STING -Moment of Truth

Last Sunday after I’ve gone to church I went to Makati for some leisurely walk at the mall then I proceeded to a bookstore .As I browsed some sections of the store I found the autobiography of my favourite wrestler Sting a.k.a. Steve Borden titled “The Moment Of Truth”. I spent almost two hours inside the store reading this book.
This book tells a gripping tale of a man quest for superstardom, gaining everything the world called success, a life gone terribly wrong and a life changing answer to a soul that was broken and lost.
Being a pro-wrestler who is admired all over the world, Sting portrays a character inside the ring as a hero or sometimes a villain depends on what is the storyline. As we all know that wrestling is a choreographed kind of sport/entertainment, where the most part the fans came to see the underdog prevails over against impossible odds. It’s like watching your favourite superhero but this time the battlefield is inside the squared circle.
In his personal journey Steve Borden tried to reach the pinnacle of superstardom, to be famous together with a dream of entertaining thousands of people someday .He was the eldest son of the Borden clan whose interests was in sports like basketball and eventually into bodybuilding. After trying some other things, he broke into the gym business where all his breaks and connections in the wrestling business begin. He was spotted by Rick Bassmen then trained by Red Bastien together with some mat luminaries like Rick Steiner and Jim Hellwig a.k.a. the Ultimate Warrior.He was then paired with Jim Hellwig in Jerry Jarrett CWA(Championship wrestling Association) before going to Bill Watts UWF(Universal Wrestling Federation).Wrestling then was on a regional level so Sting and Hellwig drove or sometimes commute from state to state in between shows and with a meager $25-50 a night and sometimes sharing a hotel room with four huge guys of questionable quality life on the road was that horrible. He then married long-time girlfriend Sue in California but had to go back to Nashville as he began to establish a main event status and began to receive a decent pay check. But the extra money and Sue’s income weren’t enough to keep them afloat.
In the 1990’s the wrestling phenomenon took hold and TV audiences grew into a national level. Bill Watts sold UWF to Crockett Promotions (NWA) and then came Sting’s biggest break and a real contract plus a hefty paycheck.The WWF (now WWE-World Wrestling Entertainment)-owned by Vince McMahon Jr. and distant second the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) -owned by Jim Crockett were the biggest rivals. So Sting has to wrestle and stay on the road even on holidays like Christmas and thanksgiving.NWA rode high with such superstars like Ric Flair, Road Warriors,Lex Luger,Rock N’ Roll Express and now Sting. They have the TV airtime via media mogul and genius Ted Turner’s TBS.Until Turner and the NWA comes to term and Turner bought the NWA and christened it as WCW (World Championship Wrestling).During this time WCW went toe to toe against WWF in the ratings then known as the Monday night wars. Wrestling was big business and changing very rapidly into not just a show, but a spectacle. With the acquisition of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and other top WWF main eventers and Sting changing the persona from a face-painted blond to the character of “the Crow”.And the storyline fitting the “ultimate good guy’ Sting against the NWO (the stable of bad guys-Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) the ratings of WCW surged and beat the WWF for weeks.
Then Sting was everywhere. He was in front of every major wrestling magazine, licensed the sting image from video games and action figures to even air fresheners. Also part of his superstardom was a hard living and egocentric lifestyle. Night after night, week after week, year after year the party rolled on. During this time his relationship with Sue was drifting and he was out of control and his life on the road grew darker and darker. As he continued to run from God, his dark life of rebellion turned to a mixture of prescription drugs (painkillers) and alcohol a combo that will anesthetize his conscience and let him sleep which turned from occasional to frequent.
He realized that the status and fame did not fill the void in his soul. And after some dark incidents in his life he comes to know Christ and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. During the heydays of his superstar lifestyle he didn’t know that God was planting seeds in his life. God continued to work by using some Christian family members and fellow a wrestler. Now with a restored life and relationship, Steve realized that life doesn’t work unless it is connected with God.
As a big wrestling fan and a believer of Christ, this book is awesome and compelling.

****Photo from the Internet****

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

This blog is all about a song which keeps on reverberating inside my brain these past few days was "Message in a Bottle" by The Police.

Just a castaway, an island lost at sea,

oh Another lonely day, with no one here but me,

oh More loneliness than any man could bear

Rescue me before I fall into despair,

oh I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

A year has passed since I wrote my note

But I should have known this right from the start

Only hope can keep me together

Love can mend your life but Love can break your heart

I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw

Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore

Seems I'm not alone in being alone

Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home

I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I'll send an S.O.S. to the world

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

I hope that someone gets my

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Message in a bottle,

Sending out at an S.O.S.

