A week of trials and glory. Bringing honor and pride. I'm on cloud nine!

The events of this week will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. This week, I competed in two competitions outside the university. 


The first competition was the PHILTOA (Philippine Tour Operators Association) Quiz Bee that was held last Wednesday. Me and two others represented the university for the competition. We competed individually. We all made it past the elimination round into the semi-finals. Unfortunately, our efforts came up short as none of us were able to make it to the Top 10 to advance to the finals which will be held next month.


The second competition was the ITTE (International Tourism and Trade Expo) Quiz Bee that was held yesterday. We were still together in this competition. This time, it was a group competition. This time, we were able to redeem ourselves and we came out as CHAMPIONS!

Photo ©Kriskyn Cabrera

This week has been a great experience for me, this is something where I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. It has been a great honor to represent the school in these competitions and bring glory to our university. I'm sure this is the beginning of greater things to come in the future. I am so happy we were able to achieve a lot of things with only a short time to prepare for the competitions. It was only last week when we were called to compete in these competitions. Now its back to the regular grind of schoolwork. This experience will make me more inspired to do better in the different subjects in school.

So once again, I like to thank my teammates Ate Kriskyn Cabrera and Ate Marian Buenaventura. It has been a great honor and privilege to be your teammates in these competitions.

I also would like to thank our coaches Ma'am Jane Devanadera, Ma'am Joreen Rocamora, Ma'am Connie Ang and Ma'am Amy Turaray as well as the other faculty members for the support and guidance throughout the week.

We would also like to thank our families, our classmates, our friends, our batchmates and the entire CTHM and Thomasian community for all the support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without all the love and support you have given us.

And of course we like to thank God for all of this is not possible without your love and blessings that you have given to all of mankind.

ONE FOR UST! VIVA SANTO TOMAS!

ONE HRM, ONE TRM, PROUD TO BE AT CTHM!

I'm on CLOUD NINE!

K-Smoove

Rare are the times you get to experience royalty. You guys feel any different? Because I feel AWESOME!

Yesterday was a compelling day for me. It started when Queen Sofia of Spain visited UST as part of her visit to the Philippines. There were no suspension of classes since her visit was only for a short period of time.

Photo ©Kaiz Del Mundo

As we waited for her arrival, a crew from Solar News (if you're familiar with channels like BTV, Solar Sports, Jack TV, ETC, 2nd Avenue, etc.), well this was their news crew. So yes, they came to me and asked me for an interview about the Queen's visit. It was funny, as soon they asked me for the interview, people behind me went further bac. I really hoped they will show it on TV, unfortunately it never happened as the story of the visit was shown in passing. Still, it was a very compelling experience.

Then came the moment, at around 10 am, a convoy of cars reigned down the streets.

Photo ©Karl Carandang

With a Mercedes-Benz car with red plate "1A". We saw the Queen up close waving to the people including us who were at the side of the street. She looked beautiful, with her beige dress that stands out. The car came to a stop at Plaza Mayor then the Queen stepped out of the car, walked down the line. Payed tribute at the statue of Miguel de Benavides (the mind behind UST.) and made her way inside the Main Building walking by the red carpet that was set up along the plaza. Though we were not able to get closer to the Queen since security was tight. It was a great honor and an experience that only happens once in a lifetime.

Then later in the day, I began my training for the quiz bee I will join outside the university. To improve my knowledge and be at the best position to advance to the semi-finals. I feel thankful that all my past and present advisers and my coaches are very supportive because I'm not only going to represent myself but also the university. The eliminations will be on Wednesday so I'm hoping for the best outcome. I have a lot to gain and nothing to lose no matter what happens. I'm going to make the best of this moment. I hope the same commitment I give in this competition, it will translate in my other endeavors in life.

This day was one of the best days of my life. I will always cherish this for the rest of my life.

I feel AWESOME.

K-Smoove

June has come and pass. Hello July.

The month of June has come and pass, and now the month of July is here. A lot has happened in June so I look back at some of them.

It's been three weeks (2 make-up classes on Saturday's) since we came back to classes and a lot has happen. Well, first CTHM will now do the Tiger Day (which was done in previous years by the College of Education) on the last Friday of each month, so I better stack my closet with yellow shirts. Then of course the planning of our event which will come maybe late August or early September. Of course, there was time to see your blockmates and PEEPS around UST and meet new PEEPS a long the way. I admit, I was a little off from my usual self during the first three weeks of the school year (at one point, I got sick and had to be at home for the entire day). I better find a way in a short amount of time to knock off my distractions and get myself focused once again. Since the NBA season has come to an end with the Miami Heat winning the championship and LeBron James' title quest has come into fruition, and of course the NBA Draft where the New Orleans Hornets select Anthony Davis with the #1 pick. June also saw the disbandment of my favorite boyband of all-time in Westlife after 14 years of great hits.

