The week that was (September 30 - October 6)

Sunday: Got up early on a Sunday morning and so is my daughter. We went again to Gateway mall to have a cup of coffee at Krispy Kreme and to have my coffee passport stamped. We didn't spend much time there as my baby wanted something else. We got back at almost 10:00am as her mom was already up and awake. We put her to sleep before we were able to do other things. Then we had to choose between SM Manila and Robinson's Magnolia and we choose the latter. We got to Robinson's Magnolia at almost 4:00pm as we went to the basement to let Migmig play at Gymboree (I'll write a blog post about it). After an hour I got tired but our baby seems to have limitless energy so I take my wife and kid at the back of the mall for them to see how friendly the place was (I may write a blog post about this). Migmig ran around the grass and bumped to other kids as well. As its getting pitch black, all of us got hungry and wanted to have dinner at Yabu. But since Yabu was jam-packed, we looked for another place to eat until we ended up at Sumo Sam. I didn't bother taking pictures of the food as I feel pretty tired already from playing with my daughter, exhausting all energy chasing her left and right. We took a jeepney ride home as all of us were really tired for the day.
 
Monday: Got up early so I could take Migmig out for a walk. For breakfast, we ate at Jollibee to have a different taste as well as a different view. Our morning was pretty much the same though until she gets her sleep in the morning. I was able to go online for more than 2 hours before she gets up again.  When we got to SM Manila at past 3:00pm, I thought I could let my daughter walk freely but it seems she doesn't want to get tired easily (smart baby! XD). I had a cold cappuccino at Krispy Kreme before we took a cab home. It took me a while to put her to a 1-hour nap at almost 6:00pm. By 7:00pm, we got up and went downstairs to enjoy the rest of the night.


Tuesday: For breakfast, we had pancakes from Mc Donald's before doing some walking and went back home by 9:00am. I let my daughter sleep first before going online for around 2 hours. Then I decided to drop by at Gateway to have some coffee and stroll around to look for some good read. Only a few hours away from home is all I need to collect my thoughts and plan for the coming days ahead while sipping a hot cup of coffee at Krispy Kreme. Then I tried some grub at Taco Bell and it tastes pretty good plus its more affordable. I got back home at past 5:00pm and read some papers as well as did some dishes before my daughter got up and awake again. I sneaked upstairs to go online at 7:00pm to check on what's happening online. Her mom got home a couple of minutes later and joined the rest of us in enjoying the night.

Wednesday: I was up and awake as early as 4:30am to see that's going on after the Cybercrime Law of 2012 has been in place. So far, everything seems normal except for probably most people irritated with the libel-provision of the law. by 6:30am, I left for Harrison Plaza to meet my mom there but I had to eat breakfast at Jollibee first since I'm starving. When I got to HP, i gave my mom some stuff and she handed me some before I took a cab going back home. The weather wasn't cooperative that time so Migmig and I spent the morning indoors. After her bath, I was able to put her to sleep really quick and went online for a few minutes. After that, I wasted no time in getting ready as I had to be at SMX before 3:00pm. I got to SMX at around 2:30pm as I registered for the ManilArt 2012 Blogger's Tour (I'll write a blog post about this). By past 5:00pm, I felt I need to go to the restroom so I left the exhibit, making a promise to myself that I'll pay them a visit and do my own tour by Thursday or Friday. I grabbed some subs at Subway and went online for almost an hour before taking a cab going home. To my surprise, Migmig was still sleeping when I got home and its almost 8:00pm. I went online to check whats going online and check on our games. My wife came home a few minutes after and woke our daughter up. I continue until our connection got really slow. I joined them downstairs and enjoyed the rest of the night until probably 11:00pm as I went upstairs first to get some sleep. Tomorrow wil be another day ahead.

Thursday: Got up at past 7:00am and did my morning rituals before going back upstairs to go online for a couple of minutes and take my baby down with me. So far, the weather was pretty sunny as both of us bask under it and enjoyed as much as we can. After I put my baby to sleep again, I went online to continue some of my work. By past 12:00pm, Migmig was already up and awake. I tried putting her back to sleep but I wasn't able to do it as she keeps on getting up telling me she wants to play again. After she gets dressed (and so am I), we head first to Gateway via LRT2 to grab a drink before heading to her mom's office in Katipunan. Well my baby had other things in mind as she keeps on playing in her mom's office until 7:00pm. We went straight home after her shift and enjoyed the rest of the night.

