My Honda CR-V Dream

It’s been raining hard since the wee hours today. Not to mention about the earthquake around 1:15am. Yes, I felt the tremble; I even thought that I am just dizzy for not being able to sleep yet at that time. The weather is so inviting to be lazy, but I got to get up and do some errands. Everything is set to go, my bag is packed; but I just can’t because the rain hasn’t stopped yet. Time’s like this, I wish I had a car of my own; and that I know how to drive. *grin*

Given a chance that I could pick a car of my own, disregarding the price, I’d love to have a Honda CR-V.

NBA FIT 2011 gets school kids high on health and wellness

Living to its goal of educating individuals and families on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of healthy living, as well as motivating and inspiring kids and adults to live healthier lives through a variety of events and activities, NBA Fit Philippines kicks off its two-week program through NBA Fit Clinics.

NBA Fit Clinics

NBA FIT Clinics will be held in selected grade schools, high schools, colleges and universities, as well as SM shopping malls throughout Metro Manila. Schools that have confirmed their participation include National University (NU), University of the Philippines (UP), Far Eastern University-FERN College (FEU-FERN), and the Immaculate Conception Academy Greenhills (ICA). Each clinic may include the following elements, all of which are FREE for students and the general public:

NBA Legend Horace Grant, New York Knicks City Dancers topbill inaugural NBA 3-on-3 tournament in Manila

PRESS RELEASE

The first-ever NBA 3-on-3 Philippines presented by Sprite took place in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 1 – 3, with exciting on-court competition for seven age divisions and fun experiences for Pinoy basketball fans.

A total of 112 teams in seven divisions – some from Palawan, Cebu and Zamboanga -- experienced the NBA’s newest activity in the country, envisioned to be a yearly tournament that will eventually evolve into a pan-ASEAN competition.

Four-time NBA Champion, All Star and NBA Legend Horace Grant interacted with fans through clinics and an NBA Cares event while the New York Knicks City Dancers wowed the crowd with their high-energy numbers. The girls, whose dance director Michelle Marella Harris is Filipina, introduced themselves in Pilipino, and endeared themselves to the crowd even more.

NBA Fit Returns to the Philippines to Promote Health and Wellness

I believe our country has just proven how much we go crazy passionate we are when it comes to basketball ~ NBA. The Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend says it all. Have you seen how jam-packed Araneta Coliseum had become despite the highly priced tickets? How I wished I had witnessed Derrick Rose too. With that turn-out, we are having an NBA event one after the other. Lucky eh?

PRESS RELEASE

Filipino-American Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra to Lead Expanded Program

MANILA, July 20, 2011 – NBA FIT returns to the Philippines from July 25-Aug. 7, across Metro Manila, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today. The 2011 Philippines program will see an expanded schedule following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

Coach Erik Spoelstra from NBA Fit 2010

Happy Birthday MyMVP!!!

Yesterday is the birthday of my angel; but it just felt like that it is I who celebrated my birthday. I don't know; I just felt so blessed having him in my life. God is truly good. He is amazing.

We've been celebrating his birthday together for ten (10) years now. Yes, we are already a decade in love through God's guidance. Hence, it is quite hard for me to think on what gift should I give him. Thus, I just thought of cooking something for him.

NBA Cares with Horace Grant

Horace Grant does not simply went here in the Philippines to attract basketball fans to the NBA 3-on-3; alongside this event that happened for the first time in our country, Horace Grant extends a hand a join the NBA Cares Community Caravan.

Four-time NBA Champion, All Star and NBA Legend Horace Grant and the New York Knicks City Dancers were in town recently as the NBA celebrities of the first-ever NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite. Besides exciting on-court competitions, NBA fun games and skills challenges, one of the highlights of the event was an NBA Cares Basketball Clinic that Grant conducted among Pasay City kids at the Pasay City Sports Complex. Over 100 boy and girls playing in barangay leagues in Pasay participated in the event. Above, the former Chicago Bull and LA Laker shows proper shooting position to eager kids at the clinic. The National Basketball Association through its NBA Cares program initiates social responsibility campaigns and extends the NBA's efforts to help communities around the globe.

Kobe Bryant Suits Up an FEU Jersey and Play Against Smart Gilas

Initially, it is my brother and I who will be watching the Black Mamba in Araneta Coliseum. Unfortunately, he has a number of errands to do. Hence, the lucky one who got the chance to see Kobe Bryant is *drum roll*

my mother.

