Hail to the Redskins! Maybe Next Year...

The Redskins, plagued by a flurry of controversies, injuries and sheer bad luck, is now officially out of the playoff race with a 3-10 win-loss record as of this writing. They will be playing their last three games of 2013-14 season against the Falcons, Cowboys, and Giants. I was privileged to be able to watch football at the Fedex Field for the first time today, as they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 45-10. Here's a tribute photo for the Redskins' sub-par season. Better luck next year, Skins!

Back to the Playbook

December 8, 2013, FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Taken using Nikon D3100; Edited using GIMP

Five Points I Learned from Haiyan

Almost a month after the strong typhoon Haiyan hit Central Philippines, a lot of key lessons have unraveled as the country faces the challenges of relief and rebuilding, and for some government officials, revival of their tarnished image. From the Facebook and Twitter exchanges, local and international news reports and observations, I will list down below what I think are five things we Filipinos learned about the Haiyan experience: 

5. Climate Change is NOW - This could be a convolution of several factors, but scientists have confirmed that human actions contribute a lot to changing climate. Pretty soon we will see snow in Philippines or dryer summers if we don't give our fair share of helping the environment cool down. Though it is not very obvious considering we know what is happening within our country, we are not a very big contributor to atmosphere's heat-up. Big countries like China, the US, and Russia should help us by helping themselves reduce carbon footprint and other factors contributing to Earth's "perspiration." We are strategically locationed for disaster as the world heats up. We'll see stronger storms if they or we don't act now. 

4. Social media is an effective unifier and, sadly, divider. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram... Thank them for mobilizing the people to quickly respond to calls for rescue, relief and rehabilitation. Big thanks to those widely used hashtags like #yolandaph and #bangonph. They surely helped keep us informed and vigilant. At the same time, social media helped polarize the populace both by call for crticism and support for the current administration. Thanks to the apparent delay in response from both local and national government units, Filipinos in the social-mediaverse have put in writing their frustrations, angst, calls for more help, dismay. People who called for sobriety called the critics "haters," while those "haters" called back at their critics as "blind followers." And of course, our dear "Ambassador" CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper was caught in the crossfire. At the end of word-slinging, there is still these millions of Filipinos not having enough food to eat, less medical supplies and no place to stay. My side in this polarized conversations? I'd still say, let's reserve our criticisms and battle axes for tomorrow, as there is much work to be done to bring Visayas back on their feet. 

3. Power of the media. As expected, the strongest recorded typhoon in history brought about the best and the brightest in the field of journalism. CNN's Anderson Cooper landed in Tacloban much faster than any efforts for rehabilitation and relief arrive Tacloban City. How did he do it? Definitely not how we expected the relief and rescue efforts should have mobilized. But to be fair with our national government, we have to admit that it is in the nature of journalists to be in the middlle of the most burning news, so they will try their best, even in the most difficult, shady way, to be ion the middle of the news as they happen. It's their job. The government's job is to react quickly to disaster, but at the same time, perform a balancing act on who goes where and how. Sadly, it was what Cooper and other journalists saw. That's is precisely what they will report on. I can't blame them for putting a bad reputation to the local and national government. that is just what they saw. That was what they witnessed. And special thanks to Korina Sanchez's word wars with Anderson Cooper, it just painted a more grim picture of the Presidency and its people's lackluster performance.  

2. We desperately need a strategic, well-thought of crisis management plan. I was expecting that Ondoy was a wake-up call for the government to be more proactive in disaster and crisis management. Sadly, we never learn from these tragedies. After Ondoy, came Pablo, Habagat (not a storm but it brought rains and floods), and now Yolanda. When will we wake up?? I think we're still in denial that we are indeed in the forefront of the changing climate. It's time that our Executive and Legislative branches to sit together and agree for a comprehensive disaster and crisis management plan. Since we won't see a resolution for a total elimination of the pork barrel, or PDAF, Congress and the Senate should allot at least half of their funds to buy their districts the needed boats, whistles, flashlights, etc. that could help their people in case another Yolanda strikes. And please, if you want to build basketball courts, make it a good one so people if may evacuate to these places necessary. 

1. We are loved. The outflowing of support for the Philippines is overwhelming. The world conspired to bring us back on our feet. Governments, private institutions, NGOs, even athletes and artists have all pledged and given their time, money and well wishes for the Philippines. It's been a month now and I could still hear over local radio in DC and Virginia calls for help and donations. Everytime I hear the stories of help and support, I can't help but drop a tear of joy. We are loved, Pilipinas. It's time we start loving one another and ourselves. 

Bangon Pilipinas. Kaya Natin 'To. 

Terrible Two

This is definitely not a good year for my home country, the Philippines. First there was the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Central Visayas, Bohol and Cebu that struck in the morning of October 15th; then there is this gargantuan category 5 hurricane Haiyan, a.k.a. Yolanda.

