I Should Have Brought Cards!

Have you ever felt something might go wrong in a business meeting? When was it? Have you finished presenting projects and sometimes think they are not enough even for your standards? Were you unsure about some deals you made in the past? You wish you could follow up with supporting documents but it's too late. I was not able to leave contact numbers because I ran out of business cards too. All that just happened yesterday. This was one of the most humiliating days in my entire life.

Remember a few articles ago when I wanted to get a little serious about my photography? I tried breaking a deal yesterday in covering an event for a former boss. He saw my work on a social networking site and got impressed enough to ask for it. If only I had some cheap business cards then I could have managed things smoothly when we parted ways. Of all the things I should forget, it was that minute detail that made it all miserable for me. If I got one, then I would not have looked unprofessional to clients. They might think I am not ready to go main stream. I just hope I did not lose this opportunity; or worse made an impression that I could not do it at all. I don't know how important business cards were until yesterday. I am willing to make amends with myself now. Where do you think I should get one? Do you have any suggestions?!

Oh Haiti!

When I woke up this morning to get my regular dose of chocolate drink, I was dumbfounded when I heard in the news that there was another earthquake in Haiti. Not just a simple aftershock because this one registered 6.1 in the richter scale. It was almost as strong as the first one they had that toppled almost the whole capital. I was worried about the casualties that we had (I mean the Philippines) because as it turned out, the missing 3 UN workers actually died and was just recovered yesterday. There is total chaos in the region because of the thousands that died and they could not even get them accommodate on local cemeteries. Some of them literally leave their loved ones outside the streets to rot because they are not able to preserve them anymore.

It was not a sight for a cup of Cadbury Chocolate Drink but good think I was strong at least I was able to still finish the drink.. But boy it was not a pretty sight to see!

I pity those who perished and the people they left behind. I wish there was something we could do to speed up the rescue efforts. I wish them well in the days to come because the last thing that they need is another earthquake!

The Art of Moving

Statistics show that there are almost 2000 families moving everyday in the country because of economic, social, political and practical reasons; and I think this is the time I should share my expertise in the subject since I have done that around 10 times in the last decade. I want you to have at least a glimpse of the hardships I went through in moving to apartments, houses and condominiums. It has never been easy for me but let me get you in on what could save a lot of time if you plan to do this too in the next few weeks. Let me show you where to start!

Theoretical planning should be the first thing you should do in the event that you decide "when" to move. I always thought that I was strong willed and I always wanted to plan at the last minute when I have to move since it is already inevitable. I hire professionals like those in Moving Companies Los Angeles if I need things done fast and efficiently. They get the job done even on a few moments notice. My basic things like kitchenware, dinnerware, bedroom and entertainment paraphernalia's are first on the list. I basically need to cook, put them on plates, sleep and keep myself busy on the new place I am moving to so if ever there would be essentials that you have to get first then that would be the ones you should take care of. If ever there are things you might leave because they are too bulky and fragile to travel with then your movers can take good care of that for you. Do not attempt to do it yourself if you are unsure of its safety. Have presence of mind and always take necessary precaution when moving. If your stuff ends up in 2 places, of course there would be one of them that would be left unguarded. You know what to do when that time comes since you do not want to end up buying new stuff for your new apartment if you already have what you need in the first place. I must say that these are hard times. You must make sure to take care of payments, since you are leaving one you must make sure you do not have outstanding bills with your former residence. The new one should also get necessary deposits and advanced payments if needed be. You can never be sure about abrupt spending so make sure you also have cash on hand. If you accomplish these things then moving will be a cinch! I would never want you to be unprepared if you take this step; so make sure you cover what you need when it happens. Moving is an art form so make sure you show your best and be the best at what you do, then you will never fall into unscrupulous individuals when you need help moving. That is the right thing to do and you know it!

Back Then...

Life was so simple back then. My phone was the culprit why I got into photography. All the subjects were just my friends, landscapes and seascapes. I did not have formal training but I saw something significantly great about the shots I made even on a low end phone. Now I can't even sleep anymore thinking about purchasing an IPHONE when my salary comes. Although I still have to think about the repercussions of that like paying for a monthly fee since it is tied up with a local phone provider. Oh why do these things get old, why don't I just get satisfied with what I have now and stick with it until it comes unusable. I had this phone fixed thrice already because of the usual ribbon folding up when opening and closing the unit. It stuck until the display had gone kaput on me. Then I had to pay another 6 or 700 bucks just to get that ribbon replaced again.

I don't want to complain but I know I have to replace this sooner or later. I always go to clubs thinking that my phone looked funny when I take it out. Everyone else had a better looking touch screen phone. But I'll probably die if it got lost or stolen. Why do we have to spend thousands of pesos for this, can't this be much cheaper so I won't have to think about dishing out money? LOL I love the cheapo me! LOL

On Weddings!

You probably know that I have been doing wedding photography these past few moths and I must admit I do really like it. Capturing moments is the key to a perfect shot and I have gotten quite a number of them already. Making the client happy is tantamount to the success of your shoot because no matter how you think that your shots are good, it is their word that will be the final say. Making preparations for the church, the program, the entourage and giving out wedding invitations starts how everything will fall into place. From shooting the suit, the dress and rings it sort of shows how a theme for the set will look like. Thinking how you will present the package is how the game starts.

Let me show you some of the shots I made for a client. These are some of the set we did for wedding portraits. I really like the ambiance in the ORCHIDARIUM we shot this in. I thought of playing with strobes and lights on this set because it has that mysterious impact. I like the swirls of light I put in after post processing because obviously it made the image more magical. I can even attest that these are good for magazines if the time comes. That would definitely be a big break if someone can arrange this for me. Does this work?!

Let me know what you think!

The Good and the Bad

A good man Press Secretary Cerge Remonde this morning was all over broadcast TV because he had a heart attack. He is the spokesperson of sorts of current President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but he never threw ill fated words to the opposition no matter how harsh they were. Unfortunately around 11:15 AM another news update indicated he already passed away. At the midst of all the political bruhahah in the Philippines, everyone still had remorse over his passing. It looks like there is still hope for Pinoys. I mean I am a good guy too but there are some who do not know what is right and wrong for this country. I hope everyone becomes educated enough to choose the best President come May of this year. Sometimes we can't do anything about it but just HOPE.




The bad, Jason Ivler who everyone thought was outside of the country after killing a guy over a traffic altercation in EDSA was raided 2 days ago in their house in Quezon City. I know he, his Mom and Dad go to the same gym I go to every morning and they are quite distinct because of how they look like. Let's just say they are quite eclectic. Jason is clad with tattoos all over his body, his mom is so tan and usually wears bohemian skirts to gym and his dad looks like Einstein. So you get the picture? Everyone is eagerly waiting what will happen to him since he is still in the ICU but handcuffed to his own bed. I know since he shot an NBI agent probably the whole NBI forces are there guarding the doors. His Mom on the other hand just got out of jail because she was charged with obstruction of justice. She kept Jason in the basement the whole time they were looking for him. Imagine that!

Bless Cerge Remondes' soul and I hope Jason gets whatever is meant for him. I have a few friends who has this big crush on him btw, now that is weird!

The Things You Need to Save Water

Here is a shot I took in the LAMESA watershed.

I am really sad that the government has gone into the extent of warning people from the metro about saving potable water in the coming summer. Since it would be doubly hot and we would not be able to get rain from any source other than the storms which seldom happens at that time of the year; we would need to do whatever it takes to be able to survive that weather. I am keen on getting swppp services because of the things that they boast of. They have veterans in the Civil Engineering sector which is close to my heart since my own Grandfather worked for the Engineering Brigade for USAFE in World War II. They will help getting more water back to the reservoir since we really need it.

Seeing these men in action brings back memories; they come crashing onto you too when you least expect it. I maybe a Computer Engineer by profession but I also use software they heavily implement in their firm like Civil 3D and Photo shop which makes designing and getting the structure of the house, a cinch! World renowned industry experts and business managers would make you feel that your project is not a chore when you get to build yourself your own dream home. They can even prevent getting that crummy little dirt around storm drains come rainy season in June. If you get plans as big as this, you really need all the help you can get!

Bon Voyage My Bro!

It is already time for him to go. After 5 long years of not stepping foot in this native land he is going back to Ireland again to work and probably get a new job. He probably misses us a lot and he will probably be doing the same come tomorrow. He visited a lot of relatives, spent the whole Christmas season and New Year here, gone to various islands in the Visayas region and spend some needed me time in the south of Manila. It was good to have rest and recreation enjoyed with friends and family I know. That is one of the few things in life that you would treat as priceless!

It is hard that he had to go out of the country just to work; that is what he chose to do with his life so we only can support him. Anyway, he is sporting dual citizenship so he can probably stay here on a longer period anytime. Even if he is an Irish citizen he still has Filipino blood so you can imagine the next time he comes back here, there would probably be more changes around the metro that he would not be able to see and feel but I am optimistic he will come back soon. Stay cool and stay focused on your career there and we will just be here to support you. I have no choice LOL you are my brother after all!

Take good care of yourself and Cheers!

Traveling South!

My brother who is now an Irish citizen is leaving the country on Wednesday and I am trying to maximize his vacation here by taking him around out of town trips. I know he enjoys the beach and everything that conspires within it like eating, shopping and bonding with family. I would like to at least get him to BATANGAS which is a world class diving spot and 4 hours away in the south of Manila but our family van is barred from traveling because of the number coding implemented by the government. The car plate ends in 5 and since that stands on a Wednesday, we would never be able to cross major thoroughfares and the expressway. Car Rental Comparison was the next thing to do since we need a better substitute than using public transport. It is either that or getting a relative to use their cars instead, but that would be a long shot.

We checked out on line resources and found a few highly recommended companies. I wish I could get the one offered in Australia. They have better services and you have better control over how you would be able to use rental cars down under. It would have been so easy if they offered the same in my community and my brother would be elated how classy their cars are. It is also safe; a characteristic my brother looks for in a rental shop. We will get there by hook or by crook! I will explore this land and get beautiful photos too; so I could show my friends a panoramic view of the place I almost called home! We'll be leaving tomorrow, see you guys there!