Manny vs Oscar

I like this one the best. It's a simple Round by round from ESPN. I really don't need all the analysis and I won't pretend to know more about boxing.

May mga funny hirit din ang sumulat nito. and I super admire his/her skill in coming up with descriptive and succint sentences that truly fuel your desire to watch the match.

If for some reason you were under a rock this last Sunday, here's how, sabi ng nga ESPN, "Manny turned The Dream Match into a nightmare for Oscar":

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DARIUS ORTIZ: Ladies and gents, The Dream Match is upon us!

DARIUS ORTIZ: National anthems under the way.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Chants of Manny! ring through the arena.

DARIUS ORTIZ: That scent you smell in the air? That’s a shirtless, steaming mad De La Hoya pacing back and forth in his dressing room like someone hid his boxing rope.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Manny Pacquiao saying a prayer. Now he makes his way to the ring.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Manny walking to the theme of We Will Rock You. Didn’t De La Hoya walk to that against Fernando Vargas?

DARIUS ORTIZ: Hope he’s got the song on loop; he’s taking his time getting to the ring.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Longest ring walk ever.

DARIUS ORTIZ: I called it. We Will Rock You plays again.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Through the casino, down the escalator, quick stop at the buffet…and he’s in the arena. Filipino crowd goes wild!

DARIUS ORTIZ: Pacquiao saying a prayer in his corner.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Oscar De La Hoya making his way to the ring.

DARIUS ORTIZ: The Golden Boy walks to Mariachi music.

DARIUS ORTIZ: De La Hoya is in the ring and saluting the crowd. Tomas Mendoza waves the flag from the corner.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins looking swanky in suits.

DARIUS ORTIZ: Let’s hear it Michael Buffer: Let’s get ready to rumble!

DARIUS ORTIZ: Pacquiao introduced first. He looks calm and even breaks a smile as he’s announced.

DARIUS ORTIZ: How can you not love Pacquiao?

DARIUS ORTIZ: De La Hoya introduced next. Boos ring through the crowd.

DARIUS ORTIZ: The Golden Boy looks stoic but intense.

DARIUS ORTIZ: The men touch gloves.

ROUND 1

ROUND 1: And we’re off!

ROUND 1: Oscar dishing out his jab. De La Hoya pressing forward.

ROUND 1: De La Hoya looks gigantic in front of Pacquiao. PacMan looks like a boy.

ROUND 1: De la Hoya doles out his jab. Pacquiao picking his spots.

ROUND 1: Pacquiao unleashes a combo then moves out quickly.

ROUND 1: De La Hoya is raking the body.

ROUND 1: Pacquiao grazes Oscar with a hook.

ROUND 1: Pacquiao is finding his range. He stays outside, finds an opening, leaps in and strikes.

ROUND 1: De La Hoya wobbles Pacquiao against the ropes.

ROUND 1: Pacquiao is using solid lateral movement. Pacquiao wobbles Oscar with a left.

ROUND 1: Pacquiao finishes the round on his bicycle.

ROUND 2

ROUND 2: De La Hoya backs Pacquiao up with a left but Pacquiao fires back with his own left.

ROUND 2: De La Hoya isn’t moving enough and is getting caught flush with left leads.

ROUND 2: PacMan now has De la Hoya backing up.

ROUND 2: De La Hoya throws a three-punch combination but Pacquiao blocks the majority of it.

ROUND 2: Pacquiao lands another left lead. His speed is overwhelming Oscar.

ROUND 2: Pacquiao is potshotting. A body shot forces him to lower his guard.

ROUND 2: Pacquiao lands an uppercut to a stationary De La Hoya.

ROUND 2: Oscar’s feet are in sand. De La Hoya is a much more elusive target.

ROUND 2: Manny hooking with his right. You don’t hook with a hooker, Manny.

ROUND 2: Manny lands a jab just before the bell.

ROUND 3

ROUND 3: Dan Rafael puts it perfectly: The difference in hand speed is amazing.

ROUND 3: De La Hoya lands a thudding jab but Manny Pacquiao walks through it.

ROUND 3: Pacquiao lands a head-snapping left lead. De La Hoya waddles forward.

ROUND 3: De La Hoya seems frustrated. He’s throwing bombs but most miss.

ROUND 3: Pacquiao working his jab. De La Hoya looking to hook off of it.

ROUND 3: Finally, De La Hoya is utilizing his jab.

ROUND 3: De La Hoya lands a right to the body. Manny responds with his own body shot.

ROUND 3: De La Hoya works the jab then follows it with a hook. Better round for Oscar.

