Leaving Q.C.

Q.C. @ Night, EDSA and the lights of Cubao

Although I was born in Pasay City, I grew up in Cubao until I was about 1-2 years old. We then moved to Fairview and stayed there at Adrian Street until fourth year high school before moving in to our new house at the same subdivision at Bronx St.

2006 was when we left Fairview, and rented a condo in P.Tuazon, Cubao. 2007, we transferred here at Mascardo St, Project 4. ( The Daily Panda’s turf, we call it “Project Forbes” for fun) Although most legal papers and documents point to my domicile being in Subic, Zambales, I have resided in Quezon City in my 28 years of existence.

And now, we are for the first time, moving in to a new city.

I can’t help feeling a little bit sentimental about it. Q.C. is an awesome city. But hey, maybe I’ll write about stuff that I discover in our new city (or province, whatever.)

I would not be able to blog for a while though, until we settle in completely at our new place. Only thing lacking now are a comfy bed, a hot shower, a nice couch and tv, and a fast wifi connection.

Enter, The Dragon (Bruce Lee Rare Footages)

Just a follow-up to the earlier post about The Dragon, Bruce Lee. Here are the videos that I wanted to share. He’s more than just an action star and martial arts legend, these interviews show the more personal side of the man.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Enjoy!

A young, unknown, 24 year old Bruce Lee interviewed to be cast as Kato for the Green Hornet. He shows the clueless Westerner his Kung Fu, explains his Philosophy, and shares some personal tidbits:

Bruce Lee now a Hong Kong superstar interviewed before the release of Enter the Dragon. A more mature, deeper Bruce Lee explains Jeet Kune Do and his thoughts about fighting, racial discrimination, religion and potential.

Bruce Lee, the martial arts instructor, demonstrates Jeet Kune Do at the Long Beach Karate Championships. This is where he was “discovered” by Hollywood.

“It is compassion rather than the principle of justice that can guard us against being unjust to our fellow man.”

- Bruce Lee.

NO to SOPA and PIPA

If you're a fan of Wikipedia, YouTube, WordPress, and free online content, act now.

If you're a fan of Wikipedia, YouTube, WordPress, and free online content, act now.

(Not) Smoking

I was a smoker before I discovered running a year ago.

I started smoking way back in high school. I was in 2nd year and barely 16 years old. It used to be “cool” before. Since I was in an all-boys school, the need to belong was such a temptation. It sort of added to the “frat-boy-rebel” image I was sporting a long time ago. I can’t understand today why did I lit up that first stick.

I remember “quitting” after Mama passed away during the 2nd Sem of my first year in college. I was in a phase where I had enough of  the bands, the black shirts, the piercings, the noise and all. It was also my gym-rat days. Gym and weightlifting was the way to get fit back then. And smoking was definitely not going to help build those muscles.

The nicotine rush finally found it’s way back to my lungs when I was doing my thesis, when I quit law school, and when I landed my first job. I wasn’t much of a smoker as compared to the previous “rebel” years, more of an “occasional smoker” as I preferred to be called.

Looking back, how I wish I quit earlier and quit for good. There’s just so much good things in the body that smoking ruins. Skin gets blotchy, more prone to acne and uneven tones. Lung cells die, making you get tired more quickly than the average person, and worse, brain cells die which could lead to short term memory loss and even long term memory loss. Brain cells cannot be repaired or replenished, once damaged, it’s permanent.

(Not to mention unhealthy hair, yellow teeth, black gums, and bad breath)

Today even the faint hint of smoke irritates me. It’s really a mystery to me now why people smoke, it’s like slowly killing yourself with all those poisonous toxins you inhale. Smokers age three times faster. Smokers die early. Smokers can’t run. And since I’d like to look young, live long and keep running, therefore, I try to keep away even from just second hand smoke.

Smoking is not cool. Smoking kills. It harms not just yourself but those around as well. Friends are always around to help you quit, but it’s solid, self-dedication and iron will that counts.

Let’s all start a clean healthy lifestyle everyone! Exercise, proper diet, complete sleep, plus keeping a positive attitude goes a long way. You’ll never regret it.

