Some Random Quotes of Bernel Frenson J. Narido

“In this storybook which is my life, God is the main character.”

“They claim that they are smart and logical people. Ha! But discounting God’s existence is stupid and illogical. Everything just happened? Absurd! The odds of having an accumulation of chances and the simultaneous happening of many complex accidents is an impossibility. The complexity of creation proves that there is a Creator.”

“I am wary when the fairer sex has power. One of the scariest things in this world is a woman addicted to power.”

"Chaos Theory says, 'Complex systems, though as if acting randomly, have an underlying order in it. And simple systems, though can easily be predicted in theory, can produce complex behavior.' Thus, in chaos can be order, and in order can be chaos. Makes sense to me.”

“Love and logic does not mix. Reaction to love is spontaneous, does not involve thinking at all. It seemed that ‘being in love’ is the only rationale needed to defend the unplanned impulses.”

“The leprosy mentality has some sense in it. You cannot afford to live in illusions, since if you do, it could kill you.”

“Life would become easier if one realizes that the universe does not revolve around him.”

“Peter Parker’s motto seems too heavy for the fifteen year-old… but then again, even adults have a hard time applying it. Better start young in adopting it.”

“Small factors can have big impacts in the overall picture. Remember the principle of the Butterfly Effect?”

“5 tips in reading books:
1.) Concentrate on obtaining knowledge (facts) and wisdom (morals).
2.) Absorb the positive, discard the negative.
3.) Always have a dictionary on hand; look up the unfamiliar words’ meanings to amass your vocabulary.
4.) Think analytically and critique. Practice reading comprehension.
5.) Enjoy. Books are meant to entertain above anything else.”

“Life is a war. It does not matter if you lose some battles as long as you win the war. The defeats you get would only make the overall victory sweeter.”

“Be sure to take me out with one blow. If you don’t, you’ll regret it. There will be no chance for a second blow.”

“Everything is a mind game”

“Christian Hedonism taught me that giving glory to God is synonymous with delighting in Him. The two goes hand in hand, it cannot be separate. It is the chief end of Man.”

“Searching for joy and pleasure is not selfish. In fact, it is commanded by God. It is not a sin. But our sin is not because the intensity of our desire for joy and pleasure is too strong, but because it is too weak. C.S. Lewis got it right. ‘We are far too easily pleased.’ We settle for less than the best, we turn to power, money, fame, sex, romance, entertainment, family, friends, and other things for joy and pleasure. Illusions. Idolatry.

Ultimate joy and pleasure is found in God alone.”

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Thoughts on LeBron James (and Kobe Bryant)

An unbiased and smart basketball fan or analyst would easily pick Kobe Bryant as the best player over LeBron James. But, also, an unbiased and smart fan or analyst would also be able to say that LeBron has the potential of becoming the best.

If we look at both players’ statistics, LeBron’s numbers are more impressive. But only naïve fans would make the stats the only determinants on who is the better player. It’s deeper than stats. Kobe can get triple-doubles, too, but he does not need to dominate with a great team like the Lakers (that’s what teammates are for… not tools to get your stats, but co-workers to get the most important stat of all: wins!)

Oh, LeBron James is great. He scores, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals… and has higher stats than Kobe in the past season. But he also has the tendency of dominating too much that he takes his teammates out of the game. Yes, in the past regular season, he made them better most of the time, and got the best record in the NBA, that’s why he’s the MVP.

But the Cavaliers’ system was doomed to fail, I had no doubt about that, that’s why I want the Lakers to face them in the Finals since I believe the Lakers can easily beat them. But it was the Orlando Magic who capitalized from the Cavs' flaw. The Cavaliers system of letting LeBron dominate was good enough to have the best record in the NBA, but was never that good to win the championship. Because in a playoff series, the Cavaliers would be playing with a team for straight games, and not a different team in a next game like in the regular season. Thus, it would allow a good opposing team to read and adjust to Cavs' play. Mike Brown never impressed me as a coach. The offensive system they had in the regular season was good because every Cav was moving (and that system was formulated, from what I read, by Brown’s assistant coaches), but they abandoned this in the East Conference Finals, and he panicked and allowed LeBron to do it all and his teammates just stood around. The Cavs could have a chance if they played like they did in the regular season (but in the end, their system would be read and counter-attacked by a smarter and calmer Lakers). All in all, the Cavs was a one-man LeBron team from the start, and such team is easily read and defeated in the end.

