Librodo Workshop

Have you heard of Manny Librodo? If not, then you are not into digital photography addiction. hehehe, pun intended. Seriously, Manny is known in the Philippines for his outstanding portraits, digital gallery in PBase, and series of lectures conducted all over the country. Now, we got a chance to learn from him and listen to his tips on how to improve in our craft.

Excited, I was, I set my alarm clock at six am but... failed to wake up with the rrrrinnngg!!!! I didn't hear it! Silly it may sound, my clock was not defective nor the ringer was just not loud but simply because I was deeply asleep. And you know why I sleep like lard today? I went home at around 4am in the morning. hehehe... I went out with "the girl" last night - not in her place, of course, (I already wrote about it yesterday), but in some neutral places where I wouldn't get into trouble.

Nevertheless, I arrived at our meeting point at the Chinese Garden just in time when Manny started giving briefing on our day's activity. Hmm... so this is Manny! I thought. He's younger than I imagined and, well, looks ordinary for his name. Well, that's the problem when the reputation preceeds a man. People, me included, would expect larger than life personality from the man.

Okay enough for that... let me tell how Manny works.

He told us his camera settings when shooting for portrait: Cloudy -2. Then he explained the importance of light and how to work with the available ambiant lights in the environment. He also emphasized the need to capture the light on the eyes of the subject. It may sound complex if not mystifying but the truth is, these were the basics. Simple yet ignored by most photographers because of their dependence on advance savvy gadgets. Manny just showed us how to go back to the basics and explore our own creativity. He's right! Rafael, Nadal and even the Leonardo da Vinci, all became immortals because they mastered the effects of lights, shadows and colors.

I didn't shoot that much during the workshop. I had less than a hundred pictures taken. What I did most of time was observed and listen on Manny, and I was hoping I can pick up something that is worth remembering. I watch him how he handles the crowd and how he guides the model towards the lights and shadows. Gee, I admit, he has tons of ideas when dealing with the models. I guess, these were accomulated with his years of experience. I also observed his acute sensitivity with the environment and his quickness to adjust when the available light changes. This is one important factor that every photographer should take note when shooting outdoor.

Later in the afternoon, he showed us how he post process his pictures using Photoshop. I was lost with this one, actually, because I don't have much knowledge with Photoshop. I tried to jot down notes but couldn't catch up with the 100mph speed of Manny. Anyway, the organizer promised to provide notes later. Now, after watching Manny how he edit his pictures and makes magic on it, I have decided to put photoshop on my must-learn task. Would you believe that I don't edit my pictures except resize and crop using only Microsoft Picture Manager? That will surely change from now on.

The day was fullfiling. It was nice to learn from the "master" and at the same time, enjoy the camaraderie with my fellow photonski photographers. Frankly, there were many loopholes in the workshop but I let it go considering the size of participants- 30! This one i'll not pass: Yes, Manny guided the models but he didn't teach the photographers how and what to shoot. I was expecting that he would show us his style on framing, composition, angle of shoot, and other advance techniques. But he didn't. Instead, he joined with the group and also take pictures too, leaving the newbies like me clueless on what to do. I am just frustrated!

Hmm... how about the models?

Well, we were lucky to have two beautiful models with us - Kharu and Tessa
Nietto. Kharu is famous as an endorser for Avon products in the
Philippines, while Tessa is better known as the partner of Alex Compton
on that Coffee Mate commercial in the Philippines. Tessa also appears
in international prints for the product Brother Printers. They were
both excellent models.

Here's a sample on my take on Kharu and Tessa - out of the box.

More pics at my website at

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

Say No

What would you do if someone ask for a night out? Hehhee... say no!, politely.

Sus, I felt the surge of dilusion of being guapo which is totally the contrary to the real truth. When was the last time I felt this illusion again? Hay, I can't remember because I never been good looking in my life. Fun and nice-to-be-with perhaps, but never pogi.

Back to what I was saying... I been spending the last three days with Mai, a client whom I was trying to help. We resolved the major items and had breakthrough to all major bottlenecks, and though there were still pending issues, the project overall was most likely to succeed. For me, it was just another day with my work, normal and event less just like any other projects. But for Mai, it was her ticket to redemption - she said. Whatever that meant, I believe it must be important.

When dealing with client, I always had the tendency to be over extending. I meant, I always make sure that I had given everything I could just to help - even if eats up my own personal time. This client is not an exception. I did work with her over extended hours and weekends just make sure the project is completed. I guess, I "may have "overextended" myself with this one that we had gotten "closer" than what was necessary. Hay... heto na naman ako, didn't learn my lesson.

Yeah, I know. I had to nip it in the bud before something goes wrong. That is why I said NO when she invited me to hang out at her place tonight. It's very tempting, I admit. She's alone in her apartment, we could go "wild" and she would be a willing victim... but for what? Hurt her in the long run? Besides, I got my job on the line and surely that's not a very good idea. Huh! Career suicide - no way.

I am a changed man. (Lightning Bolt !!!! and Thunders... Blammm!!!!!)

By the way, did I do the right thing? Teka.. sayang yun ah?

Sorting

I had a boring day, today. My schedules were surprisingly light and I don't have a client visit. I even over-nap during lunch time. hehhee

Night time... I tried to surf in the net, talk to some friend in Yahoo Messenger but lost esteem along the way. I didn't find any interesting in my email and I felt lazy writing on my blog. I did browse on my old photo files though, and tried to edit some. After three hours, I posted the shoots I have taken last Sunday during our street photography with Arjie.

As mentioned last Sunday, my photos were not great - they were all ordinary. I didn't even bother to edit the pics. I just crop the edges, resize to smaller size, pasted a copyright logo, and that's it. And to save space, I save it with the lowest jpeg quality.

If you still interested to take a peek, here's the link to my photo album

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

Street Photography

Pressure in the office had been so high during these past weeks. I was assigned to a "challenging" client and I had difficulty with the product. To keep up my head above water, I have to skip most of my shooting schedules and I have to spend extended hours in the office. Infact, for the last two weekends I just stayed home and work via VPN connection.

But today, I declared I had enough with work. I must go out and shoot otherwise, I will go insane! I need to take my drug - my camera, and I need to stimulate myself with pictures to keep me alive. Asus! addict na talaga. hehehe...

* * * * * *

With no objective and subject that I could think of, I decided to walk around Orchard Road and do street photography. Who knows, I might bumped onto onto some nice subject or events.

Indeed, I was right. While taking a picture of the Wizma Atria building, I heard someone at my back complained that I have stepped on her toes. When I turned around, whoah! I found these three sexy ladies standing just few inches in front of me (I even accidentally elbowed her b***s). I was so stunned that my tongue got stuck in my mouth and forgot to apologize. They just smiled and said it was okay. I was quick to recover my senses though, and immediately started a conversation. And to keep them from going away, I asked if they would like to come with me for coffee. To my surprise, they accepted the peace offering. So I took them to the nearby Starbucks and .... hehehe take photos of one of the ladies. Oi, I didn't she's pretty - I just said sexy, and If you ask me who she was and what's her work here? Nah, I would just answer you flat - I forgot her name and I am not interested to know where she work and where she lives. I didn't even ask for her number. Nagbago na ako noh. (Blaaam!!!!! lightning strikes). But... hehehe.. I gave her my card!

An hour later, I was back to the Orchard Road walking aimlessly. I thought of calling Arjie who coincidentally was also shooting at the nearby area. We agreed to meet up at Lucky Plaza and then continued walking towards Istana (the Malacanang of Singapore). It was almost dusk and we know that shooting at low lights would be challenging, but we still go on. We just mount our external flash just in case it gets too dark. At last we got lucky when we reached Plaza Singapura. We were in time as the street dancing show of NUS students was about to start. I took few shots, analyze it, and then decided to use external flash. I also maximized my ISO to catch up with the movement of the subject. The result of my shoot were just average - not captivating. There were two elements that were missing: sufficient light and good composition. Hmm... I choose the wrong spot. The picture you see on the right side is of low quality. Wait next week, I'll provide you with link to my website for good quality pix.

