A pile of mud and gold

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It's amazing how our mundane lives is made up of irony. From religion, education, political system... even the way we judge other people. If you don't believe me, take a day out of your schedule and spend it in Manila. The soothing roar of automobiles revving up their motors, the countless faces you pass by, the iconic landmarks, and the lurking evil and danger in its streets, the memories... nothing beats the clash of beauty and horror that's wrapped in this concrete maze.

I've been travelling down Divisoria for 3 days with my buddy to gather raw materials for our "small time" business. 2 days wasted because of unseen factors and unplanned moves. We were gunning to buy all the things we need within one day but it seems that no matter how much you prepare for the worst, in Manila, preparedness is just a state of mind. However, it was enough for us to scout the streets of Divisoria all the way to the heart of Binondo.

Yesterday, we set out to hopefully finish our task. In hope that we'd be able to stop wasting money and be able to do something, we raised our optimism a notch higher. I brought a jacket with me because of the impression that it may drizzle or rain, specially that Quiel and Pedring have been wreaking havoc for the past few days. When I thought that we finally got a free pass from a perilous travel, the shine rose up high in the sky and embrace us with warmth as if saying "Haha, gotcha! For a while you thought you could out-smart me huh?". My buddy, which also carried with him a hoodie just made an excuse fir himself saying "Mamaya, tayo naman ang tatawa dahil uulan." If you're wondering, it drizzled yesterday but it never really sufficed the fact that I brought a jacket and walked gingerly while sweating like a crazy monkey in the middle of the humid and hot streets of Divisoria.

Compared to the last 2 days, yesterday's adventure turned out fruitful as we were able to score shirts and few printing materials. Apart from that, we were able to gather a few helpful tips related to our planned business from the store's sales rep and a customer. The best thing about the day though is when we decided to look around 168 mall to check stalls that sells illegitimate Gundam scale models. I know that if we're able to at least see a few models that we wanted, we'll buy one without any hesitations. We went to a few stalls but none of them actually sells the Evangelion or Gundam Wing scale models that we wanted. One of the stalls though stood up for me. I call it the-store-with-the-most-fucked-up-sales-rep in the world. We went there just sorting out Gundam models when this 35 to 40 year-old lady shitty mass of muscles, organs and bones approached us to ask what we were looking for. At first, it felt good as she was accommodating. But as what's expected of the people that makes a living in these streets, the lady suddenly unleashed the innate asshole she was. She suddenly turned to a smart-ass asking us for details that we never asked. Okay, maybe on this point, I was a bit ignorant and never really knew what she was talking about. I just collected 1/100 scale models back when I was in high school so I'm not really a junkie when it comes to collecting mecha scale models. But the tone and look on her face really pissed me off. I admit I have anger issues that at times led me to my demise (and I've been working on it for the past few months), so I just inhaled and simply displayed a poker face. Again, it's probably that I'm clueless of what she was talking about in terms of the details of the scale models and good thing my buddy was able to retort to her questions. But one thing that ticks me off is genuine arrogance and rotting attitude. Just when I thought that the day will be smooth sailing from the time we were able to buy the materials, Manila gave me a sucker punch back in my pride with the use of a bitch. I was thinking that if I actually bought something after she unleashed the bitch within, maybe she'll suddenly worship us like a crazy, old hag.

On my way home, I suddenly got that distinct kick of... I guess, nostalgia would be the proper word? I'm really not sure. It's not bittersweet though... more on a surreal vibe that somehow pulls me out of reality for a second and gives me all the things I've had related with Manila in the past 9 years of my life in one solid kick that sends shivers down to my spine. Nothing close to what mood other cities in Metro Manila gives me whenever I travel. I can say that Manila gave me everything it has offer in the years I've spent with it. The only thing that it never really gave me was a classic holdup scene or actually being mugged within it's streets (thank God for that). I already experienced passing by a fucked up drunkard holding a cocked .45 caliber pistol, being in the middle of a gunpoint between a police and a suspect, seeing the sinful and careless streets at night time, lusciously enjoying it's wide array of delicacies, sorting out the streets for a few rare finds, and other memories that actually made me smile. I was thinking of a good way to put in words what I actually feel whenever I go down to this city and wrap this shit up, but I guess there's really no way to do that. That's Manila for me.

Spider Sense's tingling...

