countdown 2007

Yep, I was alone in Singapore but I greeted the brand new year together with over a hundred thousand strangers at the Marina Bay. Countdown celebrations were everywhere. Sentosa got one and was ideal for the beach party goers, Vivo city for the young and yuppies, at the National Museum for the artistically-inclined crowd, Clark Quay for the "hot" party goers, and of course the Marina Bay for the family and general crowd.

I initially planned to stay at Vivo city knowing that Media Corp will be throwing in a party. For sure, there celebrities will litter the place and I thought, this could be a good chance for me to shoot beautiful people and be with the young crowd. There just one problem though. I don't have a ticket ( I didn't know I need one)... hehehe... so no choice I went back to the Marina Bay. Fireworks would be much spectacular, I console myself!

I arrived at the Esplanade at around 9pm. To my surprise, I saw an ocean of people sprawling all over the place from the edge of the breakwater up to the entrance of Esplanade. I was expecting fewer people because there was drizzle that occasionally turns to short rain shower. Huh! And I was late to get a good spot at the Nicolls Highway Bridge - you can even get through.

No other option left, I decided to go up the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. It's a good spot because it captures the Singapore Skyline but with one hitch - you need to walk/climb for over a kilometer. That's would be challenging if you carry a 15-kilo camera gears and tripod.

Well, the effort pays off. Not only I have taken beautiful and spectacular fireworks, I also captured beautiful photos of the Singapore Skyline.

Here's the sample of Singapore Skyline during the first salvo of fireworks.

More beautiful fireworks photos in my website...

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/NewYear2007

scrooge

Tonight, I was watching cable TV when I bump onto a cartoon channel showing the classic Charles Dickens's Ghost of Christmas. I know the story and have seen hundreds of interpretation and heard it over and over I couldn't count how many. Just a slight hint and I could easily identify the story, and by instinct I would automatically moved to something else... just to avoid it. But not tonight! For some reason, I watch the show, and you know what? It stuck into my heart! Ayouhh!!!

I started thinking, what have I become after all these years? I haven't celebrated real Christmas for the past six years, been away with my family and love ones, was alone for quite sometime, and worse, I was cutting off my "line" with my Maker. I've stopped creating real friends and stop talking to my old friends, too. Gee... I am becoming a Scrooge!!!

I remember when I was young, I was hyperactive organizing Christmas activities in our community, lead a bunch of teenagers on charity works, and spend a lot of my time in the church. Even after these years, I could still remember how happy I was and was never tired because of too much excitement and adrenaline rush. More importantly, I have lots of real friends and we were "closer" to our Maker. But that was my Christmas past!

Now, I am "celebrating" Christmas alone. I didn't bother decorating my house and never thought of packing Christmas gifts. I thought, I don't have visitors anyway and don't have anyone to worry for gifts. Hus! I am getting callous! Is this my Christmas present?

I don't need the spirit of Christmas to show me my Christmas future! I got the message and I felt it! I know it's no coincidence that I watch that ole TV show! My Maker is calling me and he wants me back!

an inspiring night with Kitche Nadal

When I first came back to the Philippines, the first song I've heard at the airport was a Pinoy song with lyrics that touches something in my heart! I just ignored it, thinking I was just bitten by the Balikbayan bug (too much fascination with anything pinoy!) and this song could just be one of the current fad in the country. Yet the melody lingers on my memory and for everyday that I've been hearing the song, I just realize that I was already singing "Oh... wag na wag mong sasabihin"

Gee... that's not me!!! I'm ashamed of myself.

After a little effort, I learned that the song was written and performed by Kitchie Nadal. The song became a mega hit in the Philippines when it became a theme song of a famous Korean tele-novela Lovers in Paris. I was not spared of the charisma of Kitchie. I bought her CD before going back to Japan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two years had passed, the song may no longer be famous in the Philippines but for me, I still listen to it at least once a week. I made no secret that it is my favorite song and my photo buddies knows it. They even teased me about it!

