Thursday, July 31, 2008

I Know We're Cool

Six years ago, same day, same time, someone texted me the sweetest message of all. I couldn't remember what's my reaction that time when I read the message but one thing is for sure....

Until now, I am still confused why she texted me the message. Perhaps, I'm too blinded from the start to understand what it really meant.

The text message goes like this...

"I Love You Not Only For What You Are But For What I Am When I Am With You."


Unluckily, I lost this message in my phone because I accidentally lost my old sim card but no matter what, the message will remain inside my soul and every time I think about it, it seems unbelievable to think that once in my life, someone did love me and had the courage to text me the sweetest message of all.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Must-Read To Those Who Want To Build Muscles

Either you're a male or female, you want to build lean and compact muscles. For this reason, I'll post here a very informative newsletter I received from Vince DelMonte, the fitness trainer who help ectomorph people become the center of attraction.

Read it. It's interesting and absolutely cool!

*****************************************
How Much Muscle Can YOU Really Build?
*****************************************

Most gym rats expect to build LOTS of muscle really fast.

This is a myth. You can NOT build muscle really FAST. The majority of readers, customers and clients I work with have completely unrealistic expectations when it comes to building
muscle.

I can't put an exact number on how much you can gain but most people believe that they can build 20 pounds of musclein three months...

...it's amazing how many frustrated customers I get emailing me after their first month of training complaining that they only gained 5 or 10 pounds. I'm thinking to myself, "That's fantastic, what are you complaining about?!"

There is no doubt you can gain 20 pounds of WEIGHT in 3 months or even one month, but we are not talking about *weight* - we are talking about *DRY MUSCLE*


Pure muscle tissue. Not water weight. Not glycogen weight. Pure muscle weight!

There is not a chance in heaven that you will gain 5 or even 10 pounds of dry muscle in one month or even 3 months - not even close. I hate to be the messenger of this bad news but unless you are using growth enhancing drugs...

... it's IMPOSSIBLE.

Many of you might be upset or discouraged about the TRUTH of how much you can actually build but this knowledge will help you to eat and train with a more realistic perspective.

So how much muscle can your body actually manufacture?

Under the BEST possible circumstances (training, diet, supplementation, recovery) the average male body can create between *0.25 and 0.50* pounds of dry muscle tissue per week.

That's the natural amount that your body chemistry will allow.

So you’re looking at 1-2 pounds of dry muscle each month. Not much?

Well consider what your body will look like in 12 months from now with an extra 12-24 pounds of muscle?!?! Starting to see the importance of consistency???!!!

You see, I did not gain 41 pounds of DRY MUSCLE in six months. The 41 pounds also factored in the increased muscle which was accompanied by increased glycogen and water storage in the muscles. More muscle equals more glycogen.

Most people can maintain up to 40 grams of glycogen per 100g of muscle tissue. So if you're gaining ten pounds of new muscle you'll consequently increase glycogen storage by around four pounds.

So if you gain ten pounds of muscle, your scale gain will actually be closer to fourteen pounds (if you didn't gain any fat). And rarely often will someone not gain any fat if you are gaining more than 3 pounds per month.

So, when you set your goals, clarify in your mind if "20 pounds of muscle" is your *weight gain* goal or your *dry muscle* goal. And then put realistic time frames on these goals based on the info I just shared.

If you simply focus on keeping your body fat between 10-13% fat while gaining around 5 pounds per month then it is safe to say you are gaining 1-2 pounds of dry muscle a month with 1-2 pounds of glycogen and water hopefully no more than a pound of fat.


Train hard and expect success,

Vince DelMonte

******************

Now, watch this eye-opener video and learn the inconvenient truth about Bodybuilding and you can't simply believe what you will discover.


Vince DelMonte: "Bodybuilding magazines are, perhaps, the most deceitful communication medium in the fitness industry."

Monday, July 28, 2008

Meet The Adorable Isis Alexi Martin-Alcantara



Isis Alexi was born on June 5, 2006. Her mother, Cheryl, is my elder sister while her father, Rocky, is of course my brother-in-law.



When she was here in Davao last year, she called my name for the first time, "R" instead of "DR" or "Dean."



At two, she's now going to school. Just a play school and look, she's truly adorable in her little blue uniform, right?



That's her yaya, Ate Roxanne!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Who's "Skinny Vinnie?"

Here's a copy of the first newsletter from the fitness guru, Vince DelMonte. He was the ectomorph who eventually become the author of "No Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secrets To Insane Muscle Gain."


In this newsletter, he will explain to you how to properly gain weight with chisel muscles in your arms, back and abs.

Want tips on how you build muscles? Watch this informative video.


***** ****** ******

If You're Still Stuck With The Same Weak and Skinny Body...

You have been mislead and down right lied to by some of the most successful masters of deception alive today. You are probably not even aware that the bodybuilding industry is robbing you of your hard-earned efforts, it's embarrassing your commitment and motivation, and most importantly, it's stealing your money, and crushing the results you should be getting at the gym.

In my search for honest, unbiased, time-tested muscle building information I discovered some hard-to-accept information. Looking back, I now realize that this information was a major turning point in my journey to building muscle the right way. BUT...I had to reprogram my belief system.

I'm going to explain to you the three biggest and baddest ways to building muscle the wrong way. Erase these mistakes from your thought process and you will be one step closer to earning beach body worthy status:


Building Muscle The Wrong Way #1 - Skipping Out On Your Cardio...

Before you disagree take note that I was once a long distance triathlon and running champion so my cardiovascular standards and perceptions of 'fit' are much higher than your local trainers or expert bodybuilding author.

