The Comfort Rooms

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here are the people that made my 2008 such a pain in the neck! Lol!


Michael Phelps (Olympic demigod)

Dang that guy!
He was his own country during the Olympic Games! He could have even represented himself and still be placed inside the top 10 countries in terms of gold medal wins!



Jun Lozada (Alleged National Whistleblower-cum-hero)

Really, somewhere inside my being doesn't wanna believe to his testimonies. It may be part-true (the government's corruption is a given factor) but his involvement in a larger-scale ouster plot looms smellier to me.



Rafael Nadal (Federer executioner)

For a BIGGGGGG Federer fan like me, Rafa's 2008 season wins were like jabs and punches on our faces. Its quite hard to see your idol massacred in Paris, robbed in Wimbledon and eventually be toppled off the top ranking he helpd for so long. The consolation that I got would be my idol's 13 major titles compared to Nadal's 5. Hahahaha!



Beyonce Knowles (Diva of all divas/ Booty of all booties)

Maybe its just me but I thought 2008 was really all about her star. And I really have to admit that she can be really, really stunning!

And for all those still not in-the-know, she's now married to Jay-Z.



Joc-joc Bolante (Philippines' Biggest Liar)

I don't know what to say about this guy. Maybe he can enter The Moment Of Truth and be eliminated right from the very first question!






Leighton Meester (newest TV craze)

Her Blair Waldorf character on the Gossip Girl show made me glued on the show!

Her character was evil yet too sweet. You would actually smile on her devious plans and she is the sweetest to the people whom she value the most.



President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Philippines' Most Loved Personality)

La Presidenta has got such strong grips to her power.

No matter how much the opposition would try to oust her, I think she is always at least a step ahead of them. I think cunning is the perfect word to describe her.


Manny Pacquiao (Philippines' Fastest-rising multi-millionaire)

In all fairness to Pacman, he has been consistent with boxing this year (or maybe his PR group has been very good) unlike 2007 which he has been distracted with other things besides boxing.

After his stunning dela Hoya win, I'm excited this early for his next fight!

Ellen DeGeneres (Early Evening Habit)

Thanks to local cable, I get to see Ellen DeGeneres show every weeknights. Though we are a night late in the Philippines, its still okay.

I love Ellen's random jokes. They never fail to make me and my 2008 laugh.



You!

Yes you! You rocked my 2008!

You who reads and frequents my blog. You who stumbles upon my blog for no reason at all! You who was directed here by the Google search engine! You my blogger friends who continue to appreciate my work! Thank you!

For our Christmas party exchange gift, I specifically mentioned on our Christmas wish list that I wanted either two pillows or some new flip-flops.

Christmas party came by last Saturday. And you know what I got?




Some freaking flat iron.



How could I possibly react to that?

Just a kick-a** female video I enjoyed back in the day. Enjoy it for yourself as well and you might find yourself feeling the vibe as well!

I had a couple of questions for Sam Wu, the Amazing Race Asia 3 Winner (together with fellow Hong Konger Vince Chung). Apart from being US$50K richer because of the race, he is also an English professor at the City University of Hong Kong.
Though getting this interview almost felt like moving heaven and earth, his down-to-earthness and approachability (is that even a word?!) makes the job a lot easier.
Here are my questions to him...

THE COMFORT ROOMS: Were you really chosen to do the Sony Cybershot ad because of the fact that you won the race?
SAM WU: No, we weren’t chosen because we won the competition. The good people at Sony had no idea we won either! Not everyone at AXN knew we were the winner either. The results are kept extremely top secret. We were chosen based on another set of criteria, and it’s just crazy coincidence that for 2 years in a row, they’ve picked winners for their ads.

TCR: After the race, what’s in store for Sam Wu?
SW: For me, it’s back to teaching at the moment. It’s something I truly enjoy. I’ll probably continue teaching till the end of the academic year (June 09), then weigh my options. I’m considering doing educational consultancy work – like organizing overseas study tours for schools. Or maybe host a travel show? Hahaha! I’ll call it the Smurf Travels!

TCR: Who were you before the race started?
SW: I was someone who taught English and Communication full-time, but also pursued part-time my childhood passions of singing, acting and writing. I was a freelance writer for 11 years, and had my own a cappella group, Es’Choir, back in Singapore. In HK, I started singing back-up for a few local Cantopop stars, such as songbird Sandy Lam. I’d sing for her overseas tours, concerts, albums etc.

TCR: And who thought of joining the race between you and Vince?
SW: The truth is, I approached Vince to take part in the TARA 1. But Vince claims his schedule didn’t permit him to take part. But honestly, I think he just didn’t want to take part with me because I have a 15% permanent disability in my right ankle. I suffered a stress fracture when I fell off the cliff (yes, I survived a cliff fall) during my army training days in 1995. I’m not supposed to exert pressure on my right ankle, so he thought I’d be a liability during the race. Hahaha! But somehow, for TARA 3, Vince changed his mind and asked me if I was still interested in doing the Race. And I was like, “Are you sure?! My ankle is still the same! Not great!”.