And today, I got a gift that I've never wish and dream to happen.
I got a chance to see Kitchie Nadal sang my fav song - up close and personal.

Kitchie was in Singapore for a stop over. She'll be flying to India for a concert and will be performing to other parts of the world afterwards. Tonight, she gave a mini show to a small group of Christian Singaporean-Pinoy at Three Riffles Bldg. And I, together with my photonski buddies, was fortunate to be invited - courtesy of Arjie.

Listening to Kitchie Nadal singing was bewitching. I am an certified addict with photography but with Kitchie, I almost forgot that I went there to take pictures. Hus, had it not been with my buddies who reminded me to use my camera, I could end up just listening and no pictures taken.

It's funny to think that I was behaving like an "adolescent in love", with a heart fully inspired and a smile that touches the ears. My buddies could see it and they've been teasing me brutally. But I don't care. I was happy and was enjoying the night. That was the most important thing!

For more pictures of Kitchie, visit my site

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/KitchieNadal

slow afternoon

I wake up late today. I stayed in the house the whole morning watching DVD and did nothing literally. I was too lazy to prepare for breakfast and was not in the condition to do household chores. I just lay on the sofa and relax myself. I believe, my body was trying to recupiate for
having streched myself too much at the gym last week.

After sleeping for 12 hours, I got bored staying at home. I decided to go out to breath some fresh air and catch some action in the city. I've heared, there's a lot of ongoing activities at the Orchard, Suntec, and Raffles. Just one good reason to flash my tora-tora and take some photos.

While returning books at Bedok Community Library, I saw some bunch of Ang-Mo kids playing in-line skates at the nearby park. Hmm..kids in Action.

I though this would be a good subject to shoot, so I hastily get my camera out of my backpack and started to find a good spot. But when I look back a the kids, they stop playing when they noticed that I was taking pictures at them. They were camera shy. Well, I respected their decision of privacy so I quietly move away. I was able to capture few good shots though.

opportunities

Last week, I received a call asking me to update my CV in the jobstreet website. I ignored the call thinking this may just be a phishing scam or just some prankster who wanted to have some good time. But this morning, I got another call and the person on the other line sounds serious. He introduced himself as a headhunter for a large multi-national company and was asking if I could come to their office for an opportunity discussion. I don't know what comes into my mind but I said yes. Not only did I agree to visit them, I set it today in the afternoon. I was confident I could go back to the office in time because their place was across the next tower.

The interview was fine. We didn't talk much on my technology knowledge but he rather opted to explored more on my management skills and project management experience. He mentioned about several opportunities in the team - 5 actually - and emphasizes on the need for a team leader. I was cautious not to sound too confident and too cocky with my answered. I have to make sure that I don't send a wrong signal. Honestly, I am interested with the position and I was hoping that he would offer it to me. Before we parted, he said that he may ask med to come back for a final interview with his boss.

On the way home, I was still thinking of the opportunity that was just opened to me when I received an unregistered call. I readily answered the phone thinking it was a call from our Support in the US. But I was surprised when the caller introduced himself as CA recruiter for London. Huh! Why would a headhunter from UK call me? I was expecting a call from John of Australia, Winnie from China, and Piyush from the US because I have several issues that needs resolution - and not from UK! Tsk tsk tsk.

Nevertheless, I talked to the guy and we discuss on the opportunity of moving to the Manchester City. He was particularly interested with my implementation skill and architecture experience with Unicenter and eTrust. If I would accept the offer, he would facilitate my transfer from Singapore to UK and would take care of my accommodation. Gee... this one was really good! Huh!

Ah! bahala na si batman! Basta, pray na lang ako ang let Him decide where should I go next.

another opportunity

Blessings!!!!

Ten AM. I was awaken by a call from a head hunter. The call came from Jhun, my headhunter here in Singapore. He informed of an opportunity to work with a bank as Team Lead in Network. The offer was permanent, $72k p.a., plus CPF contribution, and will be based in Tampines. Hmm... this is nice! I guess, this could be blessing that I've been waiting for. I said yes, and then went back to sleep. I'm still tired from last night's long duty.

