As a guy, I only aim to please. Making surprises should be my thing. But every once in a while, it's nice to feel wanted by being on the other side of a surprise.
Some years back, I was running for a position in the AB Student Council. As candidates, we were supposed to appear single even if we're in relationships, just so we can be more approachable to everyone. I've always thought of myself as a pretty approachable guy, but I had to give respect to the rules. But it was Valentine's Day and I had a girlfriend. It sucked that I had to be watching everyone else bring flowers and chocolates and be all mushy while I had to stand and smile and shake everyone's hands to urge them to vote for me. To cap off the frustration of not being able to do anything for my girlfriend, she texts me of some emergency that she had to go home immediately.
I had to endure the rest of the day without an escape from my normal routine. At around 5PM, there was a toy car making noise on the lobby where we stayed on. It was for me. I had a feeling that there was no emergency, but I went along with it. By 6PM the candidates were all asked to go back to home base to regroup. Sof asked me to pick something up from her car parked near the Dapitan exit of UST. It was weird because candidates weren't usually tasked to go on errands, but I did as asked, wishing I'd be getting more than just what she was asking for. With a fast-beating heart, I walked as fast as I can but tried to act not too excited about it. When I got to the car, it opened, with my girlfriend holding a football-designed pillow radio because she knew that I listened to the radio to get me to sleep, and my radio then was a pain to adjust the volume.
It was 2005.
It was the first Valentine's Day that Che and I celebrated.
Over the years, we've outdone each other with surprises to express our love for each other. No one's keeping score, but the priceless memories of special moments we shared are always fun to look back at. We didn't need an occasion, but Valentine's Day was a day we could be extra mushy and not get ridiculed about it.
From then to now, we were never an overly cheesy couple, mainly because she's boyish and the relationship started out with us being friends. However, being the more mushy, and more vocal one, I do the cheesy stuff without her knowledge. Like this blog.
After n-number of pounds, two break-ups, a sea of tears, friends that have come and gone, endless laughs, countless restaurants discovered, and first trips and experiences, our relationship has constantly evolved to keep us both in it. We've made sacrifices, we've had to adjust, but in the end, what matters is that we always find a way to make it work.
Happy Valentine's, love <3
It sucks that Facebook wasn't as big then to remember that first Valentine's Day by. But here's the closest picture that I have to that day:
First Studio pic, taken at Robinson's Metro East, October 2004
The NBA All-Star weekend boasts of the selection of the NBA's best of the best going at it to entertain the fans. Year in and year out, there are always snubs for the All-Star Game and probably for the Rookie-Sophomore showcase. For All-Star Saturday, there are times that there's a player that just plays above everyone else. Rarely do we ever see a rivalry like Craig Hodges and Larry Bird for the Three-Point Shootout, or Micheal Jordan against Dominique Wilkins for the dunk title. Most of the time, there's a Ray Allen dominating in-game shooters, or a Vince Carter just shutting everyone up, or some random white guy like Jason Kapono shooting lights out in the shootout, and Brent Barry winning a dunk title.
If there was a chance to draft a collection of stars to play in the showcase, here are my possible selections:
Skills Challenge:
Tony Parker
The San Antonio Spurs' floor general has the handles, speed and court vision to challenge for the best time in this event. He won the event last year, and it's difficult not to include him in an event like this.
John Wall
The third year guard may be given too much credit here, but really, he has the qualities of a guard who can really perform in this competition.
Isiah Thomas
In his prime years during the "Bad Boys" era, Thomas was one of the most spectacular guards to watch in Detroit. The skills challenge wasn't played during his time, but if it was, Thomas would surely rank one of the best.
Steve Nash
The former two-time MVP is also a two-time winner of the event. He's not much of a speed demon, but he's fast enough, and you know he can pass with his eyes closed.
Dwayne Wade
A natural shooting guard, Wade has the skills to play point when needed. He's the only other two-time winner, and the only back to back champion at this Skills Challenge since its inception in 2003. Magic Johnson
Magic's size allows him to take long strides that may be a huge factor in cutting his time down. And the man can pass lasers and amazing bounce passes.
Jason Williams
"White Chocolate" has always dazzled on the floor, with some of his best years played in the pass-oriented Sacramento Kings. His speed and passing accuracy makes him a prime candidate to dominate this competition.
*Allen Iverson
Despite being one of the fastest players that ever played in the NBA, his passing is almost suspect, so he might lose time on those passing challenges. Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury can probably make the cut before considering AI.
Three Point Shootout
Larry Bird
It can't be a shootout without Larry Legend. The man practically declares his victory even before the competition starts. It ain't bragging unless you can back it up. If there was a season award for the best three point shooter in the league, it should be named the Larry Bird Award.
