On Life and Death

The concept of life and death is a fact. It is final which no one can escape. When one starts to live one starts to die. And when one has fully accepted the reality of death, then one starts to fully live.

Despite this knowledge, the transition of physically losing a loved one and gaining an angel is a struggle. It is doubly difficult for those who are left behind. It is with great effort to live each day knowing that one cannot feel the warmth and hear the voice of the other who has moved on to a better place. But there is only one right thing to do – be strong! Savor the happy moments shared and be thankful that the physical suffering is over. This is what Lola wants and this is how it will be.

Life goes on – my journey here and your eternal journey. Bon voyage! Until we meet again. Thank you and love you.

On Deaths and Wakes

Death is usually not a good topic to discuss. Death is when the heart stops beating, sensory capabilities shuts down and mind blacks out. Death is the termination of the connection between mind and body.

The lost of someone is never a happy incident. It is sad that there are people who we only see in wakes and memorials. Thus a wake or memorial is held in order to preserve the memory of the person whose vacation ended and whose journey to another life is about to begin.

Wakes/Memorials are gatherings for the living and the dead. There are no good byes only see you laters. Enjoy the reunion!

NFCH Day 6 - Best 150!

I started the day without any expectations other than giving it my all to help redeem our measly performance from last week. It was a win-win situation already, with the kit, friends discovered, new lessons learned and instant exercise I was already a winner. To quote my brother, “I am just doing this for fun.”

When I got to the venue, I felt no one wanted a repeat of last week thus the cooperation of each Probie. Despite the fact that we only became Probies last week, we acted as team and that felt so good. We stretched together, did drills and prayed together. Even if our drills were “sloppy” and our cuts will not bring us to Boracay, we did not let that dampen our spirits, took it as constructive criticism and continued to give it our best.

1st game: Probies vs. Team 5 (Race to 11)
We were up against a team like us – a loser from last week. It was a win or go home type of game. We did not know how this team plays so we sent in our strongest line. Lessons: Trust = One must believe that one’s teammate can deliver. Knowledge of the rules = to make sure that the other team is not taking advantage.
Final score: Probies: 11; Team 5: 5

2nd game: Probies vs. Unit 1 (Race to 13 for 50 mins)
Another win or go home game. This time we were against team with league experience who had a clean slate team that kicked our asses last week. It was a tight game... pang championship na. “Our offense is not bad it is our defense that sucks.” Lesson: Defense is crucial.
Final score: Probies 13; Unit 1: 12

Lunch time. It dwelled upon me that if we win, we could actually go to Boracay. However, as what I mentioned earlier, whatever the outcome may be, win or lose, I felt like a winner already. Of course, 2-0 from 0-3 was an accomplishment in itself. Then again, why settle for that if we could go all the way?

3rd and final game: Probies vs. Spacegrapes
Just like our 2nd game, the team we were up against kicked our asses last week and has league experience. After two games earlier, we were physically tired. Count on the heat to drain our energies. No wonder -- Camp Hot. I guess it was our pride or adrenaline that kept us going. Good thing there was unlimited hot Nestea to fuel us.
Game time! Two teams battled to be champions and for a trip to Boracay. With everything that was at stake, tension increased. Hearts pounded faster. Cheers grew louder. Deep into the game, fouls and violations were suddenly called. A flying cap scene occurred. Nobody expected the outcome. I myself had doubts, but when I started the day, I told myself, I might as well give it my 110% and have fun.

Lessons: Communication, teamwork, trust, hard work and prayers. Congrats Probies!
Final score: Probies: 13; Spacegrapes: 9

Thanks Probies and of course, super thank you to our Coach. I really learned a lot.

“So paano guys, see you in Boracay?”

NFCH Day 5

0-3.

We tried hard as in very hard but it was not enough. I am not a sore loser but seriously, our asses were kicked! The score was not even close. The games were not even exciting. I bet fanatics would have dozed off. :(

This just showed that I definitely have a lot to learn. Basics and everything! I have tons to work on and improve. I seriously need to at least like running. If I cannot help in offense, I should at least make bawi in defense.

Aja! Good luck to team Probies next week!

NFCH 1

We were excited and ensured ourselves of a good slot – a non-cancer slot. We were that early that we had time to grab some breakfast. I think we enjoyed our grub too much and when we got back, the session had started already.

We injected ourselves in the group. Apparently, we are common faces and the instructor did not teach us the basics anymore. Boo. We just practiced our wobbly throws. Then at the latter part, we had some scrimmage. It was bitin, but I wanted to try out some other sports.

Zips it was, but it was a complete fail for me. Crap. I really have no sense of coordination. Oh well towel. At least I tried. Hahaha!

Overall, it was a good day. We got to sign up for Unilab run and grab lunch too. Our effort was not wasted. The early bird got the worm!