The Basketball Phenomenon

Eric Spoelstra, NBA Heat Coach, visits Torres High School
-photo credits to PHILSTAR

IT is simply amazing when millions of people from across the globe, cheer to one, single, game-winning, basketball shot.  

The feeling is indescribable when the game is at its last seconds, all the tension building up, only to be relieved with that last fateful shot. Basketball has reached unprecedented popularity that most people know of the sport. Apart from the technicalities that come with Basketball, what makes it stand out is the drama.

Only in Basketball  can you see the lives of the players so close. In the NBA, the most publicized Basketball association in the world, players, coaches and even the owners of the teams, are as popular as the game itself.

As you watch the game, whatever is at stake-- ego, pride, championships-- feels personal. That though you might not lose anything if your team didn't win, you feel the tension. It is as if, you're actually there, that you feel like you're the player, or the coach.

People get so attached to Basketball, that the whole world seems to revolve around it. From fashion statements, to video games, and outright everyday small talk, Basketball is seen, heard, and talked about everywhere.

In fact, the little kids look up to Bryant, James, Nowitzki, Parker, Duncan, and a lot more, as idols. I see a lot of kids outside who emulate the moves of these superstars. This only proves how big an influence Basketball has on the youth.

It is therefore, imperative that Basketball be used not just a tool for marketing, but also a tool for change. And NBA has not failed. Players from the sport have been known to donate to charities. The NBA in fact has a health fitness program that runs across the world. Eric Spoelstra last year visited my alma mater last year to promote this advocacy.

Through Basketball, hopefully, will not be just a sport where you shoot hoops, but a game that also touches hearts.

I Believe in the Philippines

 

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I believe in the Philippines, a developing country in Southeast Asia, made up of 7,100 islands, and populated by more than 90 million Filipinos, which celebrates its 115^th year of independence today, June 12, in its endeavors to become a bright and shining country. This is not a dream, nor a fantasy; this is a belief, a fact, and a truth.

I believe in the Filipino people, that one of these days that they too may believe in their country. And strive to take a part to make it better.

I believe in the Filipino family that will remain strong and firm, in spite of the many hardships in life. I hope that our values as a family oriented people will not change. That through thick and thin a family will get through all trials and challenges.

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I believe that the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and the many more who have taken root abroad, may find their way back to their motherland, that they will no longer be separated from their families that they work hard to feed. That they may find greener pastures here to finally settle down here, permanently.

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I believe in a Philippines where food is made available to all, where food that was worked hard for will not simply be shipped to another country, but to be delivered to the plates of every hungry Filipino.

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I  believe in a Philippines that will have enough houses for everyone to have a roof above their heads, a Philippines that will not sell its land to build large extravagant malls, but will instead build homes for the poor.

I believe in the Philippines potential to become a competitive economy. The country is one of the most 

blessed nations in the world, for it has a vast array of both human and natural resources waiting to be explored. In fact, the country is one of the fastest growing economies, proven  by its 7.8% growth, besting its neighbors.

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I also believe in a people, who will carefully manage these resources carefully. I believe that they will not abuse Mother Nature who has blessed them so much. I believe that they will only take what they need and preserve the rest for the next generations.

I believe in a country where everyone can enjoy a comfortable life, a country where no one will steal from another, but instead help each other.  No longer will the poor get poorer and the rich richer, but we will all live a prosperous life, together.

I believe in the endeavors of the Philippine government in thwarting corruption which has plagued and crippled the country for so long. I also believe that those who steal from the country may find in their hearts to turn away from their ways and serve the nation that way they should.

I believe in a country that thrives in diversity. A nation where differences are accepted that whoever you are, you can find a place in society.

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I believe in a harmonious Philippines, where war between people of different opinion, sect and faction is nonexistent. I believe that no blood must be shed, that conflicts may never occur, through mutual understanding and respect for each other.

I believe in the Philippines’ convictions in claiming its territorial rights, that it should not be intimidated by any giant. I believe that through diplomacy and multilateral talks, that it may get its rightful property, without ever firing a single bullet.

I believe that through free quality education, made accessible to every Filipino, will produce and mold the bright minds of our country. I believe that six percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should be invested in education. Through education people will be brought out of the darkness of ignorance and be brought into the light of wisdom.

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I strongly, firmly, and, with all my heart believe, that the people who will pave the way to a better Philippines are the youth. It’s through these young optimistic people that the Philippines may achieve its goals. I believe that they’re determination and tenacity will pay off. The youth are the catalyst to change. It is they who will lead us to a brighter tomorrow.

I believe in a Philippines that will get better, and I believe it will be, soon.

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

THIS is College

De La Salle College of Saint Benilde celebrates its silver year 

College life, unanimous with wild parties, a liberated life, and lots of beautiful coeds. (The first two were partly true, but the last is an accepted fact.) Compared to high school, college gives high school a run for its money. College, a new beginning, a new environment and a new lifestyle.

Close friends from my block

Take a peek at my first few week at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. THIS is College, a whole new different experience.

The Beginning of an entirely new chapter

A week prior our first day the frosh students of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) participated in InterAktiv 2013, an orientation program for froshies.

CSB Pep Squad welcomes the Froshies by performing a routine 

There the upperclassmen gave us an heads up on college life, giving us insights on how exciting our next few years would be. 

Professor Rogelio Delcano, also gave his time to give advice and tips for the froshmen, and the do's and don's of college life.

Professor Rogelio Delcano discusses college life in Benilde

One of the points that Professor Delcano made was, college life is a new beginning. In college we are given the chance to remain who we are, or change it. He stressed that in college all of us start on the same page, whatever our accomplishments were in the past, it wouldn't matter, we all start in square one. College is a fresh start, a world of possibilities. 

He encourages us to study hard and excel, for this is our time to shine. Professor Delcano recalled a number of students who didn't excel in high school but were able to succeed in college. Proving that no matter how bad your high school experience was, college is a time to redeem yourself. If you were the cream of the crop, now is a time to build yourself up even more. 

Adapting to the new environment and social climate

College is a melting pot, here you'll meet people from all walks of life. In fact, I have blockmates that come from various places, different schools, neighboring cities, to far off countries. One of my classmates came all the way from Abu Dhabi! Communication skills are a must here!

Not only that, in Saint Benilde, a number of students are blind and deaf! These students, under the School of Deaf and Applied Studies (SDEAS), do not suffer from any social discrimination, they are well respected. Everyone in Saint Benilde is accepted for their individuality, erasing stereotypes that being different is bad.

I can bet my name that people in CSB do not discriminate people based on their social status. My blockmates come from the upper class, yet not once have I heard them bad mouthing me and the scholars. They're warm and friendly, and I enjoy every moment I'm with them.

Student Trainers (STrains) get ready to welcome the Frosh

The upperclassmen are also congenial, kuya Gene and ate Krissa volunteered to show us around, and we from my block thank them so much, for their efforts. People from Student Trainers (STrains) welcomed us by shouting "WELCOME FROSH!" numerous times. The welcome might be deafening, but you can feel how warm their welcome was. The upperclassmen accepted us with open arms, which makes adjusting to college life easier.

TFCA1 poses with Kuya Gene (guy holding placard) and Ate Krissa (top left with white tee)
Photo credits to INTERAKTIV Documentation staff (both pictures) 

On the other hand, college professors interact like our age, they go beyond he simple teacher-student relationship. The way they teach, or pedagogy, is extremely different from high school teachers. Their methods are more interactive focusing on us students because DLS-CSB is a learner-centered institution.

The new lifestyle 

College is not simply an educational institution to get a degree from. College is a way of life. 

The class schedules in college are  manageable, no longer are you held for 10 hours. The schedules makes the workload easier to get through, since we have more time to do assignments without rushing.

However, a considerable portion of time of students' time is allotted to commuting, especially if your from far off. Now our parents no longer chauffeur us we have to rely on ourselves to get from point A to B. 

And quite frankly , things can get a 'lil messy. 

The LRT Hunger Games! 

Commuting to CSB can be difficult, you have to beat the morning rush, if you don't you'll find yourself competing in the Hunger Games, against people who all want to get on the train first. Also, in public trains, you  have to be carefull since considerable number of thief cases happen. 

STARWeek At CSB

College also opens doors for interaction outside the classroom thorugh student organizations. During the Student Associations Recruitment Week or STARWeek, Plaza Villarosa became flooded with booths of organizations waiting to recruit new members. 

The culmination of my first week happened during  UNITE, the kickoff party for the year long celebration of CSB's 25th anniversary. The night was simply, amazing, celebrating it with my friends. And it ended spectacularly.

So THIS is College, a whole new different experience, I think I might like it here, so wish me luck, I'll be writing more soon!   

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

Thinking about 'us'

Me thinking about that special person 

During NATSCI, though it was disrespectful, i didn't pay attention to class, since i was missing someone so badly, and on a piece of yellow paper I wrote:

I think about you all the time, not a minute goes by that a thought of you comes by. Your kisses, your tight embrace, your sweet alluring smell, your very presence. 

Its saddening that I can't see you as much as I want to, but I do all I can tomake you see how much I really want to spend time with you, in spite of our very tight schedules, like how I text you "good morning," like how I always post on your wall, saying how much I miss you, or sometimes how I just go crazy when I don't do those things.

But I don't always show what I feel, sometimes I just keep quiet and thank God for every moment we are together, and how I pray, and heed that we'll meet again soon.

Its quite obvious how much I love you, and how I'm dying deep inside every minute we're apart. But keep your chin up baby, I'm always with you, in both heart and soul.

The SunShine Award

A big thank you to +Rayona Tuneelo  for nominating me for the "SunShine Award." It is an award that was started off by Ms. +Adrianna Joleigh.

The sunshine Award rules 

*Post the Sunshine Award logo.

*Then nominate ten fellow bloggers you feel are worthy of this award. 

Announce their nomination on their blog. Plus, link a pingback to the nominator’s blog.

Here are my nominees, with a short description. 

Teo Flev, despite he being a greenhorn in the world of blogging, has shown tremendous potential. He is a Greek, and like most of his ancestors, a deep thinker. His blogpost, are very interesting, especially his "how-to" post. Read his posts, to get in depth accounts of a Greek Philosopher. 

Rayoona Tuneelo, is a young lady with a lot of talent. Her blogging goes through a form of numerous poems that touch the heart, and invoke emotions. Personally, one of her poems made me cry, please refer to I Miss You. She channels her emotions and experiences to poems, that have a sort of style that is her own.

Lance Jones, is a veteran blogger at his finest, I idolize this young man, who has been dedicating a huge portion of his time to blogging (two years to be exact), with more than 100 posts, and a big audience clinging to his every word. His post are thought provoking. His style is to discuss a subject using wit and humor. Informing and entertaining us at the same time. 

Joe Morgan, I don't know how this guy does it, but he has amaassed over five thousand viewers in a matter of months. He is relatively new to the blogosphere, but his blogposts are one of a kind.

Favorite color? Blue

Favorite animal? A dog (like Hachiko) an Akita to be exact.

Favorite number? 5

Favorite nonalcoholic drink? Ice tea

Favorite alcoholic drink? White wine, dry. 

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter, because of the up-to-date news. 

My Passions? Piano, blogging, writing, reading, public speaking. 

Giving or Receiving Gifts? Giving.

Dear Mom

Epic face with epic mom

Dear Mom,

Happy Mothers' Day!

Thank you mom, for everything. The dedication, the will, the perseverance to raise me and my 3 other siblings. It takes a lot of blood and sweat to raise a litter that big. And for that I salute you.

The Fave four, the guys that piss mom off 

Mom, I do try to not say how much I love you, but rather show it. I do love you mom, I idolize you, and you can't tell how proud I am to be your son!

(ehem) (cough) (cough)  You don't know how lucky I feel that I have a mom that is beautiful like you. (cough)

-_-

But, I'll stop the flattering now. On to business.

Mom a few months ago, I aspired to become an honor student, (I am who I am) and now? Finally I have reached my goals. And I couldn't have done it without you.

@Grad

when I brought home my first trophy

Because of you, I kept on going. No matter how hard seems got, I always had you by my back, offering not help with my homework but with something far far more greater, you helped me with morale support.

During Recognition day

You inspire me to be the best  I could be. And that inspiration has gone a long way.

at a national quiz bee

I've always see to it mama, that you are proud of me. And I keep this in mind, every time I have a contest. You have always been my lucky charm. When I think about it, if you weren't by my side, I might not have won a single trophy.

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crowned as Eco King

Mom, I hope that I did make you proud, because all of my achievements, everything I have done, every single minute I have invested for education, --guess what?--- is for you.

I do feel awfully sorry if I tend to get to your nerves sometimes, I'm a teen, and you know that. But I do all I can to make you happy. I thank you, because you don't treat me only as your son, but also a bestfriend, whom you confide with. I'm happy that when we have problems, I have a say to suggest solutions (even if I am the problem sometimes.)

Just remember mom, that that sooner or later that it's not just trophies or medals, that I will give you, there is more than that, what I really want to give you someday, is success. I want to share my success with you.

Epic mom, makes, epic children

I will always be here mom, no matter what happens, no matter how pissed off you are at me, no matter how much i let you feel like you wished I was never born, I will still be there.



Through good and bad, thick and thin, I will always be there, thank you mom, for everything.

I love you.


Your Pabidang Anak
(Your Superstar Son),

Adrian James
(Jay)

Just do it (tomorrow)

Deadlines at the end of the day, stacks of homework, coupled with projects and your teacher hounding you to finish! What did you do to deserve these torments? It's driving you nuts!

Well, you saw it coming. The reason your schoolwork is such a wreck is because you did them at the last minute. You probably told yourself that you've got plenty of time, quoting Nike's slogan,

"Just do it.......Tomorrow."

It seems procrastinating is a quick escape, much like drugs, to our problems. Yet, after we procrastinate, we find ourselves  with even more problems. Though they seem like an solution, they really aren't.

Clear out all distractions

from www.smh.com.au 

Even before you get started you are aced with a lot of distractions, preventing you from doing work. 

What you do is, log-out of Facebook, turn off your PC, focus. Remove all distractions. Plug off the TV, turn down the stereo, and stop playing the Xbox. 

Go to a place that is quite, cool with proper lighting to make you comfortable.

Because being uncomfortable leads to finding distractions. Distractions often ends up as procrastination. And, procrastination results to no work done at all. And no work done, in a few more days, equals even more work! 

So clear out all distractions to get started. 

Get motivated

from pavementrunner.com 

Probably the hardest part of doing schoolwork, or any work for that matter, is starting it.  You have to admit, mountains of paperwork to go through can be quite discouraging.

You need motivation, something to give you that 'jump start.' 

Instead of rambling over how much work there is to do, you should just do it, now. 

Utilizing the "need-want" strategy

A strategy I use to get a job done is the 'need-want' strategy. Creating a reson to do something to serve as a motivation. 

"I need to finish this report early, because I want to watch a movie later with my friends." 

"I need to do my homework tonight, because I  want  to have nothing to do for the rest of the weekend." 

"I need  to ace this test because I want  to get exempted from the subject's project." 

The reward system can definitely spur you to finish the job. Just be careful in getting to psyched for the reward, to the point that you're in such a rush to get things done, that you end up, sacrificing the quality of your work. 

Using the 'positive' strategy

Another motivational strategy is the positive strategy. You need to think of something, an idea, a person, anything, that makes the effort in doing work worth it. 

The next time you do a book report, think about your nice teacher how great he/she lectures and how interested you are about her subject. That can get you pumped up, Think of her commending on your excellent work. 

Or, when you're reviewing for a big exam, why not bet with a good friend, the person who gets a higher score gets treated to lunch. Just the thought of you winning and rubbing it in ought to inspire you. 

Peerwork: Just do it, together 

Doing homework with your friends is the oldest trick in the book and probably the most effective. 

from tealgeezus.deviantart.com 

Having someone to do homework with definitely takes out the boredom. And who knows,  you might actually enjoy it! 

Peerwork also makes the team, efficient. Try cross-examining your work and you'll be surprised  to see how helpful you can be in cleaning up errors, in a report or an assignment. 

Peerwork also opens doors to discussions, in the end, you will end up learning even more than you bargained for. 

Also, if you think you might suck at math but you happen to have a friend who is good at it, why not invite him over to tutor you?  Who knows, you might be good at something that he is not. 

So you can just set up a study date, and go from there. 

Just do it, NOW 

there you have it, these are my study techniques to avoid procrastination. hope you learned a thing or two.