Scala and the Kolacny Brothers
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
You're Mother Night!
by Kurt Vonnegut
Nobody knows what to believe about you, and you know least of all. You
spent most of your time convinced that the ends justify the means, but your means were,
well, downright mean! And the end is nigh. Meanwhile all you want is to travel back in
time, if not to change, then to just delight in the way it used to be. You are who you
pretend to be. Oh yes, you're the great pretender.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Buzz
Did you ever had a moment wherein your mind was buzzing with ideas and when it's time to finally lay it out your mind goes blank?
Man, I am so in this funk.
Every frakking day an idea pops into my head and when I finally move my fat ass to write it down it just goes away.
Not much of a problem really if you think about it.
I mean just buy a frakking recorder or something.
But somehow the ideas just stay in mired in that gray gunk.
It makes me wonder if I should just stay smashed bordering on lucidity for me to be effective.
Did you ever had a moment wherein your mind was buzzing with ideas and when it's time to finally lay it out your mind goes blank?
Man, I am so in this funk.
Every frakking day an idea pops into my head and when I finally move my fat ass to write it down it just goes away.
Not much of a problem really if you think about it.
I mean just buy a frakking recorder or something.
But somehow the ideas just stay in mired in that gray gunk.
It makes me wonder if I should just stay smashed bordering on lucidity for me to be effective.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Nerdvana
DnD Tactics for the PSP just came out and I can't wait to play it on my system.
Reserved a copy at GameStop and just picked it up a few minutes ago.
According to the message blogs at GameFaqs, it is based on the 3.5 system and stays true to the core rules with a few changes here and there.
And nope its not based on any of the known realms (Forgotten, Dragonlance, Eberron).
I think there is also an option for online play.
Wouldn't it be great if this was true. Would bring back the good ole days . . .
*** WTF just finished with my gym session and apparently just burned a little over 150 calories.
DnD Tactics for the PSP just came out and I can't wait to play it on my system.
Reserved a copy at GameStop and just picked it up a few minutes ago.
According to the message blogs at GameFaqs, it is based on the 3.5 system and stays true to the core rules with a few changes here and there.
And nope its not based on any of the known realms (Forgotten, Dragonlance, Eberron).
I think there is also an option for online play.
Wouldn't it be great if this was true. Would bring back the good ole days . . .
*** WTF just finished with my gym session and apparently just burned a little over 150 calories.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Roots
Just browsed thru friendster and looked up some of my old friends in the industry and it just brings back memories of the good ole days.
Ever since graduating from college all I wanted to be was a damn good photojournalist. But look at where I am now. Sure I am still in the media industry but I am more and more mired in admin stuff. Stuff which I vowed way back never would be involved in.
Its not as if I am regretting the turn of events. I mean what I am doing right now is pretty much mondo stuff. Laying down the groundwork for a brand new bureau, going head to head with some of the stiffest competition our publication has ever faced, setting up distribution points and managing a team of AE's, correspondents, and delivery personnel. I have no doubt that our team will succeed in the East Coast. But still ...
There is still an itch to really just go out and cover the news as it happens. I am not talking about the usual press conference and pr stuff but full blown hardcore news stuff. Stuff that will make it to the history books.
I miss covering protest marches, natural disasters, human tragedy. I miss running and jostling for position with my fellow photogs. I miss standing in the blistering sun, eyes constantly roaming, fingers twitching, emotions constantly on edge. I miss the adrenaline rush and the seemingly nothingness of waiting for something to break.
Earlier on I have foregone my DSLR for a camcorder, thinking it would be more fun and challenging. It was for a time. I loved the switch from stills to motion. I loved the exactness of the editing bay and the tediousness of cramming a story in a minute thirty. I loved the various cables and battery packs wieghing down my harness as well as the pair of wireless mikes that I always have on hand. i loved watching my footage shown on Channel 18 and in some occasions GMA 7 in Manila. Now we are affiliated with Balitang America of ABS-CBN and would be shooting some footage and possible on-cam work for the network.
But I digress. The point is, though I love what I am doing right now (running the NYNJ bureau) nothing can replace the thrill of covering the news be it for publication or broadcast. In fact I tried to lobby for an Iraq posting and even filled out an application for embedded journalists from the US DOD. Even going so far as thinking of spending for my airfare and all the protective gear required by the DOD. For there is no greater dream of mine than to be a war correspondent.
