Blog Title: INKBLOTS

In the life-long quest for coming up with realistic notions about life, this blog ponders and threshes out my advocacies, thoughts, feelings observations, and anything about mundane existence.

Virtual flowers for a tired soul

The Flickr community is such a great site where you could only share your images and passion for photography. In my short stay at Flickr, I have gained friends--whom I met, whom I joined in photo shoots, photowalks, and bonding sessions; and whom I have yet to meet in person--who are yet to remain as my virtual friends, both here in the Philippines, and abroad.

To a certain degree, you get to know their persona through active interactions in Flickr mails, in commenting and receiving the same in the photo streams, or just plainly looking at their photos, which captivate and strike a chord in you. However, there are times when you wonder why your Flickr buddy is no longer posting a photo in his/her thread. Then you begin to ask questions, and follow the traces and leads that might give you an answer. Some just put in their profile they are busy, but some choose to be quiet, and some post in their blogs (which are also provided in their profiles).

This is what exactly happened to Sayote Queen or more popularly known as SQ in the blogosphere and Flickr. Early on, her blog never failed to make me let go of that smile, and some chuckles. Her Flickr stream never failed to amaze my eyes and captivate my soul. Perhaps, it is because of the fact that we share the same passion--that is photography and Baguio. As I have blogged about earlier Baguio Vignettes and Of Maryhurst, Flowers and Drizzles, Baguio occupies a special place in my heart.

So, the "investigation" began after knowing that SQ took a "leave" from her photography--and I am not happy with what I read in her blog entry "Silent Tears". Being a parent myself, I rooted for her and felt what it like to lose a part of yourself. I did not know how to express my sympathy, and at the same time letting her other Flickr friends know about her situation.

Then I thought of doing "it" again. It was a success when I first did it, and why not do it the second time around? However, it might not work this time because some members might think I am just making myself popular. Nonetheless, even if my move would be misconstrued, I posted a discussion thread in Pinoy Kodakero, and Flickristasindios where SQ is also a member.

Sympathies and prayers poured. I did not send a Flickr mail to SQ, and just waited her to open her Flickr site, and notice it. And by grace, she also posted a photo after some months of absence, and it seems she was surprised with the show of affection. I immediately commented on her photo, and said:

Batang kalye

umiinog ang mundo mo sa kalye
dito ka isinilang
nakipagbuno sa kalikasan upang kahit papaano
ang katawan mong impis ay magkalaman

naging paaralan mo ito--
natututo--tungkol sa buhay, para mabuhay
nakikipagsapalaran sa bawat sandali
kung saan ay walang katiyakan
kung kailan ka matatapos
tanging Diyos lang ang nakaka-alam

palaruan mo ang bawat lansangan
nakikipagpatintero sa mga sasakyan
humahabol sa bawat taong mapaghihingian at mapaghihingahan
upang kalam na tiyan at
sikip ng dibdib ay maibsan
habang nakikita mo ang ibang bata
akay ng kanilang magulang
alam kong itinatanong mo din,
"Pano kaya ang magkaroon ng mas mayamang magulang?"

bata!
hanggang kailan
na ang pagkain ay guni-guni na lang?
saplot sa katawan
ang bahay na inaasam
ang katreng mapaglalatagan ng hapo mong katawan
ang lapis at papel na dapat mong hawak
ay mananatiling
drowing at
kathang isip na lamang?

Inkblots: Double R [Rants and Rates]

Life is not always pleasant. You wake up one morning and some work issues greet you, making you grumpy the whole day. Save for the photos I see on Flickr in between work, and getting nice comments on my photos.

Then getting some not really good news from my sister, the morbid stories about the Romblon disaster, the spiraling prices of oil in the world market, and some saddening stories about my wife's cousin. Last Friday seems Friday the 13th!

However, I think God is really good. At least, the tax exemption is bigger now, which would at least gives me a bigger take home pay. I just hope they get reflected in my next pay check. Overall, my household is peaceful. My two sons are behaving well. Blessings! Blessings! I would count them instead.

In my previous post, I just started to count my blessings by discussing and expressing my gratitude to PinoyCentric as the second home for my photos in the net. Then, while reviewing the Technorati blog stats in Larawang Pinoy, to see if my groupmates are reading the LP blog after all. i was happy with the results in terns of page views and unique visits. Not bad for a baby blog. Then I noticed that there was a new link on Rate my Philippines. So I clicked it and saw something familiar screen shot -- and that is my blog! So I clicked it and indeed, it was my blog which is the latest review of the Rate my Philippines (RMP) Website.

