Focus! Project!
Ever since using my netbook for presentation last Saturday, its resolution automatically switches to 800x600 upon reboot, ignoring the setting I make (1024x600). Thus, decided to bring it to the store where I bought it.
Was in our Makati office for a meeting. Before bringing my netbook for servicing, decided to try to connect it to a second monitor. Should have set it to laptop. When I did, my "resolution" problem has been solved.
Since would meet with a friend for lunch at
Soup Factory in
Glorietta 5, passed by
Park Square. That's when a I saw a multimedia projector whose size is roughly 5 inches by 5 inches. It's weight is 0.55 kg. Hmmm... It's an Acer K10.
Monsters vs. Aliens Extreme!
(Writing this at the stairs on the third floor of Glorietta to catch the Airborne signal...)This would be the third seminar sponsored by our company's camera club. In coordination with Informatics, the seminar is about "Digital Photography Extreme".
After the seminar, walked my way to Ayala Center, hoping to capture more images depicting "Pollution". Nothing...
Thus, decided to do my weekly movie thing. It's
Monsters vs. Aliens.
An animation, sci-fi movie from Disney and Pixar, a ragtag team of monsters were called upon to save humanity from the invasion of aliens. Since it's Disney, it must be good. Hehehe!
If we base it from the comments I heard at the end of the movie, from both kids and kids at heart, plus the laughter while in the theater, the movie is for the whole family. Each of its characters have their unique charm that will endear to anyone.
(Writing this at home...)Then, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
Italianni's. Since availed of their loyalty card, was able to use the P1,500.00 gift certificate. Yes!!!
Marathon: Sundo from Moonacre
Woke really early (this is becoming a habit... tsk! tsk!). Have to be at the
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) by 5:30AM because of the marathon/walkathon for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga.
The marathon is set to start at 6AM; but since we are there to take images, we have to be early as the photo op is while the participants are preparing for the run. Only a few of us (photographers) arrived, but the runners were already a-plenty.
The 6-kilometer marathon finished early (since we started early). Had a breakfast at
McDonald's then proceeded home.
Burned a CD of the images I took during the pilgrimage since I would giving a copy to my friends I'll be meeting later. Also transferred the images I took to my netbook, in case I have time in between my movie marathon to upload them to the internet.
The first in my movie marathon is
Sundo. Starring Robin Padilla as a former military man who was able to see spirits when he awoke from a coma. Saved from a tragic accident on his way to Manila along with six other passengers, they fall prey one by one to a series of catastrophic events. Now, the ghosts he sees serve as a warning to those who would be dying next. Sounds like "Final Destination" in terms of those who have cheated death but are now being hunted by Death. There's a twist in the ending.
Since there is still an hour before my next movie, decided to post some of the images I took during the marathon. We are intending that those who wanted the images printed, the income we would be generating would also be donated to the same charity as the marathon.
Next stop is
The Secret of Moonacre. With the death of her father, Maria was forced to live in the country with his eccentric uncle. There she discovers a secret world of magic and how she was "called" to save the family/valley.
J.K. Rowling endorsed the book the movie was based on, which inspired her to write the Harry Potter series.
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
a Venetto Italianni Ristorante.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Ordered it and it was supposed to arrive today. Been waiting for it the whole morning but it did not arrive. Thus, for lunch, went and look for the food I would be bringing to
Tilak Hettige's house tonight. He invited us for some chit-chat... c",)
Have to go to several branches of
Goldilocks to look for that "no sugar" pastry. Learned that only specific branches carry the the product. One of those going to Tilak's house requested that if I do bring cake or pastry (I always do whenever we meet.. hehehe!) if it is sugar-free for he's diabetic. Wish granted!
It was already half-way into the afternoon, and still not in sight. Thus, have to follow-up the carrier. When it arrived, my officemates are more excited than I am (they were the ones unpacking the item). LOL
Brought with me my nifty-fifty lens (so that I won't be carrying too much as I have my netbook with me) so that I can test it once it arrives. And I did not get disappointed when I tried it!
After office, it's at Tilak we go. We had Sri Lankan food for dinner (plus the food we brought). The rest of the evening was spent sharing stories, anecdotes, etc.
The Palm Cross
Is in our Makati office because I have whole day meeting there. For lunch, decided to drop-off my rubber shoes for repair at
Mr. Quickie. Ate lunch at
The Pancake and immediately proceeded back to the office. This is when I saw one stall selling a palm cross.
The Palm Cross is made by the inmates of the New Bilibid Prison.
