Looks like Blogger has a bit of a glitch. All three of my posts on the Ateneo-Adamson game were posted, but I can't delete them because they don't show up on my bloglists. Argh.
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oh. okay. Everything's fixed now.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Eagles Win Again (3rd Try)
(I'm reposting this entry because it didn't get posted the first time I tried.)
Today's opponent for the Blue Eagles were their fellow raptors, the Adamson Falcons. What I like about the current team is that they really pulled together after losing Larry Fonacier. Except for the big blip against La Salle, which they could've won if they hadn't fallen so far behind, the team has performed marvellously. On the other hand, Adamson has struggled since losing their point guard, Ramil Tagupa, for the season due to a similar knee injury that took out Fonacier. After a stellar start, the Falcons have slipped and skidded to a 4-6 record.
The game against Adamson was very different from the La Salle debacle. The Eagles came out shooting, and Adamson, while fighting hard for the first two quarters, suffered from the lack of production from all but three of their players. My favorite players, Intal, Membrere, and Tenorio, all pitched in to bury the Falcons, and even players like Bugia, Arao, Kramer and del Rosario (more on him later) contributed to give Ateneo a balanced attack. Even if the Falcons managed to contain key Ateneo players, it seemed like there was always someone open to shoot.
All this resulted in an 83-63 win for Ateneo, their 9th in 11 games. The next game will be against the new giant killers, the UP Fighting Maroons, who had upset the FEU Tamaraws the day before. Will Ateneo be their next victim? We'll find out on Thursday.
Musings:
- Okay, I'm not too ticked at del Rosario anymore. I can see the passion that others have told me about, and I can see that he's really just inconsistent at this point. Hopefully, as he matures, he'll be more dangerous a player.
- I wasn't too pleased with the lackluster play of Adamson in the closing minutes; it looked like they lost all will to go down fighting. Turnovers were rife, and passing was simply sloppy.
- It looks like the main scorer role in Fonacier's absence has fallen upon JC Intal's lanky shoulders, and he has risen to the occasion more than once.
Today's opponent for the Blue Eagles were their fellow raptors, the Adamson Falcons. What I like about the current team is that they really pulled together after losing Larry Fonacier. Except for the big blip against La Salle, which they could've won if they hadn't fallen so far behind, the team has performed marvellously. On the other hand, Adamson has struggled since losing their point guard, Ramil Tagupa, for the season due to a similar knee injury that took out Fonacier. After a stellar start, the Falcons have slipped and skidded to a 4-6 record.
The game against Adamson was very different from the La Salle debacle. The Eagles came out shooting, and Adamson, while fighting hard for the first two quarters, suffered from the lack of production from all but three of their players. My favorite players, Intal, Membrere, and Tenorio, all pitched in to bury the Falcons, and even players like Bugia, Arao, Kramer and del Rosario (more on him later) contributed to give Ateneo a balanced attack. Even if the Falcons managed to contain key Ateneo players, it seemed like there was always someone open to shoot.
All this resulted in an 83-63 win for Ateneo, their 9th in 11 games. The next game will be against the new giant killers, the UP Fighting Maroons, who had upset the FEU Tamaraws the day before. Will Ateneo be their next victim? We'll find out on Thursday.
Musings:
- Okay, I'm not too ticked at del Rosario anymore. I can see the passion that others have told me about, and I can see that he's really just inconsistent at this point. Hopefully, as he matures, he'll be more dangerous a player.
- I wasn't too pleased with the lackluster play of Adamson in the closing minutes; it looked like they lost all will to go down fighting. Turnovers were rife, and passing was simply sloppy.
- It looks like the main scorer role in Fonacier's absence has fallen upon JC Intal's lanky shoulders, and he has risen to the occasion more than once.
Dang
Great I had just written up my take on the Ateneo-Adamson match, and what happens? Blogger gets a glitch, and doesn't post the entry. Dang. Ah well, I'll just write it up again later.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Rain, Rain, Go Away
I never thought I'd say this, but I do wish that there would be classes tomorrow. Exam week in the high school is next week, and I would like to be able to brief my students as to what will be tested in the exam.
