Thoughts on the fight...

After an extremely long hiatus I am finally working on my blog again.  Our PC has been down since before our move into our new place and during the move I misplaced the power chords and mouse!  Thankfully, some spares were found by friends and now I am back in business.

Friends were over last night to watch the Pacquiao and Marquez fight.  It was a close fight. The key being that Marquez knew how to respond to the Pacquaio. He counterpunched.  When  you went into Pacquaio's corner you could see that the Filipino star was getting worn down by having to truly defend himself from an "equal" fighter. 

When it was all said and done, Filipinos around the world rejoiced because their man had once again triumphed.  I too agree with the judges decision.  Manny maintained his confidence, balance, and aggression till the very last moments of the fight.  Marquez, misled by his corner in earlier rounds, must have believed  he won the fight and did not press till the end. He could have very well won the fight had he escalated the fight to a higher level.  He needed to as the contender. A statement in the last three rounds by Marquez would have brought an end to reign of one of the best fighters of all time but alas punches were traded and Manny systematically responded in kind.  The numbers are there.  Manny threw and landed more punches.  He won.  When you are the reigning champion all you have to do is keep a guy from dominating. 

However, this fight revealed much.  There was a way to keep Manny at bay and the key was be equally defensive and aggressive.  You need near perfect timing and you need to counterpunch him.  This knowledge could prove decisive in the now upcoming Mayweather fight.  And as a former coworker dared to comment on Facebook, "Floyed may very well be the person to dethrone Manny's dominance of the sport of boxing. For sure his camp is watching and taking notes."

In my eyes Marquez can go into history as being the man who found the chink in Manny's armour.  What fans saw last night was a guy who was able to stand toe to toe with the best and hold him off. It clearly was not enough, he wanted to win.  His fans wanted him to win. He may just have wait to see someone else finish the job he started...

Enough about boxing...

I was able to sneak in a short 20 minute ride through the backroads beside our condo early this morning.  Winter has been relatively mild so far and as long as there is no ice on the road I am able to stand a quick sprint here and there till my nose freezes.

I hope to keep riding as long as the weather permits and once I can't, an indoor trainer is on order so that I can work on being fit even through the winter. 

Plans within Plans...

If there is something that I have neglected to do lately is update people on my blog or a Facebook note. Life has been crazy ever since the dramatic arrival of our son into this world and we've struggled to establish a routine of sorts. Alas, it seems that every day has brought unique challenges that hamper this goal. I honestly don't mind. I am just glad both Tess and Gabe are here and together we have a family.

My parents were here this weekend because of Gabe's child dedication. [very similar to a Baptism in other Christian faiths.] My Dad passed another milestone in the life of a grandparent who also happens to be a minister - dedicating another grandchild. There was a sense of rightness and fufillment for that reason alone throughout the service.


I must confess that the entire service itself was a blur because my thoughts were on my responsiblity as a new father and also the future of my family. The birth of a son has been sobering for me. He has arrived but I know that big decisions need to be made now to give him his best chance at a good future.

I was extremely comforted with the presence of my parents. In my gut I knew that they were having the same thoughts that I have been having. They've had some conversations with my other siblings and I could see that a master plan for the future security of our family was in place. With this visit anda brief conversation with Tess and I, they revealed the role they would like me to play in this plan. And I agreed.

I will leave it at that for now. Suffice it to say that I am once again in awe of the intelligence, masterful insight, and love that my parents have for my siblings and I. My prayer is that this plan work out so that as they stand on the threshold of their older years, they can be content in the fact we will be established and thriving...

*** it is belated but I want to wish my younger sister a happy birthday and many happy returns. Even more so that ever before, I admire her as a parent, a woman, and soldier. I know the struggles that she has dealt with especially in this past year and I also know that she will overcome!

Sibling, stay focused, stay driven, and keep your eye the ball. Everything else is an annoyance and a temporary setback. Embrace the stories of Moses and Joseph who had to wait on the Lord many a time before God established them. 40 years in the wilderness for Moses. Joseph in the prisons of Egypt. Now, more than ever don't let go.

That is it for now. God bless you all. Thank your for your inquriies into our well-being. Pls know that all the love is much appreciated. One thing my son needs to be surrounded with is love and he is...

Of Transfomers and Baby Strollers

After weeks of neglect, I am finally doing a post on here.  Those of you who keep track on facebook know that a lot has transpired since my last entry on my blog.  My family has grown and in such a dramatic way.

As I write this baby Gabriel is sleeping peacefully beside me.  He is swaddled quite tightly in his baby blanket. He doesn't seem to like to keep his hands in the blanket and we often find him with them raised as if he is directing a choir.  Apparently many people tell us this is healthy.

Mom is upstairs sleeping.  It is my turn to keep watch over the little one. Mom deserves this rest.  She has been the one taking care of him when I've been away at work and also during the late evenings as I catch up on sleep for work.  Summer is great because we can get around fairly easily if needed.  It sucks because busy season brings a lot of demands at work.  We deal with it for now...

Thankfully I have two days off straight starting with yesterday.  I spent most of the afternoon yesterday in Calgary trying to find the partner stroller to our child safety seat.  After looking at several stores I finally found the standalone unit and was happy to find it at a reasonable price.  When mated to the seat it sure is intimidating.  Kinda reminds of those Transformers that were formed by joining a few smaller units. 

More than meets the eye.

As I pulled into Banff last night I snapped a picture of my ODO breaking 10,000 ks.  Wow.  To think in the beginning of May we had barely over 1400.  God is good.  He timed the demise of the Nissan perfectly so that we would have a new ride in play just before our whole need of it over the past 2 months. There is no way our Nissan could have handled the abuse. Our Corolla simply went through a thorough break in period and now she runs quite smoothly.  

Milestone reached. Oh what a feeling!

Everyone tells me that nothing can prepare you for this stage in life and you can use all the help you can get.  God keeps sending people that have been such a blessing and indeed help to us.  We never repay them for their kindness and generosity but we are so grateful.

So there they are.  Some random thoughts regarding the times. We press on. I look forward to going for a short ride today in celebration of the ongoing 2011 Tour De France. Go Garmin-Cervelo and Leopard Trek!  I hope the best man wins this year!

Filipino Fighter, Fighter Mom

Yet another victory for the Pacman over an aging Shane Mosley in fight that paled in comparison to Manny's sound defeat of Antonio Margarito last July.   After going down in the 3rd round, Mosley went on the defensive as could be expected from a boxer on the tale of his career who was unwilling to tile his exit with a knockout.   While the fight with Margarito was a chance to showcase Pacquiao's abilities, Mosley's turtle like style of fight post round 3 left the Filipino Wonder very little to work with although there was a burst of aggression after what I would call a 10th round "trip" and miscalled knockdown by referee Kenny Bayless.

Although we were unable to watch the fight in HD because of technical difficulties, we were able to watch on the large screen at the Espelitas last night.  A fight should not be watched alone because half of the entertainment is the reactions of the people around you. I have learned that my wife's enthusiasm at a Pacquiao is something to behold.  Her vocal reactions carry as much impact as a well connected punch.  Everyone present enjoyed hearing her.

I was happy to see her in a good mood.  She has been handling a lot lately with the pregnancy and news from the Philippines concerning her Dad's health.  While opinions are indicating that he is not suffering from colon cancer, he does have several complications in his kidney, gall bladder, and other areas.  I empathize with her dual level concern. 1.  His health and quality of life. 2. The cost of treatment and medication.  Health care is costly in the Philippines.

God has been good to us and blessed immensely the past few months.  A baby on the way is a blessing in and of itself.  But therein lies the challenge and we have recieved multiple acknowledgements that God will be there to provide for us so that we can give this child the best life possible.  I am humbled when I think about all that has been provided already.

This is life.  There is an ebb and flow. Lots of good.  Lots of challenges. 

On this Mother's Day 2011 I want to remember my wife.  I want to acknowledge her spirt.  I know there are times when things don't go smoothly.  I know I drop the ball.  With God's help, I will be better.   I hope that I come back to this blog and recognize the deeper sentiments that surround the writing.

In the blink of an eye we will be parents.  In a instant she will be a mom. 

This is for trying harder.

For living fuller.

For believing more.

For trusting fully.

