ATP -Roger did it!

Roger beat nemesis Rafael Nadal 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 to win his fourth Hamburg Masters title and end the Spaniard's record run of 81 straight wins on clay.

It was Roger’s first victory against Rafael Nadal on clay, edingin the Spaniard's two-year unbeaten run on the surface. Our star struggled in the first set and faced break points early in the second, before breaking twice himself to claim the second set. He then raced through the decider 6-0, breaking three times for his first win on clay against the 20-year-old.

Roger’s victory also ended his own run of four tournaments without a title, his worst spell since he became world number one in February 2004. He is the first player to have captured the Hamburg title four times.

Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay was an all-surface record. The world number two had won 13 consecutive tournaments on clay and had last lost on the surface to Igor Andreev in the Valencia Open quarter-finals in April 2005.
Later this month the Roger will attempt to win his first title at the French Open, the only Grand Slam event to elude him so far.

Federer beat Nadal 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 in the final of the Hamburg Masters on Sunday to win his first clay-court title in two years and snap out of a slump during which he failed to win a title in four events. It was his worst run since he became No. 1 in February 2004.

Federer also gave himself a major boost one week before the French Open, the second major of the year and the only Grand Slam he hasn't won.
"It was an incredible performance from my side," Federer said.
"I had a great day, it's nice to be playing well again. It's my first title on clay in a couple of years."

Nadal, who had never lost to Federer on clay in five previous matches and leads the overall series 7-4, was impressed.
"He is unbelievable," the Spaniard said.
Nadal, ranked No. 2 in the world behind Federer, had been unbeaten on the surface since April 2005, a run that included 13 titles.
"If I have to lose against anyone, then he is the man," Nadal said.
"I am not sad to lose to the best in the world."
Federer has won in Hamburg in four of his last five visits and claimed his third title of the year after the Australian Open and Dubai.
"It's great to play here again and win again. I've fallen in love with this tournament," he said.
Federer earned $458,218 for his win, Nadal half of that.
Federer was playing his first tournament since splitting with coach Tony Roche. He has said he will go to the French Open and Wimbledon without a new coach.

**ATP - Association of Tennis Professionals
http://www.rogerfederer.com/

Last Monday, May 21, 2007, we SA's were again required to report to school and be at work again for Reconsidered incoming Freshmen were scheduled for their enrollment that day. I was again excited for my every work day is always a new experience for me. Well, no doubt, there's always something exciting on my part.

First, I've already met someone who shares same interest like mine. Melanie also want to try how to play tennis so we dealt on one thing. Whenever we discover an accesible venue where we can play tennis, we'll inform each other! Isn't that exciting? Melanie's cousins kasi play tennis kaya lang medyo malayo yung place. Sa Antipolo pa, eh medyo mahirap pumunta dun kaya maghahanap pa kami ng ibang place.
We'll never know...baka madiscover kami ni Melanie tapos i-train kami ng isang world-class coach and then isabak kami to play internationally against other players!! We can be like
Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer! What pride can we give to our country. Wala pa namang Filipino na pumapasok sa mga competitions na international, i think. Besides, we're still young pa naman...
Haaaay...I'm day-dreaming again, isn't it? Roger Federer really inspired me to this tennis...it's all his fault! hehe..joke lang! I'm going crazy with tennis..it really got me hooked to it!
Everything is possible naman if you believe..especially the going international part! hehe..(.^__^.)

Okei..back to work. I didn't really enjoyed that day kasi wala na rin akong gaanong kakilala na enrollees. Tapos meron pa doong isang student na pilit tinatanong yung name ko. Kamusta naman yun,diba? Hindi ba niya nakikita yung super laking SA ID na suot ko...weird naman. Kaya ang tanging nasabi ko ay..SECRET! Malalaman niya rin naman yun since incoming Pre-com student siya.
And then meron pang incoming past celebrity freshman sa Pre-com. For those who watched the 1st season of Pinoy Big Brother, do you know who Rico Barrera is? He's an ex-housemate of Big Brother who got evicted because of lapelle mic violation, and now he will be a Thomasian? I can't really imagine him entering our college kasi medyo matured na rin siya. Mga 23 years old na nga ata yun eh. Hmmmm...fave housemate ko pa naman siya noon way back pero syempre ngayon hindi na.
Naku! magkikita pa kami since Pre-com officer ako this year. Baka interested pa siyang maging Junior officer ng org namin...edi enjoy! =p

