highs and lows of learning how to properly take photos

Last week, Mr. Ador Pamintuan mentioned 8 photo categories and that we have to provide examples of each to be submitted the next meeting.

I brought my camera to church on Sunday. Then, I took some photos at Bonifacio High Street. My normal photos were alright. But whenever I thought of the requirements, the photos became meaningless.

I was really busy from Monday to Wednesday for my academics – report presentations, case analysis and critiques. I barely slept just to make sure I can submit every requirement on time.

I do not have class on Thursdays so I made it my photo day. I went to UP to to take pictures since I am quite familiar with the area and I really missed going there. This photo shoot is indeed a fine excuse to visit my alma matter. This time, my shots are better than my BHS taken ones. But they meant nothing still.

Then came Friday, I went to Manila Zoo hoping to get better shots. I was really exhausting. Some photos were OK but I still didnt feel any connection. The kids outside Manila Zoo gave me free poses when they saw me carrying a camera. Those shots were actually good and fun.

Then, I went to Greenbelt. I have always loved strolling along Greenbelt Park. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that a garden of greens can exist and blend well in a city. I even saw one of my highschool teachers and we said our hellos. I told him about being frustrated about my photographs, so he gave me some encouraging words. Then, I started taking photos at my favorite spots. The photos, to my surprise, were speaking to me already. It exuded a feeling of warmth and hope. (At least, that was what my sister told me.)

Saturday morning, I woke up early to print the photos I was supposed to submit. I noticed that the prints were somewhat bluish. I tried to troubleshoot the printer but nothing worked. And I was already late for class. So, I had no choice but to submit the bluish photos.

The worst part, our photos were posted on the board. And Prof Cecilia Angeles mistook the lawn grasses for a swimming pool. Yeah, that’s how blue it was. Anyway, she mentioned that I was able to follow a “rule of thirds” in the photo. I didn’t understand what it was about until she explained it further.

Our class was concluded with a 2-hour photo session within Fort Santiago. Learning about composition did me well. I was happy with the photos I took. They came out alive and vibrant. Somehow, they already have a story to them…

Info overload on the first session

I woke up at 7am today. I had San Mig 3 in 1 Original mix coffee and Gardenia wheat bread egg sandwich for breakfast. After a quick shower, I put on a teal shirt, dark gray pants and my trusty flat slippers. Then with my newly-bought Nikon d3000 DSLR in tow, off I went to Fort Santiago for my first ever basic photography workshop as conducted by FPPF.

I immediately made acquaintance with one of my classmates, CJ. I found out that she also graduated from UP and that we even have a common friend, Liam. I also introduced myself to my other classmates who are seated near me but aside from CJ and the guy behind me (I think his name is Martin), everybody else seemed to be aloof still.

Director Lito Beltran started his lecture promptly at 9am. He gave us an overview of the workshop and the disciplines learned through photography. Then, Mr. Ador Pamintuan took over and taught us the technical aspects of our cameras. He introduced and explained a lot of technical photography terms as well – aperture, ISO, shutter speed, depth of field, etc. He also taught us to operate, navigate and manipulate most of the camera settings.

It was really fun understanding the complexities of photography. The tone and mood of the lecture is almost the same as my MS Marketing classes now at DLSU-Taft. The lecturer gives facts, then the class ask questions about certain photo techniques that are applicable for their purpose.

CJ and myself joined our other classmates at Greenwich during lunch. So, I also got to talk to Espie (teacher), Claire and Zel (fresh-grad nursing students).

The lecture resumed after lunch and there were more photo techniques to understand. What I appreciate about the class is that we are very hands-on. Mr. Pamintuan made us took several pictures (using our own cameras) so we can understand the differences between the settings.

The whole lecture was very interesting and informative. I’m glad I did enrol for this workshop!

got my dslr already!

Remembering Manila Day…

I was going to buy a DSLR camera at Hidalgo. My sister joined me since she did not have work that day as well. Her office is located at UN Avenue.

My extremely bad sense of direction gave us an early adventure. (I can be smart in many other things but I can be really stupid in geography) I was so confident that Hidalgo is actually a station of LRT 2 so I got a bit of a shock when we got to Recto station and realized that I was thinking of the Gilmore station the whole time. Since I am used to getting lost, I knew what to do – ask a guard.

The lady guard was very polite in giving me directions on how to get to Hidalgo but she did give me a big questioning look when I asked her.

It was a long but interesting walk from Recto station to Hidalgo. We even passed by a film shoot with Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson on it. As we got nearer the Quiapo church area. The whole ambience changed – my sister and I felt like we were tourists.

