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Sigabong 2010 – Clash XXII: The Renaissance of Faith

deuts — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:56:35 +0000

The UP Hamili Brotherhood and UP Hamilia Sisterhood present the 22nd Edition of Sigabong – a prestigious annual battle of the bands in Iloilo City. This year’s edition features an Inter-School Battle of the Bands and will be held on March 6, 2010, 7:00 PM at Iloilo Capitol Grounds.

Participants to this event will include bands from:

St. Therese College;
Iloilo National High School;
University of San Agustin;
Western Institute of Technology;
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University;
Collegio de San Jose;
Central Philippines University;
Alimodian National High School;
West Visayas State University; and
Iloilo Doctors College;

Which brings to mind: it’s been more than 10 years since my first experience as a resident when we held Sigabong in 1999. That really was a long time ago.

Good luck to the resident Su-ons from the UP Hamili Brotherhood and UP Hamilia Sisterhood. Cheers to your success!

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I learned about my passion in photography when I had my first digital camera in Sony DSC-S60. Then I took it the next level when I had a Canon EOS 30D. You can check out my latest photos at my flickr photostream or my self-hosted gallery (which I intend to update soon).

If you wish, I would love for you to subscribe to my flickr photostream via email. By subscribing, it means that you’ll receive an email notifications everytime I upload new photos to my photostream. Click here, enter your email address, and follow the online instructions.

Obeertym: a Yahoo! Basketball Fantasy League, Season 2

deuts — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:33:23 +0000

Locked and loaded! The league is ready for kick-off. 15 teams are in for the battle for their right to the crown. 15 teams, out of which 9 were carried over from the premiere season, while 5 dropped out of the race. 6 new franchises in second season.

Let’s take a look at the progress of the league from the last season. The teams below are ranked according to the standings of the 2008 season.

As the Commissioner, I say welcome to the newcomers, and to the rest of the teams — GOODLUCK!

P.S. And to El Galacticos and BolBol (aka DecimusQuintus), I can see you!

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NBA2K10 Now Available in Stores in the Philippines

deuts — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:43:32 +0000

NBA2K10, which was released October 6 in the US, arrived at Philippine stores today, and they’re selling like hotcakes. I was glad I was able to grab a copy from Datablitz in Rockwell.

I was too excited I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight (LOL). A new game from my favorite series, there are a lot of adjustments to make. Hopefully, they’d be all for the better enjoyment of the game.

I’ve read a lot of reviews, negative and positive, about this new installment from 2K Sports. As a matter of fact, the 2K Sports forums are swarmed with whinings, complaints, and issues about the game, some valid while some are about simple aesthetics.

For me, it’s still fresh from the store. I’m gonna hold off with the review until maybe a week of play, both offline and online. I hope I can come up with a comprehensive review, I’ll surely post it here. Meantime, I’ll enjoy the weekend with my new game.

P.S. By the way, I got a Region 1 BLUS copy of the title, and it’s working great with my standard TV.

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Poll Result: Who’s the Greatest Player to Ever Play Basketball

deuts — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:56:26 +0000

Our survey, which arose from the heated discussion in Mon’s post, “Michael Jordan: The Greatness of his Airness, came to a close today after running for exactly one month. 52 respondents cast their votes, and here are the results:

Michael Jordan – 33 votes – 63%
Kobe Bryant – 6 votes – 12%
Deuts Ambuscade – 5 votes – 10%
Lebron James – 3 votes – 6%
Oscar Robertson – 2 votes – 4%
Magic Johnson – 1 vote – 2%
Larry Bird – 1 vote – 2%
Others – Manu Ginobili – 1 vote – 2%

So here it appears Michael Jordan is the clear winner. Of course we haven’t obtained the demographics of the respondents. So we really can’t tell whether MJ is still popular especially to the younger generations who haven’t yet seen him play.

Nevertheless, behind the result, I’m glad I was able to garner as much respondents. It’s really not that much but it’s actually beyond my personal expectations. Thank you to all respondents. Based on this, I think we should feature more polls/surveys here. Anyone suggestion for the next poll question? Drop a line in the comments below.

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The ‘Hangtime’ Move by Deuts Ambuscade

deuts — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:57:23 +0000

Deuts Ambuscade is Brewing Coffee in the Air.

Wearing jersey no. 8, Deuts Ambuscade of the San Antonio Spurs gets past three defenders in this impressive move to the basket.

Okay, not to confuse with the real life NBA, this was just a clip from my favorite Playstation 3 game, the NBA 2k9. Deuts Ambuscade was a created player of mine and a superstar playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

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Donaire wins WBA super flyweight title by unanimous decision

deuts — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 05:42:14 +0000

LAS VEGAS — Nonito Donaire unanimously outpointed Rafael Concepcion on Saturday night in his first super flyweight fight to take the WBA interim title.

Donaire, the 26-year-old Filipino star who vacated his IBF flyweight title to move up in weight, improved to 22-1 with his 21st consecutive victory. Judge Max De Luca scored the fight 117-111, Duane Ford had it 115-113, and Jerry Roth called it 116-112.

via Donaire wins WBA super flyweight title by unanimous decision.

Congratulations to Nonito Donaire! We Filipinos are truly proud of you!

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The Cory Aquino Funeral and the Error 99

deuts — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:25:22 +0000

I don’t think I could let it pass when I knew that former President Cory Aquino’s funeral march will pass by near my place. So I grabbed my camera and tried my best to document the event despite the heavy rains.

However, as I was shooting around, I got the much dreaded Error 99 by every Canon camera owners. Maybe it was because of the dying battery, maybe the CF card, maybe the lens, or worst–the camera itself (God forbid!)

Everytime the error occured, I had to turn off the camera and back on again before I can actually get the shot. It was real annoying, but at least I got to take some pictures (see below).

It was a long wait, but I guess it was worth it. The was I guess the largest crowd I’ve ever seen so far, and in a rainy day at that.

Back to the error, I still have to perform some tests in order to isolate what’s actually causing the error. So please wish me luck that I won’t need to replace a lens or the camera.

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Michael Jordan: The Greatness of his Airness

Mon — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:45:57 +0000

Another guest post from Mon.

Below is the text of the same exact email I sent to airjudden. In his/her website, he extensively chronicled points as to why Michael Jordan (MJ) can’t be considered the greatest ever. He shares valuable points and insights to justify his claims. In fact, I think he really wants it to be so encompassing in the guise of highlighting other ballers’ accomplishment but it’s really just so that other not-so-vital tidbits may be included to shatter MJ’s greatness.

The thing is, he obviously shies away from one very significant factor as to why people regard MJ as the best ever – how he has consistently managed to raise his game when it matters the most – on the biggest basketball stage – The NBA Playoffs. Like him, I challenge anyone who can name me a baller who has managed to elevate his game more as the playoffs progresses all the way to the Finals.

There was only one man that could stop Michael Jordan, and that was Michael Jordan

Accordingly, he ranks four men ahead of MJ as greatest ever. So, one by one, I tried to prove otherwise and establish MJ as the greatest PER my criteria. A criteria, that I think, differentiates greatness from mere talent, luck and biological advantages.

He always maintains that MJ being #1 is just a product of pure media-hype. All I can say is, no matter how much hype the media generates on a baller, if he can’t execute the plays that matter the most, nothing would come out of it. MJ has time and again proved his worth, not only during routine regular season games but more importantly deep into the NBA Playoffs. And that, for me, makes him the greatest ever. Read on:

Stumbled on your site: http://airjudden2.tripod.com/

Great stuff there on debunking MJ’s being the greatest ever.

I’m an MJ fanatic. I believe he’s the greatest. On the other hand, obviously that’s crap for you. No worries, I come in peace and in the name of “sound” basketball discussion. That’s your opinion and I respect that. Your criteria is different (and shall we say more encompassing, even includes college/amateur ranks and tons of stats).

Can’t help but comment though on your own rankings. For me the measure of a really great athlete is his performance WHEN IT COUNTS THE MOST. And for the need for quantifiable gauge, I’m putting much emphasis on NBA Playoff performance of the players – significant measure of which is The Finals MVP. Because I believe this is where pretenders are weeded out from great performers.

Wilt – As dominating as he was during the regular seasons, he can’t even score more than MJ in a playoff game and in career average. Ok, he takes the cake in Rebs, Blocks, etc. But if he was really that great, imposing and dominating, how come he got just 2 Finals MVP’s (assuming 1 from Philly’s championship run)? Aren’t great players suppose to get it up several notches higher deep into the season? Oh and sinking their freethrows with regularity shouldn’t be a tall order for great players, right?

Big O – Perhaps the most complete and statistically-gifted baller in history. Then again, if he can dominate on his own, and make his teammates even better, how come he’s got only 1 championship ring to show? And no Finals MVP to boot? So he just coasted during his entire career? I know lots of other players who can fill up the stat sheets day in and day out. So, nothing quite special there. What was he doing when his team was getting eliminated season after season? Still filling up the stats sheet? That’s cute but not great.

Larry - 3 straight regular season MVP’s (only man to do so apart from Wilt and Bill) something MJ didn’t accomplish. But then again, even Steve Nash won back to back. But when the real season unfolds, how did Larry Legend fare? He got 2 Finals MVP’s of the C’s 3 championships in the ‘80’s. Cedric Maxwell managed to upstage his star teammates’ efforts and get one for himself. Cedric Maxwell. But yes, Larry is in my top 5, just not ahead of MJ who would take it upon himself when the going gets really tough – 6 out of 6 times.

Magic – A winner in every level of basketball play. 3 Finals MVP’s, 1 during his rookie season at that! Suave playmaker and can take charge when he wants to. But he needed an aging KAJ to deliver a Finals MVP performance in ‘85 for them to win the championship. Ok, he’s that good at making his teammates (Worthy in ‘88 as well) better. But then again, his 3 Finals MVP’s are just HALF of what MJ has. Add to that, was he even regarded as a Defensive Player at all? MJ was, even winning DPY back in ‘88.

I know I can NEVER convince you MJ is the greatest. But certainly, those 4 players you mentioned ahead of MJ have more knocks than MJ himself.

Ok, using my criteria of playoff performance and Finals MVP, one name comes to mind that you may blurt out to topple MJ – Bill Russell, after whom the Finals MVP trophy is actually named. He was playing coach, defensive demon (DPY award wasn’t handed out yet during his era, as well as the Finals MVP), 11 championship rings, etc. etc. Of course, my bias for MJ over Bill would be - with the game on the line, who would you rather have the ball and maybe take the last shot if needed? Thanks for Hondo, Bill was redeemed of his booboo in the relatively simple task of JUST inbounding the basketball.

It’s just that “Greatness” is both quantitative and qualitative. That’s why people all have varying opinions. The mere fact that you’ve established your site to PRIMARILY debunk the notion that MJ is the greatest, even adds to his greatness. Why? Would it even warranted the same meticulous effort and attention on your part if other people were insinuating other players as the greatest? I’m sure the task would have been either too easy or too foolish to even consider undertaking.

Anyway have a good one, dude. Awesome stuff on your site.

- Mon (a basketball fan and MJ fanatic)

(as it also appeared at monstermon23)

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SMC-PBA Group Making a Mockery of Filipino Basketball Fans

Mon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:57:53 +0000

Another guest blogger in the house! Let’s welcome Mon, and hear what he has to say about what’s going on in what-we-both-used-to-love professional basketball league — the Philippine Basketball Association.
________________________

The latest news (or rumors, if you may) from hoops.blink.ph reports, “And the rich get richer, Arwind Santos to SMB?“:

The current PBA finals is still up and running but it seems to be shadowed by the latest possible PBA trade: Arwind Santos to the San Miguel Beermen.

…

The same star-studded SMB team with arguably no “banko” type players (Bono was a UAAP MVP, Eman is a former no. 1 overall draft pick, and Chris Calaguio is a grizzled veteran), now gets Arwind Santos, MVP candidate for the past 2 seasons and arguably among the top 3 local players in the PBA.

The PBA should just be renamed as San Miguel Corp. Invitational Tournament. This “league” is just making a mockery of the fans’ interest and affection (not to mention their pockets).