At around 4:00pm, we decided to go home...inabutan pa ako ng ulan. Nakalimutan ko pa namang dalhin yung umbrella ko, so next time lagi ko na dadalhin yun since start na rin ng rainy season. When I'm at home, I immediately turned-on our television and switched the channel to 32 (Star Sports) hoping that they will show a delayed telecast of the finals match of Federer and Nadal last Sunday.
Buti nalang meron! Yun nga lang nasa 3rd set na...but it's alright! I'll share to you what happened during this match. Just look at the blog update above this one.

Since it's been a week since the finals match, today is the start of French Open ( Roland Garros) which is held at Paris,France. Star Sports and Solar Sports channel will have both live and delayed telecast of this, and I'm really excited to watch it. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who will defend his title, will be there again together with other tennis players who are also vying for the 2007 French Open title. Who will it be this time? I promise to give an update here in my blog..but for the mean time allow me to watch it first! Okei?
ciao!

Bodie: Ang TV! Baby

4:30 naaahh! Ang TV naaahh! Doowadee didididam deedeedoo! Who will forget that hit youth afternoon The reason behind the Ang TV Theme playing for all the housemates to hear was revealed to them soon after they were called to leave the activity area.

"Irita! Mukhang may sakit. Sana yung picture ko nalang sa PBB yung bl-in-ow up,” the showbiz child gushed. On the garden was a large picture frame of him during his younger years. As usual, nonstop banters were thrown in his direction.

Upon entering the house, Nel curiously asked if he was an Ang TV! star before. Bodie said that he was and he already shared this to them during their first week inside Kuya’s phenomenal house. Contrary to his early experience on television, his claim about not being interested to join the biz in the past holds true. He explained that going to the set at that time with all the other kids to fool around with was just like being at a playground.

All the fun talk didn’t end there. The curious housemates were able to see for themselves Bodie’s brief contact with fame. Big Brother played his "Play Me" CD on the plasma TV. Hence, they all ran to the living room to watch some of the episodes from the show with the showbiz child in them. “Lights Camera Action! Wo-oh… You’re gonna have a good time. We’re gonna show you how…” His part on this song-slash-dance number only made them laugh harder.

Seeing himself on TV after all these years with his gangly features then filled him with much embarrassment.

“What?! Ang panget! Irita! Itigil na ang kabaliwang ito!” But everyone kept on jeering Bodie who wanted to sink down the floor if only it was possible. At least Mr. Perfect noticed that he had grown into a good-looking guy now,

“Tignan mo siya ngayon, ang kinis!” Oops! Nel, where did that come from?

After this, the cheering chick was called in the confession room then later went back to announce their new daily task. Based on the popular humor portion of the said kiddie program, they have to start their statements with “Esmuseky!” and end it with “Nyeh!” expressions from now on. Following the latest instruction from Big Brother, it is quite exasperating hearing them talk this way on and on… Naturally, Kian and Nel immediately pull their hackneyed puns.

Kian:“Esmuseky, anong tawag sa basketball player na lagging nagugulat?"

Nel: "Ano?"

Kian: "Eh di Shaq!"

Kian and Nel: "Nyeh!"

Oh boy! How long will these irksome jibes go on? Not for long I hope!

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com

(.^__^.)

The world's no.1 in Tennis, Roger Federer (Switzerland), is on the run again to win another title and be able to prove to the world that he still deserves the top spot in the world of tennis. He joined the ATP Masters Series in Hamburg, Germany where he is seeded as no. 1 for he won the Championship title for this series last 2004 and 2005. He didn't joined last 2006 for some reason that's why he haven't got the title then.

Oh, by the way, have I told you that this series happens on a clay court?
Playin on clay court is a much different story for there's someone whose regarded as the "King of Caly Court". This player is none other than Rafael Nadal (Spain), ranked as world's no. 2 in tennis.

This player deserves to be called as King of Clay Court for he has already 78 consecutive wins on clay and still on the count. He had the record since then which serves as his strong ticket for being no. 1 in the tennis world. Well, let's see if Roger Federer will allow this tactics of Nadal.

As of now, let me share to you Federer's ATP Masters Series story since Wednesday for by this time he's ready for the finals! Hmmm...guess first who will be his final match-up?

