Lesson Learned

Belle's already in Jakarta, thank you Lord at kahit delayed ang flight nya ng 1 hour, magkasama naman na kami ngayon dito sa Indonesia.

So happy about it kasi may kasama na ako sa room ko. Nakakalungkot kayang mag-isa lalo na't nasa 36th floor ka. Hehehe.

Well, 1 week na ako dito and that's the longest 1 week of my expat life. Yes, longest ever even when I was in Afghanistan. Bakit kamo? Ala na free calls, ala na free high-speed internet, nasa 36th floor ako, ala masyado pinoy.

Most of the time during that 1 week, andami kong bagay na naiisip like bakit ako nagabroad agad. I still remember in Kabul na very consistent ako not to go for a contract renewal or even an extension kasi buntis si Belle at gusto kong andun ako sa tabi up to the delivery stage. Then sabi ko relax muna ako paguwi ng Pinas like no more work for at least two months.

What happened? After 1 week pagkauwi sa Pinas, work agad for the LTE trial tapos after nung project na yun tinanggap ko naman itong Indonesia.

Everything's coming back to me now. It's sad but it's ok coz I'm learning from it. Thank you Lord still dahil You are always reminding and keeping me check.

Just believe and keep the faith. Everything's gonna be alright! God is good, all the time!

Pacman's 8th?

Manny Pacquiao's 8th world title will be as easy as it is. Antonio Margarito is a gimme. The bigger Pacman fights, the easier it is for him. Bigger target, slower movement and easier to hit considering Pacman's hand and foot speed.

Pacquiao in 7th or 8th via TKO. Any doubts?

Little Gary Update 3

It will be a boy! Belle had her ultrasound last Fiday and it is definitely a boy! Thank you Lord for the blessing.

Name suggestions are welcome!

Remembering my Lolo

It's Gametime!

NBA season sets to start in 2 days and here are my predictions and rankings for the upcoming season. Please be aware that this is base on the current rosters and injury news after the preseason.

Eastern Conference

All eyes will be on Miami's Big 3. Hope they will not disappoint ro else.

(1) Orlando - Finishing the preseaon with an 8-0 mark, Dwight Howard's improving game is the key to their deep play-off run. Thanks to Hakeem Olajuwon.

(2) Miami - Can the new Big 3 win it all in their first season together ala Celtics? Nope. Jerry Stackhouse's signing is good while Mike Miller recovers from injury.

(3) Atlanta - Intact line up with a very atlethic frontcourt of Horford, Smith and Williams.

(4) Chicago - Carlos Boozer's acquisition answers their need of a low post threat.

(5) Boston - The regular season won't be as important to them anymore since they will try to rest the aging Big 3. Kendrick Perkin's absence will be a big void even with Shaq and Jermaine on board.

(6) New York - Welcome Amare, you will now experience how hard to score without a very good point guard.

(7) Philadelphia - How I love rookie Evan Turner plays, reminds me of young Grant Hill. Good complement to ball hogs Igoudala and Brand.

(8) Milwaukee - If Andrew Bogut fully recovers from the injury he suffered from last year, the Bucks will be competitive again.

(9) Indiana - I'm expecting Roy Hibbert to have a break out season this year. I expect them to battle for a playoff spot this year.

(10) Charlotte - Not as solid as a year ago as Felton and Chandler left, big holes to fill to reach the play offs.

(11) New Jersey - No way to go but up. Harris and Brooks plus Terrence Williams and rookie Derrick Favors will be fun to watch.

(12) Washington - Will John Wall and Gilbert Arenas co-exists? Their relationship will determine the Wizards' success.

(13) Detroit - Looks like Joe Dumar's days as GM is coming to an end. Another wasted season coming up to Detroit fans.

(14) Toronto - Frontcourt is very thin now after Bosh's departure.

(15) Cleveland - Post Lebron will be very traumatic to Cavs fan.

Western Conference

Another 3-peat for Kobe?

(1) Lakers- Solid line up with key acquisitions Steve Blake and Matt Barnes. Hope Kobe's knees will hold up.

(2) Oklahoma - I'm starting a "Kevin Durant MVP" debate right now. Any objections?

(3) Dallas - Very competitive lineup in every position as well as bench is fully loaded. Their defensive mindset will determine their playoff push.

(4) Utah - Al Jefferson could shine under Deron Williams direction.

(5) Portland - Brandon Roy said he wants the ball more. He should be. Greg Oden should be healthy to play out the West bigs.

(6) San Antonio - Like the Celtics, they don't need the regular season.

(7) Houston - Welcome back Yao!

(8) Phoenix - Even without Amare, they will be still scoring lots of points especially on the arc.

(9) New Orleans - Chris Paul's frustrations will continue to grow as season goes on.

(10) Denver - The Melo drama will be the distraction to this team. Will he heads to NY?

(11) Memphis - Very tough frontline with Gasol, Randolph and Gay. Very young team and still needs a year or two to challenge the West elites.

(12) Sacramento - Rookie Demarcus Cousins is the best in the batch. Good complement to Evan Turner.

(13) Clippers - Blake Griffin is the next big man coming though Baron Davis' primadona attitude will disrupt the Clippers play.

(14) Golden State - Ellis and Curry will be scoring in bunches but that will not translate to W's.

(15) Minnesota - Nothing's going right to Twolves especially when they selected Favors over Cousins. They will be very disappointed if they will see Cousins developed in three years.

Update Mode Now!

Ngayon lang ulit maguupdate since bumalik ako from Kabul. Special thanks mula sa mga nakasama ko sa aking shortened Dubai vacation. Kay sir Kim at Mam Minnie, kay Archie at Mam Fher, kay Nono, DJ, Jahan and Beng.

***

Back at home at last, missed my wife syempre lalo na ngayon kasi buntis sya. Gusto ko kasama nya ako up to manganak sya. She loves the LV bag na gift ko sa kanya. Thanks Mam Minnie for your assistance.

***

Start na din ng aking bagong project. At least may nakikita ako sa pinaghirapan ko sa Afghanistan. Hehehe. Salamat kay Papa na syang talagang nagsusupervise sa paggawa at kay Mama na nagbubudget ng expenses. Hirap din pala ng magpagawa.

