Orchids

Realizing that I haven't wrote an entry for more than a month, I was really determined to go on a short hike at Singapore Botanic Garden. I walked all the way from the Tanglin Road entrance to the National Orchid Garden and found this common purple orchid. I was actually attempting to do macro shots, but because of my limited equipment and skill, I've only managed to come up with this shot. Nature has always been a relaxing subject.

Leaf

Leaf. Last Saturday, I went to my first day of Basic Photography Seminar-Workshop conducted by the Federation of Philippine Photographers' Foundation held at Fort Santiago at Intramuros, Manila. The introduction was held by Mr. Lito Beltran and the lectures were facilitated by a reknowned photographer Mr. Ador Pamintuan. This is one of my shots when they asked as for a field work. They asked as to shoot photos showing the use of shutter and aperture. Instead of shooting the usual scenes in Fort Santiago, I tried shooting at the less noticeable objects there. I had a lot of fun, especially for the field part. Wow, my first actual seminar. Shot this by: 50mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO-500. I feel its a little bit underexposed though, I could've slowed the shutter more. Anyway, although, it's a holiday, I'm looking forward to this Saturday's class. Can't wait what else they're gonna teach me.

Cables

I found some CAT-5 cables lying around the house and decided to photograph them. I laid them behind a blue board and just threw them there, forming into whatever shape it can form. I liked how this shot turned out. There's a sense of abstraction in it. I think photography is a very good medium for people who can't draw very well to express their visions of art; and, I am one of them.

Comb

Comb. I was looking for objects around the house to photograph, for practice and I found my friend's comb. This was taken using ISO 1000, f/5.6, 1/13s and 50mm. It turned out more blue than I would like, probably because the background I used was blue. There wasn't much light in the room and my curtains are blue; thus, the result.

March Madness

March Madness. Summer is approaching, well at least here in the Philippines. A time for me and my family to go the beach, sun bathe, relax and just have a vacation away from the city and stress. I chose this picture, because, flowers blooming is usually a symbol for spring, but since we don't have spring, we usually associate it with summer instead. Anyway, by this time, it's supposed to be hot and sunny here; but, the funny thing is the whole month of February has been rainy up until now. The weather is even colder than usual. It's just the most unusual thing. It never rains in February and March, except for this year; well, at least as far as I can remember. Meteorologists explain that there is a La Nina phenomenon affecting the country; bringing more rain and flash floods expecially in the provinces. I say it's climate change. Global warming is showing its effects and bringing unusual weather conditions. I wouldn't say I'm not happy with a cold weather. I love cool places. I would pick La Nina over El Nino anyday. But who would want to be going to the beach when it's raining, right?

Once Every 4 Years

Leap Year. It's not every year we have a February 29. Since, this is my first leap year in photoblogging, this is my photo tribute to Feb 29. By the way, ever wonder how children born on this day celebrate their birthday? It's an age long question. And if you're wondering why the playing cards? Actually, I was looking for something unique or a unique representation of the number 29 and I couldn't find anything to photograph, thus, I ended up with playing cards. Enjoy!

Cubiertos

Cubiertos. Silverware in English. This is the aftermath of my boneless chicken barbeque with java rice dinner at a famed native Filipino restaurant, Aristocrat. They are known for this specialty, which goes well with their homemade Java sauce.I remember when I was young my family would always eat at the original branch during weekends located along Roxas Blvd., Manila after a nice little jog or badminton game near the Cultural Center of the Philippines. We would always order the same thing and even followed it up with a famous Filipino dessert, halo-halo with a scoop of Ube ice cream on top. Their halo-halo is equally tasty. Next time I'll take a photo of it.

Wedding Giveaway

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate."

--- Mark 10:9

This is the common verse that priests and pastors say during wedding ceremonies. Weddings are supposed to be a once in a lifetime, magical experience of finally being with the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. No, I'm not thinking about getting married in the near future. But, what prompted me to take a picture of this just now, is the story that I read while browsing some headlines. Amidst the controversies of corruption in the Philippine government and word wars between politicians and diverse individuals alike, a sad story emerged out of nowhere. Check this out! It's a story of a runaway groom from Cebu. If what the bride-to-be claims is true, then this is a sad, sad ending for her.

By the way, the photo above is a wedding giveaway of the best couple I know, who had almost 18 years of a happy and wonderful marriage. A stark contrast to the story above.

Colorful Bird

Colorful Bird. This is a photo of a colorful bird in captivity at the Animal Farm at Island Cove Resort in Cavite. I think the bird is a certain type of parrot. I wasn't able to get the exact name. Anyway, I remembered the bird wasn't too lively, unlike other talkative parrots. It only moved when I tried to move closer for a better shot; otherwise it just stood there. Well, at least I got to take a clear picture of it. Ain't it beautiful? However, at first, I had an impression that the bird was a bit 'dusty'.

Chinese Lanterns

Kung Hei Fat Choi! This is my chinese new year entry as we welcome the Year of the Earth Rat tomorrow. I remember the good ol' days when I used to stay at my mom's office in Chinatown, Manila. Every chinese new year they hang two red chinese envelopes with money (ang pao) and a piece of cabbage on their office ceiling and they would wait for the longest dragon dance group that would pass by and invite them in to dance for luck and take the ang pao. I remember the loud tune and sound of drums as the dragon would dance and act as if they are ready to prance on anyone. When I was 3 years old, I remember being frightened at those dragons because they seem very intimidating, but now I kind of miss seeing a dragon dance performance. It's been almost 5 or 6 years since I've seen one originating from Chinatown. The mood is just festive and their are fireworks, like January 1st all over again.

Bottlebrush (Red Inflorescence)

A macro image of a red inflorescence that I happen to notice while strolling at Camp John Hay, Baguio. I'm guessing its a spike or a catkin type of inflorescence. An inflorescence is a group of flowers arranged on a stem composed of a main branch. Technically its part of the stem where the flowers grow, simply think of it as modified form of a flower.

UPDATE! Thanks to a very smart friend of mine (jraymags), he was able to identify the flower. It's called a bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.), which prompted me to also update the entry title.

Jar of Oil

It's been three days since my last post and it feels like ages. Anyway, this is a shot that I took I think last week at a New Orleans restaurant at the SM Mall of Asia, named Gumbo. They have good food there, pasta, pizza and lots of seafood. Ambiance was also great. This is an attempt to shoot a semi-macro photo of the jar.

Juicy Ham

I love food. I am still experimenting on how to take good pictures of it though. This is a "pinapple" holiday ham. We ate this during our media noche (New Year's Eve meal) celebration. Yummy, so juicy..

Purple Flower

I was in Baguio City, Philippines last November and I took a picture of this flower at the Baguio Botanical Garden.