LeBron has the strength, athleticism, and skills to help him become the best. He has the stats to prove his talents. The only thing for him is to realize that being the best is not about the stats. He has to go deeper. If he does not do it, he will continue remaining as the second best.

Let me analyze…

Offense. LeBron James has the size and speed to dominate and bully himself inside. The problem is driving inside is not always effective. He should improve his perimeter and three’s. Sure, he make jumpshots and three-pointers, but not as dangerous as Kobe’s. So, though LeBron is a very good offensive player, he is not close to Kobe’s deadliness. It’s hard to stop Kobe because he can score effectively from anywhere (even from 30 feet!), that’s why he was christened “unstoppable.” Back down, and Kobe’ll shoot a three-pointer, close in and he’ll drive to the basket, and guard him tight, well, he’ll only make that unblockable turnaround fadeaway of his (which LeBron lacks). LeBron does not have Kobe’s wide arsenal of moves, footwork, and shooting. If he develops Kobe’s deadly shots into his own, defenders would be wary on stepping back and would guard him closely, allowing him to drive. Imagine if LeBron gets Kobe’s offensive arsenal, he already had the size, strength and speed, he would be more unstoppable than Kobe.

Passing. LeBron’s assists per game would tell you he is the better passer, right? Wrong! Yes, LeBron also makes his teammates better and involve when he makes those assists, but not in the long run. But LeBron holds the ball too long that ball movement dies with him sometimes, thus if LeBron passes the ball there is not enough time to make a second or third pass but to shoot it. This encourages teammates to be idle and not move. Offensive flow stops. Sure, LeBron gets many assists, at the price of his teammates getting uninvolved in the end (again the East Conference Finals…). Kobe, however, is a brilliant set-up master. When double or triple teamed, he waits for the defender to fully commit and made those passes (and why is he double teamed and triple-teamed? Because he is the kind of guy that can score anywhere and get 81 points against a zone defense). Also, he does not kill much ball movement, there is always time and chance for another or several passes. But I do not blame LeBron for this, I blame Mike Brown – he has no great play to maximize LeBron’s brilliant passing. On the other hand, Kobe has the triangle offense and that makes his passing and set-ups very good (plus, he has better teammates).

Rebounds. No problems here. Both Kobe and LeBron are good rebounders. But why does LeBron James get more rebounds than Kobe? First, obviously, he is bigger and stronger. Second, it’s about roles… LeBron is a small forward. Kobe is a shooting guard and is not always inside for the best position for a rebound and he allows his forwards and center to get it, instead he runs to shift back at offense and makes transition. Third, related to the second reason, it’s because of Kobe’s defensive role…

Which leads us to defense. Who is better? Seeing LeBron’s blocks and steals averages, it’s LeBron, right? Wrong again. Kobe is still the better defender. Kobe is a brilliant one-on-one, lockdown, perimeter defender, thus he gives the one he guards (usually the opposing team’s best scorer) a hard time scoring as he forces missed shots and locks his opponent down to kill the opposing team’s ball movement. And why is that better than blocking and stealing? So, LeBron averages two blocks and two steals – that’s a total of only four turnovers for his opponents (and that is assuming that those blocks did not go out of bounds). But Kobe’s defense allows more missed shots which means more rebounds, more chances for his team in getting the ball. And by playing as a defender like this, he will not always have the chance to steal or block the ball. Steals and blocks are usually made by waiting. Isn’t it more impressive that Kobe makes most of his steals by playing one on one, which is harder than intercepting a ball in the passing lane? If Kobe would also play a waiting defense game, I think he will also have those averages LeBron has. And because Kobe plays perimeter defender, and is concentrated on shutting down the opponent, he does not have many chances to rebound for the ball. Now, for LeBron, if he uses his size and speed to play lockdown defense more, he would become a very good defender.

I.Q. No contest. Kobe is smarter. Yes, LeBron is also a leader. But LeBron does not have Kobe’s coach-like skills.

Clutch and free throws. Again, no contest. It’s Kobe. Clutch shots usually means perimeter shots since it is now harder to drive in the last minutes because opponents would tighten up. Kobe is the better free throw shooter, and it is a valuable skill in clutch. (Again, the Eastern Conference Finals sees LeBron missing valuable free throws in Game 4).