***

After 1 week since bumalik ako, nagstart naman ako ng bago kong work sa NSN para sa LTE trial for Smart. Ganito pala kahirap pag trial lang, hahabulin ang deadline. Nakakapagod din ang testing at lagi na akong late umuuwi. Tsk tsk. Salamat pala kay Pareng Benjie at tinulungan akong pumasok sa bago kong work.

***

Since busy sa work, buntis si Belle at nagpapaayus ng bahay, di ko na nabigyan ng panahon ang H20. Akala ko nun madali lang, mahirap pala mag organize at mas lalong mahirap kapag occupied ka ng ibang bagay. Hay, ito pa naman ang pangarap ko dati pa kaso hindi pa siguro ngayon. Help na lang muna in a small way personally. Sorry po.

***

Last Thursday, Oct 7 ay nakuha ko na yun pinareserved kong NBA 2K11 para sa aking PS3. Sulit ang gameplay lalo na ang Jordan Challenge. Sino kaya ang pwede kong makalaro?

***

Paalam Na Afghanistan!

My last week in Afghanistan! After 2 years, it is done. Natapos ko na din sa wakas ang aking contract dito sa Roshan Telecoms as a senior consultant.

Rewind 2008. Dahil ala pambili ng laptop, dito ako napadpad. After lahat ng kaba, takot at pagkalito kung pupunta ba ako dito ay nasagot na. First time consultant kaya medyo nanibago sa work at sobrang homesick. Mas worse talaga ang napapanood sa TV.

Rewind 2009. After mahold sa immigration at mag stay sa pinas ng almost 2 months, hinintay pa din ako ng technical department para bumalik. First bday ko to outside Pinas kaya talagang malungkot. Tried to resign nung October pero nakuha sa magandang pakiusapan.

Rewind 2010. After all the wooing to renew for another year and/or extend for another 2 months, ayaw ko na talaga. Tama na ang 2 years.

Despedida at Mai Thai.

And yes, ok din naman ang kinalabasan. Came out alive and proud dahil they appreciate my work and contribution sa team. Ok dahil madami pa ako natutunan sa trabaho ko. Ok dahil I've worked at the worst condition so far. Ok dahil natapos ko na!

Saying goodbye is also saying thank you. Thank you Lord for the 2 years of keeping me safe, healthy and sane dito sa Kabul. Thank you sa wife ko, Ebelle. How can I survived everyday here kung di kita nakakausap para pasayahin ako? Thank you sa mga relatives at friends ko. Alam nyo na kung sino kayo. You are all my prayer warriors! Thank you.

Parting words... Dahil sa Afghanistan, unti unti ko ng natutupad ang pangarap kong jackpot! Thank you Lord! Thank you Afghanistan!

Tashakoor!

Malapit na!

Last two weeks of my stay sa Kabul. Konting araw na lang at balik Pinas na ako.

Sulit ang last month ko kasi Ramadan. Unfortunately, ang mga plano para maglinis ng lectures at mag-aral ay napunta sa wala. Aga ko din kasi umuuwi, around 3PM tapos pagdating sa RV (Roshan Village) tulog o kaya nood ng movies o kaya laro ng DOTA.

Hay, ala pa din akong pagbabago sa pagplaplano ko.

***

Kagabi pala ang company-sponsored Hello/Goodbye party. Simpleng ceremony lang kasi nga Ramadan.

Konting speech lang ng aming COO tapos cake cutting na agad. Di na kami pinagsalita pa which is ok sa kin. Sabi ko naman kasi sa HR head namin na ayokong umattend nun kasi puro drama at plastikan lang. Pero napilitan din kasi kelangan ko pa ayusin ang kaperahan at travel ko paguwi. In short, pinagbigyan ko para pagbigyan din ako. Hehehe.

A token from Tiffany & Co. from my company.

***

Sept 8 ang alis ko dito pero Sept 12 pa dating ko sa Pinas. Pinagbigyan ako ni misis na magstay at mamasyal sa Dubai.

Syempre, kasabay ko si Archie kasi dun na lang sya magbabakasyon kasama ang family nya. Natakot na umuwi baka kasi maharang ng immigration. Hahaha. Sympre meet sila sir Kimo, DJ at Royco. Meet ko din sila Jahan at Beng.

Sana Eid sale na para makapagshopping. Hehehe.

See you in two weeks!

***

Maglaro Na Tayo!

Sa wakas, lumabas na ang Madden NFL 11. Excited to play this one. Download agad at sabay install. Sakto gumagana sa PSP na gamit ko dito.

Touchdown!!!

***

Speaking of gaming, nakuha ko na ang aking PS3. Actually sa TipidPC ko lang sya nakuha at a bargain price for a 250gb console. May libreng HDMI at UFC Undisputed 2009 game pa.

Can't wait to play here yun God of War (courtesy ni Archie), Madden NFL 11, Fight Night Round 4, UFC 2010, NBA Elite 11 at NKA 2K11.

***

Start na ng Ramadan month which means na isang buwan na lang ako before umuwi. Mapapabilis ang oras syempre shortened working hours na para sa mga locals. Sana lang maayos ko na ang files ko lalo na yung mga lectures at wag sana akong matuksong mag DOTA o kaya MOHAA.

***

No more extensions at lalong lalo na ala nang renewal. Sa wakas, after ilang pangungulit ng senior manager ko at pati na din ng hepe namin, kahapon naman ay ang HR head na din ang nakausap ko.

Pinageextend ako kahit 2 months, sabi ko ayaw ko na. Tapos yun second na paguusap kahit tapusin ko lang daw ang buong September para dumating lang yun kapalit ko. Sabi ko pa din, ayoko na talaga at uuwi na ako sa Sept 9.

Sorry po at tumatanggi ako sa work. Gusto ko lang makasama ang mga mahal ko sa buhay lalo na si Ebelle na 2 months na. Gusto ko lang kasi maabutan kahit last month ng first trimester para naman maranasan ko pa syang naglilihi.

Sana sa susunod, yung work ang wag umayaw sa kin.

***

Shaq in Green!

The Big Leprechaun is in Beantown! Yes, finally, the Celtics signed Shaq to a two-year deal. Personally, I like the move. I'am a big Shaq fan and admit it, after Michael Jordan, there isn't a player more charismatic than Shaq.

2004 WC Finals against each other. 2011 NBA Finals together.

Great move for the C's since Perkins will come back by Feb 2011. Shaq, as well as Jermaine, can play the center position alternately depending who they are playing. Yes, Shaq's abilities are waning and he is in the twilight of his career but he can still play better that 70% of the other starting centers from opposing teams. His rebounding and inside defense will be a big plus as well.

The only issue is the spacing since Shaq will occupy a lot of space inside making it harder for Pierce, Allen and especially Rondo to operate. And his pick-and-roll defense would hurt the Celtics especially against Orlando who does this play better than any team.

Aging Celtics? Think again! Better not be surprised for the 18th banner.

Oakley Sawi!

Agosto na! Last month ko na dito sa Roshan at sa Afghanistan. Mapapabilis pa ito kasi nga ramdan na sa August 11 at maaga uwian ng mga locals kaya aral o laro na lang ang gagawin ko after 2PM.

Ang aking itenerary para sa panahon na iyon, (1) ayusin ang mga lectures, (2) maglaro ng DOTA, (3) mag-aral pa ng mag-aral at (4) mag-update ng mga internet accounts.

Sakto sa pag-uwi at ma oorganize ko na ang mga gamit ko pati ang personal laptop ko. Sulit.

***

Last weekend, aksidente kong naupuan ang aking eyeglasses. Ayun at natanggal ang lens pero ok na ok pa naman ang frame.

Sawi kasi medyo malabo na ang aking mata at talagang maghapon nakatutok sa laptop pati na ang panonood ng movies ko.

Hay, di ko pa nga na rereimburse eh nasira na.

Isang buong buwan pa ako dito. Sana kayanin pa.

***

Natapos na din akong magdownload ng mga movies. Halos 3 weeks din akong nagdodownload. Umabot ata ng mahigit 440 movies all in all. Syempre kasama ang mga classic films at mga all-time favorites.

Sakto at start na akong manood kasi natapos ko na panoorin ang complete 6 seasons ng Lost. Parang nagsayang lang ako ng oras at di ako nag enjoy dun di tulad sa Spartacus, 24, Prison Break at Sopranos. Pinagtyagaan ko lang para masabi kong natapos ko.

Ang problema naman ngayon, puno na ang 500gb na hard drive ko. Sama sama na kasi dun pati ang mga ibang TV series, documentaries, boxing fights at mga PSP games.

Next step, linis mode ng hard disk!

***

Little Gary/Belle Update 2

May heartbeat na si baby! Thank you Lord. Sa wakas ito na, March 6 daw ang expected date.

Our little angel at 1 month.

Instant Powerhouse?

July is almost over which means in NBA calendar that the big names have already re-signed or relocated. Well, we all know about "The Decision," but we need to look as well those little heard signings that underwent and our instant favorites this early on.

Aside from the Big 3, Boozer's arrival in Chicago makes them a beast in the East.

For the Eastern Conference, Boston will again be my favorite to win it all. Jermaine O'neal's addition beefed up the line up and a good temporary replacement to the injured Kendrick Perkins. Bench is still solid with Davis, Nate and Daniels. Orlando with its core returning is as solid as last year. Miami is 3rd on my list. Yes, they have the most talented trio but they are soft in the #1 and #5 spot which means either Rondo or Howard will abuse them if they face the Celtics or Orlando in the postseason. Chicago will win the last homecourt slot due to the acquisition of Carlos Boozer. A good lost post threat, which they lack last season, will spread up the floor for Rose' penetrations and Korver's outside shooting. And note that they are still contemplating in signing T-Mac. Waiting is Atlanta which depends if they can land Shaq. We know how the Magic overkilled them in the playoffs and Shaq will provide that inside defense for them.

These two towers health will be the key to their respective teams.

For the Western Conference, LA Lakers will be favored again to win for another 3-peat. Take this, Andrew Bynum is never at 100% during the past 3 postseason plays. Bench is thin though with only Lamar Odom giving good numbers. Oklahoma City's steady improvements will be the key. Don't be surprise if I put them behind only the Lakers and I'm beginning to be a fan of Kevin Durant. Utah is good at 3rd with the Al Jefferson acquisition. They are solid with each position. Dallas is loaded with talent and good mix of youth and experience. But they still lack that one solid crunch playmaker. Other waitings are Portland. With all the injuries last year, they still managed to win 50 games. I just hope Greg Oden is healthy. Houston with Yao Ming's return. San Antonio will still be a quality team. Can't wait what Tiago Splitter can do. Lastly, don't count Denver out. Melo is entering his peak years coupled with the healthy K-Mart, they still have a shot at it.

Can't wait to start 2010-11 season. I just hope that they release NBA 2K11 or NBA Live 11 earlier so we can play it out.

Little Gary/Belle Update 1

The wait is over!

Yes, binigay na din sa min ang matagal na naming hinihintay. The best gift of all the blessings we've recieved. Thank You Lord!

Punong puno lang talaga ako ng pasasalamat. Grabe at talagang naiyak ako sa tuwa ng binalita sa kin ni Belle yun. Salamat sa pamilya namin na laging nakasuporta at talagang masaya sa dadating na bagong member ng family. Sa mga kaibigan ko from elementary, high school, college at sa Suncell dabarkads na bumati at nakikisama sa sayang nararamdaman namin (alam nyo na kung sino kayo). Thank you all.

At 3 weeks old

God is so good talaga. And in His proper timing pa kasi nga end of contract na ako dito sa Kabul by Aug 31 so Pinas mode muna ako para maalagaan si Belle at ang aming baby. Di na talaga ako magrerenew. Magiging jobless nga ako pero happy naman. Mas mahalaga ang pamilya kesa sa perang sobra sobra.

Thank you Lord. Basta good health lang kay Belle at sa baby. Sa mga kaibigan, continue praying po! Maraming salamat!

Are You Feeling The Heat?

The King has left Cleveland! Lebron decided that he will go and win in Miami with D-Wade and newly-acquired Chris Bosh.

My thoughts on "The Decision?"

Lamest ever. Lebron's legacy after his playing days will be marked by this. It just showed that he doubted himself in winning a ring. Michael Jordan never left even if the Bulls were being beaten by the Celtics and Pistons during the 80's. It just shows that he can't win and carry his own team. Great players are built upon like MJ and even Kobe, they stayed behind and it paid off. They are great because they can win as "the man". With 7 years in Cleveland and all the free agent requests thus leads to no ring just showed that Lebron is just all show and no game, game as in winning.

