Day 020 Apr 28, 2012

Bryce's 3rd Speech:

As I was helping make sure Bryce would be able to join in today's Speechcraft, I was reminded of a saying 'just show up...'. This stems from the secret of one successful person... who, at a very young age, showed great potential and got a lot of awards. It was really no miracle or hard fought training or raw talent... all it was was about perseverance... and this starts by showing up.

Why exactly this? Today would have easily been shelved - after all, Bryce just came back from a 3-day activity filled summer camp, and I'm sure he would have wanted to sleep in late for Saturday morning. He also had little time to prepare for his next speech - and I suspect he might have crammed a bit regarding this. And even if I had to wake him up to get ready, he did not complain or give an excuse - he went with me and participated in the Speechcraft.

With regard to his 3rd speech, Bryce showed more confidence in speaking - specially in Table Topics, and likewise showed deep content in his (not so) prepared speech, enough to give him a good enough evaluation. The thing is, he could have opted not to give a speech... or simply regurgitated an older one, but he did not. Too bad it was announced that this would be their last Speechcraft, as I was looking forward to at least one more meeting... their supposed graduation speech where aside from what they've learned regarding gestures and organizing, they would have been tasked to practice vocal variety. Apparently, almost half the participants could not make it for whatever reason, so it was decided to stop the speechcraft due ot it not worth the time and effort of many people.

I would have called this differently - Bryce as participant or not, as I would feel that not to continue would have been unfair for those that took the time to practice and prepare for their speeches. Yes, even if it were just two left, I would make sure they finish the program as presented. Oh well... it's not my call, and at least Bryce got a taste of public speaking, and for that I am thankful to the Managers for Christs TMC. Deep inside though, I do hope they continue this... specially for the student scholars' sake.

Bryce will have more opportunities to do this - and at least, thanks to this and the past two weeks, he widened his horizon a bit and now has a slight public speaking experience advantage, should he opt to do so again, or should he be asked to make more presentations.

Day 019 Apr 27, 2012

SAGA reunion:

SAGA stands for the Society of Anachronists, Gamers and Adventurers - a catchy name and acronym in its day... and still catchy in today's consideration (we did good giving our group such a  name), and it represented an eclectic group of teens and young adults from different backgrounds. Our one uniting common denominator? A love for role-playing games.

Yes, we played a lot of games... and shared many late night (up to early morning) sessions. That was then - how are we now? Simple... a lot of us are busy with work, that we find little time to spend with RPGs - but we're slowly trying to revive it whenever and wherever we can. Jayvee and Fred are in the forefront (along with others) with hopes of giving the next generation of gamers a venue to learn and love RPG.

For now, though, we try to make sure we can have gatherings like this evening (coffee and chit chat in Figaro's Shang) where we can catch up with each other, and come up with possible game plans and shcedules.

Day 018 Apr 26, 2012

Happy participants:

Day 2 of our Test Design Fundamentals training, and this picture just shows a fourth of the participants attending said training conduct that Ariel and I are handling.

This was in between an activity that we're asking they do and the break time (for snacks and rest room concerns), and you'd think - judging by their smiles, that this was a walk in the park or an excursion for them. On the contrary, its a relatively highly procedural and slightly technical training. But that doesn't mean they aren't ready to flash a smile while having said training... more so when they see me pointing the camera their way. If anything else, they seem to strike a pose readily - so no chance of stolen or candid shots here.

Day 017 Apr 25, 2012

Ariel in Facilitator mode:

With Leader's Window done, my next assignment happened to be Test Design Fundamentals... whew, talking about training I've not done in a while. If Leader's window has been a long time - this one I can't even remember when last I conducted it. Some time last year - maybe almost a year ago.

Well, the beauty of having this Project 365 is that I could positively find out. All I need do is review the pictures of my past two years, and - on the assumption of course, of my posting a picture about it, I can pinpoint when I did this training last.

For now though, I will just continue...

