http://blindkat.hegewisch.net/pirates/pirates.html
After watching "Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End" a couple of days ago, my curiosity was piqued and I stumbled across this online resource on the facts about the piracy that went on in the olden days of yore, plus a few tidbits about how piracy still persists in the present day.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Good Morning!!
This may seem pretty mundane, but I just have to share it.. 
Got up at around 6:15am to drive my dad to church. I wasn't cranky at all and went downstairs to have a ham sandwich for breakfast. Drank a cup of coffee to clear the cobwebs while dad got ready. Since it was kind of chilly outside, I decided to drive sans the airconditioning. Man, this has got to be one of the most pleasant drives that I ever had in my life! Hardly any cars on the road, perfect weather, and an over-all good feeling! Presently I'm back athome waiting for my father's text if I should have to pick him up.
Good breakfast, a pleasant drive, time with family.. What a great way to start the day!!
Looks like this year isn't such a bust after all..
Got up at around 6:15am to drive my dad to church. I wasn't cranky at all and went downstairs to have a ham sandwich for breakfast. Drank a cup of coffee to clear the cobwebs while dad got ready. Since it was kind of chilly outside, I decided to drive sans the airconditioning. Man, this has got to be one of the most pleasant drives that I ever had in my life! Hardly any cars on the road, perfect weather, and an over-all good feeling! Presently I'm back athome waiting for my father's text if I should have to pick him up.
Good breakfast, a pleasant drive, time with family.. What a great way to start the day!!
Looks like this year isn't such a bust after all..
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Realm of Darkness.net - The Best Celebrity Prank Call & Soundboard site in the Universe!!!
http://www.realmofdarkness.net/
Just like the title says, this site is filled with soundboards containing some of the most memorable sound bites from various celebrities. I believe they even use these to make prank calls. My favorite among the bunch are the Sgt. Hartman (from the movie Full Metal Jacket) and Arnold Schwarzenegger soundboards. Check it out, and try not to die laughing on your way out.. =P
Just like the title says, this site is filled with soundboards containing some of the most memorable sound bites from various celebrities. I believe they even use these to make prank calls. My favorite among the bunch are the Sgt. Hartman (from the movie Full Metal Jacket) and Arnold Schwarzenegger soundboards. Check it out, and try not to die laughing on your way out.. =P
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Malamig ang simoy ng hangin...
Brrr!!! Christmas is really here!! I just love the cold air that bites when you get up in the mornings. It brings back fond memories of christmases past, and I take relief in the fact that I'll be able to fully enjoy this one as well. It's been quite a while na rin...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Sound
Dug this one up from a forum I used to frequent back in the day.. hehe
THE SOUND
A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, "My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?"
The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk."
The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery. The monks again accept him, feed him, even fix his car. That night, he hears the same strange noise that he had heard years earlier.
The next morning, he asks what it is, but the monks reply, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk." The man says, "All right, all right. I'm dying to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?"
The monks reply, "You must travel the earth and tell us ow many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk."
The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, "I have traveled the earth and have found what you have asked for. There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 31,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth."
The monks reply, "Congratulations. You are now a monk. We shall now show you the way to the sound."
The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, "The sound is right behind that door."
The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He says, "Real funny. May I have the key?" The monks give him the key, and he opens the door.
......
Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone. The man demands the key to the stone door.
The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. So it went until the man had gone through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Finally, the monks say, "This is the last key to the last door."
The man is relieved to no end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is amazed to find the source of that strange sound.
...
...
...
But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk.
THE SOUND
A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, "My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?"
The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, even fix his car. As the man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk."
The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same monastery. The monks again accept him, feed him, even fix his car. That night, he hears the same strange noise that he had heard years earlier.
The next morning, he asks what it is, but the monks reply, "We can't tell you. You're not a monk." The man says, "All right, all right. I'm dying to know. If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?"
The monks reply, "You must travel the earth and tell us ow many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk."
The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, "I have traveled the earth and have found what you have asked for. There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 31,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth."
The monks reply, "Congratulations. You are now a monk. We shall now show you the way to the sound."
The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, "The sound is right behind that door."
The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He says, "Real funny. May I have the key?" The monks give him the key, and he opens the door.
......
Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone. The man demands the key to the stone door.
The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. So it went until the man had gone through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Finally, the monks say, "This is the last key to the last door."
The man is relieved to no end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is amazed to find the source of that strange sound.
...
...
...
But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Where have all the Sci-Fi gone?..
For the past few months, there has been a noticable dearth of science-fiction novels on bookstore shelves around the metro.. In most places like NBS or Powerbooks, the sci-fi section has shrank to a solitary shelf on a book rack, often sharing space with the apparently neverending Dragonlance or Forgotten Realms fantasy series. In fact, the only place I've seen with a sizable Sci-Fi section is Fully Booked there in Promenade (with Greenhills being a traditional geek haven and all).
Sigh... It used to be such great fun browsing through all those great works of futuristic fiction. I was lucky enough to have amassed my own (almost) complete Robotech collection. I have all 12 books spanning 3 generations, the complete 5-book Sentinels campaign, and the final End Of the Circle book. ( I'm still missing the Zentraedi Rebellion, which went out of stock a few weeks befote I went out to buy it.. dang! I wonder if I can steal Wesley's copy... hehehe)
Recently, I was lucky enough to have snapped up copies of Jedi Healer and Republic Commando: True Colors, both of which are novels based upon Star Wars lore which I have almost given up hope of finding.
With stocks dwndling and hardly any new titles coming on the shelves soon, I'm forced to make the sad presumption that Sci-Fi is almost dead (at least, in this part of the world)... :(
From my observations, these are the probable causes of the decline in sci-fi titles:
1. Star Wars is officially over
- Star Wars titles used to dominate Sci-Fi shelves (around early 90s), but with no further movies coming out, and almost all aspects of the universe realized in novels (through obscure stand-alone titles like Tales From Jabba's Palace and the like), Star Wars fans may have already lost the drive to delve into the once infinite unverse of that galaxy far far away..
2. Star Trek has lost its appeal
- another staple of the science fiction community, Star Trek novels have been losing their foothold in store shelves all around, though the upcoming Star Trek movie might be able to do something anout that.. I saw the trailer and it was AWESOME!!!
3. Recent advances in technology
- lets face it, with the current pace of technological advancement seen in society today, science-fiction is slowly turning into sciece-fact. A good example would be real-time teleconferencing, once the stuff of mystic sci-fi technobable 20-30 years ago, is now readily available with the advent of faster internet connections, webcams, and third-genereation mobile handsets. People don't have to imagine stuff about what the future could be like anymore, coz tomorrow they'd wake up and see the technology right at their doorstep.
I'd also like to include under this heading the paradigm shift from paper-based reading resources to online ones. I remember browsing thick volumes of encyclopedias just to do my research, but when my brother's time came to look stuff up for school, he could readily do so via the web! Add that to the current trends in computer and console gaming, and you now have a generation that barely bothers to look around and grab a book, much set time aside to curl up on the sofa and read it..(hmm, I guess this applies to books as a whole)
Sigh.. that's progress I guess.. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to chatting with my friends on YM, while browsing the net for info on hovercars and jetpacks... ;)
Sigh... It used to be such great fun browsing through all those great works of futuristic fiction. I was lucky enough to have amassed my own (almost) complete Robotech collection. I have all 12 books spanning 3 generations, the complete 5-book Sentinels campaign, and the final End Of the Circle book. ( I'm still missing the Zentraedi Rebellion, which went out of stock a few weeks befote I went out to buy it.. dang! I wonder if I can steal Wesley's copy... hehehe)
Recently, I was lucky enough to have snapped up copies of Jedi Healer and Republic Commando: True Colors, both of which are novels based upon Star Wars lore which I have almost given up hope of finding.
With stocks dwndling and hardly any new titles coming on the shelves soon, I'm forced to make the sad presumption that Sci-Fi is almost dead (at least, in this part of the world)... :(
From my observations, these are the probable causes of the decline in sci-fi titles:
1. Star Wars is officially over
- Star Wars titles used to dominate Sci-Fi shelves (around early 90s), but with no further movies coming out, and almost all aspects of the universe realized in novels (through obscure stand-alone titles like Tales From Jabba's Palace and the like), Star Wars fans may have already lost the drive to delve into the once infinite unverse of that galaxy far far away..
2. Star Trek has lost its appeal
- another staple of the science fiction community, Star Trek novels have been losing their foothold in store shelves all around, though the upcoming Star Trek movie might be able to do something anout that.. I saw the trailer and it was AWESOME!!!
3. Recent advances in technology
- lets face it, with the current pace of technological advancement seen in society today, science-fiction is slowly turning into sciece-fact. A good example would be real-time teleconferencing, once the stuff of mystic sci-fi technobable 20-30 years ago, is now readily available with the advent of faster internet connections, webcams, and third-genereation mobile handsets. People don't have to imagine stuff about what the future could be like anymore, coz tomorrow they'd wake up and see the technology right at their doorstep.
I'd also like to include under this heading the paradigm shift from paper-based reading resources to online ones. I remember browsing thick volumes of encyclopedias just to do my research, but when my brother's time came to look stuff up for school, he could readily do so via the web! Add that to the current trends in computer and console gaming, and you now have a generation that barely bothers to look around and grab a book, much set time aside to curl up on the sofa and read it..(hmm, I guess this applies to books as a whole)
Sigh.. that's progress I guess.. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to chatting with my friends on YM, while browsing the net for info on hovercars and jetpacks... ;)
Friday, November 28, 2008
BrainiaxMD's Brain Spaghetti
In my neverending pursuit of improvement of my culinary skills, I decided to tackle one of the more demanding disciplines of the game.. How to make Pasta!
