Photoblog - Day 160, Sep 17, 2010

Cooling down:

YGIFs normally mean my having to hang out a place near (and after) work - not just to unwind, but to wait out the number coding scheme in place within the metro, so chill out is what I definitely do - be it with companions (preferable) or alone (still okay, but I enjoy conversations with my brewskie).

This night, however, aside from being the latter option, also introduced me to a new light beer in town - Manila light. You see, there used to be a Manila beer in the market... though later, it seemed to have just vanish, a victim of it being the poorer option amongst beer drinkers choices - heck I even did not realize it was gone the first time, and just like me, I think it was simply below many other's radar.

Well the makers of Manila beer probably feel that now's the right time to reintroduce Manila beer - and mot just this one... but likewise introduce to the beer drinking public Manila Beer Light. In my case, I was expecting a brew with my usual San Mig Light but the place I went to somehow had a lack of supply for San Mig light on a Friday evening... go figure. Then they suggest I try Manila Beer Light - and adventurous/curious me took the offer.

End result? Well for one, the sleek new look is a plus factor, and the taste isn't bad either... plus I get to have a nice shot of the new product too. If you look close enough, you'll realize that this was not my first bottle. Where's the clue? Well, you find out.

Photoblog - Day 159, Sep 16, 2010

My shades:

This particular pair of sun glasses was a gift from Barbie when she last went to the U.S., I had asked her for a pair when she queried what I would like back there.

Having a strong practical bone, I am not one to consider brand names - as I would be more inclined to the aesthetics of the shades - and in a tropical country, the darker shade is the better option. Apparently, Barbie; who is the more brand conscious between us, was able to get a pair that represented both functionality and fashion recognition.

So... having said that, can you 'guess' the brand of this pair? Hint... I took the picture of this shades to not just show it clearly the picture, but to try and capture the brand as well. Come on... give it a try. It's such an easy task, I doubt you'll need more than one try to 'guess' the name.

Photoblog - Day 158, Sep 15, 2010

Shadows and Light:

This one is an experiment. I tried to take the barest of silhouettes from three statues - with just a candle's illumination as the only source of light... I also made this light come from a scent diffuser, so as to make it look like it was coming from a furnace (with controlled light direction) as against a bonfire ( which would cast light in all directions) which explains the seeming circular shadow at the picture's bottom - signifying the imaginary forge's shape.

I upped the contrast, to lessen the light's reflection and deepen the shadows, hoping to give this picture some darkness to signify some mystery as to the reason why these beings would meet at the night in front of said forge. The redness is caused by the statues colors - but I hoped it somehow reflected the unworldliness of the setting - but not too much as it to look like Hades.

Did I get the desired effects? I hope so... but come sometime soon, I'll see how to improve on this even further.

Photoblog - Day 157, Sep 14, 2010

Orange Corydoras:

Or at least, that is how the person selling it in the pet shop described it... the Corydoras in general are - for lack of a more accurate term, the maintenance crew of any aquarium. The reputation happened because these fishes are bottom feeders - meaning, they scrounge the aquarium's sands (or bottom) for their meals. Naturally, this helps keep the aquarium clean from food not digested by the other fishes either lingering at the top of the tank - or at their middle.

I saw this little guy just 'grazing' on the stone, and decided to grab my camera and take it's picture. It was not a shy fish either - not scampering away at the slightest hint of approach on my part; which made taking it's picture quite easy, thus leading to a nice macro shot if I say so myself (and Barbie agrees - she had to clarify with me if I was the one who really took the shot).

Photoblog - Day 156, Sep 13, 2010

Welcome Buffy!!!

With Bernice is a 6-month old Puppy whom we all decided to call Buffy - and I can honestly say that she matches the spunk of the TV series character of which she was coincidentally named.

When we got her, her previous owners said that of the litter, she was the most loving - and also the one with the most appetite. Buffy was given to us on account that her previous owners know we take good care of Bubbles (or Spitz-Chow).

We timed getting her with the long weekend, so we could be with her during her adjustment period... for all accounts, it looks like she seems to be adjusting just fine. This is good, because it means she won't get stressed - and won't suffer any illnesses. How is Bubbles reacting to her? Bubbles if very curious - and wants to approach (and smell) Buffy... but we're erring on the side of caution on this one - after all, with Neko, Bubbles barked a few days until they became friends... this time, Buffy won't be just adjusting to Bubbles - but with Neko as well.

Photoblog - Day 155, Sep 12, 2010

Night blooms:

Some things just look better at night. I guess it may be because in the dark - or with a dark background, the contrast between the subject being taken and the previously mentioned background is a whole lot farther apart - hence the background further emphasizing the subject's visibility.

That is exactly what seems to have happened to this stall filled with different flowers (orchids), I mean... I see this almost whenever I find myself in Greenhills - and yet I rarely stop to admire these flowers in the morning or afternoon. The yellows are most visible - but then again, so are the purples.

As for the picture per se... I was torn between taking just one subject, or getting the entire bunch. You can, of course, see which idea I finaly decided to take.

Photoblog - Day 154, Sep 11, 2010

High School Friends:

This is Bernice with a handful of her classmates, all of them enjoying the time together while their parents (Barbie and I included) await their turn; to talk to their teachers - you see, it happened to be a Parents-Teachers day, so we had to be in the kids' school this particular Saturday Morning, so we could converse with our kids' advisers to learn how they were doing.

Guess Bernice had the right to enjoy herself, as her teacher (surprisingly) informed us how helpful Bernice was in her class; that she was glad Bernice was in her class. Well, whadayaknow...

As for Bryce? He was okay too - well, except for Pilipino, but I guess that was not an outlier. We did learn from Bryce's adviser that he hangs around with a group, and they happen to all be good English speakers... hence him calling them the 'Nose Bleed' group - as in one could get a case of nose bleed, should they try to match the group's English acumen.

Overall, things were just great for the two - and I'm really glad.

As for the picture? Just a straightforward shot - no flash... with White Balance adjusted for the predominantly yellow light being used in the school's multi-purpose hall.

Photoblog - Day 153, Sep 10, 2010

Tasting Nirvana:

No I'm not into any philosophical discussion as I write this. The little domed chocolate cake you see with a fin (or rudder... depending on your imagination) at it's top, is indeed called 'Nirvana' at the place it is being sold - namely Bizu.

This particular evening, we found ourselves in Greenhills and decided to have dessert before heading home - Barbie suggested Bizu... a place known for it's cakes and pastries, so off we went. As we started choosing our preferred dessert, I spotted this little domed cake. The dark chocolate promised enjoyment while being consumed, and the fact that it was partially a mousse with pistachio bits lent further temptation... so, I gave in and ordered this little devil.

To say that I enjoyed it immensely would be a flat out lie... no sir, I didn't. You see, for it's size, it did not satiate my sweet tooth at all - though not because it was not sweet... perish the thought. I don't want my dessert sweet at all - nope, I wanted this to be a whole lot larger than it's standard serving size... THEN I would've really enjoy it.

Oh well. I guess a glimpse of Nirvana will have to do.

Photoblog - Day 152, Sep 9, 2010

New Supervisors:

Yesterday, I handled a training for New Supervisors in one of the rooms of the Cybermall. It was just a one day training... and a welcome break from my usual technical conducts. I like this training in particular since I get to help and influence Team Leads to hopefully consider some new ideas, concepts and naturally, adopt the Leader's Window by John Beck.

This particular group was receptive and inquisitive - just the way I like it. We also went smooth and fast - but I guess, that's what you can expect from having internalized the training real well.

My one peeve with this experience did not come form the training itself - but from the fact that we could hear the lectures from the other rooms too. Apparently, a lack of acoustic control.

Photoblog - Day 151, Sep 8, 2010

Wisdom Networks?

Yup... as you can no doubt guess, I've finished the Matthew Riley book - and after three high paced stories, I'd like ot get back to terra firma and read something else - something that will give me more knowledge... and with that said, I decided to start reading this particular book.

The premise? How to maximize the knowledge base that is just floating around the workplace. It's an interesting read - specially foe Knowledge Management practitioners... guess that includes me. So yeah... back to studying something new (at least, in my perspective).

