Goodbye Manny A.

I've known him since my high school days... long before he etched an image of himself as advocate for what is right and just for all... long before he earned his rep as a musician, I knew Manny Amador as brother to Ditto Amador. Back then, they were just a pair of Ateneans, and what most probably kept us connected was a shared passion for reading comics - that and a mutual friend, Maxi Fernandez.

In a seeming day and time when the rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle would prevent us from talking civilly to each other, we respected and even welcomed each other's interest in reading comics - and yes, even up to the point of discussing in near impassioned manner, what was happening in the comics, with the characters... just plain old discussions on what is... what if... what are the repercussions... in this imaginary universe filled with heroes.

Manny would play the younger, dutiful brother to Ditto - and they would hang around in the Manila and Makati night life... I would bump into them there as well, though I suspect they spent more time there than I did - but then again, that's the advantage of having a car - and Ditto, being the eldest, was the designated driver.

One thing that struck me was their use of nicknames - not necessarily their own... for example, Ditto was called 'Coach' by Manny - thus indirectly espousing the fact that he looked up to his older brother and sought some form of guidance. Ditto (or Deke, as we now call him) would call Manny 'Canon' - I never did get to ask them why they did that.

One particular time, I contracted the chicken pox - so naturally, I could not go to school - this despite my being a supposed DJ for the school disco... and since this was basically pre celular phone days, I just has no way of contacting friends. Well, Ditto - for some reason called - apparently wanting to read some comics that Maxi did not have... he was asking if it was okay ot drop by. I told him I had Chicken Pox and he just said no problem - they've had theirs already. So it was to my mom's surprise that I had my only visitors while in quarantine, and they were Ateneans to boot.

I really appreciated them for that visit.

From comics and night life, our interest seemed to have shifted to Role Playing Games, and though Ditto as very active in this, Manny on the other hand, was steering clear of the games for their known association with some devil worship - hence the start of Many becoming independent of his 'Coach'. Because of this, I would have lesser mingling time with Manny - in fact the only time I'd see Manny was when I'd visit the Amador home in Sta Ana and catch him there. He'd look at what we were doing and just be on his way, civilly keeping to himself.

This is not to say that Manny never tried role playing games - he just avoided the Dungeons and Dragons milieu- I know this for a fact, because when our group had a Vietnam-milieu RPG, he was one of the first to want to try it out. In fact, this was one of those rare games he and I were part of a game, and I remember a few instances when my character wanted to do something (you see, I was playing the demolitions expert) to his character's chagrin - who was our patrol lead. If I remember correctly, Ditto was the sniper and the GM for this was Allan

I first discovered Manny's musician side when Johnny Alegre and I watched a concert - and Manny was the guitarist... he performed a lot of Police hits, and whether Johnny will admit it or not, he felt like Manny was upstaging him... a fellow musician, albeit a semi-retired one at that point in time. I never got to see Manny play again - and I guess part of that is because I was not too keen on live and loud bands - of which Manny seemed to enjoy doing. So yeah, he was the Rock God-worshiper back then, something strangely considered as a viable combination.

I'd be seeing less and less of Manny - simply because our circles would not be the same. Even if he was Deke's brother, I don't think they were as close as before. Manny was doing a lot of things in his life and Deke was now the underachiever of the family. But I would read about Manny in the news - leading seemingly Quixotic battles for what is right against PLDT, Microsoft and yes... even the government. So as the public knew more of him... I got to know less of him.

Last I saw Manny alive was in - of all places, the grocery. I was with Bryce and we were getting some items for spaghetti (I think), and when we bumped into him, I introduced Bryce to him. Not missing this as a possible opportunity, I asked Manny to give Bryce a bit of advice in IT and Manny gamely gave Bryce his viewpoints. I know Bryce found Manny entertaining - and I wonder if this likewise put some impression on Bryce regarding IT.

So... that was Manny to me - an acquaintance, almost a friend, a good (some would argue 'great') guitarist, a man wiht a mission - be it against population control, metering of phones or the Microsoft juggernaut. But always a man with a smile. One who'd readily call you Dawg, even before I heard it from an American Idol judge, and he'd call himself (sometimes even declaring it to the sky) how handsome he was (Ang pogi ko!!!). Yup, definitely a character - but a sharing soul as well.

Manny died a few days ago - apparently of cardiac failure. The news was sudden... and definitely unexpected. That it happened in Cebu made it hard for us to help him. His remains lie in state at Don Bosco now... and I feel that I should see him for the last time.

Rock the heavens, Manny. I'm sure you shall be missed. Too bad we never had another conversation before you decided to clock out of here.

Wassup with me... oh, busy me...

Ever since I've moved my photoblog elsewhere, this particular blog has not been as active as it used to... and for that matter, it's not because I've little to talk about... okay, maybe I've little to talk about sometimes, but that's beside the point. What I see as the more obvious culprit here is my lack of time to blog what I want... when I want.

It's just that ever since I've shifted jobs, I've found myself really busy - easily filling up my day with work and when I get home, I'm just tired to do anything else... aside from wanting to spend what little waking time I have with my family before it's sleep and rest... only to repeat the process again.

SO that's what's up with me. What's worse? Things look like they will further escalate in - oh, say... three months down the line. So busy as I feel now, things will be even more hectic later.

Security prevents me from being more specific... but let me just say that I'm involved in the latter stages of a system's implementation project... and leave it at that. Maybe when all this is done, I'll talk further about it... or at least, weigh in what I can talk further about.

So where's Year 2?

In case you are one of the few who frequent this place to look at my Photoblog, and you've read my 365th entry where I said I'd do a Year 2, you probably wonder why I haven't started it yet here - or assume I'm awaiting the weekend before I start posting here... both are valid assumptions by the way, but hardly the right answer.

I've decided to dedicate the Photoblog into a separate site - and in case you're curious to see where this is, well... all you need do is follow this link:Butch 365 and you should find my ongoing photoblog. I'm returning this site to it's original intent of having minute ideas that I would like to share - not necessarily revolving around photos. Oh I'll still be posting photos in this site, of course I will... but not to cover 365 days of photography practice.

So there you have it folks... I am doing Year Two. Enjoy it via the link.

Photoblog - Day 365 Apr 09, 2011

Project 365 done.

Yup! I can't believe it's done... and I so look forward to reviewing the year that was.

So did I accomplish what I set out to do with this little experiment? Let's see...

Document the year - oh definitely... in fact I always joke about my having documented the year to remind me - in case I get Alzheimer's at some point in time... knock on wood that I don't, of course.