Featured here is my third attempt at cooking spaghetti. It was really challenging the first time around, with mom helping me with most of it. From then on, it was all me! I kinda screwed up the second one, but I'm pleased to say that third time's the charm..
This is what the noodles looked like after i had chucked it out of the strainer, hence, Brain Spaghetti.. haha... =P
And here is the final product after admixing the sauce. (yes, admixing is a real word. Look it up at Dictionary.com :D) Mmmmm, tasty..
It was all pretty simple and straightforward. No fancy-ass pasta chef trickery here. Boiled a pack of Del Monte spaghetti is water with about a tablespoonful of salt thrown in. When noodles are of the right consistency, remove from the water and strain. While being strained, pour cold water over the noodles to quickly cool them (I forgot the culinary term for this technique). As for the sauce, saute 1 whole diced onion til it starts to brown. (I would have added garlic as well, but there wasn't any at the time. Dang!).
I then added around 5 chopped hotdogs and about 1/4kg pork giniling. After around 10 minutes, I added a pack of spaghetti sauce, and admixed slices of quickmelt cheese and ground black pepper. Let simmer for around 10-15 minutes and add to the noodles. Feeds a ravenously hungry family of 4. =D
Featured here is my third attempt at cooking spaghetti. It was really challenging the first time around, with mom helping me with most of it. From then on, it was all me! I kinda screwed up the second one, but I'm pleased to say that third time's the charm..
This is what the noodles looked like after i had chucked it out of the strainer, hence, Brain Spaghetti.. haha... =P
And here is the final product after admixing the sauce. (yes, admixing is a real word. Look it up at Dictionary.com :D) Mmmmm, tasty..
It was all pretty simple and straightforward. No fancy-ass pasta chef trickery here. Boiled a pack of Del Monte spaghetti is water with about a tablespoonful of salt thrown in. When noodles are of the right consistency, remove from the water and strain. While being strained, pour cold water over the noodles to quickly cool them (I forgot the culinary term for this technique). As for the sauce, saute 1 whole diced onion til it starts to brown. (I would have added garlic as well, but there wasn't any at the time. Dang!).
I then added around 5 chopped hotdogs and about 1/4kg pork giniling. After around 10 minutes, I added a pack of spaghetti sauce, and admixed slices of quickmelt cheese and ground black pepper. Let simmer for around 10-15 minutes and add to the noodles. Feeds a ravenously hungry family of 4. =D
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Prrrrt!!! Travelling!!!
A couple of days ago, I really knocked myself out acting as a driver for my dad while we went around the metro. Man, we were everywhere! :P
Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Here are the different stops we made during the course of the day...
1) Department of Foreign Affairs - Drove all the way to Roxas Blvd via EDSA and parked in front of the Astrodome. Took us about half an hour for our passport appearance then we were off to...
2) Valero Tower - from DFA, we travelled along the length of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (aka Buendia) and managed to go round the block a few times, touching base with Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa before winding up at the right place. I swear, I really hate Makati's ever-changing traffic flow schemes!!! =( Grr!! We finally found the place . Dad got out to go about his business while I waited in line for the parking. I was able to eventually park but had barely killed the engine when dad suddenly came out from said building already. Oh well.. After consulting the ever-trusty map, we sped off to...
3) HP Service Center (Accelerando building) - Going out of Salcedo Village, we took Makati Avenue (I think) and made a right at Jupiter Street. Man, the parking space at that building is so small! As usual, dad hot out, taking my ailing Pocket PC with him while I sat it out waiting for any car to move and free up a space. In my rush after parking, I inadvertently locked my key inside!! After a brief outburst of panic and cursing m stupidity, I was able to collect myself and ask the help of the parking guard, who whipped out his handy "device" and told me that it was a pretty common occurrence there. Whew!! Needless to say, I was so relieved.. After that brief scare we scampered home to take a breather first..
4) Shangri-La Plaza Mall - It was lunchtime when we arrived home. After dumping our stuff, we decided to eat out at someplace that was "friendly territory" (with Makati being classified under hte VERY hostile list. hehe). and ended up at Pho Hoa there at the 6th floor of the Shang. Dad had one of the moodle soups while I tried the Vermicelli Bowl. Sulit!! It was like eating a big salad with noodles and large chunks of chicken and "lumpiang shanghai".
5) AFP Theatre (Camp Aguinaldo) - Our bellies filled with delicious Vietnamese food, we wandered arounf the mall a bit when one of dad's modelling buddies (guys who make those miniature plastic model kits like tanks) invited him to attend an exhibit in the said venue, featuring all their favorite grown-up model kits and beautiful (?) dioramas. I took EDSA and made a right at Santolan to enter Gate 6 (which apparently is the gate used by civilian guests). We arrived there only to walk into the middle of a speech being given by thte AFP chief of staff himself!! Good Lord! We thought it'd be a quiet little affair, and we weren't expecting that the AFP top brass would be on hand to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the AFP museum! After much initial unease, we were able to settle down and enjoy the place.
Whew!! Now that was one heck of a trip! I got lost in Makati, left my keys in the car, and saw the AFP Chief-of-Staff face to face!! Not bad for just one day... I wonder what the next day will bring?.. ;)
Ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Here are the different stops we made during the course of the day...
1) Department of Foreign Affairs - Drove all the way to Roxas Blvd via EDSA and parked in front of the Astrodome. Took us about half an hour for our passport appearance then we were off to...
2) Valero Tower - from DFA, we travelled along the length of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (aka Buendia) and managed to go round the block a few times, touching base with Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa before winding up at the right place. I swear, I really hate Makati's ever-changing traffic flow schemes!!! =( Grr!! We finally found the place . Dad got out to go about his business while I waited in line for the parking. I was able to eventually park but had barely killed the engine when dad suddenly came out from said building already. Oh well.. After consulting the ever-trusty map, we sped off to...
3) HP Service Center (Accelerando building) - Going out of Salcedo Village, we took Makati Avenue (I think) and made a right at Jupiter Street. Man, the parking space at that building is so small! As usual, dad hot out, taking my ailing Pocket PC with him while I sat it out waiting for any car to move and free up a space. In my rush after parking, I inadvertently locked my key inside!! After a brief outburst of panic and cursing m stupidity, I was able to collect myself and ask the help of the parking guard, who whipped out his handy "device" and told me that it was a pretty common occurrence there. Whew!! Needless to say, I was so relieved.. After that brief scare we scampered home to take a breather first..
4) Shangri-La Plaza Mall - It was lunchtime when we arrived home. After dumping our stuff, we decided to eat out at someplace that was "friendly territory" (with Makati being classified under hte VERY hostile list. hehe). and ended up at Pho Hoa there at the 6th floor of the Shang. Dad had one of the moodle soups while I tried the Vermicelli Bowl. Sulit!! It was like eating a big salad with noodles and large chunks of chicken and "lumpiang shanghai".
5) AFP Theatre (Camp Aguinaldo) - Our bellies filled with delicious Vietnamese food, we wandered arounf the mall a bit when one of dad's modelling buddies (guys who make those miniature plastic model kits like tanks) invited him to attend an exhibit in the said venue, featuring all their favorite grown-up model kits and beautiful (?) dioramas. I took EDSA and made a right at Santolan to enter Gate 6 (which apparently is the gate used by civilian guests). We arrived there only to walk into the middle of a speech being given by thte AFP chief of staff himself!! Good Lord! We thought it'd be a quiet little affair, and we weren't expecting that the AFP top brass would be on hand to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the AFP museum! After much initial unease, we were able to settle down and enjoy the place.
Whew!! Now that was one heck of a trip! I got lost in Makati, left my keys in the car, and saw the AFP Chief-of-Staff face to face!! Not bad for just one day... I wonder what the next day will bring?.. ;)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
My own Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage
Medyo kamukha ko daw ang the great Chow Yun Fat. Asteeeg...
But it also says that I look like Zhang Ziyi,,, :|
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Rewired
Went to Makati a couple of days ago to retrieve my beloved iPAQ which I had dropped off at the HP service center last Tuesday. Finally, I was fully wired again!.. or so I thought...
Yesterday, while I was trying out my old headphones on the PPC, the sound quality was, er, a bit off.. No, actually it was terrible! Even though the external speakers were working just fine, blazing out tunes with surprising power for a gadget of that size, I think there might be something wrong with the connection to the audio jack. At first I thought it was just the old earphones, but then I tried hooking it up to our PC speakers or another pair or established working headphones which yielded the same result.. Now I have to take it back to the service center again.. Grr...
It's such a chore to go to the service center if you don't have a car. I had to get to the MRT Shaw station and ride the train to Buendia. This is followed by a lengthy walk under the sun to the service center located just after the Buendia onramp. Doesn't really sound like too much right? It just becomes such a hassle when you ride the trains 'coz lately those things are really PACKED even when I rode during the "off-peak" hours. Oh well.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cool! now they say I am The Protector!
Your result for The LONG Scientific Personality Test...
ISFJ-The Protector
You scored 18% I to E, 53% N to S, 38% F to T, and 16% J to P!
The protector type is called such because you feel your life is best used to protect those you love from the pitfalls of life, to see to their safety and security. You belong to the larger group called guardians. You find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden. You are not talkative with strangers, but you can chat tirelessly with those you trust. You have a good solid work ethic. You are thorough and very likely frugal. You do not like to be in a place of authority, and will delegate poorly if forced into a lead position. You share your type with 10% of the population.
