ελπίδα, πίστη, αγάπη

Leaving that place made me really sad. It still does. But since the last time I've seen the white wrangler, I had the feeling that I had to. Besides that, I feel a little embarrassed staying for quite some time. There was nothing much to do, I guess, but perhaps it's because it's one busy week catching up to the losses of the previous one.

Also, whenever I try to inquire I receive no answer. That does annoy me because when I ask something official, I expect an answer. Is it too much to ask for such respect? I may be a little disappointed but that doesn't change the fact that I am thankful.

I may no longer be coming back, unless summoned, but I have this nostalgic feeling. I want to be there again. There may be new reason or reasons why but it does no harm. It shall not. I guess I'll just have to remember what we call delicadesa.

May the day come when I shall face the white wrangler again. And when that day comes, may both be all-smiles to one another.

Music:
Natalie Imbruglia - Wishing I Was There

The long weekend is finally over. It was quite tiring. Well, yes, it was. It all started with Sunday. Spent more time outside home. I went to church in the morning, attended our Youth Alpha Course then headed to SM Megamall for Aya's birthday in the afternoon. Some Gamer Clan buddies also came.

I called Joan in the evening to discuss our visit plan for Monday. It wasn't 11PM yet but both of us were so tired. We had a long Sunday. And good luck with Monday!

When Monday came, a lot of experiences were into our lives. First, Jojo came to our appointed meeting place on the dot while I came almost an hour earlier than the call-time because I almost didn't know. Let's just say I got confused. Well, we just laughed it off.

A lot more happened like these:
*Being chased by the AlphaLand guard and felt like being locked up inside the mall. Question is how did we even get there?
*The pink fence! We had to... I guess I'll just keep that a secret here. We told Ate Cess about it. Gosh, I'm grinning in amusement here.
*A pedicab driver did a sales-talk to us! We could've even walked ourselves all the way to the hospital if it wasn't raining, most especially if we knew how to get there in the first place.
*Joan and me waited for Kat and friends as well as for Ate Cess. They were held in the traffic because of INC's Manalo's funeral service.
*We were sent out of the hospital. The guards thought we were loitering.
*After we reasoned ourselves to get inside the hospital, we ended praying outside. Just outside.

Ate Cess treated us for lunch in McDo. Thank You, Lord, for Ate Cess! Keep blessing her. Amen. Kat, Jenna and Joan were also with us. It was a hearty lunch.

When we parted ways, Joan and me were still together in SM Makati and Glorietta. Yeah, hindi pa kami nagsasawa sa isa't isa. Actually, magkikita pa kami bukas. Haha!

For our purpose on Monday, I believe and I have the faith that it is done. Hallelujah!


Music:
No Doubt w/ Hayley Williams & Janelle Monae - Stand and Deliver

This was supposed to be just a blog entry, but it seemed like it's worth a post in b/r. I did post it there, marking my fourth post as a contributor. The link is here: The Yankees share history with the Mets in their 2009 Subway Series

But I'll still post the whole article, or supposedly blog entry, here.

-=-=-=-=-=-

The New York Yankees are rising like a phoenix. And they keep making legends.

The Bronx Bombers won the first Subway Series of the season with 2 out of 3 against the Metropolitans. It was in the Yankee Stadium. And it was an unforgettable one, especially the ninth inning drama of the first game when A-Rod popped up his team's last chance to stay in the game. Then it would be the final out.

But it's Baseball. Anything can happen. And something happened.

The popped up ball went to Luis Castillo's glove, and it went through. He dropped the ball and Derek Jeter scored with Mark Teixeira coming off the first base. Jeter tied the game but with Teixeira's attitude, the Pinstripers won the game.

The Yankee first baseman is known for being an athlete who never gives up. He reached the home plate wondering what just happened as their captain embraced and congratulated him. A-Rod even called Teixeira his MVP of the night.

It was an unforgettable night for everyone who watched the game, be it in the Yankee Stadium or in their homes, or even in pubs. The Yankees won that night with 9-8 against the Mets.

The game that followed may have been meant for the Mets. They won 5-2 against the Yankees. But that was all for them. The game that followed on Sunday night was won by the Yankees, 15-0.

The second Subway Series was held in Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. But the Yankees were not bothered at all if it's not their home stadium. They only have one goal: win. And they did. There may be no more Castillo clutch but the Yankees swept the Mets with 9-1, 5-0, 4-2, respectively.

The first game was an astounding 18 up, 18 down by CC Sabathia. He only allowed three hits and one home run by Gary Sheffield, all in the fifth inning. The relief pitcher Brett Tomko was also amazing with his 6 up, 6 down in the last two innings.

