2009

It's at times like these, a couple of hours before ushering in the New Year, that we get to pause and reflect on the past one. It also gives us the chance to thank those who helped make it memorable. 2009 was certainly an eventful year for me. In many ways I consider it as an "anchor" year, where I got to lay the foundations for what I will be doing in the next 5-10 years, or so.   


Getting my Juris Doctor degree certainly stands out as one of the memorable moments of the year. 5 years of toil and hard labor in the halls of Malcolm, which left memories both good and bad, finally paid off. UP Law Batch 2009 will now be attached to me in the same way as my surname. (well.. not really, but this will definitely be the point of reference during the alumni homecomings, hehe)  Of course, the law degree also serves as the opening act to the main event known as the Bar Exams, which will surely be one of the highlights of my 2010. 

Speaking of highlights, 2009 also marked my return to TV, although this time in a totally different field: commentating for NCAA Basketball. My friends noted that I was living out my (and probably their) dream job; doing play-by-play commentary while having the best seat in the house at courtside. The high point of the season for me was definitely the Juniors Finals, where I was able to do a game in the Araneta Coliseum, which I think is the dream venue in this country for any sportscaster. 





Many thanks to the guys I got to work with; to our "senior" panelists Bill and Boyet for sharing tips and "war stories", Sir Marco for giving me the break, our game producer Diana for patiently pointing out the things to improve on, our directors Direk Abet and Direk Al, and the rest of the hardworking men and women of ABS-CBN Sports. (now why did that just sound like an extro. =p )


And lastly, 2009 was the year that I decided to resurrect this blog. Credit goes to the multitude of sports bloggers and online writers I've met and talked to, whose interesting, and at times, divergent views on sports issues inspired me to give it a shot. At the top of my list are 2009 best sports blog awardee Jaemark of Firequinito, brothers Niko and Mikkel of Patayangbutiki, Trix and the guys over at Driball, Gary of Basketballexchange, Rick of Bleachersbrew, and the writers of Inboundpass led by my panel "batchmates" Mike and Chris.


So there it is.. the year that was. If the Chinese horoscope is any indication, then 2010- the year of the Tiger- should be a pretty exciting one. Let's get it on!


(oh, and before you get any ideas.. I was not referring to this guy =p)


Happy New Year!