Futile dreams and gestures perhaps but still I tried.
It still tingles in my veins. The urge, the thrill. Nothingness and an adrenaline rush.
Just browsed thru friendster and looked up some of my old friends in the industry and it just brings back memories of the good ole days.
Ever since graduating from college all I wanted to be was a damn good photojournalist. But look at where I am now. Sure I am still in the media industry but I am more and more mired in admin stuff. Stuff which I vowed way back never would be involved in.
Its not as if I am regretting the turn of events. I mean what I am doing right now is pretty much mondo stuff. Laying down the groundwork for a brand new bureau, going head to head with some of the stiffest competition our publication has ever faced, setting up distribution points and managing a team of AE's, correspondents, and delivery personnel. I have no doubt that our team will succeed in the East Coast. But still ...
There is still an itch to really just go out and cover the news as it happens. I am not talking about the usual press conference and pr stuff but full blown hardcore news stuff. Stuff that will make it to the history books.
I miss covering protest marches, natural disasters, human tragedy. I miss running and jostling for position with my fellow photogs. I miss standing in the blistering sun, eyes constantly roaming, fingers twitching, emotions constantly on edge. I miss the adrenaline rush and the seemingly nothingness of waiting for something to break.
Earlier on I have foregone my DSLR for a camcorder, thinking it would be more fun and challenging. It was for a time. I loved the switch from stills to motion. I loved the exactness of the editing bay and the tediousness of cramming a story in a minute thirty. I loved the various cables and battery packs wieghing down my harness as well as the pair of wireless mikes that I always have on hand. i loved watching my footage shown on Channel 18 and in some occasions GMA 7 in Manila. Now we are affiliated with Balitang America of ABS-CBN and would be shooting some footage and possible on-cam work for the network.
But I digress. The point is, though I love what I am doing right now (running the NYNJ bureau) nothing can replace the thrill of covering the news be it for publication or broadcast. In fact I tried to lobby for an Iraq posting and even filled out an application for embedded journalists from the US DOD. Even going so far as thinking of spending for my airfare and all the protective gear required by the DOD. For there is no greater dream of mine than to be a war correspondent.
Futile dreams and gestures perhaps but still I tried.
It still tingles in my veins. The urge, the thrill. Nothingness and an adrenaline rush.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Roadtrip USA
After a long and gruelling 3,000 mile drive I have finally arrived at my new post in New Jersey.
I have been reassigned to our New York/New Jersey bureau to oversee the setup of the newest addition to the Asian Journal Publications family.
The trip took about four days and passed through the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and finally ending at the city of Edgewater in New Jersey.
I drove the company provided 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan (which I fondly call Homer) for an average of 10 hours per day, racking up at least 700 miles before my buddy Luky (Indonesian driver of Asian Journal) took over usually in the evening or when I felt that my body was crashing with fatigue.
The van was pretty much loaded with 3 people barely able to fit in with the rest of the space filled with luggage and boxes full of computers and office supplies.
Good thing that we were very lucky during the roadtrip since I have a bad tendency to stomp on the accelerator on the usually empty freeways, reaching as fast as 110mph (150kph-160 I think). But usually I tried to stay 10 miles of the stated speed limit which was about 65-75 depending on which state your are driving in. We were advised that state troopers were kinda strict in the heartland but I only had two or three close calls with the smokeys.
Thanks to the Magellan roadmate 2000 GPS and to AAA TripTix we didn't get lost and managed to find superb room rates along the way.
The drive itself was exhilirating and the view quite fantastic specially when driving thru the high deserts of Utah and the mountain passes of Colorado. After that the view was kinda tedious passing thru the heartland of America. I mean it was corn or wheatfields as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately I was too caught up with driving that I barely appreciated the scenery. Thus the virtual dearth of pictures which I would normally have plenty of if I did not drive.
Given the chance I would do the trip again and if permitted I think I could solo from LA to NJ to get one of our delivery vans.
After a long and gruelling 3,000 mile drive I have finally arrived at my new post in New Jersey.
I have been reassigned to our New York/New Jersey bureau to oversee the setup of the newest addition to the Asian Journal Publications family.
The trip took about four days and passed through the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and finally ending at the city of Edgewater in New Jersey.
