Photoblog - Day 360 Apr 04, 2011

Practice:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 359 Apr 03, 2011

Second stack for April:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 358 Apr 02, 2011

Bay Birds:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 357 Apr 01, 2011

Large Batch!

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 356 Mar 31, 2011

Serene Fountain:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 355 Mar 30, 2011

Batirol Once Again!

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 354 Mar 29, 2011

Bryce Graduates!

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 353 Mar 28, 2011

Fire:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 352 Mar 27, 2011

Earth Hour again!

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 351 Mar 26, 2011

Boni Bacardi 2011:

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

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

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

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

Thor Movie Poster Giveaway!

Thor Movie Poster Giveaway!

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 350 Mar 25, 2011

New Accessories:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 349 Mar 24, 2011

Thirteen!

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 348 Mar 23, 2011

Book Marker:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 347 Mar 22, 2011

Training companions:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 346 Mar 21, 2011

New batch:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 345 Mar 20, 2011

Luna:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 344 Mar 19, 2011

Best Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 343 Mar 18, 2011

New Books:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 342 Mar 17, 2011

Continuous Learning:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 341 Mar 16, 2011

Stylized tables:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 340 Mar 15, 2011

My Golden Moment:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 339 Mar 14, 2011

Stars:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 338 Mar 13, 2011

New Lens:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 337 Mar 12, 2011

Glasses:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 336 Mar 11, 2011

Coaching the Doggy way?

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 335 Mar 10, 2011

Down time:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 334 Mar 9, 2011

Pepper?

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 333 Mar 8, 2011

Roots Afloat:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 332 Mar 7, 2011

Tuk tuk:

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

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

Photoblog - Day 331 Mar 6, 2011

Water Karma?

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 330 Mar 5, 2011

What used to be tissue:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 329 Mar 4, 2011

Bryce saluting:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 328 Mar 3, 2011

Pigeon shot:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 327 Mar 2, 2011

Lamp between bars:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 326 Mar 1, 2011

New Comics for March

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 325 Feb 28, 2011

Lunch with Board:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 324 Feb 27, 2011

Last batch for February:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 323 Feb 26, 2011

Down time:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 322 Feb 25, 2011

Batirol 2011!

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 321 Feb 24, 2011

Coffee Beans:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 320 Feb 23, 2011

New Collar!

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 319 Feb 22, 2011

Fiel in Action:

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

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 318 Feb 21, 2011

Wooden Beams:

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

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

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

Photoblog - Day 317 Feb 20, 2011

Lamp:

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

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

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

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.