After a forlorn outcome of the DLSU v Ateneo game, Bubba and I proceeded to Café Bola to grab dinner.  

On the Table:

Spicy Bangus Mousse with Melba Chips PHP

This is a staple appetizer that we order in Café Bola.

Beef Bola on Pasta with Sour Cream Paprika Sauce PHP

The white bowl had 3 big beef bola on top of pasta spaghetti swimming in sour cream paprika sauce.  I expected the sauce to be a tad bit sour but I couldn’t taste the paprika part of it.

Bangus Belly PHP

The one and big reason why we go to Café Bola.  Bubba’s favorite.

Kamias Shake PHP 80

Ooh yummy shake.

Café Bola Album

July 26.  The Lifehouse band made waves on their first ever concert in Manila.  Araneta Coliseum was packed!  Bubba bought the tickets a month or so in advance.  He was really excited to watch them perform live.  Candidly, as much as I love a lot of their songs, I wouldn’t pay more than 1K to see them.  Well, the tickets we had are at 2K each.  Maybe he wanted to hear them in their purest form.  Everything seemed all set for the evening with his high hopes of sitting next to a guy who won’t be singing along with the band.  Leave a guy in peace with his favorite alternative rock band?  I was on his left smiling all ears and enjoying the songs.  Whereas, Bubba was sitting next to a screaming, gaping fan who was stomping her feet like crazy and going berserk.   

Poor guy, you’d think. 

That’s nothing new to him especially when he is late to meet me. 

By 10 minutes. 

July 25.  Two days ago, Bubba asked me to block off my Friday evening schedule.  It was supposed to be a dinner date.  I asked if I had to dress up because I don’t usually dress up for work.  740pm, Bubba finally arrives at my office.  I was surprised when I entered the Endeavor and saw my mom grinning at the backseat.  Hmm… okay, dinner was with my mom.

Bubba told me that dinner was going to be in Makati area.  When he turned towards Greenhills, my mind started flying off to where we were actually eating.  My Makati guesses of La Tienda, Swiss Inn and Il Contro were trashed. 

When Bubba entered the GH parking and said I should bring his jacket because it’s cold.  I suddenly sputtered, “We’re watching Poohkwang???” with much elated tone –to my mom’s muffled laughter.  Bubba of course denied.  After a few minutes though of not being able to find parking space, he confessed that we were watching and asked us to go ahead since the show starts at 8pm.  He handed me our tickets and I was shocked to see 2K on each ticket.  How expensive!!!

Backtracking a little, I never knew of Pooh before the All About Love concert.  The night before Valentine’s Day this year, Bubba had to attend the concert of Sarah Geronimo, Eric Santos, Christian Bautista and Rachel Ann Go in the stead of his boss.  He asked me tautly if I could accompany him since he was given two tickets.  I hesitated, significantly.  “Was he serious?”  It took me a while to answer.  He said, “C’mon, it’s going to be fun.  We’ve never seen their show before!  It’s something new.”

Peddler:  Uhm, I think I’d rather go to gym than go to the concert. (I love Sarah Geronimo’s voice, but I think somebody else will appreciate that seat better than me)

Bubba:   I really have to attend this and I appreciate if you can come with me.

Peddler:  (being selfish) I don’t think I’d really enjoy.  You can ask a friend to accompany you or your mom.

Bubba:   (still exerting all efforts to change my mind) But you enjoy music lounge at Manila Hotel.    

Since my family and I frequent the Tap Room of Manila Hotel and other hotel music lounges in the Metro ever since I was a kid, I squirmed in my seat. 

Peddler:  That’s different and lately all I do when I go with them is sleep.

Bubba:   It’s really important that I go.Peddler:  Okay.

So off we went and were seated at the VIP section, 5 rows from the stage.  The foursome had powerful voices and except for Christian Bautista who had a balladeer voice, the three complemented each other’s pitch.  It was fun watching their production that close.  I was impressed that Sarah does not only sing well but can actually dance well!!!  Same goes for Rachelle Ann Go who had the longest solo segment among the four.  Celebrity spotting included Maja Salvador, Piolo Pascual, Mark Bautista and Ruffa Mae Quinto who were in the same section.  I enjoyed the music and their renditions of old favorites.  I fell asleep midway of the concert.  I woke up when Bubba tugged me to look at what’s happening.  I woke up to Eric Santos’ singing “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” who approached a crying Ruffa Mae in the first row.