Craig Hodges
The only other three-time champion of the event, Hodges won the event after Larry Bird and Dale Ellis won the first four (Bird winning the first three).
Ray Allen
One of the best shooters in the NBA, Allen has won the competition in his prime. He's an in-game set shooter, which makes him a dangerous sniper in competition and actual games.
Dirk Nowitzki
In the early part of his career, Dirk mainly played outside. Despite criticism on his "soft" play, he actually revolutionized the PF position to stretch outside. Guys like Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye, and Andrea Bargnani among others, have Dirk to thank for getting the chance to play the way that they play.
Peja Stojakovic
Probably one of the best pure shooters to have played in the NBA, Peja is a two-time champion for the event. How else can he prove to be one of the best shooters than going against the others?
Mark Price
Knockdown shooter for the Cavs, it would be interesting to watch him compete against the best of the best in a competition. The former back to back champion held the record for most points in the final round at 24.
Jason Kapono
Random white guy won the twice, bringing him in the same conversation as Peja, Mark Price, and Jeff Hornacek. He tied Mark Price's record in his first year of winning the title, and broke it by scoring 25 points in the final round in his second year winning the title. But unlike the other three multi-titled champions, Kapono never really made much of an impact with his team during actual games. Maybe he's a player made for these types of contests?
Jeff Hornacek
Utah's designated shooter during the Jordan era, Hornacek is probably more known for his unique palm-to-the-face ritual before taking his free throws than he is for knocking down three pointers. But he actually won the competiton in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons against the likes of Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki and Charlie Ward.
*Reggie MillerAwesome game shooter, but he might not perform as well in a competition. He makes ridiculous shots to go in especially in crunchtime, and he's probably one of the best shooters in the NBA durin his time. However, a full minute of shooting 20 balls in five different spots on the floor may be too much for a jump shooter like him. Ditto Steve Kerr (who actually won the event in '96).
Slam Dunk
Julius Erving
The innovator has to be in this. He is the player we may have to thank for all the dunks we see today. He's the first to make the free throw line dunk made famous by Jordan.
Micheal Jordan
"His Airness" has to be in the conversation when it comes to dunk offs. His iconic "Jumpman" logo was taken from his graceful version of the free throw line dunk.
Dominique Wilkins
"The Human Highligt Reel" didn't get his monicker for nothing. He's an amazing in-game dunker, and probably a power dunker in the competition, but he doesn't lack creativity.
Vince Carter
Vinsanity made jaws drop whenever he joined a dunk contest. The between-the-legs bounce dunk, the elbow-in-the-ring dunk, and the in-game dunk over the 7-foot center are dunks you must watch if you don't believe he's one of the best dunkers ever.
Jason Richardson
I think he's one of the more underrated dunkers to have won the competition. I've looked up "best dunkers" and his name never comes up. He's got serious air, and he displayed it when he won the competition in 2000.
Lebron James
LeBron is putting up ridiculous numbers and he's been in the G.O.A.T. debate since the day he was drafted. However, unlike contemporaries who are in that conversation (MJ, Kobe), he hasn't won or even joined the dunk contest. He teased about it a couple of years back, but he never really put his name out there. Some of his in-game dunks are almost competition-worthy, but we can only wonder helplessly as to why he never really joined the competiton.
Nate Robinson
The only three-time winner of the event, Krypto-Nate should warrant consideration in a dunk contest featuring the best. While it can be argued that he battled with so-so opponents, isn't it amazing to watch such a small guy fly up in the air like that?
*JR Smith
This guy has the swag we've been missing in the dunk contest. He's an in-game dunker, but he's got serious air that may just be a key for him in a dunk competition.
*Blake Griffin
Blake is a freak of nature, but I still think he's more of a power dunker who knows how to use props well than a creative competition dunker. His dunks are exciting, no question, but it would probably be better if he won because of how creative his dunk is, and not because he jumped over a car or something. Then again, after all the dunks that we've already seen, just what else can anyone else do? Pre-Lockout 'Nique, Shawn Kemp and Dwight Howard could probably be put in the same competition as Blake in a "Rim-Rattler Challenge" for power dunkers.
The NBA All-Star weekend is in a couple of weeks time, and while the annual event's main feature is the All-Star game, I'd say one of the best days to watch would be the Saturday night showcase. While the Rookie-Sophomore game is a glimpse of the young ones, and the All-Star game is an exhibition of the best selection in the NBA, there are times that the games are played for entertainment and not as competitive, as they tend to focus more on dazzling fans than winning the game; which is great, really, but sometimes you just want to see a close game. The Saturday showcase, that's where fun and competition are always truly at play. They will dazzle with skills, but they will be dazzling to win. Here are my picks for the Saturday showcase:
Seers Shooting Stars Team Harden: James Harden (Houston Rockets), Tina Thompson (Seattle Storm), Sam Cassell (Legend) Team Westbrook: Russel Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Robert Horry (Legend) Team Bosh: Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Damien Wilkins (Legend) Team Lopez: Brook Lopez (Brooklyn Nets), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Mugsy Bogues (Legend)
This is probably one of the hardest ones to pick, but one of the most enjoyable to watch. I'm rooting for the West here, with Team Harden ultimately winning this competition. Team Lopez will be carried by Catchings and Bogues rather than Lopez, I think. I think Team Bosh will be finish last in this.