No heart of a champion? Yes! Even the competitive fire, determination and confidence. This what makes people regard Kobe the best in the NBA right now. Even if Lebron is the MVP, the respect isn't really there. For me, I think he is just a very gifted player who wants to win badly in an easy way. And that's not the right way of cementing a legacy.

Sharing the limelight now with Wade and Bosh.

Can they win? Yes, they will win in the regular season but come playoff time, they will bow to the beauty of Boston's teamwork and defense as well to Orlando's ball movement. They will not win it immediately. With cap space restrictions due to his and Bosh's signings, Heat management needs to do a lot of sweet talking to convince quality role players to come over with a pay cut or even minimum. It will take Boston's Big 3 complete aging as well as Magic's self-destruction before they can win.

Baddest decision ever. Tsk tsk tsk...

Last Two

Back to Kabul for the last time. Ito na talaga to kasi di na ako nagrenew at up to Aug 31 na lang ako.

Two months more, sana hindi ganun kahaba in terms of trabaho. Ganun naman kasi pag aalis ka, madami turnovers at lectures. At isa pa, sana ma maintain na ang KPIs or better kung maimprove ko pa.

Pray lang, matatapos din ito. God is so good kaya makakakaya ito.

***

Tapos na ang pinaiksing bakasyon. Pinaiksi kasi hinarang ng amo ko yun 3 weeks bakasyon ko kasi di daw pwede mawala ng ganun katagal.

Sulit talaga umuwi at mag unwind. Sa 2 months ko dito, kelangan talaga ng time out sa work kaya sinulit ko talaga ang bakasyon. Although alang out of town at di na naman ako nagparamdam sa mga dabarkads, sobrang saya naman ng bakasyon ko.

Syempre yung Father's Day celebration, tapos kain to the max at konting shopping. Hehehe. At sa araw araw na gigising ka at katabi mo ang pinakamamahal mong asawa.

Syempre, ito ang aking baon ngayon. Last two months na kaya kelangang di na gutumin.

***

Sakto ang balik ko kasi semifinals na ng World Cup. Kahit tanggal na ang Brazil, go at watch pa din ako kasi quality ang mga natirang teams.

Sa tingin ko Germany at Netherlands ang maglalaban sa finals. Sorry Spain, alam naman natin na di pa nagpeak ang laro nila at si Fernando Torres at di pa talaga nakarecover sa kanyang knee surgery. At sa Uruguay naman, di ko alam kung paano nila pipigilan ang opensa ng mga Dutch.

Germany all the way!

***

In Your Face!

Ganun pala magpa warts removal. For the first time, nagpawarts removal ako and then after that magpapaacial naman. Hehehe.

Ngayon lang yan kasi ihahabol ko sa medical insurance ko bago mag end contract ko. Sayang naman kung di ko magagamit yun, libreng palinis pa courtesy ng company. Pati si Belle nakisama sa treatment. Hehehe.


Next stop is my eyeglass. Nakacanvass na ako at ok na ok na sa kin ang Oakley Transistor. Medyo may pagkamahal at 12K for an eyeglass pero libre naman kaya go pa din ako. Hehehe.

Isa pang pasasalamat mula sa Aghanistan.

***

Belated Happy Father's Day po muna sa lahat ng daddys, tatays at papas. Syempre nasa Pinas na ako nun kaya naicelebrate ko ito with my Papa and cyempre with the whole family.

The Suguitan Generation

Syempre Gerry's Grill pa din kami. Sino ba ang makakatiis sa crispy aata at sizzling sisig nila after mong magtyaga sa pagkain ng 2 months sa Kabul?

Happy Father's Papa, love you!

***

Pinas mode pa din ako at sa 4th of July pa ako babalik ng Kabul. Sulit ang bakasyon at talagang enjoy.

Bitin an bitin ang oras kaya malamang pass muna ako sa mga friends ko for a short lunch or dinner. Tsaka na lang siguro after ng contract completion by September.

***

Salamat pala kay Sir Kimo sa masarap na hapunan nung nagstop over kami sa Dubai. Sulit ang crispy pata at sinigang. Dun pa kami nagkita ni Royco at akalain mong parang sya pa ang galing ng Afghanistan kung makakain ng baboy. Hahaha.

Sir Kimo, salamat ng marami at sa uulitin.

***

Feel Good...

Ilang tulog na lang, Pinas mode na naman ako. Last vacation ko na before mag end ang aking contract. Bilis ng panahon, parang kelan lang nung nagsimula ako dito at ngayon patapos na contract ko.

Sabay kmi ni Archie uuwi at derecho muna kami kay Kimo para makikain. Hehehe. May crispy pata daw at tuna belly. Salamat sir Kim!

***

Kanina pinatawag ako ng aming Chief Technical Officer (CTO). Akala ko naman may mga VIP complaints na naman ayun pala pag uusapan lang namin yun aking di pagrenew.

Excerpts sa usapan namin:

CTO: Why don't you want to work with me anymore?

Goryo: Sir, I've discussed it to Ubaid (my senior manager) that I'm not renewing anymore.

CTO: Yes I know that's why I'm talking to you now to convince you. Ubaid asked you five times and you have the same answer.

Goryo: Sir, I've decided to go back home and start my own family. I'm married for two years and I have no children yet.

CTO: Is that your decision?

Goryo: It's me and my wife's sir.

Fast forward:

CTO: Just tell me what I can do to convince you. You're a good guy. Have you found a new job?

Goryo: Sir, I have no prior commitment with any agent or company. I really appreciate it sir but I'm really going home after my contract.

CTO: Well, if that's your final decision so be it. If you're not here anymore, just keep in touch.

Goryo: Yes sir, I will.

CTO: If you can't find a job, you can come back here.

Goryo: Thank you sir, appreciate it much.

Pagkatapos ng usapan, palakpak ang tenga ko. Wagi talaga magtrabaho mga Pinoy at bilib sila. Hahaha. Katunayan, pumunta pa sa Pinas HR head namin para magrecruit ng NSS engineer.

Thank you Lord at appreciated ako at ang trabaho ko dito. God is good talaga, all glory to Him!

***

Kung kelan naman ako magbabakasyon tsaka naman dumating ang basketball ring na inorder. Goodbye na ako sa gym, ito na lang ang gagawin ko pagbalik ko.

