This...

…deserves a separate post. We came up to Uncle Toni and asked to be photographed with him, we thought he’d be a little pissed because he was talking with someone at the time. We didn’t mean to be rude but we only had a little more than 10 seconds of break time to accomplish our plan but he smiled and gladly posed for the camera.  I planned of putting my arms around him (feeling close) but instead he put his arms around me!!! Yay! He had warm hands. I giggled a bit… okay, A LOT. Ha-ha-ha!

 

Rafa Was Here!

Growing up inside Camp Aguinaldo made me believe that there were only three sports – golf, tennis and basketball.

Golf because I thought at the time the whole Camp Aguinaldo was a golf course, I mean, each morning I’d pick up a few golf balls inside our backyard.

Tennis because every playground in the camp has a tennis court. I remember picking up a racquet back in the day and imitating Martina Navratilova or John McEnroe. That’s how my love for tennis began.

Basketball because my father loved it (I hate it). I’m not a fan of team sports.

Anyway, this is where I’m really getting at, ever since Rafael Nadal became a professional tennis player my love for tennis increased ten folds. I love the way spins the ball, I love the way air pumps every time he hits a winner. The intensity he brought to the game is just unbelievable. I’ve always dreamed of watching him live. I didn’t know how but I thought to myself maybe if I saved enough money I could go to Melbourne and watch him there. The land down under is the nearest grand slam country I could go to.

But as it turned out I didn't have to leave the country after all, last December 7, 2015 that dream came true, Rafael Nadal came to here via the IPTL Manila. I could not sleep days before the event, it all felt surreal. I mean, words couldn’t describe how I felt. I wanted to scream and I did. Almost fainted, thank God I did not. I took pictures, lots of them, mostly crappy but they were my shots, still proud of it. I came near him, like, three feet away. Close enough to touch but I dared not. Mostly, I screamed and took pictures that’s all I remember.

   

To tell the truth, I don’t like taking pictures with celebrities, it just didn’t interest me but this time I wanted a picture with Rafa I knew it was impossible so my friend and made a plan to take a picture with the next best thing, Uncle Toni Nadal!

 

The Woodstock of Tennis!

Never in a million years did I dream that I'll have chance to see my favorite tennis players in real life but it happened. For real! I don't know if I'll be calling it a dream come true because I never dreamed that I'd see them all playing in a court simply because I live in a third world country, why would they come here. So instead I'd be calling it a blessing from above.  :)

My friend and I had a 3-day pass starting from November 28 to November 30. Now, where do I start? It all happened so fast. The last thing I remember was I was working and then I got a message from Lynette, my friend, that she has tickets for the both of us to watch the IPTL tour and then I took a bath, oh, I think I should mention that I was working from home that day, then off I went to MOA arena. We got the surprise of our lives when we realized that we were holding VIP tickets! How I got the ticket was another story that deserves a separate blog entry. But like I said, it was a blessing from above. Good thing I had pictures, crappy pictures taken from my phone I might add, but nevertheless proof that I was there and watched the whole thing.

I don't normally like to have my picture taken in front of people but I needed proof that it was not a dream.

My friend and I thought that we'd pass out, we were screaming and hyperventilating. We'd look at each other quietly and then scream again. I even forgot how to count scores! I was so excited. Had Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer been there my bucket list would've been complete. It's a good thing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga kept us "company", he's really, really handsome. I was looking at him all the time.

Gael Monfils kept us entertained, he was funny and a real good dancer, it looked like he was truly enjoying the exhibit, must have been refreshing to just play tennis and not worry about your world ranking.

I wish I could say something great about Andy Murray but watching him play was very frustrating and disappointing. I mean he was the main man of Manila Mavericks but he just couldn't win. He  kept on losing. We were shouting our lungs out, praying silently he'd win, when a ball hit someone to my right that made us shut up for a while. It could've been us? And then we were picking on Andy again. I shouted "Andy, win this and I'll be your fan forever!" That's how sure I was he'd lose but then he found his rhythm and won on the last day, on the last game.

What did I do? Oh my gosh!

Let's go for 14!