Skills Challenge: Jrue Holiday (Philadelphia 76ers) Brandon Knight (Detroit Pistons) Jeff Teague (Atlanta Hawks) Damien Lillard (Portland Trailblazers) Jeremy Lin (Houston Rockets) Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
Tony Parker may have won this challenge before, but those are really fast guys right there. Jeremy Lin could challenge, but despite his pinpoint passing, he may not be fast enough as the other guys. I'm thinking this will be between Jeff Teague, Jrue Holiday (who's been amazing this year, and earned his first All-Star nod), and Damien Lillard (Rookie of the Year, hands down). I'm not counting everyone else out, especially Brandon Knight, who could actually challenge these guys. However, I think the three guys mentioned are having great years for their teams that it would be amazing to top off their year with a win. I'm looking at Jrue Holiday winning this one, with Lillard going in second. Three Point Shootout: Paul George (Indiana Pacers) Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) Steve Novak (New York Knicks) Ryan Anderson (New Orleans Hornets) Matt Bonner (San Antonio Spurs) Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
There are game shooters, and there are competition shooters. Game shooters don't usually perform that well in competitions because of either the way they shoot, or the circumstances that go with it. That said, I think I'd eliminate Paul George and Steph Curry early. Kyrie Irving is a game shooter who I think will make a good showing in this competition, and who doesn't want Uncle Drew to win this one? Steve Novak, Ryan Anderson, and Matt Bonner are set shooters who will do great here. My heart goes to Uncle Drew, but this looks like a battle between the three set shooters, with Novak winning and Bonner surprising everyone to go second. Watch out for the "Title Belt" gesture after Novak's performance.
Sprite Slam Dunk: Gerald Green (Indiana Pacers) Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors) Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers) James White (New York Knicks) Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets) Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz)
Truth be told, the selection last year kinda sucked, considering the fact that the year prior, LeBron James hinted at joining the competition. Without James, it was won by Jeremy Evans, a relatively unknown rookie that was hardly in the Jazz rotation last year. Not much has changed for his career, and now he's back to defend his crown. He's got hops, but there's also awesome competition this year. James White may turn heads, as he's another relative unknown with major hops. Kenneth Faried is a power dunker, but I don't think he could be as creative as Blake Griffin using that power and vertical leap. Eric Bledsoe, as a small guy, would be as fun to watch as Nate Robinson. Terrence Ross is a versatile wing on the Raptors and could be a favorite. But my money's on the returning Gerald Green. After winning the competition while with the Boston Celtics, he was banished to relative obscurity because he turned out to be a one-dimensional player that couldn't make the final cuts of teams. After bouncing around the league and out of it (he had stints in China and Russia), he makes his return to the competition after being unseated by Dwight Howard's "Superman" Dunk in 2008. I think he's going to claim his rightful place among the best dunkers in the league by winning this one, with James White and Terrence Ross probably going with him to the later rounds.
It is with a heavy heart that I am making a decision. It is a necessary one, and I have decided to stay on with my job, and give up a dream.
I got in this job because I said I wanted to help it grow. I wanted to help in any way I can. It is a frustrating industry, in the sense that sales take such a long time. I count months or even years before a project moves forward. I know I can sell stuff, but there's just something missing.
I applied for a sports writing job. I was offered one. It was a dream. I get to do something I like. I get to wake up in the morning to watch a basketball game because it was part of my job. I get to promote sports like it was a secret that I love it. I get to work with awesome people in a vibrant office that I know I will enjoy. I get to open doors to media like I've always wanted, considering the friends I have in that industry.
My boss had set the following conditions: that I settle the balance for Bruno (my car), wait until he finds a replacement, and don't leave before February. The last one, new job advised will be no problem. The first two were major issues for me, but I know that if I do decide on taking the new job, I'll find ways to deal with it.
Over the past week, I have been lost and broken. Do I give up on my current job, where my boss has given me trust that he doesn't usually give to people so that I can take a step towards a new beginning? Or do I turn down the dream, and stay on to do more and set out to fulfill the goal I set out to do in the first place?
On the things to consider, I ultimately came to a decision which I think is the best for me, considering "me".
