Post Xmas and Early New Year's Blog

It's the week after Christmas and I'm back in my desk, working on year-end tasks. It's a bit weird to be working during the holidays as this is the first time in four years I had to come to work after Christmas; usually I take a break during the Holidays.

I learned something profound this year; something that friends have been telling me about since four years ago. I learned how to wait for my time to be happy. People know for a fact that I am a result driven person and I hate waiting. But this year, I waited and it was worth it. And it’s true, that happiness doesn't come in a box or is found when you seek it. It comes when you least expect it; as a pleasant surprise.

I have had a lot of reasons to smile this year, and it was not because I looked for it. I went about my business with much hope that this was my year. And yes, good things really do come to those who wait. I'll apply my new found patience and wait some more; I feel that something is coming that would make me smile from ear to ear.

As for my Christmas wish, I think everyone knows what I really want. It's not something that comes in a small or big package; it’s not even a thing but a person. Well, I didn't hang a stocking that could fit a person in it, but then again I feel that I'm waiting has paid-off. I thank all my friends who, in those four years always reminded me that there was someone for me, and for listening to my endless rants. And for all those who tried to hook me up with their friends and supported my search for the ONE.

Lastly, gifts aren't that important to me anymore. The best gifts I ever received are the love and support of family and friends. I met a lot of new friends this year, and I am truly thankful for that; friends are truly a blessing. There is not much that I could ever ask for. I have lived a contented life this past year and I wish for it to stay the same in 2010. I wish to say THANK YOU to everyone who have been a part of my 2009 and I hope that they all stay for 2010 and beyond.



SEASONS GREETINGS TO EVERYONE... HAPPY NEW YEAR... GOD BLESS US ALL!

As Day Breaks

I never get up early in the morning. Usually, I am still in REM mode as the sun rises. But today, I got up to pee and saw the amber light and instinctively grabbed my camera (after peeing of course). Taking a stroll around the village, I found that flowers are much more interesting to shoot during the early hours because of all the insects and dew present. Too bad I don’t have a close up filter or macro lens in my current arsenal. I was too engrossed in shooting that I didn't really mind the lack of sleep. I only stopped when my stomach was grumbling because I didn't have breakfast; it was about 9AM already.



I picked this one among all the shots I got because I think it’s just lovely. I didn't do any post processing too! Tomorrow, I'm definitely getting up early again.

The First Clicks

My mom asked me when she saw my new camera if I planned on being a photographer; I said yes. But right now, I am just some dude with a camera. My super online buddy Nikka Ponce once said: "having a camera doesn't make you a photographer." (Or at least that's what I remembered.) It is a good thing that my dad has also taken some interest in my current hobby.

Photography these days is really different from what Dad taught me back in grade school about how to capture photos. Back then, there was no Photoshop to crop the image or adjust exposure. These days, post processing has as much to do with photography as shooting the picture do. Now, you just need to point and shoot, then play with it in whatever editing software later. Also don't need to worry about shutter speed, aperture and exposure anymore; you can even focus on multiple subjects and track movement. But photography is still an Art form. Even with the best camera, you still need the right subject and a bit of artistic touch to add drama to pictures. I really need to work on my photography skills and I need to figure out all the functions of my camera and put them to good use.

I love nature and I love colorful things. Here is one of the more common flowers that I find attractive.



I really need work on my post processing skills as I only know the basics in Photoshop. I played around with this photo of a dog resting by the door. I took it during the family reunion somewhere in the outskirts of the city.



I wish to learn more and I need to practice more. All your comments and suggestions on how I can improve my shots are most welcome.

Christmas Wish List 2009

It’s almost Christmas and everybody is done with their shopping spree. I, on the other hand, have been to busy to even think about the things I want under the Christmas Tree. But being grown-up and preoccupied with the world doesn't mean that I can't be a kid sometimes; especially during the Christmas season. I heard somewhere that kids these days have an average of 15 items on their Christmas wishlist; so I will do the same. Perhaps, it won’t be too late for Santa to grant them.



1. Nikon Nikkor 18-200mm VR Lens. (this will look awesome on my d3000!)
2. A Tamrac / Kata / Lowepro backpack with tripod sling.
3. Whey Protein Supplements.
4. A 22" Samsung HD LCD Monitor.
5. 5 or more boxes of Hawiian Host Macademia Nuts Chocolates
6. A new Slazenger Badminton Racket
7. Adidas Gym Bag with the shoe pouch
8. The Black Ferrari Jacket from Puma
9. Nike Weights Training Gloves
10. T-shirts from Nike or Adidas
11. Licensed Adobe Photoshop CS4 with Lightroom
12. Slippers / Sandals from Puma or Reebok
13. A Round Trip ticket to any of the Asian Cities that will host an F1 race (plus tickets to the race and hotel accomodations.)
14. 12 Months Gym Membership to Holiday Spa
15. And last but not least, lots of Fruitcake (as always)!



And as always I also wish for PEACE on Earth and STOP GLOBAL WARMING (the penguins are suffering.)! And also for justice for those victims of the recent massacre and continued recovery for the victims of the massive flooding in Luzon.

For my last wish, I wish to spend this Christmas with all of my friends. I want to make up for all the times I have been very busy this past year.

Merry Christmas to everyone!