Use this exercise as a venue for enjoying my hobby? Yup!!! It taught me to take better pictures... maybe I could still improve - who am I kidding? I can still improve a lot - but as it stands, I really like a lot of what I took, and I can safely say that I learned a whole lot about photography in this one year... simply by exercising the skill. As documented, I've bought books (and read them occasionally too), magazines on the stuff - and will continue to do so.

I've learned to do macro shots... and can now do better macro shots, now with my reverse lens ring. I definitely know the rudiments of lighting, focus, shutter speed, ISO and even Photoshop, Lightroom and Microsoft Picture Manager. I've recently gotten a zoom lens, and know how to better use it now... and can capture decent shots for parties, occasions and more the usual roving eye - seeing something mundane, yet taking the shot and making it look anything but mundane. So yeah... definitely strides in the learning, shooting and cleaning/cropping department.

Learn to blog better? I hope so... I'm still far from being a regular blogger - I mean, after all, work can be tiring, or I may get distracted or I may nto be able to use the Laptop - bu I did get to finish this project! Because of this, my other blogs seem trivial in terms of content when compared to this. But on the more technical side, I did learn to re-use (or is that relearn how to use) HTML commands to spruce up my sites.

SO... I guess the question is, will I go for year two? Oh definitely... I'll just decide if it's going to be at once or in a while - after a few days rest, that is. But what I'll definitely do is change venue - maybe put this in my other blog - or create a different one just for this... the project could warrant such a move.
in fact

As someone said, it's the journey - not the destination, that counts... and now that I've completed this one, I can reminisce about it - in fact, I'll do just that, soon as I post this. Meanwhile - cheers to Photoblog Year 1 - 2010-2011. I was a great trip, with great learnings, counltess experiences and captured memories. I shall continue letting people know about it... make them think about doing it... and willingly show them what it can give.

Photoblog - Day 364 Apr 08, 2011

Morning grind:

This is a picture of constructions workers at a building a few lots away from where I sometimes teach - which is at Robinson's Cyber3 building... home of a few Accenture offices, and more importantly, HQ of the publishers to our local FHM magazine. Once again, I'm using my zoom lens to get a closer look.

Time of this shot is approximately 7:45am (yes I sometimes come in that early - though not always), and the workers are just getting ready for what promises to be another long day of labor. These guys have the concrete pillars in place... which is approximately their 20th floor (our building stands on higher elevation), and yes... they too are getting into the working groove - in fact one of them seems to be in the mindset of working already, while the other is still enjoying the sun's not too hot morning rays.

As for me, I'm in this place to conduct another Analysis training... which won't start yet. In fact, if we're lucky, we can start by 8:30am. Ah well... another day, another 8 hours. Man's gotta work after all. Even the rich ones - it's either that or they degenerate, wither and eventually die. Why do I say this? Less people may admit it - but work gives them a reason for feeling needed... relevant. Yeah, it may suck at times... and others may genuinely hate their work (or some aspects of work - like the boss, for example), but give them a week - or two to just stay home, and I bet they'll be raring to do something... anything... to alleviate the boredom.

Photoblog - Day 363 Apr 07, 2011

How many?

What's different about this picture? Did you count how many dogs there are? (not counting Ben, for all you smart alecks out there) If you said four... you'd be right.... after all, I'm not yet that good a Photoshop user to insert something into the picture like a chihuahua.

His name is Pepot (I think) - and he has been passed on to Ben by Ben's friend and Pepot's owner, to care for him while his owner does an Indonesia trip. Meanwhile, since Ben is closer here, he brings Popot here and hope that the dogs won't fight him.

Apparently they didn't. Oh sure... there was the customary smelling and awkward approaches - bt they all accepted him into their fold real fast... plus Buffy had found another playmate... who's size is not so far from that of a kitten.

Man... this place is getting to look like a half-way house for dogs. Lucky for me, Pepot (if that's his real name) isn't the really noisy type... and I had to restrain Buffy whenever she played with too much gusto. I mean, Bruce gives up on her when they're playing... so I think she forgets her strength and weight when sometimes playing with said chihuahua.

Photoblog - Day 362 Apr 06, 2011

Heeee's Baaaack!

It was seemingly only yesterday that Pepper was gone and things would get back to seeming normalcy in this place with just two dogs, when lo and behold... Bruce comes to give us a visit again.

Yup! This not always pugnacious pug has returned to color our lives... how long he'll stay? Well, not too long, I hope. I mean, yeah... I welcome him here - more so now that he's learned - by tagging along with both Bubble and Buffy, to do his business outside and not inside. But I guess, the real reason Bruce is welcome is to sort fo let Buffy have some other things to focus on instead of feeling bored and star chewing on anything she fancies.

Aside from that, who'd guess that this critter from Men In Black can actually pose in a cute manner (yes, that is his cute pose, right there). Oh yeah... MIB is not the first time - it seems, where Pugs were used as other worldly creatures. I recently got a DVD of the original Dune - the one with Sting as a Harkonen, and apparently, The Emperor Shadam IV (or was it the VI?) had Pugs (or at least, one pug) as his royal mascot. So yeah... it seems like Bruce has Hollywood SciFi potential.

Photoblog - Day 361 Apr 05, 2011

New Books!

I really should watch myself whenever I enter a bookstore... these were definitely unplanned purchases, but of there's anything I've learned form these serendipitous moments, it's that these bookstores are fickle when getting inventory, and they don't stock a lot, so if I don't get some promising books then, I may never see them again... or at the more favorable situation, I could reserve them - but this is only good for a week. Needless to say, I decided to get these now than risk fate's fickle favor that should I return another time, these would still be here.

Two books in particular were really hard to let go - the first is a book on design patterns... and not just focusing on one industry, but patters that are universally acceptable, regardless of industry... so wow... definitely useful in IT design considerations... and wherever else I get into. And while we're in the subject of great design...

The next one is a fanboy's dream... specially if that fanboy grew up enjoying the exploits of a certain Female alien who just happens to be a natural born Vampire - and not one converted by a bite. I naturally refer to Vampirella - who probably has the best iconic costume... or if not that, the best one many fanboy's enjoy looking at, should any worthy female model said costume.

The other two don't really figure into the bookstore treasure hunt... the Imag is a photography magazine with lots of tips, while the Teen Titans is, of course, a comic book. I still am wondering where this particular title is going... so I was just curious. Art wasn't bad... story, well... like I said - see where it's going. This issue, they intor a new character, hence my curiosity.

And now it's back to ogling Vampirella artwork for me. One I really enjoyed way back as a high school student... and still enjoy - specially the painted ones, up to now.

Photoblog - Day 360 Apr 04, 2011

Practice:

This was taken at the SM Mall of Asia's Ice Skating area. As I was scanning the activities within said oval, I notices this girl practicing her moves, her form and her skills with the help of a trainer/coach. I did not want to intrude by obviously taking in-your-face shots... so I just took them from afar.