May 16, 2007 - Wednesday

Juan Monaco from Argentina met Roger Federer during their second round match at ATP Masters Series. Monaco lost in three sets: 3-6, 6-2 and 4-6.
Roger struggles to beat qualifier Juan Monaco today in order to reach the third round of the Hamburg Masters.

"It was a hard fought win but maybe that was just what I needed," he said after the match. "I've spent more time on the practice courts than in matches lately and I need to pick up as many wins as possible now going into the French Open." he said.
May 17, 2007 - Thursday

Roger has followed Rafael Nadal into the quarter finals in Hamburg with a great performance against Spanish claycourt specialist Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2 6-3.

"I felt very good out there," Roger commented. "I was pumped up and happy. I think the tight match yesterday must have helped."

Our world No. 1 dismantled former world No. 1 and former French Open champ Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 6-3 at Rothenbaum.

May 18, 2007 - Friday

Roger went through a mid-match low before getting his 15th straight win at the Hamburg Masters on Friday, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, in the quarter-finals over Spain’s David Ferrer.
By winning in 1 hour 46 minutes in front of a large 10,000-strong crowd, Roger also kept his perfect record against Ferrer. He has won all their seven meetings, but Friday marked the first match in which he dropped a set against Ferrer.

May 20, 2007 - Saturday

Federer goes up against Spain's Carlos Moya where he won in 4-6, 6-4 and 6-2.

Moya was ranked No. 1 in 1999 but has dropped to No. 36. The Spaniard had never beaten Federer in six previous meetings, but gave him trouble early on.
"Today was the day to beat him; I had a feeling I could beat him," Moya said. "But at important moments, he brings out his best." "I felt I was controlling the match," Moya said. "But with Federer, you can't expect to beat him until it's over. I had some break points but he came up with some great shots."

Speaking before Nadal's match was completed, Federer said beating the Spaniard in the final would be a great way to go into the French Open, the only Grand Slam he hasn't won.
"That would surely boost my energy, my motivation and my confidence for the French Open," Federer said.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will resume their rivalry on clay when they square off on Sunday in the finals of the Hamburg Masters. I'm soo excited... can't wait! Go Federer! (.^__^.)

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news;_ylt=AkbDqo5WPLU29YLMHpSVTEU4v7YF?slug=ap-hamburgmasters&prov=ap&type=lgns

www.rogerfederer.com

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in the world especially to my dearest Mommy. Each one if us must make this day indeed a special one for them wherein we can make them feel how we really treasure and love them. This is the perfect opportunity where we can hug and kiss them since, most of us, doesnt have the time to do this when we're in ordinary days. As for my part, I bought my Mom a nice gift which she really liked. I was really happy with her reaction and, Thank God, I was blest by a Mom like her.

There's a lot of things that had happened to me this past few days and I don't have enough time to update myself here in my blog. I'm so busy with lots of things whether it's important or not that important! hehe... Well, let's start with this:

Almost every week, there's no such day na hindi ako pupunta sa UST for this only one reason: ORGANIZATION. Since our turn-over ceremony last May 4, we were always required by our adviser to go to school and discuss about some agendas especially about our upcoming activity, an outreach program in Antipolo City. I already made a letter addressed to the dean of our college, informing her about our plans and how the activity will happen. I hope that she allows us, but, I have a funny feeling that our activity will be postponed. I just don't know why...but let's see if my intuition will fail me!

Remember the virtual business I've been talking about last April? Well, Bea already invited me for a seminar last Saturday ( May 5 ). I've learned a lot about the business and, honestly, hindi ko masyadong nagugustuhan yung tungkol sa business. It's like pyramiding na hinde. Basta ang weird. I just felt that it's not safe to invest my money there. Baka kasi hindi bumalik yung same amount pr more than that amount. Sabay kami ni Medz na nakinig ng seminar. Hindi ko lang alam kung papasok si Medz sa business. All I can say is: Think wisely! (.^__^.)

As a couch potato, STAR Sports - Tennis is on my top list. Roger Federer is back on the game and this time it's on clay court. Much different during the Australian Open, which is on hard court, where he reigned as champion. I just have to make a seperate blog post about this because it's a bit long. (.^__^.)