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I was watching Conan early last week when I heard a surprising development with regards to Marvel Comics' Spiderman franchise. Apart from introducing The Amazing Spiderman movie for the silver screen for next year (good marketing move, same thing they did with the comic books), they also introduced Miles Morales -- the new Spiderman, which is mixed with African-American and Latino genes. I checked out right away what the buzz was about.

This idea was introduced by Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso this month but was already in the works and was conceptualized as early as 2008. Miles Morales was created by Marvel and Image Comics mainstay writer Brian Michael Bendis; the brilliant mind behind The House of M series, to name one of his works. As far as the story is concerned, Miles Morales will be replacing Peter Parker after his death in The Ultimate Spiderman Series.

This was an obvious and bold (?) move to raise racial equality, considering that the United States has its first African-American President seated. However, this news definitely raised a lot of reactions and got fans into a web-swinging craze. If you think the shock ends there, think again. There were also concerns about a statement saying that they "may" write the story to where Miles will discover that he is gay. Yep. You read it right. Majority of the fans reacted negatively about this move by Marvel. There were even accounts of some fans protesting in this years' ComiCon in San Diego, CA.

As a Spiderman fan (minus the first 3 films which is OK but not great), I can see where Marvel is coming from. Let's be honest, there's really a need for change... but at the same time, a part of me was appalled by the move. The racial-equality issue is completely understandable. Also, Miles Morales exists in Marvel's Ultimate Universe which is an alternate universe for Marvel characters. For those that's not familiar... it's like a playground for writers to mix up the Marvel Universe and its characters without messing up the main storyline of the real characters. Same concept with a parallel universe for us. So technically, we still have your friendly neighbor Peter Parker roaming the streets and skyscrapers of New York.

Now, for hardcore Spiderman enthusiasts, I can somehow understand why such negative reactions are raised. Spiderman is Marvel's flag-bearer in which they may probably hold sacred. You can also point out that Peter Parker is one of the most popular and loved character ever created in the history of comic books. The mere idea of killing him in story will definitely have a few negative insights. Also, there are heroes that represented racial equality or different races such as Storm, Luke Cage, The Black Panther, Tarantula, Sunspot, Rictor, Strong Guy, Shangchi, Psylocke, Silver Samurai and many others that some fans may feel there's really no need for such change.

However, if you'll think of it... this change is not so bad at all. An African-American/Latino Spiderman actually works. Physically, his African-American lineage may give him that athletic and lean built in which Spiderman actually needs. You can't expect a radioactive spider to change your anatomic structure overnight even in comic books right? Give Miles a break. He exists in Marvel's Ultimate Universe which actually doesn't do Peter Parker any harm. Ben Riley came out in the open as Peter Parker's clone but it's not really a big deal right?

For the franchise itself, I must say that this is also a marketing move to possibly reach out to a different demographic. As they say, bad publicity is still publicity.

I have a different feeling though about the road Bendis is taking as far as Miles Morales' sexual orientation is concerned. If this is true, I must say that for the love of the franchise... I just don't think it fits the mold and is really a bad move. No offense to gay people but Spiderman being gay is not good. As what I said, he is the face of Marvel. That statement alone should speak for itself. I really don't consider the social-equality argument for this one. There are a lot of characters in the Marvel Universe that they can toy around just to make their case with regards to sexual equality but not Spiderman. Anyway, it's not yet printed and in ink so no worries for now and let's hope for divine intervention on this one to have them change their minds if you're with me.

In all, I'll just check and see what Miles Morales brings to the table. After all, it's all about readership. If things won't work out, it'll be pulled out.

Why watch these...

Now Playing: Seventh son of the Seventh son by Iron Maiden

So this is the part where I give a few insights to some films that I've seen that I feel is either overlooked, underrated, obscured, taboo, unheard of or just simply sits at the top of my favorites and my hate lists. I hope that this may somehow give you an additional roster to your nothing-to-do-days movie list.

TRON

You simply can't go wrong with Tron. If you are a science fiction film enthusiast, it's a must-see movie. No excuses. If you've seen Tron:Legacy and have not yet seen the first installment, I don't know what you're thinking. Really.

I remember first seeing Tron with my Uncle and cousin recorded in a betamax cartridge around early 90's and right there and then, I had a notion that the inner nerd inside me was awaken. The visual execution alone was enough to blow my mind considering that this was a film created in the 1980s.