Grabe yun unang game namin dito, 3-on-3 basketball at talagang pagod na pagod ako. Ala na talaga yun dating resistensya at ala pang 3 minutes na naglalaro eh hingal kabayo na ako. Ganun pa man, panalo pa din kami. Hehehe.

Para kang nasa international tournament kc mga Americans, Canadians, Australians, Bosnians at Serbians kalaro mo. Sulit ang laro at mas lalong sulit ang huling dalawang buwan ko dito!

Beat LA! Hahaha.

Kwarto ko mismo yung sa 2nd floor sa likod ng ring kaya alam agad kung may kalaro. Hehehe.

Retired Again?

You must have heard it already. Pretty Girl Floyd Gayweather taking time off again in boxing. Well, kinda expected it already and I'm one who believes that the megafight between him and Pacquiao will not push through because he don't want it to happen.

First thing off was the blood test, prior to the second negotiations, Pacman wanted it 24-day before the fight and PBF was yelling 14 days. Now, Pacquiao said he agreed to the 14-day cut off but PBF wants it random ala Olympic style drug testing.

Next thing in my mind was the purse. Yes, they will each recieve $30 M for the fight. Before, it was 50-50 split on the purse. But, once Pacquiao agreed to the drug test procedure, I believe that PBF will cry out the he should get a 60-40 split beacause of this and that.

The 1-2 year layoff PBF said was I believe his last resort of excuses not to fight Pacquiao. But I didn't saw it coming this early. There were also rumors of his rematch with Dela Hoya. Come on, the guy can't box anymore.

Remember what he said after the Mosley fight? "I will continue to go out there and fight the best fighters available." Now he's singing a different tune.

Totally Mayweather, he'll fight up the fighters when they are off their prime. Yes, Pacman-Mayweather will happen in 2020 maybe.

***

Two games on the NBA finals and we have a split. Lakers winning Game 1 but C's coming back strong in Game 2.

Ray Allen's super hot shooting (Finals record 8 trifectas) and Rondo's all around game again was the key. Yeah, Pierce was 2 of 10 so Laker's fans be prepared. They will say, Kobe's with 5 fouls early but a win's a win.

Three straight games in the Garden. Will we celeberate come Sunday? This is one issue we raised before about the Cs defending their home turf. I hope they can and don't let the series come back to Cali.

Beat LA! Beat LA!

***

I recieved a mail this morning from my friend in Suncell. Gotta love the pic. The best Kobe shot in his entire career.

Laptop?

My very first owned laptop, a Sony Vaio VPCCW21FX/W. For the first time, nagkaroon ako ng sariling laptop. Mamimiss ko malamang tong Dell Latitude na pahiram ng kompanya sa kin.

Sulit to, i3 processor, 4gb ddr3 ram at 500gb. Pangtrabaho at pang gaming. Hehehe. Thank you Lord for another blessing! God is good all the time.

Rivalry Version 2010

So it is time. Will LA repeat or will Cs get their 2008 form? So many storylines for this series and we'll gonna break it down for you.

This matchup will define the series.

Backcourt - Lakers have the edge definitely because they have Kobe in their side. Celtics don't have Posey anymore so you will see a lot of Allens (Ray & Tony) and Rondo covering him. On the Celtics offense, Ray Allen should be aggresive enough to take advantage of the smaller Fisher. Kobe will definitely guard Rondo. You don't want your best player to lose too much energy on to fighting screens off Celtics' offense via Ray Allen. Back in 2008, Rondo was considered the weakest link for the Celtics but this time around, he is their best all-around player. Rondo's playmaking will determine the series.

Frontcourt - Will Pau Gasoft be tough enough to bang up with Boston's very physical D? Yes, Andrew Bynum will be joining them now but it doesn't matter to the Celtics. Perkins proved he can play tough and do one-on-one coverage on the post, hello Dwight Howard. Rejuvenated Rasheed and Garnett will be a difficult matchup for Gasol. Lakers only edge is the 3 position. We all know that Pierce has a very difficult time playing against the bigger and tougher Artest.

Bench - Edge is to Celtics. They have Rasheed, Nate, Big Baby Davis and Tony Allen for them. We all watched the Lakers-Suns series and how the Lakers bench's poor play almost cost them the series.

Coach - Phil Jackson has the experience but if you will see the two final series he lost against Pistons in 2004 and Celtics in 2008, he can't rely mostly on his triangle. These two teams play very tough and very quick to adjust on defense and this Celtics 2010 is well, back to their old form. Doc Rivers is I believe is the greatest motivator and the best coming off in set plays off the timeout. And as I believed, this serious will be contested even on the last seconds.

X factor - Ron Artest will play the most critical role for the Lakers in the series. Can he limit Pierce and make him work on the defense as well? We saw Pierce struggle against the Cavs primarily because he's tired on guarding Lebron. If Artest will be a factor on offense, Pierce will have a long night. As for the Celtics, KG's offense is well needed. He's not that aggresive enough during the last series against Orlando. They need his production and aggresiveness.

Lakers have homecourt and we know as well that Celtics has been losing in their own floor in the playoffs. Overall, Lakers have the edge in winning this but don't be surprise if the Celtics will win it. Series will be over in 6 games.

Pangarap Kong Jackpot

At last, makikita ko din ang pinaghirapan ko dito sa Kabul. Binigay din ni Lord yun isa sa mga targets ko this year. Thank you po talaga!

Thankful talaga ako kc nakuha ko yun property. Syempre gusto kong magpasalamat kay Lord dahil binigyan nya ako ng sobra sobrang blessings. Kay Papa, Mama at sa Mom in law ko na nakipagnegotiate at syempre kay Ebelle na always on the go pag may mga kelangang ayusin.

***

Ang bilis ng pangyayari, 5 years ako nagwork sa Pinas di man lang ako nakaipon kahit 30K. Tama talaga ang desisyon that time nung nasa ABSCBN pa ako. Ang swerte ko kasi maliban sa families ko, napaligiran talaga ako ng mga taong laging maaasahan.

Syempre kay Juve na kung di ako tinulungang makapasok sa Suncell at makapagsimula ng career sa telco. Utang na loob ko talaga yan at di ko malilimutan. Syempre kina Jepoi, Roy, Benjie na talagang umaalalay sakin ng nagsisimula pa ako sa Suncell. Kila Bechay, Joya, Kimo, Sir Art, Archie, Aki, Big D, Boss Edmon, Huge, Aiza, Pagda, Jules, Joemar, Rhem, Alfred, Benjo, DJ, Boss Darwin, Batol, Den B, Jun, Melai, Miki, Eugene, Jaime, Boy Baliw at sama na natin si Motmot. Salamat!

Sa mga kaibigan ko din out of Suncell lalo na kina Jahan at Beng, salamat din!

Friendship at its best talaga.

***

Salamat din po ang mga bumati nung birthday ni Belle. Lalo na yun mga bumati sakin. Hahaha. Cyensya na kc joint account ang aming FB. Pero talagang natutuwa ako.

Well-appreciated at matatandaan ko yun. Salamat ulit!

***

Tapos na ang May, belated happy birthday ulit sa aking asawa! Sa mga kaibigan ko ding nagcelebrate ng bdays nila. Kay Melai (May 20), Kay Juve (May 23) ibang klase ka. Dapat ba na icelebrate ang birthdays sa iba't ibang lugar? Kay Pareng Joemar (May 24) at Aiza (May 31). Musta celebration sa Ethiopia? May birthday wish ako sa inyong dalawa, beat LA!

Happy birthday!

***

You're 27

Ngayon ang birthday ng pinakamamahal kong asawa. Unfortunately, for the second straight year, andito pa din ako sa Kabul and missing this special day of her.

27 ka na pala? Mukha ka lang 26! Hehehe.

I love you bie! Thank you for all this time. Things are looking brighter and better together and so happy kasi andyan ka pa din sa tabi ko. You're my lucky charm! Luv u!

Ano nga pala gusto mong gift? May utang pa ako sau na CK eyeglass, hehehe. Pwede utang na lang ulit? Luv naman kita lagi eh.

I love you bie! Stay happy! God bless my baby!

Smells Like 2008

Celtics are rejuvenated! Winning 2 road games and a possibility of a sweep against Orlando, things are just getting better and brighter towards banner #18.

Ok, I've been missing a lot of projections since the playoffs started and I felt like I've been putting curses on team that I rooted for, sorry Cavs and Spurs. Well, hope this one won't curse my beloved Celtics.

Are you surprise? Better not. The tough, physical defense is back. KG's knees are well, Rasheed's coming in as expected from him, Perkins can guard Howard one-on-one, Ray Allen is still silky smooth and Paul Pierce don't have to worry guarding a guy named Lebron anymore. Bench is solid with Tony Allen and Glen Davis. And the biggest surprise, Rajon Rondo. He has matured enough and improved a lot to lead this team.

Celtics' future lies in this man.

Knock on wood. No curse included in this entry. Celtics all the way back to the NBA finals to face the Lakers. Results? Same as 2008. Beat LA! :-)

LeGone?

Yes, he will wear number 6 next season but to which team? Is Game 6 the last time we will see Lebron in a Cavs uniform? Forward destination to New York or Chicago?

Will be seeing this in a new arena next season?

Like last season, after a successful regular season having the top seed going to the playoffs, heartbreaks again crushed the city of Cleveland. Back-to-back MVPs without a ring means nothing when sports fans only immortalize those athletes who are winners like the Magics and Birds, Kobes and Jordans. And for Lebron, greatness is still a question mark if you can't lead your team to the promise land.

End of the line for Cavs? I think so. Hello Chicago and New York. To have Lebron is to sign first at least one marquee free agent, say D-Wade or Bosh and go run to Lebron. He won't go to a team that will start rebuilding all over again.

A ring for the king? Not this year.

Erap's Magic

So happy for the election results. Although Gibo Teodoro lost, Mayor Binay is leading the VP race by a slim 800K votes over Mar Roxas. That's from 88.60% of ERs counted. What made this happened?

Handsome? Nope... But quality? Definitely!!!

It's simply is Erap's magic and charisma. Would you believe that after ousted as prexy and convicted of plunder, Erap's would still garnered around 8.6M votes and that's second only to President-to-be Noynoy Aquino. People don't believe it happening but Binay won majority part of Luzon and Mindanao and though Visayas was Roxas' vote farm, he still manages to win the eastern part. And NCR definitely is his. Congratulations VP Binay! Ganyan kmi sa Makati, Ganito na din kami sa buong Pilipinas!

As early as now, I'm seeing a Binay-Escudero team in 2016.

***

Another happy election result for me are the Marcoses winning. They are definitely back not just in Ilocos Norte but in national politics. Bongbong Marcos is currently heading to the Senate as he is at #7 in the race. This is the start of something bigger. And Imee winning the gubernatioral race in their hometown as well as Imelda winning a congressional seat.

So sad to lose great minds like the Marcoses. Whatever you say, we can't deny that the good Philippine days are during the old Marcos regime. And you can't deny also that he is the best president we have. Any arguments?

Vindication is happening now.

***

Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano going back to Senate is one of the downside for me. Also, out of 8 senators I chose, 3 of them didn't make it. GMA winning in Pampanga is expected.

But the biggest sh*t for me is Manny Pacquiao being Saranggani's representative. Can't imagine him being there.

Imagine this and read it loud ala Michael Buffer (the well-known boxing announcer).

"Introducing from the red corner, the reigning, defending, undisputed WBO welterweight champion of the world, the fighting pride of the Philippines... Congressman Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao!!!"

Philippines will be a laughingstock again.

***

Halalan 2010

Election day on Monday. Have you picked your lineup? Here's mine, hope you have the same.

Gibo Teodoro for my president and Jejomar Binay as his VP.


Only 8 senators include Bongbong Marcos, Serge Osmena, Jinggoy Estrada, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Juan Ponce Enrile, Risa Hontiveros, Satur Ocampo and Gilbert Remulla.


Vote wisely. Our future depends on it. God bless the Philippines!

Too Much Money!

Ang inaasahan kong close and exciting fight ay parang naging tune-up fight lang. I must admit na kay Mosley ako sa laban na ito kc alam nyo naman na Mayweather-hater ako (parang Kobe-hater din!) pero sa ipinakita niya, talagang nabilib ako sa boxing skills nya.

Round 2 ang best round sa laban. Actually, natuwa ako ng nakatama ng magkasunod si Mosley at muntik ng bumagsak si Mayweather. After nun, complete dominance na ni Mayweather. Na impressed ako sa boxing skills nya at sa adjustments na ginawa nya. Pag seryoso lang sya lagi sa laban, ala makakatalo sa kanya. Kahit si Pacman pa...

