Taste of Europe

Cine Europa is back in Manila for the 11th year. All 17 movies are highly recommended. I've already watched two last Friday ("100 Steps" from Italy and "Colorado Avenue" from Finland) and Cine Europa goers clapped after their endings. I think that says a lot about the quality of the films.

We're planning to watch the other movies this week *wink*

I strongly suggest you catch at least one and you'll know what I mean.

It runs until 21 September at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. Admission to the screenings is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit the Embassy of France website for synopsis and schedule.

Poster from the Embassy of France website.

Something Something

Since last week, I've not been feeling well, probably because of stress in the office and probably from many other things. The effect was quite tolerable until I experienced what I thought was a simple upset stomach Monday morning which turned out to be a gastrointestinal something something (I forgot the term used by the clinic doctor). Initially, she asked me if I experience frequent burping *burp* (oops excuse me), chest pains (!!!), bloated feeling, in other words, “general discomfort.”

Somewhere in the Q & A, she mentioned heartburn, which frightened me. I thought it had something to do with the heart, which is not true. It turns out that it is a digestive problem. At least it’s not a heart problem, thank God for that. So it’s a digestive problem. She showed this leaflet and explained what could have caused this: stress, bad eating and sleeping habits, coffee, alcohol, smoking (and other bad things hehe).

In conclusion of my consultation, I was prescribed 2 medicines, an antacid and another medicine and of course, informed me of SOME things to avoid:

• Avoid high-fat meals. Fats can slow down/delay gastric emptying.
• Eat small, more frequent meals rather than large meals.
• Don’t eat within two to three hours of going to bed.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially after a meal.
• Lose weight if over weight.
• Don’t exercise immediately after eating.
• Avoid eating late night snacks altogether, since lying down soon after eating will almost always worsen the problem.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol can worsen heartburn.
• Some prescription medications can cause heartburn.
• To reduce night time episodes of heartburn, elevate the head of your bed four to six inches.
• Some over-the counter medications can cause heartburn.
• Avoid: chocolates, fatty meals, coffee, alcohol, onions, peppermint and spearmint, tomato-based products, and beans.

Okay, okay. I am guilty of some of those listed above *sigh* and I have to do something and sacrifice some things.

I guess, its better than experiencing that terrible discomfort again.

Hey, btw, this gastrointestinal something something can recur *double sigh*

US Open - Day 15

The usual 14 days of grand slam games extended to 15 days due to rains last Saturday, delaying the games for a day.

All I can say is, he is back! Roger Federer, now 5 time US Open champion, won in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 defeating world no. 6, 21-year old Scot Andy Murray. He was in his old form: his deadly inside out forehand, his quickness and aggressiveness (I love his serve and volley style). He showed so much confidence as the game progressed. I saw the second and third set live on "Balls" Tuesday morning before leaving for work (and watched the whole game on replay the other night) and boy, was I so happy for him. It broke my heart when he lost to Nadal in the Wimbledon finals *sigh* he could have gotten another slam under his belt that time. On the other hand, I felt sad for Andy. After defeating world no. 1 Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, I actually thought Andy can win against Roger (remember Andy is 2-1 head-to-head with Roger in hardcourt). Great match! For Roger: GO FOR 14!!!



In the women's side. Serena Williams won in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5 against Serbian Jelena Jankovic. Serena was all power (same could be said about her sister Venus). You could hear her grunts all over hehe. As for Jelena, she will be a force to reckon with in the coming tournaments. A couple of more grand slam experience and she'll be ready. Serena is back to world number 1 after 5 years (last time she was no. 1 was in 2003). Jelena, by the way, is now world no. 2 and Ana Ivanovic is down to no. 3.

Now that the last grand slam of the year is over, next important tournament would be the year ending Sony Ericsson Championship in Doha in November for the women's and the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai for the men's side also in November. And yes, a lot of players will be looking forward to who will be the year-ending number 1 for both sides. That's also a big deal.

Next grand slam will be the Australian Open (Melbourne Park, starting 19 Jan to 1 Feb 2009). Can't wait!

Images from: http://www.serenawilliams.com/ and http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/index.cfm

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