Photoblog - day 93, Jul 12, 2010

Monday Rush:

The image invokes movement... of rushing - and since I took this Monday morning, then it was just natural to refer to it as a Monday rush.

This is a picture I have always wanted to take... ever since I've seen a couple of similar themed pictures, I marveled at how I could come up with a similar frozen moment in time.

You see, the intent was to capture a moving target, and show that it was indeed moving by way of making the background look like it's being rushed. Now the rush look part is easy... a low ISO setting should do the trick - after all, with said low ISO setting, anyone moving becomes a blur, that said, I used my lowest ISO setting (100)... the challenge then, was to focus on one subject - and make the rest of the picture become a blur.

This would mean that my picture capture had to be fast, despite the ISO setting - and really just try to capture one subject - meaning I move my camera to match my subject's movement. The lighting should be abundant, so my camera focus would capture images really fast - naturally, morning had to be the logical time frame (though having said that, I'm now thinking how such a capture could be possible at night) - oh yeah, I used my UV filter for this shot - so as not to make the picture too bright.

The results speak for themselves... this is what I tried - and it's still a work in progress. Now to see how I can improve on this come my next attempt to capture such a shot. After all, should I find myself pacing the Tour of the Philippines racers, I would like to be ready.

Photoblog - day 92, Jul 11, 2010

Nature's beauty:

Once in a while, as I pass Greenhills' small garden, I can't help but marvel at some of the flowers I see... I mean, I bring my camera just to capture such beautiful natural wonders - after all, these things remind me of how great an architect God is in helping develop all these - though, some can be fleeting.

Take this orchid for example; in a few days flowers like these may wither... their beauty relegated to memory. But if captured in a picture, the beauty - though artificial, is preserved. My only regret in capturing it? This was done at a spur of the moment - my making the shot without taking the time to adjust all the necessary items. Apparently, I got the focus right on the petals - but for some strange reason, the middle was not focused on too much. What gives? I thought I had adjusted my focus depth?

The things is... moments like these are rare indeed - and I may, or may not get a second chance in taking the same kind of shot. Oh well... lesson learned. Quick takes may come out good - others... acceptable. I guess, this one falls in the latter category - but it's not a winner... at least, by your typical Nat Geo standards.

Photoblog - day 91, Jul 10, 2010

The IMAX experience:

Our very first experience in a 3D theater was in Hong Kong Disneyland where we saw the wonders and magic of Disney come alive. Since then, that became the standard for me when comparing other 3D movies I've watched... though I will be the first to admit that maybe the barometer is slightly skewed to Disney films... specially since live action films may have a more difficult time showing the 3D experience all the way (Clash of the Titans comes to mind).

Now as for IMAX - well, it promises a bigger (on that it delivers) and better (not when compared to Disney's theater though) 3D experience - but for it's price; which is more than double your typical movie ticket cost... and likewise costlier than your 3D movie experience costs too (when comparing it to the 3D ticket price in Greenhills or Shangri La), it comes across as well... just bigger - not necessarily better.

In this picture, we were all pumped to watch Toy Story 3 - a Disney film, and though the movie was touching, funny and definitely filled with some 3D effects - it was not spectacularly 3D-laden (by this of course, I mean it seemed that I would enjoy it even if I did not watch it in 3D) - which, sort of, made the whole IMAX experience kinda moot. I also have this slight aversion to staying too close to the screen - which would be the mid-row section of the movie - I mean, this is supposed to be the best locations for the ultimate IMAX experience - and it would have been, had Toy Story 3D been more dynamically 3D.

Ah well... despite everything I've said, I will not take away the fact that this movie was still fun, entertaining and, at least for me, a worthy sequel and ending to the Toys' adventures with Andy. I wept right close to the ending portion, seeing at how perfect the situation got resolved. Yeah... if there is never going to be a Toy Story 4, I wouldn't mind it at all. I mean, for me... this is the perfect end. Of course, if Pixar will prove me wrong, then I'll happily admit to being wrong, but for now, I'll willingly take a boxed set of all three movies DVDs and proudly display them apart form my collection - an honor I normally bestow only to my Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Ahem... this picture was taken by Barbie, using Bernice's new and definitely more compact camera - you see, I was not sure they would allow me to bring my Canon inside the theater, so I left it at home. But hey... this Photoblog isn't just about about my camera - even if I try to make it a point to do so, but also more about how I spent my year 'in photos', so this just had to be my photo of the day.

