Sports Break

B are the Champions!!!

by Aman Enconado 3C

Park 9- They came, they saw, they opened a can of whup-ass. In the highest-scoring game in the history of the "Court of Law" basketball tournament, Block B captured the championship over Block C, 81-105.

With their patented, dominating style of ball, the B boys did what many basketball experts and analysts expected them to do. Dominate. After bulldozing their way through their opponents by an average of 14 points, the B ballers fulfilled their destiny and went home with "The Larry O'Brien".

The C men smelled upset early on, leading by as much as nine points behind the record-breaking performance of Linus "L-Daddy" Galias' 13 assists and hotshot sophomore Julz Esquivias, who played like an "Animal" possessed pouring in 30 points. Aman Y. Enconado pitched in 23 points.

But B was not to be denied and turned it on at will. The second half was a nightmare for the C men who thought they were pimp-slapped as they did not know what hit them. Balls were flyin' left and right as the B ballers scored basket after basket. During the tumultuous affray tournament, MVP front-runner Phil "The Bus Driver" Ranada schooled C men like they were little Japanese schoolgirls, netting 25 points and pulling down 10 board. Super-star Erwin Genuino was like Outkast's Bombs over Baghdad as he effortlessly scored 19 points, hitting threes from the next zip-code. Not to be outdone was the inspired Mars "The Veteran" Arias who came back from a concussion suffered in the first half and valiantly scored all 13 of his points in the critical 4th quarter. The cold-hearted shooting of Finals MVP Alain "The Big Picket" Espino regained its form as he set the record for most points scored in a half with the 26 he scored in the second half. "The Big Picket" also set the tournament record for points as he finished with an unprecedented 34.

With eight minutes to go in the 4th, the C men saw a ray of hope behind the play of Woowee "The Package" Evangelista who began a 7-0 run with a tremendous block on the shot of Nat "The Body" Arrojado. This block was followed by a huge trifecta from C's heart and soul Jan "Gameface" Aliling. But "The Big Picket" ended whatever hopes C had with two consecutive treys and going on a one-player 6-0 run which served as the last nail in Block C's coffin. The C men could not get anything going as they were dizzied by the moves of freshman BJ "White Chocolate" and were stifled by the defensive presence YaOmar aka Omar "The Bone Snatcher" who changed numerous shots and blocked four attempts.

During the post-game interview, a teary-eyed Mike "The Gladiator" Acaban revealed that C was honored to have partaken in the championship and the mere fact that they reached that level means they are all champions in their own rights.

We are all champions. Some are just more champions than others.

Traditions

The annual Town Cheers has become one of my family's inadvertent traditions.

It all started because my sister was a cheerdancer back in high school and so we would all troop to Town and scream our lungs out in support of the DLSZ cheering squad. This year was no different because even if Krissy was no longer a member of the DLSZ cheering squad, our youngest, Melo, was in the Pep Squad while Drago (or Sir Ed) was the squad's moderator.

Unfortunately, Zobel only came in second. Boo! MLQU was first while JASMS came in third.

Margot and Krissy thoroughly discussed why the squad could have done better (X should have had a stronger backflip or something to that effect) and being a non ex-cheerdancer, I really couldn't relate. So I tried to browse through my free Candy magazine but to no avail, because Mik2x kept on asking me to translate his Pokemon Gameboy (that's why you have to learn how to read Mik, if only to know what it says on your Gameboy screen).

When the food came, everyone dug in and then the reminiscing began.

Everyone laughed when Drago recalled how mama and tatay rushed to the room when they heard Melo crying. Apparently, he was trying to close a drawer with his butt but his fingers got stuck in the process, so he just started screaming and crying for help :)

Or the time when mama asked Santi to open Drago's mouth so that she could brush his teeth. The punchline was that Drago was sleeping at the time. :)

And it went on and on.

Family. Can't live without them.

Margot and Drago with the squad. Go La Salle!

P.S.

Dear 2C Boys,

Contrary to what you may think or believe, I do not have the necessary connections to get you a group discount at Starfleet Ktv.

So you can scrap the planned field trip this sem break.

Go and meet GROs on your own time :p

Did You Know

...that the law prohibits hospitals from refusing an emergency case? So the next time you or someone you know is in desperate need of (emergency) medical help (including child birth), go to the most expensive hospital and seek treatment there.

...that a hospital cannot stop you from leaving its premises at any time you want? Regardless of whether or not you've settled your accounts. The most they can do is file a complaint for sum of money against you. If they refuse to let you leave, they can be held liable for kidnapping.

...that you can file for damages against an airline company if they misplace your luggage; if their employees are rude and discourteous and if you are inconvenienced because of delayed, cancelled or rerouted flights (subject to some conditions of course).

