It's That Time Of The Year Again

Ugh! I hate this part of this month. And to think that August happens to be my favorite month of the year. But there's no helping it...

...I will always miss you, Timmy, my friend.

(I could really hate you for doing what you did.) :o(

Living Goldenballs--Mastering the Art Of The Comeback

Nothing surpised me more than when, in January of 2007, I heard the news that David Beckham had signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Flabbergasted. Saddened at the thought that he was leaving European football for American soccer. What disappointed me more was to know that this was already a done deal, that there was nothing that could be done for him to stay where he and his talents belong. There were talks that Real Madrid was renegotiating for a new contract; that he could be going home to England as clubs there were showing interest (not least of all was Tottenham, where his grandfather wanted him to play for when he was a kid). Even the news that some Italian clubs came sniffing was an improvement (Italian football doesn't have the best reputation after the match-fixing scandal and I still haven't gotten over neither the neat little stunt that Materazzi pulled in the WC'06 Finals nor that one Italian who slapped Becks at the back of the head in an England friendly years ago).

But they were talking about a US$250,000, five-year contract. I don't think that there could be any more of a done deal than that.

After the shock wore off, I followed more closely (if that's even possible) his last few months with glorious European football. I was over the moon when he got invited to play for European XI against Manchester United last March 13 as the Red Devils celebrated fifty years of European football competition. Injury might not have allowed him to play that evening in Old Trafford but his speech at half-time thanking the crowd for their support over the years was a presence well worth it. For me, what was more beautiful than the Red Devils' 4-3 rout of the European select was the standing ovation Becks got from the crowd who was welcoming a son home as well as saying goodbye to a bigger-than-life hero who started carving his name in sporting history as a sixteen-year old apprentice for their youth team.

And who could forget the all-too-funny Capello snub? Of course, it didn't start funnily at all. After learning of Becks' new Galaxy contract, Real Madrid Fabio Capello publicly announced that there wasn't room for him in the club anymore and that he would be sitting out all of the remaining matches of the season. But the being the soldier that he has always been, Becks continued to train with the squad even if he was relegated to attending the matches from the VIP box. But two consecutive losses later, Capello was forced to eat his words (plus a generous helping of humble pie) and recalled Beckham to the line-up. And what did he dish out on his first game back? A stunning goal in the 39th minute in the Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on February 10.

In the sixteen matches that followed, the Meringues only suffered one loss, five draws, and ten wins. Becks was sidelined for a couple of weeks or so in March due to an ankle injury and I could never wholly credit his return from the Capello omission for the fabulous turnaround. But noone could also deny that Goldenballs was playing like a man possessed during his last few months with the Spanish giants. I was a fool to believe that he was going to leave Spain with nothing to show for for the four years he had stayed there. Well, maybe learning the language. But it did look bleak for the club by December of last year as they continued to languish behind Sevilla and Barcelona. The second half of the season told a different story though as the two clubs began to stumble. By May they were ahead of Barca by a point until June 10 when they drew against Real Zaragoza. I was about to go apoplectic until Barca drew their match as well a few minutes later.

But right before the Spanish season capped off, another big surprise came about. England coach Steve McClaren recalled Becks to the national squad. I couldn't be more happier. After disappointing performances, losses, and with the qualification for Euro 2008 in jeopardy, he had no other choice. He couldn't deny either that the former captain was playing his best football in years for his club. He started in the England friendly with Brazil on June 2. In typical style, a Beckham free-kick found current captain John Terry to score in. The match ended 1-1 but it showed a much more improved national line-up. Not to mention a country grateful for a certain midfielder's return, apparent during the player introductions when his name was answered by cheers from the filled-to-capacity, newly built Wembley Stadium. What's more, he later provided two assists in England's 3-0 win against Estonia a few days later.