I drove the company provided 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan (which I fondly call Homer) for an average of 10 hours per day, racking up at least 700 miles before my buddy Luky (Indonesian driver of Asian Journal) took over usually in the evening or when I felt that my body was crashing with fatigue.
The van was pretty much loaded with 3 people barely able to fit in with the rest of the space filled with luggage and boxes full of computers and office supplies.
Good thing that we were very lucky during the roadtrip since I have a bad tendency to stomp on the accelerator on the usually empty freeways, reaching as fast as 110mph (150kph-160 I think). But usually I tried to stay 10 miles of the stated speed limit which was about 65-75 depending on which state your are driving in. We were advised that state troopers were kinda strict in the heartland but I only had two or three close calls with the smokeys.
Thanks to the Magellan roadmate 2000 GPS and to AAA TripTix we didn't get lost and managed to find superb room rates along the way.
The drive itself was exhilirating and the view quite fantastic specially when driving thru the high deserts of Utah and the mountain passes of Colorado. After that the view was kinda tedious passing thru the heartland of America. I mean it was corn or wheatfields as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately I was too caught up with driving that I barely appreciated the scenery. Thus the virtual dearth of pictures which I would normally have plenty of if I did not drive.
Given the chance I would do the trip again and if permitted I think I could solo from LA to NJ to get one of our delivery vans.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Star Wars Three Decades After
By Miko Santos/Asianjournal.com
LOS ANGELES – “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . .” Thus opened thirty years ago on May 25, 1977 in what would be one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, “Star Wars”
Little did “Star War” creator George Lucas know that the movie franchise would spawn a huge fanbase bordering on cult status and a multi-billion dollar merchandising phenomenon.
“Star Wars” quickly became a monster hit, and Lucas released two enormously successful sequels: "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and "Return of the Jedi" in 1983.
After a 16-year break he produced and released three "prequels": "The Phantom Menace" in 1999, "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, and "Revenge of the Sith" in 2005, all recounting the story leading up to the original movies.
The movies broke new ground in film special effects, but are best known for being the first to rake in a fortune in movie-related merchandise products.
"Star Wars" spawned a cottage industry of spin-off television series, books, comics, video games, toys and other merchandise. Forbes magazine estimated in 2005 the franchise has generated as much as 20 billion dollars in revenues over the past three decades.
Fast forward to 2007 in Los Angeles Convention Center to be exact, as thousands of fans worldwide converged in Downtown Los Angeles last May 24-28, 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars”.
White-armored Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith lords, bounty hunters and twin-bun Princess Leias, prowled the convention halls along with die-hard Star Wars fanboys and fangirls to watch all six films, scour the latest merchandise, learn belly dancing lessons, and to play out their movie fantasies.
“The Force is strong in this one …”
Joining the celebration this year were nine Pinoy fans from the 501st Philippine Outpost who also participated in the Rose Bowl Parade early this year dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and Biker Scouts.
Proudly displaying a stylized 501st Legion patch with the colors of the Philippine Flag, the troopers gamely posed for a barrage of photos before lining up for the Legion’s group photo.
“We started out as a group that enjoys costuming and later found out that there was a much bigger organization and decided why not join them and create our own outpost,” said Manny Mendoza, CO of the 501st Philippine Outpost.
The 501st Legion is an international fan-based organization created by Albin Johnson in 1997 to promote and celebrate the Star Wars mythology thru highly detailed costumes based primarily on the “bad guys” of the Star Wars universe.
Oneal Rosero, XO of the 501st Philippine Outpost, got hooked early on Star Wars and was costuming as a Jedi Knight before joining the “dark side.” He likens it to role-playing as an action figure. “The costumes are much more dramatic and it reminds you of an action figure, I mean how cool is it to dress up as one,” said Rosero.
The costumes that they are wearing are often hand-made and can cost anywhere from $700 for an Imperial Stormtrooper to about $4,000 for a full Darth Vader outfit according to Dr. Ron Rosero.
Regina Layug, the only female member of the Philippine Outpost and a participant of the Rose Bowl Parade, said although the costumes cost a lot it pays off in the end. “It was a great experience meeting George Lucas during the Rose Bowl and the friends we have gained thru the Legion.”
“These are not the droids you are looking for…”
Among the 501st Philippine Outpost’s members are former Identity Crisis band member Buddy Arceo and Spongecola drummer Chris Cantada.
