When I get bored, I get boring photos...

This lunch time, the Quality Control Manager of the Divine Bio Purified Water, Madam Weweng Oliva brought me and her daughter Inday Patrice for a Jollibee treat in Antipolo Bayan. I was excited to go not because it's Jollibee we're going to but because I can make another way out of my routine for even at least one hour. I remember I never ever had visited the town proper since I had been stationed here in Antipolo. During Saturdays when I had to go down to Manila, I would take tricycle going to Antipolo Simbahan (Antipolo Church) because the shuttle service and jeepney terminal is just situated nearby.

Personally, I prefer Chowking over Jollibee but since it's the big boss who would foot the bill, I just gave in. We walk a little shorter from the place we disembarked the tricycle. The road had a one-way sign so we could do nothing. Along the way, I was taking photos using my phone camera (the first photo above). I was also taking photos using the same phone camera once we were already inside Jollibee.

This is taken inside Unibee Foods Corp., a Jollibee franchisee in Antipolo. This is the same Jollibee that later did major disservice to me (the crews, actually), thus the title of this article.

This is Inday Patrice patiently waiting for her Jollibee spaghetti to be served.

Madam Weweng ordered for me Super Meal #4 (code: S4) that she knows I prefer over other Jollibee meals. She ordered a Chicken & Spaghetti for Patrice and a regular value meal for herself. Later, her order and Patrice' spaghetti arrived. Mine was to be served a few minutes more of waiting.

Inday Patrice already started eating her spaghetti and it took me a seeming endless wait before my order was finally served by a female service crew. The moment my order was placed on top of the table, I could feel right away that something is lacking with my order. Right there, I noticed there was no plastic spoon and fork and tissue that should accompany with my order.

I made signal to the crew to give me table napkin and spoon and fork but I was just ignored. She probably didn't see me. This is a self-service fast food, alright, but with the incomplete order I had received, Jollibee owed me a personalized service.

Since there were no crew to attend to us, Madam Weweng stood up and get a pair of spoon and fork and condiments. I was just hungry and too lazy to move myself. When I opened up my box, see this what I saw:

There was no rice inside! Madam Weweng had to stand up for the second time to get rice from the counter and it took her a while to wait before she could be entertained. When the very precious rice finally arrived courtesy of Madam Weweng's effort, I realized there was no sauce. I partly had to blamed myself for not checking thoroughly what was lacking in my order. Besides sauce, there was also no kalamansi to match for the palabok.

This was the beginning of the Jollibee fiasco. I uttered my complain silently otherwise Madam Weweng would stand up again for the third time - that I wouldn't want her to do it again. I chanced by for a passing service crew and when I get one, I explained to him that I'm already pissed off with their service and I can only be comforted if he can complete my order with kalamansi and sauce. I asked from him an assurance that he'll be back with what was lacking in my order before I could consume my food. He nodded.

Until I could forget the kalamansi and the sauce and we were already outside waiting for a tricycle way back to our plant, there was no kalamansi and sauce to arrive.

i swear to myself I will not eat in that branch of Jollibee again!

Before you leave the house:

It's assumed that you'd have an itinerary, either from your travel agent or from resources like the Fodor's Guides to places you want to visit. These things help you get the most out of your trip and still be able to get good pictures of it without having the enjoyment of the place or location be sacrificed. If not, then just be aware that you may need to make contingency plans for shooting purposes.

You should begin your planning with insurance of your cameras and equipment you plan to take with you with your insurance carrier. Be up front and honest with them, and tell them that you want to insure it for your trip. Most carriers will simply cover them on your homeowners/renters policy, and some with separate policies. Either way you're covered for loss or theft of the equipment. You will need to get serial numbers, make, model and descriptions of all the gear you plan to take. Digital photos wouldn't hurt, either. Then, you'll need to go down to your local US Customs Office and get what's called a "Certificate of Registration" for personal effects like this taken abroad. This is Form CF4457, and can only be acquired at the agency's offices. You can locate your nearest US Customs Office at the following web address: www.customs.ustreas.gov. You must physically bring the equipment you plan to take to their offices for their inspection, and they will then confirm the information on the form and stamp it. This is done for the purposes of being able to get your gear back into the country without having to pay duty on your own equipment. Their stand is that just because you say you left the country with it, doesn't mean you really did. This form proves that, and will make the possibility of potential problems go away. Travel insurance for travelers outside the U.S. is highly recommended, for the obvious reasons. You might also want to check with the CDC's web site for health related issues, and the US State Department's web site for travel advisories, and the FAA's website for travel restrictions.

Learn some key phrases in their language. Be prepared with proper clothing for the climate you're visiting.

