Saddam

Somehow, it's unfortunate to know that former Iraq president Saddam Hussein was executed recently. Even more, the manner by which he was executed was quite cruel - probably more so because of the photos (and videos?) that circulated on the Internet. For all the wrongs that he may have done in the past, i believe it is not right to take his life. I strongly oppose death penalty. I believe it's wrong to perpetuate violence with violence.

I remember the time when the infamy of Saddam was at its peak. I think it was in the early 90s on the height of the Gulf War. As a kid, I look at Saddam as the notorious guy - with the thick mustache and all. On the other hand, there was George Bush (the older one) - who I considered the "good guy". Scud missiles vs. Patriot missiles. Also common were the phrases "Saddam'it" and "Bushit". And of course there was the popular novelty song that went something like "Sasasaddami na problema natin"... something like that.

But then again, the execution also shows that evil does not go unpunished. Though I disagree with the hanging, it is somehow good to know that a powerful dictator was brought to justice. I just hope this is a lesson to corrupt and abusive leaders and government officials all over the world.

Basketbrawl

Remember the Pistons-Pacers brawl a couple of years ago (November 19, 2004 to be exact)? Remember how Ron Artest was suspended for almost a year because of what happened? Remember how that “basketbrawl' tainted the NBA's image?

Well, it seems like the NBA players never learned from that.

Another crazy fight occured. This time involving the Knicks and Nuggets. The fight started when Denver’s J.R. Smith was fouled hard by NY's Mardy Collins. Collins grabbed Smith around the neck as he was going in for a breakaway layup. There was 1:15 left and Denver had a 19-point lead.

Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and Knicks Nate Robinson quickly joined the fray. Then Melo (not so mellow after all) threw a punch at Collins. Robinson and Smith tackled each other, and flew right into the first row of spectators. Many punches were thrown.

As a result, the 10 players on the court at the time were ejected.

Why did this all happen? I think the Knicks were just sore losers. They were simply angry at the Nuggets because the latter still had their starters in the game in the last 2 minutes despite a double-digit lead. In fairness to the Knicks though, their frustration was probably understandable coz they were playing at home. However, the foul was really malicious and was uncalled for.

Anyway, it's interesting to see how the NBA reacts to this – the suspensions and fines, etc. Considering that Melo, the league's leading scorer, is considered as one of the images and future superstars of the NBA, would they consider suspending him? (lol - 'consider' 3 times in a sentence) If they do, for how long? We'll just have to see.

Simbang Gabi

Christmas is fast-approaching, and one of the much-awaited events leading to the birth of Christ is the "Simbang Gabi." Basically, it's hearing mass at dawn for nine mornings. Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines (known for having the longest Christmas season in the world!)is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. It is also known as "Misa de Gallo," literally translating to "Mass of the Roosters." Depending on which chuch you'd go to, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as four in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show one's devotion to his/her faith. It is also a Filipino belief, that completing the nine days would mean God granting the devotee's special wish or favor.

Another popularity of this tradition is the presence of Filipino food just outside the church. After hearing mass, families partake of traditional Filipino delicacies, either during breakfast at home or immediately outside the church, where they are sold. Vendors offer native delicacies, such as bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top and under), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and coconut shavings as condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea) and my favorite tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa).

For whatever reason, Simbang Gabi has remained popular, and this is evident by the fully packed churches in Dumaguete every morning.

Since I was young, I usually go with my parents everytime they attend mass. But honestly, it was the puto and tsokolate that I was looking forward to each morning. In spite of this, somehow, I never was able to complete the nine mornings.

This year, however, is different. I'll make sure I wouldn't miss a single Misa de Gallo.

BOOM!

Boom! - perfect word to describe the explosive performance of future boxing superstar Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista as he destroyed Brazilian champion Giovanni Andrade who was forced to surrender and not come out for the 4th round in the scheduled ten round fight.

According to Andrade, “he hit me with too many body shots and every time they landed I felt like I was stabbed.” The referee said the corner advised him that Andrade “could no longer continue.” The TV commentator said Andrade “is wincing like those body shots did a number and maybe his ribs are bothering him” and added that Andrade’s ribs may have been damaged by the powerful body shots of Bautista.

This fourth round TKO improved Bautista’s record to 21-0 with 16 knockouts. Since he's only 20 years old, the future looks bright for Boom Boom. The Boholano is touted as the next Manny Pacquiao and with this explosive performance, that status is very much attainable.

Moreover, when Pacquiao probably after a few more years, at least Bautista is still there to carry the Philippine flag and make the whole country proud. We're gonna see more of him soon!