The Djoker is in, but RF still...

...is the best - for me!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


I know, I know, I just put my money on Novak Djokovic to grab the Numero Uno spot in Men's tennis ranking within the next three Grand Slams two days ago, and here I am proclaiming RF as "the best". No, no, I'm not contradicting myself here... I'm just offering two separate arguments while I insist on looking at one subject matter on men's tennis in two different ways.

***
The hotness of the Djoke is no joke

Forget "red hot"! Novak Djokovic is a ball of raging flames, ravaging everything in its way, regardless of ranks and stature in the tennis world! He's already destroyed the Number One Man in men's tennis today, Rafa Nadal - four tournament finals in a row... twice in hard courts where Rafa just successfully asserted "ownership" by winning the US Open for the first time last year, and twice in clay courts where Rafa is King. Unheard of? Totally! Scary? Definitely! Exciting? ABSOLUTELY!

I think it all began from that five-set epic of a semi-final megabattle with Roger Federer in Flushing Meadows last year, which he won! Although, initially I thought it was just another one of those growing list of "megasigns" of a Federer "decline" in the rankings rather than the beginning of The Djoker Era. After all, there's still that fiery warrior from Mallorca who was picking up where El Maestro left off in the Tennis History books... and he's only just begun. We were yet to see the "Nadal Years" where the limelight of tennis will be solely on Rafa, weren't we?

Perhaps, I was just all wrapped up in my "approaching" post-Federer "active worship" that I set aside the impending Djokovic domination as an I'll-deal-with-you-later-please-wait issue... especially after El Maestro emerged victorious in the ATP Season Finale in London in November 2010 where he battled the rest of the Top 8 in the Men's ranking. I was like, "Whoa, the man's libido for winning was revived! Yowser!" Of course, I was ecstatic! The other thing is, I'd like to give Rafa his time of day... okay, a few years, actually. I think that after those many years of patiently playing "Robin" to Federer's "Batman" in the Men's rankings, he deserves longer time at the top, too. He's worked so hard to improve his game - his serve, making adjustments in his phenomenal clay court game to adapt to grass and hard courts, steadying his overall physical health to put injuries to minimum so he can participate in year-long tours to accumulate ranking points. He did whatever it took to deserve the top spot. And so, when he did ascend to #1 in the World, it was a delight to see as well.

But, after Novak Djokovic captained and carried his Serbian National Team to Davis Cup victory in December 2010, he became this ball of fire that kept raging, and raging, and raging! Now, he's on an incredible 37-0 run in 2011 so far, with all the ranking greats actively running with him - Nadal, Federer, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling to name a few... all have been playing at the very top of their game to quench the Djokovic fire, but their efforts seemed to have fanned the flame to bigger fire instead! He's unstoppable! He goes down on points in the court, but he pulls himself up over and over again... and goes on to win each time! He's in-form for complete domination - physically and mentally. Who can stop him when he believes that he can win it all? And he's winning 'em all, too! Incredible!

Therefore, it is inevitable that Novak Djokovic will rise to the top. It's only a matter of time now... sooner than the tennis world could have ever expected or imagined. After all, Rafa Nadal has barely warmed his Number One in the World seat. And, yeah, I'd bet on The Djoker, too... regardless of my wanting for a longer Nadal reign. But is Novak Djokovic the best now? That remains to be seen.

***
The best... although not the top guy

Is that possible at all? Sure... said I! :)

I was just watching again the semi-final match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in Madrid two weeks ago, and it still sent my heart pounding! Fantastic match! Federer may have been surpassed in the men's tennis ranking, but the most incredibly beautiful tennis he still plays today is unsurpassed - not even by the longest reigning King of Clay himself, Rafa Nadal! And for me, that's the basis of being the best. Okay, okay... I know, I need to explain this.

The reason why Federer is not on top in the rankings today is because of the growing frequency of big match losses to his name lately. But, does that diminish his greatness as a tennis player. I say, no. But does that remove him as the best tennis player today? Maybe, but only maybe. While the ability to win matches is one measure of being the best, it isn't the only one. RF still refuses to compromise his beautiful game to beat raging bulls like Rafa Nadal, and now that ball of fire called Novak Djokovic, who both figured out that the best way to beat Roger Federer is to force him to abandon his beautiful tennis... because chances are, he wouldn't, and he'd fight to keep it... and that's how he loses the match. On court, RF fights to keep his tennis rather than try to beat his opponent. He asserts his beautiful game rather than asserting himself to his opponent. While it's painful to see him lose, it's still fantastic to see all those wonderful shots that come from his racquet - those that could only come from his racquet. I'm not sure if he cared about losing as much as he used to though. As RF's mother, Lynette Federer, who admitted that she used to not able to withstand watching RF play tennis on court because it was nerve-wracking for her. But she admits now that she can watch RF play on court and enjoy it, too, because "he doesn't have to win every match anymore."

And so, El Maestro still weaves the Federer genius spell on court. He "accelerates" his graceful glides on court to return shots, but he rarely breaks into a savage "sprint" to scavenge for points. If it was an "ugly point", he'd let it go. He is always looking for that dream-like perfect shots that only his genius mind could conjure, patiently sets up a play to make them happen, and execute them when opportunity arises, while his opponents - who look for a win - take every shot, and all sorts of shots, to gain points from him. And this is the reason why, when you watch him play (and you listen to commentators, too), the loudest clap of appreciation and the loudest ooohs and aaahs of fascination are from the Federer racquet... that, to me, is the bigger measure of being the best. Who can make tennis a sport worth loving? Who can make moves that leave spectator breathless and make tennis such a unique sport because of those breathtaking shotmaking? Who can make those shots that register in the mind and resides there for a long, long time... even in the minds of other players, who unconsciously copy them in their own game? Example: tweener winners. And he does all of that in a quiet manner that belies the genius behind all his moves.

However, these days, the score board shows RF at the losing end, especially when he is battling Nadal - the point scavenging machine, or Djokovic - the hungriest for winning to finally deserve his time of day, too. But Nadal has never been described as "genius" or "maestro" or "a sublime talent"... instead he is often called a "fighter"... because that's what he is. He "fights" with all his heart to win. A Nadal game on court has never been a display of "genius", but rather an exciting "struggle", a heart-thumping "fight" for winning. Is that enough to be called "the best" though? I don't think so... but that could be enough to bring one to the very top of the rankings, and even on the pages of sports history books.

And, perhaps, my fascination for Federer-like lyrical moves on tennis court is the reason why I am inclined to support Novak Djokovic, next to Roger Federer. He plays with a touch of beauty in his shots and a kind of grace in his glides that are similar to Roger's. The difference is that he adds a little more power, of the Nadal variety, to his shots that compromises some of the beauty, and runs with a tad of ruggedness that chips off some from the grace... but the combination of which effectively gets the job done... and the score board shows it, too. At this early stage of the top-spot-snatching point in his career though, perhaps the compromise could be excused. One has to reach the top first before orchestrating a symphony of shotmaking beauty. Ask Roger, he knows! And, maybe he's the only one who does! As for our Mallorcan Warrior, unfortunately, it seems that that day may never come for him... he seems to have reached his peak chasing RF in the rankings rather than when he took his seat at the very top. It hardly is fair, too.

