Moved...

Well it has been a little while. I moved to Singapore in Jan 07... and was a bit busy with tons of work, ex-hobbies, new hobbies and my Drama Queen Sarah... I am healthy and back...

Still a Classic Al Pacino - The 6 inches in front of your face...

I don't know what to say really. Three minutes till the biggest battle of our professional lives. It all comes down to today. Now either we heal as a team, or we're gonna crumble. Inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We're in hell right now, gentlemen. Believe me. And we can stay here, get the shit kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell. One inch at a time.

Now I can't do it for you. I'm too old. I look around, I see these young faces, and I think... I mean I've made every wrong choice a middle-aged man can make. I pissed away all my money, believe it or not. I chased off anyone who's ever loved me, and lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. You know when you get old in life, things get taken from you. That's part of life. But you only learn that when you start losing stuff. You find out life's this game of inches. And so is football. Because in either game, life or football, the margin for error is so small. I mean... one half a step too late or too early and you don't quite make it. One half second too slow too fast, you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in every break of the game, every minute, every second. On this team, we fight for that inch. On this team, we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the fucking difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! I'll tell you this - in any fight, its the guy whose willing to die who's gonna win that inch. And I know if I'm going to have any life anymore, it's because I'm still willing to fight and die for that inch. Because that's what living is! The 6 inches in front of your face...

Now I can't make you do it. You've got to look at the guy next to you, look into his eyes. Now I think you're gonna see a guy who will go that inch with you. You're gonna see a guy who will sacrifice himself for this team, because he knows when it comes down to it, you're gonna do the same for him.

That's a team, gentlemen. And either we heal, now, as a team, or we will die, as individuals. That's football, guys. That's all it is. Now, what are you going to do?

Gawad Kalinga - Less for self, more for others, enough for all...

Gawad Kalinga (GK) , translated in English means “to give care,” and it is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but the world. Its approach is integrated, holistic and sustainable – a concrete action plan to rebuild this nation by harnessing the best of the Filipino – our faith and our patriotism.

Filipinos

Filipinos are brown. Their color is in the center of human racial strains.



This point is not an attempt at racism, but just for many Filipinos to realize that our color should not be a source of or reason for inferiority complex. While we pine for a fair complexion, the white> people are religiously tanning themselves, whenever they could, under the sun or some artificial light, just to approximate the Filipino complexion.



Filipinos are a touching people. We have lots of love and are not> afraid to show it. We almost inevitably create human chains with our> perennial akbay (putting an arm around another shoulder), hawak (hold), yakap (embrace), himas (caressing stroke), kalabit (touch with the tip of the finger), kalong (sitting on someone else's lap), etc.



So what makes the Filipino special? We are brown, spiritual,> timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurers.> Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in a> people. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men - but first, we should know and like ourselves.



"Dum spiro,spero." As long as I breathe,I hope.

Ed Lapiz

25th of April Martin and Mehmetcik in Gallipoli since 1915...

' Lest We Forget '
On 25th April 1915 the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on ANZAC Cove at Gallipoli Turkey at 4:29 am... This landing has been commemorated ever since in Australia,New Zealand and Turkey...

"You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears, your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

Ataturk 1934

Digger, Kiwi and Turk... Have a nice Anzac Day with Dawn Service...

Filling in the Gaps...

One of the more interested and intriguing facets of living in a country where the majority of the people are poor, is finding out just how people manage to survive on a day to day basis...
Here in the Philippines I have always noticed the amazingly creative things people do in order to put a little rice and fish in their bellies or making their kids smile with giving them a little icecream early in the morning...

You might call them Gap Fillers... Like flowing water that naturally finds its own way, seeping in wherever there are cracks, they fill the Gaps that society leaves open...

Like owners of Carinderias (canteens),sari-sari stores, jeepney drivers ,balut vendors...
So... Like them or not, gap fillers help keep Manila operating and moving smoothly...
Rull of this life game is very important always smile and be happy... That is the most important thing that we have to learn from Filipinos... To say enough...

Hard Core Party Goers in Vigan and Pagudpod

"Pagudpod"

For the Holy Week -as usual- wanted to go out of the City Manila and Christina, Sal, Derk, Xina - Marta and DHL Boys went up North to Vigan and Pagudpod... It was long and long trip 14 hours by bus... Enjoyed the silence of the white beach in Pagudpod... If you are wondering where the hell is this place get a map of Philippines and just point your finger on the top of the map... You will see Pagudpod Village...
There was a Bikini Contest on the Beach...
Christina and I presented the award of Mr and Miss Bodyshut... It was a great pleasure...

"ViGaN"

Vigan was an important coastal trading post in pre-colonial times. Old Spanish Buildings and strong
history... We were in Vigan early in the morning around 4:30am... It is also famous with the Ghosts of the city... Walking around with the Ghosts and looking for McDonalds for breakfast and saw an old Spanish Church... Went in the history on the first day of Easter... And had a filipino breakfast in the corner with
Latin American Music...

Tiesto and Focus...

This is the quote of the week... After having hard time in Tiesto with Sal... At 6am in the morning we were walking around and grumbling like " XXXX Tiesto, Focus Salvador Focus Mate"...

To be a Sculptor...

I have a hobbie, I know it is a little strange... This time Alvaro was my assistant. Guess what is that...

The Lost in Norman Island

Hundred Island 024, originally uploaded by Yigit Pasha.

Catalan - Salva, Netherlands - Derk, France - Dom, Spain - Marta, Colombia - Alvaro, India - Dean, Philippines - Roy, Invisible Man Norman and Turkey - Yigit... The Lost Team. Well, did not make any plan, just started off in the Terminal, made our plan during 6 hours in the bus... Spent all Saturday on the beach... Salvador and my self wanted to check the island out and we were lost... Somehow saw the ocean and jumped in, found our way by swimming... It was fantastical one... It is just begining of the journey with these extraordinary people...

It was very close, very close...

Weni - Vidi Vidi Vidi...We did our best in China and won 1 game against to China Taiwan. Some of my team mates have never seen a soccer game before in their life. Some of them even did not kick a football. We did very well and came back with our honour. Thanks guys... and thanks devrim for supporting us during the games...

Hard Rock in Beijing

Hard Rock in Beijing, originally uploaded by Yigit Pasha.

2 am in Beijing...
We are all ready to head off Blue's and not very compitable with Hard Rock Culture...

Such a great wall...

Great Wall - Beijing, originally uploaded by Yigit Pasha.

Yes, This is one of the 7 wonders in the world. We used to watch The Great Wall in Cuneyt Arkin Movies. When he flied from one side to the another one... But believe me it is not easy... Such a great wall...

Punta Fuego (Point of Fire) - Batangas

Batangas was founded in 1581. After several devastating eruptions of Taal Volcano, the old Taal town site was buried. The capital was eventually transferred to Batangas (now a city) in 1754 where it has remained to date.



The name "Batangas" was derived from the word "batang," which is a term of the natives for the numerous logs found in the Calumbang River, the body of water that runs through the northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a tuning fork.
Batangas was also among the first of the eight Philippine provinces to revolt against Spain.
During the Spanish-American War, many Batangueños made their mark on history. Most notable of them are Apolinario Mabini, also known as the sublime paralytic and "Brains of the Revolution"; Marcela Agoncillo who made the present Philippine flag, and General Malvar who was recognized as the last Filipino general to surrender to the United States in the Philippine-American War.

Batangas first came to be known as Bonbon. It was named after the mystical and fascinating Taal Lake, which was also originally called Bonbon. Some of the earliest settlements in Batangas were established at the vicinity of Taal Lake.


Batangas was also one of the few provinces in the country which can boast of having a distinctive culture of its own. The song and dance repertoire called "kumintang" is of Batangas origin. Because of this, it came to be known as "La Provincia del Cumintang".



I was in Batangas. What you can do in this beautiful place!... smoke, watch the fantastic view,listen about history and smile...

From Manila to Cebu...

If you want to see the real sunset 5:30pm flight from Manila to Cebu is the best spot. Get your seat near the window. Drink your wino and enjoy your trip...

One reason of Traffic Jam in Philippines...

Enjoy your Meal...

Happy Hangover Cafe - Starbucks

Usual Saturday morning Starbucks black coffea, a cancer stick, South East Asia Rain and hangover...

Karaoke Culture...

Music and Karaoke is a life style in the Philippines.

It seems to get into their blood at an early age with kids singing along to Karaoke music. You can even find Karaoke CDs for 5 years old kids in every music shop... Filipinos are very gifted and talented musicians and singers. Many Filipinas can play several, or all the instruments, and very capable of taking on the job as lead singer as well.

Go anywhere in Asia and you'll always find a hotel or bar/club where there's a Filipino band or Filipino singers, and they can mimic American music so well, you'd think you were listening to the original!

If you have never tried singing – you have to learn! If i did, anyone could... Joining in a Karaoke session is a good way of ‘bonding’ with the locals and if you attempt one in Tagalog, it will earn much respect. They start to call you PINOY IKAO... You are a Filipino now. Oo Pinoy ako...

The Cutest Kids: Filipino Kids

They are really Cute, arent they? I love them...

The Jeepney is the Backbone of the Philippine Transport System.

No matter where you go in the world, each destination or country you visit, has something uniquely there own. They can range from landmarks, both manmade and natural, right the way through to transportation. For example, kangaroos are synonymous with Australia, Nazar Boncugu in Turkey, Big Ben with Great Britain, cigars in Cuba.

Now one of the things that sets the Philippines apart from all other countries, is one of there many forms of transport, in particular the jeepney.

