Table Tennis I

I have a background of table tennis when I was in high school. I was already senior that time. I tried to play with the younger students and had an idea of the game, and then I graduated.

I really thought I would not be playing that sport again, but thanks to SABM and to those kind people in that room. I was able to learn the game so much.

I can still remember that time I entered that PE room where the SABM table tennis team is playing. There was Darell, an old pal standing at one end of the table, playing with someone who is easily identified as a member of the team because of his body movement and the way he played, not mentioning the uniform he was wearing. He is Mac. I smiled and watched them finish the game. And then I was introduced to the people inside the room. That was the beginning of my table tennis story in the university.

I met Mabs, John, Sheree and other members of the team, people who never said "You do not belong here" despite the poor games I've been showing. They gave me a chance to change my game, the way I move on the other side of the table, and later I felt better. I played better games.

I can still remember how they laugh at me when I hit the ball. Kuya Stephen even mimicked my movements, so I realized that I should listen to them. I accepted that I have to practice a thousand times because I know I have to.

Now, I am in my fourth year in college. I have been playing table tennis in the past two years but never have I considered to be serious about it. I do not yet own any racket then not until lately when I decided to buy one. I chose to use long pips in my BH and I must say, it's fun! But I have to master yet the rubber I'm using.

I can hear the sound of the balls bouncing on the table. I can hear the screech of the shoes moving around. I can hear the sound of the spins and drives. I am really excited to see the development of my game.

Wear yourself through TIMEX

TIMEX® Originals Vintage Inspired 1978

I remember someone saying watches are now being replaced by technology. By that, he meant phones and other gadgets. Well, I do not agree. Go to different places, wear your watch, and you will not worry about your time. When you are traveling, things might be so surprising, and you might be so excited that you'll jump into a river with your phone in your pocket! That would be a serious problem. But with watches, you can always be on the go. Needless to say, almost all watches now are water resistant! So next time you go outside, don't forget to wear one!

Introducing TIMEX® Originals Vintage Inspired 1978!  As one who loves traveling and staying outside, wearing this TIMEX® Hero watch best suits the personality I have!

This watch offers me two interchangeable straps. When the sun is in full bloom, I would pick the orange one! The color suits my style of clothing. Plus, the color reflects something that is lively and full of enthusiasm. It's perfect because I love music and crowd! And when adventure time is on, the black strap would simply do it. With the classy, vintage-inspired watch and a jacket, I can go to every place I want.

But most especially, I was in love with the design. I am a very simple man and this watch, for me, defines simplicity. When going outside, what's important is you are confident with what you are wearing. It defines you and it becomes you at the end of the day.

So, again. The next time you go outside, don't forget to wear one! Don't forget to wear a hero! Don't forget to wear yourself!

Gilas Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball

I do not play basketball, but I love this game so much.

As a child, basketball was nothing. I see my kuya wear his jersey and play basketball on different courts, but it did not ever interest me. Later, when I was already in Isabela, friends introduced the game to me and the basic rules which I consider harder to understand than the lessons in school. I played several times, but I was not really into it; my height being the biggest hindrance.

The last time I played it, as far as I can remember, was last May with the youth in our church. I was challenged, and I agreed, not because I couldn't say no but because I want to enjoy the time.

Today, our own Gilas has even made me love and appreciate the game more. It was in the 70s when we were topping basketball in Asia and even playing in the World Championships. However, as years passed, we were outlasted by our counterparts. We declined, but the good thing is, we never let go. Filipinos embraced the game since the beginning, and we never lose hope seeing our country regain its lost glory. August 10, 2013 is now recorded in the Philippine timeline as the Philippine team made it to the FIBA Asia Final Four, defeated South Korea on the way, and reached the championship match against an undefeated Iranian team.

But no matter what happens on the finals -winning, of course, will put the icing on the cake, we're now qualified to the 2014 FIBA World Cup which will be held in Spain. Yes, after years of hoping and trials, we made it again.

Maybe it's too early yet to celebrate, but I am now assuming the Philippines will defend Iran today. It is not impossible for us to achieve this feat. We can, and we will do it on our own court with the support of our whole crowd.

Thank you Gilas, coach Chot and everyone who deserves this credit.  You made us prouder Filipino fans. You placed Philippine Basketball on the pedestal. Mabuhay!

"It’s The Heart Of The Filipino." -Marcus Douthit, national team
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Photo is lifted from the Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 Facebook page.

Filipino Pride

DO you know the man who always makes us proud in his every success? Do you know the man who started from a single dream and is now luckily reaping the fruits of his hard works? Surely, you know him! He is the man who fights not only for the glory inside the ring but also fights for the Filipino nation. Yes, he is! He is the man who emerged as champion to everyone’s heart as he walks in honor and glory; nonetheless, the higher and greater the achievements he received, the humbler he became.