I was hoping she would do aerial maneuvers like a jump or split - btu I could not find the right moment; after all, this was not a set up studio shot... but more like a roving reporter shot. Again, this was made more possible with my zoom lens - and I'm glad that the lens and I are getting more acquainted - in the manner that I'm learning hos to better use my camera with it to avoid shakes.

I was hoping to capture a moment when she's be in air... but I got a few pics of her doing this and turning... the turning pics are okay too - but noting quite shows a skater's elegance as this pose would.

Photoblog - Day 359 Apr 03, 2011

Second stack for April:

Remember that big load of comics I recently got? Well, most of them were March releases - these here mostly represent April releases, and of special mention in this batch is the new FF#1. Yup... from Fantastic Four, we shift to Future Foundation - a bold move for Marvel, through it's innovative team of Johnathan Hickman and Steve Epting.

The issue - as first issues go, is still a build-up. It starts pretty much with Spider-man joining the team, the introduction of the new costumes as well and a very surprising ending... though albeit a bit expected when one looks at the previous issues. But Val, has asked Doom to join said Future Foundation. So imagine that... Three of the original FF with Reed, Sue and Ben; Spider-man, and the FF's ages old nemesis now working as one team... Sorry for the geek moment folks - I guess to appreciate this all, one would have to have been following the old FF's exploits. Needless to say, I can't wait for issue two.

Other than that, it was mostly a Captain America list - what with nearly four issues dedicated to Steve Rogers. This is obvious preparation - and possible marketing for the character as his movie release approaches. Heck, even Secret Avengers was more about Cap than the team.

What made it non Marvel exclusive was my getting newer issues of Sherlock Holmes Year One. After having bought the first arc's compilation a few months back, I liked how Dynamite's creative people were treating Holmes, so was curious to see this new arc - and it's currently in it's third issue. Naturally, I'm still wondering where this is going - after all, it is a challenge to show Holmes with his deductive reasoning on the comic's visual medium... but let me say that it seems that getting these in trade may be a better idea.

Photoblog - Day 358 Apr 02, 2011

Bay Birds:

The title sounds tacky, like a B-quality TV series... but I just happen to be in the Cultural Center of the Philippines area - specifically the Starbucks at the bay area, and spotted these little - but fast flying birds swooping around the waters, near the boats. Dipping, diving up to the water's surface, catching food for them.

What was I doing here? I came - with Barbie, straight from La Salle Taft, where we made the proper reservations for Bryce's entrance to said University, and after which, we decided to enjoy some coffee and relaxation time - hence returning to the Starbucks at the bay area - Canon DSLR in tow (as usual), but this time, I was armed with my zoom lens (just your simple 55 - 250mm), wanting to take some pics of boats and the marina.

Well as it turned out, boats were aplenty - although moored at the far docks - which was fine, since I did have my zoom lens which was good enough for the job... after all, I just wanted to get cluster pictures and not need to see the faces of the people on said boats and yachts... would be nice if I could, but I'd need a lens that can see farther for this.

Anyway, as I was taking the boats into view, I did notice the birds (don't swooping in and out of my lens's view. So I thought, how about taking pictures of these birds as well? Buoyed by my earlier successes with capturing McKinley Plaza pigeons in motion, I gave it a try.

Seems like ther guys were harder to pinpoint - I did mention they were fast right? Well I tried getting a few shots - and since they were some distance away, I needed quick reactions from my camera and it's zoom. What I got wasn't exactly picture perfect... but they did show birds. Ah well... I hope that I';; get better shots next time.

Photoblog - Day 357 Apr 01, 2011

Large Batch!

Yup, as I've indicated in the past, my pull list (jargon for the comics I regularly buy), by virtue of customer service form my usual store, gets set aside for me to pick up every end of the month. This means that at times, I am behind everyone else on reading what is the latest adventure of my favorite heroes... on the other hand, it is a clear indicator that often enough, even if I don't show up for a prized issue that everyone must have and troop to the stalls to get one, I am sure to have it set aside... so long as I indicated it in my pull list.

Well this week represents nearly three weeks of comics pile up, so it's but natural that I have a lot of reading to catch up on, and although I got these when I had cashed my check, I was unable to fond time (believe it, or not) to read them until today. I was just too busy.

So what else is new? I got a letter of mine printed in one of the issues, specifically, this month's Iron Man - as a fan, I find that real cool... and so do my 'like-minded' friends. How was this possible? Email, baby... email.

Aside from this, the highlight of the bunch happens to be the Green Lantern issues, the above-mentioned Iron Man, Captain America and the Finch drawn Batman.

Photoblog - Day 356 Mar 31, 2011

Serene Fountain:

I'd like to think I've an eye for the artistic things in life... plus the fact that I'ma firm believer in the 'simple is more elegant and therefore classy' axiom, so it's no surprise that when I saw this fountain (if it can be really called that) in the lobby of Medical City, I was drawn to it's simplicity - it's artistic design and it's serenity.

You see, unlike most fountains that play with water spouting from some place to rise up and fall with artistic angles and maybe even some play with colors (and piped-in music) this simple... yet elegant fountain promotes peace of mind. Each pillar actually has bubbles flowing up with the water, and when it reaches the top, it simply slides back down... with hardly any ripple and noise, from the glass casing's outer wall.

The result is a series of pillars, showing bubbles going up and water seeping down to the fountain's surface, with hardly any noise at all. As you can see, people like sitting in the general vicinity as the place is shaded, cool and really peaceful to look at. I should know, I was sitting at a Starbucks chair, sipping some hot tea, and enjoying the view myself. The pillars with their bubbles reminded me of aquariums... and despite my rather long wait for Barbie, I hardly got tired of looking at those pillars and the relaxation it brings.

One day, I'd like to have something similar in my own large mansion.

Photoblog - Day 355 Mar 30, 2011

Batirol Once Again!

Even if it seems to be a near impromptu moment, it seems that some of us get to see each other during month-end times, which is not so surprising, since it coincides with our getting our paychecks. Thus most of us are indeed in the Makati area, and for those who are in no rush to proceed elsewhere, there is always Tsoko-nut in SM Makati to meet and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with other dishes.

In this particular case, we may have not been too many - just the people in the picture, namely Benj, Gina, Mon and Fiel; plus the photographer - me. But we still did enjoy each other's company, cheers, jeers and yes... even shamelessly talking about colleagues not around.

These get togethers last about two hours and stretch from lunch until mid-afternoon snack time; but they do make for great quality bonding time.

Photoblog - Day 354 Mar 29, 2011

Bryce Graduates!

This is it! Bryce steps out of High School and the corridors of O.B. Montessori - a school he has been attending for the better part of 10 years. He has proven that he can handle what High School has pitched at him, and nearly finished with an ease that shows that despite how he may be spending a lot of times playing computer games, he can definitely handle the challenges.

Now, however, the challenges will be greater - and not just because it will be a very different environment... but he will be with strangers. I don't know how many of his classmates he'll be seeing in his new school - but it really won't matter. He'll have to work harder.

I'm proud of what he's accomplished, and as the picture shows - so is Barbie... and all I can hope for is that we'll both still be able to help him in any way we can, so his new challenges will be surmountable.

Photoblog - Day 353 Mar 28, 2011

Fire:

This happens to be the insides of a baking oven - particularly, one where pizza can be cooked. I was contemplating on whether to get the over - both in and out... or just concentrate on the inside. Obviously, I opted for the latter because I also wanted to capture the texture of the flames against the logs... though obviously, the logs can't be seen here... just their silhouette.

The other thing different about this picture is the fact that I used my zoom lens for this. You see, I had to take this from across the dining area to the work area of the restaurant - plus I had to content with a glass wall - hence the need to make sure the glass was near-invisible, to look like it was not there at all.

So, basically, I wanted to capture the flames... to make sure they're recognizable as flames... and the rest can be left to everyone else's imagination. But I really liked how the flames emphasize the shape of the oven mouth top - with it's near Moorish-inspires shape; while the walls almost just give a hint on how the rest of said oven mouth's shape actually is.

Photoblog - Day 352 Mar 27, 2011

Earth Hour again!

First of all, as the title might give the wrong impression, I'm not complaining about Earth Hour, as more likely celebrating it - in fact, I've been helping celebrate it for three years now.

I understand that some see this as a publicity stunt... that the energy crisis that many carp about... or that the heating up of our weather as a supposed result of using too much fossil fuels, may be just a figment of someone's imagination.

Setting any political agenda aside, I still think that conservation - in any form, is a worthy effort to exercise. At the very least, it can help lower the bills... and I don't see anything artificial or crazy about that idea.

SO as part of this celebration, I had the dining table set up for some people who still have not had dinner... and well, why not? Isn't dinner by candle-light classy? Obviously, I did not want to use any flash photos here. I want to just use the natural lighting - and cumulative shadows that an evening celebrating Earth Hour can offer.

Photoblog - Day 351 Mar 26, 2011

Boni Bacardi 2011:

This happens to be the latest in a supposedly monthly (if possible) get together of friends - with special mention to the Boni group, since it's normally easier to get a smaller group together... specially when they live near each other.

Case in point, we've been trying to organize the larger Bacardi group for the past two months, but for whatever reason, things just did not push through. So, I guess we in the Boni Bacardi group are lucky that we can do this.

Apparently, the concept has been going around - I know that Brian and Jingo have friends who call them Bacardi people, since they know that they, with the rest of the Bacardi or the Boni Bacardi people, do have Bacardi Nights - maybe from our pictures.

Hahahaha.... are we actually starting a trend? Who knows?

Thor Movie Poster Giveaway!

Thor Movie Poster Giveaway!

It may not say much... but it shows power in a minimalist manner.

Also, admit it... Mjolnir (Thor's hammer for all non-Thor fans) looks awesome!

Lastly - if you're part of the curious but uninformed regarding who Thor is (and naturally, by extension, what his capabilities are), might I suggest watching a few Avengers cartoons - even Ultimate Avengers will do. That way, you'll get a one hour update regarding who these heroes in the Avengers initiative that's been hinted in the Marvel movies of Iron Man and Hulk are.

Photoblog - Day 350 Mar 25, 2011

New Accessories:

With the help of my sister-in-law, Bea, I was able to purchase - at very reasonable prices, two particular accessories for my camera. Accessories, I might add, that I had not thought I could use... and in some case, one's I hadn't thought existed for my camera.

The first one (upper left black metal ring) is a macro lens adapter - let me explain. A photographer can, by way of removing the camera lens and placing it in reverse - come up with a makeshift macro lens that allows one to look at objects at very close range... much closer than possible when using the lens in the regular manner.

However, doing this means you have to manually hold the lens still while focusing and clicking the camera - a feat not easily done. Yet, I had done this at least twice within this very photoblog. This ring allows the attachment of the lens to the camera - so one need not hold the lens in place... thus releasing the other hand and helping hold the camera steady.

The other accessory is a set of diffusers - one white, plus a blue and yellow colored version - with it's camera attachment at the upper right of the picture. I thought diffusers were just for flash attachments (read as not built in) - but these ones were actually designed for use with built-in, pop-up flashes. Lucky me.

Photoblog - Day 349 Mar 24, 2011

Thirteen!

It's official, Bernice turns into a teenager! Congratulations!!!

She already had a chance to treat her school friends this lunchtime, and since we were all out (working), she did not think we would have a little private celebration at home for her.

But have that little celebration we did - complete with her favorite dishes ordered from Amici. We had pizza lasagna and seafood pasta for afternoon snacks cum early dinner... and boy, were we stuffed. The cookies and cream cake came from Cara Mia, which is Amici's dessert partner (at least, in Greenhills), but we were too stuffed to eat it.

Attendees to her little private celebration were of course us - her family with her uncle Ben and aunt Bea.

Photoblog - Day 348 Mar 23, 2011

Book Marker:

This book marker was a gift to me from Bryce for my recent birthday, and aside from the fact that it is (at least to me) a very practical gift, it also happens to be a very simple but powerful validating tool to me as a father.

See, the marker has a message for a Dad, and Hallmark moment it may read like - but the fact that it was given to me by Bryce gives me assurance that I'm doing something right, and more importantly, my efforts are being recognized and appreciated. Again, yes... it can be a generic message - but I'd like to think that Bryce chose it for a reason, and did not just pick up the first book marker he saw about a father.

So yeah... I'll definitely cherish this. If you look closely, this is not just an ordinary thick or glossy paper marker either - you seem it's metal; and the message is actually printed on a sticker. So yeah... though the message may fade with time (and use)m the marker will last long. Hmmm... on second thought, maybe I should just preserve the book marker?

As an addendum: since I'm talking about Bryce's gift, I felt the need to mention that Bernice also gave me a very personal gift... a letter letting me know how she also likes and appreciates me - and how amazed she is at realizing I was already 50... wow (as she put it).

Photoblog - Day 347 Mar 22, 2011

Training companions:

What does one do when done with their speaking parts in a training - yet said training is not yet officially over? Well I can't answer for everyone else, but as for me, I usually bring a novel that I can read while passing the time.

In this particular case, I've decided to start reading the Jesus Inquest. The book's premise is simple - the author (a barrister) will argue both for and against the Resurrection of Christ. Timely reading for Holy week, don't you think? I thought so... hence this was the next book I asked to read and review for Thomas Nelson.