Photoblog - Day 150, Sep 7, 2010

Training and games:

If there is one thing trainings should have, it's games that remove the monotony of the lectures - but at the same time, somehow reinforcing the lessons learned - or emphasizing concepts to be remembered. In light of this, one of the games I must admit I like, is the Jeopardy-inspired reviews in some of the trainings I've conducted for Accenture.

Here we have the participants gearing up for the game's start - almost the same rules apply (tweaked to make them realize that they should try to answer all questions). Apparently, based on the reaction of the participants, it seems like they too enjoy the game. So yeah... great idea - and one I'd like to preserve by giving it a place in my blog of memories.

Photoblog - Day 149, Sep 6, 2010

New comics:

This was a relatively large batch - but also because it finally saw the arrival of a few issues - of which delivery to the stores got delayed (maybe they got held up in customs? hmmm...) but since they're now released, they arrived with a vengeance - to my pocket that is.

I got these issues the day before, but owing to how busy we were, I only go t to read some of them (not all) today. Who'd a thought it... me... Butch Syyap, actually delaying reading comic books. If you told me about this particular habit - say 10 years ago, I'd probably think "maybe he was busy" - but if you told this to me - say 30 years ago, I'd probably say "huh? no way! you sure that's the same Butch we know?"

So... does this mean my interest is changing? Guess so. I still get them... still enjoy them - but I'm not that same die hard fan who won't mind talking comics for a day.

As for the batch itself... guess another reason I ended up with a lot is the X-men related one-shots against the vampires... some of which aren't really that good. Ah well... at least, I got Green Hornet, Legion and S.H.I.E.L.D.

Photoblog - Day 148, Sep 5, 2010

Sunday Market:

This is the Sunday market in Greenhills - corner of La Salle street and Connecticut (I think). This apparently looks a whole lot larger than the Saturday market I frequent in Greenhills shopping center - though I don't know if it's a regular fixture for Sundays or it's just because of the Christmas season fast approaching.

I would think it's the former... after all, I saw mostly food - and no Christmas decors (thank God). I even bought a few barbecues and grilled boneless bangus (a.k.a. milk fish) and had a great lunch with the family. I bumped into a friend (Fred) and his girlfriend. So it was a nice experience.

So how'd I stumble in on this market? Simple... I had to bring Bryce to Greenhills for his review (yes, on a Sunday) and had time to kill. Since the car needed gas, I went the nearest station who's brand we frequent (due to the car's corporate fleet card) and as I drove there... I saw the gates open and the crowds gathered. So... on the way back - with gas talk filled, I decided to stop, look... and partake of the market's many offerings.

Photoblog - Day 147, Sep 4, 2010

Five Warriors:

I'm a new fan of Matthew Riley! I went through his two books - 7 Ancient Wonders and 6 Sacred Stones, in record reading time... not speed reading them; mind you... but enjoying the story. What started out as an experiment (buying the books for a lack of having anything to get from my regulars) has turned into a great adventure.

Of course, it could be said that I had entered in the right time. Getting the first two books of an apparent trilogy in a book sale - and being able to get the third book two weeks later (even if it was a hardbound copy).

So yeah... I won't be surprised if I get to finish this book in less than a week. I wish Bryce would read this - I'm sure he'd find it a great adventure... as I'm sure Bing bing will really enjoy this as well.

As for the picture... I, once again, wanted to try blacks against black... hence taking the picture of said book '5 Greatest Warriors' without it's flyleaf cover and my phone on top of it - as both were on the opaque glass of the dining table. Since the book's spine had the title and author in silver print, I just wanted to make sure that was visible against the blacks.

Photoblog - Day 146, Sep 3, 2010

Relaxing:

It happens rarely... but in some days, I find myself in a situation where I have long bouts of rest... while my partner/facilitator does his/her spiel in a training. In which case, I get to move out of the class - specially during afternoons when if I just sit at the back of the class, I may end up falling asleep.

In this case, it was in Analysis... and thanks to Rex, I got the time to relax... read... and watch CNN in the LCD of Accenture's Ideas Exchange area. Yeah... that's me seriously listening to the news. I mean, if I could change channels to either Discovery or the History Channel, I would... but then I might entirely forget my class - so better that I catch a glimpse of what's happening around the world as I relax.

