Tarot District
A holiday and have not done my weekly movie, decided to go the mall.
First, wanted to check the accessory for external flash at
Aperture (
Shutter Master). So, stepped off the jeepney at Pasong Tamo. It was closed.
Walked my way to
Waltermart to have lunch at a Mongolian restaurant.
Took a jeepney towards
Ayala Center. Stepped off at
Park Square 1 and visited
Infomax to inquire about
Cokin's P Wide-Angle Holder. Felt my current P Filter-Holder limited my Canon 16-35mm L.
Bought tickets, have my titles printed, and bought some groceries.
My first movie is
District 9. Treatment is different, like a news report. The aliens became refugees when they get stranded on Earth. Obviously, humans are interested only in the aliens' weaponry, which can only be activated by alien genes. One man, Wikus van der Merwe, happens to mutate and activate the aliens' weapons. This would have been a saving grace for man's goodness. But the bottom line is, Wikus helped the aliens for selfish reasons.
Had Sebastian ice cream before proceeding to my next movie,
Tarot. A horror, suspense film about Cara, who had exceptional gift which she inherited from her ancestors, was able to predict things using her grandmother's tarot cards. She was discouraged to use them for fear of consequences. But when her boyfriend goes missing, she turns to the card to find him. That's when misfortune happens to her and those close to her. The lead was supposed to unravel the mystery of the curse; but, until the end, the real reason for the misfortunes she is experiencing was not explained. Maybe it (movie) did, but I did not get it....
Hamilo Coast
Woke up really early as today would be our company's tripping/ photo shoot at
Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. We were supposed to be picked-up at
1 e-Com in
SM MOA area around 6:30AM. But because of the accident at Ayala, our transportation has been delayed (as well as some of our members who were caught in the heavy traffic).
We left around 8AM. We stopped at a gas station after Alabang exit to pick up the rest of the group. We arrived at Hamilo Coast around 12 noon.
After a short briefing, we went to the Club House for our lunch. After which, some decided to go to an eco-trail for a shoot. The few left stayed behind (including me... hehehe!) Good decision, actually, for their trek almost took 3 hours.
We left the place rather late (from the expected departure time). Stopped by Jollibee in Tagaytay, then, we're on our way. We arrived at SM MOA around 11PM.
TOSH-it, India!
Finally, my friend and I saw "eye to eye" (meaning, saw each other again after a long time). She's always busy that most often than not, our lunch date is cancelled. c",)
This time, it pushed through. We went to our usual haunt--The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH). There were lots to share, but mostly her experience in India. Her office sent her there to do some QA. My-my! There were lots learned. But most importantly, we're blessed we're born Filipinos. ;)
Of course, thanks for the
pasalubong and so
busog!!!
After office, met with president of our company's camera club to choose which images to be included in our next exhibit. Since I was there earlier at Starbucks, saw MannyMed (that's how we call him). Joined him at his table. He taught me how to know the character based on your palm--in effect, "reading" my palm.
* The height of the sub-parts of the thumb indicates whether you are strong-willed or not.
* Whether the pointer or the ring finger is longer indicates if you have a strong personality or is passive.
* The distance in height between the pinky and the ring finger indicates if you are a spender--if you have money, you spend. c",)
* With the hand like a karate chop, look at the ring finger if it bends "in" or "out", indicates if you are can keep secrets or a talker.
* And of course, there's the relationship line, career line, etc.
The unique thing he found in may right hand is the star. It indicates I have a "gift". Then there is also the "square", which he says I'm protected....
New Thingy For Me
First, I asked a friend who's going to Hongkong for a vacation to buy one for me, hoping she can find one and it would be cheaper than here. Received an SMS from her as soon as she arrived that she was not able to find one. TAJOINK! Went to my
suki and bought me the
Black Rapid strap. c",)
Next, always been for natural light. But I also think, I should be familiar with the use of strobes (electonic flash). Thus, last Friday--a holiday, tried the strobe thing at home. With my Canon 420EX, always have my images over-exposed because I cannot adjust the flash's power. (My set-up: camera in my right hand, flash on a monopod in my left hand--sometimes I bounce, sometimes not, but I just can't extend my hand that much. LOL) My Speedlite transmitter and a master flash was delivered to my office.
As soon as I arrived home, "played" with them... c",)
(My first shot using my Canon 420EX off-camera [left] and Canon ST-E2.
Not over-exposed. Yes!!!)
Up
My movie day! And I won't skip
Up...
It started with how Carl and Ellie met... and how the two dreamed of having an adventure and going to South America to find a near-mythical Paradise Falls. Then, it brings us to Carl, already 78 years old, who was forced to going to a retirement home. But he has something up his sleeves, he ties his house with thousands of balloons, fulfilling his (and his wife's) long-time dream of going to South America; but, he picks-up a stowaway as he goes on an adventure. It is fun, and cute, but most of all, it is heart-tugging... LOVE IT!!!
After the movie, bought some groceries, picked-up the pictures I have printed, and attended the anticipated Mass. Then, had dinner at
a Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante.
Fiesta
It's supposed to be a fiesta in our place. Unlike the past years, it is not as grand.
Before, there were several bands parading in the streets. By afternoon, the competition of the bands begins. Today, there is still a parade--affected by the rain.
Photo, Photo, Food!!!
It is our office's camera club monthly meeting. We have lined-up activities that we hope the members would learn and enjoy.
And I believe they did. The meeting finished past lunch time. Had lunch at
Chowking before proceeding to my next stop.
