Lessons Learned from the Story of Seabiscuit

For those who have not read the book "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand or seen its 2003 movie adaption starring Toby Maquire, Seabiscuit was a racehorse who inspired hope in hearts of the depression plagued Americans during the late 30's. He was undersized and had crooked legs but despite this handicap became a champion racehorse and by the time of his retirement in 1940---Seabiscuit was horse racing's all time money winner.

 

All of us have our own handicaps to contend with but with the right values, hard work, determination, and the unwavering belief that life can be made better, we can rise from our difficulties.

As the Roman Emperor Hadrian said while building the Roman Empire, "Brick by brick my citizens, brick by brick." Success carries a hefty investment of blood, sweat, and tears. It is not handed to you on a silver platter for you to enjoy. I believe that the most fulfilling accomplishment is the one which you gave your best and most effort to. For an undersized horse like Seabiscuit, his anatomical measure obviously was not the source of his speed. The source of his speed was in his heart. As Charles Howard would comment, "Sometimes when the little guy doesn't know that he's a little guy, he can do great big things." This should be the same attitude we have in life. However bad the cards that we are dealt with in life, we are but a choice away from moving forward.

 

Sharing with you the quotes that would summarize the moral of Seabiscuit's story:

 

"Though he be little, he is fierce." (Red Pollard quoting Shakespeare)

 

"Sometimes, all somebody needs is a second chance." (Charles Howard)

 

"You don't throw a whole life a way because it's banged up a little bit." (Tom Smith)

 

"It's better to break a man's leg than his heart." (George Woolf)

 

"Everybody loses a couple. Either you pack up your things and go home or you keep fighting." (Charles Howard)

 

"For any man who have pride and ambition; if your dream is big enough and you have the guts to follow it, there is truly fortune to be made." (Charles Howard)

 

"Every horse is good for something." (Tom Smith)

 

"His (Seabiscuit) speed is not in his legs but in his heart." (Red Pollard)

 

Seabiscuit with Red Pollard.

 

Seabiscuit with owner Charles Howard.

 

 

Seabiscuit with Tom Smith.



Alodia Gosiengfiao for FHM Philippines July 2013

Sorry to disappoint you BatMans out there but you just have to contend with only a minimum skin exposure from Alodia in this photoshoot.  No skimpy lingerie.  No thong.  No finger licking.  It's Alodia in FHM.  Period.

 

I'm sure I just heard a collective sigh from the multitude of salivating admirers out there but you might just have to wait a little while longer before Alodia does a pictorial ala Jahziel Manabat or Abby Poblador!

Alyssa Milano for Maxim USA

We remember her fondly as Samantha Micelli as Tony Danza's daughter in the sitcom Who's the Boss way back in the 80's.  Now, Alyssa Milano is all grown up and a rather stunning 42 year old stunner!  Don't you agree?

World War Z: Movie Review

Nope.  I have not read Max Brooks book from which this film was adapted but I'm a sucker for zombie movies.  At least I won't get disappointed when the film does not follow the book's story line.

Anyway, the film stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane a former United Nations Investigator whose family became first hand witnesses to the zombie frenzy that hits New York City.  He escapes with his family with the help of his former UN colleague to a United States Navy ship.  With his experience as a UN investigator, Gerry is tapped by the naval commander to accompany their leading virologist to South Korea in the mission to find the source of the zombie virus that can lead them to create a vaccine.  However, as Murphy's Law would say, "If anything can go wrong it will at the most worst of times."  In other words---SHIT HAPPENS!  Upon landing in South Korea, Gerry's team is attacked by zombies, where, in the ensuing mayhem, the virologist panics and accidentaly shoots himself!  And here begins Gerry's crusade to find the cure for the zombie virus that would take him to Israel and United Kingdom. 

So what makes this zombie film different from those which I've already watched?  Well, the zombies here are fast and attacks like fire ants unlike the typical lethargic types.  Zombie on steroids---that's what they are!  Another noticeable difference is that there were no scene where you see the zombies feasting on their prey; hence, there was not much gore in this film.  However, the lack thereof does not mean less excitement.  I assure you this film does not lack in terms of suspense that will surely keep you at the edge of your seat! (Apologies to the seat in front of me who I accidentally kicked during one suspenseful sequence.)

Must watch!

Sam Pinto for Esquire Philippines

Hu-WOW!

Alex Moreno and Karen Anne Tuazon for FHM Philippines

Alex Moreno

Karen Anne Tuazon

Hang Over 3: Movie Review

The Wolf Pack once again finds themselves in dire consequences and like the other two adventures that they have gone through, Alan (Zack Galifianakis) is again in the middle of it all!  

This time it was no bachelor's party but an intervention to have Alan committed to a rehab facility "to make him better".  Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Doug (Justin Bartha) accompany Alan to the Arizona facility when they are side tracked by Marshall (John Goodman) and his goons who apparently had a beef with Chow (Ken Jeong).  Marshal stitches a connection of events from the Wolf Pack's Las Vegas and Bangkok adventures to their present situation where Chow, who just bolted out of a Bangkok jail, is linked to Alan.  Poor Doug who again gets hostaged as Phil, Stu, and Alan go to Mexico and Las Vegas to get Chow.  Expect a whole lot of wacky adventures along the way!

Nice weekend de-stresser!  Oh, and don't go just yet when the closing credits starts to show or you'll miss out on a whole lot of laughs with the group's encore!