NorthStar Flags

Of late Las Vegas has been chosen as the venue for most title fights in boxing, although some still look on Madison Square Garden in New York because maybe of the memories of countless Muhammad Ali fights. Promoters like Bob Arum or Oscar de la Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions almost always have their large fights staged at the gambling capital of the United States.

One of my trips to the city coincided with a big fight – the third Morales versus Pacquiao fight and it generated so much media mileage that I joined the throng of boxing enthusiasts to the fight venue. True to my observation the spectators were mostly supporters of the protagonists, both pro Mexican and Filipinos alike. This is evident by the thousands of country mini flags waved by the crowd.

When both fighters entered the ring and were officially announced, country flags were at the center ring as the National Anthem of the US, Mexico and the Philippines were sang. Each country had singers and at the end of the Anthem the atmosphere at the venue is already fever pitch and everybody was anticipating a good fight.

So, when the bell signaling the start of the bout sounded everybody was on edge as each boxer delivered devastating punches. Midway through the third round Pacquiao connected with a series of combinations that sent Morales reeling and from then on pandemonium broke loose. And before you know it the fight was stopped and the winner raises both his fists, a TKO.

Again, the Philippine flag was displayed and carried around the ring, announcing to the world the success of the Filipino pugilist for now.

Of late Las Vegas has been chosen as the venue for most title fights in boxing, although some still look on Madison Square Garden in New York because maybe of the memories of countless Muhammad Ali fights. Promoters like Bob Arum or Oscar de la Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions almost always have their large fights staged at the gambling capital of the United States.

One of my trips to the city coincided with a big fight – the third Morales versus Pacquiao fight and it generated so much media mileage that I joined the throng of boxing enthusiasts to the fight venue. True to my observation the spectators were mostly supporters of the protagonists, both pro Mexican and Filipinos alike. This is evident by the thousands of country mini flags waved by the crowd.

When both fighters entered the ring and were officially announced, country flags were at the center ring as the National Anthem of the US, Mexico and the Philippines were sang. Each country had singers and at the end of the Anthem the atmosphere at the venue is already fever pitch and everybody was anticipating a good fight.

So, when the bell signaling the start of the bout sounded everybody was on edge as each boxer delivered devastating punches. Midway through the third round Pacquiao connected with a series of combinations that sent Morales reeling and from then on pandemonium broke loose. And before you know it the fight was stopped and the winner raises both his fists, a TKO.

Again, the Philippine flag was displayed and carried around the ring, announcing to the world the success of the Filipino pugilist for now.

Once when I was in Makati, that is one of the cities in the Philippines – stayed there for over a year as head of the marketing arm of an American company that sells printers and other computer accessories. We normally start working at 10am and take our lunch at a McDonald’s outlet nearby usually at half past noon.

On this particular day I was late for lunch but what caught my attention was the place was extra festive with balloons, buntings and pennants that announce Mother’s Day. I felt ashamed of myself I totally forgot my mother way back home in Nevada.

I settled in a corner beside three nuns talking happily about their day out and reprieve from religious duties. Then a boy maybe around four years old came inside, a mendicant from his looks and asked the guard for a McDonald’s “happy mother’s day” flag, but the guard shove him away. Still he stayed just outside hoping that one of the customers might grant his request.

Out of the blue the nuns called and asked what he wanted, and from what I understood he was only asking for a McDonald’s flag that he could give his mother on this special day. The nuns ordered a big Mac burger for him and his mom and spaghetti for his younger sister since the three of them ply the streets for alms after their father left some months ago.

This is a most engaging lesson in life for me, that there is really no distinction, rich or poor you will do something to keep your mother happy.

So, once back in the office I immediately called my mom. At three o’clock in the morning in Nevada? Sounds crazy, but worth it.

Once when I was in Makati, that is one of the cities in the Philippines – stayed there for over a year as head of the marketing arm of an American company that sells printers and other computer accessories. We normally start working at 10am and take our lunch at a McDonald’s outlet nearby usually at half past noon.

On this particular day I was late for lunch but what caught my attention was the place was extra festive with balloons, buntings and pennants that announce Mother’s Day. I felt ashamed of myself I totally forgot my mother way back home in Nevada.

