Photoblog - Day302 Feb 5, 2011

Playing with Fire:

Yes, this is a lady making the moves in a fire dance number - and no, I did not go to a club to pay and see this.

This little number happens to be just one of the many entertainments in a night of get together, camaraderie and home-coming celebration. I speak of course of the La Salle Greenhills High School reunion/home-coming for 2011.

To take this picture, I, and a multitude of camera-wielding, hot-blooded, green... er... 'hearted' alumni took our positions by the stage's edge. Security, took one understanding look at us - realized we weren't that rowdy, and thought... what the hey - you can take the man out of La Salle, but you can't take the La Sallite out of the man.

Anyway... I first used a flash - but not seeing the effect I was hoping for, I switched to non-flash mode, making the exposure stay open longer - thus giving the fire-trail effect I was hoping for. The down side here was the non-clear facial features of the performers, and as pretty as some of their faces may have been, I was more after the fire-trail effect, hence my taking the pictures this way (and a few flash shots for good measure), and choosing this particular picture amongst the dozens I had taken.

I mean, let's face it... I could have placed a picture of my batchmates here... maybe with me in the pciture as well... but how many opportunities will I have to capture a fire dancer in action? Not that many, so here it is... my picture of a fire dancer.

Yes, that is a tattoo at her lower right stomach area. I have a clearer picture of it... but with less dramatic flame movements.

Photoblog - Day 301 Feb 4, 2011

Urban Forest?

This seemingly lush vegetation is no virgin forest - in fact, it's not even a forest at all. It's what happens when you just let nature grow its shrubs - which later become trees, which later cover your usual concrete areas as well.

So where is this seeming lush jungle? It happens to be at the back of the Cyber3 building - an adjacent and seemingly abandoned lot to the warehouse converted to a series of badminton and basketball courts - in fact, I doubt if this vegetation is as lush at it seems from the ground view... then again, it could be.

What does this mean to me? For one, it's a spot of green; a break from the all concrete monotony of the city - a place to convert all the carbon dioxide to oxygen. Two, it is a possible area for airsoft games. Though I have not played airsoft for years now, that doesn't mean I don't see opportunities for it.

So, if anyone is reading this... anyone interested in looking for jungle (or forest) war games, this may be your place. Don't call me though... better to ask that badminton place at Pioneer in Mandaluyong.

Photoblog - Day300 Feb 3, 2011

Welcome Metal Rabbit!

Yup, like the usual New Year celebration, we made some preparation by buying fruits and other fortune-related practices, like Tikoy and those chocolate coins. Then we waited for midnight to celebrate - though not in the same intensity as the January 1st celebration. I will try to explain the practice.

The tikoy is a rice-based product that , when cooked, is slightly sticky and sweet (not to mention, oily). But the idea behind the tikoy is that it's stickiness is indicative of the family's closeness to each other... so in a way, this represents unity. On the other hand, the fruits represent having food on the table all year round., while the coins - albeit being made of chocolate, represents fortune and sweetness. Then there's the fortune cookies = technically props, but nice to have and open as we celebrated the first minutes of the Chinese New Year.

So yeah, this is a practice filled with old sayings...and as some people are quick to point out, these are just tales... with little or no proof ot their working - yet despite that, I know a lot of people still practicing these traditions.

Me? At the least, I know I've helped welcome the New Year properly - whether these tales happen or not, I find the presence of the fruits (and their consumption of course) healthy... so I guess, that's another reason - to assure one's self and family of health the whole year round. Wouldn't we want that?

On the side note... hey! My 300th post! Awesome!

Photoblog - Day 299 Feb 2, 2011

The Lion Dance:

As part of Chinese tradition, welcoming the lunar new year involves practicing fortune-attracting practices like Geomancy and the welcoming of the Lion and Dragon dance - sought for it's ability to ward off bad vibes, and in the process, attract more positive vibes.

This involves youths under the Lions (as seen in this picture) which usually needs two people to handle it - and the dragon, which entails close to a dozen (maybe more) people to handle it's long serpentine body... a body I could not take a clear picture of due ot it's length. Accompanying the Lions and Dragon is a drum and cymbal ensemble to supply the loud noise that is supposed to ward of the bad spirits.

