Tacloban Festival

During our last day in Tacloban, we were caught in the middle of a fiesta celebration. I think its a Sto. Nino Fiesta in Tacloban that they celebrate during the 29th day of June. Our scheduled trip to Naval, Biliran is at 12:30p.m. and we woke up early because my parents will have to go to church and I was left in the hotel room to watch over my brother. When my parents came back from the church, I went out and watched the parade being held on the streets of Tacloban. It was a very colorful fiesta celebration. Participants are dressed in different tribal costumes with complete props. I managed to take some shots of the parade. Taking pictures during this kind of event is one my dream. I really like this kind of scenario because you're not gonna have any problem with light conditions and also, colorful costumes will give your image a very fantastic mood. I can say it is a bit hard when you're gonna take pictures of marching people because everybody is moving. Sometimes you're lucky if the presentor will stop in front of you to pose but it rarely happens. When I started taking pictures I noticed that there are a lot of armed photographers waiting in line too. All of them are equipped with high end lenses and other accessories. I was a bit shy because I was only using a "hybrid" camera, not even close to a dSLR. Well anyway, I didn't really care about it because all I was thinking is to shoot and shoot the parade's participants. It was really fun taking pictures under the heat of the sun, I felt like I'm a pro too! Lol. Anyway, just take a look at some of my shots below.

The Social Network -- Facebook Movie

This morning, my father and I went to Gaisano Country Mall here in Cebu and I was looking at the Coming Soon movies and I was a bit curious about the movie they've posted "The Social Network". I thought it was some kind of a thriller film about people being stalked and killed by stranger online. Just recently, I was blog hopping and saw someone posting about the said movie. I was reading his blog post and there I knew that the movie I saw in the "Coming Soon" on the mall was all about how Mark Zuckerberg founded the social networking site, Facebook. It was mentioned that Justin Timberlake will be in the movie too but not to play as Mark Zuckerberg. It will be at the big screen on October 1, 2010. Just check out the trailer below.

HDR First Try

I'm really curious on how do people create a very wonderful image like HDR. I've seen photos and was really jealous on the way they post process the pictures. One of the thread created in Symbianize is all about photography. Forum members share their tips and tricks on photography and also showcase their wonderful images. A member posted some HDR photos on there and I asked some advise from him. He gave me StuckInCustoms tutorial about HDR. At first I thought HDR is very complicated but he proved me wrong. HDR is simple. You can create an HDR image in a few minutes as long as you have all the tools and of course, the patience and effort. I tried creating an HDR of my own and felt satisfied about my final images. I know I'm still not good at it but I also know that practice will make me good in creating an HDR image. That photo on the left is my very first HDR photo. Comments and suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks!

A Father's Day Special Post

I know its a bit late for me to create a post like this but I think its still worth it. I just want to say belated happy father's day to my father. I know I've been a pain in the ass for quite a bit now but I thank you for accepting me and for guiding me in every single day that the Lord have made. I know I'm not that expressive but just to let you know that I ain't no here without you, so Tatay, I love you and thank you.

Bird Shot

I really had a hard time taking pictures of a bird and when I was at Dauis Church in Bohol, I saw birds coming in and out of the cottage where we we taking a rest. I took the chance of taking a snapshot of this birds and I think this one here is the most clear and steady one.

Bohol and Siquijor Trip

I just got a few shots in Bohol and Siquijor because I don't have enough time. The boat docked at Bohol port and stayed there for only 4 hours and then we reached Siquijor 11pm. When we were at Bohol, I decided to step off the boat and go to the nearest vintage church that I know, Dauis Church. Inside the church is a fresh water well though the church is residing at the shoreline of Panglao Island. Stayed there for an hour maybe and then went back to the boat. The boat undocked Bohol Port and reached Siquijor late evening that Saturday. The next morning, the rain poured out the town of Larena so there's no chance for me to get out of our room and visit some places. After the rain, I went outside and visited some places in Larena, Siquijor. Here are some of the shots I took in BOhol and Siquijor.

 Back of Dauis Church

 Belltower behind Dauis Church

 Inside the church

Front view of the church

An old boat behind the church

Replica of the Dauis Church Belltower

Boat shot taken from the port of Bohol

An old bell near Larena Municipal Hall

One of the oldest Belltower in Siquijor

Worldwide Photowalk

I've never been to an event like this before. Meeting new people is not my type of game. I am not good in socializing but with this kind of event, I think I'm gonna have to forget all those negative traits and be confident to join this event. This is my chance of showing, learning and participating in an event for photographers. I know I'm not good and I still have a lot of things to learn in this field. Anyway, thank you to Nalen of Manilenya for sharing me this event. I signed up for the event and will wait for them to send me an email if I'm in or out. They will only accept 50 photographers and when I joined, there's only 7 slots left. Good thing I was able to sign up. :D

Cebu City Cathedral

After the Sto. Niño tour, I went to the nearby church which is the Cebu City Cathedral Church (I forgot its real name, I'm sorry). Anyway, I was really happy when I got there because everything seems to be perfect. The sky is very friendly and the lights of the church are very dramatic. Really had fun taking pictures of the church. Because of its beauty, people are starting to make it a park and at the same time, a lover's lane. Tsk tsk. Them guys should show respect to the place.

 Side View Shot of the Cathedral

Bell Tower

Kandol Bay!

I just took this photo awhile ago when I was at the Sto. Niño Church here in Cebu City. I was trying to rest in my bed when Nanay ask me to go to Sto. Niño to check if my brother is there. As you all know, we're still in search for my brother. Went inside the church to check but no signs of Kuya. Got tired of walking so I went nearby this candles. People are sincerely praying and offering candles to the good Lord.

Ring + Book = Heart

This shot was not actually my idea. I have already seen this shot before in someone else's blog (I'm sorry I forgot who you are) and the credit goes to her. I was just amazed of the concept forming the shadow into a heart shape. My father actually helped me with this one because he was the one holding the flashlight for the light effect. Thanks Tay! Thanks Nay also for the ring. Lol. Anyway, sooner or later, I might be using a ring for my future wife. :D

60KPH at SRP

Somewhere in SRP, Cebu, there's a place where travellers can take a rest and enjoy the panoramic view of Cebu Gulf. I went to that place after the Fort San Pedro shoot. Took some rest and still trying to play my camera. I don't know if we can consider this as a good urban shot or its just an ordinary picture. Well, anyway, I like this photo and I am sharing it to you.

Nipa Hut

I never really expected that this photo can be great. One of my fried really liked it. Its a very simple shot taken outside Red Stone Ville. We were all sleeping outside the guest room because there's no electricity and its too hot inside. I woke up early and after a few puff of cigs, grabbed my camera and start shooting nothing.

Kids at work

We were on our way to Tacloban City when we stopped at a Comelec Checkpoint. I was standing at the back of the multicab when I saw this two kids struggling to carry this woods that I suppose they'll be using for fire.

The Wood And The Circle Lightroom Edition

 Here's another version of The Wood And The Circle photo I've posted last May. Edited the photo using Adobe Lightroom 2.0. An online friend just taught me how to use it and gave me some presets for the Lightroom 2.0. Comparing the 2 pictures, I kinda like this photo. :D

Portrait: Julianne

I know I don't have my cousin's consent in putting this picture into my blog but I think this is an art of portrait photography. This is my first "guinea pig" in making portrait shots. I am still on the process of shooting portrait photos and still needs to practice. Even the post-processing part. I hope I'll learn a lot in this photo-journey.

Afternoon Moon Shot

I know to some, early-birdie moon showing at 5PM in the afternoon is normal but to me, its something that I appreciate much. I always wonder why the moon showed up too early sometimes. I hope this simple photo would make us realize how wonderful this world is.

Sunset shot at Naval Port Area

 Here's another photo for my Golden Hour collection. I just love to take pictures during this time. The light exposure is so perfect. I hope you'll like this shot.

The Wood and The Circle

We were at a beach one time and I saw this circular design in one of the cottage's stand. I don't really know why it took my attention but I was really interested in taking a snapshot of this part of the wood. So, here it is, one of my favorite.

Red Stone Ville Sunset

This shot was taken after a day of trip in 3 different falls in Biliran Province. Took it at Red Stone Ville or Pulang Bato. Everything seems to be perfect when I took this photo.

Sunset at Cebu Expressway

I don't really know what's the name of the place but its the expressway of Cebu going to Talisay City, I think. I'm not really certain. But yeah, that's the place where I took this photo. I was waiting for the sunset but it was hiding of those clouds so got nothing else to do but to just shoot and shoot.

Tree Trunks

It was during the election campaign period when I volunteered myself as the photographer of my Aunt's candidacy. We went to this far far away barrio to do the daily chores of a candidate, the house to house. What they do is they go to every single houses in the barrio and introduce themselves to let the people know that they are running for this certain position. While we were having a rest, I saw this line of trees in front of me and it looks like they are so even. You can actually pass through in the middle of this trees. I like the setup and I like to take a shot. So here it is!