ROUND 4

ROUND 4: De La Hoya lumbering forward to begin Round 4. He leaps in with a combo but misses wildly.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao lands a pair of left hands to De La Hoya’s exposed chin. De La Hoya’s hands are way too low.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao, the smaller fighter, is outjabbing De La Hoya.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao has lost all respect for De La Hoya as he leaps in with uppercuts.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao is on his toes, peppering De La Hoya with hooks and crosses.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao digs in and unloads body punches. De La Hoya seems stunned.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao is handing circles around De La Hoya.

ROUND 4: Pacquiao is dropping his hands but he can’t pull the trigger. Freddie Roach called it!

ROUND 5

ROUND 5: Round 5, Manny on his bicycle.

ROUND 5: De La Hoya’s guard is higher and he’s pumping the jab. He looks a little better now.

ROUND 5: A two-punch combo wobbles Oscar.

ROUND 5: Oscar looks downright old.

ROUND 5: Forget pull the trigger, De La Hoya doesn’t even have a gun.

ROUND 5: Pacquiao leaps in with a left. De La Hoya sees it coming but he can’t get out of the way.

ROUND 5: Oscar trudges forward, right into incoming fire.

ROUND 5: Oscar lands a body shot and follows it with four hooks.

ROUND 5: Both men trade at the bell. Oscar looks extremely frustrated.

ROUND 6

ROUND 6: Both men trading jab to begin Round 6.

ROUND 6: Pacquiao coming forward but he looks a little winded. He’s expended a ton of energy in the first five rounds.

ROUND 6: De La Hoya moving back now. he’s waiting for Pacquiao to move in.

ROUND 6: Both men trade body blows. Pacquiao raises his fists.

ROUND 6: Pacquiao just misses with a right hook. The follow-up left doesn’t miss its mark.

ROUND 6: Pacquiao lands a thudding right hand to De La Hoya’s skull.

ROUND 6: Pacquiao blitzes De La Hoya with a four-punch combo just before the bell.

ROUND 6: Dan Rafael says Oscar is totally shot. I’m not so sure. Obviously, this isn’t the Oscar of 10 years ago, but Pacquiao’s just the better man tonight.

ROUND 7

ROUND 7: Pacquiao using his jab beautifully now. De La Hoya just can’t find his feet.

ROUND 7: De La Hoya putting his jab out there. Pacquiao waltzes around it.

ROUND 7: A hook/uppercut combo backs up Oscar. Pacquiao is trying to finish him!

ROUND 7: Pacquiao’s punches are landing with authority. Oscar looks pathetic.

ROUND 7: De La Hoya has no legs underneath him.

ROUND 7: Oscar has stopped punching back.

ROUND 7: De La Hoya waves him in. Bad idea.

ROUND 7: De La Hoya throws an uppercut but misses badly.

ROUND 8

ROUND 8: Pacquiao working his jab. De La Hoya still not punching.

ROUND 8: Pacquiao lands a left, then a right.

ROUND 8: De La Hoya comes to life but Pacquiao responds with his own fire.

ROUND 8: Pacquiao lands a four-punch combo to De La Hoya’s ribs.

ROUND 8: This is Oscar’s last stand. he has no answer and looks out of his league.

ROUND 8: Pacquiao looking for one more left hand to finish the fight.

ROUND 8: Oscar lands a half-hearted combo. Pacquiao mocks him. Pacquiao tries to finish the fight just before the bell.

ROUND 8: Lots of discussion going on in the corner.

ROUND 8: De La Hoya quits!

ROUND 8: Pacquiao crying in his corner!

ROUND 8: Total devastation, as Dan just put it.

And the Philippines rejoice! Hahaha!

Birthday Celebrations

It's August... and it's my birthday month!
Ahahaha! Talagang month talaga ang inangkin! Feeling game show host na kapag birthday ay buong week ang mga kaibigan ang naglalaro!

So far, masaya naman ang mga naging celebrations ng birthday ko. :)

July 31
Lunch at Bagoong Club with PMFI family
Ate Yas, Tita Nancy and Danz joined me for a sumptuous lunch at Bagoong Club (Scout Area). We had sinigang na salmon sa miso, pork inasal, kare-kareng gulay and bagoong rice. Sarap! We also had 4 different desserts which we shared.

Karaoke Dreams
After lunch we went to Crossroad 77 to watch a play called "Karaoke Dreams". It's a production of PETA sponsored by The International Organization for Migration. Syempre free lang ang tickets kasi partner din namin ang IOM sa ibang projects nila.

August 1
Circles Buffet with family
We spent the evening of my actual birthday at Makati Shangri-La trying to conquer the Circles Buffet. Yes, kainan talaga to! Nag-team up pa kami ni Momon para matikman namin lahat (ng gusto namin) without stuffing ourselves too much!

