Share the Holidays

Domo shares his peppermint choc brownie to you. Hope you share your holidays to others as well, especially your loved ones. The season of giving is not just for presents wrapped in ribbons and glossy paper. Give your time. Share your love.

Happy holidays! :)

Old Church

Teddy Sanctuary

I haven't been active here lately because I haven't been able to take pictures for a while. So I told myself to shoot anything this morning because I missed handling my camera.

I woke up great this morning after a few days of not feeling well. Thank God! ^^


This is my current sanctuary for sleep. (We tend to sleep wherever whenever in the house lately. So I got back to sleeping in my old room though I and my stuff don't necessarily stay there.) I like how the curtain's color reflects the sunlight. Perhaps I look like a sepia overtone when I wake up in the morning in this room.





Teddies and other stuff toys guard the sanctuary. I even played with Ger (the bear) and the curtain in this shoot. I think he liked it. (Ger I mean.)



***

There's no place like home whatever it may look like, how quirky or chaotic the people around you may be. It's still the sweetest place on earth.



Yeah, I know there are homes that aren't so sweet like the others. I know because mine isn't that sweet too. Nevertheless, we should love our home, our family, our sanctuary. Our home is where we can find utmost peace in ourselves.

Good night and sweet dreams! xoxo ^^

Magsilbi Kang Liwanag (Be the Light)

Naalala ko sa temang Liwanag ng Litratong Pinoy ngayong linggo ang kwento ng isang posporo at ang mensahe nito: Ang liwanag na matagal na nating hinahanap ay nasa mismong mga sarili natin.

***

Because of this week's theme, Light , in LItratong Pinoy, I remembered the story of a matchstick and its vital message: The light that we desperately search for is already within us.

Tech Tags: digital photography, chandelier, lights

To the Beat of the Drum

Either you dance to the beat of others or make your own. Choose wisely.

Happy weekend. ^^

Larawang Kupas (Faded Photographs)

Si G. Nasser Pangilinan ay isang respetadong litratista at manunulat sa Manila Times. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na pakinggan ang kanyang mga saloobin ukol sa tradisyunal at makabagong teknolohiya ng potograpiya. Ang larawang hawak niya ay kanyang sariling kuha noon pang dekada '70. Nasa tibay ng papel na pinaglimbagan ng litrato ang pagpapanatili ng kuhang ito sa tagal ng panahon. Ako'y napamangha at humanga sa maraming litratistang nagpatuloy sa pagmamahal ng potograpiya kahit pa noong panahong higit sa isang "click" ang isang litrato.

Ito ang aking lahok para sa tema ng Litratong Pinoy ngayong linggo: Luma Na.

***

Mr. Nasser Pangilinan is a respectable photographer and journalist in Manila Times. I had the chance to hear his thoughts on the traditional and new technologies in photography. The photo that he is holding was taken in the 70s. The durability of the paper keeps the print through the ages. I am at awe and admiration to the many photographers who pursued their passion in photography even at the time when a picture was more than just a click away.

This is my entry for Litratong Pinoy's theme this week: Luma Na (Old Already).

What the World Needs Now

Sing with me now:
What the world needs now is love sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of.

Sigh. That Carpenters song is so true. That's my sister's back btw. Hehe. She posed for me because she's proud of their school shirt.

Four You and Me

Happy 4th monthsary! And we're not only celebrating my four months in photoblogging but also Galleria Neri's achievement of PR4! Yay! Cheers to all!

I just wanna take this opportunity to thank all of you guys who continue reading and anticipating the posts here. I'm really sorry if I haven't updated regularly like before because I am not able to shoot pictures as I did back then. Rest assured, I'm still continuing with this blog even if I have my own domain.

Sorry for the pic because I took this using my cellphone again as I wasn't carrying my digicam at the time my friends and I ate over Grill 99 in Pampang, Angeles City. The shot didn't capture the sumptuous dish but here are 4 bacon-wrapped chicken pieces surrounding the mashed potato for us to share. Yes, those are mango slices on top. ^^ Mangan! (Let's eat!) :)

Tech Tags: digital photography, Grill 99, Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga, bacon, chicken, mango, mashed potato, dish, dinner,

A Play on Innocence

ito ang bagong panganak na sanggol na walang kamalay-malay sa mundong ginagalawan,
walang kamuwang-muwang sa laban ng mga puti at itim na puwersang
patuloy ang digmaan hanggang siya'y lumaki at magkaisip.

