Happy 2010!

To all the Plurkers, Twitters, Diggers, Facebookers, Bloggers

Happy New Year Everyone!

What's the biggest goal in 2010?

Merry Christmas!

Plurkers,

Twitters,

Bloggers,

Facebookers,

Googlers,

Diggers,

Online Entrepreneurs,

Merry, Merry Christmas to you and may you stay happy for the rest of your life.

Peace and Love!

SURVIVORDEAN

Survivor Insights 49: Too Easy for Russel

Here's my survivor insights 48 on Aras' new life after SURVIVOR.

Aras Sings Well!

SURVIVOR SAMOA: Episode 12 & 13

Last week (episode 12), John took the fall. The series of events were evident. I knew it would happen. John’s playing style was great but his strategies were all over the place. It seems like he needed to pause for a while and rearrange his plans in the correct positions.

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Survivor Insights 47: Galu’s Self-Destruction Continues

What gone wrong with Galu?

They started this game as the front runners. They only lose one immunity challenge. Their teamwork, their confidence and their urge to win was all high even after they need to let go of Russel S, their leader.

However, things went crazy during the first three tribal councils as Aiga. Ousting Erik was understandable. Erik was a threat, physically and mentally and that sole reason alone, Erik became the first member of the jury.

The next Tribal Council was a surprise. Galu voted for Evil Russel. They thought Russel was no longer in possession of the hidden immunity idol but whoa, Russel played it again and Kelly took the cut instead.

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Survivor Insights 46: Amanda Wins Survivor Philippines Season 2 in Palau

Amanda won Survivor Philippines season two and she was the first Pinay Sole Survivor. Truth of this matter is; she deserves the title more than Justine and Jef.

Here are my reasons:

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Survivor Insights 45: Evil Russel Stays Alive

If there’s anyone in SURVIVOR who played like the Mentalist and a fortune teller, that would be Russel H. Russel, the great strategist. Russel, the manipulator. And he’s the first survivor who found the hidden immunity without a clue… TWICE!

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Survivor Insights 44: First Blindside in Aiga

The remaining twelve called themselves “Aiga.” According to Brett, this a Samoan term for extended family and hahaha, as I was reading the blog of Jeff Probst, this is what he said;

“Extended family? Gimme a break. (Truth be told, Brett probably really means it and Brett is the kind of guy that outside of the game you’d be friends with, your families would dig each other, and you’d end up having a lifelong friendship. But this is in the game and that’s a different story.)”

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Survivor Insights 43: Merge is Coming

The boys’ alliance (Erik, Brett, John and Dave) in Galu was heating up. They immediately elected Shambo as their leader and that leave three girls (Monica, Laura and Kelly) in vulnerable positions.

Heck, I could not understand why these boys wanted Monica out. If These boys singled out Monica as a weakling in challenges, was that enough to vote her out? Monica played with confidence during this episode’s reward challenge.

CONTINUE READING

Survivor Insights 42: Someone Nearly Died!

Episode 6 of Survivor Samoa was certainly one of those gripping moments you could not forget. Russel S. nearly died because of too much exhaustion (dehydration to be specific) and I kept wondering why he still chose to participate in the challenge when he was already feeling ill.

As I see it, Russel S was too hard of himself that moment. He’s the leader and he’s probably too concern what his other tribematess thought when he chose not to play. I don’t know how this episode turned out if Russel S chose to sat out and gave the responsibility to Dave instead.

What do you think?

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Survivor Insights 41: Rain, Rain, Rain

Who Stood Out?

This episode was quite predictable. Galu was dominating again. All nine members were powerful. Each one of them was doing their own thing to win a challenge.

During the Reward “Gross Food” Challenge, Galu was in fire. They were clearly winning.

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Survivor Insights 40: First for Foa Foa

Before coming to Samoa, let me visit the events in Palau.

Marvin Kiefer was already ousted in SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES Season 2 and became the first member of the jury.

