Swabeng Thoughts: On working holidays, double pay and being away from home

This is not the first time I've been away from my family because of holiday work. The first time (2010) I remember was when my wife was still pregnant with Marien while I'm at the office (former) all by myself. At first, it was kinda lonely since I'm all alone and not even going online on facebook kept me company. Eventually, after my shift, I went home right away to be with my family.

Then the following year (2011) was my rest day and it falls on both Christmas and New Year's Eve (and the day itself) so I was able to spend more time with them. Sans the holiday pay, it doesn't matter as that was the first time I've spent holidays at home as a dad. I got to take them out and bough a gift for my only daughter.

Then last year (2012), as I'm out of a job, I got to spend the entire Christmas season (plus a few more weeks) at home which gave me more time to spend with my family. The only problem was I'm not the one providing for my family during that time (although my wife was able to cover for it). It was a bit frustrating on my end but I was able to learn a lesson from it.

Well yesterday was a holiday shift for me as I was able to work and spend Christmas at home after work. Thank God I was bale to provide for them the things that they need (and more) especially during the yuletide season. To be honest that was a different feeling as I thought I wasn't able to make it home last night but eventually, I did. 

Again, Merry Christmas everyone! 

Taken from Google

December Covers: Do you still have some 13th month pay left?

I hope you were able to save some of your 13th month pay and used some to buy gifts for yourself. With that, I'm sure you saved a little bit more to buy some December issues. Don't know what to pick, let me help. ;-)

1. FHM Philippines (Alice Dixon): Never in my wildest dreams she'd do a cover for FHM. I remember when she was my crush back in high school because of her fresh look and how she carries herself in Dyesebel.

FHM Philippines

2. Esquire Philippines (Tribute to the Typhoon Yolanda Victims): Esquire Philippines never fails to amaze me as they pay tribute to the people who have lost their lives due to this super typhoon. I'm looking forward for the photo essay about the typhoon and its impact to the people upclose.

3. Rogue (Andi Eigenmann): At first I thought it was Anne Curtis again until I stared on the cover longer =P . anyway, this would be another interesting issue to have for Christmas.

4. UNO (Mocha Girls): This could be an issue for keeps as UNO would feature Mocha Girls and ONLY Mocha Girls. I'm anticipating for this issue to be released sometime next week. And it also has a 2014 calendar insert together with the magazine. Unlike other magazines, all you need to do is flip the cover page to get a different cover. XD

UNO Cover A

UNO Cover B

5: Playboy Philippines (Lian Paz): Another former EB Babe is now the cover for Playboy Philippines. Despite her failed marriage, I'm sure her fans would be able to cheer her up as she gets back-up and resurrect her career. And by the way, she also has two covers which you could choose. XD

Playboy Philippines Cover A

 Playboy Philippines Cover B

Well I still have some 13th month pay left with me so I'd grab some good reads. Get yours too before it runs out.

Happy Holidays!

Swabeng Thoughts: 2013's Hits and Misses

As the year is almost done, I felt that there are a few more things that needs to be done before the year turns to 2014.

This year is really a good year for me to grow as a person (in whole) and learned a lot within the last 12 months. Everything was taken with a grain of salt and an open mind as I'm now plotting my 2014 to-do's (to be written on a separate post).

Anyway, here are the things I am grateful of regardless of whether its a hit or miss.

1. A new job in a new company (Hit!): I've been praying to get a new job right after I left my old job. I didn't slack off on this one as I looked for one and got it after 4 months. The good thing is that the one I got is probably the one I consider a dream come true. My job here is not just answering phones but doing other stuff as well while I try to learn as much as I can. Pay is higher than most BPOs give and more and I was able to save too for my daughter's future.

2. Saving for the rainy day (Hit!): Thanks to my job, my take home pay is more than enough that I can put 40% into my daughter's account (my account). I was able to hit a good target for the year though my wife was hoping a much bigger savings. I could have hit that target if it wasn't for a few stumbling blocks along the way. Nevertheless, I was also able to buy a few things for myself without compromising my daughter's savings and I'll make sure to continue to save more. 

3. Attending Events (Hit!): Well, I've missed this years' FHM 100 Sexiest Event and Bumper to Bumper for the nth time. But I was still able to attend a few more events though its kinda sad that some of my friends have their own shooting gigs already. As long as my rest days still fall on a weekend, I'd continue to attend to keep me busy and de-stress myself. 

4. Achieving Zero Backlog (Miss!): Honestly, I'd blame it on poor time management on my part as I couldn't seem to either get up early or stay up very late to either edit photos or update my blog posts. I was able to have a good start and eventually, faded by the 4th quarter of the year. Hopefully by next year I would be able to sustain my campaign to achieve zero backlog for my blog posts and my photos to edit.  

5. Keeping myself in top shape (Miss!): The only downside in working in this type of environment is that you spend close to 8 hours sitting staring at the monitor. I'm not complaining here though I could have done something to improve my overall health from regaining my 20/20 vision to my improving heart condition to to losing weight and keeping it off, to my dental dilemma which I need to have those useless tooth extracted once and for all. Hopefully next year, I'd be able to improve in all of them.

That's only a few things I was able to accomplish this year. Now I'm trying to draft the things I need to do this coming 2014. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: DPP Model Shoot this Weekend

Imagine shooting Fashion, Glamour, Cosplay, Beauty, Wedding Portrait, Grunge, Lingerie, Swimsuit, and Sports with gorgeous and talented models in one weekend. DPP (Digital Photographer Philippines), brings to you their Model Shoot. Not only that, save your 13th month pay for photography-related items at marked-down prizes, special promos and discounts as well. 

This coming weekend, I'll be joining DPP's Model Shoot. This would be the opportunity for me to learn to shoot portraits the right way with the guidance of some of Photography's best. I'm thinking of window-shopping for some upgrades to my current gear while waiting for the shoot.

This event was suppose to happen last November 9-10, but no thanks to Yolanda, the date has been moved (for everybody's safety). Anyway, the nre schedule still fits me and the following pictures would show why it got me so convinced to attend (Pictures are from DPP's Facebook Page). 


1. Canon Ambassador Jay Tablante will do a cosplay lighting demo. Who would want to miss an opportunity to learn from one of the best cosplay photographers in the land? This would add a dimension to my skills. ^_^

(1)

2. Meet and Greet with Marian Rivera as she does a pin-up for the lucky VIPs. She will also sign prints for 100 lucky attendees (hope I'm in). I'll have my soon-to-be latest DPP Magazine signed by her as well and I hope there won't be much people at her station (wishful thinking).

(2)

3. X-Sessions. I mean experience Fujifilm's X-E2 mirrorless camera as Fujifilm ambassadors would be there on both days. Join them as they shoot along with the attendees. Who knows, you may have the chance to try their new camera as well =P. 

(3)

4. Top glamour photographer Dix Perez sets up his lights and see how he directs his models while you press on the shutter button. I may stay on this session for a longer time as I need to learn how to direct my soon-to-be models on my future shoots. 

(4)

5. Get a chance to shoot a Playboy Playmate that comes from the sky. PMOY 2011 Sky Aisuru will be there on the 30th of November and magazine professional photographer Jerico Montemayor would set-up a shoot with the playmate. I won't miss this for the world as I've been following the works of Jerico for sometime now.

(5)

6. I'm looking forward to learn classic portraits and who would be better to teach you would be the master herself (Ms Pilar Tuason). She will be at the Sony booth as she'll be directing a classical portraiture session with a modern twist. You'd be luckier as she'll be there for both days.

(6)

7. Master Ricky Ladia will also be in action as he setting up the lights on a few sets and gives pointers while all you need to do is listen and press the shutter. I do also need to learn some lighting techniques as I need to add it to my portfolio.

(7)

8. Its getting better and better as Aubrey Miles will be there on December 1. Now is the time to add this to your portfolio. Spend at least 5000 pesos on any Phottix product and you'll have a chance to join a photoshoot with her for two hours. VIP shooters (like me) will have an hour of shooting opportunity.

(8)

9. Anyone wants to shoot a model doused with water? Again, Ms Pilar Tuason would wet her while you take pictures as she sets up the lighting for a shoot like this. You know where to find them. ^_^

(9)

10. Who wants an opportunity to photograph Ellen Adarna upclose and personal? I do as now is the time to have my DPP Copy signed by her (hopefully). Top photographer Xander Angeles will be the one directing the shoot on November 30. A private shooting session (2 hours) will be given to those who will purchase 5000 pesos worth of Phottix products. I think I need to buy a battery grip for my 7D don't you think? XD

(10)

11. And most importantly, the word Sale would be music to anyone's ears especially if prices are marked-down with huge discount. I'm sure you have saved some plus your 13th month pay for this event. Now is the time to reward yourself with some. ^_^

(11)

So there you have it. I'm sure the reasons are more than enough for you to attend DPPs Model Shoot and Trade Fair this coming weekend. See you there. XD

Sweet November Covers

With only a few weeks to go before Christmas, I believe you're also in a rush to do your list for the yuletide season (Just don't forget to help our fellow brothers and sisters that were ravaged by typhoon Yolanda in anyway you can). Like me, I make sure to give a gift to myself first as you also deserve it. What gift to give for yourself, here are some suggestions.

1. FHM Philippines (Danita Paner): This would be Danita's first sexy shoot as this rocker chick has finally graced the pages of FHM. While there's no denying that showbiz is in her blood, she prefers to perform onstage with her band.

FHM Philippines November 2013

2. Esquire Philippines (Cherrie Gil): A classy cover for the ages. I never imagined Ms Cherrie Gil would be in any Men's Magazine but hopefully, no copycats to follow. XD

Esquire Philippines November 2013

3. Rogue (Angel Aquino): Dubbed as the Cinema Issue, I'm sure most of the contents inside would have something to do with the big screen of the past and the present. Hopefully, NO MMFF inside =P

Rogue November 2013

4. UNO (Ellen Adarna): This would be Ellen's third cover since she graced the covers way back in 2008/2009. She would be the second three-time covergirl just next to Amanda Griffin. Rumors say that she'll be going back to Cebu for good so grab a copy of UNO X 90.

UNO November 2013

As of writing, I have yet to see Playboy's covergirl for November.  

Well, I hope you'd grab a copy before supplies ran out. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: Philippines' elusive quest for the Miss Universe Crown and the current streak

Since 2010 when Ms Venus Raj was able to break the curse and went home 4th Runner Up during Miss Universe 2010, our ladies seem to be on a roll with each passing year ranking higher and almost winning the crown last year (2012). I'm sure each one of them prepared so hard for it making sure that they would be able to make our country proud.

With the recently concluded Pageant ended a few hours ago in Moscow, I felt our very own Ms Ariella Arida (Ara by her family, fans and friends) gave an answer that was incomplete if you ask me (sorry, its just me =P ). Ara could have felt the time pressure thus she came up with an answer that lacks something that would have made the judges vote for her as the winner.

I had no qualms on how she carried herself during the swimwear competition. However, me and my wife was just puzzled on why she don a yellow-colored gown instead of something else. A light-colored gown (say white, beige) would have brought out her morena complexion more. I noticed how fair Ara's complexion was during the pre-pageant while she got a bit dark during the coronation night. Speaking of which, my wife commented on how Ara's make-up artist would have done better on her. I mean, she's not that dark but I'm sure she would look much elegant if her make-up was more on the lighter side. Our TV may have this problem though as all of the computer monitors I've looked at were pretty much okay =P

Taken from Google

When it comes to the question and answer portion, she's the only one who didn't have an interpreter while the other four had their own which enable them to answer the question in their own language. While I have nothing against having an interpreter, I'd say we could try get one for the next beauty queens to answer the questions easily. Or the organizers should implement an English-Only answer for the Q and A (I doubt they would grant this =P )

Swabeng thoughts: Education is one of the keys to secure a potential job and a good future. However, she may have forgot to add that education starts at home when parents teach their little kids the values in life and how we make full use of it (Oh well, thats just me =P ).

But at the end of this post, I (together with millions of Filipinos here and abroad) am are still proud of your achievements at the recently concluded Ms Universe 2013. ^_^

Taken from Google

Swabeng Thoughts: Planner Season

Well some of the coffee shops in the metro has already launched their own version of their 2014 Journal (Planner) which would make coffee aficionados collect for one. I myself look forward to what they can offer as I need to limit my planner to as few as possible =P. Choosing one seems a bit complicated especially to those who has limited budget like myself.

But still, there are still critics who couldn't seem to understand why people spend money just to get the planner of their choosing. Rather than feeling upset towards them, I feel sorry as they really don't understand the mechanics and how collecting coffeeshop planners makes fanatics feel satisfied when they get what they want. Aside from that, some of the proceeds go to the coffeeshop's charity partner.

I've been collecting planners of this coffeeshop since 2007 and up to now, I'd still look forward to get my own. Maybe I'll get only one for 2014 and from there we'll see if there is a need to get more than one planner for 2014. Anyway, see you soon. 

Swabeng Thoughts: 13th Month Pay - Save or Splurge?

It was 2008 the last time I received my 13th month pay while working in a call center. Fast forward today, its been almost 5 years and I couldn't hold my excitement in receiving my well-deserved extra pay. Well, I could have received it a few times but the last company I worked with doesn't have 13th month pay in their vocabulary.

Last 2008, I didn't splurge on my 13th month pay as I saved almost all of it to our wedding expenses at that time. Then a few years passed by, my wife was the one getting her 13th month pay while I just smiled and be happy for her (and for me too XD ).

In the next few weeks, the 13th month pay I'll be receiving will be a lot first for me again. First, this would be my first 13th month pay with my daughter and wife. I'll make sure their needs (and a few wants) would be satisfied first. It would also be my first 13th month pay that I'd be getting much than what I expected (hopefully) that not in my wildest dreams, I'm gonna get it. 

After putting most of my 13th month pay to my daughter's account, I'll make sure to get some things for myself from new clothes and shoes to new books.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

My Fifty Swabeng Bucket List and counting (Part 1)

Almost everyone has their own bucket list so why can't I have one too right? Though my mantra is still "Seize the Day", I guess It ain't bad to have my own list and some are still doable I believe with some luck on my side. 

Without further ado, here are my fifty swabeng bucket list. This list took 2 years on my draft as I keep on thinking and pondering what needs to be done. This would be part one as part two may come a year after or so. 

1. Visit all 80 provinces in the Philippines and spend 2-3 weeks in each province (Travel): Only a handful of travel bloggers have done it so far. I've read some tips on how to enjoy their stay at a certain province. While it may work for others, I have my own swabeng list. I just hope I could do this before I could barely walk decades from now. While most travel bloggers spent a few days (3-4) days each province, I don't think it would cover an entire province. That's why a 2-3 week for each province seems to be the best duration of stay.

2. Spend long weekends at some of the best 5-star hotles in the country (Travel): Seems pretty luxurious but this is doable as long as you know the right people as well as wait for the best deal to grab. Group-buying sites would be my best friend. 

3. Spend long weekends at the best Bed and Breakfast Botiques in the country (Travel): What makes it different from hotels are its (1) ambiance and the feel of staying home away from home and (2) its less crowded compared to staying in hotels. Plus there are more interesting things to photograph as well. Tagaytay can be a good start for me as I have to fully enjoy its cool atmosphere. 

4. Take Migmig to some of the best Museums in the country (Travel): As a lover of the arts and everything interesting, I wanted my daughter to be a better and more broad-minded person when she grows up. I just hope well-known museums won't be too strict on people with DSLR Cameras by that time. But then again, I may already have a smaller mirror-less camera by that time so I'm sure the security won't mind at all.


5. Get my own domain (Personal): Its a lifelong dream for me to have my own domain (website). I should have done it sooner but I need to fully understand the ins and outs of doing transactions online to prevent problems. Also, I have to learn more on HTML and some scripting as well before I could dive-in to this one.

6. Take my wife and Migmig to an Ultimate Taste Test and Yummy Eats (Food): I've been to 3 UTT's and 2 Yummy Eats so far and I never recall an experience that I went home unsatisfied. I just hope I could get my hands on a digicam (Canon G15 or Canon EOS-M) for convenience instead of my bulky 7D XD.


7. Enroll at a Food Photography Workshop (Photography): After checking 50 Feasts webpage, I had to include this in my list. While I've been taking food shots on my own with friends and family, enrolling in a formal would make me feel I've learned some more from the expert. Plus it add dimension on my portfolio as well.

8 Enroll at Sir Jo Avila's Advanced Photography Workshop (Photography): I've been a student of his since 2011 and most of my improvements in my craft was courtesy of him. Though he schedules his Advanced Classes only twice a year and its mostly on weekdays (nights) which makes it challenging for me to enroll. Maybe when I have the time (and enough funds), I'll take my Advance Classes from him as well. 

9. Attend open shoots at least twice month for a year (Personal): Well I really wanted to join openshoots with models as my subject for the longest time. Why? Because I wanted to further enhance my skills in portraiture as well as lighting and other things. What makes me hesitant is that my wife is not very much open to that idea. Aside from it costs money, she might get jealous (as if she has the reason to). I just need a little more convincing of her and I might tag her along so she can try hair and make-up.  My preference though would be paid shoots but I can join free shoots whenever the project is good.

10. Get a Smartphone, preferably an I-Phone 5 (Gadgets): I think now is the time to upgrade my 5-year old phone to an I-Phone (5S) and join the smartphone bandwagon XD. I know I would learn a lot from using most of its applications as people do rave about them. I'm hoping to have my own smartphone before the year ends. XD


11. Enroll at a Landscape Photography Workshop (Photography): Taking landscapes was my first interest when I grabbed a DSLR for the first time in 2008. Fast forward, my interests kinda take a few turns leaving landscapes behind. I've been stalking Chasing Light for quite some time now and I'm pretty sure once I got all the basic photography gear needed for landscape photography, I'll join in their class. Or, I could also attend Rolly Magpayo's workshop too so I could travel to some parts of our country as well. XD

12. Enroll at a Photojournalism Workshop (Photography): Since I prefer taking pictures of what's going on outside more, I was hoping I could enroll at The Philippine Center for Journalism, but then again, with a very limited budget, I can do some self-study from Facebook's Usapang Kalye (A group of professional and amateur photojournalists) This would really help me in documenting spontaneous events more and maybe I could get a job as a photojournalist someday.


13. Attend the Photoworld Asia as a Delegate (Personal): I've been attending the PWA for the past couple of years (except 2012) as a spectator which involves joining free shoots as well as do some canvassing on some photography gear that I want to invest in the near future. I don't know how much the registration cost as of the moment but one day, I will attend this event. XD

14 Get a smaller camera, say a Canon Powershot G1X/G16 and a Canon EOS-M (or Fujifilm X100S) (Gadgets/Photography): To complement my bulky Canon 7D, I need to have either one (or both I hope) for me to be able to free-up some space in my back. Plus the fact that DSLR's are pretty much hot to security people thinking its a tool for terrorism (WTF!), I really need these compact cameras for a more unobtrusive shooting.

15. Get a Life/Health/Travel Insurance for me and my family (Personal): Well where I work right now provides me Life Insurance not just for myself but for my family as well (Shouldered by the company). But what if I resigned from work or got terminated? That's the question I need to think about as if I wanted to pay for it or not.

16. Purchase a 3-Bedroom Condo Unit (Personal): I know this would be impossible to happen but I know one way or the other, we will get a new place to live. Then, we would move to a location near to my wife's work or near to mine.

17. Build/Buy a bookshelf (Personal): If only I have the skills of my dad in carpentry, this shouldn't be included in my bucket list. I already have the design in mind but I need to figure out what would be the best materials to use. Books are not a problem as I have more than enough to fill my soon-to-be bookshelf.

18. Enroll my wife in a Culinary School (Personal): The only thing my wife has missing is the ability to cook sumptuous dishes. Cooking rice and eggs won't count as I can do it perfectly since I learned cooking. I could enroll in a culinary school myself but I'd rather have my wife do what she's suppose to do; Cook.

19. Enroll in a Post Processing Workshop (Photography): I've been toying with this idea for the longest time now. I know I could get a lot of tutorials online but I believe nothing beats having a mentor that has a vast experience when it comes to editing his/her photos and who you can consult whether online or IRL (in real life). I'm thinking whether I'd go with Jo Avila or Rolly Magpayo but I'm sure I'll benefit a lot from either of the two. Wait, I'll add Amorsoloesque by Maricris Fabi Carlos as well as the guys from FPPF to my options.

20. Enroll at a Portrait Photography Workshop (Photography): With a lot of photographers offering openshots with editing on the side, it's really hard to choose especially for the budget conscious like me. Fortunately, I saw a few photographers whose credentials are more than enough. Looking at their credentials, experience and feedback, I may enroll with anyone of them or probably all (for me to gain more experience) XD. 

21. Take care of my dentures once and for all (Personal): Its been a lifelong saga for me on how to take good care of my pearly whites. I must admit that I inherit some bad habits from my parents and now, I'm paying the price especially with several bad tooth. Some can be saved but some are meant to be extracted. 

22. Enroll in a Culinary School (Personal): One of my past times when I'm home (back in San Pedro) is to cook. From breakfast to snacks, I make sure that the dishes I make would be consumed in no time. I wanted to impress my wife and daughter with my cooking and hopefully, expand my horizons and broaden my menu in years time XD. 