I love you so much!  Happy Mother's Day!

Bin Ladin Dead.

Tonight's news about Bin Laden's death drew mix feelings within.  I did take a moment to reflect upon 9.11.01 and the effect of the events of that day on myself and the world around me.  Terrible things happened on that day.  I happened to be in University in the States at the time and I felt my American friends reel back in horror as their nation came under attack on a grand scale.

I acknowledge the loss of life as being something to be grieved.  I acknowledge that those who have commited the crime should pay for their sins.  In my eyes although God considers all sins equal, the taking of life seems to be especially heinous.

However I also believe that revenge continues the circle of violence. Focus on the aspect of a circle and one realizes that revenge only feeds the fires of evil...

Sobering...

That is how I can characterize my feelings tonight over this event.  The actions taken to take Bin Ladin's life will not go unanswered.  There will be repercussions.  Many individuals consider this to be the end of a chapter in history.  What many may not realize is that it may have simply sped us towards openning the next chapter in the never-ending cycle of revenge...

New Beginnings...

I know I am not the only cycling enthusiast who has wandered in and out of that tiny storage space where you keep your ride itching to gear up and head out to ride. For those of you living up here in the Great White North, this winter has gone for far too long. I mean seriously, we got a good 5 or 6 inches of snow on the 1st of April! It was almost enough to make one go insane with cabin fever!

As I gingerly drove home the Corolla, (still in that new car state of mind) I contemplated taking a cruise over to Canmore to look for a cycling helmet in one of the bike stores there.  I thought to myself I could look for some Turtle Wax to get the Corolla's front end all armored up for stone chip season.  But then it dawned on me... Hey wait a minute...  the roads are halfway decent...  hmmm...

I ran upstairs once I got home and started hunting for my tights, shorts, and my windbreaker jacket.  Once I had the outfit on I strapped into my Diadora road shoes and slowly carried the Defy down the stairs and wheeled it out our front door...

105 pedals are not as forgiving as double entry SPD pedals.  You basically have to click in or risk slipping which is a harsh sensation in several key areas of the male anatomy. But once you get the hang of it and are dialed in...  man do you fly!  The Defy leaps forward under each complete pedal stroke and full crank rotation. As I stomped on the pedals and held onto my brake hoods for dear life, the rush of speed was beyond satisfying.  In that moment I was Andy Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, I was even the legendary Lance Armstrong...

The ride didn't last long.  The roads are not completely clear yet.  Snow and gravel are not friendly to road cyclist. Plus I still need to get a helmet.

2010 Giant Defy 1 - Shimano 105 Grupo - Diadora Racer Comp Shoes

 But it was long enough for me to confirm that I am still very much in love with the sport of cycling. It was long enough for me to crave more.  There is a lot to look forward too this summer in Banff....

 A new chapter of Ride the Wind begins...

Thinking Ahead...

I took a look at my original blog posted @ www.fromthedeskofromil.blogspot.com and realized that my first ever blog entries ever on blogspot occurred around this time in 2008.  Time flies.  In a moment I am there in Toronto saying goodbye to my friends promising that I would back within a year.  Just needed to get away and sort out my life. Blink my eyes.  Here I am married and with a baby on the way.

The infamous Banff Fox Hotel

As I look across to the Fox Hotel from our living room, many thoughts tip toe through my mind.  How far have I come? Is this it?  If it is. It isn't bad.  It is a noble calling to be a good father and husband.  My generation's hold on youth is fading quickly and it will be up to the next to take their stab at life.  Should they be a force for good - well that, at least at this stage, is up to us. Thank GOD, we are not alone..

A new work week begins tomorrow.  I go back to war.  I still am in wonder when I think about what I have learned about the world out there in the past 7 years since I officially joined the work force.  I hope there is a way that I can transmit this to my child before they decide where to focus their education.  I will make it my mission for them to understand that we all will have to work one day and at least with education they can decide where they labor for their livelihood.

Lord knows what will happen next.  I do worry sometimes. But God has been good.  Prayers have been answered.  And by this I mean answered in ways even better than we expected...

So grateful for these moments...

The New Whip

So first impressions of the new whip? An understated awesome.

The basics are that it is a brand new 2010 Toyota Corolla CE including goodies like full power package, satellite ready stereo, full information bank digital banks, and even some hidden extras like heated side view mirrors and auto running lights. Take a closer look and you'll see that Toyota still puts out a good product in spite of all the negative press it has received in the past year.



The first thing one will notice is that fit of the body panels is near perfect. Even on the high end Fords such as the Ford Fusion, (which comes laden with technology that I do love to play with) a close inspection will reveal that panels and trim don't often line up. Also there is a lot of extra rubber sealing (see hood of the Corolla) that does not exist on similar offerings like the Mazda 3 or shockingly the Honda Civic. All of this attention to small details aids in creating a solid feel to the car that is just as assuring as the full set of air bags that would engulf all inside should an collision occur. While not as wonderful as older sister Camry, the cabin is surprisingly quiet especially when compared to the likes of the Mazda 3 or Ford Focus.



Second. When experiencing high cross winds, (very common on the drive between Banff and Calgary) the car held the line. Pretty impressive since this ride rolls on 14s. (I am tempted to save up a little and shod it with 16 inch TRD alloys...) I'll have to research to see if Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) had anything to do with this. This set it apart from the Mazda 3 which I considered my first choice for a car. The Mazda felt like a lapse in focus would send it shooting off Highway 1 into some ravine.

Much has been said about the interior of the 2010 Corolla and how the quality has downgraded from past years. There certainly was a sense of longevity in the 1991 Camry I owned during the mid to late 90s that was on a whole different level than this Corolla. But the only thing that I found to be "cheap" was the interior door handles that feel like they could snap off in my hand if I jerked on them too hard. Everything else feels like it was of higher quality especially compared to Corolla's closest competition Honda's Civic.

In my current occupation, it is a joy to be able drive a full spectrum of offerings from different companies such as Ford, Mazda, and Honda. So the above mentioned comparisons are firsthand. Needless to say I am glad to be back in the Toyota fold!

I cannot help but feel a sense of deep gratitude to my family for being so supportive and generous in advising and assisting me with the acquisition of our new car. We needed it especially with the baby on the way. A number of prayers were answered with this one!

62 + 1

I am still working on getting a card reader that can hook up through USB into our computers so I can post pictures off our camera. Our direct USB cable kinda went kaput on us a while back so we haven't been able to load any pictures but they are all sitting on the camera. I will see if I can get one today from The Source...

It is a little late but I'd like to do a quick post on my Mom celebrating her 63rd birthday this past friday. Usually post of these nature wax on in cliche like manner on how great one's Mom is. A whole lot of blah blah blah which can be really sweet, but ultimately like a sample taken from one of those candy bins at the local grocery store... you can take one 'cause, no one will miss it... hardly a blip on the radar...

See the one thing I truly appreciate about my mom is that even at 63 she is continually growing and educating herself. I am not sure if she was always like this. Part of me thinks that she was your traditional asian mom for much of her earlier motherhood years (you asian offpsrings known exactly what I am talking about ) but this all change when she started working for a Christian bookstore and started reading during the lulls between customers. She digested what she read and it slowly changed her life.

I was already away from home and spending most of my time in the States but on my visits I could see sutle differences. The best change takes time because your character is best modified at the core. But it was there. She was more open, she was more spiritual, she was more patient, and she was more loving.

Some may say I too had changed. I was now a grownup.

Maybe it was the two us.

I am now married to a pinay. A true home grow filipina. In many ways she is the same place that my mom was when she first arrived in North America. As I get to know the nuances that make my wife who she is, new insight and undestanding are gained into what it was like to try to bring up kids in a totally new culture. The fight to maintain your foundation and identity (maybe even to realize that you had one) were immense.

After a Sabbath together I watched my parents get into their rental as my pregnat wife and I sat in the front seats of our brand new car (Yay! Wedding video style). We were on the edge of Calgary at the Husky gas station that sits just outside of Calgary Internation Airport (give it up for the YYC! yeeeahhh). It was steadily snowing and even though that new car smell that I love was around me, I couldn't help but feel truly sad to see them go.

