Azkals' bid the 2014 World Cup starts tomorrow.

Time: 1:18 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom.
Now Playing: "Take Me Over" by Cut Copy.

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Well, I am so stoked about tomorrow's event. I think everyone is, as well. Either you're a basketball fan, or boxing fan, everyone will be focusing into football, to the Azkals. As they conquer Sri Lanka for the Round 1 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2014, Asian Zone Qualifiers on June 29 and July 3. If we win these fixtures by aggregate, we will face the mighty Kuwait. I am so nervous if we make it the Round 2 but at least if we win against Sri Lanka, we make history as we pass Round 1 for the first time in our long time campaign in the World Cup qualifiers in Asia, correct me if I'm wrong. Before this World Cup campaign of the national team, we last did it way back 2003, for the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. As usual, we didn't pass Round 1. Four years after, we didn't even try to compete for the qualification for the recent FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.



I guess this year, we can compete again because we have some good chances this time and at the right time that the sponsors and television exposure is great for our national team. I mean, the exposure to the sport, that people are aware that they are here. I hate when people only knew the Azkals because they are good-looking. C'mon, "FOOTBALL". Instead of football chants, I hear screaming girls. Gladly, there's the so-called "Kaholeros". Football chants will be great in a football match. That's why I love football so much because of the passionate game and the fans carry it on with their chants to the opposing team, the tradition, the history, the rivalries. Every goal is special in football, unlike basketball.

Here's my breakdown or my pre-match analysis of what will happen tomorrow afternoon in Colombo, Sri Lanka:

I watched a game of Sri Lanka vs. Maldives on YouTube in the 2008 SAFF Championship, the football competition in South Asia, it's like in South East Asia, the AFF Suzuki Cup, and I see, their strategy is the "Quick Counter". They put their men in defense and when intercepts, the attacking midfield surges and run like their is no tomorrow. Because of defense, they can have thru-balls as much as they want. I don't know if they still have that strategy because they have a new manager from China and they trained to Korea recently for this match. This was ued to be our strategy, the Azkals use this in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 and we got some great results, that's why we beat the hell out of the defending champions Vietnam that day. We used it also to Indonesia but their midfield is so sturdy, we can't get those passed in the box.



That's why in that game, not much counter attacks and we focused more on defense. Indonesia was great on defending plus their fans was pointing laser at Neil Etheridge which obviously did cause the game for us but that Gonazales goal, astounding no laser and stuff. Our fault. We grew as a team now and I think Coach Weiss has changed a lot from a defensive team to a full grown counter-attack squad. I can see that they will do the normal 4-4-2 formation or the 4-1-2-3 formation which are attacking-type formations. I prefer the 4-1-2-3 formation because it will suit their style as a team. The "Quick Counter" team in order to beat Sri Lanka. I hope that Coach Weiss taught his boys on defense, especially in the midfield. Also, the passing, is truly a must. That was one of main problems, especially in the Mongolia fixtures. We didn't get some accurate passes. They can still do the basic like passing in the opposing half's first. Passing through defenders first to maintain possesion and if they find some weak spots into their half, go on and take until we score. It's great that we will have chances if they keep it up tomorrow.

So here's my prediction:

I'd say,

Leg 1 in Colombo: 2-0, Philippines. Goals from Araneta and Guirado. Guirado has that capability of running defenders and yes, he is an attacking midfielder, while Araneta is a great left winger but can reach the box easily for the header. Caligdong and J. Younghusband can make great assist and can score as well. I must not forget P. Younghusband. He can score at any time around 90 minutes. I must also reckon the tight defense of the back 4. I hope they won't allow Sabio to the line-up because of his incosistency but if he does play, he must stepu-p and don't concede any corner kicks, or goals. I know it's hard.

Leg 2 in Manila: 3-1, Philippines. I don't know, probably a hat-trick from someone or it will be a team game. Gotta watch out.

Philippines will win 5-1 on aggregate. Yes, I predicted two lopsided wins for us. I have a feeling we can easily demolish Sri Lanka.

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I can't wait to see these guys play on the pitch once more. I'll wear my Azkals t-shirt come that day and I wish to buy their new kit on the Mizuno store come Sunday. I heard it's available right now. I wish they ship it early to Festival Mall ASAP. Here's the photo of the new Away kit.



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Good luck, Azkals!

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Time: 2:08 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Fader" by The Temper Trap.