I can't give up on my job. Not now. Not yet. I took this job with a goal of helping this company grow, of earning and validating my boss' trust in me for the opportunity he has given. I wasn't built to not finish things that I started. I realize that I do eventually need to move on from this job, but I think now is not the right time. That trust, though earned, has not been validated. The company is growing, but I know I can do more for it.
I did explore the opportunity because I really wanted out. I really wanted a fresh start this year. But in the end, I just couldn't do it. I can't just leave my boss, not after everything he has given me over the past couple of years. I am deeply wounded by the fact that I let a lot of my friends down. I let some new friends down, thinking I would really help them with what they're doing.
But I needed to decide for me. Emotions aside, I considered the financial aspect of this decision. I will earn from the new job in three years what I can get here in two or even one. I can freelance more often with my current job than if I am working steadily as a writer. I considered my passion. I tried to make a fantasy blog earlier in the season, a blog dedicated to games. I couldn't keep it up. I didn't write an article if I felt like I wasn't enjoying it. And because of time, I just couldn't keep it up. I love basketball. I love writing. If it becomes a chore, I'm afraid I wouldn't have a personal escape. I thought that I needed to keep my passion different from my job. Basically, those two aspects contributed greatly to the decision I made.
I write this to explain one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make, to remind myself not to regret what I have done when I had this chance. I wanted that job so bad, but at 26, I'm no longer that idealist who must always choose a job that I love to do. I'm that practical person who looks at his bank account and sees the need to take that which makes it grow more.
To my unrealized co-workers, I can't thank you enough for the chance you have given me, and the confidence in what I could do with you. Words cannot describe how painful it is to decide against taking the opportunity to work with you. I look forward to work with you in another capacity, and enjoy drinks with you at times of leisure. I can't say when I'll be ready, but I will be certain when I am. If I truly am meant for that world, I am hopeful that circumstances will coincide with opportunities.
But right now, I think this is the direction that I need to take. Despite all the signs given when I first had these realizations, against the advise of some trusted friends, I took this road again.
I may not have taken the leap to a new beginning, but I am, taking the dive deeper into the ocean I'm swimming in. All things considered, all things said, I still think that I am choosing "me".
I can't remember the last time when I followed a team in the PBA as much as I have followed Rain Or Shine over the past few years. I've seen the team grow from the Jojo Tangkay, Jun-Jun Cabatu, and Jay-R Reyes-anchored inaugural team of Welcoat Dragons to a revamped and renamed squad headlined by the athletic duo of Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado, to the spunky squad that they are now under Coach Yeng. It pains me that they are down 0-2, and though Talk N' Text is playing amazing ball, I still believe that they are not invincible.
Let me claim now that I am not an expert, nor am I a professional baller to be legitimately considered as an authority on the matter. I express opinion as a basketball fan and a Rain or Shine fan to offer my two cents. Feel free to discuss, but personally, here are my thoughts on (fielded) players and adjustments:
Guards
Ryan Arana
Jaworski-lite is playing his game, but still isn't translating to wins. He's always there on rebound plays, can get to the rim on sneaky moves, can defend, has an outside shot, and was actually playing PG for Coach Yeng. Maybe Coach needs to play him more?
Paul Lee
Looks like the best player on the court for Rain or Shine at times, but takes ill-advised decisions in at the wrong time. A bad jumper here and there, and dazzling moves that end with a shot that's high off the board. Nerves? Sell out? The team needs him to channel his inner Cobra Commander and not some fat kid who took too much Appeton to bulk up.
Chris Tiu
Always been a winner, and looks like he's getting good shots up, just not converting them. I guess he needs to Tiu-torize himself more on picking his shots. He's shooting horribly from three, but he seems to be taking a lot of it. Worst play in so far is his awesome pass to Jimmy Alapag during the crucial moments of Game One. Other than that, his shots just aren't falling. It'll probably get better, but he needs to be patient with it.
Gabe Norwood
Plays the point at times for the team. He's been tentative in Game One, but looked to attack in Game Two. Still, he's throwing up threes like he was Ray Allen or something. He's Gabe freakin Norwood, the athletic beast who was jumping all over opponents during his National Club stint, playing like a skinny LeBron James without a jumper. He needs to be more aggressive in the sense that he wants to rip that rim off and not take those turnaround fadeaway jumpers. He has the tools to destroy just about any defender thrown at him, but he needs to make use of them.
Jeff Chan
In a team of no superstars, Jeff Chan is one of the guys on the team that's close to legit superstar status. He's trying to play like it, but he's just ice cold from the field. He's a shooter who's added some slashing to his repertoire, but he's still not that good of a ball handler. He needs to lessen his one on one's unless there's sure to be help, and he needs to stop focusing on selling calls because there's a big chance that those whistles aren't going to go his way.
