What is pain?

"Pain is merely weakness leaving the body."

J.J. Hickson

Man, the NBA opening week has been crazy!

Nothing could beat the Heat's defeat and the Cavs' victory over Boston. It shocked the world!

JJ Hickson is the man! Averaging only 8.5 points and 0.5 assists last season, Hickson is starting to step his game up! His 21 points and 6 rebounds the other night is a glimpse of what he will be contributing to the team for the rest of the season.




How I wish LeBron stayed.

Oh well.. It's now JJ's time. Go JJ, prove your worth.

For the record, I ain't a Cavs fan but, in my opinion, they deserve all the support they could get.

Freddie Joachim Take 5 mix

I was having a boring sembreak afternoon as usual 'til I decided to look out the window. The orange Ortigas skyline reminded me of Freddie Joachim's "Get Away."

Inspiration hit me and it got me to attempt my first Freddie Joachim mix.

The picture for the "album artwork" of the track was what I saw from my room. Isn't it beautiful? Thank God I had my camera beside me.

Here's a link to the download. It's nothing fantastic (I'm still a noob). I used basic transitions to some of my favorite Freddie J tracks.

Click here for the free download.

Enjoy!

Winning isn't everything

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." -Vince Lombardi

Getting hyped up for NBA Season through Marvel (Say what?)

In case most of you guys don't know, The Walt Disney Company is the majority share holder of ESPN. Last December, they bought Marvel for a hefty amount of $4.42B.

They finally came up with the perfect way of incorporating the two companies to get us hyped up for the upcoming NBA season by drawing comics of our favorite Marvel superheroes and villans together with our favorite NBA superheroes... and villans.

Here are my top three pictures from their NBA campaign.

The irony of this picture is that Captain James ain't really a captain anymore.

Kobe wearing Thanos' Infinity Gaunlet. Kobe is on a mission for his 6th "Infinity Gem." All those other players want a share of it too.

I love this picture. Though I may not be as much as the LeBron fan I was, this picture says so much about pre-season.

For more pictures, click this link.

Curren$y rocking his Laney Jordan 5's

Let's have that again, shall we? Zoomed-in this time.

Someday, you'll be mine!

5 Homeless Guys Who Accomplished Amazing Things by Ian Fortey

I read this interesting article, shared by a friend, earlier about 5 homeless people who ended up seizing their days (well, the title is self-explanatory). Stuff like this really inspires you, considering the fact that these people had nothing. We, on the other hand, are blessed so much yet we still have the guts to complain.

I hope we could become more like these people (nope, not the homeless part) and start turning our dreams into a reality. As they say, life is all about knowing what you want and going after it.

Without further ado, here's a segment of the article. If you like what you read, you may find the rest here.

5 Homeless Guys Who Accomplished Amazing Things

by Ian Fortey

"Do you sometimes feel like you haven't accomplished enough in your life? Like you're not living up to your potential? Well, get ready to feel a little worse.

Here are five guys who, while sleeping on park benches and using newspapers as both blankets and undergarments, managed to make more of themselves than many of us ever will.

5. The Emperor

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Unless you're just a madman who pretends to run a good chunk of the world, in which case it's probably not that hard. Such was the scenario of Emperor Joshua Abraham Norton, a homeless fellow who, by all accounts, was both as crazy as a shithouse rat and pretty awesome at the same time.

Formerly a businessman who lost every penny he had and apparently went over the edge as a result, Norton proclaimed himself "His Imperial Majesty Emperor Norton I." He declared that he was the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico back in 1859. He reigned for over 20 years, walking the streets of San Francisco in full military uniform on a daily basis.

He can afford a sword? We can't. What the fuck?

He was known for making proclamations and giving orders on how the country was to be run, such as issuing an order that Congress be dissolved by force, demanding that a League of Nations be formed and that a bridge be built connecting Oakland to San Francisco. Is it a coincidence that two of those things have since happened? Well, yeah probably.

So why are we holding him up as a positive example when there are probably thousands of homeless dudes who think they're the president? Because the city loved him. He made his own currency, and stores honored it. Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson both created characters based on him.

Oh, and when Norton died suddenly in 1880, 30,000 motherfucking people showed up on the following day to attend his funeral."

Wasn't that interesting? This dude reminds me of Chris Martin in Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" alternate music video. I wouldn't be surprised if "Emperor" Joshua Norton served as an inspiration for the making of this.