Ariel's first joining us was around some time last year, and one of his first sit-in sessions was with me (and either Fiel or Tess, I think), and according to him, it was this same training he attended (which bolsters the fact that I did conduct it last year - though it's quite unclear as to whether that was my last conduct of this course). Anyway, one year later and back to the present, it is Ariel partnering with me to conduct this course. It's three days of concepts and knowledge sharing... it could have been better... but due to logistics sensitivity and our not being given authority to update items, the training conduct can't be improved to it's supposed potential.

The good thing is, Ariel managed everyone's expectations regarding the course's shortcomings. Add to that, his becoming a testing bootcamp facilitator, and he showed impeccable knowledge of testing... even I was surprised at the depth of his capability to explain the process and steps for the class' benefit from both a macro and a micro viewpoint - something that I'm sure the participants would readily appreciate and understand... assuming, of course, that they were listening.

Day 016 Apr 24, 2012

Buffy up close:

I took this picture right before we were getting ready to sleep. The lights were closed with exception to the night lamp, and as I was looking around, I saw the play of shadow and lighting on Buffy's face. Since she has a very expressive face, I could see the worry lines easily transform into a more at peace (or relaxed) look. Well, I thought to myself, this may be a great opportunity to take a few shots of her face... i was also particular in trying to get a clear shot of her eyes (if possible).

Buffy was lying ob Bryce's bed and I positioned the night lamp to try and lighten half her face... while leaving the other half in shadows. I did not want her face to be too bright - nor too dark. Despite that, the bright areas still looked overpowering - and I now have better respect for the need of light diffusion and/or a more portable lighting source (most likely both, actually).

Still, working with what I have, I came up with a few shots and though I wanted to post one where she seemingly looked dignified, I chose this look... more like a 'I'm keeping an eye on you - one wrong move and...'. You get the picture, right? I liked this because it was a nice balance of what I was trying to achieve (light and dark side). I used a non flash option, naturally... which also made the need to adjust my ISO setting, as I did not want to capture too much ambient light and defeat the purpose of this experiment.

Day 015 Apr 23, 2012

Leader's Window training:

Been a while since I've handled this training (meaning, it's been a while since it was given to me), but this is one training - because of how things are designed, is very memorable and hard to forget. After a glance at the materials, it all came back to me - and I was ready to handle the class.

I was also lucky to be paired with Mon, likewise a veteran of this course... so we could split the conduct materials and assignments evenly - which gave us more leeway with what to do. Putting all these into perspective, I can say that my Monday training load was relatively light - with the only stressful part being the drive to Cybergate (and the need to park a bit far from the building).

Day 014 Apr 22, 2012

Clear Instructions:

This is the sign in ArmyNavy - the Burger and Burrito place that's known to serve these dishes quite well... a few friends have sworn to the great taste of the Burgers to say the least, so naturally, as Bryce and I were to wait for Barbie and Bernice to finish their 'errands'.

It was a chance for us to try the burgers and I have to say, though it is a bit pricey, the burgers did taste great. We got the smallest option - yet it was still filling. I had intended for this to be just a snack... until we could arrive home for dinner. Not so... we skipped dinner when we got home. Then again, we did have fries on the side as well. The burgers were grilled, and for some reason were slightly spicy - but not too spicy to spoil the taste or the eating experience.

While I was eating the burger, I noticed this sign, so I got a picture of it. I may just try this when I return (note I said 'when' and not 'if'). I was amused by the very simple - and practical instructions... after all, when I did eat a burrito (in another place) these were exactly the steps I took. Anyway, Bryce and I held the table - as the place was rather full, until Barbie and Bernice finally arrived. They ordered, ate and after this, we all walked to the car - with the intent to drive home - dinner not any more a thought upon arrival.

Day 013 Apr 21, 2012

Bryce in Speechcraft!

It's his turn!

This was a program that I joined, and later, used to organize during my time with the Jaycees - with help from Toastmasters back then. Later, when I stopped being active in the Jaycees, I did join Toastmasters - then used this program to help improve my work colleagues' presentation skills... after all, although they were trainers, they could still learn a lot in a Speechcraft program.

Afterwards, I organized and ran these programs less often - after all, I could not afford to volunteer all the time and the WIIFM (what's in it for me) factor was just not there.

So... when I was contacted some time last month, asking if I could help the Managers for Christ TMC conduct their speechcraft, my first impression was to decline. But then again, this was going to happen in the La Salle campus, and since it was vacation time for Bryce anyway, why nto add him to the participants? As luck would have it, they agreed to being able to accommodate him, and he was able to fit the Speechcraft into his schedule. So there you go... Bryce is learning some public speaking tips from the Toastmasters, and I'm coming along for the ride - helping them conduct the program. After all, it's a Win-Win situation. They get me to evaluate, and I get to have my son become a better communicator.

Personally, I  also hope he gets to widen his circle of friends after this... if anything, I hope he learns to be able to approach other TMs for help by way of advice and encouragement. He needs to bolster his confidence level... and project more. This program is tailor fit to his needs - needs that he is not yet aware of.

In that sense, he's lucky... I participated in my Speechcraft when I was in my 30s - he's doing it while not yet reaching his 20s. I cna just imagine how far he can go improvement-wise upon starting at so early an age.

Day 012 Apr 20, 2012

Coming in early:

On rare occasions, I opt to bring a coding car to work. This means the car should be out of the street before 7am (it's a way to limit people and their cars on the roads - with the hope that approximately 20% of the usual drivers would opt to go out than just stay at home.

Anyway, I arrived in the training area around 7am - early enough to be the first arrival into the corridor - more so the room. As I entered, I saw how the room was lighted by just ambient lighting... monitors left on, computer left on as evidenced by the blue lights. As you can see in the picture, this gave the room a multi colored hue. Almost an unnatural glow. Its not something I see daily, so I just had to take the shot.

Day 011 Apr 19, 2012

Me:

One of the things expected in a Photoblog is to naturally have pictures of me doing certain things - not just to have something to talk about, but to also capture a memory of me... how I look, for example, on that particular month.

It need not be happening in a very dramatic event... it can be due to a an everyday event = lie in this case, conducting a class. Fiel and I have been conducting Estimating since Wednesday, until Friday (three days total), and honestly, it will be rare that you will see me captured in pictures up front... after all, I'm normally the one holding the camera. Situations like this mean someone has volunteered to take the shot... or I used a timer. Today, it was the latter.

Times like this as well, I can't rely on focusing, and need a wide coverage - no macro shots here because I'm not at the camera able to make any necessary adjustments.

Day 010 Apr 18, 2012

Doorway to where?

When I took this picture, I was naturally playing with lights and shadows... this one in particular reminds me of certain shows that have to do with alternate dimensions or worlds that may be just a doorway away.

The concept was even used extensively in an animated movie - which goes to show that the idea can even be traced back to childhood fantasies. After all, if such were true, what would you expect upon entering the light? A different world? meeting God? going to Narnia? Would you step into a parallel world that may look and feel the same with exception to a few items? Fiction writers have had a lot of instances using this theme.

Question is... had I been given such an opportunity, would I grab it? Would I step in and explore? Would I chicken out? After all, things may be like the show Stargate... ending up in an alien world with certain antagonists. Knowing all the possible dangers, would I still be bold enough to explore?

Decades ago, I'd have said yes at once. Now that I'm a father, I don't really know. I would like to... but would I really step (or jump) in? I guess these days I'd rather be more risk averse. In that sense, I'd rather send a probe in first (just like in Stargate), rather than step in blindly. It's not an advantage to be foolhardy after all.

Day 009 Apr 17, 2012

Summer beater:

Believe it or not, even in a mall, I can still feel the heat - it's that hot outside. And since I did just come from the outside, I needed to indulge in something cold. So what options would I have? There are Fraps... there are shakes... ice cream is also an option - but if I want consider a healthy option, then yogurt would be that choice.

Yoswirl is what I normally gravitate to on such occasions that I find myself in the Shangri la mall. It's yogurt with the viscosity of a soft ice cream - and it comes in Vanilla flavor - which happens to be my favorite ice cream flavor too. To top it off, I  choose a berry-family option. In the past, it would Cranberries, or Strawberries... today it's Raspberries, tomorrow (as in next time) I'll try Blueberries. After all, I might as well use fruits that help me by being anti-oxidants.

So yeah... I cool down, enjoy the Vanilla taste and get healthy stuff into me and need not worry about any trans fat or too much calories in one go. Now if only they offer this in larger quantities, I just might be tempted to take a pint or half gallon option.

Day 008 Apr 16, 2012

Campus One:

This is the place I go to whenever I am tasked to conduct training in McKinley. This is the Campus One vicinity and these two buildings are predominantly occupied by Accenture.

This was taken as I was on my way home. I looked back, like the way the clouds and the sky looked when in contrast to the building which was giving of a warm light glow by way of having the setting sun's rays shining on it. You can see the street lights starting to go on which is an indication that the night is arriving any time now... and the sunlight is just slowly going away - surrendering it's hold on the day. Needless to say, I took my camera out and took the shot. After all, it's not always that I see this building look this nice.

I guess it's true what they say about the right lighting... it can affect the mood and make an otherwise mundane surrounding look extraordinary.

Day 007 Apr 15, 2012

New Book on Lighting:

Consider this my next venture in how to improve my pictures. It's been something that Jojo B. has been telling me to do, and until I get to buy myself a flash (or get one as a gift - hint, hint), I won't be able to practice the darn lighting thing.

Ah, and here comes the 'but'... nothing is stopping me from learning about it by way of reading books (like this one I just bought) or by viewing possible lessons in Strobist or Youtube.

Of course, one other reason I buy the book is because it allows me a leisurely pace and time to cover the lessons - and I also get to admire the pictures. This one on the cover... when you think about it, looks decidedly simple, until you read how they do it - and why they did. So yeah... now that I know, I'll need at least four flashes... a spotlight, a drop dead model - and oh yeah... let's not forget the plane.

Day 006 Apr 14, 2012

New Find:

Once in a while, I go into Book Sale with no expectations - just curious to see whatever new stuff they have to offer... and by new stuff, of course, I mean 2nd hand books, or surprisingly, new books on sale.

Take this specific book, for example... it may not be the latest version, but I'm betting that the lessons and tips inside it relating to digital photography are timeless. After all, so long as the tips do not cover a particular software, I'm sure whatever is going to be mentioned will be adaptable to any technology tool

Here's the kicker... had I tried getting this book at the regular bookstore, it would have cost me around three to four times more. As it is, I'm getting this at almost a steal.

So yeah... once in a while, I go to Book Sale... no expectations whatsoever - but on occasion (like today), I leave it with a treasure in mind. After all, anything that will add to my knowledge and skills as a photographer will go a long way in helping make a hobby possibly become a business venture some day.

Day 005 Apr 13, 2012

Oil change:

This has been rather long overdue, and I really wanted to do this earlier - but schedules were not permitting. In fact, I went to the shop to inquire about the aircon - and by just finding out that the oil change could be done right there and then, with little waiting time... well, I figured, since I was at the shop already, might as well go ahead with it.

I can honestly say that after the oil change, the car purred as I drove it around. It was somehow saying thanks to me for such a great decision - yeah, my imagination can really be powerfully fanciful at times, huh? But really, it was about time - in fact, I'd hoped that Ben could have done it before leaving for Dubai... but hey, at least, he got the car registered, right?