We arrived at the Araneta Coliseum about an hour early. We immediately proceed to our seats (Upper Box A). The Big Dome is bombarded by loud sound, something I cannot handle, LOL!

Kobe in Manila Tour 2011

Everybody knows I am NOT a Kobe Bryant Fan ~ but my brother was (until Jason Terry came into the picture, LOL!)

Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images

On the other hand, I can say that I am a big NBA fan. Want some proof? Well, if you're an avid reader of my blog, you would know that I simply traveled all the way from Bulacan to Marriott Manila Hotel just to see Horace Grant in the flesh! And had been unfortunate of having a picture with him.

Dinner with My BFFs

Last Tuesday, after attending to an afternoon appointment, I headed on to TriNoMa to meet my highschool BFFs - Susie and Men.

Since I'm a bit early, I simply enjoyed the free WiFi at the mall's foodcourt. Then I wander around to kill time. We almost cancelled our dinner date due to flood.

Photo Credits: MMDA's Official Twitter Account

But the desire to meet and have a small chit chat prevailed. And so, we spent dinner at Italianni's because I have a FREE p250 gift coupon for any Bistro Restaurant. Upon entering, we are provided with free bread as appetizers.

Got Positive Ideas? I-UNILAB 'Yan!

Back when I was still studying, I am an achiever. I always strive hard to be on top. But I guess there's always a desire deep within me to go further. And that made me admire those youth who were able to compete internationally (as I had only competed nationally) and those that were named as young scientist and inventors by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Somehow, I wanted that youth to be me. However, time, opportunity, nor fate was unable to brought me there. Nevertheless, I firmly believe in Filipino youth talents. That is why I am supporting the project of Unilab Laboratories, Inc. (UNILAB) dubbed as UNILAB Ideas Positive.

HotelwithHeart.com Extends its Pencil Project

I already registered myself with HotelwithHeart.com's Pencil Project (HWH Pencil Project) a few weeks ago. It is a digital signature campaign through the combined efforts of Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) and Hotelwithheart.com (HWH). The aim of this campaign is to raise 10,000 pencils to support DTC's "Kariton Klasrum Project". Through this endeavor, children in the slum areas will get a decent supply of pencils to help them learn the basics of writing, reading and arithmetic.

By signing up in their fanpage, HotelwithHeart.com will donate one pencil to DTC's "Kariton Klasrum Project". One successful digital signature is equivalent to one pencil and one happy child.

This is indeed a very noble campaign that I spare a few minutes of my time to sign up. I hope you do too as they had extended the project up to July 15, 2011.

And for us bloggers, we can do more by creating a post about HWH Pencil Project as they will be donating 50 pencils for every blog post. I know, I should have done this the moment I registered. Glad they extended the campaign and I had partake this humble campaign.

Bank On Yourself (bankonyourself) and Your Finances

Are you happy with the state of your finances?

I guess that’s one of the questions that is easy to answer right away; but will make you sleepless that night and will make you wonder, “Am I really happy?”

There had been a lot of financial concepts in the market that would prepare your state of finances in the future, or will they really do? Normally, financial “gurus” would encourage you to invest for a dividend paying lifetime insurance. These insurances will allow you to receive a pre-set and contractually guaranteed increase every year.

Well, this is a very likeable investment. But, this kind is maximized in the “Bank On Yourself” (or bankonyourself) concept which provides additional features. If designed properly, it can give you peace-of-mind, guaranteed growth, safety, and more flexibility than any investment or savings program in the market today. What are these added features? Let me give you an explanation in layman’s term.

It is like you could safely and profitably grow your money even when you take out a loan to purchase something or make an investment. It is an infinite banking wherein you can earn guaranteed interest, plus potential dividends, and more, all risk free! I know I’m no expert to explain bankonyourself to you guys, but the team of Personal Equity Institute (PEI) can.

PEI is a company committed to teaching and implementing new and effective processes for acquiring wealth. More so, they constantly explore new and changing principals of finance. This Bank On Yourself may have never been heard before, but have been applied by major corporations, financial institutions, and wealthy individuals for decades.

A little bit intriguing? Yes. And I am thinking that “it is worth knowing”.