This strategic move was expected but I kept wondering why Marvin didn’t do anything to advanced further. No doubt, Marvin was a physical threat but it does not mean he couldn’t play a social game.

Back in SURVIVOR AFRICA, Ethan Zohn did not dominate the challenges but he did not receive any votes against him. He was a threat, yes but his techniques to escape the cut was working well and that’s the reason why he won it all.

That’s the biggest mistake in Marvin. His emotions devoured him. He chose to be alone than get back inside the camp, ask questions and let the numbers rescued his fate.

SURVIVOR SAMOA

Galu ended their winning streak in the Immunity Challenge but that’s okay,

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Survivor Insights 39: Survivor Philippines Season 2- Shaun Wins Immunity!

It all started with these;

“Ang tubig at lupa ay pinagtagpo.
Ang hangin at apoy, pinaghalo.
Matatalo mo kaya si Nardong Putik?
O si Dyesebel ba ang iyong tinik?”

Then,

Shaun, a public relations staff at Manila City Council Office and the only remaining castaway with a better-half, aced the very first individual “Fire, Land and Water” Immunity Challenge.

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Survivor Insights 38: Survivor Philippines Season 2- Sonsorol in Blue

This is unbelievable, folks. Usually, two or three castaways on my list are already out the competition before the merge but now, it’s totally a different story. Last night, Survivor Philippines Season 2 opens its second chapter and yes, all four of my pre-show bets and two out of four early wildcards round up the Sonsorol, their new tribe’s name.


Gentlemen

* Shaun
* Marvin
* Suzuki
* Charles

Ladies

* Amanda
* Jef
* Echo
* Tara
* Mika
* Justine (returnee)

CONTINUE READING

Survivor Insights 37: Oust Ben!

“I have no intention of quitting whatsoever, but I’m willing to do just about anything to get rid of that guy right now”

Those are words from Jaison. He wanted to oust Ben, even calling him “calling the cause of their tribe’s dysfunction.” Jaison was not swayed by Mick and Russell’s advice to gun for Ashley instead.

That’s it, Ben’s arrogance during the Tribal Council stunned his tribemates and KO him (6-1).

CONTINUE READING

COOL!

While there are numerous unexpected upsets in Womens Tennis in Tokyo, the top four seeds are having a great time in Kuala Lumpur.

In the photo: Nikolay DavyDenko, Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzales and Robin Soderling

Thanks VerdascoNews

Kohli: The German to Watch Out!

Philipp Kohlschreiber did well in Open de Moselle in France. (Sorry if the picture is not related to his win, that photo was taken from ATP TENNIS BLOG during the US Open Series)

Kohli received a bye during the first round but it took him three sets to defeat Bjorn Phau of Germany in the second round (4-6, 6-3, 6-2). An easy win in the quarterfinals against Russian's Evgeny Korolev but Kohli struggled in the last four against Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRANCE), facing a tiebreaker in the first and need to advanced two consecutive games to sealed a win in the second. He won the second set during the finals with Gael Monfils (6-3) but couldn't make a repeat in the deciding.

But that's fine. Kohli was the runner up and probably earned the title as the next German to watch out.

As you remember, this 5′10″/ 70 kg star turned pro in 2001 and currently the 22th in the world as of the writing of this content. He never made on the last eight of a Grand Slam but already defeated a number of big names. During the third round of Australian Open 2008, he ousted Andy Roddick in five sets (6–4, 3–6, 7–6, 6–7, 8–6) producing 32 aces and 104 winners under his watch.

Personally, Kohli became a household name when he knocked out Sam Querrey and Novak Djokovic in straights sets at different grand slam surfaces, both in 2009 (AO Hard and RG Clay, respectively). Even the hard-hitter Fernando Verdasco (6-4, 6-2, 1-6, 2-6, 8-6) was left in frustration during the quarterfinals of Davis Cup (Spain VS Germany).

Continue Reading for more interesting videos about Kohli.

Survivor Insights 36: Double Screw-up for Foa Foa

Host Jeff Probst fired back. He kicked out a castaway during an immunity challenge for the first time and this castaway was not Russel H. but…

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Survivor Insights 35: Frustrated!

