Eventful week to say the least.

On the third week of the new school year. Well, it has been an eventful week to say the last.

This week, I got to spend time with my old history professor in UST at a nearby Starbucks and shared stories over cups of great Frappucino. We share a lot in common, the most special of those commonalities is that we came from the same high school and that we share memories of our lives as students there, we also get along with other things like sports, current events, history, trivial facts, and a lot of other things.  

We were supposed to have our meet-up with a friend of mine, as well as his former student. Unfortunately, he was unable to come with us, add to the fact that he's not coming back to school anymore. I was very sad to see him leave under those circumstances. He was like a brother to me, and we also shared a lot of things in common. Well I'm hopeful we'll get to see each other very soon.

Aside from that, I've been getting along well with my PEEPS in my block. We get to hang out more often, and spend a lot of good time with each other. I am very thankful for them, as well to show that they really are true friends even in times where our friendship is challenged. Well, I'm a person who is thankful to a lot of people from God, family, relatives, mentors and my PEEPS, because without them, they wouldn't define who I am today.

Aside from that, we had gone well into the new school year. More lessons have been delivered in class, quizzes, activities and home works have been given, things are getting more challenging, and finally after waiting for a long time, we met our professor in Tour Planning. Well, we also got to see our options for the international trip we are going to have next year. I'm right now, 50-50 on attending the trip since it's not a compulsary trip.

It has been a challenging yet rewarding week to say the least. it's tough to see good people leave, but we have to move on, think positive and continue living the dream and enjoy life to the fullest. In a couple of weeks, we'll have our college week and a few more weeks later it will be the Christmas break. We'll get even more busier in those times, I don't know if I'll be able to write another blog entry frequently. Yet like I always do, I'll sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

The return rolls on.
K-Smoove

Grizzlies streaking atop the West. Fear the Deer in Milwaukee. Mike D'Antoni, new coach for the Lakers.

Surprise! Surprise! Teams that people least expect to lead their conferences are now doing so right now, and a coaching change completed in Tinseltown. Here are the happenings from Week 3 of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Grizzlies streaking out West.

Photo ©NBA/Grizzlies.com

After starting the season with a loss against the team that booted them out last season in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers in L.A., the Memphis Grizzlies are right now the hottest team in the NBA as they have won the next seven games after their opening night defeat against the Clippers. Yesterday, they gave the then undefeated New York Knicks their first defeat of the season with a 105-95 victory at home. Now the Grizzlies, have taken the reigns from the San Antonio Spurs as the best team in the Western Conference. For the Grizzlies, they are led by a four-man machine led by Rudy Gay who leads the team in scoring at 19.8 points per game (together with 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per outing), Zach Randolph who leads the team in rebounding at 13.9 rebounds per game (alongside 17.2 points per outing), Spaniard Marc Gasol who leads the team in blocks at 1.3 per outing (together with 15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per outing), and Mike Conley who leads the team in assists at 6.4 per outing as well in steals at 2.0 per outing (alongside 14.8 points per outing). The Grizzlies also have other good players to back up these four men like Tony Allen who is the defensive dynamo for this squad, together with Quincy Pondexter, Jerryd Bayless, Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington. Things are looking bright from this squad from Tennessee, who knows? We could see them atop the league at the end of the season. With a stacked lineup and team that quote themselves as "We Don't Bluff City". These Grizzlies are there to make some noise in the ever-always "Wild Wild West".

Fear the Deer!

Photo ©NBA/Bucks.com

It has been a long time since this team was relevant in the NBA, but this season, there are more reasons to say "Fear the Deer!" The Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently in 2nd in the Eastern Conference behind the New York Knicks have found their groove at the same time surprising everyone in the Eastern Conference, as right now they are ahead of more popular teams like the reigning champions Miami Heat as well as the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and division rivals the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers. Led by one of the best backcourt duos in Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, the Bucks are in early position to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Jennings, the face of these new look Bucks team is averaging 17.5 points per outing, he leads the team in assists at 8.0 per outing as well as steals averaging 3.3 per game. Ellis, who joined the Bucks from Golden State mid-season is leading the team in scoring at 20.3 points per game (together with 5.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game). Aside from the explosive backcourt duo, the Bucks have a lot of players who can step up like Mike Dunleavy Jr., Larry Sanders, Tobias Harris, Ersan Ilyasova, Beno Udrih and Samuel Dalembert to name a few. Every player on the Bucks roster can contribute. Especially in a division where favored teams like the Bulls and Pacers are going through injury issues. These guys from Wisconsin have the capability to steal the Central Division crown. Like they say there, FEAR THE DEER!

