#ThankYouSirAlex

Time: 9:52 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "Glory, glory, Man United"

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26 years, 1497 games, 893 wins, 38 trophies, 13 league titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 chewing gum.

I am still stunned and gutted about this development. I don't know why the reason of his sudden retirement which is unexpected, it just suddenly came out without any rumors about it. He said that he has done so much for the club which he did and it's about time. I respect Fergie's decision but Manchester United is not the same without Fergie in there so for the next manager, has the big shoes to fill in and for sure will never emulate Fergie's achievements.



For almost 27 years of managing the club, he made drastic changes to the club and the sport of football in general as the club attracts more supporters because of the tradition of winning of the club. That's why I am a fan of this great club because of its glorious history and the culture mentality of being "more than a club".With Fergie, investors have also interest in the club and it is part of the New York Stock Exchange in August of last year but with Sir Alex sudden retirement, I wonder how will it impact the clubs' shares. I admire his professionalism and encouragement on young footballers to be part of the history. I mean, he produced the best players United can have from Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Edwin van der Sar, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo up to Wayne Rooney along with his unprecedented achievements. I really admire this guy and when I heard the news about it, I feel like losing a grand dad because he is affectionate to his fans dearly and I am one of it that is greatly affected by this. As of now, it is still trending as #1 on Twitter (#ThankYouSirAlex). This is a proof of how much the world love Sir Alex and we will never forget his accolades.

Glory, glory, MAN UNITED! Glory, glory, Sir Alex! Thank You Sir Alex for all you've done!

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Time: 11:36 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Fergie, Sign Him Up"

Football Month.

Time: 2:32 a.m.
Where: In my bedroom.
Now Playing: "Hear Me" by Imagine Dragons.

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Long time no blogging. It's been awhile but I am so excited this month of May, probably, one of my favorite months in the calendar year. So excited to see the UEFA Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. An all-German finale in the famous Wembley Stadium in London. I wanted to see Manchester United in there but I gotta admit that this year is for 'ze Germans'. LOL. They've proven so much and didn't show any sign of weakness in all competitions especially Bayern who are trying to go on a treble this footballing season. After their disappointing penalty shoot-out loss against Chelsea in their home turf in Munich for the Champions League Final, they were eager to bounce back and yeah, bounced back, BIG TIME indeed. As for Dortmund, they had a great season but with strings of injuries depleting their line-up, they still managed to rise up but with Bayern dominating the Bundesliga this season and recorded the fastest championship clinching in history, they know how to slow these guys down from Bavaria. Dortmund who were the underdogs in their semifinals against Real Madrid just overpowered them in the first leg via Robert Lewandowski's four-some (4-1) and hanging on in the second leg (0-2) while Bayern just clobbered Barcelona in both legs (7-0 in aggregate). Can't wait to see these two German giants going at it.



Another thing that I've been waiting is the UEFA Europa League Final in Amsterdam where Chelsea and Benfica will go out for the title. I've been always supportive of English clubs in European competitions like the Champions League and the Europa League but not the domestic level like the Premier League. I've seen Benfica play last year and they were a great side even beating my fave club last year in the group stages of the Champions League so it will be a good end-to-end match for sure.



Lastly is the latest development on Filipino club football where Global FC will be participating in the AFC President's Cup which would be the first intercontinental club competition that the club will join in and the first Pinoy club to do so. It is a big deal to somehow expose our Pinoy clubs to Asia and improve the status of club football here. They will also join the Singapore Cup for the first time together with the Loyola Meralco Sparks who joined the knockout tourney last year finishing as semifinalists. I maybe a Kaya FC fan but for Pinoy football, I will support them.

Exciting month for me and for the Filipino football dieheards. I guess this will be a great month. :)

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Time: 3:36 a.m.
Where: In my bed.
Now Playing: "Closer" by Travis.

Hari ng Sablay

Time: 3:22 p.m.
Where: Near Adamson University
Now Playing: "We're Coming Up" by For the Foxes.

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I am being left out to the group. I am always left behind and now, I am all alone, miserable and desperate to face these obstacles on my own. It's kind of frustrating though that there are thing that you didn't expect yet I am being hit with barrage of sucker punches from behind and all-over. Nakakainis lang talaga ngayon. Parang may naghahatak sa akin pababa pero susubukan kong lagpasan lahat ng ito. Composure lang and tiwala sa sarili. Come on Ralph. You can do it! :)

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Time: 3:26 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: Still the same song. (Stress-reliever)

Having an All-Time Low

Time: 1:41 p.m.
Where: In a computer shop.
Now Playing: "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons.

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It's really something that I never experienced before in my life as a student, or even my entire life. It's something I never suffered before and really, I was surprised with myself that how did I come up with these? It's like the feeling of my mind is not connected into my heart or my body is not doing what my mind wants it to do.

Well, I never had this huge amount of stress before but who am I to blame but myself. I just simply lost my discipline and composure. I know that failure is a mark of coming back but let's face it, it's degrading my morale at the moment that I don't know if I ever can come back again as the same person I was in the elementary and high school days where I was active as hell on studies but since I stopped for two years to sacrifice myself in order for my sister to graduate, I think I lost the momentum of the culture I had few years back. Well, as I write this blog, I am at my "all-time low" now. Degraded, humiliated and disgraced, yet I am still optimistic that I CAN DO THIS. It's just isolated that I didn't gave my best in the prelim, but when I saw that coming, I just realized that I need to wake up and be back on the game. I am so slow, but I can catch up or surpass my expectations. I just hope that I can do it all the way. I will not give up and thanks to my friends who believe in me that I can do it. Please, I cannot afford to be careless again. No more mistakes!

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Time: 1:51 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: The same song.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV: Traumatic Day

Time: 3:50 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom. ;(
Now Playing: "Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)" by Muse.

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It's been four months since I last had my blog entry and it's obvious that I was so busy with school. Glad to be back but not a nice comeback though. I was quite disappointed today, cried a bit and scream a lot when I saw Manny flat on his chest, unconscious for two minutes and it was the same scenario when he knocked out Ricky Hatton flat on his back as well in May 2, 2009. Like Manny's scary knockout to Marquez, that one was about to end the round. After that, Hatton started to get addicted to drugs and stuff the reason for his retirement that time was that traumatic KO loss to Manny.

All of the Filipinos who watched the fight felt what Pacquiao just received there. "Sobrang sakit", 1 second na lang ng round, where Manny could've awarded that round six eh nagkasalubong ang aggression ni Manny at ang kanan ni Marquez, twice the force and BOOM goes Manny. Totally traumatic. With these questions answered on whether who is the greatest after four matches, I don't care now if Marquez proves it but Manny is my champion, the champion of Filipinos and I respect the achievements he did in the past decades who really sets the tone in the sport of boxing. Making it into the mainstream sports because of his thrilling encounters like with Juan Manuel Marquez.

I wanted Manny to continue with his career but with this tragic loss to his long time rival, I don't know where would be his next move. I think it is the time that Manny hang up his gloves and concentrate to public service and his chosen religion. It's like these are the thing that Manny caused him lost his passion for boxing, maybe a bit. Also, he forgot his rosary and the signature sign of cross routine before the bout that will somehow make him different again in the ring like his prime few years back.

I congratulate Juan Manuel Marquez for the best win he had in his whole career and for the Pacman, hope he thinks of a better decision for himself and his family. Laban Pacman. So proud being a Filipino!

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Time: 4:34 p.m.
Where: Still here. :(
Now Playing: "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears.

My first footsteps in the historic Araneta Coliseum.

Time: 1:41 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Bring It On" by Hard-Fi.

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I've been a passionate fan of basketball for a long time, whether college hoops (NCAA or UAAP) or professional ball like the PBA or NBA, because if you're here in the Philippines, it is natural to be a basketball lover even though I am busy following football in general. After all, it is the most beloved sport here, but with all of those times, I've never watch a game live, EVER. I was dreaming of going to Araneta Coliseum one day when I was little as if I wanna experience the passion inside with all of the fans around. On August 19, 2012, it is a Sunday, finally, I've got a chance to be in THE BIG DOME to watch my school (Adamson University) go against my mother's Alma Mater (University of Santo Tomas) in their first round encounter in the UAAP.

I was uncertain of going to the venue because it was understandable that it was my first time of going in there but still, I managed to get in because I won't waste this opportunity.

1:24 p.m., I finally made it and got on my seat. Realistically, I never thought that the Araneta Coliseum was small unlike what was shown when they host a game of PBA or even the UAAP but what the heck, I would be watching a great game.

Start of the game, Adamson got a slow start. Of course, we miss some key players from last year like Alvarez and the others, and Alex Nuyles got his injury that would sent him out of the season but the loss of key players is the not reason to give up on the game, it's all about stepping up the level of play. We finish the first quarter getting closer with Fortuna's company with UST.

Second quarter was a tight affair but Adamson led most of the time in that 'kanto' and even boost the squad's momentum when they bury a buzzer-beating shot to end the first half of the game.

Second half was underway and like they end the first half, Adamson going hard on the interior and Karim Abdul couldn't figure out the same play the Falcons were doing inolving Monteclaro and Brondial. Camson had a great third quarter.

Last quarter of the game, it seemed that the Growling Tigers were on a frenzy when they made a run to somehow match with Adamson's intensity. In the dying seconds of the game, Karim Adbul, the hero of the FEU match, again defying the odds to put the Espana outfit in front. 18 seconds to go and Camson was holding the ball, tries to go underneath and tried to buy a foul but the referee didn't call it. It was a little bit unfortunate and we were all disappointed but nonetheless I had fun cheering most of the time and I was like very loud and that's where the passion comes.

