Pain is a tough word. There’s no living soul on earth who would want to spend his or her life filled with it. But because pain is such a force, in our lives, at one point or another, we may find ourselves battling against it. Whether we give in or not depends on how we look at it. Pain can be a challenge but at the same time, pain can be a one, tough soul wrecker. Pain can be disturbing, yet it could also be purifying.
Pain comes in various forms, shapes and sizes. It could be classified as physical, mental and emotional. The latter includes the meat of this blog: the “love pain.”
Now, I got you listening.
Just a warning though, I’m not going to talk here as if I am an expert when it comes to love so don’t expect me to make you feel better afterwards.
But I found this story from somewhere about a girl who used to stay up late at night crying, sobbing thinking about the one she has loved for ten years or so. But the problem was, she can never call this person her own for they belong from two different worlds.
First, I thought it was really weird, melodramatic, but there’s one line I couldn’t help but ponder about. It said, “What choice do you have when the things that make you sad are the exact same things that make you happy and alive?”
Then, I ended up sobbing, too.
Love is a wonderful feeling. It doesn’t just make you feel secure, happy, more importantly it makes you feel complete. It also makes you feel whole. The thought of having somebody to care for and who cares for you makes the world turn around in sweet surrender. It’s like seventh heaven. And no doubt, it’s something worth fighting for.
For a person in love, pain is just temporary. It comes and goes. That explains why some opt to keep their patience regardless of how many times they’ve been hurt. They go where pain is because it is with pain that their intentions get purified. It is rather that they hurt and cry and sob than lose the persons that they love the most.
But the story of the girl was rather unfitting for she loves someone who cannot love her back. There goes the problem. And it’s hard to be in that kind of situation. It’s rather sensitive because were talking about false hopes here! Were talking about a potential suicidal causing situation here!
But seriously, it would help to know that pain is good if it helps us to be better and stronger. Pain is good if it makes us grow as individuals. If does not, I don’t think it’s worth it. We should find it comforting to realize that somehow, somewhere we deserve more than our hearts desire at the moment. We need to come to turns with reality. Fantasy is a world of lies. If things cannot, it will not.
I told you I couldn’t help you feel better.
But wait! When God closes doors, he opens Venetian blinds.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Random thoughts Part 2
Dear Bloggers,
Hi! I know, I know, I haven’t been blogging for a while and I think you missed me. Sorry, I was busy. No, I just got lazy. So what’s up? How you guys doing? Here’s to hoping you’re in the pink of health.
Anyways, a couple and one events had passed and as much as I want to share my thoughts with you, because I got too busy with something else, I wasn’t able to do so. So here I am, trying to pick up where I left off, giving a piece of my brain.
First, James Yap has won his first MVP. As a fan, I’d really want to go out in the street and shout his name till my voice would grow hoarse in sheer delight but no, it looked like things were not as perfect as I expected it to be. Unfortunately, there were screaming individuals trying to “question” the man’s ascent to the thrown, so to speak. Some were saying Kerby Raymundo or Enrico Villanueva deserved the award more. Some were faulting Kris Aquino for weaving her charms and magic to lure the press to vote for her husband. But I thought otherwise. James might’ve won because of media votes but let’s not forget that he was the leader in statistics, second placer in player votes and the “unanimous” choice of the 4-man committee. Granting that the PBA removed all the “subjectivity” factor and retain the stats, James would still have won it. Numbers don’t lie. Those who don’t want to believe in that argument might only mean two things: 1.) They envy James Yap and, 2.) They hate Mathematics!
But more than the numbers, who is JY in the Giants roster? A mere scoring machine? Well, yeah, he’s a scoring machine. But more than the points he put up every game, JY, admit it or not is the Giants co-leader along with Raymundo. He doesn’t speak much, but he leads by example. He’s not the one who’ll throw fireball in the locker room, but he’s the one willing to take and make the shot when the game is on the line. I just don’t know why some people cannot take that. Some are even threatened by that even when they shouldn’t be. The equation is not about Giants = Raymundo. The equation is Giants = Raymundo x Yap x Pingris x (rest) + management! It’s about a bunch of guys combining their efforts to achieve team goals. They should all co-exist and not treat each other as rivals. The last time I heard, a tri-captain is now the current trend in sports. The USA National Team for example has James, Anthony and Wade as captains. With our team, the future is in the hands of Kerby, James and Mark. Let’s accept that fact.