Sprite Brings NBA 3-on-3 in the Philippines

Being one of the greatest basketball fans, NBA had chosen the Philippines to be part of their program aimed at promoting basketball amongst casual and competitive basketball fans around the world. This program, dubbed as NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011, is brought to us by Sprite and is open to boys and girls of all skill levels from the ages of 11 – 19, with an open division for men, and based on FIBA 3on3 format and rules. And since this event promised at providing the participants and fans with the total NBA experience, they are bringing along Horace Grant and the New York Knick Dancers!

Earlier, a press conference was held at Marriott Manila Hotel. Luckily, I was able to squeeze in and be invited as media. Everybody knows that I'm a huge basketball fan. We even celebrated Dallas Mavericks Championship right? So, even alone, I head on to the venue and is with much delight knowing that I'll be seeing a 4-time NBA champion who had played alongside Michael Jordan.

Horace Grant and the New York Knicks Dancers

The media were given the chance to throw in questions. With much courage, I raise my hand and asked Horace Grant, "Which do you prefer, playing alongside Michale Jordan; or playing against him?"

Horace Grant playing alongside Michael Jordan

Horace Grant playing against Michael Jordan

As expected, he choses to play alongside MJ; but his reason behind his answer made me admire MJ all the more. In a nutshell, he explained that playing alongside MJ enabled him to know more about himself - that he can do things which he did not expect he can.

There are a number of questions thrown at him and the NY Knicks Dancers together with Michelle Harriss. But those that made a mark on my memory are:

• If he would choose his teammates to play 3-on-3 against Miami Heat's Big 3, he'll choose Michael Jordan and the Black Mamba, and they'll kick ass!
• His thoughts on Dallas Mavericks as compared to Chicago Bulls (his time), a very confident "Dallas won't have a chance"
• Which is the better duo, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen or Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, definitely MJ and Pippen simply because Shaq can't shoot his free throws.

He is also asked what is the ring that he's wearing. He said that it was his second championship ring (Calling LBJ, he got a ring, LOL!). Then he showed off his four championship rings and the media are given the chance to take a picture of it. Unfortunately, I am no photography expert; at the same time, I had not bring along my photographer with me; hence, please bear with the pictures I was able to take.

Horace Grant and his second championship ring

Horace Grant showing off his four championship rings

After the question and answer, picture taking commenced. I tried to find a perfect place to take pictures, but it was an epic fail.

With Criselle Pascual, Sprite Brand Manager, and Scott Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, NBA Asia

I also followed him as he left the conference room; but still, having a picture with him is a failure. *sigh* Anyway, I still got slim chances up to the 3rd of July. Following are the schedule of Sprite's NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011:

Friday, July 1 : GAME DAY 1

• 11.00am
  Activity: Welcome Press Conference and Horace Grant Q&A
  Venue: Marriott Hotel Manila
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant and the New York Knicks City Dancers (KCD), NBA Asia’s Scott Levy
• 3.30pm
  Activity: Opening Ceremony
  Venue: Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD, NBA 3on3 players

Saturday, July 2 : GAME DAY 2

• 10:00am
  Activity: NBA Cares Activity
  Venue: TBC
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant
• 11.00am – 11:40am
  Activity: Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
• 1:00pm – 1:40pm
  Activity: NBA Half Time and Sprite Dunk Off
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD, Event Partners
• 2:00pm – 2:40pm
  Activity: Interactive Fan Activities
  Venue: Courts 1-2, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD

Sunday, July 3 : FINALS

• 11.00am – 11:40am
  Activity: Energen Skills Challenge
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
• 1:00pm – 1:40pm
  Activity: NBA Half Time and Energen Skills Challenge Finals
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD, Event Partners
• 2:00pm – 4:00pm
  Activity: Interactive Fan Activities
  Venue: Court 2, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD
• 2:40pm – 5:00pm
  Activity: NBA 3on3 Finals
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD, NBA 3on3 Finalists
• 5:20pm
  Activity: NBA Awards Presentation
  Venue: Court 1, Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
  Guests: NBA Legend Horace Grant, KCD

I am really hoping I could have a picture with him before he left Manila. A big thanks to the sponsors of this event. For a big basketball fan like me, this is not just a simple pleasure; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A little trivia for Sprite. My mother used to have a skin problem. She consulted a dermatologist for that matter. She had undergone treatment and there are a number of food that she is not allowed to eat/drink, part of which states that, "No soda, only Sprite!"