TCR: How many clothes did you really bring for the race? Is there a specified number of clothing that you were allowed to bring? I always notice the white shirt and the blue shorts you keep on wearing!
SW: There isn’t a limit, but of course, everyone tries to pack as light as possible. And as you may know, we were only given half a day to prepare for the Race, so it meant that I just grabbed whatever was clean, old and light. I only brought 2 pairs of shorts, and maybe 4 tee-shirts?!

TCR: How long did the race run? Basing on the Amazing Race Asia Memories show, the race run for three weeks?
SW: I think that’s about right.

TCR: And speaking of the Amazing Race Asia Memories show, fans noticed the chemistry between Bernie Chan and Vince Chung. Any comments on that?
SW: Hehehehehe! All I shall say is they have a soft spot for each other. =)

TCR: Do you read the Amazing Race Asia forum?
SW: I read it occasionally but did not follow it.

TCR: For the third consecutive season, I noticed that the nice competitors have beaten the brawns (JoeJer and Zabrina over Sandy and Adrian and Collin over Marc and Rovilson). Being nice and low-key should be a sure winning strategy huh?
SW: I don’t know if it’s a winning strategy but clearly, having only brute physical strength is insufficient to secure a win. Apart from luck (which plays a huge, unforeseen factor), I would say that teams need to have good decision-making, tactical, analytical skills. Above all, great teamwork is almost compulsory. In-fighting only zaps your energy and causes you to lose focus.

TCR: Which of the legs would be the toughest one in your opinion?
SW: Honestly? I think the first 2 legs. We were a last minute replacement team, and we haven’t found our footing yet. As you may notice, in the first episode, we were constantly last for the first three challenges (due to bad taxi-drivers). It was very demoralizing. But we had to set that aside, and truly focus on not getting eliminated in the first round. The second leg was over 40 hours and just zapped the life out of us. We were so tired physically and mentally. I had never gone through anything like that in my entire life. Well, army training comes close…

TCR: Before the race actually started, who did you think would win the race? Why?
SW: Again, honestly, before the race actually started, Vince and I felt that we had an edge, seeing that we were both guys, and knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well. We knew we’d work well together, and complemented each other perfectly. We were each other’s foils, with Vince being the physically strong one, and me being the patient, strategic player. So, we thought we’d had a good chance to win. And after we found our footing and groove in Episode 3 (Vietnam) where we narrowly missed being first place by mere 3 minutes, we knew that we could really be a force to be reckoned. We definitely became much more confident in Episode 3.

TCR: Have you added up to the Celtic tattoo you have on your back?
SW: Nope!! Haha! Will remain loyal to my Celtic tattoo for now!

TCR: Any tip to all those who plans to create an audition tape for the race?
SW: A professionally made tape with music and animation is not necessary. The first 30 secs is crucial in catching the producers’ attention, so ensure that you have a hook. Producers are looking for something different, exciting, and something that will make for good TV. So be animated, be real, display solid chemistry with your team-mate, and prove to them that you’re not scared of the camera! They don’t want people who clam up or feel shy in front of the camera!

TCR: And when are you coming over to Manila to meet and greet your fans?
SW: Gosh! We really REALLY wanna come over to say hi to our Pinoy fans, who have been amazing in their support. Vince – who’s pursuing acting and hosting full-time – has understandably a less predictable schedule as you never know when a job will come up. Hence, it has been harder to plan for something. But we definitely wanna come over. If not in 2008, then for sure during the first half of 2009. This is a promise.

A great way to curb dog overpopulation, especially here in the Philippines. Watch the video and be thrilled.



Thanks Sinjin for the video! I miss the Cebuano language!

for lack of better words, allow me to copy an article from The Ring Magazine blog

Manny Pacquiao went into his megafight against Oscar De La Hoya on Saturday night in Las Vegas recognized by most experts as the best Asian fighter of all-time.

Now what do we call him?

One of the best fighters of his time – period? One of the best fighters of all time? Arguably, after what Pacquiao did to De La Hoya, both of the above now apply.

Consider: He started his career at 106 pounds, fought at 129 pounds less than a year ago and just beat the biggest draw in boxing and a certain Hall of Famer who has fought as heavy as 160 pounds.

That’s Henry Armstrongesque, which is the ultimate compliment in boxing.

It might be a reach to compare Pacquiao to a legend who held three world championships simultaneously and is recognized as one of the two or three greatest fighters who ever lived. However, that’s how Pacquiao’s accomplishments are starting to stack up.

He’s beaten four certain Hall of Famers: Erik Morales (two out of three meetings), Juan Manuel Marquez (a victory and a draw), Marco Antonio Barrera (twice) and now this, certainly the greatest feat in a sparkling career even if you believe De La Hoya has declined.

