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.

Photoblog - Day 282 Jan 16, 2011

Feast of the Sto. Niño:

First of all, yes... this is a picture of the holy family and not the Sto. Niño (or Christ child), but since I've no picture of a Sto. Niño I could get a hold of for today's shot, I had to just replace one with the other - besides, this too shows a child (though more babe than child at this point - but who's counting? and yes... we don't have a Sto. Niño at home).

The image I took a picture of is actually two-toned... silver and gold, but for this picture, I wanted to experiment with just a monotone - so it looks all silver, due to it's shiny nature... but the picture is supposed to be just black and white.

I also experimented with angles - the first one was from below... and it was an okay picture, but when I tried this other angle. with it's more leveled between the child and parents, I seemed to have a more loving look on the parents and a semi-smiling look form the child Jesus. It may be just my imagination... or play with lighting; either -or, I decided this to be the better angle to use.

The item in the picture happens to be a gift from my mother-in-law to me this past Christmas - guess she saw how I admired their statue... and she decided to gift me with one. I appreciate it, and have decided to put it in a prominent place within the living area.

So here's to the feast of the Santo Niño, which we celebrate every 3rd Sunday of January... and here's to the innocence of children - their easily trusting; quick to forgiving; playful and unpretentious nature. Lord knows we must never lose those traits if we are to thrive as a global race.

Photoblog - Day 281 Jan 15, 2011

Personal Space...

That is what seems to be in Buffy's mind, as Bruce continuously smothers her with his face - and despite how appearances may seem, these two are indeed quite playful with each other - often chasing each other from sofa to dining area, and back... countless times.,, at least, until one just plops down from exhaustion.

So yeah. Buffy and Bruce are best of friends (at least, when Buffy isn't too moody) and as of this day's picture taking, Bruce will be returning to Cavite with Ben, so it's not sure when he'll be back - and if Buffy will remember him when he does.

But I'm sure that the creatures that will miss Bruce the most, are those that ironically fear him - or don't bother mingling with him - these creatures are namely Neko and Nek Nek; the two black cats. Why so? Because when Bruce was not around, Buffy would incessantly play with (and at times, it does look like bullying) the two cats.

When Bruce arrived, these two cats kept themselves hidden (not knowing Bruce) and were likewise spared of any Buffy rough stuff - thanks in no small part, to Bruce keeping her occupied. Now that Bruce is gone, we'll have some semblance of normalcy - and cats being chased by Buffy once again.

Photoblog - Day 280 Jan 14, 2011

High Street Artwork:

It's one of the artistic sculpture attractions that you'll find in the middle of Bonifacio High Street - I don't know if it has any official name, as I just call it the shower boulder (though I think no one is allowed to take a shower under it - but wouldn't that be a picture worth taking? He he).

I used a high ISO here - so I need not hold the camera steady for a long time, and wanted the water to look visible as a continuous line (I actually wanted to capture the droplets looking like droplets, but I think I'll need larger ISO for that... I think) - besides, since it's got it's own lighting, the sculpture did not need to take in a lot of night or background / ambient light to better expose the subject (said rock shower sculpture).

Once again, I believe I would have gotten a better shot - and one with a longer exposure, had I brought a tripod - even my gorilla tripod would do. One thing I did notice is that this piece is cordoned by a makeshift rope fence... not impossible to go over, mind you - but visible enough to ask everyone not to step on the grass and approach the sculpture.

Hey, maybe someone did try to take a shower here one time - hence the cordon. I won't think that an impossible prank. Not that I'd do it... after all, I do want to take the shot... not be the shot.

Photoblog - Day 279 Jan 13, 2011

(Side) Mirror Image:

When I took this picture, I just wanted to experiment - on a whim, with my ISO settings - see how putting it at 100 and 1600 would make a difference - any difference.

Far as I can tell the one with the 1600 took less time to click and process as opposed to the ISO 100 version. With respect to clarity, I'd have to say that the 1600 looked clearer - but that may also be because of less shakes on my end (I was not using a tripod here - and I should have), other than that, the 100 looked a bit brighter... but again, possibly due to shakes, it did not come across as sharper.

Anyway... if you closely at the mirror's reflection at the glass, you'll see a slightly visible formation of my face and the camera - as reflected by the light. The color was really like that - owing to the tungsten lighting, I could have adjusted it with Photoshop, but decided against it. After all, the color is what adds to the image's coolness... and yes, the car is our Toyota, so I was not getting anyone worried by being nosy with their car.

Photoblog - Day 278 Jan 12, 2011

My three companions:

Since I was relatively free from any training-related work this particular day, I found myself just staying home and resting... blogging... uploading pictures... and recovering a bit (just a bit) from the previous night's drinking session at the NBC tent.

Naturally, I had as companions, the three dogs in our place... Bubbles and Buffy of course, being our pets - and Bruce, our visiting Pug (lower right portion of the picture). Ben brought Bruce to our place and Bubbles quite naturally adopted Bruce with little fuzz.

Buffy, on the other hand, well it's still a confusing aspect with her - take for example this picture... here we have all three dogs co-existing peacefully - in fact, Buffy and Bruce were playing and running around. But prior to that - and even later still, Buffy seemed to be getting angry with Bruce. Huh? What gives, right?

It is for that reason that we can't still keep Bruce out of his cage... unless we're around. After all, Bruce may be close to Buffy's size, but he's still a puppy - then again, so is Buffy... though she's at least 4 months older than Bruce.

On taking this picture, I was patiently waiting for them to all be in the frame - a near impossibility, as both Bruce and Buffy were al over the place - and in some situations, Bubbles woudl be in the wrong place... totally blocking out the two smaller dogs. Then this happens - though they were all looking in different directions - but seeing thsi opportunity, I readied my camera -gave a very brief loud kiss noise for them all to turn in my direction... and took the shot.

Ben was watching me when I took the shot and he knew I got that rare shot of them all looking at me. What can I say... sometimes I amaze myself too.

Photoblog - Day 277 Jan 11, 2011

DLSU 100 yrs - kick-off:

So how did you spend your 1-11-11? Well the DLSU Alumni Association decided to spend the evening in the NBC Tent, with the intent to kick-start the Centenial celebration of De La Salle's presence here in the Philippines.

This picture shows DLSAA Chairman Henry Atayde (in disguise) showing everyone the activities map - while informing us all just how the celebration is being planned and naturally, what's in store for La Salle.

I came in as both an LSGH batch 78 alumni and a DLSU batch 82 alumni - met a few people I haven't seen since... well, since college days, actually - and even met a few new people too. Over-all things look exciting. But don't expect me to attend everything. As for souvenir items, well... I did not really see anything worth getting that evening - hopefully, as the Centenial comes closer, there will be better shirts or jackets.

Photoblog - Day 276 Jan 10, 2011

Future Team Leads 2011:

This is a Team Lead School - a two day training for new TLs, to get them started on knowing what is espected of them.

the course is a hodge-podge of many ideas taken form other courses... with the main intent of giving the TLs an idea of what they are expected to do... process to follow and experiences to be shared.

That said, this particular training was different because I mostly sat at the back and acted as an added resource to the training while my partner in this conduct - Lina, went through all modules (a first for her) to see what she could do, and whether she could finally conduct things like TL school without getting away with only the easy modules and letting her partner handle the bulk of the training. This time, the show was in the other foot.

I made it appear that I was there to help - but not handle modules... to interject, but not facilitate. We needed to see if she could really study and conduct the course, and for the most part, she could wing it by redirecting questions from the audience - back to the audience. At the end of day 1, I gave her my observations... for her consideration - and hopefully, a better day2.

Photoblog - Day 275 Jan 9, 2011

KFC Lunch:

This Sunday, we decided to do things a bit different... instead of waking up late, we opted to get up earlier than our usual weekend manner (where half the day is over by the time everyone is up), and go for an early mass (as opposed to going to mass at 6pm) in Greenhills.

Then we'd take lunch and and be done with all our obligations and walks early to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at home - in preparation for the regular classes and work days.

Now we normally look for a place to have lunch - and we considered KFC an option acceptable to all - hence here we went... to KFC in Shaw Bldv. We enjoyed our lunch... and made true the option of relaxing the rest fo the day. How so? In the kids' case - the usual internet and afternoon siesta... while in Barbie and my case - a DVD movie viewing. We decided to watch Percy Jackson.

All we did was wait for dinner time - while really just enjoying the slow and peaceful day. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of the work days... so I guess I was likewise recharging - after all, at the end of last Friday's training, I already had coughing fits... an itchy throat and really felt dead tired - so I really needed this weekend rest.

Photoblog - Day 274 Jan 8, 2011

Dentist's orders:

Yes, you read right. This was just what the dentist that we went to ordered... after cleaning the teeth of Bryce and Bernice - and having had a tooth (or portions of it) extracted from them, the dentist did say to treat them with ice cream.

Now, since we have not been to Robinson's Galleria for years (we used to regularly grocery there - until Robinson's Pioneer opened... the need to get ice cream was dependent on where we'd find such. Lucky for us all (that is - Bryce , Bernice and me, we stumbled upon 'Carra Mia' - so I asked them if they wanted to eat there and they naturally said yes.

What I have in the picture is a strawberry-banana ice cream cake... with lots of chocolate to go with it. It's taste sort of reminds me of a banana-split. But don't take my word for it... by all means, try it out... either at the Robinson's Ortigas area or at theGreenhills area - beside Amicci.

Yup... 2011 is when we finally decided to go to the dentist and have our teeth fixed, pulled or generally repaired. After all... Bryce will be needing braces.

Photoblog - Day 273 Jan 7, 2011

Shades and Shadows:

This picture won't be possible in the mall's usual working hours... for one, there'd be too many people going around. Two, the sun might be too high so as not to reflect it's rays in the inner corridor of said mall.

That said, I was able to get this picture as I saw the sun's rays shining into the corridor. At first, I was the opposite end - taking pictures of the chairs and tables with the natural lighting. But when I went to the opposite end of said corridor, I was struck with how the lights and shades played with each other - how the arches were emphasized - giving the place a sudden exotic eastern look.

I realized that this was a much better view and had to take the shot. Heck, if I had to consider adding to this, I might think of adding a shapely model standing under one of those arches - letting her silhouette play with the light as well. But as it is... it shows a beautiful scene. Guess there are advantages with coming in real early.

He he... yes, I did have my breakfast in McDonald's - as it was one of the few opened places at that time.

Photoblog - Day 272 Jan 6, 2011

My first comics for 2011:

Yup - another hold-over from 2010... and way longer that that, is my hobby of buying, collecting and reading comics. I still have my usual list of must reads. In this case, I looked forward to Captain America, Green Lantern, X-men, Superboy (surprisingly good) and S.H.I.E.L.D. - easily my favorite in this bunch. In fact, I just might make an inspired review of S.H.I.E.L.D. - just deciding whether to wait for it to end first; or do it now.

There are a few other titles I might be discontinuing - Secret Warriors (as it is winding down), Avengers... but on the other hand, there are others that look promising, hence my starting them like Batman: Dark Knight. Then there's a hold-over form the holidays - Orange Lantern and the hilarious story in it... no real bother as it's just a one-shot issue.

So... if this is a start - I guess I can imagine how my collection will once again grow by end of 2011... assuming I continue collecting, that is.

Note to self... remove plastic covers to prevent glare - or shoot away from a window.

Photoblog - Day 270 Jan 4, 2011

Back to the grind...

Yup - vacation was over on the 3rd of January, as I greeted 2011's work week by handling a Project Management School training for Accenture. Does this mean I'm destined to teach PM-related stuff for this year? Can this sustain me all throughout the year? Hope it can. Will I change work mid-stride? I am thinking about it.

So the first work week of 2011 found me busy the entire week - since PMS is a four day course... and for a moment, I thought I needed to teach it solo. Luckily, Gina was able to join me in day 2 - with her personal emergency taken care of. By Wednesday, as this picture represents, other trainers were already present in McKinley as well. So yeah... everything was going back to the way things were before the Christmas-break.

If there was any hidden meaning to the fact that PMS was the last training I had in 2010 - and now in 2011 it 's the first... well, I'll just leave that to more learned people. Me... I'm just glad I've got work to ofset all my holiday spendings.

Photoblog - Day 271 Jan 5, 2011

I/ACT pioneers:

Would you believe that there's a real good chance I happen to be the youngest person in the group? I said chance because I was too polite to ask - but one thing is a fact. Everyone - and I mean every single face in this picture with me - was in I/ACT before I joined.

For those not in the know, I/ACT was the premiere computer institute of the 70's - and at it's peak, had branches in other ASEAN countries... and these people were the ones responsible for all this. It was in I/ACT that I started learning my I.T. skills in programming and systems analysis... hence the start of my journey in eventually becoming a facilitator, corporate trainer, coach and consultant.

Imagine that... this particular evening, I was technically representing the 3rd generation of I/ACT. I think others might have come after I left... too bad I wasn't able to rub elbows with them again.

This gathering, is, in fact... an I/ACT pioneers reunion... and I happen to be there as well by simple luck... through Benj Santillan (the guy in front of me) - and if I'm to consider the story right, all these were made possible because of Ime Ponteres. All these people knew Ime... many visited her wake... and were reunited. They kept in email contact - and organized this reunion.

It was nice to meet some people - people whose names were constant mentions to me in my I/ACT days... and I would have stayed longer had I been able to better plan my joining this group's reunion. I also wished I knew more people here... but that's okay, there'll be more opportunities for that.

Photoblog - Day 269 Jan 3, 2011

Need a break?

Break from what exactly? From the holiday rush... from the holiday food... from anything holiday-related? Yeah, there are times I felt like that.

Let's face it, this particular Christmas seemed to have come and gone by so fast, I hardly felt I had time to enjoy it. Oh there were a few days - maybe just one actually, when I would be bale to sit back, relax and enjoy the season - but majority of the time, I felt like being rushed here and there.

Well this particular day was a pre-planned rest day... just stay home... period. If any prep time was focused on, it was to ensure that the 4th (being the official first day of work), would start without a hitch.

As for my picture? It's my way of spreading the news about the new Goya Chunky... it's actually good - with that unique Filipino chocolatey taste as only Goya creates (some of you may vaguely recall the taste - but when you bite into this, you'll be reminded again), plus the added taste of cashew nuts (for those Balikabayans who can still remember Antipolo and the roasted cashews sold there.

Now imagine these in a Goya bar... yeah... Kit Kats are great - but these are no pushovers as well. What I'm showing are the white and dark chocolate variants... there is a milk chocolate variant too - but I ate it before this picture could be taken.

As for the technical details... I wished I had a flash diffuser... the right portions of the bar have too harsh a lighting - so it was hard to come up with a balanced picture showing crisp details and yet have everything almost visible. Either that or take the shot with a tripod next time, sans flash. Lovern - a colleague in training, actually introduced me to this... as it was her gift to us all during Christmas.

By the way... those chocolates under the two bars? They're not real... they're coasters designed like chocolates - a gift from a colleague (Gina Medina) for Christmas. Neat looking huh?

What TV show do you wish would go off the air for good?

drama shows that have little educational or morally uplifting values... the so called shows catering to the masses, thus seemingly dumbing down their plots and characters.

Ask me anything

Do you believe in ghosts?

Oh yeah... seen one when I was a kid.

Ask me anything

What's the most unselfish thing you've ever done?

as a boy relatively fresh in joining the cub scouts, I once saw a tree that fell across the road in front of our home due to the storm - without hesitation, I put on a raincoat, got a flashlight and stood sentry in front of felled tree to warn motorists.

Ask me anything

Photoblog - Day 268 Jan 2, 2011

Dict's Advanced Birthday:

It was a choice between a picture of Dict blowing his cake or of Jude with cake icing on his face - I naturally opted for the latter. After all, we can always get Dict blowing his cake at another birthday (or year, if you want to be more accurate), but when will we be able to get a picture of Jude Brent smiling with icing on his face?

This will be a classic Facebook picture that his mom will love showing off to his classmates in around 10 years time - and I'm just glad I was around to take said picture. You can see the glee in Barbie's face - plus the mischief in her smile (you definitely know who the mastermind to such an act of putting icing on Jude's face was).

Though Dict's birthday would officially be the next day, we had this celebration in Cavite so his (and Barbie's) parents could be part of the small gathering. Plus we wanted the 3rd to be a rest day for us - in preparation for work and school as ushered in by 2011.

Photoblog - Day 267 Jan 1, 2011

Happy 2011!!!

Firs of all... from my family to yours - Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

As tradition goes, we stayed up until way beyond the midnight hour to greet 2011, and we had our traditional midnight meal - with some bubblies for the adults (Asti Martini). Barbie cooked up a great meal... Pasta with Tuna and Olive Oil and a few herbs, capers, olives - all healthy and filling, without being too filling.

We also had our choco fondue - with pretzels, melon, and marshmallows for dessert. Prior to all these, I made a pitcher of Red Bacardi Mojitos for Barbie, Ben and me, so we really had a good time as we awaited and welcomed the New Year.

After which, we watched a few fire works... thank God there were less this year than last year - hence less smoke and black nostrils in the morning. Some people say it's because of the hardships they've experienced in 2010... me, I think a lot of people are more environment conscious, and less likely to celebrate with fireworks.

May 2011 be a year of goals reached and dreams fulfilled - and it starts with this day.

Photoblog - Day 266 Dec 31, 2010

Ready for 2011!

How, exactly, is this picture representative of getting ready for 2011? Let me explain.

This is a practice we have been...well, practicing for several years now - and I might as well share it with you. The use of these glasses (and it can be any form of glass, shape and size) comes with the belief that if we greet the new year with these four glasses - and their contents, the coming year will be affect in the following manner:

Cotton - to represent lightness of life's challenges in the coming year;
Salt - adding some spice to life... so it need not be boring and dragging;
Rice - so we may not want, as we will always have food to eat on the table; and...
Sugar - to add sweetness to the coming year, and possibly compliment the spice part.

I know... it's a belief, and there really is no evidence to prove it... but in sheer 'The Secret' style, who knows? It may just be self fulfilling.

Photoblog - Day 265 Dec 30, 2010

Auld Lang Syne:

Way back when... in Boy Scouting days to be exact, was when I first got to learn about this song. One that was sang as people in the Jamboree we were attending were parting ways. Back then it did not really sink in - probably because as the first stanza would say 'Should old acquaintance be forgot...' was simply alien to me.

Now I have to admit, I have had some forgotten old acquaintances - some because we were just too busy to keep tabs with, as life (more likely, work) pulled us apart. Well, this picture is of my old I/ACT colleagues - who have made it a point to still keep abreast with each other, and every year-end, they get together for one last hurrah. I used to join them - but as I said, we got too busy, lost touch and contact for such a get together.

I realized this fact upon seeing facebook pics of these reunions - and realized what I missed. Well this year, thanks to FB, I made it a point to be part of said reunion - and keep tabs. I just wanted to make sure that I let 'Auld Lang Syne' be a song... and not a reality.

Photoblog - Day 264 Dec 29, 2010

Cuenca Christmas visit:

This item was long overdue - our visits to Cuenca are planned trips... it's just too far to do on a whim, as it involves preparation of what to bring - and the assumption (though it has not always held, of course) is that we would be going as a family. After all, we may see Bing once in a while, when she travels to Manila, and the same can be said for Tizza - though I guess, in rarer terms. But to see my mom, we have to go there. She isn't well enough to handle long trips to Manila and back to Cuenca... and even if we could come up with a car to allow her to travel, she gets tired and I guess, Manila travel and air isn't too good for her these days (fatigue plus pollution).

We normally schedule our Christmas trips earlier, but this year, things were just too hectic for me - so we decided to hit two birds with one stone, seeing as we were going a bit late anyway - and come on Migs birthday as well... I believe, this is a first for us... normally going for the Christmas celebration and well, just telling Migs his advanced birthday greeting.

It may even be better... who knows - I'll see how busy I get same time in 2011. But I don't mind traveling on the 29th... though I would prefer more time to plan things out better... not that this was a disaster (as the picture is proof) - just that it leaves little time for cleaning up for the new years, is all. But still... this trip was purely Kairos time - which is how trips like this should be.

Just what are they laughing at? Who cares, really... the fact is - and the important matter IS that they are laughing. Rare as our visits are, it's situations like this that make the planning and travel time worthwhile.

Photoblog - Day 263 Dec 28, 2010

Christmas done, but not yet gone:

One of the great things about our Christmas season here in the Philippines is that it sort of starts early (December 16th is the official celebratory prep time via Simbang Gabi) and goes on until Three Kings (the first Sunday of the new year). That said, the Christmas decors are set up earlier than usual (compared to the rest of the world) and are not torn down right after New Year's celebration.

This allows us to better appreciate the decors which we may have missed due to all the Christmas shopping rush - which in turn creates the pre-Christmas traffic jams.

After Christmas, though. things look very differently - and it is not a disturbing effort to get from point A to point B in the Metro. That said, take this simple yet poignant display... so simple with all it's white lights - yet elegantly done. I refer to the display of the Podium.

Why was I at the Podium? I was going to get some barongs (office attire dress shirts with a local feel) since some of my older barongs are ready to retire. But since parking in Mega Mall is a nightmare... even in non-Christmas rush days, the Podium offered a saner place to park - and eat. Plus I had to meet my dad, so he could give me something to bring to Cuenca - where I would be going tomorrow.

As for the picture... we definitely don't have White Christmases here - but at least we can simulate it some way... and still keep form freezing. That counts for something, right?

Photoblog - Day 262 Dec 27, 2010

High School BFFs:

Today happened to be Barbie's reunion with some friends she has not met since... well, since high school, if the story is to be believed. I mean, think of it... these are people I've never seen (except for Jay, of course - 2nd from right and not jumping) when I met and courted her. Yet these people had shared a great part of their teen formative lives together. Amazing that after so long a time, they find the opportunity to get together. Thanks in part of rediscovering each other in Facebook.

So when Barbie mentioned this... I could not, in all conscience, say no to her wanting me to drive her to their meeting place - which to me was a chance to do some exploring myself. After all, I did not mind going to Mall of Asia to hang around while they got reacquainted. I got a few comics to read and for the rest of the time... well, I could always explore.

Still, as plans go... this one did not go exactly as planned - so four of them (with me in tow) had to meet Jay in Las Piñas - a place easier for her to go to, given her not too strong constitution. They stayed in Starbucks' 2nd floor - while I made myself scarce, but reachable in staying at the coffee place's ground floor.

I took this fun shot at their request - before they finally called it a day. As Barbie said... seeing your wife happy meeting friends she has not seen in decades - 'priceless'.