Hmmm... though we must say that we enjoyed Spiral Buffet better, nagenjoy pa rin kami sa Circles. We liked the duck, japanese dishes and super creamy vanilla ice cream and our favorite crepes!

Syempre masaya kasi may bouquet pang bigay sakin si Momon. :)

August 3
Although hindi naman talaga to celebration... aangkinin ko na rin.

Lung Center Sunday Market
Ben, Rhea, Vincent, Momon and I visited the Lung Center Sunday market. Kain kaliwa't kanan. If you've been to these market, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, naku pumunta na kayo. Super daming pwedeng kainin, na gusto namin lahat. Madami ring pwedeng bilhin--halaman, fresh goods, damit, aso, furniture, etc, etc!

Unfortunate lang kasi medyo umuulan-ulan kaya kailangan naming magpayong habang kumakain, at maputik ng onti ang daanan. Kumain kami ng tuna belly, binagoongan, palabok, ilocos empanada, sisg, crispy crablets, stuffed crab, pancit habhab at buko-lychee sherbet.

Trinoma
Duoma! Although napaka-ordinary na para sa kanilang tatlo, super baguhan talaga kami ni Momon sa Trinoma. Wala pa kong 10 times nakakapunta dun, for sure. Naglibot-libot lang, bought some things for myself and my camera. Then went home to rest.


Upcoming Events:
Aug 10 - ASAP '08 guesting
Aug 14 to 18 - Hong Kong Trip with Momon and Ben
Aug 19 onwards - pulubi mode

Snow World for Rhea's 24th Birthday!

We celebrated Rhea's birthday at Snow World, Star City last June 14.

Umeffort talaga ako dito. E sabi kasi -15 degrees! So, ako naman, ang worst kong naranasan e -6 degrees. Sabi ko, naku, haggard ito. Kailangan maghanda otherwise masasayang lang ang money at baka mag-give up kami agad sa lamig.

Nasad din kami nung una na di pwedeng magdala ng camera, pero ok na rin pala kasi mada-damage ang camera sa super lamig.

So... come Saturday... ang dami kong dala!
3 bonnets, 3 sets of gloves, 2 scarves, sweatshirt, extra pants, North Face waterproof shoes, toes socks, and 2 winter jackets for me and Momon.

Pinagtawanan nila ko! Pero sabi ko, "Ako ang tatawa sa inyo pag nanlamig na kayo sa loob! Hahaha!"

Si Bennet, super excited, sa ticket booth pa lang naka-full attire na. Mukha tuloy kaming mangho-holdap, with red gloves! Alam na alam tuloy ng mga tao na sa Snow World kami pupunta. Sa sobrang excited din ni Ben, pumasok sya sa closet, akala nya yun na ang entrance.

Brr! Pumasok na kami! Malamig, duh! Pero it's more of ICE World than Snow World, really. Feel ko di naman yun -15. May mga ice sculptures pero pasira na at madumi na.

Ang pinakamasayang part ay ang slides na paikot. Kukuha ka ng board at magsa-slide ka. Nakakagulat sa una, muntik akong mapa-slide na walang board kasi ang dulas. Aray! At pagnagre-race kami nila Momon and Ben, ako laging talo. Si Momon may technique na hindi ko alam kahit na saan slot sya mag-slide, sya pa rin nauuna. Tinulak na nga ako ng ng isang staff gamit ang walis kasi sa bandang end ng slide e natitigil ako.

May isa pang slide na diretso lang at uupuan mo lang ang jacket. Corny to, pero naging nakakatawa kasi hindi kami umaandar ni Momon. Nakakahiya tuloy.

Isa lang photo namin kasi P100 per photo, yak! Tinulungan ko pa ang photographer magframe. Ok ba ang kinalabasan?

Nakapag-batuhan din naman kami ng snow, kasi kuniha namin yung mga naipong 'snow' sa mga puno. Ginaya kami ng mga bata, pero sila ang napagalitan. Hahaha!

All in all, masaya sya. Mainly because kasama ko ang C5 (naks!). Medyo matagal kami sa loob, mga 1 hour at masasabing kong nasulit namin. Punta rin kayo!

Happy birthday Rhea!

Another 90 Days

I finished my 90 day fitness regime last April 25.

Between April 25 and today, I've had an erratic workout routine. Super taliwas sa naging fitness plan ko through the first 90 days. I played volleyball every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights; 1.5 hours of Yoga every Saturday; and some workouts during the week.

As for my food intake... I didn't have any difficulties caused I'd like to believe that I've trained myself to stay away from fatty and processed food. Pero I had some slip-ups, syempre. I baked cookies, and I ate some of them.

