple idea is the basis for our company. We make top quality sandals with unbeatable comfort, while utilizing natural and sustainable materials whenever possible. We are based in San Clemente, California and out crew strives to protect the Earth's most precious resources, the oceans, lakes, and streams. Ocean Minded encourages you to pick up 10 pieces of trash the next time you head out to your favorite place, whether it be the beach, lake, or mountains. That place will then be much nicer for the next person who comes to use it.
So the next time you are looking for a pair of flip-flops, consider getting a pair of Ocean Minded sandals and help the environment in the process. These are available in Rudy Project outlets.
Thank you to FLOW and Rudy Project for my pair of Ocean Minded flip-flops!
In observance of the lenten season, I'm putting on hold the rest of the food scouting posts and leave you here with a more thought-provoking and hopefully inspiring post as well.
A NEVER ENDING LOVE STORY
Once there lived a Perfect Boy and a Perfect Girl, true soul mates destined to cross each other's paths and live a happy life together. Will they ever find each other, fulfill their destinies, and live happily ever after?
I'll give you three reasons why this will never be:
No. 1: When Perfect Boy meets Perfect Girl, he will see the flaws in Perfect Girl and automatically discount her as his true soul mate.
No. 2: When Perfect Boy does find someone he's interested in, the girl turns out to be Perfect Girl. And Perfect Girl will think that there's someone better out there waiting for her.
No. 3: If indeed Perfect Boy and Perfect Girl do manage to overcome the first two obstacles and find each other in a relationship, they will act as if there's no one better than them in this world. Not only towards the rest of the world, but towards each other as well. This will undoubtedly lead to their separation.
So will perfection ever meet perfection?
COMPLEMENTARY RATHER THAN PERFECTION
It's a hard fact to accept in life that nobody's perfect, and thus when it comes to us, humans, perfection will never be able to live happily ever after with perfection. The only time this can be possible is when one unconditionally relents to the whims of the other, a trait trying-hard-to-be perfect individuals will not be able to easily do.
So instead of trying to find someone perfect, find someone who complements you. Someone who'll complete your world and together both of you can be perfect.
ACHIEVING PERFECTION
Now meeting those that would complement you is not a rare occurrence. Clark Kent found it through the red cape in his Superman outfit.
Harry Potter had a perfect relationship with his Magical wand.
And SunJun will finally achieve perfection by owning a pair of Somnio Running Shoes!
If I get my hands on a pair of Somnio Mission Control Running Shoes, I'd use it for running and nothing more. Things made with perfection in mind, to serve a certain purpose, must be respected and used accordingly.
RUNNING FOR LIFE
I love to run and I will use this pair of shoes to continue running. Through running, not only do I keep myself physically fit but mentally strong as well. When those initial pangs of pain start to manifest, I will myself to continue and push the limits of my body.
You also learn to raise your head up high when running. Looking down will make you feel nauseous while raising your head will allow you to breath easier. And that is how each and everyone of us must face life as well - with our heads held high.
SOMNIO RUNNING SHOES
Watch this video and let me know what you think.
Wasn't that amazing? Go get your pair of Somnio shoes now!
Somnio Mission Control Running Shoes (Photo courtesy of Unbox.ph)
Using Somnio's Gait Analysis Software, each pair of Somnio running shoes can be custom-made to perfectly fit each sole of your feet. This can provide added comfort and will surely improve your performance. All this comes with a hefty price tag though, a pair can cost around 7,000 pesos. But let's sing along to Jessie J for once and say that "It's not about the money,money,money ... Forget about the price tag." If I remember correctly, when Mr. Danny Orr, Somnio's Product Manager, was interviewed in Hardball at ANC, he said that for every pair of Somnio running shoes that you buy, Somnio Philippines will send a Filipino child to school! How great is that?! Now that's true value for your money regardless whether you eventually use the shoes or not. hehehe (^o^)v And that is what makes this pair of shoes ... ... ... ... truly perfect!
Low on budget? No problem! Try your luck by joining Unbox.ph's Somnio Running Shoes Blogger Contest and you might just win yourself a pair of SOMNIO RUNNING SHOES! While you're at it, join Unbox.ph at Facebook if you want to keep yourself updated with contests and giveaways like this.