While you may argue that the guy who gets things done to win is the best, I'd say the best is not quantifiable by points or ranks. The guy who accumulates the highest point is the "top guy", but he isn't necessarily the best. But Djokovic has a lot of potential... and he is showing now that he is capable and willing to fine-tune his game to perfection. So, who knows, he might get to be "the best" at some point, too. As for now, El Maestro is still the best - for me.

***
RF should learn from Pep Guardiola and Barҫa

Because I am usually 99% passion and 1% human being... I like romantic guys. :) Uhmm... yeah, we're still talking sports here! =) This is why I support Pep Guardiola and FC Barcelona, and Roger Federer, because they all play their respective sport with a vivid touch of romanticism - too beautiful, too breathtaking. Aaaaah.... sports, sports, sports - we're talking sports! :)

When Barҫa plays, they "dance" on the pitch in a beautifully Pep Guardiola-choreographed tiki-taka, with Xavi leading, and everyone else following his lead. There is no savageness in their movements, there's only grace and awesome coordination that result in blinding speed of play and usually unforgettable goalmaking care of Lionel Messi and David Villa, or Pedro Rodriguez and Ibrahim Affellay, or Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez himself. They are that all-skills and genius lot, and just a little bit of muscular strength. And it leaves you in awe how those diminutive figures of theirs could afford win after win on the pitch against physically towering opponents of massive muscular arsenal!

With his encyclopedic mind that could spew tennis records and history highlights faster than a ball machine could, you can tell, Roger Federer loves tennis. When he plays on whatever surface, his feet touch the court in featherlike softness. The beauty by which he twists his body in mid-air to send the ball down the line in a blinding speed with not so much as a quiet swoosh is mesmerizing. The beauty by which he bends his knees to get his body on a graceful angle to scoop the ball from the ground and then power it for a perfect blistering one-handed backhand shot is unbelievable. Without him, people might mistake tennis as a war of amply clothed medium-sized wrestlers who looked akward as they wield their racquets in a seemingly savage fury. Federer makes "finesse" synonymous to tennis in a truly classy way - a total brilliance.

When Pep Guardiola talks about his La Masia "upbringing", he glows... and its beautiful to see. When he talks about La Masia's products in the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, he ascends somewhere high and beautiful, and he takes you there with him, and it renews your love for football to an even higher level as well. But Pep is a brilliant manager, too - practical and wise. Playing beautifully is his second nature, and it's plain to see how he's passed on that DNA to his players. But Guardiola also understands that winning is the passport to allow his side to keep playing beautifully. And so, while he asserts Barҫa's brand of beautiful football in all their matches, he makes sure that he takes care of business first - winning. And he makes use of his beautiful football to claim victory rather than just an impressive display of pure genius on the pitch. He understands that for the world to appreciate Barҫa's beautiful football, he has got to show that the beauty is a mighty weapon that can cut opponents to pieces as well. And so, the beauty becomes brilliance, and brilliance becomes a phenomenon... a phenomenon that his Barҫa is today.

Roger Federer's love for tennis is undeniable, and his insistence to play beautiful tennis on court is unmistakable. However, these days, he seemed to have relegated winning to layers of folds below his priorities when he steps on court. Like Lynette Federer, maybe he believes he doesn't have to win matches anymore. And maybe that's reasonable, too, after all he's set so many records already... the ones that Nadal, Djokovic and the others have set out to surpass. But, where's the fun in that? If winning becomes a "non-goal", then the beauty of his tennis gets marred by the ugliness of losing... until it no longer is recognizable for the beauty that it is.

Therefore, if Roger Federer is no longer as interested in winning the way he used to some years ago as many suspect, he owes it to tennis fans to preserve the memory of the beautiful tennis that he created, and allow tennis fans to savor in their memory that breathtaking symphony of tennis pure brilliance that he has orchestrated when winning was still a practical business... by finally hanging his racquet on the wall. To just sit back while others try to reach the mark of greatness that he has set so high, even he is finding it quite a labor to reach when his mind is not 100% into competitive tennis. But if he decides to keep playing, he should do as Pep Guardiola and his Barҫa does: business first... winning first.

***
Another example of best vs. top

Forgive me, but I just have to do this: Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo in best vs. top.

With four more matches to play in the La Liga title race three weeks ago, Lionel Messi had accumulated 31 goals, helping put FC Barcelona in an almost-victory situation, with 8 points above second place Real Madrid FC in the points tally. Ronaldo had 29 goals at this stage. In the latter part of the season, both Barҫa and Real Madrid got into the UEFA Champions League where they faced each other in the semi-finals. In the first leg of their tie, Messi scored two magnificent goals, one of them of absolute brilliance that wowed the whole football universe! Uhm, ahem, ahem... with the exception of Pele, maybe. But more importantly, the brace almost ensured Barҫa's advance to the finals with a 2-0 score card ahead of the second leg. Messi didn't score in the second leg, which they drew at 1-1, but neither did Ronaldo score. And yet, Messi's brace from the first leg brought Barҫa to the final with a 3-1 score on aggregate.

With the La Liga title almost in the bag now, the Catalans then shifted greater focus on the UEFA final. Messi lied low on goal scoring in La Liga, even made "to rest" a couple of times, perhaps, to avoid injuries in preparation for the Champions League final... after all, all they needed was to draw all four remaining matches to win the title, making Real Madrid's hope next to impossibility. It was at this stage when, curiously, Cristiano Ronaldo started going on goal rampage, accumulating 9 goals in three matches, and effectively leapfrogging Messi by 7 goals after three matches. Some of the 9 goals were from free kicks as a lot more in his previous 29 goals. On the other hand, with two more matches to play, Barҫa sealed their hold on the La Liga title, claiming the third of their three-in-a-row La Liga Primera Division title under Pep Guardiola.

With Messi's 31 goals, Barҫa moved on to lift the La Liga Campiones trophy, and with the record-breaking 38+ goals of Ronaldo, Real Madrid had to settle for second place... but Ronaldo will surely go on to win the individual award, the Pichichi, as top goal scorer in La Liga for the season.

Ronaldo may be winning the top individual prize, but it didn't bring victory to his team. He may have scored the most number of goals (many of which are from free kicks, I must stress again), but their impact is nothing compared to Messi's spectacular goals at critical moments that helped win his squad the championship. Ronaldo gets the job done to ensure being at the top of individual glory, but Messi consistently brings on his individual magic to blend with that of Barҫa's collective brilliance to help carry his squad to victory, which matters more, because football is a team sport. Therefore, being on top, is not always a guarantee of being the best. It is the critical points you earn, the manner by which the points were earned, and the quality of the points you earn that make you the best.