Oh, if LeBron can improve on this aspects, obtain Kobe’s skills and I.Q., add this up to his already raw talent, size, and strength, he would easily become the best. But, until then, Kobe is still the best.


* * *

It was very good marketing (especially the puppets). Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James. Thus, the only participants in the “Who’s the best?” debate is the two of them. This seems disrespectful to Dwyane Wade. He is one of the best players we see in NBA history. He was a champion. A Finals MVP. We forget that.

But then again, he has not the advantages LeBron has. LeBron is younger and has more potential. And the Kobe of Dwyane’s age was better than him.

But, again, in my opinion, the Kobe Bryant in his early twenties was better than LeBron James when he was that young (kindly watch again the playoff games in the Lakers’ threepeat championship era). And when Kobe was 24 years old (which LeBron was last season), his performance was more impressive even if the Lakers did not win the championship (getting beaten by the Spurs in the second round).

I may sound biased. But my real point is, people tend to forget (or discount) those brilliant performances by Bryant.

* * *

It was a bad move to get Shaq. For the sake of having someone to match Dwight Howard (and Pau Gasol), the Cavs sacrificed LeBron’s greatest offensive skill: driving to the hoop. Defenders of LeBron tend to back down and clog down the inside and would rather take a chance in leaving LeBron open for a jumpshot than allow him to drive. This pays off (again, what Orlando did in the ECF last season), since LeBron’s perimeter shot has lower chances than his dunks. Now, Shaq takes too much space in the inside, and would prevent LeBron to make those drives. Shaq would be giving the opposing teams a favor by clogging the inside and helping them in shutting down LeBron.

But this could also be an advantage. Maybe, in the next season, since Shaq clogs the inside, LeBron would be forced to improve himself in those perimeter shots.

* * *

I want LeBron James to leave the Cavaliers for the Knicks. The Cavs is a boring franchise. But the New York Knicks has the biggest stage of them all – Madison Square Gardens The Knicks have the best fans in the league. And has the hype and glitz that almost rivals the Lakers. Business wise, it would be better if LeBron was in the Knicks.

The Knicks is my second favorite franchise team, next to the Lakers. And I want them to have some success. Starting with LeBron.

Think of it. NBA Finals 2011. Kobe vs. LeBron. LA Lakers vs. NY Knicks. It would be big!!! Great great show… super profits for the NBA. Very exciting.

However, the Knicks do not have the management that the Lakers have, always having an exciting and entertaining and winning (and championship potential) team throughout the years. (That’s why the Lakes is the best!)

But I hope the Knicks, as my second fave, would have success in the near future. Getting LeBron and building a great team around him.

(I could also live with a scenario where Kobe, which looks good in the Knicks uniform, would be traded to New York, and the Lakers would sign LeBron in 2010. Kobe and Knicks vs. LeBron and Lakers… wow!)

* * *

So, these are some of my thoughts on LeBron James. I hope he does not fade like Vince Carter who failed to meet his expectations. LeBron has the potential of becoming the best in the NBA next season. But Kobe Bryant has a bigger potential of being the greatest player ever in the history of the NBA.

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My Lady

I met Madeleine when we were both twelve. It was on my first SEP, a summer camp, which was held on Compostela, Cebu. Of course, it was her prettiness that made me notice her; pony-tailed hair, proud stand, and a pair of eyeglasses that made her look smart. When I first saw her, at their church, I had no idea I will have the chance to talk to her. I also had no idea she was going to be a very important part of my life.

It was on the journalism club that I saw her again, and she met me. I can’t remember how we started talking. Maybe it was RD or Rodah who started it, and me and her joining in. But then, I felt, for the first time, I certain type of delight. So, we started talking. And got acquainted. And she became my first crush.

Oh, but she don’t really noticed me as i noticed her. Yeah, she laughed at my jokes and wit. Unconsciously, I think, I was trying to impress her. But I don’t think I really made an impression. However, she enjoys my company as much as I enjoy hers.