Ito ang aking lahok para sa linggong ito sa Litratong Pinoy. Andito pa ang ibang mga lahok para sa temang 'Itim at Puti.'

***

a newborn baby unaware of the world he's in,
innocent from a war of white and black,
continuously fighting till he grows into being.

This is my entry for Litratong Pinoy this week. Here's more from the theme 'Black and White.'

Tech Tags: digital photography, newborn, baby

Put Your Head on My Shoulder

I love hankies. They're a comfort to my empty hand.

However there's a superstition or a belief (I don't know where it came from actually) that you shouldn't give a hankie as a gift because it symbolizes tears therefore the recipient would have more time to cry, more time to grieve on sad stuff.

But we can altercate that by saying, we're giving a hankie so she (girls are more prominent weepers) can wipe away her tears. We're lending a friendly gesture, a shoulder to cry on. I think it's very sweet whenever I see someone cry and a friend offers his/her own hankie. That's a very personal moment indeed. (Except when the hankie looks overused and you-know-what. Hahaha.)

Good evening! Wipe away those tears and smile. :)

Go for the Gold

Lahok ni Neri sa Litratong Pinoy para sa temang "Ginintuan." English translation below.

Sa katunayan ay hindi naman ginto yan, di po ba? Subalit ang mga medalya naming magkapatid ang siyang ginintuang simbolo ng lahat ng paghihirap ng aming mga magulang. :)

Maligayang paglilitrato, mga kapatid! Pasensya na sa maikling post dahil may pasok pa bukas. Hehehe.

***

Neri's entry in Litratong Pinoy's theme for this week, "Ginintuan" [Golden].

Actually this isn't gold, isn't it? Nevertheless the medals my sister and I achieved are the golden symbols of all our parents' hardships and sacrifices. :)

Happy shooting, my friends! Sorry for the short post because there's still work tomorrow. Hehehe.

Tech Tags: digital photography, gold medal

BackFireWorks

These are my first (poor) shots as I've said in my personal blog. Anyway, the obvious lesson here is try and try until you... get the best shot. ^^ (Well, that's my secret in photography. If that's a secret. Hahaha.)

The Bag, The Watch and The Foot

The title explains itself. Hahaha. XD

This is the result of plunging yourself into a throng of people then thinking that it's not worth it. ^^

Inside Oktoberfest 120

More pics and stories at my personal blog, Never Ending Resolve. ;)

Alone Time

Update: I only noticed now that it's published that it's actually my header, ei? Hahaha. Nice. :D

***

Sorry for this pic because it was only taken using my cellphone so I tweaked a little on the brightness and contrast. ^^

This was taken in Mimosa Leisure Park while I was waiting for a jeep ride. I've always wanted to take a shot on this lone bench and tree (but from a different perspective) since the moment I first saw it on my interview day (before I got the job, of course). However, I don't bring along my camera to work because I'm still shy to get it out and shoot on the grounds.

Hopefully, someday I'd get the courage and the chance to take my dream shot here. Happy weekend, guys! :)

Tech Tags: digital photography, Mimosa Leisure Park, Clarkfield, Pampanga

An Open Hate Letter

Ner's entry in Litratong Pinoy's theme this week, "Ayaw Ko" [I Don't Like]. English translation below.



Mahal kong Ipis,

Huwag mo sanang personalin pero ayaw kita. (Kahit na sinabi ko pang Mahal na Ipis kanina, huwag mong pansinin yun.)

Una, ayaw ko kapag lumilipad ka ng walang sabi-sabi at natatakot akong dumapo ka sa'kin. Mas malala ka pa sa bangaw.

Ikalawa, ayaw ko kapag bigla kang kakaripas ng takbo sa balat ko. Akala mo lambing para sa'yo pero hindi sa'kin.