***
Photo credits: All photos were grabbed from Zimbio - thanks.

Ball-some Weekend

From tennis to footie... and back!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


So, it's that time of year... when yellow green balls bouncing on powdery red clay is a common sight. And, yeah, there's one particular personality out there who's been turning appreciative heads... and turning tennis history books to new pages.

I know I have been footie-ing a lot lately... but, of course, I'm paying attention! Why wouldn't I? Afterall, it's tennis... and "clay" involves Barcelona, Madrid... and Rome! Not to mention Monte Carlo... oh, lo'! And then later, the City of Lights - hmmm, Paris! :)

Never mind that Roger Federer could only muster getting mostly into the quarter-finals (or semi-finals on good times) of the tournaments these days (I still LOVE him!), and that Rafael Nadal - the reigning No.1 in the World - are "friendly friends" with the footie world's Ronaldo... of the Cristiano kind! Ugh, por favor, Rafa... por qué??? Never mind also that Andy Murray remains to be that talented lad that goes hot and cold on court until now. I guess it's alright, 'cause The Djoker is on a 37 unbeaten run in 2011 so far! Putting away the King of Clay himself, Rafa Nadal, in Madrid two weekends ago and in Rome last weekend! And, unlike most of those times when he gets "beaten", the King of Clay has not been "sick" or "slightly sick", injured, or "suffering from something". Oh, well... still, The Djoker is on a fine run! :)

***
The Djoker: An impending legend... of the hybrid kind

While he's been around for a little bit, acting like a "little pebble" in the then World #1 Roger Federer's tennis shoes, and a constant nuisance to the then perennial #2 in the World, Rafael Nadal, I've always liked Novak Djokovic as this happy-go-lucky talented teenager who was always fun to watch, bouncing about and poking here and there at the Federer-Nadal tennis bubble. And then, he started making waves as the "Tennis Star of Tomorrow" in many tennis fans' books along with two other talented compatriots, Elena Yankovic and Ana Ivanovic, who both reached #1 in the Women's rankings.

I remember... the first time I saw Djokovic beat Roger Federer at the 2007 Rogers Cup final in Montreal, after beating Rafa Nadal in the semi-final, I was convinced then that he was the "rightful" heir to the then illustrious "RF Crown of Tennis Greatness" in the following decade. Why? First of all, he was the first person to do what was perceived to be an impossibility, a tennis sacrilege almost, in 2007: beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the same tournament! Second, while he didn't have RF's mesmerizing lyrical moves and sublime genius on court - yet - that time, he moved with grace and showed the ability and unperturbed confidence to rise to the occasion with brilliant shots when the going got tough... and the sense of humor to laugh at himself when he failed. Third, he had some of Rafa Nadal's super-athletic glides and blinding speed but used them with more subtlety and less noise... and minus the distracting over-flambouyant point celebrations, too, that sometimes made the tennis court felt like a streetfighters' arena rather than a place for gentlemen. If anything, he celebrated with a lot of spirit and a great amount of humor... which was to become his mark as he carved his name in the tennis stone as a top player in his own right.

And so, some RF + some Rafa Nadal = The Djoker seemed to have been an appropriate representation of the then 20-year old Serb phenomenon. The equation seemed to work because he cancelled out both men's prowess on court in Montreal. When he played RF, he played like Rafa + some Djoker... and it resulted to a win. When he played Rafa, he played like RF + Djoker... and it resulted to a win, too. When he played "others", he played some RF + some Rafa + a lot of Djoker. When he figured that out, surely he became a force to reckon with. Observers knew then that it would only be a matter of "fine tuning", and his shotmaking repertoire will be as lethal as no RF and no Rafa Nadal would be enough to dismantle.

After the Montreal breakthrough, The Djoker then went on to challenge RF in the final of the 2007 US Open. His limited experience proved no match to RF's though, losing all his set points in the first and second sets, and eventually losing the match... but he was battling "the" Roger Federer of 2000-2007, so losing was okay. But he won over a multitude of fans by being the "court joker", enjoying his matches and exchanging hilarious banters with John McEnroe after playing and in the press rooms, earning his "Djoker" nickname in the process.

Equipped with valuable experience from the previous season, he went on to beat RF in the 2008 Australian Open semi-finals and eventually emerged as Champion, beating Jo Wilfred Tsonga who stopped Rafa Nadal in the other semi-final. It was his first Grand Slam title, at the age of 20, and effectively converting himself into a "Tennis Star Now" in many fans' book.

While the World of Tennis busied itself with the debate on who between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal was greater, The Djoker flew under the radar as World #3 for about two years... he was falling in and out of fans' favors as well by expecting to get more attention after the 2008 Aussie Open win and not getting enough. While he let RF and Nadal juggled the #1 and #2 spots in the rankings between themselves, it was noticeable though how he was getting leaner and more compact physically, allowing him greater speed, agility and stamina on court, but less prone to injury unlike Rafa Nadal. His moves were becoming more and more "lyrical"... not as graceful as RF's, but more of a unique "athletic lyricism", which allowed him a great variety in his unique shotmaking arsenal. His greater participation in the Tour all season-long built his confidence in his shotmaking at the baseline or close to the net, and he has matured a lot - containing his emotions better in big moments, able to calm nerves and maintaining a steel focus to winning when the going got tough. Last year, these improvements and fine tuning became very apparent.

Three consecutive years of losing to RF in the final and semi-final stages in the US Open, Djoker broke out from his silent flight and finally prevailed over El Maestro in the US Open semi-final in an epic five-set superbattle last year, spoiling what might have been the final chance for the world to see a "Federer-Nadal Flushing Meadows Face-off" in the final. But the fans were in awe that The Djoker went into the final with the fans on his side. However, he was too exhausted to stop Rafa Nadal in winning the Spaniard's first ever US Open title in the final round. But, the world took notice, and they kept a tab on him eversince... and he didn't disappoint!

In the next Grand Slam, fresh from leading his Serbian National Team's Davis Cup to victory as captain, he once again stopped defending Champion Roger Federer in the 2011 Australian Open semi-final. He then went on to rattle, and in the end beat, the in-form Andy Murray in the final, who beat the injured (see what I mean?) Rafa Nadal in the other semi-final match. Djokovic then claimed his second Australian Open title - his second Grand Slam win overall. With Rafa Nadal's ascent to #1 in the previous year, The Djoker continued to press RF and Nadal as the "perennial #3" with Andy Murray playing the emotional "hot-then-cold-and-back-again" #4, until he broke through the #2 position in the ranking in March of this year, causing the "unthinkable" - relegating RF to the third spot.

