Yohanism #38

The earlier football game between the Philippines and Mongolia was exhilarating. Adrenaline rushed whenever the ball came very close to the goal. My family cheered as Chieffy Caligdong gave the Philippines its first goal. We were ecstatic when Phil Younghusband gave the country its second goal.  It was a 2-0 triumph for the Philippines.

Here's a funny conversation after the game ...

Me: "Phil Younghusband is so cute!"

Yohan: "Mom, it's not about the looks. It's all about the skill."

ha!ha! I almost died laughing. Good thing Phil is blessed with both. :)

Congrats Azkals! 

Viva España

 Yohan wearing Spain football uniform.

Congratulations to Spain for winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup! Cheers to Andres Iniesta for bringing home the goal for Spain. It was worth waking up very early in the morning to watch the live telecast on TV. It's amazing that Paul the Octopus was right once again.  :)

Soccer Summer Fun

Kids nowadays prefer to stay at home.  Inactivity among kids is often fueled by television, game consoles and computer games.

My son used to be a homebody.  His activities were not limited to television and computer games because I made it a point to interject activities like drawing,  painting, educational games and fun crafts.  However, I realized that something was missing.  He lacked agility and flexibility.

This summer hubby and I enrolled Yohan in soccer.  I admit I wasn't keen about the idea at first. I was concerned that the summer heat would be a problem since soccer is an outdoor sport. However, Yohan was insistent and his dad backed him up. I knew Jules would support Yohan's choice because he is after all, a soccer player himself.

I gave in and bought him soccer shoes. That sealed the deal. It was my way of saying yes. Both boys were happy. :)

I'm happy that Yohan chose soccer for his summer activity.  I've seen him in the field and I'm so proud of his developments. Soccer has definitely improved his motor skills. He is more agile and flexible. I also noticed that he has more endurance for physical activity. The running and sprinting will surely help build his muscles and strengthen his bones. The best thing about soccer is that Yohan is enjoying himself. He also made a lot of new friends.

I talked to Yohan's coach and he said that soccer will help the kids learn about coordination, determination and self-discipline. It's also a good way to promote teamwork and camaraderie.

Sports like soccer can help encourage kids to turn off the television, set aside computer games and get some much needed exercise.

Find out what sport your child is interested in.  There are a lot of great choices like soccer, tennis, basketball, badminton, Taekwondo, swimming and more.  Summer is a perfect time to enroll your child in one.

Summer Sport

It's summer and it's a perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy a new sport. Jules and I gave Yohan some time to choose a sport that he finds interesting. Among his choices are badminton, Taekwondo, swimming and soccer.

Yesterday he made a choice. It's going to be soccer! We bought him a new pair of soccer shoes. Yohan is very excited. I'll share more about it soon.

Congratulations Manny Pacquiao

It's a momentous day for the Philippines! Congratulations Manny Pacquiao for defeating Cotto. It was a great fight.

It's like a wonderful advance Christmas gift for the country. Thank you Manny!

Wordless Wednesday #53

Last week hubby won a friendly badminton match. There was no trophy but he brought home a box of goodies for us. :)

Please visit my Wordless Wednesday #53 at my other blog to see what he brought home.

Tennis Lessons

When I was in first year college, I took up tennis lessons with two of my friends. We enrolled in a group tennis lesson program. My parents didn't immediately buy me my own racquet because the program provided participants with Tennis Racquets and tennis balls. Half way through the program, I asked my parents if I could have my own racquet. They saw my interest in the sport so they didn't hesitate to buy me one. I remember how happy I was that day when I got my Prince tennis racquet.

My friends and I finished the group tennis program. We had a wonderful time and gained new friends. There was a tennis tournament on our last day. The three of us all earned respective medals. My parents got me a personal trainer so I could continue my tennis lessons after that. Sadly, after several months, I stopped my training because I had to concentrate on my academic subjects and numerous school organization activities.

It has been years since I last played tennis. I would like to be given a chance to play again. Summer is fast approaching and I'm considering taking up this sport again.

** Courtesy of Do It Tennis **

PaintBall Game

I have a friend who loves fun and adventure. One of the leisure sports activities that he enjoys is the game of paintball. I've watched an actual paintball game and even though, I wasn't a participant, I still felt the exhilaration of the activity. I enjoy watching the players in their serious game mode as they seek to eliminate their opponents with their paintball guns. The sound of victory as one team gets hold of the much coveted opponent's flag is deafening. Such a sweet victory is really worth celebrating. If you love adventure, this game is worth giving a try. If you are interested in this sport, you can start by learning about proper equipment such as paintball guns.

Fun Family Activities

The common components of family gatherings are great food, wonderful company and fun activities.

What activities do you enjoy doing during family gatherings?

Aside from eating and chatting, here are some of our favorite family activities ...

Playing Billiards - My brother-in-law has his own billiard table at his house. Whenever he hosts family gatherings at his place, he brings out the Pool Cues for the billiard games. Yohan enjoys watching his Dad and uncles play billiards. He loves helping them set up the balls in the rack.

Videoke - Many members in the family love singing that's why videoke has become a favorite past time. Yohan loves singing too. His favorite videoke song is I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.

Card Games - My hubby and his cousins enjoy different kinds of card games. My brother-in-law even had a poker table customized for their card games.

Watching DVDs - Watching movies is another fun activity especially when there's popcorn. :)

Kiddie Indoor Games - The kids enjoy variety of indoor games like playing PSP, PlayStation and board games. I usually bring some books, activity books, puzzles and toys for Yohan whenever we go to family gatherings.

Kiddie Outdoor Games - The kids love biking, karting, playing volleyball and basketball.


** Courtesy of PoolDawg **

Tiring Badminton Training

I had a tiring morning. After dropping off Yohan in school, hubby drove me to my badminton training. I previously skipped two sessions. I easily got tired during my training today. I guess my momentum was affected because I hadn't played for two weeks.

Fun Badminton Doubles

Last night my badminton trainer sent a text message saying he wouldn't be able to make it to our training session today. Hubby and I decided to go to the court anyway. Jules helped me review the foot work I learned last week.

While we were taking a break, two guys approached my hubby asking if we wanted to play doubles with them. At first I didn't want to because I wasn't confident that I could already play. Jules convinced me that there was no pressure and it was just going to be a friendly game. I reluctantly said yes. I'm glad I did because I enjoyed the friendly match. I stayed in front while hubby stayed at my back. I'm not yet familiar with the positioning so hubby guided me.

Jules and I won the 3-set game. I really had a fun time with hubby today. I'm looking forward to our next badminton game together. It would be like having a weekly Fitness Dating.

Passion For Biking

I have some friends who love biking. My friends are members of a small bike club and they make it a point to enjoy long routes together at least twice a month. They love biking in Tagaytay and Antipolo. It's interesting how the members come from different walks of life. Some are students, working professionals, entrepreneurs and they even have retirees in their club. They all have one thing in common, their passion for biking.

In a bike club, it is important to establish a good line of communication in order to disseminate information such as club announcements fast and efficiently. A popular choice of communication is through phone calls or SMS. For members who are often online, they can register on Biker Chat City and exchange information there.

First Day of Badminton Lessons

Some of you may already know that I had been recently diagnosed with mild asthma. The doctor prescribed an anti- asthma medicine. I was also told to involve myself in some form of regular exercise.

I used to go to the gym with fellow moms. We had regular Tae Bo sessions but when the recent school year ended, I just wasn't able to maintain it. Summer vacation simply enticed me into a deep lull. Several months of inactiveness took its toll because it somehow lowered my immune system. I also admit, I gained a lot of weight this year. It's so depressing just thinking about it.

Hubby has always been encouraging me to play badminton. He has been playing badminton for several years now and he has brought home several trophies. I admire the way he plays and I told him before that I would like to learn proper badminton techniques. He told me this is a good opportunity to take up badminton lessons because it will be a good form of exercise for me. So he enrolled me in badminton lessons with his trainer which he fondly refers to as Coach.

Yesterday was my first badminton lesson. It was a 2-hour session which was mostly instructional. The trainer helped me establish the proper way of holding the racket then he showed me proper forehand and backhand strokes. We practiced hitting shuttlecocks using those strokes.