It drives me crazy when I hear fitness experts preaching that weight training is just as good for keeping your heart and lungs in prime condition. Who are they kidding?

Weight training, designed for bodybuilding, is almost useless for stimulating your cardiovascular system. Bodybuilding style weight training for your cardio is just about as good as spending the day playing video games.

Sure, I know your leg training workouts and super sets make you feel like you sprinted up the street for 100 m but this is far cry from a optimal cardio system.

Do not buy into the latest fad that cardio will kill any chance of building muscle. Cardio must be in your program even if your goal is maximal muscle gain and you are the skinniest of skinny.

Aerobics plays a vital role in building muscle and has been shown to speed up recovery from weight training by transporting oxygen and blood flow to the muscles.

The circulatory system is developed because more oxygen is pushed through your blood resulting in a greater number and size of blood vessels.

Since there is a greater cardiovascular density of blood vessels, your circulatory system has more 'supply routes' to shuttle oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues, including muscles, and shuttle away waste products that can slow muscle growth, repair and recovery. In the end, this means you will create a more optimal environment for building muscle!

Vince DelMonte

**** ***** ******

Friday, July 25, 2008

3 Little Lies About Gaining Weight

I subscribe to Vince Del Monte's free newsletter about Gaining Weight. Vince Del Monte is a fitness enthusiast who's also had a terrible experience as a scrawny teenager turned into a bodybuilder.

In fact, when I've read his first newsletter, I was amazed because it really gives you the right capsules of information you need in order to gain weight.

Now, I'll post here the three so-sick lies you think is true about gaining weight. These information are his words, I simply copy and paste it here. Here they are...

Lie Number 1

"Train like a bodybuilder to become a bodybuilder..."

Truth is: Not only is this training advice useless, but it will cause over-training, injuries and illness.

Lie Number 2

"If you want to increase your strength and have spectacular muscle growth, just follow the magazines..."

Truth is: Almost every single one of the training schedules in muscle magazines is outright hogwash. Not only will you build no muscle by following the herd, but you will create muscular losses – fast. And you will become weaker!

"Intensity of effort" is good

"Amount of exercise" is bad

Lie Number 3

"The body of your dreams is locked inside this liquid... this powder... or these pills."

Truth is: The bulk of their money is made by selling you crap! Supplement companies actually give out false training information on purpose!

The majority of the bodybuilding information written by "the experts" is complete and total nonsense designed to make you fail, so that you'll continue to rely on their products for results.

(To be continued...)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Unfair Reality

This world is unfair. Why it has to be this way? Sometimes, I just want to rip myself off and be with the angels up above.

Problems are arising here and there. Brokenhearts bleed. Happiness is way off the road. What kind of life is this?

Why can you simply live not beyond the ordinary? Life seems a garbage of hope. Everything is just unruly.

Frustration. Anxiety. Work. Stress. These things are all in my mind. What will happen to me in the end?

I just don't know. Life is unpredictable. No matter how I justify that everything happens for a reason, there's still some things beyond my control.

No matter what, this life sucks even more as you get older. Perhaps, life is not only above surviving, it's merely about surviving your insecure maturity.

I'm aware that life can never be perfect. Perfection is nothing but a delusion. Perfection is boring. You will not grow if you remain to be perfect.

But beneath the imperfection lies confusion and that includes me.

I'm just tired analyzing it, that's just it.

What Your Zodiac Symbol Tells You?

Most people, myself included, don't believe in horoscopes. Way back in high school and college, I really don't believe in those matters. Horoscopes are nothing but a delusion of humanity.

But, as years fly by, I've learned that there's nothing wrong if I am going to believe in horoscopes. After taking a lot of psychological tests way back in college, I discovered that there's this thin line of consistency between these horoscopes and your personality fluids.

Somehow but not entirely the capsule of truth, these horoscopes or rather be called as zodiac symbols can tell something about you and your relationship with your family, brothers, sisters, spouse, best friend, relatives etc.

From what I've read, two people can have a nicer relationship if their personality fluids blend with each other. How? I might not know the answer behind it but it seems true to say that "Different poles attract each other."

Aries: Fire: March 21 - April 19
Taurus: Earth: April 20 - May 20
Gemini: Air: May 21 - June 21
Leo: Fire: July 23 - August 22
Virgo: Earth: August 23 - September 22
Libra: Air: September 23 - October 22

Scorpio: Water: October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius: Fire: November 22 - December 21
Capricorn: Earth: December 22 - January 19
Aquarius: Air: January 20 - February 18
Pisces: Water: February 19 - March 20

Interpretations of the four elements


Fire and Air signs are positive or extrovert, masculine signs; while Water and Earth signs are negative, introvert, feminine signs.

Fire Signs--Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius--

Fire represents one's desires and creative energies. The Fire signs are associated with action, passion, energy, and heat, and people with a lot of fire in their make up are confident, bright, warm, exciting, and easily take the initiative. In combination with the other elements, fire feels that earth will smother it, water will douse it, but air will fan and enliven it. It is the element of focus and prosperity.

Earth Signs--Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn--

Earth represents one's material resources, environment and possessions. The Earth signs are associated with sensation, stability and practicality, and people with a lot of earth in their make up are solid, dependable, thorough, responsible, cautious, overexertive, overprotective, and quiet. In combination with the other elements, earth feels that air will suffocate it, fire will burn it, but water will refresh and nourish it. It is the element of strength and growth.

Air Signs--Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius--

Air represents the intellect and one's ability to reason and communicate. The Air signs are associated with thought, perspective, hastiness, and communication, and people with a lot of air in their make up are intellectual, objective, lively, idealistic and articulate. In combination with the other elements, air feels that water will obscure it, earth will suffocate it, but fire will inspire and uplift it. It is the element of agility and beauty.