Arceo remembers watching the movie at Harrison Plaza and seeing some moviegoers in cardboard costumes. “It got me hooked.” said Arceo.
For Cantada, the “Star Wars” phenomenon is a great equalizer. “Geeks, jocks, old, and young all think Star Wars is cool,” said Cantada
“Star Wars was the only movie I chose to remember,” said Dr. Rosero reminiscing on the first time he saw the movie.
Three decades has passed and the “Star Wars” franchise has no signs of slowing down. From graphic novels, books, video games, and a soon to be released TV series in 2008, the “Star Wars” phenomenon continues to thrill fans and bring them to a galaxy far, far away. (AJ)
By Miko Santos/Asianjournal.com
LOS ANGELES – “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . .” Thus opened thirty years ago on May 25, 1977 in what would be one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, “Star Wars”
Little did “Star War” creator George Lucas know that the movie franchise would spawn a huge fanbase bordering on cult status and a multi-billion dollar merchandising phenomenon.
“Star Wars” quickly became a monster hit, and Lucas released two enormously successful sequels: "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and "Return of the Jedi" in 1983.
After a 16-year break he produced and released three "prequels": "The Phantom Menace" in 1999, "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, and "Revenge of the Sith" in 2005, all recounting the story leading up to the original movies.
The movies broke new ground in film special effects, but are best known for being the first to rake in a fortune in movie-related merchandise products.
"Star Wars" spawned a cottage industry of spin-off television series, books, comics, video games, toys and other merchandise. Forbes magazine estimated in 2005 the franchise has generated as much as 20 billion dollars in revenues over the past three decades.
Fast forward to 2007 in Los Angeles Convention Center to be exact, as thousands of fans worldwide converged in Downtown Los Angeles last May 24-28, 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars”.
White-armored Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith lords, bounty hunters and twin-bun Princess Leias, prowled the convention halls along with die-hard Star Wars fanboys and fangirls to watch all six films, scour the latest merchandise, learn belly dancing lessons, and to play out their movie fantasies.
“The Force is strong in this one …”
Joining the celebration this year were nine Pinoy fans from the 501st Philippine Outpost who also participated in the Rose Bowl Parade early this year dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and Biker Scouts.
Proudly displaying a stylized 501st Legion patch with the colors of the Philippine Flag, the troopers gamely posed for a barrage of photos before lining up for the Legion’s group photo.
“We started out as a group that enjoys costuming and later found out that there was a much bigger organization and decided why not join them and create our own outpost,” said Manny Mendoza, CO of the 501st Philippine Outpost.
The 501st Legion is an international fan-based organization created by Albin Johnson in 1997 to promote and celebrate the Star Wars mythology thru highly detailed costumes based primarily on the “bad guys” of the Star Wars universe.
Oneal Rosero, XO of the 501st Philippine Outpost, got hooked early on Star Wars and was costuming as a Jedi Knight before joining the “dark side.” He likens it to role-playing as an action figure. “The costumes are much more dramatic and it reminds you of an action figure, I mean how cool is it to dress up as one,” said Rosero.
The costumes that they are wearing are often hand-made and can cost anywhere from $700 for an Imperial Stormtrooper to about $4,000 for a full Darth Vader outfit according to Dr. Ron Rosero.
Regina Layug, the only female member of the Philippine Outpost and a participant of the Rose Bowl Parade, said although the costumes cost a lot it pays off in the end. “It was a great experience meeting George Lucas during the Rose Bowl and the friends we have gained thru the Legion.”
“These are not the droids you are looking for…”
Among the 501st Philippine Outpost’s members are former Identity Crisis band member Buddy Arceo and Spongecola drummer Chris Cantada.
Arceo remembers watching the movie at Harrison Plaza and seeing some moviegoers in cardboard costumes. “It got me hooked.” said Arceo.
For Cantada, the “Star Wars” phenomenon is a great equalizer. “Geeks, jocks, old, and young all think Star Wars is cool,” said Cantada
“Star Wars was the only movie I chose to remember,” said Dr. Rosero reminiscing on the first time he saw the movie.
Three decades has passed and the “Star Wars” franchise has no signs of slowing down. From graphic novels, books, video games, and a soon to be released TV series in 2008, the “Star Wars” phenomenon continues to thrill fans and bring them to a galaxy far, far away. (AJ)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Moving...again
I guess its kinda official. I am going to be reassigned to New York City by mid-July.