Happy birthday Mom. You taught me that change is a big part of life. You taught me that trials and tribulations are to be embraced because some life's best lessons are learned in times of adversity. You taught me the importance of rest. You taught the power of prayer. You taught me to build my faith.

There is still much you teach...

Journey out of Darkness

A week or so ago a bit of an uproar began as a reaction to section of a sermon delivered by Dr. Dwight Nelson, Senior Pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the Campus of Andrews University, in which he presents the idea that Allah of Islam is the same as the God of Christianity. This is a not a new concept. Many have come before Pastor Nelson and brought this idea to the table. But as before it once again generated passionate discussion.

I responded myself to the discussion but not as a statement of my stance on the issue, but rather, a response of disgust with how some who claimed to be Christians had laced their thoughts with prejudice, bigotry, and outright hatred of those who chose to walk another spiritual path. My heart was saddened when I saw what was said about those who sought the path of Islam and other religions. There was a lack of respect, diplomacy, and basic humanity in the comments that were expressed.

How far from the example of Christ himself who sought to establish relationships with anyone no matter their station in life or the set of beliefs one chose to govern their life by. How far from Christ who, when presented with the woman caught in the very act of sinning, acted with discretion for even those who accused and then... when all had left quietly... asked the woman "where are those who have condemned you?" (John 8:10). When she responded with, "no one." Jesus says the words...

"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

Jesus sought to build on the smallest seed of hope that lives in all our souls. That seed that is hidden in the deepest recesses of hearts that have been hardened by the often purposeful yet naive journeys into darkness.

There are many stories. Stories of Jesus not condemning. Instead... He consoles. He heals. He restores. And He offers hope...

After 40 years of living a quiet existence in the desert Moses sees a wondrous sight. A bush on fire and yet not burning. (Exodus 3) What follows is one of the most powerful and intimate moments recorded in the Bible. God comes close to a man who appears to have lost everything and squandered what most men would have considered to be the one opportunity for greatness.

Moses is human and the frailty of humanity is on display as he interacts with the divine. He asks the Creator, "when they ask me what your name is. What shall say?" The answer is simple...

"I am."

One can spend eons discussing the enormity of what those two simple words mean. One can focus on the fact that this answer carries the weight of existence at the fundamental. This is the bit it and end all of it all.

In this answer though is also the key to who God is. For it is not in the name whether it be Allah or Yahweh. It is in characteristics of Mercy and Justice so well balanced and governed by wisdom that is timeless. And it is also in you and me. Should this God bring change to your life. Should Him living in your life cause you to rise above and be a light among lights to guide a searching soul home with patience, understanding, meekness and love. Should your stagnant existence be renewed and your single desire be to grow in His grace...

Then this is the true God.
This is the Truth.
and all others are shadows
that we gently need to steer others away from
that they may come to the true source
of light and hope...

Hope is Gently Born...

Dawn is breaking here in Banff and as I look out from our picture window onto Banff Ave and beyond to Cascade Mountain, I indulge in the moment. The town is finally covered in a proper blanket of snow and the street lamps reveal that it is still gently falling. This is what we have been waiting for, this is what this town thrives on.

I am preparing to teach Sabbath School today and must comment on the appropriate nature of the lessons of late. Last week we looked at dealing with Fear and Anxiety while this week we will be looking at how to deal with Stress. How wonderful are the words of Christ, "Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." My mom also says, "Aren't you glad for the opportunity that trials offer you. The opportunity to grow".

Yeah it is easy to be overwhelmed by these things and yes we must take them seriously. But there are certainly a few things to look forward to in 2011. Yours may be different but here are mine...

The death of the Nissan is an opportunity to shop around for a new car. This is not necessarily just a "want" because with a growing family, I do need a ride to carry them around in. What is great about work is that I get to have a firsthand experience with brand new vehicles and see how they fair with 6 months of use. I have to say the one I am most interested is the plucky Mazda 3. Even the base model is more than adequate for my family's needs.

The annoucement of Team Leopard Trek the new super cycling team lead by the Schleck brothers for the 2011 season really got me excited. Then it was confirmed that Fabian Cancellara would be joining along with Jen's Voigt. Man, thats pure joy right thar! But the cherry on top of the already delicious pie was the fact that Trek would be supplying the bikes for the upcoming season. Super team indeed.