***

As expected, back-to-back MVP awardee si King James. May tatalo pa ba sa kanya pra sa award na ito? Ala na siguro, it's his award to lose.

***

NBA playoffs 1st round is over. Sawi ang Mavs at Nuggets ko, out agad. Well, upset nga ang nangyari sa Mavs-Spurs series. Dependable pa din ang Big 3 ng Spurs in Duncan, Parker at Manu. As for the Nuggets, I've never expected Deron Williams will be that good for the Jazz. Will he be foe the Lakers? Abangan.

Other observations

--> Cavs will not win the championship if they will play very complacent basketball. As observed sa Bulls series, mas gusto nila ang naghahabol and ganun din ang nangyari sa Game 1 against Boston. Not against Magic or Lakers, it will all come back to them. Tsk tsk.

--> Oklahoma Thunder, a team to beat next year. Look how the Lakers played against them. And Durant and Westbrook are still improving.

--> Lakers-Spurs and Cavs-Magic for the conference finals. Spurs is peaking at the right time.

***

Survival Mode

Ganyan na ang buhay ko ngayon sa Kabul, surviving. Pag tinatamad ka na magtrabaho at iniisip mo na lang na tapusin ang contract pra sa completion bonus, talagang kelangan mag tiyaga.

Ala na yun drive ko na pagandahin yun network, di tulad nung unang dating ko na tlgang enjoy magtrabaho. Di na din ako nagsisimula ng mga special projects, yun mga daily activities na lang at kung may mga VIP at corporate complaints na dumadating. Kumbaga ngyon eh reactive mode na lng ako.

Kaya pa ba? Pwede pa. May bakasyon pa ako sa June na nearly 3 weeks kaya all in all, three months pa ako papasok hanggang matapos ko ang aking contract.

Main lesson learned as a first time consultant, wag pipirma ng mahabang contract.

***

Malapit na matapos work ko sa Roshan which means na isosoli ko na ang aking service laptop. Grabe, 2 years ko ginamit to at minsan lng ako pinapalya ng HDD. Sulit tlga ang Dell na pantrabaho.

Bibili na ako ng laptop. First time ko to buy my own. Sa wakas, isa sa mga pangarap kong jackpot matutupad, hehehe.

Dell o Lenovo?

***

Real Drama Starts Now

Play offs is here. The best basketball to watch for the next two months. Here are my predictions for the whole thing.

Are we seeing this come June?

East 1st Round

1 Cavs vs 8 Bulls - Will Shaq play? Either way, Cavs will win it 4-2.

2 Magic vs 7 Bobcats - Howard will be too dominating against the Bobcats. Magic 4-1.

3 Hawks vs 6 Bucks - No Bogut for the Bucks, Hawks will eat them alive inside. Hawks 4-1.

4 Celtics vs 5 Heat - I still believe that the struggling and aging C's can pull this one. Celts 4-3.

West 1st Round

1 Lakers vs 8 Thunder - Experience will play like in the regular season meetings. Lakers 4-1.

2 Mavs vs 7 Spurs - The only noteworthy upset Iam seeing. But I'll go with Mavs 4-3.

3 Suns vs 6 Blazers - Brandon Roy is out, so as the Blazers. Suns 4-2.

4 Nuggets vs 5 Jazz - The most evenly match series. Nuggets 4-3.

Second Round

1 Cavs vs 4 Celtics - Unlike 2008, Cavs will go all the way of the Celtics' way. Cavs 4-2.

2 Magic vs 3 Hawks - Undersized frountcourt for the Hawks will be the problem. Magic 4-2.

1 Lakers vs 4 Nuggets - No George Karl, season will be over for them. Lakers 4-2.

2 Mavs vs 3 Suns - Fast paced series. Backcourt will be the key. Mavs 4-3.

Conference Finals

1 Cavs vs 2 Magic - Shaq will be the X-factor for the Cavs to cover Howard 1-on-1. Cavs 4-2.

1 Lakers vs 2 Mavs - Lakers will win it against the lackluster D of the Mavs. Lakers 4-2.

NBA Finals

1 Cavs vs 1 Lakers - A ring for the King. There's no stopping Lebron now. Cavs 4-2.

Vacation's Over

Back to Kabul (again for the 5th time). Ngyon totoo na na tatapusin ko contract ko since 4 months na lng naman na. Sayang din ang completion bonus, pantapal kung mabakante man.

As usual, ganda na naman ng experience ko sa NAIA. Pero isa lng masasabi ko, sulit ang padulas. Hehehe.

The tradition goes... Heto ang mga baon ko for another two-month stay dito.


***

Sa lahat po ng nakaalala ng bday ko, maraming salamat! Ngyon lng sobrang dami kong natanggap na gifts. Jumpman duffel bag from Belle, wardrobe cabinet from Mama and Papa, havs from Eric, cake from Joyce, dakki pillow from Shyr at pic frame from Venus (mga sis-in-laws), lasagna from Onad, Quiksilver shirts from Juve, Beng at Jahan. Sa uulitin.

Holy week bday na naman kaya ala masyado celebration. Basta kasama ko mga taong important sa buhay ko, solve na solve na. Hehe.

Seriously, syempre thank you to my Lord Jesus Christ for another year. I am truly blessed especially being safe here in Afghanistan. Sobrang daming blessings kanya thank you Lord talaga.


***

Part of my vacation is yun makasama sa 31st Anniversary ni Papa and Mama. Ang saya to be with them celebrating their love after all this time with all the hardships and problems with been through as a family.

More love and this time, the best is coming para maenjoy na nila ang pagsasama nila. I love you Papa and Mama!


***

Maiba Naman

After 18 months, ngyon ko lng iniba ang ayus ng room ko dito sa Kabul. Pra maiba naman di ba. And the good thing, mas gusto ko yun ayus ngyon dahil mas lumuwag ang kwarto ko, hehehe.

Mag isa kong pinasok yun cabinet sa bedroom. Tpos nilagay ko yun sofa sa pwesto ng cabinet dati para mas malapit sa tv. And then, nilagay ko nman yung table sa pwesto ng sofa. Mas maaliwalas lalo na pagpasok mo. Ayus na ayus!


***

14 days na lng Pinas mode na nman ako. Sakto sa birthday ko, Holy Week at anniversary ni Papa at Mama.