...that the "contract" written at the back of tickets (airplanes, boats or buses) is generally not admissible in court. So if the ticket says that the airline/boat/bus will not be liable for any accident or otherwise and that buying the ticket means that you agree to the waiver, that's just bull.

...that the size of the font in contracts of adhesion (previously prepared contracts which only need your signature) matter? So the smaller the font, the bigger the presumption that you were unable to read it.

...that the cost of devirginizing a girl in girly houses ranges from P80,000-P200,000? While the automatic awarded damage for death is a measly P50,000?

Just so you all know :)

Under Construction

Please bear with me while I try to summon every ounce of my so-called techie skills.

My template is such a mess! Argh! Help!

Introductions

Dear Everyone,

Sorry kung medyo late ang pictures.:-) Thankfully we've somewhat adjusted to the baby's schedule na though I think may growth spurt sya ngayon and so I'm going back to the hourly feeding. Breastfeeding pa naman ako so talagang puyat.

The first two pictures are of Ryan when he was two days old so medyo puffy pa face nya, hence the nickname Mr. Puffy and the last one is of Ian the first few days at home. Halata bang puyat.:-) Super kamukha ni Ian no, that's the Ampongan nose!

He was born pala last August 31 so 14 days old na sya. 7.5 lbs. 51 cm (but during our last checkup he gained a pound, 8.6 na sya and grew 2 cm). Di pa daw sya totally labas sa womb eh umiiyak na daw. (I had a c-section) So he scored high (a 9.9) sa apgar scale which means he's really really strong and very healthy.

Sige, see you sa binyag na lang:-) (Tentatively scheduled on October 30, 2004)

Ella Galang-Ampongan



Baby Ryan is the third baby to be born in our block in our three years of law school. First year we had Baby Gani (courtesy of Issa and Jojo) then second year Baby Juliana (through Jomi and Krissy) and now Baby Ryan (care of Ella and Ian). I wonder who will "sponsor" the fourth baby for our senior year? What about the "reviewee" baby when we study for the Bar?

Any takers? :)

Fellowship Me This

I tagged along with Heidi and Khay today for their weekly Christian Fellowship. I went not because I answered God's call nor did I go for enlightenment, I went because of the oldest reason in the book. I had a crush on someone there.

So I sat in with the group and was coerced to participate in the weekly sharing of blessings. I was also "volunteered" to read a passage from the Bible.

However, before anyone gets the idea that I didn't appreciate my afternoon with them, let me just say for the record that it was one of the more interesting experiences I've ever had. But more of the interesting-hmmmm.... rather than interesting-oh wow! kind of thing.

In another lifetime, I would have scoffed at such a gathering and then would have chalked it up to another wasted afternoon had I had the misfortune of being forced to endure through the ordeal. But I was really intrigued at how these people could speak so openly and comfortably about their faith. Admittedly, I see religion as a part of my heritage. I was born a Catholic and I will die as a Catholic but I will not die for the Catholic faith (but will I die for my own faith? Hmmmmm....). It's not something that excites me or fills me with ecstatic fervor. It just is. And that's probably how it's going to be until the day I die.

But these people were different. Their faces really lit up when they talked about their choice passages and how blessed they felt because of God's love. They radiated inner peace and they exuded acceptance. However, that was still not enough to get me to "share". I guess I just find my faith (or what little there is of it) to be a personal thing and I just don't feel comfortable talking about how God loves me; how I see Him; how my relationship is with Him etc. Maybe in my next lifetime.

And my crush didn't show up too, so boo!

On the way home, Heidi sent me this message:

H: Ei Jill! it was a blast having you around kanina sa fellowship :) I'm glad you came kahit wala BOYFRIEND mo :) Sama ka ulet sa Friday ha? GOD BLESS!

J: If going to your weekly fellowship means that I'll also have the inner peace you have been blessed with, then I'll definitely be there again :)

H: All the problems, worries of this world are nothing compared to the joy of knowing your maker and being with people who also wish to do the same. :) til next Friday girlfriend!

Heidi is undoubtedly one of the few people I sincerely admire. Words will never be enough to express just how highly I regard her but I don't think the Friday Fellowship is my thing. There was just no chemistry.

However, I might change my mind if my hotsie patootsie of a crush will be around next time :)

Post-Game

So we lost.

But our boys played well and we cheered until the very end. The scorer was also pretty good, if I do say so myself (I wonder who she was? :)

The important thing is that we all had fun and we all had a brief respite from the rigors of law school.

I can't wait for the inter-batch games this December. It promises to be more exciting and more drama-filled than the inter-block games.

Kudos to the organizers (4c girls) for a splendid job.