The rain the past two days has really been something. Yesterday morning, when I went to school, the rain was coming down so hard that I could barely see the cars in front of me. Early this morning, I could hear the rain pounding on the roof. Tonight, it comes and it goes.
Still, the last two days has given me a chance to catch up with a bit of my schoolwork. At least, if classes resume tomorrow, I'll have a more manageable pile to work with.
In other news, my Blue Eagles baseball team has (hopefully) begun solidifying its hold on first place. At least, I have something personal to root for, as the Baltimore Orioles look like they're not going anywhere this season.
The rain the past two days has really been something. Yesterday morning, when I went to school, the rain was coming down so hard that I could barely see the cars in front of me. Early this morning, I could hear the rain pounding on the roof. Tonight, it comes and it goes.
Still, the last two days has given me a chance to catch up with a bit of my schoolwork. At least, if classes resume tomorrow, I'll have a more manageable pile to work with.
In other news, my Blue Eagles baseball team has (hopefully) begun solidifying its hold on first place. At least, I have something personal to root for, as the Baltimore Orioles look like they're not going anywhere this season.
No Classes!
For the second straight day, I have no classes to teach, so therefore, I should get rid of my backlog. Luckily, I brought some stuff home from school, I can check those. It's funny, though, that, the entire grading period, I'd been wishing for cancellation of classes, and it happens the week before the exams, when we have to finish all sorts of subject material. C'est la vie.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Whither the Weather
Coming to school today was a bit of a chore, because the rain was really pouring. On my way here, I saw several pockets of flooding, along Commonwealth, along C.P. Garcia, along Katipunan, and even inside the campus. Sadly, classes have not been cancelled, and I see very few people in the workroom at this point. I'm still holding out that a late announcement will be made, so I can at least enjoy the rest of the day. If they don't, well, it's back to the regular grind.
* * *
Classes have been cancelled, and I'm trapped here in the High School due to the traffic and the rain. Ah, well. C'est la vie. At least I can continue to burrow through the mound of backlog that I have.
* * *
Classes have been cancelled, and I'm trapped here in the High School due to the traffic and the rain. Ah, well. C'est la vie. At least I can continue to burrow through the mound of backlog that I have.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Nearing the Stretch Run
I had a long talk with a friend of mine in Canada, regarding my fantasy baseball team. After much discussion, we were able to tweak the Blue Eagles team, so that I now stand a good chance of overhauling the top team's lead. I picked up more relief pitching, and dropped Orlando Hernandez and Eric Chavez in the process. This way, I'll be able to catch up with the Moondragons before long.
I also did the same with the Dojoboys, but since I'm trailing way behind the leader, even if I'm in second place, my chances with the Eagles are a tad better.
Here's hoping that my hitters hit, and my pitchers don't get bombed.
I do so love baseball. Try checking out the links on the right.
I also did the same with the Dojoboys, but since I'm trailing way behind the leader, even if I'm in second place, my chances with the Eagles are a tad better.
Here's hoping that my hitters hit, and my pitchers don't get bombed.
I do so love baseball. Try checking out the links on the right.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Thoughts on the Game
Yesterday, I watched the Ateneo-La Salle game, and like the first one, it was painful to watch at the start, as La Salle roared to a 28-point lead at the half. Unlike the first game, the Ateneans weren't able to pull themselves out of the hole; they did try to fight back, but a 33-point deficit is difficult to overcome. At least the team managed to cut the final deficit to 11 before bowing out; at least, they went down fighting.
The turning point, I think, was Chris Tiu's sorry miss with no one around him, with Ateneo down by 12. LA Tenorio had stripped Yeo (?) of the ball, and he and Tiu ran down the court with no Archer to stop them. LA handed off to Tiu, who tried to lay it up, but missed rather badly, and La Salle raced again to an 18 point lead after that.
