As I occasionally dabble in day trading on the US stock exchange, I try to keep myself abreast of the latest financial news. Among others, I’ve been monitoring recent news on IT industry giant Sun Microsystems‘ struggles with the recession. Although this really shouldn’t come as a surprise as practically everyone has already been affected one way or the other by the current worldwide crisis. I still can’t help but be uneasy as I have close friends who work for the said multinational.

It was around early last month when rumors came out that Sun was up for sale. But it wasn’t until news that another IT titan, IBM Corp. was actually in talks to buy the troubled California-based company did the rumors got its dreaded confirmation. But news now have it that the deal eventually ended up with yet another industry giant Oracle Corp. The proposed acquisition reportedly is for a whopping $7.4 billion.

Oracle and Sun have always been complementary. A great number of Oracle’s installed base has been on Sun hardware and Sun’s Solaris operating system. The acquisition would now clearly result in overlap of product and technology, as the software side of Sun is very compatible with Oracle’s product offerings.

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Its been all over the news that a bootleg copy of the unfinished new Wolverine movie has been released in the black market. And how Fox Studio has now done everything from dismiss the suspected culprit responsible for the unexpected release; to having their lead star Hugh Jackman go on every possible public appearance they can get their hands on just to help them recover from the said potential block buster blunder.

Well… it seems all isn’t done yet for Wolverine!

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Let the games begin!  

The very first v-league game for the year is a battle between the blue birds. The Adamson lady Falcons taking on the Ateneo lady Eagles.

The girls from San Marcelino with guest player Nene Bautista dealt the ladies from Katipunan their first defeat for the year with a 3-setter. Although the Ateneo-Oracare girls had their Thai import Sontaya Keawbundit leading the team with 12 points, it wasn’t enough to stop the opposing team. Bautista was strongly supported by fellow import alumna Janet Serafica, and regulars Angela Benting, Sang Laguilles, Jill Gustillo and Pau Soriano.  

Although eventually foiled, Sontaya’s debut to the league had strong support coming from alumna Charo Soriano, Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Ho, Kara Acevedo, Bea Pascual, Dzi Gervacio and the other lady eagles fielded by coach Micmic Laborte for that night.

AdU vs ADMU  -  (25-20, 25-19, 25-18)

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The latest batch of “get-a-mac” ads are now out. I simply love the concept for these ads. Its so reflective of how it really is in the real world with PCs versus Macs. Yeah, I know they can be taken as nothing but pure PC bashing cr@p. But hey! It is after all, a campaign for people to get a Mac.

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It was just a typical Sunday for most folks. But for those who belong to the growing cult following our local volleyball scene, its one of those red-letter days.

The date is April 19 and its the opening of the Shakey’s V-League for this year.

The games were scheduled to begin at 2pm with the ceremonial rites commencing an hour before that. I manage to arrive at the Arena before noon but was surprised to see a considerable number of people in queue for tickets and already lining up towards the entrance.

The opening celebration was covered by the very able Sev Sarmenta. And the lineup of distinguished visitors for the inaugurals included US ambassador Kristie Kenney, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, IFFS (Shakey’s) president Leo Prieto Jr., Sports Vision president Ricky Palou, POC head Jose Cojuangco Jr. and Ms. Guia Gomez.

In between the parade of teams, oath of sportsmanship and various lively numbers rendered by the dancers, the Cardona Rizal Musical Ensemble and UP PEP squad; there was a minute of silent prayer dedicated to honor the late Leo Prieto Sr., founding commissioner of the PBA and mainly responsible for the event’s major sponsor — Shakey’s.

To the satisfaction of enthusiasts and fans, all of the 8 participating teams in the eliminations were present during the ceremonies. During the oath of sportsmanship each team was represented by their respective captains : 

• Angela Benting for Adamson
• Kara Acevedo for Ateneo
• Maureen Penetrante for St. Benilde
• Rachel Ann Daquis for FEU
• Syvie Artates for Lyceum
• Rysabelle Devanadera for SSC
• Cathy Barcelon for UP
• and Aiza Maizo for UST

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