Barista Files #2

It has been quite a lay-off for me, coffee wise. I haven't handled an espresso machine for almost 3 weeks now, and I only had one cafe visit since. I have had to take a step back from coffee/drinks related work given the pre-launch phase for the LTO. Even then, it looks like I would have to double my efforts to further maximize this unique opportunity. Y-Span, after all is a game changer.

I will be starting my Barista 102 classes next week; meanwhile, the LTO will end on the 16th (Wednesday). I'm hoping to get even more orders as I start my coffee classes, with much excitement.

These sessions may prove more difficult that what I went through in 101. I barely passed my make-up practical exams, and I must admit that they gave me too many chances to pass. That last cappuccino part and milk steaming were nerve racking. I'm having a hard time now recalling those last few minutes. But I have to thank God that my instructors allowed me to pass and continue on. Beggars can't be choosers and we have to take whatever we could get.

102 looks to be better than the last class, not only because of the smaller size, but I will apparently have a family member as a classmate. I just found out before the finals that my mom's cousin was taking classes at the school. Pleasantly surprised, I welcome the joy and challenge of learning with her. She apparently plays basketball as well, often playing at Xavier on Fridays. If my knees hold up and my conditioning is at "that" level, then I could play with her group soon.

Barista Files #1

They say that you could enjoy with ease whatever you decide to do, as long as you do it with passion and love. After many years of loving and wanting what I do, I still find this hard to believe. Whether it be sports or writing, I always find myself at a loss for words, or struggling to get better. The way I'm hard-wired, it may seem. 

This does not come as a surprise then with my latest project. It has always been a dream of mine to open a cafe or a bar, and to serve my family and friends my creations. Great conversations have always found their place with a good cup of coffee, a swig of beer, or with a martini glass. There is just something cozy and alluring with a well set up shop that allows you to power through a busy morning or afternoon, or to relax and unwind after a long day's work.

I have always looked up to baristas and bartenders. Their smiles and personalities always shine through and I love to talk to some that I like. Starbucks baristas for example, no matter how rehearsed their spiels are, never fail to momentarily seize people's attention to wake them up from their monotonous grind. The way they prepare coffee and tea mixed with the aromas emanating from the grinders and espresso machines continue to enthrall me to this day. Bartenders are the star of the night at the pubs and bistros I visit to. The backdrop of glasses, bottles and caskets of different wines and spirits give them a commanding yet inviting aura, as if they're inviting guests to watch their show of mixes and lights. The men and women behind the bar for me, day or night, never fail their performances.

It's for these reasons that I am on my way to be a part of this special group. I cannot express how much joy and how grateful I am that my parents allowed me to go to Barista school at BCAA. With the savings I have, I embarked on my journey to be a top flight barista. Yet, one week of training later, it has been a bitter-sweet experience so far.

Some of the drinks made by our instructor, Mr. Mike Canlas on the first day!

The procedure and science of good coffee is easy enough to learn. Learning about the history and knowledge of coffee beans and coffee processing was never a problem for me, as I am really into the stuff. The technical process and timing of making good coffee meanwhile, are an entirely different story. 

You see, the process of making a cup of coffee is called the 'barista dance'. Its when a customer has requested a beverage, and the barista starts whipping up the drink of choice, whether it be an espresso, americano, or cappuccino. Having a high level of technical skill, while also being very knowledgeable of the science of coffee are signs of a good barista.  At first, I thought I had the entire process down to every single move, and that I could execute everything with speed and precision. The pride of making the perfect shot of espresso and creating that perfect foamy texture for the milk washed over my mental canvas. 

