The Countryside

I was invited by my sister-in-law this afternoon for an ocular inspection of some hectares of lot her friend is selling along a mountain. Although I was busy doing stuff in front of my PC, I decided to take my camera for a walk. ;-) The place we went to was really remote but we have researched that the area will be developed very soon. I've read in the newspaper two week ago that our government and a Japanese contractor already signed a contract to extend MRT from Edsa to San Jose del Monte. San Jose del Monte is a really big place but it's not developed. I did wonder why since it's very near Metro Manila. Now, I can smell development all around the place.

For now, let's visit the virgin mountain. I was greeted by this guy with a smile on my camera. Simply nice. You can see through him how life can be so simple and yet very happy. At this point, by the way, we have to walk and leave the pick-up truck somewhere out there. ;-)



I took like 20 shots of this guy on different angles since I have a homework re "man at work". I was going around the river for the right angle. :) I notice suddenly that the group I'm with is gone. Gotta catch up. It was kinda funny since after crossing the river and climbing a hill, there were three roads going to nowhere and I wonder where they are. I left my cellphone at home and I was thinking of shouting. But I feel no one will hear me or people who will hear me will just laugh at me. :-D So I just decided to go straight. Very remote. I crossed another river, ran over muddy hills, and good thing I found them. I wasn't wearing my slippers anymore since it was very slippery. But I did enjoy that. :)

We continued walking and I continued shooting.





Somewhere here, you'll see in the future about 200 hectares of MRT development and possibly another SM mall since Henry Sy has about 100 hectares here according to the realtor. There are also a lot of politicians with big names who own big properties here. No wonder... ;-)



While having a quick break, I continued looking for something interesting to shoot. Here it is. With God's perfect light, this guava will have to be a big star someday. ;-D



Here's a shot of the river on our way back...



I somehow didn't like the water in the river. Maybe because I experienced Coto Mines. :-D Looking forward of going into that place again someday. :)

Here's a very interesting subject I caught. A white gumamela. I'm not sure if it's very rare or maybe it's just me. :-D





Ok, it's 4 AM now. Time for bed. Goodnight. :)

Mom's Birthday

Mom celebrated her birthday the other night with only about ten guests in total. It was a simple celebration yet a very successful one. My wife and I went home from Bulacan to help her prepare for her big day. Our gift included going to the public market at 4 AM with her. It was one heck of a job since our body clock's sleeping time is 2 AM. ;-) We enjoyed the trip however. I should have bought my camera as well. Too many great subjects to shoot. :)

Everybody in the house were working the whole day for the few lucky guests. My wife cooked and prepared most of the food. Of course, it won't be complete if I won't have my camera with me to shoot what's cooking. This is something I'd like to share with our family members abroad. >:-) I think the meal was a complete range of around the world dishes. They're ALL delicious and cooked well! Pork Pocket paired with Mashed Potato, Crab in Oyster Sauce, Tanigue Steak, Italian Chicken Wings, Fettuccine, Fried Drumstick, Tokwa't Baboy, Sashimi and Crab Sticks (gift from a friend), and a bunch of Maki (also a gift). Fruits served were ripe mangos, Indian mangos with bagoong, ripe papaya, and pineapple. Dessert is Buko Pandan. Yummy. :) I remember we also bought BIG prawns but we decided to keep it for now. Too much already. :)












Food photography is one of the things I love doing. Food styling is another but it's not easy. I'd leave it to the food stylists.

Happy birthday, madir!

Something fishy

I miss shooting lately. I've been doing more work in front of my PC instead. Post processing photos, layouting wedding albums, surfing for new gadgets, YMing, reading blogs, youtube... the hardest part of the business! :-D But I'm already getting used to it. :) Good thing I was able to take a break last weekend when my wife and I toured her family to Subic's Ocean Adventure. It's their first time. Very busy businessmen. And it was my turn to enjoy the aquariums once again. :) I love shooting big aquariums. Beautiful subjects but very challenging. Very difficult task. Different lighting situations, lighting colors, and almost no lights. I pushed my camera and lense to the limit just to aim for sharp images. Well not really since I didn't go as far as ISO 1600 but I was able to managed some good shots. I'll do some ISO 1600 next time and maybe I'll get more great shots. I can't wait also to visit Singapore or Hongkong for their aquariums. Simply the best.







It's my second time to visit Ocean Adventure in two weeks time. I wonder how's Manila Ocean Park doing now. When my family and I visited the new place last March, we felt we just burned money. Nothing much to see unlike in Subic where you'll see a Dolphin show, a Sea Lion show, and more for the same price. There are also too much bubbles or dirt floating in MOP aquariums. I can't get clear images. I mean the water isn't "crystal clear". Although I would understand it's just new and needs more improvements perhaps. Here are some images I took...







See what I mean? Or maybe it's just me and wrong camera settings. ;-) I'll try again next time... if! :)