I'm exhausted.
I didn't go to school
and perhaps can't make it still upto Saturday
...but surely will be back on Monday.
Oh my! we have a Case Digest to be passed on Saturday for Law.. (tsk!)

Had a big family reunion last night
but still sad because someone was missing.
I miss my Lolo.

But somehow, I felt happy last night.
Hhhmmm... why?
Lemme keep it to myself.
I know it won't happen.. but why not?
Its just an admiration, okei.

I missed my cousins!
I seldom see them because they live in New Jersey..
as far as I know, its been 7 years since the last time.
Yeah, that long!
And when I finally saw them last night at the airport, all I wanted was to have a chat with them and spend their 1 week of vacation together with them and my Lola.

Later we will go to Batangas.
And what I will witness there will be a first time for me.
Please pray..
thanks!

LUCKY BAGEL

ATP - A GOOD START
www.rogerfederer.com

Roger opened his bid for a fifth successive US Open title
with a straightforward 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 victory over
Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez
in the opening round.

"The Olympic doubles gave me a great lift," Roger said after the match.
"I'm really inspired and motivated to do well here."

Our champ, who last year won his 12th Grand Slam title with victory
at Flushing Meadows to move within two of Pete Sampras' record,
was clearly at home on the Arthur Ashe Stadium hardcourt,
defeating world number 118 Gonzalez in one hour 21 minutes.
Roger broke Gonzalez in the eighth game and took the first set comfortably
before winning the second set without dropping a game.
Gonzalez lost his opening service game in the third set,
but broke back immediately before Roger regained control
with a break in the seventh game.

Next up is Brazilian Thiago Alves,
the world number 137,
who beat Chile's Paul Capdeville in five sets.

************************

Roger is in an all brownish-gray outfit for his 1st round match.
If last year, he is the "Man in Black"
this year he is the "Man in Brownish-Gray" (???!)
Smokey!
yikes.. ang pangit naman ng term. haha!

Okei, personally, i don't like his outfit!
It reminds me of a boyscout..
or the uniform of a policeman long way ago, 1990's I think.
But even though I don't like it... it still suits him. (my Mom told me that he looks good on TV)
So, Great job Roger!
Just don't wear sleeveless shirt, okei?! :p

So another match not seen live.
Buti pa nga yung Mom ko napanood niya yung full match..*sniff!*
May magagawa ba ako? Kelangan mag-aral eh.
I need a REPLAY!

A straight set win with a bagel?
awesome!
Roger is back on track!
Next game will be against the Brazilian, Thiago Alves.
A qualifier.
Thiago WHO?

Hopp Roger!

Look closer.

You see the humor in this pic?

If not, I can't do anything..haha!

Why didn't I thought about this before...
I'm NOT good in Math so answering this way is hilarious for me and for my teacher!
LOL!

I don't have anything to share about my school life as of the moment because
it's all "routinely" so I'd rather share to you
some articles that I have read
which is, of course, about tennis. :p

ref: Consumer Behavior - Schiffman, Kanuk
Chapter 10: Reference Groups and Family Influences
p.302 2nd paragraph.

"For instance, professional tennis players may constitute a symbolic group
for an amateur tennis player who identifies with certain players
by imitating their behavior whenever possible
(e.g.,by purchasing a specific brand of tennis racket or tennis sneaker).
However, the amateur tennis player does not (and probably never will)
qualify for membership as a professional tennis player
because she has neither the skills nor the opportunity
to compete professionally."

TOP PAID TENNIS STARS:
Link: [click here]

Roger Federer ad been the top-ranked tennis player in the world for a record 237 consecutive weeks – until this week, when he finally relinquished the top spot to Spain’s Rafael Nadal

But when it comes to the biggest bank account, Federer is still top dog – by a long shot. His earnings over the past 12 months were $35 million, almost twice the take of Nadal, who earned an estimated $18 million.

The Swiss maestro won $9 million in prize money over the past year and booked another $26 million through appearance fees and from sponsorship deals with the likes of Gillette, Mercedes-Benz and Wilson. His biggest payday comes from Nike, which re-signed the defending U.S. Open champion earlier this year to a 10-year contract that could potentially be the largest in tennis history, if certain playing incentives are met.

Beijing Triumphs Athens...and then some.
Link [click here]

BEIJING – It is the biggest buzz word in Olympic circles, and the promise of it can dramatically sway the bidding process for future Games.
Legacy.

Other sites such as Workers’ Stadium and Workers’ Gymnasium were already in place.
The Olympic Park Tennis Center has been tabbed to host an ATP event next year. (YES!)

And here are some pics during the opening night
of the US Open 2008:

Stunning in Black!

And lookie!
Someone made fun of this pic
and made "Santa Roger" too early for Christmas! :p

US OPEN 2008

Roger Federer did it 4 years in a row.
Raising that trophy high with
pride and glory..
I hope he can do it again this time
for the 5th consecutive time.

It's time for the 4th and last Grand Slam of the year for Tennis,
US Open
at Madison Square Garden in New York
from August 25- September 7, 2008

And syempre, puyatan time na naman sa akin.
11pm start ng games sa Balls channel eh..
and then pag night match naman yung schedule, hindi ko na mapapanood
kasi nasa class na ako.
So be it, I'd rather watch the replays.. less excitement na nga lang.

Some pictures:

New no.1 and no.2
New Olympic Gold medalists.
Yay!
Will there be a new US Open title holder?
No, No, No... :p

I want a new shirt!
And this is what I want!

Nakita ko to sa classmate ko last Saturday.
They were selling these t-shirts daw..
in time for the UAAP season.
Parang gusto ko yata yung white shirt dyan sa left side.
haha!
Pero mas like ko yata to:

:edited:

Pagdating sa UAAP,
"Espanya is where my heart is"

pero pagdating sa tennis,
"Suisse is where my heart is"


I'll buy this shirt soon.
Classmate ko naman yung nagbebenta eh, kaya easy access.. no problem!