I didn't weigh myself weekly.

***

Fortunately, though, I did not gain. I take this as an indication that I'm ready for another 90 days of intense fitness activities. Finally, my body is comfortable with my new weight and can actually give up some more weight. I'd also like to have more muscle definition, in the arms and abs, specifically.

I'm embarking on this second 90 days because I want to lose 4 more lbs. I also crave exercise and I feel so much more inspired when I have a schedule and a goal. But more so because I'm slowly feeling myself slipping back to my old eating habits, and I want to stop it right now.

So, good luck to me! Day 1 is on Monday, June 16.

Goodbye Justin

I don't know how to start this entry. I feel like crying again. I'm so sad, I'm so angry.

If you've been reading my entries since I started blogging, you'd know that I adore and follow the career of Justine Henin. Today, she announced her retirement from professional tennis--effective immediately. She is rank number one in the WTA for over 100 weeks, with those in rank two trailing by a thousand points.

I was actually thinking about her just this morning. I was thinking about a blog entry about my anticipation for the French Open--na maga-absent na naman ako, na si Sab e magpupuyat, at maloloka na naman kami sa YM, na si Justine na naman ang screen saver ko, na lalampasuhin nya lahat ng kalaban nya, na for 4 years running she will rule the French Open. Nagka-countdown na nga ako sa French Open.

Then, I hear about this news.
Hindi ako makapaniwala. Why? Bakit ngayon pa with the French Open coming? Naiyak talaga ako. I just can't believe it. I really feel bad.

Justine said na she can't find the desire to play anymore, and she doesn't worry that her injuries take longer to heal. She's finally contented with her life, that she can let go of playing tennis.

When Sab and I talked, lalo pa kong nasad. Sab said na sana inantay ni Justine ang French Open. Parang si Sampras daw nung nagretire, sya pa rin ang nanalo sa US Open. Maganda sana kung inannounce nya ang retirement tapos malalaro pa sya, tapos todo support ang fans, standing ovation and all, farewells and tributes. Go out with a bang.

I think the reason why I'm so sad is because I'm really gonna miss watching her, the superb backhand, the precise shots, and the immense concentration only a champion athlete can show. I'll definitely be very sad watching the games this year, and I'll have to find a new player to root for.

Hay... good luck to your new life, Justine. I will really miss you.

Results - 90 Days

It's now officially over. I've conquered my 90 day fitness regime. Yeah! Clap clap clap!

Day 61-90
2 lbs
Total of 4.5 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

For the whole 90 days:
10 lbs
Total of 16.5 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

I'm quite pleased with the results of this whole thing. I knew within myself that I can finish it and get the results I want.

I was quite afraid that I'd hit a plateau for this last part, but I didn't let that bother me. I think, right now, my body is still adjusting to the new weight.

After the last workout rotations, I had my recovery days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). But those days weren't exactly 'workout free' cause I had yoga and played intense volleyball Saturday evening. Nonetheless, I didn't go in front of the TV to workout.

Starting today, I'm continuing with my workouts, days 91 to forever. But this time it's more for weight maintenance and toning. It's a program of 1 workout a day, stretching and eating right. If you ask me, I'd still like to lose 4 more lbs, but any weight I lose at this stage is a bonus. I don't want to pressure myself, nor do I want limit myself. I'll just do my thing and let it come.

***

Now, please give me a few moments to reflect:

This one, I really did it for myself. Not for anyone else--not for Momon, not for friends, not for people who may have said I'm a little fat. It was really a journey I took alone. That means, it is I and I alone who was a factor in making this program work. If I flunked this program, there is only me to blame.

That means, I didn't wait for others to workout with me--I did it on my own. I don't point at others for tempting me to eat a lot as reason why I actually did--I tell myself I won't let them bother me, and they can tease all they want. I take care of myself (stretching, supplements, sleep) so I have enough energy to workout the next day. Sure I had days when I skipped workouts (although very few) due to soreness, sickness, whatever, but I move the workouts I missed to other days when I'm feeling better--I don't make excuses.

I say this because I feel that this is really the key to my weight loss. When Momon and I wanted to lose weight two years ago, we had designed somewhat similar programs. We'd check on each other, try to eat less together, etc. But when we both felt that we didn't want to workout or eat less, we'd let each other off the program. Our commitment to lose weight was to each other, not to our own selves. If someone doesn't deliver, we both get disappointed and depressed.

If you're reading this and want to lose weight yourself, I hope I inspire you. I'm not a fitness trainer, but I'll be happy to share what I did to anyone who's interested.

Momon's 24th Birthday

A prelude to Momon’s birthday was a Saturday evening dinner at Kimono Ken (Petron Macapagal). We had a satisfying meal of miso soup, california maki, bowls of rice toppings and tea. It was so nice to feel the cool breeze from the Manila Bay as we walked lazily from and to our car.

For the first time in months, we’re able to be together without rushing and counting the hours. Momon just finished another busy season at SGV and is still catching up with sleep and rest. So really, everything we’re doing for his birthday is for relaxing and recharging.

***

The next morning, we headed for Tagaytay. We woke up at 6am and left the house at 7. Our destination: Sonya’s Garden .

Sonya’s Garden welcomed us with a soft breeze as we walked to the Bed and Breakfast section for a much anticipated meal. Immediately after we entered the gates, we saw a full garden of flowers in different colors and sizes soaking in the sun.

Just like I read in other blogs and reviews, the place was really a treat. The fresh white linens with small embroidered flowers give a feel of sheer cleanliness and calm. The ocassional gentle wind hugs and cools you down, and conducts the chimes to play their sweet songs for you. You don’t need to remind yourself to relax, you just do.

Breakfast

For our breakfast, we were served daing na bangus, chicken adobo, cheese and mushroom omelet, fried rice, hot tsokolate, and fruits. Inside our water glasses was a single leaf of mint.

Momon and I took our time with the food. We ate for an hour and a half, just enjoying each other’s company and the whole feel of the place. I wouldn’t say though that the food is the best I’ve tasted. I’m sure it can be improved in many ways, but the service and the experience makes up for it.

After breakfast, we took our time walking around the garden.

Bed and Breakfast

Let me tell you, this is place for photographers—beginners and professionals alike. The colors, the sunlight, the textures are superb. I, of course, was prepared! I brought camera and my tripod so Momon and I can take some photos together.

Ay, ang saya. I think naingit pa nga yung ibang mga tao na nakakita samin with the tripod. Hehe. Momon was just posing away, habang ako pabalik balik sa tripod para magframe, rushing to pose, then showing him the photo, then setting the tripod again, then running to pose again. Whew! Nung sabi ko “Kunan mo naman ako ng solo.” Sagot ni Momon, “I-timer mo na lang rin.” Hahaha!

While I was taking photos of flowers, Sonya herself passed by us. Of course we really didn’t know that it was THE Sonya. I just had a suspicion, cause she was in all white, with the hat, and she looked like she was touring some people. And then all of a sudden, she talks to Momon in a loud voice, “Are you staying for lunch?” Momon answered, “No, we already had breakfast. We’re going to have a massage.” And that’s it. Immediately after that, we were so disappointed that we didn’t even compliment her garden, or that we didn’t joke that we want a discount. Haha! I was more disapponted that I didn’t get to talk to her, or even look at her and give her a smile of appreciation. Sad. Next time na lang. For sure, merong next time.

The beauty of Sonya’s garden is in the details. There were nice nooks in the garden where you can lie down for a moment and rest. The paths are lined with small stained glass houses which I imagine light up beautifully in the evenings. There’s all the the panaderia with the best spanish bread I tasted.

After relishing the garden’s treasures, we went to the spa to have a steam bath and a massage. This is the part where we really relax and recharge.

It was Momon’s first time to have a steam bath, I think it’s my third. They set up two portable steambaths side by side in our room. They infused the water with a very relaxing essential oil. In no time at all, we were dripping with sweat, and releasing the toxins from our bodies.

After about 20 minutes, I took a bath first while Momon continued with his steam bath. You’d think that the bath is just a bridge between the steambath and the massage to come, but it wasn’t. It was one of the nicest baths I’ve had. The water was warm, and the shampoo and soap had strong scents that filled the bathroom. It was so refreshing after being under the sun outside.

Then we were finally ready for our massages. We chose a special massage where each patient had two therapists—the Four Hands Massage. Hay… four hands down, this is the best massage I ever had. Truly truly divine.

The secret to the massage is the synchronized strokes of the two therapists. You won’t feel that there are too many hands touching you cause they’d put their hands on you and remove them at the same time. They would also have specific choreography to complement each other’s strokes. For example, one therapist was by your head, and another was by your feet, then they’d make their way to the middle of your body with long strokes meeting at the glutes. If the therapist by your head is working on your left shoulder, the one by your feet is working on your left foot. When they do your arms, they’re both beside you and executing the strokes in complete unity as if there’s just one therapist. Their equal pressure was also a key element. I peeked at them once and saw that they were looking at each other’s hands and signalling each other with their eyes. And because they cover so much of your body in a short time, they are able to really give each body part full attention. Hay… I was so pleased with the massage that I clapped in the end and said, “Bravo” even in a hushed voice.