Water Signs--Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces--


Water represents imagination, human feelings and one's ability to love and sustain. The Water signs are associated with growth processes, imagination, identification and emotion, and people with a lot of water in their make up are sensitive, seductive, intuitive, imaginative, insightful, secretive, loving, learned, and moody. In combination with the other elements, water feels that fire will make it boil, air will evaporate it, but earth will shape and channel it. It is the element of healing and spirit.

Important note: All the interpretations above are taken from Wikipedia.com and should not be taken seriously. Those are simply possibilities, treat it only as your guide to unlock the door of obscurity. It may be true or not. And folks, Life is always a choice and it always takes two to tango, right?

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Alicia Keys Comes Back To Philippines


Whoa! I just knew it. Alicia Keys is having a concert here in the Philippines for the second time around. The concert will be held at Araneta Coliseum on August 5, 2008, Tuesday.

Oh geez! Why I am not aware of this very special event? Am I too busy? Am I not watching TV? What is wrong with me!!!!!

Alicia Keys is my babe. She's my R&B icon of all time. Her singles "If I Ain't Got You" and "No One" made a huge impact in my life. It keeps on revolving in my mind even when I'm sleeping. The first time I listen to her latest album "As I Am," I listen to it over and over again more than four times in that day.

What should I do? I want to see Alicia Keys. I'm dying to see my babe. Why I am not aware of this update?

Help me, I'm going insane!

Monday, July 21, 2008

How To Gain Weight?

Good news, folks!

I found a very nice website that really gives various advises on how you can effectively gain weight.

From what I've read, if you are a skinny person who wants to free yourself from all the strings of emotional insecurity, you must first know that it's not your fault why you are skinny. Being a hard gainer, like me, is in the genes. If your mom or dad are skinny, then the tendency to become underweight is high.

Ectomorph. That's what we are and the body structure is not well-developed that's why, ectomorphs feel lanky all the time as if our energy is losing out when we don't regularly eat.

"As an ectomorph, you can eat just about whatever you please and plenty of it without it going to your hips, waist and thighs. However when you choose to eat junk (bucketsfull of saturated fats and simple carbs) your body is going to look as flabby and uncared for as anyone else's. You can just hide it better. But you and your bathroom mirror know your terrible secret (Ezine)."

The painful reality is, most ectomorphs have weak resistance that's why we are susceptible to "high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, dangerously high cholestorol and even worse diet related chronic conditions."

But hold on!

There's still hope and the right key here is to gain weight. "Though you cannot change your bone structure (without expensive and risky surgery) you can change your shape somewhat by building lean or bulk muscle mass. You can build up your shoulder muscles by using reasonably light weights. You can get some waist definition with ab targeting exercises (Ezine)."

Therefore, if you are like me who really wants to gain weight and live a healthier life, you can visit this page >>> Be A Happy Hard Gainer! and I'll suggest that you"ll subscribe to their free newsletter for free.

I already received my first newsletter and it's undeniably great!

Like losing weight, gaining weight is about discipline and most importantly, "you need diet and exercise according to what an ectomorph body responds best to (Ezine)"

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Robin Thicke's Complicated



Looks like Robin Thicke is conquering the world by storm once again with the release of his new album "Something Else." The video above is actually one of his best hits in her second studio album "The Evolution of Robin Thicke"

The song is very cool. When I first listen to it in YouTube, Whoosh! I can relate myself into it. The lyrics is simply good. This song might not be one of greatest neo soul in the R&B world, but it's truly one of the bests of all time.

Well-done Robin Thicke!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Oh Geez, Looks Like I'm Paranoid!

I took this online test in 4 DEGREES to test what personality disorders I might have and here's the result:

DisorderRating
Paranoid:High
Schizoid:Low
Schizotypal:Moderate
Antisocial:Low
Borderline:Low
Histrionic:High
Narcissistic:Moderate
Avoidant:Moderate
Dependent:Low
Obsessive-Compulsive:Low

-- Personality Disorder Test --
-- Personality Disorder Information --



Important Note:
"Please remember that this test isn't meant to diagnose you. Only a professional can do that."

So, what's a paranoid personality disorder? A paranoid personality disorder is "characterized by a distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives." Anyone can have this disorder and once the situation seems severe, you may need to seek professional help.

What's a great dilemma is, people with this personality disorder don't want help because they think they are completely ok and relentlessly suspicious of medical treatment. They really believe in the saying "Trust No One Except Yourself."

Friday, July 18, 2008

The Most Delicious Cup of Coffee



A heartwarming thanks to my co-worker AUBREY for giving SURVIVOR INSIGHTS this cool bacon.

Peace and love!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Are You A Superwoman?

My babe, Alicia Keys, has just released her fourth and final music video from her groundbreaking third studio album "As I Am." The title of the song is Superwoman and I am really sure this will become another feminist's theme song worldwide.

Truth is, the overall message of this song is awesome. This is undeniably one of the strongest soulful tracks in Keys' album. In fact, this is her topmost favorite. The first time I heard this song, goosebumps all over my body. It makes me realize that the real attraction of a woman is not only seen in her physical features.

Yes, it's so cool to look a woman with well-rounded boobs, big butt, perfectly-curve hips, red kissable lips, long shiny hair and long flawless legs but do you think these qualities are enough?

I'm not sure but one thing for sure, a woman is more attractive if she's got the courage to outsmart the frustrations of the real world. And this what Alicia's new video is all about. The video is undeniably one of the remarkable and unforgettable music videos of all time and I am falling in love with Alicia Keys again.