There were so many ' what if's after the game. What if Fonacier had been playing? What if Ateneo hadn't turned the ball over at crucial points? What if Tiu hadn't missed the wide open shot? And so on.
Ateneo's now tied with FEU for first. I hope that they are able to get back on track, and win the remainder of their games.
The turning point, I think, was Chris Tiu's sorry miss with no one around him, with Ateneo down by 12. LA Tenorio had stripped Yeo (?) of the ball, and he and Tiu ran down the court with no Archer to stop them. LA handed off to Tiu, who tried to lay it up, but missed rather badly, and La Salle raced again to an 18 point lead after that.
There were so many ' what if's after the game. What if Fonacier had been playing? What if Ateneo hadn't turned the ball over at crucial points? What if Tiu hadn't missed the wide open shot? And so on.
Ateneo's now tied with FEU for first. I hope that they are able to get back on track, and win the remainder of their games.
Friday, August 20, 2004
End of Another Week
It's been two weeks since my throat went sore on me. Good thing I was able to stay off speaking in class because of their long test.
Exams in the high school are two weeks away, so I have to get cracking on my backlog, which is starting to gain a life of its own. Most of it, however, is stuff that can be checked quickly (I hope), so I should burn through it (ooh, burning, now there's a happy thought!) the whole of next week, since I won't be giving any new writing stuff for next week anyway.
G has changed her sleeping clock. Before, she would sleep at 10 pm, wake up at around 7 am, nap at 11 am, wake at about 2-3 pm, and the cycle would renew itself. However, everything's changed; now, it's sleep at 2 am, wake at 10 am, nap at 7-8 pm, and wake at 9-10 pm. Gah! Which means, of course, our (my wife and my own) sleep patterns are severly disrupted. I'm not sure how to get it back on track, and I wish we can figure out the puzzle, and soon.
Oog.
Exams in the high school are two weeks away, so I have to get cracking on my backlog, which is starting to gain a life of its own. Most of it, however, is stuff that can be checked quickly (I hope), so I should burn through it (ooh, burning, now there's a happy thought!) the whole of next week, since I won't be giving any new writing stuff for next week anyway.
G has changed her sleeping clock. Before, she would sleep at 10 pm, wake up at around 7 am, nap at 11 am, wake at about 2-3 pm, and the cycle would renew itself. However, everything's changed; now, it's sleep at 2 am, wake at 10 am, nap at 7-8 pm, and wake at 9-10 pm. Gah! Which means, of course, our (my wife and my own) sleep patterns are severly disrupted. I'm not sure how to get it back on track, and I wish we can figure out the puzzle, and soon.
Oog.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Old Memories
Going through my old notebooks, I came across a reflection I was asked to write when I was starting out as a teacher, and I thought I'd add it to the musings that I've written here.
When I was going through the pre-service seminar, a colleague once told us about the characteristics of the Ateneo student. He likened it to a zoo; there are lions, baboons, parrots, alligators, turtles, the works. And we, we are the zookeepers.
That's my job now: zookeeping. The metaphor is very apt. Each day is spent preparing the "food" they eat, and then feeding their hungry brains. Correction. Some of them are hungry. For some, it becomes a case of coaxing them. Extreme cases warrant forcefeeding.
Like a dutiful zookeeper, we must keep our wards carefully exercised. So, in mind and body, brain and brawn, they are. Not that they like it, though (ungrateful beasts).
Life as a teacher is a wonderful but tiring experience. Mine is the chance of a lifetime. In my hands are the fates of about a hundred boys. They are like putty, easily moldable, but, like putty, one mistake could end up in an ugly lump.
For a new teacher, it's basically a case of being just one or two steps ahead of the students, if one is lucky. People say that to know something, one has to teach it...they're probably right.
When I was going through the pre-service seminar, a colleague once told us about the characteristics of the Ateneo student. He likened it to a zoo; there are lions, baboons, parrots, alligators, turtles, the works. And we, we are the zookeepers.
