prenups photo shoot

Did you recall... my surgeon told me to refrain outdoor photo shoot? But you know what I did today? I went out and assisted Tolitz for a pre-nuptial photoshoot. Oh, hard headed coconut!

Tolitz called gave me an early wake up call this morning. We have a scheduled pre-nuptial photo shoot with Doreen and CK, and we need to be at the location earlier than scheduled so we can have enough time to prepare our gears. And when we arrived at the meeting place, indeed we have ample to time to test our camera. We made several sample shots to make sure that we have the correct exposure. I take advantage of the time by learning how he meters the environment. I was amazed how Tolitz works. He was thorough and very particular with details, and did not settle for "that's acceptable". Instead, he pushed the limit of the camera and lens, and experiment on the best combination of light, shadows, and contrast of the subject vs the background. Gee... this guy is good!

Tonski, joined us later. He help us with the lights and reflectors and provided a much needed input for the exposure settings. And more importantly, with the three of us together, it made the activity much livelier and enjoyable. We were laughing most of the time, and had even infected the couple with our "funny virus"

We had a long day! We started at around 8:30 am at the CBD, then moved to Tuas for the day shot at the Raffles Lighthouse, walked along the railway tracks of the old train checkpoint at Bukit Batok, stroll along the breezy park of Mt Faber, and finally made sunset shots at Palawan beach at Sentosa.

We also experiment on the long exposure and short light burst for night shots. We capitalize on the beautiful background scenery of the moon and stars and then use the Sentosa night lights as our foreground.

We finished at around 8:20pm. I just take a dinner at Geylang, then headed straight to home. I purposely missed the Gary V show at Suntec, because I was simply too tired.

Upon reaching home, I immediately climb on my bed, drop my body and in an instant... fall asleep! (I didn't change clothes, yuks!)

pinoygraphers and photobongbong

I went to the city at around 1:30pm to meet up with Tolitz at the Cathay Studio. We were looking for some external lights to use at the pre-nuptial photo shoot of Doreen & Clark. I also bought some CPL filters and a cleaning kit for my new lenses.

Then at 3pm, we proceed to Blenda's place to prepare the materials for the exhibit at the Philippine Embassy. I specifically asked Tolitz to come with me so he can talk with Glenn & Bong and discuss the pending issue with Photonski. I wanted to clear up the air as soon as possible so we can proceed with our shooting ways uninterrupted.

It was a nice and enjoyable meeting. Actually, it was never a meeting but a casual conversation among friends who spend most of the time laughing and exchaging jokes. Unlike the Mar 15th officer's, this one was relax and the atmosphere was light. There was no shouting, no stonewalling and no hate words. All the five of us were attentive and receptive.

Everyone laid out their cards and offered alternative solutions on how to deal with Photonski. Bong was definite with his stand to bolt out and form an new group. Glenn was half hearted to stay or go, but says that he will follow wherever Bong would go. Blenda did not make a decision but also said that since she is part of the iPixel group, she would surely follow where Bong & Glenn would go.

Tolitz wanted to keep the group intact. However, upon realizing that the scales had tipped to breakup, he conceded. What was my decision? Like Glenn, I was caught between two lovers - staying with Photonski or joining the eventual new group.

How can I choose? I love Photonski. With Photonski, I started my passion for photography and it was here where I harness my skills. I met some great masters of the group like the award winners Mark & Phoebe Aviles, the famous Lester Ledesma, Raph, Goryo whom I learned my studio skills and Franz who constantly encourages me not to give up from criticism. More importantly, it was with Photonski where I met Tolitz who became my close friend & harshest critique and my wacky photo buddy.

Nevertheless, it was Melvin & Jared who opened the door for me to indulge in photography. My first true mentor was the ever-helpful Glennboi who never showed sarcasm on my newbie follies and blunders. Instead, he literally showed me how to shoot, how to meter and how to compose pictures. And... together with Bong, Glenn, Blenda, Charlotte, Alain, Henry, Arjie, Che, Jared, Melvin and the couple Mac & Nedz, we were the formidable super active newbies of Photonski.

4:30pm

After senseless and directionless talks and laughter, we started conceiving a name for the new group. Bong suggested Filipino Photographers of Singapore, Glenn suggested Fil Photogs, and Tolitz tossed the name Pinoy Photographers. Blenda, who was trying to be funny, introduces Photo bongbong a parody of puto-bongbong (a native delicacy in the Philippines). I initially suggested "Kasamahang Maniniyot sa Singupura" but was readily rejected. Hehehe... it was not an appropriate name, I know.