Watch the video now and listen attentively to the lyrics. SUPERWOMAN

Peace and Love to all the babes, the girls and the women all over the world. This is your song, sing it proudly! Including you.....

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What Happened To Novak?



This is a very funny video. The current World Seed Number 3 in men's division, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, is imitating various tennis players like Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and even... Maria Sharapova.

Hahaha

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Who Says That Money is Not Eveything?

Some people says money is not everything but others believe money can buy everything. Which one is true? Do you still believe that money is the root of all evil that's why it's not everything?

Hell yeah...

Truth hurts. But sad to say, money is simply everything nowadays. Whether you agree or disagree, we all need money to live. We spend money to improve the quality of our life. We want to earn money to buy our wants and we tend to believe that money can make life easier.

From the time you are inside your mother's womb or shall I say your father and mother are still copulating to create you, millions of sperms are competing to get inside the egg and once these two unite, a new creature is born.

That's you!

From that point onwards, your mom and dad are paying for your prenatal check-ups. After nine months, loads of cash are paid in the hospital to get you from your mother's womb. So, that means if your mother will die during the delivery, your dad will scratch out his pocket again for the coffin. LOL! That's a dirty joke.

When you are already inside your crib, your parents will purchase milk and various supplements for your survival.

As you grow up, your parents will purchase new shoes, new toys, new clothes, new pants and other new stuffs to satisfy your needs and wants.

When you're learning to walk independently and go shopping with them, you'll just cry in the middle of the Toy Kingdom begging to buy a new knick-knack to destroy twenty-four-hours upon purchase.

Each day, you'll eat, drink milk, play and shop, spending money here and there until you are stepping the school front yard for the first time.

Here, you are holding your new bag, new notebooks, new books, new pencils and eraser, a pair of scissors, your new lunch box and not to forget, you are wearing your new uniform. All these stuffs are bought by your parents. They pay for your tuition. They buy a new lunch box in case your old lunch box is destroyed by your carelessness.

Not only that, they are also feeding your pleasurable wishes in case you'll be asking for a new mobile phone, a new portable playstation, an iPod, Mp3, laptop or whatever trendy gadget you are wishing for.

All these events will be in a routine. Money here and money there, ripping the pockets of your parents while shouting at them when you're angry.

Until you reach puberty. In this stage, you are starting to experiment with the things beyond your limitations. You are exploring the world. Girls, boys, dating, flirts, sex, orgy, adventure, food, etc. Your imagination gets wilder but still you are ripping off your parents' bank account to gratify your new adventure with your friends, acquaintances, schoolmates, and others.

Without exactly knowing that your life is in the mark of confusion, you are still experimenting with boozes, sex, drugs, alcohols, cigarette and what's really pricey is, you are spending your savings to buy birth control products to have sex with your lover.

And if your lover is a gold-digger, you'll end up pampering her/him.

If you are a male, you are buying condoms, have sex with your girlfriend and drink liquor trying to forget that you're been a loser all throughout. If you're a female, you are starting to take pills even it's very expensive, have sex with your boyfriend and if ever you'll get pregnant, you will find yourself in your bed- crying.

For this reason, who still says that money is not everything? When you're having a family at a young age of 23, you will find a work to earn money. When you own a car, you need to pay for your car insurance. When you're working in a well-established company, you are compelled to pay tax and other health-care benefits.

When you are working at home, you need to pay for broadband Internet connection. When you have a house, you need to pay for electric bill, water bill, phone bill, credit card bill, house insurance bill, your son or daughter school bills and other oh-no bills. What's lacking is to kill bill.

And at night, when you and your partner are both stress and tired, you'll ended up having sex to release some endorphins and the money cycle will start over again. Congratulations!

Before I forget, when you die, you still need to pay for your coffin and offer something to eat to those who will visit your funeral.

Life to death is all about money. Thinking of this is a real suck but that's the immutable truth we can't no longer change.

Money!
Money!
Money!

So, here's a world theme song you need to sing starting now. The title is "For the Love of Money."



That's life, it's merely about money.

Now, I'll ask you again, WHO STILL SAYS THAT MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING?

Monday, July 14, 2008

Sweet Serbians!

Currently, two of my favorite tennis icons are Roger Federer and Ana Ivanovic But it seems that Federer is slipping down the spotlight but don't worry, there's still Novak, the World's third seed and he and Ana will be a blast!

These two of the best World-known Serbian players are bringing the house down and will surely be the next Tennis Champions.

Watch this video I got in YouTube. They seem a perfect couple.


Read this interesting personal info about Ivanovic and Djokovic from Wikipedia

************************

Ivanović's mother, Dragana, a lawyer, attends all of her daughter's matches. Her father, Miroslav, a self-employed businessman, attends as many events as he possibly can. Ana has a younger brother, Miloš, with whom she loves to play basketball. Other hobbies include shopping, watching movies and playing Sudoku. She chooses not to have a permanent coach. Aside from her tennis career, Ivanović also studies finance at a university in Belgrade, and Spanish in her spare time. Her inspiration to begin playing was Monica Seles, and she also admires Roger Federer.

On September 8, 2007, Ivanović became a UNICEF National Ambassador for Serbia, alongside Aleksandar Đorđević and Emir Kusturica. She takes a special interest in the fields of education and child protection. Ivanović visited a primary school in Serbia during her inauguration and said: "I'm also looking forward to going into the classroom and meeting many kids."

Ivanović is a fan of all sport clubs competing under the name of Partizan Belgrade.

Ivanović is friends with former doubles partner Maria Kirilenko, as well as other professional tennis players Daniela Hantuchova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Sanja Ancic, Rafael Nadal, Tatiana Golovin and fellow Serbians Novak Djokovic (whom she has known since the age of 5) and Janko Tipsarević.

