How I lost the pounds!

Summer of 2006, first time in years that I stayed at home, not worrying of being late or absent for
basketball practice, all summer what I did was hang out with friends, drink beer, ate a lot and slept
through the day. Then there was a time where I had to attend a party in Cainta or Pasig, what happened
when I put on my pair of jeans, I could not get the zipper all the way up, come June, up to graduation I
weight over 200 lbs, can you imagine me having that weight? First few months was ok, people were
saying that the weight looks good on me, maybe it does but keeping the weight has its problems, for
one thing my knees could not carry my weight, as I climb up the stairs I can feel pain plus the fact that
going to point B from point A is a troublesome. Summer of 2007, I decided it is time to lose the weight.
I enrolled at a boxing gym a few blocks away from home. The gym was owned by former World Boxing
Champion Erbito Salavaria, both his sons trained me, Emil and Jun and in two months, from 220 lbs my
weight was down from 160. I also had strict diet; I was going to eat less. I actually did not follow and
program for my diet, whatever that was served, I would eat less. June and Emil, both are trainers at the
gym taught me one valuable lesson, “wag mo isipin na papayat ka, isipin mo matuto ka” I had to agree, as
days pass, I have shed the pounds and I have trimmed down. People asked me what I did; people would
ask me what diet I followed. Naturally I would answer that I did boxing, diet and lifted weights. Most of
them would say that they still have a chance and I have given them the motivation to do the same thing.
But there is a problem with they have said, it is nice to hear that after seeing my picture and looking at
me now gives other people motivation, but of course, motivation is not enough. My secret on how I lost
the weight is not because of boxing and diet entirely. I had the dedication, self-control and I really had
my goal set.

Change, Success, Role

The month of May is not as good as I expected. Changes has been made, the environment has
somewhat alter my perception. Within the company, there is a motto, “We embrace change”, for me,
that is a very good way to motivate a person, but back track a bit, you will see that there are changes
that you cannot control and do nothing but accept it, sometimes I wonder if the change is for the better
of one person or for a group, does politics control the way decisions are made? Do they really make
their decisions based on who they want or based on who they need? They send out details of what they
need. If you work for a company for so long, you expected to have moved up the ladder and when you
have moved up others will pull you down. I guess that’s human nature already, people succeed because
who they are and what they have accomplished, now I guess for you succeed you must have the right
connections, but of course this is not accurate there are also people who succeeded because they
worked hard for who and what they are now, my brother for example. He studied well, graduated in a
highly praised University and now, he is a manager. My salary for 3-4 months is equivalent to his one
month salary, not including the benefits that he gets.

What is the real formula to success? Does it apply to all of us? If you’re going to check a successful
person’s background, it differs from each other. Most people will say that hard work pays off; you’ll just
have to wait, but how long a person must wait? There people who worked hard and when they have
reached the level of success, it is either too late or they are just a piece of the puzzle; if your just a piece,
how big is your section?
Each and everyone have his/her own role, the questions are; how do we accept our role? How will
you play your role? Does your role fit you? These are just some questions that I think a person should
ask him/herself, so that at the end of the day, we can all go home, have a good night sleep and expect
better things to come in the future.

We are Close"rs"

March 3, 2010, the first time I met this group of men, now known as the “BakalBoys” , while some of us called “TCs” which really means Team Captain in the company, for the sake of smiles and laughter, we changed it to “Tiga Close” ; that basically means that they are the people who’s shifts ends at 00:00 EST.

There is another term for the acronym TC, “Telus Critter”, who is this person who will call our “telus critter”? He is Renee Aristorenas. Famous for saying, and I quote “no, no, not ganon”, and “you have successfully reached the wrong department”. We also jokingly say that Renee could publish a book with all of his quotable quotes. Might I include his nicknames, “Mang Renee” and “Tatang”, this was given to him because being the eldest of us all here in Lily. He is also known as “The Man with the 1,000 Faces of Sorrow”. Who would also forget the pictures that Rico edited with help of Adobe photoshop.  One of my favorite edited pictures of him is face image in the can of Alaska Milk, which Rico changed it to Alaskado, another favorite of mine is his image in a “Mang Tomas”bottle, the Wi Tribe ad this time edited as an Igorot. Renee is such a sport, you rarely see him get angry, you may see him in a frown face but a after a few minutes his ok. That’s Renee for you, the Best Comedy Actor in a Dramatic Role.