Starred by Jeff Bridges, Tron is a story of a software engineer named Flynn that was warped into the digital world to battle against the Master Control Program and his minions. Inside the digital realm, he meets Ram which is a financial program and Tron, a defense system set-up by Flynn's friend in real life to defeat the Master Control Program to make the digital world free for all programs.

It's simply a groundbreaking film and the visual experience was really fantastic. I remember replicating in Lego pieces the weird space craft (I don't know what they call it) that Flynn rode and used in the film. Of course, there's the Light Cycle which is the old-school (and cooler) version of those cellphone games that we now know as Snake. Steven Lisberger is one hell of a visionary and for Walt Disney to pull this off is risky, which in turn gave them the rewards.

Why watch this? It's a visual masterpiece and given the technology they had back then, it's amazing how they've done this film. Just one of those films that you can't... shouldn't miss out for the love of the genre.

* * *

28 WEEKS LATER

Normal people back from the dead, heavy artillery and firepower, gore and bloodbath, a group of people taken out one by one, enclosed location, nightfall... these are the usual suspects for pumping that adrenaline whenever you see a zombie film. When we thought we saw it all, then came 28 Weeks Later in 2007.

28 Weeks Later is about the spread of the Rage virus after infecting almost the entire populace of London. 28 weeks later, the situation was eventually controlled and civilians were brought back to London to start living normally again with the help of military forces. Don, one of the survivors from the carnage brought by the Rage virus, survived after encountering a number of infected people in the outskirts of London while hiding with his wife and other uninfected citizens. He was able to survive but at the expense of her wife. Don eventually decided to bring his daughter and son to London after being cleared off the Rage virus. His kids decided to go back to their old home in hope that they'll find their mom only to find out that they're about to unlock the gate that held the Rage virus dormant and leads it to its second wave.

28 Weeks Later will really put you at the edge of your seat and brings something new to the table (at least compared to those that came before it). Its fast-paced zombies are really the X-factor for this film that set it apart from other zombie films. Brutal, dynamic, and in-your face action is really the foundation of 28 Weeks Later.

However, I must point out that the premise on how the Rage virus started its second wave is based on one stupid decision after another: Two kids that easily evaded military defense line (let me stress on the "kids" and "military" part); went deep into the suburbs away from the secured perimeter, back to their house and even got close contact to their infected mom. Come on! Am I that harsh or is that just plain stupidity? Pop Quiz: If you learned that your wife is already infected with a virus that turns you into a flesh eating zombie, even if you goddamn miss her out of romantic or sentimental b*llshit, will you take the chance to kiss her and trade salivas? I don't think so.

It's a great pick if you want something to watch something late night but I just need to stress out that flaw (at least on my part).

Why watch this? Zombies that somehow got a heavy dose of steroid before running amok. Best to watch this alone and late at night with 3 cups of coffee on your side.

* * *

MEMENTO

Christopher Nolan surfaced mainstream scene because of the critically acclaimed film Inception and for directing (and steering it in the right track if I may add) the Batman Begins , The Dark Knight and the upcoming Dark Knight Rises. Before these masterpieces, there was Memento.

A short story written by Jonathan Nolan (Chris' brother), Memento is a story of a man that has anterograde amnesia (technical term for not being able to store short term memories) trying to trace back the steps on how and why he ended up killing a guy. The movie opens up in a scene where Leonard (played by Guy Pearce) shoots a guy whom he believes, killed and raped his wife. In order for Leonard to follow the trail he left before his memory refreshes again and to justify his acts, he takes pictures of everyone he meets or anything that may hold vital information to events that took place and writes down details behind printed Polaroid pictures. He also tattoos facts and details on his body to serve as a reminder or a fail-safe option in case he really doesn't have an idea on what to do next.

The movie is a total mind f*cker as it actually took me a repeat view to digest the transition of the story. It has two means to narrate and execute the events: one in reverse order and one in a normal chronological order. The distinction between the two is symbolized by the former in black and white scenes and the latter in color. In the movie, both timelines are interchanged and meets in the ending part of the movie as the scene switches from black and white to colored until the whole scene turns completely colored, which symbolizes the meeting point of both timelines. By the second time I watched the movie, I literally wrote down each scene part and tag it with a "title" to follow the scenes to be able to map out the sequence.

