Pacquiao: What Heroes Are Made Of

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Turn a Different Corner

Decided to not to watch TV and use Facebook for a week. Think it will be for longer, however, I think it best to start small. Not that TV is entirely bad. Not that Facebook is not without purpose and benefit. I just would like to see what I would choose to do instead of these things. Bucket List, radio, reading, and a new Blog Take one picture every day of the year:  So far.  

“What would I do differently?” This is what I thought about driving to the Wild Card gym for Media Day. What would people choose to do instead of what they are doing now. What are peoples’ wishes, dreams, and aspiration? Let me ask you this, “If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?” In other word, What If?

Long Road

Our lives follow a certain path. At times, we choose to follow conventional wisdom and do what others expect of us. At times, we chose to go a different way. These are the regrets and hardships people make for themselves. It is also the place where something wonderful and exciting exists. It is the road less traveled.

My Heroes

Larger Than Life

The original intent of writing this blog was to explore Heroes in many areas. Comics, sports, movies, religion, mythology and so forth. 

The Hero I’d like to talk about will be fighting in a couple of weeks. His name is Manny Pacquiao. Saw him less than a week ago. Driving his black Mercedes. Dressed in red, and headed to Media Day. His trainer, Freddie Roach was already speaking. It was a sight to see. He is not that tall physically. Reminds me of my cousin, Brian. My other cousin, said he looked my Uncle Juhn. Lol

May not be tall physically, but he is giant. A giant in the Filipino community and the world. Heard from friend, that they call him “King” back home. Maybe he is. Who knows? I grew up in the waning days of Muhammad Ali. A loud, boisterous, confident, no apologies, charismatic, brash boxer. Manny Pacquiao is the opposite. Soft-spoken, well-manner, religious, self-deprecating person. Both are giants and both deserve a place in boxing pantheon. Both seem to reflect the best in people. I like them both.

Hopes and Dreams, Being Human

Undoubtedly, there would be some tragic flaw that we are not aware of. Most people do. This is alright. This is the human condition. No one is perfect. It is these idiosyncrasies that make it so human. So enduring and everlasting. So real. Still despite his many athletic accomplishments, the things that I find admirable is the stuff heroes are made of is this. It is the ability to stand firm and adapt. It is the ability to withstand titanic shots and get up despite the body’s want and will to stay down. It is ability to go on and move on. It is the ability to transform and be more than what others expect and to be what one personally expects.

Manny vs. Cotto top right

Collage

I remember being at few parties and bars when Manny fought. Being the only Filipino in the mostly Mexican crowd, it was intimidating. Can’t tell you how much cultural pride one feels when seeing a representative of your people wins despite peer pressure. Still, what I enjoyed the most transformative effect winning has. After future wins against Spanish opponents. After future wins against British fighters. After wins from African warriors. It was winning just for winning. No race involved. It was just one man winning, carrying the weight of a peoples hopes and dreams.What I enjoyed most was being in the same parties and bars, where the same people were once foes were now friends. It was rooting with the Mexican fans, the British fans, the African fans for one man. Just watching greatness.

End, Maybe Near?

I’ve read a few posts on various legitimate websites and post that this may be Manny’s last hurrah. This may be the last fight. Not sure how true this, but still. Win or lose, the thing is that he fought, fell down, fought again and fought so more. World champion several times over in different weight classes was secondary. Bearing the weight of all the Hopes and dreams of a people is the stuff legends are made of. This is what Manny has done and I am sure will continue to do.

Guess, this is why fans, of all shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, and professions from around the world wait for a chance to glimpse of greatness.

Paycheck Players

What I admire most is that he has chosen to go on and move on. His trainer Freddie Roach said, in effect, that he is not as focused as before. He may not be. His opponent is a shamed boxer suspended for cheating. What I like about Manny in the upcoming fight is what he said. “His opponent served his punishment and everyone deserves a second chance.” Everyone needs Redemption.