Now we welcome the month of July, we are now in the rainy season with a lot of rainy weather coming up. I could also be looking for a big break this month and I hope to do more things this time around. Also, the 75th season of the UAAP also begins this July. I hope UST will come out big this year, especially in basketball, and a lot of other things to come this month. You don't know what will happen this month, so like I always say, ENJOY THE RIDE!

What's next for me in July? We'll see.

K-Smoove

"I believe in angels. When I know the time is right for me. I'll cross the stream. I have a dream." Thank you for all the music Westlife.

Westlife (Kian, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Bryan)

Westlife, the Irish boyband who for 14 years won the hearts of many fans from all over the world is breaking up for good after their very final concert last night in Ireland.

I remember when I was a little kid growing up with my little brother Andrei, We both listened to a lot of their songs every afternoon when one or more of their songs are on the Top 10 songs for the day.

Songs like Flying Without Wings, I Have A Dream, Swear It Again, My Love, World of Our Own, Seasons in the Sun, If I Let You Go, I Lay My Love on You, When You're Looking Like That, More Than Words, Fool Again, Change the World, You Raise Me Up and a host of other songs over the years. Each and every song made my day better. Even today, I still keep a lot of their songs on my music playlist.

I was more accustomed to their songs when they were a quintet when Bryan was still with the band until 2004. And one of my biggest regrets was never seeing them on concert when they visit the Philippines (the last one was just last year).

Westlife defined my childhood as well as many other people not only in the Philippines but also across the world. It's tough to see you disband for good, but your music will live on with the hearts of all the fans who followed you over the years.

As we bid goodbye to one of the greatest boybands of all-time. I say Thank you for all the memories and all that music which inspired each and every one who we're a part of this journey. You will be missed.

Thank You Westlife!

K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: MIAMI HEAT 2012 NBA CHAMPIONS. KNOCKS OUT THE THUNDER IN GAME 5 121-106. LEBRON JAMES CROWNED AS FINALS MVP.

The Miami Heat are the 2012 NBA Champions

Photo ©NBA.com

For the second time in franchise history, the Miami Heat are the NBA Champions and they did it in style as they win in a blowout against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 at the American Airlines Arena 121-106 to clinch the championship.  

For LeBron James, after nine years in the NBA without a championship, he has fulfilled his promise to bring a championship and can now be called as a champion. He has also silenced his critics with the championship. He also took home the Finals MVP Trophy for his all-around performance all series long. There was jubilation in South Beach and for the many members of the Heat Nation. For Dwayne Wade, he gets his second NBA title with Udonis Haslem as the only two remaining members from the 2006 Miami Heat who won the title against the Dallas Mavericks. For guys like Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, Shane Batter among others, they get their first taste of championship glory. For Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra he solidifies his coaching resume with a championship.

It was a bitter ending for the Oklahoma City Thunder where after winning Game 1 of the series, they went on to lose the next 4 games as they blow out the opportunity to bring the NBA title for the first time in the state of Oklahoma. It was a tough lesson for these young guns led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka and the rest of the Thunder players. Thunder coach Scott Brooks will learn from the experiences of this series. I say Kudos! to the Thunder for putting up a great battle as they have gone this deep to the NBA Finals and I'm sure they will be a team to watch for many years to come

In Game 5, the Heat shot 40-77 (51%) from the field compared to the Thunder who only shot 36-87 (41%). The Heat shot excellent from 3 point range, shooting 14-26 (54%) compared to the Thunder who only shot 11-28 (34%).

James led the Heat in Game 5 with a triple-double 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks on 9-19 FG shooting and 8-9 FT shooting. Bosh added 24 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks on 9-14 FG shooting, 1-1 3PT shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Miller coming off the bench added 23 points and 5 rebounds on 7-8 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting. Wade added 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks on 7-12 FG shooting and 6-9 FT shooting. Battier added 11 points and 4 rebounds on 4-8 FG shooting and 3-7 3PT shooting. Chalmers added 10 points, 7 assists and 2 steals on 3-6 FG shooting, 2-4 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting.