Sending out at an S.O.S.

Sending out at an S.O.S.

Sending out at an S.O.S.

Sending out at an S.O.S.

Sending out at an S.O.S...

I like to listen to this song whenever Im in a low and melancholic state,its upbeat and the meaning perks up my senses .And the intellectual depth of the message reminds us that we are not al I'll send an S.O.S. to the world one in whatever situation or predicament we’re into.Many people are searchiing for peace ,joy and comfort but oftentimes we send our distress call to the wrong channels.And as always we end-up always in despair.So in my mind I tweaked the lyrics a little bit instead of “I'll send an S.O.S. to the world” I changed it to" I'll send an S.O.S. to the Lord ” because He would surely gets and answer my own “Message in a bottle”.

***photo from the internet***

Recent FisheyeLomos

*****Most of the pics were taken in Hong Kong*****

Night with the wolves (WOLFGANG 08)

It’s been six years since their last album “Black Mantra”, Wolfgang howls anew with the release of their sixth album “Villains”. December 10th was the momentous date for the band’s comeback concert billed as the “Black Christmas Project” .Eastwood Central Plaza was packed by the band’s loyal followers.
The concert was opened by the Cebu-based Powerspoonz which supplied the evening with their own sound they called “reggametal”.A sound concocted by reggae,metal,rock and rap.
Then followed by Wolfgang’s brother band Razorback ,the band’s guitarist Tirso Ripoll and Kevin Roy’s theatrics wows the crowd as they whipped some old stuff and the new one “Daan Daang Dahilan”.
Then it’s time for the main event ,as Wolfgang front man Basti Artadi entered the stage the audience roars and the venue erupted, proving that the band was indeed missed.Artadi together with axe-man Manuel Legarda,bass master Mon Legaspi and Francis Aquino who filled in for drummer Wolf Gemora brought the house down .And made their followers stand and head bang all night.
They started the set with “Sanctified” followed by their other hits “Natutulog kong Mundo”,”Darkness Fell” to name a few together some new materials from the new album “Villains” such as” Diaspora Mama”,”Deathsquad”,and” Novus is Burning”.The show ended with the band’s immortal hit “Halik ni Hudas”.
The “Black Christmas Project” was not just a reunion concert for Wolfgang and its fans but for me as what Razorback’s Kevin Roy said the “gig of the year”. And this comeback performance and album promises more slam bang rhythms and profound lyrics from the country’s” Sultans of Metal”.

Macau experience

Macau /China ferry terminal in Hong Kong

With the Grand Emperor Hotel guard

At the Venetian Hotel

having some coffee at the Venetian Hotel

Dodgie Laurel's car

At the Grand Prix Museum (Schumacher's corner)

Michael Schumacher's car during his Macau days

Ayrton Senna's car

At the fort

At St.Paul's Ruins

Ruins of St.Paul

Senado Square

Pushing the pillars

Roman Amphitheatre(Fisherman's Wharf)