Mike D'Antoni, new coach of the Lakers.
Photo ©NBA/Lakers.com

Days after Mike Brown was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Another "Mike" will take over the coaching reins for the purple and gold, by the name of Mike D'Antoni. D'Antoni who was notable for his coaching stints with the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks was named the new head coach for the Lakers and was selected over the more popular choice among Laker fans in the name of "The Zen Master" Phil Jackson.

D'Antoni's coaching record in the regular season stands at 388-339 (53.3%) in 10 seasons as head coach (Denver, Phoenix & New York) and is 26-29 (47.3%) in 5 playoff appearances (4 with the Suns, 1 with the Knicks.) D'Antoni will also reunite with Steve Nash whom he coached to two MVP trophies in 2005 and 2006 with the Suns.

Right now there are a lot of questions for the franchise, will D'Antoni's hiring as coach bring the Lakers out of the flux in the Western Conference and into contending for a championship where many pundits wrote about them especially with the arrivals of both Nash and Dwight Howard to join forces with Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol. We'll see if a proud franchise can make a large fan base happy about this season with D'Antoni calling the shots. He will make his coaching debut in Los Angeles as the Lakers will face the Houston Rockets tomorrow.

Meanwhile, LeBron James of the Miami Heat and Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week respectively.

Here's how the teams are faring right now in the NBA:

Western Conference:

1. Grizzlies (8-1), 2. Spurs (8-2), 3. Clippers (7-2), 4. Thunder (7-3), 5. Warriors (5-4), 6. Timberwolves (5-4), 7. Mavericks (6-5), 8. Jazz (5-6), 9. Trail Blazers (4-5), 10. Lakers (4-5), 11. Rockets (4-5), 12. Nuggets (4-6), 13. Hornets (3-5), 14. Suns (4-7), 15. Kings (2-7)

Eastern Conference:

1. Knicks (6-1), 2. Bucks (6-2), 3. Heat (8-3), 4. Nets (5-2), 5. Celtics (6-4), 6. Bulls (5-4), 7. 76ers (5-4), 8. Bobcats (4-4), 9. Hawks (4-4), 10. Pacers (4-6), 11. Magic (3-5), 12. Cavaliers (2-7), 13. Raptors (2-7), 14. Pistons (1-9), 15. Wizards (0-7)

All teams have tasted defeat this season, only the Washington Wizards have yet to taste a victory this season. We have some surprise teams on in the early hunt like the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves (they're doing it without stars Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, as well as some players who are also out with injuries and are playing hurt) out West, while the Brooklyn Nets are living up to the hype since their move from New Jersey, while the Charlotte Bobcats are at .500 as of the moment. 

Watch out for the next edition of my weekly NBA blog next week.

K-Smoove

Tourism: Not for the faint of heart.

People sometimes would ask me, 

"What are you taking up in college?".

I would say "Tourism/Travel Management."

Some of the people who would ask me that question would say,  

"It's an easy course. You're lucky."

This kind of question were asked to me when I was just starting at the university, where I still had little knowledge about the life as a travel management student. I let it go whenever they say that. But now, that I have gotten into the deep waters of my España journey, I have something to say whenever someone would say these words again.

Well, there is a misconception about not only Tourism/Travel Management but also of Hotel & Restaurant Management courses which are under one college in the University of Santo Tomas, which is the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Where in one academic year, 2 out of 5 students from the college were able to graduate with honors. Unlike in other colleges where the percentages are well below. Thus creating the perception by those from outside of the college, that the programs are "easy".

However, these statistics and numbers are not as it seems. Well, because little people may know, but Tourism/Travel Management at the university is as challenging as the other programs of the university like Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Pharmacy to name a few which have been notable as one of the most difficult courses to take.

Tourism/Travel Management may not have a lot of mathematics and science subjects as other courses, as well as the technicalities of architecture and drawing, the calculations of accounting, or the scientific concepts and skills taught of the sciences and medicine. but it has it's own set of challenges as do other courses. 

One would be learning foreign languages along the way. In our case, French and German. Studying a foreign language would be our version of complicated mathematics courses like calculus or drawing of plates.

Aside from that a lot of other courses which include Tour Guiding where it tests our knowledge about places at the same time knowing how to deal with tourists on tours, Tour Packaging where we calculate for the cost for trips, Airline Reservations where we learn how to reserve and book flights or other trips, Events Management where we organize our own event, Tourism English (not once, but twice) which means we're taking six English courses instead of the usual four most of the other students would take, as well as other courses that will be useful when we step into the labor force.