What a game that was! I knew Rafa's gonna win the 1st set because Novak was missing routine shots, I think he was nervous! Hah! I also expected that Novak will win  set 2. What I didn't see coming was the 3-0 Novak winning in the 3rd set! I was losing hope, I was so sure Rafa's will win and Novak was changing my script. It's a good thing Rafa is so tough mentally, he's very physically fit but mentally, he is super human and that I think is what the other players lack.

You better watch out Novak, Rafa is just a few hundred points away from that top position, it's just a matter time, you better enjoy the moment.

Congratulations, Rafa! See you in the Aussie open! Let's go for 14!

*goodnight good people*

Forgiven

I'm so sorry I made fun of your hair.  :(

Andy forgave me... in my dreams, really!

I was sitting on one those benches where the grass is green and everyone's wearing white so I'm guessing I was in Wimbledon when suddenly a man wearing a white jogging pants with matching jacket and gold stripes sat beside me, an Adidas maybe. You guessed it, it was Andy and then he smiled at me, I smiled back and then I suddenly felt guilty and remembered all the bad things I said about him in my blogs, the emotion was so strong, felt ashamed so I did what my heart and mind is telling me... I asked for forgiveness! I told him I was sorry I ridiculed and made fun of him, etc. He didn't say anything he just smiled at me again. I guess I'm forgiven.

Just a suggestion though, Ivan has already taken care of your grand slams don't you think it's time you hire someone to take care of your hair or your overall appearance?

Partners

I love this photo of Jerry Burgess! Almost heartwarming, really. They must really love each other, this is more that a decade of partnership, and honestly, I could not imagine Vale without Jerry...

photo from @gigisoldano

...much like Rafa Nadal without Uncle Toni, unimaginable! I always look for Uncle Toni everytime Rafa has a match, just isn't complete without him.

good day everyone!

The Mighty(ies) have fallen

What is going on in Wimbledon? The seeded are being upset by the...errr...seedless, I guess.  But there's someone that really caught my attention from the bunch of unseeded players now... it's Dustin Brown. It's like he's putting groove into tennis. I swear I'm singin' jammin' when I see him. He's 28 so he's probably not going any further but I hope to see him in the US Open also.

*loads of love and goodnight*

US Open Finals 2012

For someone labeled as drama king... I think his win in the US Open lacks drama. He was just as stiff when he won the gold medal in the olympics. Or maybe I was just expecting too much from Andy. I've always imagined uncontrollable tears from him with matching group hug from his box. Did not happen. Oh, well.

Finally, the Brits can stop moaning about their lost glory... etc. It's been a long time coming, congratulations Andy Murray! By the way, lose the hair!

So glad to see Sir Sean Connery cheering Andy Murray! I could almost hear him saying, "He's no English may I remind all of you. Andy is Scotland's son!" 

All four major slams are won by the top 4 players: Australian Open (Novak), French Open (Nadal), Wimbledon (Fed) and US Open (Murray). I wonder how they'll do next year.


*someone from nole's box looked like dog the bounty hunter, who is she?*

Maybe next time

You were great, you certainly did not make it easy for Nole. I thought you should know that.  


*just woke up from my siesta but somehow i feel tired*

Semifinals US Open 2012

I made a bold prediction over twitter the other day that Andy Murray would pulverize Tomas Berdych! It was a (an unwanted) reply to Gary Lightbody actually, he didn't know who to root for between Berdych and Fededer. I know Murrays stands a better chance beating Berdych than Fed so that's what I told him. And I was right! All Andy has to do now is lose the hair! Go bald. Think aerodynamics!

Now, let's wait for someone... I'm looking at you David Ferrer!

*have a good sleep everyone. i'm so tired myself, been a long and busy day*

Daveeed!

What a match! David, the force was indeed with you! Rest now dearie you've got a tough match ahead of you. I'm sure it'll be Nole on the other side of the court. Please don't get intimidated, he's no. 1 now but the contract is just about to expire. Me thinks it should be you and Andy on the finals! I said I'd be rooting for Andy but... David I think I'm falling for you again. Sigh.