The Saturday night game was also an splendid one. Starting pitcher AJ Burnet accomplished a record of 10 strike outs, 3 walks, 1 hit but no run. Brian Bruney pitched in the eight inning and David Robertson on the ninth. Each relief pitcher had 3 up, 3 down.

The Sunday night game may have allowed the Mets for 2 runs, but the Yanks still won. But what made this game memorable is it's part in Baseball history, at least to the Yankees' history. Maybe for the New York Mets also.

Mariano Rivera had his 500th save during the Sunday night game, marking him as the second with most saves next only to Milwaukee's Trevor Hoffman who has 571 saves. Many Baseball players, team mates or not, consider Rivera as the best closer they've ever met.

The Sandman's career history didn't end there. It was also his third plate appearance and first walk slash first career RBI. The saving pitcher said, "The RBI is the best. It was my first RBI. It was my 500th save." His team mates probably thought the same. Everyone, especially Derek Jeter who is the captain of the Yankees, said nothing but praises for Mariano Rivera.

Mo was batting against Mets' Francisco Rodriguez, who was also the relieving pitcher when A-Rod had his pop up RBI to Luis Castillo. It's amusing how K-Rod's presence in the mound against the Yanks contributes to the Bronx Bombers' history. Perhaps it will also become part of the Metropolitans' history.

Mariano Rivera's force is recognized not only among his team mates. It extends to every batter who came to hit against him and to every one who knows him. He is not just a relief pitcher. His mere presence in the batter's box could even pull out every Yankee out of the bullpen and dugout, which rarely happens.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Music: Metallica - Enter Sandman

I never thought that someday I'd be writing an article about sports. Never ever. But who knows of what lies ahead?

Two days ago, I joined Bleacher Report. It's a website where sports fans gather and post articles about whatever they have in mind on a particular game, athlete or sport event. I've been reading entries from this website and just yesterday, I posted my first article.

Writing is not easy, especially for serious writers. It is important that you're telling the truth. I only have two written articles, yet, because I'm just beginning to follow sports, especially Baseball. I don't know much so I have to be careful.

Today (tonight in New York) started the second series of the Yankees vs. Mets game. I'm so glad to have watched it live on ESPN, not just because I am a fan of the Yankees. The game was amazing, for the Yankees' part. It felt like the first time I saw them playing. Too bad it wasn't the same for the Mets. They committed three errors in one inning. But, Castillo was able to do well as the second baseman. He was able to redeem himself for what happened during the first subway series.

Related links:
*18 Up, 18 Down by the Big C at the Citi Field by Shinrai Aquino
*MLB's wrap up details by MLB.com
*Sabathia Dominant in Baseball Games and Video Games by The New York Times

Music: OLIVIA - Tears and Rainbow

It was nice to watch an MLB game live, again. Felt like a long time ago since I did so. I even made a comment/article about it. I was compelled to do so because I want to hone my writing skills. Hopefully, it includes writing an article about sports. Here's the link: Yankees vs. Braves; Derek vs. Derek

The game was such a long one, but it the end, the New York Yankees won against the Atlanta Braves, 11-7. Tomorrow will be another game, against the NY Mets.

Btw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAPTAIN JETER!

20 June 2009. I've been looking forward to this day because of three Baseball events. First, the NY Yankees are flying to Florida to for their interleague series. Second, Baseball Philippines is hosting a series of its own. The morning match is between the Alabang Tigers and Manila Sharks while in the afternoon it's between Batangas Bulls and Cebu Dolphins.

I wanted to watch all these games. But, like what the Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want." Mr. Joe Girardi was right,  anything can happen in Baseball.

I woke up early to watch the live coverage of New York Yankees vs. Florida Marlins on ESPN, but I wasn't able to do so. Of all the days in the week, our cable operator chose Saturday to fix or work on something in our village. And of all the times in the day, they chose the time I've been waiting to watch the Yankees live on TV again. Thanks to MLB.com, I was able to have live updates of the game. But I always prefer the chance to see the actions and drama live.

The Yankees vs. Marlins game was set in the morning and albeit having no chance to watch the game live, I stayed in front of the computer. That meant no extra audience for the Sharks vs. Tigers, but I did come to the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in the afternoon to watch the Bulls vs. Dolphins. I was just in time for the match.

It was an exciting experience for me being in the ballpark. It was the first time I've been to one. I was also reminded, every now and then, that two of the legends of the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, hit home run in the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. They were actually the first and second ballplayers, respectively, to hit home run in the stadium. How I wish the Yankees will be in the same ballpark and play. I can already imagine the pinstripes batting and pitching. I'd love to see that day!

Music:
Ana Tsuchiya - Frozen Rose

I woke up early this morning a little past 2 o'clock. Quite early, but still late for the Nationals vs. Yankees game. But when I checked the Yankees.com, I found out that the game was delayed because of rain. I then decided to go back to sleep.

When I woke up, one of the first things that came into mind was Baseball, which is not unexpected. I was trying to remember my recent dream, trying to recall any traces of Baseball. Since Friday last week, I've always had Baseball in my dreams. 7 straight nights. Yes, I dreamed about Baseball before I woke up at 2AM.

Lying in my bed, wondering when will be next Yanks vs. Nats game, my brain reminded me in the elements of my dream (when I woke up the second time). It was like drifting into a quick sleep just to have the meaning of my dream. Surely, there was Baseball included, again. It was subtle though, very subtle, because one must get the meanings first before figuring out that there's Baseball in my dream.

To make it simple, there were Gardner and Teixeira "mentioned" in my dream again. Yes, they always appear or are mentioned in my dreams.

So why am I making a "dream history" in this blog entry? I could only think of one excuse, and that is what happened to Brett Gardner during the 8th inning of the last series. It's when I woke up. I just wasn't able to see what happened because there was no live coverage of the game available for the Philippines.

Brett Gardner was injured during the 8th inning after colliding with the outfield wall while chasing down a deep fly ball. I only found this out after the game. And by the way, the NY Yankees lost again to the Washington Nationals. The game ended with 3-0 figures in the scoreboard. If my memory is right, the Nats have 8 hits while the Yanks have 7.

When I found out what happened to Gardner, I wondered if it brought an unconscious effect to the pinstripes' who were in the line up. Melky Cabrera replaced Gardner as the center fielder and will most likely take the position during their series match with the Florida Marlins beginning tomorrow.

I hope Brett Gardner is doing fine now. May there be no any major injury. And may the NY Yankees do their best during their game series with the Florida Marlins.

Music:
Paramore - Fences

This is my Sunday, 24 May 2009..

No Sleep. I may have gone to bed, laid down and closed my eyes, but I wasn't able to have a good sleep. How could I? My cousins were concerned with our preggy dog, who gave birth an hour or so after. I was also preoccupied with the upcoming match of Yankees and Phillies. It may be scheduled at 04:05 PM EDT, but it means 04:05 AM here in Manila.

Yankees vs. Phillies. Albeit having a sleepless night, I was glad I watched their match live on ESPN. The Yankees won by 5-4! The winning home runs were so poignant. Thank You, Lord! I was also glad to see Gardner play again though it was only once. Phillies' Mayberry was admirable. I think I'll be watching him.

Review. I left 15-10 minutes before 7 this morning, still overwhelmed with Yankees' win. Because I had no sleep, I've been yawning every five minutes in class.

Angels and Demons. I watched this movie in Shangri-La this afternoon. I also watched Da Vinci Code there. I've always known that movies from novels are not always loyal to the book, but some details are just important no matter how small. I think I'll make a full review about this movie after I get a good sleep. Been awake for 39 hours now.

I should really get some sleep now. By the way, I think I might not be able to watch the next Yankees and Phillies match live. It makes me sad.

Mood: Disappointed
Music: The Mitch Hansen Band - A World Without You

I've been surrounded with little children last week. I was assigned to teach the Beginners (4-6 y/o) for the VBS. Sweet little creatures. Albeit their excused naughtiness, it was fun being with them.

The VBS may be over, but it's only in Metro Manila. Tita Tess invited me to come with her in Isabela. VBS stuff. It may just be over the weekend but it means getting in touch with little children again. Children.

Just a couple of minutes ago, I found out that Ria-san is pregnant. Weeh! Baby. :D I have other thoughts, personal ones, about babies but I'd rather keep them to myself. Enjoy your pregnancy, Ria-san! :)

I wonder when will I have my own child/children. Nyaha! Of course, I want to meet the father first. Or, I can adopt if I get too impatient. XD

This is the first time I stayed online for more than ten minutes this week. Our internet connection was no good, as slow as a slug. So annoying. This week is our VBS and I am teaching the Beginners, or Bible Boosters. It's my first time to handle them in VBS. It's energy-consuming, but fun. Again, I got to spend time with some friends and new ones. It's really nice.

Just today, we played instruments from guitar to drums. We played everything. They did. I haven't played the Bass. I wonder if we'll do the same tomorrow. Probably.

It feels like a long time since I got online and made a decent blog entry. I also feel tired. I wonder if I'm writing without a sense of formality.

Got to rest now.