That's my job now: zookeeping. The metaphor is very apt. Each day is spent preparing the "food" they eat, and then feeding their hungry brains. Correction. Some of them are hungry. For some, it becomes a case of coaxing them. Extreme cases warrant forcefeeding.
Like a dutiful zookeeper, we must keep our wards carefully exercised. So, in mind and body, brain and brawn, they are. Not that they like it, though (ungrateful beasts).
Life as a teacher is a wonderful but tiring experience. Mine is the chance of a lifetime. In my hands are the fates of about a hundred boys. They are like putty, easily moldable, but, like putty, one mistake could end up in an ugly lump.
For a new teacher, it's basically a case of being just one or two steps ahead of the students, if one is lucky. People say that to know something, one has to teach it...they're probably right.
Random Thought # 5
Maybe I should just rename this Traffic Thoughts, because three of the four previous ones were such. Then I can save random thoughts for truly random thoughts.
My normal route home takes me down Commonwealth Ave, and underneath the Tandang Sora flyover, where there are numerous signs barring public utility vehicles from unloading and loading passengers, and numerous traffic enforcers regulating the traffic underneath the flyover. So why is it that:
My normal route home takes me down Commonwealth Ave, and underneath the Tandang Sora flyover, where there are numerous signs barring public utility vehicles from unloading and loading passengers, and numerous traffic enforcers regulating the traffic underneath the flyover. So why is it that:
- There are jeepneys and buses loading and unloading right in front of the signs? And there are enforcers looking on, without doing anything?
- One time, when there were jeepneys using the innermost lane as a terminal, the traffic enforcer was standing on the island, looking the other way?
- buses and jeepneys unload their passengers in the middle of the highway?
- None of the traffic violators are ever caught?
- we don't see these violations in the evening news? You'd think one of the networks would've caught on to this area by now.
Middle of the Night
I just finished putting my daughter to sleep, only to find that I've probably passed my sleeping time, and I feel wide awake. So, I told myself, why not write to pass the time? At least, it's something productive.
I've been checking out various blog links, and I came across those of friends who have moved on to try their luck abroad. It's been a while since I've heard anything about them, and it's nice to know that they can still be located, even if only through their blogs. I know, I know, Friendster exists, and it would be a lot easier to find people, but I've made the conscious decision not to try it out, as I'm online enough as it is.
It's getting harder and harder to stay in touch with people emotionally close to but physically far away from me. There are a great many responsibilities to take care of, and keeping in touch often gets pushed to the back burner. Ah, procrastination.
I have to remember to make the effort to keep in touch with people, and remember what is truly important in life.
I've been checking out various blog links, and I came across those of friends who have moved on to try their luck abroad. It's been a while since I've heard anything about them, and it's nice to know that they can still be located, even if only through their blogs. I know, I know, Friendster exists, and it would be a lot easier to find people, but I've made the conscious decision not to try it out, as I'm online enough as it is.
It's getting harder and harder to stay in touch with people emotionally close to but physically far away from me. There are a great many responsibilities to take care of, and keeping in touch often gets pushed to the back burner. Ah, procrastination.
I have to remember to make the effort to keep in touch with people, and remember what is truly important in life.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Still sick...
My throat hasn't felt any better since last week, though that's probably due to the teaching I've had to do; no chance for me to rest up. Even the day off I took yesterday didn't help much, although I got to catch up on my sleep. Later, I'll be going to NKI to get my throat x-rayed, to find out what's wrong.
I'd been on medication since last week, using antibiotics given to me by the high school infirmary. When I described what they were to my youngest sister, who's a doc, she went ballistic. I'm not sure whether it's because the med is too weak, or it's the wrong med entirely. Ah well.
Oog.
* * *
Well, the x-rays were normal, so I'm just nursing a sore throat. It still hurts, but then again, I haven't really given it a chance to get better. Good thing tomorrow's a holiday, and Friday is long test day, so I don't have to be speaking much for the next four days or so.
I'd been on medication since last week, using antibiotics given to me by the high school infirmary. When I described what they were to my youngest sister, who's a doc, she went ballistic. I'm not sure whether it's because the med is too weak, or it's the wrong med entirely. Ah well.
Oog.
* * *
Well, the x-rays were normal, so I'm just nursing a sore throat. It still hurts, but then again, I haven't really given it a chance to get better. Good thing tomorrow's a holiday, and Friday is long test day, so I don't have to be speaking much for the next four days or so.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Sickness Blues
Man, I haven't felt this bad for a while now, and for this length of time. My system's been down for a week now, and I don't see it getting any better. I've been resting, but getting better has been taking its time.
Oog.
Oog.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Getting Ready for the Weekend
I made it through the week without missing a class, despite my condition. Whoohoo! I can collapse tonight until tomorrow! Oog.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Midweek Bleh
I have the sneaking feeling that my body is going to quit on me in the near future, as a result of being pushed too hard for too long. Right now, I feel as if I've been through the wringer: my joints and my head ache, and I have this constant sleepy feeling. Gah. Good thing the week is half over, and I can catch some rest during the next two days.
Monday, August 09, 2004
With Apologies
In this morning's entry, I griped about one of the UAAP basketball players, Bajji (How is his name spelled?) del Rosario, and wondered what benefit he gives to the team. Two of my co-teachers set me aright. He does work on defense, and adds passion to the team; even if his drives don't get the ball into the basket, at least, he's one of those players who do drive to the basket.. Okay, I concede that.
Late Term Musing
I must say, that despite the aches and pains I'm currently experiencing, that I do enjoy this schoolyear. No lightning strikes. Good.
My classes, this year, are fairly manageable. Even my third year class, a year level which I am teaching for the first time, isn't problematic. The students are more active than previous years, although submission of requirements is still a problem.
My judo club is experiencing a revitalization, with an infusion of a lot of new blood (fresh meat, heheheh...), and it looks like I'll be continuing to train a host of new students. Hopefully, one or two (or more) of the batch will rise up to be truly great judokas.
Writing in this blog has been therapeutic for me. Practicing my craft online does help me think and write better. I can only hope that I can maintain my writing in this blog, as well as in the other blogs that I maintain. :D
Well, off to another stack of papers to check.
My classes, this year, are fairly manageable. Even my third year class, a year level which I am teaching for the first time, isn't problematic. The students are more active than previous years, although submission of requirements is still a problem.
My judo club is experiencing a revitalization, with an infusion of a lot of new blood (fresh meat, heheheh...), and it looks like I'll be continuing to train a host of new students. Hopefully, one or two (or more) of the batch will rise up to be truly great judokas.
Writing in this blog has been therapeutic for me. Practicing my craft online does help me think and write better. I can only hope that I can maintain my writing in this blog, as well as in the other blogs that I maintain. :D
Well, off to another stack of papers to check.
And the Streak Goes On
My body hurts, and I wasn't even playing in the game. It's most likely the result of the stress.
Yesterday, I watched the Ateneo-FEU game live at the Araneta Coliseum, and it was a humdinger of a game. Once more, Ateneo displayed its fighting spirit and eked out a win against the defending champions to sweep the first round.
Once again, it was LA Tenorio to the rescue. Offensively, it was a monster of a game for him, as he buried 3-pointers left and right, including what would turn out to be the backbreaker, a shot with only 24.4 seconds to go. I really like this guy's hustle on the court.
Kudos:
Rookie coach Sandy Arrespacochaga must be a great motivator, to draw so much from a team which was thought to be in trouble after losing Larry Fonacier. If he can keep it up, he's a lock for Coach of the Year. Maybe even Rookie of the Year.
Thoughts:
When I got to my tito's birthday party at Alba's Tomas Morato, people were asking me about the game. When I finished narrating it, my dad said something like, "Ateneo seems to play better when they have to play catch up."