And what could be more exciting than the prospect of becoming a Dad this coming summer! I am the kind of person who needs lynch pins to ground my efforts in life and this is definitly top shelf stuff. I can see it changing the way I approach my everyday routine. I can see it affect how I plan for the future. I can see it as motivation to draw on and to dig beyond what I am capable of...

My Giant Defy is next to me this morning. A guest is staying in the room where I usually store it. No I won't be riding it till the weather starts to warm. But we are 90% ready to go. Patience is key now and shrewd planning for the months ahead paired with the knowledge that God has a far better plan. I only pray He clears my vision so that I can move when He deems it right to move.

But like new mornings, hope is gently born...

Bless Us All...

[I wrote the following Thursday afternoon but didn't get time to post till now.]

As of last night we have received news that Tess’s Dad is not doing well health wise back in the Philippines. He had to be brought in the hospital recently and as a precaution several tests and exploritory procedures were conducted. The result: cancer. While the doctors have offered us the hope of early detection his age and overall health are also serious factors that could affect his chances. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

2011 is off to a challenging start beginning with the passing of our beloved Nissan. If one was to believe in omens and their foreboding nature, this passing definitely makes a case for them. It has been one thing right after the other since and there has been little time to breathe and decently react in-between.

But if it was the intent of the forces that are to pull us away from our faith in God, the exact opposite is true. If anything, my wife and I clinging more to Him because these events have shown us that self-reliance is of little value when dealing with life’s challenges. One honestly cannot predict what will happen next. One cannot predict how one’s own actions will create an impact no matter how wisely we attempt to make our next move.

I am humbled as I look inward because I can see that my sinful nature still struggles to dominate even when surrounded by God’s daily grace. When tiredness and fatigue set it, how much harder it is to follow God’s will. And yet God still provides the moments of peace both Tess and I need to pull through. I can only be grateful.

I am further humbled with the way friends have stopped to offer support to my pregnant wife. Visits, favors, and kind words have all been given. Stories have been shared and the realization is that everyone is struggling this year. There are mountains to climb and big decisions that need to be made. I pray you all seek God’s guidance fervently to serve as your North Star as you navigate through the fog.

In the Bible Jabez dared to pray for a blessing from God. He prayed for great blessings to come into his life. In fact this is all this man is known for in scripture. But the Bible goes on to say that God granted him this request and he was blessed...

I am daring to do the same...
God bless me...
God bless us all...
God bless Tatay Pelayo...

So that in the end all will know that you are a great God and you care for your children...

Rebuilding the Base and New Year...

I am very happy that I could finally take a break from it all and play around with CS5 and some ideas for a blog re-design for 2011. I am far from having anything nice enough so everything on here is sort of a place-holder till true inspiration hits...

Well this entry is a belated New Years shout out that I hope you will take the time read through. Yeah I know it is running a bit late but it is just as heart-felt as when I originally "penned" it.

My wife has not had an easy time of it with this pregnancy. I suspect that most of it is that it is her first so this is all uncharted territory for her bit we have also had some legitimate scares so far. Because of this I would like to express gratefulness to all her friends who have show their love and support during this time. I think this journey would be a lot harder if none of you were willing to take the time to spend time with her in our home. So thank you so much all!

Our home was also blessed with the visit of Marvin, his wife Ana, the family her sister Marta, and all their kids on Christmas day. Our home was filled with the laughter of children and music! Thank you also Marvin for your very generous gift. When I opened a certain piece of software on it, it brought tears to my eyes because it has been a while since I’ve been truly up to date with something that was a big part of my life for many years. Hopefully in 2011 we will see a bit of revival in that arena. Gracias my friend!

I am also grateful that my parents were with me on Christmas Eve and a bit of Christmas day. I know I am lucky for there are many who do not have this privilege for one reason or another. Whenever I am around them, even though it is for brief moments these days, I feel secure and happy. Thank you for being there.

There are too many people to thank and you know who you are. I can only hope that 2011, in spite of whatever challenges will come your way, will also be filled with joy, laughter, love, and hope. Know that you are appreciated and cherished by Tess and I. God bless us all in 2011!