Throughout the camp, we got chances to hang out and talk. I felt glad all those times. We start to get to know a bit about each other. I found her smart and charming, her beauty inside equals her beauty outside. She was interesting. I nicknamed her “4-eyes” – she didn’t mind. It was not really for teasing her, rather out of showing she was special to me because it was meant as a title, really.

It was because of her that my 4 I’s standard was born. I only get attracted to a girl if the 4 I’s standard is met: I was interested, impressed, inspired, and intimidated. Only three more girls followed after she had set my 4 I’s standard. For a long time, it was she who was my standard for the perfect girl.

There was this “mailing” system in the camp where each dorm has a “mail box.” I sent her about one or two notes, but I didn’t get anything back. I didn’t mind. On the dance night, I want to ask for a dance. But I don’t have the confidence, and besides a lot of boys was lining up for a dance. One of them was her crush – a fellow Bicolano. Who am I to pitch in?

My dormmates know I had a crush on her. So did my Bicolano companions. And so did 4-eyes, as my cousin PJ told her. She said she laughed when she heard about it. She said she didn’t believe it.

And so camp ended, and we Bicolano campers had to leave. We, Bicolanos, and Cebuanos get to be close friends. They even escorted us to the ship. And as we departed, a certain kind of burden came over me. I believe Madel, back then, don’t think I was something special. Yes, we get to be friends. But since she lives in Cebu, and I live in Albay, what kind of friendship would that be? A gap like that will not allow a very good friendship. I saw she was special. I wanted to know her more. I wanted her to exist in my life. I wanted her to see me, too, that I am different. I don’t want it to end in just one summer.

I made an effort. I texted her with my mother’s celfone (I don’t have one yet back then). She replied. And that’s where it started. We get to know more of each other, and had an expansion of all those fun conversations we had at our camp. It was the start of us getting close.

When my Bicolano friends decided to sent letters back to our Cebuano friends. I made a long letter to her. My intention was a letter for her only, but for the sake of not being too obvious, I also made letters for my other Cebuano friends. Our Cebuano friends wrote back to us. Madel’s letter to me was thick. Rather, it was not one letter, but several letters. And awesome drawings. She is the best penciler I had met. At the envelope, she wrote: “To a very special friend.” For me, that was it. The start. I knew our friendship would be indeed special.

Throughout our teenage years, we tried to keep in touch. We exchanged letters, drawings, t-shirts, and e-mails. Everytime she sent me something, I was excited and happy. And so did she, when she got something from me. At first, it was only occasional communication since I still don’t have a celfone back then. Then Friendster came and I got my own celfone. So we got to keep in touch more frequently. We get to be closer and knew each other more. Those were the times I called her “ang pinakamagayon na babaying namidbidan ko.”

It came that I fell for somebody and she became my girlfriend. Madeleine fell for somebody and got a boyfriend. But Madel occupied a special place in my heart even though I already have the LOML (the “Luv Of My Lyf” – my nickname for my high school sweetheart then). We were there for each other, talking about each other’s relationship, encouraging, and comforting each other when the break-ups happened. She got to fall again, and got another boyfriend, and I was happy for her. But it was a different case for me since LOML was special – in the first place, she reminded me a lot of Madel (Madel was my standard from the start, but LOML has surpassed them). And I learned that though I did love, I was not capable to enforce it.

Yes, Madel was my standard. My first teenage love. But I chose a different path because a relationship with her will never work. I was satisfied and happy as bestfriends, and I never regretted it. She was the first, though LOML has been the greatest (and still is). Though I am not really the type of person who likes romantic stuff, the two of them had been exceptions. Though the stories were not really happy endings, what I had with them were not entirely disappointments. Especially, with Madel. Our bond became stronger and special which a romantic relationship couldn’t have done at all.

I got to see her again in person four-years after we met in SEP Compostela. She visited my city for vacation, courtesy of her uncle and aunt. At first, we were shy of each other and she seemed to ignore me. Honestly, I was disappointed when she responded that way. But by and by, we were able to get through the shyness barrier and had good bonding with each other. The days of her stay were short, but I felt very happy during those times.

I am always worried when she starts getting hurt. Because of the physical distance, I can never really effectively perform the responsibilities of a bestfriend. I can’t defend her. I can’t hug her to comfort her. She can’t talk to me face-to-face. But I do my best when this happens.

