FIBA ASIA- from a Taiwanese perspective

This win was not an easy one.

Decided to compile my thoughts into a blog post since 140 characters on Twitter wouldn't suffice. 

We were around 6 people cheering for Taiwan in our area. If you estimate, 100 Taiwanese vs 13,000 Filipino fans. At first I was cheering for both countries. But ever since people started shouting BOOOO at us, I felt that I needed to step up and bring up the Taiwanese crowd. David vs Goliath, literally. You know when you shout and you could still hear yourself.. that was how few our people were. 

And the Taiwanese flag couldn't even be raised because of political issues. Two guards were monitoring me since I kept getting it again and again from my bag after being sermoned. Even our national anthem wasn't played, it was the 'other anthem'.

There was that time at the game when the Philippines was leading. People were literally cheering at our faces. It was so sad and funny at the same time. My brother wanted to move to the Philippine team but I told him "No, stick to your country, win or lose"

And of course, you could imagine our relief when we won. The players, the coach, everyone was screaming and tearing up. 

No seriously, how could you win with the entire arena boo-ing at you? Even Taiwanese media were lost around the arena. Honestly was not expecting that.

The players left the arena with people  still boo-ing at them. Yes. So what did my cousin and I do? We ran to the bus and waved our 'banned' flag. You could see how their faces shone with relief and happiness. The coach was taking videos of us two! It was 60 people vs us 2 right there at the terminal. They were boo-ing at us 2. But my mind set that time was " I don't f-ing care anymore."

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This was just a competition but I realized I was willing to do so much for my roots. To the point I could tolerate thousands of people boo-ing at our faces.

Would you fight for your country? 

Ending this post with this conversation which would be on newspapers tomorrow in Taiwan (lol) 

Newspaper writer: So why are you rooting for Taiwan?

Me: No matter where you are in this world, I believe you have to go back to your roots. That's who you are. And so when my country needs me, I will go back. So tonight, Taiwan Jia You.

(Translated)

An Excerpt From My Research Paper

"The irony in the self-help industry is the book authors themselves are successful for writing success self-help books, not for being successful in the first place. It is time to step back and look at whether these books are valid or are they just sugarcoating on everything. Is it possible to be part of the 3%  by following what self-help books say? Can success be engineered? Do these books work or are they just self-esteem boosters? Using the same statistics, one will wonder why out of at least 2 million people who buy self-help books, not all succeeds."

Travel: Packing outfits for a tropical trip

For those travelling to tropical countries/islands this summer, here are some guides I found on Pinterest for you. Especially for girls, we want to pack every nice outfit what if I can wear this, okay Im bringing it! Just learned how to pack light two years ago, after much sermon from my grandmother in Taiwan Y U PACK YOUR CABINET EVERY TIME (of course in Chinese).  

However, I haven't learned the art of packing light for the winter season lol

It is important to first research on the culture of a place. We don't want to offend a conservative place with short shorts

Good enough for  a week, mixing and matching is the key

Remember: There are stores in the place you are going to, whether boutiques or souvenir stores. If ever you 'lack' clothes, you can just get a shirt or dress there (washing your clothes is another option if you're staying for more than a month)

In my case, I like wearing comfortable clothes when it comes to travelling, whether in tropical or winter destinations. If you're worried about looking too relaxed in your post-travel Facebook album, well bring on the shades. They never fail!

Have fun this summer!  ;) 

                                                          Photos from: PINTEREST 

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Big City

I believe it was Mall of Asia which shed a light of urbanization into Pasay/Paranaque. When I was a kid, the view outside was the sea. Now, right in front of our house, is Solaire Casino and the newest Entertainment City. (Literally in front)

Maundy Thursday moon

Both in Taiwan and in the Philippines, our houses are usually in the city (father side). Living in the city gives a sense of security. Maybe because the hustle and bustle in the city temporarily silences the problems our hearts and minds are trying to scream out. 
I have to say though, living in the city is stressful as compared to living near the beach or the mountains ( hello there nature lover )

The side which faces Solaire used to be the " most boring " view for me. It showed nothing but the ocean and coconut trees. Now as I grow older and the city is becoming more and more 'Big city like', I treasure every moment I can still see the ocean. 