At exactly 2:30PM, received an SMS asking where I am. Supposed to be at a photo exhibit by that time. Was able to reach the venue by the time the ribbon is about to be cut. After enjoying images and having our "fill", packed-up to go to
Glorietta. Literally, it is eat and run. Hehehe! With a few
baon, too!
Attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Chili's. Our friend treated us for dinner. Burp! And I mean, "Burp!!!"
Black & White Photo Exhibit
It is the first photo exhibit organized by our office's camera club. The winners of the Black & White photo competition were included in the exhibit. The VIPs who graced the occasion is Master Photographer Mr. Vic Sison, and our company's Chairperson, and President.
Framed Shots: Taal Town OTS
Woke up really early as we have to meet at
KFC-Buendia on our way to our club's On-The-Spot shoot at
Taal, Batangas. It is also a good time to take images for our club's next month's photo theme.
We took the
South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), left it at
Sta. Rosa exit, on the direction of
Tagaytay City. We stopped at
Robinson's, Tagaytay to wait for others in our group. Proceeding, we turned left at the Tagaytay-Batangas junction to go to Taal via Lemery.
Our first stop was the
Taal Basilica.
We then spent sometime at the old house where we did our shoot.
Beside the old house we were is the house used for the Rosalinda
telenovela. The house we were in is also used in said
telenovela where the flower shop is supposed to be.
Had a very late lunch at
Chowking in Lemery. We left earlier than the rest as the others will still do some shoot at another old house.
Salamat Tita Cory at Paalam...
It was declared a holiday because it is the interment of former President Corazon Aquino.
But because it is also the birthday of
Tilak Hettige, my friend and I have planned to meet at
SM Megamall to pick-up our gift for Tilak. We are supposed to meet at
Pollo Loco and have our lunch there. Since I was early, watched the goings-on at the
Manila Cathedral. Was able to catch Kris Aquino's speech. Believe me, I cried, too.
Ate our lunch and proceeded to
Bake and Churn to pick-up ice-cream cake. Of course, we had dessert first of strawberry cheesecake ice cream.
Also bought the gift for our friend at
Hua Mulan.
Took a taxi ride to Tilak's house. As soon as we were at the gates of Forbes Park, we noticed a Pajero ahead of us. We suspect that Tilak is in that car. We were right. Our taxi went ahead. By the time we stopped at Tilak's house, the Pajero is just arriving. He was definitely surprised for he did not know that we would be there to give him a gift.
We were dropped-off at
Glorietta 4 where we parted ways. Did some business there (paid my bills, that is. hehehe!) and took a jeepney home.
The jeepney won't proceed to cross the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Why? Tita Cory's funeral procession has not yet passed that way!!!
Immediately stepped off and was among those who waited for her to pass by.
Received an SMS and wanted to share it...
"The only person in world history who became a President by fate and not by ambition. The only speaker who has the longest standing ovation in U.S. Congress. The only woman who led her people to win a revolution with nothing but faith in God.
'President Corazon "Tita Cory" Cojuanco Aquino'
The mother of democracy. The light of our nation and her legacy lives on forever...
Let's pass this message as sign of our respect and gratitude. Thank you, Tita Cory!"
06 August 2009, ThursdayMy after thoughts, etc...
* Just learned that the Mass performed for Tita Cory is performed only for Bishops, and she is the only civilian allowed to have her wake at the Manila Cathedral.
* People may raise their eyebrow, but, I think President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did it correctly. Visiting Tita Cory right after arriving from the U.S. Also, staying only for 10 minutes because of her concern for those who are still lining-up to pay their respects to Tita Cory.
* It is not supposed to be a state funeral, but it was still done (not officially) as befitting her. Again, people may raise their eyebrow, but I think this is not possible without the instruction from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Framed Shots: Minimalism (Still Life)
Today is the monthly meeting of our camera club. The photo contest theme is minimalism for still life.
On the way to the venue, already noticed several vans of the different TV channels already surrounding the Manila Cathedral where the former President Corazon Aquino would be transferred from La Salle Greenhills.
There were only a few who attended the meeting. But it was fun because of the technical problems encountered which we made light of. Also, a friend who temporarily was inactive in the club finally attended his first meeting for the year.
Thanks, Tita Cory!
(Writing this at Delifrance, SM Makati while eating the French Dip Roast Beef with Chips and Coke...)Received an SMS this morning that former President Corazon Aquino has passed on. Automatically, turned on the TV to check the news. It was true.
Known to be religious and a Marian devotee, she died on August 1, 2009, feast of the Immaculate Heart, around 3:18AM. Coincidences? Perhaps. But the promise of Mama Mary is true.
Watched the show of GMA 7 about President Aquino. What I liked was her last interview wherein she shared her sentiment on the death of his husband, former Senator Benigno Aquino, which eventually changed the course of the Philippines. She said something about that she would be hurt if his death has no been for no purpose. But when millions attended her husband funeral procession, his husband was correct is saying that Filipinos are worth dying for. What was nice is her last statement in the interview where she thanked everyone and thanked God for making her a Filipino for she is proud to be one.
(Writing this at home...)
Of course, won't skip my weekly movie.
The Proposal, a comedy, romance movie about a high-strung executive who is about to be deported after her visa extension has been denied, forces her young assistant to marry her to gain legal status. Always loved Sandra Bullock movies, specially if they're of the comedy genre. I laughed, even shed a tear or two. Hehehe!
After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at
The Soup Factory.
