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.

Photoblog - Day 316 Feb 19, 2011

Bubbles:

I wanted to capture kids at play without looking like a camera wielding perv taking pictures of kids I don't know... but the reason I was in seemingly stalking mode was because one kid in particular was blowing bubbles and the others were reacting to this. That was what I was trying to capture from a relatively safe distance from the kids and their guardians. I really wanted to see how bubbles would look as I took them.

First order of the business was to make sure they were visible to the camera's captured images. After all, bubbles are transparent, so I would need reflective lighting to make the bubbles visible... and lucky for me it was a sunny morning. I was also still getting used to the camera's focus, aperture, white light, etc... so it was really a challenge to try and capture the picture.

That said , I had to do some post-prod work on the picture to ensure the bubbles were really visible. Next time, I'll try to ask my nieces and/or nephews to do the bubbles stuff, so I can literally get closer to them and take better shots.

Photoblog - Day 315 Feb 18, 2011

Friday Reading?

Today was not my typical Friday - meaning it wasn't what I would be usually doing - and that was of course accompanying Barbie to the mall, so she could shop for some needed stuff for a Vietnam trip. Me? Walking around the mall entering different shops isn't my thing, si I prefer to go to the bookstore - peruse what they have, and if I find some interesting stuff, end up buying it.

Alas, such was the case with this pricey PM book (an investment - that's what I keep saying to myself), and the Time magazine. The Vanilla flavored yogurt is just to keep me company as I read the magazine and the Java book that I brought with me, while awaiting Barbie's eventual shopping ending (having visited all the shops she wants to), Not to mention lunchtime - yes... another uncharacteristic thing... waking up early to get to the mall on opening time.

Truly... the things I do for my wife.

Photoblog - Day 314 Feb 17, 2011

New Additions:

This is my new collections - still a relatively small number from what I usually get, but considering the need to stretch the budget until my next paycheck, a welcome rest for me considering the fact that these were the only comics that interested me... and even then the only item I'm collecting in a regular basis here is the JLA... the New Avengers... I'm still on the fence about this, but since it's got Chaykin as collaborator, I decided to try it out.

The Secret Avengers is the only reason I'm even considering this new Onslaught thing - and even then I'm really wondering if it's worth getting at all. Red Robin seems interesting, and this new Batman and Robin arc is likewise worth looking into seeing as I skipped their last arc due to really bad art... and not so interesting story.

Photoblog - Day 313 Feb 16, 2011

Spreading the SPARC:

The Acronym (if I can remember it right) stands for Strategic Partners and Affiliates with Red Cross. And the picture depicts our meeting in the Trophy Room of the Manila Polo Club.

Our reason for this meeting is to tie up with at least two international schools representatives and through them, tap the school's resources should the need arise.

This is technically, planning ahead of possible disasters - and since the Red Cross is a neutral and noble organization, I did not mind being part of the SPARC team. Technically, this is the second official SPARC meeting - though in this case, it's more a focussed discussion for one item.

The idea of SPARC was broached to me by John - an old College friend, and current chairman of the Makati Red Cross branch, and it's scope is (to say the least) vast - hence the real need to forge partnerships with volunteer citizens and companies. Our role is to play mentor roles to the Red Cross volunteer staff, forge partnership alliances with organizations or companies to enable us to use their resources should disasters strike, and basically have a network of volunteers representing various backgrounds and expertise to add diversity and strength to the institution.

Oh yeah, and in the process, I get to widen my network, have a more direct access to blood; should I need it for whatever reason... and mind you, it's not a need I look forward to - but it is nice to know that I can have access when such a time comes. Lastly, to find an excuse to link up once again with some old friends - namely John and hopefully soon, Rudy.

Volunteerism is nothing new to me... after all, at some times in my life, I was a Boy Scout, a Jaycee and a Toastmaster - in all these roles, I served as a volunteer in differing capacities. This is just another aspect... albeit, in a different arena.

Photoblog - Day 312 Feb 15, 2011

Prosperity Tree:

If I'm to understand correctly, this is supposed to be a prosperity tree - one that was set up in the Piazza at the last week of January, in preparation for the Chinese New Year. Well said new year came and went, and the tree stayed up until now.

It's nto something you see everyday, and this one had a promo connected to it. For every Php1,000 worth of accumulated receipts, one could choose a red envelope from the tree and win a prize. Well, thanks to the tea boxes Fiel and I got, I did accumulate receipts enough to join the promo. I then asked Barbie to do the honors of choosing an envelope - though we had been forewarned that the only prize we could get would be an audio CD.

We did get that as a prize - though it was for a local singer whom we weren't really a fan of. So we decided to give it instead to a friend who we know is a fan of said singer. Oh well... maybe this tree did not give me any prosperity - but that doesn't mean I can't get it elsewhere.

Photoblog - Day 311 Feb 14, 2011

Valentine Tea Box:

I was wondering what to give Barbie this Valentine - and contrary to what is the traditional option of flowers (one I never really chose - I guess I'm non-traditional, and a non-conformist in that sense), I wanted something a bit more useful - and definitely different.

So flowers that would wilt after a day or two (and ridiculously priced in Valentine's day at that) were impractical to me - and out of the question. I considered chocolates - on the sneaky thought that I'd get to taste them too, but I could get chocolates any time of the year... besides, I was choosing gifts together with Fiel, and his comment about not promoting health rang a tiny bell (one I could have easily ignored - but chose to heed that day). There were teddy bears too... stuffed toys that look cute (and equally ridiculously priced, just because they were repackaged), but what use were they as well. We've got lots of stuffed toys just gathering dust, and one would not be that much appreciated.

Then I saw this box filled with tea bags and I pointed it out to Fiel as well. We both agreed that the wooden box would be a presentable item in an office environment, and it's contents were also promoting a healthy lifestyle - so... right there and then, we decided to each get a box.

Technically it could be possible to get the tea and box cheaper elsewhere... but hey, time was of the essence too, so spending a little more was not too bad... and it did not feel like highway robbery as well. After all, what we got was not priced higher just because of Valentine, and it is reusable - just buy more tea bags. When I presented it to Barbie and she learned what it was (and opened it), she said the exact thing I thought... that it would look good in her office... and that the tea was seen as healthy. So yeah... she definitely appreciated the box filled with tea.

Photoblog - Day 310 Feb 13, 2011

My New Glasses:

Actually, it's just the frame that's new, on account of my old frame suddenly disassembling before me - apparently, the spring in the right side of the frame broke, separating the arm form the lens.

It was definitely frustrating - and I could not use the frame without either using crude solutions like tape - or have the optical shop do some welding. Unfortunately, should the welding option be done, it would melt the plastic material that my frame was made out of. So, I opted for 'door #3'; which was to consider getting a new frame - one close enough to my old one (they did not have one exactly like it), so I could still re-use my old lenses, which were still as good as new.

I got a good enough price for the frame - a bit pricey, but at least, it looks presentable - and yeah, not as pricey as the one it replaced... after all, the last one was a Ray Ban. Ah well...

The optical person I was talking to even suggested (and though it may come across as potential selling on his part, it still made good sense) that I have a spare set - should things like this happen again in the future. I'll really have to consider that... but not now. Maybe, in a few months time. Meanwhile, I hope this pair lasts longer than the last one.

Photoblog - Day 309 Feb 12, 2011

What's out there?

That seems to be the thoughts of Buffy and Bubbles as they look out through our second floor window at the rear room.

It was a great opportunity for me to try playing with natural lighting while taking something cute. I even set up the tripod with hopes to take more shots of them - alas, cooperative subjects they hardly are, and the cats were nowhere around to add ot their interest in looking out the window. So I had to make do with what I got.

What's not shown in this picture is where they're standing on. I placed my newest storage box filled with comics, beside the window, specifically for this purpose - though not for this particular day... meaning I wanted the dogs; specifically Buffy, to be able to use this to peek out. Bubbles can do it without the box, though I guess in this mode, she need not stretch too much.

Photoblog - Day 308 Feb 11, 2011

Training for Better Meetings:

Yup, this is me in action at an Achieving Meeting Results training session - specifically, me giving some pointers on how our participants could have improved their skills regarding facilitating their meetings.

Truthfully told, this picture was a surprise, I can just assume that Mon, my partner in said training, took it upon himslef to take the camera and take two shots of me in action - seeing as I was doing it the entire day to our participants, it was not an unlikely assumption that I wanted - but did not voice out to anyone, that my picture be taken.

So thanks, Mon... and since I did not take this picture, well... let's make this my official picture for February. After all, it shows what I look like at this time, it shows me in action - and best of all, it shows me in a situation where I am definitely unaware of the shot being taken. Not top mention, it shows me with my new shirt too.

I did little adjustment here - merely cropping a few background - thus making the subjects bigger, adding some contrast and balancing with a little over-all brightness, other than that, what you see is what was taken.

Photoblog - Day 307 Feb 10, 2011

Lunch with Friends:

This was unplanned - it just happened to be possible because everyone was in the vicinity with their respective trainings, hence we were able to set an impromptu get together for lunch.

You're looking at a handful of really great (meaning skillful) Corporate Trainers - colleagues all... and it is a rare thing to find us all in one place - as we're usually scattered by necessity of training locations. Today, however, was uniquely different, seeing as we (as in our trainings) were all near (if not beside) each other's rooms.

Everyone ended up eating in Max's and talking shop - meaning updating everyone with what was happening with their respective trainings. In the middle of all this, I asked everyone to smile - then announced to them all that thanks to them, I had my 'picture of the day'. They all laughed, since they all knew about this Photoblog.

As for me, I had lunch at home a little earlier, so I just accompanied them. The good news is, it looks like we'll still be able to repeat this lunch get together tomorrow. How cool is that?

Photoblog - Day 306 Feb 9, 2011

Slow day?

Yeah, it's actually been a slow day today - stayed home, watched some DVDs, got to charge my iPod (after not using it for at least two months), got some of my newer comics organized into a new plastic storage container, read two comic books - then emailed Marvel (for the first time) and updated my Photoblog... while finalizing my schedule for the rest of the week (hence my scheduler).

Not that I'm complaining, after all, I was able to rest... and despite all this, I found myself wanting for more time to do other stuff. After all, I'll need at least two days to organize my cabinet - one to clean it up... and another to rest.

Photoblog - Day 305 Feb 8, 2011

Simple yet Picturesque:

Getting a great sunset in the city is hard to accomplish. You've got too many buildings blotting out the horizon to see an actual setting sun the likes of which Boracay is known to produce.

Yet once in a while... like this instance, you see how the clouds, the weather, the buildings... all these seem to just form the right mix - and you have a simple, yet spectacular sunset... not by seeing the sun itself setting down - but with the effects it has on the building - creating a nice silhouette; how the sun's rays seem to visibly radiate from behind the building; and how the low cloud covering just allows enouhg sunlight to likewise shape it's outline.

I was obviously at the right place, at the right time to get this picture. Lucky for me, I had my camera to take the picture. Then it was a simple matter to increase the contrast to further emphasize the sunset. Nothing too exagerrated... nor too complicated. The better pictures just let the subject - in this case, nature and it's surroundings, speak for itself.

Photoblog - Day 304 Feb 7, 2011

Hunter's Instinct?

This peculiar behavior was something we all got surprised with - and by we, I mean Barbie, Ben and me. After all, Buffy never showed this particular behavior - then again, we never did pit a flashlight on her face... but it's not the flashlight's light that is keeping her so interested... so concentrated.

Yes, she's hardly moving... keeping still, almost like she were hunting. Notice the alert look, the erect tail and the one leg up... as if she were ready to sprint at a second's notice? Apparently, she was all that... you see, said flashlight happens to have another feature... that of a laser pointer, and when Buffy sees the red dot of said pointer on the floor, she goes gaga racing after it.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason for her alert look and hunter's stance. Buffy has been conditioned to anticipate the light's arrival (meaning we just turn the laser pointer on and aim at the floor) and give it her best (but failed) shot to capture the light... once and for all.

Photoblog - Day 303 Feb 6, 2011

New Fans:

The group's name is, believe it or not... the Rainmakers - yet their voices are hardly that bad to make the heavens weep. On the contrary, their blending is nice to listen to - and the songs they are known for happen to be categorized as within the pop ballad genre.

The four gentlemen have been around for a long time now - and I'm assuming they're all the original singers from the 80's - as those were their golden years (meaning golden as their hits, and not golden as their ages seem to imply these days).

Well, these gentlemen were guest performers for the launch of an internet show about parenting - and though I was not around to learn more about the show, I did get to hear the Rainmakers sing. In fact, when Barbie heard them, she did not believe me that these were the guys she heard of way back when in the radio and vinyl records, seeing as they sounded a lot younger than gentlemen of their age - just quoting how Barbie described them.

As my curiosity took the better of me, since we could just hear them from where we were drinking our coffee, I decided to look... and possibly take a picture. We were positioned one floor above from where they were performing, which afforded me a good view. So I also noticed the many children lingering by the stage's edge... possibly their new fans? Who knows?

I won't be surprised though, with timeless voices that they seem to possess, that may just be the case in five to ten years... that is, if they're still around. I mean, look at groups like the Rolling Stones. How long have they been around, right?

Photoblog - Day302 Feb 5, 2011

Playing with Fire:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 301 Feb 4, 2011

Urban Forest?

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day300 Feb 3, 2011

Welcome Metal Rabbit!

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 299 Feb 2, 2011

The Lion Dance:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 298 Feb 1, 2011

Anachronistic Service?

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 297 Jan 31, 2011

Artistic cream:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 296 Jan 30, 2011

Jude's First Birthday!

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 295 Jan 29, 2011

CPR Training:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 294 Jan 28, 2011

A Rabbit Year:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 293 Jan 27, 2011

Sharpening Saws:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 292 Jan 26, 2011

Ariel in Motion:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 291 Jan 25, 2011

The Disney Way:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 290 Jan 24, 2011

New Comics:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 289 Jan 23, 2011

January Bacardi Night!

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 288 Jan 22, 2011

First Aid.

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 287 Jan 21, 2011

Training Pigeons...

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

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

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

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

I'll definitely look forward to that.

Photoblog - Day 286 Jan 20, 2011

Taking a break:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 285 Jan 19, 2011

Expectations...

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 284 Jan 18, 2011

Innovator extraordinaire:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 283 Jan 17, 2011

Frenimies:

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

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

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

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

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.