Jireh Ibanez
The captain and arguably the best defender of the team hasn't been able to stop anyone. It is perfectly understandable because TNT is basically a mirror-image of their team, as they have multiple weapons on offense. While his scrappiness and desire are unquestionable, one of his weak points is finishing at the rim. He has the tendency to try and do a little too much by driving to the basket recklessly and forcing shots in. He needs to calm down, understand that he can't take everyone one on one even at the post. He's also the fastest guys on the break, but he tends to force it even if the defense already recovered.
TY Tang
Quality minutes in his appearance in Game Two, but won't be able to keep in step with Castro or Jimmy on defense. He calms the offense down and knows how to pick his spots. I don't see him getting extended minutes, but he just needs to keep playing his game when called upon.
Forwards
Ronnie Matias
Plays like he's on an And1 Streetball challenge at times. Most amazing play so far would have to be that drive in the second half of Game Two where he split 4 defenders on a coast to coast. His outside shot hasn't been effective (as is everyone else's), and though he can create his own shots, he tends to force it as well. He needs to play the Matias game we've been accustomed to: gritty defense and scoring through offensive boards. Three point shooting should be secondary, even if he has been confident about it. And don't be too obvious on push offs.
Larry Rodriguez
With the emergence of Jervy Cruz, Larry Rodriguez seems to have lost his confidence. He's been asking for the ball at the post, but he doesn't really do anything about it when he gets it. He's been tentative shooting the ball over the past two games, and when he does, he almost expects it to miss. If he can't shoot those mid range jumpers, he needs to just play his usual game of positioning for the rebound and getting his points via putbacks. He did that successfully over a stretch in the second quarter of Game Two that built his confidence up a bit.
Jervy Cruz
King Tiger truly is back. Still can't get over that spin move on Harvey Carey in Game One that brought me back to my UST days when we had that magical run for the championship. He's been aggressive on offense and has been relentless on the glass, but he's blowing some defensive assignments. He's tasked to guard either Ranidel De Ocampo, Harvey Carey, or Ali Peek, but usually is being switched to play against Jared Dillinger. Except for Ali, those are players who can shoot the ball from the perimeter on a consistent basis. While I love the fact that Jervy is playing below the rim on defense to be ready for those boards, he needs to keep an eye on RDO because he's killing RoS with his versatility. He needs to deny him the ball and must not allow him to get open looks for three, as that has been money for Ranidel.
Centers
Beau Belga
Air Jollibee (as my favorite PBA Blog coined him) has been playing a bit inconsistently in this series. He hasn't gotten his shots from the outside, and he did make a couple of amazing drives in Game One, but those were absent in the second game. He can't be frustrated because of all those missed shots, they will eventually fall. He just needs to keep his head in the game, shoot when open, and if he gets his groove on, defense will collapse on his every pump fake that will open opportunities for him to drive to the hole.
JR Quinahan
As good as he played in Game Two on the offensive end, he still is way too slow on defense to match up against the agile big men of TNT. I think it would be best to keep him on the bench unless TNT fields a player he can guard, say Ali Peek or John Ferriols. He got his range in Game Two, so that should be a morale booster for himself. He can't lose a hundred pounds before the end of the series, so might as well make good on what he has and just put in a little more effort in recovering on defense. Ranidel is eating him alive.
Team Offense
The three pointer has been a major weapon for Rain or Shine, but they can't bury their outside shots during this Finals series. They have found success on their halfcourt sets with crisp passing when they are playing calm, but lose control as soon as they get the game close. Thay've had point blank shots that just don't go in, and almost and-one plays that rolls off the rim. They space themselves out too much, allowing TNT to close down the middle for the boards, eliminating their second chance points opportunities, which was the defining stat that got them past San Mig Coffee. Communication will be important for them, as they can't all be at the three point line waiting for the slasher to kick it out to them. While the bigs can stay out to stretch the help defense, maybe a the wings can slice through the D to get ready for those boards.
Team Defense
As much as three pointers have won them games, it is also killing them now as TNT has been deadly outside. Larry Fonacier stopped the late RoS rally in Game One with a three. Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams hit shots to end the third quarter of Game Two to quickly destroy RoS' momentum after they briefly grabbed a 4-point lead. Rotation would be key, and they need to work on switching off pick and rolls. They either leave the roller or the ball handler open when the ball handler steps back after using the pick. This results in either an open three or an open lane in the middle. Although Ranidel and Jason Castro can't seem to be defended, they just need to close down the lane by switching on picks, and committing to a double team on the trap instead of just teasing the ball handler then scrambling back on defense for the screener left open.
Defensive Player Matchup
Ryan Arana/Jireh Ibanez on Jason Castro
Castro can't be stopped, but he might be limited or frustrated. Arana and Ibanez can do that to him if they are granted the assignment of going exclusive on him. They need to always go over screens to be able to stick to him.
Paul Lee/Chris Tiu/TY Tang on Jimmy Alapag/Ryan Reyes
These players don't have the legs to keep up with Castro. In the case of Lee, he has the bulk to match up against the similarly physical Ryan Reyes and enough speed to keep in step with Jimmy Alapag. Tiu and Tang may not be the fastest or strongest players on the court, but they do have the smarts to know how to play either Alapag or Reyes.
Gabe Norwood/Jeff Chan on Jared Dillinger/Larry Fonacier
Norwood's athleticism can match up to Dillinger's and his length can disrupt Fonacier's shots. Chan has been pretty sneaky with his defensive skills, and can stay in front of Dillinger and Fonacier with his length.
Jervy Cruz/Ronnie Matias/Beau Belga on Ranidel De Ocampo/Harvey Carey/Aaron Aban/Kelly Williams
The agile big men of Rain or Shine against the versatile forwards of Talk N' Text. Jervy, Ronnie, and Beau need to remember that they are guarding big men that can shoot outside, so they can't just leave them wide open. If they do, they at least have the mobility to scramble back on defense.
JR Quinahan/Larry Rodriguez on Ali Peek
Quinahan is slow, while Larry isn't the most agile big man in the RoS rotation. They can't be assigned to guard the earlier batch of players because they're just too slow for them. Peek won't stretch their defense too much, and though they can't underestimate his range, he won't ask for the ball too far away from the basket to prevent them from getting position for rebounds.
Climbing out of a 0-2 hole is not impossible, but they won't win any games if they can't believe that they can actually pull this off.
How fun is it that my 300th blog post (including Multiply blogs) is about food. And good food at that.
So in case my social media flooding to my friends hasn't been too obvious, I'm actually a co-owner of a food truck that we call the Hungry Rover. Save for Ate Abby (who's an HRM graduate), none of us owners have a background in culinary arts or the food industry. What we have is a collective love for food, a common dream, and passionate hearts to achieve that dream.
Over the past few months, we've talked about how we're going to do this truck, presented ideas to each other, and agreed on a bunch of stuff. One of the things we agreed on was that we wanted to launch the truck through an event where we could invite other existing food trucks, have some bloggers or media friends drop by to check out the food and the trucks, and start a buzz from there. Then we learned of Cucina Andare, which had pretty much the same idea and more. It was perfect because the organizers were known to showcase innovative food offerings through their other known ventures, such as Mercato Centrale, Manda Centrale, Distrito Makati, Soderno, and Mezza Norte.
The past couple of weeks have been a fun experience, talking to strangers, making new friends, and meeting other food truck owners as well as food stall owners. Kind words have been humbling, but the joy on their faces as they give out these kind words have been priceless. Those are what keeps us doing what we're doing, and the reason why we started this in the first place.
Some people who stopped by our truck who said they just got there and were simply checking everything out asked me what I was really selling. They got confused because after my whole Hungry Rover spiel, I'd rave about all the other food I've tried, since they just got there. It's probably because I can't stop talking, but really, it's more because I love to eat, and I wanted to share that experience with everyone else. Now, onto those food offerings:
Shawarma Bros
NomNom Club's best food AND best truck winner, these Bros are awesome people with awesome food. They have shawarma rice plates, with beef, chicken, or lamb as your choices of meat. I asked for a free plate from one of the owners, Rammy (who was one of the first food truck owners I met for this event) because I was their 50th Twitter follower, 400th Facebook fan, and his personal account's 100th follower. I guess it doesn't really matter, but because he's awesome like that, he got me a free Beef Shawarma plate. The nice taste of the beef shawarma is complemented well by their biryani rice and their sauce. A whole plate could fill one up nicely.
Beat the Bros, Episode 1
After reading a bunch of reviews, though, I said I needed to try their Lamb Shawarma plate. They had a "Beat the Bros" promo last Friday, which I accepted when everyone wasn't too busy. All I had to do was beat one of them in a beer chugging contest. They chanted Abe's name when they told me about the challenge, so I took him on. That was a big mistake though, as the dude was a beast. It was a great intro to my first lamb plate. Even if I won and got it free, I probably would've come back and paid for it because my friends kept asking more of it. What I like about it is the smoked flavor brought about by the meat being really well done. People might think that lamb is too "exotic" for their liking, but lamb really isn't that bad as long as the person who cooks it knows how to do it properly. These guys know how to do it. You'd probably forget that it was lamb midway through your plate.
Food Truck by Chef Broosy
One of the nice looking trucks around Cucina Andare, they offer a Japanese fusion menu. Next to sushi, ramen is a Jap food I usually look for when in a Japanese restaurant. After watching "Ramen Girl" on Star Movies, I tried to look for the best ramen I could find around the metro. I've seen nicely arranged ones, unaesthetic but fully loaded ones, and overpriced ones. I must say that Chef Broosy's Spicy Ramen is appropriately priced, if not under priced, just because it is packed with a healthy serving of pork and noodles in a spicy broth that wouldn't burn your taste buds. For 180 pesos, that ramen is really good.