Harry Potter: Half Blood Prince

This is the latest photo shoot for
the upcoming movie of HP series,
Half Blood Prince.
What do you think?
Hhhmmmm..
They're getting matured already, isn't it? (in a nice way)
Daniel Radcliffe has the same age as mine..
while Rupert is older and Emma is younger by a year. (i think!)

To compare:

and this:

I'm a fan of Harry Potter ever since its first movie
and this kind of evolution fascinates me.
I grew up with Harry Potter.



**************************
Yesterday was Saturday.. and I was very happy.
Or should I say, kilig?!

Finally, a reason for me to look forward for Saturdays.. again.

Repost from http://chaos-theory08

Original: faylinn_drake

Here are nine comments made by NBC sports
commentators so far during the
Summer Olympics that I bet they wish they could take back:

Weight-lifting commentator: "This is Gregoriava from Bulgaria.
I saw her snatch this morning during her warm up and it was amazing."

Dressage commentator: "This is really a lovely horse and I speak from personal experience
since I once mounted her mother."

Paul Hamm, Gymnast: "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father."

Boxing Analyst: "Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing,
but none of them really that serious."

Softball announcer: "If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again.
In fact you can see it all over their faces."

At the rowing medal ceremony: "Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the IOC president
is hugging the cox of the British crew."

Soccer commentator: "Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got eleven Dicks on the field."

Tennis commentator: "One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that,
before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them...
Oh, my God, what have I just said?"

SUPER LOL!

For the tennis commentator, I wonder who Andy
is he/she referring too..

Michael Phelps for Sports Illustrated

What a nice way to show the GOLDS!

Someone told me that the medals
looked like a blouse.. haha!
A hanging blouse?
Oh well... Michael still looks awesome.

Heya!
Seems like I've waken up too early just to attend
2 of my 4 subjects, huh?
My last 2 professors are nowhere to be seen so we(students)
concluded that they will not attend our class.
And besides some of their classes prior to us said
that they were also missing in action during their
scheduled time so... I've got 2 hours break!
As much as I wanted to go home, I can't.
Because I've promised my friend that I will watch their
General Assembly program for their organization (RED CROSS) later this afternoon.
A promise is a promise, though some believe that they are meant to be broken, I must keep my word.

And besides, I need a "work-life balance".. you know, studies and fun combined together
to keep my life less stressful.
Actually, due to too much stress, I felt so sick early this week.
I know..
I've forced myself (to the limit) to absorb all the topic coverage for our Preliminary Examinations last week which resulted to an
"Information Overload"
And, according to my readings, (yeah!) Information Overload is one of the causes of Stress and Distress.

And mind you, there's also a word called "EUSTRESS"
Weird, eh? It's the first time for me to encounter such word.. eustress.
Well, eustress is a positive effect of stress.
Given that you've stressed yourself too much and the outcome is a positive thing. Not like headache, fever or any common effect of Distress.
So, Distress is a negative effect of stress, get it?

Okei.. I'm not in the position to lecture you guys here in my blog.
I'm just here to share and inform some things.. and make this blog fun to read.
Anyway, have you been aware with all the issues from this year's Beijing Olympics?
Especially when we talk about Gymnastics.
I've been fond of watching Gymnastics this past few days because I was amazed by their stunts and flexibility.. wishing I could be like that flexible (haha!)
but one thing really caught me honestly even before all those rumors emerged.
I am referring to the Chinese girls gymnasts.
They are really good (or the best) in showcasing their flexibility.. but why look that young?
Look as if they are under-aged.
Look at this pic:

I've got nothing against them...
but the rules for Olympic gymnasts mentioned that girls must be aged 16 and above
in order to enter the competition.
If they are aged 16, then fine. GOLD medals are for them.
But if not... this will be a BIG issue and a BIG explanation from the Chinese government.
News said that investigations are already on going.
Summer Olympics will end soon... this Sunday to be exact (Aug 24).
And issues are emerging like mushrooms!

Haayy.. Olympic craze.
All news are focused on the olympics so I'm exposed to too much of this.
I usually read Yahoo news kasi so I'm like this..haha!
Anyway, US Open will start on Monday (Aug 25) so I'll be on a Federer craze again.
Watch out.. :)

I've got 20 more minutes before I log-out
so I'd rather update my cutesy diary/blog.

Earlier this morning, classes were suspended
LATE!
Before I left home my Mom told me that it was raining all night
so there's a possibility that classes will be suspended.
So, I clicked on our TV.. and they ignored the typhoon.

Come 7:00am, rain fell hard up until we end our classes.
And as usual, baha na naman!
Buti pa yung mid/pm sessions.. 12pm kasi sinuspend yun class.
Tomorrow kaya?? Same scenario? Konting ulan naman diyan sa labas oh! hehe..

Just one concern: I checked on CNN and they said
typhoon "NURI" hit Philippines,
but when I watched TV Patrol, sabi ni Kuya Kim
typhoon "NORI"...
Ano ba talaga kuya?

Anyway, some of our exams results were already given..
"NO COMMENT"
I'm happy... but its much easier to remain silent about it.

I've found this pic... I forgot to post it here:

Gold: Rafael Nadal
Silver: Fernando Gonzales
Bronze: Novak Djokovic

Hwala lang.
Mas feel ko si Rafa pag naglalaro on court.
Kapag off-court.. wag nalang! :p
I don't like to be act selfish so I'm happy that these guys won Olympic medals.
Roger has his own GOLD.. so no hard feelings. (.^__^.)

Sakto! 20 minutes! Just in time.. :p

US swimmer Michael Phelps
poses after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming
final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center
during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
in Beijing on August 17, 2008.
Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals
at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final
in a new world record time.

"MILWAUKEE (AP)—Visa Inc. popped out ads almost as quickly as he swam his laps.
Pizza Hut is giving Michael Phelps and his teammates free pizza and pasta
for a year for him beating Mark Spitz’s record of
seven gold medals in one Olympics."