Man Couch: a must-have for every dress/shoe store

This should be a law.

All dress/shoe stores, boutiques and outlets should have plenty of couches for the ever-reliable, loyal and supportive shopping companion/assistant/fashion consultant: the bored boyfriend/husband. (plus points if there’s wi-fi) =)

Peace hon!

Posted from Xperia Play – Playstation Phone, Android 2.3.7 using WordPress Mobile

Sophie!

Surprise!

 

New Android Phone Review: SE Xperia Play

Christmas Gift to myself

After many months searching for the perfect Android Phone for me, I finally chose the much hyped, legendary in the making, the so-called “Playstation Phone”, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.

Android Phone goodness

It took me from October 2011 until December to read up, research and study what phone would suit my lifestyle. Various forums (Android Forums, Pinoy Android, XDA Developer), tech review sites (Engadget, Technorati, Pocket-lint, GSM Arena, T3, Ubergizmo, etc.) and YouTube reviews showcase this phone as the ultimate Android device for mobile gaming.

Although most would be turned-off by it’s bulk and weight, the Xperia Play is so far the best multimedia Android gadget in it’s class currently in the market. But wait, the slide out physical controllers is found only in this phone, so it IS a class on it’s own.

Slide out the Playstation Controls, and it's no longer "just another Android phone"

The 2.3.4 official software update adds tons of new features to this awesome phone. When it was first released last May 2011, many scoffed at it, but as of November 2011 onwards, Sony Ericsson’s continued support and firmware updates changed this phone dramatically.

With the many updates and tweaks, it now records 720p video; you can install the Bravia Mobile Engine (to get the same display quality similar to Xperia Arc, almost no visible pixels!); you can deactivate auto-brightness ( turning on the SLCD screen backlight making the display 10% brighter, great outdoors visibility, while Samsung’s Amoled and iPhones struggle in direct sunlight); and the new XLoud option makes the speaker 5% louder, you can install Sony’s Walkman software to turn it into a true music phone (true stereo, two speakers, left and right).

If you know some Android modding and root this phone, you can install a custom kernel and some custom roms (operating system) the phone overclocks nicely from the stock 1.02 Ghz up to 1.8 Ghz! Being the first Playstation Certified phone, the Xperia Play is the only single-core phone with dual-channel custom programmed RAM coupled with it’s Scorpion CPU and Adreno GPU which is slightly tinkered by the Playstation engineers to guarantee a 60 frames per second output on all games.

The major selling point of this device is of course, retro gaming. It is a joy to run emulators so you can play NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, GBA and Playstation 1 games on it flawlessly.

Super Mario on a Sony device? Emulator nerdiness!

Since hardcore gaming is huge a turn-off to some people because of how nerdy and geeky it is, I was a closet gamer for quite some time. But upon owning this phone, I come out announcing that yes, I am a gaming geek. I owned consoles from NES, SNES, Playstation, Playstation 2, Xbox, PSP, and Wii. I lost sleep from staying in front of a modded, custom PC. I am a certified nerd, and proud of it.

And ever since I started modding and hacking the software of my consoles dating back from the first Xbox, my subsequent gadgets, PSP and Wii were all running custom modded software and hardware tweaked. And this Xperia Play would be no exception given how hacker friendly it is.

Rooted, Running V6 Supercharger Script, Launcher EX Pro, no bloatware

Nevermind the thickness and weight, the features are so well worth it, eating the iPhone 4 (although not the 4s) alive if properly setup.

For me, this is the best multimedia phone of 2011. And the gamepad? You would never imagine going back to on-screen touch controls again after using a physical pad on Android games.

With XDA Developers continuously releasing new tweaks and hacks; plus the ever growing Android Market full of fun apps and games, and of course the massive library of yesteryears’ games, waiting for Sarah to shop or killing time would now be filled with hardcore button-mashing. Game on!

Article also published at: http://www.gadgetreport.me/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-review/

Playing With My Camera: Zoom Test @ Manila Bay

 

 

 

photo credit: Sarah

The Dragon: Lee Jun Fan a.k.a. Bruce Lee

The Dragon, martial arts icon

2012 is the year of the dragon.