  

Saddleback Butte Re-Dedication

Bloodsport

Manny would have liked to fought another caliber fighter, like Mayweather, but none would step up. Guess, there is a difference in quality in fighter, and quality of character. In case you missed it, Floyd Mayweather, it is okay to say one is scared; however, sniping from the sidelines is unbecoming of a true champion.

Fighting is one way to make money. People have different priorities. Timing is everything; Guess, he Floyd Mayweather missed his. Guess that is difference between the headlines and side notes. So if this is Manny last pugilistic hurrah, I hope he fights well. Win or Lose, I hope that Manny’s success in the arena will translate to success in the other blood sport. Politics.We need heroes here, too.

Fall Down Seven. . .

One door closes (maybe) Another opens. They say God does not take a gift without giving something bigger and better.  We all face challenges. Sometimes we battle with others. Sometimes we battle nature. Sometimes we battle time. Too often, we battle ourselves.  Sometimes the lesson learned is not how well one delivers a punch, but how one takes one. There is an old Chinese saying, “Fall Down Seven, Stand Up Eight.”

Building Bridges Now: Connections from the past to the future

Takes Work. . .

Building takes work. Connections take mortar, clay, steel beams, concrete, planning, mistakes, corrections, and time. The distance between here and there can be treacherous. What once was there may fall into disarray and disrepair. If it is worth the time, then people will make efforts to make that connection. This is much how people are, too. Our relationships with our fellows may need to make that same mortar, clay, steel beams, and time. 

Lesson Learned

Building on what others have done in the past is vital on who we are. We learn the mistakes others have made and try not to make them. We learn that time heals wounds, but forgetting the past also has its problems. We are liable to make the same mistakes.

Building a Legacy

Watched a Iron Man 2 this weekend. Show begins with Robert Downey, Jr. playing the role of Tony Stark, brilliant billionaire business man. He is the maker of Iron Man suit and he holds an expo with the theme of building a legacy. That of his father, his own, the world’s Legacy.

Just Standing Around Looking at the Grass. . .

Before heading to cemetery to see Rochelle and Tatay, I asked one of my nieces (actually according to Family Tree, its my first cousin, once removed) if she wanted to go. Let’s call her 3^rd gen. Anyways, I asked her if she wanted to go and she said, “Why? All you are going to do there is stand around and look at the grass and stone tablet.” Thought this was quite astute for a six year old. Tried saying it was out of respect and that we need to see those that have gone away. She answered, “They are dead. They can’t say anything.” Didn’t want to lecture or discuss metaphysical stuff of life and afterlife.  Got a bit frustrated with myself that I wasn’t able to explain to her in terms that she would understand. This was something to chew on.

Will Not Be Unturned

Well, anyways, we got to the cemetery and it was quite busy. Gardeners were trying to close the early, but Uncle John wasn’t having it. He waited patiently for them to open the gates. We still had a half hour before closing.

Drove inside. It was packed. Cars were lined up and down the roadway. I could see why they gardeners were anxious to leave.  It was Mother’s Day. Uncle John and Mom put the fresh roses and carnations in the flower holder. Dropped off the necklace, Kaprece, Kaelynn, and I made at the Relay for Life Cancer Walk.

Family Stories Being Told

There we stood around and looked around on the grass and stone tablet as my niece predicted. We talked about the upcoming family events, Chris’s wedding in three days, Uncle John’s venture to the PI for HS reunion, and Aunty Flor’s return trip back home.

Star of David

Couldn’t help think of the conversation with first cousin once removed earlier in the day, Also had a talk with Lynn, my niece. Lynn’s ten now. We were brunching with the Palmdale Fam’s at El Torito. For some reason, the conversation lead to talk about history. The conversation starter was the Star of David on my niece’s thumbnail. I talked about the mont blanc pens and the star of David on top of the pen cover. Talked about Hitler commissioned to have the best pen of the world made. (Mont Blancs run from $100 to $1000s of dollars per pen). Unbeknownst to the Nazi leader, the pen makers were of Jewish descent. They placed the Star of David on top of the cap cover and there it remains. I asked her, if she knew who Hitler was? She said, “No.”

History Is More Than Class In School

This scared me a bit. How can she not know? Maybe it’s good that she didn’t know about the Holocaust at this time. It reminded me when I asked if she knew Muhammad Ali was. She said, “No” then too. Realizing people not knowing about the past scared me a bit. Historical figures that were prominent in my growing up reminded me that we need to take to share the oral history of our past. It may be time to bring children to cemeteries to show them that the past is important.  To remind children, History is important. To remind them people before are important. To remind them to respect and understand the past. It is time to learn History is more than a class in school.

This is daunting task, but one well worth the effort. With the advent of technology, we should be able to bridge the past and the future much easier. I hope in time the children remember to be more this lesson I hope in time we are the legacy and foundation of the future. I hope that we can teach the children that cemeteries are more than grass and stone tablets. I hope that even though people shed their mortal coils, the children learn that our loved ones are still alive in our hearts.

Relay for Life: A Relay for Rochelle

Before the Battle Begins
7 am in the morning. Sunroof open. Early sun heating up the desert air. Cars speed by as the day begins. Sitting in the parking lot of Quartz Hill High School. Sounds of commotion is behind me. People with tents and lawn chairs walk into the stadium. Men, women and children wear red and purple handkerchiefs on their shaved heads.  Like new inductee in the Marines, these have happy smiles and serious tone in their walk. Like viking warriors of Valhalla partying the night before the Ragnarok, there is a joy and sense of purpose. 

Its the home for Relay for Life. An all-day and all-night event for those stricken with Cancer. Events start at 9 am Saturday and runs til 9 am the next day. Lots of events are occurring around town. Graffiti Clean up in Palmdale Ponctilan Square. Arbor Day in Santa Clarita. Lakers versus the Thunder playoff game starts today. Where to begin?

Why We Fight?
For me it's easy. Starts with Rochelle. She suffered from cancer some many years ago and being here is what matters. Need to thank her in a special way for effecting my life. Her passing gave me the courage to do things that I was afraid to do. Ask that girl out. Run for an office. Go to Boston leaving family and friends.

Life Ends. Another Begins
Her death gave me life. Never looked back on too many things because her cancer-stricken made me really enjoy life. Being in the hospital in her last few days. Finding an empty room in Cedar Sinai and just crashing on the bed. Hearing her mother cry. It is something I will never forget.

Before, Death used to be something to be feared and angry about. Now, it is just a fact. Death is Life. For some, the tragedy of have a life expired in their prime, it brings sadness. Listening to family sob so deeply. Watching people eyes redden. Don't know anybody that hasn't somebody touched by the Black End. Rochelle and Angels on Earth



Today is a commemoration to all those that faced Cancer and lost. Today is celebration for all those that battle and won. Today is gathering for all those that still struggle on. You want to know about a Hero's Quest. Come to the Relay for Life today. You will see heroes. They are your friends. They your family. They are you.

I said before that I wanted to see really heroes. I wanted to see real life Angels. Well, today is that day. If you want to see them, come to Avenue M and 60th Street West at Quartz Hill High School 9 am April 17 to 9 am April 18, 2010. Relay for Life 2010: Antelope Valley

I hear Heimdall's horn. Time to suit up. HUAA.

Opening Day Observations

Jethawks Commotions
First time at baseball game. It’s been a long time since I’ve been. Never been a great fan. Collected my share of baseball cards. But never a big player, but I like to hit. It’s a couple of hours before opening game at Clear Channel Stadium. Don’t know who they are playing, don’t rightly care. Watching the people come in and out to the stadium. Many of them are in college age. Guess, it’s a part time job for them. 

Ask, "How Are You?"
Spoke to a nice lady at the front booth. Taresha, I think. Told her it’s my first time. (Not true, I’ve been here before. Should have qualified by saying it’s the first time this decade). It seems when I say never been to a place the service is better. People are nicer. She gave me section 121 row A Seat 1. Guess, that is a good seat. Got some time to kill. Thought, why not? Opening day, let’s go. Just flowing.

Learned it is “Feed your Face Monday”. Guess, one gets to pig out. Not a big hamburger and hot dog guy anymore, but what the heck. Gimme that popcorn. Need some yellow foods in my diet. Leave all thinking at the door and just go. Not one of the fans that are waiting two hours at the front gate to get in, but heck maybe I could be. Perhaps, something magical may come. TV and movies has its play. No Laker game tonight. They’ve been on negative run. I like the drama and excitement of an movie or tv story, but let’s try something different. Try new eyes. Maybe something magical will happen.

Just A Start
Left the law office a minute ago. We’ll see how that goes. Met the mayor of the city at the MS Walk last Saturday. He seemed like a decent guy. Told him that I worked as claims adjuster. He said I was the enemy. He smiled. We laughed. He said stopped by, so I did. Why not? Maybe I can volunteer an hour or two for his campaign. I asked the receptionist when the election was. She said tomorrow. I asked if he a button to wear. Little bit helps. She gave me hers. Nice lady. Thanks,Erica. Hope he wins. Don’t know his opponent. Don’t live in the town he is mayor of, so I’m indifferent. No proverbial skin in the contest.

Road Less Traveled, Had To Go Another Way
Met him some 10 years back and seemed genuine. We spoke for a bit and he gave good advice. Had an issue with the school and he helped no charge. He gave me time with no appointment. I appreciated that. Had to make a decision about the school and life. Chose not to follow his advice. Needed to listen to my own counsel. Maybe things could have been better, but view was small at the time. Bigger picture I wanted other things at the time. Another time. Another life. Guess, it’s Hakuna Matata. It’s the circle of life things.

At any rate, there’s a lot of excite in front. People are walking in with boxes and junk. People are hugging by the Jet. It’s Lancaster Jethawks vs. Lake Elsinore Storm. Needed to catch up with some journalizing and reading. Peace be with you.

Vasquez Rocks--What's Next?

A black lab and 50 year old showed me how scared I was yesterday. After I ran out of time at the Manhattan Beach Parking lot I decided to take a different route home and I found myself in Vasquez Rocks. If you never been, watch the latest movie of the Star Trek genre. Its Spock’s home world that gets destroyed. This 905 acres of national park is named after one California’s most notorious bandits. This land lies some thirty minutes north of Los Angeles and is easily one of the most recognizable scenery in the movie industry. This is part of the San Andreas Fault. If you seen the movies or TV shows Cars (Disney), AI, Saving Grace, CSI, they have been filmed here.

For some time, I have been saying I am going to go and this day I finally did. Drove into the first parking lot and said this where I needed to go. So I started off in the nature trail, then I realized that I forgot to chirp my car. Not realizing, there was another parking lot I noticed a car with a horse trailer drive past the first gate and said. Okay, I will follow him. So I got in my car and waited. An off-road motorcyclist decided to do his repair works behind my car and didn’t realize that I wanted to go back. Eventually he left and I entered the next parking lot.

I parked and headed through the juniper bush and Manzanita. There it was the rock that I have seen a million times off the 14 freeway. I’m here again. First time I was here. I found a cave with Shelly. Ah, another time. Anyways, I ventured through. Found Horse poop and lizards. Headed to the base of the rock, I saw a lady with a baby carriage and I thought, "How odd. Why is she bringing her child here? There was no way that she would be going up this hill.

From a distance, I could see people on top of the rocks and all I could think of is this rock climbers that go up El Capitan. Ever watch that movie, Cliff Hanger with Sly Stallone, those were the people that traversed the giant  rock. Then I took a closer look, there were kids on top of the hill. I said what the heck. How in the heck are those kids getting up there. I was dumbfounded. There climb was sheer climb, and 80 degree climb and it looked like went up forever.

Heard some music in the background and I thought there is something wrong with me. There is no stereo speakers around. Maybe this is an early sign of Alzheimer. All of sudden a Black lab, brushes against my leg and I jumped. A fifty year old looked up the giant rock and started to climb. She looked back and apologized for her dog scaring me. I said, “No Biggie.” Inside my heart was in arrest. There she was brown khakis and sun hat and she was scaling this mountain of a climb.  Quarter ways her and her dog were making their way.

Upset, I placed both my blackberry and camera and pocket and headed up. If this soon-to-be retiree and her dog can get up the hill, than I better go. Otherwise I will always be doubting my personhood. Midway up and out of breath, I found a little crevice and sat my ass down. More out of breath and amazed of the 50+year old’s gall, I turned around and looked at the view.

Bad idea. I have vertigo. Don’t remember when it started happening, but when ever look down I get dizzy and easily feel uneasy. Expecting something beautiful and feeling a cathartic experience, Instead I felt seasick. The world seemed to rock. I thought, "No it’s not an earthquake. I hope." There has only been an earthquake almost every day these last couple of weeks. On this day, Honshu, Japan had 6.6 and Indian 6.0 South Indian Ocean.  6.4 Kepulauan Obi, Indonesia Saturday. Three in Chile. (Recently subscribed to USGS earthquake alerts. Signed up since Tahiti and Columbia quake)

Took some pics. Took a swig of Dasani and said, "Better turn around and head up again." Didn’t want sit too long knowing fright might overtake me. Thoughts of calling 911 for a rescue did come to my head. Learned awhile back, rock climbers would call emergency for a rescue if climbers get stuck.  For some reason, the music I heard earlier was getting louder. Started thinking do all climbers hear music when the get closer to the summit. 

Well, I no longer saw the black lab and the soon to be retiree. I did see 2 grade schoolers looking down at me. What the Fuck! My hearts racing at 140 bpm and I’m getting out of breath and these two little shits are smiling and waving at me. I do my cardio five times a week. These kids did not pass me up this mountain. What the. . . !!! This fired me up. Got up the hill and found steady ground and looked at the view again. Still a bad idea with vertigo me. I sat down pretending to stabilize myself for a picture.

I looked on the other side and saw Horses and a crowd of people. Okay, there is another parking lot. Should have followed the other cars. I look down and saw group of five huddled around what I assume was the director. All wore jeans and various t-shirts. One stood out. He was holding a broad sword wore  in a Roman guard outfit. A man stands up and he raises his arms like O Cristo Redentor in Rio De Jinero. Suddenly, in slow motion he falls back. I thought he slipped and I reached for my pocket to call 911.

Guess, this was dress rehearsal, because the group of five (Now 4) caught the falling man. I then noticed Saw Film lights and heard a generator.  Music came on and I realized this was film about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Guess, its a sign to head to Sunday Mass at 5:30 om.

Suddenly, I heard “Anya Ah Say O.” I looked up and saw a pack of Korean ladies dressed in green shorts and tourist sun-visors, bounding up the hill. Guess, its my thing to take the road less traveled. I realized the side of the hill I climbed up was the hard way. I answered “Kum Saw Me Da.” (Its thank you I think in Korean) She nodded and bounded past. Bitches. Never felt so old and scared. Suddenly, another grade schooler was climbing down the mountain above me. "Fuck," I think to myself. The grade schooler shouts, "I got ninja skills!!!"I agree. He's climbing down the hill like Spider-man. I look up. It’s the lady with the baby stroller.

Long story short, never realized how scared.  I looked up this hill. I thought, "Where did my courage go?" During my junior high years, I showed more moxie. During my first day of school, when I walked home by myself, I showed more courage. (My parents sent after the police. They thought I might have gotten kidnapped. They didn’t know I was already at home. I walked 3 miles and got inside my home by climbing through the bathroom window. I had to pee and I had no key. Mind over bowels every time)

Looking back, I doubt that I would have gone up that rock. Weren’t for the black lab and the fifty year, I would have turned back and marked this visit off my to do list. It made me realize that I have been scared for some time. Climbing hills, false bravado, and my vertigo scared me. What other things have I been afraid to do? Just realized these Doubt Gremlins had a spell over me.   Hopefully, this Truth has freed me under this cloak of Doubt. 