“One gold medal is amazing.
Two is … well … incredible.
Three? Practically unbelievable.
But eight? Eight gold medals?
That’s … that’s well …
well, we’re going to need some new adjectives for whatever that is.
Congratulations, Michael,” said one ad.

YAHOO! news article

A big "THUD" for me!!
Oh yeah.. my new crush.. :p

ATP - ROGER WINS OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL!

Roger made up for the disappointment of missing out in the singles
by winning his first Olympic gold medal
as he teamed up with
Stanislas Wawrinka to claim the doubles title on Saturday.
The Swiss pair beat Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson
of Sweden 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

Against Johansson and Aspelin, Roger's thumping groundstrokes
and Stan's impressive backhand gave the Swiss the early advantage.
After winning the first set,
they soon broke to lead 3-1 in the second
before the Swedes responded.
It took a tie-break, which Johansson and Aspelin won,
to decide the third set.
A brilliant reaction volley from Roger helped break Aspelin
again at the start of the fourth set, our star eventually serving out the match.

"It is like a fantastic dream comes true, I feel really happy to win the gold medal.
It is great, I enjoy that," said Roger in the mixed zone.
"I have tried for several times to get a medal, and I came really close to the medal in Sydney where I finished fourth.
Since then I can't stop thinking that If I am the best player in the world,
I should do the same in the Olympics, and then finally I made it,
it is really special also because it is for Switzerland,
you know, our country can not get so many medals at one Olympics,
maybe one or two, but this time I got a gold medal,
it is for my country, I really feel different, as it is for my country,
it is different from the Grand Sam where I did it for just myself."

At the medals ceremony, when they played the Swiss national anthem and Roger and Stan stood on the highest platform, both were clearly on the edge of tears.

MORE PICS:

Sometimes, I just wished I was Stan.. (.^__^.)
It is such a joy to see that Roger (and the Swiss Team) won GOLD.
They beat the no.1 doubles team..
It's their first time to enter a doubles competition together...
And to win an Olympic Medal and me seeing it live on TV is double happiness!
I've said this for the millionth time.. still
FedRinka is the BEST!

TEAM FEDRINKA

- The greatest pictures ever -

Time Check: 2:18am!
Savor the moment! GOLD it is!

2 more exams left
and I will be
FREE!!

Actually, I wanted to be free now just like my other
friends taking up their Finance Majors... but since Marketing ang kinuha ko
hanggang Saturday pa yung exams.
Be patient, Marielle!
You've gone this far.. konting basa and puyatan nalang.

Mixed emotions ako sa exams namin kanina.
I think I did good sa OB (Organizational Behavior)
Sa Finance, wag na lang!
Maiinis lang ako lalo pag sinabi ko yung experience ko habang sumasagot ng test.
Isang reklamo lang: Multiple Choice - 3 pts each, tapos Problem Solving pa.
huhu!

Buti nalang minemorize ko yung mga formula.. kung hinde, patay na!
Ayoko na talaga ng Finance. I made the right decision about the major I will take up.
The best decision I ever had!

*************************************

BAD NEWS
Roger was defeated by Blake last night at the Olympics.
Is this a new, shocking news?
Nah... its just heart-breaking.. as always

Because Roger's dream of an Olympic Gold Medal was gone with the wind.
But not really.. I'll tell you the reason later why Roger can still get a Gold this year.
Anyway, last night, I was following the Rf.com forum in order to know how the game went.
So, I acted quite stupid getting so excited, jittery and angry all at the same time while facing the computer... where in fact, I can't see anyone playing.
Haha! I can't find any decent livestream coverage kasi so I just settled for the live scores.
Then after the match, I felt so down up to the point that I can't even concentrate on what I'm reading.

For example:
> I was reading the same sentence all the time without even getting how it meant.
> Or I was reading my lectures, and then I'll just find out that I'm staring out of notingness.

For the Love of tennis.. and of the player... I'm getting crazy!
At least, I was able to go to school prepared.
Meron nga akong classmate hindi nakapasok sa school kanina kasi daw hindi nakapagfocus sa pag-aaral dahil sa UST vs Ateneo game kahapon.

Eh, talo din naman UST (nanaman!)
Na-carried away din siguro. :p
Wala din naman pagkakaiba yun sa nafeel ko kagabi after malaman yung game result sa tennis.
Yun nga lang, mas malakas ang aking control.
Haha! Joke lang. Pero sabi din naman nung iba kaya daw hindi nakapasok sa school
yung classmate ko kasi may sakit.

GOOD NEWS
Going back to Tennis,
Roger will still have a chance for Gold or any Olympic medal because He and Stan are still on the run for their doubles match.
Yeah, TEAM FEDRINKA!

They are doing great as a team... and I hope they can make it.
As of now, I'm giving positive vibes that they will have a medal.
I just don't know what's the color.
Actually, I think, what's important for Federer is to have a medal.
Federer will not be no.1 anymore on August 18.
He will be replaced by Nadal.. (umph!)
So on the opening of US Open.. Roger will be seeded no.2
Shucks.. nakakapanibago naman.
Me not liking it.

To end this, here's another pic of Team Fedrinka: Go for Gold!

-I got curious ever since I've seen this pic. I wonder what they're talking about?-

REVENGE IS SWEET

ATP - ROGER RIGHT ON TRACK
August 13, 2008

Top seed Roger avenged his Athens 2004 loss with a convincing
6-3, 7-6 win over Tomas Berdych
as he remained on course for an Olympic final on Wednesday.

Roger broke Berdych's serve for 2-0,
was broken back to 2-2,
then broke again at 2-3 and served out the first set with an ace.
At that stage, he looked unbeatable,
but sagged suddenly and lost the first three games of the second set,
including one service game.
But determination returned and Roger won 10 of 11 points in a streak
that got him back to 3-3.
They stayed on serve to a tiebreaker, and Roger took over at 4-4, with a passing shot down the line, an ace and, on match point,
a big-kicking second serve that Berdych could not handle as he pushed it wide.