It would be no surprise that a sudden public interest in martial art’s greatest legend would be revived this year.

I already saw a teaser of a new documentary for National Geographic. I’m also starting to see vintage shirts resurface. Heck even the downloads of his movies and documentaries found in the internet have spiked up.

The high-pitched yell, the sculpted physique, the dazzling speed, the nunchucks, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, the one-inch punch, Kato, the unique fighting philosophy, and the much dramatized “curse”, we are of course talking about Bruce Lee, the Dragon.

The only reason Chuck Norris is still alive is because he's afraid to go to heaven where Bruce Lee can kick his butt all over again

I’m a Bruce Lee fan ever since high school. I watched his movies The Big Boss and Fist of Fury with the a crazy dubbing countless times being replayed after the noon time shows at the local stations. It’s a fact how these films of Lee were slow-motioned to capture his lightning-fast movements compared to similar martial arts films that were fast-forwarded to make the actor’s movements faster.

We could also note that martial arts films from Hong Kong made during that time were based on fancy flying with ropes and fantasy whereas Bruce Lee’s films were often more realistic. And the themes of the movies? Heroic principles like justice, patriotism, loyalty and empowerment.

Bruce Lee revolutionized the martial arts film genre and was years ahead of his time. It was through him that the Western world of the 1960′s got to know Kung Fu.

It was only during college that I got to read his writings and get to know Bruce Lee, the thinker, the philosopher. Our course in Asian philosophy made that possible. After studying Confucius, Lao Tzu and Sun Tzu, Bruce Lee’s contemporary thoughts were refreshing. You could do a YouTube search to watch a black and white interview where he explains his fighting philosophy, as well as how he views art, religion, and film production.

His earlier 1950′s audition can also be seen at YouTube where a very young, unknown Bruce Lee explains “Gung Fu” to a clueless westerner.

To an ordinary, average observer, his thoughts would appear simple and practical. But you have to understand the context and social setting at that time. In the 1960′s to 1970′s, with the U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War, Asians looked bad. The old folks only know Japanese “Karate” from the Second World War; Chinese people were discriminated, thought of as the sick, weak, yellow people. No Asians can star in Hollywood, no Asian was a worldwide icon. While Bruce Lee was eschewing racial definition and viewed himself as a citizen of the earth, he also did not believe in any fighting style (although at first he tried to re-invent it calling it Jeet Kune Do, based on the hand attacks and arm traps of Wing Chun, he combined the stance of French fencing, the footwork of Western boxing and the ground work of Jujitsu) believing that as long as all humans have two hands and two feet, we all fight the same.

His emphasis was knowing how to react, how to think while in a fight, and how to end it quickly. Clearly ahead of his time where everyone was trying to be fancy. The modern day Wing Chun as it is taught nowadays actually incorporated Bruce Lee’s revisions. Simplicity and economy of motion.

It was too bad that his unfinished movie The Game of Death was remade and recut into a silly, stupid film, overly edited to take advantage of his name after his death.

I am lucky enough to have copies of his best documentaries, and the original scenes from The Game of Death, filmed before releasing his Hollywood blockbuster, Enter the Dragon.

His death may still be a mystery to all, but his death also made him legendary.

Thanks to Bruce Lee, the Asians got the respect they deserved in the post-war, hippie America. Martial arts heroes like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chow Yun Fat were all the outcome of Lee’s efforts to bring Chinese martial arts to the mainstream. Mixed Martial Arts or MMA was the result of his study, combination and application of martial arts. The complex fight scenes of Hong Kong cinema, which Hollywood outsources for their choreography flourished because of Bruce Lee.

Try to find the YouTube interview to appreciate the man, not just as an actor or a martial arts practitioner, but as a father and as a man who wanted change and brought change in the way he can. This was a man who trained his body to full potential. The man who can get a coin placed on your open hand and replace it with a different coin just before you close your palm. The man who believed that no religion, race or culture should inhibit a man’s dream and potential to be the best he can be.

To all the dragons out there, this is your year!

Happy Year of the Dragon to all!

Closing 2011

Apologies to all for not posting as often as I used to. I was really busy with the year end shenanigans at work.

I didn’t even got to post my Christmas entry here (which means I have to recycle that article for next year, hehe).

I spent my Christmas at Sarah’s province to meet her whole clan. Big family. Big expectations. I hope I got a good first impression from her titos, titas, cousins and everyone else.

I’m here now with my family at Subic for the New Year festivities. Dinner, walking by the bay, and fireworks are the order of the day.

I guess many would agree that 2011 was a bad year. I mean really. I was comparing it to 2010, even 2009. There were high notes and cool moments, but in general, it sucked.

So, good riddance 2011, bring it on 2012!

I wish I have a proper keyboard to type this, but this is better than nothing. First blog post using my Android phone.

I’ll start posting again soon when things get back to the normal everyday routine. Happy New Year to all!

Posted from Xperia Play – Playstation Phone, Android 2.3.7 using WordPress Mobile

Running Gear Review: ASICS GT-2160

DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that I depend on all these items, gadgets, formulas and stuff when I run. I can run without them. But I do believe that each run should be a quality run. I run because I want to push my limits and be better each time I hit the pavement. I run to excel, I do not jog to go sightseeing. My enjoyment is beating my time, challenging myself. That’s why I take advantage of the studies and new technology that is available, to make each run–the most perfect run it can be. Hence, these REVIEWS–

Runner's World Editors Choice 2011 and Best Shoe in The World 2011 Award

My friends know that I over-pronate when I run. Pronation is the inward rolling of the foot as you lift it from the ground upon impact. This weird gait also helps in achieving fast acceleration. But over-pronators are more susceptible to injury. Stability shoes or motion-control running shoes are built for over-pronators with a rock-solid heel support and ankle cushioning that helps avoid injuries during running. Among the best in these class of running shoes is Asics. Specifically the GT-Series. I will describe the technology and features of this world famous shoe and my personal experience trying them out at the Marikina track.

Asics is famous for the IGS technology

Impact Guidance System (IGS): The Impact Guidance System is a propriety technical design of Asics that makes the heel area rigid, ankles locked yet comfortable. The philosophy is to allow the foot to perform in a more natural manner when running. I found this very effective. My foot was not rolling out of control inward and I was more confident in changing lanes or sprinting from a slow pace without worrying that I might get a sprained ankle.

Who would've thought that the whole inside is high-grade memory foam?

P.H.F (Personal Heel Fit System) : Out of the box, I was a bit concerned that the shoe appeared to be quite slim. I was accustomed to New Balance offering width sizes with their shoes. Loosening the laces and putting the shoe on felt amazing. It hugged my foot securely without being uncomfortably tight, it just molded with the contours of my foot. After removing the shoe, I noticed that it still retained the curves of my foot while expanding. I put the shoe back on and true enough, it still hugs my foot snugly. The ComfortDry sock liner does its job as well. My foot still felt cool after completing a few laps.

See the Gel? Colored black to compliment the design

GEL® Cushioning System: The repetitive impact of running can damage your knees without proper cushioning. The ASICS GEL cushioning system is probably the most famous among all of Asic’s Technology. The propriety GEL-units are engineered in the midsole of the shoe. According to Asics, the GEL-unit contains mix of silicone based porous foam, a silicone GEL and a semi-solid silicone substance encapsulated in polyurethane. This offers a performance level shock absorption.  I was accustomed to New Balance’s ABZORB foam based technology and running for the first time with Gel, as my running friend Apple describes it, it’s like stepping on a marshmallowy-soft substance. The bounce was awesome, no energy is wasted as each stride was so easy. I only stopped running from being out of breath not from any pain.

so light

Solyte™ – Running shoes are always engineered to be light to lessen the energy needed to lift one’s foot. Although I would say that New Balance “mastered” the art of lightness in running shoes, Asics is a very near second place with Solyte. It used to be EVA and SpEVA but this is a new “secret” material from Asics that makes up most of the underside of the shoe. This is a mixture of durability and lightness. The shoe feels really solid and built like a trail shoe but amazingly light. As light as my 778 or felt even lighter.

AHAR® (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) – This is the  tough rubber compound used at the heavy-contact areas of the outer sole.  You can see it noticeably as it appears with a different texture, this is really meant for durability than anything else. Underneath you would also notice the Guidance Line present in all 2011 Asics shoes, this encourages a more efficient gait to give a smoother ride experience. The “bounce” that Jodan and I notice that we runners achieve upon completing a perfect lap? That “bounce” was achieved even before I completed a lap, my foot was almost moving on it’s own without much effort.

Design wise, I love that almost the whole shoe is wrapped in a breathable mesh material. The high abrasive/tension areas like the lacing holes are made with leather. Some areas are accented by suede material and 3M reflectors are also found all over the shoe for night visibility. Every detail is so precisely engineered, no wonder this won Runner’s World’s Editor Choice as Best Shoe of 2011. Since I chose the black/black color option, it is a bit hard to see the intricate details and different materials used on the shoe. The blue/white color accents all the details, you can see it by clicking here.

I almost, almost wished for a Gel-Kayano 17 (motion-control shoe) but upon seeing all the reviews, awards and citations of both professional runners and experts on this shoe, I am glad I chose the GT-2160. The GT-2170 will soon be released, but nonetheless, I will enjoy and have the best run of my life with this baby.

Since I like to focus on my runs, I don't bring cameras while running to take photos. This is the only chance for a photo-op, post-run, sweaty and all =)

Resorts World Manila: Sound Of Music

Some of the perks of my work are the cool office mates. My manager was given a VIP invite to Resorts World’s Sound of Music, and she just gave me the tickets. Wow, talk about lucky. Naturally, I invited Sarah, who was also looking forward to see her favorite musical live on-stage. Who are we to refuse a free offer? Thanks Ms. Aissa Benitez!

It was my first time in Resorts World, although photography is prohibited during the show, we were able to take some shots before the show started. Newport Performing Arts Theater was awesome. Truly a world-class theater. It features the largest LED-screen in Southeast Asia as the stage backdrop. We were first seated at the far left side of the theater, not that bad since the stage was engineered to be seen even at all angles. But before the show started, we were ushered to be seated somewhere in the middle.  The best seat in the theater, not that high in the balcony and not that low in the patron section, we were exactly at the middle of the theater both vertically and horizontally.

We got the show where Cris Villonco plays Maria. Ms. Villonco actually carried the whole show single-handedly, I was waiting for the other actors to step up. Ms. Pinky Amador was in her usual brilliant performance although limited part and lines. We were lucky as well that Atasha Mulach was part of the cast, the audience kept on sighing as she mumbled her lines. Too many lines though for her character.  The play was based mainly on the Broadway act and not from the movie, so fans of the movie might get a little disappointed with the song arrangements. I was amazed at the stage props nonetheless. It’s great to see that we have something of this caliber of a show here in the Philippines. The overall acting may not be that worthy of a standing ovation, the music not that laudable (live Philharmonic Orchestra, but they were hidden) but I applaud the technical aspects of the play like the lighting, set props and the technology used.

Go see it with your family it’s a great pre-holiday feel good treat!

Playing with my Camera: Manila Sunset

Sarah was with her trusty camera behind me, hence this shot. Nice one hon!

 

It was far too long ago since I took some art shots with manual controls. I may have bid my farewell to DSLRs and fancy lenses a long time ago, but seeing a majestic Manila sunset with my bridge camera on hand, I couldn’t resist. Instead of just sighing at the inspiring scene, I figured what the hell and started clicking. One of the selling factors of the SX30IS are the full manual controls. It may not have the big sensors like its big brothers  (it uses CDMA not CMOS as well), but its strength is the full-powered 35x zoom lens.  Nonetheless it is armed with Canon’s Digic IV processor and coupled with my technical nerdiness, I bet I can capture some great images.

I played around with ISOs, EV adjustments, aperture openings, white balances and focus range, although lacking the crispiness innate in cameras with big sensors– I’m proud to say I still have what it takes to capture such. Again quoting my good friend Jodan, “wala sa pana yan, nasa Indian yan”.

All photos are untouched, unedited and unmodified except for the watermark for copyright purposes.  Click the images for the full high-res image. Enjoy =)

 

 

 

Running Gear Review: Sting Energy Drink

DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that I depend on all these items, gadgets, formulas and stuff when I run. I can run without them. But I do believe that each run should be a quality run. I run because I want to push my limits and be better each time I hit the pavement. I run to excel, I do not jog to go sightseeing. My enjoyment is beating my time, challenging myself. That’s why I take advantage of the studies and new technology that is available, to make each run–the most perfect run it can be. Hence, these REVIEWS–

 

I am an energy drink fan. I discovered its benefits when I first hit the gym during my “gym-rat” days in college. I relied on the quick boost it gave me when I first had a night-shift job back in the days. And now, it does the job perfectly when I run.

Of course coffee has its wonders and benefits as well, but when it is just too hot to drink coffee, or I am behind schedule, an energy drink is my weapon of choice. Besides, I prefer to enjoy my coffee and drink it slowly, and usually I rely on coffee if I need to stay up late, rather than drink it for workouts.

Strong brewed coffee with vanilla and Spider-man? Perfect.

 

After trying various energy drinks ranging from Lipovitan, RedBull, Bachus, ExtraJoss, Cobra and the like, I found out that Sting is just about perfect for me. The perfect mix of simple and complex sugars, ginseng, inositol and caffeine. It is definitely a lot safer than Cobra. What I like most about it is the taste. You don’t get that Taurine-based aftertaste you usually get from RedBull and the rest. I particularly love the Berry Blast and the Power Lime.

 

Red- Berry Blast for my speed training days

Green- Power Lime for my endurance training

The great thing about Sting is the fast release of energy. I become really hyped up after one bottle. Even if it was a tiring day or I had little sleep, one bottle (plus “Eye of Tiger” music in my ear), would ensure that I complete my laps. It’s a perk up wonder.

Our bodies are all built different so what may work for me may not work for you, also if you are sensitive to caffeine, you might want to skip on this one, if you haven’t tried any Taurine-based drinks mixed with your workouts, do give it a try. (visit www.stingenergy.com)

On Labeling

 

On my way to work, I saw an SUV with so many stickers. “I brake for Runners” , “I run like a girl” , “Marathon Freak” , ” I heart Running”. In my mind I was, “wow. Really?” And then I saw the plate number. RIO 316.  It’s no other than Coach Rio! Ok, forgiven. Haha!

A few of the things I learned from being in the HR field for so long is character-branding. Or labeling. It’s not always a good thing.

Being labeled by what you did or what you achieved is quite common particularly in public figures. Former President GMA seems to enjoy lying, cheating, and stealing thus she was labeled as such. Robert Pattinson got a career boost by playing a creepy vampire boyfriend and now he has to live with that image for life. As for Coach Rio, he became the poster boy for anything marathon after his humble beginnings and massive success, so he embraced the labeling.

don't tell me you forgot "hello garci", "zte scam", "morong 43", "fertilizer scam" and "maguindanao massacre"

But sometimes there is labeling done intently on one’s self, self-labeling, that to me, is twice as sad as being labeled accidentally.

Fixation on being recognized for something that you are passionate about is lame really. For example, being a Web Developer doesn’t mean all you speak about, all you blog about and all you tweet about is web development. Liking or being passionate in something doesn’t mean that it should define you. Part of the reason I try to show my “other” interests to the public eye,  is to avoid labeling.  As someone with a celebrity complex, I know that my fans would be bored if they only see me doing just one thing (I am being sarcastic ok?)

Sure everyone has to have a specialty or an expertise. I am guilty in being a Jack-of-all-traits Master-of-none, and saying that is really humbling (crushing my ego, really, ouch). But an expertise or a specialty should not define who you are. As such claiming that you are who you claim to be, and declaring that others are not is equally repulsive. (Getting philosophical now, so I’ll stop)

To wrap it up, a label limits everyone’s perspective on what you do and what you can achieve. Therefore a label sort of limits you.