It’s confirmed! Survivor Samoa will not be aired in the Philippine Local Channels. Studio 23 no longer has the rights, so is CS. Now, QTV will not air it and I’m not sure what’s the big reason behind. GMA 7 has already brought Survivor Gabon and Survivor Tocantins and now, they will just ax the nineteenth season without formal notice to the loyal televiewers.

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US Open 2009: Memorable Wins for Clijsters and Del Potro

During the earlier rounds in the singles, two American names were a stand-out at the Flushing Meadows. First on the mat is John Isner. Coming to US Open as 55 in the world, the 6′9″ American needed to survive a first-round-scare against 29th seed Victor Hanescu, 6-1, 7-6, 7-6. Yet, Isner continued his fantastic run at the slam with a straight sets second round win over Marsel Ilhan and show the world he’s the next Serve-and-Volleyer superstar.

CONTINUE READING

Survivor Insights 34: Survivor Philippines Season 2- The New “Stronger” Korror

As of this writing, expect that Carol (former Korror) and Maya (former Airai) were no longer in the competition and Justine was still with Jumbo in Isla Purgatoryo. Last Monday, a tribe switch occurred and a new “stronger” Korror was formed, consisting of the six charismatic and competitive castaways to date (Shaun, Marvin, Suzuki, Echo, Jef and Amanda). This is like a dream team, lol.

New Korror’s Strength and Weaknesses

CONTINUE READING

Funny Side of Novak Djokovic

Found the link in Twitter and yeah, it was a fun watching it. Novak Djokovic reunites with his clown personality and imitates the American “Serve-and-Volleyer” Leftie, John McEnroe right at the center of Arthur Ashe Stadium. As you remember, John McEnroe won US Open three times in a row (1979, 1980, 1981) and in the year I was born (1984), McEnroe maimed Ivan Lendl of Czechoslovakia in straight sets.

Like watching the videos?

Go Here!

What's Wrong with Ana Ivanovic?

If Ana Ivanovic claims to be perfectionist, that troubles her a lot. I am aware her serves are inconsistent (right timing not there oftentimes) and Darren Cahill and Sven Groenveld can do something about it. What these coaches can’t 70% solve is Ana Ivanovic’s confidence during the match. The feeling is totally different in a big stadium, yes, but how come the likes of Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger Federer survive a scare and Ana can’t?

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Who Wins US Open 2009?

It is complicated to pick a clear-cut winner at this early stage. As expected, Roger Federer is the big favorite by the ESPN Experts. Of course, the Swiss was the last man standing in five consecutive times. Federer is an all-court player. He plays fantastic in Wimbledon (6 wins) and achieve in first big win in clay this year.

Yet, if something unexpected will happen, just like in Roland Garros 2009 where Rafael Nadal was ousted by Swede (Robin Soderling) in fourth round, Andy Roddick or Andy Murray can win this Slam.

CONTINUE READING

Best Exercises You Can Do At Home

Do you want to stay healthy? Who does not want it? Apart from eating the nutritious food you need, there is no other way to stay fit than exercising. Whoever you are, wherever you are, what race are you, you might be an athlete, a gym buff or just an ordinary person taking up psychology at the nearest University, having an attractive physique is still important. This must be one of your goals, if not the number one. Health is always your wealth and that's the truth. For this, here are some of the great and highly-recommended exercises you can do at home. Hope you enjoy performing these techniques and keep in mind, consistency is the key to success!

BEST CHEST EXERCISES

BEST AB EXERCISES

BEST SHOULDER EXERCISES

BEST BACK EXERCISES

BEST TRICEPS EXERCISES

BEST BICEPS EXERCISES

Picture above taken from Home Workout Routine

US Open 2009: Any Bets?