The trainer told me that he was happy because I'm a quick learner. I didn't expect that and his remark made my day.

Today, my right arm hurts because of yesterday's training but I still feel good. I really need regular exercise and it looks like badminton is something I will really enjoy.

Another Victory for Pacquiao

I was helping Yohan with his homework upstairs while my hubby was watching the boxing match of Pacquiao and Diaz downstairs. When I heard the distinctive triumphant yell, I knew it was another win for Pacquiao. I went down to confirm and I was not disappointed. Hubby told me Pacquiao won by knockout.

Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for another glorious victory.

Weekend Snapshot #19 - Congratulations!

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Trophy #1 (left) - Runner-Up, Level 6, Mixed Doubles

Trophy #2 (right) - Champion, Level 6, Men's Doubles

My husband, Jules brought home two trophies last night (March 2). He won twice at the 1st CAAP (Canossa Academy Assoc. of the Phil.) Badminton Tournament held at Rally Point, Binan Laguna.

Jules enjoys playing badminton and I'm happy for his achievements in this sport. Congratulations!

If you have some time to spare, please visit my other weekend snapshot here. It's an interesting find at the mall. Thank you!

Moms at the Badminton Court

It felt great to play badminton again. I invited my fellow moms to play badminton today instead of going to the gym. It was nice to have a little change in our morning routine. We were accompanied to the badminton court by my husband who regularly plays there.

My friends and I had a great time. Laughter was injected from time to time. I like keeping games light and fun. While we were playing doubles in one court, my hubby was at the other side with his trainer. He is preparing for an upcoming badminton tournament in February.

It has been quite a while since I last played badminton. I guess that's why my right arm feels quite sore. I'm inspired and look forward to playing badminton again.

Just remember that in any sport, it is vital to do some warm up exercises before the game and to do some cooling down techniques after. Proper preparation before a game reduces the risk of sprains and strains.

Do you have a sport you love doing?

photo from: iStockphoto

Happy Birthday to our Champ

Congratulations to my husband Jules and his partner, Dr. Lulu F. for winning the badminton championship (Mixed Doubles Level E) at the NFHF 6th Pigminton Tournament last Saturday, November 03, 2007 held at Centro Athletico Sports Club, Cubao, Quezon City.

When it Rains, it Pours

You're probably aware of the saying, "When it rains, it pours."

I couldn't believe it! Just moments ago I posted about Jules' recent winning moment when I received an MMS from him. His text message included this photo below ...

It's a fresh shot of his latest triumph in badminton this very day.

Congratulations to Jules and his partner, Dr. Lulu F for winning the 1st Runner Up (Level 6 Mixed Doubles) at the GV 99.9 Tournament.

Jules and Dr. Lulu have been partners before. In fact, they won the championship at the Summer Smash 2007 Badminton Tournament held last April 2007. Great job to the both of you. Keep up the good work!

Even the weather is rejoicing because I could hear the rain falling outside ...

Another Deserving Win

Winning is not everything, but the effort to win is. - Zig Ziglar

Congratulations to my husband Jules and his partner Rodel for winning the 1st Runner Up (Men's Doubles) at the NFHF 5th Open Badminton Tournament last June 27, 2007.

Michael Schumacher's Retirement

Many have been saddened by Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement on F1 ... and that includes my husband Jules.

Jules was downstairs watching F1 on TV until dawn. I was still on the computer when he went upstairs to break the news of Michael's retirement.

It's confirmed, the seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher, who drives for Ferrari will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

Michael S. was quoted saying, "This has been an exceptional time for me. Motorsport has given me some amazing moments. I have loved every single moment, the good and bad ones. Those make life so special. To finish in style has been fantastic."

I personally admire him not only for his prowess on the racing circuit, but for his extreme generosity. I remember hearing the news of his overwhelming donation to the tsunami victims in Asia. He donated $10 Million dollars to the tsunami victims. He lost his bodyguard and friend Burkhard Cramer who was killed in Phuket because of the tsunami.

I believe that Michael S. will become a renowned legend in driving.