The Feeling of Winning a Lottery

During the Pro-Am of the Razon Invitational, I felt like I had won the lottery.  There were 5 raffle prizes to be given away that included some Apple products like iPhones, iPads, Macs and lastly, a Samsung 46 inch LED 3D television.

Raffles like these get you really excited when you start to envision yourself that perhaps it could be your lucky day. But then we more often than not, fall back to earth when we hear the name that was called isn't ours.  As if, "luck like that doesn't happen to me." Not that I was pessimistic about raffles but really, the best attitude to have to sit in your seat and wait patiently.

When it came to the final grand prize, as I was chewing my mango dessert, I was shocked that my name was called for the Samsung 3D HD TV!

'Wow' was all I could say for the longest time. I was on such a high.

Thank you again to ICTSI and Mr. Razon for sponsoring such a grand event for The Country Club members and professionals.

I have decided to sell this luxurious gift to use it instead of entertainment but as an investment for my future.  Selling this T.V. would provide me the capital to enter into several international tournaments this year where I can gain experience and improve my game against the best.

Here is some information which I put on Ebay and Sulit.com on how to purchase if you are interested.

http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/5015730/Samsung+3D+HD+LED+46+inch+TV+%28UA46D6600%29

http://www.ebay.ph/itm/110831524244?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_742wt_959

Thoughts on Firsts and Philippine Open 1st Round

Today was the first round of the Philippine Open.  Like last year, this tournament is an Asian Tour sanctioned event.  In a nutshell, I shot a 74 which in the challenging Wack Wack East course, I'll take it. 5 shots off the lead and solid opening round.  I find 4 day events to be a marathon.  Still a long ways away and a lot of golf to be played.

I remember those nerves last year, stepping onto the first hole and having my name called on the microphone to hit the first tee shot.  The whole scenery at that moment felt different and out of the ordinary.  Commotion of players, spectators, volunteers, media in the near background.  Sign boards of sponsors out left and right.  Suffice to say, not your typical weekend round of golf with just you, your buddies, and the starter on the first tee.

In addition, last year was my first Asian Tour event.  Despite having played several local pro events prior to that, this wasn't the same.  To relate this to the non golfer, there's always a mix of beauty and disaster in firsts.  The first time driving a car, your first kiss, your first job interview, your first high school dance, your first time walking... Ok, maybe not the last but my point is, one thing is for sure: They're memorable. Yet at the same time, there's an element of disaster.  Sometimes, firsts go your way but more often than not, they don't.  Your state of mind is out of its comfort zone. You tremble.  You're raw.  You're exposed. You find grief in pondering why it didn't work out. But sooner or later, you're aching to tackle the challenge once again.  

At that point, you are more prepared.  You're more comfortable.  The once daunting task may still seem challenging but you manage it better.  You slowly shift your coordination from the conscious to the unconscious as it becomes more natural to you.  Your body and mind is in a familiar position so your heart rate settles.  Your true ability presents itself at the state of calm, when fear is out the door.

Playing for the second time in this event and bringing a mindset of finding fulfillment simply golfing and attempting to play great rather than finding fulfillment based solely on results has been the key for the week.  A stronger mind doesn't guarantee improved results but at least it gives you the best chance to be happy and play your best.  As a golf saying goes: You have to give up control to gain control.

Fresh Start to Blogging 2012

Fresh Start to Blogging!

            It has been a while since writing the last blog.  First and foremost, apologies go out to those following the blog. I promise 2012 will be updated more constantly with happenings both on and off the golf course. 

The long stretch between writing this blog entry and the previous one in November of 2011 is what I would characterize as the exercise effect. You know how when you become so eager to exercise, that you’ll go on your routine and do it everyday. It would seem to fit into your lifestyle, thus becoming a part of your everyday activity.  However, you skip one day, then the following day, then before you know it, you haven’t had the chance to exercise for a week! This daily routine of yours seems to fit less and less into your schedule until you realize that the once commitment you had to exercising is gone.  The less you do it, the more detached you get. 

On a parallel note, this is what happened to my blogs. Skipping writing about the final tournament in Wack Wack led to skipping writing entirely about December in Florida or Christmas in New York. Some super totally awesome stuff that will be remembered only through pictures, videos and of course memories minus the blog writeups.

This phenomenon can happen to anything your life. I only used the exercise example to portray what happened to the lack of blog writeups but we can also examine common places where this occurs. 

Friendships and relationships – Hanging out with the same group of people becomes easy when you see each other almost everyday. But what happens when you go a week, a month without seeing them. Then doesn’t it feel like that one person or group that once was part of you now has no space in your day for you?  How about activities like playing sports, going to Church, saying your nightly prayers? 

Now we do understand that we are creatures of habit, but I also wanted to point out that once a certain habit is broken, then we individuals move onto something else. 
Commitment is the main issue here.  Since our daily time is limited, we all must prioritize.  A good friend just told me today that asking ourselves what our purpose for all our actions will help us get a better understanding of differentiating between the activities that will help us grow and nurture as individuals and the ones that are simply a distraction.

Prior to beginning the first sentence of this blog, I had no idea where this blog entry was headed. I thought more of giving a recap of my January golfing experiences, but I also felt the urge to deviate and post about the wealth of guidance and inspiration I have received lately from loved ones – friends and family.  It is my wish to share such knowledge of empowerment to others as well.

Well, I hope that gave you some intellectual stimulation! ‘Till tomorrow, peace!