Pride in the Azkal team

The Azkal-Kuwait game is currently being replayed. We just finished watching the one goal our team made and the feeling of euphoria and pride was just as strong as when we first saw it during the live game last night.

We brought Javo to watch the football game together with his cousins. The atmosphere of watching a live game is more electric and brings out pride in our nation.

Rizal Memorial Stadium was full despite the rains and threat of downpours. We came ready with our raincoats and Martin's trapal from the market. Just as we were leaving the house to go to Rizal, the rain poured--giving us warning of what might be ahead. When we got there, it was like a carnival with entrepreneurs opening their trunks and selling all kinds of paraphernalia for the game. Of course the big sponsors were there with all kinds of items to be given away or sold. One could feel the excitement and anticipation all around. People were walking to their gates and looking for friends to go in together.

Cheers and screams in support of our team could be heard throughout the game. The loudest of course came when that goal was done. Our team did their best and gave us a great game. All the attempts and near-goals were proof of that. We just slowly build up our teamwork and one day we will get there.

Javo and his relationship with loli and lala

I left Javo this morning to supervise a photo shoot. He was throwing a tantrum because he couldn't watch the movie he wanted and we couldn't go and buy the gifts for his classmates's party. Somehow Martin was able to handle it and they had a peaceful day.

On picking me up this afternoon Martin tells me that Javo and lala had this long conversation going on. I am happy about that because this peace between them took some work and adjustment. As Javo's personality is different from his cousins, it took mom quite a while to understand and understand how to relate to him. I believe they finally have a cool relationship going on.

Javo's relationship to loli is something else althogether. Despite the many bribes of candy, chocolates and whatever else he wants to eat, Javo still refuses to go with him or kiss him.

Mom told me that one of their conversations was about his refusal to go with Dad. When asked why, he told lala that loli's voice is loud.

I so get Javo because I myself become anxious when faced with a loud person--whether loud as in a booming voice or just loud as in obnoxious personality. My heart beats anxiously and my instinct is to get away from that person as fast as I can.

The best way to deal with us is to be calm and peaceful. We cannot give of ourselves because all we want to do is get away from the presence that troubles us.