The next “TC” is Rico William Badeo, the “Photoshop Artist”, the person behind those edited pictures. When this long haired handles the guitar, expect laughter for a long duration. This person can definitely make a bang with his punch lines. He is actually my own personal SPOC, every time I have trouble with my desktop; he’ll remotely fix my issue, which by the way will be very easy for him. 

The last remaining “TC” is Kenneth Tejada, or simply Ken. There is nothing really much to say about to say, for one thing is most of the quiet, reading whatever on his monitor. A real bookwork, I remember one book his reading which he got before Christmas, he was able to finish it in two days, and the book was over 500 pages. That is where he got the nickname “Ken Basa” copied from the ATBP puppet, “Kapitan Basa”.

 Come May 23, the four “TC’s” will be a back to three as my shift will be changed to 9pm. The last three remaining closers will definitely be staying at same schedule and of course will continue the kick ass environment and work load.

The Oppurtunity

Late last week, an opportunity was presented to by my immediate supervisor. His current position will be open and with a soft voice, he asked me to apply for his position.  I was a bit surprised to be honest, for almost 24 hours, the idea of me having the chance to apply; a spot in a higher hierarchy is there, but after talking with my friends and our Operations Manager, I have made up my mind, my Curriculum Vitae needs to be updated and hope for the best. I am aware that this opportunity comes into reality; I can say to myself that I did well and the challenge begins anew. The idea of being a Team Captain or in this case a Team Leader is giving me the chills just by thinking of it, but before I go the next level I have take the next step that is of course submit my letter of intent and my updated Curriculum Vitae then the most decisive part of this is the interview. I have no idea on who will be taking on this task but I should be acquainted with other possibilities as well.
Right now, I’m a bit anxious, waiting for the day I am asked for the interview and waiting for the results. I’m not expecting too much and at the same not expecting less. I made this decision, with all my gratitude to my Team Captain Victor Ovejas who entrusted me his position. 

El Barto

“I will not draw naked ladies in class”

 “I will not trade pants with others”

“I do not have power of attorney over first graders”

“Hi, I'm looking for Amanda... Amanda Hug N Kiss.”

“I think it's ironic that for once dad's butt prevented the release of toxic gas.”

“All work and no play makes Bart a dull boy”

~ Bartholomew JoJo "Bart" Simpson

*&^%&&*%$#%+_(&^%@@!!e

FOR SOME REASON, MY HATRED TOWARDS YOU HAS BEEN INCREASING AS DAYS PASS. I CAN NO LONGER TOLERATE HEARING YOUR VOICE.  YOUR FRIGGIN ATTITUDE WILL NOT ACCEPT THE FACT YOU’RE AN ASSHOLE. I’M AN ASSHOLE AS WELL BUT NOTHING COMPARED TO YOU. YOU HAVE CERTAIN CHARACTHERISTICS OF A PERSON WHO SUCK UP TO YOUR BOSS TO GET THE UPPER HAND, THE PERSON WHO MANIPULATES OTHER PEOPLE. WHY DON’T YOU TRY IT ON ME? LET SEE IF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MANIPULATE ME. DON’T PROVOKE ME, YOU HAVE AN IDEA ON HOW I SPEAK MY MIND, DON’T GET ME STARTED, I HAVE DEALT PEOPLE LIKE YOU. LET ME REMIND YOU, YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME. THIS THREE WORDS ARE FOR YOU,  F*CK YOU!!! 

Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds teams together.

 

If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball. 

Approach the game with no preset agendas and you'll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts. 

Approach the game with no preset agendas and you'll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts.

Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart.

Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.

I gave it my body and mind, but I have kept my soul.  

Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds teams together.

  

~Phil Jackson

Words of a Legend

Even when I'm old and grey, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game.

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.

 

 I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

  

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.

