Swabeng Event: Feast of the Black Nazarene

Well for those who have little or no knowledge about today's event, here is an infographic from Inquirer's webpage. 

Its been a long while since the last time I've joined the Feast of the Black Nazarene with a curious mind. Though I'll be missing it again for the 4th straight year since the first time I've attended, I am with all the other devotees who will be attending today. I wonder where is the Black Nazarene right now? 

Infographic from FHM.com.ph

When I went there a few years back, I've seen different types of people aside from the devotees. Young and old were there as well as some fanatics too. While most went there barefooted (as a sign of sacrifice and penitence), I made sure I had mine covered for safety.

And while others criticize the event as a possible starting point of stampede or other chaotic events (Some may never understand). It is their Faith that brought millions of our fellowmen towards it knowing that their prayers will be answered (and they were as I've asked a few before). It didn't matter how many people (by the millions) would attend, what matters is they were there celebrating with others. It didn't also matter to them if they get injured or not, what matters is that they make sure their fellow devotee is okay. 

I miss taking this kinds of pictures. 

In my experience, all of them were helpful especially to photographers. They would let us climb up rooftops of waiting sheds to make sure we got a good view of everybody. Though my camera was not cooperating with me then, I was able to take some decent shots and posted them here 

I do envy students as well as those who work in Manila as Mayor Joseph Estrada issued a suspension order of all classes in all levels in Metro Manila plus some of the Government offices declared the same. 

Anyway, here is the route for today's procession. There were some changes as it will pass now Jones Bridge instead of the usual Mc Arthur Bridge due to safety issues 

Taken from Google

Traffic re-routing scheme has been posted on this link. But here is the text of it.

1. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or right to A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.

2. All vehicles coming from Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right at A. Villegas (Arroceros), right at Quezon Bridge to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound of Roxas Blvd. from T. M. Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right to T.M. Kalaw to point of destination.

4. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of Espana shall turn right P. Campa, left Andalucia, right Fuguso, left T. Mapua to point of destination.

5. All PUJ’s/light vehicles coming from Espana intending to proceed to South Pier Zone take the usual route using Quezon Bridge.

6. All vehicles coming from Divisoria intending to utilize the stretch of C. Recto Avenue shall turn left to T. Alonzo, right at Furguso, right at Andalucia to point of destination.

7. All vehicles coming from Legarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.

8. All heavy vehicles/cargo trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmena, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong (vice-versa).

Wherever you are, stay safe.

Swabeng Thought: Breaking Streaks and Missing FHM's 100 Sexiest Party for the first time since 2007

Its been a week since FHM's 100 Sexiest Victory Party 2013. My friends were a bit confused on why I didn't attend this event. For someone like me who doesn't say no when it comes to attending these kinds of events. Its like meeting old friends as well as new ones while covering the event, who would want to miss this right?

Even my former boss called me "nuts" when I told him I'll be skipping this year's party. He's right, but not completely. I could have used one of my leave credits to join the guys but still, I know there will come a time that I'll be joining my friends again on this occasion. But for now, I have to stick to my plan to have a good record here at work.

For the time being, no pictures. Sorry guys. =P

Swabeng Events: International Museum Day 2012, Which Museums to go to

New challenges, New inspirations.

Today, the world is changing faster than ever. New technology delivers new ideas, gigabytes of information, news of an increasingly unstable climate, all shared by social media. Modern museums must compete for an audible voice against the furious pace of this background.

This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. Most people would never know but I like going to museums more as I grew older. I even recall some of my pictures I took a couple of years ago at multiply and I look at them once in a while to reminisce the good old days.

But where to go to tomorrow to celebrate International Museum Day? I got two museums that celebrate the event. 

1. The Mind Museum: Since they opened last March, I'm sold on how much they have invested to have a museum like these. They have a lot of activities in store for all curious minds, young and old. I'd take my family a few years from now but I (alone) may visit them within this year. Taking pictures for personal use is okay (according to them) but they prohibit tripods (I don't mind) and using flash (I'm not sure about this).

