Remedy for a Dormant Hobby

I have been idle from my blogging and photography activities for the past months.  I think I have been idle for too long  and its time to rekindle my hobby and try to expand my limited photography experience-set.

Browsing thru the web, I encountered several photography activities that are quite interesting – Smoke and  Macro photography among others.  One thing that caught my interest was a studio-type photography activity, or maybe more like a mini-studio-type version.  I wanted to take a shot at this one knowing that: 1.) it is interesting 2.) it will provide an infinite opportunity to experiment with light and angles and 3.) it is a perfect base to jump-start other photography possibilities.  And so my quest in making my very own Light Box starts.

See, Taste & Feel | Dazzling Davao

Davao – The largest city on the island of Mindanao.  One of the most beautiful, progressive, liveable, friendliest, cleanest cities in the Philippines.  One of the safest cities in the country, it also features lush green forest, great attractions and a diverse culture.

We had the chance to have our first trip to the Mindanao region last June 12 to 15.  Our destination – Davao City.  Our official business was to attend our nephew’s Christening – Shawn Andrew’s welcoming to the Christian world.  And since it is our first trip to this part of the country, we also planned a handful of activities to do, sites to see and places to visit.  Definitely we will make the most out of this trip … our first trip to this beautiful part of the country.

Fashionista Week

Last May 24-29, 2010 Bacolod City celebrated its fashion week.  A week dedicated to showcase the talent and designs of local fashion artists from Ilo-ilo and Bacolod.

Erisa’s younger brother, Jayson, was one of the local models who featured the works and designs of these artists.  We got a chance to attend one of the fashion shows held at one of their venues, the Sugarland Hotel, last 25th of May.  That night’s show featured three local artists and their works.  I wasn’t familiar with the names and the personalities involved though, just went there to take some pictures.

A Trip Down South

Last 23rd of May, 2010, we decided to push thru with another road trip … another road trip, a step closer to complete our aim of touring the whole Negros island.  We’ve been thru the road to Dumaguete, thru Negros’ north road going South of San Carlos to Dumaguete City, travelling as far as Siaton to one of its best resorts - Antulang.

Now, its time to go South on the Occidental side … our destination? Sipalay!!

The trip started early … 4:30am we hit the road aiming to arrive in Sipalay early to maximize the day.  It was an overnight vacation, and we had to travel back to Bacolod before noon the following day.  It was a straight 3.5-hr drive to Sipalay, no stopovers, no rest.

Bacolod Revisited

My aunt Ester and her boyfriend, uncle Joe, arrived early afternoon in Bacolod-Silay airport.  Uncle Joe had to go to China for the expo 2010 and they decided to take a swing and visit the Philippines for several days before going to China.  A welcome break from their hectic schedule in Canada.

They stayed for a couple of days in Manila, going to places visiting scenic spots before they proceeded here in Bacolod.  They arrived at the airport at around 3:00pm and headed straight to my aunt’s house.  That night we went to the Resto bar at the Bacolod reclamation area for dinner.  Nice food, nice ambiance and nice songs to go along with the nice meal.  We spent the night chatting long after the meal before deciding to call it a day.

New Toys for the Big Boy

About a week ago I got hold of my new toys … three filters for my Canon SLR.  The new filters are not the expensive ones like your high quality Hoya, B+W, Cokin and the rest.  They are ordinary filters, cheap but hopefully they’ll do justice to their prices.

I don’t own a high-end SLR by the way, just an entry level Canon SLR (1000D) with its packaged 18-55mm EFS lens and a 55-250mm IS EFS lens.   And now, I have 3 additional toys to add to the list. 

I have been using the SLR for almost a year now.  Although I’m not as proficient like many photographers around, I’m using the SLR as most as I can to hopefully improve my skills.  I have found photography a fulfilling hobby.   Taking a great picture, a scene, an event, any subject and immortalizing it thru a near-perfect shot is just very fulfilling.  Having others appreciate your work is equally rewarding.

Tipon-Tipon

The Jardinico Clan Family Reunion held in Hda. Alejandria at my aunt’s place in La Carlota City. This was the family’s third reunion and my first to attend.

Held every first Sunday of April, this year’s Jardinico reunion was named Tipon-Tipon.  A gathering of the Jardinico families on my grandmother’s side.

It was a grand reunion for the Jardinico’s with about a 100 in attendance.  My grandmother had 8 siblings and all families were represented.  There were those who came a long way to attend the reunion – some from Manila, others from Calatrava and some are from Canla-on.

Negros Occidental in ‘Juan’ day

Panaad sa Negros festival.

Celebrated every summer (mostly after Holy Week), held at the Panaad grounds in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

It is a perfect venue to get a glimpse of what Negros Island has to offer – products, services, natural and man-made scenic spots and the likes.  Its a quick tour around Negros Island and the different beautiful municipalities and cities of Negros Occidental.

Destination: Sagay!!

 

It was one of the best Tuesdays … that was what it was …

We slept late, it was around 1:00 am, it was already Tuesday. Tried to get as much rest as I can as Tuesday will be a whole day of activity.

We did not have a definite plan to start with. We just have to find a place, a spot, a resort, a beach perhaps where we can spend the whole day relaxing.  It was a perfect day for an out of town activity; both of my sisters were on their rest days and my wife’s brother is here in Bacolod for his holiday vacation.

Canine Delight

Last 29th of January my siblings and I have finally decided to acquire a welcome addition to our family.

We have been planning on buying a dog since early of last year, and have spent hours in discussions on what to buy, where to put it and how to care for the dog.

After several lengthy discussions that spanned months, we have made our decision. We were going to raise a Bullmastiff pup. We decided that this breed offers the best option and advantage for the family. Big dog – which we all like, a short fur – less cumbersome to care and needs less grooming, and of course a loyal and great companion in the house. Perfect!