There have been a lot of write-ups about these already so all i can say about this for now is I pray that my kababayans back home will surpass these tragedies. You are all in my prayers.

Babangon tayo, Pilipinas.

Thank you Ekstra, On the Job!

I don't normally go out to watch a movie here in the US for two reasons: 1) The Mrs. is not a big fan of watching movies, and b) Movie theater tickets here are relatively more expensive compared to the most posh cinema theater in the Philippines. I so miss Eastwood, Trinoma or Gateway's reclining seats, and great legroom. 

But just last month, I was compelled to watch two Pinoy movies: Vilma Santos' Ekstra, and Papa P's On the Job. I got interested with these two movies following a rash of positive remarks over social media. Thanks to Star Cinema and ABS-CBN, the movies had their privilege to be shown in various theaters around the US. I was lucky to be near the cinema theater where the movies were shown. 

The two movies give you a portrayal of the two faces of show business, comedy and tragedy. Although I must say both have shown those two faces at specific points of the movie. 

The first movie I watched was the Cinemalaya masterpiece Ekstra, a "tragicomedy" starring Governor Vi and directed by the critically-acclaimed Jeffrey Jeturian. Ekstra revolves around the story of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos), a regularly irregular ekstra, or a bit player who strives hard to make ends meet and carry on as a solo-parent to a college-student daughter. I called it a tragicomedy as the plot clearly identifies the movie as a comedy as it will definitely give you a doze of Pinoy laughter at its finest, many thanks to the Associate Director's tactless lines and Ate Vi's astounding performance (or non-performance -- she is an Ekstra!). It's also a tragedy of sorts as towards the end, when Loida was given this big break to make it big, stutters and nervousness took the best of her leaving her with... status quo. From an ekstra, to an ekstra. I so loved how this movie took us to the other side of the movie/tv set: the side that no viewer sees, with people that no viewers remember, or even care about. One specifically striking line that Loida said to the other ekstras was "Kung walang Ekstra, walang bida. Sa tingin mo ba makatotohanan ang bukid na walang magsasaka? (There are no lead roles if there are not bit players. Can you portray a farm without farmers?)" Ekstra is some sort of a special tribute to those people. 

From that feel-good type of a movie in Ekstra, the following week I went to watch On The Job, which had an all-star roster starting from Gerald Anderson and Piolo Pascual, supported by the acting prowess of movie vets like the great Joel Torre, Michael de Mesa, Joey Marquez, Leo Martinez, among others. On the Job takes you to the country's underground organized crime system, which incidentally couples with dirty politics. "On the Job" refers to two rookies, Gerald Anderson and Piolo Pascual, in training under two professionals in two opposite ends of the crime spectrum. Gerald is being trained by professional killer Mario Maghari (Joel Torre), who are both prisoners in a city jail in Manila. On the other hand, Piolo is a freshman NBI agent married to a daughter of a prominent politician. What more can I say about this movie? Critics have praised it, while rottentomatoes.com scores a whopping 100% tomatoes for this movie. It gives you a bit of a "Infernal Affairs-The Departed" feel, but its distinct Filipino flavor will make you say that it is a league of its own. My wife and I so loved this movie we couldn't stop talking about it until a day after. It became a subject of our breakfast conversation, and to some extent a topic for debate. I have nothing bad to say about how this movie was done except for the fact that Piolo was way too handsome and clean-looking for the role. But maybe you can also debate that it was intended to be that way as he portrays a "clean" NBI agent only to be tainted by his beloved Father-in-law. 

These two movies just made me realize that the new breed of filmmakers, directors, writers, cinematographers and producers are now ready to take the risk to make more seriously thought of movie plots outside the usual risk-free teeny-bopper or Mano Po/ Enteng Kabisote/ Panday/ Shake Rattle and Roll sequel. We are now on the crossroads of going back to professional filmmaking. Looks like we'll be seeing new Brockas, Bernals, Diaz-Abayas, or Lamangans in the coming years. 

I specifically thank the Filipino independent film industry for reintroducing these new breed of films and filmmakers. Ekstra is an independent movie and On the Job is commercial, but I am sure the latter was much influenced by the craft created by these new independent filmmakers. With that, I salute and thank you. 

I was so proud of these two movies and I hope to see more of this calibre of filmmaking in the near future. 

Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino! 

E Pluribus Unum

Out of Many, One.