For Momon’s massage, he had two male therapists. I was quite apprehensive at first, cause they’d be in the same room with me, right? But my therapists made sure that I was well draped at all times.

To finish the experience, they served us a cup of hot dalandan juice with a basil leaf. Oh my, oh my, oh my. I immediately fell in love with the drink. It was tart and sweet at the same time; and the basil leaf infused it with a beautiful scent and taste making it so unique.

We didn't take any photos during this part cause we didn't want to bother ourselves! I want to sleep right now as I’m writing this, cause I keep remembering the whole relaxing atmosphere of this day.

We left Sonya’s Garden with a promise to come back soon. For our next visit, we’ll try the lunch and maybe get another massage. Hay…

***

It was already 2pm when we started our drive back.

We passed by Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm. It’s not that easy to get to but this place is quie known to people who love organic soaps, shampoos, and the medicinal power of virgin honey. We walked around the farm, saw the bee boxes, and shopped a little. I got carrot soap, spearmint and honey soap, honey and mint shampoo and a small bottle of bee pollen. Momon got eucalyptus and ginger soap for his psoriasis. Can’t wait to use them.

Organic Soaps

***

In the evening, we had a nice dinner of gambas, pancit, and chicken lollipop with his family.

Happy birthday My Momon. May you have all your birthdays with me.

Results - 60 Days

I've got the results for the second 30 days of my fitness regime! Now, I've finished 60 days of working out and eating well. I lost:

Day 31-60
4 lbs
Total of 6.25 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

For the whole 60 days:
8 lbs
Total of 12.25 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

Now, I'm gearing up for the last 30 days of training. I'm still following an intense workout rotation which includes daily cardio and strength training at least 4 times a week. I also have to eat well to lower my body fat and be careful now to hit a plateau.

This is the part when my body is most resistant to give up lbs cause I'm now in my 'ideal weight zone'.

Oh yeah!

Random Entry

Isang walang kwentang pangyayari, pero bino-blog pa rin. Bakit kaya? Hahaha!

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Nakakainis may tumatawag dito sa office na 4 times na hinahanap ang Wilkins!
Syempre sa first time, wrong number. Sa second, nakikiusap baka alam daw namin ang number ng Wilkins, sabi ko hindi. E bakit daw yung number namin ang nakalagay sa truck? Ewan ko po, pero hindi po dito yun.

Third time, sabi ko hindi po ito talaga, hindi rin po namin alam.

Fourth time, inaway ako! Pucha!
Sino daw ang manager sa office namin? Sabi ko, kahit sino po ang makausap ninyo, ganon din po ang isasagot. Hindi po talaga namin alam kung anong number ng Wilkins, at kung bakit yun ang nakalagay sa truck. Hindi na po namin pananagutan yon.

Tapos sabi pa, ano bang posisyon mo dyan?! Sabi ko, irrelevant po yon (in a very calm voice). Pero naiinis na ko talaga. Kaya sabi ko, kahit sino pong kausapin nyo e ganon din ang sasabihin. Tatlong beses na po kayong tumawag, na hindi po namin alam so, ganon pa rin po, hindi po magbabago ang sagot namin. Alam nyo po, hindi kayo ang unang tumawag samin na naghahanap ng Wilkins.

Tawag na lang po kayo sa Bayantel. I mean, by this time di ba, nag-eexplore na sya ng ibang means mahanap ang Wilkins kung ganon talaga sya kadesperado mahanap ang Wilkins!

Bwisit! Tapos binabaan ko na sya ng telepono. Sabi ko ok po, babay po, maraming salamat! Babay! Sabay baba. Habang sinasabi ko yun, sabi nya, "Ay bastos ka miss!" Paulit-ulit. Come on! Look whose talking. Kung narinig mo lang, alam mong mas kaya ko pang mambastos kaysa sa ginawa ko. Mabait pa ko nang lagay na yun, kung gusto nya ng bastusan, tumawag sya ulit! Makakatikim sya!

Marami pa kong gagawin no!

Results - 30 Days

I've got the results for the first 30 days of my fitness regime! I lost:

4 lbs
Total of 6 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

Not the amazing results we always see, but I'm not complaining. I'm very happy and inspired! I also feel so strong, and I can complete the workouts with high intensity all throughout.

Now, I'm gearing up for another 30 days of training. I'm following a more intense workout rotation which includes daily cardio and strength training at least 4 times a week.

I need all the support, guys!

Measure Day No. 1

February 24, Sunday, marks the 30th day of my fitness regime.
And it is on that day that I measure myself again after 4 weeks of daily cardio, stretching, a little bit of weight training, and watching my food intake.

I'm doing a minimum of 90 days for my well-researched-but-self-designed system in order to reach my ideal body. Naks naman! How professional kunwari!