So will SunJun ever get to meet the one that will complement him to perfection? (Abangan ang susunod na kabanata ...) (^o^)/
Update:
Oh well ... I didn't win. I found some good deals on Amazon.com though. Check these out. SOMNIO SHOES at Great Prices!
Have you ever fallen short of your own or others' expectations? Well, it really wouldn't be that unusual. Everybody probably have at one point in life. What's probably more important though is that those expectations existed. Would you rather have a world with no expectations?
Don't worry this post is no longer about me. Rather it's about two great rivals that I dearly miss watching on TV.
The US Open (Grand Slam Tennis tournament) 2010 has been airing on TV for a couple of weeks now and I watched in fervent anticipation only to be disappointed in the end. These guys have fallen short of my expectations again. Who am I referring to? It's no other than the no. 1 and no. 2 seeds of the tournament, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, respectively. The last time these two met on a grand slam final was way back in the Australian Open 2009 finals, the tournament where Federer broke down in tears after losing his 3rd straight grand slam final against Nadal. I dearly miss their rivalry. I was really hoping for a showdown in New York but Roger Federer lost his semi-finals match to crush my hopes again.
It may seem that Federer is purposely avoiding a match up against Nadal as when the Spaniard advanced to the finals, the Swiss suddenly played like he's having a bad day and lost in the semis. In Paris and Wimbledon earlier this year, where Federer was the defending champion, he only managed to reach the quarterfinals while Nadal went all the way to win. However, it is not all Federer's fault. After that breakdown in Australia, Federer went on to win his first French Open title and then another Wimbledon title while Nadal was nowhere near him. And in last year's US Open, it was Nadal who lost in the semis after Federer advanced to the finals first. And in the Australian Open this year, Federer won while Nadal lost in the quarterfinals.
Sigh. I wonder when I would be able to see them play in a grand slam finals match again. All these expectations are making me disappointed but hopeful and excited as well.
Maybe I'd get lucky and see them live in Melbourne on 2011. (^o^)/
That's another thing I got from Anonymous Lawyer. Do not believe everything that you read! Especially those written by bloggers. hehehe (^o^)/ I finally finished the book and was devastated with the ending. *sigh* For the first time I actually felt sympathetic for the jerk and didn't root for the underdogs.
I realized that this may have something to do with me feeling that I have been the underdog all my life. Although I feel it, most people around me probably don't perceive me as such. I guess I'm really not one then if the people's perception don't reflect it. It's about time to start feeling like a champion and being one, I guess.
2
I discovered something last week. When I dream of paradise, I dream of myself lounging by the sea surrounded by fine white sand and clear blue skies, smelling the cool crisp air, listening to the rhythmic splashes of the waves, and drinking an ice cold buko juice (coconut juice) complete with a tiny umbrella. I noticed that I had the beach all to myself. There were no people swimming on the beach, no children making sand castles by the shore, not even extra lounge chairs by my side. There was only one chair and I was on it.
If ever you've seen yourself the same way, you're probably the only company you'll ever need. The world will never be to your liking and people will continue to disappoint you because they will never be you. Imagine your vision of paradise. Maybe you'll learn something from it.
3
There were some quotes from Agassi's book that I forgot to write about. One was when he wrote "I play and keep playing because I choose to play. Even if it's not your ideal life, you can always choose it. No matter what your life is, choosing it changes everything." Because believe it or not, Agassi hated tennis and yet he excelled playing tennis and became one of the greatest champions of all time.
And Anonymous Lawyer had this to say about the Musician who has decided to pursue music instead of practicing law after graduation, "For some reason, no one ever wonders "what if" they don't pursue a career at a big law firm ... It's not brave to pursue impossible dreams. It's brave to put those dreams aside and suck it up and choose a real job instead. It's brave to fight through the imaginary "crisis of the soul" and realize that most people don't love their jobs but they do them anyway."
For that matter, I don't believe someone ever wondered "what if I pursued a career in software programming?" as well. Nevertheless, just choose to love whatever you're doing and although you might not become as great as Agassi you might still get that applause from your peers.
"I tell the players: You'll hear a lot of applause in your life, fellas, but none will mean more to you than that applause from your peers. I hope each of you hears that at the end." - Andre Agassi -
Do everything well and do it the best you can and people, even your competition, will respect you for it. Surround yourself with people that will appreciate your skill and whatever else there is that you have to give.
