On Being an MVP...

Last Friday (in celebration of our department's xmas party), awards were given to those who exemplified per category thru out the year. Don't get too excited. These were not awards to die for. I'm sure the six-man committee didn't mean any harm (or in this case, emotional damage). In fact, they did this for fun. I was not expecting any nomination (as I knew it wasn't really my best year) let alone an award but surprise of all surprises, I got nominated and I did win. I am not just sure if this is something to be proud of -- or just a shallow reminder that I cannot please everybody, even friends.

I won 'the MVP award'. I don't know how they came to call it that way as the description of the award was far from what I know of an MVP - most valuable player, an honor typically awarded to the best performing player of a team. My award's description (from what I can remember as I didn't bother to take a second look at the certificate) is like this: most competitive person who will do anything to win. In Tagalog, hindi nagpapatalo.

Since that night, people have been kidding me and I'd gladly ride with them. But lately, whenever I talk about something - suggestive or otherwise - I'd hear 'hindi talaga magpapatalo o..', 'pinagbibigyan ko na nga lang eh'... Now, where did that come from?? Isn't that mean - and unfair?!

I can think of several instances when I got into serious debate; when I got passionate enough to fight for what I know was right, for challenging ideas with holes in them, for giving my best to give a good fight -- not necessarily to win every game that I am into. And for the record, I don't cheat to win. I don't hurt anybody just so I can emerge as the big winner. Many times in my life, I learned when to shut my mouth, when to just listen and understand the idea - not because 'nagbibigay ako' but because I know how to respect someone's opinion. It is already given that people will disagree most of the times, it adds fun to our crazy lives. But this is also the exact case that makes life amazing - when you disagree most of the times yet you learn to respect and appreciate.

Now, I can rant here all I want but that would just be plain pointless. Part of life is competition. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether I win or lose. It's how I fare in the game of life that matters. Mind you, I have lost a good amount of games, be it in life or just to waste time. I can accept defeat with a light heart. I can smile after a lost. I can be happy for my opponent. But I won't just give in so easily - I'd like to give a good fight. By the way, being a weakling is far from being me. And if by having this strong personality would mean not being able to please everybody, then I don't really mind. At all.

My Ultimate Crush v5

happy birthday jlc!! :)

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This has got to be one of the sweetest song that I heard in a while. And since my good friend had brilliantly pointed out that it's like V-day in June, let's all celebrate. Afterall, everyday should be a ♥s day. :)

Long Live the King!!

I had my own fair share of 'basketball craziness' when I was in elementary. I rooted for PBA's 'the aerial voyager' until highschool then unfortunately, I outgrew it. I was not rooting for a permanent team because I only like Vergel Meneses so whichever team he was in, then that's also my team. When he left PBA, no one made me feel excited anymore that I stopped watching it religiously for years. As for NBA, I was never really a fan because I thought they are all good that no one's gonna stand out among the rest. I know some names that are being worshipped by basketball enthusiasts but then again, they are not appealing to me. Apparently, I was wrong because when I watched Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between Orlando Magic & Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron James introduced himself and proved why he is The King making each game as exciting as possible.

Places I've Been To. So Far...

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Ay. Ang konti pa lang pala. Not even close to fulfilling my dream of exploring (and enjoying) every island in this country. Di bale, still a long way to go. Hayyy. Sana umulan ng pera. :)

The Earth Hour

Let us all join the whole world tomorrow, 28th March 2009 at 2030 (local time)as we celebrate the Earth Hour. For once, let's vote for our planet - against global warming - by switching off our lights for one whole hour - our Earth's hour. It may be trivial to some but it is the chance for the people of the world - our chance tio make our voices heard.

This year, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

It's our chance to make a difference - so let's all have one.

Surviving Mt Pinatubo

MT. PINATUBO (via Mt. PINATUBO SKYWAY)
Php 1,900/person
Travel Date: Mar 14, 2009

Inclusions:

* Roundtrip Van Transfer (Makati-Tarlac-Makati)
* 4 x 4 wheel drive to Mt Pinatubo
* Service of a tour guide
* Entrance Fee and Permits
* Toll Fee and Gas

ITINERARY

0200 Assembly at Glorietta, Makati
0245 Departure (Makati to Capas, Tarlac via NLEX)
0345 Stop Over at NLEX after Malolos Exit: Bought breakfast at BK & lunch at KFC
0415 Departure to Tarlac
0530 Arrival (Sta Juliana-- Jump off point)
0600 Departure for Brgy. Sta. Juliana to finalize prior arrangements.Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!
0700 Start trekking
0800 Arrival at the crater of Mt. Pinatubo. swim, sleep, lunch!!
1130 Go back to Jump off Point
1300 Shower room is available at the Spa located in Sta Juliana (Php 100/pax) but if you avail any of their services eg. whole body massage for P500/pax or volcanic ash for P500/pax then, use of shower will be free. I swear, whole body massage feels so right after yoga & trekking. :)
1500 Departure bound to Makati.
1800 Drop-off at MRt Cubao - personal. :)