The last grand slam of the year is coming. US Open starts August 31 but until now, I still have no clear-cut bets in who the last man and woman standing at the end of the finish line. Roger Federer and Serena Williams are of course the big favorites because they were the defending champions. Federer and Serena outlasted Andy Murray and Jelena Jankovic in straight sets last year. I wonder if Federer smashes his way to sixth consecutive win this year. That's a possibility, a huge possibility in fact but let's not forget the likes of Andy Roddick (Federer's runnerup in Wimbledon 2009), Andy Murray (This Brit defeated Federer four times) and Novak Djokovic (Nole maimed Federer in two different surfaces this earlier part of the year, concrete and clay and Fed's runner-up in Cincinnati Masters Open).

For further predictions, you can read it on my TENNIS MATCH POINT 40 I just hope I still got the energy to make a post. Haha!

Survivor Philippines Season 2 Starts Tonight

At Last, it’s back! Survivor Philippines premieres tonight at GMA 7. For the last two weeks, I am trying to research the castaways’ biography and I found nothing. But earlier this day, I found them and yeah, it is a new group with interesting personalities. This season somewhat reminds me of Survivor Australian Outback.

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How to Boost your Confidence to Stay Productive

This is the one word we all need to understand. Wikipedia generally defines confidence as a “state of being certain…that a chosen course of action is best or most effective.” Confidence, in layman’s language, drives us to reflect on how to do things.

For example, in playing tennis, you need to level up your confidence to win tournaments. If you regularly think you’re a subpar athlete, then winning a match will be difficult.

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Missin' this Blog

I miss this blog. Haven't posted anything for a while. I was busy at work. And this week, I celebrated my 25th birthday with a bang. This week was amazing. I had two-day-dinners with my closest friends and yes, talking with them was therapeutically awesome. Thanks guys! Till the next time.

Wimbledon 2009: Success for Fed and Serena

The 2009 Grass Grand Slam is over and yeah, predictable winners are crowned. Big congratulations to Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

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It’s Wimbledon Time!!!

After Roland Garros, it’s Wimbledon time. Just loving the grass and retractable roof and if only I have the money and the vacation packages, I have no single ounce of doubt in getting to Paris and London for full three months of endless excitement and fun. Geez, I want that dream badly!

But enough of that dream and I’m getting frustrated now. My goal in writing this content is to simply choose my picks for the grass grand slam and not to dream of the impossible (lol).

Looking back, Roland Garros have several events of upsets and unexpected. The King of Clay was ousted by the courageous Robin Soderling in four sets and now, I’m thinking of what possible shocking events can transpire in Wimbledon. Can anyone make loud noises again just like Robin Soderling? Will Ana Ivanovic soar high or after this grand slam, I will just see her name glide down the top 20?

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Making Decisions

We make decisions everyday. Either it’s small or big decision, it’s still a decision we need to act upon. In fact, no one is perfect in terms of decision making. Every decisions we need, we should and we can face have its own sets of consequences and limitations. Probably, there’s no bad decisions, only the better one. Agree with me or not, making decisions is sometimes easy but most of the time, it’s exhausting.

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Confused and Anxious

I woke up this morning feeling like a dead rubber. I couldn't help myself but think about my future. Right now, I'm working as a content writer and I'm happy bout it even there's numerous rough edges I need to fix in my writing styles. However, there's still a bigger picture inside me I want to achieve and that's obtaining a master's degree in psychology.

What field in psychology I want to pursue? I am still in fence to tell you the truth. It's a 50-50 call between business and counseling psychology and I probably will choose to study online (considering my situation as a handicap). Perhaps, this is truly the life we are walking through. Not all things are not what we always expect. There's no hundred percent, there's no perfection, we simply need to survive the consequences in every action we choose to act.

Another confusing problem that bugs me off right now is money. If I am going to have my master's degree, where will I get the money to pay my fees? Sad but true, my salary as a content writer is not enough to support all my needs and wants. Perhaps, I need to talk with my dad or aunt about this matter. They might know someone or some ways to achieve my goals.

Am I over analyzing my problems again or am I taking it too hard for myself? Probably not. At the moment, my goal is to buy my laptop for tennis live streaming, writing tasks, blogging, etc. and I take it from there.

