Day 139 Aug 25, 2012

Congrats Shirlie and Rey!

The Red Cross Makati had a special event this Saturday, as two of their 'staff' tied the knot. I've known Shirlie, of course, for about a year... maybe more - with respect to my limited working exposure with her. But what I know about her is the act that John respects her capabilities - and the respect is mutual.

I've not really gotten around to knowing Rey better - like I said, limited exposure... but I do know that he and Shirlie have been 'dating', so it's not really a surprise to find out they had wedding plans. What I was amazed with was how this entire wedding - ceremony and reception, were planned with the help of the Red Cross volunteers / friends of theirs. It ran like clockwork, and I'm glad their first day as a married couple... and most likely their succeeding days (years, even) will be with the help of very organized and resourceful friends.

Day 138 Aug 24, 2012

Fishing by the bay:

I found myself at the Harbor Square some time before lunch and spied these gentlemen fishing by the bay. My first thought was 'what? there are actually fishes in Manila Bay despite all the pollution that's probably there?', and upon realizing that yes... there are fishes in Manila Bay, my next thought was 'fine... but are they safe to eat?'.

I guess the answer to that is possibly a yes... after all, if the fishes were somehow poisonous, these guys would have learned of it by now, by way of one actually kicking the bucket. Since this has not happened, then they won't be stopping the practice of getting fish for their meals from the bay.

There's nothing really special about this picture except for the fact that these guys are fishing... and like I said, it's not something that is by itself surprising or unique - bu the fact that they're able to fish by the bay, is... to me,  a surprise - but who knows? I'm probably just working with some biases or preconceived notions... specifically, the notion that nothing fished out of Manila bay can be edible... never mind palatable.

Guess I was wrong.

Day 137 Aug 23, 2012

Coffee break time:

I like how this picture came out - it reflects a cool and relaxing image. Maybe it's because of the chair's color, perhaps its the obviously drank from coffee cup, or maybe even the iPad's screen - maybe it's all of them put together, but whatever it is, it somehow invokes the image of relaxation... something that would make a perfect coffee break time moment - with emphasis on 'break time'.

Maybe it's the lighting that sort of reflects on the iPad's screen, hinting at the soft yellow lighting... but I must say, it is a reflection of the environment set by the Starbucks' Coffee place in Leviste street. It's places like this that serve true to the saying that Starbucks can be the 3rd place to go to after home and work. And yes... it;s the place I go to, when I need ot wait for Barbie to have her meeting in the Legaspi Village.

Now if only they would offer free WiFi like their Bonifacio Drive through branch, then things would really be perfect for me.

Day 136 Aug 22, 2012

Traffic frustrations:

This picture shows how bad traffic was this morning. As can be noticed from my side mirror, the traffic behind me stretches to as far as the eye can see. My frustration; aside from the traffic itself this particular day, is the fact that this seems to be an almost regular thing.

I'm at a loss to think that the authorities know of this... as it is a regular occurrence, but for some reason, seem helpless about doing anything about it... or worse, don't bother solving it.

This traffic stretches (at least) a kilometer forward and maybe the same distance behind me. A trip that should normally take 15 minutes, gets stretched to an hour.

I really wished someone would escalate this situation to people who can force the authorities to not just ignore this problem, and finally do something about it. How much productive time, I wonder is lost to these inane and insane traffic situations?

Day 135 Aug 21, 2012

Flat Cypress:

I'm beginning to see a pattern here regarding the pictures I shoot with my telephoto lens - it's ability to capture really great Macro shots. Case in point, this shot of the tip of a flat cypress plant.

Granted, I adjusted the lighting a bit in post production, the fact remains that I still got this shot, and came up with a great looking effect. Did I want a macro shot? Yup... so this is not a fluke or accident. Did I expect it to come out this great? Not really... I mean, yes, I know I can get great shots, but sometimes, the shots I take can be surprisingly breathtaking.

I probably should frame this. Who knows? Maybe I will.

Day 134 Aug 20, 2012

Continuous learning:

This is the reason why I continue buying the Digital Photographer (Philippines) magazine - to read their articles on how to take shots, how to set up lighting (which is a focus of this particular issue), and yes... even tips on how to plan a wedding photo shoot.

So when, like today, I'm relatively free (long weekend, remember?), I get to enjoy a cup of coffee and sit back to read the articles of this magazine - some of them are of interest to me for immediate, or near immediate use... others, well let's just say they become stock knowledge that I hope to get to use some day.

Day 133 Aug 19, 2012

August celebrants!

August is a month where we (my family and I) are usually expected to visit Cuenca, Batangas and celebrate three birthdays.

Linus has his on the 4th, Bing bing on the 12th, while Patty's birthday is on the 21st.  It also, so happens - at least, for this particular year, to be a relatively long weekend, since Monday is the end of Eid (a Muslim celebration) and the 21st also serves as Ninoy Aquino's (death) Day. So as you can see, an August visit around this weekend is very convenient.  That said, we usually bring a big cake for all, but this particular time, Barbie insisted that we give our celebrants one cake each. That way, they won't feel any ;ack in eating said cake - as there will be enough for everyone.

Of course, our Cuenca visits are normally a handful a year... if plans push through, the next one will be in November - my mom's birthday, and not just any birthday... it will be her 75th birthday, so as early as now, we;re thinking of what to do.

Day 132 Aug 18, 2012

Santol anyone?

I don't know if the fruit has a different name elsewhere, but here we call it the santol. It's got a relatively sour/sweet taste, though one cannot swallow it's contents entirely, due to the large seeds inside this fruit.

So naturally, tasting the way it does, it's a rather popular fruit for the ladies who are into these kind of sour tasting fruits (including green mangoes and tamarind). Me? I have not touched this in ages. After all, a fruit to me is something sweet tasting. Naturally, when I saw these in a weekend market with Barbie, my only interest to it was the fact that I could take a picture and show it off. But to buy a couple of Santol? Nope. Not interested. But don't take my disinterest to the fruit as a general judgement to the fruit's popularity. Like I said, the ladies in the Philippines love it.