Kaya from today until Sunday, I will be doing intense 40-50 minute cardio every morning before I go to work. I will also supplement it with fun-relaxing cardio activities that are 20-minutes or less when I get home.

Good luck to me! Kakaka-kaba naman!
Saka ko na lang ipo-post ng before and after photos, pag nakarating na ko sa 90 days.

Michelle Williams' Statement

FROM The Superficial...

Michelle Williams released the following statement today regarding the death of Heath Ledger. It is the first statement she's made since Heath's body was found last Tuesday in a New York City apartment, according to Reuters:

"Please respect our need to grieve privately. My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up with the best memories of him."

The Winter Explorer, part 11

The last leg of our trip is a drive back to London.

It was a long trip but it's a bit interesting cause it was snowing in Calais when we got down to meet with immigration officials.

At this point of the trip, marami nang may sakit, and my Dad had a very bad cold with recurring slight fever. But because we wanted to see London--and because we paid so much for the London visa-- we dragged ourselves and braved the wet, cold London night to see some sights.


This is totally different from the rest of our trip cause we no longer had a tour guide. We took a local bus-yung double deck-- to The London Eye. But London is not as well illuminated as Paris, that's why the only famous building we can see from above is the House of Parliament.

Since we're so tired, wala na kaming pakialam. After the ride, we just got dinner and went back to the hotel to rest and pack.

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The next day... I woke up very early and walked the long halls of our hotel to pick up our breakfast. Nakakatakot nga kasi medyo luma yung hotel at naiimagine ko na bigla na lang may multong haharang sakin! Kumusta naman!

Pero deadma na. Hay... this is the final part. Uuwi na kami! Yehey!

Our flight going home was smooth sailing, no delays or anything. We really enjoyed the nice entertainment console of KLM and the abundant orange juice. I watched Philadelphia (ibang level si Tom Hanks), played Sudoku, Tetris and other games.

Whew... what a trip!

The Winter Explorer, part 10

Paris, at last!

It's the last leg of our tour. The long drives and super cold weather is taking it's toll on everyone. A lot of people are sick; and since we're inside an enclosed bus most of the day, it's easy to pass the virus or get it from anyone. Because of the ongoing drama of fever, coughs and cold, you almost wish for the tour to be done already. But Paris has a lot more to offer, and it's truly worthy of being the finale of this trip.

We arrived in Paris at around 4 pm, after a 500 kilometer drive from Lucerne. We had a very very short glimpse of the Eiffel tower, but it seems to want to hide from us until she is able to put her make-up on for the evening show.

At around 6pm, our group set out to see the City of Lights. Ang masasabi ko lang... wow talaga!

Now I know why so many people say that Paris is "the best city" or that "you can't help but fall in love in/with Paris", all that jazz! E kasi naman, ibang level talaga! The buildings, the streets, the lights, everything--they put on a show for you.

Sabi ni Sharon, there were four engineers who are considered the fathers of Paris. They made sure everything in the city is beautiful. They created ordinances for zoning, planted trees in perfect straight lines, and constructed the streets to form a beautiful intertwined design. The buildings are not just lit, they are lit to show their best assets! Sharon also described the mirror designs of arches of the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, etc. Bawal din daw magconstruct ng high rise buildings. And even the lights in certain streets have to be a uniform color. In short, talagang pinag-isipan at pinaganda.

Military Hospital

Champs Elysees

First stop, the Pantheon. This is where the remains of Leonardo da Vinci, Vitor Hugo, Jean Jacques Rousseau and other French personalities are housed. We had dinner at a small restaurant just a street down the Pantheon. While waiting in line, the bread delivery came in and we could smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked French bread.

For this dinner, the menu was much much more exciting. We were given the chance to choose from 4 appetizers, 4 entries and 6 desserts. Sosyal! I had french onion soup and prawns. My dad had "escargo" (naks!) or in our words, kohol. Super naweirdohan tuloy samin yung mga taga Australia. E di sabi namin, “We eat this all the time!” There were also frog legs ang duck liver pate available.

Escargo

Again, there were entertainers for our dinner. Super funny sila! Compared to the Italian operatic singers, these two were more relaxed. They smiled for the cameras, played funny music and really gave everyone a laugh. The atmosphere of the dinner was great because you finally got to know the people you're touring with. You can easily talk to them, dance with them, after all the small talk and pleasantries you had to endure during the first week of the trip. It was also Sharon's birthday, and of course, it's more reason to celebrate. By the end of the dinner, some people were drunk! Hahaha!