With time well spent studying at the university, I can say with full confidence that Tourism/Travel Management is not for the faint of heart. Because right now, I am currently getting into the more technical courses of Tourism/Travel Management this semester which is dubbed by many as the "most challenging semester" for a Travel Management student. Imagine, six out of the eight courses this semester would have something to do with the technicalities of tourism. Where failure is not an option and the only way to go with is to keep moving forward.

Every program has it's own set of challenges, we can't take away the facts that some look easy, while others look hard. However, studying no matter what program you are pursuing will always be a challenge. It takes hard work and dedication to succeed in studies as well as having a fulfilled life.

Next time they'll ask me that same question. I'll have something to say about it.

My craft is not for the faint of heart.
K-Smoove

NBA Weekly Blog: Brown fired as Lakers coach. Undefeated Knicks. Spurs atop the West once again.

From firings to the early leaders in the standings. Here are some of the stories for Week 2 of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Fired! Mike Brown out as Lakers coach.

Photo ©NBA/Lakers.com

After spending a lockout shortened season and five games into the new season. Mike Brown has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown, took over as the coach of the Lakers from Phil Jackson last season where he led them to a 41-25 finish during a lockout shortened season which saw them advance to the second round of the playoffs before falling in five games against eventual Western Conference Champions Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers started the season flat at 1-4 before Brown got the boot. Assistant coach and former Charlotte Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff takes over as interim head coach for the Lakers as the franchise begins their search for a replacement. After Brown's departure, the Lakers came out with a victory against the Golden State Warriors yesterday at Staples Center. A favorite for most Lakers fans would be to bring back "The Zen Master" Phil Jackson as head coach. The Lakers are also considering former Suns & Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni and another former Lakers coach in Mike Dunleavy, Sr.; With Brown out, who will call the shots for a Lakers team with a lot of hype coming into the season but has to find it's calling in order to compete a top the Western Conference? A lot of uncertainties for franchise with a rich history and a devoted fan base which spans all over the world.

Knicks remain undefeated.

Photo ©NBA/Knicks.com

The New York Knicks, are the only team left in the NBA this season who has yet to taste a defeat are playing inspired basketball to start the season, especially for a city which has been recently battered with extreme weather for the past couple of weeks. The Knicks are at 4-0 in the standings and are on top of the Eastern Conference ahead of the defending champions Miami Heat at 5-1. It also happens that one of the Knicks four victories came at the expense of the reigning champions when these two teams met at Madison Square Garden on opening week. Carmelo Anthony has been leading the charge for the Knicks currently averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per outing on 44% field goal shooting. He has also been getting help from every guy on the Knicks roster from players like J.R. Smith, Raymond Felton, Ronnie Brewer, Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd, Steve Novak, and even Rasheed Wallace. So the Knicks are doing well so far to start the season, the question is, can they sustain it until the end of the season. That we will have to see as the season progresses.

Once again, the Spurs are atop the West.

Photo ©NBA/Spurs.com

A recurring theme for the last two seasons, the San Antonio Spurs this season have maintained their hold atop the Western Conference. These veterans under the long-time mentorship of Gregg Popovich have kept themselves competing year after year, and now are sitting in ahead of the Western Conference early into the new season at 6-1 ahead of the second running Minnesota Timberwolves at 4-1. They picked up huge victories against teams like the team that booted them out in the Western Conference Finals the Oklahoma City Thunder on a Tony Parker game winner on opening week as well as victgries against the New Orleans Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers and the Portland Trail Blazers. Their lone defeat came at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers in a dismantling defeat in Los Angeles. A balanced Spurs attack has been crucial for the team led by "The Big Fundamental" Tim Duncan who leads the Spurs averaging 18.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals on 53% shooting from the field. Duncan is well backed up by players like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Gary Neal, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, and Stephen Jackson to name a few. Consistency has been the name of the game for these Spurs. They may have a veteran-laid lineup, but they find ways to win games. Will it translate to another championship. Too early to tell, but these guys will be on the hunt this season.

Meanwhile, James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks won the first Player of the Week awards of the season for the Western Conference and Eastern Conference respectively.