********************************

Djokovic was born May 22, 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia, then Yugoslavia. He was born to father Srdjan and mother Dijana, and is the oldest of their three sons. His two younger brothers, Đorđe and Marko, are also tennis players with professional aspirations. Djokovic started playing tennis at the age of four, and when eight was spotted by Yugoslav tennis legend Jelena Gencic, who stated "This is the greatest talent I have seen since Monica Seles."

At twelve, he spent three years at Nikola Pilić's tennis academy in Munich, Germany, and at fourteen his international career began as he won European championships in singles, doubles, and team competition. He resides in Monte Carlo, Monaco and is coached by a former Slovak tennis player, Marian Vajda. Djokovic speaks Serbian, German, Italian, and English.

Djokovic often does humorous off-court impersonations of his fellow players, many of whom are his friends. This became evident to the tennis world after his 2007 US Open quarterfinal win over Carlos Moya, where he entertained the audience with impersonations of Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova.

In February 2008, Djokovic conveyed his support via video link to a mass rally in Belgrade against Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

FEDex Delivered!

After his recent unforgettable defeat to Rafa Nadal in Wimbledon 2008, Roger Federer is still the spirit of a champion to many people worldwide.

Watch this documentary film of the World Seed Number 1!



Federer continues to soar high as he "won twelve Grand Slam singles titles (three Australian Open, five Wimbledon, four US Open), four Tennis Masters Cup titles, and fourteen ATP Masters Series titles. Federer holds many records in the game, including having appeared in ten consecutive Grand Slam men's singles finals (2005 Wimbledon Championships through the 2007 US Open) and 17 consecutive Grand Slam singles semifinals (2004 Wimbledon - present). He also holds the open era records for consecutive wins on both grass courts (65) and hard courts (56)."
SOURCE: .YouTube



Federer is still standing tall no matter what. Watch this final clip of the series!



Federer was born on August 8, 1981 and like me, he's a Leo who can still roar with a damaged ego. The spirit of a True Tennis Champion!!!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

10 Great Moments at Wimbledon 2008



Wimbledon 2008 has ended with a blast with Top seeded 2 Rafa Nadal (Spain) won the Men's finals for the very first time and Venus Williams (USA), seeded seventh, attained her 5th Wimbledon crown in the Women's division.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

"That's Life!"

If someone has a problem, we regularly say - "What can we do? That's life."

If our friend needs a shoulder to lean on, we say, "No choice, Ganun talaga ang buhay! (That's life!)"

What does "That's life" mean? Filipinos are fond of saying this expression but are we sure that this is therapeutic? Do you think it can solve the problem? What does it really mean? Does it refer to Fate? Life? Reality? Pain? Luck?

If you will ask me, I am not also sure. I don't know. There is no empirical investigation you can do to quantify the logic behind this expression.

But based on my own interpretation, this expression stands as an indefinite answer for "I don't know, this life is not perfect anyway." I'm not so sure about this interpretation but that's the way I see it.

That's life: Therapeutic or not?

It really depends upon the situation. But at times, why say "That's life" when you can say "Life is truly unfair." Geez, perhaps, the listener will commit suicide the next day. lol

Better say "That's life."

It may mean nothing. It may be meaningless to some. It's not really therapeutic to many. However, when you say, "That's life," it may mean that you seem to be a good listener who's ready to hear the problems of the other and may or may not give advises after.

Just remember, folks! Only give advices when asked to (except if you're talking to a person whose age is 17- below)

What can I say?

This expression is everywhere. I use it. You use it. He uses it. She uses it. Everybody is using it.

But, one thing for sure.

It remains to be the nonsense expression that can't neither be ignored nor deny. This expression has been a part of us. It's part of life.

That's the way life goes!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Another Cheesy Love Song, Booyah!



You are watching a pop ballad and cheesy love song by Ant & Dec entitled "Fallin." When this song premiered in MTV long long time ago, I think I was still twelve and I was not yet a R&B addict, I somehow liked the melody of the song. That time, I couldn't appreciate the lyrics, not knowing it's a good love song. hehehe

Wow, it's good that I've embedded the video from YouTube and post it here.

For the benefit of all, I am posting the lyrics here. Enjoy, folks!

Verse One:

Every little piece of love, of love
I'll give you everything

You make me weak, girl you stand out from the crowd
You are so strong never let life get you down
I can't go on, pretending I don't see
Just how good I'd be for you and how good you'd be for me
And it doesn't matter how hard I try
I can't suppress this feeling, this feeling inside
I think I'm falling girl

Chorus
I'm falling for you
I'm falling for you
It doesn't matter what you say
Doesn't matter what you do
Baby it's true
I'm falling for you
I'm falling for you
You know how much I care for you
There's nothing that I would, I would not do

Verse Two:

Sometimes in life, you can search forever more
Searching for love, never able to be sure
Be sure your heart, won't be broken up inside
Cause inside the realm of love, there's no place to run or hide
And it doesn't matter how hard you try
You can't suppress this feeling, this feeling inside
I think I'm falling girl

(Chorus)

And it doesn't matter how hard I try
I can't suppress this feeling, this feeling inside
I think I'm falling girl

(Chorus)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Just You in My Mind

Geez, I don't want this song the first time I heard it way back 1998. This song was a freak and Savage Garden was simply one of the worst bands in music history. Sorry for that!

But now, this freaky song reminds me of someone and holy cow, the cheesy feeling is there. What's happening to me?

Monday, July 7, 2008

Identity Crisis is Coming!


Refuse to be "Chipped" - Funny videos are here

This is a very interesting and intellectual video to watch. It's like reading a Tom Clancy novel about those clandestine operations of CIA. It's very controversial!