Although it did not come to me as a surprise because, in the first place, I submitted my blog for rating and to be included in their review. What surprised me is the fact that it came too soon, add to to it the very nice review they gave to my blog.

I would say, it feels good to get a very nice review from people like the admins and website reviewers of RMP. There are not enough words to thank them for making me feel good about myself today.

Thanks a lot, Rate My Philippines!

God Bless and have a happy weekend!

...
P.S. I finally made a way on how to perform print screen, which you can see now posted here. I think the Print Screen button of my keyboard is not functioning. Then I looked into the installation icon, and found the function called "on-screen keyboard". So I tried if it works. It did! Cool A4Tech keyboard! Now I do not have to bug Alvin to do a print screen for me. LOLs!

Also, please visit THIS LINK and rate my blog. Just click at the stars below the review. Thanks!

PinoyCentric - A second home

When I started with Flickr last year (2007), one of the first Flickr groups that I joined is PinoyCentric. It's group description says:

Giving birth to a new blog!

It is ironic that I stopped blogging at Viewpoint because I could not maintain it. However, I just launched a new blog called LARAWANG PINOY for my Flickr group Larawang Pinoy. Let us just say, LP, as we fondly call it is fast growing and the chances that it would be viewed at least 670 per week would not be bad.

However, it is not only the readership that was considered. First and foremost, the main objective of Larawang Pinoy Blog is to feature amateur photographers who are experts in their own right.

Gracing the launch of the LP blog is a feature on Von Punzalan, who bagged the Aliwan Fiesta 2008 Photo Contest. He bested 1490 entries. He only had 7 lucky entries.

In the next months, the LP blog will have the following feature stories:

1. Photography gadgets and thing-a-majigs; Gadget Reviews
2. Travel and Travel Photography
3. Photography tips/ Photography 101
4. Photography events
5. Featured Blog (2x a month)
6. LP Contest Winners
7. Featured Photographer.

I invite you my friends and readers to drop by our group blog. Who knows? You might get hooked on photography and join us in the near future!

My updated Lakbayan Rating

I has been 11 months after I got my Lakbayan rating. So I am now updating my Lakbayan Grade. Nothing much has changed ex except I think that I have been more often in Cagayan de Oro, been to Batanes, and Romblon in the past months.

Larger than life

I have always been fascinated with images that are larger than life. Looking at the awesome macros of my Flickr buddies is a delightful experience--and I realized that even a dreaded and despicable housefly or garden fly would look so beautiful--then I begin to realize that God's creations--big, small and tiny, have something good to offer. Definitely, they are an eye-candy!

When I decided to buy a 70-300mm Zuiko lens, I was not thinking only of street photography. Then I realized that I can also use this for macro photography. There are dedicated lenses for macro photography, but buying another would be too costly on my part. So I thought I should make it a try with my 70-300mm zoom. I already have the 40-150mm but I just can't get what I want from my macro shots. For a time, I was wondering how I would make use of it. I had a hard time adjusting using long lenses and it just did not augur well for shaky hands like mine.

Nonetheless, I succeeded in this venture. The photo is one of my better macros so far. Not yet the best, but I hope I would be able to capture more tiny creatures.

You can view the rest of my macro photography HERE.

Esteemed

I was capturing people who are praying at the Pilar Shrine. Then I saw him in one corner. He was coughing hard and seemed so sick, which explains why he had a chair solely for himself. He seemed to be waiting the whole day for people who wanted to have their photographs taken. I wanted to get near him to conduct a short interview, but for some reasons, I hesitated. I just contented myself with taking his photo. I was glad he did not mind at all, or perhaps, he was too tired to mind me.

Photographers like him remind me of a funny experience in Baguio a year after my college graduation. I was in Burnham Park doing my photography when a middle-aged woman came to me and asked if they can have their photos taken. I did not know what to say but I was so amused. I just told them I am not a park photographer and it was just a hobby. They were so ashamed and apologized, but I told them it was okay and it was not the first time it happened to me.

I always admire these park photographers. Unfortunately, their livelihood is no longer as brisk as it was 3 decades ago, when there were fewer people who had a camera. To all park photographers like him, this is my tribute!

Taken at:
Pilar Shrine
Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City

Experiencing Aliwan Fiesta 2008

It was my first time to cover an event as big as the Aliwan Fiesta, the Philippines' Mother of all Fiestas/ Festivals, as it gathers different festivities in one location. This year, there were 22 festivals that were showcased--the colorful indigenous costumes, beadworks, facepaints, the heart-pounding beats, the different dance moves, chants, and the ready smile they wore can never be forgotten.

Despite the sudden downpour at exactly the time when it should start, never dampened the high spirits of the participants, spectators and photographers. In the midst of the rain, the drummers went to their instruments and pounded their drums like they were calling the gods to stop the rain and let the festivities continue. The crowd cheered on every drumbeat! The photographers would not like to lose this photo opportunity! Many of us who were in the stands covered our cameras and went out into the rain to capture that "Kodak Moment" (I have some in my Flickr album). Indeed the gods heeded the call to stop the rain, and the festivities went on like nothing happened. Despite their being soaked in sweat under the heat of the sun earlier, and soaked in the rain, the performers went on to entertain the people. It was a sight to behold. A hair-raising experience!

I am glad I was able to capture them in photos--and I will never get tired of making an indelible mark of the Philippine cultures and traditions, which I am so in love with.May this be my simple way of giving recognition to the men, women, old and young, who have painstakingly and who never get tired of showcasing their talents and their indigenous culture and tradition, as wel as their aspirations, through dance, chants and color.

I am glad I have become part of their culture and tradition, albeit only a few hours. But I will treasure it forever.

Till the next Aliwan Fiesta!

See the rest of the ALIWAN FIESTA 2008 PHOTOS

Rootedness - A Celebration of Earth Day

Inkblots Celebrates Earth day with this post. Taken at Tanay, Rizal, April 7, 2008.

Let us remember....
...our rootedness to Mother earth we call home
...where we draw life from
...which nurtures and feeds our body, mind and soul

Let us remember....
...those who have battled against environmental destruction
...those who have perished for protecting our home
...those who continue to endure the suffering to make it worth living
...those who have suffered and those who have died because of the catastrophic natural devastations

Let us remember this day...
...and start acting to protect its integrity

No one else will, but US who are still living in this planet, we call home.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

If you read this, and support Earth Day, post a blog that shows your love for Mother Earth.

Earth Day is a name used for two different observances, both held annually during spring in the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere. These are intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day, which was founded by John McConnell in 1969, each year on the March equinox, while a global observance originated by Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in, and since January 1970 also called Earth Day, is celebrated in many countries each year on April 22, including the U.S.

Source: Wikipedia

I am turning ONE!

It was not so long ago when I started with my first entry entitled My First Ink. I was a just noob in blogging and was and completely dumb about blogging. Little by little, I learned about HTML and all that stuff. Since then, I have tried to improve the look of my blog, trying out various templates, only to bring it back to a much simpler format. After all, it is the content that matters.

Blogging has also introduced me to fellow bloggers, who have become my online friends. Then there are those passers-by who do not just read but also who express their support. It is enlightening and heartwarming to know that after all, there are still people who care abut the Philippines and who dare to be part of the development arena where I come from. I am not a voice in the wilderness, after all.

Blogging has given me so much freedom to express my thoughts and feelings. Yes, there are limitations to blogging, especially when someone tells you to delete your post because it is against company policy. I did delete some of the posts--with a heavy heart. However, propriety dictates I should do so. It may be against my principles, but I just thought that it is also a way of protecting some people that have become part of me.

Blogging has broadened my horizon--seeing new things in a different light. And I thank all my online friends for doing that. Blogging has also given me that needed pat on the back when I won a blogging contest. I do not know if I could do that again....but one thing is for sure--I will hold this in my heart forever. I thank you for all your support.

My blog is turning one on April 29, 2008. I will be on an out-of-town trip on that day, so I decided to just do it today.

This is my way of saying thank you for all the visits, links (Technorati preferred, LOLS!) and sharing your thoughts!

Silence kills!

The Philippines is acting on Filipino child survival by launching the Bata Movement with the theme: "Bata: Tamang Alaga". This commenced with the March for Child Survival from Manila Hotel to Museo Pambata on April 11, 2008. The movement is led by the International Society of Tropical Pediatricsin collaboration with UP Manila-National Institutes f Health and the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association. This march for the children and launch of the Bata Movement also coincides with the 8th International Congress of Tropical Pediatrics. The congress aims to discuss how the Philippines can achieve the Millennium Development Goal No. 4 (Improving Child Survival).

The photo also shows that apparently, the Number 1 Child killer in the Philippines is pneumonia.

View the rest of the BATA Movement Photo Docu HERE.

Cross-posted at: VIEWS WITH A POINT

Redefining Capital

Finally, I have seen my effort come to fruition with the e-book entitled: "Community Wealth Rediscovered: Knowledge for Poverty Alleviation".

The E-book contains six (6) case studies that redefines "capital" and identifying the capital of the "poor". More often, we always define poverty with financial capital, which delineates the "haves" and the "have nots." In these case studies, the writers (that includes me), tries to identify the community capital present before and after the projects were implemented in the areas. It is interesting to note that while we define capital in monetary terms, we tend to relegate to the background the cultural, social, institutional, stakeholder, natural, and structural capital that the people or community already have.

In a way, this effort tries to redefine the "poor" and poverty in general. This shies away from defining the poor on the basis of monetary considerations alone. In the end, we conclude that the "poor" as we usually call them, are not at all poor. They may be poor in terms of financial capital, but they are rich in terms of culture and social interactions. Thus, we take advantage of their strength as a community and start development efforts from there.

The E-book was launched during the "Panibagong Paraan" exhibits and events featuring innovative approaches to development management and poverty alleviation. The e-book was a joint undertaking of Peace and Equity Foundation, and Center for Conscious Living Foundation, Inc. - Philippines. The launching was held last April 9, 2008 at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. "Panibagong Paraan" is sponsored by the World Bank.

Cross-posted at: VIEWS WITH A POINT

What's with DSLR-toting photo enthusiasts?

Taken before the Holy Week. The guard asked me if I am a journalist and what paper I work for. The First Family was scheduled to have their Holy Week vacation in the Mansion House. Understanding his job, I just told him photography is just my hobby. He walked away after. In my mind, I said "Good soldier!"

Although I admire him for doing his job, this makes me wonder why did he ask that question? Is it because I look like a pro toting a DSLR? Maybe yes. Public places and tourist destinations like the Mansion House in Baguio City is a subject of many photo sessions. People toting a compact digital camera will not be asked or questioned for photographing the Mansion House.

One of my photographer friends was only able to take photos of the TriNoMa mall in Quezon City when he used a compact digital camera. One of my Flickr buddies, however, were questioned by the security guards, just because he is using a DSLR. And I am glad I was able to take photos of the mall last December when I was with my wife and her friends. It appeared as if we were just tourists in the area.

On one hand, something funny, which also put me into an embarrassing situation, happened to me when I visited Davao in March and I was billeted at the Marco Polo Hotel. I was fascinated by "The Deck," which is actually the poolside of the hotel. I would not go into detail, but the story is in in my Flickr album.

I would understand hotels and malls preventing seemingly professional photographers toting a DSLR camera. Their architectural designs are copyrighted. perhaps, they fear that their designs would be copied, and perhaps some unscrupulous photographers are already making money out of the photos of their establishment.

However, if one uses a compact digital camera, no one will question him or her. Perhaps building managers should already be educated on this.

Wind beneath my wings

It is not the first time that I won a photography challenge. In fact, 34 of my photos have already won the challenges in several groups. However, I feel honored with the way my other group Kabayan Fil-Am Photogs recognizes its weekly winners. And modesty aside (hahaha!), I won in the fourth week with this photo.

It just feels so good being recognized by your co-photographers. Needless to say, a budding photographer like me needs this kind of "ego-boost" to further develop my craft. This, i believe, is what feeds the buddings artists like me.

You may read the rest of the blog feature about me HERE .

Harvest

As I rummaged through my blog, I am surprised that I have reached more than 5,500 views as of today. This is not much compared to tens of thousands views by some blogs. Nonetheless, I am still happy I have reached 5,534 views as of today despite the fact that I have "neglected" my blog for 3 months. I guess, I have regained that momentum to blog again and share my thoughts and feelings to online friends

What excites me more is that my Flickr album got 6,023 views as of today! When it was nearing 5,000 views I planned to "celebrate" it, but I totally forgot it. Now, I have to "celebrate" it with a fitting photo.

Before I forget, I want to thank you, my Flickr friends who have constantly commented and visited my photo stream. you comments mean a lot to me to further home my craft. Of course, I should not forget my blogger friends, as well, who kept me company even if I was not able to maintain it for a while.

Now I am happy to announce I am back to both--blogging and Flickring!

Chiqui Pineda and that song

Photography is not just about photographs. It is also about making friends online and off-line. I attended my first EB and photo walk last Sunday, February 10 at Quezon Memorial Circle. And it was fun meeting a bunch of guys and gals who share the same passion with you.

And perhaps, one of the best things of being online at Flickr is the fact that you get to meet people--and though they may not know it, they have touched your life in one way or another. One of them is actually meeting Chiqui Pineda online. And for some reasons I could not express, her song How Did You Know is one song that I really like. For those who do not know her, she sang the original version of How Did You Know, which was revived by Gary V.

I have not personally chatted with her, but she does join the discussion threads and her first photo challenge, the Valentine Special Challenge. She won and gave her "acceptance speech" and rendering the Pinoy Kodakero's most requested song through her podcast (update: sorry may password na pala). You can see her winning photo here.

So while watching and listening to her podcast, I am also including the lyrics of the song:

I remember so well
The day that you came into my life
You asked for my name
You had the most beautiful smile

My life started to change
I'd wake up each day feeling alright
With you right by my side
Makes me feel things will work out just fine

CHORUS
How did you know
I needed someone like you in my life
That there's an empty space in my heart
You came at the right time in my life

I'll never forget
How you brought the sun to shine in my life
And took all the worries and fears that I had
I guess what I'm really trying to say
It's not everyday that someone like you comes my way
No words can express how much I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Love month. Love hunt.

People are my favorite photography subject. With their photos, I am able to take a peek of what they feel. These photos are a product of my voyeurism (lols!). I hope I have not offended the people I captured in this photo. If somebody reads this blog, and knows the people in these photos, please give my apologies. And as a sign of peace offering, I would gladly give them a copy of these photos. (Smile!).

Give all to love; obey thy heart. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others. ~ Anne-Sophie Swetchine

To fall in love is easy, even to remain in it is not difficult; our human loneliness is cause enough. But it is a hard quest worth making to find a comrade through whose steady presence one becomes steadily the person one desires to be. ~ Anna Louise Armstrong

Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age. ~ Jeanne Moreau

You may visit these links for photos of people and children:

People, The Filipino Child

Note: These photos are copyrighted. Please do not copy. Thank you.

JDV: Late, but not quite

In line with my work, I have had a few audience with Speaker Jose De Venecia. Everytime he speaks, I regard him as an eloquent person. He speaks with such candor and magnanimity, which makes you drawn to him.

I am not particularly fond of him because of his unpopular stance in various policy issues. But then, he knows what he is talking about. I think he knew public policy by heart. He had the right mind on certain issues. He had the best connections to push the most controversial policies in the House of Representatives.

While watching him on TV delivering his privilege speech, I witnessed again how engrossed and how eloquently he delivered his message. Albeit, this time, he becomes the issue. While I am writing this, 145 Representatives have already voted against him for his ouster from the seat of the 3rd most powerful official in the land. Being most adept in policy concerns, perhaps, he knew his ouster was coming.

Honestly, it appalled me hearing and watching him enumerate the foibles of the Palace, and his alleged involvement in various controversial issues. My first reaction was, "Now you are talking!" Is it because he is the one at stake? Probably, yes. Is this patriotic move hiding behind a cloak of personal and political agenda? Probably yes. Possibly, no. After all, politics is a turf issue, and one cannot just cower and hide under table when your person and your position is under attack. He has the right to defend his position. After all, he is the Speaker.

I am not in the position to give my analysis on how and why this has to happen. Leave it to the political science experts. As an ordinary citizen, I am more interested with his expose. While it may be too late a hero to expose the Presidency and its allies in its alleged lapses and involvement in various controversies, I realized something good was coming out of it, after all--that is the unveiling of some hidden truths and burning issues that the Filipino nation must face.

What will happen in the coming days is for us to see. As JDV said, it is just the start and the Filipino people would expect more in the coming days. That is for us to hear and see.

After some period of stabilization, we are again riding a political roller-coaster. I just pray that this move to expose the Presidency's alleged shortcomings would do good for the country. Definitely, this move by JDV will turn tides. I just hope that many Filipinos would become more vigilant of those turncoat politicians who would take advantage of this situation, and that the people behind it would not resort to violence.

May God bless the Philippines!

New Year. New Look. New Outlook!

I thought having a New year's Resolution is only for writing elementary formal themes. I am sure, many of you would share that part of grade school days when we have to write the things we promise to change or to acquire.

Of course, we have become more mature (physically), but some of us still have our Peter Pan syndromes. Still, making the resolutions come true remain to be an elusive reality to many of us, including myself.

Since it is new year, I am changing the color of my blog to white, to reflect what I feel now. (Also this is to accommodate the request of one of my readers who could not read in black background). So I hope Fe (yes, her name is Fe, a former colleague in PBSP), could read my blog better now. Hehe.

Nonetheless, I still do not have a list of my new year's resolution. Besides, I could not say much about the future. It is very difficult to promise something, but could not deliver what I have promised because the world is not within my control. But I would like to quote Milan Kundera, one of my favorite writers:

On hurdling challenges

The year 2007 has both been easy and challenging for me.

Personally, it was satisfying because I got the chance to look after my growing sons. Being on consulting work and working at home gave me that enough leeway and free time to look after them. At the same time, it gave me that rest I have been longing for.

It was also an opportunity for me to take on blogging (read: writing), which I have always wanted to do. Blogging gave me that opportunity to expand my horizon and views about many things. It also gave me that chance to meet great people online.

I also got engrossed with photography, which is my first love, actually. Being unable to draw or paint well, photography gave me that chance to delve into visual arts.

My almost one year "rest" if I may call it that way (although I am working in the comforts of our home), however, was a sudden shift in my professional career. For the past 19 years, I have been up and about, and working from one project to another. The sudden slack time sometimes bored me. Gladly, there is internet where I could channel my spare energy. When I go out for meetings and mall hopping (which is very rare), sometimes I even wonder if I still know how to cross the street. (Smile!).

Working on consulting projects also means smaller income. But I was glad I was able to get through it. And I am just happy that I would be working on another project in 2008. That should get me off my seat and become busier again. But I have to wait until I sign the contract. Lols! Does it mean less time for blogging? I hope not. My work is related to my other blog: Views with a Point, and I should be able to take off from there.

The year 2007 was both a challenge and a blessing for me. There are no misgivings--simply an appreciation and learning from what 2007 has given me. I just hope year 2008 would be kinder to me.

Happy New year to all!

Maligayang Pasko

To all my online friends, readers, family, friends and "supporters"
I wish you a blessed Christmas and another fruitful New Year to you and your family.

How Baguio wants to be remembered

My former SLU psych professor, Fr. Evarist Verlinden, once showed us a beautifully (and painstakingly) carved 1-piece Belen (with complete characters!). We all agreed that it was really very beautiful work of art.

Then he ranted that the carvers of Baguio and Benguet should instead put the pieces of wood to good use like making an art piece like the Belen he showed us, instead of those nasty wood carvings sold in the market.

When I was a kid, one of the popular Baguio souvenirs was an Igorot in a barrel, whose sex organ would pop out once you lift out the barrel. It was more or less, funny.

In the late 80s, wood carvers became more daring by carving the almost exact replica of the male sex organ with its size more than the normal. It was no longer funny. It was obnoxious, and it was too shameful for somebody to buy one as a souvenir.

Now, perhaps, with the low sales from those pieces, the male phallic symbol is smaller and more discreet. However, it has been "mass-produced" by making the penis "more affordable" through key chains!

Now, I wonder, "Is this how Baguio wants to be remembered?"

Another tag: 5 questions

I almost forgot to respond to the tag of Monaco. As I have explained in my previous blogs, I am hooked to photography, and just today, I learned about HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. It was one of the challenges posed by the previous challenge's winner. It sounds too techie, but I will try to learn more about it. I still have to master basics particularly my exposures. (lols!). It is really hard to shift to DSLR from point-and-shoot!

Anyway, I am here to answer the 5 tag questions passed on to me by Monaco. So here it is:

How long have you been blogging?

My photo blog -- where two passions meet

For a time, I have neglected my photo blog, Viewpoint. I was more concentrating on social issues. But for a while, you have to face the reality that your need to look after your personal growth as well.

Being more serious in honing my craft in photography I was hooked up with Flickr, especially to my group Pinoy Kodakero where we have fun and exciting contests on various themes (from the simple [color] to outrageous [shots taken at 5,000 ft]). It is indeed fun to join this group, which also supported me in my blog action on Glorietta victims and families.

I miss writing in my blog. However, my time is now divided to work and photography and Photoshop editing (which really takes time). Good thing, my new DSLR does not require me to edit so much of the colors because it gives me brilliant ones. It only takes time when I transform my color photos into monochrome and adjust lighting for dramatic effect just like in this photo.

I tried to figure out how can I merge my two passions--writing and photography, that does not take so much of my time from work, and at the same time does not take away the passion from one craft in favor of a new one.

I have just found the solution last night when I was editing my photos. It would be through Viewpoints, my photo blog, where I could post photos that, for me, convey a meaning or a message.

So goes my my photo blog, springing back into life....

And I invite you to visit VIEWPOINTS, my photo blog for some inspiration and enlightening quotations.

Cheers!