I want a Raynox Lens

Lens is one of the most essential part of a camera. With my FZ30, it does have a 35-420mm, and it works perfectly fine with me. I can be able to take pictures in my satisfaction. But there's a "but", sometimes, I can't take pictures that are out of range. Pictures that are too far are not so clear anymore. So I thought I'll have to buy a lens for my camera. The FZ30 is not an SLR. The lens is fixed and built in so its really hard for me to find a lens. Good thing is when I googled a lens for my camera, I found the Raynox lens that are specially built for my camera model. I checked their website and it has a macro lens, telephoto and a wide angle lens available for my camera. There's a Singaporean website selling Raynox lenses and I inquired about it. The macro lens is about Sing$100 something or 3,300Php and the telephoto for about Sing$390 or 12,700Php. Both are expensive for me now since I already resigned from my job but I'll have to save money for this lenses. I badly need those lenses specially the telephoto. For now, I can't buy those lenses yet but soon enough, I'm sure I'll be owning those lenses.

Fort San Pedro Cebu

               Last night I stumbled upon this blog dedicated to Cebu City named Cebu City Photos. I was checking some of his photos and it was cool. I'm here in Cebu for more than 2 weeks now and I'm still on the process of familiarizing the places here. The blog has been a very big help to me specialy in discovering new and exciting places here in Cebu. I saw one of his post about the Fort San Pedro here in Cebu and I was excited about it. When it comes to historical places here in the Philippines, I'm always go with it. So I decided to go to the place and try to check everything about it. When I got there, I immediately went inside but the problem is theres's a wedding reception being held inside. I went back outside and try to observe the people coming in and out. While waiting outside, I was talking to an old man outside selling key chains and offering paid photographs to the tourists. If I'm not mistaken, his name is Mang Victor. Mang Victor has been working in the area for about 15 years now. Mang Victor told me that it is OK to get inside the Fort. I went inside the Fort and asked the receptionist and she let me in but will have to pay 30Php for the entrance fee. The lower ground has been restricted because of the wedding reception and the only place allowed to the tourists are the upper level. It was really nice inside. I tried thinking the history of the place and realized that life before is very simple. People doesn't have cellphones, camera, laptops, electricity and other basic needs that the new civilization is enjoying. I think I can't live their life. I'm so used to the modern world. I had a great experience inside the Fort San Pedro and will discover more exciting places here in Cebu. Next stop? Taoist Temple!

Creating a collage in Picasa 3

Creating a collage is not too easy for me before. I really had a problem creating a collage. I'm using Picasa that has a built in collage maker but the problem is that I can't figure out how to fix the alignments of the pictures. I was browsing online when I stumbled upon the Funtography blog teaching how to create a collage in Picasa 3. I checked on it and I felt like I'm so dumb because creating a collage in Picasa was too easy that even an elementary student can do it. Good thing I was patient of reading her blog and following the instructions until I was able to create my first collage. I was planning to make the background color as black but I noticed that my Half Moon Shot has a black background. So I decided to change the color into something else and here's the result. I hope you guys like my simple collage. I'll continue creating more of collage and I think creating a collage of the set of photos you have can be an elegant way of showcasing your photos into a single post than putting multiple images in a post.

The Real Itchyworm

This shot was taken when I was still at Talustusan, Naval Biliran Province. It was noon time when I decided to go outside and enjoy the fresh air in our backyard. There's this bamboo bed under a tree which is good for relaxation. I brought my camera when I went there. I was sitting on that bed for almost an hour until I saw something crawling on the side bars of the bed. It was a worm and not just an ordinary worm, its an itchyworm. I don't know what's the name of this worm but yeah, this worm's gonna make you itch to death. If you happen to touch the worm then you're dead. Its really itchy and the itch won't be gone easily. The bad thing is its not only one, there's a lot of them. Its like their whole population is swarming the tree and the bamboo bed. It is indeed a beautiful worm but its too dangerous. What I did is I just took a picture of it and leave the tree and promised not to go back to that tree again. I asked my cousin to burn some leaves below the tree to let this worm leave. I'll be back in Talustusan soon and I hope this worms won't be there again. I hate them.

Scratch Machine

A while ago, my mother asked me if she can play a game on my laptop for the reason that she can't sleep without playing. I gave her the laptop and I got bored waiting for her to finish playing those crazy plants throwing beans to zombies. While waiting, I grabbed my camera and took some shots inside the room. I saw this scratching device of my father lying on the table so I decided to make it my subject for the day. I know I'm not really good in setting the correct angle but I think this one has been positioned properly. Tomorrow will be a brand new day and I still don't know what to shoot. I'm planning to go outside and go to I.T. Park and see what's the next subject there.

Dead Trees

I got bored in our farm so I decided to go outside and see if there's something interesting outside. While walking in the backyard, I saw this two dead trees that still standing. Global warming might have caused this trees to die. Too bad. I took a shot of it and the result was good. I know its so simple. I'm still a noob in the photography field. I'm not good in angling. Not good in checkig the light conditions. All that I do is to shoot and shoot until I learn some new tricks. I like the simplicity of this shot and I hope ya'll like it too.