Honestly, I really like this gadget. It should be put into practice if and only if, it doesn't go beyond the limits of sovereignty.

The use of Verochip should only be limited to criminals and gangsters who remain to be a great threat in the world's national security.

Thanks to my co-worker, Jam, for sending this video to me. That's why; I have another interesting idea for my next novel I can't wait to write. That is, if I still have the time to write it.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Venus and Rafa: The Winners of Wimbledon 2008


Wimbledon came to a close and from what I read in the news in Yahoo and Wimbledon.com, the game ended in big blizzard twist as World Seed No. 2 Rafael Nadal grabbed the grand bacon from the Swiss World Seed No. 1, Roger Federrer,
6-4,-6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7.

In women's division, Venus Williams won her fifth consecutive title beating her younger sister, Serena, 7-5, 6-4.

Oh geez! That's very disappointing for Federrer and a very joyous moment of triump for Venus. According to Yahoo Sports, this 2008 Wimbledon was one of the exciting and unforgettable tennis tournament of all time, wherein there were twisting unpredictable and shocking events 'till the very last second.

It pains me to think that I wasn't able to watch the Wimbledon because I have no cable connection at home and Studio 23 didn't telecast it.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Kinsey and his Taboo Life


Last night, I watched the movie "Kinsey," and wow, the film was beyond great. It's one of those eye-opener and talk-of-the-town movies of all time leaving you with capsules of questions and 50-50 judgments.

After watching it, my mind was filled with realizations, insights and psychological interpretations and this is the reason why I am writing this blog. In fact, this movie was recognized as one of the Golden Globe's Best Pictures in 2004.

This movie was actually introduced to me by Abby, a friend of mine in work, during the lunch break. The topic was simply got burst out from our mouths and after we talked about it, I started to browse Youtube and Wikipedia about the whereabouts of the film.

So, here's the interesting trailer I stumbled upon in YouTube. Watch it and meet Alfred Charles Kinsey!


Film Synopsis: Source: .Plugged In Online
It’s the early 1900s, and young Alfred Kinsey, a resident of Indiana, United States, is being raised in a strict Methodist home where newfangled inventions such as automobiles, electricity, telephones and zippers are thought to be the spawn of Satan. They’re just waiting to lure the unsuspecting into sexual immorality. Spurning his father’s wish that he become an engineer, Kinsey’s fascination with nature leads him to become an entomologist, specializing in the study of gall wasps.


Alfred Kinsey, as portrayed by Liam Neeson in the film.

Because of sexual difficulties early in his marriage and appalled that no one seems to have answers to simple questions about sexuality, Kinsey (as portrayed by Liam Neeson) sets about researching human sexual behavior to fill that void. Using three specially trained assistants namely Clyde Martin (Peter Sarsgaard), Wardell Pomeroy (Chris O’Donnell) and Timothy Hutton (Paul Gebhard), he interviews men and women in "nonjudgmental terms" to find out what’s going on behind the bedroom doors of America. Along the way, he encourages his assistants to swap wives, allows his children to engage in frank sexual discussions at the dinner table and turns America’s sexual mores upside down.

Personal Reactions:
The movie was unforgettable and it will surely be in my Top 10 favorites. Overall, it doesn't only have a complex plot but it really talks about the unusual and unpredictable scenarios of life.

In this film, almost all the taboo matters in life you can think of as of this moment (Sex, Masturbation, Homosexuality, Unfaithfulness, Anger, Hostility, Father Conflict, etc.) are openly discussed and if you're not open-minded about those controversies, you can automatically say that you will never watch this film again.

The film has a lot of violent and sexual content. The characters were using profane language that's completely off the hook in Christian world. Some scenes took place in a social drinking parties that give rise to drug and alcohol addiction.

But no matter how controversial this movie, there are still hundreds of insightful learning you can dig on. One of which is about homosexuality. In this movie, you will learn that you really can't tell if a man is completely straight or homosexual. Whether you have a wife, a husband, it somehow irrational to conclude that you are straight. As what Kinsey, the creator of Human Sexual Orientation Scale, implied that human sexuality is a fluid evolution. That means, as long as we are all alive, our sexual preferences can change no matter what.

Yet, the movie has still discussed an unclear portion about LOVE. Watch this final scene from the movie to know what I mean.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Get Ready For HP!


It's confirmed!

After years of waiting, the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Blood Prince will splash into the big screen on November 2008. I don't know what's the exact date but there are rumors on YouTube that it will be shown on the 20th.

I read the entire book and by a mile, it's a priceless masterpiece!

The overall plot was a bit creepier and it's filled with shocking revelations in between. There were several twists and turns. Dumbledore, the Hogwarts Headmaster, died at the end and Voldemort, the Dark Lord nemesis of Potter, was alive again in flesh and you will understand why he became the Dark Lord. Ron Weasley became the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. And as what expected, Harry remains to be a courageous froward who constantly broke the rules and ended up in a detention. But at the end of the novel, Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister, became Harry's girlfriend.

(Harry's just lucky. She got her love of his life and I've got none. Oh geez, I thought, I'm the Harry Potter alter-ego in the non-fiction world, hehehe)

Just hoping that this movie will equal or exceed Harry Potter 4, The Goblet of Fire. Harry Potter 5 was plainly good but I was not really satisfied with it. The movie editing was tight for me.

I'm looking forward to watching this movie in the big screen. I will not do anything foolish to ruin the day. It will only be me, myself and I inside the movie house without any cheesy stuffs in my mind, hehehe

Folks, watch the amazing trailer here!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Don't Leave Your Dreams Behind!!!