After dinner, we admired the lights of the Louvre Museum, the Military Hospital, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower

***

The next day, we woke up early to go visit the Eiffel Tower. While waiting in line, the wind started blowing and our whole bodies and faces were frozen in no time. We were huddled so close to keep each other warm, tapos meron ba naman isang group na naniningit sa group namin--mga matatangkad na Russians na hindi nagi-English! Kaya di mo makausap na wag silang maningit.

Grabe itong moment na 'to! Nabwisit si Sharon sa local guide namin kasi hindi nya mi-nakesure na walang sisingit. Tapos medyo inaaway din ni Sharon ang mga naniningit. Pero sumingit pa rin sila. Some of us had to hold hands just to get in as one group.

So, heated na ang eksena... Ayan! After squeezing into the small door to get on the lifts, we were reunited with our group. Ang ginawa nung mga matatangkad na Australian and American guys (Boris, Stephen, Bud, Alex, etc), gumawa sila ng wall to separate our group from the Russian group. Tapos pinapasok muna nila lahat bago nila kinalas ang wall! E di natural nag-cheer kaming lahat, as in inasar namin ang Russian group, yeah! Tapos nung nakapasok na kaming lahat, meron ba naman sa kanila nagtry pumasok kahit masikip na nga! Tinulak sila palabas ng mga tall guys namin! Nagkasigawan pa, muntik magsapakan! Moment talaga kung moment! Pero kami nanalo kaya super cheer na naman kami habang paakyat. Feeling isang team kami for the first time!

So, ayan nasa taas na pala kami! Super onting time lang kami dun, and ang lamig to the max! Hindi na kami masyadong naka-explore kasi ang hirap gumalaw. Kailangan din bumaba agad kasi medyo matagal ang lifts at pag naiwan kami, magaantayan kami sa bus.

2nd level of Eiffel Tower

After Eiffel, tuloy kami sa Louvre Museum.

Sa sobrang laki din ng museum, syempre hindi mo makikita lahat, expected naman yun. Pero thankful pa rin ako kasi we were able to see almost all the really famous pieces. My favorite is the "Winged Victory of Samothrace". It was huge, and so beautiful and graceful.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Meron kaming local guide na ang hirap intindihin ng English nya. After a while, ayaw mo nang makinig kasi effort talaga maintindihan. AT ANG DAMING TAO!!! Nakaka-claustro, nakaka-stress! Sayang yung experience kasi di mo manamnam yung mga art works, kasi may tao sa likod na nag-aantay sayo matapos. Si Mona Lisa pinipilahan at wala pang 30 seconds kailangan umalis ka na. Super daming bantay, papalayasin ka talaga. Bili na lang kami ng book para mas maintindihan namin.

Rush din kami sa pagkain. Junk food na lang nakain namin--burger, fries, at dun na kami sa inverted pyramid area kumain na nakatayo. Stressful talaga. Can you just imagine? After reading about this sa Da Vinci Code, kakain ka lang pala ng burger dun sa gilid. Hahaha!

Nasanay rin kasi sa mga ibang parts ng tour namin na kami lang ang nandon sa area, like nung Christmas days sa Neuschwanstein at Burano.

Anyway, next stop is Notre Dame Cathedral.
Again... beautiful, majestic, exquisite, breathtaking! Naalala ko tuloy si Quasimodo. Sa labas, hindi mo pa makikita ang kulay ng stained glass, pero pag pasok mo sa loob, wow! Nakakapgod na magdescribe, ayoko na magconstruct ng mga mabulaklak na sentences! There's really nothing compared to seeing it for yourself.

Notre Dame

After the day tour, uwi muna kami. Rest muna, nap, etc. Naglakad lakad lang kami around our hotel, bumili ng fruits, nagrelax. Syempre, nanigas na naman kami agad, kaya di na kami masyadong nagtagal sa labas.

***

For our final night, we watched the Moulin Rouge.
It's a show of dance, song, acrobatics, topless divine statuesque ladies with perfect bodies, high kicks, tiny bikinis, and men with perfect abs. Para silang hinulma, mukha silang mga mannequin! Lahat sila pare-parehas ng katawan, super gorgeous dancer's body.

The dances and songs were superb! Even if I didn't understand what they were saying, I easily got caught in the melody. I can still hear the song in my head. The singing, though, it was not for concerts we have here.

Moulin Rouge

Even if the show had topless ladies dancing all night, it was not awkward. Everything was done in good taste. We also noticed that if the lady dancer had bigger boobs, which may be too distracting, she did not go topless.

The intermissions between different sketches were also superb. There were acrobats, a ventriloquist, and a comedian. Oh, I didn’t want it to end! I could have watched them all night! But as always, all good things must come to an end. The Moulin Rouge concert was a perfect way to cap off our tour of Europe.