Nothing beats home. Excited na akong kumain ng kumain. Hehehe.

Endless honeymoon? Antulang (http://www.antulang.com/) or sa Bellarocca (http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/) kaya? Pag uusapan pa namin ni Belle.

No Hype, No Buzz!

That's how you'll describe Manny Pacquiao's latest fight after a statement victory over Miguel Cotto to claim the WBO welter belt and his 7th class crown.

How will you sell a fight in which your man (Pacman) beat the man (Cotto) who beat the man (Clottey)? Bob Arum, think please!

Joshua Clottey??? Come on, the guy's like David Diaz with height and reach advantage. He's also slow; don't have much lateral and not much punching power. Not much on his pedigree except for Chico Corales and Zab Judah when both are over their prime boxing skills.

Pacquiao in 8 to 10 rounds. Guaranteed TKO.

One More Year To Be A Senior

Happy 59th Birthday Papa! Like Mama's past birthday, ala na naman ako dyan to celebrate it with you. Hay, di bale, basta send nyo agad yun pics ha.

Pa, love you. Thank you so much for everything. Swerte ko tlga sa inyo ni Mama na lagi nakasuporta sa lahat ng undertakings ko. Basta good health lagi at kmi nman nila Gilbert at Eric ang bahala sa inyo. Wag kau mag alala ni Mama dahil di namin kau papabayaan. Oki...

Papa, 1 more year pra sa discounts at libreng sine. Hehehe. Happy birthday! Love you Pa!

Papa and Mama at dinner in MOA Dampa

Alone Again for Valentine's

Solo flight na naman ako ngyong Valentine's Day. Second straight year na di ko man lang naicelebrate ito with my wife. Hay, kakalungkot but kelangan mag sacrifice for the greater good.

Di bale, dapat paguwi ng Pinas bumawi. Panglao ba o Antulang? Isip isip...

Happy Valentine's Day po sa lahat.

***

Snow is almost over. Kakainis kasi di tulad ng last year na tlgang malakas ang buhos. Ngyon eh prang dumaan lang. Hehehe.


Spring is coming though, my favorite time in Kabul.

***

Darating na si sir Alfred, excited na ako sa mga orders ko lalo na yun Jumpman na cap. Sa wakas, nakahanap din ako.

Salamat Sir Alfred. Sana sa spring sale ulit kc may gusto akong jacket sa Quiksilver. At salamat Juve sa dalawang t-shirts.

***

Hanggang Pangarap Lang

Wishlist, wishlist. Hay, sana lang... Ipod Touch, Nintendo DSi, Oakley Crankcase, Tag Hueur Carrera. Gustong bumili pero di ko magawa.

Dalawa

Two years na kami ni Belle as husband and wife. Thank you Lord!

Not like last year, di na naextend ang vacation ko sa Pinas kaya't magkalayo kmi today for our anniversary. Hay, magkalayo pa din. This second year was spent much on a long distance way. Nagbakasyon lng ako nung August, then Nov and then ngyon Dec for a total of at least 55 days. But 55 days in such happy way. Well, cyempre vacation to Ilocos at Boracay and then lots of food tripping all the way to Tagaytay. Hehehe.

Im very lucky to have a wife na tlgang laging nakasuporta at umiintindi. Can't ask for more. Isa na lng hinihintay... But we believe na yun inaasam namin na baby will come in His time kaya help us pray for it.

Happy anniversary bie! I love you!

Kabul 2010

Back to work... Still in Kabul for 2010...

Thank you Lord kc sobrang sarap ng vacation ko. Syempre, Christmas season. Then, kasama mo lagi mga mahal mo sa buhay. Andaming masasarap na pagkain, hehehe. Tumaba nga daw ako sabi ng mga kasama kong pinoy dito. Syempre, ang ganda ng jacket na regalo sa kin ni Belle.

***

Pasasalamat din muna sa mga hindi nakalimot na bumati sa kin at kay Belle nung Christmas at New Year. Tska salamat kay Yol sa munting dinner sa apartment nya (sarap ng liempo), kina Luis at Gemson sa painom sa WQ at sa Suncell dabarkads sa Aycee's lunch at kape sa Starbucks.

Sa mga nakalimot bumati at di man lang nagreply, may next time pa nman. Hehehe.

***

Thank you again kc ala aberya byahe ko. Remember last year nung na hold ako sa immigration? Ngyon, smooth ang flight itenerary ko, Manila-Dubai-Kabul. Nakastay pa ako sa Hyatt Galleria sa Dubai para matulog. Sulit ang bayad, hehehe.

***

Loaded again for another 2 1/2 month stay. As usual, pancit canton at noodles ang madami. Dpat kunin na akong endorser ng Lucky Me! Haha. At may imported akong tsokolate from Goya. Hehehe. Sarap ng dark chocolate nila. Thanks ma!

***

Syempre 2010 na, may mga resolutions din ako sa sarili ko. Magtipid, mag gym, wag na mainitin ang ulo, wag na makipagtalo, magsisipag pa mag aral. Basta sana matupad ko tong mga to. Sana...

***

Nagsimula na eleksyon period sa Pinas. Sino ang gusto kong presidente?

***

Sports naman.

Di na matutuloy ang Pacman-Mayweather fight. Alam nyo na totoong dahilan, takot tlga si Mayweather lumaban sa mga boxers na alam nya na matatalo sya. Hahaha. Dati si Mosley, tpos si Margarito at Cotto. Ngyon nman si Pacman. Alam nya na may tulog sya kay Wapakman!

***

Since up to March pa ako dito kc 28th ang sked na next uwi ko (sana pagbigyan ng amo ko), dalawang sporting events ang mamimiss ko. Una, ang NBA All-Star game. Nakaboto na ako for my starting line-up.

Sure picks siguro sa inyo yan maliban kay Kevin Durant. Mas pinili ko kumpara kina Dirk Nowitzki at Tim Duncan. Very evident naman na tlgang next superstar na sya at winning record ang team nya. In the next years, kasama na to sa MVP discussions with King James, Wade at Kobe.

***

Super Bowl XLIV pa ngyon February. Tpos na ang wildcard, nasilat ang Patriots. Syempre pick ko sa AFC ang Indiannapolis Colts. Peyton Manning for another MVP award. Sa NFC nman, tingin ko makakabalik sa Super Bowl ang Cardinals. Kurt Warner pa din ako, the most underrated QB.