These days, he has become simply "Nole" to many tennis fans - a household name now. Perhaps signaling a greater outcome soon? That isn't an impossibility either because he has been hotly pursuing the #1 spot at the heel of Rafa Nadal as the French Open - the second Grand Slam of the season - approached. Yesterday, he extended his brilliant unbeaten run to 37 matches (yes, 37-0!!) at the expense of World #1, Nadal, in Rome - winning in straight sets: 6-4, 6-4! And that was after out-witting and out-muscling Andy Murray in a fantastic semi-final duel, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6. The weekend before last, he stunned Nadal in Madrid with a straight-set win of 7-5, 6-4 after Nadal forcefully ousted Roger Federer, 5-7, 6-1, 6-3, in the semi-finals. And because he's been bulldozing everything and everyone in his way so far, it is reasonable to believe that the contest for #1 in the World spot will be decided in the following three months or so when the three Grand Slams come in quick succession.

I'll go out on a limb here and say, I think, it's going to be "2007 Rogers Cup" all over again... but this time, the equation is going to be completely different: fine tuned and nicely oiled Djoker arsenal = Numero Uno.

***
CR(ubbish)7 and Real Mad(rid) talks

Why do I bother, right? I know, I wonder about it, too! *sigh*

The other day, I was reading an article where Ronaldo (the Cristiano kind) of Real Madrid (the Mourinho-managed kind) was swearing to high heavens that he was not obssessed about breaking Spanish League INDIVIDUAL records and winning the INDIVIDUAL award for highest La Liga goal scorer, Pichichi. He said he was merely helping his team in whatever way he can. All this, after Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Getafe where CR7 contributed a hat trick and, before that, his 4-goal rampage in their 6-2 win over Sevilla, putting him 5 goals above Lionel Messi's 31 goals. And now, after effectively losing the La Liga title to Barҫa last Wednesday, a free-kick brace in their match with Villareal yesterday puts his goal tally to 38 total, which equals the present La Liga record for the highest number of goals in one season, with one more match to play. In other words, all this when the chances of Real Madrid winning the La Liga title has become close to impossibility... and later on Wednesday, an outright impossibility!

And you wonder... where was all the smart, team-player, self-scarificing CR(ubbish)7 talk when winning La Liga or the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barҫa was still doable? He was way behind Lionel Messi's goal tally when the La Liga title was still on the line. And, didn't he condone the 0-0 planned finish at the Bernabéu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie with Barҫa? That, of course, ended as 0-2, in favor of Barҫa! That was followed by a second leg 1-1 draw in Camp Nou, which effectively knocked them out of the Champions League. Did he contribute a goal in those all-important matches? A big fat NO! After that, Ronaldo (I must stress, the Cristiano kind) proceeded with his CR(ubbish)7 talk, echoing his "Special" Coach's rants of cheating and all that - whatever excuses they could find for losing. Soon, the whole of "www" was infested by all sorts of (altered) picture/video/blogs, spreading one-sided views (the Real Madrid-favored views) on the Champions League semi-final tie. Aah, money, money, money to churn press machinery!

While obviously Barҫa do not see the point in honoring the Real Mad(rid) rants with a reply, and rightfully so, I do like to hurl this question to Real Madrid (and their supporters)... hasn't it occured to you, guys, that none of these "scandals" (as Mou loves to call them) were ever in circulation before Barҫa played Real Madrid in those recent four Clásicos when Mourinho decided to play "anti-football", not even when the Catalans beat you in a reverberating 5-0 thrashing in Camp Nou last year? I have watched the two legs of the Champions League semi-final tie 6 times already. Each time, my heart pounded whenever you guys brought down an Azulgrana intentionally because you didn't have the necessary skill to legally snatch the ball from them, or they are more skilled in keeping ball possession. Three or four of the Catalans may have reacted a little bit more than necessary, but, apparently, it was only because you were so "skilled" in your sneaky physical tackle... you stick a foot or jab an elbow discreetly and then run away like your eyes were on something else so the referee won't take notice(Marcelo was the best in doing this - check out the second leg, especially when he stepped on Pedro Rodriguez's leg and pretended that nothing happened, or when he jumped over Pedro and proceeded running afterwards like nothing happened because the referee's attention was somewhere else; Di Maria was greatly annoying, too... and even CR7 himself, sticking a foot discreetly to trip the speeding Lionel Messi). The Catalans had to show the effect of your sneaky actions and dangerous tackles to make sure the referee would see and control the situation to avoid untoward accident eventually. Afterall, playing football is not an expression of willingness nor an open invitation to have your own neck broken on the pitch! Now, with your sneaky actions, who is the REAL (MADRID) cheater? You created the lamentable chaos with your negative tactics and behavior on the pitch. And now, you guys are still using your media machinery to discredit Barҫa. You guys are sad, really sad! *sigh*

Face it, Barҫa triumphed! And, admit it, you lost! Your "anti-football" tactic backfired mightily to blow you to the pathetic land of the losers!

But, yeah, CR7, go grab your Pichichi, and let's see if that would bring the 2011 La Liga title or the 2011 UEFA Champions League title to Bernabéu! So much for your "I'm doing this for the team" magnanimous speech. You may have broken the record of the most number of goals in one season in the history of La Liga, but for what cause? Obviously, not for Bernabéu, 'cause Real Madrid have been losing the IMPORTANT titles left and right this season notwithstanding your stratospheric priced manager and players line-up! *sigh*

Just come out clean, CR7, and say, "I won, I won!" And then, we'll applaud - wholeheartedly. Okay? Okay, and don't you go bitching either! =) And, oh, oh, oh, by the way... say, how many of your 38 goals were from free kick again? Just asking. =)

***
Man U... yes, U!

And they sealed their hold on the 2011 Barclays Premier League title with one more game to spare! Awesome! On to New Wembley now!

Yeah, I completely agree with most of the pundits' take on Man U's success this season. They may not be showing stellar performances on the pitch that are worthy of football fans' drool throughout the season, but, they have been effectively and consistently getting the job done. If the EPL Title or the trip to New Wembley on the 28th is not enough indication of that, I don't know what else is. While Sir Alex Ferguson have limited number of superstars in his line-up, he extracted the most of their talents with the right combination and the appropriate tactical game to bring the matches they engaged in to a reasonable finish. Hmmm... the benefits of experience! Are you getting antsy now, Pep Guardiola? :)

And so it goes... that the Kings of Spanish Football shall be locking wits with the Kings of English Football at New Wembley in London! And it sounds just about right! It should be a fantastic match!!


***
Photo credits: All photos were grabbed from Zimbio - thanks.

Getting closer...

