Once again, I have passed over the Black Friday sales hype. For me and Rizz, stores selling items $5-$10 lower than usual was not worth the aggravation and frustration (especially for those stuck on the right side of the highway OR those already in the parking lot looking for a parking space). That was what we saw last night as we headed home taking the exit (going opposite direction). The interesting part to all of this is what we only live a block away from the outlet mall ... Even though we didn't participate in this once-in-a-year sales event, we hope that everyone had a safe, patient shopping experience.

I found out today that a franchise-owned Midas car repair shop DOES NOT accept the Midas Car Care credit card. The card I got is probably accepted for a corporate-owned Midas shop (in which I assume is the one I went to in Virginia Beach before my IL move). That seemed to be the bad news. However, the good news was that I only had to pay for a tire rotation and oil change which amounted up to an estimated $50.

Black Friday is coming upon us once again! There'll be a plethora of deals out in the open whether they're gonna be on-site or even, online! Most of us consumers are willing to go and brace the cold temps in the wee hours of the early morning and head over to stores with their credit cards or cash and some are willing to go on their computers, pointing-and-clicking their way through all the great buys available. Some shoppers are now actually taking advantage of the early discounts and sales online set forth by retail companies/ merchants. And for those that are doing outside shopping, some retail stores do plan to open early before others will on Black Friday morning. As many consumers are willing to spend their hard-earned dollars or choose the method of bill-me-later on the outside, they will have to patiently endure the major consequences of heavy traffic as well as crowded parking. Plus, in addition to those mentioned, they must also prepare for longer lines and overcrowded capacity inside stores, and even advertised merchandise that will later turn out to be out-of-stock in a fast-paced rate. The added convenience online is a huge benefit for those that are willing to to do the shopping route via computer. No long lines. No crowds. However, the only problem is: one may have to wait awhile for the product to be delivered. Whichever way you prefer, I hope you enjoy your shopping experience on Black Friday. Have fun!

I can't say for sure if being a Filipino-American can be either considered a curse or a blessing. When it all comes down to it, one has to equally bridge and embrace both cultures/customs from the Philippine and American perspectives. It can be a tough act to follow at first for someone because it's like being introduced to a crash course called 'culture 101' and that he/she are already accustomed and acclimated to the culture they were raised on from the beginning of their lives. For me, I'm still a work-in-progress at 37 years old. I have grasped the Philippines' history as well as the culture during my college years, but my biggest weakness is the language barrier. I just haven't had enough time to grasp it. Realizing this flaw I have, it brings forth the consequences of me being as dumbfounded as I can be, as well as being the pun of jokes from those that are true natives to the islands. No matter what puts me down or keeps me up, I have to stay true to the pride that is Filipino-American and humbly accept for what I have become ... No matter what circumstances and challenges I face daily (in peeling the layers of my Filipino side), I will always respect the Philippine culture for what it is as well as the Filipino people that I will come face-to-face with now and the upcoming times ahead.

I am so stoked about tonight's fight between Pacquiao and Marquez on their 3rd showdown. It's gonna go down in a couple more hours. I have some friends coming over in a bit. I'm planning to order some pizza before they eventually make their way. It shouldn't be bad having our Mexican/ Latino friends over and then us Filipinos on the other side watching the fight together. Hopefully another friend (who is African-American) will also show up. It's good to have a crowd set up together at the home.

Aftermath:

Pacquiao wins majority (yet controversial) decision; foray of boos given by Pro-Marquez crowd at the MGM Grand

"Pacquiao has thrown 578 punches connecting 176 while Marquez had it 436 connecting 138. Pacquiao threw 304 jabs connecting 59 to Marquez's 182 with 38 connects. Pacquiao threw 274 power punches connecting 117 while Marquez threw 254 with 100 connecting." (taken from a page link in Pinoygreats.com)

Marquez thinks he won again and felt robbed. How could he have won anyways? Let's be realistic --- by just hitting Manny hard with the punches, alone --- to win? Dude, it takes a lot of fast punches thrown/landed to win every round AND a knockout to achieve that too. He failed. I will leave it as that. End of story...Filipinos and Pacquiao fans rejoice!

Me and my Mexican friend talked about the fight afterwards ... From what he saw, he said that it was a draw and NOT a win for either of the two. He thinks that each fighter gave his best performance. Although I seem to disagree (because Manny put in the most thrown/landed punches stats than Marquez), we didn't argued about it. He handled it well and went home w/ his wife to pick up their kids. So for any Filipino or Mexican arguing about this, this can be debated but with respect and no hatred to any one or anybody.

It was a great sunny, yet chilly Saturday morning here in Aurora, IL. I opted not to do the treadmill today and instead put the rest of my long-walking exercises at the Chicago Premium Outlets (as I joined many shoppers looking around-and-about inside every store). I had to go in there early because there'll be a plethora of shoppers making their way to the complex later on. It's crazy out here when it comes to parking as almost every space is just about taken. It meant others have to park their vehicles on the grass and walk way out from the distance. I'm glad I didn't had to experience that today ... Despite being distracted looking at a couple of items in certain stores, I managed to go about 2 hours of awesome walking as I donned in my newly-purchased Manny Pacquiao Nike gear (Note: Today is actually Manny Pacquiao's 3rd fight against Juan Manuel Marquez).