It is a barely a year that I got transferred from the Manila office to our HQ in Los Angeles and now here I am moving again to NYC to set-up our office there.
Good move though, I think ...
Hate the city though, would rather prefer to be transferred to Seattle, Washington or Hawaii but I guess that would be in the future.
***sigh***
Ching's B-day is coming up soon and was really planning to go home and surprise her but apparently I cannot, just yet, go back to RP. All papers are ok, so are the finances, its just complicated and I have to sacrifice a bit.
***sigh***
Well, NYC here I come.
I guess its kinda official. I am going to be reassigned to New York City by mid-July.
It is a barely a year that I got transferred from the Manila office to our HQ in Los Angeles and now here I am moving again to NYC to set-up our office there.
Good move though, I think ...
Hate the city though, would rather prefer to be transferred to Seattle, Washington or Hawaii but I guess that would be in the future.
***sigh***
Ching's B-day is coming up soon and was really planning to go home and surprise her but apparently I cannot, just yet, go back to RP. All papers are ok, so are the finances, its just complicated and I have to sacrifice a bit.
***sigh***
Well, NYC here I come.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
There is a God.
Got this in my email and I can now officially cover the upcoming Star Wars Celebration here in LA.
Thank you for attending and covering Star Wars Celebration IV at the LACC. The earliest you will be able to pick up your media credentials is Thursday, May 24th, at 11:00am, and the pressroom will open at this time. Please visit the VIP check-in kiosk located in South Lobby and you will be escorted to the pressroom where your badge will be available. Press kits will be available within the pressroom. The pressroom is located in the South Hall in Room #308A.
The Exhibit Hall opens on Thursday May 24th at 12pm and closes at 8pm. From Friday, May 24th - Sunday May 27th, the Exhibit Hall will be open from 10am through 7pm. On Monday, May 28th, the Exhibit Hall will be open from 10am through 4pm.
The pressrooms hours are:
Thursday, May 24th, 11am-8pm
Friday, May 25th, 9am-7pm
Saturday, May 26th, 9am-7pm
Sunday, May 27th, 9am-7pm
Monday, May 28th, 9am-3pm
A schedule of media worthy events on the floor and in the press conference room will be available each day in the pressroom. These will include press conferences, media only Q & A sessions, photo-ops, exhibitor activities and events on the many stages throughout the LA Convention Center. We cannot guarantee any one-on-one opportunities with the celebrities as their schedules and availability are being determined by their representatives and the company coordinating the autograph sessions.
We look forward to meeting you at Celebration.
Got this in my email and I can now officially cover the upcoming Star Wars Celebration here in LA.
Thank you for attending and covering Star Wars Celebration IV at the LACC. The earliest you will be able to pick up your media credentials is Thursday, May 24th, at 11:00am, and the pressroom will open at this time. Please visit the VIP check-in kiosk located in South Lobby and you will be escorted to the pressroom where your badge will be available. Press kits will be available within the pressroom. The pressroom is located in the South Hall in Room #308A.
The Exhibit Hall opens on Thursday May 24th at 12pm and closes at 8pm. From Friday, May 24th - Sunday May 27th, the Exhibit Hall will be open from 10am through 7pm. On Monday, May 28th, the Exhibit Hall will be open from 10am through 4pm.
The pressrooms hours are:
Thursday, May 24th, 11am-8pm
Friday, May 25th, 9am-7pm
Saturday, May 26th, 9am-7pm
Sunday, May 27th, 9am-7pm
Monday, May 28th, 9am-3pm
A schedule of media worthy events on the floor and in the press conference room will be available each day in the pressroom. These will include press conferences, media only Q & A sessions, photo-ops, exhibitor activities and events on the many stages throughout the LA Convention Center. We cannot guarantee any one-on-one opportunities with the celebrities as their schedules and availability are being determined by their representatives and the company coordinating the autograph sessions.
We look forward to meeting you at Celebration.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
"Hijo De La Luna" -- "Son of the Moon"
Hijo de la Luna was the theme song for Gypsymoon and little did I know that the original version of the song was sung in Spanish by the Latin band "Mecano." Sung by Ana Torroja it was miles better than the better known Sarah Brightman version.
Here is the French version sung by Ana in 1991
.... and here is the original Spanish version
Hijo de la Luna was the theme song for Gypsymoon and little did I know that the original version of the song was sung in Spanish by the Latin band "Mecano." Sung by Ana Torroja it was miles better than the better known Sarah Brightman version.
Here is the French version sung by Ana in 1991
.... and here is the original Spanish version
Sunday, March 25, 2007
| Star Wars Horoscope for Scorpio |
 You are a powerful character. You tend to be possessive and lusty - which explains your greedy nature. You feel threatened when people try to order you around or control you. You are prone to suspicion and jealousy - but your resilience and passion get you what you want. Star wars character you are most like: Han Solo |
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
LA Bike Tour -- Men in Tights
"You're crazy," said my friend Jim when I announced that I will be joining the Los Angeles Acura Bike Tour. In retrospect probably I was but I was not alone in my madness.
As it was, on a chilly Sunday morning, more than 16,000 like-minded cyclists gathered infront of the Los Angeles Sports Coliseum to participate in the 13th Acura LA Bike Tour. A 23 mile bike ride that will take the riders in a circuitous route of Downtown LA along the path of the 22nd LA Marathon.
Way back in the Philippines, I was an avid cyclist logging in more than 30 kilometers every day and to my mind 23 miles does not seem that much. I even joined a cause-oriented group which biked from Manila to Cebu in three weeks to raise funds for children afflicted with the big-C.
But then again that was seven years ago when I was at the peak of physical condition. Fast forward to 2007. Now I have a beer belly and I have not been on a bike for quite some time.
So there I was at 4:30am with my mountain bike, camelback, spandex padded cycling tights, coolmax jersey, helmet, gloves and a lightweight jacket lining along with other cyclists waiting for the start of the bike tour. The official start of the tour was pegged at 5:50am but I wanted to be at the front of the pack since I know the dangers of being in the middle of a large group of mixed skill riders.
And a mixed group of riders it was that joined this year's tour. There were the Lance Armstrong wannabes in their colorful team uniform and lighweight road bikes, rugged mountain bikers and burly downhill fanatics with their dual suspension or hardtail bikes, and there were the casual cyclists in a mishmash of bikes ranging from tandem bikes to recumbents and even some with baby buggies.
Needless to say it was the greatest concentration of spandex clad people that I have ever seen.
Most of the riders, including me, were itching to start the tour since we were freezing in our next to nothing cycling wear. So after the long winded speeches and the ceremonial blah-blah, the fireworks went off signaling the start of the bike tour.
It was a pretty orderly start and the road rules were that you should be able to maintain a minimum speed of 9 miles per hour else you have to drop out of the course. In the physical state that I was in, I opted to do just that and coast along enjoying what LA has to offer. This was not a race after all but a chance to cruise Downtown LA's normally busy streets on a bike.
It was therefore no surprise when I systematically began to hear "on your left" or "stay your line", as we cyclists say to each other when we need to overtake, from the road cyclists and fitter riders. But to hear it from a girl on a store bought Barbie bike really riled me. Here I was in my fancy-schmansy custom built mountain bike being passed by an eight -year old girl. The nerve.
In my mind, there was really no doubt that I could finish the tour, but after a measly five miles, I began to doubt myself. I needed to push my speed up to 15 mph and I know I might bonk out from the exertion but I just can't bear the thought of coming in last and being passed by children.
Normally in pack riding you would need to latch on to a strong cyclist and let him cut air resistance while drafting behind a few inches from his rear wheel. I know at this time that I have to drop my normally anti-social demeanor and join a group but I can't seem to catch up to one. So I ended up jumping from rider to rider concentrating on their butts to catch a good draft, therefore missing the chance to see the beauty of LA's streets.
In fairness it was a scenic route especially when we crossed the 6th street bridge offering you a good view of the LA skyline. Fortunately it was downhill at this stage, freeing me from my frantic wheezing to enjoy the sight.
The bike route was fairly flat except when we hit Figueroa and 6th street where there was a steep climb. It was probably mile 12 on the route and by this time I was fairly gasping and my butt was pretty sore. I tried to climb that steep hill but I know that would be the end of me, so I ended up walking up the hill. I was not alone, so it kinda soothed my wounded pride.