...to being effectively "unFacebooked"! Woohoo!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


For the past six weeks or so, I've written 13 blog entries. Writing them within that period of time was an experience close to writing for the "Features Section" of my high school newspaper more than 25 years ago... if I still remember what it was like. If not, well, how 'bout, I've ranted lengthily 13 times in the past six weeks or so? :) Whatever it was, it's making me feel "hobbywise productive", and all satisfied and happy! Woohoo! :)

***
Hello, self... how have you been?

In addition, within the same period of time, I've read an in-depth biography of an iconic personality, read five colorful novellas that made me dig through my old stuff for my unfinished novella collection (a retirement agenda I am so looking forward to), and I've also read more than a dozen full-length feature stories on energy and the
Oy, vacation!environment, food, politics, and world economy. You can tell, I've been on "www" with a purpose lately, and have made a number of fulfilling visits to the bookstore... with sidetrips to the clothes and shoes stores, too. :) I've gone on trips "under the radar" as well, soaking up on some cultural stuff and
Oy, oy! Foodie, oy!food adventures. I've gone on absorbing training on a few things I'd like to learn outside of work, and tried some snack recipes I've been thinking about for a long time now. Plus, of course, I've watched - with great delight - more than two dozens of football matches! Yes, I'm on vacation, too... and have been quite "too sick to work"! But being on vacation and
Oy, oy, oy! Footie, oy! being sick had very little to do with the loading up of wonderful activities that sharpen the mind and delight the senses with great satisfaction. It had more to do with breaking free from that "social network black hole" where socializing has never been absolutely "unreal" and have become so "irrelevant", in many fronts and various "faces", in the most deceiving ways! Not to mention eroding true friendships through the "deadly sins" that it evokes, and give rise to disturbing false ones - both in most perplexing ways.

I guess it's just me though... what started as a healthy way of keeping in touch with dear friends from far away places and sharing things that we mutually enjoy became a suffocating force that was out of control! I have relinquished more of my precious "free time" than what the black hole deserved... until I felt "enslaved" by it... most of the time feeling obliged to comment on the most mundane things or otherwise personal - too personal - stuff that "friends" post for the world to see... and goodness only knows for what reason! *sigh* Now that I think about it, dang, I might have been doing the same, too, at some points... mostly, unconsciously. "When in black hole...", right? :) And now that I think more seriously about it, those "unconscious" moments were those when I was kind of disillusioned by specific things. Hmmm...

***
So black the hole

Could it be? Could it be that the black hole is that swirling energy that suck the disillusioned? and the lonely? and get an audience as a consolation, and therefore they let themselves swirl with the energy for a momentary relief rather than actually doing something to get out of disillusionment and loneliness in a more healthy manner? Could it be? Could it be that the black hole is that place some find "safe" to "brag" about things that used to be just those that they enjoy doing privately and now became something that they realized were their "advantage" over others, and therefore must make others see that they have something that others don't have? And then later, they felt "pressured" to maintain their newly acquired "upperhand" by planning every moment of their lives - every vacation, every activity, every breath, every move, every photo - around the black hole? Could it be that the "black hole" is a canvass where a picture-perfect image of one's self could be painted until the painting became one's "pseudo-reality"? Hmmm... very disturbing indeed.

Personally, hanging out in the black hole on my free time, I felt that I've been losing much of the wonderful opportunities for sane and normal growth as a social person, as well as the opportunities to sharpen skills in doing things that I truly enjoy. And I am increasingly getting disturbed by "friends" who seemed to be "mirror imaging" myself and some of our common friends... it's looking more and more like a second nature lately... almost looking like competing when there is really no need to do so. It hasn't only become socially unhealthy, but it has become too creepy as well! Therefore, it was time to take action!

What started out as a Lenten Season "sacrifice" has become a full commitment! And what a relief to be unburdened from it all! Yes, I've been gradually and effectively getting "unFacebooked"! Sorry, Mark Zuckerberg - nothing personal. It was a great idea for me, too, but it has become "so crowded but so empty" in there. The brilliant idea has stretched so wide that it became so shallow. But it was good while it lasted! ;) I am not quitting it yet for "sentimental reasons"... remembering the days when it opened in the Ivy League realm. I'll keep a "house" there... but it will be shut and without its habitant - like it has been for the past how many weeks now. I'll visit it once in a while 'cause I will be losing a lot, too, considering I have good friends in there whose sincere posts and innocent "cyber company" I truly enjoyed and relished happily. :( And I do have groups and fan pages that are honestly wonderful with highly informative posts that I've savored and enjoyed chiming in tremendously over the past years. *sigh* But, yes, I am slowly, but steadily on a "withdrawal"... gaining back my privacy, wanting my privacy again, protecting my privacy and others' privacy (even if they are still unaware that they will crave it at some point)... and getting back to being a "normal" person in a real world. And it feels GREAT!

Oh, SO GREAT!! :)

***
Photo credits: I own all photos.

Three in a row... for Camp Nou!

CONGRATULATIONS, Barҫa!!! Barҫaaaaaaa!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Getting the job done... and the 2011 Spanish La Liga Kingship remains in Camp Nou - three seasons in a row! Pep Guardiola led the incredible FC Barcelona in claiming the third of their three-peat La Liga Primera División victory on his third year as Barҫa manager.

Hail the Kings of Spanish Football! Barҫa! Barҫa! Barҫaaaaa!!!

***
Another day at the office... oh, but for a terrific prize!

The La Liga title is the most important title fought over by Spanish Football Clubs throughout the season. It is the title that gives them their "day job" where the very best are crowned as kings. Good standing in the La Liga ranking opens doors for Clubs to various Titles of glamour and greatness in Europe and in the world. The Catalans claimed the 2011 La Liga Primera Division title - Numero Uno in the rankings - via a 1-1 draw with Levante UD at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium, Levante's home.

The Catalans met Levante with "a goal" in mind. Seydou Keita outran two Levante defenders for a beautiful header on-a-run from a brilliant and very well calculated pass from Xavi Hernandez, kicked through a fence of two Levante shirts. The 28th minute Keita-Xavi partnership earned the Catalans their first-half lead, bringing Pep Guardiola on his feet, clapping as he felt the third towering victory wave of his brilliant Catalan side about to hit home with the Spanish title on its head.

Most of the remaining part of the match was maneuvered by the Catalans trying to keep it simple... keeping their lead, and bringing the season to a "finish" at Ciutat de Valencia via tiki-taka. And then, the unthinkable happened. A half-hearted Levante pass to a running Felipe Caicedo towards the goal looked simple enough for a Victor Valdes routine save... until Gerard Piqué, who easily outran Caicedo, decided to take the matter in his own feet, er, hands but failed to time his kick towards the right for a complete clearance just a few feet from Valdes. Piqué only merely managed to cut the ball's flight and slowing it down towards the right side. Valdes's momentum was still towards the original path of the ball and could not change fast enough. That gave Caicedo, who swerved slightly to the right, the perfect angle to easily tap the ball into the goal, just behind Valdes. Ugh, Gerard Piqué! Naturally, that knocked the air out of Guardiola, who froze and stared at the crime scene, unable to react! Piqué cannot believed himself either... he shook his head repeatedly as the 1-1 score hit him in the face on the 41st minute of the match! :)

No matter, the second-half, which was described by many as "drab" in a stadium that wasn't even full, after those four tempestuous El Clásicos within only 18 days, saw the two sides keeping the 1-1 score until the final whistle. The Azulgranas went 6 points above second place Los Blancos in the process, with only two more matches to play. Even if the Catalans kept their 92 total points unchanged for the next two weeks and the Merengues gained 6 more points to their present 86 total, the Catalans will retain the upperhand. This is because of Barҫa's better head-to-head record against the Merengues in the two La Liga El Clásicos this season, with their phenomenal 5-0 thrashing of the Merengues in Camp Nou in November last year and that tightly contested 1-1 draw only last month in Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Therefore, the Azulgranas remain KINGS of Spanish Football!! Visca, el Barҫa!!!

***
History in the making... or made already?

While the football world contemplates the impressive 9 titles won by Pep Guradiola's Barҫa within only three years, with a phenomenal treble on his first tenure as manager at the age of 38 years, many have valid reasons to argue how Pep's squad seemed poised to claim the FC Barcelona history spotlight from Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team", where Guardiola himself was a part of, as the Club's best ever! While they are yet to surpass Cruyff and his Team's 11 titles total, they may have equaled the legends' greatness already with their 9 titles, which only took them three years to accumulate versus Cruyff's 11 in seven years. And, as Guardiola's Barҫa prepares to try to win their 10th title, their second in the season - the UEFA Champions League title - the football world awaits. Can they do it?

Amidst the talk of greatness, Pep Guardiola, ever the diplomatic gentleman, quickly downplayed the comparison of his squad with his mentor's with a, "we can never equal them, they were pioneers" declaration. And so, while the brilliant Catalan playmaker, Xavi Hernandez, showered his team with a well-deserved praise, "this is a great team and I'd like to offer my thanks to everyone involved," and Barҫa's top goal scorer (31 goals), Lionel Messi, reminded the world of how their success "cost a huge amount of hard work", especially "against a big rival like Real Madrid," Guardiola put his brilliant squad's happiness in winning their third La Liga title in a row in minimal self recognition and a strictly come-one-come-all festive Barcelona celebratory tune with, "we will celebrate this great victory with our people, with family and friends, but also out on the streets!"

But Pep, amigo, you can never dodge history... besides, how could you, when you, yourself is creating it! :)

***
Scanning the peripheries

While not causing any serious harm on Barҫa's La Liga title bid so late in the season, Real Madrid prolonged Barcelona's wait via a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick and a Karim Benzema good-form showing in their 4-0 win against Getafe the day before yesterday. That effectively cut Barҫa's previous 8-point lead to 5 and requiring Barҫa to gain a minimum of a draw with Levante to put the La Liga title bid in the bag, which they did yesterday, of course. On the other hand, with only two more matches to play in the season, CR7's hat-trick against Getafe and the four-goal rampage in their previous match with Sevilla puts him as the most probable recipient of Pichichi over Lionel Messi with 5 goals between them. As Messi and Barҫa obviously now put their sight to the May 28 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in New Wembley, CR7's goal tally lead may still increase as Real Madrid heads for an early summer, having been eliminated by Barҫa in the Champions League. Leave it to Cristiano Ronaldo to want a spotlight for HIMSELF when the light for his team goes dead... actually, whether his team's light is bright or dead, he always wants his own stage and spotlight. Hala, CR7!!

While the gallant Spanish National Team captain, Iker Casillas, congratulated Barҫa in their La Liga victory... with a little Real Madrid feather smoothing with a mention of their Copa del Rey acquisition against Barҫa last month as if those were of equal weights, interestingly, not much is heard about the "Special One" lately. Apart from his involvement in the signing of one of Bundesliga's superstars, Nuri Sahin, this summer to jampack Estadio Santiago Bernabéu with, hopefully, unbeatable line-up of stellar talents and his well-publicised tête-à-tête with Sir Alex Fergusson to aid the latter mount a crippling tactic for Barҫa in the UEFA Champions League final, which he "Specially" took advantage of to suggest a Wesley Sneijder transfer to Man U (just in case he takes over Fergie sooner than in three year's time?), he seemed to have gone on a "peppery talk" hiatus. There have been no "quotable quotes" from him lately. And, strangely enough, the world of football is not the same! :) C'mon, Mou, serve us some of your "Special Omelette" here, we're starved! Oh, oh, oh... I forgot, you do not have a pan! :)

***
Photo creedits: All photos were grabbed from Zimbio - thanks! :)

Mamma mia!

"Motherhood" - birth pains = great deal... for now. :)
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


At this point, I guess it's fair to say that I am practically running out of social options, except "single blessedness". And, no, I'm not complaining either! :) While I do understand "single", I'm not sure if I understood "blessedness" though... and whether or not those two are mutually exclusive - in my case, that is! :)

***
Single, but too busy to mingle!

I've never minded being single... I still don't. I cherish my freedom and I do enjoy solitude. But no... that doesn't make me a stranger to love and happiness either. I have so much of those and I willingly give them away... and I
New York, NY! Gallivanting in the
City that never sleeps.get plenty in return as well. While I presently live in a society where one-dimensional thought process that mostly equate love and happiness to being married and having a family of your own - and that's all - is very common, I have enough faith in God, and I've traveled and studied far and wide enough to know that, there are countless other avenues where love and happiness can be found and abundantly experienced... and in real fulfilling ways, too. I have to admit, however, that I still get flabbergasted sometimes by supposedly "sympathetic" if not overly patronizing comments like, "you're not married? Oh, what a pity, 'cause you're so successful!" And, I never did understand the logic behind those comments. But I've learned to smile with all the sadness that they seem to expect from me and quietly say, "yeah, isn't it?" which is actually, "yeah (I'm not married), isn't it (I am so successful... and your narrow mind is lamentable)? Hehehe... And just leave it to them to mourn, or rejoice, over my supposedly sad existence... because I know better. :)

But do I want to be married... and be a mother? Yes - to both, of course! :) In spite of all the things that my travels and years and years of education in different places in the world to hopefully learn enough to
Iggy love. The latest addition
to our family.afford myself a fulfilling professional life, I've always pictured myself as that woman who would give up her lofty career opportunities, if needed, to mind a wonderful husband and adorable kids. I thought I had enough versatility and healthy preference for the laid back life to do so as well. I love writing, reading, cooking, gardening, and fixing and decorating the house... and I'd happily trade a high-paying career for these if a family of my own was part of the "package". While my current career status prevents me from enjoying these hobbies to my heart's desire, I usually set aside some hours per week to enjoy doing them... and this blog is a proof of that effort.

I've always treated my busy work schedule as "temporary" and I've tried to be useful and highly productive in my profession, and ejoying the single life immensely, while time permits... until, of course, the "wonderful husband and adorable kids" should come along. :) And then, the career would go, and family life and hobbies would take the front seat. I thought I'd be that woman who would tutor and chauffeur around her own kids and write freelance
Silicon Valley. Visiting the "mother ship".for a Science or a Lifestyle Magazine, or both, on the side. And that woman who would prepare home-cooked gourmet dinner for her husband, and be his social secretary as well. :) But, of course, that is getting closer and closer to just a mere picture in my head now, especially that, in my present society, the more "exotic" the salutations before a woman's name become, the faster men run away! Apparently, they equate a single woman's professional productivity to a threateningly out of control ambition. Aaargh, Mamma mia!