Until December, the trophy will then be ours! Mwahahahaha!

P.S.
White chocolate is the way :)

News Capsules

* I finally watched Dodgeball! Anyone who doesn't watch it is boo. We will rock you...Tssss.....

* In the true spirit of the underdog, tonight is the Court of Law championship game between C and B. Go C! You can do it!

* It looks like I've finally found my groove in swimming. It's virtally no-impact (so it won't jar the joints), it's not a team sport, it doesn't involve balls and I won't get sweaty (yeah I know, I'm a prissy maarte girl). I just hope I eventually get a tan as great as Suizy's, because last time I checked I was pasty white next to her golden brown.

* Ella finally sent pics of baby Ryan, I'll post them soon.

* Finals are coming up, I can feel my cloak of invincibility slowly slipping off... Away with self-doubt! Whoosh!

* I want to watch Exorcist and Feng Shui but I worry if I'll still be able to walk in the dark after watching those two movies.

* I've finally met my true love, move over A and J and meet M, or Mac. I admit, I'm no techie and that I fell in love with his looks rather than with what he's capable of. But can you blame me? He's just so darn pogi! And his iPod friends are pretty cute too :) You will be mine Mr. Mac. Just you wait.



* A new friend has joined the blogging scene as well. Welcome to the addiction Lory!

* The Amazing Race is finally in the Philippines! Chip and Kim yielded Colin and Christie and retribution is sure to follow. I'm antsy to see how they will exact their payback. Go Bowling Moms!

* That's all for now. Jillsabs signing off.

Scenes From My Text Life

Characters:
A- One time true love, now "friendster".
E- Wannabe true love.
J- Could be true love, but nevermind.

Crunch Time

A: I'm sorry if I might have mislead (sic) you. Let's go back to the way things were.
Me: It wasn't entirely your fault. Don't blame yourself. Goodbye.

About a year and a half later

A: Hey! Musta? Do you know where I can get tips for the Bar? :)
Me: Try the bookstores. They sell reviewers there. Good luck :)
A: Ok. hehehehe by the way, I'm not taking the Bar ha :)
Me: :) (But what I really wanted to send: Duh!! Pa-cute ka pa diyan e. Idiot.)

Next story

E: How are you na? Are you in school?
Me: No. I'm sick.
E: Really? Try to get well soon ok? Drink your vitamins and medicine.
Me: (No answer)

A few hours later

E: Have you eaten lunch?
Me: Yup.
E: That's good. I wouldn't want you to get any sicker.
Me: (No answer)

Next day

E: How are you?
Me: (No answer)

Next few days

E: I'm sick.
Me: (No answer)

Yesterday

E: Hey, I saw you in the MRT last thursday! You look great! :)
Me: (almost tempted to answer but still not answering :)

On the other side of the Metro

Me: We're all going out later, wanna come? :)
J: I'll try.

See? Karma is bound to get you in the end :)

Just a Post

This had to be the longest week ever (and it's still not finished)! I don't know if it's the humidity or the sudden rash of free time (no more Evidence!) or the daily rude awakenings because of the incessant whining of the dog or the monthly aches and pains which come part and parcel with the monthly youknowwhat, but this week has more than overstayed its welcome!

I didn't even feel like blogging until today and it was mostly because two people asked me if I already updated. Fans, please, I have a life too you know! hehehehe

Anyway, I've been wanting some "alone" time these past few days. So I've pretty much been wandering around Malcolm Hall and going back and forth to the shopping center by my lonesome self. Unlike some people, I really don't feel the need to be with someone 24/7. I'm comfortable eating alone, watching a movie by myself and malling at non-primetime hours with me, myself and I. The way I see it, if other people enjoy my company, why can't I enjoy my own?

I remember back in Grade 6, someone asked me why I always ate alone. I didn't really know how to answer her question because it was something that always came naturally to me. I didn't think about it when I had friends with me and, at the same time, I also didn't think much about it when there was no one around me. It was no issue. But looking back now, the reason why I always ate alone was that I was eager to get the eating part over and done with so I could rush back to the library where I could then freely devour a Nancy Drew hardbound. I guess Nancy Drew and her detective exploits were just more interesting to me then than your average sixth-grade concerns.

Being in carpool is always interesting because of the different personalities I encounter everyday. This batch is a little tamer than the previous batches (think shouting matches in a van) but sometimes a few rides do stand out and this morning's ride to school was just that. A stand-out.

I usually just gaze out the window during the ride to and from school but when a discussion develops and someone asks for my opinion, naturally, I'm obliged to put my two cents worth in. Today's "burning" topic was: Do you think that what bisexuals and homosexuals do in the bedroom is bad? The general consensus was: Yes, it's bad. But they can change so it's up to (enlightened) people like us to help them change. Of course I begged to differ. Because for me, sexual preference (as long as it's not with children) does not affect one's personality and humanity. I personally think it's ridiculous to factor in one's sexual preference with one's perceived worth as a human being. If you pay your taxes on time; are a good neighbor; respectful to your parents; loving to your siblings and friends; a conscientious worker; habitually follow traffic rules and segregate your trash, by all means go boink a cow (but make sure that it's your cow to begin with) and I'll still insist that you're an outstanding citizen and a first rate human being (although the herd might not think so).

Another interesting conversation started when someone commented about whether or not it was obligatory for someone to try and change a person for the better (or to be more particular, to reform a "bitch" into a sweet and docile girl). The general consensus was: Yes, if it's for the better, you should. My answer was: What for? Live and let live. She's been a "bitch" for so long so it's probably by choice and it's probably because it works for her. If you don't like her, then stay away. But if you feel like you have to try and make her see the errors of her way, then by all means do so, but try not to sob too loud when the "bitch" bears down all of her bitchy powers down on you. You knew what was coming. If she doesn't ask for help, don't go dangling it in front of her face in the guise of genuine concern and a sense of duty. And, anyway, why would she ask for help when she's perfect? :)

I'm 25 years old, so I think playing the role of the sweet and innocent girl is no longer "bagay". When you ask me something, I'm gonna say it as I see it and not sugarcoat it just so as not to make you uncomfortable. I'm not saying I'm right, just that I think I'm right.

And by the way, it's called penis and vagina, not "the you know and you know". Just so you know.

Guess who's gonna be the carpool misfit from now on huh? :)

Guilty Pleasures

1. Big Mac and large fries after a stressful day.

2. Brooklyn pizza after any day.

3. Beauty and fashion magazines.

4. Playing rockstar (complete with air guitar) in front of the bathroom mirror (so that's why I take so long in the bathroom! :)

5. Dreaming and saving up for my next trip (Batanes in the summer! Who wants to go with me? :)

6. Making lists, but not really following them.

7. Ben Stiller when he's in his over the top mode (Can't wait to see Dodgeball!)

8. Dreaming of the perfect guy for me (chemistry and constancy).

9. M&M's and potato chips while watching tv.

10. Camwhoring



11. Reminiscing whenever I come across a certain type of car.

12. Amanda Griffin.

13. Trying on swimsuits even if it's the middle of august and the prospect of going to the beach is slim to none.

14. Disgustingly crushing and drooling over a certain freshman.

15. Dallying in the beauty aisle in the supermarket because I always feel the need to scrutinize the latest hair products.

16. Browsing over the offered hair treatments in salons.

17. Large earrings.



18. Blogging nonsense when I should be studying for Property and Transportation Law :)

Freebies

I'm feeling exceptionally generous today so I'm giving away 6 Gmail invitations to the first 6 people who can name 5 NKOTB songs :)

Go!

P.S.
Please put your answers in the comment box.

Septem-BAR!

While some people start singing Christmas songs the moment September rolls in, law students sing less than joyful songs, usually along the lines of prayerful and beseeching songs because September brings with it the four most trying Sundays in a law student's life. The Bar.

I can scarcely imagine how the reviewees are feeling right now. Considering the painful fact that four years in the saltmine known as Law School will all boil down to these four Sundays of September. No pressure.

As for me, the Bar does not faze me, not even one little bit. Oh no, I do not worry about the Bar at all. Instead, I worry about next week's new round of recitations and everything else that our benevolent professors may throw our way. If I think about the Bar while managing my daily work load, I'll definitely go bonkers. So, I'm shoving all Bar thoughts to the far recesses of my mind and will only resurrect them come 2007.

This year's Bar-Operations theme is "100%". That's for a 100% passing rate and a 100% support system from the college. Go Barristers! You can do it!

Good luck to all the Barristers!

P.S.
Do we really need more lawyers in our country? Just asking :)

P.P.S.
This is not really connected with the topic but what the heck, it's my blog.

Note to Self:

Why not?

Because I knew I didn't mean that much to you.

But I also didn't think I meant that little.

So there.

That's why not.

Let's not go there again.

You are a HUFFLEPUFF!

As a Hufflepuff and as an STJ, you are loyal and
fair. You are bound by your sense of duty and
always try to do the right thing, which makes
you reliable, dependable, and above all else,
responsible. You expect a great deal from
yourself and from others, and you take great
pride in doing things right. You are
down-to-earth, decisive, and trustworthy. In
addition, you are logical, analytical, and
objective.


Hogwarts Sorting Hat: Based on Myers-Briggs Personality Typing
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