My dad ordered Kani Salad from them as well. It is served in an edible bowl, which is a nice touch to go with the flavorful salad in the bowl. The owner, Mrs. Viray, is also a joy to talk to during idle moments, as we share our experiences in Cucina Andare.
Schmidt's Gourmet Hotdogs
One of two gourmet hotdog stalls in Cucina Andare, Schmidt's offers "the best hotdogs in the world" with gourmet hotdogs inspired by countries around the world. I was able to try their Coney Island Chili Dog, and words cannot describe how I enjoyed that hotdog. They do not hold back on those toppings. And they put little flags on your hotdog to show which country inspired it. I was almost disappointed that I had to eat it just because it was too pretty to look at. I was saying "ang sarap nito" at every bite, validating my taste expectations when I first saw it. I didn't take a picture of it because I might just want to eat one every time I look at that picture. I shit you not, it will be worth every cent.
Chicken+Waffle Haus
I envy the stalls in the middle of Cucina Andare because these guys perk them up in the middle of the night. You hear the owners shout "chicken n'waffles!" every time you pass by, and from time to time they just burst into song. Their food is as fun as the owners. Those Kpops chicken pops are tender and complemented well by their hickory barbecue sauce. It's a nice beer match. Their C+W Sandwich is appetizing from cooking to eating. We got hungry from smelling the waffles being cooked, and the smell translates well to the taste, as we enjoyed every bite of that waffle sandwich.
And hey, they're no slouches on beer chugging! They battled for pride as one of the owners, Sean, took on the same challenge against the Shawarma Bros Champion, Abe:
Carlo's Kitchen
Sir Carlo dropped by Hungry Rover on the first day with his wife and their pretty daughter who wanted to experience the truck. I had no idea I was enjoying their food before then. Their Crunchy Belly Chicharon is like eating chicken skin because it is so thinly sliced. It's a great snack to have while roaming around Cucina Andare, and a nice beer match.
B.Wings
Inna, our wing-loving co-owner, tried out the Chicken Wings of B.Wings before closing our first Sunday. She taught me how to "properly" eat a chicken wing. It was a nice beer match to close the night, and it was spiced just right.
Last Sunday, a college classmate, Jason, dropped by to taste our food after his gym session (won't say what he ordered, trainer might be reading) and also picked up an order of the Black Mamba Wings. I think he bought it because of one or both things: it was their best seller, and it was "Black Mamba", Kobe's monicker. He had no idea that it had a chocolate coating, one of the reasons why Inna and I decided to pass on it, as we thought chocolate didn't go that well on wings. Well, the reviews I read were right, it really is something to try!
Manila Q
My friend was raving about Bagwang, being from Ilocos, so we ordered one from Manila Q. I don't know why I even thought it was fish before trying it, but it is actually their version of bagnet. I think it works best with rice, as the saltiness is evident at every bite. It's not a bad thing, really, since I like salty food. I just think the best experience for this is eating it with rice over breakfast with slices of tomato. I met the owners of Manila Q, Sir Dante in particular, because they were sourcing out a flavor for their iced tea. Nice to finally try their food like I promised him when we met.
Mio Gelati
This is probably the cutest food truck in Cucina Andare. It has a pull-out stage for customers to see what's available. My girlfriend, Che, was bent on eating a gelato despite having a hard time talking because of a sore throat. She got a Snickers Gelato which she had me finish because of said sore throat. I wasn't complaining.
Merry Moo
While Che opted for gelato, her friends checked out Merry Moo's Seasalt Caramel. I wasn't able to try, but my sore-throat suffering girlfriend did, and she was whining like a kid because she can't get one for herself.
Union Market Bar
I've always passed by it, but never really bought one, as I'm actually more of a beer drinker than a cocktail one. Che and a visiting friend, Issa, tried their Bacardi Mojito Original. I took a sip of it and thought that it was perfect for her, as it really isn't too minty nor was the alcohol evident. They do have other cocktails, which I think would be just as nice.
Hungry Rover
Grilled Wraps na Masa-wrap :p
Of course I should also promote our food truck. Our awesome Beef Tapa is great when paired with our freshly baked pita bread, but the experience won't be any less if paired with steamed rice or our chili rice. Either way, it could be best paired with our youghurt garlic sauce for those looking for that Mr. Kebab-like taste on the meat, or the creamy pestosauce for those who want a sweet complement to the saltiness of the tapa. The Beef Kofta sliders are mini burgers of Mediterranean inspiration. It has a unique zing I can't really describe, but I definitely like. It's best with the curry sauce, which usually scares people off, but it's more of mustard than curry. I usually get people to try it first before they do decide to go with the sauce. And we do have honey mustard sauce and cheese sauce for those who aren't too adventurous with the other sauces. The Chicken and Pork bbq options are also nice, with tender and chunky pieces of meat for wraps and rice.