At ikatlo, ayokong hinahalikan mo ko sa pagtulog ko at kinabukasa'y namamaga na ang talukap ng aking mata o kaya'y nguso.

Please lang, layuan mo ko. Lalo na pa't di ka tukso.

Nagmamahal,
Ner XD

***

My dearest Cockroach,

Don't treat this as a personal vendetta but I hate you. (Even if I used endearment in the greeting, don't mind that.)

First, I hate it when you fly around without permission and I fear that you'd fly towards me. You're worse than a big fat fly.

Second, I hate it when you suddenly run over my skin. It might be your way of showing affection but it's not for me.

And third, I hate it when you kiss me when I'm asleep then I wake up the next day with an inflamed eyelid or upper lip.

Please leave me alone. I beg of you.

Lovelots,
Ner XD

Tech Tags: digital photography, cockroach, pest

Someone's Waiting for You

Okay with this picture, this childhood song came into mind...

Be brave little one
Make a wish for each sad little tear
Hold your head up though no one is near
Someone's waiting for you

Don't cry little one
There'll be a smile where a frown used to be
You'll be part of a love that you see
Someone's waiting for you

Always keep a little pray'r in your pocket
And you're sure to see the light
Soon, there'll be joy and happiness
And your little world will be bright
Have faith little one
'Til your hopes and your wishes come true
You must try to be brave little one
Someone's waiting to love you

Mall of Asia

I went to Mall of Asia last Saturday to meet with friends and it was actually my fourth visit there.

First was when we watched Ghost Rider care of our previous company. I wasn't even able to roam around because of the sole purpose of watching the movie then going home. Bummer, yeah.

Second was an out-of-the-blue invitation from Lain because he was so bored in his dorm. Prick and I travelled a long way just so he won't get bored. It was also my first time then to eat Krispy Kreme and watch IMAX. I'm okay for a second round of Krispy Kreme (especially if they get it here in Pampanga first) but not for IMAX (unless I'm watching in 3D na). It was Prick's fault for fooling us to watch coz he had a free ticket! I flushed out Php350 for a 2D I am Legend. Dam dam dam.

Third was after the IT Heroes event in the SMX Convention Center and it was my time to ask Lain if we could eat dinner there.

MOA hurt my feet last Saturday. Hehe. It was beautiful looking at those overhead domes, until it rained and the crew started mopping inside. Hehe. Pity there was no sunset to check on because of the drizzle. So my friends and I played arcade instead. XD

The World is Not Large Enough

The world is not large enough to contain our ideas, our ideals, our dreams. Dream big, as what David Cook sang. Conquer the world.

Tech Tags: digital photography, Mall of Asia (MOA), Manila, globe

Princess on a Leaf

Sorry for the rice on the top. We were about to eat lunch on the banana leaf when I thought I wanted to take the banana's pic on the banana leaf. Banana on banana, ei? ;)

That's a senyorita banana taken from my uncle's mini-field. (Sorry, I don't know how to type the 'enye' :S)

I can't find a thought-provoking analogy here so I'm off to enduring another PMS attack. :(

Ciao and have a happy week ahead, guys! ;)

Tech Tags: digital photography, senyorita, banana

China?

Looks like china but is it? Click image for its true color. ;)

This is an example of the adage: Don't judge a book by its cover.

We can apply two different analogies with this...

One, not all that glitters is gold. (Which is actually another adage. Hehe.)

Two, for something to be special, you have to believe that it's special. (From Kung Fu Panda! Just to connect my fave line. XD)

Tech Tags: digital photography, accessories, headband,bangles, quotations, Kung Fu Panda

Galleria Neri Kicks Ass!

I am really touched with my blogging friends F&F and Emcee for giving me this award. I heart you both. Mwahugs. ^^

Before I continue with this tag, let me just clear things out that I don't really curse. Hehe. :D

Do you know any bloggers that kick ass?

Maybe they’ve got incredible, original content. Or they’re overflowing with creativity. Is it someone that helps you become a better blogger? Or a bloggy friend you know you can count on? Or maybe it’s someone who simply inspires you to be a better person… or someone else who sends you to the floor, laughing your ass off.

Whatever the reason may be, I’m sure you know at least a couple of bloggers that kick ass. Well…why not tell ‘em so?

