The I.Z. Perspective

Bryant ‘optimistic’ Lakers will bring back Odom

ivanzalameda — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:49:20 +0000

Posted Jul 22 2009 7:36PM

SINGAPORE (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is optimistic the NBA champions will re-sign key free agent Lamar Odom.

Will LAMAR ODOM stay with the LAKERS ???

“I’m optimistic that he’ll be back,” Bryant said Wednesday at a news conference in Singapore as part of a six-country Asian tour. “He makes us a much, much stronger team.”

Negotiations broke down last week as the Lakers retracted a contract offer to Odom. The Miami Heat are also wooing the 6-foot-10 forward.

Odom played a key role off the bench in the Lakers’ championship run. He averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the playoffs.

Bryant said forward Ron Artest, who signed as a free agent with the Lakers earlier this month, will help bolster the team’s chances to repeat as champions.

“I think Ron’s going to be a great addition to us,” Bryant said. “It’s about how well we play together. No matter how much talent you have, it’s about how you put those pieces of the puzzle together.”

Bryant downplayed speculation that Lakers coach Phil Jackson may take some games off next season because of health problems.

“Who said he’s coaching less?” Bryant said. “Phil likes messing with you guys. He’ll be there all the time, unless he has a doctor’s appointment to get to.”

Bryant said he was more likely to agree to play for Team USA at the World Championships in 2010 and the 2012 London Olympics now that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has committed to lead the team.

Bryant and Krzyzewski won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics last year.

“I’m very excited to see that he signed on,” Bryant said. “It influences all the guys just because we’ve been through that experience before and it becomes like a family.”

“It definitely influences me.”

Bryant, an 11-time All-Star, said a possible showdown against LeBron James, former Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers in next season’s finals would be “crazy.”

“Just the hoopla that surrounds it and all the stories that would come out of it,” Bryant said. “If that match up is to happen, we have to take it one day at a time, we can’t get caught up in it being a given that we’re going to be the finals.”

“We have to take care of our business, but that being said, it would be a heck of a show.”

BEING a KOBE BRYANT fan….

ivanzalameda — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:44:30 +0000

I have been a LAKER fan all my life…Since the MAGIC JOHNSON days when he was batlling the great LARRY BIRD of the Boston Celtics….But when the LAKERS experienced that lost era, I really thought it was over!!!

Te BLACK MAMBA

Then management drafted a relatively unknown high school player from Lower Merion, he was only 18 if Im not mistaken….His name was ” KOBE BRYANT “…The Lakers traded center VLADE DIVAC to Charlotte to get the rights to him…The MAN who had the eye for talent in the LAKER front office was JERRY “Mr Clutch” WEST, former Laker All-Star guard.

The KOBE fanatics.....

On a personal note, I have played the game of basketball since grade 3 in CSA and truth be told, we re all frustrated ‘professional ballers’…I will admit to this…But to this day, I BELIEVE THAT KOBE BRYANT IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA POUND FOR POUND….He is at the peak of his career and amidst speculations, this guy will retire as a LAKER…

At the ULTRA, fans from all walks of life came in droves…Monstrous traffic jams…OA security personnel…Good thing the bouncers were “friends” of ours so we got pretty easy access…

KOBE, KOBE, KOBE.....MVP, MVP.MVP....

FANS roared as KOBE was introduced by hosts JINNO RUFINO, TJ MANOTOC and SARAH MEIER….He was given a standing ovation and chants of MVP by the basketball crazy loving FILIPINOS.…

Host JINNO RUFINO being a fan himself

Thumbs-Up for co-host TJ MANOTOC

He conducted a one on one skills training with ATENEO hotshot NICO SALVA…The drills were mostly jumpshots….I really think that MANILA has a soft spot for KOBE BRYANT….

KOBE giving instructions

Kobe wd Nico Salva

Enjoy the pictures I took thru my I-PHONE….I was too excited I diddnt have time for my own pic…CARLO TRILLO pls upload my pic bro!!! I smell an after party tonight…hmmm….I think you know where will it be…???

Fiamma's CARLO TRILLO and Batangas Vice Governor MARK LEVISTE & son

The HERRERA's: VIcky, Rosario and Johnny Verse

PMPI's big boss JOHN CO and LOUNELL CORREA

The son of ViceGov Mark that got the "lucky ball" from KOBE

Chicho Suarez with Migs Rodriguez

STYLES Mesh Villanueva & TRILOGY & CANTEEN's Vicky Herrera

Cool Shirts: BRYANT, ODOM and ARIZA fanaticsss

The "expediter" of my KOBE dream...MALYN MOLINA of OGILVY

Planet Sports CEO Anton Gonzales

Coach Erik Altamirano & ATENEO hotshot NICO SALVA

Super LAKER and KOBE die-hard CARLO TRILLO

The Eye Of The Tiger…PACMAN @ EMBASSY!!!

ivanzalameda — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:26:22 +0000

In my 33 years of existence, I’ve been thru a lot of battles….just like the People’s Champ, he went through a lot of adversity in his life before finally getting that one “opportunity” ( when he knocked out Ledwaba as a substitute fighter) that paved the way for his “superstardom” and rightful claim to being ” the Best Pound for Pound fighter in the world…

MANILA...are u rrrready to partyyyy

It’s an open secret that even in PACMAN’s camp, there a lot of friends, advisers, well wishers and hangers on…We simply can’t avoid this…His immense success will always make him amagnet to everybody, me included, to say the least…

Last July 16, Thursday, his chief-of-staff, JAYKE JOSON decided to throw a birthday bash at EMBASSY SUPER CLUB and asked me personally to help him organize it…At first, I was not really keen on the idea…!!! Simply put, I found Jayke a bit abrasive and “mayabang’…Takes one to know one i guess….(another story)

B-DAY BOY and the "organizer"

For 2 weeks, the b-day boy made sure that the pictorial sessions, the invite design, food, booze, deejays to play and AVP will be executed perfectly…This guy was just a perfectionist, anal and wants done ASAP!!! I guess, being the chief of staff of THE CHAMP made him a demanding person!!!

But before I bash him further(hahaha, sorry JAYKE) , for that two weeks I got to hang with him, I discovered why a lot of people envy and despise him…He is just plain honest and candid which we Pinoys hate…Truth be told, we are very “onion skinned”…This guy “makes things happen”….

And that night during his b-day bash at EMBASSY, he guaranteed to me and ERIK CUA that MANNY PACQUIAO will show up….We obviously at first had doubts….But he made it happen despite the heavy rains and Manny’s tight schedule….

The Chief of Staff & THE CHAMP

To you MR JAYKE JOSON….You make things happen!!! Mabuhay ka pare and more success to your future endeavors !!!

The birthday party was one for the books in the history of EMBASSY….Thank you JAYKE for your trust and confidence in us…I hope we (the mgmt and staff of EMBASSY) made you happy that night….A few snapshots of Jayke’s VIPS…..Enjoy Manila….Another GLOBAL ONE experience….!!!

Jayke w/ Charlie "Atong" ANg

Jayke w/ Vina Morales, A friend, Rachel Lobangco and May Antonio

Jayke w/ Klassik BMW's Mike Cua, CATS Mercedes Benz Felix Ang & Porsche's Mike Coyuito

Pacman w/ Gretchen Fullido & Embassy's Philipe Le Saux

Members Only MC PERDON w/ The PACMAN

Oz Yulo w/ Tim Yap & Philip Salvador

Elayne Vera w/ Team GLOBAL ONE: IZ, Roan Mantuano & Shaun Montelibano

The ladies in white of JAYKE

The bday boy's grand entrance ala "james bond"

Philip salvador, Felix Ang & Senator Bong Revilla

Nationa Security Deputy Adviser CHAVIT SINGSON, Cedric, ATong AnG & Jayke

DJ ACE RAMOS rockin it….

Dj ACE, Gretchen Fullido, Embassy's Cat Arambulo & Ryan Singson

The PARTY....

http://www.philippineclimatechallenge.org/

ivanzalameda — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:05:50 +0000

My good friend ILAC DIAZ, alumnus of MIT School of Urban Planning and Design, has once again trail blazed the path towards the battle against CLIMATE CHANGE via “Global Campaign for Climate Adaptabilty”….We are encouraging volunteers to contribute their talent in whatever form to ensur ethat we are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow….Please be on the look out for more details….THANK YOU – Ivan Zalameda

http://www.philippineclimatechallenge.org/

ivanzalameda — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:05:50 +0000

The KING of POP…Rest in Peace!

ivanzalameda — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:41:50 +0000

KING OF POP...Michael Jackson (Aug.19, 1958 - June 26, 2009

I woke up sad as i opened Fb to see my friends’ status saying that Michael Jackson is dead…I immediately verified it in various websites…

Honestly, for whatever his personal shenanigans were, we cannot deny the fact he was a MUSICAL GENIUS that will never be replicated…!!!

FOR ME HE IS THE GEATEST BECOZ OF THESE 3 FACTS:

1) His 1982 album “Thriller” which included the blockbuster hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

2) He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched singing, punctuated with squeals and titters.

3) Jackson’s 13 No. 1 one hits on the Billboard charts put him behind only Presley, the Beatles and Mariah carey.

On a personal note, I still listen to his music in my IPOD and my IPHONE…His music transcends all generations…In my opinion, when a person dies, I want to remember him because of the good he contributed to society and not the sins he committed…

To my idol MJ, we will miss your musical prowess….REST IN PEACE!!!

HUMAN NATURE

Looking Out
Across The Night-Time
The City Winks A Sleepless Eye
Hear Her Voice
Shake My Window
Sweet Seducing Sighs

Get Me Out
Into The Night-Time
Four Walls Wont Hold Me Tonight
If This Town
Is Just An Apple
Then Let Me Take A Bite

If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way

Reaching Out
To Touch A Stranger
Electric Eyes Are Evrywhere
See That Girl
She Knows Im Watching
She Likes The Way I Stare

If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
I Like Livin This Way
I Like Lovin This Way

Looking Out
Across The Morning
The Citys Heart Begins To Beat
Reaching Out
I Touch Her Shoulder
Im Dreaming Of The Street

If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
If They Say -
Why, Why, Tell Em That Is Human Nature
Why, Why, Does He Do Me That Way
I Like Livin This Way

Simple+Good Food=CANTEEN

ivanzalameda — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:22:42 +0000

Coming from a long drive from the South SuperHighway with an empty stomach at around 5pm thereabouts, I was tempted to eat in the nearest Mc Donalds or Jollibee…

Good thing, I decided not to and just chose to brave the Makati CBD traffic to try the newest kid on the “cafe block”, CANTEEN, a brainchild of CHEF FERNS ARACAMA and the HERRERA siblings…

I was lucky coz Chef FERNS was there and warmly welcomed me…He was experimenting with his panini menu…

Chef FERNS in his element

Ang init ng Panini Maker....

I went straight to the counter to order one of my all time favorite comfort food, good old SPAHGETTI w/ MEATBALLS…It reminds me of how mom does it, the sauce was not heavy and very”italian” in flavor…They say if you can please a Kapampangan, it means your food is really the shit!

HomeStyle Sphagetti (BEFORE)

HomeStyle Sphagetti (after)

Congratulations once again to FERNS and JON, VICKY and R...

For me, CANTEEN is comfort food without the fuss…CANTEEN is located in RADA ST, Legaspi Village…

KAON NA TAH or should I say in Kapampangan, MANGAN TANA?

Vicky Belat...

Senor MANNY Torejon’s all day tapas!

ivanzalameda — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:47:40 +0000

It was a lazy afternoon and off I went to CYMA Greenbelt, the venue for the food tasting of Chef Manny Torejon’s all day tapas concept called “PINCHOS”, the man whose passion encompasses “good coffee” and “great Spansih food”…

croquetas...

As I arrived, there he was in his element, anxiously preparing the feast that would be gorged by four diverse people that I call my “guinea pigs” for the night…

dynamic duo; Steph cabal & Bea Constantino

The cast: Ms. BEA CONSTANTINO -> fashionista, stylist to the stars and Extra Joss endorser, Ms. STEPH CABAL -> Inquirer lifestyle writer, JOEZEL CRUZ -> Silvergate Group of Companies CEO and yours truly….

almondigas...

You be the judge Manila…

Congrats CHEF MANNY TOREJON for educating us with the nuances of Spanish food, wine and life in general…!!!

Lamb cutlets..

Shrimp, Salmon & Anchovee over bread!!!

Tortillas de jamon

my fave" width="225" height="300" />

Ravo de boy (oxtail) -> my fave

Steph already stuffed!

The JOURNEY….

ivanzalameda — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:24:01 +0000

LIFE has changed
EVERYTHING seems to be in bloom
LIFE is indeed worth living
YOU gave me the reason…

SINCE you came into my life
MY outlook has been positive
IS destiny calling?
OR are you just tickling my fancy?

I don’t need mind games
BEEN to the circus so many times
THIS is what I want!
THIS is what I deserve!

MY affection for you is pure
So use your judgement
I’m ready for what lies ahead
I’m ready for this JOURNEY.

The 2009 Toyota PRIUS

ivanzalameda — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:22:04 +0000

I am not really a car fanatic like my good buddies…No need to mention their names but it is always assumed that MEN and CARS always go together…

The Front View of the PRIUS

I chanced upon the soft launch of the Toyota Prius in Greenbelt 5 just now and after going through the proverbial Q & A with the ‘car specialist’, I was given a simple education on the positives of having a HYBRID CAR…

1) FUEL EFFICIENCY

2) LESS CARBON EMISSIONS

3) YOUR HIP coz celebs in Holywood are into the “green movement”

Don’t get me wrong, I am for this…The environment that we live in will bea much better place if we all contribute so to speak…Car manufacturers should make aggressive moves so as we eliminate the “traditional” car models…

Rear View of the PRIUS

BUT HERE IS MY BEEF WITH the TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID CAR…!!!

The SRP is pegged at P 2,250,000.00…..

I nearly fell…That’s already a CAMRY or a BIMMER…

VERDICT: this car will be only for a very small segment of Phil. society….

GOOD LUCK TOYOTA…