I wish, God will bless me a more stable job where I could consider staying until my retirement.

christmas, in the old days

When I was still a child, I really thought that Christmas starts when the calendar month ends with 'ber'. That could be as early as September, which in reality still to far from December. But for a young boy growing up in a far flung remote village of Central Mindanao, the thought of Christmas brings unusual excitement and joy. It means good food - that only comes ones a year - like smoked ham, crispy pata, special adobo (with quail eggs), cases of bottled coca cola, and lots and lots of grapes and apples. Gee, the mere thought of it was an ecstasy!

Do you know what I like most with Christmas? It was the excitement of making a Belen, stars and lanterns. I used to compete with my neighbor by boasting the best lanterns hanging on our window. My father thought me how to create small doves, balls-of-fire, and falling stars out of bamboo sticks and Japanese papers. With little ingenuity and lots of patience, we could light our lanterns by hiding small candles inside it. Hehehe... there was a time I almost burn our house because my lantern catches fire. Then at night, me and my father would sit on a hammock and watch the stars in the bright evening sky and wait for occasional falling stars.

Christmas was just simple but full of life and excitement. We don't have electricity and we don't know what Christmas lights are and we didn't know that we can buy cheap lanterns and stars from local shopping malls. But we were very happy.

Things had changed! Now I am old, I don't see lanterns anymore. Almost everyone hang Christmas lights and adore there homes with Christmas tree. Gone are the Belens and the old fashion stars. Much more here in Singapore! You don't see or feel Christmas until you go to Orchard. There, you could hear Christmas songs played on shopping malls, see giant Christmas trees displayed on mall facade, or watch millions of Christmas lights littering almost every corner of the street.

Tonight, I went to Orchard to see how it looks like at night.

While walking along Wisma Atria, I saw this little Christmas decors hanging on tress. It amuses me because it reminds me of my little doves and balls-of-fire. They are shiny, come with different colors, and glitters because of the tiny little lights inside or beside it. They are beautiful and come in thousand. Whew, if my father was still alive, he would surely share the happiness that I felt tonight.

As the sun started to disappear in the horizon, millions of tiny little lights started to illuminate the Orchard road. They are like stars that were taken from the sky and were attached to strings and tied together. They are beautiful to look at... but they are too common that it just doesn't give me the Christmas spirit anymore. Whew, I miss those times that I have to watch the heaven to see stars.

ronnie

Just like may daily routine, I went down to the basement kopitiam (foodcourt) of Suntec City to get a quick lunch. I still have two meeting in the afternoon and I am running short of time. I'm sure, I'll gonna be late but I don't mind. I would rather be late with full stomach than be on time but could not concentrate because I am hungry.

As I enter the shop, someone called my name and got my attention. When I turn back, I saw this chubby Pinoy who called me by my name and flash me with a big wide smile. I smiled back but was halfhearted because I really cannot remember the guy. Then he shake my hands and told me his name is Ronnie. Awkward may it seems, I really tried to ask him how we got to know each other. He just give me a little push on my shoulder and replied "CyberJ - 77 Global".

Hehehehe... that was nice! I forgot Ronnie!

Ronnie was my office mate in the 77 Global Resources and was the WebSphere Administrator support for Prudential US. He sat just infront of my cubicle, and oftentimes when work is slack I used to exchange jokes and stories with him and his partner Chris. I learned that he is now working here in Singapore and currently assigned at Citibank.

Huh! I feel ashamed of myself. My memories is no longer cooperating with me.

fever

Did you know that getting sick is the hardest part when you are living alone? I learned it the hard way. I have a fever since last night and this morning, I tried to wake early but my body wouldn't agree. Chill still shivers in my loins and joints, and my head was aching. I need to get some hydro salts to avoid dehydration. My diarrhea had worsen and I've already taken 15 trips to the toilet since 2pm yesterday. Huh! I really need to see a doctor today!

I was supposed to attend the Photonski meeting today at Three Riffles Building. Together with other officers of photonski, I was part of the committee that will do the selection of entries for the upcoming Photo Exhibit this year. But with fever and muscle pains all over my body, I don't think I can make it. I called up Arjie and told him that I cannot make it.

I stayed in the house the whole day. I took some medicine and sleep.

goodby manong max

In my lifetime, there is only one Filipino that I admire most and he was no other than the prolific Max Soliven.

Since 1986, it has been my morning habit to pick up a Philippine Star newspaper - my choice of paper - to get the latest news of the day. But instead of reading the headline, I would dig in into the Opinion section for my favorite column "By the Way" of Max Soliven. And when the online version became available, reading his column was never been easy. From that time on, I never stop reading his works.

Reading the column was much better than the headlines because it was informative and the column was laden with "inside" information, comparative analysis, and most of the time "right-from-the-horse-mouth" info. Max offers a wide perspective of what's happening to his beloved Philippines and would oftentimes give realistic advice to our narrow minded politicians. He was never afraid to voice out his opinion to anyone including our Philippine President, and he even write kilometric column about political leaders of the world. You could easily sense his authority and knowledge of what he was writing, having been in the industry for over half a century and having had first hand experience and of the situation. Max was the icon of Philippine journalism.

Just like my regular day, I surf the net and open up the Philippine Star website and immediately browse the column written by Max. He wrote about the rising Japan and its move to amend its constitution. It was an open ended column, as usual, and I was expecting that by Saturday he would give a more detailed update. But I was wrong, there will never be no update to come. Max, my favorite writer pass away at 11:45am today.

To manong Max, the great saloyot, I will miss you very very much. Enjoy in the presence of our Maker.

California Fitness

Tired of being the object of joy because I have very large belly, I decided to go to gym. I enrolled at the California Fitness Gym at Bugis for $59 per month for one year. I didn't get a personal trainer because it was too expensive - $72 per week. Besides, I been to a gym before when I was still at the Middle East. I can still use my old routines and program.

Today is my first day! Whew! I enjoyed it very much. Not only the facilities were superb, but oh boy, the sight was very nice. Beautiful sexy bodies litter around. I am sure, I'll gonna enjoy it here!

Motorshow

I know that there the 2006 motorshow at the Suntec Convention Center - I posted it in the Photonski Forum. But with the $10 entrance fee, I didn't thought of going there. I was trying to save some "loose coins"... hehehee... to save for new lens! har har har.

And this morning after our street photography, Charlotte inquired if we were interested to watch the Motorshow. I immediately refused citing the entrance fee. Mac said he was going since he got nothing to do in the house today because Ned is on duty. Tolitz, on the other hand, together with other guys gave an alibi of previous commitments hence they're not going. And me? hmm... I was supposed to go home to do household chores, but Mac enticed me to join them by saying there would be a lot of Motor Babes in there. Charlotte added that it would a nice subject to shoot! Huh! addict talaga! I changed my mind, I went to the show.

We arrived at Suntec at around 11:10am. At the entrance, I got lucky I was able to got hold of the last give away goodies from the sponsor. I got a bag with a Subaru t-shirt and a bottle premium coffee. Well, not bad for the $10 entrace. Some of the Photonski guys - Alain and Henry - came early and were already there. We didn't waste time. We immediately immerse ourselves to the wide and spacious display halls of the Suntec Convention Center.

Wow beautiful cars! Yes, the beautiful and very expensive cars dominated the show.
I even spend over thirty minutes just watching the red shining Ferraris, Maseratis, and Lamborghinis. Gee, they're so beautiful that they need no human models just to attract the audience. Not contented of just watching, I really went inside the display area and touched some of the cars. And when the audience saw me, they got envious and also followed and touched the cars too. One gutsy guy even managed to sneak inside the car. It didn't take a minute before the coordinators showed up and politely asked everyone to step down the ramp. Hehehe... at least, I've touched it.