I think the worst hurts she received was with her on-off relationship with her second boyfriend, and the final break-up. I did the best I can for her, giving advice, comforting her, and, the best, praying for her. But it frustrates me when I can’t do anything more to help her. My treating her as a specimen for my mental analysis exercises annoys her. But I was not really doing it all for my own mental stimulation, I was trying my best to read the situation to be able to give her sound advices. Maybe it was kind of cold when I treat her like I was a shrink or detective, and for that I was sorry. Again, it is frustrating when I can’t be there for her in person. But I know she’ll overcome.

Madeleine Mae Boone is a diamond. A part of God’s grace in my life. A dynamo of potentials (which she still don’t tap). She had inspired me. Granted me a certain kind of delight. Made an impact to my life. Helped me to become a better person. Helped me to excel in my talents and strengths. Made me strong. Proved me wrong in some of my cynicisms. Made me laugh. Cheered me up when I needed cheering. Amused me. An equal for me in intelligent discussions and debates. A great conversationalist. Loved me. Made me feel I am special. My critic. My prayer partner. A friend in need. My bestfriend. My Lady, as I am her Lord.

We are now different persons from the 12-year olds that met. And as our friendship started on the dawn of our teenage years, and had continued and strengthened up to the dawn of our adulthood, I believe it will endure for eternity. Berneleine best friends forever. A legendary friendship.

I always thank God for giving me you, Madz. Happy 20th Birthday.

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Speech: Society's Addiction to Entertainment

(The first assignment in our Public Speaking class is to make a two-minute long speech that would entertain. I had procrastinated for one week, and just made this speech quickly an hour prior to class. But it all came out fair. Here goes...)

Good evening.

I am supposed to deliver a speech that would entertain. And entertainment has become an essential part of a good speech. Yes, a speech should appeal to the intellect. Yes, a speech should appeal to the emotion – which is more important. But an entertaining speech is more assured of being successful. Why? It is because our society loves it, and had already integrated it as an essential element in Bloom’s Taxonomy of Needs.

Entertainment had taken over the world. Ever wonder why movie stars are paid more than teachers? When society rewards people like Kris Aquino more than our Public Speaking teacher, Ma’am Barce, it means that society value entertainment more than education. I observe that many females of my generation, including our former classmate Miss Abadesa, are more updated in showbiz news than current events. Filipinos would rather watch crappy I.Q. depleting shows in Telebabad and Primetime Bida than informative documentaries on science and history. The likes of Katrina Halili get more sympathy than unknown and real rape victims that was not able to get justice. Celebrities, tainted with immorality, are more looked up to than charity workers and others that work with no rewards and are satisfied in being anonymous. The main and most successful medium in promoting products or messages is through entertainment. (Reminds me of the Mark of the Beast, where in the End of Days, no one can buy nor sell without it.)

I think entertainment had come to this because it has exploited Man’s nature of seeking pleasure and happiness. And since entertainment is readily available and easily gives pleasure, Man tend to turn to it more often. But the pleasure entertainment gives is temporary. And since it is temporary, Man craves for more and more, not being fully satisfied. And by the law of demand, entertainment became valuable. Now, it had already become a drug of society. Abused, taken into excess, and now society is addicted to it.

I am desperately trying to entertain you all here. But I hope you get the message – of this reality. I am not saying entertainment is evil. But it has the potential to become evil easily, if we allow it to take control of our lives. I am warning you of the seemingly harmless craving for entertainment.

As ending, I would like to say that nothing from this world could fully satisfy us, and only God can fill that void for complete happiness and pleasure in our lives.

Good night and thank you.

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An Early Birthday Gift For Me: At Last, the Lakers are Champions Again!

Thanks, God.
The Los Angeles Lakers are back on top.
NBA Champions 2009!

At last…
After all those disappointments of the past…
Their championship run cut by the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
The 2004 Finals upset defeat at the hands of the Detroit Pistons.
Missing the playoffs in 2005.
Wasting their 3-1 lead on the Phoenix Suns in 2006.
Another first round loss to the Suns in 2007.
And that painful Finals loss to the Boston Celtics last year, 2008.
It was a tough tough journey, but it was worth it.
2009 is the Lakers’ year.
This championship is just sweet.  So sweet.

