St. Michaels, MD

Posted on June 3, 2008 by RJ

I’ve never even heard of St. Michaels until about 2 weeks ago. My wife wanted us to bring her parents to St. Michaels coz she heard that it’s really nice out there. It’s more like Inner Harbor, well, better. We really didn’t have enough time to explore the whole place and besides, we really didn’t even know where to go. But we did go to the Crab and Steak House for lunch. We also brought Popoy with us and it was difficult for he got tired pretty fast because of the hot weather. After lunch, we walked by the port and walked through the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Check out some pics:

Then on our way back to the parking lot, we met Bailey. She’s almost 2 yrs old golden retriever. She is gorgeous with beautiful hairs. She and Popoy played around a lil bit. We just imagined that Popoy is going to be her size in about 2 yrs or so…

After St Michaels, we got stuck in traffic and passed by the Prime outlet. Oh yeah, we had to pass the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and boy it was a bit scary! It was long, and high and did I say long already? he he Anyway, it was a fun day…

in-laws

Posted on May 20, 2008 by RJ

My in-laws are here and will stay with us for about a month and a half. They came last Thursday and they are very excited to have seen again their daughter. They haven’t seen each other for 3 years and they’ve missed her so much.

Alou has been very good to them ever since she left the Philippines. She has been giving them boxes of stuff twice a year, and she had helped them greatly building their own house back home. Now that they’re here, Popoy has company whenever me and alou are both working. hehe

We are planning to give them a tour of Bmore and other parts of Maryland, DC and VA. Pictures of our trips will be posted here, so come back soon…

Here’s a pic of them in Grand Buffet right after we picked them up from the airport…

Popoy: our Golden Retriever Puppy

Posted on May 13, 2008 by RJ

It’s been about 3 wks that Popoy came into our lives. He has shown us that he’s not shy anymore, unfortunately, hehe, but he’s still adorable. He’s still being potty trained and he’s learned some basic tricks already. He knows how to fetch and the words “come here”, “sit”, “lie down”, “give me your hand”, “go get it”, “high five”, and “rollover”. Right now he’s learning “wait” and some other cool stuff. I was surprised when my wife Alou showed me the other night that Popoy can shake his hand specifically. Alou says “right”, and “left” and he shakes his hand accordingly. Pretty impressive! Well actually, I only taught him how to rollover, and I give all the credit to my wife.

These pictures were taken on the first and second week, documenting his first days with us. What a sweet puppy he is!

just playing with some toys

playing with bestfriend Theo boy (cocker spaniel), Avery’s dog

@ Patterson Park

after a looong walk at the park

with Mommy and Daddy

Check back soon for more pics of Popoy… =)

my tennis history

Posted on May 8, 2008 by RJ

I love playing tennis. I’ve been playing tennis for just about 2 yrs now, on and off. Ate Gigi and Kuya Roger gave me and Alou a set of tennis racquets as Christmas presents back in 2005. We started playing tennis spring of 2006 for fun. Without any formal training, I got pretty good at it. Then I found out that my friend from college, Jeanine, also plays tennis regularly. She introduced me to the tennis leagues and all. Having said that, I’ve started joining leagues in 2007.

The first league I joined in was a USTA league, Men’s 3.0 level. I didn’t really like that one at all since we never practiced so our team practically sucked. We had no chemistry at all. Although me and Mr. Rick did win a match, and it felt great! That was my very first taste of victory of real tennis, and that was my last game of the league. I remember I was battling with cramps that day but we still pulled a W.

The second league I joined in was from work. I participated on a mixed double tournament and we came in third place. That was a lot of fun because I actually got to play against people that are one level above me (league is for 3.0-4.0 level). It was a good experience.

Then the last two tournaments I played in was with Jeanine. She recruited me to play for her team (she’s one of the captains). We came in second overall on the Summer Adult Mixed Double League, losing only 2 matches. Then on the USTA Winter Adult Mixed Double League, our team only lost once and we won the league. We are scheduled to play for the Districts on June, can’t wait! We are competing against the winners of St. Mary County, Howard County and Montgomery County. Wish us luck!

And if you’re wondering who my favorite male tennis player of all time, it would be Pete Sampras. Currently, I really don’t have any favorites. As for the ladies, I used to like Steffi Graf, but now, Maria Sharapova is on the top of my list.

Pete Sampras

Thanks for reading this boring blog. =)

Congratulations Avery!

Posted on May 1, 2008 by RJ

Congratulations to my niece Avery for winning yet again, the 1st place of the Harford County Piano Festival that was held on April 26, 2008. This year, there were seven participants and she came on top (along with another girl – 2 of them came in first place).

This was not the first time she competed for this recital. She also came in First Place the first time she competed back in 2006. Check out her performance…

Once again, congrats Avery!

we have a new baby!

Posted on April 29, 2008 by RJ

Yep, we have a new baby! He’s the newest addition to the family. His name is Popoy (from the Filipino movie “One More Chance”). He is the most adorable dog! He’s a Golden Retriever and only 11 weeks old weighing 20 lbs, yes, a very big baby! He’ll be three months on May 4th.

First day in his new home with us was pretty strange. He just stayed in one corner or by Buddy, the big dog (stuffed toy) under our living room table. He was so shy and lazy, still not used to being around people.

I’ll post more about Popoy later…

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

Posted on April 10, 2008 by RJ

Despite all the negativity about MJ, I still think no one out there can take his title as the King of Pop. I’ve always liked his songs, but American Idol’s finalist David Cook performed a different version of Billie Jean, which was arranged and sung by Chris Cornell. If you all didn’t know Chris Cornell (such as myself), check out this link. Mr Jim Doran has told me that he was the lead singer of Soundgarden, a popular band from mid to late 90’s. Anyway, the Billie Jean version of Chris Cornell is actually pretty good. Just want to share you all that coz I’ve been listening to this song ever since… have fun and take care…

Chris Cornell – Billie Jean (acoustic live)

David Cook – Billie Jean (studio recording)

latest update about my Dad

Posted on April 6, 2008 by RJ

Well, having another alternative besides chemo didn’t do too well. The medication the doctor prescribed to my Dad didn’t work, instead, it gave him allergies and some other complications. Having said that, the cancer has grown again, so, this wednesday, he will begin another round of chemotherapy, but this one is different. It’s the carboplatin and gemzar, and dr said that it’s less painful. So hopefully this one would make the cancer smaller. He also have another appointment for the gamma knife and also a spine mri for his back is hurting just to make sure nothing is going on. Well, pray for my Dad guys! Thanks again…

april fools day

Posted on April 1, 2008 by RJ

April Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day occurs annually on April 1. The day is generally observed by playing a practical joke on a “victim” who soon becomes known as an April Fool. This custom is thought to have started in France during the 16th century but the British are credited with bringing it to the United States.

The commonly accepted origin of April Fool’s Day involves changes in the calendar. At one time, the New Year celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582, King Charles IX adopted the Gregorian calendar and accepted the beginning of the new year as January 1. Those who refused to acknowledge the new date or simply forgot received foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties. The butt of such a prank was known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April fish.” <source>

also, happy bday to my bro, Hadji Malacas…

Have fun today everyone!

message from my wife

Posted on March 18, 2008 by RJ

Buntis daw ako? Ilang months na kaya? At bakit hindi ko alam ‘to?

The answer to the question kung buntis ako is NO, I’m not Yet pregnant. Thank you to my trustworthy friends who want to confirm first before believing the gossip that we married earlier than planned because I was pregnant. I may not have told everyone I know the reason why we moved the wedding date, was to have my father-in-law (who is battling lung cancer right now) attend the wedding the best time he can. It’s a pity that someone just don’t have that level of understanding. It’s so sad yet it’s true that insecurities can make someone judgmental, narrow minded and a liar. How low can you go, just to pry on other people’s lives like your life is so boring enough you wouldn’t dare care about it? Obviously, someone wants to take advantage of the whole scenario, mislead people, just as always, but always ending up as a loser, too busy worrying about other people, feeling alone, got nothing better to do and simply living under false pretenses.

So to all my friends and to those concern, when I do get pregnant, believe it when you hear it from me and not some potty-mouth (her nickname). I do not use any spokesperson, though some have put themselves in that position.

– ALONA CO MALACAS

Ausome Bros

Understand, Accept, and Embrace Autism by the Malacas Family