There were plenty of cars on display and they all look nice. But honestly, I could not appreciate them that much maybe because I don't have an affinity with cars, or perhaps because I don't drive a car here in Singapore. That's not important anyway. I came to the show not for the car but to shoot some Motor Babes.

And shoot, I did! Not just take a picture but also requested the model to pose with me, while my buddies took the picture! Hehehe... It was a case of beauty and the beast portraiture.

Ashamed? Nah, that's not part of my vocabulary. I have plenty of guts and my self esteem is so high I could
take an ocean of ridicules. Besides, I have my ways. I can sweet talk with the models and could keep them off guard. They feel so comfortable with me that they would allow me to touch them... and they even embrace me. Tsk tsk tsk... they might be thinking I am a "cuddly" papa bear. I am always careful though. I always make sure not to step any boundaries least I would loose their trust. I made it a habit that I ask permission before I do any physical touch - and 9 of 10, they would allow. Better be careful than sorry, right?

And my buddies? Hah! Mamatay sila sa inggit! wehehehehe.

Some of the motor babes were familiar. Abby Cruz was there and was posing for Lexus cars. Abby - the Bb Pilipinas runner up - was the model whom I shoot several months ago at Sentosa. Most of the Nissan babes were my models for pin-ups and portraiture. When the models saw us, they literally left their places and came to us. We exchanged chit chats and had some pleasantries. Hehehe... they really know us. We don't have to ask them to pose. They know what to do the moment we lift our cameras and point it towards them.

While my buddies were taking pictures of the models, I was just standing on one side watching
them from the reflection on the nearby huge mirror. Then suddenly an idea pop up. Why not take a picture of the model from the mirror? When I point my camera towards the mirror, I unwittingly took the picture of the model and also of my self. Amused with the result, I asked one of the models to pose for me but facing the mirror. Wary of the many people passing by, I waited for the moment where nobody was on my back then click the trigger. (Actually, there's one that is partially hidden).

Walla! The result was fantastic: Taking photo of a model and at the same time capturing myself in it.

Oh, I love my hobby!

More pictures in my website

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/MotorShow

macro

I know that you've seen hundreds of pictures of butterflies, grasshoppers, or dragonflies. You've seen it in posters, calenders and even greeting cards. But have ever tried taking pictures of these little creatures?

That is my friend, is called macro photography.

Honestly, I have never done any serious macro photography before. And the closest that i've got was taking close up pictures of orchid flowers using my ole' and ever reliable Olympus C730UZ. That was not real macro photography, though, not even close to "good" close up photography. So consider me zero in this field.

Well, I am not alone. Most of the photonski gang may be good with Portrait, Events and Fashion photography but you can only count with one hand the members who are true blue macro photographers. Infact, there are only three whom I know: the original Edcel who has moved to Australia, Rey - the current master, and Leo - the talended padawan (already a master). In the current active members, I only knew one who is serious with this field and that is Blenda.

You may ask, why is it that there so few who are into Macro? I don't know!!! Come to think Rey's gallery has the second highest hit at all time in the photonski website. That might be fantastic, isn't it? Well, see for yourself and be amazed. Visit the photonski website and search for Stingrey or butterflies. Be mesmerized.

Today, we got a chance to participate on one of the outreach activities of photonski. We called it Photonski Clinic: Macro Photography with Rey and Leo. Our location: Singapore Botanic Gardens and we have to meet at 7:30am. I was late. I came at around 8:30 because I didn't wake up early. Eh kase, napuyat kagabi at Insomia with the other Photonski members. I may have missed the lectures but didn't worry because during the actual hands-on shooting, Leo was on my side and demonstrate to us how to do it correctly. He also gave us valuable tips and techniques that he learned from years of experience. Frankly speaking, 70% of my shots were guided or set by Leo. If I have to do it alone, I could never get any descent shot.

Oh, time pass by so quick. We didn't realized that it was high noon and the sun was already burning our skin, because we enjoy the actual hands-on very much. We wrapped up for few minutes and then called it a day.

