It Takes A Big Man To Cry

The sight of interviewed grown men holding back sobs while clearing mud, muck, and debris is heart-rending. After relief goods have been given, we must endeavor to help them regain their confidence, dignity, and pride. Hope may be too vague a word but they will surely need a lot of it. We also need to look beyond the relief efforts... look beyond ourselves.

Bravo, Juan Manuel Marquez!

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has got to be pound for pound the most boring fighter in the world. No wonder "Money" Mayweather is not as popular as our Manny.  Even though Juan Manuel lost to Floyd Mayweather, Jr., he showed he had the brave heart that great and honorable fighters possess.  Floyd Jr (or Flop Jr.) is a great fighter but he lacked the showmanship to earn the respect of the hard-core or even regular boxing fan (*yawn*).


On the other hand, Floyd Jr's. kind of class (or the lack of it) reared its not so handsome head when he was interviewed post-fight.  He almost picked a fight with Shane Mosley who got up the ring to congratulate him. I thought: Hmmm... was that an act to play up an upcoming fight of Mosley vs Mayweather?  Looks like "Money" is chickening out (again) in the fight against our Manny.  Oh well. 


Bravo, Juan Manuel Marquez!  You're still a winner in my book.  

Ninoy

I showed a file video of Ninoy Aquino (delivering a brilliant speech) to class today. I started the video without introductions. When the video ended, I expected them to be wowed by his eloquence or simply impressed by his wit. 


Then one student whispered: "Diba siya yung nasa limandaang piso?"  It was an interesting day. 

Turning Japanese

When my niece was a toddler she overheard her Nihongo-speaking aunt making an overseas call to Tokyo. "Moshi moshi!" her aunt greets her friend over the phone. With wide delighted eyes she turned to me and proudly exclaimed: "Washing Machine! Meron kami nun, ninong!". I gave her a hug while I enjoyed the biggest belly laugh.

Hinulugang Taktak!

This morning, I attended an observation class of 6th grade Social Studies. The teacher asked if anyone can sing the song about Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls in Antipolo. After about 3 seconds of awkward silence, a male student renders a loud song unannounced: "Itaktak mo...Itaktak mo...Itak itak itaktak mo!". I bawled with laughter that was impossible to stifle. You had to be there.