"I'm very happy with the way I played. I haven't lost to him since the Olympic Games,"
Roger said.
"He's always dangerous - you can see how hard he hits the ball."

- Finally, I have time to update!
We don't have classes today so I tried to give some of my time to the blogging world.
I've posted other 2 matches of Roger for this week and 1 doubles match with Stan.
Today, Roger will face James Blake of USA... but I think its raining hard in Beijing as of this time, so game will be cancelled, perhaps.
Same as Manila, Beijing, China is a very wet country during this months..haha!
Anyway, I've been watching the Olympics coverage even though we have exams.
No one can stop me! haha!
And I'm loving Gymnastics and Swimming.
I can only see these 2 sports event every olympics so make the most out of it.
As of now.. I fancy Michael Phelps!
The 23 year old American swimmer who has bagged lots of gold medals already!
I'll update about him next time. He is good-looking.. and CNN news already regarded him as a candidate for being
The Greatest Olympian of All Time.
I'll end here. Bye-Bye!
Readings, here I come.. :p -

ATP - A SOLID VICTORY IN THE DOUBLES

August 13, 2008

Roger only had a few hours break after his victory
in the singles competition before getting back on court for the doubles.
Playing a most solid match, Roger and Stan qualified for the quarterfinal
of the doubles competition with a 6-4, 6-3
victory over Dmitry Tursunov and Mikhail Youzhny.

The Swiss duo played a very good match
and was able to improve the level of play throughout the game.
They will take on Mahesh Bhupathi/Leander Paes of India in the next round
– a rather difficult task.
Roger had lost to them at the Athens Olympics four years ago together with Yves Allegro.

- The other guy is Stanislas Wawrinka, another Swiss tennis player. If not mistaken, he is ranked no.10 in the world- Roger and Stan are teammates for the doubles tennis competition at Olympics. So far they are performing well as a team.

ATP - NEXT UP: TOMAS BERDYCH

Roger earned an Olympic rematch Wednesday against
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic,
who knocked him out in the second round in Athens four years ago.
Roger breezed to a 6-2, 6-4 win over Rafael Arevalo of El Salvador,
ranked 447th in the world and only playing in the Games
because of his country's small number of competitors.

"To be playing a player with a very low ranking in a very big pressure situation for me, I have nothing to win, only everything to lose," said Roger.
"It was all a matter of getting through: hopefully not getting a fright or anything, which I didn't."

This time Roger and Berdych will meet in the third round.
"He has got a great game," Roger said.
"Obviously I'm aware of the danger."

-Roger is wearing a RED belt!-

ATP - A PROMISING START

August 11, 2008

Top seed Roger opened his Olympic campaign
with a straightforward 6-4, 6-2
win over Russia's Dmitry Tursunov today.
He converted his first break point at 1-1 in the first set
and broke twice in the second to complete an
easy victory in one hour and five minutes.

"Sometimes it plays a trick in your mind where you think maybe you're not playing that well, but it's actually not the case," Roger said, clearly relieved to be up and running at the tournament after a difficult five weeks.
"I played well, hit some great winners, got some good balls back. I was playing very solid."

Roger's next opponent will be Rafael Arevalo of El Salvador, the 447th- ranked player in the world.

- Out of control Chinese fans?! - (.^__^.)

Its Hell Week for me!
Examinations week... 6 days of non-stop reading and studying.
As of now, I have already taken up 2 exams out of my 8 subjects.
I still have 6 more to go.
Oh God! Please help me!
If you can imagine my study table.. it is full of papers and lectures..haha!
To just give you a glimpse.. tomorrow will be our departmental exams for
Marketing Management and Marketing Research.
For Marketing Management, our coverage is from Chapter 1 to Chapter 7,
for our Marketing Research, coverage is from Chapter 3 to Chapter 10.


I'm trying my 100% best in order to finish all of them tonight.
Or pwede din naman walang ng tulugan.
Schedule for Friday and Saturday exams is another set of helluvah readings.

But I still find time to go to the net.
I can't just study all day.. I still need to relax my mental and physical state.
And besides, I'm quite familiar na with some of our lessons since we've taken them up already.
I just have to familiarize myself with them again.

And I can't miss tennis.
Quite unlucky since olympic tennis tournament falls on my exams week.
But I can still manage to watch and be updated.
Okei.. I'll be back to my readings.
Wish me Luck!
Thanks.. (.^__^.)

After my photo blog about the grand opening ceremony
of 2008 Beijing Olympics, I'll share naman regarding
the center of attraction of this event - the Athletes!

Roger Federer is the flag bearer of Swtizerland.
Why is it that during his parade, it gave me an impression that he is a bit shy.
Maybe its just me.. Oh well, more of pics to see below.. :)

And Rafa is also in the parade... I just didn't noticed him at all.

I wasn't able to see a pic of Pacquiao. But he is there, I saw him.
To wrap this all up... final pic for China's flag bearer, Yao Ming.

He is such a tall guy!

Pictures Galore!
Re: Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies
I'll just post some.. (.^__^.)

Lovely pics!
Lovelier when you watched em all!
Next post... pictures of the athletes!

Okei... currently watching the
opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics.
And what's wrong with this
C/S (RPN9) channel?!?!
Ang daming commercials!
kakainis!
Ano ba yan... I never thought that they will show lots of these stuffs.
I'm supposed to watch the Olympics.. not commercials.
And then kinanta pa yung "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" kanina.
Imagine, ang dami ng countries na dumaan for their parade and
hindi ko man lang nasilayan yung mga athletes nila.

Oh well, ang important lang naman na mga countries na dapat kong makita are
Philippines, Switzerland and USA.

And buti nalang nakita ko naman sila... yun nga lang mabilis lang.. mga 5 seconds lang.
Sa Philippines, super smile si Manny Pacquiao.. abot hanggang tenga! hehe!
Sa Switzerland, cute ni Roger..
mind you, he got the louder applause than any other athlete flag bearer present.
For USA naman... I saw Kobe Bryant. (period.)
I didn't saw any other tennis player during the parade. Why is that so?
I didn't even saw Nadal when Spain made its parade.
I dunno what's with him..

Anyway, the opening ceremonies was FANTASTIC!
It's the best Olympic opening I've ever seen on my entire life.
I'll be uploading some pics on my next post.. I'll still be searching for them at this moment.
I'm soo lucky I was able to see it - full coverage.
With hateful commercials.. :p
Wait.. I'm still watching. And they'll going to light the giant torch!
Bye-bye for now! :p

Happy Birthday Roger!

08.08.08 - WHAT A DAY!

Dear fans

It is an absolutely fantastic combination to be celebrating my birthday
and the start of the Olympic Games - on the very same day!

The Olympic opening ceremony here in Beijing will start on the 08.08.08 at 8:08:08 pm
- that's quite a few eights!
Eight has always been my personal lucky number.
And eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese tradition because of its unique pronunciation.
So being here in China on this specific date and time, celebrating my birthday during such an amazing event...
It is almost impossible to find the right words to describe this feeling.

I am looking forward to tonight enormously, leading Switzerland into the stadium
with our national flag.
The huge crowd, the amazing ceremony and the best athletes
from all over the world gathered here,
will all make for another memory to last forever.
What a privilege it is to be here!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your unconditional support.
I love to come to my website and find you all discussing the future, the present and also the past. Your interest in all different topics around me,
tennis and sports in general is fascinating.
Thank you for all the time so many of you have invested in writing me messages,
letters and cards and making me special gifts.
This means a great deal to me and it fills me with pride to have so many of you
thinking of me.

Our community is steadily growing towards the barrier of 200'000,
what an amazing number.
So many individuals from all over the world with a common interest meeting in one spot -
precisely like here in Beijing for the Olympics!
I would like to say thank you one more time and hope you enjoy the Games,
wherever you are.

Sincerely
Roger

What a nice guy, he is.
He even finds time to write something for his fans on his website. [HERE]
With all the things he have to prepare in Beijing.. he has the time! If he really do reads the forum.. I wonder how he will react if he reads the comments on the OFF-COURT SECTION part.. haha!

My right hand is really aching right at this very moment.
Maybe I over-used it in writing my reviewers.
I pity my right hand...
and then right after this I'll go back again to writing.
I hope there will be more energy stored for it on the examinations day.

Let the Games Begin!
Oh my!
2 more hours to go and it will be the Opening of Summer Olympics.
I actually thought the ceremony will start at 8:08am, yun pala I was relying on the CNN news which is based in Atlanta (USA) so malamang 8:08am ang time sa kanila.
Silly me!
Hindi ko naman agad na-realize na pano kaya yung
extravagant fireworks na pinrepare ng Beijing?
Fireworks in the morning? haha!

Anyway, na-eexcite na talaga ako.
Its my first time to watch the opening of an olympics and as a Tennis and Roger Federer fan!
You know, I'm not expecting that much whether Roger gets the Gold or not.
Based on what had happened to him during the past tournaments where he got some serious losses
during the early rounds, its hard talaga to give expectations.
But on the other hand, Olympics is a very important event for an athlete.
Impossible things can really happen.
So let's just see.

Naku naman, Saturday na ulit bukas.
I don't know what to react whenever it is Saturday.
I've got so many memories with this day.
The first one, I don't see him anymore for years already.. but I know he is existing.
The second one, I hate him. I don't know if he is still existing.
The third one, my feelings are blooming for him. But I don't see him for 2 straight Saturdays already.
Haaay... Saturdays....

Hot Hair Styles for 2 weeks

Warning: This Hair styles will only be in-style within 2 weeks.
So, think twice before going to your favorite salon.

Some of the athletes had already adopted this very in-style haircut too!

Isn't it this man is a NBA basketball player?
I'm not that familiar with his name.. but, nonetheless, he is still familiar.
Yeah, the USA Dream Team for men's basketball.
I'm not fond of watching NBA.. but I think I'll watch the Olympics basketball in order to see how this dream team plays.

I wonder if Roger will also change his curls? I wonder...

Nah, the STAR won't. :p

One of my vanities is my hair.. so I find this pictures very amusing and interesting.

08-08-08

I'm going to watch the Opening Ceremonies
of Beijing Olympics tomorrow, live on our TV screens at exactly
8:08pm. (Philippine Time)
Yup! We don't have classes... buti nalang natapat yung feast ni St. Dominic bukas.
Yeey!
Add to that is Roger's 27th Birthday!
weeeeh!
There's a P*A*R*T*Y thread in the forum which will be open 24 hours starting tomorrow..
all Filipino fans will be there. (yeah, including me! haha!)

After watching the ceremonies, which I don't know how long will it take..
I'll be flooded with school works (again)
That's the sad part.. :(

I'll be searching for
Roger Federer and Manny Pacquiao tomorrow!
Both flag bearers of Switzerland and Philippines, respectively.

GO FOR GOLD! (.^__^.)

Got from the forum:

– On the fact that at Sydney in 2000 he both carried the flag and met his girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec for the first time:
“I don’t know which was better. I guess I pick meeting my girlfriend. I’ve been with her for eight years. The flag was only 10 minutes.”

awwww! sweet! :p

My bestfriend, Joan tagged me on her post.

Here are the rules:
A. List these rules on your blog.
B. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.
C. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving
their names as well as links to their blogs.

So here are the 7 facts about me!

1. I'm a third year college student taking up the course of Business Administration major in Marketing at the University of Santo Tomas.
2. I'm a fan of Tennis and a huge fan of Roger Federer.

