THE REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

I am a sports' lover. (Well, don't be fooled by the statement. I don't do sports. I just love watching them on television. Lol.) And for sports' lovers like me, the second week of November crunch will be an action week 'cos it's - drum rolls - SEA Games season again! I can't hold my excitement. I've been waiting for this since the Laos' edition 'cos it only means one thing to Team Philippines - it's PAYBACK TIME!

Team Philippines had quite disastrous performances in the last two editions of the Games - placing 6th overall in 2007 (Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand) and 5th in 2009 (Vientiane, Laos). It is a bit frustrating knowing that we were once the "team to beat" in the region. Review your history books and you'll find out that we gave Southeast Asia its first ever Olympic medal - a bronze (1932 Los Angeles). And hear this, not just one but three. Fuckin' lovely! But unfortunately, our team has been sluggish the past decade. Well, blame it to our half-assessed, ever-loser sports program.

This will going to be a "bloody" battle, a war if I may. Everyone is bringing out their A-game even Timor Leste - I'm quite impressed. I'm pretty sure Thailand would be on the Top 3 sin duda. But watch out, Vietnam could be a "scene stealer" and will give everyone a run for their money. Indonesia, well, the mighty Indonesians could easily make it to the podium. But still, my heart beats for Team Philippines. Team Pilipinas # 1! I know that my team have the spirit of winners and the heart of champions. They are ready for battle and will never look back.

The cynic in me says that people wouldn't pay attention to this that much because they are more interested in watching sappy telenovelas. So just imagine my delight when I heard that a local channel (privately owned, mind you) will put them on national television. Woooohoooo! There is something glorious, liberating watching how medals are won and lost. The anxiety. The excitement. The pride. Borrowing a line from a UEFA ad: "The best part about winning is knowing how we get there".

To Team Philippines: Kick some ass. Seriously.

There's No Plan B, Only God's Plan

How excited were we when Papa confirmed to us last year that Tito Mike will finally tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend. I/we were ecstatic. Especially when Mom announced that we’re going somewhere for the wedding – to Cebu. Yahoo! Back then, the wedding couldn’t have come any sooner. And then it did.

The Wedding Day. I can still recall the frantic preparations that morning at the hotel as everyone in the entourage did every little bit they could to help out. It’s really amazing what girls do to get ready for weddings. It took almost 3-4 hours to get their hair and make-up done. Shikes! But in fairness, the makeup artists and hair stylists have done an awesome job. All the girls looked great.



I know how hard Tito Mike and Tita Cheryl worked to make their wedding as close as to perfect as possible but the preparations didn't go as easy as we hoped it would be. Tito Mike was brought to the hospital days prior to the wedding and that explains why there was no engagement pictorials. All the prenup photos was taken that morning; few hours before the wedding. With a bridal party of 30 it's always hard but the photographers were superb. Needless to say, I was impressed. Way to go, Rock Paper Scissors!










The wedding was held at the Sto. Nino de Cebu Parish. Family and close friends came to witness the wedding. The couple just want it to be more personal environment where everyone knew each other. There were connections, whether it was family to family or family to friends. The ceremony was great. A few tears here and there, emotions on a high, laughter in abundant supply throughout the day.

The reception venue, Nina Ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel also deserves a special mention. I have to tell you that this place knows how to throw a good wedding. They had all the little details covered, and we all know it's the little details that makes a wedding. The foods were great from the appetizers to the desserts - everything was just yummmm. I only had a little problem with the waiter but that's another story.

The reception was especially memorable because of the speeches. Some were funny while others are real tearjerkers. The wedding video was also shown during the reception. Again, two thumbs up RPS team!

The couple and the entourage looked like they were having a great time swaying to the music and singing along to songs of a live band. My cousins and sisters even went up the stage and overtook the band. Well, their voices aren't that bad but I can do better. LMAO. And man, there was an overflowing supply of alcohol. Waaah! For sure, this is going to be in the almanac for sometimes - an event that could generate talk in the family for years.


ICEBREAKER: I got the garter - you know, the round thing made of cloth whatever. And the challenge was to put that thing in the lady's leg using my tongue - no, I'm just kidding - my teeth. Of course, I did that. It was no sweat for me! I think it will be a good memory on the video.

In my eyes, the day was great! Even more importantly, it looked like the bride and the groom had a blast! They had that look that every couple should have on their wedding day... the look of pure joy and happiness.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mikey Marzan!

Photos courtesy of the very awesome RPS team!