While marriage and bearing a child have not reached a total impossibility... yet! :) I guess, the more responsible question would be: is it still practical at this point? The truth is, I'm not sure... and for all my "success" (*wink*, *wink*), I have to admit that I'm very much of a coward to "experiment" in this area. :) But my faith in God and my experiences are way too joyful and gratifying for me to regret or resent anything, or even allow myself to be overly aggravated by what many married women around me in my society insinuate, or even shoving it to my face sometimes... that, in spite of my "success", I am supposed to be pitifully less fortunate compared with them just because I am still unmarried and without a child of my own. *sigh* Mamma mia, por Dios, por santos! :)

While I know I am (very) far from perfect (if not utterly remote from it), with my moods and my strong tendency to be agitated by mediocrity around me, I swear I am merely on the wrong side of the planet though! :)

***
Children... for the lesser goddess

While I haven't experienced the physical torture of labor pains, I believe I have experienced the natural bursting of maternal love from my heart countless times. I have two nephews, nine nieces (from siblings and a
My nephews, nieces and grandkids - loveable all!cousin) and three grandkids (through nieces) that I love so dearly. The desire of sharing what I have - from mundane to special - with them comes out so naturally. My hopes and aspirations for them to have wonderful lives are so immense that they fill my daily prayers. And, they reciprocate joyfully. I've never felt alone in this "single blessedness" because of them and my siblings. They are always there to celebrate milestones in my life and in theirs... I get an abundant supply of loving kisses and warm hugs from them. I don't miss out on Mothers Day warm festivities as well because of them - they never forget. There are no voids that their love and happy giggles do not fill out... and it's so awesome, too! Aaah, Mamma mia! :)

Also, because I teach, I am a "spiritual mother" to many students whose lives are wonderfully entwined with mine as well. It's absolutely
UST Chem. E. Batch 2010. My "borrowed kids".beautiful to see them setting out from College to fulfill their wonderful destinies... and it is thoroughly gratifying when they come back after a few years to share their conquests... and to say the sweetest and absolutely joyous, "thank you". Aww... Mamma mia! Their gratitude is a most precious gift because they were nurtured, not out of mere obligation, but out of real love and sincere wishes of great things for them... and not just for the desire to excel in my own profession either.

Hmmm... wait, it looks like I'm beginning to figure out this "blessedness" thing in "single blessedness"... and no, it doesn't come with labor pains either! :)

***
Footie - the mother of all ball games!

Oh, and just a quick update...

Of course, the footie world already know by now that Manchester United beat Bundesliga's Schalke 04 in their return to Old Trafford for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie, 2-1, and 6-1 on aggregate. So, the Red Devils march on to the New Wembley in London for the repeat of their 2009 Champions League Final against Barcelona in Rome. With Sir Alex Ferguson side's fantastic summer acquisition and prolific goal scorer, Chicharito, the faster than never before, Wayne Rooney, and the looking-for-the-most-fantastic-retirement-game goal keeper, Edwin van der Sar, the Azulgranas can now forget about the
The fabulous Catalan side, FC Barcelona.repeat of their 2-0 win against Red Devils in Rome two years ago! And with Fergie seeking the help of the "Special One" to combat the tiki-taka attacking game style of the Catalans and come up with a winning tactic, Pep Guardiola will have his hands full... especially with Real Madrid still relentlessly in hot pursuit of the La Liga title 8 points from the Catalans' heel, with three more games to play. No, no, no, no... mamma mia, no! No room for complacency for Barҫa now.

Speaking of Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo went on a rampage to contribute four goals in their 6-2 butchering of Sevilla before Mothers Day. In the process, CR7 effectively leapfrogged Lionel Messi in the La Liga top goal scorer Pichichi race with a total of 33 goals to Messi's 31. Barҫa responded with a 2-0 home win against Espanyol, keeping their 8 points lead, with three more matches to play. The two goals came from Andres Iniesta and Gerard Piqué, leaving Lionel Messi still two goals below CR7's total goals tally. But knowing what we know about Lionel Messi, that is of no consequence!

In Barclays Premier League, Arsenal's dismal hope for a shot of the title was completely extinguished after their frustrating 3-1 defeat from Stoke City on Mothers Day! The Gunners stayed at third place with total points of 67. On the other hand, Chicharito and Vidic goals brought Manchester United only one point away from claiming the Premier League title when they outwitted Chelsea, 2-1, bringing their total points to 76 against current second place Chelsea's 70 points, with only two more games to play. So, Mothers Day steadied the Premier League Table from last week's "wide open" status.

This week will see whether or not Manchester United and FC Barcelona would finally seal the title deal in their respective leagues! Hmmm, Mamma mia, how exciting!

***

Visca, el Barҫa!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! Woohoo!!!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Barҫa, Barҫa, Barҫaaaaaaa! AWESOME!!

Visca, el Barҫa! Barҫaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

On to New Wembley! Woohoo!!

I'm just going to be my very, very proud Barcelona fan self this time and say, "Luv you, guys - all of you! Congratulations! You are soooo amazing! Thanks for the beautiful football just now - awesome, awesome, AWESOME!! God bless, Barҫa!"

I'm just way too happy and amazed right now to say anything else! =)

***

May Day = a tale of three huge events + one for the family...

+ footie bits and pieces
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


They always come in "threes", don't they? Them tragedies or celebrations. But these "May day" trio are all about celebrations... are celebrations all, big ones - HUGE! :) One touches that part in our being where love and hopeful cravings for romance resides, the other elevates us to the stratospheric heights of spiritual realms, and the last sweetly releases us from fear into relief and freedom from the clutches of terrorism. And they all feel good, they all taste sweet... they make us dream beautiful dreams.

***
Event 1. Sealed with "I will"

On the 29th of April, two days before "May Day", Prince William - second in line to the British throne - married his long-time lady love, the comoner Catherine Middleton, or "Kate", in a lovely fairy tale wedding in the magical place that was the Westminster Abbey. At a time when unsavory news about the world economy and job scenarios all around the world, the deterioration of planet earth, and strongmen clinging to power at the expense of innocent lives, the fairy tale wedding, complete with the streets of London adorned with the colorful Royal crest and British flag, was indeed a welcome respite. Millions of people from all walks of life worldwide gathered around their TV sets or their computers to witness the unfolding of the Royal Wedding of William and Kate.

Because they practically grew up in the public eye - subjects of mostly endearing photos with their late mother, Princess Diana, and later as young privileged lads of royalty stance who naturally radiated an aura of sincere warmth - many felt a joyful familiarity for the British Princes. And so, the world waited in giddy anticipation for the duo of that dashing Prince with a captivating smile, Prince William, and his winsome younger brother, Prince Harry, to appear and march their way to the altar to wait for the woman destined to become Britain's new Royalty. It was indeed breathtaking when the brothers emerged from the vehicle that brought them to Westminster Abbey. The princes were in their respective military uniforms - William, in his Royal Colonel of Irish Guards uniform of red tunic, and Harry, in his Blues and Royals full regalia. Wearing their Grandmother's - Queen Elizabeth II's - Golden Jubilee Medals on their sashes, with William wearing his Wings of the Royal Air Force and Garter star on his uniform, and Harry wearing his Wings of the Army Air Corps and Afghanistan campaign medals on his, the brothers were every inch very princely indeed. Absolutely dashing! And every female on the face of the earth that was watching the event swooned to these two icons of modern British Royalty.