But it was in the practice runs and in the final technical and sensory exams where everything started to unravel. I'm not being dramatic or anything, but I had to step down from my ivory tower and head back to terra firma. The facts were staring at me like a filled up chalkboard. For one, I did not have enough time to practice. I was too caught up and wasted a lot of time in experimenting and creating a signature beverage. Aside from making cups of espresso and cappuccino as part of our evaluation, we had to come up with a creative and original concoction to show off our creativity and innovation for coffee. Aside from that I had some problems in the tamping of my coffee beans and in the steaming of my milk for cappuccinos. I thought I had the process down and I could just practice it with repetition and muscle memory. True enough, the lack of practice time and lack of focus led to me having lower than expected scores. I even had key deductions because I went over my time.

If there was one thing that I have learned in my "defeat", is to remember to owe up to your own failures. As I saw the majority of my classmates receive their certificates of graduation and their BCAA aprons, I felt elated and depressed for them at the same time. I thought that because I had my passion and love for coffee with me that I could power through the course and get the best marks in the finals. I though that I could come up with perfect espresso and cappuccino drinks for the judges, impress them with both my efficiency and careful stress for detail. I thought I could enthrall my classmates and the audience with how I constructed my signature beverage, and that it would be unique, refreshing, and most of all, the best damn coffee drink you will ever have. I thought that I could have it all, be a star, and move on to better things.

Here I am, slightly out of sync with myself and still a bit depressed from yesterday. I sit here thinking what could become of me retaking the practical exams again on Friday morning. I have no way of practicing before then, and I still have some things to finish on the business side of my plans. Talk about having to wait for the end. But in my reflections, and with the help of positive media, I start to see a light in this dark room.

I am reminded of a special anime series I have recently finished. Titled Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, or Your Lie In April, it tells a story of a young pianist prodigy broken by the sudden passing of his pianist/mentor mother (along with the emotional baggage that comes with said passing) meeting a destructive yet cheerful violinist girl. The violinist girl challenges and leads on our young hero to re-discover his love and joy for playing music on the piano. She constantly says to him, "For whom are you playing for? We are musicians, and we have to perform with all our heart!" 

Save of the ending which I will not tell, I find myself now in the shoes of the boy, looking, feeling and trying to love someone who I could perform for. After all, I am a performer, and I have to give it my all with all my heart.

Back [in Black]

Well, this is refreshing.

With the passage of time, I have noticed a decline in my writing skills, or my ability to express my ideas through written means. Its a sad feeling for me, really. Blogging and writing content online has always been a joy and a passion for me in life. It was never just a chance for me to relieve boredom or express myself; it was always an opportunity to decompress and to show what ability I have developed. 

But now, I'm just struggling on how to start this simple blog post.

I'm hoping and praying that with "restarting" this personal blog space, that I may get myself back in the groove of writing. I miss the ebb and flow of ideas that come from both heart and mind, forming themselves on screen. I miss the sleepless nights of pining over academic papers and print journals. I miss the abhorrently long research materials needed for papers, to condense thick, meaty ideas into tangible yet original thoughts on paper. This is all nostalgia from past struggles and past victories. I do not see myself writing another research paper for the time being, yet the academic within me on occasion wants to scratch that itch.

"So I look into the gaping abyss, hoping for a written miracle." Great writers always have the time to write, no matter the circumstances. Some writers may agree that you always need to fit some time in one's busy schedule to write something of quality. My sports blogging days, albeit short, have given me pause to look into this as well.

Oh no matter, I could always figure out a way. I tell myself this all the time.

Rain Check

This is a memo. A memo before "finally" moving on from college, a note to remind myself of the months before actual graduation.

 Finishing in October is not a posh and pomp way to go out after a great college career. Aside from the wonderful Ateneo Bonfire celebration after a fifth-straight UAAP Championship for the Blue Eagles, lots of food and booze, the company of friends, and the entertainment provided by Sponge Cola, life has been all about finding myself once again. College for me has been all about political theories, Theological statements and practical application of lessons and concepts. But more than that, I've picked up a lesson or two from new friends and "family". Organizational work and other "distractions" round up a fulfilling, colorful career. 