I’ve been living in Metro Manila since 1998 but it was actually my first time to go to Quiapo. Contrary to what I thought, the place is actually peaceful. There were street stalls selling food and refreshments but the interesting ones are those selling clothes with intricate designs for religious images, colored candles with orasyons, herbal remedies and agimats among others. Weird as it may seem, but there was really a harmonious blend between Catholic religion and Filipino pagan traditions.

As we proceeded to Hidalgo St, there were fresh produces and knick-knacks being sold in the middle of the street where the camera shops are. We went from one store to another canvassing for the best deal. Then, we were down to two stores to choose from. One of the stores actually had a better deal in terms of price and add ons but we opted to buy from Jess Jingco of Unsman instead. The moment we came in his store, he accomodated us immediately. We asked for recommendations and he gave us practical ones. He did not insist that we buy the more expensive model but provided us the model that suits my requirements. He also gave us a hefty discount on the tripod and recommended a camera filter to protect the lens. We even had basic orientation on how to operate the camera. And for after-sales support, he has a facebook account where clients can ask for troubleshooting tips, even appropriate lens for different photo genre.

Indeed, Mr. Jingco was not merely selling the camera but photography itself. He may not have provided the best price deal but he did provide us with the best package.

I emailed Sir Lito of FPPF this morning. I hope to get a slot for the saturday session that is starting on 03 July.

And so, my journey through the lens has begun..

change can be good

(15  June 2010)

I had a class at RCBC Plaza last Friday at 6:00pm. I noticed recently that the traffic situation in Manila has been unpredictable. Coming from Manila, I decided to leave my place at 4:30pm to give myself enough travel time.

There was minimal traffic so I got to RCBC plaza thirty (30) minutes too early for my class. Too bad, my friends who are working near the area get off their work at 6:00pm so I cannot meet up with any of them.

I used to work at RCBC Plaza but I have not visited the building for almost a year already so I decided to check out the 3rd floor where the food establishments are. Some of the restaurants my officemates and I used to frequent are still there. But there are new ones as well. When I was still working at RCBC Plaza, the Starbucks shop was beside the Subway store so it was kind of automatic for me to go in that direction. I was supposed to buy my favorite chocolate chip cookies from Subway already but I changed my mind as soon as I saw Starbucks at the other side.

As I was standing in front of the Starbucks counter, I noticed that they have a drink that I have not tried before – Espresso Java Chip Frappuccino. So, I decided to order it instead of my favorite Iced Caramel Macchiato. By the way, the baristas who took my order and prepared my drink are both very pleasant.

After I got my drink, I took a seat at the couch near the escalator. I had a good view of the whole store from my seat. I must say it is more spacious and has better layout than what they had beside the Subway store.

Sitting there by myself while sipping a tasty Starbucks frappuccino, I felt quite nostalgic of how things were back then. Fortunately, I saw some familiar DLSU faces just before I became melodramatic about the whole thing.

It may be the frappuccino. It may be Starbucks. It may be RCBC plaza. I am not really sure but something made me realize that change and trying out new things can actually be good.

count your blessings

For the first time in my 26 years of existence, I welcomed the New Year’s Eve alone.  I thought I would be lonely but I was not…

My place is quite a mess due to the excessively long hours spent at work. I thought I may be able to clean it up a bit. Well, I did but I never got to finish it.

Last 23 December, I submitted my resignation letter. It was such a great risk because I do not have a new job yet and I am going to enroll again in graduate school this year.  To make things worse, my job does not pay me well so I do not have enough savings.  In effect, I had to budget my salary and holiday bonus really well. It does worry me but not much to make me anxious.

Blessing #1 A lot of people greeted me and graciously invited me to spend the New Year with them. I had to politely turn them down because I felt like there is a reason why I had to celebrate it physically alone.

Blessing # 2: As I was rummaging through my stuff as I was preparing for church (New Year’s Eve worship service), I saw an envelope with money worth my 2-week salary. I was so surprised because I have not been including it on my budget. I have forgotten that I set aside some money for my tuition.

Blessing # 3:  When I got out of the building as I head to church, I realized it was drizzling. Most of the time, I really am oblivious of the weather. Since my unit is at the 12th floor, I will be late for the worship service at the church I attend to if I still come back for my umbrella. I just whispered a quick prayer it would not rain real hard. It did not!

Blessing # 4: During the congregational prayer at church, I prayed that I will be led to His plans for me. I believe that He spoke to me through the people at church. I have already responded to His call. But, I am not revealing anything yet because I still needed to be sure if I understood Him right.

Blessing # 5: At the bus stop, there was a lot of people waiting but it seemed that there are few buses on the road today. After a few minutes, I was able to get on a bus. I even got  a seat.