Spot Mall of Asia

 I grew up in the unit which faces the airport. It is also where the sun rises up in the morning. As the fable of Mencius goes,  where you live influences how you think. Watching airplanes fly in and out each day gave me an open mind, that I can leave whenever I want and it is just a matter of choice. There is always a way. Our place here in the Philippines influenced me in more ways than I can imagine.

The future Entertainment City 

Coastal road

 It is a struggle- one side I want the city to progress and turn into an investment center, but the other side of me yearns for that ocean view again. 

Where I took pictures

Thinking about it, a city is meant to progress.
Let's just hope that this progress is not just a progress on the investors'  part.

---
x Cristine 

Tonight's Lullaby

Tonight’s Lullaby

by: Cristine Chen

Moon is hiding in her shed tonight

The rain drops echoing in the room

I stroke your hair as you fall into slumber

Your innocence infusing the air

Orange  lights illuminating black shadows

A mix of violin and clarinet

I sing you the song

Mother lions hum at night

And as the song progresses

I slowly shed my strong wall down

Remembering the days

I blocked out all the bullets

Harshly targeted to our still wandering hearts

To keep you safe, to let you have a childhood

Days when your eyes would glisten with wonder,

your every move would speak of admiration

I have a lot, but you only have me

And as the carousel stops spinning

I sing the last line of the song

Holding that plump hands of yours to mine

Your slowly beating heart against the fast pace of life

Bittersweet tears, drop on the music sheet

Thailand 2012: Bangkok

This is my fourth time in Bangkok. My dad enjoys Thailand so we always end up here lol
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Enroute to Bangkok we passed by Bee Farm and Elephant farm.

Bee Farm

Scary but still forced a smile

Jollibee Thai version hahaha

Honey chocolate ice cream. Really interesting mix. (40 baht)

around 600 bhat/person

Really fun, especially for little children! My little Kevin looked pissed off up there but laughed his way back ;]

BANGKOK

This classic Thai soup is a MUST 

Actually, our goal this trip is to worship that 4 Faced Buddha.

Since I'm a believer of Jesus, I just sat there and observed the people's actions.

FLOATING MARKET

THAI COFFEE

The rest of our Bangkok trip was spent shopping.

(Just check their website to see when their next big sale is!)

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Thailand 2012: PATTAYA

Here are the highlights of the trip! 
And some tips if you are travelling to Thailand.

Part 1: PATTAYA

If we have to compare Pattaya to an island in the Philippines, it has to be Boracay.
This is where the sand, the sun, and the party are.
A difference is, Pattaya is also known for its red light district. 
And no, I did not dare indulge in that part of their culture.

Party truck. 

The original Vita Milk

This mango rice up there is one of my favorites in Thailand. 

It is composed of coconut milk (gata), Mango and sticky rice. Sweet, sour and a hint of coconut milk in one bite. A must try! (Around 50 baht= 70 pesos?)

Alcazar

Pattaya is also known for its many variety shows. One of the most popular one is of course the, transgender show. 
If you have watched the Amazing Show in Manila, it's something similar. Except the one we are talking about here in Pattaya is the original one.
(1300 pesos)

If you are not into the arts and culture, this is what most likely will happen to you

Off to Coral Island!

Angel, my dearest family friend

The boat ride gave me an adrenaline rush. Mr. Captain, please do slow down your pace next time.

woo

Here at the stop point. Yay for Parasailing!

The only thrilling part is when you run. When you're up there, gosh I swear I felt like sleeping.

I believe I can fly..

Chilling under the many umbrellas in Coral Island

Next up: Bangkok