I didn't buy anything, unfortunately - however, I have devised my own wishlist. Right now may not be the time, but who knows, I can go about my shopping experience even after the holiday season. But it doesn't have to be from the Chicago Premium Outlets, alone. There are a few places that I'd like to add, as well, to add more of the variety. If I am able to look for a full-time 40/wk job or an additional part-time job, I'll be set to shop for these items:

(1) Men's Shawl (from Kenneth Cole in Chicago Premium Outlets or H&M in Geneva Commons)
(2) The adiZero Ghost (from the adidas store in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(3) Jordan hoodie (from the Nike store in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(4) Buttoned-shirts (from H&M in Geneva Commons)
(5) Women's Zip GAP fleece - for Rizz (from GAP Outlet in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(6) Chicago Blackhawks Hat (from Lids for Less in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(7) Skechers Shape-Ups Sneakers (from Skechers in Chicago Premium Outlets or Meijer on Route 59)
(8) Red hoodie (from the Puma store in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(9) Refurbished Blu ray player (from the Sony store in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(10)Black-colored basketball shorts (from the adidas store in Chicago Premium Outlets)
(11)Univ. of Illinois Nike hoodie (from a JCPenney store that actually has this, besides the one in Champaign which is soooooo far away)

..and the list goes on and on. It's not over yet - not by a long shot anyways. LOL

Overall, I didn't just exercised myself by constantly walking, but I was also doing the same with my brain (creating this awesome wishlist).

Pacquiao and Marquez are going for a 3rd go-at-it in the ring this Saturday 11/12/2011. Who are you rooting for? It should be well worth the treat for boxing fans everywhere.

I was just passing by the shoes area in the Meijer store and noticed the Skechers Shape-Ups they were displaying. I looked at the box which mentioned its many benefits whether its for work or for personal use. I'm thinking if I should get one for myself. Perhaps it can help my body in its toning as well as posture. That would be awesome.

I'm going around Meijer store still waiting for Rizz's cousins to get off from work in the mall. 38 Special's 'Hold on loosely' is playing above in the ceiling speakers. I'm trying to keep myself warm from the cold, especially with a shaved head. Glad there's such a 24-hr facility nearby.....I have to remind myself to store all the spring/ summer clothes away and get out the ones for winter. Maybe I should by some new additions from Meijer.


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The years are going by so fast and the highlight reels in life are getting older by the moment. I was able to watch raw Hi-8 master tapes of recordings (most of which never uploaded to my You Tube channels) on my 22" Samsung LCD TV. Its amazing to see everything all over again. Seems so special to me more than ever especially being it that I live someplace else and that loved ones are so far away from me. Jimmy is still as crazy as he is today. Ray is still the coolest of the cool. And my family is always the greatest...I hope to experience nostalgia this holiday season when I visit Virginia. Today I continue building new memories --- this time with a small portable digital camcorder and not the ancient relic that was the Hi-8. Here's to more highlight reels to come. I can only hope that Jim won't pull anymore stunts like handcuffing himself. ***keeping my fingers crossed on that one***


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Its past 1am. I'm on the way to pick up Rizz's cousins. Low and behold the frost that's building up on my Civic. Old Man Winter has reared in its ugly self, and this is the main reason why I wanna get out of this area. Many local residents (in the city or the suburbs) including the kids (who love this) are so accustomed to it all especially when the snow comes down. I hate scraping the windshield and taking that excessive snow out from my car - and the thought of waking up early to do that (don't even get me started on this! lol). I gotta admit I'm not a winter-loving guy at all. I am used to the great winter weather that's warmer in Orlando. Hopefully in late-2013, we can settle down there. For now, advantage to winter on its victory path. You win this time, pal, but I will be back to win the one in 2013. So go ahead and snow down on me. You know how much I hate you, Old Man Winter!!!


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I was asleep for part of the evening last night, only to hear from Jimmy (via text message) that the 'overweight lover MC' Heavy D suddenly passed away earlier that day. That was quite a shocker because the iconic rapper, 44, never had any health issues in years' past (despite his weight gain). He did lost a lot of pounds years in recent times .... In other notable deaths this week alone, legendary boxer 'Smokin' Joe Frazier, 67, from complications of liver cancer and 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney, 92, from complications of minor surgery .... This comes to show that we can't take every day for granted and to make the most out of life because we may never know when the end will be.

Tagalog to learn for today:

Babalik po ako mamaya, isalang ko lang po labahin ko. (i'll be back in a while, i'll just load my laundry.)

Thanks to my cousin Ann T. for providing me my first lesson :)

It may have been a low-scoring game, but it was a hard-fought game - period! The LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide were going neck-and-neck with key defensive plays. But the best team won tonight in this epic battle between the top 2 teams in the SEC. LSU Tigers won with the game-winning field goal making it a 9-6 victory. Sure was a lot of hype built up in this game for most of the week.....And this was the 2nd college football game I've only seen this year, too.

Just decided to make a minor tweak to the 'About Myself' here on the Jonnyroobs Centralized blogpage. Its way past 1am now so I'll put all the rest of the revision back a bit. Gonna work on the background portion of the layout, as well as the music playlist. This playlist is already soooo old and I apologize to those of you that have to listen to it constantly. I'm gonna try and attempt to change it on a bi-weekly basis.......Man, can you believe it's already November? The year goes by so quick when we all work so much in the life. I look forward to next month. Virginia and Orlando for 2 weeks! This is gonna be something else.

For inquiring minds that wanna know, celeb/ entrepreneur/ model/ actress, etc. - Kim Kardashian IS back in the singles market again and will be blowing kisses again to all the guys out there. So, if any of you fellas got what it takes for a hot date, she's available. She's filed for divorce from her hubby, NBA player Kris Humphries citing irreconcilable differences. The marriage itself lasted for only 72 days (starting off with their televised fairytale wedding seen by millions on E!) and later ending 'dead-on-arrival' right on Halloween. Humphries wanna work it out but I don't see it happening. Just being honest. Kim K is Hollywood glam and is a Kardashian. Ain't no way she'll trade that up for a down-to-earth lifestyle in Minnesota.