Taken from their facebook page

2. Ayala Museum: I pass by this museum on my way to work but I never set foot inside because PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT ALLOWED. I was hoping if they would change their mind just for tomorrow but they're still firm on PROHIBITING PHOTOGRAPHY inside. Anyway, I may change my mind and pass by for an hour or two perhaps.

Taken from their facebook page

If I only have tomorrow free, I could pay both museums a visit. Would you recall any museum here in Manila (or other parts) of the country celebrating the International Museum Day 2012.

Interested to learn more about International Museum Day? You may check the following links here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Events to go to this weekend

Weekend is fast approaching. Don't know where to go? Lemme share to you some that I'm planning to go to this coming weekend. ^_^

1. Bimmerfest 2012: For car lovers, this one is for you. I recall attending this event in 2010 though I missed it last year. I may pass by there probably when time permits. Bimmerfest 2012 will be an all-day experience that is designed to bring together all BMW fans, admirers, owners and drivers in one venue in order to showcase, share and savor what the BMW marquee has to offer. 

Taken from their website

2. Free Comic Book Day 2012: I have attended its other event (the one held every third Saturday of May). but for this event that usually happens every first Saturday of May, I'm still looking forward to what this event has to offer. Free Comic Book Day falls on the 1st Saturday in May, and what happens on that day? You guessed it…FREE COMICS! XD

Taken from this link

3. Grand Santa Cruzan at Araneta Center: I've never been to a Santa Cruzan at Araneta Center and this could be my first if I wanted to go there. On May 5, the Araneta Center will once again come alive with colorful flowers and lovely sagalas in breathtaking gowns for the annual Grand Santacruzan, featuring the Binibining Pilipinas queens!

Taken from their facebook page.

I wanted to add another but it was an exclusive event for bloggers (I know most know about this). 

Well, you may want to go somewhere and pick one (or all) of these I suggested. Let me know if you were able to go to anyone of them. We may bump into each other somewhere =P

Events to go this weekend

Don't know where to go again this coming weekend? I have some event you may want to visit. 

1. 21st Transport Show at SM Megamall: I'm sure I'll be here tomorrow as I filed my leave for this. Though I'll be gambling to go there on a Friday, I could check if I would enjoy the view of the cars (and models) as well. I would go solo here (just like for the past few carshows) but I may bump into some of my photographer friends as well XD.

Taken from Google

2. E-Domination 6 at World Trade Center: I've been there only once and I wanted to go back. I'm not sure if I could go there but there's no harm in trying perhaps. This would be for games, anime lovers and enthusiasts like me to check it out.

Taken from Google

So there, two events to choose from over the weekend. Maybe you have another event that you could suggest to me to perhaps visit. ^_^

I completely forgot!

Yikes! I forgot that this event would be tonight. XD Anyways, I was thinking earlier if I'll report for work or go somewhere where I could unwind, think and contemplate.

Taken from their facebook page

There is always a next time to meet other photographers and have a good time. XD

MIAS 2012: Being better and smarter

Last Saturday, I made sure that my leave was filed a month ahead to make-up for my dismissal shoot on last year's MIAS. I still recall the misses I made last year as I wasn't able to cover everything there (except for Russ Swift's Drifting show which I usually miss anyway XD).

I arrived at past 11:30am and scouted the area a little bit. Though I got there a bit late, I wasted no time in taking photographs of cars in a different manner that I never took before. I was able to take at least a hundred shots within two hours.

By 2:00pm, I shifted to shooting the ones responsible for making carshows a success, the carshow models. I was able to take pictures of almost all of them (90%) while taking a look if some of my friends came to the event.

Even if I'm by my lonesome, I made sure to enjoy the event before calling it a day.

Pictures to follow soon. XD

Where to go before April starts

Nowhere to go this coming weekends again? Let me give you some swabeng events to attend to as I saw them a couple of days or even weeks earlier.

1. Manila International Auto Show (MIAS 2012): This would top my list as I've been a visitor for five consecutive years. It is the Philippines’ largest and most attended car show, with over 85,000 attendees and an exhibit area of over 30,000 sqm. The event features the best concept cars, hybrid cars, and other automotives that will change the way we look at motoring.I hope I could have the time to watch the drift show this time. XD

Taken from their Website

2. Beyond Earth Hour 2012 Event: Would the Philippines make it four years in a row with the most number of participants joining this once a year event. This time, Makati would host the biggest Earth Hour in Philippine History as we switch off our lights for three hours instead of one. Since the event would be in front of our office, I could take a peak perhaps and see what it brings me. 

Taken from Google

3. Tagcom 6 2012: Another event for gamers, cosplayers, toy collectors and onlookers as Tagcom will be on its 6th year. I could pass by here probably this Sunday ^_^. 

Taken from

4, Alodia's Birthday Bash: Thousands of Alodia (as well as cosplayer) fans would definitely storm here to be with her. But there is one problem, SECURITY. With tight security, having a photo-op with her could be next to impossible but I was able to do it twice. XD

Taken from her Facebook Page

I gave you the options so choose wisely XD. Now go out and have fun but don't forget to share your experience okay? XD

First Hot Import Nights in Manila: Carshow + VIP Concert

I make sure not to miss this event for ages even if I may not be able to have a photo-op with Nikita Esco, Jerri Lee and Arianny Celeste. Some of my friends were able to have a photo-op with them but I guess my time was up and simply enjoyed taking their photos from a distance. XD

I got to the WTC (World Trade Center) at almost 1:00pm and had lunch first at Chicboy before entering the premises. The event seems pretty normal to me as it was almost the same carshow I attend over the years.

What would make it different is the Hot Import Night's Jeri Lee, Nikita Esco and MMA's Arianny Celeste. Whenever they're around, photographers and warm-blooded guys are within a distance to have a chance for a photo-op with them.

By 6:30pm, everyone was advise to go out as they're busy preparing for the VIP Party. This is actually the reason why I have to file my leave XD. We had to fall in line again just to get in. Unfortunately, tickets were sold out (?) which made some upset, rant and go home instead. 

When we got back in, I didn't notice the change except for the stage as well as the front row which I have to make my way to the front the hard way. Anyway, I was still able to get some decent shots during the VIP show. 

The VIP Show coincides with Wave 89.1's 11th anniversary which makes it much fun as some of their DJ's hosted the show. Mocha girls were there and the search for Ms. HIN  is in progress. 

Then, Nikita Esco graced the stage with her dancing moves that all I heard more was clicks of the cameras left and right. Then Jeri Lee was next to perform not outdoing each other but more of complementing each other.

Then the finalists for Ms HIN was announced as KC Montero and Arianny Celeste were on stage to make the event more exciting. As Ms HIN was announced, the crowd chants as they seem they want more. 

The event went well till the end, just in time for my battery to go empty. For 400 pesos, I think its pretty much worth it. I hope year would be a much better Hot Import Nights in Manila. 

Pictures to follow soon. XD

Today is Leap Year 2012

Once in every four years, people born on the 29th of February will have a chance to celebrate their birthday on its exact date. Not February 28, nor March 1, but February 29.

In other countries, this would be the opportunity for women to propose marriage to their respective boyfriend to find true love. Odd isn't it? It may happen to you here but definitely, just for today. XD

Taken from Google

Why do we need leap years?

In short, the purpose of adding an extra day to February every four years is to sync up the 365-day Gregorian calendar with the solar calendar, which is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds long -- the (near) exact amount of time it takes the earth to revolve around the sun.

Sure, ushering in the new year 5 hours before the earth has fully revolved around the sun doesn't seem like a huge deal, but over time it starts to add up. So much, in fact, that every four years our calendar is about one day behind where it should be to reflect the earth's actual position in its journey around the sun.

So that's why we need an extra day in February. Otherwise, after enough years had gone by, we'd be celebrating Christmas in July.


Why is the extra day added in February?

Leap Year was "invented" back in the first century BC, when Julius Caesar and his team of astronomers noticed that their 355-day Roman calendar had somehow slipped out of sync with the seasons. Caesar and his astronomer Sosigenes did some calculations and came up with a 365-day calendar that would sometimes add an extra day to the last month of the year, which was February. That became known as the Julian calendar.


Where did our current calendar come from?

The Julian calendar worked for a while, but something still wasn't adding up, and by the 16th century the calendar and the seasons were off by about 11 days. So in March of 1582, Pope Gregory XII moved up the calendar by 11 days and teamed up with astronomers to formulate a new calendar. Surely, it must have been strange for them to go to bed on March 11 and wake up on March 22.

The Pope's astronomers discovered that in fact, the Julian calendar was about 11 minutes too long. So they instituted a slight change that would prevent the calendar from getting ahead of itself over time. According to the new rule, a century year could only be a leap year if it was divisible by 400. Thus, while 1900 was not a leap year, the year 2000 was. This small change formed the basis for the Gregorian calendar used today.


Okay, so is the Gregorian calendar good to go?

Not exactly. Though the Gregorian calendar put the calendar year extremely close to the solar year, it's still a little bit off. But it will take about 3,000 years for this slight difference to add up to an extra day in error.

So astronomers have a few years to figure out how to deal with that one.

Below is the video on what is leap year.




If this video doesn't work, just go to youtube instead.

To know more, you may check it here.

Next leap year would be in 2016, that is if were still here. XD

International Volunteer Day

Taken from Google

Today is International Volunteer Day which was established by The United Nations GA (General Assembly) in 1985. It has been celebrated worldwide as millions of volunteers are involved with various activities like clean-up campaigns, exhibits, and conferences among others. 

What do people do?
This day hopes to heighten people’s and governments’ awareness of the voluntary contributions. It also focuses on stimulating people to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad. Over the years, governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals contribute the International Volunteer Day through various activities including:

1. Voluntary community projects.

2. Parades, marches, or rallies.

3. Award ceremonies for volunteers who made significant contributions to their communities.

4. “Time donation” campaigns that involve people pledging hours of voluntary service to specific projects.

5. Companies launching voluntary programs as part of their corporate responsibility.

6. Volunteer competitions.

Activities and events for the day help promote the impact of volunteering and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, via volunteering to:


1. Help eradicate poverty.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality and to improve maternal health.
5. Reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases.
6. Help ensure environmental sustainability.

Many people participate in many of these events through the World Volunteer Web, which the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) operates in partnership with various organizations.

You may read more here, here, here, here, and here.

Now is the time to volunteer and contribute something don't you think?

Celebrating World Television Day

 Taken from Google

Today marks the 15th World Television Day as being declared by the United Nations (UN) since 1996. To be honest, I find it ridiculous as to why we have to celebrate this every year as we always get glued to the television for most of the time that we are home. But after reading the news from Manila Bulletin, I came to realize that television is not just a tool for entertainment but to inform and educate as well (Yeah I know =P). 

In today's society, television plays a major role in presenting various issues that affect people. In our day to day lives, we are very much dependent on television to get the latest news around the country and around the globe. As these advancements from technology arrives upon us, we have to make sure to utilize them responsibly and inform our today's youth the importance of responsible TV viewing. 

To know more about the World Television Day, you may check their facebook account.

Happy Viewing! XD

A Night of Live Art, Music and World Acclaimed Tiger Beer

As taken from their facebook fanpage

Nothing to do on a Friday night and wanted to try something new, why not head to Kyss located at 535 Gen Luna Street, Makati Ave., Makati City this coming Friday (November 18, 2011) as Tiger Beer is having this monumental event. There would be a graffiti showdown between street artists Ekis and Nuno working on a Gold Theme. Turbo Goth will be providing the music to make sure we would enjoy the show. with their different kind of music I'm sure everyone would enjoy listening to. And to enjoy this one of a kind experience, Tiger Beer will provide free-flowing beer to those who will attend on Friday.

So what are you waiting for, save the date and head of to Kyss by Friday and enjoy the night with Tiger Beer.

Project 11.11.11

Taken from Google

Tomorrow would be one of the day that most people await; Eleven-Eleven-Eleven also known as 11.11.11. Most couple would have their wedding at this date as it brings good fortune and blissful life. Others would just treat it as just another day (just like me when it was 10.10.10).

Taken from their website.

But for photographers, this would be meaningful especially if you got to read the Project 11.11.11 as this would be the day we could get our creative juices flowing. Also another facebook page I recently joined (known as BAWAL MAG SHOOT DITO-Only in the Philippines) will be having their photowalk towards Luneta (Rizal Monument) to voice their concerns against violating the rights to take photographs of public places especially in parks. Combining the two events would mean that it would be a fun-filled event.

See you tomorrow! XD

Reminders for the Canon Photomarathon 2011

Canon Photomarathon 2011 at PTTC

Its only 2 days more before the Canon Photomarathon for this year will commence. I remembered joining last year for the first time and I was overwhelmed with a lot of Canon users joining in this annual event. Last year, we were about 1,200 participants (I think) who took pictures and submitted them for judging.

Anyway, I saw this posted in Pipho and I think its a good read especially those who will be joining the event for the first time. Here are some tips to maximize the experience for Saturday's Photomarathon (though it won't guarantee that you would win the event).

1. Bring only the gear you'll need. Last year's winner only used a 50mm and a 400D (or 40D?). No need to bring heavy packs with lots of lenses etc.

2. Check out the photos from the previous CPM events to get some ideas and concepts so you'll know what gear to bring and what to look for during the shoot.

3. Wear light clothing, better if dri-fit clothing. Mainit ngayon so better bring a hat too!

4. Bring lots of water to keep you hydrated and some snacks and candies especially for those who are diabetic. 

5. Don't forget your BATTERIES and MEMORY CARDS before leaving the house! (some people do tend to forget their batteries and mem cards attached to the charger or card readers)

6. Empty and Format your memory cards prior to the event. Ensure all your cards work. Make test shots to be sure.

7. Set your cameras to shoot in JPEG mode (I suggest Large JPEG). (RAW format won't be accepted)

8. Read also the manual on how to change the date and time of your cameras, we will be asked to change the dates and time as part of the contest rules.

9. Don't forget to print, sign and bring with you the WAIVER FORM.

10. Bring a separate memory card or USB flash drive and save some of your best photos or stock photos. Free printing for everyone c/o Canon Pixma! 

11. Enjoy and have fun! This is a friendly contest, don't be rude to other photographers. Smile and make some friends.

See you on Saturday! XD

Cosmania 2011

Last Sunday, I head-off to SMX Convention Center to attend The Cosmania 2011. My friend told me that I got media passes that I could take pictures it would my first time to have media passes XD.

When I got there, I took some pictures from outside the event area as most cosplayers were more than willing to pose for you. To make sure, I bought a ticket to the entrance just in case my friend who got the media passes won't be able to make it.

After a few hours, my friend told me he couldn't make it. Oh well, there goes my media pass XD. And at the same time, I ran out of batteries (both XD) after more than 2 hours of shooting outside the event area.

Anyway, even without the media pass, I got to take decent shots and I know that would be enough for me.

Hopefully I could attend next year's Cosmania 2012. XD

Here are a few more pictures that I took. Enjoy! XD

World Photography Day

Taken from Google

What's World Photography Day?

World Photography Day is all about celebrating photography and remembering how special a photograph can be.

Today, we take our photographs for granted. But next time you're flicking though photos from your last holiday, remember that there was once a time when photography didn't exist. A time when those precious moments couldn't be captured, uploaded and shared.

This day, on August 19th, celebrate photography and share your world with the world!

I was able to take photographs today of my daughter which I know I won't be able to replicate that moment again (I'll just post it at a different day).

Have you taken a picture today? Share it with the rest of the world through their website at http://www.worldphotoday.org/

A not so good party at Playboy Academy

Last Thursday, I got to go to Playboy Academy event at Excess Super Club in Timog. Actually, I am so hesitant in attending this event as I still remember the last Playboy event I attended in 2008 (I wasn't satisfied at that time) and I was looking forward for a lot of improvement. Since I've been seeing a lot of good photos from fellow photographer, I might as well give it a try again.

I got to the event at around 8:30pm after taking my wife and baby somewhere in Quezon City and back home. It was raining a bit and there were people falling in line and waiting for the entrance to open. My friend (who happens to have the ticket) came late but I didn't mind and we all got in. The place was a bit packed with people and were trying to get a good position to shoot.

Unfortunately, while the show started, so are the bouncers who keep on pushing us backward as the contestants (from different schools) need more space to move at. Even the hosts (Playmate Echo and Sky) also told us to move backward while we don't have anymore space to move at. I was suppose to have my magazine signed by covergirl Aubrey Miles.

There were times that I really enjoyed the show (mostly the lingerie show) as well as the performance of 3 hot women doing a sing and dance number (sorry I forgot their name). If you ask me, I was really DISAPPOINTED at the event though being with some friends just compensated the lack of excitement of the event. I left at around 1:00am and had coffee to chill-out and relax before going back home.

I am thinking if I would post pictures of the event or not. But probably I have to think about it a hundred times.

Defenition of Father's Day

 Taken from Google

Today and every third Sunday of June marks Father's Day. According to Wiki , Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries and on other days elsewhere. It complements Mother's Day, the celebration honoring mothers.

Though this special day varies from country to country, Celebrating Father's Day should not just be done every third Sunday of June but everyday as they (or we) work hard to ensure that their families would have a better life for years to come. 

To my fellow dads (And to the best dad that I have), Happy Father's Day!

PS. I was about to join a photo contest in Hidalgo but as my daughter looks at me into the eyes, she wanted me to just stay home and be with her. She got her wish granted without hesitation XD.

Events to attend this weekend

It really sucks that you have to work either on Saturdays or Sundays (For July, its both XD). Hoping I could maximize my weekends despite my work schedule. Anyway, here are some events that you can attend to this coming weekend. 

1. Toycon 2011: Being present at Toycon for the past few years, I hope I would see new cosplayers as well as new toys to shoot at XD. If budget permits, I would buy a toy for my little girl as a souvenir.

Taken from Google

2. Manila Food and Beverage Expo 2011 (MAFBEX): Another food expo that I hope I could go to. The event already began since Wednesday and we only have 2 more days to go.

Taken from Google

3. 16th Graphic Expo together with 2nd Photo-Video Expo 2011: I find my first experience here a bit boring. But since its closest to WTC, I might consider this given the time and resources. But I have to resist temptation of buying accessories for my camera first XD.

Taken from Google

4. Spark 2011 and Photographer's Ball 2011: I recall how much I've learned from attending last year's PhPhoto EB. And I'm looking forward to learn more XD.

Taken from PhPhoto's Website

5. The Wedding Summit 2011: I recall that my wife and I have attended almost all wedding fairs last 2009. It's least likely I'll be attending but who knows XD.

Taken from Google

6. Canon Hidalgomez Photowalk: I have registered for this event since last week and I won't pass up on this event even if its a Sunday XD.

Taken from Canon's Facebook Fanpage

Well take your pick for this weekend XD