Beef Tapa on Classic Rice
While people are enjoying our food, we want to constantly innovate, which is why I prefer to stay by the truck to know what people like, and what people think we can do to innovate or improve our truck and food. Sanya Smith dropped by on our first Sunday and suggested we do karaoke with our on board TV, and we're thinking of working on that next. For the food, a customer ordered Kofta on rice, which is not on the menu, but we served to her anyway. She said that the creamy pesto on rice didn't work for her because it was sweet, but there were customers who liked the sweetness of the creamy pesto sauce. Kids loved the Kofta sliders, because it fits their hand like a regular burger on an adult hand.
Sanya Smith aproves!
With all these in mind,we're looking forward to bigger things for Hungry Rover next year! We're optimistic about some people we've talked to and we're setting up meetings with people who can help Rover be in places where there are hungry people looking for an alternative meal option.
On a side note, I still do want to try other food offerings at Andare. I haven't seen QKebab or Mexicombi after the first night, but they do have food I want to try. Other food I do want to try in Cucina Andare:
Macheesmo's Burger - if I understand it right, there's cheese inside the patties.
Ylaya Food Truck - Xidee's food truck is the only vegetarian food truck in Cucina Andare. Veggies fresh from Batangas!
Top Dog - Apparently, this is comprised of an enterprising group of kids doing this venture as a school project or thesis, not really sure, I was just informed.
Guac Truck - my brother actually tried their nachos, but since I haven't tried it, I might drop by one of these days. It's one of the first food trucks we came to know about in the Philippines.
**Save for the Guac Truck, Mio Gelato, Chef Broosy's, and Shawarma Bros pictures, all pictures are from Cucina Andare Facebook page, ourawesomeplanet.com, their respective fan pages, and foodnotebook.blogspot.com for the Bagwang.
I'm easy. I get wowed by the simplest things, and I get speechless over really expensive or really thought out gifts. And just like everyone else, I do have a list of stuff I'd really want for Christmas. I'd tick them off myself, but I do want to share it so that those who'd be thoughtful enough to buy me a gift wouldn't think so hard =)
1. An Audio CD/Mixtape
I have a CD player on my car. I can't use it as much because I don't have CD's. While I do have a bunch of MP3 players, I haven't really updated my playlist in a long while. I don't like to consider myself as liking a particular genre, as I enjoy music as long as it sounds pleasing. Right now, I got this mix on my mind, and am hoping Che would make it for me:
Overjoyed - Matchbox 20
Angels - The XX
Here I Am - Yellowcard
Turn It Well - Up Dharma Down
Skeletons - This Century
Between the Raindrops- Lifehouse feat. Natasha Bedingfield
The Runaways - The Killers
Let Me Love You - Ne-Yo
Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
It's pretty much a collection of songs that are in no way associated with the other. I just like hearing them. And singing to them at the top of my lungs like an idiot when I'm driving around. If someone else could give me a CD of songs they enjoy, I'd gladly listen to them, just for variety :)
2. An Aux Slot for Bruno
This one I'm probably getting myself. When traffic is really bad, I play some of my series on my tab. I am getting sick of buying FM Transmitters from CD-R King again and again. I need to stop. And the best way to do that is to find a place where I can install an Aux slot so that I can use that "AUX" button on Bruno's in-dash radio. If someone can just help me find a place where I can get this installed, that'd be really great.
3. A Drinking Session with Kuya Ags
Yep. That is a particular one. Dad's been busy since the influx of government work came. No longer just the poster boy for smoke-free offices, he's been all around but no longer around me =P We've been to a couple of events, but weren't really able to talk much. Hopefully, that changes soon.
4. Witty Books of No Particular Topics
I've been hearing about these, but never really picked up any of them. I really want one. Or all.
5. More Hungry People...
...that we can feed on the Hungry Rover! The first week was pretty awesome, meeting new people, talking to friends, and seeing all of them genuinely enjoy the whole bus and food experience. I'm wishing for more friends and strangers to drop by our truck, and hopefully, we can really get the truck going places by next year to do what it's supposed to do; feed the people by roving around the metro :)
6. A Basketball Game. Or Two.
It has been a while since I last played. I need to enjoy an actual game, and not just enjoy watching or playing it via PS3. I want to play. I am almost willing to play pick up basketball with strangers, as long as I know one person there. But basketball will be a lot more fun with friends. I just can't reserve a place, and I can't get 9 other people on board.