The execution and cinematography also gave it a dark vibe and the characters really didn't gave any hints to what the story was leading to. Definitely leads you to mind-boggling. What's also great is you'll actually ask yourself what's the real story behind Leonard's vengeance. It may leave you to your own conclusion but not the type of movie that has an open ending.

Why watch this? This movie makes you ask questions. It doesn't really give any hint to what the story leads to while you watch it. It makes you not only see it but watch it. If Inception f*cked you up, then be ready to pull your moxie for a second round seeing this one.

Message in a Bottle

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Fact: A person must consume 2 litres of water daily to live healthily. Humans drink an average of 75,000 litres of water throughout their life.

If I was to give a person an option to choose between a glass of water straight from the faucet (municipal water) against a branded bottled water, there would probably be no contest at all. He/She will pick the latter. I'd probably have the same pick too. Of course, that "pure" and "clean" distilled or purified water will surely win a person over that notorious tap water.

But, are we making the right choice?

I saw Tapped a month ago while browsing through a couple of documentaries. It directly aroused my interest as it basically is about a product that I often purchase and patronize. Directed by Stephanie Soechtig and Jason Lindsey, Tapped tackles on the issues that the United States of America faces against the bottled water industry -- from how the water is taken from its natural source and effect on the community, business and political side of things and the health and environmental effect it has.

Now, it may be a documentary tailored for USA but there's no doubt that this is definitely applicable to us considering our colonial mentality and how some of the multi-national titans that we often see and hear each day plays a vital role in this issue. It definitely is something that each of us must be aware of. Out of sight means out of mind. Right? Well, I took the liberty of sharing some cut scenes from the movie (Disclaimer: I don't hold the rights to these videos and is posted to create awareness only).Maybe next time, you'll think twice before grabbing a bottled water.

http://www.tappedthemovie.com/

Stoichiometry

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I just finished watching The Big Bang Theory's season 4 and although I may still personally consider season 3 being the best of all (so far), this season simply has a different element to it.

The first time I saw this sitcom on Jack TV, I instantly got hooked to it. Okay, I admit that I primarilly watched it because of Kaley Cuoco. I first saw her on a B-Film (by the way, she's also from the Nickelodeon bunch) and when I saw this sitcom with her as a lead, I literally watched it because of her. As it seemed, there was really more to it than a gorgeous blonde chick. No rocket science really. You get 3 geeks plus 1 hot chick multiplied by clever skits and script and... Voila! You got one hell of a series (all hail Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady!). Also, this series can give you serious gas laughing out, and is really... really a great way of picking up a few brain cereals.

For the past 3 seasons, Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) have been providing viewers with a few good laughs but I must say that what made this season great are key additions in the form of Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch). These 2 gals pretty much made the formula complete and equal. In the past seasons, they tried mixing it up by placing a few characters every once in a while (such as Leslie Winkle, the guy with the comic shop, Will Weaton etc.) but this 2 gals are a perfect fit.

Amy Farrah Fowler's character is the perfect fit for Sheldon... a female Sheldon, if I may. This sexually oppressed Neurobiologist has stirred it up and at times, superseded his male counterparts. The past few seasons, Sheldon Cooper have been carrying the heavy payload of punchlines and the other three guys just simply fed off it. But now, you can see the writers actually isolating a few skits for Amy and Sheldon only.

Now, Bernadette's character may have been placed to give an emphasis on Howard's character, which may probably have been an intentional approach from the writer's perspective. Howard's perverted and childish mindset is one of the show's effective characters (my favorite character, by the way) and Bernie's timid and demure attitude is a great match. Also, I can't help but find her character... or at least Melissa Rauch's portrayal a bit sexy; in a geeky kind of way I guess.

I must say, I really didn't like the idea of adding the "Priya-Leonard-Penny" triad as far as the season is concerned, but I guess that's up for season 5 to salvage and for those that follows the geek-meets-hot-chick situation.

It's great to see sitcoms like this still standing out in the middle of the number of drama series America's been airing with the likes of Dexter, CSI, NCIS, Law and Order, and those vampire b*^&#|# series.