4
And yes, this blog hasn't always been truthful. In a way, I use this blog to project a world (my world) where the glass is always half full. Writing it really makes a difference. It makes you internalize it more than when you've just thought about it. I guess the sentence "Convince yourself" would apply here. It will help you keep your sanity but only for a while. Sooner or later the bubble will burst. (And when it does, just start writing again. hehehe (^o^)/)
5
If you're wondering about the title, check this article called "If you gain wisdom from staring at your belly button it's omphaloskepsis ..." Simply put it's like meditating while thinking or probably looking at your navel area. There's some interesting trivia about our belly button in the article. If you're interested, or have nothing better to do, check it out. (^o^)v
Listening through the introduction and the first chapter of his autobiography "Open: An Autobiography" was thrilling, fun, exciting, and an eye-opening experience. I don't know how to explain it. I thought reading autobiographies would be boring. I was wrong.
It started with his narration of his 2nd round victory over Marcos Baghdatis in the 2006 US Open - his last US Open. After a grueling 5 set match, while millions of viewers worldwide are still inspired and can't stop talking about what they have just witnessed - some probably even losing some sleep, what struck me most was the scene he depicted at the locker/training rooms after the match. Who would have thought that after that match, both him and Baghdatis were inside the locker room, lying on 2 separate tables - suffering from cramps and agonizing in pain. While the rest of the world celebrates, the reasons for the celebration are in pain. Tough.
Here are a few quotes from the book which stuck:
"Hate brings me to my knees, love gets me on my feet."
"It’s no accident, I think, that tennis uses the language of life. Advantage, service, fault, break, love, the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence, because every match is a life in miniature. Even the structure of tennis, the way the pieces fit inside one another like Russian nesting dolls, mimics the structure of our days. Points become games become sets become tournaments, and it’s all so tightly connected that any point can become the turning point. It reminds me of the way seconds become minutes become hours, and any hour can be our finest. Or darkest. It’s our choice."
"Go kick some butt." (Imagine Steffi Graf and the Agassi kids saying this! ^^)
As he narrates his childhood, his life at home, and how his father pushed him to play tennis in the next chapter, your heart goes out to him. I can't imagine going through what he's gone through. I can't even contemplate that a father like his exists. It pains even just to hear his stories. You have to give the man credit for remembering every minute detail - most people would just learn to forget, I know I have.
I can't wait to listen to the next chapters. This is the first book I've tried listening to instead of reading. I got an audiobook. It's a unique experience - the reader's phrasing and intonation adds animation and emotion to the story. The only set back is, it takes one whole hour just to read one chapter. The reading pace is so slow compared to when you are reading it by yourself.
The drought is over! I'm back (mind, body, and spirit!)
For the past month, I haven't seen any tennis action or heard any tennis news! I can't believe it took me a month to find out that Mirka Federer already gave birth to twins! This blog welcomes Charlene Riva Federer and Myla Rose Federer to this world! Read on to see the picture of the Federers. ^^
Roger Federer posted this photo in his Facebook. It came with the following note:
As promised, here is a family picture that my dad took. He thinks he's becoming a professional photographer.
It was very funny as both girls had the hiccups while we were trying to take a decent picture. The girls and mom are doing great. Thanks for all your warm wishes.
Congratulations Roger!
On other tennis news, the last grand slam of the year is finally here! Catch the US Open Tennis Championships 2009 at the Balls Channel. I just saw Kim Clijsters advance to the 2nd round with a convincing 6-1 6-1 victory! Go Kim!
Roger Federer will be up next. Go Roger! In two weeks time, these guys will have to make another video ... geez. (Watch the video)
Finally! Wakeboarding is here in Davao! The Deca Wakeboard Park will open this coming August 28, 2009! Who wants to go with me?! (^o^)/ Read on to know more.
I love the Sun! And I love the Water! This is a perfect new sport for me to try. As a kid, I always wanted to try skateboarding but it was never a big thing here in the Philippines. And it can be quite scary falling on hard concrete. This time I can try it on water! I'm excited. Anything to break the monotony of life here in Davao! I hope I can find a regular group to go with.
The Deca Wakeboard Park here in Davao is said to be the largest in Southeast Asia with a wakeboarding lake of around 7 hectares! Wow! And aside from wakeboarding, there will also be WIFI, Restaurants, Sports Shop, and a Massage Center!
According to one site, here are the rates for wakeboarding:
Derek Jeter (NY Yankees captain, baseball superstar), a balding Tiger Woods (golf superstar) and Roger Federer shows you what it takes to be a superstar in this video from Gilette.
Here's to Confidence!
Yes, confidence is all that it takes! It is usually the ones who initiate, speak out their minds, take risks, and let it all out that are successful in life. It doesn't matter whether they are right or wrong, so long as their confidence lead them to action. Act with confidence and everything will more likely fall into place.
Even my Economics professor agrees. He said that what we're really paying for in our MBA education is how to acquire confidence. The confidence to speak out, argue, defend, and implement our proposals. Do you agree?
With regards to the video, I have to say that Federer looked a bit awkward. hehehe (^o^)/ Derek and Tiger looked more natural. Although I don't follow baseball and haven't seen Derek Jeter in action, I saw an interview of him once and I have to say that all three of them possess a certain quality that I admire. And that is humility.
For me, Confidence and Success without Humility is "never mind".
As I had foreseen it, Roger Federer dropped on his knees and shed tears of joy as Robin Soderling's return fails to cross the net giving him the French Open 2009 Championships. He joins an elite group of players (Don Budge, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, and Andre Agassi) to be among the few who have won all four grand slam tournaments!
Meanwhile, Svetlana Kuznetsova took her time touring Paris and enjoying her time as the new French Open winner.
Regardless of what happens today and tomorrow at the French Open Finals, new French Open Champions will be crowned! All four remaining semifinalists have never won the French Open title.
On Saturday, the Women's French Open Finals will feature the current No. 1 seed Dinara Safina against a more veteran player also from Russia, Svetlana Kuznetzova.
On Sunday, the Men's French Open Finals will feature Roger Federer vs. Robin Soderling, the man who ended Rafael Nadal's quest for a 5th straight French Open crown.
My French Open 2009 Finals bets were a bit off. Nevertheless, Roger Federer is still alive! Regardless of whom he faces in the finals he will surely win this time around! *so excited for him*
This week Roger Federer won the French Open 2009 grand slam tournament to tie Pete Sampras' record of fourteen (14) grand slam championship titles! He also became one of only 6 men (Rod Laver, Mats Wilander, Jimmy Connors,Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal) to have won a grand slam tournament on three different surfaces - hard court, grass, and clay.
My American Idol 2009 predictions were spot on and my horoscope is telling me that I have the knack. This is how I see the French Open 2009 tournament ending this weekend. I saw Roger Federer on his knees in tears in the red clay courts of Roland Gaross after hitting a winning forehand to the open court. On the other side of the court was Andy Murray still seeking for that elusive grand slam title.
Earlier on I was gonna write that the only way for Roger Federer to lose this year's French Open was if Rafael Nadal loses before the finals. I'm thinking that the pressure would be too much for Roger if he becomes the favorite to win in the finals again. Meeting Rafa in the finals would make him the underdog and he can go all out without thinking too much of winning. I'm taking that back as Rafael Nadal lost today in the 4th round of the French Open! He lost to Robin Soderling of Sweden. Roger Federer, the true champion that he is, will be able to handle the pressure! ^^
No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic already lost in the previous round. This leaves the door open for Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Still in the draw however are two young and powerful frenchmen who have never failed to entertain the predominantly french crowd since day 1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils are both in Federer's section of the draw. I think they will be Federer's toughest opponents enroute to the finals.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Left) and Gael Monfils (Right) at the French Open 2009
Catch the French Open over at the Balls Channel. Don't forget to tune in this weekend for the finals and see my foretelling abilities at work. ^^
Wimbledon is celebrating the completion of its new Center Court! As you can see from the picture, the center court is now finally equipped with a retractable roof! In this year's Wimbledon Championship, come rain or shine we will definitely see tennis action! No more rain delays at Center Court.