Should I find the experience or the afternoon droll, then there's the bottled frapuchino by Starbucks. This should perk me up... should the need arise, that is... ans as you can see, the fact that it's open and in a cup means I do need the perker upper.

Photoblog - Day 346 Mar 21, 2011

New batch:

It's been a while since I've featured some comic books here, and that's also because of the fact that I've not had the time to actually get any new issues... that is until this weekend - and only now did I get to really enjoy reading them.

There weren't really a lot, but what I enjoyed most from this batch was the Avengers Academy issues (yup... plural - apparently this month released two of them), followed by the Young Avengers ons shot which is apparently connected to the ongoing mini series. From here, I'll have to say that the New Avengers issue was interesting - but only because it had Chaykin in it.

The Batman issues were, well, average... in fact, I'm beginning to think the Batman Inc is quickly losing steam. Thunderbolts had an interesting twist... the inclusion of Tana Hellstrom... it may be worth looking into a little bit more.

Photoblog - Day 345 Mar 20, 2011

Luna:

The 19th of March was supposed to present a 'super moon' in the sky - meaning a time when the moon would be the closest to the Earth... a situation that happens every 19 years (so they say). In line with this, I was hoping to set up the telescope and also have my camera ready - this way, I could study the moon and see just what's so special and different with this evening's lunar display to justify calling it a super moon.

Unfortunately, when evening came, we (that is, Bryce, Bernice and I) realized that the sky was overcast with clouds that prevented our seeing the moon. Not to mention that the place we stayed in hardly had any scenic view of the sky... so I had no view of the moon rising - which apparently would have been the best view to see.

Having set aside our plans to see the moon, we decided to continue just doing our usual thing (which was basically surfing the net), until I just decided to give viewing the moon just one more time - this time, around 11:30pm.

As the picture will show, I did see the the moon - tried taking a picture using my regular lens... but it looked too tiny - so I used my zoom lens instead. The result was a whole lot better picture, and I can only imagine if I was able to find a way to connect my camera to the telescope.

This shot was taken using a purely manual setting, and I even had to try using a tripod to avoid shakes. Unfortunately, since the moon was directly above me, it was hard to set the camera to a 90 degree angle... so I had to take it off the tripod and take the shot with as much support as I could find and hope the shakes did not spoil the picture. Looking at the shot (and this is a relatively enlarged version at that) it seems that I was able to take the shot, sans shakes.

Photoblog - Day 344 Mar 19, 2011

Best Friends:

Pepper finally meets his master - Linus (my brother-in-law). You see, this was the day I went to Batangas to visit my mom, celebrate my birthday with my sister and Bernice (we're all March celebrants) and more importantly - finally bring Pepper to his new permanent home... Cuenca, Batangas.

Can I say it was love at first sight? Possibly (just look at Li's expression). Linus and Pepper's story is a touching one... you see, Li always wanted a dog since he was 10 (he's now 40-something) but his folks were never dog (or pet) lovers - hence he never got a chance to enjoy having a dog as both pet and best friend, had he had the chance, he was partial to liking a Labrador... preferably, black.

Pepper was given at a very early age to his new owner - but she was too busy to care for him, so the person who gave Pepper had to get him back. I was asked if I knew anyone, and since Pepper was going to be given, I thought maybe Tizza might like a dog. I did not yet know about Li's background regarding dogs.

Pepper was brought to us - and despite his cuddly ways, I was reluctant to get too attached to him... as I had promised him to Tizza already. Meanwhile, Li heard of Pepper, adn hoped I could post pics. Though Pepper is basically part Lab and part Pit bull, as a pup his features are more distinctly Lab.

So I guess, you could even say that those two - Pepper and Li were really meant for each other... and somewhere, a little boy is finally happy that his wish came true, while a little puppy is finally getting the love and care he so richly deserves. fairy tales still come true after all.

Photoblog - Day 343 Mar 18, 2011

New Books:

Once again I fly in the face of near crazed uncontrollable spending. I swear, while many women may find shopping almost like a relentless calling... a siren song to a sailor, I find similar feelings with reading materials. That's why leaving me in a bookstore is a sure signal that I, more often than not, will walk out with a new book purchase.

In this case, I splurged a bit - though to be fair it was actually two books each from two different bookstores (big deal, right)... ah, but what purchases. I was surprised with the Stan Lee book. I opened it to peruse - you see, I had long ago read a similar tome by Stan (and John Buscema) entitled How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way. Well to mu surprise, this was an update... with more art examples at that... so I knew I had to get it (the older one was long gone - a victim to floodwaters). Accompanying this - and equally adhering to my artistic side, is the book on storyboard construction... I may not use it yet, but who knows... some day...

From the other bookstore, I discovered the Back of the Napkin book - a visual manner to problem solving. I knew this would be useful to me as a facilitator and manager - it was not a matter of 'if' but 'when'; besides... I had recently been reintroduced by a colleague (Mon) to mind mapping - which emphasized the importance of visualization, hence I saw some parallelism. The other - a Nat Geo magazine, is an experiment. I've always admired the pictures... now I wanted to try the articles - if like what I read, it might just start a new hobby (hoo-boy).

Photoblog - Day 342 Mar 17, 2011

Continuous Learning:

If I had a particular source for most of my learnings in photography, I would have to point to a lot of books (some I've featured here) and magazines as well - though amongst them all, the one constant that seems to be present in a moonthly manner is this particular mag - Digital Photographer Philippines.

This mag is filled with educational articles, how-to tips by people who are known for specific categories. In this issue, you can see they focussed on portraiture, and last issue was about cosplay (costume role-play) photography, and the previous one featured black and white photography tips - so how's that for diversity?

To think I started the habit of buying this issue just half a year ago (six months past, for the math challenged) and I'm really satisfied with it that I'm thinking of subscribing. What's more, the magazine has it's on-line community counterpart - and boy... I'll need at least two months to trawl the wisdom in said site. Sometimes, it can be daunting with the 'I'm not worthy' episodes - but that is quickly replaced with the 'how's they do that' phase... and the challenge to do something similar begins.

So yeah... I would highly recommend getting this mag. It's a treasure trove of ideas tips and inspiration.

Photoblog - Day 341 Mar 16, 2011

Stylized tables:

This shows a pair of tables (and there are more not seen) that I found interesting and stylish at the Ideas Exchange area of Cyber1. I really found them to look simplistic yet artistic, heck... if I had a really spacious living area, I'd like these kind of side tables to be part of said living area.

Why do I like them in particular? Well just look at the design... clean, yet different. It makes an artistic statement with seemingly well balanced and stylized designs. The table itself IS a conversation piece.

I wonder how many people going into this Ideas Exchange area, get distracted (at least, temporarily) by it's design? I know I did... distracted enough to take it's picture anyway, so I can preserve it as part of my blog project.

Oh yeah, one other thing that's cool about this place? It's got a cafe bar where you can order snacks, coffee or... like in my case, tea. This is the coolest Ideas Exchange I've seen - and believe me, I've seen several.

Photoblog - Day 340 Mar 15, 2011

My Golden Moment:

This is me with my family as we celebrate my 50th birthday. As Bernice wrote in her letter to me for this occasion, and I quote" '50... wow.', yeah... I know how it sometimes must feel.

Rest assured, I'm not the first person to turn half a century... and I' sure I'll live longer that this... maybe have more milestones. But how do I feel about this? Well, regarding my age - nothing much... I mean, sure... my body reminds me of it at times, but I'd like to think that I'm still the same person I was yesterday... and inadvertently, hopefully this means I'm still enjoying some semblance of youth.

Most importantly, I live a happy life because what I value as important is with me. I do value my family, and even if I did not have a lot of friends to share this occasion with me (we did have some sort of celebration during lunch), the ambiance, the surprise dinner in the Pen, the cake with the musicians in the lobby playing 'Happy Birthday' and even some people from other tables clapping - acknowledging me, and my little celebration. These were really great moment not captured in pictures... and most of these were planned (in an impromptu manner) by Barbie.

Thank you for the experience 'tart - and I'm glad we had this dinner as a family... yes, including Ben (who took the shot). I guess you can consider this my shot for the month that captured my golden moment.

Photoblog - Day 339 Mar 14, 2011

Stars:

I had thought that I had already showed these star knives a.k.a. shuriken in previous blog entries. In fact I was rather sure I had - so I first decided to look back at all my other photo-blog posts (yes... all 338 of them).

To my surprise, they were never a subject of any previous photo-blog. Well, aside from the fact that this afforded me an opportunity to blog about it (and take a cool picture of it as well), I also had time to reacquaint myself with my collection (I have four of them - two pairs of two types), and take a few cool shots of them.

One particular picture I plan to edit with Photoshop (an incentive for me to learn the software's intricacies) and come up with a CosPlay type of picture. When it's done, I'll post it here. Meanwhile, enjoy the deadly beauty of these blades. I wished I had a large backyard where I could practice with these.

Oh yeah, these for but a part of my blades and blunt weapons collection.

Photoblog - Day 338 Mar 13, 2011

New Lens:

I've been meaning to get this lens for a long time - in fact, I was contemplating on getting this this month - in time to use in Bryce's graduation. So when Barbie asked if I wanted it for my birthday present, she did not have to ask me twice.

So we went to the place she got the4 camera about the same time last year (yes, it was a birthday gift too), and got the lens. So here's my new toy (or accessory) and I already tried it out a few times - and realized a few things I have to think about - like shakes.

That said, I hope to master the use of this lens in time to really use it in Bryce's graduation (near the end of March) and it seems I'll have to consider using it with my mono-pod (a tripod may be too bulky with so many people around).

Photoblog - Day 337 Mar 12, 2011

Glasses:

Today was a very busy day, we had our blood typing done, and I even got a few pictures for the Red Cross Makati to put up in their website (and Facebook). After which, we went to the Shangi La mall in Mandaluyong to have our eyes checked by Alnette (fred's sister) - a move we've wanted to do for a while, but always could not find time to do... until today.

Apparently, we really needed to do this, as my reading glasses grade had changed; so did Barbie's. But the great surprise we had was Bryce having high grades for his glasses. Hence we had his glasses made - and viola! Bryce's new look.

The glasses look good (and thy should - they're Ray Bans) on Bryce - not too geeky or nerdy. In fact they look a bit cool. Hope he feels better now - and hope those glasses keep for a long time.

Photoblog - Day 336 Mar 11, 2011

Coaching the Doggy way?

In some instances, I have to figure out what to take that is worth adding to my daily photo blog... other times, the subject just shows up - in this case, two of them, and though it may be that these subjects are not entirely new, the situation they present (or create) is.

This is Buffy playing with the puppy, and yes... taking care not to hurt him. I guess, somewhere in her memory banks, Buffy would remember how Bubbles acted this way with her - allowing her to play some rough stuff, maybe some playful wrestling (dog style) and basically have a great exercise. Well this time, Buffy seems to be reciprocating with this pup.

Who'd a thought... coaching or mentoring - dog style?

Photoblog - Day 335 Mar 10, 2011

Down time:

It seems that I was still not fully recovered from my bout with the flu these past days - in fact, I am still under antibiotics, which means I'm still battling for my body's health, even if I need not have been hospitalized.

That said, it's fine to have some rest time in between training - and a partner to help with the load. In this case, it was Leader's Window - a course I have a great fondness for and one that I could easily conduct alone in my best time. Ah... but today is not my best time, hence the need for my down time.

Suffice it to say, I'll be glad when this is over, so I cna have the weekend to rest further.

As for the picture, it just shows me in a contemplative pose - and yes, I posed for this. I set my camera to timer mode, chose to sit near a very bright window - limited with shade, to capture my silhouette. Think of this as another experimentation with lights and shades.

Photoblog - Day 334 Mar 9, 2011

Pepper?

Technically, this one month old pup is a half black Labrador and half pit-bull, with obvious Lab features. A cute little bugger, with a lot of panache - and I say this after noticing him play with Buffy, with no fear at all.

I have not given him a name yet - you see, he's not going to stay here, as he's officially not our dog - though he seems adorable as pups go, he's been accepted by Tizza; and Linus is really eager to have him in Cuenca. They even asked me to post pictures of the pup in Facebook, so they could see him. Excited to have him there seems to be an understatement.

Anyway, as we await his Cuenca trip - we will have to contend with him. Not that hard to do; with exception to Ate Vicky, who has to clean up his mess. But I think it will be for the better. Tizza is used to caring for a big dog - and this pup will grow to be big (if the size of his paws are any indication), ands Li has always wanted a Black Lab it seems. I'm sure somewhere in the mix, Migs will want a dog to have around too... and with all the open spaces that Cuenca can offer, this dog will have a very great and active life there.

Yeah... as for a name, I've heard that LI had several to think of (including Batman), but Tizza put her foot down and said 'Pepper' (hence the title with a question mark), personally, I'd go for something a bit more masculine than Pepper - but as I said, he's not my dog.

Photoblog - Day 333 Mar 8, 2011

Roots Afloat:

If my mystery aquarium plant was just recently featured, well... here's a differing view of the same plant - this time, from the bottom. What you see here are the roots of said plants (I refer to them as mini-water lilies... though I've not seen them come up with lily like flowers).