Notice how teams would end up bunched up all together after the elimination rounds; practically every team has a fighting chance to make it to the next round (equal marketing exposure). And notice that even if the SMC teams have superior line ups, they don’t end up altogether in the semis, a maximum of two SMC teams just qualify for the semis at any given tournament. Of course, they all belong to one “association”; that’s why non-SMC teams are allowed to have their share of semis exposure just the same. What happens is that the SMC teams are just rotating on who will advance on to the latter rounds from tournament to tournament.

Why did fan interest dwindle through the years? Two things:

League predictability of teams being bunched up every after the elimination rounds (league parity? looks like league charade if you ask me); and
Players (especially the marquee ones) just playing through the motions of a basketball game.

At the end of the day, it’s just a commercial league. As long as every participating team have had their share of market exposure, that’s all that matters. The sarsuela of “quality” games make that possible. It’s not unusual to see your powerhouse team beaten by a ragtag team. And it’s not surprising anymore how a Don Camaso can be traded for a Rico Villanueva. Just like in the NBA, in the PBA / San Miguel Invitational, it’s where “amazing” moro moro happens.

I’m just your ordinary Filipino basketball fan. And yup, I still watch the “crucial” PBA games (sudden death, games 7’s etc.) from time to time although I just tune in on the TV for lack of better stuff to watch rather than watch at the coliseum which I used to do before.

I just can’t help but vent my sentiments because I’m still one of the few (if there are still that remains) “morons” who still nurtures the (impossible?) dream that the RP basketball team can still win in Asian tournaments, with China’s and S. Korea’s A-teams participating. And I’m just saddened at how our “San Miguel League” stunts the growth of our Filipino players by bunching all those potential and established superstars. How can our quality players continue to develop if they just end up competing in a moro moro against obviously inferior teams? And by just going through the motions of competing for their paycheck?

I know we have our equally incompetent basketball governing bodies tasked to take care of international competitions (but that’s another matter altogether). Needless to say, the best talents in the land are in the “San Miguel League”. And it’s a pity to see their potential go to waste because instead of genuinely competing among themselves and bringing out the best in everyone, they just end up subbing for each other and be content with 10-15 minute playing time. I know it’s a professional/commercial league so I guess we can’t do anything about it if SMC wants to get Arwind for Bono, Eman & Calaguio, no matter how ridiculous it may sound.

I just feel insulted by these one-sided deals and maybe there are other Filipino basketball fans who feel the same way. To see the level of competition in the PBA deteriorate is as heartbreaking as seeing Olsen Racela miss those two free-throws at the ‘02 Asiad all over again. The only difference is the former is being done on purpose while the latter was just sheer breaks of the game.

Anyway, I hope there’ll be a game 7 so additional proceeds from gate receipts and ads in the TV coverage would come in; and just an incidental upside of a game 7 would be to expose the players to even greater pressure and see how they respond to clutch situations. At least even for just one game in the finals, we can get to witness real basketball.

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The Most Celebrated Video Scandal of 2009

deuts — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:51:38 +0000

Perhaps you reached this page hoping to get maybe even a glimpse of the video I’m talking about. Well I’m sorry to disappoint you but you won’t get to watch any video here nor get any link to the videos.

Anyway, in the recent developments, Dr. Hayden Kho expressed his apology and regret over the whole scandal in an interview by GMA Network. I wonder though, did he regret for recording the video beyond the awareness of his partner or for failure to have discovered beforehand about truecrypt?

TrueCrypt is a software application used for real-time on-the-fly encryption. It can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file or a device-hosted encrypted volume on either an individual partition or an entire storage device. It supports Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (using FUSE) and encrypted volumes can be made portable. The version for Windows Vista or XP can encrypt the boot partition or entire boot drive and has the ability to create and run a hidden encrypted operating system whose existence is deniable.

You may want to read about my earlier post, “Auditor and Technology; Importance of Data Security“.

Okay, don’t get me wrong. I believe that recording a video of your sexual act beyond the awareness and consent of your partner is plain “retarded-ness” at best (I mean there could be worse descriptions). And failure to secure and encrypt those stupid videos is a grave blunder.