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"Papa" + "150": Be inspired by Rizal and our dads.

Time: 3:25 a.m.
Where: In our bedroom (people here are asleep).
Now Playing: "Nothing in My Way" by Keane.

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"Papa"

Today is the 19th of June. Six billion people knows that this day is Father's Day, where this day is especially made for our dads, because they are an inspiration to their children, including me. For their dedication on work or whatever they do best in order to give their family members whatever they need. They fill what's missing and I'd say, I can borrow the phrase "Moms know best" and changed it to "Dads knows best... too!" Not only moms. Actually, "Parents know best". Both of them. Some times, there are misunderstandings in our family, that may lead to a broken family if there is no communication between the members, I'll still try to make it up to them.

Anyway, my dad is still sleeping and I am a usual vampire but yesterday, he made us "Sinigang" and it was delicious. He is like the cook of the house, but yeah, my mom kept saying every time that she is the best cook in this house. LOL. That was just naturally what she's saying pero alam niya na gusto niya talaga luto ng Papa ko. My characteristics of my father? He's a joker, magaling sa mga banat. Well, I always see my father's humor in reunions and slightly in home. He can be serious at some times, but that serious as in, in vital situations, when he helps the three of us in our need. Minsan naawa din ako sa Papa ko kasi he's like a "Houseband" kahit nagtratrabaho siya but I do lend him a hand in daily chores pero siya sa mega weekend chores. Hindi kasi siya sanay na may tumutulong sa kanya even if we insist na tulungan siya. He always kept saying na "Magpahinga lang kayo, ako nang bahala". Even at his mid life, he's still doing the tough laundry, fixing eletronic appliances and stuff. Nakuha ko sa kanya ang pagiging sporty, I mean not physically, but being a huge sports fan. We both love basketball, PBA siya, NBA ako pero we're both Lakers and Gin Kings fans pero pag sa ibang games na hindi involve ang fave teams namin, I oppose what Papa supports. LOL. I am a huge fan of football a long time ago, Manchester United is the club to be exact (Take that Liverpool, City) pero it seems my dad likes it too since he saw the Azkals in action. Football was not that popular here when he saw the Azkals.

So, I am not that type of person who expresses affection in any place, especially here in the Internet world but I know he knows that we love my Papa and Papa love us. Again, Papa, thanks to all and Happy Father's Day.

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"150"

We see Jose Protacio Rizal in monuments, parks, textbooks and in the Internet. We are all familiar on his story, on what he did for our country. Because of his heart-wrenching words in his novels, poems and other forms of literature, he fought the Spaniards and after that, led to "The Revolution". Yes, we know all of that but after almost two centuries, did our country change? I mean in the aspects of economy, system and stuff. Why did I even ask this question? Because of Rizal's dedication to protect the Filipinos, also because of his mind, his words and his actions. "Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa", ito ang dapat nating gawin. Rizal serves as an inspiration for a long, long time and we must not answer that we know Rizal that he is the guy in Luneta Park, the guy in the textbooks or the guy in school paintings, we must be proud that we are Filipinos. For me for example, I can be proud that I am a Filipino by buying Filipino-made products, supporting our local movie industry, following the rules, regulations and laws of the country and doing some good deeds, either small or big.

If Rizal fought for our country by doing those vital things step-by-step and sacrificed his life in order for the people to think that we can step out of the shadow and move as a nation. That Rizal blood in us is why we have this People Power, in 1986, and soon followed by other countries like South Korea, Tunisia, and recently, Egypt. We, Filipinos, are very expressive to issues and we fight for the right to freedom. That's why we are passionate because of Rizal. Today is his 150th birth anniversary. So make it special, do something good to help our country. Rizal might be happy. If Rizal lives at his 30's at this generation, we might witness a cruel world that he can change.

Maligayang Kaarawan, Rizal! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! Rizal!

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I'll make a blog on the Azkals' World Cup dream probably next week. Can't wait on their match.

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Time: 4:16 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Get Some" by Lykke Li.

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Better Luck Next Time, Red Devils.

Time: 5:39 a.m.
Where: In the balcony.
Now Playing: "Karma Police" by Radiohead.

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Boy, I was waiting all month for this day, May 28th, the day of the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona. Of course I was known to be a Red Devil and yet I am aware of what Barcelona's capable of. They are considered to be the best football club in the world right now and no doubt, they almost swept every club competitions they participated but they didn't win the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup), which reigned by Real Madrid. Anyway, I watched the game and it was a bitter loss for us.



I thought we had it under control in the first half. Pedro scored first for Barca in the 27th minute and seven minutes after, Rooney came back with a stunning strike inside the box. I just thought we had the chance of coming back if we continue to have that mighty defense of our back four, leading by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand but at the start of the second half, we just lost our rhythm and we saw the Barca that was most known for, their expertise in accurate passing inside the box without fail.



I am one of the millions of United fans who are disappointed on their second half showing but hats-off to them because they have the guts to fight back with heart but it was not enough. Barca has the skill and the heart. Much respect for Pep Guardiola's club. Pedro Pinto of CNN declaring earlier that this Barca team is the best he has seen after three decades, which is truly an astounding one.

This is another painful loss I know but with Van Der Sar's final game with some bitterness, I know Sir Alex can do something on finding a good keeper like Van Der Sar's strength and we will come back strong. I know it. We just need to go to the rebuilding process. Every team has a rebuilding process in order to go to that time called "glory days".



Again, congrats to Lionel Messi, David Villa and the rest of FC Barcelona for winning their second European Cup Championship in the last 3 years. I hope another rematch will occur sometime next year. I know we will get our revenge in July in the US Tour. No matter what happens, I will be a loyal supporter of the Red Devils. First at the perch! Glory, glory Man Utd! As the Reds go marching on, on, on!



Don't worry, Chicharito, you will get the hands of the Champions League trophy in the years to come. Rooney did it in '08. I know you're young, you can grow as a great footballer like Messi or Ronaldo or even Rooney. Good luck next football season, Red Devils.

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Time: 6:08 a.m.
Where: Still here in the balcony.
Now Playing: "The Fear" by Lily Allen.



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Manny Pacquiao to fight Mosley and poverty.

Time: 3:55 a.m.
Where: Outside the house.
Now Playing: "The Lovers are Losing" by Keane.

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Manny Pacquiao is just simply phenomenal. Whenever he has a fight, everyone here is just going nuts. I mean, there is no crime when there is a Pacquiao fight. All tuned in to their televisions. It's like watching a match in the World Cup with that massive aura in the whole country which does not happened everyday and this May 7th, Saturday in the United States, May 8th, Sunday morning here in the Philippines, the Pacquiao fever will come back yet again after 6 months. I also forgot to blog about the Margarito fight last November, you know, to put my official prediction and stuff. Anyway, I just watched the final press conference of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight and yeah, as always, you will see a very, very, humble Manny Pacquiao in front of the worldwide press.



He added a twist in his remarks during that night in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. He said that he wants to fight for poverty in our country, to end, to extinct, which is impossible at the moment it is merely because the fact that we are nearing into 100 million people, making to be the 12th largest population in the world and we are just occupying 300,000 square kilometers. Damn, that's so small to fill. Anyway, that's why Manny urged the fans (especially Pac-Man fans), to wear yellow, which is a symbol of unity, according to him, and I am definitely wearing yellow, if I have one, oh well, I gotta wear my Manchester United jersey though, it's unrelated though because I am discussing boxing and not my favorite football club.



On the fight itself that will happen on 2 days time. I am not a boxing analyst that has accurate predictions, scouting the fighters' styles, etc. but I am a huge boxing fan and probably this is my stepping stone to become a boxing analyst. Hopefully. Anyway, I will expect some fireworks out there in that ring come May 7th/8th. Exchange of power punches will occur but who is gonna the more mental, more conditioned, hungrier fighter?



Into mentality, I'll say Freddie Roach has done a great job on preparing Pacquiao on adjusting on things in every battle that they have together and into Shane's part, he just to have his fourth fight together with Nazeem Richardson and they know each others mentality enough but can they retain the focus come fight night. I don't think so. With Pacquiao so quick, so fast, they won't able to adjust and keep doing those powerful right hands but I know, Shane's got the experience so I think he needs to adapt on what Pacquiao's gotta deliver. If Manny lands five to six shots on Mosley, he needs to at least turn to his right in order to avoid the counter right of Mosley and at the same time, tire the old man and have his fatigue lowered. If he follows this continuously, he might get an late stoppage or an early stoppage but I want it to become early in order to impress Floyd Mayweather, wherever he is, he must watch the fight but in realization, Mosley is tough and cannot be knocked out easily, I am aware of that but it's a bonus if Manny can knocked him out in the 5th round or more.