Another television show is the Pinoy Big Brother season 2. Yesterday, Dionne was finally evicted after 4 straight weeks of nominations. I'm glad that Nel was the one chosen by the people to further stay inside Big Brother's house.

And now there's another twist for this realtity show. It's called the "Balik Bahay Housemates" wherein 4 evicted housemates namely Kian, Jasmin, Zeke and Wendy will be given the chance to re-enter the house and be housemates again for the second time. 2 lucky housemates will be given this rare opportunity based on the text votes of the televiewers. I don't really like this because it's unfair for those remaining housemates inside the house. These 4 ex housemates already have some ideas what's the outside world was like after their stint inside PBB's house. They already know how people reacted about their attitudes (good or bad) inside and which housemate do people really love. I feel that the ex-housemates can already strategize their stay inside BB's house according to what the televiewers like since they are the ones who chooses who will stay or not. As for my opinion, I vote for Jasmin and Kian or Zeke since 1 boy and 1 girl are always given the chance. I just don't like Wendy. Let's just wait on Saturday and see what's the results. Vote Wisely!

Pre-com Society Turn-over ceremony

Last May 4, 2007, the Pre-com Society held its turn-over ceremony dubbed as "Paalis Na Kayo...Papunta Na Kami" at the Audio Visual Room (AVR), 5th floor of the St. Raymunds Building - College of Commerce. This event was participated by the outgoing and incoming Pre-com officers, Mr. Ronald Manalo (one of Pre-com Society's advisers) and Mr. Jaime Nuevo (head of the Pre-com department).
So, what's a turn-over ceremony ba? The 1st time I heard about this was during our JS Prom wherein we Seniors have to turn-over or bequeath the duties and responsibilities we had for our alma mater to the incoming Seniors. In the same manner, this turn-over ceremony we had for PCS (Pre-com Society) represents the passing-on of responsibilities by the outgoing officers to us, newly deserving ones, who will lead the whole Pre-com department for this coming academic year 2007-2008.

Syempre we, Junior Board officers prepared some activities to make this event a lively, funny and, most of all, a memorable one. First we had this "Guess Who" game where each of us tried to portray each incumbent officers their different personalitites in a comical perspective. Super funny talaga yung skit na ginawa namin for them. We made it sure na hindi foul yung way ng pagpoportray namin sa kanila so that hindi sila maooffend. Kami nina Medz and Dane, since were TRIO ...ginaya namin sina Ate Lao, Grace and Rexa - - the Banana Gurlz! Me as Grace, Dane as Rexa and Medz as Lao. It's really hard to portray them lalao na yung dance step and song na kinompose nila tungkol sa mga saging... (that's why they're called the Banana Gurlz..!) I was really shy that time kasi I have to sing a line or two from any song because the one I have to portray won as a runner-up in the Commerce Idol singing contest of our college. Everything turned out the way we planned things earlier that morning and everyone was really happy.

Special award were also given to them which further described their funny identities. Examples of these awards are the "Load Mo Ako Award", "Green Mind Award", "Banana Umf Award" and a lot more.

Afterwards each officer were placed in the hot seat wherein hot seat question were grilled to them by one of the hosts. Their answers to these questions revealed their true feelings towards their co-Precom officers and their own experiences for the past year. Yung host tuloy namin naging "Boy Abunda wannabe!".. hehe.. =)
April birthday celebrants Charen Natal, Grace Lucero and Jas Casper Ong were recognized through special messages and audio visual presentations prepared by their closed friends and by the Pre-com officers as well.
After that, here's the climatic part for this event. Outgoing Pre-com President announced to everyone the set of newly appointed PCS officers with their respective positions. This is what we've all been waiting for. Honestly, this was the part where I recalled the times when I was still a Junior Officer (reminiscing moment?!)...the commitment I've given to this organization had finally paid off. Finally I, myself, will be an executive officer. What an achievement!
Let me present to you the Pre-com Society officers for this academic year 2007-2008
**LOUD APPLAUSE PLEASE!** (.^__^.)

President: Nikko Gomez

Vice President Internal: Alisxandre Sy

Vice President External: Richmond Yu

Executive Secretary: Marielle Flores (that's me!)

