Sunday, February 27, 2011

Caracol 2011

Woke up early to catch the light... for my breakfast shot.

Was able to get the cup and plate I needed to execute my concept. Needed it for next month's photo contest theme.

After lunch left to attend the Caracol 2011--Makati's Mardi Gras. The parade would start at 4pm but the participants would be preparing by 3pm. Nice time to take those shots.



Saturday, February 26, 2011

I Am Number Four

Confirmed. After buying a refill for my Parker Esprit ballpen, I lost the pen! Now, I have to replace the pen...


After a quick lunch, watched I Am Number Four. Nine alien teenagers were brought to earth with their protectors, moving from town to town, trying to escape an evil empire out to kill them. Three of the teeners were already killed. The fourth just discovered his powers and try everything to survive. They eventually realize, together, they are stronger. There's lots of action and CGI.

After, attended the anticipated Mass and was treated at Chili's by a friend for her birthday.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Bulong

I was supposed to cover the DSAPI (Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc.) Happy Walk at SM City North EDSA. Our office's camera club was invited by DSAPI. Registration starts at 8AM. I woke up 8AM. That did it.

So, just waited for the time to go to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) for my usual birthday treat to the February celebrants: my mother's friend and my brother's secretary.


We had our lunch at Gerry's Grill. We had Green Mango Salad for starters, Chicken Lollipop, their bestseller Pork Sizzling Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na Tuna Belly, Inihaw na Liempo, Gerry's Grill Fried Chicken, and Tinomok.


After, the group watched Bulong, a horror, comedy film starring Vhong Navarro and Angelica Panganiban. A heartbroken male nurse seeks the help of the paranormal to catch the girl of his dreams. It was the belief that if you whisper your wish to the dead, your wish will be granted. The fulfillment of his dream has a price as something horrible follows him around. The film is enjoyable as the comedy works. One proof that it does... one of our group usually sleeps when watching a movie. This time around, she was awake all through out.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Food Photography Workshop

Our camera club conducted a workshop on food photography, in preparation for next month's photo theme contest.

There was a lecture on food photography, food styling and lighting. In the afternoon, it was the actual preparation of the food and the shoot.

Left early to go to Glorietta to attend the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Super Bowl.

Balance, Unity, Focus, Flow (BUFF)

The Plate:
Bigger is better.
Color me neutral.

The Food:
What grows together goes together. Preparing fresh ingredients that are in season.


The Setup:
Clock it--Conventional "Smiley face". Starch at ten, meat at two, vegetable at six o'clock.
Focus, focus--You can lean the meat on the starch.
Get saucy--Spoon sauce under the meat than on top.
Start arranging from the center of the plate.
Reserve the front of the plate for the most attractive and appetizing food.
Put height on your plate.
Think color.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine Lunch

My office friends went out for lunch today. It would be our Valentine lunch date. It was my kumpare's treat for us. Sweet! (",)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Advanced Photography Workshop

Today is our office's camera club's monthly meeting. It would be a whole day activity for the Advanced Photography Workshop. Morning session would be spent on lecture, the afternoon session would be an actual shoot.

For the workshop in the afternoon, the participants would be divided into four (4) groups. Two groups would start first their hand at still life photography, the other two on portraiture. They would be given 1 1/2 hours. Then, the groups would switch. I am one of the mentors of the four groups.

Our group started with still life. A short lecture, tips and exercise before they were on their own.

For portraiture, also gave them tips. Then, each participant is given about four (4) minutes to direct the model.

The only shot I took of the model (to busy mentoring)...





An officemate has a favor to ask from the Tilak Hettige. He arrived yesterday and already informed him we would go to his house today around lunchtime.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Framed Shots: Complementary Colors


Today is the first meeting of our camera club for the year. The monthly contest theme is "Complementary Colors".

Learned from one of the judges, over-saturating your image sacrifices its texture.

Also received my medal and certificate for winning 8th place in Photoworld Cup's On-The-Spot for "All Saints' Day".

Saturday, February 05, 2011

The Rite


After a draught (of movies), I now want to watch three movies currently being shown in the theaters. Started with The Rite starring Anthony Hopkins. The movie is based on true events. A young American who is still to take his priestly vows, Michael Kovak, travels to Italy to study the rite of exorcism. Here he meets the Church's most experienced exorcist, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins). But somehow, the student has to be put to a test and confront his painful memories when he has to help his teacher who was overcome by a demon. Anthony Hopkins is a very strong actor, making the movie worth to watch.

After, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Italianni's.

Oh! Received an SMS from Nothing But H20. Finally, was able to buy a red alpargata. Feeling Dorothy again. LOL.