And, oh yeah, he’s won four world titles in four weight classes spanning 23 pounds.

How many fighters in recent years can make such claims? When all is said and done, Pacquiao could be the finest fighter since Sugar Ray Leonard was in his prime.

“I happen to think that that fighters like Pernell Whitaker and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are boxing virtuosos,” television analyst Larry Merchant said. “I have the highest respect for that. But … when you also have a guy who fights, who is willing to take to risks, to put his nose in there, a guy who thrills people, well, that’s a harder way to do it.

“When somebody does it, it’s the best boxing has to offer.”

Pacquiao took a risk for a chance to make history, moving up two weight classes to challenge an elite opponent who is four inches taller and has fought some of the best middleweights and junior middleweights in the world.

The Filipino idol fought at 129 pounds in March and then once at 135, his heaviest for any fight. On Friday, he weighed in officially at 142, an indication he really is more a junior welterweight than welterweight.

Meanwhile, De La Hoya, a 10-time titleholder in six weight classes himself, weighed 145 on Friday but has fought seven times in the 154-pound class, which means he’s a natural junior middleweight who dropped down to 147 for this fight.

That’s the main reason Pacquiao’s victory was so astonishing – he beat one of the era’s best fighters and an average-sized man even though he has the frame of jockey.

He was already on top of the boxing world as the consensus pound-for-pound best fighter. Now, he’s God-like, at least in boxing terms.

“Yes, it was a transcendent performance,” Merchant said.

Of course, this begs an important question: What can he do to top this?

There’s Ricky Hatton, his probable next opponent, or a third meeting against Juan Manuel Marquez. However, while both are intriguing and lucrative matchups, neither is the type to define a career.

And then there’s Mayweather, which is extremely intriguing. Speed vs. speed, relative youth vs. youth in what would be an enormous fight.

Mayweather hasn’t indicated that he’s ready to come out of retirement. However, if he were to do so and Pacquiao were to hand him the first loss in his career … whew!

That name comes to mind again.

“He reminds me of Henry Armstrong, the great fighter of the past," his trainer, Freddie Roach, said immediately after the fight. "He's a throwback. He could fight in any era. Manny Pacquiao is just a fighting machine."

Show your support.
Post a shoutout for Manny.

1. They play the loudest bass-filled music.
2. They are smoke belchers.
3. Drivers sometimes expose their beer-bellies at random while waiting for the traffic light to go green.
4. They stop anywhere and everywhere anytime and everytime!
5. They keep on getting caught by the policemen for always the same traffic violations!
6. Drivers are called professional drivers. I beg to disagree!
7. They will NEVER give you the right of way.
8. They seriously need to evolve into finer species!
9. They jam people up like canned sardines.
10. They never admit that the violated traffic rules!

image from Lloyd San Diego. Sorry Lloyd! I never asked for your permission.

There are only a few Pinoy rock bands that is really up there on my list. We have the original Rivermaya, Razorback, original Sandwich, Bamboo, P.O.T., Updharma Down, Eraserheads and lately, Urbandub.

But I think none of these bands exceed the coolness (sorry for the lack of words) that Wolfgang radiates. The band is consisted of Filipino mestizos Basti Artad (vocals), Manuel Legarda (guitars), Wolf Gemora (drums) and Mon Legaspi (bass).

The grunge band is making a comeback! And in style! Their comeback album "Villains" will be out very, very soon! Here's an album sampler below. Enjoy! And don't buy pirated please!

GIVE A DAMN is an Indiejam worldwide campaign to make people more aware of different social issues and initiatives in their own countries through a series of benefit concerts. The idea is to give local indie and unsigned musicians a venue to get their music heard and at the same time raise funds for their own countrymen in need. There are SO MANY people out there who desperately need our help, and most of them are just outside our doorsteps. And sometimes as much as we'd like to do something about it, it's just so damn hard to do it alone.
We at IndieJam don't want to do it alone. In fact we believe so much that CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME that we want EVERYONE to be involved. We owe it to our mommaland to make sure our brothers and sisters are well taken care of.

as copied from the company website

I want to gorge on Nutella this Christmas.

It keeps me happy. It helps me forget my worries. It helps me forsake wellness. It gives me the satisfaction needed by a sweet tooth.

It is chocolatey. It is smooth. It is creamy. It is not peanut butter. It is Ferrero Rocher. It is delicious. It is sweet.

It is best enjoyed in front of the TV. It is to be eaten as a dessert on top of some fruit. It is licked from the spoon. It is great with crackers. It is amazing for some quick sugar fix.

It is what I want for Christmas. Care to give me some?

Believe it or not!!! She is Michael Phelps' girlfriend!

Before you shout expletives here, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HER???

“The Pope has swept through Africa, where 5 million people are already infected with the AIDS virus, and which expects by the end of the century to have 10 million orphans whose parents have died of AIDS - and told them not to use condoms”