United States Capitol, 22 November 2012

Photo taken using Nikon D3100

12 Blessings of 2012

The Chinese might have predicted that Dogs have the worst of luck in 2012. I beg to differ. Or probably I accidentally purchased a counter-bad luck charm. In my books, this could probably one of the best years of my existence. This day, I thank the Lord for the year that was, and pray for an equally good or a better one next year. Here's to commemorate the twelve of my most memorable events in 2012:

12. Special visits of our loving family and friends - There are no words to express our appreciation and gratitude for the love that you have given us. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! :)

 

 

 

11. Starstruck moments - Though DC is a stopover of many famous faces, it is seldom that we see them in our streets. Luckily, we were able to meet a few like Wizards rookie Brad Beal, Rob Schneider and Colin Powell. I was also blessed to be in the presence of our dear Archbishop, Jose Antonio Cardinal Tagle during his visit to DC.

Rob Schneider

Bradley Beal

WB President Jim Kim

Sec. Colin Powell

Cardinal Tagle

Sec. Edwin Lacierda

PNoy

10. Space Shuttle Discovery lands in DC - space exploration and flight is still a marvel for me. When the recently "retired" Space Shuttle Discovery took took its final flight aboard a gigantic Boeing 747 en route to DC, I made sure I welcomed it on open arms. Barely a week after its arrival, we decided to pay homage to one of the most successful vessels of human flight. Space Shuttle Discovery shall be permanently displayed at the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

9. 90s alternative concerts - We were able to watch Toad the Wet Sprocket and Our Lady Peace live! 90s rock rules!!!

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Our Lady Peace

 8. Cheap seats to the NBA games - Thanks to our home team's dismal 2011-2012 performance, Washington Wizards games a selling for as low as $15 for a ringside ticket. I was able to watch the Magic (still with Dwight Howard), Knicks (with Jeremy Lin), and Heat games for low prices!

Jeremy Lin's Knicks

Magic

Blowout Heat Game - No Lebron, DWade...

7. Bono at the World Bank - If I had the same entry in 2011 as this, one of my top blessings in 2011 was to be able to work for the World Bank Group. One of its few small perks is to be able to meet some famous people active in the cause of reducing, and if possible eliminating poverty. U2 frontman Bono came and spoke at the World Bank atrium. I got a good seat (well, standing room only) and was able to take good photos of him.

 

6. Shaking the hand of President Obama's 2008 head-to-head opponent - Senator John McCain was the keynote speaker to the 2012 Philippine Independence Day reception. It was an honor to shake the hand of the man who could be President.

5. The Dream Team in DC - The new Dream Team played one of its two exhibition games at the Verizon Center. I was fortunate to meet a kababayan who works at the Verizon Center and he mentioned about this basketball spectacle. He offered us tickets to the game. As one basketball fanatic, I instantly said yes to the ticket offer. Seeing Lebron, Kobe, CP3, KD and Melo play together is simply priceless. And as an icing to the cake, I was able to see President Obama for the first time! But wait, there's more! Kisscam featuring Barack and Michelle!

4. Mylo Xyloto - Coldplay released its latest album in 2011 and had a two-night concert at the Verizon Center in July. I purchased the tickets in December 2011, hoping that the concert will push through! And it did and brought down the house in Verizon! Thank you Chris Martin!

 






3. Meeting my basketball hero face to face - The two-time champ and 2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade has been one of my favorite basketball icons. Luckily, he wrote a book and decided to go on a tour around the US for book signings. His last stop was in DC. Of course, being a the fan that I am, I did not hesitate to fall in the long lines to have his autographed signed in my copy of his book. Special thanks to my dear wife, Juancho and I had a couple of shots with him.

2. Destination: Orlando - I always tell Bubbles that I wanted to go for a road trip in the US. You can't do a real road trip in the Philippines considering our archipelagic structure. So this one, I really want to do. And I did one in 2012. After 16 hours on the road (excluding stopovers) and 4 states, we saw Mickey Mouse and the gang! Special thanks to our dear niece Tiffany for making this trip happen.

1. Juancho - One word to cap all the glorious and joyful events of my 2012 (and probably my life) is the arrival of our little superstar: Juan Santiago Apostol Reyes. Juancho. On the evening (11:42pm) of January 17, 2012, Our dear little prince Juancho was born. Everyday, I thank the Lord for this wonderful blessing, and for entrusting me with this great responsibility.

 
 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Dragon 2012! Welcome the Snake of 2013!

Happy New Year!

Pacman fan for life

For 14 years now, I am an avid, rabid Manny Pacquiao fan. I admit it. Even when the going gets tough, I firmly believed Manny would win in every bout.

I have been into a flurry of heated conversations and debates defending and supporting the Pacman even in hard times: His stubbornness for longer practices, his intention to run for office, his squandering his hard earned (to the highest sense) money for billiard and cockfighting, his womanizing. He has become a part of me so heavily that subtly, he has become my hero. In fact, I have in my home a signed photograph of him with Bubbles and I. It was one of my prized possessions. It’s the only celebrity picture I have in a frame.

When I saw him fall down on the final two seconds of the 6^th round of his 4^th meeting with his nemesis, Juan Manuel Marquez, My spirit was shattered. I never felt that since the day I found out I flunked the Ateneo College Entrance Test. I nearly broke into tears when Manny was not standing up. I thought he was gone.