LOVE ON ‘EM
* Choose 5 bloggers that you feel are “Kick Ass Bloggers”
* Let ‘em know in your post or via email, twitter or blog comments that they’ve received an award
* Share the love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to www.mammadawg.com
* Hop on back to the Kick Ass Blogger Club HQ to sign Mr. Linky then pass it on!

Grab code’s below - don’t forget to link up the person who nominated you for the Kick Ass Blogger Club.

(150px Width)
<a href="”http://www.mammadawg.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html”" mce_href="”http://www.mammadawg.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html”" target="”_blank”" title="”MammaDawg”"><img alt="”Kick" src="”http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m407/mammadawg/Award_150px.jpg”" mce_src="”http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m407/mammadawg/Award_150px.jpg”" /></a>
(200px Width)
<a href="”http://www.mammadawg.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html”" mce_href="”http://www.mammadawg.com/2008/08/kick-ass-blogger-award.html”" target="”_blank”" title="”MammaDawg”"><img alt="”Kick" src="”http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m407/mammadawg/Award_200px.jpg”" mce_src="”http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m407/mammadawg/Award_200px.jpg”/" /></a>

Ok, here's my turn to kick other asses. Hehe. I'm kicking...

1. Retarded's Notebook. He never fails to make me laugh. And I need to have a dose of laughter everyday. (Well, who doesn't?) What I like with Alex is that his sense of humor has sensibility. ;) (Alex, you owe me big time with this compliment. Hahaha.)

2. Damuhan. Again, another blog that makes me smile, laugh, and still appreciate my being Filipino. Arvin is also the Idol Blog '08 Winner for its second week. :)

3. The Fab and The Furious. Despite having received this award already, I can't help but include them in this list because I really love F&F's informative and fab blog! Plus I'm a fan of their loveteam. ^^

4. All Best of the Philippines. I really admire people who blog about their hometowns or even their motherland, especially Filipinos like Arjay who constantly provides us with bits and pieces of Filipino culture and heritage. Filipinos unite! ^^

5. All Knowing Superboi. Superboi is the epitome of the term "Kick Ass", methinks. Hehe. She's not the girl next door who's cutesie and artsie. She's mean-spirited when she wants to and I love her "adikness". I like people who are true to their skin and Superboi is no plastic. Uh-uh.

So there you go, I've done my part of the kicking. Go, kick some ass! Make a difference. Peace out! \0/

Abracadabra

Lahok ni Neri sa Litratong Pinoy para sa temang 'Ako'.

Maligayang LP muli, mga kaibigan! Pasensya na at hindi ako nakaabot nung 2 huling linggo dahil sa kapaguran mula sa trabaho.

Eto ako... este ang aking kamay na lumiliwanag nang dahil sa settings ng aking cellphone. Ito ang pinaka-simbolo ng aking pagkatao kumpara sa ibang parte ng aking katawan (hindi naman sa inaapi ko ang ibang parte).

Ang aking kamay ang nagbibigay-buhay sa aking kaisipan. Nagsusulat ng aking mga likhang tula at kwento. Tumitipa ng aking mga posts sa blog at nagcocode ng program sa aking trabaho. Pumipindot ng camera para makuha ang kagandahan at katotohanan ng buhay. Humihimas sa nilalamig kong pusa. (Hehehe.) Umaalalay sa aking mga mahal sa buhay. Umaabot sa mga simpleng pangarap na makatulong sa kapwa. :)

***

Neri's entry in Litratong Pinoy for the theme 'Ako (Me)'.

Here I am... err, my psychedelic hand because of my cellphone settings. This can be the very symbol of myself compared to my other body parts (no offense to the other parts).

My hands are the extensions of my mind. To write my poems and stories. To type my blog posts and code my programs at work. To click the camera in order to capture life's beauty and truth. To pet my freezing cat. (Hehehe.) To care for my loved ones. To reach my simple dreams of helping my fellowmen. :)

Identity Crisis

Sorry but the image didn't capture the exact color the stuff toy really was because it was just taken with my phone. The green turned out yellow. As it is, I have to tell you that the cat looked like a turtle when I saw it in the department store.

We think we know ourselves fully but it's not really the case. Sometimes we have spots that we overlook and most of the time, we forget that life is really a journey towards ourselves. ;)

Good night, everyone! ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, stuffed toy, department store

Tampisaw sa Dalampasigan (Wade for Me on the Shore)

(Read English translation below.)
Pahabol na lahok para sa temang Dalampasigan sa Litratong Pinoy ngayong linggo.

Isa ito sa mga pinakaunang kuha ko noong wala pa akong camera. Dalawang taon na ang nakalilipas mula nang kunan ko ito sa isang dalampasigan sa Olongapo. Hiniram ko lang ang digicam ng ka-opisina kong si Art habang di nya ito ginagamit. Paborito ko kasi ang dagat kahit di ako marunong lumangoy. Kaya dapat kong kunan ng litrato ang mahal kong alon. Hehehe.

Na-post ko na ito sa dati kong personal blog na From the Eyes of a Wanderer. Ibabahagi ko na lang dito ang isinulat ko doon.

pangarap ko na dating makarating sa karagatan at panoorin lang ang pagsalpok ng alon sa dalampasigan...

nakamit ko ang pangarap na iyon nang pumunta kami sa gapo...

hindi ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na lumangoy o magpalutang man lang sa dagat dahil sa kakaunting oras ng aming pamamalagi. nanatili akong nakatayo sa may dalampasigan habang unti-unting hinihintay ang papataas na along dumampi sa aking mga binti.

sa umpisa'y marahang dumarating ang mga alon... napapayapa ang aking kalooban sa pagmasid sa kanilang pagdating. gusto kong maging isa sa kanila... palayo sa mundo ng mga komplikasyon, ng mga problema.

palapit ako nang palapit sa kanila, hanggang sa umabot na ang tubig sa ibabaw ng aking tuhod. lumalakas na rin ang pagdating ng mga alon, tumataas ang tubig na pilit umaakyat sa aking mga binti.

kung sanang ganoon na lamang kasimple ang buhay... payapa, walang iniinda, walang alintana...
ngunit may tumawag sa akin na nagbalik sa akin sa kasalukuyan... sa katotohanan..

tara, uwi na tayo...

***

A "catch-up" entry for the theme Dalampasigan [Shore] in Litratong Pinoy for this week.

This is one of my earliest shots when I still didn't have a camera. Two years have passed since I took this picture at a shore in Olongapo. I just borrowed my officemate Art's digicam while he wasn't using it at that time. I love the sea despite not knowing how to swim so I needed to photograph my beloved waves. Hehehe.

I posted this already in my defunct personal blog, From the Eyes of a Wanderer. I'd like to share what I wrote there.

It has always been a dream of mine to go to the beach and watch the waves hit the shore.

That dream came into reality when we went to Olongapo.

I didn't have the chance to swim or just even bob in the sea because we only had a few hours left before leaving. I kept standing on the shore while waiting for the rushing waves to embrace my legs.

At first the waves were gentle... I was pacified just by seeing them coming. I wanted to be one with them... away from the world full of complications, full of problems.

Eventually I came nearer and nearer to them, until the water reached above my knees. The current was also getting stronger, the water climbing up my legs.

If only life were that simple... peaceful, no worries, no anxieties...
But someone called for me to come back to the present... to reality...

Let's go home...

The True Gift of Joy

The true gift of joy is given to the giver rather than the receiver. Happiness is so generous that when you give it, you receive it as well. Happy giving, everyone. ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, aetas, girls, gift giving, Pampanga, charity

Little As You Are

As little as each santan flower may seem, when bunched up they compose a bigger flower. So as each little kindness we do, when taken as a whole makes the world a better place to live in.

The pink santan flowers are lovingly dedicated to Emcee, one of my dearest blogging sisters. Despite us not seeing and knowing each other, she has touched my life with her sweetness. Happy birthday, sis! ^^

PS. I would also like to congratulate my twin sis blogger Enday (we also don't know each other actually) for getting the Idol Blog this week. Yay! Go, kambal! ^^

PS2. Sorry, but I was busy for the past few days, thus I haven't had the time to update. Will also need to re-post most of the entries for the new layout. Sheesh, lots of work, so little time. Hehe.