Now that I'm handling my own business and building my own team with some great friends, things are falling into place. I have a source of income, great partners, time for myself and family, and things are actually better off than I expected. In all respects to my past self, "bumming" for 5 months before finding employment is a bad career move. I am really happy things did not turn out that way.

Now if only I had a better love life. On that front, I am still clueless. :P

New Leaf, Stuff to Do

The Holy Week reflections for this year have been good to me. I thank the Lord and the people who have worked to make life a little more inspiring everyday, even in the most simple of details. Some people fail to look at these little things and pass these by as insignificant. But what I have learned, along with the conversations I have shared with friends and family, is that you must not allow anything to pass by without subtle reflection and wonder. It's what makes life all the more meaningful and worth living, in spite of the problems and challenges that plague our world.

One part of me that spoke out these past few days, brought about by the quaint online retreat posted online by Fr. Go of Xavier School, is the concept of commitment and love towards one self. I tend to say to myself that I can be busy with so many other things in my day-to-day activities that I can allow myself to "let go" of my personal needs and happiness. Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of student life, with the homework, organization activities, people and friends to meet, as well as meeting the expectations of society and your peers, is nothing to gawk at or be scared of. It is naturally a part of life that constantly flows and ebbs in the River of Time, without regard for the denizens that are at its mercy. I personally get caught up with the various events and projects I must handle, the internet with its torrent of information and time-consuming what-nots and the amount of school work to be done in order to gain a degree. With this viewpoint, people can very well say that its possible to live life with everything, and be with nothing.

Its difficult to think of how you can be unhappy and happy at the same time with doing the things you think you really love. I mean, what is wrong with hanging out with your friends, enjoying the good times, doing projects that can give you experience in the future and generally doing things with other people? It sucks out the air from you as well as drain the well from you spiritually and sometimes physically. I often feel exhausted after giving out maximum effort to the various things I do in college. Do I find fulfillment and happiness from them? Why, yes, of course I do. There's nothing wrong really of doing things for other people if it would benefit and make them better people. But constantly draining yourself without care is utterly dangerous, and destructive in the end. I always tell myself that I can gather up strength from the good I do for people, to see their happiness and contentment fulfilled. But maybe at times, you have to afford yourself of being wrong in spite of seeing righteousness before you.

Through this Holy Week, I've come to realize that I will, as humanly as possible, prevent myself from being a mere fence-sitter, waiting for self-contentment and true happiness to come while I allow myself to drain away into nothing. I feel now that if I don't try to find myself in the pathways of life God has created for all of us, then I don't think that I can face myself in front of my own friends and family, let alone total strangers, and say that this is "truly me" speaking. Only then that through finding myself can I really be a full person, and be able to relate, laugh, cry and be in joy with others.

Both of my organizations, ACLC and Ateneo Celadon, have taught me quite well in how I can find myself. ACLC has taught me to love unconditionally and to accept others in a family, while being able to find God more in more ways than I can ever imagine. Celadon meanwhile has taught me more than the true value of my heritage, but more so of how to be responsible with my own actions, how to be caring to others and going beyond my call of duty. The organizations have also allowed me to experiment a bit on my love for photography and writing as well, having written articles for Chinoy and taking shooting events for both orgs.

Maybe then, I could start anew on those two fronts. Am really thinking of hosting a new basketball/sports blog site that will showcase opinions regarding various basketball leagues here in the Philippines as well as the NBA. But of course, I'll be adding a bit of other sports tidbits here and there. But I've also realized my drive for film making and photography and I could start a new blog to showcase my stuff.

After all my reflections these past few days, maybe this could be my lucky break in finally realizing my own potential, as well as figure out what I could do after college while looking for a job. Commitment has always been a value I uphold the most, but never really understood fully. Maybe now, I can finally say I can commit to myself for awhile. So, to you, my wonderful reader, which one should I pick? Should I go for a sports blog or go for the media stuff? Maybe we can talk about it more! I'm always open for a conversation :)

What Would Steve Do?