What and how to pack your camera gear and film:

According to the FAA, you are now limited to one (1) carry on piece and one (1) "personal item" loosely defined as a briefcase or purse on any flight originating in, and returning to, the U.S.. I suspect this does not mean you'll be able to get away with a fully loaded backpack or photography vest coming on board along with your designated carry on, so plan accordingly with a contingency. That may mean that you will either need to check your gear in something a bit more secure (a good Halliburton case is my recommendation), or be able to fit all in one carry on and a "briefcase". Be prepared to have it "dump searched" to make sure it does what you say it does. I'm told they will treat it as a laptop and need to see it before they'll pass it through. Again, plan for a contingency, as this is all still being defined. The FAA tells me that you can still request a hand search of your film, but it will be at the screener's discretion, and based on how crowded it is at the screening post. So my advice is to ask for the hand search, but don't get bent if they make you run it through the gate scanner. You also do not want to leave an exposed roll of film in your camera. If you're asked to make it operate, you may need to open the camera's back, thus ruining your exposed film. By carrying the film handy in one of the outside pouches of your carry on, it can easily be extracted and shown to the security people for hand checking at the security gates without inconveniencing other passengers behind you in line. I recommend putting your film rolls in clear plastic tubes available from Porter's Camera for around $3/each. These are sturdy containers, and allow for quick and easy inspection.

Know that your 120/220 medium format film has a greater chance now of being scanned if it is still in the foil pouches they come in. I honestly don't know what would be worse; having it scanned or having it exposed to light outside of the foil pouch, so use your best judgment on this one. Porters Camera does sell colored plastic film boxes that open easily for inspection and have a good light seal. This may be an justifiable alternative. I suspect that you shouldn't bother with the lead-lined bags any more. That just invites it being scanned with the CTX 5000, and you then risk it being pulled aside as a possible threat, delaying your bags, possibly indefinitely.

I personally use 2 different pieces of carry on luggage, depending on what camera kit I take. I have learned (the hard way) that if you're going anywhere, have an extra change of clothes and an overnight kit with you in your carry on luggage. When we went to Egypt, our luggage was delayed by 2 days, after a day and a half it took to get there. Being a plus size, you don't just run out and buy more clothes in downtown Cairo, because that particular size is simply not available. So, do be aware that you can get half way around the world and not have a thing to wear but the clothes on your back. The same goes for your cameras, prescription and other valuables.

I use a matching luggage backpack on wheels from my luggage set, at a minimum. I also have the matching smaller carry on suitcase that can be shoved through the x-ray window. For more fragile items, I also have a Halliburton Zeroller 105 brushed aluminum suitcase on wheels. I pack the cameras, lenses and etc., in good LowePro shoulder carrying cases packed inside the carry on bags for added protection.

The following link is for an article courtesy of Bob Atkins on photo.net, and is the best I've read for overall packing of camera equipment and luggage restrictions. The article can be accessed at: http://www.photo.net/photo/nature/carryon

Composition tips:

Keep a journal, including notes, to refer to on your trip. Then, tell a story with your shots, including the fun stuff. People shots require people skills, so be hospitable and sensitive to their feelings about being photographed. Keep the camera at eye level for people shots and try using a diffuser with fill flash to soften harsh light to make the eyes stand out. That's where the sharpest focus should be. If you want to eventually publish these images, get a release. An excellent way to do this is to have them printed on 3X5 note cards, or even the large Post-It Note Pads. But don't shoot just for that reason. Use the light to your advantage, and compose as a photographer, not a painter. For instance, try and take a different viewpoint of your subject than the average shot everyone else takes. Shoot both horizontal and vertical shots. Pay close attention to the background and keep the foreground strong. Reflections can often add impact. But, reflection on the front of your lens is a bad thing, so use lens shades that work with whatever filters you want to use, like a good polarizer. Be sure to label everything, both on your canisters and in your journal so you can keep up with it. And, remember to reduce your impact on your surroundings by not throwing your trash out, including film wrappers or the packaging it came in.

What film/cameras/lenses you should take:

First, be sure to carry multiple rolls of various speed films, like ASA 400 or 800. Lighting is something that is often taken for granted in some of the more economically depressed areas of the world. Most interiors will not have the light needed to get a good image on slower film (ASA 100, 200) and with slower lenses (f/4 or higher). Be sure to carry at least 2 rolls of a name brand ASA 800 speed film. A single trip to a museum or religious building that does not allow flash photography or tripods will burn up a roll of 800 easily. The higher speed film will allow the camera to be hand held steadily enough to get a clear picture. I recommend staying away from ASA 200 film, as it has been neglected by the film manufacturers with the increase in quality emulsions. That means you'll get as good or better prints from ASA 400 than from 200, and get the added ability of having a sharper picture with slower lenses and lower light.

Some quick words on the shooting process/planning. In a word; Bracket. Film is cheap, and it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Also, try to split up your shots of a single location or event on more than one roll. Bracketing helps you do that. And, if a roll gets damaged (for whatever reason), you're not out all of your priceless images that were all on that one roll. Be sure to carry enough film to change one out in the middle of the roll, too. Again, this protects you from losing a whole roll of a single place or event. FYI, I shoot almost exclusively print film, and don't bother with slides because of the necessity of internegs to get them to prints, or the likelihood of poor knowledge of the positive transfer paper for prints. Unless your a working photographer planning on making money from submitting the images you shoot, stick to print film.

Most people touring other countries like to carry an instamatic camera. I do too, even though I also carry a pro camera like the Nikon F5 or the Pentax 67II. Carrying an instamatic is a good rule of thumb as a backup. But I want to focus on a higher end camera because of what and where you'll be shooting. Many times, the tours you'll be going on will be during the worst part of the day for quality photography and you'll be far closer to the site details than your instamatic camera lens will be able to capture. I'll not get into the different arguments for manual vs. autofocus, but I will recommend that you get a camera that will accept a variety of lenses. One lens in particular is a 20mm to 24mm fast (f2.8 or faster) wide angle lens. This will be your primary lens in trying to capture the grandeur of the Temple of Karnak in Egypt or the splendor of the Cathedral in Seville, Spain. For example: a 35mm lens has a horizontal field of view at 50 feet of roughly 62 feet across; a 20mm lens has a horizontal field of view of 105 feet at the same distance! That means more stuff on the print that would not otherwise be there with a longer focus lens. I recommend you put this fact to the test at any higher end camera store where they will let you look through the lenses for comparison. But remember: the faster the lens, the less light you need to get a good picture. This means that if you buy a wide angle lens, it needs to be f/2.8 or faster, so that you can get enough light to be able to hand hold the shot. Of course, expect to pay handsomely for this aperture, especially for perspective corrected lenses. The Nikon 20mm/f2.8 D AF was $500.00 when I bought it. My Pentax 45mm/f4 (equal to 22.5mm in the 35mm film format) for my 67II was a grand. But believe me; it's worth every penny when the prints come back, especially from a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

I usually carry a Nikon F5 kit or my Pentax 67II medium format (120/220 roll film) kit when I travel. I rarely take both, even though I'm a pretty big fella. I have 2 backups to my 35mm kit; a Fuji instamatic that I absolutely love and my trusty old Olympus OM2n. The key here is knowing the capabilities and limitations of anything you take with you, and you'll bring home what you intended; great pictures that will represent a trip of a lifetime. I took my F5 to Egypt and Greece and my 67II to Spain. The medium format images enlarge much better than 35mm, but the gear does weigh a ton to carry around in rough terrain. The F5 kit I took to Egypt was on the edge of being inconvenient, based on the physical demands of accessing the monuments. We went into the middle pyramid on the Giza Plateau and you had to literally crouch down to climb down to the tomb. A big camera and allot of gear is not what you want to haul around in Egypt, especially in the heat of the summer. Spain, on the other hand, allowed me to carry much bulkier gear and still be able to be mobile enough to enjoy myself without being overly inconvenienced by it's size and weight. The logistics of seeing the monuments and events there were not as demanding. Knowing these things in advance will help you decide what to bring along for the tours.

There are alternatives to all of the equipment you take with you to shoot with. The Contax G2 is a superb outfit, and you can get a variety of superior Zeiss manufactured lenses, including a 21mm/f2.8 for it. A cheaper alternative is an old and trusty Olympus OM2n and their fine 24mm/f2.8 Zuiko lens (which I have, and bought on ebay!). Just make sure you get the camera serviced and the light seals replaced (if it's not been done in the last 5 years), and put a roll of film through it before you leave. And, as always, take plenty of batteries. But in the end, you just have to understand what you're gaining and what you're giving up by making compromises. Knowing your camera's capabilities and limitations, before you depart for the trip, is the key to understanding these compromises. But most of all, remember that this is a vacation, not a job assignment. To be inconvenienced by a load of camera equipment will definitely suck the enjoyment right out of a really nice place to see and experience. If you're gonna work; work. If not, don't. Knowledge, here, is the key.

I realize that all photography experts say to put your camera on a tripod, or at least a monopod whenever and wherever possible. A whole industry exists around light travel gear such as that. Well, I'm letting you know here and now that they are very much frowned upon almost everywhere you'll go, especially in Egypt, and especially in any museum or large center of worship on the planet. Some places will not even allow them to be physically taken into the monument or facility, making you have to either check it with security or leave it outside somewhere, like back at the tour bus. Against some people's better judgment, I'm recommending that these items be left at home (or at least back at the hotel), and simply shoot faster film. Unless you have the luxury of being in a place you want to shoot for an extended period of time to scout it out, leave the tripod and monopod at home, and make an effort to find something to brace up against. That little technique will make all the difference in the world, and not bend the security people out of shape. After all, most of the touring you will do, initially, will be with an organized tour group, and time is often of the essence. Tripods and monopods are simply not conducive to this, regardless of how well they are designed or organized.

Some basic travel tips when traveling with film and photo equipment:

As I indicated earlier (but it bares repeating), there is a new x-ray process that is used to look at checked baggage that will damage or "fog" any speed film.. As a result, you should not pack your film in your checked luggage, but rather, carry the film onto the plane in your carry on bags. You also do not want to leave an exposed roll of film in your camera.

I do, believe it or not, recommend you process your film before you return home, but only if you feel confident that the place you choose appears capable of doing it competently. If you have to x-ray exposed film on your return home, you still run the risk of fogging your exposed images. By getting the film developed over there, you get to see the results in time to maybe do something about fixing a potential camera operation problem in the field. You also get to walk them through the metal detectors without x-raying them, and then be able to review them on that 10+ hour flight back home because the movies stink. But be sure to confirm that the photo processing shop has one of the good automated minilabs, and that you process the film in a major metropolitan or population area. Also, don't try anything fancy, like push processing or enlargements. Just get proof prints and get reprints and enlargements after you get home. But I do recommend maybe giving them a test roll to do before giving them your priceless pictures to develop. That's a good test of their competence, and establishes a rapport with the developer.

Most of these type of outfits have the ability to make sure that their high-dollar minilabs work right and are regularly serviced. Look for the Fuji, Kodak or Konica minilabs in the photo processing store, and they should be able to give you an acceptable level of quality and service. Most places that have this level of equipment have the signs out front advertising that fact. But make sure that you actually see the machines in the storefront. Also, if you have multiple rolls, you'll need to nail down a firm completion time, regardless of the language barrier. You might also inquire as to a quantity discount. We had 40 rolls developed in Athens, and the clerk was more than happy to give us a quantity discount if we could give him a little extra time, which we did. And we got very good prints and were very pleased with the turnaround.

And finally..... Security

In predominately Islamic countries, be EXTREMELY careful to know the local religious customs and beliefs, and respect those beliefs in your photographic approach. Almost universal taboos include photographing Islamic women, and anything that could be remotely construed as a site of national security.

Ask around, or check with your hotel, about a good guide and pay him or her well. A good guide will be as instrumental in getting good pictures as your technique. Be generous to a fault in tipping, but don't flash allot of bills around. Also, it is important to realize that your high end camera probably costs more than many in a third world country make in year. Same thing with your high-dollar watch, rings and other jewelry. Being sensitive to this means being careful to not flaunt a level of wealth that would invite ill feelings or criticism, or worse.

I should cover some things about your personal security, now more than ever. It's real easy to be completely enthralled by the grandeur and splendor of some of the world's wonders. That is precisely what a thief counts on when walking off with your bag or camera. Simply being aware of your surroundings, and being a bit more careful about what you are doing, is the best and least expensive way to protect yourself and your gear. I would also recommend you place your equipment either in the provided hotel room safe when not in use, or locked back up in your luggage while out of your hotel room. After all; out of sight, out of mind.

As we've learned from September 11th, our personal safety is of primary concern. While this does not mean we should all become hermits, it does mean that we MUST be both diligent and sensitive wherever and whenever we travel, especially abroad, and very especially throughout the Middle East and neighboring Islamic countries. Do NOT depend on our government to be everywhere you go, as this is an unreasonable expectation. But being informed and prepared will do more to guarantee your safety than anything else.

And finally, understand that you're a visitor in their country, not the owner. Being polite and respectful makes everyone that much more aware of how much we all have in common, rather than accentuating our differences. And be aware that sometimes the vendors are just trying to make a living. Although they may be annoying (haggling is an art form and a source of immense pride and enjoyment in many of the places you'll visit), it's all part of the game that's played out on a daily basis. As long as your money doesn't come out of the pocket it's in, there's no point in getting or being upset over any exchange that might be taken to be anything other than it should be; part of that game.

And remember, by keeping your eyes and ears open, you can make a trip of a lifetime just that!

Jay is a Multimedia Specialist at Tomball College

We made a lot of preparation for we expected a few invited to arrive. Unfortunately, one couple couldn't come and the others were arriving late. There were only few heads when we started to celebrate the Noche Buena.

I'm introducing here a few person. From left to right: That's Ate Helen; Alvin, Pinky's husband; then Pinky; Chamboy, the Afro-Filipino son of Ate Helen; Bert, martial arts and boxing enthusiast, one of our delivery staff for the purified water business.

Two more guests arrived later. Still there were plenty of foods left that we still celebrated the following day like fiesta. Most of us ate as much as we could. Diet programs were being set aside at that moment.

Gift That I Received

Aside from the Steve McCurry Photo Book that I and Jovy received, I was also receiving two gifts; a Penshoppe T-shirt from my beloved and a table clock from Pinky.

The T-shirt I was wearing (shown below) during the MIP Christmas Party is Maldita's early Christmas present to me.

Photo courtesy of Pareng Dennis

My Working Environment

This morning, I woke up with a different kind of spirit. It was probably due to sleeping late celebrating the traditional Noche Buena. It was Christmas anyway and I wanted to try at least something new for today. I grabbed my Silverado and went out of my quarter and roamed around. I was thinking of sharing this information to selected friends as well as my fellows at MIP. I got several photos here:

I guess there is no water delivery schedule for today. Trucks were still in their respective parking slots. In regular days, these trucks are out before 7 in the morning. That water tanker facing forward is used to deliver tap water within Antipolo areas. That aluminium van on its back is used to deliver bottled water to Metro Manila and Cavite areas. That miniature truck to the right is used to deliver individual orders within the vicinity. That building at the background is the water processing plant. As you might notice, the building is constructed with selected kind of woods. Our environment is surrounded with fruit trees. Few weeks back, I had photographed using my phonecam a set of instrument panel inside the plant. It can be found on this building.

These are water tanks. Contrary to most water processing plants that sourced out water from NAWASA, ours is sourced out 300 meters deep from the grounds of Antipolo. The building structure you can see at the background is the Antipolo City Jail located just 23 meters away from us.

Our facility is surrounded with different kinds of flowers. If I can only mix work and hobby I should always go out to take macro photos of flowers. Well, this is my take just this morning.

That's our staff quarter up there. It is an attic converted to air-conditioned male and female bedrooms. Mess hall and galley are also provided. That's Bert in his martial arts stance calling me for breakfast.

Down below the quarter is an internet bistro, my pastime 18 hours a day :( That black thing in the middle of the frame is my SLR bag and beside it is my laptop. The white thing is a satellite speaker for my computer sound system. On top of the air-conditioning unit is the switch and a UPS.

That's pure Internet rush out there with a top speed of 512Mbps when streaming direct from the network server, but that didn't give me life's satisfaction. My confinement to my job 18 hours, 6 days in a week is no different thing living at the city jail the next block.

I love the place, but I hate my job...

Jovy patiently waited for me to arrive this afternoon so together we could open the gift. The following photos were taken while she was opening the gift.

It was timely that Jovy was not so busy in her shop then so we could start scanning the book and see spectacular photos. Steve McCurry's photographic wonders made my girl appreciate more about photography. The way she glanced at me while the two of us were skimming the last part of the book, somehow showed me an approval to go on with my chosen hobby.

The only remarked I have heard according to her, is that the sender must have scribbled a few notes to dedicate the book to us.

I replied, "Okay lang, if you worry that we might forget who's giving this to us, I think that can never be happened. For how can we? This is the first gift that we receive as a couple."

 

All photographs were taken using Sony Ericsson K750i.

Labels: photoshoot

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Fundamentals

Friday, December 22, 2006

Labels: fundamentals

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World News

Labels: news

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Bag Tags, Arm Band, Vaccum Cleaner, and Britney Spears

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Es ist Weihnachtszeit noch einmal, aber mein Arbeitszeitplan ist Tötung ich. Ich muß sehr früh aufwachen morgens, säubere herauf meinen Arbeitsbereich und beim Wischen den Fußboden, ich muß die Computer für Virusüberprüfung oben laufen lassen. Die Virusabtastung ist angenommen eine Nachtzeittätigkeit, wenn nur ich nicht oben spät bleibe. Dieses ist einige des Programms gerecht, das ich hier erwähnen kann. Ich erhalte heutzutage ich kann nicht meine Mahlzeit rechtzeitig essen beschäftigter. Was ironischer ist, bin ich auf einem on-line-Geschäft, dennoch habe ich eine harte Zeit, lang zu bleiben im Internet. I am meisten der Zeit konnten vergessen, was mich beschäftigt und den Unterhalt, der sich nur hält wundert, warum ich nicht viel erwerbe. Manchmal würde ich pochen und der Muskel in meinem Kasten schloß Vertrag ab. Meine Freundin sagte, daß es das Resultat des Seins überarbeitet ist. Hatte ich hatte nicht Freundin zur Zeit, ich überlebe nicht dieses Weihnachten.

Letzter Samstag, kam ich, meine Freundin wieder zu besuchen. Während eines unseres Gespräches, hatte ich von ihren einigen des Personals unserer Schwesterfirma erwähnt, der ihre cellphones angeblich durch ihre walk-in Kunden verlor. , so erwähnend, hatte sie auch über die nicht berichteten Kästen von Auswahl einsteckend und das cellphone gesprochen, das im Bus schnappt. Es ist wirklich Christnas Jahreszeit, eine Jahreszeit leider, die für spät - Nachtreisenden wie mich riskant sind und meine Freundin. Unscrupulous Einzelpersonen sind hoffnungslos, irgendeine Menge für ihr Noche Buena zu erwerben. Nachtzeitraub ist während der Weihnachtsjahreszeit überwiegend, deshalb bat meine Freundin mich, einen Armband cellphone Kasten zu kaufen. Es ist stretchable, daß er im Schenkel auch verwendet werden kann. Der Trick ist, während des Mitternacht auf meiner Haupt Weise, ich kann mein cellphone unter meinen Hosen verstecken. Dieses ist das Foto dieses Armbandes, das ich den folgenden Tag kaufte, Sonntag.

Am zweiten Stock von SM Megamall in Bldg. A, habe ich zufällig stieß auf einen Unternehmer des Beutelumbaudruckes. Ich war überzeugt und den zwei Gewohnheit Plan für mich bildete. Das andere ist für meinen Kamerabeutel und das andere ist für meinen Laptopbeutel. Diese sind der Plan:

Ich benutzte einige meiner Fotos als Hintergrund für diese Beutelumbauten. Als einige Freunde diese gesehen hatten, sind sie besagt diese kühl.

Ich kaufte auch ein batteriebetriebenes vaccum Reinigungsmittel. Ich dachte, daß mindestens vor diesem Jahrende, ich säubere herauf die meisten meiner elektronischen Ausrüstung kann.

Der gleiche Tag, empfing ich schließlich meine YKL Privilegkarte. Als mehr einem Monat vor, diese Karte wurde an mein ehemaliges Büro geliefert, aber aus keinem offensichtlichen Grund, verweigerte einer des Personals dort (wer offensichtlich mich nicht mag), mein Firma afilliation und empfing nicht die Karte, die durch LBC geliefert wurde. Ich wurde herauf das Verfolgen für diese Karte Fujifilm Digital an der Belichtung in SM Megamall fertig und ordnete, damit sie von mir anstelle vom Haus-Haus persönlich aufgehoben werden kann liefert. Ich habe sie jetzt und mit dieser Karte, genieße ich eine Menge Privilegien des Photographen an allen möglichen Fujifilm Digital Belichtung (FDI) Anschlüssen.

I'm receiving an average of 180 emails daily and I'm having a hardtime digesting them all given my limited time of staying online. One of the email that I won't forget though is that one containing uncensored photos of Britney Spears. If you would like me to share this with you, act immediately or else my girlfriend will delete that email ahead of time.

Pareng Dennis, kumusta na si kalbong BS?

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FTP Problem and Blogging

FTP Problem
Blogging Problem with Tripod
	I'm using the free webhosting service of Tripod for quite several years but just lately, I encountered some problems with its FTP feature with Blogger. Last week, when I was about to publish a few thoughts and photos, I was prompted with an error message that said my username and password (for FTP) is incorrect. I didn't encounter the same problem using FTP Commander - my reliable FTP client software. Much later, this is the error message I could encounter everytime I publish a blog:
Incompatability Problem?
	Could it be an incompatability problem? I didn't encounter the problem way back when I was still using the older version of Blogger. My predicament just started when  I upgraded to the beta version of Blogger. It's hard to tell, actually. I am left with no choice but to think of a better solution myself.
Sentimentalist
	I was already a Blogger user even before Google bought this blogging technology from Pyra. I had accustomed to its simplicity and versatility. I didn't think I can easily say good bye to the blogging software I loved the most.
The Solution
	After some careful thoughts a  few sleepless night that passed, I decided to migrate to a new webhosting service instead of migrating to a new blogging software. Of course, I know Wordpress is also great, but given that my data are being taken cared of Blogger, that is already of advantage. I wouldn't want a corrupt-prone database-driven blogging software that I might mess up sometime in the future. Besides, I didn't know how to transfer all my Blogger files to Wordpress. Now, I got a new web host, and a new domain, too! To sum it up, my blog can be found from a different location. Any blogs that may come after this one you're reading can no longer be accessed from http://canon300d.tripod.com/. Please find my latest blog from the link I provided below: http://travelogue.digitalrebel.ws

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published by dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 @ 4:03:00 PM • Permalink • Links to this post • 1 comments from:  Anonymous, •

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Reminiscing Taal Photoshoot

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

I should be writing my own travelogue about the Taal Photoshoot but I didn`t finish editing my draft yet until this time. Meanwhile, I can offer you a slideshow of my photos while you may also see Dennis Villegas` and Jennie Dy`s write up. You may follow the following links:

• http://dennisvillegas.blogspot.com/2006/12/mips-taal-photos
  hoot-part-i.html
• http://dennisvillegas.blogspot.com/2006/12/mips-taal-photos
  hoot-ii.html
• http://dennisvillegas.blogspot.com/2006/12/mip-taal-photos
  hoot-iii.html
• http://princessballistic1.blogs.friendster.com/my_blog/2006/
  10/my_trip_with_mi_1.html

The photo album of my Taal photoshoot can also be viewed from this link: http://dodongflores.multiply.com/photos/album/3

Labels: photoshoot, Taal

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published by dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 @ 9:29:00 PM • Permalink • Links to this post • 6 comments from:  ghee,  dodongflores,  ghee,  dodongflores,  <a href="http://m1.aol.com/IvySalas33/136_261007.html">zoloft and meridia</a>,  name, •

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X'mas Blues

The Photoshoot Blues

Doc Gerry called me up to offer me a ride to the MIP photoshoot at Intramuros. I was with Maldita at that time having our lunch in a Japanese Resto at Pearl Plaza, located at Pearl Drive in Ortigas Center. Free ride is cool but I need to accompany Maldita who had some business to attend to. I told Doc Gerry anyway that I would follow shortly. I didn't emphasize that Maldita would be coming over, too.
At 3:30pm, I was already on a taxi with Maldita. We still have to pick up my photography equipment at the condo I formerly lived with. Christmas rush made the Saturday traffic extraordinarily heavy. Maldita got sick along the way, probably because of the heavy traffic. It was good she always brought with her some medication and I also brought with me drinking water. I was keeping in touch with Doc Gerry and Kuya Rey Nocum.
After we alighted from the taxi, I contacted Denz Dayao who is the Intramuros authority. I was glad Maldita was saying she's getting fine so we could walk to the spot where Denz could meet us.
I was happy to be reunited with the group. Almost everybody was staring at me with naughty eyes. I was sure Doc Gerry was making again a story for me, Hahaha... Maldita was delighted to be seeing again her idol and fashion icon Ms. Jen. I was also most especially happy to be seeing my most favorite writer, and probably the most noteworthy blogger in the entire universe, MIP's chief Evangelist Dennis Villegas.

Albert's cameras

Doc Ger's D70 and killer Rangefinder.

The Big Night Blues

The group proceed to Ilustrado Restaurant while taking photos along the way. Ilustrado Restaurant is the venue of the MIP's Christmas Party. We got the following photos:

Maldita in action (although nabaliktad ang focusing ko!)

Guess who this guy is?!!

Super Moderator and Macro King Rey Nocum.

What are you doing there, Denz?

Parol sa Ilustrado.

The Ilustrado Restaurant alley (this photo is now officially used by Ilustrado Restaurant and can be found here).

 

The Ilustrado Restaurant signage (which is also being used here).

The MIP gathering was being held at the Bonifacio Hall, just right for the number of MIP members present at that time. Everybody was so happy and I know the group can never be that merrier without Doc Gerry's fantastic stories. Before the formality of the event, each one of us took turn taking photos of the group. I took these photos below using self-timer mode.

From left to right: (You may also download two hi-res photos here: 1, 2)

• Jhun Vibar
• Dr. GM Sabado (a.k.a. Doc Ger)
• Denz and his better-half Ling
• Mae Ann (I refer to here in this article as Maldita)
• jjpdy
• Oskie
• Spectrum
• Super Moderator Rey Nocum
• yours truly
• Dennis Villegas
• Albert

Dennis Villegas and Doc Gerry

Maldita

Ms. Jen, the organizer of the event
Late comers are Paolo Melendres and Joy Perez. Joy promised me and Pareng Dennis a photo of hers in swimsuit. She must have forgotten it already.
Francis Yanga together with a beautiful lady also arrived but were not late for the food and games. They were not really late since there were still lots of foods for them (including Manong Ken's lechon). They still could join the game which was hosted by Denz.

The most interesting personal experience during the event is talking with Bay Islandboy over the phone. Ironically, I only understood a single word from him because our venue is noisy. I heard the word Jovy from him, probably asking if my girlfriend is with me. Jovy couldn't come with me for the MIP Christmas Party because she's in duty. Islandoy was earlier referred to by Ms. Jen as the mysterious donor for the party. She ended up being teased by Doc Gerry with Islandboy.
When the party was over, Doc Gerry gave me and Mae Ann a lift until Mae Ann's place. I never had slept the previous night so I feel asleep while Doc Gerry was driving. Mae Ann, or Maldita,woke me up when we arrived at Shaw-Pasig.
''Thanks for the ride Doc Ger!'' I was still half-asleep.

Blue Beach Blues

Now, Maldita was making it sure to where I should sleep. Our condo's administrator had changed the gate's padlock after I relocated to Antipolo. It was digital that required passkey intentionally not given to me. During my date with Jovy at the baywalk, I slept outside the gate because of that. Those things Maldita didn't want to happen to me again. She couldn't accommodate me in her apartment because of other female housemates. I told her I would sleep in our condo. It is no longer possible because it was already too late, she knew it. She didn't stop nagging me for a specific place to where I can possibly spend my night with, and I finally told her I would sleep onboard a moving bus going to the province. Maldita dragged me to 10/Q convenience store and bought a lot of snacks for me; C2, cup cakes, breads, etc. I told her I didn't need those and all I need to do is to travel lightly. She insisted saying her Ate Jovy (my girlfriend) will be upset if she is going to starve me.

It was past four o'clock in the morning when I woke up. The Five Star bus I was riding already arrived at their Dagupan bus terminal. I was no longer sleepy. I briskly disembarked from the bus and was met by several aggressive tricycle drivers. I paused for a while and waited for a tamer driver. I found one later, named Louie. I told him to bring me to Tondaligan (the Blue Beach)and find a considerably rated lodging house for me. I asked him how much he would charge me for the ride from the bus terminal to the blue beach. Eighty pesos, he replied. I told him I'd hire him for P100 and he's happy.

Louie brought me to Snow White Inn. Before I could get in, a fat woman suddenly blocked my way asking if I was looking for a room to stay. She offered me a room for only one thousand pesos, good for 24-hr stay. She further told me Snow White Inn is more expensive. She was already grabbing my back pack away, a behavior that easily distinguished herself to be a hoax. I sensed something is wrong, and since I was already at the entrance of the Snow White Inn, I seized my back pack from the fat lady and followed the driver Louie inside the inn. It turn out that the 24-hour stay at Snow White Inn cost only six hundred pesos. I was glad that I was not tricked by that fat lady lurking just outside the door of the Snow White Inn. Louie volunteered to pick me up the following day if I want it to. I arranged him to pick me up at three o'clock in the morning and bring me to Victory Liner. I had to emphasize to him that he should bring me to Victory Liner instead of Five Star to where he picked me up earlier. With Victory Liner going to Pasay, that's only a single ride for me until Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong. He understood.

I took shower first and decided to go to the beach to scout for  beautiful sceneries. I was trying to look for local fishermen working with their fishing gears. They are naturally good photography subjects. I didn't find even one and ended up being annoyed by kids along the beach. At first, I tried to avoid those kids but they kept on tagging behind me. I was losing my patience and decided to go back to the inn. I was wondering why there was no sun at that time.

Frank Bautista's burger kiosk :-)

The blue beach in the morning.

Ynnad's dog on the loose...

Blue Beach boats

When I lost the kids, I started to go to the opposite direction. I was walking under the coconut trees trying to find local fishermen. I stopped in a Frank Burger kiosk and decided to get a cold drink. While at rest, a young girl suddenly appeared from nowhere, spoke to me in Tagalog asking whether I would want a companion. When she told me I can hire her for anything, I sensed something is wrong. The girl is obviously selling her flesh. I couldn't believe at that early morning, somebody with the kind of livelihood is gutsy enough to show up. I turned her down and walked back to my inn. I wanted to eat my breakfast on a restaurant but Maldita sent along with me lots of food, so I thought of consuming all of those first.

Back to my room, my girlfriend texted me up asking what time I'll be in SM Megamall. I replied I'm already at Blue Beach in Dagupan. She called me up. I had to transcribe here the ensuing hilarious conversation between me and her, although for me, it was not really funny at all.

My girlfriend: "Honey, anong ginagawa mo diyan?" (Honey, what are you doing there?)
Me: "I want to witness the Blue Beach sunset!"
My girlfriend: "What sunset are you talking about? Di mo ba alam na may bagyong Seniang?" (What sunset are you talking about? Don't you know a certain typhoon Seniang is approaching?)
Me: "We'll, hindi ko alam yon. Wala namang binanggit si Mr.Ube News na may bagyo. Sa Yahoo! Weather forecast, sabi okay naman ang weather." (Well, I didn't know anything. Besides, Mr. Ube News didn't tell anything about approaching typhoon.
My girlfriend: "Ewan ko s'yo. Kung ako s'yo, babalik na lang akong Maynila. Bagyo ang ma-picture-ran mo diyan at hindi sunset." (I don't know with you. If I were you, I'll go back to Manila. You'll be taking photograph of typhoon instead of sunset.)

True enough, it started to rain. Even if I want to go out, I just can't go roam around without risking my camera to rainwater. Besides, I don't think rain is an interesting subject for photography, unless I'm purposely documenting rain. I ended up watching cable TV the whole afternoon. I was still eating as lunch all of those foods Maldita had stuffed for me.

No sunset :( Only big waves >:<

Blue Beach blues...

At four o'clock in the afternoon, the rainshower had stopped. I went to the seashore and brought with me my tripod. It was frustrating. Everything is overcast. There had been never a sign of sunset. There were no interesting photography subjects, too. I came across Bay Ynnad's dog but at that time he's no longer conscious enough with the people at the sea. I was getting hungry and decided to find a seafood restaurant. The nearest I found is Matutina's Seafoods.
At the restaurant, I was expecting I can eat seafoods, only to find out that seafoods are for group serving. Single servings did not include seafoods. At that time, I wish Tito Andy and Manong Frank is with me... We all could have eaten seafoods together. I ended up ordering Sinigang na Malaga, pork barbecue, fresh young coconut that are available for single serving. The coconut is fresh but is no longer young.

It was a wrong timing with the Blue Beach; no Blue Beach sunset, no seafoods... Had I known of it ahead of time, I could have gone directly to Tito Tom's birthday in La Union.

Belated Happy Birthday, Tito Tom!

Labels: photoshoot, travelogue

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published by dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 @ 9:18:00 PM • Permalink • Links to this post • 14 comments from:  flip89,  Anonymous,  dodong flores,  Josephine,  dodongflores,  milkphish,  dodongflores,  dodongflores,  Anonymous,  dodong flores,  Edgar,  dodongflores,  Anonymous,  Anonymous, •

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