Tech Tags: digital photography, santan, pink

Till the Last Rose Dies

What do I do, I keep calling out your name
What do I do, I got no one else to blame
What do I do, Every time I hold your hand, it's not the same
What do I do, I think I fell in love with you


Read What Do I Do lyrics

Please play the accompanying OPM song, "What Do I Do", from Nyoy Volante. FYI to my international friends, Nyoy is a famous acoustic singer here in the Philippines.

I remember this sad story that I read from a text message:
A guy gives her girl 12 roses, eleven real and one fake. You see, the guy is about to die when he told her: "I will love you till the last one dies." *sob*

*sigh* I miss falling in love. Haha. XD

Tech Tags: digital photography, white plastic roses, sad love story, What Do I Do, Nyoy Volante, acoustic, Mannos, OPM, song, music

Iced Gems

Good evening, everyone! If you haven't yet noticed, voting for Idol Blog '08 has officially closed for its second week.

Arvin of Damuhan emerged as the winner as we are all expecting. Hehe. Meanwhile kambal Enday and I bagged the second and third place, respectively. I'm so happy with the results for I consider them both my blogger friends. ^^

Thanks to everyone who participated - the contestants for the friendly competition, Marky of Tiklaton for hosting a successful event, and of course the 1005 votes that came from you all who supported and cheered for your respective candidate.


I am ever-grateful to everyone who constantly voted for me and those who even campaigned for my blogs. (Blogs because my personal blog NER was also nominated in another contest for the same week. Whew! Update: It won the customized layout contest! Yay! ^^) The iced gems above are for your sweet efforts that I won't forget. I am deeply touched with the support. Hugs and kisses to you all. ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, sweets, Idol Blog 08, Damuhan, Enday, Tiklaton

Luntiang Lumot (Moss Green)

Maligayang Litratong Pinoy (LP), mga kapatid! Bago ko umpisahan ang lahok kong ito, nakikiusap lang po ako na sana suportahan ninyo ako sa kasalukuyang botohang nagaganap para sa Idol Blog '08. Maaari po lamang na pakiboto ang Galleria Neri sa poll sa kanang sidebar. Salamat po! Kung gusto nyo pong bumoto araw-araw hanggang July 19, hindi ko po kayo pipigilan. Hehehe.

Happy Litratong Pinoy (LP), brothers and sisters! Before I start this entry, I would just like to ask for your support in the current election that's happening for Idol Blog '08. If you could just vote Galleria Neri in the poll at the right sidebar. Thanks! If you like to vote everyday till July 19, I won't stop your good purpose. Hehehe.



Para sa aking ikalimang lahok sa LP sa temang Luntian, eto po ang lumot sa aming hardin. Literal na moss green kumbaga. Yun lang po. Bow. Hehehe. Speechless ako ngayon eh. (At kung may oras pa po kayo, kung maaari din lang po na pakiboto rin ang blog kong NER sa CarlotaOnline. Hindi ko rin po kayo pipigilan na iboto ito araw-araw hanggang July 19 din. Maraming maraming salamat po!) :D

For my fifth LP entry in today's theme Green, here's moss from our garden. Literal moss green. Bow. Hehehe. I'm speechless right now. (And if you still have time, if you can please vote for my blog NER at CarlotaOnline. I won't stop you from voting there everyday till July 19 also. Many thanks!) :D

An Ordinary Night

No ghosts have been summoned for this picture. (I hope so. ^^')

That's just my ordinary frontyard taken on an ordinary night. The shot was so ordinary so I tried to tweak it using a slow shutter speed and a little movement. So there.

Is it eerie? Or just dizzy? Hehe.

When bored with the ordinariness of life, we should remember that we are the key to extraordinariness.

May you live an extraordinary life. ;)

Que Sera Sera

When I was just a little girl,
I asked my mother what will I be
Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?
Here's what she said to me:

Que sera sera, Whatever will be will be
The future's not ours to see, Que sera sera
If you will notice there are two girls in the picture, one clinging to his father on a bike and one overlooking the street while in an SUV. (Is that an SUV? I'm no good with autos. Hehe.)