I remember the clunky Apple computers I saw somewhere in stores in the 1990s. My uncle said that those computers were quite old and don't match up real well with the Windows-run machines during the time. Call it the 'gamer' within me; I was pretty sold on PC gaming and playing with Battle Realms that I did not care much for news on technology and innovation. I did not realize the significance of those old models, given the fact that I was still ignorant of technology and its history. Remembering those times today seem to be bittersweet, considering how far everything has developed and changed in this computer-driven world.

My first Apple product ever was the iPod mini released in 2004. Able to convince my parents to buy it after iterating that I was an honor student, music became a significant part of my being from that day until now. iTunes became synonymous with my music consumption, so much that I no longer use any other music software. There were other music devices competing for my attention during that time, such as the Creative Zune and Philips models, other more sleeker and easier-to-use devices that were not as clunky as the 'mini' player. Yet, it just clicked, given its simplicity of use and elegant design. And with this philosophy, the other Apple devices followed suit and stepped into our doorstep: a 2006 Macbook Pro that was part of the first line of Intel-powered devices, the black 2008 Macbook that is now quite rare, a Mac desktop that is still eye candy in our room and a third gen iPod Nano back in 2009 that was a gift to my brother. Creativity and innovation just breathed through these products and simply put, they were easy and a joy to use.

But beyond aesthetics and the sleek, expensive look of Apple's hardware, its still the software that matters for each and every product. Just as much as the devices looked wonderful, the programs and interface of these wonders just kept getting better. From the Grey, efficient display of my Ipod Mini, to the current generation of Lion OS X and the i-OS 5 mobile system, they were intuitive, useful and novel. The software of these devices made computing, entertainment, information and work very lively, vivid and integral to our everyday lives. As an example, when the iPad was released last 2007, its sleek design, convenient user interface, high-powered graphics and sheer power were marketed to such a degree that almost 90% of the tablet market is saturated with these little screens. The iPad, though essentially not the first tablet to be released to the market, became a phenomenon that captured the hearts and minds of many people throughout the world. I have not heard of anyone else who has bought another tablet outside the Samsung Tab. The iPhone, which was released around the same time as the iPad, revolutionized the way we talk about mobile communications and paved the way for the smart phone industry to emerge. Never before has a device only as big as your palm had the computing and graphics power of a laptop. With the current versions of the device, you could forget about your laptop/camera/other devices at home and still check your email, analyze spreadsheets and take photos and videos with amazing clarity.

As such, getting any Apple device these days entails joy, beauty, and the best of what technology has to offer. Gone are the days that talking about computers and tech lingo is confined to the "geek" corner of the room. Gone are the times when normal consumers struggle with what computer to buy or what smart phone to use. Cool Geek these days is the new trend, and such a branding and management of ideas and design have become synonymous with success. Critics and naysayers could say that Apple as a company was just ahead of the curve or lucky, or for the aggressive opponent, stealing ideas from companies and filing law suits for patents to almost every innovation. As a company, Apple has had mishaps in the past, like the decline in the early 1990s, the lack and mismanagement of leadership within, lackluster sales and a reduced customer base. Yet it has survived through a change in its core technology (i.e. the use of Intel processors for the Macbook/Mac lines), better marketing of its design philosophy and a redefinition of the company's direction. It is constant change that has decided the course of Apple since its darker days and it continues to be the trend towards the future.