Blessing # 6: I was able to start responding to what seems to be my calling. There are a lot of information available over the internet and it made me very hopeful.

Blessing # 7: I am still alive! I can still be a blessing to others…

reflection for new year

The recent turn of events in my life have led me to ponder and reflect about what would make me “really” happy about a job. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, I have come to the conclusion that teaching does run through my bloodstream.

I am actually from a family of teachers. Both my parents taught in high school level a few years after they have graduated in college. A couple of aunts and a number of cousins are also in the education industry. Moreover, I am confident to say that I am good with children and I do enjoy being with them as much as they enjoy being around me.

I know it would be almost a 360-degree turn in my career life. But, I believe that if I follow what my heart and soul is telling me to do, then everything will work out just fine. I hope…

Twilight quadrilogy…

As an avid book reader, I really do not understand why the Twilight series became such a big hit. It was such an easy read that I was able to finish each book in one sitting.

Around July 2008, my bedside book was Witch of Portabello by my favorite author – Paulo Coelho. I have not been reading for quite some time then that I was able to read only one chapter every night. There was so much information in it that I find it difficult to take them all in.

Then, my sister came home with three hardbound books. She told me that people are saying that it was going to be the next Harry Potter. Out of curiosity, I tried reading the first book – Twilight. I read New Moon and Eclipse the following nights.

I personally did not find anything special about the story except that it is entertaining. I apologize to all the Stepanie Meyer fans reading this but her writing skills is not that impressive. The plot has a lot of twists and turns but predictable nonetheless. Every detail is a give-away, leaving no space for the reader’s imagination to wander about even just for a while. Also, instead of building up the personalities of the characters, they are described up front. Some of the dialogues are intriguing, but not meaningful enough to be quoted.

Then came the movie, everybody was excited about it. As expected, it was a shortened version of the book. Though some parts were omitted, it was OK. I did not miss them much. Either the screenwriter and/or director did a very good job taking out the parts. Or, these parts are not significant to the wholeness of the story in the first place.

I have read Breaking Dawn as well. I confess that I skipped some parts because it was too dragging.

Having read all four, I realized that the books can not be independent from each other. It is highly recommended that people read the four books in chronological order. If you read the latter books before the first ones, then you would get lost on the characters.

Blessing in disguise

The most difficult situation I have encountered lately is being assigned to handle two branches at the same time for more than a month. Though I have handled the two branches individually in the past, I have not handled two branches at one time before. More than the distance between the two branches, what is really difficult for me is the fact that the operations (including organizational structure) of both branches is extremely opposite.
I had a moment of panic during the first few days. But I knew I had to get my acts together for the benefit of both branches. I coordinated with the Human Resource department so there would not be any problems in the submission of HR forms. I also assigned my unofficial officers-in-charge for both branches. Most importantly, I talked to the personnel of both branches to let them be aware of the situation and asked for everybody’s cooperation.
Currently, I am handling another branch. After just a few days of being assigned there, my office assistant/therapist secretary had to leave (without proper turn over nor endorsement) because of personal reasons. So, I am left to do her supposed job as well. So now, I am always in close coordination not just with the HR department but the Purchasing/Inventory department as well.
Some may view my situation as unfortunate but I see it as an opportunity for learning. Not only that I was forced to realize the extent of my capabilities, I also learned how to humble myself and ask for help.

Reflections

After three consecutive years of spending the New Year’s eve in a hotel in Makati, my family welcomed this year in my hometown and missed to watch the fireworks display through the hotel room window.

A one-night hotel stay will not fit in my budget anymore. Since I continued on with my masteral studies despite being unemployed for seven months, I now only have PhP2000 left from my savings. To make matters worse, my family is facing a financial crisis as well because of the peso-dollar exchange rate. (My father is an OFW.) But as much as I want to feel sad about my penniless situation, I can’t afford to do so. In fact, I have never felt so blessed! Indeed, sometimes, we have to be emptied for us to realize and appreciate what we have.

First and foremost, my ‘situation’ brought me closer to God. I am most eager to go to church every Sunday knowing that it would be a ‘date’ with Him. Whenever I hear mass, my mind does not wander off to places anymore. Though I did not have income to get tithes from anymore, I still heartily gave my offerings. I pray to Him more often and always turn to His Word when making decisions. Also, I was able to put an end to my ‘social drinking’. Kudos to me!

Why am I so happy about all these? Though my parents became Christians when I was still a child and I was a Sunday school kid myself, I did go astray for a while before I realized that I am heading the wrong path and slowly found my way back to God. During my teens, going to church became just a routine and a venue for hanging-out with friends. I got even more discouraged when a group of church members went against the pastor. This happened just before I went to college where I transformed from being a naive provincial girl into a raging city girl – partying and drinking until the break of dawn, hanging out in billiard halls even on school nights, cutting classes to go to the malls or the cinemas. But, I managed to still appear ‘perfect’ when I am home. Looking back, the best advice I ever got then came from my mother. She told me, “Do not get yourself into something you can not get yourself out.”