Then June 17, 2007 came--and what a day to remember. It was a sudden death situation between the greatest club rivals in Spanish football. SkySports actually had both matches on their screen. Barca's match finished a few minutes early and they had a great win. But somehow Real Madrid played better that night after being a goal down at half-time. They were two goals up by the 83rd minute and all they had to do was play defense for the next few minutes. What had been in question the entire season held off the Mallorca attack until the last whistle. The celebrations afterwards--the fireworks and the lights held up by the fans in the usually floodlit Estadio Bernabeu was a stunning sight to say the least. They weren't just celebrating the return of the trophy to Madrid, but also paying tribute to two heroes that wouldn't be returning in the next season. Brazilian Roberto Carlos had been a Meringue for what seemed like forever and had been a permanent fixture in the team since I started following them in 1998. And then there was Becks--who had only played for the club for four years and yet, won many of the hearts of one of the harshest fans in Spanish football. The sight of them both draped in their respective national flags, hugging each other, will always a favorite memory of mine. What was more bittersweet was the picture all four Beckham boys made while celebrations were going on on the pitch. Becks left Spain a hero after all. (While Cappello got the boot a week or so later. Boo hoo!)

Barely a month had passed since celebrating with the Spanish campeones in Las Cibeles, draping the goddess with the Spanish flag and partying until morning, our little bee flew across the pond to join his new club, er, team. The Beckhams' arrival in the States could not be described to be less than a media circus. It was ridiculous as the week before his July 13 unveiling proved to be a slow sports news week. It boggles the mind that people who hadn't seen him play yet are suddenly in like with him, ready to worship in the altar of the Beckham brand. I've been there and still am a Beckhamist through and through. But unlike the majority of his new adoring American public, I know an offside when I see one. (Note that I said majority.) I'm not saying it's bad but I hope they see him more on a different angle and get past their infatuation with his face or his body (I, for one, am sure it's not the voice!). God knows, I've been working on that for the past ten years I've followed this bloke's life and career. In the process, I have come to love the sport he plays for what it is. He is in the US to be an ambassador of the game, to promote the game's popularity in a country already filled with great sports. I hope people give him a real chance to do just that.

All the fanfare aside, it was a slow going as he made the transition from being a Galactico to being one of the Galaxy. He was training with the team but the ankle injury he had been nursing since March kept him in the sidelines. He played a few minutes when the Galaxy hosted Chelsea (thanks for spoiling the party, JT). Then people got antsy as he sat out most of the next LA games. Critics were frothing at the mouth at how the Goldenballs was overpaid and overhyped. He apologized to the fans and later gifted those who patiently wait when he showed just how to bend it in the 18th minute as well as provided the assist for a Landon Donovan goal in their 2-0 win over DC United in the SuperLiga 2007 semis last August 14--this, of course, was after long-time Galaxy captain Donovan ceded the captaincy to Becks. He also had three assists in his long-delayed MLS debut game three days later. He does know the best way to shut those critics up! A little more cooperation (defense, perhaps?) from the rest of the Galaxy would be dearly appreciated.

I don't think he would lose his edge and, especially not his talents, on the pitch from less than competitive football. The man was born and bred for the game. In spite of his injury, he's still officially on duty for August 22nd's friendly against Germany. Many have surmised that he would be having difficulties keeping his place in the national squad again if he continues to play halfway around the world. No offense to the footy in America but I'm not fantastical enough to believe that it would ever come up to par with their top-flight European equivalent. Didn't Real Madrid rout their All-Star team summer of last year? I have to say though that Mr Beckham have triumphed over the worst of critics during the past several months. Let's see how he proves his critics wrong this time around.

After all, the Beckham show never disappointments.

Becoming Jane

If there's a will there's a way. Since I saw no indication of this film being shown here some time in the near future, I had to resort to watching it online. Sorry. *winces* But when (please, not if) they do show this movie in our theaters, trust me to be there lining up for a ticket.

Because I love this movie. Very much.

Becoming Jane tells the story of what would become Jane Austen's inspiration for some of the greatest love stories in English literature. (*Someday my Mr Darcy will come*la da da da*) And why her characters deserve such happy endings.

Having come from a untitled family, Jane's mother was desperate to marry her off to someone who could provide for her. But Jane wanted more, wanted to marry for love, and just about refused any man's attentions. Until Thomas Lefroy came to her life. They hadn't exactly started their acquaintance in the best of terms. But it wasn't long before they found themselves in love with each other.

Tom was nephew to a judge and was in London to study law. he lived on his uncle's allowance so he saw it only fit to ask for his permission to marry Jane. But before he could make clear of his plans, the judge read a letter (from one of Jane's spurned suitors in the country) of how the couple "behaved" when Tom was visiting the country. The judge never gave sanction for a between them.


Jane had no choice but to return home. But just when she learned that Tom was engaged to be married to someone else, he came back and asked her that they elope--that they could make a modest living even without his uncle's help. Then when they were on their way to Scotland, Jane found a letter from his mother thanking him for sending money back home in Ireland from his already stretched allowance. That stopped Jane short, thinking that she could never live with what their plans would do to Tom's family as he finds work and still have to support them. Jane's father had once told her that nothing could break a spirit as poverty could. Jane and Tom might be in love now but she reasoned out that that love could dwindle away amongst the struggle they were about to encounter.

What would have happened if Jane didn't leave Tom in that inn? Could she have written Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice if they'd married and she had to work for a living aside from her writing?

I think that what she did wasn't the bravest thing. But it was definitely most selfless as she thought of the situation of others above her own happiness. Not a lot of people can do that. And I may not be a fan of sad endings but that last scene was as close to a happy-ever-after as I could get from their story: Jane and Tom saw each other again many years later, with her already a famous writer and him a successful lawyer, with a daughter who was an avid fan of her work--and was named Jane.

No need to say that I cried watching this movie--their parting at the inn was heartbreaking. Anne Hathaway gave a great performance as Jane Austen, giving us a preview of what she can do with more mature roles. And James McAvoy as Tom Lefroy was more endearing than his already-endearing stint as Mr Tumnus. You don't wanna know how many times I've replayed that "I am yours, heart and soul" scene over and over again. And that kiss in the trail? Oh, sigh city.

Sweet 25

Whoever said that 16 is the only age deserving of the adjective sweet was wrong. My 25th year on this beautiful earth started and have been sweet so far in the past week. Let's just hope that it stays that way--or if not, get even sweeter as the year wears on.

My mobile got busy a couple of minutes into Sunday as friends started to send in messages of greetings. And then there were all the calls--most of them came in before two in the morning. Oh, my friends only know me too well. I'd say the day started pretty much the right way. And when I woke up at around seven in the morning, there were a gazillion messages on my phone waiting to be acknowledged. After I sent in my thank you's, I went to church--which was an even bigger event than my actual birthday was to people who really know me, heretic that I am.

One snag of the day was when I came back from church and found most of my housemates still fast asleep. Helloer, people! We have a lunch date to go to! We ended up going to the restaurant a few minutes before twelve--not a better part of the day because I didn't have breakfast at all. But we, all fourteen of us who went, pretty much endured it. After all, we were lunching at Casa Verde, on their (in)famous baby back ribs. An hour or so, an extra rice, and two glasses of iced tea later, we were all in our photo op mode. Of course, that doesn't mean that we were waiting for our table al fresco-style, we didn't grab the opportunity to click away. What are we, crazy? We capped off the day with a little malling--and more displays of our camera whore-ness. We had a pretty quite Sunday evening--it was Tiffany's birthday and I don't think she can ever tolerate alcohol binging sometime in the near future.

And of course, the day continued on with more messages from friends--even those I hadn't seen in a few years. The fact that I have had the same number since 2001 helped. I received text messages wishing me a happy belated birthday as late as Monday evening. Whew! I didn't know I had these many friends (not counting the amnesiac ones!). Of course, I was touched to the bone. We had mini-celebrations during the week: we had chocolate ice cream in the middle of the week for those who weren't able to go last Sunday. Ice cream at 0830 hours? Sinful! And then we had a little dinner with an officemate who had her birthday just the other day and I brought my Hawaiian spare ribs--which was the big hit of the night! Tiffany, it seems, can cook, too.

A week down and counting, and my 25th year is in a bid to be a sweet year. Thanks, peeps, so very much!!! :o)

First Thought At 25

Do I flee or surrender? Some question it is when I've no choice but to surrender. Sigh.

I'm now a few minutes after turning 25 (ugh!) and still can't believe that I've lived a quarter of a century--I feel too useless for humanity. I know I haven't done my part in this world.

And I feel my friends' teasing comments about my lack of a love life to the bone. Of course I never thought I'd be single at 25. But then, here it is. I know a man doesn't complete a woman's life but it won't hurt if you pimp some my way. Hahaha! My life's wanting to be complicated. Hell, yeah!


P.S.
It had been a slow blogging week so please bear with this post.

P.P.S.
If you can't provide me a boytoy, I also accept canned goods, rice, chocolates, books, and, of course, a lot of love!!!

Dreamboat Express: Woods, Donald, Scott

Whenever I admit to other people that I watch an occasional golf game on TV, they look shocked as if I'm making a lame joke. Just like peeps at home think I've gone crazier than usual when I actually watch a game--crazier since I already watch too much ESPN as it is. Obviously, I don't give a shiznit what people think because here I am making the same admission.

I don't know why people can't believe that I actually like, or even understand, the game. Prolly because it doesn't have much of a "view" compared to the other sports I follow and especially since most golfers are middle aged. But it's actually kinda cool to keep score--what's crazy is that this is the only sport wherein the player with the smallest score wins. And if you really don't have a single golfing bone in your body you prolly won't appreciate how sexy a hole in one is!

But me being me, my most fave golfers don't happen to be middle aged--or God forbid, have an expanding middle. Although I do know who Jack Nicklaus and saw him play in his farewell Open Championship a few years back. Who comes up to par now? Brand new papa Tiger Woods (if his game doesn't do it for you, his pic with his cub will surely do you in), Luke Donald (it's the Anglophile in me), and Adam Scott (Aussie manjoyment).

What's Cooking

I was just browsing around and then bloghopping a li'l bit when I stumbled on this neat piece of news. I am still not over the Harry Potter mania (and I don't think I'll ever be ) so I hope you'd pardon me for posting another related on dit. Well, I found out that not-so-little Daniel Radcliffe is going to star in a TV movie later this year in a drama called My Boy Jack. It's about the story of how the son of author Rudyard Kipling goes MIA during World War I. Jack Kipling had been rejected by the army because of poor eyesight but his father pulled strings so that his son could enlist. From the looks of this picture, Dan looks set to play 17-year old marvelously when the film comes out in November. And it's great to have him foray into more adult roles and not get stuck in the Harry Potter stereotype.

*******

But for now, I'll settle for this piece of news: Backstreet's back! I thought they were gone for good last year but I thought wrong. And I don't care what people think of them and if whether they're too old to be making music together--which is crap thinking. You can never be too old to make beautiful music and this fellas here are good at it. Unlike some other boybands that sprouted out of the woodwork during the boyband craze, this is one of the rare groups who actually knew what they are doing. And they continue to do so--as they set to release "Inconsolable" in late August. Too bad the group is sans Kev this time around (check out the symbolic empty shoes in that pic--I chose this edited pic for emphasis and for laughs--but of course the official photo doesn't have the danged thing).

(Supposed) Feel-Good Movies

I may have been a negligent blogger lately but the movie maniac in me haven't been left wanting in the past couple of weeks or so. And I actually had the chance to finally watch three of the movies that I've been wanting to see for months.

Because I Said So

I was expecting big things from this movie. I mean, what do you expect when you have Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Piper Graham, and Lauren Graham in one movie, right? But the movie turned out to be one big MEH. The character of a meddling mother could be a novelty but the way Ms Keaton's character went to extremes to find the perfect man for her daughter just scared the heck outta me. Trust me, I know the feeling of having the people around me feel more desperate than I am about my love life. Or my lack of it. And then there was Ms Moore's character--stringing two men along will never ever be classy. And sleeping with two men while waiting to see who the right and better man will never be a stylish thing.

Catch And Release
It's always to nice to have the chance to see Jen Garner not play the superspy or the superhero. So I took the chance to see this the first time I had. And once again, I found the film wanting. Jen was A-okay and found that Kevin Smith (of the Silent Bob fame) can actually talk. But then Timothy Olyphant's acting kept me wincing the entire flick. I know a lot of people actually liked this movie but I don't think there could ever be a happy-ever-after for this plot: fiance dies and months later (or was it just mere weeks?), girl falls in love with one of her ex's best friends only to find out that the the other best friend was also in love with her from the very start...blah blah blah.

Aquamarine

After watching the last two films, I was quite hesitant to watch this movie. I may not have watched a lot of mermaid movies but I think I might have seen one too many. But Tiff told me to just go ahead and see it--a third bad movie couldn't kill me. And thank God for it because I actually liked this. Who would have thought a mermaid flick could actually present a more realistic take on love and friendship? This film showed that love doesn't always happen at first, or even at fifth, sight; and that it happens out of growing together and knowing each other. And more importantly, that it takes more than distance to end a friendship. Watching Jojo and Emma Roberts onscreen made me wish I was young again and have them for my best friends.