Featured matches today for the celebration are:
Mixed Doubles:
Andre Agassi & Steffi Graf vs. Tim Henman & Kim Clijsters
Men's Singles: Andre Agassi vs. Tim Henman
Women's Singles: Steffi Graf vs. Kim Clijsters
The first exhibition match has just ended Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters winning the Mixed doubles match 7-6.
Andre Agassi kissing Steffi Graf at Wimbledon Centre Court.
In the mean time, Roger Federer is battling it out against Rafael Nadal in the Madrid Open finals! I can't believe that there's no coverage of that match here in the Philippines! The commentator is Star Sports did promise to give us an update on the match soon. I don't mind if Federer loses this match. More important is the fact that he's gaining form again just in time for the French Open in May. Whew! Exciting tennis season to come! (^o^)/
When there's nothing to do there's nothing to watch! When something good is on, a couple more good programs are on at the same time! geez! We have to give these TV programmers a scolding! (^o^)/
Whatever you're doing right now (May 17 10:30pm (GMT+8)) stop! Open your TV and watch Star Sports!
Andre Agassi! Steffi Graf-Agassi! Kim Clijsters! and Tim Henman! Are all at Wimbledon at the same time! They're playing an exhibition match at center court. I miss watching Andre and Steffi on TV! whew! This will be a treat for sure. (^o^)/
Stop reading already and watch TV! geez!
-0-
Update: It's so nice to see Andre and Steffi still so in love with each other even after two kids. It's only the first set and we have witnessed three (3) kisses and a holding hands from the couple already.
Believe it or not, the People's Champ, Manny Pacquiao is no longer just a noun but has become a verb as well!
In Today's inquirer column by Raul Palabrica, he wrote that an American sports reporter described the results of a basketball game using Manny Pacquiao's name. The article referred to the post-game analysis of the playoff match between the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks which the Nuggets won convincingly. The reporter reportedly said that the Mavericks were not simply defeated but were actually "Pacquiao'd!"
Searching over the net I encountered this article by veteran sports columnist Bill Plashchke where in he questioned the capabilities of the L.A. Lakers team to win an NBA title after losing to the Houston Rockets 100-92 in the first game of the Western Conference semifinals. He added that the team didn't just lose but that "they were Pacquiao'ed."
The term is being used to describe a convincing victory in a sports event.
Wow! Manny Pacquiao is another step closer to immortality. I hope a lot more people will use it so that it will officially become a word. If "Imeldific", which was associated with Imelda Marcos, made it through, I'm sure this will too. At least, this one, we can be proud of. (^o^)/
In the Manny Pacquaio vs. Ricky Hatton match, the big question is ...
"WHO WILL WIN?!"
That may be true but the bigger question really is ...
"WILL BOTH PLAYERS WEAR MASKS?" (^o^)v
The Pacquaio vs. Hatton fight is fast approaching and people have offered their predictions on who will win. However, nobody seems to be addressing the fact that hundreds of people from all over the globe, including mexican fans, will be in Las Vegas to watch the fight. The risk is definitely there for fans carrying the swine flu virus to infect everyone else. Filipinos, including all the congressmen, who went to watch the fight should be quarantined before they be allowed to enter the Philippines again!
That's a long shot, I know. I just hope that everyone who goes to watch the fight will take extra precaution. I'm sure Manny and Ricky wouldn't mind muted cheers due to surgical masks. I'm actually half expecting both players to wear their own masks as well. hehehe ^^
Every December 16, nine days before Christmas, is the start of Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo. I just found out today that Gallois a spanish word which means "rooster." That is why the mass is held early in the morning supposedly just after the rooster crows. Some people believe that if you complete all 9 masses in 9 days, the Almighty Father will grant you a wish. (^o^)/
As for me, I have no plans of attending any this year. Back when I was in Cebu, last year, with the encouragement of friends, I was able to attend the first day of mass, but that was about it. hehehe (^^;)
Instead , this year, I plan to do 9 Days of Jogging before Christmas! One of my wishes is definitely to stay healthy and fit. With conflicting schedules due to school, I'm missing one badminton session every week already. That and having have to taste all my baked goodies have brought about a plumper me. Hopefully I'll be able to do enough to offset all the food I will be eating during the holidays and still lose some weight.
On my next post, I'll show you why it isn't so bad to jog around our subdivision at night during this time of the year.