I settled in a corner beside three nuns talking happily about their day out and reprieve from religious duties. Then a boy maybe around four years old came inside, a mendicant from his looks and asked the guard for a McDonald’s “happy mother’s day” flag, but the guard shove him away. Still he stayed just outside hoping that one of the customers might grant his request.

Out of the blue the nuns called and asked what he wanted, and from what I understood he was only asking for a McDonald’s flag that he could give his mother on this special day. The nuns ordered a big Mac burger for him and his mom and spaghetti for his younger sister since the three of them ply the streets for alms after their father left some months ago.

This is a most engaging lesson in life for me, that there is really no distinction, rich or poor you will do something to keep your mother happy.

So, once back in the office I immediately called my mom. At three o’clock in the morning in Nevada? Sounds crazy, but worth it.

Suddenly it’s the fourth of July, and it means holidays, parades and of course outdoor BBQ Parties. This is the time of the year that we show our patriotic zeal and join the celebrations to savor the fruit of our struggles to attain the degree of freedom that we want. Parties abounds decorated with anything patriotic, free food and lots of drinks. This is your day to unwind from immersion to your job, to your loves, to your boss and let loose, enjoy the moment.

Of course the fourth of July would not be complete without a regatta of American flags that dominates the atmosphere in any celebration.

Everybody would be out for a good time, but like any Dick and Johnny we have to abide to simple reminders for our conduct during this special occasion. Always remember not to break any law, so you can party till the wee hours – 3am.

Like any party in the works, food is really very important. Since most parties will be conducted outdoors, the most popular food will be BBQ. Prepare extra servings, unexpected guests might come in and always be on hand to offer the most enticing desserts.

To enliven and project a festive atmosphere always decorates your place. Use a hefty amount of the patriotic colors – red, white and blue. Better if you can provide flags, banners and pennants to serve as souvenirs as your guests leave.

And lastly, whether you are a guest or the host, you must thoroughly enjoy the party. Have fun, why have the party in the first place if you can’t have fun.

Remember the fourth of July comes only once a year, so make the most of it.

Suddenly it’s the fourth of July, and it means holidays, parades and of course outdoor BBQ Parties. This is the time of the year that we show our patriotic zeal and join the celebrations to savor the fruit of our struggles to attain the degree of freedom that we want. Parties abounds decorated with anything patriotic, free food and lots of drinks. This is your day to unwind from immersion to your job, to your loves, to your boss and let loose, enjoy the moment.

Of course the fourth of July would not be complete without a regatta of American flags that dominates the atmosphere in any celebration.

Everybody would be out for a good time, but like any Dick and Johnny we have to abide to simple reminders for our conduct during this special occasion. Always remember not to break any law, so you can party till the wee hours – 3am.

Like any party in the works, food is really very important. Since most parties will be conducted outdoors, the most popular food will be BBQ. Prepare extra servings, unexpected guests might come in and always be on hand to offer the most enticing desserts.

To enliven and project a festive atmosphere always decorates your place. Use a hefty amount of the patriotic colors – red, white and blue. Better if you can provide flags, banners and pennants to serve as souvenirs as your guests leave.

And lastly, whether you are a guest or the host, you must thoroughly enjoy the party. Have fun, why have the party in the first place if you can’t have fun.

Remember the fourth of July comes only once a year, so make the most of it.

I chanced upon an interesting game on the Internet that is about identifying the different flags of the countries of the world. As each flag is shown you are to give an answer, also you will be guided by a series of clues about the important attributes of the country that fly this particular flag. Naturally I was hooked and started the process.

I opted for 20 world flags and to really test my mettle, I’ve decided to forego using the clues and identified the flags pointblank. At the end of the game, I was only able to name seven of the 20 and that includes the flag of Canada and Mexico who happen to be across the border neighbors; the United Kingdom because I visited the place twice; Australia because the Sydney Opera fascinates me; Japan because I associate it with
Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Malaysia because of the Petronas Tower; and the Philippines because I have some friends that I chat occasionally.