I didn't go to the whole process of selection. I was suffering from a stomach bum and I was so sleepy that is why I left them and snore at Blenda's bed. Only after an hour that I woke up and learned that, the four snippers have decided the name for the group.

On Apr 14, 2007, a Saturday, at 6:00pm, the Pinoygraphers was born.

do good to your enemy

Even sinners go to church! Yes, this very sinner decided to shed off some scales of transgression in my hide and did hope to receive blessing. And you may not believe me but I actually had been blessed.

Pastor Larry of EveryNation church delivered a very powerful homily about Goodness. He literally spelled the word and gave stories in each word to illustrate his point. I was attentively listening to his homily when a lightning struck in my heart. It was the message about forgiveness - forgiving your enemy of their trespasses.

Tell me, can you forgive someone who was never remorseful of his offense? Or worse, can you love someone who deliberately put you to test and then enjoys when you fall for the trap? Oh my... it's hard to practice what you believe, isn't it?

But just what real Christians do... I have forgiven Jared, and the people who offended me. No conditions and no return expected.

PSS

Glenn called at around 6pm and invited me to visit at the Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS) office. Since I have no appointment for the rest of the night, I readily said yes. We met at the Konota photo shop then walk by the SMU ground towards Salegie road. Glenn told me that he is going to see the photo critiques of the club to solicit opinions on his Chingay pictures.

PSS is the world-known photo club in Singapore and boast members of world-class quality and has international level recognitions. I have long wanted to visit this place to enroll for Basic Photography class, and to sign up for membership. Today was a good opportunity.

I didn't expect to see both Bong and Blenda at the place. They too went to SPS office to have their pictures evaluated. I understand that the club is looking pictures to fill up their board and would also select pictures to include in the coming Chingay 2006 coffee book.

That information made me excited. "Me too!" I exclaimed. Blenda told me that I could also submit an entry if I am a member of the club. I didn't think twice. I went to the registrar and submit my application for membership. Then, I took out my laptop and asked Marie to critique my Chingay shots.

Marie gladly sat down and started to browse the pictures. I was amazed. Marie was thorough and didn't say a word that suggests that my picture was bad. Instead, she would point out what's wrong with the pictures such as exposure settings, composition, subject focus, cluttering, flare & ghosting, and freely give suggestions on how to avoid such mistakes. And when she would find good pictures, she never hesitated to give credits. She would even ask for a copy of the picture she likes.

Guess what... she rated three pictures that may qualify for her board! Yehey!!!!

u unerstan englis lah?

During my elementary years at Notre Dame of Kidapawan boys, our school strictly enforces "Speak English Only" policy to all pupils and students in the entire campus. Speaking in Filipino (which was Tagalog actually) was prohibited and speaking in our vernacular Bisayan would certainly raise eyebrows and could lead you to the receiving end of ridicules. Our Caucasian Marist Brothers were known as disciplinarian and strict enforcer of straight correct English. And the equally watchful eyes of Pinoy faculty made our life difficult.

Think, how would a promdi student - who never had prior background with English - ever had a batting chance to wage a war of English words in that "oppressive" school? Of course, life was difficult. I still remember the feeling and reminisce the days where I would just stay quiet because I could not speak my thoughts and ideas. But believe me, it didn't dampen my spirit. Instead, I strive hard. Learn English slowly and painfully and sometimes embarrassingly. Twenty years had passed, now I am confident that I could speak correct English fluently and correctly.

And why I am writing about my English? Hehehe.. simply because of this funny incident this morning.

After the doctor gave me a clearance that I can take food starting on lunch, the head nurse - an old local Singaporean - came to me and ask what food do I want. I actually knew first hand what the nurse would ask. However, the way she speak the words to me was quite amusing.

"So can eat lah? wayuwant, meh?, the nurse said.

I stare at the nurse and was smiling. She return the stare at me, and was wondering too.

"Vege an rice? forridge you want?

cancelled trip

Last night, I made an unscheduled visit with our community doctor. I asked him to dress my wound and check if there are infections. The doctor gleefully informed me that everything was fine and with the way my body was recuperating, he could remove all the 7 stitches by the 10th of April.