This also serves as my September picture; timer taken of course... and if you wonder why I'm in a not so formal get up - well, Fridays are dress-down (smart casual) days... and when in Rome... Get the picture?

Photoblog - Day 1445, Sep 2, 2010

Honing...

I chanced upon a few skateboarders in one of those times I were to meet barbie in Fully Booked at the Fort... and remembered one of my earlier attempts to take a picture of a similar situation as said skateboarder was going up a ramp - I also remembered how blurred that picture was... so, I thought, maybe I've learned a few things since then. Why not try again?

This skateboarder was several yards away, so I had to rely on my zoom lens (and further zooming in with the use of an editing software later), to try and capture the skateboarder in mid leap, as he tries to flip his board with his leap, and land on it again... so it was a leap-flip-land stunt.

I can't remember if he landed with success - though I did not see him fall either... so I guess that means he landed alright. After all... it's not the take of that'll kill you - but the landing. And any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. A lesson I learned... sometimes the hard way, in my high school years with an off-road, hybrid bicycle.

Photoblog - Day 144, Sep 1, 2010

New stash:

Yeah... I know I got this over the weekend - but it was only now that I found time to read these comics. First of all, it's not that many... guess the delivery schedules are still adjusting to the Labor Day holiday in the U.S.

Aside from that, well... this week's batch were almost uninteresting. I mean, I just got a few of these issues for completion of certain story arcs... but after which, I may just drop them altogether. I refer to the Avengers issues displayed here... I guess I'm not just a fan of Bendis' writing style.

Photoblog - Day 142 Aug 30, 2010

Monday skyline:

This Monday was rather unique in a sense that this Monday was a vacation - no work, no school... and since it was the end of a three-day weekend, Barbie, the kids and I decided to maximize the day by going out and enjoying the mall(s).

Obviously, as this picture suggests, we stayed out rather long and on our way home, as we returned to the car; which was parked at the mall's roofdeck - I saw how nice the lights of the distant buildings were in contrast to the dark clouds. Not having my trusty tripod, I had to content with setting my camera on the building ledge and taking the picture in a low ISO setting - thus having a long exposure... capturing the surrounding with more light. The results speak for themselves too.

Photoblog - Day 143 Aug 31, 2010

New Blood:

No... i don't mean in any vampiric connotation with the title. I mean, let's face it... there a re more than enough parodies of such things without me adding to it. Rather, I mean that the picture represents new hirees - and I... aft ernot handling such an orientation for nearly four years, found myself facilitating a large group (90 people) this Tuesday. How about that?

I was a bit rusty in execution - but still had a good grasp of the topics to be discussed (at least, those that had no speakers), so how different was this New Joiners' experience from those years ago? Not much really... at least, in the grand scheme of things. Ah well... if this is an indicator of the projected work that ACN will be having, it looks like things are indeed getting rosy for them.

Hope this is not false bravura.

Photoblog - Day 141 Aug 29, 2010

Relaxing Sunday:

One of the usual way I would relax would be to listen to music. Nothing unique about that in itself, true... but in this particular time, I got to listen to two Filipino albums that I actually got to like a lot. Now THAT is new. How so? Because I hardly have high expectations when listening to locally produced albums with local talents. You see, for me... these local talents rely too much on commercialism and not enough on quality.

Well, I'm glad to say that I was wrong in this case... on both counts! Wow! Like I said, it was not a normal Sunday. I got these albums the day before, but decided to listen to them this Sunday - seeing as I had noting to do this particular morning. Glad I did too. Be it Ogie's respectful rendition of classic (not old) Filipino tunes or Noel's take on Pinoy pop hits of yesteryears, these two cds gave me listening pleasure mixed with reminiscing and relaxation.

To top it off, I got to read the second Matthew Reilly book - Six Sacred Stones too. A great yarn with a very fast-paced plot. Did I say I finished the first book in just three days? I can't remember the last time I read a book that fast. Chances are, I'll repeat the process with this book.

So... having just the book or one of the cds for the day would have been enough to make this Sunday give me a good experience. All three in one morning? Like I said earlier... Wow!