Sunset at Talustusan, Naval

My Mothey kept on bragging about this beautiful scenery in our new farm in Naval, Biliran Province. She kept telling me about the view, the air and the sunset. Due to my curiousity, I waited for the sunset there to capture it and tell the world how beautiful it is based on my Mother's opinion. I waited from 4:00pm until the sunset showed up. At first, I was really disappointed because it was a bit cloudy but when 5:30pm came, the sun was so clear and so bright. It took me how many shot to capture it corretly. Tried serveral settings on the focal length and the shutter. I think this one is the best for me.  I like it very much. The sun is hiding now at the back of the Higatangan Island. It is very beautiful. This is my first sunset shot with my FZ30. I hope ya'll like it.

Half Moon

Last weekend, I was asked by my father to go to Naval, Biliran and deliver my uncle's supply of paper in his business. I took the boat going to Naval and just like the old days, its always night time when taking the boat. I was in the middle of my "siesta" when suddenly, I woke up because of waves banging our Ro-Ro. It wasn't really fun at all. Anyway, I saw this half moon watching at us so I immediately took my camera and take a couple of shots. Its hard to take a picture of it because the boat is shaking. Anyway, its one good experience.

Magellan's Cross

This is one of the famous landmark in Cebu City. The Magellan's Cross is located at the back of Sto. Nino Cathedral and at the front of the Cebu City Hall. I went there alone and was guided by my navigator. Good thing my phone's navigator is very accurate. Nothing's different in the cross today and the cross on the first time I visited it because we were told before that this cross grows taller and taller each year but I think its just an urban legend. I had a hard time taking this picture because there's a lot of tourist during my visit. Devotee around the area are selling candles for you to pray to the cross.

Mactan Bridge I

I have a friend from Davao who is currently working here in Cebu. We met once because I'd like to show him my new toy and also, to ask some advice from him about the basics of photography. His name is Raymund or others call him Bon, owner of RabPhotography. Raymund is a good friend of mine way back in Davao and he taught me a lot of things when it comes to computer, photography and other stuff. I asked him once if where are the good spots here in Cebu to take pictures, he advised me to try the Mactan Bridge. I went to Mactan Bridge and took some shots of it. The image above has been cropped to remove some unnecessary objects in the picture. This is the Mactan Bridge I and I never thought that Mactan Bridge II is way better than the I. Mactan Bridge II has a park beside it when I cross it on my way to Naval. Well, next time I'll try to go there and take some shot of the Mactan Bridge II.

Sto Nino Cathedral Tower

This is the Sto Nino Cathedral Tower or the Basilica Del Sto. Nino in Cebu City.

Pizza Stand

We were eating at Don Henrico's one afternoon to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. I got frustrated in taking a picture of this pizza stand and fortunately, I found one good angle and I hope you all like it. :)

Macro Wild Grass

This macro shot here was taken in a mountain resort in Boso-Boso, Antipolo, Rizal Province. I bought a lens for my mobile phone and one of them is a lens for macro. Playing with that lens resulted me this picture.

Street Lamp at MOA

This street lamp was taken at the back of Mall Of Asia. It was one tiring afternoon when I decided to go to MOA to unwind. I went there all by myself and carried my phone with me, as always. The thing that I like the most in MOA is the view at the back. There's like a park and playgrounds for kids. During night time, bars are starting to cater people. I used my phone when I took this photo, the noise are so visible. Tsk tsk.

Lily from Mall of Asia

I took this shot somewhere inside the Mall of Asia. I was with my cousin coz I accompanied here because she's buying some stuff for her vacation in Manila. We pass through this flower shop at the ground floor of MOA and I was looking at it to check if there's something that I could buy for my girlfriend. The flowers are beautiful and lovely. I took pictures of it and this one is my favorite. I liked it so much because of its color. I like the color white. Most of my shirts are white. Aside from the color, I also like the flower itself. My cousin said that its a lily. I don't know if it is indeed from a lily. I don't care, I just like it.

Mirrored vase

I was applying for a job last year and while waiting at the recruitment area, I saw this flower base sitting at the top of a glass table. The vase's reflection at the table was so clear so I decided to take a snap of it using my phone. When I checked the result, it was so cool because the glass seems to be disappearing. I just hope they won't sue me for taking picture inside their lobby. If they do, I don't know what to do! Haha. Anyway, back in the picture, I know the color is dull but I simply like it. I am also practicing the Rule of Thirds here and I hope I made it right. The noise are again visible but I think that's the disadvantage of using a mobile phone. I still need to practice more and learn a lot in the Photography field.

Figure Angels

I got this shot from our ancestral house in Naval, Biliran province. I was playing with my cousin's point-and-shoot camera and took this photo. Was really amazed by the colors of the figurins so I shoot it.