By this time the streets were being filled with the early-bird spectators and performers for the LA Marathon. It was uplifting to hear them scream and cheer you on. Quite a break from "hey fatso move your butt."
Glancing on my bike computer I knew it was just a few miles to the finish line and when we reached the corner of Normandie and Exposition Blvd. I stopped hyperventilating.
In the end victory was mine as I crossed the finish line and received my finisher's medal after two hours of cycling. So thanks to you little girl in the Barbie bike that pushed me on to never quit.
Would I do this again? Probably but I would rather run and take my chance in next year's marathon.
"You're crazy," said my friend Jim when I announced that I will be joining the Los Angeles Acura Bike Tour. In retrospect probably I was but I was not alone in my madness.
As it was, on a chilly Sunday morning, more than 16,000 like-minded cyclists gathered infront of the Los Angeles Sports Coliseum to participate in the 13th Acura LA Bike Tour. A 23 mile bike ride that will take the riders in a circuitous route of Downtown LA along the path of the 22nd LA Marathon.
Way back in the Philippines, I was an avid cyclist logging in more than 30 kilometers every day and to my mind 23 miles does not seem that much. I even joined a cause-oriented group which biked from Manila to Cebu in three weeks to raise funds for children afflicted with the big-C.
But then again that was seven years ago when I was at the peak of physical condition. Fast forward to 2007. Now I have a beer belly and I have not been on a bike for quite some time.
So there I was at 4:30am with my mountain bike, camelback, spandex padded cycling tights, coolmax jersey, helmet, gloves and a lightweight jacket lining along with other cyclists waiting for the start of the bike tour. The official start of the tour was pegged at 5:50am but I wanted to be at the front of the pack since I know the dangers of being in the middle of a large group of mixed skill riders.
And a mixed group of riders it was that joined this year's tour. There were the Lance Armstrong wannabes in their colorful team uniform and lighweight road bikes, rugged mountain bikers and burly downhill fanatics with their dual suspension or hardtail bikes, and there were the casual cyclists in a mishmash of bikes ranging from tandem bikes to recumbents and even some with baby buggies.
Needless to say it was the greatest concentration of spandex clad people that I have ever seen.
Most of the riders, including me, were itching to start the tour since we were freezing in our next to nothing cycling wear. So after the long winded speeches and the ceremonial blah-blah, the fireworks went off signaling the start of the bike tour.
It was a pretty orderly start and the road rules were that you should be able to maintain a minimum speed of 9 miles per hour else you have to drop out of the course. In the physical state that I was in, I opted to do just that and coast along enjoying what LA has to offer. This was not a race after all but a chance to cruise Downtown LA's normally busy streets on a bike.
It was therefore no surprise when I systematically began to hear "on your left" or "stay your line", as we cyclists say to each other when we need to overtake, from the road cyclists and fitter riders. But to hear it from a girl on a store bought Barbie bike really riled me. Here I was in my fancy-schmansy custom built mountain bike being passed by an eight -year old girl. The nerve.
In my mind, there was really no doubt that I could finish the tour, but after a measly five miles, I began to doubt myself. I needed to push my speed up to 15 mph and I know I might bonk out from the exertion but I just can't bear the thought of coming in last and being passed by children.
Normally in pack riding you would need to latch on to a strong cyclist and let him cut air resistance while drafting behind a few inches from his rear wheel. I know at this time that I have to drop my normally anti-social demeanor and join a group but I can't seem to catch up to one. So I ended up jumping from rider to rider concentrating on their butts to catch a good draft, therefore missing the chance to see the beauty of LA's streets.
In fairness it was a scenic route especially when we crossed the 6th street bridge offering you a good view of the LA skyline. Fortunately it was downhill at this stage, freeing me from my frantic wheezing to enjoy the sight.
The bike route was fairly flat except when we hit Figueroa and 6th street where there was a steep climb. It was probably mile 12 on the route and by this time I was fairly gasping and my butt was pretty sore. I tried to climb that steep hill but I know that would be the end of me, so I ended up walking up the hill. I was not alone, so it kinda soothed my wounded pride.
By this time the streets were being filled with the early-bird spectators and performers for the LA Marathon. It was uplifting to hear them scream and cheer you on. Quite a break from "hey fatso move your butt."
Glancing on my bike computer I knew it was just a few miles to the finish line and when we reached the corner of Normandie and Exposition Blvd. I stopped hyperventilating.