Moving along, let’s go with the next event: the AFC Championship. Original Purefoods fan wouldn’t fail to note that the Alvin Patrimonio led-Hotdogs team in the 90’s dominated the All Filipino tourney. The Hotdogs were perennial contender way back until the emergence of a new PBA force: the Filams. With Cap ushering his heydays at the door, compounded by the influx of foreign blood, the Hotdogs failed to maintain it’s illustrious showing in the AFC at the beginning of the new millennium. But on July 21, 2006, Friday, the Hotdogs, now called Giants came back where it once belong and bagged the PBA’s most prestigious title. In the process, the Giants have stamped it’s mark in the history books as one of the last two active ball club who has won at least 4 AFC title. Not bad for a team which is relatively young and new. And they did that at the expense of their equally young and talented rival, the Red Bull Barako.
I was there in front of the TV not wasting any single pixel that depicts the tears, the cheers and the celebration of the newly crowned champs. I was there when Raymundo also broke into tears thanking his family and friends. I was there when the crowd chanted MVP while JY was taking his free throws. I was there when Mark won the Finals MVP and in his speech thanking his family and his baby Danica Sotto. I was there when Jun Limpot was given a victory ride after 13 years. Believe me that was something I would cherish for the rest of my life. Not only because they won a championship, but also because in the process, they made a believer out of everybody. They won so many people’s hearts.
Lastly, the D-day! I was pleasantly surprised when the Giants chose Boyet Bautista. If you would remember, I have been lobbying for the guy in some message boards. Without batting an eyelash, Boyet is the best point guard in the draft minus the hype. Lewis Tenorio is a great player, but Bautista is an all-business type of guy. He’s a proven winner and though he only stands about 5’6, he’s a guy who’s got a big, big heart.
If ever Purefoods would sign him up, he’ll contribute in terms of scoring, playmaking, a little bit of defense and hustle. He’ll be a great threat from the outside that should help in unclogging the lanes for the bigs. Purefoods doesn’t need to give him the starting guard position because he can come off the bench and be a spark.
As for Paul Artadi, I don’t think he’ll be the odd man out. In a team, which thrives in defense and quickness, a three-point-guard rotation is just enough. Roger Yap, Artadi and Bautista can co-exist because they are assets of the team and they bring different facets of the game. Roger can run our half-court offense. Boyet can be used to ignite our running offense. Paul can be utilized for defensive purposes. Thus, having three point guards would make us very formidable in the backcourt.
Well, that’s about it bloggers. I hope I didn’t bore you! I’ll write you again next time!
Pie
For Giants news and updates, click here.
Hi! I know, I know, I haven’t been blogging for a while and I think you missed me. Sorry, I was busy. No, I just got lazy. So what’s up? How you guys doing? Here’s to hoping you’re in the pink of health.
Anyways, a couple and one events had passed and as much as I want to share my thoughts with you, because I got too busy with something else, I wasn’t able to do so. So here I am, trying to pick up where I left off, giving a piece of my brain.
First, James Yap has won his first MVP. As a fan, I’d really want to go out in the street and shout his name till my voice would grow hoarse in sheer delight but no, it looked like things were not as perfect as I expected it to be. Unfortunately, there were screaming individuals trying to “question” the man’s ascent to the thrown, so to speak. Some were saying Kerby Raymundo or Enrico Villanueva deserved the award more. Some were faulting Kris Aquino for weaving her charms and magic to lure the press to vote for her husband. But I thought otherwise. James might’ve won because of media votes but let’s not forget that he was the leader in statistics, second placer in player votes and the “unanimous” choice of the 4-man committee. Granting that the PBA removed all the “subjectivity” factor and retain the stats, James would still have won it. Numbers don’t lie. Those who don’t want to believe in that argument might only mean two things: 1.) They envy James Yap and, 2.) They hate Mathematics!