For some people, this might be an ordinary inspiring soccer film with a twist. Yes, indeed, it really is! But wait, when I get to dig the deepest primary goal of the plot, one thing is for sure: This movie rocks!

Goal! The Dream Begins! This movie inspires me a lot! Believe me or not, I've learned capsules and loads of significant insights and realizations about LIFE while watching this film.

Without a doubt, this is probably my best motion picture of all time. Truly Number 1!

Want to see the trailer? Here it is:


"Believe in yourself," this is the most important lesson you can learn after watching the film. Like Santiago Munez (portrayed by Kuno Becker), he never quit in the game of life although he got screwed several times. See? Life is simply a wheel of fortune filled with failures and confusion however; we oftentimes decide our fortune we want. Psychologically, our fortune in life is our choice, not our destiny. Once we get to fathom the correct decisions, confusion melts away! For this reason, our choices are the ticket to the paramount of our dreams. Just remember what Professor Dumbledore told Harry Potter, "It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

On the other hand, life is not all about choices and decisions. I understand that at some points of our life, we feel languid even though we don’t exactly know why. Sometimes, we call it as "bad karma" or "God’s wrath." Don’t worry, I experienced it too, more than what you can think! In this case, luck plays as the spice of our life. Basically, some people may not really believe in luck only due to the fact that it is unscientific and inexplicit. In fact, when I watched the film "Goal," I get to realize that there is nothing wrong if we believe in it. Luck might also bring us hope. There’s a scene in the film when Santiago is about to leave England after series of unsuccessful trials for Newcastle United. However, upon discovering flat tires in his car, Gavin Harris (Alessandro Nivola), a promiscuous and prominent soccer player, instantly calls a taxi cub. Chasing the time to attend his regular soccer practice, he’s coincidentally riding the taxi with his new soccer pal- Santiago. As a result of this lucky event, Santiago is given another chance to play professional soccer. See the magic behind luck? We oftentimes ignore its presence but it exists around us. Luck is probably like a falling star. It comes unexpectedly but it works in magical mysterious ways. Isn’t it amazing?

Nothing is perfect in life. Oftentimes, we hardly accept our weaknesses. We think that our weaknesses are our liability. An obstacle in life! Despite of having asthma, Santiago Munez never loses his grip of becoming a professional soccer player. At first, he was in denial of his case. He even lied during his physical examination. Yet, when his league manager, Mr. Dornhelm, learned about his condition, he immediately advised him to see a physician for a thorough check-up. As a result of this big piercing courageous revelation, Santiago’s morale lifted up. Really inspiring, right? Denial is a negative parcel of life. Everybody lies. We are born to be liars whether we like it or not. It is a common mechanism we do to cope with our difficulties. We love to deny things until we get to realize there is no genuineness inside us. Truth is, facing our weaknesses might be a liability but not an obstacle.

When I was young, I kept a tremendous amount of embarrassment inside me only because I couldn’t accept my disability to walk. There were many questions revolving inside my head that time. Questions that I thought have no answers. I prayed but I was still confused. Believe me or not, I thought of suicide to end my miseries. It’s horrible! Now, I realize that living in reality is not a question of why but how. It took years before I understand and accept the real me. Yes, it sucks to accept our weaknesses but things will be fine if we know how to handle it. Truth is, life is more beautiful if we are real. There are no specific techniques in knowing ourselves however, if we could learn how to evaluate our weaknesses from our strengths- it is easier to move on! But who knows? Miracles do happen. Time comes that I can walk all by myself and it’s me, myself and my boo at the park with our dogs one day:>
Having a special someone adds color to our life. Love is such a powerful word that makes all things possible. Life without love is basically futile. We don’t necessarily know when it comes but it just comes! That’s why; it is called falling in love not searching for love. Even Santiago Munez fell in love with his Nurse Rosie (Anna Friel). How ironically delightful! An active man who kicks a ball outfield and a prim and proper warm-hearted Samaritan inside the hospital.



Years ago, I was torn because of love. How it happens? That’s another topic, hehehe. All I can say, love is such a positive motivating force of life no matter how puzzling it is sometimes.

People.

We live in a world socializing with different people in different races and color. Yet, as what the famous saying says, "You can’t please everyone." Yes, this is true! No matter how Santiago Munez proves his worth to his father, his father does not believe him. He doesn’t give his son a chance to show what he is capable of. Perhaps, Santiago’s father is only too preoccupied with all the stress of life which results to stringency. He’s also too weak to accept the changes in life, that’s why; he becomes overprotective of his children in negative ways. As a result, there is a father-and-son conflict. Huge icebergs of confusion emerge between them. This dilemma happens all the time. Believe me, I experienced it too. It is not really easy to get rid of those icebergs. I did get envy with my dad’s new wife and son. In fact, I learned to hate my dad. With God’s help, I get to understand that the real problem was somehow on me. I realized that I was not a little boy to earn my dad’s attention all the time. The role of father is no joke at all. Fathers are only human beings with psychological burdens of their own. Some of them may even have enormous trauma behind their backs. They oftentimes deny their weaknesses but truth is, they are also hurt. Bruise inside. I understand it’s too difficult to reach out to them but that’s all we could do to make things easier. No matter what you do, change is the only permanent thing in life, right?