Before the final number, there was an intermission act from Pooh.  That was the first time I was hearing about him.  It was a stand-up comedy act and props to the singing prowess of the four, but Pooh was the best act of the night!  I roared in laughter and fell infatuated with the funny wisdom of the guy, who claims to look like Manny Pacquiao.  He also plugged his upcoming show in June.  I could hardly wait 4 months to see Pooh’s act again, but I was anticipating it.  Come the month of May, I checked the rates of the Pooh and Pokwang event, the prices were a little expensive than what I was expecting.  I was telling my officemate about how funny I found Pooh and my plans of watching his show.  Karen went to tell me his bad experience with Pooh at ABS-CBN grounds, where the latter was being really snotty.  I was surprised to learn this because Pooh looked humble and nice.  In any case, I let June pass without seeing the show.  My tight schedule didn’t permit it too being all my weekends were fully booked.

Going back to last Friday at the Music Museum, I really yelped when I found out that Bubba bought tickets for the show.  It was their 2nd run and a back-by-demand show.  The venue was fully packed!!  Guest celebrity was Eric Santos singing 2 numbers.  Celebrity spotting included Camille Prats and Precy Estrada.  And the night proved to be really a ball of hysterical laughter.  They had dance productions and skits and 90% of it were hilarious.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/521/08_0725-_Poohkwang  

Since college, I’ve been a die-hard UAAP fan.  I was not one to miss a DLSU-Ateneo game.  It’s been 2 years since I last went to watch a UAAP game.  The first year was when Green Archers got suspended.  That year I only went to Araneta just to watch the Cheerleading Competition and DLSU wasn’t even part of it.  Last year, I wasn’t able to go.  CW’s interests didn’t really include basketball and he couldn’t care less about UAAP.  But I told him last year when DLSU won another championship against UE that I wouldn’t let the next UAAP Season pass. 

Since I got access to the game schedule for the first round, I knew that July 6 marked the first match between the two formidable foes DLSU and Ateneo.  I’ve been so busy at work that I haven’t quite looked or asked where to get my tickets yet.

Didi was really heaven sent.  5 days before the game, she answered my prayer.  I had dinner with blogger friends at Abbondanza and Didi said she might be able to score me some tickets.

Thursday, I received an SMS from Didi saying that she got two upper A tickets for me!!!  Yipee!!!  I was so elated.  I think that made my week.  That evening, Paolo SMS-ed me that he was selling extra upper A tickets.

(…where Blue Meets Green)

As planned, we set out early on Sunday and arrived at Araneta around 1pm.  Good thing I decided to be early because the DLSU section was 80% full and most seats were already reserved.  Luckily, CW and I found really good middle seats.  I saw a lot of familiar faces, the usual friends I see during the games.  I miss Gang Green!!! 

Surprise surprise, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao made an appearance and watched the first half of the game.  Gilbert Arenas also stole some limelight.

It was a toe-to-toe game but mostly led by the Green Archers.  The Blue Eagles dominated the last 5 minutes of the game that merited them the win.

After the game, we met with CW’s DLSU blockmates and had dinner at Cibo.

Eric asked me what can I recommend for him to order since they order their usual and he wanted to try something new.  That question always puts me in the spot.  And I feel the pressure that whatever I recommend should be really good since I have a food blog.  I recommended the Pasta De La Terra, which is my favorite pasta dish in Cibo.  Even if I love food, what tastes good to me might be different to somebody else.  I just don’t want people to set their expectations high because when it’s at the top, there’s no other way to go but down.  I was really glad that he liked the dish I suggested. 

 Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/502/08_0706-_DLSU_v_Ateneo_1st_Round

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/501/08_0706-_Cibo_Dinner_Gateway   

The Universal Reality Combat Championship is the country’s first and biggest Mixed Martial Arts event featuring the best MMA fighters in the country.

Catch them perform live all throughout the event! FOR TICKETS, CALL TICKETWORLD 8919999 or log on to http://www.ticketworld.com.ph…………. 

For more information call the URCC Hotline 09064616968 

The Hillsong Concert in Manila last Monday was jampacked.  There is no empty seat in sight.  No empty space to even stand in.  Like what the lead singer said, “There is no building big enough to contain God’s love.”

