[759] Tennis

I think I last played tennis in early 2000, that was almost 18 years ago.

I first took tennis lessons in the summer of 1993, before my first year of high school. As was usual my parents got me some summer activity to keep me from being a bum at home. I chose tennis lessons.

I did learn the basics and was chosen to participate in a mini-tournament among the different venues where the tennis lessons were held. This wasn't the typical tennis match you would see. Since I took the beginner course we only played in the middle half of the court (the areas where the ball is supposed to land during serve were the active areas; anything outside was out of bounds). I lost, as usual, because I kept running after the balls even if they were already out. Plus I usually got excited and ended up hitting the ball too strong.

The next time I took formal "lessons" were in college, when I chose tennis as my physical education subject. Our teacher / trainer was Tony Baluyot, who was my dad's tennis team coach when he was in college.

Aside from those two times the only times I "played" tennis was whenever my dad would bring me along whenever he played. In between sets or when his friends took a break he would spend a few minutes trying to teach me how to play. Sadly I wasn't a fast learner because of my attitude. Typical only-child thinking I knew everything and I was good at everything. Every mistake I made just made me frustrated.

I also played with my classmates. We just casually played, mostly for fun and never for competition. I doubt we even had any games. Just hitting the ball back and fort and impersonating famous tennis players at the time (Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic -- my personal favorite player, Sampras, Becker, Seles, Graf, etc.)

Lately I've been thinking of trying to re-learn it again. Not just as a hobby but also as a form of exercise. I just don't know how much it would cost now to play. From buying a racket, tennis balls, and tennis shoes, to renting the court and hiring trainers. I'll probably give a look see about this in 2018.

Out.

[758] Bahay ni Maria

Last December 9, 2017 we spent a few hours in the morning at Bahay ni Maria.

Maica had decided a few months ago that it would be a good way to celebrate Martina's seventh birthday by spending some time with kids in an orphanage instead of the usual birthday party. I wholeheartedly agreed on this idea since I'm not too big on parties either. Plus the fact that sharing some of our time and gifts to people in need would be a great experience not only for Martina but also for Maica and I.

So my wife took care of everything. When we should go there, who brings the food, who was invited. It would be a small, simple party with only our immediate family invited. We also invited one of Martina's best friends but unfortunately he could not make it.

We decided to get the services of Jollibee. The party package they had included food, some parlor games, and a surprise appearance by a mascot (who turned out to be Jollibee himself).

I won't get into too much detail anymore, since I want to talk about the feeling I had during and after the gathering.

They started with a simple program of Christmas songs for us. They all sang very well. After that we had a quick snack of the food from Jollibee plus some killer cheese pimiento sandwiches Maica made. I was surprised after eating that all the girls were segregating their wastes before throwing them.

Seeing the girls' faces light up when the games started was very heart-warming. The younger ones were having a great time. When Jollibee came out even the older ones started getting excited as well.

Finally when that was done, the girls all got their giveaways. A pair of pajamas and a bag of snacks. All the girls were very happy and excited. After that they invited Martina to go upstairs with them to see their rooms.

All in all, I think it went well. I honestly hope that we gave those girls in Bahay ni Maria at least a few moments were they could be happy, specially this Christmas season.

I also hope that visiting the place made a mark with Martina. I know she just turned seven but I really do hope that these things will help her develop into a compassionate and understanding person.

Personally I really enjoyed my time there. It was a very eye opening experience for me and it made me realize that there is still so much hope in this world and that giving up would be a very, very desperate action.

If the opportunity presents itself I would probably consider spending my 39th birthday with them. We shall see.

Out.

[757] Pixar's Coco

Last Saturday, December 2, 2017, I watched Pixar's Coco by myself. I had read good things about it on my Facebook feed and I was curious about the story.

Pixar is so good at getting an emotional response from me. I got teary-eyed when I watched up. This movie is on another level.

I got watery-eyed a couple of times during the movie. I won't spoil it here, and I am not ashamed to admit this. It was such an amazing movie, and there were plenty of parts in the movie that hit me at that right spot.

The theme of the movie really got to me. The song "Remember Me" gets my eyes watery whenever I listen to it.

It was such a beautiful movie. The story was great. The visuals were awesome. The animation was as expected from Pixar.

Anyway, that's it. Maybe when it comes out to DVDs and Bluray I will buy a copy to watch. I don't want to watch it in the movie house again and start crying again.

Please go watch the movie.

Out.

PS John Lasseter was the executive producer. I know he's going through some issues now, still doesn't take away from the fact that the movie was really, really amazing.