london marathon

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Today, was my first marathon. I was watching at the sideline.

The London Marathon is one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the City. It is also one of the top five world's marathons that make up the World Marathon Majors. This year, at least 36,5oo runners from around the world were expected to finish the 26.2 mile course. In the end, both the men's and women's races were topped by runners from Kenya.

Not them. That's Mario & Luigi.

I found a spot just outside Millwall Park. There, I was joined by thousands of people who were cheering the runners as they pass by. The atmosphere was great. Festive, actually. And you would never guess who and what I saw this afternoon.

It's Will & Kate!

SpongeBob

Dude, where's your pants?

That's a big head.

I will follow him.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2011

This is why God created HD.

neighborhood

I couldn't have picked a better place to live in the city. It's close to my work, has great access to transport links and best of all, it's in a quiet and peaceful area in the middle of the Docklands.

Although I've been to London numerous times before, this is the first time that I am actually living in the British capital. My previous visits only lasted 4 days at the most and I've only been to the touristy and nicer parts of London.

When I got the offer to work in London, looking for accommodation was my biggest challenge. My soon to be employers suggested that I look for flats in the East end area as it would be easier and more convenient to get to work via the DLR. They forgot to mention though that this side of London is, to put it simply, rough. I checked out places in Stratford, Upton Park, Plaistow and Canning Town. The air in those places smelled danger. I tought to myself, I would need to wear an armour everytime I would be going out of the house. Lewisham and Deptford weren't good either. In fact, I saw a flat in Lewisham that was really dodge, I didn't think I was going to get out alive!

I eventually found this maisonette in Island Gardens. Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, I like that it feels like you're not in the middle of the city. There are 3 parks nearby, a football pitch, tennis courts and miles and miles of bike lane. I imagine the area coming alive in the summer.

Below is a picture of the street I live in. It's only 5 minutes to the DLR which can take me to work in less than 10 minutes or I can walk for about 20 minutes to reach Canary Wharf centre.

Island Gardens DLR station.

There's an abundance of open space! Time to put my running shoes on and start jogging. Below are photos of Millwall Park which is practically at my doorstep.

The skyscrapers in Canary Wharf.

The following are pictures Mudchute Farm & Park, literally in my backyard. This is the route I take to work.

Can you see the llama?

Island Gardens Park.

Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich as seen from the park.

rey de la arcilla

Forgive me for stating the obvious but Rafael Nadal is superb. The Spaniard was in supreme form as he demolished Robin Soderling to win his 5th French Open title.

Soderling looked like a thief trying to break in to Nadal's house. The former was doing most of the offence but he was worn down by the brilliant defence of the latter. There's an adage that I read somewhere that goes like this: "No-one beats a fully fit Nadal, especially on clay."

And to think he suffered from tendinitis in both of his knees last year. It may have taken him some time to get back from the pit of despair but he completed it in style to win his 7th Grandslam title so far and cementing his status as the greatest player on that surface- worthy of the title, King of Clay.

legend

We all know he is great. But this just proves he is better than we thought.

Pacquiao beats Cotto, makes history.

oye! oye! oye! oye!

It was definitely worth staying up late for.

In a stunning upset, Juan Martin del Potro has ended Roger Federer's run of dominance at the US Open. The 20-year-old Argentine, number 6 in the world, outlasted the Swiss maestro 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.

bolt

How is that even possible?!? I can come up with a thousand and one things a man can do under 10 seconds but I wouldn't even think of this.

Living up to his name, Usain Bolt shatters the world record with a new personal best time of a mind blowing 9.58 seconds!

15.

The outcome was the inevitable but getting there was definitely an amazing surprise. Roger Federer's history making win was nothing short of a classic.

Federer had to work hard for more than 4 hours to seal the victory against Roddick which was contrary to what experts predicted. Pundits expected annihilation from Roger but it didn't come. Instead spectators were treated to a marathon match as the two players matched each other's shots, strides and massive serves.

ARod, the runner-up, played the match of his life and he still came up second best. And I feel sorry for him because the 5 set thriller is dramatic proof how he worked hard to be there. A lot of people already dismissed him and said he was already done and yet he kept on fighting. He displayed a tremendous amount of resilience most especially after the disappointment in the second set. Deep down in mind I know Federer was going to win but as the match progressed, Roddick pulled enough tricks to make one think that he could pull a Nadal. And I'm sure the 15000 people inside the Centre Court wouldn't have minded. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.