The first four rounds for me at the measurements of the conditions of the fighters, very critical, especially in the part of Mosley where is already 39 years old at the moment, very slow now in the sport of boxing but he still has the power, I cannot argue with that but how much power when the fight comes? How much more to take in the side of Mosley to cause of very, very huge upset in the history of the sport? Can he shine that right hand to land on Pacquiao?

Whatever the outcome of this fight, I must say Mosley will forever be a warrior and can be a future Hall of Famer in the coming decades for what he have a spectacular career in the sport of boxing and Pacquiao should face Mayweather, win or lose.



Even the simulation doesn't lie. It will be an all-out slugfest but when it comes to all-out, Pacquiao sure has the advantage and Shane might have some unanswered punches when Pacquiao once gets his groove. I will just say, Go Manny! Go Pac-Man! Go make our country proud yet again! Manny! Manny! Manny!

My prediction: Pacquiao TKO 8

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Time: 4:50 a.m.
Where: Still outside.
Now Playing: "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.

Ang Sama ni Osama (Osama is Evil).

Time: 3:37 a.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "Need You Now" by Cut Copy.

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Earlier today, I received the news, thanks to CNN, that Osama bin Laden, the leader of the global terrorist group, Al Qaeda, was killed in Attottabad, Pakistan, just 120 miles away from the capital, Islamabad. According to sources, the town Attottabad was actually a populous town, urbanized, with buildings and everything and the American troops were searching in the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan where you can find caves, and stuff where they thought Osama would be but instead, in one of the suburban towns in Pakistan. He lived in a mansion there and this just in, I heard while I am watching the Press briefing and yeah, some laugh time, Osama used a woman shield just to protect himself. ROTFLMAO. He was quickly thrown out at a sea it is merely because that it might cause a huge following by the Muslims there and create a shrine.

A huge euphoria is going on in the United States of America and I can feel it. Actually in my point of view, it is truly justice has been done for them. If you rekindle, Osama was behind the 9/11 bombings in New York where thousands were pronounced dead. At first, I didn't know why Osama did that when I was eating and preparing for school a decade ago. I still remember that when I heard that news. Anyway, every wrongdoing has a definite reason. It's like stealing a candy to a baby. Why did the big child take it? Because he wants it more than the baby does. And so the baby cried. It's like that, I mean, why? Just why? I also learned that there was a certain history about it when I watched CNN. Osama just wanted to have revenge on the United States because the country supported the Soviet Union when it was existed during the 70's where the CIS invaded Afghanistan, Osama's third home after being kicked out and revoked citizenship in Saudi Arabia and forced to leave Sudan.

He totally kept mentioning about that plan since 1998 and three years after, it was truly a happy moment for sure to him. So, that's why and yeah, Americans were truly felt that they have the side of justice. I realized that bin Laden's life is all about revenge. He had a very good life. I mean, his family was rich, millionaires to be exact and he turned back to fight and later became a terrorist and found Al Qaeda. Now, I will not find any video of brains of YouTube anymore because Osama bin Laden is gone for good. Also, Muslims should be happy about this, too. Nothing to be saddened for. Why? Because he is a disgrace in your religion, and I know that Osama has a huge following and I understand that because all what his done is to fight for Muslim's freedom but in a wrong way. Why kill innocent people? Right?

The American troops should be also ashamed that they killed numerous innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they didn't find any traces of Osama where the rumors said that Osama was hiding from those said Gulf countries. Iraq was a mess in early 2000's and up to now where numerous suicide bombings were reported almost like everyday I think but they are getting their freedom step-by-step.

To Osama, however, wherever you are, just look at the Americans right now, rejoicing, I mean, the world is rejoicing. Ecstatic, euphoric, joyful moment. You should've regret those things a long time ago. Well, I must say, that you must go to HELL. Not being harsh but it such that I feel those Americans on what happened and they waited a decade just to claim justice at hand. That's all on how I feel on what just happened to Osama bin Laden.

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Time: 4:10 a.m.
Where: Still in my bedroom.
Now Playing: "Smoking Outside the Hospital Doors" by Editors.

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Bullying.

Time: 7:21 p.m.
Where: In the terrace.
Now Playing: "Shake Me Down" by Cage the Elephant.