But then, while the camera panned at a jubilant Juan Manuel Marquez, there came Manny from behind, on his feet, smiling as usual, took Marquez’s hand and congratulated him. That time, I felt an instant shot of relief. He was okay. And I realized he was indeed okay when he went for an interview. Yes, he’s lucid, he’s back. He got knocked down, but he’s okay.

Since then, I was never used to seeing Manny take such a blow, get knocked down and not getting up. I saw him stagger a few times, but not get swept by a big hit. I practically grew up seeing him win. It was very hard to accept the fact that this time, he lost. But when I saw Manny’s take on losing this big fight, I realized that this man has transcended from being a warrior into a more respectable man of grace. He now sees the world beyond boxing, and sees that this defeat is a miniscule event in his entire persona. That’s how boxing is, one wins, another loses, he says. And that night, he admitted he was not the lucky one. That made me realize that yes, I should also move on, like what he did, which seemed instantly, making others question the authenticity of his previous fights.

Why does he recover so quickly after losing (esp. those past two fights)? It’s not because he’s had those fights fixed (there goes my defense of the champ again)! But it’s primarily because he knows that game so well, that he already admits that the winner could be anyone in that ring.

Now people are asking what went wrong? Could it be his change of religion? Or his change of lifestyle? Or his concentration on politics and show business? Or his stubbornness to take training seriously? My take is that, simply put, sh*t just happened. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bam, there goes Marquez’s strong right hook! Down he goes. From his form, we can see that he was more than prepared for that fight. He was back to his original form, back to when he beat the hell out of Barrera or Morales. He had his foot work, speed, even accuracy, a trait he hasn’t had before. Before the KO he was hitting an impressive 50% of his punches, he even staggered Marquez once in the 5^th round. He was dominating in the ring. But then again, that right hand happened. History.

I don’t want to try to be a boxing analyst like what most Filipinos do after the Pacquiao fight (but I am now!). Bottomline is, Manny lost the fight. Period. No other explanations necessary. What matters now is how he and the rest of the world would take it and how to move forward.

Haters and freeloaders to Pacquiao’s greatness would now surface and argue that the result of Saturday’s fight was inevitable and bound to happen: Boxing, religion, politics and showbiz are not a good mix. I agree.

However, I believe that Pacman od all this because he has genuine intentions: help our poor Filipinos. He knows that Filipinos depend on boxing to be entertained, to temporarily forget about their plight. He still fights amidst clamor for his retirement.

He wants to make a change in government by being in government. He wants to help as many Filipinos by giving them money: boom, Manny Many Prizes. He knows his goal: help alleviate poverty. And I agree, he has so much in his plate. All hopes cannot be pinned on one man, even though he’s THE Pacman.

I don’t understand how some Filipinos easily forget his greatness because of one KO. Please let us never ever forget that he has nothing else to prove in the ring. He’s now an eight-division world champion, and I think nobody in this generation can top that.

Next question is whether he should fight again. From the way he spoke in his post-fight interview, I think he’s in for another match, Marquez or not. But should he fight again? There is a part of me that wants to see him fight again. Fight again, regain confidence, then retire a champion. Take on Bradley or Mayweather, then retire. But there is also a part of me that says, it’s time to go. Take your hard-earned money to set up a boxing stable, have a promotions company a la De la Hoya, help other poor boxers become the next you.

Whatever he decides to do next, I’ll still be watching, buying his shirts, praying for his win, crying for his loss, and praising him for his works. Win or lose, I am and will always be an avid, rabid Manny Pacquiao fan.

Mabuhay ang kampeon! Win or lose, it’s the Pacman, we choose.

Boating in Palawan

One of God's most valuable gifts to Filipinos is the long island of Palawan. It possesses the world-famous Underground River, now voted as one of nature's Seven Wonders of Nature.

Photo was taken in the boat on the way to the River.

Philippine Sunset: Currimao, Ilocos Norte

There's no place like home. Especially during sunsets. For some strange reason, the sun sets more beautifully in the Philippines. 

Here's one example. This was taken in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, a few kilometers away from the majestic Paoay Church. 

Can't wait to see you again, my dear Philippine sun. 

The "Iwahig" boys

We went to Palawan in 2009 and part of the tour is to visit the Iwahig Penal Farm. This is a penal facility where prisoners, get a treatment out of the ordinary "ball and chains" approach. They farm, make crafts, create a living. The result? A low escape rate. This is other than the fact that they have no where else to go when they get out because the facility is miles away from Puerto Princesa.

Photo was taken after one of the Iwahig boys called me out, saying "kuya kunan mo naman kaming mga pogi!" And so I obliged. Funny because the kid who called out for a picture was the one on the right. Looks like he wanted a solo shot...