Durant led the Thunder in Game 5 with a double-double 32 points and 11 rebounds with 3 assists and 2 steals on 13-24 FG shooting, 3-6 3PT shooting and 3-3 FT shooting. Westbrook and Harden coming off the bench each scored 19 points. Westbrook added 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals on 4-20 FG shooting and 11-13 FT shooting. Harden added 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 5-11 FG shooting, 3-8 3PT shooting and 6-6 FT shooting. Derek Fisher added 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 4-7 FG shooting and 3-6 3PT shooting.

Once again, I did this banner in DEFEAT. I did it before in 2010 when I rooted for the Boston Celtics but they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in 7 games.

I can say it was a bitter end to this lockout shortened season for me since I rooted for the Thunder to win the NBA Championship this season. It was a season full of heartbreak from the time the season began when Yao Ming one of the players I admire announced his retirement during the lockout. My team the Houston Rockets failed to make it to the playoffs for the 3rd straight season (Ironically, it was the Heat who sent the Rockets' playoff aspirations down the toilet.) From my other favorite teams like the Hawks, Magic, Celtics, Thunder, among other teams falling short in their playoff runs, and to my favorite players getting hurt like Derrick Rose, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, among others.

Guilty as charged, I hated LeBron James since he made "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for Miami. PEEPS for LeBron can now tell me straight to the face to shut my mouth since he now has the championship in his grasp and nobody can take that distinction away from him it away from him. Yet despite the criticism I have against him, He's a great player and I can say he deserves to win the championship.

This season may have been full of heartbreak, yet there are still some good moments to remember like those Shaqtin'-a-Fool videos which made me laugh all-season long, the different memes that came up from the Spurs Men In Black to the Amare' Fire Extinguisher meme and to the unforgettable JaVale McGee moments as a Wizard. Philadelphia's magical run in the playoffs. The Thunder beating the past 3 champions from the West in the playoffs (Mavericks, Lakers & Spurs), the emergence of Jeremy Lin, those clutch plays all-season long, and many other things.

It could take me awhile to suck in the defeat of the Thunder in the Finals. I know, I'll be fine when the time comes.

So until then,

SEE YOU NEXT SEASON!
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat one win away from the NBA title. Wins Game 4 vs the Thunder 104-98.

LeBron James, Mario Chalmers and the Heat celebrate as they win Game 4 vs the Thunder

Photo ©NBA.com

This is my 100th blog entry since I returned to blogging last April so let's get it on with today's edition of the 2012 NBA Finals Blog. 

The Miami Heat are now one win away from the NBA Championship as they win Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Arena 104-98. The Heat rallied from a 17 point first half deficit and now lead the series 3-1. The Heat shot 39% from 3 point range compared to the Thunder who only shot 19%. Game 5 will be back in Miami on June 22 as the Heat will have the opportunity to win the title in front of their home crowd, while the Thunder would look to extend the series by forcing a Game 6 back in Oklahoma City with a win in Game 5.

LeBron James led the Heat with a near triple-double 26 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists with 2 steals on 10-20 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 5-8 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade and Mario Chalmers each scored 25 points. Wade also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks on 8-19 FG shooting, 2-3 3PT shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Chalmers added 3 assists and 2 steals on 9-15 FG shooting, 3-9 3PT shooting and 4-5 FT shooting. Chris Bosh added 13 points and 9 rebounds on 6-12 FG shooting.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 43 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on 20-32 FG shooting and 3-3 FT shooting. Kevin Durant added 28 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals on 9-19 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 9-9 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench pulled down 10 rebounds with 8 points on 2-10 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 3-4 FT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

 

On Friday, my PRIDE is on the line. Hoping for the best.
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat take control of the series with win in Game 3 vs the Thunder 91-85. Heat now up 2-1.

The Heat celebrate the win in Game 3 vs the Thunder
Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat come back from a 10 point deficit in the 3rd quarter to win in Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Arena 91-85. It was a grind out game as both teams struggled from the field with the Heat only shooting 38% from the field and 30% from 3 point range while the Thunder shot 43% from the field and only 22% from 3 point range. Free throws also played a factor with the Heat shooting 31-35 (89%) while the Thunder only shot 15-24 (63%). The Heat now lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 back in Miami on June 20.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 29 points and 14 rebounds with 3 assists on 11-23 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 6-8 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals on 8-22 FG shooting and 9-11 FT shooting. Chris Bosh also finished with a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks on 3-12 FG shooting and 4-4 FT shooting. Shane Battier added 9 points and 3 rebounds on 2-2 3PT shooting and 3-3 FT shooting.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks on 11-19 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 2-4 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook added 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8-18 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting. Kendrick Perkins finished with a double-double 10 points and 12 rebounds on 3-5 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. James Harden and Derek Fisher off the bench each scored 9 points. Harden added 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals on 2-10 FG shooting and 5-7 FT shooting. Fisher added 2 steals on 3-8 FG shooting and 2-3 3PT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove

One week in the books.