23. Attend a seminar on Financial Freedom (Personal): Since I've started collecting books that has to do with saving and investing, I've been wising-up and started saving money (for real!) for the rainy days. And its not my wife's savings but my own (or should I say my daughter's). I think I've spent close to 2,000 pesos for a couple of books and I'm still looking for a credible financial adviser. I've seen Francisco Colayco's website as well as a few others. I guess I'm on my way to financial freedom anytime soon. XD

24. Get an Educational Plan for Migmig (Personal): My dad kinda forgot to grab an educational plan for the three of us. However, with the recent turn of events that some pre-need companies goes bankrupt, it kinda make me hesitant to get her one. Anyway, I'd take this into consideration and maybe get one. 

25. Give Paleo Workout/Cross-Fit Training a try (Health): Uhm, for the longest time since college, I wanted to get back in shape. I mean, a lean, mean, fighting machine and not round as a shape XD. Being busy at work should not be an excuse for me not to give it some thought and regain my fittest form. What would probably hold me back would be the cost per each session and its availability. 

Note: This bucket is was more than 2 years in the making XD. Part 2 won't be that far behind. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: Getting an invite from PFW and its schedule next week

For the second time this year, I have received an invite from Philippine Fashion week on the 25th of October at 8:30pm. If I would confirm, I would be able to see the works of Albert Andrada, Eric Delos Santos, Jerome Ang, Jun Jun Cambe, Norman Noriega, Raoul Ramirez. However, being new at work, I have to pass on this event again with a heavy heart.

Its been two years since the last time I've attended The Philippine Fashion Week. I couldn't imagine how time flies so fast. After three albums, its still stuck at three, I wonder when I would be able to attend again. XD

Anyway, here is the schedule for PFW (Philippine Fashion Week) as mostly this is a by invitation only event.

Taken from Google

I wonder how long I have to wait before I could attend again. XD

Oktoberfest: Your Covergirls this October

October is always synonymous with beer (Oktoberfest). But its also a good time to add up your collection (Men's Magazines). What to pick? Here are the options: 

1. FHM Philippines (Valerie "Bangs" Garcia): Bangs or should I say Valerie "Bangs" is now version 3.0 as they say she has already blossomed into a very fine sexy woman. Aside from that, she has a few talents to boost as I got to browse through my copy a few days back. 

FHM Philippines October 2013

2. Esquire (US President Barrack Obama): I don't know if Esquire is running out of babes to cover or what... Seriously, it would be much better if they have interviewed the US President than just getting a transcript. Oh Well...

Esquire Philippines October 2013

3. Rogue (Angel Jacob): I never imagined she would grace Rogue's cover this year (I was hoping she'd be on Rogue last year) but Thank God they did. ^_^

 

Rogue October 2013

4. UNO (Karen Bordador and Kit Barraquias): When was the last time Kit Barraquias posed on a men's magazine? Time can only tell plus I haven't seen Karen Bordador covering in any men's magazine either. So would you pick Kit or Karen? XD

UNO October 2013

UNO October 2013

5. Playboy Philippines (Jobie Quinn): After PMOY Billy and Sky, its now Jobie's turn to grace the cover of Playboy. I haven't bought a copy but I'm sure its pretty interesting. As usual, you can pick any of the two covers again. XD

Playboy Philippines October 2013

Playboy Philippines October 2013

Till November then... XD

Swabeng News: Another photograbber by the name of Mark

No that's me =P

Its really embarrassing that there is another photograbber circulating through social media wherein this time, he grabs photographs from a famous Filipino Photographer. He doesn't just steal the photos, he changes the watermark as well and treats it like its his own photo.

Taken from facebook

He even got the nerve to post his Tesda Certification and brags that he is connected with the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF). If its true, does he really have to brag this? I even doubt the authenticity of his certificate. And if its real, then it should be revoked!

Taken from Facebook

Again, just like what happened on the last photo-grabbing incident, a lot of netizens (mostly photographers) were very irate and disgusted on this man's actions. Even the owner of the photograph was amused and puzzled as to what are the real objectives of this culprit. 

Honestly, its kinda embarrassing that we have the same name. But I'd rather take a thousand shots of my own to get the perfect shot rather than steal someone's work and credit it for himself. 

Would he apologize about this incident? He should be...

Swabeng News: One of the Worst in Photography History

Imagine someone apologizes for stealing photos for an online contest and blames his youth and inexperience for it???

While browsing through my Facebook wall, I saw several netizens giving out harsh comments to this fellow. Upon reading the news from Rappler, I was shocked to witness this kind of action. Imagine stealing someones work and making it your own, then reaping the fruits that should have been given to its rightful owner. I never imagined stealing pictures to this level. Its really humiliating and a disgrace to the entire community with the actions he did.

If this had happen only once, he may have gotten away with it with a public apology. But he has done it since 2011 and got away with most of it, I don't think he can live at peace for the rest of his days especially netizens already knew what he is capable of. All photographers (including me) didn't like his actions (and never will).

If you look at the latest picture that he stole, it depicts a boy from Zamboanga with seaweeds on his head. But taking a closer look, he doesn't look like a local from Zamboanga but he's a native Brazilian. 

Does he look like a Zamboangueno to you?

While I feel very mad to this thief ("Kapangalan ko pa naman XC ), I'm sure his actions will haunt him for as along as he lives. He may have apologized to the organizers and most importantly to the rightful owner of the photograph, the memory, the embarrassment and the humiliation he brought not only to the UP community but to the entire Filipino Photographer Community who strives to capture the emotion with their own vision. 

I'd rather lose every competition I join rather than get the top prize using an image that is not a product of my creativity, dedication and hard work. 

I won't post his picture here, rather, you could search it on Google while its hot. XD

Soleslam Automax 2: The Stormy VIP Event

Despite strong rains and forceful winds, I was able to reach One Esplanade at 2:00pm to attend my first Soleslam Automax event. I went there all by myself but I saw some of my friends there so we just tagged together eventually. 

When I registered on the VIP, I need to shell-out 600 pesos for a ticket. Supposedly, it should only costs 500 pesos or less and at the same time, those who bought tickets on the day were handed out hand-written VIP Ticket on a yellow paper. Geez, for a 600-peso ticket, should one get a piece of paper as a ticket. AFAIK, VIP's should be able to get a lootbag (first 500) but I didn't get any as they ran out of supply (my VIP ticket says 134, so technically, I should be getting atleast a lootbag).

When I got in, there wasn't much people yet as its still for VIPs from 12:00-3:00pm (Beyond 3:00pm, its for General Admission). The only advantage of getting a VIP Ticket is that aside from the lootbag, you get to be the first to shop for your kicks (pair of sneakers). If you just went there to "window shop", its better to wait instead. 

I started taking some pictures of shoes that were new to my eyes. I noticed that most of the kicks displayed were either Nike's Jordan's or other kicks that were unique or hard-to-find. The price tag, some were a bit on the high side but if you really collect them, this  event is for you. 

After taking pictures of the kicks, its time to take pictures of some hot chicks (ladies) on the event. I got a few pictures of some models that I saw at the event. I saw a few more but they have been flocked by photographers and some fans. 

A friend of mine had his Vixenation book signed but we were not allowed to take pictures of the model (this is the first time we were not allowed to take pictures) as one of the bouncers said that only official photographers are allowed to take pictures. That pissed-us off and just went on. If you ask me, I wanted to report this to the organizers about this incident. Its like that this certain bouncer has some power-tripping issues and this needs to be reported.

We went near the stage so we could have a better view of the stage (and the people). We got to take pictures of other models on stage as well. And when Fil-Am Hot-Import Model Christine Mendoza went up on stage, the crowd upfront went wild. Most took pictures and some waited for some giveaways that were thrown away (literally) by the host and the organizers. I got a cap for myself c/o my friend's model friend. 

When we got the chance, we went to the right side of the stage to have our picture taken with Christine. The last time I had my picture taken was probably years ago =P. I guess, I need to loosen-up and release my inhibitions for me to be able to be sociable again =P

We didn't finish the event as all of us went there just to see Christine (and some shoes for me XD). Since its raining so hard, the carshow has been canceled. I wonder if there would be a refund for it? If you ask me, The organizers need more planning and there should always be a plan b.

Anyway, pictures to follow soon. XD

Marien 365: Week 52 (Day 358 - 364)

Day 358: I tried another perspective. Needs more practice though. XD

Day 358

Day 359: I'll try to look for my old picture with a facial expression like that. XD

Day 359

Day 360: No headband

Day 360

Day 360: With headband.

Day 360

Day 361: Before we went out to have dinner somewhere. This would be probably the closest look she has as a girl. XD

Day 361

Day 362: She just posed like that. XD

Day 362

Day 363: I present you my Day 1. XD

Day 363

Day 364: One more day...

Day 364

Wait, where is Day 365? Is it really the end of Marien 365?