Rickshaws

inside the ferry

My Macau experience was exhilerating.I left my home in Hong Kong at around 6am of December 19 ,I took the bus to Mong Kok then ride the MTR going to Tsim Sha Tsui and walk my way ala Amazing Race to the China/Macau Ferry terminal along Canton Road. When I arrived at the terminal the earliest ticket available then was the 8am Macau ticket so I’ll be reaching my destination at around 9am ,the weather was a bit cold around 14 degrees that morning ,so I’ve expected a bit more chill in Macau. I boarded the New Ferry vessel instead of the faster Turbojet Hydrofoil which is much faster because I’m not that familiar with the terminal of the latter. While inside the ferry I‘ve noticed that most of the passengers were from the mainland. I spent my time there clicking some photos and listening to U2’s “Beautiful Day” and Marietta’s “Destination Unknown” and other favourite anthems on my IPod.
As the vessel nears to dock my excitement escalated, then before I leave the Macau Terminal the first that I searched for was the tourist maps and some food guides. Then at the exit of the terminal I first thing I saw where the rickshaws which were being driven by some old Macanese folks but it will cost you around 300HKD per ride.
The first spot that I opted to visit was the Fisher man’s Wharf, the place was huge it was like themed park. There are some mock volcano, Chinese fortress, Roman Coliseum (my personal favourite), African inspired structures, Portuguese Village and other western theme areas.
Then off to Senado Square, where some of the most significant tourist spots can be found. What I really liked about this place are the mosaic cobblestone floors and the European inspired architectures. After some photo ops near the fountain and some snapshots at some of the old buildings ,I proceeded to the most popular Macanese landmark “the Ruins of St.Paul’ ,before you reach the said spot you will encounter some food shops giving you samples of their products like the dried pork chops, dried meat products (meat jerky),some sweets. At St.Paul, myriad of people of different ethnicities gather to take some souvenir shots of them and the ruins as the back draft. My next stop was the Forto d’Armas, it’s an armoury of the Portuguese during the colonial times.Here I took some photos of some of the artillery and some parts of this fortress and bought some souvenirs as well. Going down from the ruins I took some time off to have some lunch and have some of the famous Portuguese egg tart from Kokei bake goodies.
After visiting Senado Square my next target was the Grand Prix museum, but before proceeding to the museum I dropped by the Lisboa a hotel and casino owned by the Asian casino magnate Stanly Ho, then I walk to the Grand Emperor hotel to avail of the free bus pass and have a photo op with the Portuguese guard unfortunately when I went up going to get my vehicle pass I felt something in my knee a jolting pain that causes some anxiety and hinders my mobility. Inside the Grand Prix Museum I saw some of the vehicles and memorabilia’s of some of motorsports legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Philippines pride Dodgie Laurel. The guards here are all Filipinos so communicating is not that difficult.
My last two stops were the MGM Grand and The Venetian, first I went to MGM took photos of the Lion then went to the terminal to avail of the free ride to the Venetian where I have some photos with the Grand Canal and the gondolas and visit some shops as well.

Macau is relatively small compared to Hong Kong unless you‘re a casino and a nightlife enthusiast you will surely enjoy the so called “Vegas of the Orient”. But on my part I went to Macau because I want to see the historical sites and have some curiosity about the Venetian. Compared to Hong Kong the transport system here is not that good but thanks to the taxis (which is not that expensive) and the free shuttle buses of the casinos and hotels.

Back in my second home ,Hong Kong

My lovely window view
With Winston Churchill(Madame Tussauds Wax Museum)
HongKong Disneyland
Having some Thai desserts with my cousins
My wonderful cousins

After a long break from blogging, here is my Hong Kong 2oo8 blog. Last November 11 my long awaited bi-annual visit to my second home has finally come. I was booked via Cebu Pacific Air and it was my first time embarking from the new airport(NAIA Terminal 3).It was a hazy and stormy afternoon as the aircraft I’m boarding looms to take-off so I thought that when I arrive in Hong Kong that there would be an encounter with some blizzard of air. Feelings of anticipation, a bit of anxiety and excitement emanate as I waited for the landing. After passing through the Hong Kong immigration I immediately called my eldest cousin Yonny because I still don’t know yet which of my cousins’ house I’m going to stay. Then she told me to ride a particular bus and when the bus stops at the Hoi Lai Estate then that the time I should go down however I told her, how would I know it because of the language barrier, then she told me again that after 25 minutes of travel from the airport the bus stops there in which I timed and its true at 25 minutes stops at that bus stop which is just in front of the residential area in which I’ll be staying. It really amazes me how the transport system of this city is very efficient.
As I went down the bus I was greeted by cousin Jammy and my cute and handsome nephew Wesley. They accompany me to their house (a condo unit which is very prevalent in Hong Kong) and I was welcomed by his husband Akeung who prepared and cooked our marvellous and sumptuous meal ,together with my nephew Jacky and Nani(their Indonesian house help) .On my second day I went to my uncle’s house which is located in the Kwun Tong (Lok Wah area) to pay homage to my grandma, uncle(who unfortunately not around due to some commitments in the mainland) and auntie. On the 15th it’s the time to meet my eldest cousin Yonny ,husband Jo and their lovely angels Venus and Melissa together with my youngest cousin Tracy. They treated me to a fantastic authentic Thai dinner and later that evening to a Thai dessert place, there I found out that my cousins in Honking are indeed are fans of the infamous fruit “the Durian” because all of them ordered durian infused desserts while I ordered a Thai/Japanese fusion dessert. My first Sunday there was spent having lunch with my cousins in a famous noodle joint in Kwun Tong which serves sze chuan pepper flavoured noodles soup ,this pepper is not for the faint of heart this will make your tongue numb and your nose red; but I’m a fan but this time I ordered the milder one. When dinner time comes it’s time to meet my cousin Sammy ,her husband Dan and their kids Kelly and Kevin. We had our dinner at Yonny’s place and had some hot pot(shabu shabu)which was prepared by Jo ,the dinner seems never-ending because of the myriad of food on the table. Monday morning was the time to meet Dan in Sham Shui Po(haven of electronics and toys which I and Dan are fond of).He took me to toyshops , scale model shops and some DVD and cd stores and they (with Sammy)treated me to a fine Japanese Sushi bar and that they was capped by Dan giving me Wall-E limited edition DVD which I really don’t expect and was very touching for me. My last two days in Hong Kong was spent accompanying my cousins to an outlet centre for the ladies which sells ladies shoes,bags,accessories and clothes which I enjoyed and the night ends with the most anticipated meeting with my uncle in Lok Wah Estate my auntie cooked some delicious dinner and my last day was ended with a whole family lunch in a restaurant in Lok Wah.

My day in Honking always start with a breakfast of dim sum particularly dumplings or popularly known as siomai but of different variants ,tea and some oatmeal porridge. Then after together with my cousin and nephew we leave the house while sometimes I stay a bit later downstairs and watch some wushu and some Chinese traditional exercises being done by some old folks in the park. At around 9:30am its time for me to go to my preferred destination. Having the very handy and convenient Octopus card I can ride whatever mode of transportation I like whether it be by minibus,doubledeck bus or MTR except taxis.Have lunch at around 1pm at Mcdonalds or at any street joint to try some indigenous and foreign treats ala Tony Bourdain and Bobby Chinn ,then at 4pm took some snacks like my favorite curried fishballs.My itenerary in this year’s HongKong tour were the Victoria Peak,Madame Tussauds Wax Museum(I always enjoy going here),Disneyland(in my opinion ,too small),Harbour city,Lan Kwai Fong.I always frequent MongKok and Tsim Sha Tsui to have some retail therapy and search for some good finds.My favoriteb shops are sports shoeshops,toy and scale model stores and music and video stores particularly the store HMV.
Whenever I visit this place there are always something new to see and experience like its a small city that constantly evolving.Its never tiring though I always walk and the streets are always crowded.I’ve been to this country several times since the 90’s but the excitement of coming here never ceases .The hardest part of this journey is the leaving part which always make my eyes sweat especially when the aircraft prepares to take-off. Because for me HongKong is my second home.

FOOTNOTE:
Mega THANKS to Almighty Father for providing some avenues to make this happen.I would like to give my deepest gratitude to my wonderful family(my uncle,auntie,grandma,my lovely cousins and their families even their househelps)in HongKong for warm accomodations and hospitality which they always give whenever I visit HongKong .And of course my parents for their big support.

Bobby Chinn (World Cafe Asia MANILA LEG)

My Wild Wild East book signed

With Aimee Marcos as sous chef

giving some cultural tidbits of Hanoi

Whipping something Hanoi style

October 31st was one of my most awaited dates not because it was Halloween but it’s the chance to see Bobby Chinn in the flesh.Bobby Chinn was here in Manila for the taping of one of the episodes of his Discovery Travel channel show World Cafe Asia and for the cooking demo/ booksigning of his book Wild Wild East,

Bobby is the host of Discovery Travel and Living‘s World Cafe Asia, a chef and now an author of the book Wild, Wild East. A Chinese /Egyptian descent Bobby was born in New Zealand raised in San Francisco .He started as a banker until he finds his passion for cooking him now lives in Hanoi where he established his own restaurant. When you want to know the culture and food in Vietnam most especially Hanoi he is the go to guy.

The venue was at the Fort one of Manila’s hippest place specifically at a finer bookstore known as Fully Booked. I arrived there a bit early at around 3:30 and the call time is 5pm because I’m expecting to be cramped in a traffic jam but fortunately I arrived there smoothly. Then I went out of the store and strolled along the vicinity of Serendra.

I came back at around 4:15 and I’m one of the first to be at the venue and Bobby Chinn was already there then I was amazed when he greeted me and I’m starstrucked.Then I waited until the call time and before the start of the cooking demo I was able to have a little chat with him and let my book be signed. Bobby gave the audience some historical and cultural tidbits before proceeding to the cooking demo.He is very cordial, animated and funny as well .The event was packed by some well known chefs and personalities, and lots of freebies were given away like magazines, snacks, recipes and food products.

In my lomo ball(fisheye2)

my dog Schumi doing a Gene Simmons

bisikleta ni pedro

El Dorado's Master Electrician Domengquito a.k.a. Beng