*the sun is shining oh so bright. i'm not happy*

The Berd upsets the GOAT?!

Right. THIS happened while I was taking a bath... angry Berdych upsets Fed? I am speechless. Almost impossible. So it's Berdych against Murray then. Anything can happen but my money's on Murray! Yes Andy!

*i'm missing vale all of a sudden, i wonder why? anyway, david ferrer will play janko...tipsa... whatever... better get myself ready. have a good day everyone!*

Tennis - Rafa = No fun

Tennis is no fun without Rafa and Uncle Toni. What's even sadder is the announcement that Rafa may even miss the rest of the tournament of 2012 because of his knee injury. Sigh. More sadness. I miss the on-court Rafa. I better find me something to cheer me up. Fast.

Anyway, David seems to be doing well, he's beaten Lleyton Hewitt to advance to the quarterfinals, vamos!

Yikes! Even 'vamos' does not sound right if it isn't Rafa! Nonetheless, I would like to see you on the finals, it's your time! Believe. By the way, shorter shorts please!

*pensive*

Rain + Tennis = glorious sleep

Had a wonderful sleep last night--the rain finally came. Everyone I know frowned, I didn't say a word because I was jubilating, I was seeing fireworks! The only thing missing was a hot bowl of sopas.

As I am writing this Andy Murray is on the verge of winning his 2nd round match against Dodig. 

Go Andy! I can't believe I'm cheering Andy. Rafa's fault. Just saying.

David Ferrer also won, I lost a few hours of sleep because of you David. I'd like to see on the finals, that and your nice pair of legs! Shorter shorts please!  *blushing*

*have a very good day everyone and a hot bowl of sopas, on me*

U.S. Open 2012 Round 1

With Rafa out of the picture, he seems to be enjoying his rest, I'll be rooting for you, Andy Murray. 

I do not know why.

Yes, Andy! (ooops! not you Anderson)

I said I'd never watch the Olympics because Rafa's not playing but I couldn't resist last night! I want Andy Murray to win so badly. Enough of the dramas, Andy, it's time you win! I've seen enough grand slam heartbreaks from you to last lifetime already!


It was clear from last night's game that Andy's  a bit relaxed, he even smiled a few times so maybe that's the winning  attitude, loosening a little, don't take it too seriously, after all, it's just a game, no one's gonna die. Andy was aggressive and all over the place, as expected, but why was The Fed playing badly, as if he wasn't trying to win, I've seen him dig himself up from a hole before so why was he not trying last night?

Anyway, congratulations Andy! In a way, me thinks that this win will somehow "make-up" for all the grand slam losses you endured.

No reason to watch the Olympics

Rafa won't be participating at the 2012 Olympics because he is in no condition to compete. He is supposed to be the flag bearer for his country. Sad new indeed. His knee tendinitis sidelined him again.

Be well for the US Open Rafa!

I have no reason the watch Olympics... but wait... is David Ferrer playing?

Tsk... tsk... tsk...

I am so sad for you! That was the best chance to win a grand slam and you wasted it! Anyway, you're the first British man to enter the finals in Wimbledon in 74 years. I guess that's still something to be proud of.

Wimbledon 2012

You continue to break my heart. You were doing great what happened?

Andy, I know I've been mean to you ever since. I've always loved to pick on you, your hair, your shoes, everything! By the way, why don't you try to go bald, it could work. You don't look all that bad -- it's the hair that turn people off. Believe me! Anyway, the tweets are right you are the drama king of tennis, I say, enough of the drama and win that grand slam! I know you can do it! Rafa's out of the picture take advantage of the situation. It's about time you win!

What just happened?

I worked overtime for one night and then I woke up with a text message from a dear friend of mine that Rafa lost to a nobody... Whaaat? It can't be true. How in the world did that nobody do that? I am very sad.





My only wish now is that Nole doesn't get the title. I think it's about time Andy Murray gets the title, I know I've been mean to Andy ever since and I've always enjoyed to watch his heart break grand slam after grand slam. What? I'm just being honest and if I didn't know me any better I just might be in love with Andy.