Marco Online

Filipino Martial Arts in American Movies

What does Bourne Identity (staring Matt Damon) and The Hunted (starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio del Toro) have in common? The movie used Filipino Martial Arts! A few months back a friend of mine training in Jujitsu had told me about it. I totally forgot. But today was Toilet Yoga day. I pulled this Filipino FHM issue, part of Cai’s “pasalubong” (simple present or little gift?) a year ago and read an article about Submission Fighting. It was interesting and made me search the net. I found out more about it! The movie Kiss of the Dragon (Jet Li), has an awesome Arnis fight scene against 30 (I’m guessing) policemen in martial arts training. Blade 2 has used FMA Eskrima and so has Star Wars-Attack of the Clones and Phantom Menace. Also most of Steven Segal’s stick fighting scenes feature Arnis or Eskrima(?).

I found out that FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) is categorized as a style. It is not commercially well known because it has been kept underground and the Filipinos rarely advertise it. It is popular and used by police and military Special Forces around the world. The FMA systems are also based on real-scenario fighting. I mean when you are in a brawl, you can’t go kicking or flying, it’s not realistic. FMA is for the real world.

The FMA used in the two quite recent movies was “Kali.” Read this history of Kali if you are interested. I did not know that Lapu Lapu – the national hero of the Philippines, used Kali against the Spaniards and Magellan in 1521. Also, the three most thought FMAs are Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima.

As a side note, I now realize how privileged I was back then. I truly am. During college, my school (UST) Martial Arts Guro (teacher) Grand Master Ernesto Presas had thought us Arnis, Arnis de Mano. It's part of our curriculum. He’s known worldwide and is the brother of the late GM Remy Presas. They have trained police and military Special Forces around the world. I even have one of his autographed books. Wooha! Um, Cai, do you still have that book? It’s with the rest of all my books under your bed? Anyway, when I get a chance, I’ll probably get back into it.

Grand Master Ernesto Amador Presas

Stupid Snow...Arg! I Lost My Macromedia MX CD!

Ok, Sunday work was cancelled because of the incoming snow...you know I still went to work only to find out that no one was there. No one called me to tell me work was cancelled! The permanents always do. Ok...so I didn’t get mad or made a big deal about it. Then today, I decided to call first. Hah! Got someone. The Web Director, TS (I'll initial the peeps), said I can come in but it would only be him, SC and me. I get there and the door is locked! Ok, I said, they must be running late or they went to lunch. Getting impatient, I called the work number--while waiting outside...no one picks up and I leave a message. Then, I call TS' cellphone. He picks up and tells me that he'll call me back and call or check with someone if I have to work! Huh? Okaayy, fine. I start reading my Dreamweaver MX book-say for about 15 minutes. Then the door opens!

I was so furious-but I know how to keep my cool, well for now. Why in the world did they not open the door knowing I was outside? For 15 minutes! I get in and "What the ____ is up?”. Well I did not really say that. Now SC starts arguing with TS. She was really upset-the fact that I was just outside and TS for some reason wanted me to go home because of the bad weather? I'm like "Whatever guys". Let me in I got some pressing projects to do! So they start arguing for about 10 minutes-then they go to the conference room. You know, I was so pissed that Fireman was thinking-hmmm maybe they were doing something. They weren’t done yet. I came too early. Then, they continued in the conference room. How evil of me-TS is married and SC is about 10 years younger than him. Why would they do it?

I had to check my desk and see if they left anything or any bodily fluids on my keyboard-hey who knows. What am I thinking. But, the odd thing was, SC looked radiant and fresh-you know after sex you look better. Nah, she wouldn't do it with him. I gotta stop it.

I decided to head out around 4pm and take work home. I work using Macromedia MX 2004 series. But, I only have MX at home. Hope there wouldn't be any issues-TS says there won't be. Ok fine. I go home and find out I did not install it yet-I recently replaced my hard drive. Fine, I'll just get the disc and install it again. Arg!!! I could not find it!!! I've been looking for hours, searching everywhere! I am so, so, so...ARRRGGG!!!! Snow is getting even because I've been cursing it a lot lately.

