November 2012


July 3, 2012

It is such a thrill and an honor to be nominated at this year's The Outstanding Filipino Americans in NY. 

I also would like to take advantage on raising awareness for my cause www.aidsresource.org 

AIDS Resource Foundation for Children 

ARFC takes care of infants, children, and their families impacted with HIV-AIDS

The awarding will be on October 27, 2012 at Carnegie Hall :-)

Thanks so much to the TOFA board for this incredible honor.

 April 9, 2012

I will be leaving for Bensenville tomorrow morning :-)  This time, unlike 2009, I am looking forward to competing.  I recently changed my music to Moonlight-Sonata, as I feel like I won't be able to skate to the crescendo properly.  I had my good friend Daniel Flynn edit a great 2:10 version of Moonlight.  I did a dry run without the jumps and spins - and voila, this is the program. 

I was able to finally piece some jumps into the program - but unfortunately no full run-throughs.  It's ok, I'm still re-arranging the jump passes where I would get the harder elements out of the way, and same goes for the spins. 

Well, here I go......Will post results & pictures via Facebook & Twitter on Wednesday night :-)

April 3, 2012

I just skated my first exhibition since May of 2009.  It was my first time I have done an exhibition at Codey arena. I've only competed at that arena for NJ Council 1997, 1998, 2000. 

I had such a difficult time adjusting during practice and warm-up.  My body was not responding positively the same way as it did in the past.  It was the first time I've had negative feelings before performing/skating.  I wanted to pull out.  After only doing a flip within the warmup, I decided to just skate without spins and jumps.  I held those lunges, ena baurs, and did some unplanned knee slides.  I was in a lot of pain during and after the performance.  After talking it out with many people, my diagnosis was shin splints.  All caused by these new boots.  So on top of the foot arch-cramps, I was dealing with this new injury. 

Today, I will be going to West Side Skate pro shop to get my boots baked.  So hopefully tomorrow's practice will be better.

March 29, 2012

 I have been struggling with boot problems that result to cramps.  The pain get so intense that it feels like needles under my foot.  This Sunday, April 1st - will be my first outing since May 2009.  I will be skating to my competitive program for Adult Nationals, Swan Lake.  Given that I have not had a chance to do a full runthrough of all 5 jump passes with 3 different spin passes, I will have to cut back on jumps, but will TRY to do the spins.  This has been the most difficult time on the ice I've ever had.  Physically & Emotionaly.

March 26, 2012

 I finally had met one of my skating hero, Nicole Bobek.  She was an absolute sweetheart.  

 I had made my first video blogs from this past weekend :-)

Video Blog 1

Video Blog 2

March 12, 2012

I am so excited to participate and skate at the 2012 Skatecaluar at Codey arena.  I have not skated at Codey, formerly known as "South Mountian arena" since 2000 NJ Council.  I will be debuting my competition program for next month's Nationals at the exhibition.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Steinberg and Heidi Vanderhoof :-)  

February 3, 2012

SKATE DANCE DREAM by Parker Pennington Productions ~ http://skatedancedream.com/

How I wish I had this type of program growing up :-)  Such an influential and inspiring way for both dancers and figure skaters gather to perform. 

December 23, 2011

 I recently had given up on my skating boots and my desire was on existent.  I turned to US Champion Nicole Bobek for advice, since she has the same boots.  IT WORKED! I was able to finally do something on the ice after 2 days on the ice.  I'm only up to a waltz-jump and salchow, but I am optimistic that I will get all my singles back by the end of January.  I then decided that competing is back in the picture for me. 

I will be competing at the 2012 US Adult Nationals in the silver level again. Since I just decided to get back on the ice, I do not have time to skate my gold tests (not until the summer of 2012). 

December 7, 2011

 I boarded my long journey from Manila to Doha (en route to JFK) on November 30, 2011 and it was nothing but a smooth sailing escape from the moment I entered the Business class cabin.  I was offered drinks right away and a hot towel.  The FA were very attentive to detail from wake up request to food service.  Landing at Doha was nothing but a must experience.  The lounge was fantastic, wifi was superb, food incredible, and a chance to shower and feel refreshed!
I love how I get to smell the fresh air as I'm boarding the plane :-)  It beats just heading through tubes.
Doha to New York impressed me more.  The space was much longer and it was another mini-vacation.  The pampering was such a treat from all FA.  It was the first time I ever SLEPT on a flight!!