3. I'm a bit of a Grade Conscious student. Well, I'm really trying my best to excel in my studies at this moment and, of course, it's disappointing when the outcome isn't what I expected sometimes.
4. I love ice creams! yummy!

5. I don't have this stage fright tantrums, especially when situation calls for it. I'll just GO! haha.. Maybe, that's one of the reasons why I'm taking up Marketing.
6. I usually study while listening music. It makes me feel more relaxed.
7. I Love God! When I was in highschool, I was influenced and almost encouraged by the sisters in our school to enter the convent. I've got other plans for my life.. so here I am, a typical kolehiyala dreaming to be a successful businesswoman someday.

I don't know who to tag. So for those who would like to answer this, just feel free!
I tag everybody!

*****************************

Today, we had our final quiz before our Preliminary Exams in Marketing Management
and I have this feeling that I really did well.
I even think I've perfected it.
Hhhmmm.. maybe if not perfect, I have 1 or 2 mistakes only.
The quiz is an Identification and Enumeration type.. 4 points each,
Total of 100 points.
Let's see.. I hope my intuitive powers are on a roll right now!

****************************************
I'm going to add another thing on my WISHLIST!
The Feder-BEAR!

It's super duper cute!

I realized last night that I want it.. but not now.. hehe!
It costs $8.00 in one tennis warehouse website plus shipping costs of $7.50,
so it will cost a LOT of money!
I guess I have to use my Mom's credit card in order to grab one.I've told my Mom about it..
and she said YES! She's even excited about me.
Pero syempre, bilang pakisama narin sa Mommy ko, I won't buy one yet. Maybe next year nalang... or pwede ding sa Christmas nalang.
haha!

Pero hinde eh, alam ko Wilson tennis racket yung gift niya sa akin.. so okei na ako doon.
One thing is for sure, I'll have this cuddly bear in my life!
It doesn't matter when.. I can buy one even when I'm already working.
Yeah, that's great!
At least I won't bug my Mom anymore.. :p
I just hope its still available by that time.
Why not? Hindi pa naman magreretire si Roger eh.
By the way, proceeds from the sale of each Feder-Bear (which started during 2006)
will benefit the
ACE (Assisting Children Everywhere) programme,
a global partnership between the ATP and UNICEF harnessing the power of tennis
to help ensure the health, education and protection of children around the world.
Such for good cost!

I've got other posts below.. feel happy to read them!
Cheer Bright!

Another of my Photoblog about Beijing Olympics and Roger Federer.
Please bear with me...
Olympics just happens once in every 4 years so
I'll make the most out of it when I'm still a teen.
4 years from now, I'll be 23.
I can go back with this posts and have memories.

Okei.. full of sentiments, huh?
I'll just proceed with my hobby.
Feast your eyes.. (or should I say, feast my eyes?!)
kidding!

Enough of Photoblog.. I'll share again some tomorrow.
I'll share naman some Fan Reports that I've got from the forum.

TRACES OF FEDERER IN BEIJING:
The King of tennis, Roger Federer, was wearing the Swiss team shirt when he ambled through the Olympic village. Maybe he was just trying to relax by taking a slow walk,
but this was an impossible dream because he was quickly surround/trapped by reporters and fans.
When Federer walked into the Olympic store yesterday,
the shop assistance didn’t pay too much attention
and said “Welcome” in English.
Not long afterwards, a female volunteer starred at the person who was walking closer and closer to her, she covered her mouth with both hands and screamed
“Oh my GOD, IT’S FEDERER!!”
This scream had woken up many “day-dream man”, and all of the sudden the store became congested. Federer was at first shocked by the situation, but quickly put on his trade-mark smile.
Because there was so many people, Federer could hardly walk in the store, but he still walked up to many counters and appeared to be interested in many of the Beijing souvenirs.
“Do you like these souvenirs?” asked a reporter.
“Yes, I like these very much, they are very delicate and beautiful” answered the still smiling Federer though the surrounding was cacophonous.
“Then, are you going to buy a few back?”
“oh, I’m still making a decision.” Federer walked around in the store
while the crowd packed store was squeezed to the limit that many goods fell on the floor.
Federer turned down all formal interview and only answered a few questions which had nothing to do with the tournament.
Despite there were no distraction from the media interviewing, he still kept himself being by the endless signing requests.
Because Federer showed up without pre-notice, many fans didn’t have pen and paper for getting an autograph; as a result, pencil became the most demanded souvenir all of the sudden.
The crowd grew larger and larger, Federer had no choice but to leave.
A few reporters chased after Federer to try to get an interview and picture but were all stopped by the gaurds.
At last, Federer walked back to the station, leaving behind the ever cheering fans.


***********************************

Federer isn't living in the Olympic village.
After arriving in Beijing, he has settled in the suburbs of Chengdong in a villa-style hotel.
He had to make a visit to the Olympic village yesterday as the Swiss delegation held a news conference there.
Mirka demanded a souveinir so Federer had to go into one of the Olympic Village stores (whether he wants to or not).
Unfortunately he was immediately discovered after he went into the store, there were loads of fans asking for autographs and pictures from him.
On the one hand, the good tempered Federer satisfied the people's demands;
on the other hand, he cannot help but asked everyone "Let me around five minutes alright?"
But the peace was only kept for a moment as new onlookers immerged, even other athletes whom were shopping came and asked for autographs.
Federer took some quick glances at the souvenires in the shop, and looked at Mirka with begging eyes, hopping she can end things soon.
But his girlfriend appeared to be more interested on the goods than concerning
about Federer's situation and stayed for more than 30 minutes until she gave
Federer the 'almost' signal.

At that moment, Federer rushed out of the crowd and "fled".

***********************
Can you just imagine the atmosphere in Beijing.
Fans rushing everywhere!

$Money in Hollywood$

The highest paid stars in Hollywood according to
TV Guide's annual salary survey are as follows:

Ophrah Winfrey earns a whopping $385 million a year.

Simon Cowell banks $50 million.

David Letterman with $32 million!

Yeah right, the undisputed Ophrah Winfrey.
Ang laki ng difference niya kay Simon Cowell!

JUST SHOCKED!

Beijing Olympics

Roger Federer is already in China.
As well as the majority of the athletes coming
from the different countries who will participate in this
years Beijing Olympics - a week-long sports activity
where athletes will showcase their talents to bring
pride and love for one's own country.
Bringing back home that GOLD medal is like a dream come true, isn't it?

Since I'm a tennis fan, I'll tell something about it.
Wiieee! Roger is already in Beijing!
damn! Can you just imagine how near that is in Manila??!
If only he can extend his vacation and visit Philippines.
haha! asa naman!
Actually, some Filipino fans are encouraging him to go here.. if Roger is reading Fan reports (which I doubt)..he knows it.
Well, long story.. I'll tell about it next time.

Going back to my main topic, here are some pictures:

Roger looks so nice and good-looking!
He looks like a kid when he is with his girlfriend, Mirka.. awwww!

You wanna know where is Rafa Nadal?
I've found this pic at the forum.. can't help to share it here.

TIRED? Let him rest... he's done a lot during the previous weeks!
I hope he smiles next time..

I blog post from one Chinese tennis fan:

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_443302ab0100a2n8.html

My Close Encounter With Federer
By EffieZ in Beijing (2008-08-05 13:16:52)

A white-color plane slowly came towards me and my heart was pounding.
Sanding on the airport tarmac, I could see Roger through the window – Roger with his slightly ruffled hair.
The plane finally came to a complete halt and I could see Roger, head down playing with his cell-phone.
After a brief moment, he got up, slung his tennis bag over his shoulder, and got ready to leave the plane.

Mirka came off the plane first, shook hands with the pilot and boarded the shuttle.
Then came Roger. I waited while he shook hands with the pilot and then made a mad dash toward him – hands outstretched, Federer Bear in one, a pen in the other.
Roger took the Bear the moment he saw it and even took time to straighten out the Bear’s shirt before signing his name on it. I also brought his autobiography (Quest for Perfection) with me, which he also signed.
After that, I presented him with a collection of my calligraphy as a birthday present.
I said, “Happy birthday, Roger!” and he took it and said “Thank you”.
I followed that with: "Good luck!" Then, he too got into the shuttle.

At the terminal for chartered flights, even though Roger and Mirka were there for their immigration formalities, the place just erupted as every one of the staff in the terminal came rushing towards them, cameras in hand. Roger is truly deserving of his reputation as the Tennis King.
He answered everyone’s wishes to the extent that even I got to have my pic taken with him, just me and him.
You have to understand how precious it is to be able to do that...

I was so excited that the whole time that I was running around like a headless chicken [or headless fly, as the Chinese say].
When I temporarily regained my composure, I managed to get Mirka’s signature in Roger’s autobiography.
After a while, I was amazed when Mirka came over and asked me whether that was the Chinese version of Roger’s book. She said they had never seen a copy of the Chinese version.
I kept saying: Yes! Yes! Then Mirka asked me if she could take a pic of the book. I felt so elated when I held the book up for her. She could take as many as she liked.

It was one crazy night. I was the only crazy fan among all the airport officials and staff. Hahahahaaha…. Looks like I’m going to savor this for a long, long time.

Then I saw Mirka carrying my calligraphy book and several bags, large and small, making her way out of the terminal and into their car. At the door, I said to Roger: Bye, good luck! He said Bye to me too, and he looked at me. Hahahahahaha…..

I am still reliving every moment…..

***********************************************

WHAT A LUCKY GIRL!!

I've got so many things to say..
haha! I don't know where to begin.
Hhhhmmm... let's start in a chronological order. :p

August 4, 2008
5am:
Andy Murray won in straight tie-break sets.
7-6, 7-6.
I never thought he will kill Djokovic that way.
And mind you, it's his first Masters Series title.
I'm soo happy because I really wanted Andy to win.
You know what, its my first time to like a tennis player not because of his looks..
but because of his skills in playing.
I've admitted long before that I liked Roger Federer because I got a bit attracted with his looks at first when I saw him at Australian Open.. and then was abruptly followed by my admiration for his elegant way of playing.
And then, here's Ernests Gulbis who is ranked 50 + in the world whom I've fallen in love with because of his face value too.
So, yeah.. a bit of a first time.
I hope Andy Murray will do better for the rest of the year..
just don't beat Roger that much.. or I'll change my mind. teehee!

10:00am:
Ininvite ako nina Debbie and Kim na manood ng concert ng
Simple Plan sa Araneta Coliseum yesterday.
Pumayag naman ako..kaya lang upto 9:30pm lang.
Dapat kasi makaabot pa ako sa last train ng MRT station para makauwi ng safe.

11:30am:
I thought the Swiss lanyard I've been longing for will be available na in one of the stores outside our university
But there's NONE!
huhu.. I'm sooo sad!
I thought I can finally have that thing on my hands and around my neck.. ;p
Haaayy.. I guess I just have to wait more and prolong my agony.
Well, madami namang ibang magagandang lanyards (I.D lace) na available dun sa store kaya lang what I wanted is the Switzerland lanyard.
Madami kasi doong ibang varieties ng ID lace like
Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Croatia, Australia..etc.
But still, my eyes are fixed on that Suisse one!
Eh the lanyard costs 250.00 so I'd rather buy something which I really like.

8:00pm
Concert Proper.
Oh well, I enjoyed the concert naman.. its just that I wasn't able to finish it that's why I wasn't able to glimpse a little more of Simple Plan.
Nasa Patron side pa naman kami.. and as usual, courtesy of Kim's tickets again.

10:00pm
Arrived at home. Still have to study.
I've realized.. next time, I shouldn't watch a concert on a weekday.
I think this concert will be my first and last. (**maybe!**)

I still have more to tell.. (.^__^.)

August 5, 2008.
Morning na morning palang... buena mano na!
Hindi ako nakaattend ng first subject namin.. napa-oversleep ako!
Ang sarap kasing matulog eh... lalo na pag pagod ka.
Luckily, hindi na naman nagcheck ng attendance yung professor namin sa Consumer Behavior and hindi rin ako natawag sa recitation.
I'm such a lucky student!

As of now, I'm studying for our last quiz before the Preliminary Examinations in
Marketing Management and Marketing Research.
We don't have class on Friday that's why affected ang MWF classes ko.
Imagine, last meeting na namin bukas before our Prelims next week.
Buti nalang.. patapos na yung lahat ng lessons sa MWF subjects namin.. so worry-free.
What I'm worrying is my TTHS sched...
and our departmentals.
I'll be in a triple crunch mode state after i made my blog post(s).

After this, I'll post something about Beijing Olympics and Roger Federer.
I'm soo fond of posting something about him in here..
plus added excitement because its the Olympics at Beijing which only
commence every after 4 years.
I was a bit shocked because most of my classmates isn't aware that it will be the
Opening of Beijing Olympics Ceremonies on August 8, 2008 at 08:08 am
Maybe, they are not sports enthusiast.. oh well!
Go Philippines and Switzerland team!

The Dark Knight

I finally watched the movie
"The Dark Knight"
last night together with my Mom.
The movie was A-M-A-Z-E -ing!
I can't bear to take my eyes off it especially the action scenes during the last part of the movie.
Joker is really that wicked, isn't he?
And Heath Ledger really did a superb role on that one.
Him being on this movie gives an added curiosity and likeness to watch it.
Maybe, that's one of the reasons why The Dark Knight is still on its hot streak even on its second week and some movie critics say that it may surpass the blockbuster movie record of Titanic.
Oh well, Batman es caliente! :p

Jinx to be no.1?

With Rafael Nadal reaching the semifinals tonight,
the rank no.1 is sealed to him.
But hey!
He lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets!
6-1 (???) , 7-5.
Can you believe it?
What a gift for Rafa in reaching his new rank.. a breadstick! wahahaha!
Roger could have saved his rank if he only reached the semifinals of this tournament, but things went wrong for Roger that's why he will lose it on August 18.
Rafa could have get his new rank this coming Monday if he reached the finals.
Since he lost, he has to wait for 2 weeks in order to get it.
So, it means, Roger's reign is still extended for 2 more weeks. To total it, Roger has been no.1 for 237 consecutive weeks.

I thought Rafa will still reach the finals of the Cincinnati tournament.
If he does, I will think that he is like this one:

umf! The Duracel battery bunny character!
Because it seems like Rafa is going non-stop in winning all the tournaments that's why someone from the RF.com forums posted this one. haha!
Maybe at this point in time, he needs to re-charge more.
But pressure is still on him for being on his new rank.
I wonder how he can defend that.
I wonder if he can total or outnumber Roger's record of 237 weeks.
Hhhhmmm.. I wonder!

So now, it will be
Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray.
I want Andy to win!
I want his way of playing.. and I've heard that he is an expert on hardcourt.
But I don't really care who win.. be it Novak or Andy.. its fine! (.^__^.)

Whatcha Lookin' At?

Here is a pic of Roger Federer having his practice session at Cincinnati.
If you look closer, (you can zoom the picture if you want too by clicking on it!) you'll see
Rafael Nadal and Feliciano Lopez somewhere in the background.
And if you look more closer, Rafa is having his keen eyes both on Roger.
To give emphasis, I wrote "HAHA!"
I don't know what Rafa is thinking about that time.
Will it be
"I'll be no.1 soon! BEWARE!"
or should it be
"He doesn't talk to me anymore.. **sniff!**"

Or maybe both.

Since Roger lost today to Ivo Karlovic, a 6 foot 10 tennis player, in 3 sets.
Nadal will surely overtake Roger if he reaches or win the finals.
Roger has been the no.1 tennis player for 235 consecutive weeks and maybe its about time that the world will see a new no.1.
Rafa has been hanging on to his no.2 spot for more than 2 years already and being no. 1 soon is a possibility.
It's not okei for me.. and I still don't like Rafa for some reasons but tennis is a game, someone wins and someone losses.
Actually, I find excitement this time... lots of things to look forward to! haha!

Let SUCCESS be spelled as 3M1

3m1 es el mejor!!
Nanalo kami sa Cannes Tigers Festival Champions
(Commercial Competition)
which happened during our General Assembly today.
The competition is open for all sections of marketing majors in
our college for 3rd year and 4th year students respectively.
So, all in all.. 14 sections lahat ang nagcompete.

We were tied in first place with one 4th year section where there commercial speaks about
Gabriella - a public organization which speaks about the rights of women.
Nung nakita ko yung commercial, super nakakaantig ng damdamin. (haha..lalim ng term!)
Pero ganon talaga yung nafeel ko. Hindi kasi siya yung usual commercial na nakikita natin nowadays which focuses on selling a product. Isa siyang advocacy.
Nakaretain parin sa mind ko yung commercial until now.. one of the best.

So, if the commercial of the other group is about an advocacy for women.. what about ours?
Well, our commercial promotes our own section.
Yup! inadvertise namin yung sarili naming section.. and syempre sinama na din namin ang essence of being a Thomasian.
Yeah.. we are proud to be a Thomasian!
And I'm proud of being a 3m1 student too!
It was great... you won't believe na 3rd year students yung gumawa.
Actually, hindi siya ganong kapansin-pansin kasi very simple ng commercial. Walang special effects, walang something catchy na performance.
Pero if you focus on it and understand its meaning you'll see that this commercial is worth watching for.
Sabi nga nung isang judge, SUBSTANCE is what is important.
That's why we won. We think out of the box. We don't go with the flow.. :)

Thanks for all my classmates who made this commercial and win possible.
This is our pride.