Like almost everyone I know, I also did have ‘issues’ with my parents. As a child, I was raised and groomed to be an academic achiever. And following the natural order of the universe, I had always wanted to go against it. In highschool, I busied myself with extracurriculars so I can have a ‘valid’ excuse for barely making it to the top ten of my graduating class. In college, I failed a couple of subjects so my parents would allow me to shift from engineering to tourism. Whenever things don’t go my way, I always blamed it on them. But behind this head-strong pain-in-the-@#$% tigress is a scared and insecure kitten. I realized that I was doing all these because I wanted them to lower their expectations on me. I was afraid that if for some reason I hit my head and become stupid, they would not love me as much.

But I know better now. At an age when I am supposed to be financially dependable, I am an unemployed masteral student who does not even have a clue on what she ought to do with her life. If my fears were correct, my parents should be nagging me now on how useless I am. But I was wrong… Even when I feel like a loser myself already, they are still very proud of who I am and what I have become. Instead of pressuring me to look for a job, my father (whom I always argue with) even proposed to support me financially so I can just focus on finishing my studies. I am not quite sure if it is some reverse psychology tactic he put on me. But as much as the gesture moved me, I can not accept his offer. My sister is still in college and she needs it more than I do. As I have mentioned earlier, my family is having financial problems though we try not to make it get the best of us. Nevertheless, it made me realize that their love for me is exceptionally unconditional.

But there is one lesson I think God is trying to teach me yet and I think it is about my fear of being lonely at the top. I do not want to be uber successful but have no friends to celebrate it with. But then again, most of my closest friends have already left the country. And half of those who are still here plan to go abroad as well.

Going back to how I spent the New Year… The people at my church decided to visit each other’s houses. It was a lot of fun. The smile in everybody’s hearts sparkled through their eyes – better than any fireworks display I’ve ever seen. It did feel like God’s family.

02JAN08/tml

Mémoires d’un Voyage

Start off with a couple of your good stories to lighten things up. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it – because personality always wins the day! ( Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman)

Thursday, 01 November 2007

I visited the cemetery today. As I looked back on the lives of my departed loved ones and how they lived it, I realized that it has been a while since I last enjoyed my own life… and being alive.

When I got home, I went online and booked myself a room and a roundtrip flight to Thailand. I am going to Koh Lanta tomorrow!

Friday, 02 November 2007

I spent nearly half of the day traveling. From Bangkok, I still had to take a flight to Krabi and 2 ferry rides more before I arrived (after three long hours) at Koh Lanta Yai.

Nevertheless, it’s all worth it. This island paradise located in the Andaman Sea of southern Thailand is not only beautiful; there are also a lot of activities to enjoy here.

How I wish I could stay here forever…

Saturday, 03 November 2007

As I was leisurely walking along the beach, I met a French couple who were touring around Southeast Asia. They are big fanatics of Koh Lanta (the French franchise of the popular reality American TV show “Survivor”), thus they were visiting the island from which the show got its name.

I learned from them (to my surprise!) that the most successful of the series was the seventh season which was shot entirely in El Nido, Palawan. They confessed that the French people have fallen head over heels in love with the pristine beauty of Palawan’s landscape. They also revealed that they are saving the best for last on their vacation… They are going to Palawan for the finale!

Since they will be staying in the Philippines for a couple of weeks, they want to explore not just Palawan but other places as well. So, they asked me for some tips or suggestions on where-to-go and what-to-do in the Philippines.

As I am feeling extra proud to be a Filipino today, not only did I recommend an itinerary, I even taught them a few Filipino phrases.

Sunday, 04 November 2007

My three-day two-night vacation has come to its end!

I knew I wished to never leave Koh Lanta anymore… But today, I have never been more excited to go back home! As soon as I got home, I researched online about Koh Lanta – Palawan. No wonder those guys are crazy about Palawan! Even the host Denis Brogniart and the producer Thierry Graff have told pleasant stories about the beauty of Palawan, the hospitality of the Filipinos and how safe the Philippines is as a destination.  Merci beaucoup, mes amis… Au revoir…  

Online References :http://inquirerbloggers.net/talesofthenomad/2007/10/15/palawan-takes-french-tv-audiences-breath-away/ 

http://www.ehotelbooking.com/kohlanta/index.html

http://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/docs/art_and_culture/current/koh_lantah.html 

http://www.lantathailand.com/history.html