In the end victory was mine as I crossed the finish line and received my finisher's medal after two hours of cycling. So thanks to you little girl in the Barbie bike that pushed me on to never quit.
Would I do this again? Probably but I would rather run and take my chance in next year's marathon.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
LA River Bike Path
One thing about LA is the diversity of its places. I mean who would have thought that a place like this can be seen within the city limits.
The LA river though cemented is teeming with wildlife. Along the 10+mile exclusive bike path are burbling waterways filled with ducks, herons, and some other bird species I can't identify.
The path is cemented and is an easy trek for all agess and a great starter trail for roadies and mountain bikers as well. Though there are portions wherein the roots of the trees lining the path have broken through the concrete the path remains relatively smooth with a couple of rest stops strategically emplaced for you to enjoy the view and catch your breath.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
| Advanced Global Personality Test Results
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personality tests by similarminds.com
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Me, Myself, and I
The funy thing about Valentine's Day is that you don't notice it till you you have to suffer thru it alone.
I was not the kind of person who gives a frak's ass about this oh so "special" day. In fact it is just another day for me albeit fraught with an unbelievable amount of traffic and the often not so subtle hints from your love one.
Usually no special plans were made, no flowers, no reservations in a fancy restaurant.
Until one day, you are suddenly alone and then you long to make that call to a romantic hole in the wall restaurant, go online and choose that perfect gift, dream about the spark, the magical moment when your hearts and mind intertwine.
I guess the old adage remains true, you never know the value of something/someone till they are gone. . .
The funy thing about Valentine's Day is that you don't notice it till you you have to suffer thru it alone.
I was not the kind of person who gives a frak's ass about this oh so "special" day. In fact it is just another day for me albeit fraught with an unbelievable amount of traffic and the often not so subtle hints from your love one.
Usually no special plans were made, no flowers, no reservations in a fancy restaurant.
Until one day, you are suddenly alone and then you long to make that call to a romantic hole in the wall restaurant, go online and choose that perfect gift, dream about the spark, the magical moment when your hearts and mind intertwine.
I guess the old adage remains true, you never know the value of something/someone till they are gone. . .
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
You Are Cookie Monster |
 Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!" |
| You Are a Chimera |
 You are very outgoing and well connected to many people. Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others. You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others. You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions. |
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Back in the Saddle
I still remember my bike I left in Manila. It was a 1999 GT Zaskar decked in full xt gear with a manitou fork and shimano 747 clipless pedals.
I really loved that bike and when I was handling the Petron gas station in Bulacan I managed to squeeze in 30kms or about two hours of biking in rough farm roads everyday.
The bike was my constant companion during the 2000 Bike for Life wherein a group of us raised funds and awareness of cancer by biking from Manila to Cebu.
Pity I can't bring it here to the US.
Recently I bought a replacement for my Zaskar, a measly Avalanche 2.0 decked in a mish mash of parts but with a terrific Marzochi Comp fork and Tektra Aquila mechanical disk brakes.
It's not as light as my Zaskar which probably weighed in at around 26 or 28lbs. This is probably around 30 or 32lbs.
I bought it in Santa Monica and as a test I biked from Santa Monica to Downtown, roughly the same distance I biked before. But, and a big but at that, I was so woefully out of shape and not even in the proper gear. Add the fact that it was also raining last Saturday and it truly was an interesting ride.
Long story short, my legs and specially my ass still hurts from sitting for 2+ hours on that damned bike. But what the hey, it was a glorius sort of pain borne about by exertion and sweat. A pain that I pretty much missed.
Its good to be back in the saddle again.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Greetings from Chub-chub Land
It seems that it was a long time ago since I last saw my toes.
Like hello tum-tums.
When i left Manila I was a burly 150lbs. After a couple of months in the land of milk and honey I have balloned to 165lbs. I now have prominent man-boobs but luckily i still retained my basketball sized ass-cheeks.
* sigh *
I miss my bikes . . .
It seems that it was a long time ago since I last saw my toes.
Like hello tum-tums.
When i left Manila I was a burly 150lbs. After a couple of months in the land of milk and honey I have balloned to 165lbs. I now have prominent man-boobs but luckily i still retained my basketball sized ass-cheeks.
* sigh *
I miss my bikes . . .
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