Crowds at MOA after Xmas day

It was the day after Christmas. And we found our way among the crowd at SM Mall of Asia. Malling is really a part of Filipino lifestyle. Whether it is SM or Glorietta, the crowds were everywhere.

Here are a few pictures snapped using my Canon Rebel DSLR.


You can see people taking time out to rest and even to sleep. What is missing are pillows and blankets for one tired shopper. I, too, dozed-off at Cafe Adriatico while Cecile and mom were having merienda.



Even more kids enjoyed running and jumping.

And kids took to the ice to showcase their skating skills and proud parents watched proudly.

Even more crowds enjoyed the breeze outside the Mall of Asia.

Jay Leno's presence on primetime

If work long and hard during the day, one needs to relax and cool down late at night. And thanks to cable here at home, Chief and I are able to sit or lie down in our sofa and watch TV. These nights, it is often reruns of Sex in the city for Chief. Me, I would rather just sleep. But before Sarah Jessica Parker, we get to catch a few laughs from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Or even up to David Letterman. One guy we miss on late night TV at home is Jay Leno.

A few days ago, news came out that Jay Leno was moving to primetime TV in the States. That caught many, including me by surprise. I have have heard that Conan o’Brien was taking over his slot soon. And now Jay Leno was extending his daily presence on NBC and entering a new viewing audience.

It was really more of a business decision. It does cost more to produce regular comedy, police or drama series as against talk shows, which is basically just a studio set and the host’s talent fees. And with some primetime shows not getting good ratings, Leno’s move becomes an ideal financial move too for NBC.

Plus having Leno earlier will give the older viewers a chance to watch the complete program. Just like me, I often skip the last segment of David Letterman.


According to an Ad Age report, "The idea of Jay building on in prime time every night of the week not only adds stability to the great lineup, but reinforces us as home of the best comedy," said Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC's entertainment division. Jay was born in New Rochelle, New York and is considered as one of the nicest guys on television and popularly known for his collection of classic cars and motorcycles. I remember that episode with Paul Newman where they “raced” around the studio set.

Did you know that he made his presence in Bosnia in 2001 where he performed for military troops associated with the war in Afghanistan?

In April 2004, he wrote a children’s book “If Roast Beef Could Fly” (from Simon & Schuster) which became a New York Times Bestseller. He also has published four versions of “Headlines,” which tells about bloopers in print media.

He took over hosting the “Tonight Show” for decades which has h won two Emmys in 1995 for Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series, and in 1996 for Outstanding Technical Direction. He has received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Before becoming host of “Tonight,” Leno had been the exclusive guest host on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” since September 1987.

We really need more good laughs on primetime!

Pacquaio's pound for cash

Pacquiao returned to country last Wednesday, a few days after his punching presence in the ring caused Oscar dela Hoya to give up after 8 rounds last Sunday. Am sure that many bloggers have written about the success of Manny Pacquiao! His illustration from pinoysports.com.ph

Here are some quick facts about his recent win, specially, his presence on HBO.

1. According to HBO, the fight at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas generated about 1.25 million pay-per-view buys.

2. It is only the fourth time a non-heavyweight bout in the US reached at least one million. Interesting to note that Oscar De La Hoya has been in the ring in all the four fights.

3. Pacquiao will get an estimated gross amount worth $11.2 million or P548.8 million from the above earnings. Can you imagine how many poor families that amount can feed for one year?

4. Pacquiao’s previous pay-per-view high was 405,000 buys registered last April in his rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez.

5. It is his birthday on December 17! He is turning 30.

6. Guess who gave him a carrot cake decorated with a red boxing glove and a green boxing belt with the inscription "World’s No. 1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter."

7. He has the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight, International Boxing Federation Super Bantamweight, WBC Super Featherweight, and WBC Lightweight world titles. And the first Asian to do it!

8. He lost to incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, when he ran as congressman in South Cotabato’s first district in 2007. I hope he doesn’t make his presence in politics. He only be used by “trapos.”

9. His first name is Emmanuel.

10. He rode a 22-foot float for a motorcade-parade in General Santos City

The Pacman Wins

It was a long wait this Sunday afternoon here at our Greenhome and around the country. Yes, Manny Pacquiao wins the dream match against Oscar dela Joya.

In-between the barrage of commercials from Revicon and San Miguel Beer, millions of Filipinos cheered as the “pacman” punched his way through the “golden boys” fists.

But it wasn’t really much of a fight. It was a lopsided fight. Oscar wasn’t as aggressive as before. Probably because of his age. Or he just wanted to protect his good looks?

Anyway, Pacquiao's victory gave moments of celebration for the Filipinos wherever their presence is felt!

Kevin Bacon reaches out

Yesterday morning, we were catching snippets of “The Today Show” on cable (Channel 19). And we saw Kevin Bacon collecting gifts and toys from the live audience that gathered at Rockefeller Plaza, New York. And later being interviewed by the hosts, Matt Lauer, Meredith Viera, Al Roker and Ann Curry.

Ann asked Kevin about his social networking site called Six Degrees. Kevin said that this site reaches out to hundreds of charity organizations around the globe. I had written about social networking sites before in my column at the Manila Times and through my research, I had learned that SixDegrees.org links people to charities.

In this morning’s episode, Kevin was promoting his latest movie, “Frost/Nixon” where he plays Jack Brennan. The film directed by Ron Howard (remember, Richie Cunningham of Happy Days?). This film version of a Broadway play about the relationship of broadcaster David Frost (played by Michael Sheen) and former US president, Richard Nixon (Frank Langella).

But these words are about Kevin’s online presence through six degrees.com which reaches out to people who have more in life to share with the majority who have less.

Maybe, next time, Chief and I are in the East Coast, we can wake up early enough to catch the live broadcast of the show! Hopefully!

Losing lives in Mumbai

A few days ago, around 104 persons lost their lives when terrorists, dressed in black shirts and jeans, attacked targets in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state. Hundreds more were wounded as gunmen fired indiscriminately and almost simultaneously, at high-end hotels like the Taj Mahal Hotel and Oberio Hotel. Other places that was attacked included a popular restaurant, the 19th century Chhatrapati Shivaji railroad train station, and a Jewish center.

Photo shows parts of Taj Mahal Hotel in smoke during the terrorist attack in Mumbai last November 29, 2008. Photo credit: Arko Datta of Reuters

Indian commandos and other military forces made their presence felt and moved in the rescue hostages. Explosions and gunshots were exchanged in many areas, while hostages escaped from the hotels. The terrorists were looking for American and British nationals and tourists.


Photo shows Rapid Action Force (RAF) riot policemen near the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai taken a few days ago. Photo credit: Jayanta Shaw of Reuters

Curfew was declared around the Taj Mahal Hotel. Qucikly, I recalled the 12 midnight to 4:00am curfew in the Philippines back in 1972 when the late President Marcos placed the country under martial law. Or more recently, when President Arroyo had a one night curfew in Metro Manila.

According to a news story by Anita Chang from Associated Press, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had blamed "external forces." He says, "The well-planned and well-orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic, by choosing high profile targets and indiscriminately killing foreigners."

While the news was unfolding over CNN and major news networks, online media was quick to inform and spread the latest updates, primarily through twitters and blogs.

These words pay tribute to the men and women in Mumbai who have lost their lives and hundred more who were hurt because of these attacks. I will not try to analyze the motives behind these incidents and will leave that to the experts. But I know and believe, violence has no role in our daily lives.