As a romantic partner, you are generous and gentle. Occasionally you may be taken for granted because of this fact. You are tireless in providing acts of service for your loved ones. You run the risk of always being exhausted because you won't say no to your partner. You are sensitive to criticism and will withdraw rather than fight back. You wish to be appreciated for your loyalty and whole hearted nuturing. Your values must be respected and you thrive on consideration and kindness.
Your group summary: Guardians (SJ)
Your Type Summary: ISFJ
As a romantic partner, you are generous and gentle. Occasionally you may be taken for granted because of this fact. You are tireless in providing acts of service for your loved ones. You run the risk of always being exhausted because you won't say no to your partner. You are sensitive to criticism and will withdraw rather than fight back. You wish to be appreciated for your loyalty and whole hearted nuturing. Your values must be respected and you thrive on consideration and kindness.
Your group summary: Guardians (SJ)
Your Type Summary: ISFJ
Nuts about fruits!!
Pati ba naman ito pinatulan ko na.. :P
FRUITS FOR THOUGHT
(taken from the side of a Fruitas cup)
Melon - a gentle laxative that stimulates action on the kidneys.
Watermelon - stimulates the appetite while cleaning the bladder and kidney.
Apple - helps relieve indigestion, keep cholesterol stable and suppress the appetite.
Banana - an excellent aid in digestion.
Mango - gives energy, vitality, and promotes healthy skin
Papaya - an energy booster that stimulates the appetite and cleanses the internal organs
Pineapple - aids in the digestion of protein.
Grape - an excellent metabolism stimulator.
I love fruits. :D
FRUITS FOR THOUGHT
(taken from the side of a Fruitas cup)
Strawberry - a good refreshing cleanser for the whole body.
Orange - helps in cleaning up your digestive systemMelon - a gentle laxative that stimulates action on the kidneys.
Watermelon - stimulates the appetite while cleaning the bladder and kidney.
Apple - helps relieve indigestion, keep cholesterol stable and suppress the appetite.
Banana - an excellent aid in digestion.
Mango - gives energy, vitality, and promotes healthy skin
Papaya - an energy booster that stimulates the appetite and cleanses the internal organs
Pineapple - aids in the digestion of protein.
Grape - an excellent metabolism stimulator.
I love fruits. :D
Monday, November 17, 2008
Crocodile, anyone?...
Thanks to some friends of family, I was able to have my first taste of real crocodile meat. :) When I first heard about it, I didn't really know what to expect, so I just guessed it would be tough just like it's thick hide often used in bags and shoes.
When the food was brought out, the first thing that came to mind was "fried breaded porkchop". The meat was indeed deep-fried, and had this golden-yellow color, with some pieces had considerable chunks of what appeared to be (and actually was) fat. Upon taking a bite, my cousin pointed out that it tasted like chicken, and he went on to tell me that the taste is apparently dependent upon the diet of the animal. Since we knew these crocs were really being fed chickens, this was right on the money. It was.. strange to say the least. Here I was eating something that looked like thick pork strips (complete with fat) which were surprisingly tender and tasted a lot like chicken! Despite their fearsome appearance, this shows that crocs can make for a really delicious meal! :P
Sunday, November 16, 2008
I am The Fool daw...
Got this test from Ceres' blog...
You are The Fool
The Fool is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he need to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning. But the card carries a little bark of warning as well. Stop daydreaming and fantasising and watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pasta-pastahan
Looking to try something out of the ordinary, we left the house last Sunday night to have dinner at the Shang. Guess where we wound up? :D
Green Tomato has a well-deserved reputation for making great pasta. What we ordered might be written off as just the usual fare: Carbonara, Bolognese, and Pepperoni with Garlic. I guess a pasta place really makes a name for itself when they can make even the usual humdrum stuff taste great! :D Oh yeah, dad also had a bowl of vegetable soup, which wasn't too shabby either.
Green Tomato has a well-deserved reputation for making great pasta. What we ordered might be written off as just the usual fare: Carbonara, Bolognese, and Pepperoni with Garlic. I guess a pasta place really makes a name for itself when they can make even the usual humdrum stuff taste great! :D Oh yeah, dad also had a bowl of vegetable soup, which wasn't too shabby either.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
UST A-MT 2003 Homepage!
http://amt2003.tripod.com/home.htm
The official homepage of UST MedTech Section A batch 2003
The official homepage of UST MedTech Section A batch 2003
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Changing gears
I'll be working as a visiting company physician for the meantime. At least it's something to do during this break. I can still have my relatively low-stress vacation while at the same time keeping myself sharp by seeing and treating patients and hopefully earning a little on the side.
Pre-residency at UST ended a few days ago. Well, at least as far as the Neuropsych department is concerned. Do I regret having dropped out of pre-residency? Not really. I'm quite at peace with my decision. I guess one of the reasons is that I felt my life was spiraling out of control and I needed to pause and reflect a bit for a while. I've always wanted to pause a while and "smell the flowers" as they say. I believe that in rder to really be content with life, one should learn to appreciate the little things.. and now I have time to do just that. :) I also have a lot of cleaning up around the house to do. I promised my dad since way back durig pre-med that I would straighten out my room and toss out all the broken-down stuff gathering dust that I didn't need anyway.
My congratulations go out to my batchmates who have completed their respective pre-residency stints. It's a tough job, but you guys managed to pull through. And for the others who are still in the thick of things like the people in CGH-OB (Nats, Kathy, Gra, and Ivy), good luck! Kaya niyo yan!!
It's really a whole new ballgame after passing the boards. The doors just seemed to have burst wide open. Finally, you're free to do what you want, take whatever path you wish to take, and go where you want to go. Unlike clerkship where you're under pressure to pass the revalida so that you'd graduate and have internship with your batchmates, or to finish internship so you can take the boards with your friends, or to pass the boards along with your class, the "real" world is a totally different animal. Nobody cares whether you decide to train or not, whether you take the MLE and train abroad, or (heaven forbid) you decide to turn your back on Medicine permanently. Bottom line is that you're finally free of the herd, and you may roam as you please, knowing fully well that the choices you make are truly your own, not because of some pressure to conform with an established set of precepts and norms.
I've often told my interns and clerks (while I was still a pre-res) that the revalida (or passing med school) is for your parents, while passing the boards is for your own personal gain. Your parents went through a lot just to put you through Medical School, the least you could do for them is cough up a nice diploma which also entitles them bragging rights to having a son/daughter who became a doctor. ;)
Pre-residency at UST ended a few days ago. Well, at least as far as the Neuropsych department is concerned. Do I regret having dropped out of pre-residency? Not really. I'm quite at peace with my decision. I guess one of the reasons is that I felt my life was spiraling out of control and I needed to pause and reflect a bit for a while. I've always wanted to pause a while and "smell the flowers" as they say. I believe that in rder to really be content with life, one should learn to appreciate the little things.. and now I have time to do just that. :) I also have a lot of cleaning up around the house to do. I promised my dad since way back durig pre-med that I would straighten out my room and toss out all the broken-down stuff gathering dust that I didn't need anyway.
My congratulations go out to my batchmates who have completed their respective pre-residency stints. It's a tough job, but you guys managed to pull through. And for the others who are still in the thick of things like the people in CGH-OB (Nats, Kathy, Gra, and Ivy), good luck! Kaya niyo yan!!
It's really a whole new ballgame after passing the boards. The doors just seemed to have burst wide open. Finally, you're free to do what you want, take whatever path you wish to take, and go where you want to go. Unlike clerkship where you're under pressure to pass the revalida so that you'd graduate and have internship with your batchmates, or to finish internship so you can take the boards with your friends, or to pass the boards along with your class, the "real" world is a totally different animal. Nobody cares whether you decide to train or not, whether you take the MLE and train abroad, or (heaven forbid) you decide to turn your back on Medicine permanently. Bottom line is that you're finally free of the herd, and you may roam as you please, knowing fully well that the choices you make are truly your own, not because of some pressure to conform with an established set of precepts and norms.
I've often told my interns and clerks (while I was still a pre-res) that the revalida (or passing med school) is for your parents, while passing the boards is for your own personal gain. Your parents went through a lot just to put you through Medical School, the least you could do for them is cough up a nice diploma which also entitles them bragging rights to having a son/daughter who became a doctor. ;)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
BrainiaxMD's Fried Shrimp Dumpling (?), and other gustatory delights
Tried my hand at frying again the other day, and the results were less than satisfactory...
Fried Shrimp Dumpling/Kikiam (?) a.k.a. Diok-Pit-He
Ok, so maybe it's not an exact translation. I don't really know what it's called in English. Anyway, frying these things were a little tricky, as they had the bad tendency of falling apart when you least expected it. I wound up with half of them looking like hash because the wrapper holding them together disintegrated while frying. my mom says the oil must be really hot before I put them in, so I guess I need to wait a bit longer the next time..
We also decided to try out something different from the supermarket. Me and my bro are big cookie fans, so I decided it was time we upped the ante and tried something a bit "classier"...
Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Mmmm... COOKIE... =)
Since this is a foodie post, I might as well mention that I'm raving over the pandesal they have there at PAN DE AMERICANO!!! Sarap!!! A bit pricey at P5.50 apiece, but really well worth it... :D
Fried Shrimp Dumpling/Kikiam (?) a.k.a. Diok-Pit-He
Ok, so maybe it's not an exact translation. I don't really know what it's called in English. Anyway, frying these things were a little tricky, as they had the bad tendency of falling apart when you least expected it. I wound up with half of them looking like hash because the wrapper holding them together disintegrated while frying. my mom says the oil must be really hot before I put them in, so I guess I need to wait a bit longer the next time..
We also decided to try out something different from the supermarket. Me and my bro are big cookie fans, so I decided it was time we upped the ante and tried something a bit "classier"...
Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Mmmm... COOKIE... =)
Since this is a foodie post, I might as well mention that I'm raving over the pandesal they have there at PAN DE AMERICANO!!! Sarap!!! A bit pricey at P5.50 apiece, but really well worth it... :D
Saturday, October 4, 2008
BrainiaxMD's Butter-Fried Tanigue
Since I'm at home most of the time, I decided to make lunch for myself today. I wouldn't say that I'm great at it, but at least I can safely say that I can cook without burning the kitchen down.
BUTTER-FRIED TANIGUE
Isn't it a beauty? I admit that the presentation could have been a little bit better, but the darn fish fell apart on me as I was lifting it out of the frying pan. As for taste, I guess it was pretty good. Nothing spectacular, but it would probably be up to my mom's standards.
The recipe's pretty simple. Take 1 piece of Tanigue (I'm not too sure about the weight. We bought this baby from Cold Storage), 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, and about 1/6 of a stick of butter. Rub the salt and pepper into the fish, after which you apply the butter. Let it sit for about an hour to soak up the flavor, then fry in a pan. Toast one side till golden brown (around 5-6 minutes) then flip it over. Allow ample frying time for this side as well, then you're done! Its that simple! Makes around 3-4 servings. :)
I'll be sure to post about any other forays of the gastronomical kind. Heck, I might even start my own cookbook: "The Culinary Adventures of a Vacationing Physician"
BUTTER-FRIED TANIGUE
Isn't it a beauty? I admit that the presentation could have been a little bit better, but the darn fish fell apart on me as I was lifting it out of the frying pan. As for taste, I guess it was pretty good. Nothing spectacular, but it would probably be up to my mom's standards.
The recipe's pretty simple. Take 1 piece of Tanigue (I'm not too sure about the weight. We bought this baby from Cold Storage), 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, and about 1/6 of a stick of butter. Rub the salt and pepper into the fish, after which you apply the butter. Let it sit for about an hour to soak up the flavor, then fry in a pan. Toast one side till golden brown (around 5-6 minutes) then flip it over. Allow ample frying time for this side as well, then you're done! Its that simple! Makes around 3-4 servings. :)
I'll be sure to post about any other forays of the gastronomical kind. Heck, I might even start my own cookbook: "The Culinary Adventures of a Vacationing Physician"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The "casuality" of casual gaming
For the past few years, we have seen a new genre of gaming emerge from the screens of web surfers around the globe. The so-called "casual games" provide instant, easy-to-play, highly addictive, although at times repetitive, gaming. I guess this new form of computer gaming has it's roots from the Java programming language which enabled people to make programs that would run in your browser window while online. My own personal experience with this genre started when I tried the game Bookworm from Popcap games which I played at the LRU. Then came the flood of games that began probably began just before my clerkship year when I was exposed to a wide variety of titles like Runescape, Diner Dash, Zuma, Chuzzle, Text Twist, among many others.
I just recently figured out that Hangaroo was actually a casual game also. Since I encountered this game long ago during my MedTech internship, Im lead to think that this began much longer ago than I originally expected..
I just recently figured out that Hangaroo was actually a casual game also. Since I encountered this game long ago during my MedTech internship, Im lead to think that this began much longer ago than I originally expected..
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Dropout
I surprised myself today...
I did something I used to think was unthinkable as far as I was concerned..
I dropped out of pre-residency.
Yeah, I did.
I have my reasons, and I believe them to be valid. Looks like I'll be taking that much-needed rest break after all =), and I'll be able to go to Cedric's wedding next week as well.
Oh, and I just attended Edmund's wedding yesterday. It was great. They had this nice ceremony at Sanctuario de San Jose, followed by the reception at the hotel there adjacent to Robinson's Galleria (sorry, forgot the name).
I'd like to say thank you to the Neuropsych residents. Thanks for having me at the department, and for teaching me a whole lot during the short stint I had with you. And to the seniors, thank you for believing in me.. I'm sorry I wasn't prepared to take the challenge yet.. Maybe next year..
To my pre-res batchmates, I'm sorry I dropped out and left you guys behind. Thank you for respecting my decision. I'm sure they will get all of you. If ever I go back next year, turuan niyo ako ha? :D
To the interns, thanks so much for all the help. Study hard for the boards! After you pass it, the possibilities are endless!!
To the clerkies, study hard and try to learn as much as you can. You still have a LONG way to go..
I did something I used to think was unthinkable as far as I was concerned..
I dropped out of pre-residency.
Yeah, I did.
I have my reasons, and I believe them to be valid. Looks like I'll be taking that much-needed rest break after all =), and I'll be able to go to Cedric's wedding next week as well.
Oh, and I just attended Edmund's wedding yesterday. It was great. They had this nice ceremony at Sanctuario de San Jose, followed by the reception at the hotel there adjacent to Robinson's Galleria (sorry, forgot the name).
I'd like to say thank you to the Neuropsych residents. Thanks for having me at the department, and for teaching me a whole lot during the short stint I had with you. And to the seniors, thank you for believing in me.. I'm sorry I wasn't prepared to take the challenge yet.. Maybe next year..
To my pre-res batchmates, I'm sorry I dropped out and left you guys behind. Thank you for respecting my decision. I'm sure they will get all of you. If ever I go back next year, turuan niyo ako ha? :D
To the interns, thanks so much for all the help. Study hard for the boards! After you pass it, the possibilities are endless!!
To the clerkies, study hard and try to learn as much as you can. You still have a LONG way to go..
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saddle up, lock and load plus a Tech Retrospective...
I spent the greater part of the day going all over the metro to complete the stuff I need for my "Neuro Bag" including the bag itself. :)
Just the other day, I bought a Welch-Allyn otoscope/ophthalmoscope set. something that I had been saving up for since internship which I intended to buy after I had passed the boards. And it was pretty lucky that I did! Turns out it was one of the things required for us to have at all times..
I'm getting a little anxious about pre-residency, but then again, who isn't? I just hope I can pull myself together in order to pull this off.
My lawyer's blog has been pretty silent lately. I wonder what's up with him?..
For the nth time, my life stops at a particular date (this time it's October 14, the last day of pre-residency), and the stakes are progressively getting higher and higher. It's just maddening..
Tomorrow, I'll be having my oathtaking as a newly licensed physician. Then the following day, we start pre-residency. It's kinda like saying "Congratulations, now get to work!!"
Though I may seem a bit apprehensive with what lies ahead, I'm also a bit excited because I'm finally going to be immersed in the specialty of my own choosing, unlike in clerkship and internship where you are required to rotate to all the different departments, like them or not.
I just hope my enthusiasm tides me over the next few weeks..
It never occurred to me that blogging could be relaxing.. I guess being a frustrated writer helps. :P
---------------------------------
Man, I sound like a techie granddad...
Just the other day, I bought a Welch-Allyn otoscope/ophthalmoscope set. something that I had been saving up for since internship which I intended to buy after I had passed the boards. And it was pretty lucky that I did! Turns out it was one of the things required for us to have at all times..
I'm getting a little anxious about pre-residency, but then again, who isn't? I just hope I can pull myself together in order to pull this off.
My lawyer's blog has been pretty silent lately. I wonder what's up with him?..
For the nth time, my life stops at a particular date (this time it's October 14, the last day of pre-residency), and the stakes are progressively getting higher and higher. It's just maddening..
Tomorrow, I'll be having my oathtaking as a newly licensed physician. Then the following day, we start pre-residency. It's kinda like saying "Congratulations, now get to work!!"
Though I may seem a bit apprehensive with what lies ahead, I'm also a bit excited because I'm finally going to be immersed in the specialty of my own choosing, unlike in clerkship and internship where you are required to rotate to all the different departments, like them or not.
I just hope my enthusiasm tides me over the next few weeks..
It never occurred to me that blogging could be relaxing.. I guess being a frustrated writer helps. :P
---------------------------------
Computer technology has evolved so quickly in the past 20 years, it just boggles the mind. I remember being a tech-savvy kid who worked well with DOS and understood (to some degree) the minute differemces between hardware models. However, its as though I just turned my back for one second when POW! An entire truckload of new tech has arrived and I haven't realy been able to catch up ever since.
When I was a kid it was clear cut and simple. Processors were the XTs, ATs (286s), the different incarnations of the 386, 486, and the first Pentium (which at the time was so fast that it was rumored to burn itself right out, thus necessitating it's own cooling fan, a novel concept in itself). If you wanted sound, you'd have to shop around for something made by Sound Blaster, Roland, or those other small players like Covox which faded into obscurity. There was also the monitor (monochrome, CGA, EGA, VGA, XGA, sVGA) and it's accompanying video card (?). This I'm not too sure of, since I believe that dedicated video cards began to come out only with the advent of more demanding 3D-extensive games and programs. USBs were just barely carving a niche in the market, and CDs were only slowly being introduced as a new form of mass storage media. You see, when I was a kid, PCs didn't have hard drives yet. DOS was booted from the big floppy drive, and you had to run programs using their executables MANUALLY, There was no point and click, no double click, heck, the mouse was probably still under development during these early monochrome years.. Computer memory at the time was a mind-boggling 64 kilobytes!! I remember being struc with awe when my cousins bought a "highly advanced" 286 with an EGA (16 color) monitor, with their own hard drive whose capacity was a whopping 20MB!!! Whoa!! I was dumbstruck as I watched them install Hero's Quest 1 (all 10 floppies of it) on the HD and play seamlessly for hours without having to change the disk even once!!