Survivor Insights 30: Three Sole Survivors Under My Belt

With JT’s recent triumph in Tocantins Brazilian Highlands, I now have three sole survivors under my belt. Of the eighteen seasons of SURVIVOR, I can’t truly believe my instincts have driven me in the right way. Back in season 12 (Panama Exile Islands), I chose Aras Baskauskas and Danielle DiLorenzo as my early picks and these two were in the final two and Aras eventually took home the title. Parvati Shallow was my only huge favorite in season 16 (Micronesia) and surprisingly, she outlasted the rest.

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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Survivor Insights 29: “The Warrior and The Wizard”

Survivor Tocantins ended well and it’s JT, the twenty-four-year-old cattle rancher from Alabama, who took home the $1,100,000 and the title of Sole Survivor. Things were in the right places for JT. He won two immunity challenges in a row, definitely making him the immunity king of this season.

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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Survivor Insights 28: Here Comes the Final 4

Fantastico! Three of my early-picks and a wildcard favorite are in the finals and this is the finale I’ve been waiting for since season twelve at Panama Exile Islands.The final four could be unpredictable with Coach on board but it’s a better four without him.

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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

She Is Beautiful!

Found this photo in OnTheBaseline.com and I am blown away. Ana Ivanovic is beautiful, no other ways to describe it.

Survivor Insights 27: Emotional Taj

The stand-out character of this 12th episode was Taj. She really got in touch with her deepest emotions during the Auction Reward Challenge. She even pulled Jeff Probst’s sleeve while screaming, “SEE-YOU-BACK-AT-CAMP!“

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Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia

Ivanovic - Azarenka in 1 Photo: Whoa!

The 2009 rising star of WTA (Victoria Azarenka) and the Roland Garros Champion in 2008 (Ana Ivanovic). This is really a dream photo! Sad though they haven't played a real match yet.

Survivor Insights 26: Liars Liars Liars

Whoa, he won an immunity necklace! He spoke like a philosopher. He even got the nerve to extract a quote from the Holy Bible. What’s he really up to? Coach The Dragon Slayer or Coach The Saint of the season? Wow, it’s surprising to see what was once a cockroach in past challenges is still alive and now, a big liar.

Continue Reading...

Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia

Survivor Insights 25: Sierra's Outburst

Various reviews said Tyson’s boot was the biggest blindside in SURVIVOR HISTORY. I agree. Tyson was a no joke competitor. He won two consecutive immunities in a row. He nearly won this week’s IC but the last fiber of luck didn’t side with him. Sierra knocked him off.

Continue Reading Here...

Photo courtesy of:
Wikipedia

Falling Slowly

I am not familiar with this song but wow, this is another Kris Allen's best. When I got to read the lyrics, it doesn't sound like "I promise you the earth, the moon and the stars."

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

Survivor Insights 24: Wild Cards

Truly, this episode was not about the dragon and the dragon slayer as what Coach really wanted to believe. The fight was between the entrepreneur VS the professional cyclist and it’s only in a dice-roll that Tyson stood as the better player.Brendan was a great strategist. He’s also one the biggest threats in the game and he knew it. The main problem was he hadn’t maneuvered his strategy to the right direction. First, he hadn’t played his hidden immunity necklace when he already feel he’s in the chopping board during the merge. Yet, if Brendan played the idol, Sierra took the cut and I was not sure if it’s a good call or not.

Continue Reading...

Photo courtesy:
Wikipedia

Survivor Insights 23: The Dragon Slayer of FORZA

As the two tribes merged and while listening to their left and right schemes, plots and talks, this episode was truly one of those nerve-cracking moments in SURVIVOR History. I didn’t know who exactly to believe and what to believe.

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Places I Want to Go Before I Die!