The world lost a great man, this Oct. 5, 2011. He was an innovator, a true futurist, a hard-worker, a creative genius and a true 'man for others'. He went beyond himself, his own problems and weaknesses and stuck with what he was good at. The only difference between him and someone who hides in his comfort zone is that he stretched his strengths beyond the norm, looking beyond himself, and seeing the beauty that is humanity's potential to be beyond his own person. Coming from an Atenean perspective, isn't that an ideal the Blue Faithful should look up to? The man was a change catalyst, moving, working and struggling in his own to come up with innovations that seek to help the less abled and marginalized in society. Yes, Apple products seem expensive and for the rich and elite, yet the things that we buy from shiny Apple stores should not diminish the social value we could derive from them. What if a song made on Garage Band inspires people to act? How would a video edited on iMovie affect netizens to effect change in their own ways? Could your the Keynote presentations inspire people to change for the better? These are merely ideas shared to us by a man who never stopped changing for the better, who never stopped believing that their is a future where technology could be a promise to be kept and realized.

This piece is merely my experience with Apple and a man who had a vision, grabbed it by its cudgels, and raced on it in search of his own interpretation of what it means to live. He leaves us a legacy and many more questions and ideas to ponder on. I thank him for giving me 7 years immersed in the beauty and potential of technology and what could be a better, brighter tomorrow.

Steve Jobs has closed his Keynote speech for the last time. So, what would you do?

"...Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new."-Steve Jobs

Basketball Banter: UAAP Season 74, Round 1 + 1 Weekend Mythical Teams

The First Round of Season 74 for the UAAP Men's Basketball Tournament has recently been 'booked in the history books, as the Ateneo Blue Eagles fnished off all of its assignments to the tune of a 7-0 sweep, whilst the Adamson Soaring Falcons continue to impress critics and observers alike with their much improved defense and tenacity. As for the rest of the league, the FEU Tamaraws and the DLSU Green Archers are still figuring out how to consistently bring out the best of their rotations while finding the will to win they've lost in the last few games, while NU has become a sort of dissapointment after a much ballyhooed and hyped pre-season. As for UP and UE, they continue to search for their identity as ball clubs and to scrape the bottom of the standings.

After the first weekend of the 2nd round, the same observations could still be said and my well become a continuing trend as the cage wars continues. While you be a loyal Eagle, Archer, Maroon or Tiger, you cannot deny the fact that there is a select group of players, no matter what color or school is emblazoned on their jerseys, that continue to stand out from the crop and enthrall us with their performances. In this first (official!) post of the Basketball Banter, I attempt to map out the ten best players in the league. In selecting the players, I factor in their contributions to their teams (points, rebounds, assists, all that stat jazz), as well as their individual performances. Note that the 'winning factor' is not in the equation, even as most of the players on this list are part of winning teams; the case being that some stars really play on so-so teams, whilst others are stable contributers to winning teams.

Without further ado, the BB Round 1 (plus 1 weekend) Mythical Teams:

First Team

G- Kiefer Ravena, ADMU (14.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG)

You may know him as "The Phenomenon", and there's no reason to argue against that point. He has been doing everything humanly possible for the defending champs; he can score off the dribble, catch and shoot, pass off double teams and seemingly repair broken offenses like instant glue. Through the first few games, I had doubts in his ability to play defense agains the bigger, stronger and faster guards in the league. But after his perfect masterpiece against archrivals DLSU, those doubts just went out of the window. The other teams (except Adamson) have yet to figure out how to contain him, yet the scary thought is that he has yet to master his prodigious talents. If all goes well, we may see a Rookie of the Year/MVP winner for the Blue and White faithful.

G- RR Garcia, FEU (15.6 PPG, 3 APG, 11/44 3pt, 31.8 MPG)

After a quick start from where he left off, the defending MVP now sits between what could be a sweet spot and a hard place. He's putting up similar numbers from his previous campaign, yet his team has yet to give him the kind of support he has enjoyed for the last two seasons. With JR Cawaling (2-3 weeks) and Pipo Noundou (entire season) out, Garcia will have a harder time carrying the team to a respectable finish. If he is not able to deliver the goods during crunch time in this second round, then it seems that the chances for FEU to get the 'chip and glory again would dwindle as fast as the so-called hype of the Heatles.

