Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Road

The title makes it seem a foreign film. Far from it. Learned of it when already seated inside the cinema. LOL

But first, before watching the film, started ticking of items in my Christmas list. Usually before December arrives, I am already finished with my Christmas gifts. Not now. Since it is a holiday, decided to do my Christmas shopping.

First stop is at ToysRUs at Greenbelt 5. Good thing, some items are still on sale. They had a big sale at Glorietta's Activity Center the previous week and I was not able to buy then.

Had lunch at Mongolian Quick Stop in Food Choices. Bought more items at Glorietta (actually, had them ordered because I want it personalized) then proceeded to Glorietta 5 for National Bookstore and Bench.

Since almost half of those in my list has been scratched off, it's time for a movie. Yes!


The Road is a horror, mystery, suspense film by Yam Laranas. Three teenagers mysteriously disappeared after traveling an abandoned road with the intent of practicing how to drive. The investigation reveals the horrific story of the road and the spirit the lingers there.

The film is split into three parts. Starting with the present (year 2008), followed by the event in year 1998, then to a much earlier date. Each part is pretty solid, with the three stories telling a much larger story.

After the movie, stopped by Esprit (which is also on sale) before proceeding home.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Another Take

The problem with not practicing what you learned... you forget!

Thus, took another round of Mastering Infrared and Night Photography with Mr. Edwin Martinez and Mr. Jay Jallorina.

This time, lecture would be in Tender Bobs at Glorietta 2.

Good thing, they provided hand-outs (aside from the video). Hehehe!

Definitely enjoyable, even the second time around.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Framed Shots: Sound Of Silence

It is our camera club's last meeting for the year. Aside from the judging for the photo theme "Sound of Silence", it is also the election for next year's set of officers.

After, was dropped off at Glorietta. Code: pen and buff. LOL

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Buff


Should have been my movie weekend. Wanted to watch Intruders; but all cinemas of Glorietta is showing Breaking Dawn. Hayyy... Thus, did some window shopping while waiting for the anticipated Mass.


After the anticipated Mass, ate at Mongolian Quick Stop in Food Choices. While on the way home, spotted the Buff. Decided to buy one (actually toying with the idea for some time). Can use it when I take photos, the way I use my scarf. (wink)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Canon Photomarathon 2011

Woke up really early for the Canon Photomarathon 2011. Have to be at Philippine Trade Training Center by 6:30AM. Registration is from 5:00AM to 7:30AM.

I requested Manong to drive for me and borrowed my brother's AUV. Left the house around 6:00AM.

Unlike the previous photo marathons, there would only be two (2) themes. Good decision. Considering the number of participants (2,700+ photographers), it would take some time to upload the photo entries. Thus, we would be given 3 1/2 hours to shoot and upload our photo. We were told to set our camera's date to December 12, 2012.

THEME 1:
In the Concrete Jungle of our Nation,
Find the Beauty of Your Own Imagination,
Use your Creative Passion,
To Showcase this Beauty...


Took this image around the Rizal Memorial/ Luneta Park.

THEME 2:
In this City of Wonderful People,
Different Lifestyles, we venture
A Mirror of our Colorful Culture
Truly Preserved for Our Future.


This time, we went to Intramuros and took this image inside the Fort Santiago.

Sunday, November 06, 2011

San Carlos: Day 4

Last day of our trip. We would be going to Victorias City to check out the Victoria Milling Company. Another photo opportunity related to "sugar".



But before proceeding, tried again the cakes at Calea.


Inside the Victoria Milling Company is the Church of the Angry Christ. The mural is painted by the artist Alfonso Ossorio, a scion of the Ossorio family who owed the mill.

Had lunch there and stayed for a while for some shoot.


We would be taking the 1720H Cebu Pacific flight to Manila, which was delayed an hour. While at the departure area, saw a rainbow...

Saturday, November 05, 2011

San Carlos: Day 3

Because of the confusion regarding the reservation of our accommodation, we checked-out from Mom's Small Hotel and Restaurant, brought our things to another location. We then had lunch near the place where the Pinta Flores Festival parade will pass. Parade starts at 1PM.




Although the final judging would be at the plaza around 5PM, decided not to go and shoot there. Good decision, too. As soon as we entered the van to go back to the clubhouse, it rained. We, then, decided to go back to Bacolod instead of staying the night at San Carlos. Had our early dinner at the clubhouse and we are on our way.

Stayed at Saltimboca, same place where we stayed when we attended the Masskara last year. Had dinner at Chicken Deli.

Friday, November 04, 2011

San Carlos: Day 2

Day 2 of the pre-nuptial shoots.

Ate breakfast at Mom's Small Hotel and Restaurant before proceeding to Mambukal. We will stop on the way if there are nice views/ sceneries for the pre-nuptial shoot.


One stop is a place where rice terraces are in the background. We also stopped where sugarcane farmers are loading their products to a truck. The Tilak Hettige wanted to take photos related to "sugar". Also pre-nup shoot was done here.


Final stop is at Mambukal Resort. We also had our lunch here. The resort have seven (7) waterfalls. People are not allowed to swim in waterfalls 1 to 3. We would be taking photos by the first waterfall. On the side, the bride-to-be told us not to drink water there. She said the place is enchanted. She witnessed when a spirit entered one of her companions who drank the water at the waterfall.

We picked-up three of my camera club members who followed to San Carlos today to attend the Pinta Flores.


On the way back to our place, we stopped by the area where there are pine trees. A shoot was also done here.

Had dinner at the Clubhouse and went back Mom's. The group separated on their activities that night. Our Inner Vision group went to an "ukay-ukay" then had a round of drinks as we chat our way through the night.

Thursday, November 03, 2011

San Carlos: Day 1

Would be going to San Carlos City, Negros Occidental for the Pinta Flores. But first, join in a pre-nuptial shoot of a friend/officemate.


Took the 0905H flight of Cebu Pacific to Bacolod with the group, including the Tilak Hettige and Chito Cleofas, the lead photographer for the event.


Upon touchdown at the New Bacolod-Silay Airport, went to Kapamilya Grill for lunch, called by the locals as mini-Bob's. (Bob's Cafe and Restaurant is a a popular restaurant in Bacolod.) Tastes good and price is definitely affordable.


Proceeded to Calea for dessert. A must place to go to for desserts when you go to Bacolod. Try out the blueberry cheesecake, mud pie ice cream cake, oreo cheesecake. You can't go wrong with any of the cakes they offer. Enjoyed chatting while waiting for the bride-to-be to be made-up.


Our first stop for the pre-nuptial shoots is The Ruins.

After, we took the 2 to 3 hours trip to San Carlos. We would be staying at Mom's Small Hotel and Restaurant. Before checking-in, went to the Clubhouse for dinner. Checked-in and went around San Carlos to look for places where we can shoot the following day. Tried the People's Park. Last stop is at 9-11 Restaurant for a round of drinks and bonding.


Definitely, prices here are affordable. One of the group commented, if he would retire and be able to "stretch" his savings, he'll retire at San Carlos.