Soon, the woman who was to become Prince William's wife arrived at the Westminster Abbey to walk down the aisle into the arms of his indeed very charming Prince. And she dazzled with her regal beauty, which was all the more enhanced by her simple but absolutely elegant dress and make up. Everything about the way she carried herself in that momentous occasion befitted a truly modern royalty: beautiful and elegant with an intelligent and mature stance that were all worthy of fairy tale adulation, but modest and classy in her choice of "the dress" and accessories that a commoner could still identify with her. And so, the world embraced her even before she and her Prince sealed their royal union with the most solemn and, oh, so romantic, "I will". And when she and Prince William emerged as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge from the Abbey, the world cheered their union with good wishes. And when they shared their love for each other to the world with their first public kiss as man and wife, the world blessed their union with great hopes for a wonderful life filled with love for each other and their future family!

***
Event 2. Blessed is he...

On May 1, 2011, Pope John Paul II, the beloved Pope who visited the Philippines twice (and my University on both occasions) during his Papacy was beatified by the current Pontiff, His Holiness Benedict XVI, in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican. The Roman Catholic Church rejoiced as it honored the holy life of the charismatic man of God who led the Church for more than 26 years with love, compassion, wisdom... and an endearing sense of humor as well. And what a day it was for his beatification, too! "May Day", a day of significance to many former communist countries in Western Europe, where Poland - the Pope's motherland - is one... a day also known worldwide as Labor Day, and celebrated by the Roman Catholic world as the Feast of the Divine Mercy, the worship of which Pope John Paul II taught us.

A multi-lingual intellectual and artist, Pope John Paul II spread the message of love, peace and hope through his teachings and writings. With his charisma and heartfelt sincerity, he brought together people of different religions and political leanings to embrace love and caring for humanity. He championed the significant role of the youth in building a wonderful world of peace and understanding, bringing them together to join hands for this purpose. While I would rather celebrate my joy for his beatification in a more personal and private manner, I also join the Roman Catholic Church in celebrating his life and the beauty by which he led many of us in strengthening our relationship with God and for making the world a place of love and happiness.

Blessed Pope John Paul II, pray for us.

***
Event 3. "5/2/11"

And he met his end... the man who claimed to have designed the terror that rocked the world on September 11, 2001 met his end early morning of May 2, 2011. Ten years of living in terror, the world changed how it conducted itself. The man who spoke with calm and soft voice but clung to deadly weapons as he did so weaved fear and changed the world and how each person viewed another - with prejudice sometimes, with mistrust most of the time. The world was forced into such a terrible change because of fear that 9/11 would repeat itself... the fear that this man had shrouded the world with.

The early morning of May 2, 2011 heralded the news that Osama Bin Laden was killed in a ground strike conducted by the United States of America Navy Seals, not in some caves or wilderness in Afghanistan as many would expect, but in an affluent neighborhood close to the Capital of Pakistan. As soon as the US President, Barack Obama, announced the news in a short empathic speech, several places in the United States broke out to cheer and celebrate. While a few questions related to the turn of events that led to the elimination of the alleged 9/11 mastermind and its consequences needed to be answered still, most of the world smiled at the jubilant cheers of the Americans - released from fear at last. Relieved from great anxiety at last. And the world hoped that the relief lasts for a long, long time.

***
+Tale... Life is a gift

My father's birthday is the 29th of April. But we waited for May 1 to celebrate his 72nd birthday. Why? So, all of us could be present, May 1 being a Sunday. Second, so we all could watch as a family the beatification of Pope John Paul II on TV. And so, we had another day of sweet bonding time as a family. Naturally, our father was very happy... he was pleasantly surprised to wake up from his Sunday nap to catch the beatification of Pope John Paul II - 3 PM, Manila time - with all of us there down to his great grandchildren, and with a large amount of food to share. :) As for all of us, we had fun time catching up, joking with one another, and seeing one of our favorite Roman Catholic Pontiffs elevated to Blessedness. Most of all, we were happy to celebrate another great year - a gift of life for our father. Our presence around his table on May Day is a reminder for him of this gift of life... may he enjoys it immensely for more years.

***
++Tale... Footie May-lodrama

Just a quick update... both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid FC failed to add another 3 points to their score tally in the Spanish La Liga as they fell in the hands of Real Sociedad (2-1) and Real Zaragoza (2-3), respectively, on the eve of May Day. Real Madrid's coach, José Mourinho, fielded a very different first 11 from that of their UEFA semi-final first leg match with the Catalans on Wednesday, and it curiously didn't include Cristiano Ronaldo. They suffered their second home defeat in a row within only three days. Barҫa, on the other hand, missed a number of key players, including Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta due to injury when they visited Anoeta. As a result, the Blaugranas' eight-point lead above Los Merengues in the La Liga Table remained with only four more games to play. Be that as it may, perhaps, both squads would go into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie tomorrow with their first leg clash still fresher in their minds than their losses last Saturday! Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen. In any case, much of the outcome depends on how Mourinho chooses his tactics this time around, and whether or not the Catalans fall in complacency and slip up. Once again, may fair play prevail... and may the deserving side march on to Wembley!

While there is no movement in the upper bracket of the La Liga Table, there were mighty changes in the English Premier League Table. Second place Chelsea FC met with Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford Bridge with 67 points to their Club on May Day. The Blues finished with 70 points, beating Tottenham with head-shaking officiating controversies, 2-1, leaving Tottenham stuck with their 55 points and tied at fifth place with Liverpool. Manchester City is in fourth place with 62 points. Third place Arsenal FC, on the other hand, went on a face-off with first place, Manchester United, with 64 points at the Emirates on May Day. The Gunners beat Sir Alex Ferguson's side, 1-0, going up to 67 total points to Man U's unchanged 73 points. Yeah, leave it to Arsene Wenger and his men to come up with some terrific last-minute show like that, and you'll have a happy Carlo Ancelotti dreaming of the still-doable top spot! Of course, Wenger can do the same, but only with a wish for another Man U slip-up. Following their win against Tottenham, Chelsea will go up next on Mother's Day against the side that ousted them from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals - Man U - with a great momentum... and with only 3 points separating the two clubs! So, you get the picture, right? With only three games still to play, May Day blew up the Premier League Table to a "still very much wide open" situation! While the going is indeed getting tough, let's hope that none of the bad blood spilling over at the El Clásico of Spanish La Liga happens at the EPL.


***
Photo credits: All photos, except my father's (which is mine), were grabbed from Zimbio - thanks.