F- Bobby Ray Parks Jr., NU (17.3 PPG, 6.5 PRG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG)

Another hyped rookie, many observers pointed out that with Parks and a certain hardworking center in tow, plus a scrappy group of veterans and youngsters, that the Bulldogs may finally get out of their Final Four slump. After eight tries, Parks has yet to live up to the status many in the media have emblazoned on him. He has the athletic scoring ability, shooting and handle of a typical big American guard, yet he still has to develop the consistency in taking over games. The 30 point explosion he had against UP showed some glimmer of his talent and how much he can still be a threat on the court.

F- Alex Nuyles, ADU (15.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 33.3% 3PT, 28.3 MPG)

The versatile swingman is clearly making an early case for the MVP award, not only because of his much improved scoring and defense, but also because of his leadership and newfound ability in the clutch. His pull up jumper with only 0.8 seconds left against DLSU stunned the Green faithful and kept the Falcons believing that they could challenge their avian foes (in actuality, the Falcons is the only team to pose a true threat now against the Eagles). Am expecting him to take the team to a Top 2 berth and its not far off that they could make the Finals.

C- Greg Slaughter, ADMU (14 PPG, 48.78% FG, 9 RPG, 2.3 BPG)

The Fil-Am bigman, along with Ravena, obviously form the guard-center combo that has everyone pumped up and excited in the league. But on his own, Slaughter can... well butcher the competition. Even against tall centers such as Mba, Mbe and the rest of the Africans, as well as Aldrech Ramos, he has been able to consistently find ways to contribute, either in the post or on the boards. If he's able to develop his jumpshot and add more post moves, this calm giant may very well spell "Duncan" while holding a first place medal.

Second Team:

G- Jeric Fortuna, UST (16 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 16/41 3pt)

Has greatly improved his ability to score whilst maintaining his stready production from the 3 point line. In clear separation from the other Jeric, he has taken the keys of the team and is poised to lead the Tigers to more wins. Expect his numbers to go up as the season moves along.

G- LA Revilla, DLSU (10.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.8 SPG)

The lone bright spot on the Archers, LA is showing signs that he is the alpha dog among wannabes and has-beens. He took a hit in production the past few games, but if he can't find his groove back, expect the Archers to sit back and watch other teams breeze throgh them with ease. Torres and the other bigs should just wait in the post for gimmes from this spark plug instead of chucking perimeter shots.

F- Kirk Long, ADMU (9 PPG, 3.1 APG, 36.36% 3PT, 28.4 MPG)

Clearly the best (looking) perimeter defender in the league, they should be naming the Defensive Player of the Year award after him. Although taking a knock on scoring and percentage numbers, he still gets it done, whether its passing on the fast break or knocking down the timely 3. He still finishes on the break like how LeBron would finish in the 4th quarter.

F- Nico Salva, ADMU (12.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 77.27% FT, 26.6 MPG)

When the super-rookies were not doing their usual thing against FEU last Saturday, Kobe's protege kept stabbing away at the isolation defenses with timely jumpers and footwork that would make Mr. 24 proud. He has developed the mentality that in order to win basketball games with the team, he has to sacrifice, live in the offense and play PROPER defense.

C- Emmanuel Mbe, NU (11.5 PPG, 52.38% FG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG)

Talk about Sophomore Slumps! The big man from the Congo still puts up the defensive numbers we've come to expect from him and he has recently exploded against UE last Saturday, yet he still lacks the post footwork and soft touch to be truly dominant in the league. That, and he has to have a staredown with Slaughter. I would pay extra to see that.

Honorable Mentions: Jett Manuel (UP), Jeric Teng (UST), Chris Camus (UST), Eric Camson (ADU), Lester Alvarez (Adamson), Emman Monfort (ADMU), Karim Abdul (UST), Paul Zamar (UE), Aldrech Ramos (FEU), Jarelan Tampus (DLSU)

First published on Facebook, August 17, 2011. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150280967333512