Will airport X-rays harm your film? Yes, they can...but you usually don't have to worry, according to NYI. Here's why. The X-ray machines in all American airports and most overseas international airports will not harm your film, provided your film is X-rayed just once or twice. So if you're flying to Disneyland or Hawaii or London and back, your film should not be harmed by the airport X-ray machines.

A problem arises, however, if your film is X-rayed more than a couple of times. X-rays are cumulative. The second dose adds to the first. The third to the second. And so on. Eventually, your film will be harmed by the accumulation of X-rays. So if you're going on a multi-leg trip, beware. Insist that your camera and film be hand-inspected on each leg of your journey. Security personnel are required to heed your request in the U.S., and the inconvenience is minor.

NYI notes an exception to the "once-or-twice-is-OK" rule, relates to extremely sensitive (so-called "fast") films - films rated ISO 800 or faster. These sensitive films may be harmed by even a single dose. So insist that they be hand inspected even on a one-leg trip.

Video Advice

Finally, in case you're worried about traveling with your camcorder, here's what NYI says about videotape. Videotape won't be affected by X-rays - even repeated X-rays. But it is very sensitive to the magnetic field in that security "doorway" you walk through. Our advice: Never take videotape through that "door." Never. Not even once! Either place it on the conveyer belt along with your hand-luggage, or have it hand inspected.

I didn’t have much preparation actually when Panagbenga Festival 2006 was getting nearer. I have had lots of things to be done. My friend Denz Dayao advised us to make a bus ticket reservation ahead of time to avoid the rush. He proved himself right because when I purchased my ticket at Victory Liner in Cubao, my preferred travel time was already fully-booked. When I met Denz together with his lovely wife and two (or was it 3?)more pretty companions at the bus terminal on the day of our departure, we just couldn’t make it at the same bus. They had their seat reservation an hour ahead mine.

Good thing is, I had prior communication with Thomas Glenn (aka hermanotomas) whom I fondly called Tito Tom, an MIP friend based in La Union. We agreed to meet each other at the festival.

I arrived Baguio City in the morning of February 25, the highlight of Panagbenga. It was still very early in the morning. Denz and company waited for me at the bus terminal. It was just barely a short while chatting with them when I received a text message from Tito Tom’s wife Julia, informing me that they also had just arrived. It didn't take much effort for me and Denz to find them. Actually, it is just too easy to spot Tito Tom considering his physical profile – a towering, big guy with his signature El Mariachi hat. And besides, he was the only Kano around in that early morning.

It was actually my first time meeting Tito Tom and wife Julia personally. He’s really a big guy with a thundering voice. I was just amazed at how he speaks English so clearly. Having been working with a few Americans in some voluntary missions in the past, I should bet nobody could surpass Tito Tom in speaking a subtly clear yet American English accent. Tito Tom and wife greeted me and Denz so warmly amidst the cool morning breeze.

Denz simply couldn’t come with us because they had their own itinerary to follow. So, I left Denz and companion at the bus terminal and went out with Tito Tom and wife. We proceed to Burnham Park. It was still very early so we could roam around and take photos around the park. My camera then at that time was a Kodak Z700 and it is not bulky. It is an ultra-compact camera that only fit for me who is a novice in digital photography. Just a few months back, I had my Canon EOS 750QD, my 35mm film SLR, to retire after 17 years of service.

Tito Tom geared himself a Canon Powershot S2IS. Incidentally, that was also my fancied camera because of the SLR look-and-feel. But because it is still a fixed-lens camera, I settled down for Kodak Z700, an ultra-compact camera with a lower share in the market price. My Kodak uses two pieces of AA batteries while S2IS uses four.
Tito Tom and wife Julia at Burnham Park in Baguio City

From not too far away, we can see the ongoing preparation of the parade. It was just along Session Road alongside Burnham Park. Meanwhile, we tried to roam around the park to take pictures.

When the festival was about to start, we position ourselves to a place we could get a vantage point. Still, as mere travelphotography enthusiasts, we found ourselves no match compared to media photographers who brought with them booms and ladders. We still have to squeeze through a lot of ordinary spectators. Anyhow, Tito Tom enjoyed taking photos as much as I do. It was like a three hour non-stop taking of photos that I drained 16 pieces of my Ni-Mh AA batteries. Some of my festival photos can be found from this link: http://dodongflores.multiply.com/tag/panagbenga%20festival.