I was glad to hear the news. I thought this would a good sign that I can get an approval to travel. But I was wrong. When I asked the doctor if I could travel to Malaysia this weekend, he didn't answer. Instead, he gave me a mirror and asked to take a look at the wound. Gee... it was still fresh!

"What do you think?" the doctor inquired.

What I’ve seen was more than enough to convince me to cancel the trip. I may really want to go to Malacca and Sepang this weekend but the risks are too great.

Tsk tsk tsk… sayang!

gary v

I wake up early this morning. I am still on Medical Leave but my body rhythm seems not to agree with it. I tried going back to sleep but was just useless. My mind was fully awake and I got no choice but I to get out of bed and prepare my breakfast.

At around 10:30, I got out of the house with my camera and went to the Victoria Theater. The Bagong Pinoy together with other Filipino organization in Singapore set a lunch date/interview with Gary. And yesterday, Glenn asked me if I could cover for the group since there's no one in Photonski who is available for the event. I know that I am not yet fully recovered from my operation but I need to know how well I am as of today. If I don't feel anything with my wound after I cover Gary V, then I could decide to go with the group to Sepang. Photonski is leaving this Friday for the F1 Sepang Malaysia circuit... and I am desperate to join.

I arrived the Vietlang Restaurant at around 11am. I saw Bong Odal and Alan Caparas who were also covering for another group. Bong was surprise to see me and was actually worried with my wound. I felt heartened his concern, and assured him that I am fine.

Gary arrived at around 12pm. He was smiling and shake our
hands as he enters the restaurant. He was very warm and very friendly, and I could really see that it was real and not for show off. Even during interview, he never hide his real self and was very vocal with his faith. Gary was simply amazing and his energy is contagious.

After taking pictures during the interview, we asked him to pose for us at the entrance door. He gleefully poses for us.

Oh, by the way. Donita Rose was also there. I only took few pictures of her because my main objective was Gary.

We left the place after an hour.

a visit from a friend

My phone starts ringing at around 10am. My colleagues learned that I was admitted at the hospital and had undergone surgery. Among the most persistent callers were Glenn, Rey Tuazon, Bem, and of course my buddy Tolitz. They all wish me to get well soon. It was a nice feeling to know that you have some friends who cares when you're sick. It makes you feel good and boost up your morale to... get well soon!

At around 4pm, I got an unexpected visitor. Tolitz pass by at the Changi General Hospital and paid me a visit and gave me a rare Photonski pin. I was very touch by the thoughtfulness of my friend. He left an hour after.

I spend the rest of the day in bed. I sleep, sleep and sleep again. It was a very nice day to rest - my first time since 1991.

recovery

3am

I was awaken when I felt that someone was checking my blood pressure and temperature. Everything was blur as I opened my eyes and there was a white silhouette who was standing in front of me. I don't know if it was plain stupidity or playfulness that I did utter the words "Nasa langit na ba ako?".

The nurse, whom I believe was surprised, answered "nasa Changi Hospital po kayo at successful po ang operation".

I replied back "bakit may anghel sa tabi ko?". The nurse look at me, held my shaking hands and whisphered "nasa hospital po kayo"

I just smiled and said "I'm just kidding!"

The nurse went out of the room blushing. Hehehehe. I went back to sleep.

5am

I woke up again and this time I buzz the nurse station to get some help. I told them that I wanted to stand so I can empty my bladder. The nurses warned me that it if I'll do that, it would be very painful because my wound was still fresh. They offered a bed pan but I insisted of doing it to the toilet . It took three nurses to help me get up to my feet... with an excruciating pain that lingers even after I stood up.

One of the nurse stood by and assisted me until I reach back to my bed. Then, I asked her to give me a table and to bring me my computer so I can browse the Internet. She was surprise, I am sure, nevertheless followed my request. She even gave me some hot tea and biscuits.

7am

I was fully awake and was browsing the Internet when the doctor arrived. "Oh, you already sit down", he exclaimed. The doctor explained what happened to my appendix. He mentioned that it had grown to a monstrous size of 8 inches and was covered with nodes and tissues. The initial analysis shows that my appendix have swollen and healed for several times prior to the operation. There no sign of complications but just to be sure, they will send appendix to the laboratory for a detailed analysis.

Meantime, I have to stay for at least a day and by tomorrow, I could be discharged.