There are also negative people around us. It is painful to think that there are people who regularly criticize, manipulate, envy, label and degrade us by any means. Being a new member in the soccer league, Santiago Munez is also the center attraction of mockery and jealousy. He had no friends. His presence seems to be a threat to everyone. However, things went out fine for him at the end. Even the famous Gavin Harris became his good friend. In reality, people are judgmental. We basically don’t know what others think of us. Gossips and rumors are inevitable among a group when someone is passing their way. In this case, paranoia easily sets in and self-control diminishes. Some people are like that, they are still bitter no matter how we please them. Know-it-all people criticize us even to the smallest detail of mistake. Others only nag to put us down. Just like criminals, these obnoxious people possess a huge amount of guilt inside them. They may be aware of their aggressive actions but they can’t somehow control it. That’s why; their easiest way to cope with this aggression is through displacement (transferring of negative emotions to others) and projection (attributing one’s own unacceptable feeling to others).

Sometimes, life also has these good people who are like Heaven’s Saints and Angels! We exactly don’t know them however, they really believe in our skills and capabilities. In the film, I reckon there are two great Samaritans behind Santiago’s initial success. First is his grandmother. Amidst the odds, she gave Santiago the airline ticket to his dream. Second is Mr. Glen Foy (portrayed by Stephen Dillane). Mr. Foy, a retired professional soccer player, immediately discovers that Santiago got all the inner guts and skills of a professional soccer player. Despite of failures and frustrations, he still helps Santiago by any means. Have you ever experienced this certain event in your life? We tend to ignore the presence of these people but they exist. It is such an exhilarating feeling to have someone, who trusts us for not what we are but for who we really are. They don’t judge but comprehend our weaknesses. We don’t completely understand why they exist yet their presence is such a blessing! Miracle, isn’t it? So what we are waiting for, let’s grab the opportunity while they are still there!

Of all the God’s special gifts to us, I could say that our intuition is one of the best! There are episodes in our life that we need to go beyond the facts. We don’t know if it’s that’s the correct decision but we strongly feel it’s the right thing to do. Santiago Munez has been successful in the soccer field because of his intuition. Thank God that he’s basically got the spunk to outplay his opponents. That’s the way life is! Some of us may not trust our intuitions because we tend to forget its real purpose. If only we could use and follow our intuitions properly, we could realize that God truly whispers to us in little but prolific ways. It pays to follow our intuitions most of the time, doesn’t it?

I am not related to Danny Cannon (director of this film, "Goal") yet I could really conclude that he has done an awesome and incredible job. Big thanks for this movie! Goal is such a must-see-film for all people especially for those who have leave their innermost dreams behind.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Pablo Neruda's Saddest Poem

My good friend, Abby, gave me a URL link.

I took a moment to open the link and read what's this poem is all about and oh geez, this is just the saddest poem I have read.

Looks like someone was there before.

******* here's the complete copy of Pablo Neruda's Saddest Poem. I don't know who's Pablo Neruda but one thing is for sure, he's dead.

Pablo Neruda (1904-1973)

*******

I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.

Write, for instance: "The night is full of stars,
and the stars, blue, shiver in the distance."

The night wind whirls in the sky and sings.

I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.

On nights like this, I held her in my arms.
I kissed her so many times under the infinite sky.

She loved me, sometimes I loved her.
How could I not have loved her large, still eyes?

I can write the saddest poem of all tonight.
To think I don't have her. To feel that I've lost her.

To hear the immense night, more immense without her.
And the poem falls to the soul as dew to grass.

What does it matter that my love couldn't keep her.
The night is full of stars and she is not with me.

That's all. Far away, someone sings. Far away.
My soul is lost without her.

As if to bring her near, my eyes search for her.
My heart searches for her and she is not with me.

The same night that whitens the same trees.
We, we who were, we are the same no longer.

I no longer love her, true, but how much I loved her.
My voice searched the wind to touch her ear.

Someone else's. She will be someone else's. As she once belonged to my kisses.
Her voice, her light body. Her infinite eyes.

I no longer love her, true, but perhaps I love her.
Love is so short and oblivion so long.

Because on nights like this I held her in my arms,
my soul is lost without her.

Although this may be the last pain she causes me,
and this may be the last poem I write for her.

*******

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Protect Your Internal Body Defenses!

If the skin is our external body covering that protects us from the harmful rays of the environment such as heat, cold, physical pain, noise, and burn, our immune system is our internal body defenses against those invisible bacteria and viruses we inhale and exhale from our everyday surroundings.

Think about this? If you inhale and exhale different types of bacteria sometimes, how deadly will it be if you are a chain smoker?

The article posted below can be also read in Frank Muller's The Weight Loss Blog

*****

How To Boost Your Immune System? Regularly Eat The Right Kind Of Food

People are always sick during the cold months. Anywhere you go, someone will sniff, cough and sneeze. You can’t do anything to stop the onset of cold and flu season but you can always do something to boost your immunity and fight those invisible germs gliding in your way. Fact is, the immune system hugely relies on the right food you eat regularly.

Nuts
You think that nuts are only great during snacks? Think twice. Nuts have vitamins, fiber, protein, nutrients, and antioxidants that can absolutely boost your immune system. In fact, recent studies reveal that nuts can lower your body cholesterol effects in your body. The next you go out for a snack, eat peanuts or add veggies to it to take advantage of their benefits.

Fruits and Vegetables

A healthy dose of fruits and veggies can really help stay fit and healthy. For this reason, regularly fill your fridge with fresh fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and immune saving antioxidants. Veggies like broccoli, and bright leafy greens are also great in fighting colds. Problem is, you don’t eat vegetables? Sprinkle them into your pasta dishes, soups, smoothies, and sauces to produce a vitamin rich meal or snack.

Garlic
Don’t you know that garlic has the ability to clear your nasal passages? This can also lower your risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Protein
Sometimes, it’s also good to splurge and throw some beef into your diet. The red meat is packed with zinc that strengthen your immune system. Your regular meals should include chicken, fish, and dairy products to keep you strong.

*****