~MICHAEL JORDAN

The Family Computer

Yesterday, me and a couple of my friends were talking about Family Computer games, being are our age is not that far-off from each other, we often agree on the games that like and we consider “Classic”. These classic games from the 80’s to early 90’s just shows how slacking off has its own benefits.  I was lucky to have witnessed the evolution of game consoles, and as far I remember, the earliest game console that I ever played was Atari.  My brother and I went to my grandfather’s house in Damar Village in Quezon City and there is the first and last time I used the said home game console. With a joystick and single button, my brother and I played “Pong”. A 2D game, it is like playing table tennis without the swinging of a paddle. Then came the Family Computer, I can’t recall on what was age when we had this console, but having one at home made me one of the cool kids at school. Playing games such as Super Mario Brothers, Battletoads, Galaga, Kage, Contra, Double Dragon, Arkanoid, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, Goonies, Ghost Busters, Excite Bike, Double Dribble, Mappy, Pac-man,Popeye, Rockman, Spy vs. Spy, Tetris, Warpman, Kung Fu Master, Zippy Race, Circus Charlie, Bomberman, Battle City, Afterburner, Duck Hunt, Adventure Island, Legend of Kage, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dig Dug, Elevator Action and Punch-out. These games that I just mentioned bring back memories. During those times when instead studying or doing my homework, you will see me in front of the television playing these games., either playing alone or my other siblings. These games paved way to what video games are today. With the advancement in technology, games and game consoles evolve and up to now, game developers are still producing new and innovating ways to create more games so for video games player like me. With the demand of video games and video game consoles and with help of technology, the demand was met with satisfied consumers with positive feedback.

The wrestling fan (part 2)

Before January ended, I wrote a list of my favorite wresters, to add more, here are the other wrestlers who I enjoyed watching.

Big Boss Man- His gimmick of being a policeman is kind of cool. Wrestling in his uniform and after winning the match, he will handcuff his opponents to the ropes and beat them with his nightstick. Back then, it was already hardcore. A onetime tag –team champion with Ken Shamrock, a four time hardcore champion in the WWF/E . He was able to challenge for the world title but always came up short. Ray Traylor in real life died in 2004 but always be remembered for his persona as the Big Boss Man.

 

Jake “The Snake” Roberts – This wrestler thrilled me when I was kid. This guy carries bag with Damien inside it. After winning a match, he would release it and let crawl on his fallen opponents. The Snake, also known for inventing his finishing move, the DDT.

Ultimate Warrior – Born James Brian Helwig, the wrestler who is billed from parts unknown, a warrior who runs to the ring and bullies his way to win the match. With face paint, long blonde hair, a person who constantly shakes the ropes. His high energy excites the crowd each time he steps into the ring. The most memorable match is when the Warrior faced Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania VI. Champion vs Champion, Hogan was the heavyweight champion and the Warrior was the Intercontinental Champion. Both titles were on the line. Dubbed as the “Ultimate Challenge”, the Ultimate Warrior pinned Hogan for the three count after performing the “Warrior Splash”. Add also his 13 second win against the Honky Tonky Man at SummerSlam 1989. The Ultimate Warrior is now retired and had various ventures. He even legally changed his name to Warrior 1993

Shawn Michaels – The Heartbreak Kid, the show stopper, the main event. First time I saw Michaels he was part of the tag-team The Rockers with Marty Jannetty.  The high flying duo made an impact. The pair finally parted ways when Michaels super kicked Jannety  The Heartbreak kid persona was born. Shawn’s talent and charisma was immortalize when he faced Razor Ramon in the first ever Ladder Match in the WWE. This achievement was later eclipsed when he faced Bret Hart in Wrestlemania XII in an Iron Man match.  He was also a member of the famed stable D-Generation X with Triple H.  He is also one of the few wrestlers who are a Grand-Slam Champion in the WWE as he won all major and secondary titles, twice had won the Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels was also known as Mr. Wrestlemania, Michaels brilliant matches was held at Wrestlemania, his last wrestlemaniavs Steak match, at the end of the match, the deadman pinned Michaels. The next night at Raw, Michaels announced his retirement and in January of 2011, he was announced as the first inductee to the Class of 2011 Hall of Fame. during the interview segment on the “Barbershop” with Brutus “The Barber “Beefcake. appearance was against the Undertaker, a Career

“British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith – Bret Hart’s brother-in-law, also a graduate of Stu Hart’s Dungeon,  Davey Boy’s started to be known internationally when he was part of the tag-team “The British Bulldog” alongside Dynamite Kid. After a few years together, they would later split and Davey Boy would continue using the “British Bulldog” as its rights belong to WWF/E. This also started an astonishing singles career; he was able to capture all major titles except for the word title. Most memorable match of the British Bulldog’s career that I can recall is when he faced Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam 1992. This was held at London, England, Davey Boy’s home country. I believe that match with Hart is one of the best highlights of his career, not only performing in front of your home country but also winning the title in one of the most epic matches in wrestling history.

More wrestler s to be added in the next few days, maybe I might end up including your favorite wrestler. Ciao

2011 : Expecting to be better?

For 2011, the first month already ended what more can we expect for the next eleven months?  I believe that a lot of things in a national level to a personal level.  Recently, we have been advised already of the minimum fare for jeepneys and the forthcoming increase of the South Luzon Expressway tollgate fee. The fare for the MRT and LRT’s are already rumored to be increasing in the near future. Some commuters have already experienced the increased of the flag down rates of the taxis with plate numbers ending with 1 and 6 and later on, all available meters will already be calibrated. What about an increase in salary? Personally I’m not complaining with what I’m earning, but an increase is not a bad idea, with all the prices going up from transportation fare, gas, vegetables, fruits, medicine and other expenses most people will be complaining. I’m just wondering why people can’t accept change. I know we are not other countries who’s status are already far ahead of ours. I guess being democratic country has its disadvantages. If you’re going to look at other countries such China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore for example, they have already exceeded us. We may have the most hard-working people in the world but without the support, what can we achieve? I’m not saying that our government is not supporting our needs but it is just not enough. If you’re going to read the news or watch it on TV about the issues our country has encountered.

      Sports – In sports, we do have the PSC helping our national athletes in their needs. They provide shelter, food and monetary allowance but what else? A third party company or organization steps up to support our athletes. Mainly business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan of PLDT/Smart Telecommunications and TV5 provides support to our national athletes. Currently, he supports the Smart Gilas National team, the PBA team Meralco Bolts and currently he vowed to offer financial support to our Football National team the “Askalz”. He also supports the San Beda College and Ateneo de Manila University. Other sports enthusiast here in the Philippines is Fred Uytengsu of the Alaska Milk Corporation. Known for being the owner of the PBA team Alaska Milkmen, what other people don’t know is he also supports the softball team and even came up with an idea of having a national tournament for softball. With the help of other people, this tournament materialized and we are able to check out the softball players outside ofMetro Manila. Another person who supports a different is sport; I have to apologize as I have forgotten to person’s name. I believe he is a board member of the 7 11 convenience stores. All my apologies to this person who supports cycling. He already managed or at least part to host several events for cycling. Other notable figures in sports are Danding Cojuangco of San Miguel, Mikee Romero of North Harbour Centre and the Lhuiller family who also supports various sports most notably in Cebu.

          Military – Our military badly needs our support. From their uniforms, boots, belts, caps and other financial needs.  High end equipment that can make their job easier and a lot less dangerous. Being in the military is not a joke. 80% of the military personally lives away from their family as they are designated to the other regions of the country.

          PNP/SWAT – Remember the hostage taking that made the PNP and SWAT the butt of all jokes? You will hear during the hearing that they are fully equipped with the right tools to may have closed the drama earlier, instead they were very cautious because they don’t have the proper safety gear or they lack in training. Is it because of the funds not being enough to purchase equipment or require them to have a more advance training?  This boils up to what is happening to budget and where it goes.

     Firemen / Medic / Public Hospitals –Same problem with PNP/SWAT, they lack the proper equipement. Education – This issue is a bit complex. Who is really to blame for the downside of education here in the Philippines? Is it the teachers? The students? The school environment itself? If you’re going check into this matter you will be able to determine that this entire problem goes to one thing. Money. The budget for our public schools is there, the problem is it is not being delivered to its proper destinations. You will see schools that are in need of a renovation, in need of new chairs, tables, blackboards and even rooms. One major problem is the salary of our public teachers. The students, their attitude towards school will vary. They will have their own reasons, no money for school payments, no money to buy food, etc. 

These are just a few problems that our country needs to take look at in different angles. This will not be solved overnight but I still commend the government as they are doing their best. I just hope that their best is not yet on the limit what they can do.

the wrestling fan

Late last year, Jack TV is again available for Sky Cable Subscribers after it was pulled out of its channel line-up. My initial reaction after its announcement is that I will be able to watch WWE again. My only way to keep me updated is for me to check various websites. Since WWE is back in my weekly schedule, it brought a little excitement. I am very much aware pro-wrestling being fake or scripted, but if you ask me, wrestling is not fake it’s scripted. Wrestling was introduced to me by my grandmother, at that time we were watching the “immortal one” Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior, One Man Gang, “Macho Man” Randy Savage,  Andre the Giant, just to name a few. It was so amazing that every week, my grandmother and I will be staying up late just to watch WWE Superstars and since then, I have been a fan.

I have witnessed the change; from the matches being technical with number of holds and slams to the high flying, chair swinging and wrestlers crashing to tables. 

Since I have been following wrestling almost two decades now, I have made a list of my all time favorite.