After years of waiting and cheering for my favorite team,
The Los Angeles Lakers are NBA champions once again.
For the 15th time.
Kobe got his 4th ring that he desired so much.
Coach Phil Jackson surpassed Red Auerbach with his 10th championship as coach.
It had been a long, hard, but, nonetheless, satisfying journey.
The 2009 playoffs was never easy for the Lakers…
The Jazz was not your regular team to have in an eight seed; the Lakers took them out in 5.
The Rockets gave the Lakers a hard time, even without Yao, and pushed them to a Game 7.
And then the Nuggets were playing well, and the Conference Finals was hard, but Kobe was just brilliant in that series and the Lakers won in 6.

Back again to the Finals, after that heartbreaking loss against the Celtics last year.
I was rooting for the Celtics to win at the East, so that the Lakers can avenge their loss.
When the Celtics were beaten, I was rooting for the Cavaliers so there would a Kobe-LeBron showdown in the Finals.
Plus, a one-man-dominated team is destined to fail and I had no doubt that the Lakers will beat the Cavs.
But the Magic was the one who won out in the East.
It got me worried because Magic was a real team… a monster in the paint with Dwight Howard, surrounded with three-pointers, and some perimeter defenders to throw at Kobe.
Plus, they swept the meetings with the Lakers in the regular season.

But I had still believed that the Lakers would win the championship this year.
It would be hard, but with no doubt in my mind, they would win.
And, I was right, the Lakers delivered…
The “soft” Pau Gasol effectively defended Superman Howard.
Trevor Ariza was deadly and showed the Magic that trading him was a mistake.
Derek Fisher found his shot in Game 4 and those two three-pointers will always be remembered.
Andrew Bynum was willing to sacrifice those minutes to give out fouls to stop Howard.
Lamar Odom, an All-Star level player (though he still yet to be one) who was willing to be a sixth man this season, came out from the bench and gave the necessary boost.
The rest of the Lakers bench held their own when they were on the floor.
And Kobe Bryant – the best basketball player in the NBA – set the tone for this Finals when he scored 40 to a 25-point rout of the Magic in Game 1, and though he was playing below his standards in the Laker wins of Game 2 (7 turnovers) and Game 4 (missed 20 shots) proved that his worst is still better than most players’ best as he got the Finals MVP award.

Again, the Lakers are back on top…
Indeed, one of my best quotes would apply in this emotional event…
“Life is a war. It does not matter if you lose some battles as long as you win the war. The defeats you get will only make the overall victory sweeter.”
And it is sweeter…
Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Champions… again.
I want a repeat next year…

BY THE WAY...

Sure, LeBron James was the regular-season MVP.
But Kobe Bryant got the Finals MVP, proving he is the best.

Many would say that a regular-season MVP is a bigger thing than a Finals MVP.
I don’t think so.
A Finals MVP comes with a ring.

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Watching the Wanders

On Independence Day, the Wanders had a show in Legazpi. Wanders is the famous world-class show that boasts as the “Best Musical Acrobat Show in Asia.” The Wanders show was presented by the City of Government of Legazpi for Legazpi’s 50th anniversary as a city.

The venue for the show was the Albay Astrodome, which was the venue for the city’s major conventions, meetings, sports events, concerts, and the like. I am not the kind of person who watches the concerts done in the Astrodome. But I did so with this Wanders show. The reason is I know Wanders is a world-class show, and, maybe, it may be the last time I’ll have the chance of watching something of that caliber. But the main reason was the tickets were free.

So, there, I found myself with the mass of people going inside to watch the free, world-class show. The entrance into the Astrodome was filled with people. There was no organized line, so it was close to chaos. There was too much heat because of the thick atmosphere of all that people, so I was easily sweating. And it was hard to breathe, so I had to breathe through both my nose and mouth.

Not only where there too much heat, but such unorganized impatient crowd cramped together like sardines has the potential to erupt to a stampede. I was not a fool. So, I did well in doing precautionary things-to-do prior a potential stampede. I kept my cool, ignored the claustrophobic tendency, and stuck near the walls. I pitied those kids in the crowd since they were shorter and smaller – and at that level, I think it was even much harder to breathe and hotter and they can easily be crushed if there’s going to be a stampede.

But, at last, I do not know what they did, but the flow of people coming in hasten. Shortly, I was inside the air-conditioned Astrodome (another pre-stampede tip I did was sit on places near the exit).