All I Need is You

Hillsong United

Left my fear by the side of the road

Hear You speak

Won’t let go

Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to pray 

Got every reason to be here again

Father’s love that draws me in

And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of You 

All I need is You

All I need is You Lord

Is You Lord One more day and it’s not the same

Your Spirit calls my heart to sing

Drawn to the voice of my Saviour once again

Where would my soul be without Your Son

Gave His life to save the earth

Rest in the thought that

You’re watching over me 

All I need is You

All I need is You Lord

Is You Lord

You hold the universe

You hold everyone on earth

You hold the universe

You hold

You hold  

You feel God the most during your weakest and strongest moments, during the highest and lowest points of your life… One has the tendency to neglect the greatness of His presence when you are somewhere in between.  But in this state of normalcy, God calls on to us too.  He calls to us to be a testimony to His love.  It is in this ordinariness that we are one with His multitude of children abound with time and resource to spread His Word. 

One Way Lyrics

Hillsong United 

I lay my life down at your feet
You’re the only one i need
I turn to you and you are always thereIn troubled times its you i seek
I put you first thats all i need
I humble all i am, All to you

It wasn’t sung during the Hillsong concert in Manila last May 26, 2008, but this is my all time favorite Hillsong United song.  First heard it in 2000 at the Christian church I frequent. 

Everyday

Hillsong United 

What to say, Lord?

It’sYou who gave me life and I

Can’t explain just how

Much You mean to me now

That You have saved me, Lord

I give all that I am to You

That everyday I can

Be a light that shines Your name 

Everyday, Lord, I’ll

Learn to stand upon Your word

And I pray that I

That I might come to know You more

That You would guide me with every single step I take, that

Everyday I can

Be Your light unto the world 

Everyday, it’s You I live for

Everyday, I’ll follow after You

Everyday, I’ll walk with You, my Lord 

Everyday, Lord, I’ll

Learn to stand upon Your word

And I pray that I

That I might come to know You more

That You would guide me with every single step I take, that

Everyday I can

Be Your light unto the world 

Everyday, it’s You I live for

Everyday, I’ll follow after You

Everyday, I’ll walk with You, my Lord 

It’s You I live for, everyday

It’s You I live for, everyday

It’s You I live for, everyday

It’s You I live for, everyday 

Everyday, it’s You I live for

Everyday, I’ll follow after You

Everyday, I’ll walk with You, my Lord 

Everyday, it’s You I live for

Everyday, I’ll follow after You

Everyday, I’ll walk with You, my Lord

The rally was in Makati but another rally went on in Araneta Coliseum, all for the presence of one outstanding songwriter and RnB artist, whose name has to be hyphenated, Ne-yo.

February 29, 2008. Anticipation increased day by day as the Ne-yo concert come to its date. Good for people who ran out of tickets for the supposedly one-night show, because Ne-yo agreed to do a repeat the following night. Arnee Hidalgo opened for the first night while Kris Lawrence crooned to With You of Chris Brown on second night.

Next to Usher, who is my ultimate RnB hero, Ne-yo comes close in second with a lot of my favorite RnB love songs under his belt.

SEXY LOVE

I’m so addicted to her she’s the sweetest drug
Just enough
Still too much say that I’m simp and
I’m sprung all of the above
I can’t help she makes me say (Ohh ohhh ohhhh)
And I just can’t think (of anything else I’d rather do)
Than to hear you say (say my name the way you do)
And baby when we do our thing (when we do the things we do)
Oh, Babygirl you make me say (Ohh ohhh ohhhh)

Sexy love, girl the things you do
(Oh baby baby) Keep me sprung, keep me running back to you
Oh I love making love to you
Say babygirl you know you’re my (sexy love…)

CAN WE CHILL

Baby don’t you be so mean
I try to keep my conversation clean
But you the flyest thing i seen
Since i came up in here, you a superstar my dear
I dont wanna waist your time
With no corny playa lines
But girl if you dont mind
I will love to occupy the space right by your side

Girl can we chill
Talk about leavin together sure we will
But just for now don’t let my champagne spill on you
As you make your move to the floor, floor, floor, floor
Girl can we chill
Talk about leavin together sure we will
Later i’ll do everything you want me to
Makin love to you
Beg for more, more, more, more

GO ON GIRL (This song Chris, Oli and I happily swayed to this song)

I was inviting, her into my heart
But she was out riding in
some other man’s car
She was my night time,
thought I was her star
Guess I was wrong,
but see I’m strong
Wont take me long for me to move on

[ Hook: ]
Please don’t worry bout me I’m fine
(Please don’t worry bout me I’m fine)
Only gonna play the fool one time
(Only gonna play the fool one time)
Trust me when I say
That I’ll be ok
Go on girl
(Go on girl)
Go on girl
(Go on girl)
Go on girl

They played a bit of his composed hits by different artists like Hate That I Love You by Rihanna, which happens to be one of our songs too.

Because of You was supposed to be his last song and appropriately so, since this is the song Bubba and I love to dance to and the lyrics so aptly flows. Ne-yo left the stage and the crowd roared for more. He already changed to a simple white shirt but he still conceded to give an extra to the admiring fans. He did an encore of When You’re Mad song, which was our favorite song last year especially at times when we have our insignificant squabbles.

There wasn’t too much of stage and lighting effects. The backdrop was simple. The dancers were all of color and wore provocative outfits while shaking their damn big booties. Short as it was with barely an hour and half of performance, the concert was such a huge hit! Everyone gaped, sang and danced as Ne-yo belted out his popularized songs and compositions.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/381/08_0229-_Neyo_Concert

Taneo: MMA’s Art of War: China 4, RP 0

Words: Paul J. Taneo

Free-for-all

How do you spell sweep, 4-0 in a best-of-seven series or 4-0 in a four-match pairing? In the case of the URCC (7) “Art of War” two Saturdays ago at the Araneta Coliseum, the latter applies.

It was URCC’s first venture into a Philippines against a foreign country type of competition. The excitement for local fight fans was double: We had four fighters of some renown who had earned fans of their own and taking on foreign fighters.

UNKNOWN. The Chinese MMA group was an unknown entity. All we knew was that all four had won in a mixed-martial-arts tournament in Beijing last month, with one winner dislocating his opponent’s arm in an armbar hold.

We assumed that the URCC band, led by bantamweight champion Mark Sangiao, would be formidable and might win maybe two of the match-ups. We were sorely wrong. The Filipinos all lost.

Our source, one of the incorporators of Mixed Martial Arts Entertainment Inc. who wishes to stay unnamed, was there at ringside to watch the action and even got himself a bonus by posing with the night’s round girls – the Viva Hotbabes.

Salvador Domasian of Elorde MMA Team (10-1-0 after URCC 7) was the first Filipino to taste defeat at the hands (and feet) of the Chinese. All it took for Zhang Tie Quan (19-0-0 with seven KO wins) to be declared the winner was 4:48 minutes in a Referee Stoppage as Domasian could not put up a fight anymore and was on the receiving end of strikes from Zhang.

Alliance Fight Club’s Mike Banayad’s (2-2-2) loss was just a decisive. He said uncle in 9:13 as Dai Shuang Hai (61-4-0, 5 KOs) locked on a rear-naked choke on him.

Christian Wong (2-1-0) of Deftac Jiujitsu was the Pinoy who most gallantly came down in defeat. Wong displayed stand-up skills against Ao Hai Ling (18-7-0 2 KOs) who gamely took him on a strikefest most of the fight but Wong eventually submitted via armbar. The crowd loved the fight so much it gave both fighters a standing ovation.

Mark Sangiao (12-1-0), the great complete package: good stand-up and ground, strong and smart, was the last hope of Team Philippines for a win. Obviously, he wasn’t strong and smart enough as he fell to He Peng hard, real hard, by KO.

Sangiao actually controlled the fight early as he took down He Peng three times but could neither get a submission or strike out the Chinese. He even got full mount on He Peng but the latter was well versed on the ground and his defense was impeccable, never allowing Sangiao to hurt him with blows and holds and manages to reverse or escape.

Then Sangiao’s inability to beat He Peng frustrated him and he let his guard down while being tagged by a jab straight. He started to go down and in mid fall, He Peng released a right roundhouse that tagged him on the head. Wham! Sangiao hit the floor and He Peng fell on him with a punch before the referee could declare the fight over.

Oh, before I forget. All four fights ended in Round 1.

LONG WAY. This shows Philippine MMA still has a long way to go before we could make a dent in the international scene.

Right now, the Universal Reality Combat Championship lords it over Philippine MMA and it is assumed they’ve got the best fighters. But as the 0-4 loss to China showed, our best are not good enough outside the confines of our country. And we had to realize the fact right here at home. Nothing could be more embarrassing or humbling.

We heard the Chinese were paid $1,000 each for fighting in URCC 7 and have signed up to come back. This is a great opportunity for the growth of RP MMA. Like the American imports in the PBA, RP MMA could use the technology transfer.

By the defeat, it is obvious we have more to learn from the Chinese than the other way around. Let us accept that and build on it. Maybe time will come when it will be RP 4, China 0 next time we tangle.

Link: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2005/12/18/sports/taneo.mma.s.art.of.war.china.4.rp.0.html