"As you pray and hold the cross, please let your palm feel the saving power of Christ on the cross."PRAYER:When I go through trials and my anxious thoughts trouble me, I need to feel You presence Lord and be assured that You will never leave me nor forsake me. As I grasp this cross, I am reminded of Your sufferings and cling on to the salvation You have given me. Amen."
Unborn Race To Witch Mountain
Was it two or three weeks...? I have not watched a movie! Thus, decided to do so today lest they be removed in the theaters and I won't be able to watch it.
Started with
Race to Witch Mountain, a Disney movie. A Las Vegas driver finds himself on an adventure of his lifetime as tries to help two teenagers with superpowers to complete their mission. It's a lot of action and comedy combines (plus sci-fi to boot). I definitely enjoyed the movie. I just find the title "odd"... Hehehe!
My next movie is
The Unborn. A horror, thriller movie about a twin who is trying to be possessed by a
dybbuk. She doesn't know that she has a twin who died while still in their mother's womb. she has to go back to the ancient root of the devil to try to stop it.
Lenten Pilgrimage: Pampanga
Today would be the Lenten Pilgrimage to Pampanga arranged by the
Greenbelt Chapel. Our pilgrimage chaplain is Fr. Paul Marquez.
Meeting time is 5:30am infront of
Greenbelt 4. There would be three (3) buses. Each bus/group is assigned a name reflecting the virtues of St. Paul, that is, fearless, tireless, and selfless.
On the way to our first stop, we prayed the
Pilgrim's Prayer:
"Heavenly Father, we thank You as we come together in Your Name to be with the community of pilgrims to sahre your reconciliation, peach and love with others in this Lenten pilgrimage
"Prepare our hearts and minds that we may be worthy to receive God's gifts and favors today. Remind us always that this pilgrimage is a spiritual journey with a purpose and not merely a sightseeing trip.
"Help us to practice the virtue of patience to whatever discomforts and difficulties that may arise. Grant us the spirit of obedience to be one with others and to participate fervently in all the activities.
"May our visit to various churches foster personal spiritual growth with a joyful hope to return in our respective parishes inspired, enlightened and transformed.
"May God protect us and keep us in His loving care.
May Jesus of Calvary and of Emmaus walk with us.
May the Spirit give us clarity of mind, strength of heart and a sure foot as we all travel today.
"All these we ask through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen."
We also prayed the rosary.
St. Paul Novitiate at San Fernando
Our first stop is the
St. Paul Novitiate at San Fernando. Appropriate for our pilgrimage theme, which is "Journeying Together in the Year of St. Paul".
There, we prayed the
Pauline Jubilee Prayer:
"God, our Father, thank You for giving us Saint Paul to be an apostlee of your Son, Jesus Christ."With his great love and passion for Jesus Christ and the Church, St. Paul used all means and became all things to all that the power of the Gospel can reach all."With zeal he faced the challenges of travel, cultures, imprisonments, and beatings; of shipwrecks and sleepless night; of magic and philosophies."Through all these he steadfastly witnessed the length, breath, and depth of the mystery of God's saving love and grace in Jesus Christ."We ask You, loving Father, that during this year dedicated to our beloved St. Paul, Your tireless worker for the Church, we may continue to know him more, especially his epistles which are now part of our Scriptures. May we come to understand the love for You and Jesus and the Church which consumed his life. May we serve You and the Church as he did--tirelessly, relentlessly, unstintingly, faithfully, and most of all, lovingly."At the end, St. Paul gave his life as a last and lasting witness to his deep and living faith in Jesus and in his Body, the Church. We pray that in our celebration of this year we may also deepen our faith and trust in Your loving mercy and kindness."We pray that his year be a year for knowing understanding, loving St. Paul, because through him, we can be sure that we will be led to You, our Father in heaven."We thank Jesus, who showed His mercy and revealed Himself to St. Paul, for giving the apostle to us as our example and intercessor."May St. Paul continue to intercede for us and for our country that we, too, may turn from sinful ways and be converted, so that we may attain peace in our hearts, in our families, our country and in the world."We ask this through our Lord Jesus Chris, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
Holy Rosary Parish at Angeles
Next stop is the
Holy Rosary Parish at Angeles.
"Angeles formerly Culiat after the Culiat vines tha were abundant in the place), a former barrio of San Fernando became a separate town in 1829. Augustinians decided in a meeting to accept Angeles in 1830 under the advocation of Los Angeles de la Guardia, or Angeles Custodios, which became the Titular Patrons, and also in honor of its founder Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda. The church authorities placed the new town under the patronage and protection of the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary. Initially ministered by a secular priest, got its first Augustinian prior, Fr. Vicente Andres, in 1843. Fr. Guillermo Masnou built a wooden church in 1855 to replace the first nipa church, while Fr. Ramon Sarrionandia started the construction in 1860 of the present stone edifice. Fr. Rufino Santos (not the cardinal) did some restoration work in 1893 and was completed by Fr. Antonio Bravo in 1897. It took 37 years to complete the church. In the height of the Philippine revolution on 1899, the parish church and the adjoining convent served as the military hospitals and troop barracks fo the American Army.
Center for Kapampangan Studies
We then crossed the street to go to the
Center for Kapampangan Studies for a film showing about Pampanga and to visit their museum.
San Guillermo Parish at Bacolor
We then proceeded to the
San Guillermo Parish at Bacolor.
Bacolor was greatly affected by the lahar. I was wondering why the church is small. Also, the "door" we used to enter the church is small. Actually, the "door" is a window to the church's second floor. What we could see is the second floor of the church!
I also learned that ABS-CBN shot one of their
telenovela's in this church. The
telenovela starred Albert Martinez as the "mayor". The house across the church served as the "mayor's" house.
"Bacolor came from bukulud, meaning plateau or elevated area. It was one of the hardest hit by lahar which indicates it is not a plateau and in contrast to its meaning. Bacolor was accepted by the Augustinian Council as a convent, and called San Guillermo during founding of its church by P. Fray Diego Ochoa on December 31, 1576. The choice of Bacolor's patron saint, San Guillermo Ermitano was a thinly veiled way of honouring the town's founder, Guillermo Manabat. It was a common practice to coincide the name of a person being honoured with that of a saint. The church is said to be the most beaautiful in the province, featuring a grand transept, a project of P. Fray Manuel Diaz E. Alvarez, and Antonio Bravo, and boasts of having the biggest convent in the whole province. It also has a spacious cemetery equipped with a fine chapel. Rich Kapampangan families contributed huge sums to finance the construction of bigger, sturdier and more elaborate churches displaying their exuberance and fine taste like the gigantic San Guillermo church. It measures 56 meters long, 15 meters wide and 12 meters high and its one of the oldest and largest churches in the country. On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991 buried the church at half its 12 meter height."
Apag Marangle
Our lunch brought us to
Apag Marangle at Olongapo Gapan Road, Bacolor. The food is good! In fact, they even served one exotic food (which I was afraid to try)--crickets! It is also here where we bought our
pasalubong goodies.
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
Instead of the planned
Immaculate Conception Parish at Guagua, our next stop was the
Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows.
There were actually two shrines. The newer and bigger shrine was affected by the lahar (which somehow "blocked" the old shrine from its impact). Thus, there were "talks" from devotees that the Lady of Lourdes do not want to be housed in the new shrine.
St. James the Apostle Parish (or Santiago de Galicia) at Betis
Our next stop is at the
St. James the Apostle Parish at Betis. Considered to be the "Sistine Chapel of Philippines".
"Founded in 1572 by Fray Fernando Pinto, although the Libro lists P. Fray Mateo Peralta as its parroco. P. Fray Jose de la Cruz built the stone church. Early friars describe the faithful of Betis as the most pious and industrious people in the whole province, not to mention that Betis is said to have produced the most number of priests not only in Pampanga but in the entire country. The Betis tree was a favourite materials for sculpture and furniture-making. Now wonder the people of Betis are known for their art and craft of wood working. Never forced to build their churches, Kapampangans exceeded their Spanish priest's expectations by producing such masterpieces as the stunning retablo of Santiago de Galicia church. Fray Manuel Camanes, OSA served for 30 years (1868-1898) repaired church and convent, built a school, a cemetery, and public artesian well in the plaza, the first of its kind in the country. St. James the Apostle church is the second oldest church in Pampanga and called the "Sistine Chapel of the Philippines". The National Commission for Culture of the Arts (NCAA) declared the church a National Treasure, one of the few churches in the country bestowed that honor. Fr. Fernando Pinto started construction in 1660 and completed 1770 by Fr. Jose dela Cruz. It stands as one of few landmarks that celebrates the Pampangenos' artistic skill with ornate ceiling murals done by Simon Flores (1839-1904). The interior feature walls depict significant biblical events and figures by local artists. Martin and Severino Gozum Pangilinan. Three local painters worked in the church's interior panels in the late 70's up to the early 80's where majority of the brush strokes were from Victor Ramos, a native of San Agustin."
Sta. Lucia Parish at Sasmuan
The next church is the
Sta. Lucia Parish at Sasmuan. There is an ongoing wedding that we proceeded to the church's second floor.
We were able to venerate the relic of Sta. Lucia.
"Sexmaon (Sasmuan) was a visita of Guagua in 1590 and of Lubao in 1611. In 1613 its residents complained of the inconvenience of having to go to Lubao for mass, confession and catechism. Fr. Pedro de Zuniga was appointed vicar of Sexmoan in 1615. Fr. Jose Duque built the first church between 1659 and 1677 The 18th century chronicler Fray Gaspar de San Agustin wrote: 'The curch is very beatiful, and it is placed under the advocation of Santa Lucai; the convent is of first class too.' Both buildings were swept away by the overflowing river beside them. In 1884, Fr. Toribio Fanjul restored the church. It houses the first class relic of Sta. Lucia, a virgin-martyr who had her eyes plucked out to make herself unattractive to a persistent suitor. Devotees to this day dance the kuraldal around the image on January 6. Invoked against blindness, and ailments of the eye."
San Agustin Parish at Lubao
The next church is the
San Agustin Parish at Lubao. When we arrived there, GMA is shooting a
telenovela still to be shown in TV--Zorro. Asking one of the GMA staff, learned that they don't dub for
telenovelas; thus, when they shoot, it has to be quiet. Which means, we have to wait until they stop shooting before we pray the Station of the Cross....
"The town was also founded in 1572 in Barrio Santa Catalina the earliest in the province, from an ancient settlement called Baba Lubao; name derived from "tubao" (or gatao) meaning to float, as the area is prone to flooding. The church moved to the present site 30 years later due to yearly floods. Arch. Fr. Antonio Herrera, an Augustinian, constructed this church from 1614 to 1630, out of locally made brick and sand mixed in egg albumen contributed by the people of Lubao. The church considered the largest in Pampanga is dedicated to St. Augustine, founder of the Augustinian order. It was occupied by the revolutionists in 1898 and used as hospital by American forces in 1899. It was destroyed by the Japanese shellin in 1942 and repair was done from 1949 to 1952 under the direction of Fr. Melencio Garcia and other priests. San Agustin church measures 82.45 meters long, 21.12 meters wide and 10.50 meters high. The walls are 2.46 meters thick. It has one nave originally painted by Italian artists Dibella and Alberoni. The five-storey belfry (15.31 meters high) is still in its original structure."
Sta. Rita de Cascia at Sta. Rita
Our last stop is the
Santa Rita de Cascia Parish at Sta. Rita. What we noticed is that the images of saints are already covered. According to them, before, it was a practice to cover the images of the saints starting Ash Wednesday. This is to remind us during the season the core of our faith.
"Santa Rita founded in 1726, was previously integrated with Porac. It was also this year the town had its own priest and therefore became an independent parish.
"Fr. Francisco Royo built the present church in 1839 with Fr. Juan Merino completing the work in 1868. These two priests also opened the road linking Sta. Rita with Porac and Guagua. During the Revolution, the townspeople hid thier last Augustinian parish priest, Fr. Celestino Garcia in their houses until the forces of Gen. Maximino Hizon captured him in Bacolor and took him all the way to Lepanto in the Cordilleras. This church is privileged to have a fist class relic of its patron, Santa Rita. She spent 18 years of her life living with a defiant husband who was later on killed in a vendetta. Within that year, her two sons died. Rita became a nun and received the wound of Christ on her forehead in 1441, as though she had been wearing a crown of thorns. Patroness of impossible causes, battered wife, difficult marriages, sickness, widows, wounds."
On our way home, we heard a bad news. Another group who is having a pilgrimage to Quezon has encountered an accident. The driver died and the rest of the passengers were brought in the hospital, some of whom are in ICU. Let's pray for the repose of their soul and recovery from their injuries....
Still No Phone
I was planning to pick up my price this lunch. But then, someone from Smart called and informed me that they would be sending a letter which I would be using for claiming my prize. Also, I have to have a Smart Money account where they would be crediting my cash winnings. Hayyy... It seems that my new mobile phone is too high-tech for the Smart Money to be set-up. Tsk! Tsk!
Thus, instead of going to the
Smart Wireless Center, looked for
Hua Mulan, the store where they sell combs made of wood and horn. It has moved! Instead of the basement, it is now located at the second floor.
After office, decided to see if I can capture images of pollution along
EDSA (I was thinking of smoke belching). I wonder if the image I took would pass as air and noise pollution?
Windows XP Key Logger Worm
Felt really odd about the behaviour of my netbook when it comes to ejecting a memory card or a flash drive. Paranoid, surfed the internet as to what virus, trojan or malware would behave that way. Must have gotten whatever that is when I have some of my images printed in order to join the
"Timeless Baguio" photo contest... or when I have the titles of the images in our exhibit printed.
With all that surfing, wasn't able to get near a solution except for having an autorun.inf in the memory card or the flash drive. My several testings proved that my notebook was already infected (I was hoping that it was only in the external media).
Should have checked first the logs/activities of McAfee! It was a
Windows XP Key Logger Worm which puts the kbdrv16.com in the Startup. It also modifies the registry for lsass.exe and usb-hi.exe, and replaces the explorer.exe. Good thing McAfee blocked the update for the explorer.exe!
What I did? Performed a system restore from where my unit was still "healthy"...
Hmmm... I wonder if even for the special prize, I would win that photo contest...
A Chili's Exhibit
Today's the day. We would be exhibiting our image that we took during the "A Closer Look At Nature: An Introduction To Close-Up Photography" under the
Tilak Hettige. We would be joining the exhibit of Tilak's other class.
Unlike them, they came prepared--we didn't. Hehehe!
I have no idea how we would be displaying our images, thus, I did not come prepared.
We were only three of the nine students of Tilak's class who were there. Because of the many workshops I attended at the
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI), I have already befriended the staff there. Thus, I requested their help to set-up our exhibit.
We have to buy hooks and nylon cords right there and then. Have to come up with the titles for the images. Luckily, I bought my netbook that I was able to layout the titles. Left the place and went to
Waltermart to have it printed, have lunch and go back to PCCI.
When I arrived, the images were already hanging. Cut-out the titles and placed them on the frames. Then, placed tape at the back to steady the frames/display.
The rest has already left to eat lunch and change. I did not bring clothes to change into. Thus, while the rest of the exhibitors are nicely dressed, I am in casual clothes. My excuse? I look like an "artist" with my very colorful shirt, casual pants and Sanuk sandals. Hehehe!
The exhibit was officially opened around 2:30PM.
Guests have an eyeful with all the images on display. After which, we had our cocktails, speeches, etc.
Then, run off to
Glorietta to attend the anticipated Mass.
My friend treated us at
Chili's for her birthday. We had Classic Nachos, Mesquite Chicken Salad, and Grilled Shrimp Alfredo. Since we have an Ayala Card, we had free dessert! BURP!
My New Phone
Before my mobile phone was stolen, I already know that I have won a mobile phone plus cash from Smart's promo. Received an SMS confirmation from Smart that I have won. Somebody from Smart called to ask me which Smart Wireless Center I wish to pick-up the prize. That night, my mobile phone with the SMS confirmation was stolen!
In any case, decided to go to the wireless center, hoping that I'll be bringing home the new mobile phone (it's a Nokia E71, but since I don't like the QWERTY keyboard and prefers the traditional one, somebody would be buying from me the unit). Now, to convince them even without that SMS confirmation.
Obviously, I wasn't able to get the prize. Somebody from their Head Office should give them instructions about someone picking-up the prize and I have to show them the SMS confirmation.
I was able to get a replacement for my SIM, but, I need another unit so that I can receive that SMS confirmation I would be requesting them to resend. Opted for a Nokia E51. A lower model than the E71; but, at least, I would be "profiting" from my winnings... LOL
Panagbenga 2009, Day 2
Woke-up really early as we are supposed to leave/check-out from the lodge by 6AM so that we can get good images of the Grand Float Parade.
One of our group who attended a party the previous night should have been back by 3AM. But he was not around. No word. Not even an SMS. Thus, we called him to know his whereabouts. He said he was in a taxi and already on the way to the lodge. We instructed him to proceed to Mug Cafe, instead, as we already brought his things with us.
Like all plans, it is meant to be broken.
We were supposed to park at The Cathedral. But because of our familiarity with Baguio streets, we saw ourselves at the Baguio Convention Center, instead. Not bad, really, for the floats were near the area. It is where they converge prior to moving to the parade route.
Unlike yesterday, we were able to get close to the floats and come up with good images.
It was agreed to meet up at the car around 10:30AM and we would be on our way to Manila. A good move since once photographers are busy "clicking" their way, they forget the people they were with. Hehehe!
We had our brunch at
Chowking, La Union. We also stopped at San Fernando to eat
meryenda of
Razon's palabok and
halo-halo.
What is important about the trip is not the destination, but the journey. On the way back to Manila, jokes and banter was thrown back and forth, also a few golden nuggets of wisdom. c",)
Today is the monthly meeting of our camera club. The theme is "Vanishing Point". Since won't be able to make it, requested a friend to bring my entries...