Photoblog - day 90, Jul 9, 2010

Altar of Eden:

This the book I'm currently reading. This I borrowed from Fiel, and is the newest book by author James Rollins. It's relatively fast-paced, belonging to the adventure category. Hence the type of book I would like to read - though I do read a lot of different books, these types are less of a struggle to read.

I had this book with me when I went for the car maintenance as well as my annual physical, so it helped me patiently wait through long lines of people (and cars) being processed before it got to be my turn. I normally carry a book around wherever I go - just in case there are such lull times.

This was taken in a training room - the computer and candies are mine, of course... and the book I got to read while in-between conducts.

Photoblog - day 89, Jul 8, 2010

Lightroom by Photoshop:

This is the new photo-editing tool that I'm getting used to, and will hopefully use in enhancing the pictures I take. I mean, most photographers use a lot of gadgets and tools to capture and create that perfect picture - well, at the suggestion of Jojo Buenaventura - an old classmate of mine who's into professional photography, Lightroom is a tool he uses to do photo-enhancing and cleaning.

Naturally, I opted to check it out via a cd-based tutorial, side-by-side with me tweaking the software. As of now, I'm still trying things out - but at least I get to view my raw files... something I have no way of doing with your typical Microsoft photo editor... and since I've started capturing images in aw format, I needed to find a more versatile application to help me with my pictures. Hence my giving Lightroom a try.

Oh yeah... that cat is Neco, of course.

My next progression in this hobby? Choose those really great pictures and print them out, get them framed and displayed around my place.

Photoblog - day 88, Jul 7, 2010

My New Stash...

As you probably noticed with my previous posts, whether directly or indirectly being part of the topic - I do read and collect comic books... or as the more sophisticated crowd would insist... graphic novels. This is a hobby I've had introduced to me by my grandmother way back in my early childhood days. I remember her bringing stashes of these home from work - maybe she bought it from a newsstand nearby, and would allow me to read them. Of course, I would more often gravitate to the drawings... but early on, I did recognize Batman and Robin... thanks to Adam West and Burt Ward - but the others were a bit strange - but interesting, none the less.

I would read them after my grandmother and step-grandfather would finish with them - and at times, would wonder how stories went since the continuity of one issue to the next was rather suspect back then. I was not sure what happened - but at least I got to read and appreciate them.

Flash-forward nearly five decades later and here I am now... continuing the legacy she subconsciously awakened in me. I get my comics at least once a month from my regular retail shop, timing it with when I grab my paycheck - or at times, when I find myself close to a comic shop and I can't help but peek in to see what has arrived.

This batch I did get from my regular... as I have an understanding with them regarding what titles I want to buy - thus they do me the favor of setting aside copies of said titles for me when they arrive... awaiting my picking them up. Why do I like this hobby? Aside from the fact that I grew up with these characters, I like reading and imagining... I like the concept of good triumphant over evil, and all the other corny aspects. Most of all, I guess, I like the connection it gives me to a more innocent me all those decades past. Oh... and this particular batch was a sort of reward I gave myself for being able to have the car go through it's usual 5K maintenance check-up as I likewise had my annual physical check-up.

Photoblog - day 87, Jul 6, 2010

Bubbles New Bed:

Okay... as of this writing, and contrary to the picture's presentation,Bubbles has still got to find ways and means to enjoy sleeping on her 'bed' before - but that's okay. She'll (hopefully) familiarize herself with the pink 'place mat - looking like a bed'.

I just hope she gets to use it sooner - rather than later.

Meanwhile, I've noticed that Neco is trying to squeeze her way into using said bed - and it's funny that Bubbles in seemingly giving in - letting Neco have her way with the bed. Strange pets I've got here.

Photoblog - day 86, Jul 5, 2010

Contrasts:

This is a picture of the Legend Hotel's side edifice glwing in the light it has in place - and amidst it's glowing backdrop... observable far beyond, standing silently... yet seemingly majestic in the night, happens to be the Mandaluyong/Pasig/Ortigas buildings.

I took this picture with a low ISO setting and allowed for a longer exposure (hence the brightness of the hotel) to maximize the low lights of the buildings in the background - but at the same time, to allow myself the experiment of capturing (if at all possible) vehicles on the move with a blurry effect.

Still... I called it contrasts because of the obvious discrepancy with lighting as presented by the Legend hotel - and the rest of the Ortigas skyline. You might also say that this was my first successful night shot, with a clear indicator of how I was able to use the long exposure to have a clearer picture.

Photoblog - day 85, Jul 4, 2010

Jude Brent:

Meet the newest member of the Buenaobra clan - his name is Jude Brent, and he'll soon have his baptism, if all goes well. It's still too early to say what kind of child he will grow up to be - but if his support system (i.e. the Buenaobra clan) can be of some measure, I;m sure he'll turn out quite right.

This picture shows Barbie trying to get Jude Brent to smile and apparently - as shown by this picture, she's successful in letting him smile for the camera - how'd she do it? Well... let's just say that mom knows best - mom, of course, being Bea - Barnie's youngest sister, and second youngest in the family.

Any special reason for this picture... well, simply put - anything I take after the Rotary induction happens to be in the Raw file format, which takes up more memory - but can lead to better editable pictures. Of course, posting these pictures just became an additional step - but if quality is to be had, well... I obviously won't mind said added step. Oh yeah... the purpose of our visit to Cavite was to visit Barbie's dad - post-operation. Seeing him a lot thinner was a sobering thought - so a situation (and picture) like this is a welcome balance to the possible gloominess we could have easily encountered.

Photoblog - day 83, Jul 2, 2010

Testing the Waters:

No, the testing said waters does not refer to Roselle Nava, the singer, whom I've captured in this photo... rather it refers to me trying out the role of Professional Photographer. In this case - ans the reason why I chose this picture, it was an induction ceremony and I joined a classmate of mine - Jojo Buenaventura, and his team, in covering the ceremony.

Being a tyro, naturally covered the less critical aspects of the ceremonies and the evening - so focused on the role of capturing events and people as said events were happening... how I felt like Peter Parker in that regard (and if you don't know Peter Parker, then you have not been in touch with pop culture).

I'm not exactly new to Induction ceremonies myself - having been in many; both by way of the Jaycees and Toastmasters. But what I can say is that this was the first time I covered one as photographer. Naturally, I knew what to take, by way of covering an event - and I worked seamlessly with the team (by way of being aware of who was where - and not needing to duplicate any effort), so I guess that showed my natural propensity to work with teams.

But how does covering events feel? It was great... tiring - my back and arms slightly ache, but that was fine as I was going around pleasing the shutter bug inside me. It felt a bit long and drawn out at times, as I was literally feeling the weight of the equipment - but to capture moments worth reminiscing was really nice to do... and I learned - or relearned a few things too... so the over-all experience was great. Now I've set my eyes on a few add-ons or upgrades with what I have to better cover like events... and I even have at least two new coaches in bettering my skills. What else can anyone ask for?

Will I do this full time? Not yet... but I'm one step closer to fulfilling one dream.

Photoblog - day 84, Jul 3, 2010

My picture July 2010:

Project 365 asks us to place an image of ourselves at least once a month - so we would have images of ourselves in the photoblog and in so doing, allow us to remember how we looked like (garish haircut or fashion senses aside)- if not what we were doing, for that month. Once the project is completed, there would be at least 12 pictures of ourselves within the 300+ pictures of said project.

So this is me with an unintentional intense look - circa July 2010, as the title suggests. I'm wearing my black barong - the one with the Philippines map proudly displayed on one side (there are actually several of said maps distributed - but only on, the left side of my barong), and in the background, you can see my laptop plus a few old CRT monitors being used in trainings. BTW - those CRTs are on their way out, as said monitors are finally being replaced by flat-screen LCDs. This place happens to be one of five (or six) training rooms in the Cyber3's 14th floor.

Photoblog - day 82, Jul 1, 2010

Lights and shadows:

One of the more recent magazines I decided to purchase is that of a photography related issue - and the main topic for most articles in said magazine was how photographers use lighting to bring out different effects with their pictures. That may be a natural growth direction for me... meaning making use of lighting to a wider degree - and what better time to start than now.

A colleague once said that I somehow had an eye to make the mundane seem interesting - now, not to make that statement a mantra or anything, but here is a rather mundane part of the office I go to - a makeshift reading/eating/meeting area - and it really has just shades of black, white and grays to make matters more... well, mundane - but suddenly contrast that will a very simple fire extinguisher, and we have a reminder that this is not a black and white picture. Add to the fact that the window where the sunlight filters into casts a shadow on most of the items here, and I'm left with a play with shades and shadows.

Yeah... it's pretty obvious I came in real early to work too - but that was just a side-benefit of having Barbie in a different country, thus not having to bring her to work - but at the same time... my being a creature of habit, and still waking up real early and getting ready for work at such an early hour - even if I did not have to. Ah well... at least I get good parking.

Photoblog - day 81, Jun 30, 2010

Light breaking free:

I got this picture as I was about to exit the Greenhills Shopping Center's car park - coming from having a haircut and a little grocery stop-over. You see, this 30th represented the formal turn-over of one president to another, thus the day was declared a non-work holiday to allow majority of the Filipinos who wished to watch said turn-over the time and chance to do so. Obviously, I used the day to play catch-up to things I needed to do - and did nto have enough of a weekend to do it.

The sun is a subject I would like to capture in at least two other occasions. You see, like a lot of photographers who would like to capture nature's beauty, I hope to some day capture the perfect sunrise... and an equally perfect sunset.

Anyway... this was a straight-forward shot and it came close to one of my 'must have a shot of' subjects - but the sun as it is partially hidden behind (thus being filtered by) clouds may not be the most dramatic panormic shots - but it will do for now. By the way... I also got for myself a UV CFL Infrared filter in Greehnills this day - slowly preparing for such a time when I can focus my attention on said sunrise and sunset picture capture.

Photoblog - day 80, Jun 29, 2010

Our TAs:

TA of course meaning Training Assistants - the people who are responsible for setting up the training facilities- or at least making sure that the facilities, including equipment and materials, are ready before our training starts. At times, I see how tough it can be for them to set ensure this - specially since they do not have control in all the necessary areas - for example, with regard to room reservations, set-up and equipment, they will need to coordinate with other teams, and sometimes this is where the service level agreements fall... not always will these SNAFUs be their fault... but more often, they will receive flak form us and others. That is the problem with being a point person... when problems arise, they get pointed to.

Despite that, they have survived these challenges with their dignity and humor intact. They remain the real heroes behind a training going smoothly and without any hitch and though we thank them for this, I sometimes feel that they don't get enough recognition for their efforts. Well, here's to you... guys and gals (including those not in the picture)! Keep up the good work (and work on those hitches too - he he he). Our work would definitely be a whole lot harder if you aren't around, so pat yourselves on the back, and Cheers!

Photoblog - day 79, Jun 28 2010

Afternoon Rain:

This photo was taken from inside our training room - right at the 14th floor in the Boni area - the building in the picture is the Globe Building... well, not exactly sure of the name - but it's known to house the offices of Globe Telecoms, while the buildings shrouded by the rain happen to be those towards Crossing and beyond that - those hardly visible at all, represent the Ortigas area.

This rain happened approximately from 4:30 to 6:30pm - so you can imagine the worries of people in the offices, wondering how long the rain would take - and how it would definitely affect their usual trip home. I mean, it looked strong form where we were situated... so our worry was how much more heavy rush hour traffic would be.

On the up side, it made Gina's and my participants - we were teaching day 1 of Packaged Detailed Design, ambivalent about going home early... I mean, with this rain - getting out of the building was far from their minds.

Lucky for me, I brought a car - so the only worry I had was for heavy traffic and flash floods - but since I left around 6:45, the former was relatively light for my route (guess a lot of people still got stuck down south) and the latter - if it were an issue earlier, just left heavy traffic... already dispersing, as the only clue to said flash flood. So yeah, I'm glad I was spared from any hassle - and based on Bryce's story, they also got spared from any heavy traffic. Additional silver lining? Rains always flush out the pollution in the air - and the heat was definitely dispersed too, thus Metro Manila` enjoyed a cooler evening.

Photoblog - day 78, Jun 27 2010

Whammo!

This was where Bernice and I had lunch, right after we had gotten her a floral dress in Mega-mall. The strategy was simple - arrive early and get things done before the mall started packing 'em in. Well, we did just that and considered getting an early lunch before we did the less challenging errands - like get stuff in the bookstore.

Going back to Wham - I have not had a burger in a long time... so long, I can't remember when I had one. Guess it's because I try to avoid burgers in favor of (ahem) healthier stuff. But, since Bernice wanted one... well, we chose the closest burger joint to where we were... so yeah - it's a little bit of serendipity that made us order and eat at Wham.

It's not that Wham isn't good - it really is... but it's so heavy. Maybe 20 years earlier, I would really get to eat these with gusto. Now though, I try to limit my fast food intake - and tasty as it is, the Wham burger is a classic example of a fast food product.

However, good tasting burgers are not the only identity of Wham - as you can guess by the paper on the tray, they project a comic-book image... in fact another store even has posters of well known comic characters done by well known artists. They even had a few framed comics (collectors item types) that people in the know can ogle at in between bites and chews.

That said, I shall try to visit this place some time next month - or the next two months... again, nothing against Wham burgers... it's more a diet thing.

Photoblog - day 77, Jun 26 2010

The Toblerone:

This cocktail is called the Toblerone - one of the suggested drinks that come with the Frangelico liqueur. It's made of 2 parts Frangelico, 2 parts cream, 1 part Kahlua and 1 part Bailey's - add all these with ice and shake (or use an ostirizer) and place in a martini glass. Garnish with a piece of chocolate - preferably Toblerone of course, and you're set to enjoy this cool drink.

So yeah... you can guess what I did this Saturday night. Although I had no company to enjoy this drink last night, it was a good experiment - after all - before I recommend it to others, I need to try it out first. So, how was it? It wasn't sweet - if you're wondering about how it tastes... well it's a bit like a Hazelnut milkshake with hardly any alcohol taste.

The thing is... I can't just do singles - so I ended up enjoying three cocktail glasses of Toblerone - then went straight to bed... but I don't think it was the alcohol. ;-) At least now I can offer something new and different to my guests... and it will definitely be an added treat should they be chocolate lovers.

Photoblog - day 76, Jun 25 2010

Turbo lift (I wish...)

This is the access elevator of Cyber2 - it connects the parking floors to the ground floor - and in all my days of needing to park in Cyber for my training conducts all these years. I probably passed through these doors a thousand times.

Now, when I'm alone in said elevator - which happens every now and then, I enact a guilty pleasure and blurt out "Engineering..." with a commanding voice, whenever the lift is on its way down; and "Bridge..." when it's on its way up (normally, meaning when I am on my way to my car. Yes, I admit it - I imagine this small elevator to be the same one that characters in Star Trek take - of course, it doesn't acknowledge my instructions with Majel Rodenberry's voice (like in the TV episodes, and movies) - but I can imagine... right?

Yeah... Starfleet must be one of the most sought after organization that many folks - myself included, would like to join.

Photoblog - day 75, Jun 24, 2010

Taguig Rising:

From afar, one can see the many high-rise buildings sprouting over The Fort in Tagiug - if one did not know better, it could easily be mistaken from afar as Makati's skyline - but no... this is hardly Makati.

I took this picture while in Cyber3 of Robinson's in Pioneer. On the foreground is the Pasig River and right after is a portion of Makati - but beyond it... the Fort. I can't exactly say how long The Fort has been around... though I vaguely remember flying a kite with Bryce back then. Of course, that was during the time there were hardly any high-rise buildings around.

Now it houses a lot of said buildings... offices abound, it's got the Serendra and Bonifacio High Street, plus the new St. Luke's Hospital and McKinley Hill with all the new technology-related offices. Soon will rise the Science Center. Yup... Taguig's future definitely is looking bright.

Photoblog - day 74, Jun 23, 2010

My new comics:

Technically, I was supposed to get these comics in about a week's time - usually synchronizing such a purchase with my going to Makati at the month-end to get my paycheck from Phoenix-One.

Today, however, I was invited by John to his birthday celebration in a restaurant that was just across from my usual comic place. So naturally, soon as we were done with lunch - Eboy and I left John to take care of the bill (it was his treat, after all).

I, then, decided to drop by the comic store and pick up my stack - which was relatively lesser than I considered. Nevertheless, it was a relatively light set - though to be fair, I also get a few issues this past weekend... ones that would have been added to this stack, had I not has them already. That said... any particular issue (or issues) I find interesting? Well, for starters, we have the Captain America issue where Zemo returns... then there's Iron Man... and this particular issue welcomes back a familiar character... Mrs. Abrogast, who used to be Tony Stark's executive assistant.

As comics are wont to entertain, this batch was a mix of great story telling, great art and characterization - okay... maybe not everything was excellent - but they're mostly above average - then again, there are some lemons... and we still need to turn them into lemonade.