I should’ve backed-up my installation CDs. Now I've got to put my old hard drive back! What a mess. I promised to get some phases done by tomorrow! Sheesh.

Ok, just got a book in the mail:

Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This: A Guide to Creating Great Ads by Luke Sullivan

What Type of Drink Am I?

Well, I got lonely and bored so I just did this test...check out my results

Congratulations! You're a screaming orgasm!!


What Drink Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Female Butt Shapes & Their Meaning

The female butt for me is not the number one magnet. It's the face and personality. But, as a side note, the butt does attract in some ways. For guys, check out your favorite female butt shape. For girls, see what your parents gave you. By the way, I take no credit for this picture. Found it in a stash of my older brother's bedroom time books.

Confessions of a Man

I can't believe how fast the day went by. I'm supposed to know that. Well, I brought tons of work home for the weekend and yet I have to work Sunday. I wanted to work Saturday as well but no one else is coming to work. It's going to suck on Sunday; I heard it's going to snow again.

Before I left the house I got a call from the front desk. I have a package. I wonder what it is. Fifteen minutes later I'm headed to the front desk. I'm usually greeted by a Latin-American receptionist, I'm guessing she's around late 30's and grew up in the US because of her accent. Or, one of three African-American women. I get so many packages that I memorize who's who on what day. But today I guessed wrong. They've got a new receptionist. I was a bit in awe when I saw her. The first time I'd see someone at least my age handing me my goods. This time it was a blonde-Caucasian. I know this story sounds insignificant or pointless, but I have to confess, she was pretty-she wins a post.

I know, this sounds too wishful thinking, but there was some eye contact. Is it me or is it the dried nasal mucus on my cheek. I rarely get that look. Okaaayy, the packages (everyone's package) are stored in two large cabinets. The cabinets are adjacent to the front desk. So she has to turn around to scavenge for my package. Hey and I found out I've got two packages. She has to dig deep. Ok, ok, before I start, I'm not in a horny mood. I rarely am in a busy work week-it's been busy for two weeks. I only get horny when I get to talk to my fiancée-we're currently thousands of miles apart. Now, If you read my post regarding my grandfather, you'll have an idea what kind of a gentleman I am...Back to the front desk. I can't help but notice, she's wearing gray-stretch dress pants, a black top sweater. The only difference is that she was wearing clothes a few sizes smaller than her. For some reason I was tempted to look. I'm thinking "She can't see me since she's been searching for my package for more than five minutes now, why not?" Well, that's not me thinking, that's Mr. Fireman down under. You know what I did? Honestly, I looked away. Out the door, looking at my car. I'll feel guilty if I looked. It's like stealing money from the homeless. Or cheating on your Sweetheart.

So, I was feeling really good. "Mr., you've made me proud" says the fireman. Then, all of a sudden she calls my name asking me to spot the package from a distance-she can't seem to locate it. While she's bending and all, I can't help but look! Mother of all asses. Wow, that’s a sheer thong you got coming out. Ah, before I forget, a tip to tell. Most women’s gluteus maximus or butt muscles will tell you if she is over-sexed, not working out, or just had a baby. Don’t ask me where I got that info from. So, there are only two ways of telling. Firm and salutes to you-good, sagging and sad-bad. Well she was at full attention.

I don't feel bad now, it's like she gave me the permission. I know it's not supposed to be a big deal, but women have to understand why men look. Not all guys are bad boys. Women sometimes have to appreciate it when men look. It's like giving a silent compliment. Hah. By the way, I think most women don't look at men that way because men are not physically sexy by nature. Women have curves and the way they move makes a big difference. And, I've read somewhere that a woman has a body scent not detectable by the conscious sense of smell, but detectable by the subconscious senses of Men. Voila! That’s why men are horny. And to the women, you know what you're missing-finding out how sexy you are. I'm glad to be a man. Of course, I'll be brutal, only women who take care of themselves are pretty. From clothing, hygiene, health, body, to manners. And you have to at least be gifted in some part.