More info on Tennis Grand Slams







Photos courtesy of:
www.michaelyung.com
www.flickr.com
www.paris-photos.org
www.kidzworld.com
www.knowyourvenue.com

Survivor Insights 22: Timbira Eating Charcoal

Perhaps, the one little thing I didn’t like in this latest episode of SURVIVOR TOCANTINS was when Sydney Wheeler was voted off. If only she did use the paranoia to her great advantage, she could extend her stay. How about combining paranoia + flirt? Parvati Shallow did it nicely in Micronesia and Amber Brkich mastered it in All-Stars, why not Sydney?

Continue Reading...

Why They Look So Good Together?

Found this photo in Forty Deuce and I quickly decided to upload it here. No doubt about it, one of the best pics of Nole & Ana together.

And here's another one, both of them are kissing their First Grand Slam Cup--- all happen in 2008 --- Australian Open for Nole and French Open for Ana.



Hey Serbs, do you think it's time to win Wimbledon and US Open? If you find it hard to adjust in fast courts, how about playing mixed doubles there?

The Girl I Want to Kiss Before I Die!

sweet smile!


nice forehand return


aiming for a great start


what's wrong? can i help?


hottest behind


hitting for victory


early exit upset


so cute!


gorgeous in training...


cheering for a shot


hotter in blue!


remarkable success in clay


bringing more heat in arthur ashe stadium...


winning smile in wimbledon

bad weather is nothing when she smiles


her first major win at canberra

refreshing!



(Important Note: I don't own these pictures. I just google it and upload it here.)

Kris Allen's To Make You Feel My Love (Studio Version)

At last, here comes the studio version! This soulful record will surely be played in my wedding day ten years or century from now, lol


When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
There is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

ooohh...To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on a rolling sea
Down on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you

To make you feel my love
To make you feel my love

To Make You Feel My Love

Last night, I was watching American Idol Top 11 (Their Performance Night)and the moment Kris Allen sang Garth Brooks "To Make You Feel My Love," the lyrics immediately knocks me off my feet. The whole song was like a poem to me I can recite all my life to the one I unconditionally love.

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Go to the ends of the earth for you
There ain't nothing that I would not do

To make you feel my love

To make you feel my love



----- Also raising my hands up high to Anoop Dogg's Always On My Mind. I absolutely cherish the song when Fantasia Barrino performed it way back in season three. Anoop's version was entirely different from Fantasia and that was cool.

Survivor Insights 21: Spencer was Out!

As the youngest castaway in Survivor History at 19, Spencer was perceived to be a big threat from the beginning. The only problem with his strategy was he didn’t came across the board. His strategy was nearly under the radar and that cost him the cut.

Continue reading....

Photo courtesy of:
Wikipedia

Survivor Insights 20: S For Sydney

Using sex-appeal was already an old testament in SURVIVOR. Good for Sydney and it still works by flirting with the boys and geez, by even wearing the boxers of JT. This is the reason why I picked Sydney as one of my earlier favorites. Just by reading her profile in CBS, I smell something so sweet in her and wow, it’s true, she successfully rolled her cards on board just like what Parvati Shallow, Jenna Morasca, Heidi Strobel and Amber Brkich did in previous seasons.

Continue Reading...

4th Placer in One-Night Showdon: Ana Ivanovic

Serena Williams came victorious once again as she maimed Ana Ivanovic in BNP Paribas Semifinal Showdown, 6-3, at Madison Square Garden. This is the third consecutive loss of 21-year-old Serb to Serena. The first time was in US Open 2006 while the second was just two weeks ago at Dubai.

"Playing in the storied Madison Square Garden for the first time on a snowy New York evening, Ana began superbly. She hit a number of breathtaking forehand winners and had the 10-time Grand Slam champion on the back foot. At 1-1 on the Williams serve Ana moved to 15-40. Williams responded like the great champion she is, delivering three consecutive first serves, including one at the 'decisive point', usually known as deuce, which decided the game in this 'no-ad' scoring system (anaivanovic.com)."