Hulk Hogan – From telling his fans to take their vitamins say your prayers, the “Immortal” Hulk Hogan is shoe in my list. His feuds with Rowdy Rowdy Piper, Ultimate Warrior, Macho Man and of course his amazing body slam of Andre the Giant. After years of wearing yellow and being icon he is, he turned heel and started to wear black and became one of the greatest heel in wrestling history. Hogan joins Outsiders Kevin Nash and Scott Hall and formed the New World Order (NWO), he became the Hollywood Hulk Hogan. After being the top heel in WCW and the purchase of WWE of WCW, his Wrestlemania match against The Rock made his status in wrestling even brighter. The WWE Hall of Class of 2005, the Immortal Hulk Hogan was inducted that cemented his iconic persona and his contribution in wrestling.

Macho Man Randy Savage- Flying Elbow, big sunglasses and his brilliant wrestling attire, what more can you ask for? Add also his deep voice that adds up to his persona. “oh yeah” his famous catch phrase which up to now when heard you’ll know that its Macho Man.

The Rock- When Dwayne Johnson became the big screen actor that he is now; The Rock was one of the best in the 90’s. His mic skills are one of best. If you can watch his segments in you tube, you will be able to get what I mean. The Rock’s achievement in wrestling is one of the best. His feud with Triple H, his time with the Nation of Domination up to his pie eating, jabroni smack-it down bashing that he is before retiring is one most excellent gimmick/persona.

Bret Hart- The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be; that sums it all when it comes to Bret Hart’s career. From being a tag team champion with his brother-in-law Jim “anvil” Niedhart, the Hart Foundation already made its mark in wrestling. His singles career though was brighter as he won the King of the Ring twice, a co Royal Rumble winner with Lex Luger in 1994, a Triple Crown Champion in the WWE, Class of 2006 Hall of Fame Inductee, and real life feud with Shawn Michaels,  Triple H and of course Vince McMahon. This group of names is famously being part of the “Montreal Screwjob”, after which made Hart jump to WCW. Bret Hart’s presence in WCW made and impact as he won numerous titles. Hart’s career was cut short as he was forced to retirement after his match against Goldberg, being on the receiving end of a thrust kick to the head resulting to a severe concussion and left Hart with post-concussion syndrome. Bret Hart’s induction to WWE Hall of Fame buried the hatchet of the Montreal Screwjob and after 12 years, Bret Hart appeared in a WWE Program and even wrestled a few matches, including a match against WWE Chairman Vince McMahaon.

Stone Cold Steve Austin- First time I saw him he was with the Million Dollar Man and known as the Ringmaster, and after 1996 King of the Ring, Austin’s career rocketed to a whole new level. Austin 3:16 was born. The Toughest SOB was removed from his leash and raised hell. Facing Bret Hart at Wrestlemania in submission match paved way to his greatness. A 6 time WWF/E champion, 2 time Intercontinental Champion, 9 time WWE/F Tag team Champion, 3 time Royal Rumble winner and part of the Class of 2009 Hall of Fame inductee. Include also his achievement with WCW prior to WWF/E purchasing WCW and his celebrated feud with WWF/E Chairman Vince McMahon

Triple H- The Game, The King of Kings, best remembered for being a member of the stable D-Generation  X alongside Shawn Michaels, Chyna and Rick Rude and later on with X-Pac and the New Age Outlaws Road Dogg Jesse James and Bad Ass Billy Gun. A Grand Slam Champion in the WWF/E that includes being a 13 time World Champion, multiple reigns as Intercontinental Champion, European Champion and Tag team champion a shoe in for the WWE Hall of Fame. Triples H’s career changed the WWE in a whole different way. His legendary feuds with Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock marked Triple H’s wrestling career being larger-than-life. 

The Undertaker- The Deadman’s illustrious career is one of the renowned gimmick in sports entertainment. Since 1990, the Undertaker has shown his destructive force in the ring. His various feuds and career defining matches such as the Casket Match, Buried Alive match, Hell in the Cell, all of which contributed to his status as a wrestling icon. His undefeated streak at Wrestlemania of 18-0, a single most undefeated streak in Wrestlmania history which up to now still stand and may never be broken. His achievement may be matched by other up and coming wrestlers, but his presence, his persona is incomparable.

This is a short list of my favorite wrestlers, Sting, Owen Hart, The Legion of Doom, Ric Flair, Kevin Nash/Diesel, Scott Hall/ Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels, the Ultimate Warrior and  a lot more names comes into my mind every time wrestling is the topic of conversation. I’m no walking wrestling encyclopedia, I’m just a fan. I will add a few more names in the future just to prove my age. (LOL)