The 5-day first week of classes in CTHM has come to an end with a Saturday make-up class. It was my first Saturday class in my tenure in UST. Of course, it was to make up the week we lost when there was the APacCHRIE Youth Conference last week. A lot has happened all-week long from catching up with my classmates and PEEPS from in and out of the campus. Meeting our professors for the semester. The (sometimes long) breaks. My hoop dreams (which never took flight), and a story of giving tips for the freshies.

It was one day, I was walking by P.Noval and then a group of freshies from the College of Science asked me:

"Kuya, saan po Mang Tootz?"

Prior to that, I just passed by the place with a very long line as I was looking for a place to buy food at a low price (I'm saving.)

Then I told them.

"Derecho lang. May makikita kayong sign sa kaliwa. Mahaba pila!"

It was a very fulfilling experience. Knowing two years ago, I was in the same situation as they were experiencing right now.


It's way too early to judge, so give time before you say something. One week is in the books, still a long way to go. This year is going to be a big challenge, it will be a ride worth taking, and at the end of the day, you will be fulfilled.  

3T5, It's back to the grind. We'll get through these challenges. In every tough challenge that will come, never ever give up!


Words of the week:
"I got lost!" - Me, getting lost in explaining in one discussion. (Cobwebs on my thoughts.)

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." - From the poem Invictus by William E. Henley


Let's get it on! Impossible is nothing.
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat even up series vs the Thunder with Game 2 win 100-96.

LeBron James and the Heat win Game 2 vs the Thunder

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat even up the 2012 NBA Finals at 1-1 as they pick up a huge road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 100-96. The Heat never trailed in the game despite numerous comeback attempts by the Thunder all game long. The Heat shot 36-76 (47%) from the field while the Thunder only shot 34-79 (43%). The series shifts to Miami for Game 3 on June 18.

LeBron James led the Heat with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 10-22 FG shooting and 12-12 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on 10-20 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Shane Battier scored 17 points on 6-8 FG shooting and 5-7 3PT shooting. Chris Bosh who returned to the starting lineup finished with a double-double 16 points and 15 rebounds with 2 blocks on 6-13 FG shooting and 4-5 FT shooting.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 32 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals on 12-22 FG shooting, 4-10 3PT shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook added 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists on 10-26 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 5-7 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench added 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists on 7-11 FG shooting, 2-3 3PT shooting.and 5-7 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka blocked 5 shots with 7 points and 4 rebounds on 2-5 FG shooting and 3-4 FT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Thunder wins Game 1 vs the Heat 105-94.

Kevin Durant high fives the fans after the Game 1 victory.

Photo ©NBA.com

Even though I wrote it way too late (due to my classes). Here is the first edition of my 2012 NBA Finals Blog.

The Oklahoma City Thunder playing the very first NBA Finals game to be held in Oklahoma City did not disappoint as they take Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 105-94. The Thunder outscored the Heat 58-40 in the 2nd half after the Heat opened the game with a 54-47 lead at halftime. The Thunder shot 40-77 (52%) from the field, while the Heat only shot 36-78 (46%). Game 2 will be held back in Oklahoma City on June 15.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists on 12-20 FG shooting, 4-8 3PT shooting and 8-9 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook finished with a near triple-double 27 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists on 10-24 FG shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka added 10 points and 6 rebounds on 5-10 FG shooting. Thabo Sefolosha added 9 points and 2 steals on 2-5 FG shooting. Nick Collison off the bench added 8 points and 10 rebounds on 4-5 FG shooting. Derek Fisher added 6 points and 3 rebounds on 3-6 FG shooting.

LeBron James led the Heat with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals on 11-24 FG shooting, 1-3 3PT shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 19 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds on 7-19 FG shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Shane Battier added 17 points and 4 rebounds on 6-9 FG shooting and 4-6 3PT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 12 points and 6 assists on 5-7 FG shooting and 2-4 3PT shooting. Chris Bosh off the bench added 10 points and 5 rebounds on 4-11 FG shooting and 1-3 3PT shooting. Udonis Haslem pulled down 11 rebounds.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove