Monday, December 8, 2014



For many of my camarero friends, a grand event to look forward to is the Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila. Happening every first Sunday of December, it is considered the mother of all of its kind in the country. Yearly, hundreds of Marian images are processioned around the city within the walls, in honor of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception - some even come from provinces.

It had been running for 35 years already and only now was I able to attend this prestigious gathering.
Despite the threat of Typhoon Ruby, I went there with Celine, Tina, and the altar servers of our parish. Honestly, I just went there in support to Louie and Frank who were in charge of the floral arrangement for the carosa  of Nuestra Señora, Estrella del Mar, (Pacheco-Estrella Family from Bagbaguin, Meycauayan City). Plus, I just wanted to take pictures.

But as soon as I got there, I knew I was in for something greater.


The IGMP Experience of A First Timer

Monday, December 1, 2014

"May nagbabantay sa`yong puting duwende."

The first time I heard this, I was in Grade 1. Mom told her friend (my then-teacher/librarian, RIP) that I've been taking care of a budding duhat plant in our garden. It was a typical conversation between two mothers about their kids until the fact that I am always transferring the plant to different spots yet it wouldn't die. Tita Glo then told my mom that that's because someone is guiding over me, protecting that plant that I learned to love so much - a white dwarf.

Mom told me about it. I remembered I got crept out. No one as coward as I am would want to be told that she has an unseen creature following her around, right? But Tita Glo assured us that the dwarf is nice, and that it's acting like a guardian angel to me so I need not to be afraid. That comforted me a bit perhaps, thinking that the thought was pushed behind my mind after then. Or maybe, I didn't just believe. I didn't hear about it anymore.

Until after almost two decades. 

It was a few months ago when I met Kuya Abner, a DCY officer from Angat who's working at the Diocese of Malolos, who told me all of a sudden that there's a white dwarf guiding me. It's very, very easy to say how I was so astounded because I couldn't even remember then when I last heard that. Sad to say, our busy schedules interrupted us and our conversation had to wait until last Saturday.

After his talk on VCY Meycauayan's BIG DAY, I finally asked him about it. He told me that a white dwarf is nice, very generous even. It is guiding me through my endeavors and that is why whenever I want something so bad, I end up getting it - because the dwarf is helping me. 

The only problem is my natural hostility towards a lot of things. The dwarf often tends to be the victim of my rugged attitude so Kuya Abner told me that I should be more wary about how I treat it. Although it had stuck with me since I was a child, I shouldn't still be taking it for granted.

Real talk. Lately, I've been pondering about how hostile I am. I don't like mingling with strangers. I don't like dealing with people. I want to lock my own world, allowing in only those people I like. But I guess I should now be more wary of what I do. Otherwise, I might be doing it to my dwarf again without knowing it.

This does lean towards favoritism, come to think of it. I might be tagged selfish going through this change in attitude just because I don't want my guide to leave. But then, there are things that start in the negative light. And then it grows to become something nice and good.

I might now want to meet my dwarf in person because of this pre-conceived notion about how they look like. But I want it to feel appreciated. I want it to know that I am thankful. And if I wasn't able to express it during my childhood days, I will now.



I hope I get to hear about my guardian angel too. :)


Ang Puting Duwende

Friday, November 28, 2014

It's normal for me to get a lot of things done when I'm in the mood like today, but it's exciting to note that after a long time, I got to feel really accomplished with what I did this afternoon. One little act, but it ignited the fire of hope in me that maybe, maybe there's still a chance for me to change.

I'm talking about saving money. Since I received my salary yesterday, I went to the mall this afternoon to pay my bills. Now, that is always challenging because I tend to get lured ALL THE TIME into an impulsive shopping spree whenever I go there - resulting to me, not being able to pay my bills on time. But the good news is I was able to suppress the temptation. That's one accomplishment!

Next thing, I went to the groceries because Mama wanted me to buy some ingredients. She gave me money, and normally, I would be careless enough to spend everything. But then again, I didn't; and it kinda astounded me to realize that I actually headed straight to the counter to pay after getting everything I need. This made me realize that jotting down a grocery list BEFORE I go to the supermarket is NECESSARY. Having a calculator with me is, too.

Finally, what made me feel so proud was the fact that I got to deposit my extra money in my account. Thanks to the deposit-through-ATM feature of my bank, I have found it exciting to actually put in my finances. No harsh lines and long waits like how it is in actual branches. I just need their special envelope and my ATM card. The downside though is that the amount won't be reflected on your balance until the next day. But that's okay. At least, I got to save my money!


Now, this may sound totally weird and so childish to fuss on; but you see, to be able to control myself from spending too much is one of my biggest dreams. To see my bank account with money to spend on myself, my family, and on emergencies has been in my bucket list for years already. And hopefully, I get to make it come true now.

Constantly struggling for the past six months just so I could have money to pay my bills definitely taught me the value of being thrifty. Due to the sacrifices, hardships and embarrassments I had to go through because I have no money at all had convinced me that never again in my life will I allow my account to go zero.

Now this is the plan: Whatever amount I will receive from this day onward, I will not use unless needed. I will make use of the extra BPI envelopes to actually stop myself from spending too much. And then everytime I get to collect decent amounts, I will head immediately to the mall to deposit the money through ATM.




I'm actually excited. I'm expecting a few more amounts to come this coming month so hopefully I get to stick to this whole ordeal. HAHAHA :)

Feeling Accomplished

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

One night, I was reviewing my photography basics when I came across one tip that would be the biggest push in my ability: MASTER THE RULES, AND THEN BREAK IT. It was a hilarious irony, for those who don't understand, but for those practicing photography, this is the golden rule.

That's why when I picked up Celine's Nikon D90, I decided to play along the motivation. And there's one thing I have totally put focus on: EXPOSURE.

They say that good pictures must have balanced exposure. Not too bright. Not too dark. When it's too bright, it's overexposed. When it's too dark, it's underexposed. That's why many people make sure that they do not go against the light when taking shots. Pictures must be balanced for the color to stand out. There should be enough light to enhance the elements, and this is perhaps one of the reasons why flashes and lights are incorporated in this art.

I once got into trouble with my grades in my photog class during college when I submitted an underexposed shot of glasses. Nevertheless, I got a 90, if I'm not mistaken. Sir DJ (+) must have seen the potential (or I'm just boosting my self-confidence here, idk.)

For years, I've believed that photos must be balanced. But maybe, it's just because it's the golden rule. However, this morning, I realized that I know already the basics about this aspect, and so I'm off to the next step: breaking it.

But of course, without the intention to stray away totally from the rule.

1/15 | f/4 | ISO 200 | Exposure Compensation: -2/3

The picture above was my version of an overexposed shot. I was lucky to get a glimpse of the sun through the leaves of our mango tree, and I thought that it would do a great subject. Generally speaking, overexposure charms me in a way I cannot fully explain. But trying to put it into words, I imagine overexposed shots as dreamy and fantasy-like. The light contributes much to the softness of the image that creates the impression of a beautiful and relaxing scenery.

To be honest, I attribute my interest towards overexposed photos to Nature Republic's shots of EXO. Someday, I'm gonna take pictures of people like that too.


1/800 | f/4 | ISO 400 | Exposure Compensation: -2/3

Now, this is my version of underexposure. Although I added that vignette style for added drama, the whole silhouette approach of the cross was because I had in underexposed. Normal people would think that this is not a good shot because you cannot see the elements in the cross; but I think there's nothing wrong with this.

Drama. Basically, it's what underexposure gives. If overexposure creates this surreal feeling, this one gives off the dramatic vibe - mainly the feelings of longing, sadness and despair. But then, it also exudes mystery and curiosity.

Personally, I think I'll love using underexposure for my portraits. It has always been my dream to take silhouette shots of people with the royal sunset behind them, after all. :)




I am not a professional photographer, but I'm sharing with you these tips. Or maybe, I just want to convince other people that going against the rules is really not that bad? I don't know LOL



Overexposure & Underexposure: The Thoughts of an Amateur

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