Here are the standings across the league:

Western Conference:

1. Spurs (6-1), 2. Grizzlies (4-1), 3. Clippers (4-2), 4. Thunder (4-2), 5. Timberwolves (4-2), 6. Hornets (3-2), 7. Nuggets (4-3), 8. Mavericks (4-3), 9. Rockets (3-3), 10. Jazz (3-4), 11. Warriors (3-4), 12. Suns (3-4), 13. Trail Blazers (2-4), 14. Lakers (2-4), 15. Kings (2-4)

Eastern Conference:

1. Knicks (4-0), 2. Heat (5-1), 3. Bulls (4-2), 4. 76ers (4-2), 5. Bucks (3-2), 6. Nets (2-2), 7. Celtics (3-3), 8. Hawks (2-2), 9. Pacers (3-4), 10. Bobcats (2-3), 11. Magic (2-3), 12. Cavaliers (2-4), 13. Raptors (1-5), 14. Wizards (0-5), 15. Pistons (0-7).

So teams have played a minimum of 4 games and a maximum of 7 games. Still early within the season, we have seen a ton of surprises both on top and the bottom of the standings. Some teams who struggled early getting their grove back, while some teams who started well have suffered setbacks. Others see no change in their fortunes. Days in, we're in for a great battle in the coming weeks. Watch out for a new edition my weekly NBA blog next week.

K-Smoove

Challenge accepted.

The second semester of the school year is well underway. They say this semester is the toughest of all semesters for a Travel Management student. Well, because the courses for this semester will be more technical at the same time the courses will be applicable when we go to work in our respective fields. So, we have met six of the eight professors this week. It will also be the last French language course we will take in the university. We will also get familiar with the Galileo system which is used for reservation systems. And for this semester, if we got enough money to proceed. We will go on a tour outside the Philippines together with my blockmates as well as two other section. Plus, a lot of other things that will happen this semester.

Well, a new semester also brought in new changes, there is a new leadership in tow for the section. I really wanted to pursue a position in office, because I really wanted to lead and this is what in mind would be my last shot to be able to do so. But, fate had other things in mind, and the fact that it wasn't meant to happen right now. I'm still hoping that I'll get the opportunity in the future.

The return to the university, also gives me a chance to see my friends at school again. After not seeing each other during the semestral break. I missed them a lot during my time off. Also, I did take the time away from school and the troubles of the past semester to get refreshed and ready for this semester. Things to look forward this semester is the annual Paskuhan, before the Christmas break, the CTHM College Week which is usually a first semester event, will now happen this semester after the ton of weather interruptions which postponed the event, and a lot of other events to come. I hope there will be another Sportsfest this year, I really want  to play basketball again.

This is a critical point in my España journey. There is no room for complacency and failure. Times will be hard, and there will be a ton of challenges coming up. but we'll still find a way to enjoy this semester at the same time learn a lot of things as well. One week is in the books, still a long way to go. I'm not expecting that much this semester. But I'll put my head down, get myself pumped up and get this rollin' along. Get ready for a comeback! Easier said than done, but I'll do my very best.

THIRD YEAR, SECOND SEMESTER,CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
K-Smoove

Winding down the sembreak. Back to the grind in a couple of hours.

Today is the final day of the semestral break which began three weeks ago. Well, it was an eventful one. From going home to the province to catch some cool air, to going out watching a basketball game live. From playing basketball with some of my friends to the ever feared release of the grades from the last semester. From the end of the college basketball season to the start of a new NBA season. From lazy days at home to active mornings playing hoops every morning, and a lot of other happenings this semestral break.  

Unfortunately, there was one thing that I was unable to do during the semestral break, and that was to try out NBA 2K13. I installed it successfully on my PC. Unfortunately, the game never played. It turned out the OS I'm using is not up to date and cannot carry the game. Well, I wanted to try it out on a computer shop. Then again, most of the time I was broke all vacation long due to the fact I don't get allowance (when I get some to go out, it's spent right away). Well I should learn saving money. One day, I'll finally get to try the game. I really wanted to use the Houston Rockets with James Harden aboard once I get the chance.

Well in a few hours, it's back to the grind of going back to school to continue my España journey. Well, on the first day. It happened that we only have one class since most of my classes in the morning will be cut to make way for a faculty meeting prior to the start of the year. This year, I'm aiming for a comeback. Easier said than done, but I'm all in and ready to bring everything I have. It will be a challenging semester for sure. Still, we need to stay positive and find fun in tough situations. I hope I can make the best of this coming semester, because right now, I need a good one this semester. I cannot wait to see all of my friends at school.

The journey continues, the return begins.
K-Smoove is all in