Bon Voyage Reena

L-R: Me, Reena, Gelsen, Jayson, Myra, Pris, and George. Taken during her despedida last August 5. More photos from Jayson and Myra here.

Gelsen already confirmed that his girlfriend Reena is leaving tomorrow for Maldives to work for the new Shangri-La Hotel there. So from all of us, have a safe and pleasant journey ahead, and goodluck on your new job.

On Green Archers Losing Streak: Trying To Keep The Faith

I never liked basketball growing up, I never cared for the sport. But that all changed in 1997, the year I entered La Salle for college, and got a taste of the Animo for the first time.

I wondered what the big deal was with the Green Archers back then, they were bridesmaids to UST for four years. But even with that fact, one can't deny that La Salle has always been a contender. Watching even on TV gives you that sense of pride, especially when your team is winning. I consider myself lucky, that in my five years in La Salle I have witnessed four championships.

For me, 2006 was a dark year, seeing all the other teams compete while La Salle was suspended. I never realized that 2009 would have almost the same effect, seeing the Green Archers lose their games left and right.

A five game losing streak. Scoring less than 50 points in a game. The big possibility of not making it to the Final Four. These are the things that haunts every fan, and possibly the team itself. But is it time to throw the towel and look forward to next season?

I guess not. Although the team no longer controls its destiny, making it to the Final Four is still a possibility. I am never an expert in basketball, so I will not mention anything related to stats and performances and lapses. All I'll do is keep my faith in La Salle, win or lose.

There are still three games left for our team. Let's keep the faith.

Animo La Salle.

Xantino And My Malfunctioning 400D (Again)

A cute face is what my camera last saw.

My godchild Xantino dropped by last Saturday, and to my dismay my camera acted up again. Well, it was able to take some shots before finally conking out, driving me crazy along the way.

So now my camera is back at the service center, and hopefully this time they can get rid of that Error 99 syndrome.

Oh, and thanks to Gelsen for that neat bounce trick using your built-in flash. You can learn more about it from his tutorial here.

Farewell Toyota Rav4

...and I never got the chance to say goodbye...

My Rav4 surviving the muddy slopes of El Kabayo Falls in Zambales nearing the end of its prime years.

I loved my Toyota Rav4. Heck, I still love it even if it's gone. It's the car that gave me confidence to drive, that brought me to places I would never have imagined, and the car I used when I started dating Roxanne. It served twice as a bridal car, have seen muddy and rocky terrain, and memories have been built around it.

But unfortunately, it has also been a source of headaches. Not only does it suck gas like a thirsty desert dweller, old age and the problems associated with it have begun to appear in recent years. Usually, cars with automatic transmission have a good five years before wear and tear starts to show, my Rav4 is already nearing its eleventh year.

In the past I tried to sell my Rav4, but often times I'm just too sentimental to let it go. But now that it's becoming a liability, I gave my brother the go-signal to do the dirty work. And just like that, it's gone. And I never had the chance to say goodbye.

Although a possible replacement is coming in September, I still can't get over the fact that my driving buddy is no longer mine. I got too attached to it, so as some of my friends. But change is inevitable, and it's time to move on.

My Rav4 didn't only leave pleasant memories, it made me a better driver, and more appreciative of how automobiles work. Thank you driving buddy, may you land in better hands.

President Cory's Funeral

I'm lost for words. I had all these words in my mind prior to writing this, I guess all I can say is that I was in the right place, at the right time, to witness history in the making.

I have never seen so much people gather around the streets, just to say farewell to President Cory. It was a sea of people wearing yellow and flashing "L" for Laban, some even came with funny signs (see first picture). But the spirit was there, the spirit that for a brief period united us as Filipinos.

The pictures above were taken during her long funeral procession along South Super Highway in Makati. I managed to get a few decent shots with limited gear (just an ultra wide lens) and fatigue from standing for more two and a half hours. You can see the rest of the shots here.

Again, thank you and farewell President Cory.

Farewell President Cory

Picture taken from here.

I haven't been in touch with what's happening lately, so it came to me as a surprise when I learned about our former president's demise. I wouldn't have know if not for Sunday mass.

I was young and innocent when the People Power Revolution occurred, but I am thankful that I am one of those reaping the rewards of democracy. Sadly though, corruption is still as rampant today as it was during my childhood.

May you rest in peace President Cory. Salamat sa demokrasyang iyong pinamana.