Treasurer: Alex Arnan

Auditor: Ma. Medalene Mapili

Public Relations Officer (PRO): Mark Garcia

Academic Affairs Head: Dane Matela

Marketing Head: Debbie Piodo

Socio-Cultural Jayson Ong Teleng

Human Resource Officer: Lionel Ng

Logistics and Operations: Eusebius Cuevas III

As for me, I was really happy to get the position as an Executive Secretary since my position last year was the Assistant Secretary. I'm on the internal part wherein I have to communicate with the Dean and other important figures of our college and of the university as well. They gave me this position because I was trained about this work even though the real secretary resigned during the earlier part of the first semester. I almost became her replacement though I wasnt given the chance because I was still a freshman then.

Anyways, we've got loads of activities prepared for this "Pre-com Year" as what they usually say.

Be ready for Pre-com X - The New Generation!

Congratulations to all of us! (.^__^.)

...For more pictures and informations pls visit this site which I, personally, created. I serves as the webmaster of this site...hehe..though it's not that much! It's still undergoing some renovations. Pls bear with me! =D

http://precomsociety.multiply.com

PS: Thanks Keiya for the pics! (.^__^.)

Leadership Training Seminar

LTS stands for Literacy Training Service if you're talking in terms of ROTC but for Precom Officers, LTS means Leadership Training Seminar. This seminar are for those students who are aspiring to be leaders or who has leadership skills. It's goal is to develop the leadership abilities of a person or a group for the convenience of those whom he/she leads.

We were required by our adviser to attend this 3 day seminar from April 26 to 28 (Thursday to Saturday) entitled as "Catalyst" which will determine what position will they give to each one of us according to our participation in this said activity.
For a brief discussion, what does Catalyst means by the way?
Looking back from our past lessons in Chemistry, Catalyst is a substance that causes or speeds a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
So Catalyst and a Leader is somewhat related, right?!

Last Thursday we were oriented about the characteristics of a true Leader and what is expected from him/her. We were also given a chance to determine what kind of leader are we by answering some questions and by finding out what traits or characteristics are we looking for from our present leaders of today. Our guidance counselor told us that those traits that we were looking for in a leader are the traits that we possess or can posses during the time of our leadership. It's really fun to listen to our speakers and to participate in the activities that they had prepared for us. I really learned alot.

Last Friday our first activity was entitled as Amazing Race. This activity has the purpose of orienting us about the important places in UST which are related in the activities and events that we will plan for our organization. These are the places where we can ask for forms and submit letters whenever we have to reserve an auditorium, a gym or any particular area where we will celebrate an event. These are also the places where we can borrow other materials needed for an activity. We were grouped into two which is composed of 4 members. By chance the groupings that were formed was really funny. The other group was composed of 3 boys and a girl, while our group was composed of 3 girls and a boy. Nikko even reacted about the groupings and even voiced out that it's not fair..
"Ang daya naman...tingnan mo yung group namin..ako lang yung isang lalaki dito.."
he's referring to the group where I belonged. Others reacted that it's alright..others even teased him na he's a sexist! As for me, the composition doesn't really matter. What matters the most is the determination, the fun and the facts that we will learn and experience for this activity. Well, chcolates for a prize isn't bad at all!

The race begun and as usual the other group dashed right away for the first stop..the Commerce Dean's office. Super bilis talaga nilang tumakbo compared to our group..actually kawawa nga si Debbie eh kasi napag-iwanan na talaga siya. As for us three girls: Me, Dane and Medz it took us a hard time to catch-up with Nikko. Ang bilis talaga niyang tumakbo.. Actually napagod kami sa paghabol kay Nikko hindi sa pagpunta sa mga places sa UST..hehe.. (.^__^.)
After 48 minutes, we finished the game and we lost! The other group finished for 40 minutes..they're faster compared to us for 8 minutes. Okei lang naman yun, we accept our defeat and the consequence. What more can we do? So we were asked to buy our lunch at Lovelite. The good part is, the other group helped us to buy the foods..ang bait naman!..

After eating one of the officers told us about the benefits of being a Pre-Com officer. There's a lot of benefits actually..it's a privilege rin pala to be an officer. I thought puro works lang talaga...pero syempre I must not be overwhelmed by that. Work is still the no. 1 priority.

Honestly..I'm having a bit of a problem on how to balance studies and organization. Ooopss..wrong statement..again again..
Honestly.. I'm having a bit of a problem on how to give my focus for the organization. 90% for studies and 10% for organization. Is that possible? (.^__^.)