But more than the numbers, who is JY in the Giants roster? A mere scoring machine? Well, yeah, he’s a scoring machine. But more than the points he put up every game, JY, admit it or not is the Giants co-leader along with Raymundo. He doesn’t speak much, but he leads by example. He’s not the one who’ll throw fireball in the locker room, but he’s the one willing to take and make the shot when the game is on the line. I just don’t know why some people cannot take that. Some are even threatened by that even when they shouldn’t be. The equation is not about Giants = Raymundo. The equation is Giants = Raymundo x Yap x Pingris x (rest) + management! It’s about a bunch of guys combining their efforts to achieve team goals. They should all co-exist and not treat each other as rivals. The last time I heard, a tri-captain is now the current trend in sports. The USA National Team for example has James, Anthony and Wade as captains. With our team, the future is in the hands of Kerby, James and Mark. Let’s accept that fact.
Moving along, let’s go with the next event: the AFC Championship. Original Purefoods fan wouldn’t fail to note that the Alvin Patrimonio led-Hotdogs team in the 90’s dominated the All Filipino tourney. The Hotdogs were perennial contender way back until the emergence of a new PBA force: the Filams. With Cap ushering his heydays at the door, compounded by the influx of foreign blood, the Hotdogs failed to maintain it’s illustrious showing in the AFC at the beginning of the new millennium. But on July 21, 2006, Friday, the Hotdogs, now called Giants came back where it once belong and bagged the PBA’s most prestigious title. In the process, the Giants have stamped it’s mark in the history books as one of the last two active ball club who has won at least 4 AFC title. Not bad for a team which is relatively young and new. And they did that at the expense of their equally young and talented rival, the Red Bull Barako.
I was there in front of the TV not wasting any single pixel that depicts the tears, the cheers and the celebration of the newly crowned champs. I was there when Raymundo also broke into tears thanking his family and friends. I was there when the crowd chanted MVP while JY was taking his free throws. I was there when Mark won the Finals MVP and in his speech thanking his family and his baby Danica Sotto. I was there when Jun Limpot was given a victory ride after 13 years. Believe me that was something I would cherish for the rest of my life. Not only because they won a championship, but also because in the process, they made a believer out of everybody. They won so many people’s hearts.
Lastly, the D-day! I was pleasantly surprised when the Giants chose Boyet Bautista. If you would remember, I have been lobbying for the guy in some message boards. Without batting an eyelash, Boyet is the best point guard in the draft minus the hype. Lewis Tenorio is a great player, but Bautista is an all-business type of guy. He’s a proven winner and though he only stands about 5’6, he’s a guy who’s got a big, big heart.
If ever Purefoods would sign him up, he’ll contribute in terms of scoring, playmaking, a little bit of defense and hustle. He’ll be a great threat from the outside that should help in unclogging the lanes for the bigs. Purefoods doesn’t need to give him the starting guard position because he can come off the bench and be a spark.
As for Paul Artadi, I don’t think he’ll be the odd man out. In a team, which thrives in defense and quickness, a three-point-guard rotation is just enough. Roger Yap, Artadi and Bautista can co-exist because they are assets of the team and they bring different facets of the game. Roger can run our half-court offense. Boyet can be used to ignite our running offense. Paul can be utilized for defensive purposes. Thus, having three point guards would make us very formidable in the backcourt.
Well, that’s about it bloggers. I hope I didn’t bore you! I’ll write you again next time!
Pie
For Giants news and updates, click here.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A Chunkee Champion Heart
The Gran Matador All Philippine Cup has just concluded last July 21, 2006 with the Purefoods Chunkee Giants emerging as the national champion.
With the leadership of Ryan Gregorio from the bench and of Kerby Raymundo, James Yap and Marc Pingris on the battlefield, the Purefoods’ franchise has captured its 7th title and 4th in an AFC format tourney. Making them share top honors with San Miguel Beermen, and Crispa Redmanizers for most number of AFC championship.
The feat is alot sweeter for veteran superstar Jun Limpot, who, after 13 years and 500+ games played has finally won a ring. For Jun, it was an answered prayer.
But in capturing the PBA’s most prestigious tournament, the Giants had to overcome a steep and challenging path.
First, they had to overcome the loss of key players to injuries. Second, they had to overcome a huge 1-3 series deficit against Alaska in the semis. And lastly, they had to overcome the tough Red Bull Barako team in the finals. But, as they say, the Giants proved nothing is impossible.