Overall, my first street photography was okay. It was not satisfactory but at least I enjoyed it. I might do it again. hehhee

Tax

Would you believe that I misread my Tax Assessment and thought that my tax will overdue on Oct 10? Gee, good thing I clean up the house today and accidentally browse onto my important documents and found the Inland Revenue notice. I was shock to realize that I was all wrong. My tax was long overdue since Aug 10!

Huh... Now, I am worried. I need to pay it within the week otherwise I'll be burdened with penalties. Tsk tsk tsk. I am out of budget again!

Bad Dream

I was catching my breath when I woke up from a bad dream. Hus!, I though it was real and I could still feel some goosebumps as I rush towards the kitchen to get some water. It was scary, not on the horror side, but because it was about realities of my life.

'Twas 4:00 am, when I gazed on the wall clock. I decided to watch TV for a while but after just 10 minutes, I easily fall asleep at the sofa. And to my horrors... the dream continued. Whoah! I struggled for few minutes before I finally recover my senses. After that, I decided to wake up for good and take a shower to ready myself for work - at 5 in the morning.

6am.

I was at the bus stop watching school children from across the street who were rushing towards the nearby primary school. It was still dark (sun rises past 7:00 in Singapore), the breeze was cool, and I was the only office worker at the station. Realizing that I was alone, it gave me an eerie feeling. I had thought of leaving the house early to help myself forgot that bad dream, but gee... I was wrong. My hair started to raise.

What was the dream all about?

Hmm.. forget it. I don't feel comfortable talking about it yet.

Fireworks

Ever since I started to pick up a camera, there are two subjects that I have long wanted to shoot: lightning and fireworks. When I earned my first film camera, the Kodak KB10, my first subject was thunderstorm and lightning. I remember, I have to climb to the rooftop of the Engineering Bldg at Xavier University just to catch a good view of a lightning strikes. I could finish a roll of 36-shots film shooting nothing but lightnings. And if not of the prohibitive cost of film development and printing, surely I would easily consume two rolls of film. But for a struggler like me, every cent counts. Hence, when I pursued my graduate studies, I shelved my love for photography and said goodbye to my camera.

Huh! nostalgia. Nag e-emote na naman ako. tsk tsk tsk

Now that I am back with a digital camera, the opportunity to shoot in a fireworks festival was simply overwhelming. Com'on, please understand my over enthusiasm. You see, I never had a chance to do it 15 years ago with my film camera because we were not that fortunate in Cagayan de Oro to see one. Kwitis siguro, pwede pa but fireworks display? nah, in our dreams na lang perhaps. And now, Singapore not only have one fireworks at the Marina bay, but four different kinds fireworks displays and will be spread all over the week (not counting the NDP fireworks at Kallang). That's why the photonski team were in full gear and I had been receiving tons of emails in the discussion thread. Aba, hindi ako patalo noh. I bought a cable release, even if I don't know how to use it. hehehe. Eh kase, they said I would need it to properly control the camera trigger on bulb mode. Engot naman, bumili.

The first show was Team Italy held last Saturday at 9:00pm.
It was a good show, they said, but I failed to capture any outstanding photo because I choosed the wrong side of the Bay.
All the while I thought the fireworks would start at the middle of the Marina Bay, so I choose a spot where I could see the Fullerton as my background. But when the explosion started on my left flank, I just realized that I was screwed up. There was a large barge right in front of us and all we could see was the exploding colors in the air and nothing in the foreground. Five minutes had elapsed, I made a quick decision. I changed position to avoid the barge, and... was a able to salvage few "nice" shoots - though not acceptable for a professional. Here's one with the barge in the foreground and the moon on the upper left frame.

Buti na lang nakabawi ako last Tuesday with Team Singapore.

I did managed to squeeze in between the bushes at the Splanade bridge, hence my picture had better composition and had better framing. And yes, the moon added an accent to the view. Overall, I got plenty of good shoots. Just don't ask how itchy it feels, afterwards. Well, I was not alone with the predicament. There were a few dozen photographers too along the bushes and my photo buddy Arjie was just one of them. :D Just like the old saying goes, you're never be a true blue photographer unless you learn how to crawl, climb, and in this case - "be one with the bushes". hehehe

Knowing that the Splanade bridge would be the best spot,
I came back as early as 6pm last Friday for the Team New Caledonia. That's would be three hours early you would think but I tell you, I almost couldn't get a place had I not move the trash bin. My buddy Arjie didn't make the cut and had to settle with the bushes again. hehehe... only this time he got a cleaner and wider area - no more itchy feeling. After three hours of seemingly endless waiting time, the fireworks fired with its full splendor. It was far better and bigger than the last two teams. What made the fireworks display outstanding was not the explosion and the exploding colors, but the rhythm of the sounds, lights and explosions. I admit, that was the best fireworks display that i've ever seen. korni ko!

And here comes Saturday's show, the Team France.
This team was touted to be the best considering they were the presentor of last year's National Day Parade fireworks. If yesterday's show was spectacular, I was expecting this one will be better. And for our shooting place? hmm... I wanted to go back to the bridge but I decided otherwise. I thought, I already have too many shoot at the same spot and I believe finding another place would be the right thing. So, I went to the extreme end of Splanade bayview, far away from the ECP bridge. The view was not that good compared to our spot yesterday but it offers a different angle. Well, my pictures were not that bad at all. I was all good.

You might want to see more high quality jpeg photos... try to visit in my photo website at

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

NDP 2006

All Singaporeans had been waiting for this day - the National Day Parade. Today, the tiny city-state marks its 41st anniversary as a nation, and is looking forward to reinvent itself into a global city. Just watching the vibrant faces of the people and listening to its leader, I am sure these multi-culture multi-racial people - though tiny they are - will achieve that status.

Whew, sana someday... ang Pinas will also be a 1st world country... and sana within in my lifetime!

Only singaporeans and permanent residents can get the ticket for the parade - save for the few VIPs - and for ordinary expats like us, we can either watch it on TV or picnic near the Kallang River basin to catch the spectacle of the fireworks display. Well, a photobug like me surely would not settle sitting down infront of TV. I planned to pitch my tripod along Tanjong Rue together with the Photonski team, but a friend gave me a call telling me that she can give me an access to the rooftop of Pebble Bay Condominium. Hmm... that would be very nice, I thought. I'll have a good arial view of the the National Stadium and my foreground would be the Indoor Stadium and the Kallang Basin. So I scouted the area seven hours earlier to find the best angle for my tripod.

My fortunes did just stop there. While catching the festivities around the stadium, I met this photographer who just gave me his extra NDP ticket. A ticket inside? - wow!!! I literally jump for joy and embrace this "smelly" stranger out of happiness. He then shoo me away and tell me to catch the show inside. In my hurry, I forgot his name. I only managed to say thank you and that was all. I was really really happy. Lady luck smile at me once more. Yess!!!

The first sight that greeted me when I enter the National Stadium was a sea of red and white
colored Singaporeans cheering, clapping, and shouting for their country. Believe me, the mere sight of people chering and singing happy birthday and then shaking hands to all strangers sitting along their seats made my hair stand. What a beautiful sight and strange feeling indeed. And you know what was on my mind that time? I felt proud that I am a part of this celebration - I just got my PR, remember :D

Few minutes later, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause as the Red Lion jumpers started to parachute their way into the field. Few minutes later, a loud siren overwhelms the place that signals the start of the parade. The civil and military contingent started to converge into the parade ground, then followed by "display of power" by the Singapore total defense force. Oh I forgot to mention, Singaporeans love their leaders. You can easily feel with the way they welcome and cheer their leaders who made a grand entrance at the VIP area.

I didn't watch the whole show - I wanted to - but I cannot take a good firework photo if I am inside. So I left the stadium in the middle of those very beautiful performances and shows. The next thing I remember: I was running towards Tanjong Rue so I will not miss the fireworks display. Huh, just imagine how my fats burns and pours out a river of sweat all over my body because I run for 15 minutes nonstop. And I just arrived at the rooftop in the nick of time. I had less than one minute to setup my tripod, mount my camera, set the corret exposure setttings, and make some test shots.

Nevertheless, I captured some nice fireworks in my camera.

If you want to see more pictures, see my photo profile at the photonski website.

http://www.photonski.com/sons_of_jorge/NDP2006

Day Out

The EveryNation church pays tribute for the National Day celebration of the country. And for this service, the youth prepared a very nice dance interpretation (prepared by a former Manuever dancer) that tries to portray a youth being cool through dancing but remain focus with God.
Yes, I enjoyed the presentation but that was nothing compared to the word delivered by the ever fiery pastor. The message was wonderful, was heartening and soothing for a sinful soul like mine. I could feel my hair started to rise as I listened intently on every word that comes out from his mounth. Oh I was really blessed, and well at least for today, I did drop off my "horns".
Huh... sinners.
* * * * * * *
After the church service, Che invited us for lunch at her place. With Jared, Arjie and Ralph, we went to Glendale Condo at Bukit Batok and spend most of the afternoon. We did nothing but watch DVD movie, enjoy the plentiful food at the table, and others tried to sleep despite of all the noise. I guess, we spend most of the afternoon at the place before deciding to visit MS Color to buy a 50mm lens for Arjie and Che. I went with them so I can also do a test on the new 17-55/f2.8 lens. Jared had been telling my that this baby was a very good lens, and indeed he was right. Infact, I was almost tempted to swipe my Credit Card but just decided otherwise on the last minute. I have to get the 70-200/f2.8 first, and for sure that would cost me lots and lots of money.
I had enough for the day. After parting ways at around 6pm, I immediately went home and take a nap for an hour. I just woke up at around 8pm for my dinner and also to prepare for my clothes for the coming weekdays.
Past 9pm, Arjie gave me a ring and told me to read the blog of my photobuddy Jared. Surprised, I just followed him and open my computer and browse on Jared's site. Hehehe... I was amused. Jared posted a sleeping picture of me at the train. Sa totoo lang ha, the pic was nicely taken and the presentation? I tell you, with the matching poem of Bolshoi... it was overall, superb. Well, magaling naman talaga 'tong photobuddy ko kaya lang minsan lagi UDP ang dating, hindi TCP. Oh, he also read my blog. Peace man.
I was still laughing when I called Arjie and told him that I already read the blog and also told him that I was so amused I downloaded the pix and posted it in my main friendster photo. "Gusto mo makaganti", he asked? Hmm... why not? Arjie gave a pic of our friend Jared that was taken this afternoon. The pic was funny too but I just felt that even if I post it here, I could not match the impact of Jared's blog. Our friend had a natural artistic talent and skills with words. That's one thing I need to work on.
Anyway, i'll post the pix of Jared and the link for his Blog. Let me know your reaction.


http://jaredtech.wordpress.com/2006/08/06/sunday-shots/

__._,_.___


This is the "art" of Jared

Fashion Revolt-ution

With the national day just beyond the horizon, Singaporeans had been so busy - left and right - with so many festivies happening all over the island. There's sports championships, fashion competition, "beauty" contest, fireworks displays, and of course the much awaited National Day Parade which will be held this coming Aug 9. I've been watching the participants every Saturday for practice and had also watched the preview last week. Gee.. it's wonderful and the show is very much well prepared. Did you know that they started the every-saturday rehearsals two months ago? They are that good, really!

Just a pity though. I don't have a ticket to watch them on the actual National Day Parade this coming Wednesday. Next year, perhaps!

Anyway, there's still many activities for a photosnapper like me. Like today. I went to Bugis to watch a competition called Fashion Revolt-ution and then shoot on the fashion show. I actually didn't know this, but my photo buddy from photonski tipped me. Without second thoughts, I immediately proceed to the place. As usual, I found the club snap photographers already hogging the front rows. And further back, I saw some photonski photographers too. I didn't stay long. I just took few pictures on the samba-dancing ladies,
and few pictures on the runway models. I didn't find interest with models when I realized that these were the same bunch of ladies who strut last March during the fashion festival. I didn't wonder when I saw Bridgette come out of the stage.

I decided to leave early and try to catch the bikini contest at Wild Wild Wet water park. I'll more talk about the bikini contest in my next post.

Deficit

Last day of the month.

Had my payday falls on the last day of the month, I should be happy by now. Problem is, it's not! I still have to wait five more days before grace showers from the bank. Now, you wonder why I worried so much? Hmm, this is because I am running on deficit for the past ten days.