Smart's Ultimate All Star Weekend

Now playing: Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters

Yesterday, I arrived at Araneta Center,Cubao around 15 minutes before 12 noon and met my friend near The Big Dome's Yellow Gate entrance. We're going to watch Smart's Ultimate All-Star weekend. NBA's selected Superstars will be playing in an exhibition game against our hometown ball-cagers; the PBA All-Star Team and Smart Gilas Team. By the time we got inside, the place was already jam-packed. I decided not to bring a camera 'cause I'm sure I'm not gonna get any good shots at all (considering that I only have a consumer cam and our location). Contrary to popular belief, when sitting in the Gen Ad section, you really won't see the players in an ant-like size like what others say. Trust me.

These are the line-ups for the Ultimate All Star Weekend:

NBA All-Stars:

PG Derek Fisher (Los Angeles Lakers)

PG Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

PG Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

PG/SG Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)

SG/SF James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)

SF Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

SF/PF Derrick Williams (under Minnesota Timberwolves' draft rights)

SF/PF Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

C Jevale McGee (Washington Wizards)

PBA All-Stars:

SG James Yap (B-Meg Llamados)

SF/PF Marc Pingris (B-Meg Llamados)

SG Marc Caguioa (Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings)

SF JC Intal (Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings)

SF/PF Arwind Santos (Petron Blaze Boosters)

C Rabeh Al-Hussaini (Petron Blaze Boosters)

PG Alex Cabagnot (Petron Blaze Boosters)

PG/SG Ryan Reyes (Talk N' Text Tropang Texters)

PG Jason Castro (Talk N' Text Tropang Texters)

SG Larry Fonacier (Talk N' Text Tropang Texters)

C Sonny Thoss (Alaska Aces)

PG LA Tenorio (Alaska Aces)

PG Sol Mercado (Meralco Bolts)

SG/SF Gary David (Powerade Tigers)

PG/SG/SF Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine Elasto-Painters)

SF Danny Siegel (Air 21)

Smart Gilas:

PG Andy Barroca
PF Aldrech Ramos
PG J.V. Casio
SG Dylan Ababou
PF Japeth Aguilar
C Greg Slaughter (DNP)
SF Mac Baracael
C Marcus Douthit
C Jason Ballesteros
SF Chris Lutz
SF Marcio Lassiter
PF Kelly Williams
PG 16 Jimmy Alapag
SG Chris Tiu
C Asi Taulava
SG Dondon Hontiveros

The first guy to come out of the dugout from NBA's roster was Derek Fisher. As soon as he stepped in the hardwood, The Big Dome just went nuts. Then, the other superstars followed. Tip-off started (if I'm not mistaken) past 2 pm and from that point, it was all pure fun and amazement.

NBA didn't fail to showcase some of their stuff while on-court. I must admit, I don't like Kobe Bryant as a player at all but I must say that he's spectacular and definitely amazing (there, I said it!). His shake and bake post moves ending in a Jordanesque fade away jump shot is off the charts. I mean, it's just art and sheer athleticism combined. The Black Mumba also rewinded back to time as he displayed flashes of his dunks.

Young big guns like Jevale McGee and Derrick Williams showed Filipino fans how to rock the rim. Now, I'm telling you McGee is having a great time tearing down The Big Dome's rim flushing in a number of dunks from Alley-Oops, follow-ups all the way to those one handed jams. Derrick Williams also didn't fail as he joined the wrecking crew. One of the highlights of the game was his baseline cut for a cradled reverse lay-up.

Chris Paul, Tyreke Evans and Derek Fisher schooled our local Point Guards (not to sound condescending, but they really did) on how you break those ankles and dish out the dimes. In fact, I remember this one time that Tyreke Evans literally had Arwind Santos on his ass after a crossover move during their game against the PBA All-Stars. Chris Paul gnawed Smart Gilas with his defense and even had a slight tie-up with Smart Gilas' Barocca.

Now, whenever jersey number 1 holds the ball, the crowd unites shouting "MVP". Derrick Rose didnt' really spent that much time on the court but a few isolation plays was given to him to dance with his defender and was able to contribute for a few buckets. He missed 2 free throws after being thrown off his focus when the fans started shouting MVP again.

The tandem of Kevin Durant and James Harden for me, made the difference. NBA's Western Conference Finalists displayed a wide barrage of offensive skills from slashing down the lane ending to a devastating tomahawk or sleek layup, three point and 2-point catapults. Indeed, Smart Gilas feared the beard and the Durantula of OKC.