Roddick sure had a few chances, especially in the second and a couple more in the last set but Federer was just too good and produced big shots when it mattered. It just goes to show what sort of player Roger Federer is. He is a true champion and unbelievable player; and his latest win further bolsters his argument for Greatest Of All-Time status. Congratulations.

And to Roddick, a big hand. I hope he wins another title in the future. History proves that the brave is always rewarded, perhaps not today but hopefully soon.

one great photo.

omg!

I mean, OMG!

Rafael Nadal's unbeaten run at the French Open is over.

batalla épica

World numero uno, Rafael Nadal beat Fernando Verdasco in the Australian Open semi-final. The two Spaniards (both lefties) went at each other for 5 hours and 14 minutes, the longest in the tournament's history.

It was one of the greatest tennis battles I've seen. The classic match was filled with long rallies, stupendous winners and tremendous athleticism from both players. And although you expect nothing but the best from Nadal, Verdasco proved that he is definitely in the same league. The latter produced 95 clean winners and was the only player to take sets off from the mighty Iberian.

Nadal will meet Roger Federer, who is seeking to tie Pete Sampras' record of 14 grandslam titles, in the finals. Nates, made it clear who he's rooting for. I, on the other hand, will put my money on Rafa. He's most definitely drained, tired and sore but I believe in his unbelievable tenacity and amazing skills.

And with shots like this, he certainly deserves it.

Verdasco could've thrown a sink at Rafa and the latter would still find a way to send it back to him!

how do you say spectacular in chinese?

Yeah, yeah. I'm like a long delayed echo.

The opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics was extraordinary, wasn't it? I didn't see the whole show for I was hard at work (not!) but what a spectacular performance.

wimbledon-e

Been there, done that and taken a picture of it.

For 4 years, I've been wanting to go visit the All England Club. And since the missus is here to keep me company, we travelled to SW19 for a day trip. Although we didn't get Centre court tickets, just being there in the grounds is an amazing experience. The atmosphere was very festive and everybody was really enjoying the sun, which must be noted, didn't go out until midday. Yes, it was raining Saturday morning (what do expect? This is England after all).

After a 5 year hiatus, it was a Willams' sisters final at Wimbledon yesterday and I was there to see it. Never mind that I watched the game on a big screen by Henman Hill outside Court 1. By all means it was a competitive match-up. Both sisters hit big serves and had some heavy and long exchanges.

In the end, it was Venus rising to the occassion. With 5 Wimbledon titles, she still trails Serena 5-2, in the 7 Grandslam finals against each other. Ketty and I picked Venus to win and I was kicking myself later in the day for not putting money on it. A few hours later, Serena won her own title, with the help of big sister of course. The tandem clinched their third Wimbledon doubles title. Their seventh Grandslam Doubles title in total.

The Williams' sisters are two of my favorite tennis players. You watch them not because they look great but because they play great. Every stroke and every hit they make show how incredible they are. Take Venus for example, she maybe lacking in grace but her strength and speed more than compensate for it. If power has a name, Serena is it. The Sharapovas, Ivanovics and Jancovics can only dream what the sisters have. Surely, they have the talent but they lack the aura of invincibility that makes their opponents quiver as soon as they enter the court. No other women players have that presence.

On the other hand, have you seen the men's finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer? Now that's what I call, an Epic win!

party pooper

Novak Djokovic plays the role of a party pooper as he beat, world number one, Roger Federer in the semifinal of the Australian Open.

mabilis lang 'to. parang si-me-co.

* I have yet to hear a Christmas carol this year. If I were in the Philippines, this wouldn't have been a problem since some radio stations play the first Christmas carol on the 1st of September.

* Have you tried eating beer-battered chips? It's the bomb!

* Go for glory. To the Filipino athletes competing in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, goodluck.

* GMA gets Medalla de Oro for defending human rights. They must be having a laugh?!?!

* Teatro Tomasino - the university-wide theatre guild of UST- will be staging "Twosome" at the Albertus Magnus auditorium on December 11 and 12. This twinbill production features Chris Martinez' "Welcome to Intelstar" and Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero's "Wanted: Chaperon" both directed by John Lapus.

* The Manila Ocean Park is already open. Have any of you been there yet? Any good?