The show was supposed to start on 6:00 pm (and another show on 8:00 pm) and I was inside about ten minutes to six. But the program actually started at 7:45 pm. Imagine the time wasted at waiting. People continued to pour in and the coolness from the air-conditioner faded.

Then, a music video of the city mayor on the job was played at the projector. It was repeated over and over for four times. At the first run, it was okay. At the second run, it was starting to be annoying. At the third, it had the potential for mental torture to make anybody insane. At the fourth, it was starting to get fun again as the place started to rain with curses from the crowd.

So, at 7:45 pm, the emcee announced the start. Our city mayor gave a speech. Though the people were restless, Legazpenos love their mayor and gave him a warm applause. There was a problem with the sound system; it was so weak to hear the mayor’s voice. But, at last, it was fixed just in time to hear the mayor’s “Mabuhay” last word. It was so funny that the sound system was fixed in time only to hear the end that I can’t help laughing.

Then, the PAGCOR Chairman, the guest, made his speech. He talked about a anti-drug campaign, complete with superhero dancers. Then, he talked of the PAGCOR major international commercial area project. Then, another music video where there was a part that goes “ikaw ang pag-asa… (you are the hope)” and the picture of the chairman freezes in the screen, then it goes again, “ikaw ang pag-asa…” and PGMA’s picture freezes. That was annoying.

One of my seatmates barked to his wife, “I thought you dragged me here so you can watch a circus act.” Someone below him commented, “Yeah. But first, there is this circus of these (bleep) politicians.”

After these stupid “front-acts”, the real show rolled. And indeed, it was a world-class caliber show. Dancers, singers, acrobats, contortionists, and acrobats filled the show, doing entertaining numbers, acts, and stunts. There was about five or six parts, and they rocked the house. A lot of breath-taking, adrenaline-pumping scenes, and occasional bursts of awe, clapping, and startled screams from the crowd. It was as entertaining as Broadway.

The show – minus the blasted political crap – was only about or less than an hour. I think the city can only afford up to that extent.

The show was the best I had watched this year. The performers of Wanders can inspire. There is something inspiring when performers work hard and have fun when they do their craft – it reflects in the stage.

Yeah. Yeah. I had written more about the events prior the show than the show itself. But Wanders is that great enough for me not to give out any more details about it so that you can watch for yourselves what Wanders is all about… if you get the chance.

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I Wish The Cavaliers Won

I was rooting for the Cavaliers. I wanted them to fight the Lakers in the finals. Kobe vs. LeBron is certainly going to be very entertaining.

But my main reason was… there was no way the Cavaliers can beat the Lakers. The Lakers had already beaten them in the regular season, 2-0. Moreover, the Cavs is a one-man team. Sure, LeBron James is MVP enough to carry his team to the best record in the NBA. But there was no way he can carry his team in the Finals over, though inconsistent, a powerhouse and deep, Kobe-led, Lakers.

LeBron is a great player, and he is going to be the best someday. But Jerry West’s proclamation that LeBron is now the best is premature. Kobe Bryant is still the best. LeBron, for now, is a brilliant stat-getter but, nonetheless, second to Kobe as the best player. Stats does not define the best and versatility, it‘s about greatness in the court. The let-LeBron-do-it-all-and-get-his-stats system was destined to fail… it was only a pity that it was not the Lakers who capitalized from it, but the Magic.

Now, Magic is a team. And their system spells trouble for my favorite team. Just as the Cavs one-man-team system is flawed, the Lakers system of tending to be inconsistent may be capitalized upon by the Magic. The Magic have Dwight Howard, the Defensive-Player-of-the-Year, and is explosive in the inside. This could be tough for the softie frontcourt players of the Lakers. I hope the Lakers’ center, Andrew Bynum, would regain his toughness inside and would do well against Howard. It would also be hard to contain the Magic’s three-pointers, and the Lakers would have to settle with matching with their own three-pointers – and I hope they would be successful. But the favor of winning is still on the Lakers though. They have Kobe, and the Magic will never stop him. (But of course, the other Lakers should step-up also. A championship can never be won by a one-man team.)

I only hope that their tough playoff run would put the Lakers at their best. I still believe the Lakers would win the championship. But it’s going to be tougher.

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