Our very own Smart Gilas Team also showed competitive guts that caught the other team off guard. Before I bought the tickets, my buddy suggested that we watch the Smart Gilas game today against the NBA All-Stars instead of yesterday's game against PBA. Now I know why.

They may seem young overall but Rajko Toroman's team was no pushover. They kept the game close and even brought down the lead of the NBA All-Stars to as low as 7 points. By the 3:48 mark of the game, NBA's side was forced to call a time out with their lead down to 10 and that's when they really got serious. Although we can say that they really never exerted that much of an effort compared to how they compete in the regular season, you can say that Smart Gilas cracked some nerve off the opposing team and got them to play serious ball on the last 3 minutes of the game. JV Casio and Don-Don Hontiveros led the way for the Smart Gilas team with their outside sniping. A few contributions from Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter was also essential for the offensive game of the home team. It's great that Gilas showed competitiveness even if this is simply an exhibition game. They displayed a few offensive and defensive set-ups to test its effectiveness against opponents with this caliber.

Overall, Smart Gilas really did a good job against the NBA All-Stars compared to the PBA All-Stars. If you've seen the July 23rd game, it just seemed like our professional basketball players from the PBA were left in awe and disbelief that they're playing against their idols. All through out the game, the opposing team literally threw lob passes for alley-oops and just pretty much made the hardwood a personal launch pad. No defensive and offensive intensity and set-ups most of the game. For me, it was disappointing considering that these are our professional athletes.

Gilas can look on some things to probably help them out as far as their effectiveness in an international level is concerned. First, Marcus Douthit lack intensity and aggressiveness in the first half. Instead of going for a dunk or even a simple lay-up after being fed the ball off a pick and roll play, he opts to just go for a pull up J or a looper. That is if he actually has the chance to catch the ball on the slide off the pick and roll. Next, I noticed that after the ball goes on top of the double high-post with Casio or Tiu, it ends up always on a three point shot on top of the key. Yeah, at times it goes in but running the same play for 48 minutes against the likes of Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul which are top-notch on-ball defenders, you need to mix it up a little. No pop or even a roll from the high-post picks and the remaining 2 guys gets stock in the corner 3 point line and forgot motion offense. Just my 2 cents though.

Manny Pacquiao also graced the game, coming in at the start of the second half. The Smart All-Stars even called a timeout to ask the champ to go to their huddle to meet the stars. Chris Paul toyed with Manny by jokingly asking the people's champ to have a go at it. At the end of the game, the NBA All-Stars asked Manny to take pictures with them and sign almost everything that they're wearing. Imagine that... talking about "big time".

Now, at first, it really never was a biggie if I was seated in the Gen Ad section but when the NBA players gave away their jerseys and shoes to the crowd, that's when I felt bad. Damn. Hehe.

Overall, it was a rare experience that I can tell my grandkids in the future. Being part of this is really overwhelming. The mood inside The Big Dome for four hours really was phenomenal.

The Great Wall of China calls it quits

Yao Ming announced his retirement today in his homeland in Shanghai, China at the age of 30. The 7 foot 6 center of the Houston Rockets decided to end his career due to an injury on his left foot. Yao broke his left foot in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2008-2009 season, and underwent complex surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2009-10 season.

"I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months were an agonizing wait. I had been thinking (about my future) over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But one door is closing and another one is opening." the towering pride of China said during the press conference.

Yao's dominance and effect on the game cannot be measured by the stats he delivered on the court alone but by the sheer influence he had on the game in a global perspective. He acted inadvertently as an ambassador for the game by his character, sportsmanship and love for the game. He symbolized the growth of basketball as a global game. He also put Asia on the map as far as basketball is concerned. Possibly, it will be a long time before another Asian graces the hardwoods of the NBA same as Yao Ming did.

Yao Ming started his basketball career as an Asian basketball superstar for the Chinese national team. He was eventually picked by the Houston Rockets as 1st overall in the 2002 NBA Draft. The 8-time Chinese All-Star played eight seasons in the NBA, but missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years. Yao Ming averaged 19.0 points per game, 1.9 blocks per game, 52 percent from the field, and 9.2 rebounds.

I hope that the Rocketrs raises Yao's number 11 jersey in the rafters of Toyota Center and someday, be honored into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Stats source: NBA.com