Again, you can find the rest of the article here.

Overjoyed

Esperanza Spalding, only 26 years of age (24 at the time of this video), playing infront of president Barrack Obama and Stevie Wonder himself in "In Performance At The White House" last Feb 2009.
I bet blind Stevie wanted to know how Esperanza looked like. Haha.
The fact that she's that young and chose to play the double bass, a less popular instrument, says so much about her.
Doing what you love really makes you "Overjoyed."
Challenge the status quo.

Sembreak Rewards

Sembreak has finally come! I now have the peace of mind to rejoice without the hassle of last minute school requirements and brainstorming for sembreak plans.

Well, there's no better way to start out the sembreak by rewarding yourself for a sem well-done. We all deserve a reward for putting up with the burden of school work!

I blew off most of my 1st sem savings on two things I've been wanting:

First, these Nike Air Zoom Vomero 5's

Those Wave Creation 11's I previously talked about weren't available in the store I was in so I decided to give Nike a try. The color way, the fit, and the 30% discount did the trick. I was sold.

A trick I do when buying an item on sale is to phone a pal and to ask him or her to search for the item I'm buying on Amazon. Once it's converted it to pesos, the price you're paying for should be within the price range displayed in Amazon. Don't let fake-ass discounts fool you, it's all marketing.

Back to the shoes, I might be exaggerating a bit because I've never owned a pair of running shoes. However, this shoe makes you feel like you're running on air. No regrets on these. I still haven't read a single negative review.

Moral of the story: Nike, is still after all, a sportswear brand.

Next, my M-Audio X Session Pro has finally arrived! Thanks to Patty (and her tito), I was able to get it right on time.

Hopefully, mixing could turn into a hobby of mine once I get acquainted to it.

Here is my humble set up!

The song I first attempted to mix on Torq LE! 320kbps ftw!

I wish you all the best for your set of sembreak ventures! Always take care.

Stay hungry, Stay foolish.

Undercover Martyn

You know we're gonna find you.

Running Gear Wish List

Sembreak is just a stride away! I couldn't be happier.

I plan to make this sembreak more productive than last year's (I've been planning it for weeks) and part of my plan includes a lot of running!

One of my goals this break is to run 10 kilometers for under an hour and a half.

I've never had a crave for running gear in my life (I could buy a pair of Jordans instead of these) but it feels so right. Hopefully, my parents will sponsor these stuff because it's for a real good cause!

Mizuno Wave Creation 11 - Perfect for my underpronated gait!

Sennheiser x Adidas earphones - To put all an end to all those shit earphones that slip when you sweat. You can even wash these!

Belkin iPod Nano armband - A must have.

Nike Dri-FIT Long Sleeve Mens Running Shirt - Look like a pro. Just putting it on makes you look 5 pounds lighter!

Powerbalance - I don't believe it works but just for the love of the hype! Haha.

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
          - Juma Ikangaa, Tanzania

Something to keep you guys up

I know most of you guys are getting sleepy from all the pre-finals cramming.

Well, here's something to keep you guys up, a Summer 2010 mix by DJ Syndicate.

"Who the fuck is this dude?" Well, now's the time to give him a try since you have no other choice!

Here's what to expect in the mix:

Tracklisting:
1. Drake - Over (Hyper Crush Remix, Syndicate Transition Refix 76-130, Syndicate Video)
2. Black Eyed Peas - Rock that Body (Chris Lake Remix, DJ Brian Howe Video)
3. Usher ft. Will.I.AM - OMG (MERC Remix, DJ Brian Howe Video)
4. Katy Perry - California Gurls (Hyper Crush Remix, Syndicate Video)
5. LMFAO - La La La (FLVR Bank Remix, Syndicate Video)
6. Agnes - Release Me (LMFAO Remix, Syndicate Video)
7. David Guetta ft. Fergie & LMFAO - Getting Over You
8. Lady GaGa ft. Beyonce - Telephone (Chew Fu Fix, Syndicate Video)
9. Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris - Break Your Heart (Agent X Remix, Johnny Rockit Video)
10. Ke$ha - Your Love is My Drug - (Bimbo Jones Remix, VJ Magic Man Video)
11. Sidney Samson ft. Lady Bee - Shut Up and Let It
12. Hyper Crush - Ayo
13. Jason Derulo - Watcha Say (Bingo Players Bootleg, Syndicate Video)
14. David Guetta - World is Mine (DJ Serafin Rock Mix, DvDJ Crush Video)
15. LMFAO - Shots (clean)
16. LMFAO - Shots (DJ Kronic Bonkers Remix, Johnny Rockit Video)
17. Yo Gotti - Women Lie, Men Lie (DJ Deville Transition, Gregg R Video)
18. Lloyd Banks - Beamer, Benz or Bentley
19. Lloyd Banks - Beamer, Benz or Bentley (Skeet Skeet Transition, Syndicate Video)
20. Trey Songz vs. Major Lazer - Say Ahh Di Floor (DJ Serafin Remix, DvDJ Biggie Video)
21. White Stripes - 7 Nation Army (Electro Remix, DJ Brian Howe Video)
22. Lady Gaga - Alejandro (Bimbo Jones Remix, Syndicate Video)
23. David Rush ft. Pitbull, LMFAO - Shooting Star
24. 3OH!3 ft. Ke$ha - My First Kiss (Chuckie Remix, Syndicate Video)

Download HERE:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/v0fdna

After downloading, press play and grab a Red Bull! Get ready for an all-nighter!

2010 Ford Focus RS

I've been looking at cars a lot the past few days but this Ford Focus RS is just too much. I am proud to say that this is now officially my new dream car. I'd pick this over a Subaru WRX STI 5-door any day.

Someday, someday...

Someone, give me P2.5M and another P2M for shipping and tax so I could drive this baby to straight to med school!

Cruise Control

I stumbled upon soul/ hop-jazz musician Eric Lau while taking a break from all the hell week drama.

Here's Eric Lau talking about Cruise Control, one of his tracks in his album "Makin' Sound." 


DOWNLOAD CRUISE CONTROL HERE:

http://bit.ly/9BEr9R
For more music, check out Eric Lau's myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ericlaumusic(Make sure to listen to "Always Will." It's my personally my favorite song of his.)
Good luck to everyone on their upcoming exams! One big fight!

Animals by Baths

Not the actual music video but this will do the trick.



This tune reminds me of Nomak with more spice.

Thanks for the vid, Iggy!

Black Book Design

Now that I'm rocking my Black Book tee, my boredom led me back to their site, http://blackbookdesign.blogspot.com/.

Black Book Design is a counter culture store located in The Collective (7274 Malugay st., San Antonio village, Makati city).


What I like about their blog is how it gives me a glimpse into the lives of true street wear aficionados (no poseurs here). These people are the real deal. They took their ideas into action by going through all the hardships just to spread their passion for the culture. More importantly, they don't just promote the goods, they promote the lifestyle. This store has much to offer: great designs on a "street" price.


Be sure to check them out!


I found pictures of this shirt I'm wearing on their site. Isn't it awesome? I still can't believe I got this for only P300.

M-Audio Torq Mix Lab

I've saved up for you, made plans for you. Now all I need is... you. Haha. I've never needed someone from the States to ship in something for me this bad.

Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull

I've always wanted to learn how to do time-lapse. It's pretty awesome.

The Journey

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” - Greg Anderson

Every now and then, try to stop for a while and adore the beauty around you. We tend to forget the blessings God has given us. Life is beautiful. Stop searching too hard and you'll find what you're looking for.

Enjoy life, enjoy your journey.

First Dibs 2010

Nothing is more inspiring than to be in the presence of people who do what they love. Going against the status quo, these independent artists have gone through the blood, sweat, and tears to uplift the local street wear sub-culture the right way around the metro.

First Dibs 2010, you can't miss it. This is personally one of the events I am looking forward to most for the year. Finally, today has come.

First Dibs is bazaar of some sort (or lifestyle fair is what they call it) which features over 30 independent local brands. Along with this, there will be great music, an art exhibition, and last but not the least, a Charlie's Grind & Grill Buffalo Wing Eating Contest.

This year's first dibs will be located in the Ronac Art Center, which is along Ortigas avenue near Greenhills, at 2pm ('til 10pm) today. Bring lots of cash, you'll get your penny's worth (trust me).

Make sure to drop by! You can't go wrong. ENTRANCE IS FREE.

See you there!

Officially missing you

This song couldn't be more appropriate for this lazy and rainy Friday.