Random Photo: Unwanted Visitor

March 2005. We were in Baguio to help out in organizing a sales conference. I was helping my officemate Ronivi with some game rules for the following day's event. It was past ten in the morning, and the breakfast buffet table was about to close. As a waiter went around ringing a bell for a "final call", Ronivi had to leave for a while and told me...

"If they try to clean this up, tell them I'm not done yet."

...or something like that.

While he was away, a bird landed on a nearby chair. Since we were in Baguio Country Club, near the golf course, birds (as well as other flying critters) were common sight. The bird then hopped to Ronivi's unfinished meal (consisted of rice and bacon) and started munching on it. I then took my Canon Powershot G5 and tried to take a picture of the bird, and surprisingly, it posed for a second before flying away.

When Ronivi returned to his seat, this conversation happened (well, sort of):

Me: Don't touch that part, a bird flew in and took a munch.
Ronivi: Are you sure?
Me: Yeah, I took pictures of it, as proof.
Ronivi: What kind of friend are you? Instead of shooing the bird, you took pictures of it!
Me: Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I'm not sure if any of that made sense, but it was nice reminiscing the good old days.

Random Photo: Avilon Sunset

Okay, I noticed that lately I can't think of anything to post, unless there's some sort of photo opportunity. But such opportunities don't come everyday, for now at least. I'm too busy to do some sort of Project 365, and lately I've been commuting to work (with a heavy laptop) so bringing a camera is out if the question.

So to keep the ball rolling, I'll try to explore old photos that I took, maybe I'll start with those taken before this blog existed. I hope this helps inspire me in taking more photos, and at the same time improve my storytelling skills. let's just see if I can sustain this.

For my first random photo, a sunset shot from Montalban, Rizal. It was past five in the afternoon, and it was my first time to visit Avilon Zoo (with George and Jayson). Back then my 400D was only a few months old, and I was the only one with a DSLR. The sunset caught our eyes as Jayson's car traversed the rough road that leads people in and out of the zoo. And the reflection from the nearby rice field made it even better. I probably love this shot more than those I took inside the zoo.

Settings aside, this shot was taken using the kit lens. With photography, sometimes less is more.

Roen

This is Roen, another one of Roxanne's nephews. I'm guessing that he's going to love photography when he grows up, he had as much fun as I had taking pictures.


Thanks Roen for dropping by.

Playful Xantino

Before anyone reacts, that is not a real LPG tank. It's actually a coin bank, clever isn't it?

So Xantino dropped by again yesterday. Last time he was here, my camera malfunctioned. Yesterday, he actually "helped" me test my newly refurbished unit. It was quite tiring following him around (at his age, he really wants to explore everything around him), but it was fun. I just hope next time he stays still a little bit longer.

Finally Got My Camera (Again)

The 400D's mainboard and some sort of flexi-cable.

Got my unit back for the nth time. I no longer want to count how many times I've been to the service center, I just hope my next trip there would be for cleaning only. They said the mainboard was the culprit, total damage was around nine grand, discounted already.

At least I'm happy now, I'll get to use this on Valentine's Day. I'm still planning to buy a new body this year, maybe around May or June. Right now, the soon to be released 550D is my best bet, but still itching for a semi-pro body (60D perhaps when it's announced).

Life Is Weird

Image taken from here.

I'm confused. Why is life so weird? You're enjoying some sort of harmony in your surroundings, then all of a sudden it's taken away, and you can't do anything about it. It's like someone threw a rock at you, and you don't know the reason why.

I just don't get it. I feel stuck in some sort of conundrum. How do I confront all of these? As much as I'm thankful for all my blessings, and accountable for all my actions, I just don't seem to understand the quirks that life throws at me.

Oh well, that was just me thinking out loud. I know I'll get past all these, and tomorrow is going to be a new day.

Thanks Bro!

Learn more about the show here and here.

I just finished watching the final episode of May Bukas Pa, and this is probably one of the best endings I've ever seen. The feeling is comparable to what I have whenever I watch the series finale of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

I credit my Aunt Lily for influencing me to watch telenovelas, especially those from ABS-CBN. Over the years though I think these shows have become formulaic, but ABS-CBN got this one spot on.

May Bukas Pa isn't the typical fantasy/action/romance series. It's an inspirational piece that spanned for over a year, and more importantly, it made Bro a household name. The only thing I didn't care for: overacting extras.

For Sky Broadband and Bayan DSL subscribers, you may want to subscribe to iWantv to catch up with Santino and Bro. Only works with Windows though (bummer).

PhotoWorld Asia 2010

For those who still don't know, you guys have a chance to visit the booths at Glorietta. Like those from the previous years, most if not all the major photography distributors have gathered under one roof, plus extras like seminars, model shoots, and product demos. So if your itching to get that new Benro tripod, or dreaming of that new Lowepro backpack, then this is the right place.

Oh, and if you do visit PhotoWorld, do check out Art Space at the third floor of Glorietta 4. There's an exhibit featuring vintage cameras and old photos of the Philippines. Perfect for vintage junkies like me.