Anyway, the package contained the following:

Books-A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson, The Food of the Philippines: Authentic Recipes from the Pearl of the Orient-time to cook, and URECCO!!! Oooo, and URECCO GAL! Wooha! Check my photo album later (Everyday category, to see a cover of my Urecco issue-she's hot). I'm tired of Playboys; they are too made up. I don't like Hustler-type porn because they are too dirty. You know what I mean.

Forgive me, I confess my sins.

Love,
Naughty Marco

No English 3

= I am a dog
Slang term = ?
Origin = Korean
Pronunciation = Na-noon Gae Da, Na nun Gay Dah

No English 2

Bese mi asno = Kiss my ass
Slang term = ?
Origin = Spanish

Remembering Jennifer Aniston

No English

Kalbo = Bald
Slang term for "Kalbo" = Bokal
Origin = Tagalog

Work, Design, Reflection

We've extended the deadline for the e-zine project to Monday as opposed to today. I was just celebrating yesterday because of the extension. But earlier at work, we've added additional content and dropped in a few more great ideas. I know I'm used to scenarios like these, but I'm getting a bit worried about it.

More than a week ago I was challenged with designing a creative strategy for the e-zine. In mind, the goals, objectives, and projected results were my core focus. During my presentation, I expected interruptions, bombardment of questions, or disagreeing looks. To my surprise, there was none of it! They paid close attention to the details I was laying out. Then it occurred to me, maybe, they just don't understand it. Or maybe, they really do not know what we're getting into. After the presentation I opened the table for questions or challenges we may face with this strategy. All of a sudden, a wave of great ideas, great suggestions, and contaminating excitement filled the room. Now, I got a tad worried. You know the saying "Too Many Cooks Spoil the Pot"? I thought so, but most of the ideas generated were in-line with the creative strategy. I felt a surge of satisfaction. I felt that this must be one of my best and convincing presentations. In the end I received a huge round of applause. Does it mean there's more stress to come?

Well, aside from design work, I have to also manage and maintain our production progress calendar. I also have to create some HTML work, graphics production work, content copy research/writing for some articles, ad placement/selection, and last but not the least, manage the direct mail piece with the printer. The good thing is, I don't have to worry about price haggling. The printer and I have a really good working relationship. My other rewarding piece is that I have so much teamwork help from SC that it's going smoothly.

We've only got about less than a week to develop this and we've already come up with a number of pages for the beta launch: 30. Or even more. Hey, it’s a bi-weekly e-zine. That amount is strategically thought of. When I came in today, the content editors/writers sarcastically asked me how many pages were we doing? They just found out today. I kept my cool and naively said "30". For me, I see it as a challenge, not a problem. At least the web director wasn’t pessimistic about the website development phase. Luckily the day went well, with some minor migraines.

I've learned to see problems as challenges. When I was an Art Director for May Co.'s Hecht's & Strawbridge's division, our senior VP always advised me that when presenting or reporting status, replace the word "problem" with "challenge". It makes a big difference in life. It's a lesson you don't learn in school, at home, or even in design firms. You learn it in business.

Although I consider myself as a designer, there is still a whole difference between my style of work and a designer's. I’ve noticed most designers who worked under my supervision are purely artistic or obedient. That’s it, no in between or another variety. I’ve even interviewed some very talented designers, but we never hired them. Should I regret that moment? I don’t know. Maybe someday they’ll be interviewing me. But, the most important and successful factor for being a talented designer does not rely entirely on talent or industry knowledge. Success relies on marketing knowledge and creative imagination. Talent only comes next. This I found missing in the talented designers.

When I tackle a design project, my subconscious mind reminds me of earnings, profits, and company success as part of the process. Not just the aesthetic branding. Target market or the consumers are only number two on my list. Design quality comes last. Personal satisfaction is just an option.

I categorized myself under a new category: Creative Design Strategist. Not just another Art or Creative Director. But hey, I’d like the Creative Director title.

Night.