Peeves:
I really don't get the cheerleading dances for both sides. There was nothing in the choreography that suggested a special meaning for either Ateneo or FEU. It's entertaining for sure, but nothing special.
If there's one player I dread to see on the floor, it's Bajji(?) del Rosario. I'm not sure, but it seems like when he's on the court, bad things happen; turnovers and missed shots are common. He seems to have this notion that when he has the ball, he has to be the one to shoot it. Unfortunately, as in yesterday's game, it rarely goes in. If anybody sees any saving grace in this guy, please let me know.
Yesterday, I watched the Ateneo-FEU game live at the Araneta Coliseum, and it was a humdinger of a game. Once more, Ateneo displayed its fighting spirit and eked out a win against the defending champions to sweep the first round.
Once again, it was LA Tenorio to the rescue. Offensively, it was a monster of a game for him, as he buried 3-pointers left and right, including what would turn out to be the backbreaker, a shot with only 24.4 seconds to go. I really like this guy's hustle on the court.
Kudos:
Thoughts:
Peeves:
Monday, August 02, 2004
Fun Stuff
I saw another interesting snippet from my friend T. I must remember to ask her how she finds these things.
Category III - The Regular Joe
You are the quintessential standard conjured by the
word 'Friend'.
What Type of Social Entity are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Category III - The Regular Joe
You are the quintessential standard conjured by the
word 'Friend'.
What Type of Social Entity are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Believing in Eagle's Wings
Yesterday found me watching the Ateneo-Adamson UAAP basketball game on TV. This was the first game that team captain Larry Fonacier would not be playing; he's out for the rest of the season, and, indeed, the rest of his UAAP career, with an injured knee.
At first, the Ateneans looked like they really missed having Larry in the lineup. Their passing was tentative, their defense shoddy, allowing Adamson to race to a 20-point lead in the first half, 35-15.
Then, the Blue Eagles probably decided that they needed to buckle down, and cut the lead to 14 points by the end of the first half.
They came out shooting in the second half. They limited Adamson to 5 points in the 3rd quarter, and, with Intal and Membrere leading the way, whittled the lead even further down to 6 by the end of the quarter.
The Blue Eagles finally got a taste of the lead in the middle of the 4th quarter, at 49-47. By the time the last minute came around, the game was tied at 55 points apiece. Then, with 4 seconds to go, LA Tenorio let fly a 3-pointer that hit the mark, and Ateneo defeated Adamson, 58-55.
Glimpses:
On the backs of Ateneo blue shirts in the crowd was printed: "where one has fallen, many will rise. Only too true for the team". Even without Fonacier, the team dug deep, and found the fortitude to prevail.
At the end of the game, Sandy Arrespacochaga, Ateneo's rookie coach, was signalling with his hands for the team to settle down, as if to say, "okay, we won, but we haven't gotten the championship yet." I admire his sense of focus.
At first, the Ateneans looked like they really missed having Larry in the lineup. Their passing was tentative, their defense shoddy, allowing Adamson to race to a 20-point lead in the first half, 35-15.
Then, the Blue Eagles probably decided that they needed to buckle down, and cut the lead to 14 points by the end of the first half.
They came out shooting in the second half. They limited Adamson to 5 points in the 3rd quarter, and, with Intal and Membrere leading the way, whittled the lead even further down to 6 by the end of the quarter.
The Blue Eagles finally got a taste of the lead in the middle of the 4th quarter, at 49-47. By the time the last minute came around, the game was tied at 55 points apiece. Then, with 4 seconds to go, LA Tenorio let fly a 3-pointer that hit the mark, and Ateneo defeated Adamson, 58-55.
Glimpses:
On the backs of Ateneo blue shirts in the crowd was printed: "where one has fallen, many will rise. Only too true for the team". Even without Fonacier, the team dug deep, and found the fortitude to prevail.
At the end of the game, Sandy Arrespacochaga, Ateneo's rookie coach, was signalling with his hands for the team to settle down, as if to say, "okay, we won, but we haven't gotten the championship yet." I admire his sense of focus.
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