* Finally saw Les Miz in West End. Ketty and I queued up three times (the last one at least for 30 minutes in bitter weather) to get tickets. Apparently, that weekend was very busy. The guy at the box office even told us how lucky we were to get tickets as the show was sold out. Unfortunately, the seats weren't together and with restricted view. It was a good show though. The performances were remarkable. Joanna Ampil's portrayal of Fantine was spot on. Her "I dreamed a dream" number was stirring.

* Did you know that we have to pay for a TV license here in the UK? A colour TV Licence costs £135.50 and a black and white licence costs £45.50. And you'd think they'll produce quality shows after that. Not!

* "Jack Bauer" begins his 48-day prison sentence. 48 divided by 2 is 24. Wala lang.

* Don't forget to switch off the lights when not in use.

it's one for the old guy

Former world number one, and personal favorite, Pete Sampras stuns Roger Federer in Macau.

novak joke-ovic

World number three, Novak Djokovic, does wicked impressions of some of tennis-dom's other top players. Although I doubt it if these tricks will help him should he face Federer in the US Open finals, it still is amusing and loads of fun to watch him goof around.

tour de france

It was over in less than two minutes. I only waited for more or less an hour but hundreds of people waited longer, I'm sure.

Today, the first leg of the Tour de France kicked off in London. The route took the riders to Maidstone all the way to Canterbury where Robbie McEwan of Australia finished first. These are some of the photos I took, there's more here and videos here.










follow my lead.










giant screen.










bike carrier.










waiting.










what the bloody hell is that?!?

sari-saring potpourri

There are 26 copies of The Order of The Phoenix in Maidstone Library. As of 1300 today, all of which had been checked out. I guess all of us wanted to re-read the book again (this is the fourth time I'm reading the book) before the new film comes out.

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If you are reading this in Manila, be sure to check out the Virgin Labfest at CCP. Some of the country's best in theatre will be participating in the said festival. One of them is a very good friend who will be appearing in "Three Sisters" directed by Jose Estrella.

Joel, break a leg! I have always admired your talent and your audacity to chase your dream. There is nothing more important than following your heart's desire and living your passion. All the best pare. Btw, goodluck on your impending career on cable tv. Naks, pa-autograph pag-uwi ko. hehehe

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Speaking of good friends, happy birthday to Remy and JR. Have a wicked day and remember: y'all will get it all, only not everything at the same time!

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And talking about dreams, my cousin Lala's PCIJ feature has been posted on the Ateneo website. Well-done! Please write more.

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Read this new commandment of the Philippine Catholic Church: Thou shalt not wear skimpy clothes to mass.

It's really alarming how some people consider going to church as an opportunity to display their new clothes. I remember one of my teachers in highschool telling our class: "Sa simbahan ang punta n'yo, hindi sa gimikan."

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For three years now, I've been telling myself (and those who cared to listen) that I'll be going to Wimbledon. This year, it looks like it's going to happen. My mate and I are planning to catch one of the men's semi-final matches at the All England Club next week. I hope it doesn't rain.

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Lastly, the missus shares her recipe for the best kare-kare here. I swear by the only blonde hair in my body (one and a half inches long on my left arm), it's really masarap!

logo-logo

In the UK, 400k pounds will get you a pink garish emblem that looks more like a broken swastika drawn by Barbie than the logo of the Olympic Games.

In an attempt to appeal to the younger generation, the design team must've had graffiti art and the hiphop culture as inspiration in coming up with this design. The result, IMHO, is unreadable and a complete and utter mess. With that ridiculous amount of budget, I would've expected a more powerful and impressive design. It's lacking in character. I'm not expecting the Big Ben, London Eye or even the Union Jack in the logo because that would've been predictable but this is totally devoid of British flavor.

A colleague said it looks like a girl giving a head. What do you think?

hp (halo-halo potpourri)

Oh. My. God.

After viewing this for the nth time, I'm like a kid waiting to open his presents on Christmas morning. Except that this Christmas, I know this'll be better than the gifts I will receive. But this shouldn't discourage you from giving me presents, okay? I love gifts. The more, the many-ier!



Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opens on July 13.

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My favorite tennis player is back. Pete Sampras, arguably the greatest tennister who has ever lived, defeated Todd Martin to win Champions Cup of Boston. I don't think we will see him slugging it out with the circuit's younger players anymore. But just the same, I am very glad to learn he's playing again.

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Today is bank holiday Monday in the UK. Unfortunately for me, I will be working.