My take? hehehe.... here's a sample. I called it "Putol" - a picture of a one-legged-hopper who is laying eggs. More pics are found in my website:

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/Macro

new face 2006 & dirty dancing

I went home early today, 2pm to be exact, but instead of being happy I was actually sad. Our client failed to comply our requirements and now, the project will be delayed. For normal project, delays are inevitable and should be okay. But this one is not. It's irritating to think that I cancelled my scheduled vacation (upon the request of the customer) just to rush this project... only to realize that they are not ready. Grrrr!!!!! (lightning and thunders!!!!)

Frustrated with my work, I shelve my laptop and decided not to open it the rest of the week. I would rather pick up my camera and enjoy with my hobby.

* * * * * * * * *

I went to Takashimaya at around 7pm.
I learned from the Photonski forum about
the talent/beauty search for
The New Paper's New Face 2006 - and tonight will be the final show. Some photonski guys were already there when I arrived. But like me, they were not lucky to get a nearer spot. No choice, we positioned ourselves at the far end. That was okay with me. At least, I could test the efficiency of my new tora-tora under low light condition and at long range.

I got good shots and was enough for wide angle picture. But for close up shots with the contestants, the range was just simply too far. Later in the show, we decided moved to the side and tried to salvage any available space among the Clubsnap photographers. We managed to get two space, though.

If you ask me how was the competition? I would simply aswer... the production was great. I couldn't say the same with the contestant except perhaps for two or three. Well, we all know that the locals have great skin, complexion, and body... but not the face. Oh, I am not saying that they are not pretty - they are!!! It's just that they are not my typical pretty face the way I expect in national competitions in the Philippines.

Beauty, anyway, is in the eye of the beholder.

I have posted some photos in my gallery. You may like to visit my site at:

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/NewFace2006

* * * * * * * * *

We did not finish the show - we left after two catwalks. And with Che and Helyzer, we proceed to Splanade to meet fellow photonski buddies - Tolitz, Tonski and Arjie. We had dinner there! Later, Jared joined us. Melvin also drop by but didn't stay.

It's really nice to be with group. We had fun talking just anything under the moon, and we had fun watching people around us. I was particularly interested with the sexy ladies who were strutting around with skimpy skirt and blouse. They were dancers from a nearby Salsa Dance promotion outfit.

And you know what? I asked the girls to pose for me (kapal ko talaga) and they did! The catch? I have to dance salsa with them at the makeshift dancefloor. Ayun, napasubo!

I grind my fat ugly body with this tall caucasian lady (not in the pic) and the lady in the right (see pic). I didn't care if I don't know how to dance. Anyway, there were others who were in the same predicament. What's more important was the chance for me to go dancing with these pretty ladies. Hehehe.. I could make "tsansing" (advances) during body turns. hehehehe. tsarapp!!!

f4 or f2.8?

I'll bet, you did not get the gist of today's blog title. And if you do, then i'm sure you're into photography.

Yep, I was talking about a lens and not only an ordinary lens but a very good and quality "L" lens. For the past three months now, i've been pondering of buying a Canon 70-200 f4 lens but never had the drive to actually get one. It's a good lens, the review shows, but some photographers say that it is rather short when low lights prevails. My other friends recommend a Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS, which arguably the best long lens around, but with a tag price of Singapore $3.2k, hah! i'll think a thousand times. Then last month, there was an announcement that there is a coming Canon 70-200 f4 IS version. They claim that it is almost as good as the f2.8 (without the IS version) and is $1k lower than the f2.8 IS. There's just one problem... it will be available on November.

Honestly, I frequently visit many camera shops these past few weeks. I was scouting for the least price and the best bargain for warranty. They can all give low price - if you know how to haggle - but when payment scheme comes into picture, they differ drastically. Cathay photo shop gave me an offer I could hardly resist: $2.8k for 12 months interest free and tax free.

So what to do, lah? Buy... ayahhh!!!!

Now, I have a new baby. A beatiful Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM.