Get Comfortable!

The Philippines is like Katy Perry, we're hot then we're cold. It has never been easy to live in a tropical country but we manage to literally "weather" the changes each day. We are used to the sweltering heat of the sun in summer and the floods, strong torrential rain in the rainy season. These two weather systems drain what we all have in this country but nobody could stop that. We all just have to live with it... and probably get our selves a little comfy as much as we could.

We can live comfortably in our own homes with air conditioning where we could at least control the temperature. Manila does not have that much professional services in this field and we all know that. Birmingham HVAC Air Conditioning has pioneered this business for a long time and their knowledge on this industry is commendable. You should check their site out so you would get ideas how the experts do this. Make the most out of what you have and try to live this world a little better that when you found it. Make lives easier for your family and find professionals like them to get the best installed air conditioning units for you. I learned something new, I hope you do too!

My 4th Photoshoot: Digital Katipuneros Wildlife Photo Walk

Saturday turned out to be another whirlwind of a day, I had to go to a few places in the Metro that would require me to tire my self a little. Man! It was worth it! I had another great photo shoot with Digital Katipuneros this weekend in Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife. Landscape was a thing that I was doing with my point and shoot cameras when I was a frustrated photographer, so this was like testing the waters for me. It was a nice afternoon too because the weather cooperated. I went to the park exactly at 1PM and lounged around the park because I was expecting everyone else to be late heheh.

I was taking photos in the lagoon when I decided to contact Andy, he was already there too which I didn't know heheh. Sure enough I met with him where the eagles were, and took a couple of shots before we walked some more to wait for the others to arrive. We were only 7 I guess but it was great to take a break from the usual studio shoot, it was very nice indeed to see photography take shape in real wild life... Here's a peek at my shots... Enjoy!

I'm also embedding my previous photo shoot which I made a video of... I hope you enjoy this one too!

The Uncle Spoils His Nephews

I'm meeting my nephews this weekend because my cousins invited a lot of our relatives for their Mom's death anniversary. I know it is not much of a big deal for westerners but Filipinos have this culture of having strong family ties. Not that we do not know how to let go, but we celebrate their good lives... and we remember them together with our families. It is not conventional, but that is how we do things around here.

My nephews are cute, bar none. The two kids even had several photo sessions with a famous guy last year so they could put them into vitamin C ads and labels for kids. It was really nice seeing them on the drugstore counter... if it was needed I could have bought one myself ha-ha!

Well being the good Uncle that I am, I need to probably buy them stuff because we seldom see each other. No, it's not bribery or anything like that. It's just something to remember me by. I remember when I was a kid people did not even give me that much gifts weather it would be my birthday or Christmas. I checked out the latest gifts on line and found personalized children's plates. I know that would really be a good thing to get for them since they would be using it everyday. They also like to go to school too, so maybe getting them a toddler backpack would help them study harder while being the envy of the other kids.

I could also get his baby brother an ezy roller so his folks would not worry about him too much while traveling. I just want the best for them so I should get them the best toys in town. I hope someday, somehow they will remember the Uncle who spoiled them. I in fact remembered mine and that is what I would want to happen in the long run. I'm no psychologist but that really did wonders for me!

What would you get your kids if you were in my place? I'm sure its one of those!

My Friday, June 12, 2009 - Independence Day

It's June 12 today and it's independence day in the Philippines. Whatever it means to you, happy independence day!

I just got my IR remote for Trish, bought it this morning and they delivered it around noon. I'm happy because now it would be easier for me to take self portraits. Although I don't know how I would be able to hide the remote when I take a picture of myself... 10 second delay maybe? Hehehe.

Aside from that, I was in constant stomach pain this morning and afternoon. I barely got enough sleep and almost was late for work. I'm gonna still work my butt off though. Not that I'm complaining, but it would be nice to have a raise of some sort... my tax is getting bigger by the minute but my basic pay is still the same. Same old story huh?! Haha...

I'm angry at some people right now, because they told me they'll pay me back. But its been a few months and no news of that payment yet... how I wish there would be some hitlist I can put them on so they'll be dead the day after... I would really love to sign them up for that! *sarcastic*

I'm happy it's the weekend once again, I would be able to go back to my new hobby again. I'm going to Trinoma tomorrow so I can visit the crumpler store. Probably buy a camera bag for Trish (My Nikon D60) *there I go again addicting myself to bags!* and a tripod, and a lenshood for the kit lens. The list goes on and on! This is getting to be expensive I know, but I'll stop buying stuff somewhere in the middle. Anyway, I haven't got a lens yet for shooting a little far. If someone would buy me a gift, that would be nice! Heheh. It would not be bad too if you guys started donating them spare dollars you know! Hahah!

Something Confidential

I've got a friend who just recently confided his problems with me. It's not that big of a deal really but for him it is something worth his married life. Yes, he is married to a smart and perfect wife and the only thing he can boast about is two things... his good looks and his ability to pro-create. Like any man, he's more into that machismo stuff. Without it, it would be like taking away his MOJO. Do you remember how Austin Powers went to the whole hurrahs of getting his MOJO back when it was stolen from him? It is somewhat close to that but not quite. We have to discount that my friend is not much of a comedian.

Here's the thing, he lost his ability to perform. I do not even know that this could be a reality, that someone that close to me would even be one. It is just surreal to think that he has impotence. It is just not quite the same person as I knew in college where he was often labeled as a ladies man and a womanizer. Times may have really changed because at that time, you would think this would never be his problem. I was wrong, but the need to help him has risen. Given the fact that I am quite healthy at that department should probably be a major factor why he told me these things. Generic Viagra was one thing I could suggest. In this day and age, it should not be too big of a deal anymore. There are a lot of functions enhancing stuff you can get at a fraction of its cost. Like on some on line stores, some have trial packs available so they can test it out first before purchasing big volumes of it. This is one sure way of getting only the effective ones so they would not have to waste money in the long run. They can also try the on line store's discount program (10% off for returning customers, 15% off refills, 2% when paying by AMEX or JCB, free shipping). I'm sure giving him enough information and encouraging him to take actions now would greatly help him. Knowing I was there when he needs me most is enough to make him happy and encouraged to get back into shape!

How to Take Care of Trish (My Nikon D60)

After reading some materials in forums and books, I think it's time to list down what I need for my Trish. I need to accomplish this before the next photo shoots!

My Own Camera Checklist!

First things first...

1.) Get her that UV Filter to protect your lens. (CHECK)




2.) Get a Screen Protector for the digital screen. I saw one in Digital Walker, Greenbelt5 based in Phipho. They will cut it to size and install it for you. (Yeap, they did that when I first bought it!)

3.) Get a camera bag (if it didn't come free with the camera). If you want something cheap, use your own bag but make sure it has proper cushioning. (I do, but I'm planning to buy a Crumpler! ^^)


4.) Get her new cleaning accessories. The rocket blower and the lens pen would be a good start. I've got a lens pen and 3M Microfiber free with the package I bought. I have to find a blower!

5.) Extra battery (get either another Nikon battery or Phottix at almost half the price). I don't have this yet but this would make sure I would never run out of juice.

6.) Diffuser for your built-in flash. Gives subjects a natural tone and removes the harsh reflections on their faces. I bought one yesterday! Yehey!



7.) Nikon IR Remote so I could do self portraits! It's gonna be in my hands by tomorrow!



8.) Lens Hood, which I will also buy from DP... it is a little expensive but I need this so I won't battle too much with natural glare from daylight...9.) Tripod, which probably is going to be bought in CDRKING... it's cheaper there! I need the function and I won't look at the brand anymore! Hahah...

Most accessories of my cam can be bought in Pixelpro (VMall, Greenhills), DigitalWalker (Greenbelt5) or JT (Pasong Tamo) for nearly the same price as in Hidalgo. I would not want to go too much in Quiapo, the place is creepy heheh.


These things are minimum to protect Trish... I'll take good care of her don't you worry!

Vacation Home Furniture Dilemma

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was planning to have a theme for our home in TAGAYTAY, a province just in the outskirts of Metro Manila. Since the ambiance was a little "Country" I was thinking of a way to put in rustic furniture on it. The goal was to at least give it that natural feel since the place was going to be in the middle of a coffee farm and surrounded by big trees and shrubs. It would also have a modern element to it because we mostly want it to be made up of a combination of industrial steel and natural wood. This would be a little hard to provide as an initial concept for design, but that is what my family wants for this small vacation home.

I guess I have to start somewhere to make this a reality. We already have a couple of pieces from our original house that we plan to transfer to the new house. The bed however needs a little replacement because our old one signed up for retirement. It's not infested with termite or something but it just is a little too old for the place. Maybe the bed was just a part of early 60's modern design but looking at it, it just does not fit in the whole picture. It looked like pop art all over again. We would be a laughing stock if we forced that into place. I hope we finish everything before my brother arrives from Ireland. He is going to be upset if that does not happen. I know!

Spending Wisely... Yeah I Hope!

Seems like there is no end to the agony of "spending" heheh. I'm planning to buy a couple of things for Trish (my Nikon D60 DSLR camera), first things first so its going to be a UV filter so I can get the lens protected. After that, a pop up flash diffuser, a tripod and a remote for my camera. How in the world would I be able to take self portraits if I don't have one obviously!

Not that its pleasing to see, I know I look good but I guess I've gained a lot of weight from eating too much. Don't be too shocked, I know how I weigh because I check it every now and then. I just don't have to tell you though... heheh.

Aside from that, I am in the process of editing the photos I've taken this weekend and am learning a lot. Though I have some reservations on what looks good in my photos, some of them are a little bit blurry and not sharp but I guess that comes with the process. I guess even my intermediate skills in photoshop has not gotten me anywhere near what I should see. I'm going to check out some sites later so I could at least learn these things a little bit faster.

This coming Saturday I will be with them again for a photo walk in Quezon City Parks and Wildlife for some nature shots. I don't know how I fared with that when we had some sessions with D60'rs but here's some samples of it. Wish me luck on Saturday! Ayt!

You Have to See Things Clearly

I was window shopping a few days ago and chanced upon an optical shop in the mall. They had various colors of contact lenses available and I wonder if it was safe to wear even if I did not have eye problems. In the Philippines, it was almost a norm to see young men and women to wear it for fashion. The deal is, they don't really know some of the dangers in wearing it. Predominantly, Filipinos only have black or brown eyes and going beyond that is unique. This is the biggest selling point of most optical shops, but here's a story.

Sexy local film and TV personality MAUREEN LARAZZABAL went out with her friends wearing her best evening clothes and green contact lenses to accent her look. She spends quite a fortune for it and in 25 years, it would have cost her roughly around $20,000. This is quite a big amount because a single US dollar equals 47 Philippine Pesos in this side of the world. Tired and weary from her travel and shows, she forgot to take them off and slept throughout the night. When she woke up, she felt terrible pain and could not even open her eyes anymore. She was rushed to the hospital and doctors found out she was already suffering internal bleeding because of the contact lenses. She almost lost her sight on both eyes. They were able to save her but needed to rest for a few months and she was not able to work during this time. A lot of people were worried for her safety and realize that fashion is not going to be on top of a person's health. We all should know how to wear contact lenses properly or else, we will lose our eyesight.

As expensive as she might have spent for the lenses, she was still not safe. In this time where money is pretty hard to find, we should find ways to live within our means. There are procedures nowadays that can do better things for our eyesight. LASIK has been part of a huge eye health revolution when it was patented in 1989. Thousands have benefited from this and there are new developments in LASIK surgery. Today, the iLASIK procedure only takes minutes and the cost has dramatically gone down over the years. There are computers that can literally generate blueprints so that each cornea reshaped would be perfectly done. The technology has gone advanced that a friend of mine who has tried the procedure even went home the same day. I hope people get educated and be given sufficient information so nobody would suffer the same fate as Maureen did. Get those eyes fixed instead of resorting to temporary solutions that could further damage your eyes. We all deserve better!

My 2nd Photoshoot: DPP Digital Katipuneros and D60'rs

It's been one heck of a week! My new baby named "Trish" (a Nikon D60 DSLR Camera) just arrived and the need to practice pressing 'em clickers and learn photography just sent me into a whirlwind in practically 2 days. I joined well known forums for the hobby and guess what I picked up... "NEW FRIENDS":

Yeap! They were all so nice to teach me a thing or two about photography. I get to interact with people of the same interest... I was happy as a kid!

No, it was not just because I learned a lot in that photo shoot, nor because we had these awesome and beautiful models...

But it was because I had the chance to get to know more people... it was not the normal night out where I usually hang out in Embassy, Warehouse, The Fort or The Manor... but OMGWTFBBQ there is nothing more good than spending a few hours of chit chat with people who love their craft. This frustration of mine which led me to a WHOLE WORLD of possibilities, where I still get nose bleeds every now and then with the technical jargon... I'm so happy... I got to shoot until I wore out my hand and get tired of it... I have never taken so many pictures. in my entire life.. though I plan to beat that... I'm so proud of what I have done in a short while. I'm really looking forward to another week with them. They are all so nice, I could not really thank them enough about everything!

Thank you Digital Katipuneros for the REVOLUTION you have imparted to people like me (noobs).

Thank you Nikon D60'rs for the great morning - till afternoon photo walk... I enjoyed every minute of it! Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago was awesome and nostalgic!

This experience indeed taught me something and I'm still in the process of learning a lot from them...
Until our next photo shoot! Peace out!