FINAL SCORE: Adamson 60-61 UST

Although it was a painful loss at the end, really, it was a great game, end-to-end action but I must say, it was a valiant effort for our team despite the uncharacteristic record they have right now at 1-6 where most of their losses where held in tight contests like this one. It didn't reflect the last season's record where they finished 3rd because we were having a complete line-up. I'd say that the Adamson team we have right now is a rebuilding squad because of the huge losses in terms of roles of the key players use to do in the previous time but I know how rebuilding goes and I must support in the coming years and go back to the time of 1952 where Adamson have their first and only UAAP Basketball Championship with the leadership of the "Director" himself and one of the 25 Greatest Players to play in the PBA, Hector Calma, one of the most prolific alumni of Adamson University.

Again, I had fun that day and I just wish I can go to another live game and share the passion again with my fellow hoops fans.

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Time: 2:19 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Bubblegun" by CatPeople.

The End of an Era... NOT.

Time: 4:34 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Belong" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

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Today, I was so excited to see Manny Pacquiao back in the ring because not only he makes boxing exciting but the whole world as well, including his homeland, the Philippines. I even have my new MP t-shirt from Nike ready to wear prior to the fight with American undefeated boxer, Timothy Bradley. I even have less sleep this day because I was so excited even though this fight, realistically, is not a MEGAFIGHT material. Watched Denmark upset the Dutch and Germans prevailed against Portugal at the EUROs and forgot to rest. I was so stoked because after years of me and my father watching in a free public viewing room inside the city's sports complex where we always suffered too much perspiration to the heat inside the said establishment and with tons of people inside, we always discomfort but this time, nice atmosphere with a nice drink, good food and satisfying entertainment, the undercard that is.

The undercard was really exciting that almost every fight has a knockout result. We saw an old boxer rose to fame with a stunning upset in the name of KO king himself, Randall Bailley beating young prospect Mike Jones, suffered his first loss and another controversial fight with the legendary Jorge Arce and young Jesus Rojas involved with a no contest.




That was when the main event came early because of the last undercard ended in no contest in Round 2. We learned that Pacquiao wasn't ready with his gloves and mitting because he was focused on watching the Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Yes, he finished the game and he made Bradley and the audience wait for a long time. I just thought that time that it might caused something to the match with Manny, losing his focus and stuff. Also, I thought that how would this fight go because there were rumors that Team Pacquiao having their own ways. Conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, left the Philippine training camp weeks ago and said he would prepare Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr first because the younger Chavez's fight was just a week away that time. Also, there were rumors of miscommunication between the members including Coach Freddie, Ariza, and others but Roach said eventually that everything was going smoothly.

The national anthems were much anticipated as well with AI Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez singing the U.S. anthem. The fight was minutes away, everyone was so pumped in the cinema, including me and joined along with Michael Buffer's famous line, "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

Bradley was great in the first two rounds, beating Paccquiao to the jab and power punches and it seems that Manny can't get into Bradley and Bradley's stalking tactic payed off. Three rounds after, Manny got his groove with barrage of power punches on Bradley. It seemed that Bradley can hadle Manny's punches but he looked hurt with those 4-5 punch combinations by Manny including powerful hooks to the jaw. Manny though, couldn't land a powerful body shot on Bradley with those rounds. Three rounds left and Bradley woke up and again showed what he did in the early rounds. Stalk Manny and land the power punches. I just noticed that Manny landed a few punches and didn't answer back with some of Bradley's combinations that mostly blocked by Manny.

It was decision time. I was so nervous because it was an another close call. Back-to-back close fights for Manny. So, 115-113 for Pacquiao, 115-113 for Bradley, and 115-113 all to the winner by SPLIT DECISION... and there... we're all disappointed because the fight didn't reflect the result. I was shouting, pumping my chest and threw my hat away. Others were saying "NOOOOO" aloud. A woman beside me cried. Well, Manny hurt Bradley but Bradley didn't hurt Manny even though he was aggressive in some rounds. I don't know if the judges were basing the tempo of the fight or the scoring of the punches landed?

I bet that in jail, Mayweather is happy & so are the Mexican fans. Also, gotta love the "Call Me Maybe" jokes about Pacquiao & Bradley. LOL. The most annoying picture of the day: Nanalo tapos sabay 'wheelchair'? Bwiset.



Just so disappointed, up to now but I guess we all have to move on and listen to Bradley on what he said three days ago that the rematch will be on between him and the Pac-Man. So, I guess I will definitely gonna watch that. I guess going back to school tomorrow with a smile on my face... NOT! LOL.

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Time: 5:12 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Collide" by Howie Day.

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