Friday: Got up as early as 6:00am as I got to do my morning rituals before going online while Migmig was still sleeping. When she got up, I took her to Mc Donald's to have some breakfast there as well as I let her walk for a couple of minutes before we went back home to let her have her bath. After putting her to sleep, it was all systems go for me to do my plans for the day until my wife texted me as she forgot something important back home. This happened when I was on my way to SM MOA. I have no choice but to go back and get my wifes things. I took the LRT going to her office and hand them to her. My next problem was to get to MOA from Katipunan in the fastest way possible. I took the LRT2-MRT route before boarding the bus at Ayala going to MOA. When I got there, I took my camera out and head to SMX to attend the ManilArt 2012 (I'll write a blogpost for this). My eyes and legs got tired from enjoying a feast for the eyes and I packed-up and grabbed dinner at Wendy's. Took a bus to Shaw to attend a free screening courtesy of Nuffnang. I got to Edsa Shangrila mall at almost 9:00pm and I quickly registered to watch Taken 2. After watching the movie, I killed some time to get to Manila Hotel to make a reservation. I got there a few minutes before midnight as I saw a couple of people waiting in line to my surprise. Good thing I suggested to my wife that I'll go there tonight.

Saturday: By the time struck 12:00am, the queue at the Manila Hotel started to move. I'm 52nd on the list and I'm sure I'll be called by 2:00am or so. I just strolled around the lobby and took some mental shots of the place. Good thing reservations speed-up and in no time, my number was called. There was a little misunderstanding about the promo and   By 8:30am, I got up and awake as Migmig wanted to go down already. I took my time and did some morning rituals before taking her out for a walk. We had breakfast at 7-11 as I let her enjoy some siopao. By the time we got back, her mom was pretty busy getting ready with our stuff as we will be visiting my folks in San Pedro. We left home at past 11:00am and took the bus going home. We got there at 2:30pm as my mom was waiting for us. We had our late lunch before we did some groceries. When we got back, I tried putting my daughter to sleep but to no avail. We let her walk along the neighborhood where I grew up and I see the happiness in her face as she doesn't have to compete with vehicles on the street. Dinner was served early (just the way I prefer) and Migmig was put to bed at 8:30pm. I was able to go online until 11:00pm as my body feels so heavy and I am sleepy as well. 

Hindi Swabeh: Cybercrime Law aka RA 10175 (In pictures and whatnots)

Well, In a few hours, our cyberspace will be in its darkest era as by the stroke of midnight tonight, RA 10175, better known as Cybercrime Law shall take effect. There was a protest for this bill not to be passed but the Supreme Court has yet to put out a TRO making it effective by tomorrow.

As I browse through the walls of my facebook account, I see a lot of interesting images showing dissatisfaction over the new law especially with the insertion of "Libel". Anyways, I'll share a couple of them but to let you know (these photos are taken from various facebook pages), full credit goes to the owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll try to add some more. XD 

Things I've Learned from my Photograhy Mentor: Basic Flash and Studio Lighting

This post took me almost 2 years before posting so sorry for the long delay XD

Last January 22, I was the first one to arrive at the studio this time since I went straight to Sir Jo's Studio in Annapolis street. We had a small chit-chat while waiting for the others to arrive as well. By 2:00pm, Sir Jo started his lecture on Basic Flash and Studio Lighting. This is one topic I must learn perfectly so I could get better photo. 

Since I was the first one to arrive in the studio that day, I got a free autographed Canon 2011 Calaendar signed by no other than Jo Avila himself. I'll make sure to keep it as a souvenir after using it for this year. XD

Anyway, here are some things I've learned about Basic Flash Photography and Studio Lighting. I'd share 15 of them. If you want to learn more, you may check his facebook page. Sorry guys if it took me almost two years to post this =P

1. Observe how sunlight moves.
2. To modify quality of light, it should be diffused.
3. The sun at high noon is a point-light source (harsh).
4. Crumpled silver surface will scatter reflected light.
5. Don't shoot at high noon if there are no clouds.
6. Gold surface gives reflected light a warm glow.
7. Windows are your best friends when shooting indoors.
8. Light meter doesn't trigger the light.
9. Kelvin is used in color photography
10. Master the use of one light as if it looks like several light sources.
11. Learn to appreciate the quality of light than the quantity.
12.An umbrella and a softbox works differently.
13. The main light is not necessarily the brightest source.
14. Always worry about the distance of the light to the subject.
15. To master portrait lighting, learn to use window light.

There you go. Wanna learn more? Then I suggest to enroll at his basic photography classes. XD

Non-Print Day Lecture: The Jason Magbanua

Last Thursday (September 27, 2012), I was one of the lucky participant who attended the Non-Print Day lecture series with Jason Magbanua as guest speaker. 

I got to Sir Jo's Studio early which he gave me the task with making sure that all participants would settle their monthly contribution for food (I'm sharing this task with another photographer). 

While we wait for him (Jason) to arrive, we were able to watch The Avengers on HD. By 7:30pm, The Jason Magbanua has arrived and dinner followed first before his talk. 

With Sir Jo introducing The Jason Magbanua, it seems that they knew each other even way back when Jason was starting out. They alternately share stories on how they stared out in the industry as well as how they helped each other. 

The Jason Magbanua by Jo Avila

I wasn't able to take notes as I'm taking turns manning the door just in case someone arrives. But what I remember is that when he posts a video online, the sound track should be licensed. Meaning, he has to pay the license for the song as most of the songs were from an international bands. I guess that may be one reason why Jason has commands the highest rates in Wedding Videography (pegs at 150K pesos). But still the quality of his work dictates why he is the best wedding videographers in the country. 

He also showed to us a video that he made during his trip to Paris, France. It was one of his wedding videos that all of us got really amazed. If only I'm rich, I'll be getting him to shoot my wedding no questions asked XD. 

I'm looking forward to attend the next non-print day lecture series. 

The week that was (September 23 - 29)

Sunday: Got up early as Migmig wanted to go out already. Since Nanay was still setting-up I just decided to take Migmig someplace else. We took and LRT ride to Gateway to have some breakfast at Krispy Kreme as I ordered my Iced Mocha and 2 Original Glazed Donuts. My daughter seems to enjoy her stay there as we spent as much time as we could so when we get back home, her mom would be up and awake already. After she gave our baby a bath, I tried putting her to sleep then I went online for a couple more minutes before getting an hour of rest. When I got up, I took a bath and got ready as my wife wanted to tag me and Migmig to SM North Edsa to do some errands. We took an FX ride going there and we got to the place where my wife needs to do some things. By the time, she's done, we looked for a place to eat. She was craving for pesto pasta (not again) and we ended up at TOSH (The Old Spaghetti House) and got their Trio and some desserts. Too bad, I didn't have the camera with me and I could have captured some good moments of my wife and daughter. After dinner, we took an FX ride straight home and Migmig fell asleep on her mom's shoulders. When we got back home, I went online for a couple of minutes before she got up again. Before going to bed, I was finally able to touch Sunday's paper and check on today's news.

Monday: Breakfast was served at Jollibee as my daughter and I spend some good time there as she keeps on pointing towards any bus that she sees passing by. Her mom was pretty much busy when we got back home and played a couple more minutes. After my daughter snoozed, I was able to go online until past 2:00pm. Nanay made sure Migmig had lunch as I take a bath and got ready to take my baby out again. By almost 4:00pm, Migmig and I reached Robinson's Magnolia for the first time. I wet my daughter walk around for a couple of minutes before finding a good place to eat. I wanted to have my late lunch at Magnolia Ice Cream House but unfortunately, they don't have any high-chairs for toddlers like my daughter. We looked for other restos to eat until we got to Yabu again. I just ordered the usual Katsu and spend some lunch time with my daughter there. She seems to like Japanese rice as she keeps on asking for more. She also wants to be fed using chopsticks so I enjoyed feeding her. We roam around the mall for a couple more minutes before taking a cab at almost 6:00pm as its starting to get dark. She slept while on our way only to get interrupted as it took us 30 more minutes  to get in (apparently there was no one home even with lights on). We went upstairs as I went online and my daughter keeping me busy. Her mom arrived later that evening before she took over for a couple more minutes. Then both me and my daughter went to bed early to get that much needed rest.

Tuesday: Got up at almost 7:00am as I checked some of my games online and did my morning rituals before Migmig got up. I took her down for a walk outside before having breakfast at Mc Donald's. Then I bought some more snacks for my daughter to enjoy as I need to keep her busy and preoccupied before her mom gives her bath. I made sure she sleeps soundly before I went online and get ready for work. As usual, I took the 3-bus route plus I bought 2 pcs. of Siopao again for lunch that had me got late in the office by almost an hour. Work wasn't that heavy so I went out to buy some blank dvds for me to use as my OS back-up. I asked my office mate where to have dinner and  she suggested that I should go to Sizzling Pepper Lunch for the last time. I'm contemplating to get a steak or just my usual until I decided to get the latter. Then I went back to complete my shift before hailing a cab to get home. 

Wednesday: I got up at around 8:00am as I heard my mom just arrived paying us for a visit. I was able to do some morning rituals as well as had a glass of water before taking Migmig out for some fun in the sun. I let my baby enjoy Nanay's company for a couple of minutes before we head back home. I let her enjoy the rest of the morning before she had her bath and went to bed. I felt asleep as well for a few minutes before getting ready for work. I had my lunch at a nearby carinderia before taking the LRT2-MRT ride to work. I was craving for something different until my foot led me to Matasami Shaved Ice at Glorietta. I got in the office at past 2:30pm with another workstation of ours went down for the beating. For dinner, I head-off to Wai Nam Kee to have some Hainanese Chicken. Good thing they're not closed and I was able to get a seat. Their food is good and I'm thinking of taking my wife and daughter there really soon. I grabbed some desserts for the last time at Banapple at ATG. This would be my 2nd to the last day as I won't be in the office this Thursday (Shhhhh =P). Then I took a cab again going home as I wanted to go to sleep early. 

Thursday: Got up at 7:30am as I still feel very sleepy with less than 5 hours of sleep. I took Migmig out for some fun in the sun before we had breakfast at 7-11. I let her have some siopao while I'm looking at her. There are times that she looks more like my sister than me except that my daughter is pretty slim. When we got back, her mom just got up in time and good thing she was able to do things pretty quick. For the nth time this week, my daughter seems to be cooperative and goes to sleep in the morning after her feeding session. I wanted to catch some ZZZzzzs but I went online instead. By the time I'm dressed-up, I didn't report for work. Instead, I went to Greenhills to attend Sir Jo's non-print day lecture featuring the "Jason Magbanua" (I'll a blog post about it). I reached Greenhills at almost 2:00pm as I started to locate where Krispy Kreme is. With the feeling of being restless and hungry at the same time, I had lunch at Rack's and made sure my pork ribs were drenched in extra hot sauce that literally made me sweat inside an airconditioned room. Then I head-off to Krispy Kreme to grab some iced mocha to wake me up before going to Sir Jo's Studio to attend the session. After the session and some little chit-chats, I went home but not before buying some vitamins for Migmig. By 11:00pm I'm already home and my wife was already snoring so I had the laptop to myself until I fell asleep as well. 

Friday: This is the day! My last day of work. I had mixed emotions but I guess I had to move on and do other things I wanted to do for the longest time. I did my usual chores in the morning before reporting for work for the last time. I got early and good thing, work was pretty much slow. I did some errands as well but I had some problems eating as my tooth (a different one) got me uncomfortable. Actually, its the gums that covers it as I was unable to enjoy eating so I had soup as my last supper. I was even surprised as I had my paycheck for the last time but this time, I'll make sure to stretch it as much as I can until I get a new job. I left the office at past midnight but I didn't say any goodbyes but rather, see you around as 2 other colleagues have already left the company. I bought some bread before taking a cab going home looking forward to the days ahead. 

Saturday: I got up pretty much late as the weather was cool and inviting me to sleep more. As I prepare my stuff for Dutdutan, I noticed something was missing. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera's batter, charger and extension cord back in the office. I prepared early and leave for office to get those. I made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme to get my iced mocha. As I got to my former office, I went online for a couple of minutes and good thing, my account hasn't been disabled yet. I went online for a few more minutes before heading to ATG for lunch at Banapple. I took a bus to WTC to attend Dutdutan 2012 for five years  in a row and could be my last (I'll write a blog post for this). I left the event at 8:00pm as I feel dizzy from a bottle of beer (OMG!). I craved for beef pares so I had one along España before finally going home. My baby just went to bed when I got home so i didn't bother waking her and went online outside for another hour. By the time I got back, I hit the bed and went to sleep.