This is not the typical me, my friends would attest that. I am usually thrifty and would make sure I have enough for my day-to-day life plus a little savings. But not this month. My first time in the past 5 years - I spend more than I could earn in a month. Worse, I even eat up my little savings. Don't ask were did I throw those money, I wasted it for nothing.

Huh, I am becoming too loose with my spending. And I guess, it's high time to rethink my budget and my hobby.

Sports Illustrated

Thanks heaven, it's weekend again!

I was a bit excited today. I was invited to join a bikini shooting - ala sports illustrated - at Che's place, and we will have Jeanne Harn as our model. Gee, I had long wanted to shoot with this type of theme, and today was my first break to practice then learn from the masters who will be attending the session.

Indeed, I got what I wished for! I have taken wonderful shots.

Where's the pictures? Nah... I can't post it. We don't have a model release agreement yet, but don't worry. I'll post it here someday - promise.

Stressful

I already promised not to write about work, but forgive me for breaking it. I am just not okay today and I need an outlet. Hah!

Remember Jiang my new PM? That asshole? Alamah! He's hitting me again.

Just when I thought that we have neutralized the critical issues at OCBC project, this new PM made an "issue" with our customer. I don't know if he is trying to gain pogi points or he's just simply stupid. He had a problem listening and would like to insist on what he though is okay - which turns out the contrary most of the time. He even solicited unwelcomed argument with our client to the point that the customer threatened to request for another PM. What's worse, he wanted me to explain in full details - I meant step by step procedure - on how I troubleshoot the problem on networks - because he wants to show off to the client that he understand the situation. And when I refused to discuss it over the phone, he raised his voice. In retaliation, I put down the phone an refused to answer his calls.

Fuck him!!! Ayahh! He's picking a fight with me? He really don't know what trouble he's getting into.

I never back out from any fight not even bend for reconciliation, and when I hit back, I do it so hard that my opponent would curse me in their entire life. In my previous corporate life, I have run into many foes and I would not survived and rose to the ranks if I didn't battered them to pieces. I didn't have regrets whatsoever - it's just work. They have bruised me too - badly!

And this newbie is picking a fight with me? tsk tsk tsk...

Before he can do any move, I called up the sales manager of the project and explained the situation. Then I called our department head and also explained what really happened. Few minutes later, the new PM send me an SMS requesting for a meeting. I didn't answered his text message. I want him to complain to our head and turn this into a full blown trouble.

I was angry!

Permanent Resident

After eight long weeks, I finally received the letter that I had been expecting from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority. Actually, I applied for Permanent Residence here in Singapore two months ago... and you know the result?

APPROVED!!!!

Hehehe... Now I got an assurance that I can stay in Singapore. No more worries that my employer will suddenly dump me and deport me to Canada or Philippines. Being a PR would bring lots of benefits. Some of it would be a better bargaining power when applying to other job, I can ask for higher fee from my current employer, and I can bargain for more benefits. More importantly, I am now allowed to own properties in Singapore - I am buying a house. Yes!!!!

On the other hand, I would immediately feel the pinch of Central Provident Fund contribution to my take home pay. Anyway, that's my forced savings and I know someday I could use that on rainy days.

Now I have my Singapore PR, Canadian, what's next? EU PR... hehehehe

Cars

If driving is not my "thing", then don't expect me to love cars!

But that exactly what I have done this afternoon. Jared and Melvin enticed me (again) to watch a car show at Sentosa. At first I refused, thinking I wouldn't enjoy watching cars. Jared for sure would be very please knowing that is his passion - not me! But when Melvin told me that he will be shooting for the "babes" on the cars on display, that flashes the green signal for me. Hmm... this might just turn out exciting, I though.

Well, there were lot of cars - beautiful cars, nice car racing events, and plenty of moto gears to scout, but babes? Nah. Okay, there were few but not on the caliber of my liking.
I think, I just expected too much. I've watch similar shows in Japan and HK but this one was... never mind.

The ladies deserves appreciation, I acknowledge that, for being sporty and game. It's not easy to be on display where men will be ogling on you all day long. Hence, I just took pictures of these gutsy girls.... and forget the cars. I'll leave that to Jared - he's good on it.