Whether it really works or not - the Lion Dance is a worthy show to watch on the side... and it comes as a reminder that the new Lunar Calendar is about to start. In this case, it is to welcome the Year of the Rabbit - so Kung Hei fat Choi to everyone! May fortune smile upon us this 2011.

Photoblog - Day 298 Feb 1, 2011

Anachronistic Service?

This is the Philippine Postal Service's main building in Manila - a great looking edifice with architectural designs at least 50 years old.

For a building this age it's been preserved quite well - perhaps a testament to the architect and engineer's genius - and the building's sturdiness to weather the passing of time.

But with the advent of the email, the population of the service's visitors has drastically decreased - in fact, I can't remember when I had last used 'snail mail', as it is referred to often in online circles. So one has to really wonder - is the postal service still relevant in this day and age? For now, the answer will have to be yes.

You see, the reason why I went here was to pick up a package (a book mailed to me, and in the interest of economics, what used to be delivered to my doorstep, now has to be picked up in the post office), so in that vein, I found the need for the postal service. Technically this was just the second time I've visited this building (for the same reason) in recent months - prior to this, I probably last visited the post office decades ago... maybe in the '80s.

So as you can see, I hardly find the need or use for the postal service. In fact, should I have an iPad or a Kindle, I would hardly need a physical delivery of any book. I guess, that's progress - but until everyone can have access (and the education that comes with it) to the Internet, realistically speaking, the postal service will still be needed. Anachronistic it may be... but not totally useless.

Photoblog - Day 297 Jan 31, 2011

Artistic cream:

It's just an afterthought when added to your favorite drink in countless Starbucks coffee shops around the globe. I've been a welcome consumer of these things for years now - and though they are avoided by some calorie-conscious people, it still is a welcome artistic addition to my frap whenever I see these.

This one in particular seemed well placed, it was an artistic rendition to my drink - so much so that I decided to take a picture of it.

I had another picture with the rest of the drink, but this one had a better look at the cream's design, so I chose this. I then upped the contrast a bit, to add emphasis to the design, and viola! A picture perfect topping.

Photoblog - Day 296 Jan 30, 2011

Jude's First Birthday!

This Sunday, we celebrated Jude Brent's 1st Birthday - and although it actually happened a few days earlier, this was the first weekend we could all be together to celebrate it in a rather grand manner.

Over-all it was a nice celebration, and you could see how Jude was enjoying every minute of it. I mean, most kids' first birthdays I've seen, including those of my kids, I'd remember them seemingly either stressed or out of it for the duration of the party.

Some would even cry should the establishment's mascot suddenly appear... not Jude though - he was all smiles from start to end - playing with balloons, and yes welcoming the mascot as if he were welcoming an old friend... with much enthusiasm (as shown by this picture).

All in all, it was a memorable event and proud mom Bea nearly shed tears when she was asked to give a little speech for Jude.

No kid remembers their 1st birthday - some would be lucky if the event was videoed or like in this case, covered extensively with pictures. Jude may be looking at his pictures with wonder and awe in a few years - Bea, for sure will look at them fondly from time to time. We all enjoyed being a part of this. So here's to you Jude, may this be a great start of far greater things to come in your life. Happy First!

Photoblog - Day 295 Jan 29, 2011

CPR Training:

Whereas last Saturday's focus was on bandages, this particular day was more for CPR (and the Heimlich Maneuver) geared towards making sure someone's air passage was not blocked or his (or her) circulation was not stopped.

This was more intense - yet more fun as well. You could see that most people were really curious about learning CPR - after all, we knew of it's importance and potential life-saving benefits.

This time, Barbie was able to join us for the CPR lessons and I saw how earnestly she learned how to do it. Bernice and Bryce were likewise serious about it - in fact Bryce was the third highest in class, as far as scores were (meaning less mistakes made in applying CPR). What exactly do I mean by my last statement? Simple... we all went through a practical exam after the lessons were taught.

Red Cross Makati had several dummies to practice with - some adult-sized, others (like the one in the picture) kid-sized, and one baby-sized. Bryce can be seen giving a one-hand CPR to his dummy; which is the recommended option for children, as a trained Red Cross instructor observes and grades him.

Even if this took up a major portion of our Saturday, it was still enjoyable and worth the training time invested. Now, should the need arise, I'm more confident of my capabilities to help others - as I'm sure are my kids and Barbie. We'll have to get our recertification same time next year, so I'll be looking forward to doing this all over again. I'm also seriously considering enrolling my kids with more trainings, specially during summer.

Photoblog - Day 294 Jan 28, 2011

A Rabbit Year:

February 4 (or midnight of the 3rd) is the new year for all Chinese who follow the lunar calendar - and preparing for this auspicious occasion are the different groceries, department stores, book stores, restaurants - name it, and if it is an establishment that wishes to capitalize on marketing the Chinese New Year, they'll be having some decors reminding (some would even say, inundating) their shoppers with red colored posters, lanterns and other props signifying their intent to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

These have started sprouting up a few days ago - along with sales of fortune cookies, tikoy and other items that are usually associated with the celebration... including fore crackers!

Caught up in all this is the trend to buy fortune trinkets - to ensure that luck comes aplenty in 2011 - and with it... an abundance of fortune. Others even spend a little more to get items that cannot considered trinkets. Geomancers have a field day giving out their predictions connected to the 12 astrological signs - and it is now up to the people (forewarned in some instances) to take measures (or counter-measures) to ensure a prosperous year.

Do I involve myself in this? Not fanatically... but yes, I do practice a few safety precautions. After all, it's still better to be safe- than sorry. So yes, I make sure I have the trinkets at home or with me. The thing is... and this adds to the confusion - many Geomancers contradict each other with their predictions. In which case, I'd rather believe the optimistic one... after all, life is hard as it is without having to worry about you're bad luck due to the timing of when you were born.

So here's to the year of the Metal Rabbit - and all the luck it will bring us (I hope).

Photoblog - Day 293 Jan 27, 2011

Sharpening Saws:

This is the class I'm handling today and tomorrow (taking over from Ariel as I conduct the latter half of this course).

So yeah... these people are learning new methods and techniques about Testing Design. Many of these people are newbies - still undergoing training (at least, while awaiting their projects' assignments).

So ladies and gentlemen... let's hear it for the new Testing resources! (canned applause here).

Okay... so what are they doing? It's obvious that they're i the middle of making an assigned activity, and since it's group work, they're coordinating with each other - sharing ideas. Since most were standing, I wanted to capture this very active picture. No frills here - just a straight forward picture of a room full of testers (amazing? more so if you consider the fact that this was the very same course I was conducting last week... and it may not be the last I will see for the year.

Photoblog - Day 292 Jan 26, 2011

Ariel in Motion:

I met Ariel last week when he sat in to observe how Fiel and I conducted the Applying Test Design training. Ariel's reason to observe was the fact that he was being positioned to take a few technical trainings... and his arrival will hopefully make our ranks more manageable.

Well this week, Ariel and I are conducting the same course he sat in on last week - after all, he has the technical background - he just needed to know the process.

Over-all, it seem that Ariel can handle this course, as he seemed able to carry the training - keeping it lively - and it seems he's even being aligned to cover other courses real soon. So here's to Ariel... long may he train.

Photoblog - Day 291 Jan 25, 2011

The Disney Way:

When I saw this book in the bookstore, I did not let it go. You see, I heard (or read) about this book some time back - specifically referenced by another book I read (and liked); which was Lee Cockerell's 'Creating Magic' - another book about Disney management.

Cockerell kept mentioning the Disney Way program and training... so when I saw this, I remembered - hence had to get the book. But it is only today that I started reading this book (I finished my last book - all about Steve Jobs' Innovative secrets. last night), and I consider this an overdue read.

Will it be good? too early to tell, as I'm still in the first chapter - but I do hope Cockerell was right about promoting this book (and program). So here I go... I'm about to learn more of the Disney Way, and hope the journey is full of insights and practices I can use.

By the way, the green colored smileys were an added touch - I wanted something different, and just taking the book's picture did not add enough pizzaz to the picture -I mean I'd probably ask 'what made this picture worth taking?' Well... the smileys hopefully did add reason, symbolizing a happy read about a happy organization.

Photoblog - Day 290 Jan 24, 2011

New Comics:

Got these in the weekend, but only go to read them today.

What's so unique about these is the fact that DC for most of it's title covers (and as you can see from this picture), came up with a minimalist cover design. What makes it a minimalist design is the fact that these characters are just surrounded by a plain white background.

Why is this so? Perhaps it's to signify DC's start for the new year - and the fact that they have announced 'drawing the line at $2.99'; which means that they have buckled conventional trends by their competitors (like Marvel) raising comics cover prices. DC argues, and rightly so, that the practice is in danger of isolating the fans from enjoying more titles. Is it working? Well, it's too early to say, but if this grouping is any indicator, it seems that I've got more DC titles than Marvel.

However, these are titles I frequent, so it's not as if this is a vote of confidence by me to buy more DC instead of Marvel - I mean, with a higher price tag, I'd still get a few Marvel stuff - although I may be in trimming title purchase mode, right about now too. But am I feeling the pinch? You can bet I do... and I may very well drop a few of the more not so entertaining titles from my list either this month - or the next.

Of this current batch, I found Superboy entertaining... not as entertaining as issue #2, but still entertaining enough to continue getting. So long as this creative team does not change, I'll continue getting this title. The JLA was also a feel good type of issue - a realization that this team (composed mainly of ex-sidekicks and ex-Teen Titans) IS worthy of the group name they carry. What next? Who knows? As for the Detective Annual, it has a story with two Batmen - Bruce and Dick... so it's an interesting study... though it would probably have been better had more inner thoughts by these two characters been shared.

Photoblog - Day 289 Jan 23, 2011

January Bacardi Night!

Yup, this is our first Bacardi night get together - and we held it at Sheila's place... after all, it was also a belated birthday celebration for her.

Though this was technically a Saturday evening affair, it definitely extended to Sunday morning (we ended around 2AM, and some of us were still raring to continue - boy did we enjoy).

We also had the combination of Bacardi Mojitos types - with me doing your traditional Manila Mojitos and the well received Red Mojitos version as well. All in all, we finished two pitchers of each, with Marie getting a bit tipsy despite my very conservative mix. We also had a lot of food - courtesy of Sheila's mom.

That said, next Bacardi night seems to be planned for February - and this time, it's planned to be held at Mon's place - so he can showcase his newly refurbished ground floor, kitchen and mini-garden.

Photoblog - Day 288 Jan 22, 2011

First Aid.

You'll never know when you'll need it - but if you do, you'll definitely thank the day you took it.

I'm talking about First Aid training, and this should really be a course taught everyone - so we don't accidentally make matters worse for others, should we find opportunities to help them... and in our ignorance, actually contribute to their trauma - instead of helping alleviate it.

Make no mistake, I've seen footages from TV about these - accidents and people with no first aid... meaning well, but in the process... adding to one's injuries. Hence this first aid course, specially arranged for us by Red Cross Makati branch, is timely as it is important. I also insisted the kids join me here - after all, there may come a time that I might need first aid... and their being equipped with the right knowledge - and technique, could end up saving me. So yeah... this is likewise insurance.

Here we see Bryce in action, applying the foot (with shoes on) bandage technique on Bernice - and yes; we took a practical test about all these different bandage applications afterwards... after all, we are going after certification... at least, on basic first aid course.

Photoblog - Day 287 Jan 21, 2011

Training Pigeons...

The Piazza, in it's over-all vision of wanting to replicate the look and feel of it's original counterpart, has had some pigeons (I counted at least two dozen) roam the surroundings and hopefully - eventually, copy their Italian counterpart by not fearing... if not totally welcoming the fact that people are there giving them food.

Yeah... when I've seen pictures of the real deal, I thought to myself that I wanted to experience that. And when I saw the replica being built in McKinley Hill, one of the first things that came into my mind was pigeons (aside from cafes and eateries), and I thought... well, if they wanted to really simulate the place, they'd consider pigeons.

Well a week (or two ago) I started seeing these pigeons - albeit still little in population and not seemingly friendly... until today, that is. I was surprised to see someone calling them and feeding them - and them (the pigeons, that is) enthusiastically responding. It therefore dawned on me that the Piazza experience was now a lot closer than I thought it would ever be. How about that?

Now (and this is the pessimist side of me thinking) if only these pigeons do not become over complacent and approach everyone outside the Piazza (and get stolen); and assuming no one scares these pigeons silly (as kids would do accidentally, and some adults thinking like kids would do intentionally) and get stressed, thus preventing them from breeding and multiplying, maybe... just maybe the thought of replicating the Piazza pigeons experience in McKinley will definitely be a reality.

I'll definitely look forward to that.

Photoblog - Day 286 Jan 20, 2011

Taking a break:

When I'm in the middle of a training conduct, and I know I'll have some rest time while my co-facilitator does his (or her) part, I always make it a point to bring anything to read, look for a quiet spot - preferably, one not too far from our room so I can somehow monitor what's going on - and catch up on my reading.

This particular spot happened to be the room right beside our training room - in fact, that removable wall I'm leaning on is the only thing separating me from he class.

The absence of chairs and tables just signifies that this room is being readied for the next training... and I did not find the lack of chairs and tables a hindrance for me (as you can see with my sitting on the carpet).

Yup... I try to keep myself busy (and in some situations, awake) by busying myself with new reading materials - this way, even when I'm conducting a class... specially one that I've been handling for some time, I still come out at the end of the day, with something new learned or gleaned - with something read and enjoyed. I make it a point to never stop learning, to never stop growing with knowledge.

How'd I take this picture? with a timer - and my camera bag - no tripod used here... but now I understand the need for a small bean bag for my camera - or better appreciate the shortness and portability of my gorilla tripod (which I did not bring with me on this occasion).

Photoblog - Day 285 Jan 19, 2011

Expectations...

At the start of most our trainings, we collect expectations from our participants - to both gauge their interest in the training and to see if what they expect are par with the course.

In this instance, the use of Post-it notes to record their expectations, then the ability to arrange these expectations on the wall (as handily done with post-its) allows us to do just that for my first few minutes when conducting this testing-related course. Nice thing about this technique is it can be adapted to any training - whether, technical or non-technical... solutions-related or B.P.O. (that is, when the latter's 'training champions' / subject-matter experts / coordinators know what they're doing).

I've been doing this technique for several years now... so much so that it becomes a tool I subconsciously prescribe to... and it's never let me down. So there... I've shared one training tool/technique (vaguely, of course) so if you ever find it useful and wish to know more - well... you basically know where to ask me.

Photoblog - Day 284 Jan 18, 2011

Innovator extraordinaire:

This is the book I'm reading right now - a follow up from another, somewhat similar book by the same author. Whereas the first one was more on presentation secrets - this one is more on... well, innovation (as the title points out).

I'm just a few chapters in - but sicne I found the first book of Gallo easy reading, I decided to get this as well before Christmas - though it is only now that I'm able to read it.

It may also prove coincidental that the tech news in CNN's website has covered an announcement by Steve Jobs himself, that he shall be taking a medical leave. Like it or not, Steve isn't getting any younger (and apparently, has been having some health issues as well).

Not wanting to sound morbid here, but I hope this book does not talk about someone in a posthumous manner any time soon. And I'm sure that I am joined by many Apple fans in wishing Steve a quick and full recovery - so he can continue bedazzling his audiences and supporters with new, revolutionary ideas and products. After all, the man has led a very extraordinary life... but I don't think his swan song should be composed yet.

Meanwhile, I would like to think that I am learning enough with (and from) this book as well as it's predecessor - to be a better leader. Carmine Gallo's Innovative Secrets... and his Presentation Secrets (of Steve Jobs) are good reading... and I plan to make a more formal review of the first book to be posted in my other blog.

Photoblog - Day 283 Jan 17, 2011

Frenimies:

What did I say about Buffy reverting to her old ways of picking on the cats, now that Bruce isn't around to pester her? Apparently, it just took a day for her to realize what she had been missing and revert back to nature.

No... this isn't all out war - just Buffy playing with Neko, after all.... they are friends. Though I wouldn't be surprised should I 'hear' Neko's thoughts saying 'with friends like these, who needs enemies?!'

The frustrating part about an auto-focus camera is that when you're ready to shoot, it decides to focus elsewhere. Bummer...! This would have been a great shot had that not happened. As you can see, the focus beyond Buffy and Neko is perfect - but the focus to the two is slightly off. That was because I had focused to the two earlier, and was just waiting for Buffy to make her move, as I was sure she would - and when she sprung on Neko, as you can see by how the cat is defending herself... wouldn't you know it? The camera refocuses elsewhere. This is not the first time the camera has done that, either.

I need to find a way to lock my focus... I just might be missing something. If anyone has suggestions, I'll be all eyes and ears. Meanwhile, I just may 'focus' on manual mode when it comes to such shots.