What's really in Serena that she keeps on winning? Is she the new Justine Henin of this generation? Right after Justine Henin announced her retirement on Roland Garros Women's Finale in 2008, Serena and Venus were in neck-in-neck in winning big tournaments. Venus won Wimbledon months after Roland Garros with Serena as her finalist. After Wimbledon, Serena won the US Open. Then Venus was once again the champion in year-end WTA Championship at Doha and at Australian Open earlier this year, Serena got her tenth grand slam win with both of them as the winners in doubles. Just a week ago, Venus won the Barclay Tennis Championship at DubaiWow, this Williams sisters can surely be a big name in tennis this 2009. Let's see if one of them can win the French Open in May.


Serena's elder sister, Venus Williams, also sealed a 6-4 victory over Jelena Jankovic. Basing on their scores, Ivanovic placed last among the four, Jankovic in third, Venus came second and Serena is the champion.

Photos courtesy of:
http://tenniswta.blogspot.com/

Djokovic on His 12th ATP Title at Dubai

Many people were harsh to him every time he retires in the middle of a match and immediately label him as the "quitter." But screw these talks, Novak Djokovic was in his top success this time as he outplayed the Frenchman, Giles Simon, in three sets (3-6, 7-5, 7-5) before sealing a thrilling final win over David Ferrer (7-5 6-3) on Saturday night at Dubai Championship.

The Story Behind Djokovic-Ferrer Final Match
(Source: Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship)

It was the Serb who earned the first break to lead 4-2, but he was immediately broken back when he netted a backhand after a long rally. Djokovic then broke again to lead 5-3 and serve out the set, but instead he allowed fourth seeded Ferrer to win the next eight points to level at 5-5. In a strange reversal, Djokovic then won eight of the next nine points to seal the set. Djokovic again earned the advantage in the second set by breaking to lead 2-0, but he once more almost let his advantage slip away. Ferrer was able to break back in the seventh game, but he then double-faulted to drop his serve and leave Djokovic once again leading 5-3. In a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, Djokovic then had to fight off a break point and a bad line call, calling upon Hawkeye to confirm he had hit an ace on match point.

Just an observation
This is the first tournament win of Nole in 2009 and his 12th ATP title. Like what happen in Shanghai Master Cup last year, Nadal and Federer chose not to participate due to ligament and back injury, respectively. Other seeded players in Top 10 were also absent like Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco, Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo-Wilfredo Tsonga and for this, I wonder why Djokovic frequently performs well in court when there's no other seeded players behind.....



Nevermind, the most important thing is he continues to win although there are several thrash talks about him. To me, this is what a real athlete is, not always trying to please others. Congrats Novak, and thanks for avenging for your childhood friend's (Ana Ivanovic) loss in QF two weeks ago.
Novak Djokovic Interview

Photo courtesy of:
http://tennis-atp.blogspot.com/

Survivor Insights 19: What Gone Wrong With Timbira?

What was once perceived as an “undefeatable” tribe during the premiere is now a crack. Watching Jalapao outplayed Timbira in back-to-back challenges made me realize there’s like an iceberg in Timbira camp that separates them with each other— and one probable reason for this crack is Ben “The Coach” Wade.

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Wikipedia

Djokovic and Simon in the Last 4

Expect the unexpected... this is how I'm going to describe the events at Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship.

First up.... The good news! Top-seed Novak Djokovic took an awesome run to stop Mario Cilic from entering the semi round. The Serb outlasted the Croatian (6-3, 6-4) and was scheduled to face the third seed, Gilles Simon--- who also successful in sweeping his compatriot, Fabrice Santoro (7-6, 6-1).




Who I want to win? Djokovic was the 2008 Australian Open Champion and no matter what pressing-down issues thrown to him, this Serb is still on the go to play high-quality tennis. He's younger than Simon but his 194 - 72 win-loss record may reveal he's into another huge triumph. If Djokovic lose, that's okay, he can still defend his Indian Wells title next month.

But I have also sad news... I really thought Andy Murray was in his best form to grab another possible final match with the number three world seed but unexpectedly, he failed to face Richard Gasquet due to viral illness.

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