On my part, honestly, I’ve only been able to witness 3 championship celebrations, which featured then known as the “hotdogs.” But I must admit, the last one held in Araneta is pretty much the most dramatic of them all. Well, why not? From start to finish, the series have been espoused by several subplots: the MVP race, Eugene Tejada, the Red Bull-Purefoods rematch, Yeng Guiao’s quotable quotes, etc.
But it was all worth it for the Giants. And Gregorio couldn’t have put it any better. James, Kerby and company did not only win the championship, but they showed the power and the triumph of the human spirit.
The message was deeply inspiring.
Essentially the Giant Attitude is: "if they tell you you’re small, you tell them you’re quick. If they tell you can’t do it, show them you can. If they tell you it’s impossible, you tell them you’d work hard for it. If they claim you are a jinx, prove them wrong but never lose your patience."
And they did just that. With flying colors. Look where they are now? Somewhere, vacationing with their respective families and should be back to practice after 5 weeks. Perhaps, any moment now, they should be getting their bonuses or should be packing their bags for an out-of-the-country trip. That’s the prize of success!
Being a supporter, I’ve nothing more to ask for. I’m delighted not only because they capped a wonderful season with a championship but also because all throughout this past year, the team displayed their courage and their big heart. As a result, they made a believer out of me and of everyone who watched them, PF and non-PF fans alike.
In the next conference, the Giants will face a tough task of defending their crown against the shored-up roster of TNT, BGK and Alaska. The Giants might continue to lack a legitimate big man but if they can sustain their energy, focus and dedication, they’ll have a huge crack at duplicating their feat and in the process rewrite history.
Nothing is impossible.
When asked how would an undersized bigman with a long wingspan can compete with taller, pure centers a poster once said: you don’t use your head when you play. That’s quite literally. And I agree.
So does with my basketball maxim: The hand registers points, but the game is won by heart.
This time, make that a Chunkee champion heart.
For more news about the Giants, click here
With the leadership of Ryan Gregorio from the bench and of Kerby Raymundo, James Yap and Marc Pingris on the battlefield, the Purefoods’ franchise has captured its 7th title and 4th in an AFC format tourney. Making them share top honors with San Miguel Beermen, and Crispa Redmanizers for most number of AFC championship.
The feat is alot sweeter for veteran superstar Jun Limpot, who, after 13 years and 500+ games played has finally won a ring. For Jun, it was an answered prayer.
But in capturing the PBA’s most prestigious tournament, the Giants had to overcome a steep and challenging path.
First, they had to overcome the loss of key players to injuries. Second, they had to overcome a huge 1-3 series deficit against Alaska in the semis. And lastly, they had to overcome the tough Red Bull Barako team in the finals. But, as they say, the Giants proved nothing is impossible.
On my part, honestly, I’ve only been able to witness 3 championship celebrations, which featured then known as the “hotdogs.” But I must admit, the last one held in Araneta is pretty much the most dramatic of them all. Well, why not? From start to finish, the series have been espoused by several subplots: the MVP race, Eugene Tejada, the Red Bull-Purefoods rematch, Yeng Guiao’s quotable quotes, etc.
But it was all worth it for the Giants. And Gregorio couldn’t have put it any better. James, Kerby and company did not only win the championship, but they showed the power and the triumph of the human spirit.
The message was deeply inspiring.
Essentially the Giant Attitude is: "if they tell you you’re small, you tell them you’re quick. If they tell you can’t do it, show them you can. If they tell you it’s impossible, you tell them you’d work hard for it. If they claim you are a jinx, prove them wrong but never lose your patience."
And they did just that. With flying colors. Look where they are now? Somewhere, vacationing with their respective families and should be back to practice after 5 weeks. Perhaps, any moment now, they should be getting their bonuses or should be packing their bags for an out-of-the-country trip. That’s the prize of success!
Being a supporter, I’ve nothing more to ask for. I’m delighted not only because they capped a wonderful season with a championship but also because all throughout this past year, the team displayed their courage and their big heart. As a result, they made a believer out of me and of everyone who watched them, PF and non-PF fans alike.
In the next conference, the Giants will face a tough task of defending their crown against the shored-up roster of TNT, BGK and Alaska. The Giants might continue to lack a legitimate big man but if they can sustain their energy, focus and dedication, they’ll have a huge crack at duplicating their feat and in the process rewrite history.
Nothing is impossible.
When asked how would an undersized bigman with a long wingspan can compete with taller, pure centers a poster once said: you don’t use your head when you play. That’s quite literally. And I agree.
So does with my basketball maxim: The hand registers points, but the game is won by heart.
This time, make that a Chunkee champion heart.
For more news about the Giants, click here
PUREFOODS CLAIMS PHILIPPINE CUP
Raymundo, Yap, Pingris hand Limpot 1st PBA title
Friday, 21 July 2006 pba.ph
Purefoods Chunkee’s miraculous recovery in the semifinals did not go for naught as the Giants came up with one big game Friday night to subdue the Red Bull Barakos, 90-83, and capture the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup title.
Displaying solid teamwork, determination and grit, Purefoods put Red Bull away with an 8-2 run in the fourth quarter to wrap the series up, 4-2.
It was the first championship for the Giants since 2002 and they did it with a cast of young players whom coach Ryan Gregorio assembled and painstakingly steered from the time he officially took over the reigns in 2003.
Kerby Raymundo, who took the mantle of leadership from Alvin Patrimonio (now the team’s manager), led all scorers with 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as he carried the fight for the Giants all night.
But he wasn’t alone. He got splendid support from James Yap, who edged him out for the coveted MVP trophy, and Mark Pingris, named MVP of the series.
James Yap scored 25 points while Pingris added 10 points and 14 rebounds.
But the victory was most definitely the sweetest for veteran and 1993 No. 1 overall pick Jun Limpot, who went 13 years in the PBA without a title until the Giants’ title-clinching win.
“Sa wakes nakuha ko na rin ang matagal ko nang pinapangarap,” said the 33-year old forward, who was given a victory ride by his teammates shortly after the final buzzer sounded.
After Red Bull beat in Game 5 to keep their victory party on hold, the Giants took Eugene Tejada’s No. 33 off their jerseys and changed it with the letters “ET”.
“We took off the No. 33 because we didn’t want Red Bull to tie the series at 3-3. We replaced it with the letters ET because it meant End Tonight,” explained Gregorio, who picked up his second championship and got himself in position to bag the Coach of the Year award.
“I’m so happy with what we have accomplished. I’m happy for Jun and I’m happy for the organization,” said Gregorio, who completed one of the greatest playoff comebacks in league history.
Nobody had expected the Giants to reach this series after they fell 1-3 against the Alaska Aces in their semifinal series.
But in an unexpected twist of fate, the Giants brought the Aces down three straight games to set up a sequel to their Fiesta Conference title showdown which was won by the Barakos.
As Gregorio proclaimed before the Finals, he has learned his lessons from his first meeting with Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.
In this series, the youthful coach was in total control, making substitutions at the right time and keeping his players highly motivated despite coming off a loss.
For Guiao, the loss was another opportunity that slipped away in his quest for the most coveted championship.
The Giants threatened to break the game wide open right the opening quarter as the Barakos struggled with their offense – something that has troubled Red Bull in the series.
With Red Bull throwing bricks, James Yap, Raymundo and Roger Yap seized the opportunity by outscoring the Barakos, 26-10, in a span of eight and a half minutes that propelled the Giants to a seemingly comfortable 30-14 lead at end of the first quarter.
The Barakos were far from finished though.
They battled back behind a sterling defensive effort that saw them deflecting passes, contesting shots and battling for loose balls. By the end of the first half, they were just five points behind, 34-39.
Red Bull kept the game close but couldn’t put together a run that could enable them to force a deciding seventh game.
Lordy Tugade scored 21 points to show the way for Red Bull but shot just 6-for 20 from the floor. Junthy Valenzuela tallied 19 points and Mick Pennisi added 15 for the Barakos, who made just 18-of-30 free throws that contributed to their poor field goal shooting. (DBC)
The scores:
Purefoods 90 – Raymundo 27, Yap J. 25, Pingris 10, Limpot 9, Castillo 9, Yap R. 7, Camason 2, Yee 1, Artadi 0, Simon 0.