Yea, those were good times indeed. Every new advancement shook the foundations of computer technology as we knew it, unlike the present age where the improvements are just a bit more of the same, and the changes in performance not nearly as drastic or groundbreaking as before. Sure, I acknowledge that the computer industry is still moving forward by leaps and bounds, but the joy of discovering something totally new and novel has long gone. We've taken technological advancement for granted that it's no longer fascinates us to see what new things the new hardware can do, as compared to how awestruck we used to be before..
Man, I sound like a techie granddad...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The battle lines have been drawn...
I just had my orientation for pre-residency which starts 2 days from now, and I am pretty hyped up about it. As I brace myself for what would probably be the toughest schedule that I have ever faced, my insides churn at the prospect of what lies ahead..
I guess I hit the nail right on the head when I told my folks that my life would be put on hold for this coming month.. Imagine having to go on-duty every other day, checking in at 630am and leaving for home 8pm the following day.. Damn...
And oh yeah, you're expected to be a good doctor during the time in between.. Remember, we will be 7 pre-residents fighting for only 4 slots..
I guess this will be one of the final posts that I'll be putting up in quite a while..
See you on the other side.
I guess I hit the nail right on the head when I told my folks that my life would be put on hold for this coming month.. Imagine having to go on-duty every other day, checking in at 630am and leaving for home 8pm the following day.. Damn...
And oh yeah, you're expected to be a good doctor during the time in between.. Remember, we will be 7 pre-residents fighting for only 4 slots..
I guess this will be one of the final posts that I'll be putting up in quite a while..
See you on the other side.
Turning Chinese
Gloria Maris
Mann Hann
Hap Chan
North Park
MXT (Maxim's Tea House)
Ling Nam
Superbowl of China
* I had the terrible experience of eating at Tong Yang (?) hotpot resto there in Megamall. The staff was very, very rude! They were outright rude from ordering to getting the bill. That was probably the most unpleasant lunch out we have ever had!! Vey poor service!!
Mann Hann
Hap Chan
North Park
MXT (Maxim's Tea House)
Ling Nam
Superbowl of China
* I had the terrible experience of eating at Tong Yang (?) hotpot resto there in Megamall. The staff was very, very rude! They were outright rude from ordering to getting the bill. That was probably the most unpleasant lunch out we have ever had!! Vey poor service!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Right on target
Got this from a co-intern's friendster profile...
An excerpt from Toto.. Doctors are often accused of callousness, venality and self-infatuation. But they remind us that they have sacrificed the springtime of their lives, completely lost the precious years between their 20's and 30's acquiring skills to benefit their fellowmen. Furthermore, they had suffered deprivations. Most of them had not had more than a dozen real nights of sleep in all this time. Many have sacrificed their marriages and have lost the unique opportunity to see their children grow. So when they argue that the world owes them some compensation in the form of wealth, respect, and social status, their demands are not entirely without a cause. Also, as the grim statistics show, they often suffer worse than any patient. For no one can repair a broken marriage or restore the children's damage by their father's ostensible neglect.
Sad, but very true...
An excerpt from Toto.. Doctors are often accused of callousness, venality and self-infatuation. But they remind us that they have sacrificed the springtime of their lives, completely lost the precious years between their 20's and 30's acquiring skills to benefit their fellowmen. Furthermore, they had suffered deprivations. Most of them had not had more than a dozen real nights of sleep in all this time. Many have sacrificed their marriages and have lost the unique opportunity to see their children grow. So when they argue that the world owes them some compensation in the form of wealth, respect, and social status, their demands are not entirely without a cause. Also, as the grim statistics show, they often suffer worse than any patient. For no one can repair a broken marriage or restore the children's damage by their father's ostensible neglect.
Sad, but very true...
Chibugan na
Hungry?
Kentucky Fried Chicken - 887-8888
McDonald's - 8-6236
Jolibee - 8-700
Pizza Hut - 911-1111
Domino's Pizza - 922-2222
North Park - 73737
Mmmm...
Kentucky Fried Chicken - 887-8888
McDonald's - 8-6236
Jolibee - 8-700
Pizza Hut - 911-1111
Domino's Pizza - 922-2222
North Park - 73737
Mmmm...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
PRC madness
With the pre-residency period closing in, and the deadline for registration of new doctors drawing near, everyone is scambling to secure their requirements. The PRC compund is a virtual madhouse! People were just EVERYWHERE!!
I decided to make good use of my PRC time and renewed my MedTech license as well.
The whole process took about half a day, starting roughly at 830am up to 12nn. It was actually very straightforward when I looked back at it. There were really just too many people! Probably because those taking the Nursing boards were beginning to pile up. I'd dare say that about half the people in the PRC that day were Nurses, or were going to be taking the Nursing exams.
When I was down, I headed downtown to have lunch with my folks then spent the rest of the afternoon just lazing around with the laptop.
I decided to make good use of my PRC time and renewed my MedTech license as well.
The whole process took about half a day, starting roughly at 830am up to 12nn. It was actually very straightforward when I looked back at it. There were really just too many people! Probably because those taking the Nursing boards were beginning to pile up. I'd dare say that about half the people in the PRC that day were Nurses, or were going to be taking the Nursing exams.
When I was down, I headed downtown to have lunch with my folks then spent the rest of the afternoon just lazing around with the laptop.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The waiting game plus UAAP roundup
Ok, I got that out of the way..
Just finished the examination for residency applicants. 100 item exam, 40 pts generalities, 60 pts specialty. It was a real hoot answering questions about the field I was interested in, but it also made me realize how little stock knowledge of Neurology and Psychiatry I had. Oh well, I guess that's why you go into training right? =D I just hope I didn't mess up that exam TOO much, or else I'd be out of a job even before I started.. =P
I'm really excited about residency. Although training at UST has it's famous downsides (hehe), I'm still looking foward to doing the stuff I really want to get into, and not be bothered by those other disciplines that I didn't really want to go into.
Now for the Sports Segment..
UST suffered a heartbreaking loss yesterday against the De La Salle Green Archers in what could have been an overtime game in the making. A lucky putback by rookie Maui Villanueva off an LA Revilla miss withe 0.2 seconds of game time remaining sealed the victory for the Archers who got away with a score of 81-79. Sadly, this loss meant that the 2006 Champion UST Growling Tigers have seen their hopes of making the Final Four dashed as they drop to a 5-7 win-loss card with only 2 games remaining for the season.
I've always wanted to do a UAAP team-by-team analysis, so here goes:
The Growling Tigers need to find their range from beyond the arc. If the established shooters like Francis Allera and Kasim Mirza would make those long threes just like their 2006 championship run, combined with Jervy Cruz's regular monster performance in the paint, UST would prove do be a really difficult team to defend. It's just unfortunate that Cuan never developed an outside shot which would have greatly helped in extending the opposing teams' defense. This could have freed up the middle for more high-percentage shots taken much closer to the basket.
It's unfortunate that UST started the season on a sour note. Key personnel were nursing injuries acquied before the start of the season, and floor leader Japs Cuan was out for about 4 games due to a knee injury which has affected his game ever since. The rookies have a lot of growing up to do if team Espana intends on making the final four in season 72.
I'm sorry about the obvious bias. But then again, TOMASINO AKO!! MAY PRIDE! MAY PUSO! AT PALABAN! Go USTe!!!
Whew! There! I know it isn't perfect, but I gave it my best shot. Hehe
I'm sorry to admit the fact that most of my data is sorely lacking. I guess I haven't watched enough games this season, due to the rigid(?) review for the boards I put myself through. Its really tough being an avid UAAP fan to purposely avoid watching the games, even though the sacrifice is to serve some higher purpose..
I'll try to give a more in-depth analysis of some teams in particular interest to me at another time.
Just finished the examination for residency applicants. 100 item exam, 40 pts generalities, 60 pts specialty. It was a real hoot answering questions about the field I was interested in, but it also made me realize how little stock knowledge of Neurology and Psychiatry I had. Oh well, I guess that's why you go into training right? =D I just hope I didn't mess up that exam TOO much, or else I'd be out of a job even before I started.. =P
I'm really excited about residency. Although training at UST has it's famous downsides (hehe), I'm still looking foward to doing the stuff I really want to get into, and not be bothered by those other disciplines that I didn't really want to go into.
Now for the Sports Segment..
UST suffered a heartbreaking loss yesterday against the De La Salle Green Archers in what could have been an overtime game in the making. A lucky putback by rookie Maui Villanueva off an LA Revilla miss withe 0.2 seconds of game time remaining sealed the victory for the Archers who got away with a score of 81-79. Sadly, this loss meant that the 2006 Champion UST Growling Tigers have seen their hopes of making the Final Four dashed as they drop to a 5-7 win-loss card with only 2 games remaining for the season.
I've always wanted to do a UAAP team-by-team analysis, so here goes:
- Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles
- Far Eastern University Tamaraws
- De La Salle Green Archers
Fresh from their nailbiting victory over the UST Growling Tigers, the Archers are neck-and neck with FEU in their pursuit of the elusive number 2 spot in the final four, with Ateneo already having a virtual lock on first place. Despite a rookie-laden lineup, coach Franz Pumaren's charges have shown time and again why they were the champions of the previous season. Getting stellar numbers from team captain Jayvee Casio, steady veterans Peajay Barua, Rico Maierhofer, and even bonus minutes from rookie surprises LA Revilla and Maui Villanueva, the Archers are ready to make a serious run to defend their championship.
- University of the East Red Warriors
- University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers
The Growling Tigers need to find their range from beyond the arc. If the established shooters like Francis Allera and Kasim Mirza would make those long threes just like their 2006 championship run, combined with Jervy Cruz's regular monster performance in the paint, UST would prove do be a really difficult team to defend. It's just unfortunate that Cuan never developed an outside shot which would have greatly helped in extending the opposing teams' defense. This could have freed up the middle for more high-percentage shots taken much closer to the basket.
It's unfortunate that UST started the season on a sour note. Key personnel were nursing injuries acquied before the start of the season, and floor leader Japs Cuan was out for about 4 games due to a knee injury which has affected his game ever since. The rookies have a lot of growing up to do if team Espana intends on making the final four in season 72.
I'm sorry about the obvious bias. But then again, TOMASINO AKO!! MAY PRIDE! MAY PUSO! AT PALABAN! Go USTe!!!
- University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons
- National University Bulldogs
Whew! There! I know it isn't perfect, but I gave it my best shot. Hehe
I'm sorry to admit the fact that most of my data is sorely lacking. I guess I haven't watched enough games this season, due to the rigid(?) review for the boards I put myself through. Its really tough being an avid UAAP fan to purposely avoid watching the games, even though the sacrifice is to serve some higher purpose..
I'll try to give a more in-depth analysis of some teams in particular interest to me at another time.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Mourning the vacation that wasn't meant to be
I know I should be studying right now, but I've got this blogger's itch that I just have to scratch..
The next few weeks are going to be really crazy for the hopeful incoming residents (or residentiables, as I'd like to call them) going into the different hospitals around the country. It never occurred to me before the boards that the little "vacation time" I had planned after the release of the board exam results would be gobbled up in an instant by the pursuit of the unforeseen requirements needed for application to the different residency programs. We were really caught off guard, with the deadlines closely following the heels of the release of results.
I guess you could say that it might have been a little easier (and less stressful) if I had just opted to pass and apply some other time, but the timetable must be followed, and I don't want to waste any more time.
Throughout my life, I seem to have taken the paths of greatest resistance, plunging headlong into certain situations knowing fully well what was in store, but you might say that this most recent choice is taking it to a higher level.. I'm still running on gut instinct, and following the hand that has guided me ever since I graduated from high school, so I guess I should be ok.. I hope..
Good luck to all my batchmates tomorrow!
Sana makapagresidente na tayo!!
The next few weeks are going to be really crazy for the hopeful incoming residents (or residentiables, as I'd like to call them) going into the different hospitals around the country. It never occurred to me before the boards that the little "vacation time" I had planned after the release of the board exam results would be gobbled up in an instant by the pursuit of the unforeseen requirements needed for application to the different residency programs. We were really caught off guard, with the deadlines closely following the heels of the release of results.
I guess you could say that it might have been a little easier (and less stressful) if I had just opted to pass and apply some other time, but the timetable must be followed, and I don't want to waste any more time.
Throughout my life, I seem to have taken the paths of greatest resistance, plunging headlong into certain situations knowing fully well what was in store, but you might say that this most recent choice is taking it to a higher level.. I'm still running on gut instinct, and following the hand that has guided me ever since I graduated from high school, so I guess I should be ok.. I hope..
Good luck to all my batchmates tomorrow!
Sana makapagresidente na tayo!!
Tagalized
The application form has been submitted, along with all the other requirements. Now to take a well-deserved rest break by surfing the web from the comforts of the CGH pink room :P
I'm a bit nervous with the forthcoming pre-residency. The scuttlebutt is that there will be 7 of us, fighting for only 4 available slots. (there are supposed to be 5, but I hear there's one slot that's been reserved already.. ?). I don't know what to think. I guess I'm just going with the flow and see where the tide will take me.
Going back to the title for this post, what's the deal with all these local channels dubbing various cartoons in tagalog? I mean, it worked for those old school anime shows like "Dog of Flanders" or "Princess Sarah" which weren't really made in English to begin with, but to use it on the American-made cartoons like "Jimmy Neutron" or even "Transformers"? It makes things look so cheap.. Hindi talaga bagay... Kinda like those idiots coming out with tagalized versions of Flo Rida's "Low". I've got nothing against the Filipino language, and I support it's use, but please, use it in the proper venues! mean, Batibot was a really great show which heavily used the vernacular, and rightfully so since it was a Filipino program intended for the Philippine audience. I guess it just kinda turns me off when you have to "Filipinize" English technical terms just to make sure the show is fully dubbed. It just dosen't seem right when you force Optimus Prime to speak in old-school Tagalog, with bits of Taglish sprinkled in-between. Ugh...
Just my two cents..
I'm a bit nervous with the forthcoming pre-residency. The scuttlebutt is that there will be 7 of us, fighting for only 4 available slots. (there are supposed to be 5, but I hear there's one slot that's been reserved already.. ?). I don't know what to think. I guess I'm just going with the flow and see where the tide will take me.
Going back to the title for this post, what's the deal with all these local channels dubbing various cartoons in tagalog? I mean, it worked for those old school anime shows like "Dog of Flanders" or "Princess Sarah" which weren't really made in English to begin with, but to use it on the American-made cartoons like "Jimmy Neutron" or even "Transformers"? It makes things look so cheap.. Hindi talaga bagay... Kinda like those idiots coming out with tagalized versions of Flo Rida's "Low". I've got nothing against the Filipino language, and I support it's use, but please, use it in the proper venues! mean, Batibot was a really great show which heavily used the vernacular, and rightfully so since it was a Filipino program intended for the Philippine audience. I guess it just kinda turns me off when you have to "Filipinize" English technical terms just to make sure the show is fully dubbed. It just dosen't seem right when you force Optimus Prime to speak in old-school Tagalog, with bits of Taglish sprinkled in-between. Ugh...
Just my two cents..
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Scramble!
I've been in UST and CGH for 3 days straight..
It's been utter madness, with everyone scrambling to complete their requirements for application to residency, which are due TOMORROW! (PGH had their deadline yesterday)
And to think that the results of the boards came out barely 5 days ago..
Finally, I was able to assure myself that my requirements would be complete and I'd be able to make the deadline tomorrow by 12nn. Talk about a close call..
The following day holds another surprise to the battle-weary newly licensed doctors. We will be having another examination (as if going through the boards wasn't enough already in such a short span of time). Shortly after that, interviews are going to be held.
As if life wasn't hectic enough so soon after the boards, I learned thatthe pre-residency period starts a couple of days after the oathtaking ceremonies!! Now this is what I call time pressure. Oh well, I guess it just goes with the territory...
It's been utter madness, with everyone scrambling to complete their requirements for application to residency, which are due TOMORROW! (PGH had their deadline yesterday)
And to think that the results of the boards came out barely 5 days ago..
Finally, I was able to assure myself that my requirements would be complete and I'd be able to make the deadline tomorrow by 12nn. Talk about a close call..
The following day holds another surprise to the battle-weary newly licensed doctors. We will be having another examination (as if going through the boards wasn't enough already in such a short span of time). Shortly after that, interviews are going to be held.
As if life wasn't hectic enough so soon after the boards, I learned thatthe pre-residency period starts a couple of days after the oathtaking ceremonies!! Now this is what I call time pressure. Oh well, I guess it just goes with the territory...
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Starting over
I'm here now at my favorite haunt within the hallowed halls of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the LRU. =)
Coming home never was so sweet. I'm waiting for my good buddy Dr. Johnny Ona. After we meet up, we'll be going to the Office of Graduate Medical Education to inquire about the requirements needed in the application for residency.. This is getting really wild.. I know its an often-used cliche on my blog lately, but man, I never ever dreamt that I would be in this situation that I presently am in today. It used to be nothing much of a vague afterthought. Something thought of only in passing due to all the fears and uncertainty associated with the long road towards that achievement of the said goal.
I do hope I'll be accepted into my program of choice. I know its gonna be awfully competitive this time around, given our batch's outrageous passing rate this year, but I know God will put me where I can serve Him best. After all, I wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for His plan.. =)
Last night my parents had their friends over for their regular cell group meeting. They were nice enough to hold a little celebration for my little achievement. Pizzas were ordered from Di' Marks, a pizza place with a branch located at nearby Wac Wack road.
This link leads to the ClicktheCity.com listing: http://guides.clickthecity.com/restaurants/PH/Mandaluyong/Di-Marks/loc/Mandaluyong-City
The pizza was just excellent!! I've never had pizza like that before (probably 'coz we're not much of pizza eaters anyway).
Coming home never was so sweet. I'm waiting for my good buddy Dr. Johnny Ona. After we meet up, we'll be going to the Office of Graduate Medical Education to inquire about the requirements needed in the application for residency.. This is getting really wild.. I know its an often-used cliche on my blog lately, but man, I never ever dreamt that I would be in this situation that I presently am in today. It used to be nothing much of a vague afterthought. Something thought of only in passing due to all the fears and uncertainty associated with the long road towards that achievement of the said goal.
I do hope I'll be accepted into my program of choice. I know its gonna be awfully competitive this time around, given our batch's outrageous passing rate this year, but I know God will put me where I can serve Him best. After all, I wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for His plan.. =)
Last night my parents had their friends over for their regular cell group meeting. They were nice enough to hold a little celebration for my little achievement. Pizzas were ordered from Di' Marks, a pizza place with a branch located at nearby Wac Wack road.
This link leads to the ClicktheCity.com listing: http://guides.clickthecity.com/restaurants/PH/Mandaluyong/Di-Marks/loc/Mandaluyong-City
The pizza was just excellent!! I've never had pizza like that before (probably 'coz we're not much of pizza eaters anyway).
Friday, August 22, 2008
Remembering Amah..
My paternal grandmother, or Amah, as we fondly called her, passed away last August 8, 2008 at the age of 85. She died one day after her birthday, and one day before my board examinations..
Amah, I made it. I hope I made you proud.. Thank you for everything..
This one was for you...
Amah, I made it. I hope I made you proud.. Thank you for everything..
This one was for you...
Certified!!!
Praise God!!! :)
I now exhale a heavy sigh of relief...
I can't believe it. It's finally over.. All those sleepless nights and those endless hours spent sitting on my butt reading book after book..
Thank you Lord. You never left me at my hour of greatest need...
I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be in this situation right now. It all seems just.. surreal...
I'd like to thank everyone who supported me during this long arduous journey. And since this is my blog, I can thank whomever I want.. :P
First off, I'd like to once again thank the Lord for all the great things he has done. None of this would have been posible without Him..
Next would be my family, who put up with all the craziness I went through during the review. Thank you for supporting me and for providing what I needed to ensure a smooth review.
I'd like to thank...
My sweet inspiration. Thank you for being there always.
My seniors who encouraged me and humored my texts during those times when I was panicking. (Jep, Reg, Don, Doc Hen)
My friends who never stopped believing... (Georms, Vaw, Hannie, and my lawyer: Raveneffect :P)
My classmates who kept me sane through the pain. Especially my closest co-interns (Pat, Nats, Dan, Carla, Borj)
All the other people who were praying for our success. I thank you from the bottom of my heart..
And with that, a new chapter begins...
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Waiting..
All the anxiety is killing me.
I'm 4 days removed from the last day of the board exams. Now we hold our collective breath for the outcome which would either leave us in tears, or shove us right back into the hospital.
I've always said that I'd try to ride out the wait by being as cool as possible, but last night I guess my patience ran dry.. With all the prayers and chain messages flying around through text, I was lead to believe that this would be "the day". So, I set up camp and sifted through the internet stating 11:45 in the evening hoping to catch an early glimpse of the results when they were just freshly posted. The joke was on me. No results, nothing. But now I'm sure that it's gonna be on tonight. You can't really take too long with a multiple choice examination that can be machine-checked. =P In the back of my mind, I imagine that i was in a situation called "borderline case", and the Board members were busy deliberating my fate, which is why the exam results are taking a bit too long for comfort..
Lets just see what happens in 24 hours..
I'm 4 days removed from the last day of the board exams. Now we hold our collective breath for the outcome which would either leave us in tears, or shove us right back into the hospital.
I've always said that I'd try to ride out the wait by being as cool as possible, but last night I guess my patience ran dry.. With all the prayers and chain messages flying around through text, I was lead to believe that this would be "the day". So, I set up camp and sifted through the internet stating 11:45 in the evening hoping to catch an early glimpse of the results when they were just freshly posted. The joke was on me. No results, nothing. But now I'm sure that it's gonna be on tonight. You can't really take too long with a multiple choice examination that can be machine-checked. =P In the back of my mind, I imagine that i was in a situation called "borderline case", and the Board members were busy deliberating my fate, which is why the exam results are taking a bit too long for comfort..
Lets just see what happens in 24 hours..
Friday, June 20, 2008
Self study
Nakakaloko... Especially when you get around to thinking about it...
A year ago, I was just a nervous CGH intern starting on my first few days on the job. Everything was so alien, so unfamiliar.. The stuff you learned at med school and clerkship were of little help. This was the real thing, so much more real then clerkship, despite the fact that we were already dealing with real patients at the time.. It was such a big change for all of us because in clerkship you almost never worked alone. There was always somebody there to share the load or a senior nearby to lend a hand. Sure, we had residents during internship to refer to, but having moved up the proverbial "ladder of rank", more was expected of you and sometimes referring was an unacceptable option.
All those experiences.. the different procedures done at the wards, the different ORs I've assisted (ranging from the ridiculously simple to the absolutely fantastic), the infighting among interns, the MSA practices and the event itself, even the day-to-day interaction with the rest of the hospital staff, all left an impression upon me. This has been a good year, and it shall be remebered well..
Now here I am, reviewing for the boards, hoping to prolong the inevitable. I just hope and pray that a favorable outcome would be inevitable for me as well. =D
My seniors were dead on when they said that reviewing would be tedious and tiring, to say the least. Opportunities to procastinate abound, especially with an apparently endless amount of time.. But at least I'm finally settling into a solid study routine still relatively early on. Dr. Monty was right. You should spend the first few weeks of your review resting and generally doing all the stuff you missed during internship. You should also begin experimenting with how and where to study. Discover early on when is your most "productive" time of the day where you can soak up the most from your review sessions. He also said to shpp around for a comfortable chair, a table of the perfect height for you, and a lamp that would serve your purpose. I never got around to buying all these stuff because of space and budgetary constraints, but I have looked around the house for ideal places to study. Now that the NBA Finals are over (CELTICS RULE!!), I can safely say that I have a fine-tuned routine that should tide me over the next 1 1/2 months until the boards (man, how time flies!).
A year ago, I was just a nervous CGH intern starting on my first few days on the job. Everything was so alien, so unfamiliar.. The stuff you learned at med school and clerkship were of little help. This was the real thing, so much more real then clerkship, despite the fact that we were already dealing with real patients at the time.. It was such a big change for all of us because in clerkship you almost never worked alone. There was always somebody there to share the load or a senior nearby to lend a hand. Sure, we had residents during internship to refer to, but having moved up the proverbial "ladder of rank", more was expected of you and sometimes referring was an unacceptable option.
All those experiences.. the different procedures done at the wards, the different ORs I've assisted (ranging from the ridiculously simple to the absolutely fantastic), the infighting among interns, the MSA practices and the event itself, even the day-to-day interaction with the rest of the hospital staff, all left an impression upon me. This has been a good year, and it shall be remebered well..
Now here I am, reviewing for the boards, hoping to prolong the inevitable. I just hope and pray that a favorable outcome would be inevitable for me as well. =D
My seniors were dead on when they said that reviewing would be tedious and tiring, to say the least. Opportunities to procastinate abound, especially with an apparently endless amount of time.. But at least I'm finally settling into a solid study routine still relatively early on. Dr. Monty was right. You should spend the first few weeks of your review resting and generally doing all the stuff you missed during internship. You should also begin experimenting with how and where to study. Discover early on when is your most "productive" time of the day where you can soak up the most from your review sessions. He also said to shpp around for a comfortable chair, a table of the perfect height for you, and a lamp that would serve your purpose. I never got around to buying all these stuff because of space and budgetary constraints, but I have looked around the house for ideal places to study. Now that the NBA Finals are over (CELTICS RULE!!), I can safely say that I have a fine-tuned routine that should tide me over the next 1 1/2 months until the boards (man, how time flies!).
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Review...
Back once again in the familiar tech-laden surroundings of the LRU, I have a sudden onrush of memories from my Med school days.. Having already been through internship, it seems like such a long time ago.. Time does fly by so fast... Perhaps a little too fast...
I'm presently surrounded by the latest batch of Clerkies.. It's funny, 'coz not too long ago, I was one of them, and at the time reviewing for the boards was probably the last thing on my mind..
Hmm.. Madami sila dito sa LRU ha.. They seem to have a lot of free time on their hands. I guess mas maluwag na ngayon sa mga clerk, given all the new hospital policies, the most famous of which is the institution of 12-hour duties. 12 hours! Do you believe that?!?! samantalag during our time, we were undermanned (our batch numbered just 270-something while we worked in a system built for 400 clerks..), underpowered, and we had to go on 24++ hours in the hospital!!! Life is so unfair...
I'm supposed to be in the review downstairs right now, but personal preferences led me to the LRU to pass the time.. ;) (don't worry, i'll be down in time for the next lecture)
I can't help but feel sorry for the curretn crop of CGH interns. Manning an understaffed hospital is no joke. We already had trouble with the load as a complete batch, what more with these newcomers with only roughly half our number? Kawawa naman sila...
But I feel more sorry for the residents we've left behind. They've treated us kindly (in almost all departments at least), and most had become our friends. Now they have to carry a much heavier load due to the lack of interns helping them get the work done. Sigh..
Life goes on..
I'm presently surrounded by the latest batch of Clerkies.. It's funny, 'coz not too long ago, I was one of them, and at the time reviewing for the boards was probably the last thing on my mind..
Hmm.. Madami sila dito sa LRU ha.. They seem to have a lot of free time on their hands. I guess mas maluwag na ngayon sa mga clerk, given all the new hospital policies, the most famous of which is the institution of 12-hour duties. 12 hours! Do you believe that?!?! samantalag during our time, we were undermanned (our batch numbered just 270-something while we worked in a system built for 400 clerks..), underpowered, and we had to go on 24++ hours in the hospital!!! Life is so unfair...
I'm supposed to be in the review downstairs right now, but personal preferences led me to the LRU to pass the time.. ;) (don't worry, i'll be down in time for the next lecture)
I can't help but feel sorry for the curretn crop of CGH interns. Manning an understaffed hospital is no joke. We already had trouble with the load as a complete batch, what more with these newcomers with only roughly half our number? Kawawa naman sila...
But I feel more sorry for the residents we've left behind. They've treated us kindly (in almost all departments at least), and most had become our friends. Now they have to carry a much heavier load due to the lack of interns helping them get the work done. Sigh..
Life goes on..
Friday, February 29, 2008
STALLION PRIDE: Official Championship Report.. =)
I had a really good feeling about this year.. Like I could smell a championship coming...
Once again, my Stallions did't disappoint... =)
XAVIER JUNIORS REGAIN TIONG LIAN TITLE
February 23rd, 2008
by Henry Liao ‘72,
Hail to the Tiong Lian champions!
Twice over.
First, it was the Xavier Aspirants who secured their sixth consecutive championship in the Aspirants Division with a two-game finals’ sweep against Chiang Kai Shek.
Friday night (Feb. 22) at the Uno gym, it was the turn of their Big Brothers, the Xavier Juniors, to turn in the trick.
The Xavier Juniors registered a masterful 101-86 victory over Chiang Kai Shek in the deciding Game 3 of the best-of-three Juniors Division finals of the 32nd Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association tournament to regain the crown they lost to the Blue Dragons a year ago.
For only the fourth time in Tiong Lian history, one school annexed the Aspirants and Juniors Division titles in the same year. Chiang Kai Shek turned in the trick in 1991 and Xavier duplicated the feat in 2003, 2006 and this year.
The Golden Stallions took the opener of the Juniors Division in dramatic fashion, posting a come-from-behind 85-83 victory that shattered CKSC’s 16-game winning streak over two seasons. In Game 2, CKSC got back at Xavier, registering an 83-77 decision in a shootout that saw the protagonists combine for 20 three-pointers (11 by CKSC).
In the winner-take-all Game 3, both teams again torched the nets from beyond the three-point arc. Xavier knocked in 11 trifectas and CKSC connected on eight threes in the highest-scoring contest of the well-played titular series.
In the end, however, it was Xavier that proved to be the tougher nut to crack.
More than their impressive overall field-goal shooting (hovering around 50 percent) and suffocating team defense, it was the Golden Stallions’ gritty and determined stance that proved to be decisive.
As Banal, who completes his high school career with his first-ever championship, admitted in a television interview following the rubber match, this game was all about ‘heart.’
And it was Banal and his teammates who exhibited the heart of a champion throughout the 40-minute showdown – and not Chiang Kai Shek, the erstwhile reigning – and now deposed - titlist.
What was a close first quarter developed into a rout by game’s end.
Both teams casually exchanged baskets in the initial period before CKSC took the lead for the final time, 16-13, on a trey by Karl Villaflor.
Jeric Teng, a junior high-schooler who was the tournament’s scoring champion with a 30.5-point clip, quickly struck back with a three of his own to equalize the count, 16-all.
Xavier was ahead 21-18 (on Banal’s trey) at the end of the first 10-minute quarter.
Though the Blue Dragons were able to tie the score three times (18-all, 21-all and 23-all) bridging the first and second quarters, they would never lead at any time thereafter.
Another trifecta from Banal gave Xavier the lead for good, 26-23.
Halftime was 47-37, with the Gold and Blue ahead after 20 minutes for the first time in the series. Tomas Santos, Game 3’s surprise package, struck for eight markers during the period, including a pair from bonus-point territory.
Coach Lito Vergara’s battle-scarred troops continued with their torrid shooting in the third quarter as heady guard Robin Tan hit a pair of threes and Teng collected nine markers, including a trey that gave Xavier its largest advantage of 23, 75-52. Likewise, a tenacious help defense limited the touches of CKSC’s man-mountain Justin Chua and mesmerized its three-point marksmen.
John Laohoo connected on a three to end the third quarter at 75-55. But for the shellshocked CKSC unit of coach Sunny Co, it was the beginning of the end of its one-year reign.
Twice when CKSC attempted to pull close in the fourth period, at 77-60 and 82-65, it was Banal who doused the fire with a three-pointer on both occasions.
CKSC could not come closer than 13 points throughout the payoff period, slicing the deficit to 93-80 with 1:37 left on a last-ditch 5-0 run by the Blue Dragons.
The Batman and Robin duo of Banal and Teng bannered Xavier’s title crusade.
Teng finished with 27 points (on 10-15 FG and 5-9 FT clips, two three-pointers) 12 rebounds and seven assists while Banal totaled 23 markers (on 9-16 FG and 1-4 FT shooting, four three-pointers), nine boards and six blocked shots.
Robin Tan also played the game of his life, collecting a career-high 19 markers, including nine from the three-point area. Santos, a HS senior like Tan and Banal, contributed 16; Ian Umali, testing the defense of Justin Chua from time to time, had eight; and Miguel Tan wound up with seven.
Chiang Kai Shek was led by the 6-5 Chua, who had 30 points (on 13-21 FG and 4-7 FT shooting), 10 rebounds and five blocks in his farewell game as a Blue Dragon.
Villaflor (three three-pointers) knocked in 17 points and longtom artist Arnold Shih (four three-pointers) and bull-strong Laohoo had 16 and 15 markers, respectively, for the losers.
Once again, my Stallions did't disappoint... =)
XAVIER JUNIORS REGAIN TIONG LIAN TITLE
February 23rd, 2008
by Henry Liao ‘72,
Hail to the Tiong Lian champions!
Twice over.
First, it was the Xavier Aspirants who secured their sixth consecutive championship in the Aspirants Division with a two-game finals’ sweep against Chiang Kai Shek.
Friday night (Feb. 22) at the Uno gym, it was the turn of their Big Brothers, the Xavier Juniors, to turn in the trick.
The Xavier Juniors registered a masterful 101-86 victory over Chiang Kai Shek in the deciding Game 3 of the best-of-three Juniors Division finals of the 32nd Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association tournament to regain the crown they lost to the Blue Dragons a year ago.
For only the fourth time in Tiong Lian history, one school annexed the Aspirants and Juniors Division titles in the same year. Chiang Kai Shek turned in the trick in 1991 and Xavier duplicated the feat in 2003, 2006 and this year.
The Golden Stallions took the opener of the Juniors Division in dramatic fashion, posting a come-from-behind 85-83 victory that shattered CKSC’s 16-game winning streak over two seasons. In Game 2, CKSC got back at Xavier, registering an 83-77 decision in a shootout that saw the protagonists combine for 20 three-pointers (11 by CKSC).
In the winner-take-all Game 3, both teams again torched the nets from beyond the three-point arc. Xavier knocked in 11 trifectas and CKSC connected on eight threes in the highest-scoring contest of the well-played titular series.
In the end, however, it was Xavier that proved to be the tougher nut to crack.
More than their impressive overall field-goal shooting (hovering around 50 percent) and suffocating team defense, it was the Golden Stallions’ gritty and determined stance that proved to be decisive.
As Banal, who completes his high school career with his first-ever championship, admitted in a television interview following the rubber match, this game was all about ‘heart.’
And it was Banal and his teammates who exhibited the heart of a champion throughout the 40-minute showdown – and not Chiang Kai Shek, the erstwhile reigning – and now deposed - titlist.
What was a close first quarter developed into a rout by game’s end.
Both teams casually exchanged baskets in the initial period before CKSC took the lead for the final time, 16-13, on a trey by Karl Villaflor.
Jeric Teng, a junior high-schooler who was the tournament’s scoring champion with a 30.5-point clip, quickly struck back with a three of his own to equalize the count, 16-all.
Xavier was ahead 21-18 (on Banal’s trey) at the end of the first 10-minute quarter.
Though the Blue Dragons were able to tie the score three times (18-all, 21-all and 23-all) bridging the first and second quarters, they would never lead at any time thereafter.
Another trifecta from Banal gave Xavier the lead for good, 26-23.
Halftime was 47-37, with the Gold and Blue ahead after 20 minutes for the first time in the series. Tomas Santos, Game 3’s surprise package, struck for eight markers during the period, including a pair from bonus-point territory.
Coach Lito Vergara’s battle-scarred troops continued with their torrid shooting in the third quarter as heady guard Robin Tan hit a pair of threes and Teng collected nine markers, including a trey that gave Xavier its largest advantage of 23, 75-52. Likewise, a tenacious help defense limited the touches of CKSC’s man-mountain Justin Chua and mesmerized its three-point marksmen.
John Laohoo connected on a three to end the third quarter at 75-55. But for the shellshocked CKSC unit of coach Sunny Co, it was the beginning of the end of its one-year reign.
Twice when CKSC attempted to pull close in the fourth period, at 77-60 and 82-65, it was Banal who doused the fire with a three-pointer on both occasions.
CKSC could not come closer than 13 points throughout the payoff period, slicing the deficit to 93-80 with 1:37 left on a last-ditch 5-0 run by the Blue Dragons.
The Batman and Robin duo of Banal and Teng bannered Xavier’s title crusade.
Teng finished with 27 points (on 10-15 FG and 5-9 FT clips, two three-pointers) 12 rebounds and seven assists while Banal totaled 23 markers (on 9-16 FG and 1-4 FT shooting, four three-pointers), nine boards and six blocked shots.
Robin Tan also played the game of his life, collecting a career-high 19 markers, including nine from the three-point area. Santos, a HS senior like Tan and Banal, contributed 16; Ian Umali, testing the defense of Justin Chua from time to time, had eight; and Miguel Tan wound up with seven.
Chiang Kai Shek was led by the 6-5 Chua, who had 30 points (on 13-21 FG and 4-7 FT shooting), 10 rebounds and five blocks in his farewell game as a Blue Dragon.
Villaflor (three three-pointers) knocked in 17 points and longtom artist Arnold Shih (four three-pointers) and bull-strong Laohoo had 16 and 15 markers, respectively, for the losers.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Post # 100: The 2007 Yearender
At present, it's 11:40pm of the last day of the year at Chinese General Hospital..
... and now it's February 23, 2008, and the Stallions just won another championship...
Oh how time flies... :P
Sayang, i was supposed to write a lengthy yearender but everyone had to go to the ER in anticipation of the flood of people with firecracker injuries that would come after the stroke oif midnight. Maybe I'll talk about that some other time... Maybe... :)
... and now it's February 23, 2008, and the Stallions just won another championship...
Oh how time flies... :P
Sayang, i was supposed to write a lengthy yearender but everyone had to go to the ER in anticipation of the flood of people with firecracker injuries that would come after the stroke oif midnight. Maybe I'll talk about that some other time... Maybe... :)
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