Anyway, I like this take better... it looks mysterious and other-worldly, at least, to most non-aquarists or marine biologists. This time, the balance I was getting was to make as much roots visible, without having the surface too bright. As it stands, the shot looks a bit blurry, but I let it stand - to add to the other-worldly look.

Consider this as another work in progress... after all, it's had to focus on any shot when recovering form the flu, and apparently, I've a lot to recover.

Photoblog - Day 332 Mar 7, 2011

Tuk tuk:

This picture continues my experimenting with lights and shadows - this time, my subject is a model of Vietnam's more famous ride called the Tuk tuk. As you can see by the silhouette, the tuk tuk is basically a converted bicycle... with the front being transformed into a two-wheeled passenger carriage built for one - or two. Hence it technically is now a tricycle.

This model is painted black, which further allowed me to play with shadows. I deliberately lessened the brightness, to capture just the tuk tuk's basic shape. The model is a souvenir courtesy of Barbie's latest work-related trip.

Photoblog - Day 331 Mar 6, 2011

Water Karma?

I took a picture of these water plants (I honestly don't know their name) that just appeared out of nowhere in my aquarium, and apparently, is alive and thriving (multiplying). Since they give the aquarium a nice and cozy feel, I just allow the plants to propagate.

In fact, I get a net-full of these things occasionally, to transfer them into my other, larger aquarium - with hopes of seeing them propagate there too. No such luck yet on the this particular item - guess it's the light or maybe it's the relative calmness of the water in one, and not the other.

Either way, I have at least a seemingly unlimited supply of these things, so I can continue to experiment between this and the other aquarium. I also noted (more like wondered) if these plants would be compatible with shrimps - as they love hanging around plants... and do want to somehow stay by plants near the surface (and lighting) as well. So yeah... maybe I'll try some shrimps here next.

As for the karma? Well the picture seemed to represent balance between the dark waters and the green plants. Regarding this, to properly show the leaves, I had to dramatically lessen the brightness. I'll try another shot at this at a later date - once I get the puzzle of too much brightness fixed.

Photoblog - Day 330 Mar 5, 2011

What used to be tissue:

This was, until last night, my roll of tissue paper. One that I had beside me as I was experiencing a runny nose due to my flu. Well it's not a stretch of the imagination figuring out what happened here - the culprit's name is Buffy.

Apparently, I had thought that Buffy's chewy days were behind us all... unfortunately, this was not so, she has of late, renewed her chewing tactics and as a result has claimed two slippers - both of them Ben's, and th3e bad part was, the second one was newly bought and had not even lasted a day before she got to it.

As of now, I'm at a loss on ow to curb this nasty habit - short of rubbing the possible items of her attention with pepper, that is.

Photoblog - Day 329 Mar 4, 2011

Bryce saluting:

This happened prior turnover ceremony that would be where Bryce and around a few hundred other select students from the other OBMC branches. See I had hoped to accompany Bryce so I could witness the ceremony, but due to schedule mix-ups, I had training that morning that I could not get away from... plus the fact that I wanted to end the course ASAP so I could rest, as I was already feeling bad... possible flu.

Luckily, Barbie and Ben would be able to stay with Bryce and I even had them bring the DSLR so they could take as much pictures as possible. I even set the DSLR settings so they need not worry about bad pictures. Based on what they took, I'd say they got the job done real well.

As for my finishing the class early, I got that too - though not as early as I hoped, but I grabbed a cab and was glad to get home so I could rest. As it was, mu voice was really going, and I was partially deaf to my participants due to the bad cold in my head.

So of all the pictures taken that day, why this? Simple, Before leaving I told Bryce to pose for the camera - I wanted to take his picture, should Barbie and Ben not be able to take pics, at least I'd have one... so there you have it. This one I took, and did not even ask Bryce to salute.

Photoblog - Day 328 Mar 3, 2011

Pigeon shot:

Remember that pigeon shot I had in Piazza showing other people feeding the pigeons? Well this time I came prepared to take pictures of them even in motion. I had some difficulty finding the right combination to capture birds in flight without them looking blurry. Well I think I found the right combination.

Setting my F number really high (at 2000) and compensating for that with a relatively mid ISO at 400, I was ready to try capturing these pigeons... ah but first, I needed to test my shot with something moving and while I was waiting for cars to pass to test my combination, I spotted the water fountain -perpetually moving water... if I could get a shot of this with no blur, that would be it. Well shoot it I did and it did capture the water perfectly. So now I was ready.

This particular shot came in the middle of all the shots I was able to take - almost all with pigeons frozen in flight, or eating at the hands. Anyway, as the pigeons came in to land for food, this particular bird was zooming in on me... probably mistaking my camera for an outstretched hand. Needless to say, I really got a tight shot of the bird, but it was only later that I realized how tight it was.

So cool... scratch one from my list of try and do with the camera. I'm really proud of this (and the other) pictures I took that day.

Photoblog - Day 327 Mar 2, 2011

Lamp between bars:

We, that is Ariel, Mon and I, opted to have lunch at Reyes Barbecue at the second floor of the Piazza in McKinley, and as they were lining up to order their meals, I took it upon myself to try and take a few shots of the place.

This one was from a distinctive position so as to give the picture viewer a different look of the place. After all, how many people bother looking at the lampshades form different angles? But what made it even more unique were the iron bars. To further make the picture different, we have an added dimension by way of the lamp's reflection on the glass wall of Reyes.

So yeah, this picture holds mundane things - but put together, they cease to be mundane and look decidedly different... and by angling my shot, it gives an otherwise ordinary picture, some perspective. Thus giving the picture a unique look with the light, the bars, the light's reflection off the glass and the bars. Yeah... that's me thinking profound.

Photoblog - Day 326 Mar 1, 2011

New Comics for March

Well technically this was for February, but I got to read them this first day of March - you see I would not have gotten these comics had I not been to Makati for the luch with the board yesterday, however, I did not have time to read them back then, so I brought them with me to my PM training.

I reasoned to myself that since Ariel (my partner for PM) would be handling a few modules, then I will have some free time to enjoy these - and enjoy them I did. I was relatively a good pull list with Cap and Secret Avengers - both Brubaker greats, but add to that the final issue of Fantastic Four? Wonderful... only wish the art was better though. Iron Man was great too - though where Iron Man 2.0 will go I don't know yet, but I got the first issue. Legion Annual was okay, I guess... aside from the fact that it was a reunion of sorts for Levitz and Giffen, and lastly the Teen Titans was likewise okay.

Like I said, overall... a good pile of reading.

Photoblog - Day 325 Feb 28, 2011

Lunch with Board:

It's a rare occasion when most of us have no training at a particular day - but such was this day. After all, it being a week where February meets March it was a bit of a slow week for planners, as they planned for March, but not the last day of February - go figure.

Still if not for these types of thinking, we'd have had little or no chance to meet the PheonixOne BOD, and in this particular case, their CEO (who happened to sit beside me). It was a surprise lunch treat at that - most of us were expecting a simple lunch elsewhere, when suddenly we're treated to a lauriat set.

Needless to say it was enjoyable - even if I was a bit careful with the amount of intake on my end. Afterwards, we - my colleagues and I, set out for coffee at Starbucks before we all called it a day.

Photoblog - Day 324 Feb 27, 2011

Last batch for February:

Whereas many people get their comics on a regular weekly basis, I usually get mine in bulk and normally, this happens at the month's end. The reason I do this is the fact that the store I get them from has shown me great respect and appreciation by way of allowing to keep the comics I collect several weeks after their release.

This means that even suddenly collectible issues, like the death of Johnny Storm, that everyone who did not collect Fantastic Four seemed to suddenly want to get, thus making it a first come first served basis as most limited commodity would go through - except for the place I get my comics from.

At times I do get some titles from other shops - but should that happen, and I see similar titles reserved for me by the ship I go to on a regular basis, well... I get the title nonetheless - it may be a useless gesture since I have it already, but it is, to me, a payment for loyalty. For taking care of my wants.

Photoblog - Day 323 Feb 26, 2011

Down time:

After a long week, its nice to hang back and share a few drinks with colleagues... in this case, it was with Gina, Mon and Brian. Aside from the fact that this was unplanned, it was still a great down time after a relatively busy week.

We had some time to compare notes, to assess situations and yes... even vent out a few things - albeit somewhat a bit circumstantial, but logical enough to need to have this get together.

Could this be that same news that places Brian in a seemingly pensive mode? Or is it just the lighting? Either way, it was a nice picture to take - and add to this collection. Not to emphasize the pensiveness, but to show the mood as contributed by the light, the shadows and the pose.

Photoblog - Day 322 Feb 25, 2011

Batirol 2011!

This is at Tsoko.nut Batirol; a chocolate place / restaurant that we seem to frequent whenever we find time to get together... more so when we can't seem to organize a Bacardi Night for the month (or quarter, at times).

But really, who needs an excuse to get together? Benj asked me what was the special occasion - and I just blurted EDSA 25th anniversay, but we weren't really celebrating that... we just wanted to get together after a long time no see with him and Menchu... and yes, because we did not have a Bacardi night scheduled for the month of February.

Aside from the people in the picture, we don't see Marie, who came much later (and by that time, Jj left), and me (holding the camera). Though I was in other pictures - just not in this particular one. Shot taken as is... no post production changes.

Photoblog - Day 321 Feb 24, 2011

Coffee Beans:

This picture is a take two - in other words, it's something I took before... wasn't too happy with and so, decided to wait for the opportunity to take it again, this time, making sure I came away with a much cleaner... and better shot.

As you can see, they are coffee beans, enclosed in a flat glass frame, making an artificial wall (or in this case, wallpaper?) for the place's typical ambiance. That these coffee beans are used as display is quite appropriate, since this is a coffee shot after all.

As for the shot itself, I did not change anything in it... with exception to the contrast. Other than that, what you see is what I shot.

Photoblog - Day 320 Feb 23, 2011

New Collar!

Here's Buffy sporting her new collar - one I had just bought earlier to replace the seemingly dilapidated one she has been wearing... and although still functional, said collar had long ago lost it's golden shine, replaced by an awkward looking inner material. How did this happen to her old collar - one not even a year old? Simple... wear and tear... and the last one is a bit literal.

See, during the days when Buffy would be playing with Neko or Nek-nek for that matter (the mother son black cat tandem we have), they would bite Buffy's collar in an effort to try to get away from her. Well that move obviously did not work - and all it did was make the collar look ugly.

So since I take pictures of Buffy once is a while, I worry about the collar's look in the pictures. Well, with new collar... problem solved. She looks presentable again.

Photoblog - Day 319 Feb 22, 2011

Fiel in Action:

This is Fiel, my parter in training, at least, for this week and he's seen here emphasizing an idea to the the entire class. As facilitating goes, it's a nice feeling to help people learn new stuff... and Fiel is one of the more diligent facilitators I've known - not resting on his laurels, and wanting to always explore new ideas... often, to share with his participants and students, if not in Accenture, in his Master courses at Asia Pacific College.

Fiel comes across as professorial when he teaches... maybe it's because he is one... but in this line of business, that isn't a bad thing. It's not to say he's too serious too - after all, he does mention a few jokes here and there too. As for this particular training, it's all about Application Component Detailed Design (ACDD), and Fiel always makes it look effortless.

As I said, we're together (partners) in two sessions of ACDD covering Monday to Thursday and on Friday we'll meet the rest of the gang after a number of us get our checks... meanwhile, it's counting the days and hours with these conducts. Good thing that we've got each other as partners here, or we'd be straining our voices raw.

I've known Fiel for about five years now... having first taught with him in our PrimaryEdge days... usually with a 3rd partner, Benj Santilian. I miss those days... and good to know that we'll be seeing Benj on Friday.

Photoblog - Day 318 Feb 21, 2011

Wooden Beams:

These remind me of architectural patterns used by some homes or country clubs... usually in seemingly forested areas, or in places where wood is easily obtained... and these aren't cheap mind you. Of course the locations with these try to emulate the seeming log cabin feel, hence being right at home in Baguio locales.

But this isn't Baguio... far from it, actually - it's Selah, the dining area in Cyber2 that Fiel and I (plus other colleagues of ours) usually frequent. These beams are proudly isplayed on the ceiling... notice howo the dining place uses minimalist designes for it's ceiling... just the beams and pipings. No bother ti hide the place's skeletal configuration... to give it a semi-underground, unfinished look.

This is another example of the mundane, captured in a more interesting slant. I did not want to use flash photography here, because it would render the beams ither too bright... and the background too dark. Hence I opted for allowing background lighting to handle the light and brightness concern.

Photoblog - Day 317 Feb 20, 2011

Lamp:

It may be a mundane item - something rarely given a second glance in these parts... after all, products like these abound in many parts of the city, and how many people back here have not seen such a lampshade before? So yeah, thsi definitely borders on the mundane.

And yet... because of it's being non-unique, people forget it's elegance, it's artistry and it's ambiance. Had I a spare room... say a quiet or relaxation room, I'd probably adorn it with such a lampshade. I mean, look at it... isn't it simple; thus elegant?

Yeah... someday. Meanwhile, I satisfy myself with sharing the lamp - and it's ambiance in Bo's Coffee.