When visiting the Philippines, you cannot miss these colourful additions to the Philippine National Transport system. Para Po...They are the means of transport for anyone who wants to travel short distances, whether you are in the cities of Manila or Cebu or in the mountain provinces, you will find a jeepney to take you where you need to go. Jeepneys are more than a form of transport, they are an indication of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Philippine people. They are a magnificent reflection on the capability of all things Philippines, once they put there mind to it.

Jeepneys evolved at the end of the Second World War. After the United States started sending home there troops, following the surrender of the Imperial Japanese Army, a huge surplus of equipment was left over, which was probably just as well as it gave birth to the jeepney. The destruction the Second World War created, leveled the Philippines capital city of Manila and choked the roads with debris making them almost impassable. With the ability of the Willy’s Jeep to navigate, due to its off-road capabilities, this sturdy vehicle was to become the father of all jeepneys.

Welcome to Yellow Company...

I signed my contract. Will stay in DHL Philippines Country Office for 1 year. Here is Pol, He is my Direct Manager, my new boss... He is a Filipino for sure... He seems happy on the picture but do not know yet the meaning of to work with a Turkish Guy...

Dont worry Boss!!! DHL will win...My blood flows red & yellow in my vessel after now...

Marketing Team Planning Meeting in Caylabne...

Marketing Team :

Myself - Carlitos Gardel, Froi - Don Beto Batista, Marie - Rosalinda ,Carlos - Toro Rojo , Pol - Palomo San Basilio, Melchor - Primo , Rose - Mama Rosa, Marian - Maria La Del Barrio, Alvaro - Alvaro Lozano

Listen the song of the Meeting : La cancion del mamut

www.manicomic.com/mamut.php

A Real Aussie Mate...- James "The One" Gref -

For 1 week I was in Singapore for a conference... For sure after 3 months I met with my best mate and boss James Gref. Nothing is changed. He is still macho, still funny and still hundred percent Aussie... I loved the life style in Sing. Very nice people, safe place, mixed culture but one Singapore...

The picture is before our Dinner & Dance Party in Singapore. We are not working for the same company anymore but still having fun together and will do forever... Thanks for everything Mate...

Magandang Umaga - Wowww Philippines...

I am in Philippines Wowww and will stay here for 1 year, another Wowww. Unbelievable country,very different culture,lovely people...
AIESECers were in the airport, my first drink in Manila was one of the traditional drink of Philippines. You have to try it, very sweet and fresh. (in my right hand)
I am My LC's first intern... So i feel my self like a baby or precious-ring of Gollum... To be honest i am very lucky...

This is adidas the little bird... Actually I have tested it in Sydney when I was having Yum Cha in a Chinese Restaurant . I thought, did not have any picture with this lovely finger...Here we are...

It takes my 10 seconds to eat this finger... Quick and nice meal hey...

You can not see her really but she is a Filipina...

This is Manila Bay... Watching the sunset in Manila with a Latte and a Filipina... You feel your self like a bird in that moment...
Filipino Girls are really different, they are friendly, they know how to have fun, they drink, they dance, they smile, they serve...
Mahal kita Filipina...


The Filipina is quite unique...women of Malay stock mixed with many other ethnicities including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, American, etc. I think few can match their beautiful looks!

Their warm smiles, generosity and hospitality are unmatched!

"The Filipina exemplifies the stereotypical, subservient woman to the extreme! She is neither a slave to be abused nor a 'dominitrix' to be worshipped. She is a woman! She is a bride to be! A mother to be! She only wishes to be respected, loved and cherished as such. Nothing more.

Nothing less...

...She is precious.

...She is a Filipina."

Back in Turkey

After 1 year I was back in my fantastic country Turkey. I missed kebabs, Raki, Efes Pilsen, dark girls and for sure my family:-)
My first day in Turkey after 1 year was very very noisy and dusty. 2 weeks later i used to live with that again. I love my real people anyway.

I've stayed in Turkey for 3 months and met with fascinating people in my hometown -
Izmir. They are my friends from Tango in Izmir. Will not be able to forget endless milongas in Izmir.




Here is my family older sister - Ipek,mom&dad...
This picture is from my Mom's Birthday. We had a great family night with a vino from Sirince...
After 6 years it was a great pleasure to spend 3 months together with them. I was the King Kong of the House.

Last Day in Syd-Ney

It was my last night in Sydney so played a traditional instrument which name is Ney.

Listen to this Ney (the reed-flute) that is complaining and narrating the story of separation.
The Ney is the body of man and the breath blown into it is the spirit (breath of God).

Patio de Tango in Sydney

I met with Argentine Tango in Bondi Beach - Sydney. I learnt this amazing pation from Pedro Alvares and his wife Sophia...They live in Sydney with their lovely Tango Twins Hugo&Valentina. Pedro's and Sophia's life were influenced and enriched by music and dance... www.patiodetango.com.au

Here is a pic from Singapore...

Thanks Sophia and Pedro...

2nd Home Sydney - Paddington

2004-2005 amazing year of my life in Sydney...

These are my first pictures with my mates from lovely city...

Enjoy...

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