One must remember that we need to overcome our own personal mountains if others are to follow. Its true, we do stand on the shoulders of giants. We must have personal courage and climb these jagged mountains if we are to move up and move on. In time, these mountains will become molehills and we look back and say, “Yeah, I did that. What’s next?”

Sunday Afternoon

"Son of A King"--He Would Say
Sunday still. I’m shooting to catch up on some blogging. I’m waiting for my wi-fi to connect with the Pepperdine business school’s network. It’s across the street from Howard Hughes Promenade. Whenever, I come by here I think of Prince. He was my VP. Good man. He promoted me to Sales Manager at Garden Grove. He also sold me his Honda Passport when my Integra was stolen. I believe he lives down the street. I should look him some time. Today is not that time.

If things go well, it should be Ostrich, Oceans, and Oscars. We’ll see. It’s 2 pm now. Jason got me a Starbucks chocolate something. I was expecting Hot Chocolate but Chocolate Shake something.  Yummy. It’s been like that a lot lately. Events have been turning out better than expected. I was supposed to meet Jason at the parking lot across the street at the Spectrum, but I wasn’t really listening and ended up paying for parking. I got a great pic over the freeway. Lucky I had my money in the backseat versus the trunk where I usually keep my stuff. Lucky for me my car loss its juice and I got a jump from this guy pulling in. Lucky I put my backpack in the backseat.

Lucky I waited to eat at Mickey Dees versus stopping by Charlie Brown’s and getting my first Ostrich burger. Stopped by got some picks of velociraptors and brachiosaurus. I wasn’t going to drive down to LA because of whatever reason. Decided to get up and go. It was and still is a beautiful day. Called Jason from the intersection of Sepulveda and Jefferson. He was the same intersection across the street at the same time. Went to go see Tatay and Rochelle, it’s been too long. 

Speaking To The Dead
Never spoke out loud talking at cemetery. Today, I did. In a generation, no one may be visiting them. To the nephews and nieces that will follow, they will just be plaques in the ground. They will never know how much any of them have meant to me. No one will never know the importance these people had on the people to come. 

Their lessons, their stories are not their own. They are mine. True, they may never have to chance to learn from the originator. Guess, we are carbon copies of the one’s before us. How many know our great, grand parents? How many know our grandparents? How many know our family's children? How many know your own children? Well, unlike many in the future, the virtual reality we live in just virtual. A dream.

Grafitti, High Scores, and Blogging
Beginning to understand the people who wanted to have their high scores on the video arcade games. I understand why taggers leave their markings on the overhead pass, on the walls of the freeway, on the sides of the road. They simply wanted to be remembered. If they are lucky, their tag will not be removed for awhile. Too bad, their tags are just lines on the road equated of with a troubled youth. Not growing up in the “Boys In the Hood” areas, I don’t understand the language. These messages are sending are gibberish. To me, its just a sadness. The best they got is spray paint on the road.

So much beauty out here and all they could do is inject into our memory a $1000 fine their parents have to pay because the best they can do is leave spray paint on the wall. Their best has created a government program unit to wipe any memory of their existence. That’s all they got. Sure. Some graffiti is beautiful, artistic; However, when they tag over others painting, it only illicits sorrow. Guess, their souls hurt deeply. Its true: Misery likes company. I hope these taggers find hope in their heart and better things to come. Maybe, they can find beauty before too long?

Artists All
I’ll admit my tastes are different than most. I like comics. I like unusualness. I like works that illicit intellectual gravitas. Give me John Byrne. Give me Frank Miller. Give me Piers Anthony, John Clancy, and Anne Rice. Give me Leonardo da Vinci. Give me Sting. Sarah McLachlan. Matisyahu. Nina Simone. Muhammad Ali. Bruce Lee. Whoever are your muses, look with softer eyes in people. Look at their aura. There’s pain there. There is anger there. Some are that are lost and unaware there’s something better—and they deserve that Goodness. People have goodness. It’s there. Don’t sympathize, empathize. Their actions are theirs to own.

“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them”--Bruce Lee 

As my cousin Vince posted on his Facebook page, “All of us have Love in us. It’s just are harder to find in some.”