Red Bull 83 – Tugade 21, Valenzuela 19, Pennisi 15, Villanueva 11, Baguio 8, Robinson 4, Fonacier 2, Cruz 2, Najorda 1, Bugia 0, Hrabak 0.
Quarters: 30-14, 39-34, 65-59, 90-83.
TJHOTDOGS.COM, PBA
Friday, 21 July 2006 pba.ph
Purefoods Chunkee’s miraculous recovery in the semifinals did not go for naught as the Giants came up with one big game Friday night to subdue the Red Bull Barakos, 90-83, and capture the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup title.
Displaying solid teamwork, determination and grit, Purefoods put Red Bull away with an 8-2 run in the fourth quarter to wrap the series up, 4-2.
It was the first championship for the Giants since 2002 and they did it with a cast of young players whom coach Ryan Gregorio assembled and painstakingly steered from the time he officially took over the reigns in 2003.
Kerby Raymundo, who took the mantle of leadership from Alvin Patrimonio (now the team’s manager), led all scorers with 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as he carried the fight for the Giants all night.
But he wasn’t alone. He got splendid support from James Yap, who edged him out for the coveted MVP trophy, and Mark Pingris, named MVP of the series.
James Yap scored 25 points while Pingris added 10 points and 14 rebounds.
But the victory was most definitely the sweetest for veteran and 1993 No. 1 overall pick Jun Limpot, who went 13 years in the PBA without a title until the Giants’ title-clinching win.
“Sa wakes nakuha ko na rin ang matagal ko nang pinapangarap,” said the 33-year old forward, who was given a victory ride by his teammates shortly after the final buzzer sounded.
After Red Bull beat in Game 5 to keep their victory party on hold, the Giants took Eugene Tejada’s No. 33 off their jerseys and changed it with the letters “ET”.
“We took off the No. 33 because we didn’t want Red Bull to tie the series at 3-3. We replaced it with the letters ET because it meant End Tonight,” explained Gregorio, who picked up his second championship and got himself in position to bag the Coach of the Year award.
“I’m so happy with what we have accomplished. I’m happy for Jun and I’m happy for the organization,” said Gregorio, who completed one of the greatest playoff comebacks in league history.
Nobody had expected the Giants to reach this series after they fell 1-3 against the Alaska Aces in their semifinal series.
But in an unexpected twist of fate, the Giants brought the Aces down three straight games to set up a sequel to their Fiesta Conference title showdown which was won by the Barakos.
As Gregorio proclaimed before the Finals, he has learned his lessons from his first meeting with Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.
In this series, the youthful coach was in total control, making substitutions at the right time and keeping his players highly motivated despite coming off a loss.
For Guiao, the loss was another opportunity that slipped away in his quest for the most coveted championship.
The Giants threatened to break the game wide open right the opening quarter as the Barakos struggled with their offense – something that has troubled Red Bull in the series.
With Red Bull throwing bricks, James Yap, Raymundo and Roger Yap seized the opportunity by outscoring the Barakos, 26-10, in a span of eight and a half minutes that propelled the Giants to a seemingly comfortable 30-14 lead at end of the first quarter.
The Barakos were far from finished though.
They battled back behind a sterling defensive effort that saw them deflecting passes, contesting shots and battling for loose balls. By the end of the first half, they were just five points behind, 34-39.
Red Bull kept the game close but couldn’t put together a run that could enable them to force a deciding seventh game.
Lordy Tugade scored 21 points to show the way for Red Bull but shot just 6-for 20 from the floor. Junthy Valenzuela tallied 19 points and Mick Pennisi added 15 for the Barakos, who made just 18-of-30 free throws that contributed to their poor field goal shooting. (DBC)
The scores:
Purefoods 90 – Raymundo 27, Yap J. 25, Pingris 10, Limpot 9, Castillo 9, Yap R. 7, Camason 2, Yee 1, Artadi 0, Simon 0.
Red Bull 83 – Tugade 21, Valenzuela 19, Pennisi 15, Villanueva 11, Baguio 8, Robinson 4, Fonacier 2, Cruz 2, Najorda 1, Bugia 0, Hrabak 0.
Quarters: 30-14, 39-34, 65-59, 90-83.
TJHOTDOGS.COM, PBA
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