The result already made me happy at least even if I am not a vacation buff my memory still gave me an honorable rating. But, then my daughter who is a fourth grader entered the picture and did the quiz all over again and the result, she identified 18 of the 20 flags shown to her. Imagine my consternation having been beaten soundly by a fourth grader. I am not in the league of my own daughter, not even near.

Well to ease my disappointment, I have to think that maybe I’m just getting old and my memory have started to take its toll from the long hours at work and maybe a lot of maybes – given proper preparation, I could have performed better.

I chanced upon an interesting game on the Internet that is about identifying the different flags of the countries of the world. As each flag is shown you are to give an answer, also you will be guided by a series of clues about the important attributes of the country that fly this particular flag. Naturally I was hooked and started the process.

I opted for 20 world flags and to really test my mettle, I’ve decided to forego using the clues and identified the flags pointblank. At the end of the game, I was only able to name seven of the 20 and that includes the flag of Canada and Mexico who happen to be across the border neighbors; the United Kingdom because I visited the place twice; Australia because the Sydney Opera fascinates me; Japan because I associate it with
Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Malaysia because of the Petronas Tower; and the Philippines because I have some friends that I chat occasionally.

The result already made me happy at least even if I am not a vacation buff my memory still gave me an honorable rating. But, then my daughter who is a fourth grader entered the picture and did the quiz all over again and the result, she identified 18 of the 20 flags shown to her. Imagine my consternation having been beaten soundly by a fourth grader. I am not in the league of my own daughter, not even near.

Well to ease my disappointment, I have to think that maybe I’m just getting old and my memory have started to take its toll from the long hours at work and maybe a lot of maybes – given proper preparation, I could have performed better.

Golf news is almost sounding like my Nanny in grade school, who provides comfort while in school, prepares snacks, rides with me on the school bus and protects me like an angry hen. This analogy is appropriate since golf does not only broadcast news and recent happening but also the minutest details like collecting golf flags, the love life of participants and health scores of the front running golf icons. Can you see the point of similarities?

I had the chance to browse the Internet on items like golf flags memorabilia and to my amazement this single piece of information gave me an in-depth appraisal of this broadening business opportunity. As a tournament comes to a close golf flags used during the tourney are sold to enthusiasts, these flags are then kept for safekeeping or displayed as memorabilia.

With the coming of the Internet queries are posted on the web about possible golf flags covering specific tourneys and years, particularly if a known player won the said event. You can actually sell your flags online and depending on the antiquity and availability of the item, prices will naturally vary.

Just for kicks, a 2004 Masters flags auctioned online would fetch a price of over a hundred dollars, a lot of times over the acquisition price of a few pennies back then. More would be the asking price of the souvenir flag if it has an authentic signature of the winner of the tournament covering the particular year.

Most popular flags memorabilia now in demand are those signed by Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples to name a few, but not Tiger Woods because of his dominant winning ways he has become redundant.

Golf news is almost sounding like my Nanny in grade school, who provides comfort while in school, prepares snacks, rides with me on the school bus and protects me like an angry hen. This analogy is appropriate since golf does not only broadcast news and recent happening but also the minutest details like collecting golf flags, the love life of participants and health scores of the front running golf icons. Can you see the point of similarities?

I had the chance to browse the Internet on items like golf flags memorabilia and to my amazement this single piece of information gave me an in-depth appraisal of this broadening business opportunity. As a tournament comes to a close golf flags used during the tourney are sold to enthusiasts, these flags are then kept for safekeeping or displayed as memorabilia.

With the coming of the Internet queries are posted on the web about possible golf flags covering specific tourneys and years, particularly if a known player won the said event. You can actually sell your flags online and depending on the antiquity and availability of the item, prices will naturally vary.

Just for kicks, a 2004 Masters flags auctioned online would fetch a price of over a hundred dollars, a lot of times over the acquisition price of a few pennies back then. More would be the asking price of the souvenir flag if it has an authentic signature of the winner of the tournament covering the particular year.

Most popular flags memorabilia now in demand are those signed by Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples to name a few, but not Tiger Woods because of his dominant winning ways he has become redundant.