Posting From The Land Of The Free 4.0

I think I left my heart in San Francisco. It's such a wonderful city.

The Golden Gate Bridge, as seen from Battery Spencer.

Tonight, we say goodbye to America as we fly back home to Manila. There are so many things I will miss here: the wide roads that barely see any real traffic; the varying landscapes from the rolling hills to the ocean like desserts; the friendly people; and the cool weather. But home is where my loved ones, my work, and my life are.

Last time I was here, I felt homesick. But that was before the Internet became so rampant (thank you free WiFi) and roaming phones became possible. Now, it feels like I'm leaving home. It actually depressing, but it's time to go back to reality, and embrace the good and the bad that comes with it.

I am thankful that I have experienced visiting the other side of the planet. Some people here cannot even visit the adjacent state. And I am thankful that I met some wonderful people during the course of our trip.

And on a positive note, at least my wallet won't bleed anymore, if you know what I'm saying.

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I'm starting to figure out iPhoto, as well as this MacBook. It really is fun to use. Here are some of my thoughts:

- Boot up and shut down are fast, especially the latter. No more system tray that takes time to load.

- The boot up sound is weird for me, I prefer the one from Windows.

- The sound the optical drive makes is kinda scary, like it's going to break.

- Installing applications is so easy. Drag and drop easy.

-Battery life is okay, it goes for more that three hours (with WiFi turned on). I'll try to time it one of these days.

-Firefox, Yahoo Messenger, and Google Earth works better here than on my Windows machine. Better means faster and less crashes.

-It took me a while to get used to browsing files.

So that's all for now, from time to time I'll post more about my Apple experience.

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That filter I bought in San Francisco is causing some serious vignetting (dark corners) on my 10-22. It became really noticeable when I took pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge at 10mm. So now this filter goes to my 17-55, and I'm back to my old filter for my 10-22.

My camera has also experienced some serious beating while here in the US. The constant lens swaps has introduced dust in my sensor, plus some minor bumps and scratches caused by travel (it's usually just swung around my neck and shoulder like a bag, even during shopping).

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So that's it for now. Most probably by my next post I'm already in Manila. And hopefully soon I'll get to post more of my pictures from our USA tour.

Posting From The Land Of The Free 3.0

My new toy, and I'm still trying to figure it out.

If you asked me ten years ago, I would never have considered an Apple computer. Probably it's because back then, the only advantage Macs offer is that it's virus free (for me, a former gamer and hardware freak, at least).

But now I feel I'm going to eat my own words. Yesterday, I bought my first Mac, a 2.4Ghz MacBook. I actually wanted a MacBook Pro, but I couldn't justify the $400 difference for a first timer like me.

I'm not making a total switch, at work I will still use Windows. Nor am I complaining about Windows, which is why a lot people shift. I just want to try something new and see if it will simplify the way I process photos (and most of my computing needs). And thanks to the new Intel-based Macs, I can run Windows anytime.

So far, I'm enjoying my new machine. But I still can't figure out how to backup my pictures from iPhoto. When I get back home, I will install all the utilities that came with my DSLR, but for now, iPhoto is my only resource (and Google).

By the way, a big thanks to two of my aunts. My Tita Nery for driving us the whole day yesterday, and to Tita Tess, for the base pass. I actually got my unit from an air force base here in Northern California, which means it's tax free.

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That swine flu thing is scary, especially that it's flu season here in the US. It's quite cold here in Fremont, and it's a lot colder back in San Francisco. Not that I miss Manila's hot and humid climate, but a little heat is very much welcome.

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And I seem to be behind what's happening back home. Thankfully we chanced upon The Filipino Channel (TFC), and The Philippine Star is also a big help in updating us.

Now it's time for me to explore Fremont a little bit more. See you guys soon.

Posting From The Land Of The Free 2.0

At the Grand Canyon, such a sight to behold. This is one of those places that you should see in your lifetime. Again, thanks to my mom for this shot.

Okay, some photography stuff first.

First, Picasa is great. I heard this application first from my friend Gelsen, but what I didn't know is that it's great for viewing and minor processing of RAW files, even for netbooks. Now I'm able to view and backup my shots (including the RAW ones), although I'm still exploring this software. Hopefully I can post more pictures in the next coming days, and maybe, just maybe, I'll have a better tool at processing photos.

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This second point is a little long, so be please be patient with this part (or just completely skip it).

I went to Fisherman's Wharf yesterday, and there are a lot of camera stores there, though not the known retailers. And in one of the stores, the guy started a sales talk, which ended with me buying a circular polarizer (CP). But I already have one of those.

Well, he kept pointing out that the Hoya UV filter in my 10-22 was causing me to lose light. And so is the polarizer that I'm using. This one, for some reason, acts like a polarizer but at the same time allows more light just like a regular UV. The brand is Digital Vision, and I can't find anything about it online. My only complaint is that it's thicker than my Hoya CP, which causes some vignetting (dark edges), but only when I go ultra wide. So far, this is the only CP that I can use at night. Pretty cool.

So what did I learn from all this?

- Camera stuff here ain't cheap (even though the "sale" sign is on display).

- Never flash/display your camera when browsing a camera store. Unless you're good at winning arguments or you really intend to buy something.

- I am never good at resisting a sales talk.

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As of this time, we're waiting for our ride to Fremont, which is still part of the Bay Area. And I love San Francisco. There's so much to explore here. When I get my pictures processed I'll write more about this wonderful city.

Posting From The Land Of The Free

Hollywood Walk of Fame. Thanks to my mom for this picture.

Well, it's been more or less a week already. We've been to two (no, make that three) states already, and tomorrow we'll be flying to San Francisco and will be be staying there until our return to Manila.

Traveling is not all fun. There's waking up early to catch our ride (and maximize the day), walking all day, constantly packing and repacking our baggage, missing your loved ones, and the worst part, the expenses. Add to that, my brother's netbook isn't the best for photo editing, as it cannot support my RAW files (does not meet minimum resolution). But the experience is all worth it. Oh yeah.

I already have lots of photos from the past few days. Most are JPEGs since traveling means being trigger happy, and I can't seem to copy my RAW files (they just appear as duplicate JPEGs). Hopefully in the coming days I'll be able to post my pictures, and some insights as well.

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Speaking of my brother's netbook (Asus Eee, Celeron processor type), it's really slow and typing can sometimes be a pain. Plus I can't post process my photos, no RAW support, and I'm not too familiar with Windows Live Photo Gallery. Add to that a short battery life.

But on the upside, it's fun to use because it's small, I can literally toss it to my mom whenever she needs to check her email. And it's light, I never miss carrying any of my laptops with this one. It's also sturdy, since I accidentally dropped it once (sorry bro) and not even a single scratch surfaced.

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Okay, some more thoughts. Staying in Las Vegas is expensive. The only thing cheap is our hotel (Circus Circus), but everything else is highway robbery. $12 for 24 hours Internet access, which was free when we were in Los Angeles (how I wish I maximized that). But sales tax here in Sin City is lower (around 7% compared to California's 9% average). But if you do the math, the difference is very little.

And just to add, I already lost $3 on the slot machine. Thankfully, I'm not a compulsive gambler.

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One last thought. People here in the US are really nice (well, most of them). And it seems like everything has a system, and they work. Also, there are lots of Filipinos here, especially in Los Angeles. The night we arrived, it seemed like we never left home, because even though we were already on American soil, you can still hear people conversing in Tagalog. Oh, and I think most of the immigration officers are Filipinos.

So there you go for now. Time for me to catch some much needed sleep. Until my next post.

Flight Delayed

I'm supposed to be in the airport now, but our flight has been delayed. Instead of departing at ten, we will now depart at one in the morning. Bummer.

On the bright side, I got to test my brother's Asus Eee. This will be our laptop in the US. It's a bit slow, and the keys are quite small. But for some reason, it's fun to use. I really can't explain it.

Vacation Time!!!

My much needed rest time has arrived!

I'm almost done with packing, what a relief. In a few hours my mom and I will be flying to California (Los Angeles to be exact), and will be visiting Las Vegas and San Francisco in the coming days.

The last time I got out of the country was in 2005 (Hong Kong), and the last time I was in the United States was in 2001. Back then it was all about malls and theme parks. That was before I ventured into photography (ironically, I bought my first digital there).

Now, we'll be exploring sites like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and other places of interest. Of course, shopping won't be gone, as I plan to buy some stuff there.

Now for the sad part. I hate being away from home, and for sure I will miss all my loved ones here, especially Roxanne. But I guess if I don't explore (or re-explore) new places, I might regret it when I get older.

So that's about it. I will try to enjoy this two and a half week break. I will still be online though, thanks to my brother's netbook (Asus Eee).

Picnic Grove

Ruins.

Cable car.

The view of Taal.

The zip line (I don't know who these folks are).

"Wholesome" souvenirs.

I haven't been in a picnic since high school. Thanks to Roxanne and her clan for inviting me for some good old chow by the grassy lot, and an opportunity for me to take pictures. It's also one of those rare opportunities that I get to borrow my mom's Fortuner. I just love driving that car.

I didn't know that there's already a cable car and a zip line in the area. I guess it's worth a try when the place is less crowded.

More pictures here.

Maleldo 2009

Jayson along with the spectators.

Penitents.

Live crucifixion (partly covered).

Maleldo, the Kapampangan word for "Holy Week".

In San Pedro Cutud, a village in San Fernando, Pampanga, people (especially foreigners) flock here during Good Friday to witness Lenten sacrifice at its extreme. Some are whipped, while others are crucified.

Jayson and George convinced us (me and Roaxnne) to join them in witnessing this event last Friday, only to realize that we were not prepared. No, it's not the blood nor the gore, but the suffering that entails the trip. Walking under the scorching sun for more than a mile, being duped by the pedicab driver, and all the dust and people were some of the factors that caught us by surprise. It was dubbed as our "penitenshoot", taking pictures and at the same time, making a sacrifice.

I guess a return trip next year to San Pedro Cutud is improbable, but in case I (or we) do return, here are some things that I learned from this trip:

- Brings lots of hankies or small towels, Good Friday always falls on a summer, so expect lots of sweat. It's also helpful against dust in the air.

- It is dusty, really dusty. Make sure your gear (e.g. camera) is protected, and always take caution if you have nasal allergies.

- Parking is expensive, so always bring extra cash.

- In case you have to ride a pedicab, be wary of where they will drop you off. Always tell them to bring you to the crucifixion site, no excuses.

- Drinks are available at the site, but if you must bring your own, it's best to have it frozen. Believe me, it gets really hot, and a warm bottle of Gatorade is not fun to drink.

- The show usually starts past noon, so don't hurry, unless you're a photographer and you want a good vantage point.

- There are lots of people, so on the way back, be prepared to walk (around 1.5 kilometers).

I guess that's about it. Oh, and more pictures at the following links:

Mine
George's
Jayson's
Myra's

Rare, But "Well Done"

Yahoo News: One of world's rarest sharks caught and eaten.

After my recent Planet Dive experience, news like this just makes me sad.

Planet Dive

The rocky shoreline of Anilao.

Me and Roxanne.

Our diver friends.

Gelsen checking out the gear.

The best part of the day, an awesome sunset.

I am never an early bird. But even with only four hours of sleep, the magnificent view of the ocean as we approach Planet Dive in Anilao, Batangas became an indication that it was going to be a great day. That big blue body of water almost made me cry (just kidding).

Since Roxanne and I are not divers (nor are we good swimmers), we decided to just wander around before lunch time as most of our friends went to dive. Being there was just so relaxing, how I wish I'd see the ocean whenever I look out my window.

After lunch, we tried out snorkeling. It was my first time, and I never really got any good underwater shots. Unfortunately, Roxanne got injured, her knee struck some jagged rock and it caused a big wound, which we attended to immediately. With this development, I had to postpone my plans of taking introductory scuba diving lessons.

After all that commosion, the day ended well with a beautiful sunset, much better than that of Manila Bay. We all went home tired (with some injured), but fulfilled.

Anyway, before I say where the rest of the pictures are, here's a litte rollcall:

To Jayson and Myra - thanks for the ride home, and for letting me try your IR camera.
To George - thanks for lending me your Aquapack.I guess underwater photography is not that easy.
To Pris - you're the best nurse in the world. Thank you so much for treating Roxanne's injury.
To Gelsen - thank you for the ride to Planet Dive. Nice time lapse video.
To Jayson H. - nice meeting you bro.
And to Roxanne - I hope you get well soon honey. I love you so much.

And now, the photo galleries:
Mine
Jayson's
Myra's
George's
Gelsens' (with his famous time lapse video)

Cheers!!!