I slept for 7 hrs :-)  The seat lied flat and was laid with 2 plush think blankets to make it extra comfortable. 
I love my mini travel kit that I get, a sample of the products they have at the lavatory - all superb!   I

 forgot to mention the pajamas are sooo comfortable :-)
The food was again excellent, I usually do not eat bread - but the bread at Qatar air is warm and inviting.    I highly recommend Qatar air business class ~ I cannot wait to travel again with this airline on December 2013.

November 4, 2011

 Image links to The Complaint FaceBook page

THE COMPLAINT is a play by Randy Noojin. CEOTheatre Company is producing the NYC premiere of THE COMPLAINT October 27-November 13 @ The 45th Street Theatre (354 W 45th st).

About THE COMPLAINT:

A Hispanic actor files a complaint on a police officer for using excessive force during a marijuana bust. A rookie female cop is put to the task of trying to entrap him, but ... who is she really? The Complaint is a play about good cops, bad cops, stoners and lovers. It is a play about The Importance of Being Earnest, and ... the importance of being earnest. The Complaint is a modern day fairy tale about following your dreams, even when what's standing in the way of your dreams is yourself.

"The Complaint is a rare mix of quirk and substance," says director Bryn Boice. "The play is attractive to this group because it takes on tough topics like racism, drug use, Internal Affairs investigations, identity, impending matrimony, lies, even the theatre, for God's sake. All of this really serious subject matter, and spins it into something entirely charming, meaningful, and entertaining. Randy Noojin has written a gem, and we are ecstatic that he is sharing his work with CEO Theatre."

The play I saw tonight :-) I highly recomend it. Amanda Ladd gives a stunning overall performance. I give her a 10.1 (on a scale of 10.0).   I look forward to watching Amanda on TV & Film in the future!

The play was very witty, clever, and genious!  This would be a very good movie if it is ever on film.  The cast complemented each other, a nice blend.  

 Picture is linked to Amanda's YouTube page

 October 24, 2011

After stepping on the ice yesterday, a lot of things went through my head.  After a 3 year hiatus from standard competitive skating, I decided to jump into adult skating.  I had a good run and really had a lot of fun times.  Heading into the 2008 season, something was off and inside my head was not clicking.  It was like I am going through the motions and mentally I was forcing everything.  And it showed.  My speed decreased and technically it was the lowest I had ever produced on competitive ice.  I then took a break on the ice and decided to pursue my benefit for AIDS Resource Foundation for Children (2010 & 2011).   Recently I have been working on several projects; helping Melissa Bulanhagui from Team USA to Team Philippines and being an assistant apprentice to Oksana Baiul.    I really enjoy the work and feel that I can handle this aspect of the sport than competing for myself.  I do not think I have the drive anymore to perform & compete, as I find more energy assisting and coaching.  If I ever get the spark again, maybe....but as of right now I am hanging up my skates and extending out myself to helping others within the sport of Figure Skating. 

August 29, 2011

Oksana & Tim ~ Tango  (Photo by: Oksana Baiul)

 Oksana Baiul & her gold medal! (Photo by: Tim David)

August 11, 2011

Lately I have been hanging out with Oksana Baiul and it has been thrilling everytime I am with her.

Trying to break into my new skates has been an ordeal.  I had to get them punched, blade sharpening specifications, and now I think I need to bake them :-/  Sigh

June 23, 2011 ~ Thursday

I have been taking ballet classes again lately in hopes to get back in shape.  Then by fall (2011), I will slowly get back on the ice and hope to skate in exhibitions starting fall of 2012. 


March 26, 2011 ~ Saturday

One year ago today I was scrambling to put together, (along with my family) last minute details for OSC's 1st year exhibition for AIDS Resource Foundation for Children.  It was such a great stepping stone and learning experience.  This year's show is on April 9th at Codey arena (formerly known as South Mountian arena) in West Orange, NJ. 

Skating wise I decided to come back around 2013 ~ I have been so burned out and was not feeling the same joy and love for the sport.  I was feeling internal pressure and everything started to feel and look the same.