This time, I chose to use the semi-synthetic base , as fully synthetic was a bit too pricey for my budget, and I don't see myself waiting another 10K kilometers before making another oil change. Good thing about this place is it's close to home. So should I opt to... I could go walk home and come back for the car - something I may have to do when I ask them to fix the aircon.

Day 004 Apr 12, 2012

Back to training:

Yup, its back to the grind and in this case, its another Packaged Application Design course being co-facilitated by Jinkee and me.  Now, based on that tables, this should be a clear clue that we're using the room in Cyber3 - right across Globe Telecoms plaza and the Legend Villas.

By point of fact, during my down time (when Jinkee was the one doing the lectures), I realized - having brought my iPad along, that I could access the Legend's free WiFi from where I was. I mean, granted that it was across the street, some floors below (well, actually, I was on the building's 14th floor), and considering the rather weakened signal... things were still okay with respect to

my using the signal. That (not so) weak signal was enough to let me surf a bit while waiting my turn.

Meanwhile, the class goes on. 

Day 003 Apr 11, 2012

Reflections:

I was trying to take my photo through the RayBan's lenses. I got this idea from one large picture/poster in Accenture... albeit in a different background. Still it was a consideration - and all I needed was the right condition.

Well I wont' say that this day brought about the best conditions - but they were the right conditions... and since I was getting a bit bored waiting for Barbie to come out of her office. As it is, I do see my reflection... not fully, but I can see a slight silhouette of me in both lenses. The background dashboard and the leaves even further are blurred out to give the lenses themselves the focal point of this picture. Hmmm... maybe I should have cleaned my lenses first. Oh well...

Day 002 Apr 10, 2012

Cool idea:

With the weather these days, just sitting still will eventually make you sweat. The only way to prevent that form happening would be to make sure you're in an air conditioned room.

The next best idea... and ultimately more enjoyable (so long as we're not counting calories here) is to make an ice cream sundae. In this case, I had some vanilla ice cream - roughly about three scoops, sprinkled it with some dark chocolate chips (the one used baking cookies), placed some Kit Kats (the mint choclate flavored and the white chocolate flavored one - I did say not counting calories, right>), sliced pieces of bananas (2 pieces) and topped it all off with some Hershey's chocolate syrup.

As far as coolers are concerned, this one probably had too many chocolates - I admit that I overdo it at times... but it was still a great sundae - both from the taste and the cooling perspective. It cooled my system for the time being... but yeah, eventually, I would still need to go to the air conditioned room.

Day 001 Apr 09, 2012

Burgoo Easter Monday Dinner:

The gift certificates were given to me by Tizza quite some time ago... you see, it was a gift to her and Li (I think it was a thank you gift to them form Li's office mates), but for practical reasons, they could not go all the way from Cuenca, Batangas to Manila - specifically, the Podium in Mandaluyong (or Pasig, as I'm not too clear on the two cities borders), so they and their family could enjoy a meal worth Php1,500 in Burgoo's. For some reason, these gift certificates were just for that particular branch... so, instead of not using them, the two gave the certificates to me.

On my end, I've been setting it aside until we (that is, my family and I) ended up in the Podium and then we could enjoy the meal. Of course, that was the plan. Unfortunately, with the 'out of sight - out of mind' consideration, there would be days we were all together... but no certificate. Go figure.

Well today being a holiday, and coming from the Holy Week (yesterday being Easter), we had all the time to plan and prepare for this meal... and despite that, it still almost did not push through... as one thing would lead to another - and possibly postponing the meal. But we all persevered - really made sure our schedule was clear (barely, at that), and finally ended the wait for using the gift certificate. So yeah... we had our little Easter Monday dinner at Burgoo's and got to use the gift certificate. I ended up paying a little over Php300 despite the use of the certificates... but we were stuffed. Unfortunately, I had not taken pictures of the food... I guess you could say we were all very eager to start eating, taking any picture was very far from our minds. Ironic when you consider we actually had seven different cameras or camera-equipped devices with us.

Ah well... c'est la vie. Thanks again Tizza and Li!