A few sidelights in the festival that I didn't miss are the staff or the event organizer, a beautiful spectator, and a beautiful wife being "bullied" by husband from behind. The husband asked his wife to come with him to the grandstand. Yet the wife insisted to be standing just beside the road where she can get a good view of the event. Apparently, the husband has no interest of watching the festival. All he wanted to do is to sit down at the grandstand. He is more concern of his own comfort than to give joy to his wife. These are the photos:
      
In that third photo, that's the beautiful wife and her annoying husband that I didn't include in the photo.

It was already lunch time and I'd used up all my batteries. Tito Tom lent me a few of his batteries so I could take more shots. But then, I was already dehydrating, and Tito Tom wanted to sip his favorite coffee at Starbucks. We decided to go to SM City Baguio. Baguio is a cold place but the sun shone very hot on that occassion. Tito Tom, his wife Julie, and me, took taxi going to SM Baguio.

Tito Tom wanted to cool himself down so we stayed in SM Baguio after lunch. In the afternoon, we proceed to the bus terminal going to Tito Tom's hometown, Bauang. Tito Tom was lending me more batteries. At that point I was thinking my Kodak is power hungry as compared to his Powershot. Anyhow, I was using my mobile phone camera and my Kodak alternatively to take photos along the way. Most of it are posted in this album: http://dodongflores.multiply.com/photos/album/26. These are some of the photos taken before our bus could leave the terminal:
   

Along Naguilian Road, the scenery was simply spectacular. Ate Julie told me about it ahead and in fact, told me to set on the left side of the bus so I could get a good vantage point. I never thought what was described to me as beautiful could really be that beautiful. Armed with my mobile phone camera and my Kodak Z700 with Tito Tom's batteries on it, I was snapping photos every now and then. More often than not, I was getting blurry photos. The bus we were riding on was a little bumpy. These are few of my takes:





More photos can be found from this album:
http://dodongflores.multiply.com/tag/naguilian%20road.

Tito Tom and wife Julie gave me a de luxe accommodation when we arrived in their humble abode. It was actually at Tito Tom's daughter Kristina's room where I was accommodated. The whole family prepared very delicious foods for dinner. Prior to that, I was able to take my last glimpse of the sunset (taken via mobile phone) at Tito Tom's backyard before the day ended. What I'm referring to as Tito Tom's backyard is the China Sea because the house they occupied is situated just alongside the beach. It was like being privileged to own a vast of ocean. But this realization was even overwhelmed when I discovered how wonderful Tito Tom's family - Ilocano family, that is. Tito Tom was even generous enough to share with me his music collection. At that time, I didn't bring with me my removable hard drive so I only said thanks in return to his offer. I promised myself the next time I come, I would surely copy most of his music collection. We have almost the same taste of music though we were born several decades apart. Tito Tom is amusingly clever in perception and expression. We talked a lot until it was getting late and Tito Tom was reminded that he needs to have sufficient rest. He's a very interesting person to talk to. When I finally get to sleep, I felt like it is as if I won one of the most interesting friend you would ever had.

The following morning, I was awaken by a grandiose breakfast being served at Tito Tom's bamboo hut which is just situated overlooking the beach. It was just a plain lazy Sunday morning with absolutely nothing to hurry about. We just sat by the kubo and talked. At first, we agreed to enjoy the onshore breeze using the Hermanotomas boat. Later we decided to just take a stroll just along the beach in Paringao. No regret, we enjoyed much the experience just along the shore - probably more enjoyable as compared to just revving up the Hermanotomas boat. Along the way, I discovered much of Tito Tom aside from being enthusiastic in photography. He always have a deep concern towards other people. It is very evident when I observed he would painstakingly pick it up every broken glass in the shore in a way so nobody could get hurt. He would bring those broken pieces of glass all the way to his house just to make sure the high waves won't take it back to the shore. I can see his concern over others has just paid off. He's a friend around the neighborhood. I can see all the people in the neighborhood look up to Tito Tom as a superstar. Or maybe it is just me in an overstatement.

Let's see what we got along the Paringao shoreline:

The seawall, a vendor, handsome kids, an innocent and cute looking girl, and a beauty. These are just a few of the attractions one can decide Bauang is a real place to be revisited. A few photos from this link, http://dodongflores.multiply.com/tag/paringao should confirm a pure and simple living in that very accommodating small fishing village in Paringao. The day roll so slowly but I never get bored staying and talking with Tito Tom. After our strolling in the morning, we went back to the kubo and sat down and talked. Ate Julie would join with us every now and then. Lunch and snacks had passed yet Tito Tom and I were glued inside the kubo just talking about anything until it was getting late. When the right time came, Tito Tom presented to me another surprise, a vista that looks like a painting in a virtual wall straight from his kubo - The Paringao Sunset!
  

In the night time, I was scheduled for my return back to Manila. Tito Tom and wife asked me if I can stay for a few more hours. I was determined for a night trip because I didn't want to get a spanking from my boss the following day. My original plan is just to wait for a Manila-bound bus along the highway but it was changed. Tito Tom and the whole family decided to send me to the bus terminal in San Fernando. That was their idea so I surely wouldn't miss the bus and could take a proper seat. From Paringao, we took a jeepney going to San Fernando. It was already very dark when we reached the place, and it was full of surprises, really. The whole family brought me to the municipal plaza where an ongoing exhibit of different products from different municipalities in La Union is being held. We stayed there for quite a time and I enjoyed looking at the lights. The lights remembered me of Christmas. I also enjoyed taking photos of giant ube and squash. Giant eggplant, exotic basi wine containers, etc. Tito Tom enjoyed the basi wine free taste. After that, we went to Tito Tom's favorite restaurant in San Fernando where an exorbitant dinner was being served. While news of an ongoing coup d'etat in Manila can be heard over the radio, I was there inside an exquisite cuisine, eating delicious food. By the way, the photo above was a photo of Tito Tom I snapped using my mobile phone camera while we were waiting for our order.

Finally, the fairy tale adventure has to end and time to face back again the realistic life in Manila. After we finished the dinner, the whole family wanted to send me to the bus terminal. By that time, I insisted to go to the bus terminal all by myself so they won't be bothered so much of getting another jeepney ride going back to Bauang. It was already very very late. We hailed two tricycle, one to send Tito Tom and family to the jeepney terminal, and one for me to the bus terminal. I said thanks to the whole family though I know words are not enough to return the kindness they had shown to me. We bid goodbye to each other and parted ways right there in front of Tito Tom's favorite restaurant.

While playing with my thoughts onboard the bus going back to Manila, I was sure I can never forget the festivity I witnessed in Baguio, the magical sceneries along Naguilian Road, the affluence of Paringao, Tito Tom's wonderful family, and Tito Tom himself whom I consider literally and figuratively a great man.

Presently, I realized it's a crime in a lifetime if I can't testify those precious experiences into writing, this is why I'm writing this now.

My relocation was just untimely, that’s it. After a long courtship that lasted for a year and 20 days, I finally won her heart. No, I don’t admit to really be too patient to wait. In fact, I ease off myself in the middle of the process. We only discovered we’re falling for each other when typhoon Milenyo wreck havoc to Metro Manila and the two of us needs to unite as one to survive the raging typhoon. We were barely 18 days after being officially on when I ponderously moved to Antipolo City. We understand we couldn’t frequent with each other unlike before, but we promised to always get in touch with each other via phone and see each other on weekend. That was difficult though as my presence in my workplace is very much essential. Taking a weekend break seems impossible I still had to have a few skirmish with superiors before I could take back my Saturday break.

Last November 4, a Saturday, I was with the girl in my life. We actually couldn’t spend the whole day together because she was at work then. Even when we stayed late at night, we still felt that Saturday is not sufficient enough to compensate all those lonesome weekdays we had to endure together. We agreed for a Sunday pleasure walk in Manila. We would make it as memorable as can be so we could get back those days being taken away from us.

The following day, I prepared very early, though we would meet at Boni MRT Station by nine in the morning. By the way, I'm still staying in my former condo in Mandaluyong when I have to go down to Manila. I turned off my cellphone so I could avoid those unnecessary work-related calls. And to think that I should be back to work on that very Sunday, and I have to avoid those calls when they turn crazy looking for me. I cleaned up my Silverado (my Canon EOS 300D) and fixed the tripod that was beaten up during my recent Iloilo trip. I didn’t know if my girl would like the idea of me bringing big camera for our date, but something struck into my mind. I suddenly thought that it is my chance to determine her acceptance of my expensive hobby or not.

As usual, she was already there when I arrived in our meeting place. I remember to be always being late on our appointments, while she being always punctual. But there, she would just always smile and never complain. She took the tripod and I slung the camera bag. We took MRT until Taft Ave. When we reached the end of the MRT destination, we transferred to LRT. I never thought LRT can get crowded since it was Sunday morning. I thought of getting taxi instead of train and told her about it. She said it was okay for her. She must have thought of me being concern for her convenience. Truth, I was more concern of my bulky camera bag that will give me hard time squeezing in with fellow commuters. I insisted for a taxi so we climb down from the LRT station. She expressed dismay over the two single journey LRT tickets that were used up for nothing. Overall, that was all she said.

I remember we didn’t eat our breakfast yet so I asked the taxi driver to bring us to Jollibee in UN Avenue instead of going directly to our main destination. It was almost 10 in the morning and I was hopeful we can still catch Jollibee's breakfast meal. We arrived on time anyway, and the taxi meter indicated P82.00 fare from Taft-EDSA to Jollibee. She gave the driver a 100 peso bill and didn’t ask for a change. That was one thing she learned from me – to pay more than what is the actual taxi fare. I started the habit when the fuel price escalated so high and taxi drivers were directly hit by the price surge.

It was almost 10:30 in the morning that we finished our Jollibee breakfast. As we went out to head to our destination, we stopped by for a while to wait for another taxi. There were also “padyak” drivers who barged in to ask where we wanted to go. She asked me about how far is Paco Park from our present location. I told her it’s already very near we can even walk if we want it to. Unfortunately, no taxis were coming in and she suggested for padyak. I told her the padyak and my digital camera simply doesn’t match. We end up walking all the way to Paco Park. We just walked leisurely so it took us more than 10 minutes to reach the place. She enjoyed with the walk anyway.

Paco Park is formerly a municipal cemetery enclosed with a circular stone wall occupying approximately a space of 4,500 square yards. It was completed in 1822 and had by then been used for two years. It was here on the night of December 30, 1896 that the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal was interred by Spanish soldiers following his dawn execution at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park). At present, the park serves as a regular venue for intimate musical and cultural concerts featuring local and international artists bringing art to the masses. Weddings, garden receptions, holy masses, and family gatherings are likewise being held here. It was just the second time that I visited the place. The first visit was when I had it photographed using my 35mm film SLR.

We paid 5 pesos each as entrance fee and we proceed inside. She was amazed at how solemn the place once we were inside. It was like getting into a different world, considering that few steps back is just the environs of the metropolis. A Sunday mass was held when we get in and to the left is I thought a wedding preparation.
She was very mesmerized with the place that she became very excited to roam around. I just follow with her wherever she went into. I let out my Silverado and started to snap photos around the place. I asked her to pose a photo for me but she just smiled and told me she didn’t want it. Unlike Mae Ann who always like to pose in front of the camera, my girlfriend is camera-shy and it would take a heap of convincing power before I could let her even just stand right there in front of the camera.

When I got the chance of changing lens, I mounted my Sigma 70-300mm telephoto lens and enjoyed taking photos of people from afar. I got here three samples; 1, 2 and 3. When we felt tired, we sat on a bench and talked. It seems that the time had stopped since we entered into the place. We talked a lot and had she didn’t check her wristwatch, we wouldn’t realize it was already past 2 in the afternoon. So we decided to hit our next destination. By the way, I found a link that will give us the details about Paco Park. I found it here: http://www.pilmap.com.ph/luzon-pacopark.php.

Outside Paco Park, we could see Taft Avenue to be just a stone-throw away, so we just decided to take a walk. When we reached Taft, we cross the street towards TM Kalaw St. and hailed a Baclaran-bound jeepney. Our next destination was Malate Church. The traffic flow was so smooth that we reached the church in a short while.
We were feeling hungry even before we could get off from the jeepney. I chose Aristocrat Restaurant and she chose Max Restaurant. I always ate to most Max Restaurant branches so I convince her for Aristocrat. I promised her that the dinner would be at the restaurant of her choice, in that case - Max'. She agreed.

Aristocrat didn’t change a lot in a few years that I wasn’t able to visit the place. Maybe, the only changes that I took notice was their knockdown signage, probably was flown away by typhoon Milenyo. That was just a wild guess.

We ate our lunch slowly while being engaged in a very serious conversation. I haven’t seen my girlfriend as serious during that moment. I mean, when a woman would start to talk about her biological clock, I know that’s something to be considered so seriously. Earlier, I was very excited to take a shot of the Malate Church in digital as I had photographed it in film a few years back. But now, the mood is real serious that I thought of lowering the camera down for I was afraid the Silverado might intimidate her.

Anyway, we stayed long inside the restaurant and it was getting late in the afternoon the sun started to touch down the horizon. The sun was red, of course, and just like most Manila Bay sundown sighting, it was just red – simply like that. I didn’t expect my girl can become that excited about the sunset that after she paid our bills, she dragged me behind and cross Roxas Blvd. to the baywalk side. Incidentally, TV network giant ABS-CBN was there also doing photoshoot for Ms. World 2006 (I’m not sure. It was something like that!) but my girl was more excited about the sunset. She asked me to take photo of the sunset that I myself was also excited to do such. I told her to setup the tripod while I change telephoto lens. She said there was no time as the sun is quickly being engulfed by the clouds. She was right, and besides, I realized she must have no idea how to setup the tripod for me. We’re losing our time and without changing lens, I turned on the Silverado and running out of time to tweak the manual setting, I set it to program mode and let Silverado automate the whole thing. I snapped a few photos and in less than a minute, the sun was already behind those clouds. I realized it was a decisive moment for both of us and my partner. But my biggest realization at that time is that somehow my girl would gradually love my addiction to photography and given that, photography will never hinder with our relationship. This is a very important issue, believe me. My ex-girl was a nagger and she never appreciated my inclination towards photography. I parted ways with my ex-girl not really because of photography issue but because of a heavier reason. But that’s another story.

We never ever planned our date very well except for the Paco Park and simply, baywalk. But we found ourselves being led to the ticket booth for the Manila Bay Cruise. It was already 5:15 in the afternoon and the Tennessee Cruise Ship was on its way to docking for another ride. I bought two cruise tickets worth 495 pesos each that already included dinner onboard. We didn’t wait that long and after we signed our names at the passengers’ manifest, we boarded the ship right away. An attendant guided us to the second level.

It was an awesome feeling being up there. I was very excited and so did my girl. From our vantage location, the baywalk can be seen in its entirety. She couldn’t help but express her appreciation towards the beauty of Manila. At that moment, I was hesitant to let out the Silverado. I didnt' want to be misunderstood. I didn’t want her to feel like competing the Silverado in catching my attention. But I was wrong. I was totally wrong. It was my girl who told me to start taking photos around. So, I setup the tripod and mount the camera on top of it. My girl in fact reminded me to check the cruise ship authorities for any regulation against the use of tripod. She's aware about other places that limit the use of tripod so to avoid untoward accident. I inquired from the nearest bar tender about the tripod issue but I was told it is just okay. So, that was fine. It was getting darker so I had to use a slow shutter speed. I could stabilize the camera on board the ship since it is mounted over the tripod and that was fine. My problem is that the cruise ship is already moving against the scenery so I know I still would suffer blurry images. I was forced to use ISO3200 but still it didn’t turn out good. I just found out most images are blurry as of the time I’m writing this article and preparing a few photos to go with it.

My girl became my instant photography directress. She knows what to be taken photograph and where. I was simply amaze at how she can see those things the right way in photography perspective. She probably must have a hidden talent for photography which is only needed to be unveiled of. Well, I just didn’t know, but she enjoyed a lot. There was even one instance while the cruise ship we were in was heading towards Harbour Square that she told me to include the moon in one of my composition. I was really thinking she also has an eye real photographer naturally possessed of.

Tennessee docked Harbour Square for fifteen minutes. While waiting, I got the chance of opening a conversation about photography. I asked her straightforward for her opinion about my hobby. She answered by starting to tell me how she came to like those portrait photos of her that I gave sometime ago. She said she started to like photography and if photography is really in my blood, she wouldn’t hesitate loving it, too. I was fluttered, I mean, that was exactly what I really wanted but never expected the statement would come from her. She also asked of the competitiveness of my camera. I told her it is still "so far, so good." She must have heard of my daring statement for a Nikon D80 upgrade. I told her the Silverado is still quite doing fine and if it can last for another twenty years, I still would utilize it over newer models. I assure her that I’m satisfied with my present photography equipments and if ever she heard of me talking about camera upgrade, I advice her not to take it much seriously as I was just saying those things in order to tease Dennis Villegas.

Time works from behind the scene and we realized the high-spirited fun and enjoyment onboard the cruise ship was over in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Yet, for the two of us whose hearts are united as one, it was just the start of a very joyous and blissful journey in a lifetime. The Sunday encounter was surprisingly Jovy’s one day love affair to photography. For me, it is also the beginning of loving her for eternity.

Technorati Tag: Manila, Manila Baywalk, sunset, cruise, baywalk cruise

Postscript

Rajah Soliman Park photos taken after we disembarked Tennessee Cruise.