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What a day, not in my life, as in experience, I meant in my Internet life. Well, I usually been in forums in the world of Internet, in certain discussions and you will face argumentative talks and heated discussions and stuff and I am always been sort of bullied by many and I can stand my proposition but there's a saying, "two or more is better than one and that's how it goes. Probably, I should quit visiting forums from now on or probably scout it and not doing the posting from now on.

Yes, hindi maiiwasan but yeah, it's the Internet, the people you don't know saying harsh words and you can't say anything bad back because you are supposed to. Come on, bakit pa papatulan ang immature na taon kung sino man siya. Of course, sabihin nyo na Internet lang yan pero masakit pero pinipilit ko na lang na iwasan at eventually, I will know na tatagal din yan. Natural din yan at makakamove-on din ako. Kahit din naman sa Facebook 'di ba? Guys, when you encounter a friend in a status of misunderestanding, nagiging galit sa isa't isa, doing flaming, spamming at walang patid na parinigan. Kahit nung elementary at high school ako, bullying is still there. They just mocks my physical appaerance, my disabilities and I remember when I watched Glee prior or in the pre-Superbowl 2011 I learned that they are just doing those talking and teasing because they are "cowards". They don't want to be called as "sissy", "gay", "bucktooth", "nerd", "dork" and all of these mockery words.

Oh well. Not being too exaggerative pero this is how I feel about them. Spare them from bullying people mapa-Internet man o kahit sa school, or kahit saan. Buti nandyan si President Obama who stands against bullying.

Maraming taong nagpapakamatay gawa ng bullying but I am not gonna do that of course, who's dumb person would fall for that but it hurts somehow every time you think of it. Mapapagigil ka but oh well, gotta move on and continue to surf online but this time, stay away from those uneducated trolls. I created forum accounts in the first place in order to share interests, similarities and stuff but I think this will change. Goodbye, forum sites and hello, moving on.

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Time: 7:43 p.m.
Where: Still in this breezy cold second floor.
Now Playing: "Peter Pan R.I.P" by Kula Shaker.

JAPAN: Just Always Pray at Nippon

Time: 7:43 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "My Girls" by Animal Collective.

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Just shocked. I was just greatly shocked on what happened. You see, when you often heard the news that Japan was hit by an earthquake, you always said to yourself that it's no big deal because they are prepared, construction-wise, and well-organized in terms of what to do and what not to do. They are a developed country and used their garnered status to implement these kinds of preparation because they know that their country is an earthquake-prone one. Like the Philippines, Japan is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and we belong in the so-called Ring of Fire where most active volcanoes found and with different plates.



Saturday afternoon, I was listening to the radio, in FM, while I was listening to some great modern alternative music, they announced that Japan was hit by an earthquake... again. Why again? Because they just hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake last March 9, two days after that great 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the powerful tsunami along. When I heard the news, I said to myself, "It's nothing", "Wala lang yan", "Pretty normal to them", pero when I saw on TV lately, I said to myself again, "Oh. My. God." I just remembered that my cousin is in Japan right now and I wonder how she's doing right now. I just merely wonder and yeah, even everything famous in Japan you know was questioned for the likes of Maria Ozawa, the Pokémon animation team and other famous persons I know in Japan.

The rice field turned into a debris field, a pile of junk, a wave full of cars, roofs, houses, everything washed away in Sendai in Miyagi prefecture. Many lives lost and a long term of recovery ahead of them unless if every country pledge some assistance to them. If you notice the family picture below, you will be touched after seeing this picture on the aftermath. It's like where are these two Japanese after the quake and tsunami? Reminds me when I watched Anderson Cooper 360 yesterday and he saw a wedding picture. You read or know that kind of feeling? Pure grief. Where are there two or the others? Just take a look.



Added to that is the continuing blast in four of the nuclear power plants near the Miyagi prefecture. It is very dangerous to get near the nuclear power plants, it'll cause more casualties. That's why the world is asking again, should we put nuclear power plants in your respective countries? There are other ways to get power in my opinion, we should not rely on the nuclear power plants.Just pure chaos right now in Japan.



I am just so shocked and I didn't expect this to happen, actually everyone of us didn't expect this to occur at all. Majority of us can only do to help Japan recover is to send their prayers to the victims, and to the entire nation of Japan. We a catholic country after all. So, my sympathy and prayers to island nation of Japan.

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Time: 8:22 p.m.
Where: Still in my bedroom.
Now Playing: "Paris is Burning" by Ladyhawke.