But when they grow up, who will succeed?

Ahhh, a cobweb of possibilities. :D

Pliant Like the Bamboo

I.V. Mallari likened the Filipino people to the bamboo in his poem "Pliant Like the Bamboo." (However I can't find a copy of it now. Sorry.)

The Filipino character is similar to the bamboo because it has flexibility, endurance, and harmony with nature. It bends with the wind, but can survive a storm. Just like the bamboo, the Filipino nation goes along with the forces of nature and politics. It copes with "fate" rather than fights against it. The Filipino mind is pliant in the sense that it is open to new ideas. Although the Filipino is trusting, he is also capable of standing up for his own beliefs. He will not tolerate betrayal and oppression. Filipinos in general are protective of their hard-won independence, and they will fight for their freedom at all costs.

Source: Philippine Islands

I truly agree that the coping mechanism of Filipinos is like the bamboo. Though sometimes are coping becomes "forgetting." Comment stops here. Hehe.

Tech Tags: digital photography, bamboo, Filipinos

It's A Small World After All

When you think that you're so small to take on the world, you have to realize that there are little things that you still can do to make a difference. ;)

Happy Sunday, guys! Please do support me by voting this blog in the poll at the right side. Thanks so much! Mwah! ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, Fil-Am Fest Exhibit: Replica Maritime and Aviation, airplanes, SM Clark, small boy

Uncommon Valor

I thank God for the invention of optical zoom. For without it, I couldn't have seen the precious little thingies we have above, especially the helicopters.

As I left you last Wednesday with two plane replicas from the Fil-Am Fest Exhibit, we're cruising now to an assault ship. But where is the ship? Here it is.


Do you see here the items in the first picture? :D

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.
The ship's motto, "Uncommon Valor," is based on Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's words when he spoke eloquently of Sailors and Marines who fought at Iwo Jima: "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Iwo Jima and the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployed March 4, 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was also in 2003 that the USS Iwo Jima was deployed to the coast of Liberia as part of JTF Liberia.

I don't know why Iwo Jima sounds familiar to me. Perhaps from history class, my waterloo. :D

Nevertheless, it's motto should stir something in us.

Why is it that the essential virtues that we should have, like valor, are becoming uncommon nowadays? :(

That's something to ponder on this weekend, ei? Happy weekend, guys. :)

Tech Tags: digital photography, Fil-Am Fest Exhibit: Replica Maritime and Aviation, airplanes, SM Clark, helicopter, USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz,valor

Sexy Siesta

Ikaapat na lahok ni Neri sa Litratong Pinoy. (English translation below.)

Maligayang LP sa inyong lahat! Ang tema ngayong linggo ay "Balingkinitan" at nahirapan ako rito dahil hindi ko pwedeng isali ang larawan ko. Bwahaha! XD

Sumagi sa aking isipan ang kasabihang "korteng Coke" dahil sa ka-seksihan ng bote ng Coke... noon. E pa'no ngayon, andami na ng hugis at laki ng Coke... may sakto, litro at "in can" pa. Kaso walang Coke sa bahay at nanghinayang akong bumili sa suking tindahan para lang kunan ng larawan, maliban sa nagtitipid ako. Ang natirang bote rito ay Pop Litro pero di gaanong balingkinitan ang korte nito. Kaya naghagilap na lang ako ng kaaya-ayang korte sa aking baul dito sa laptop.

Ang larawan sa itaas ay nakunan nang nagtatrabaho pa ako sa Makati (gamit na naman ang aking cellphone) at napag-isipan namin ng ka-opisina kong si Jen na subukang kumain sa Cafe Central. Sa tinagal-tagal kasi namin sa Valero, ni minsan di kami kumain dun. Kung kailan palipat na kami ng opisina sa Karrivin, dun pa namin nagawang kumain dito at nalamang masaya pala. Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din. :D

Tuwang-tuwa ako sa kulay at baso ng Kiwi Italian soda ko. Hay, nakaka-miss. :(

***

Neri's fourth entry in Litratong Pinoy.

Happy LP, everyone! This week's theme is "Balingkinitan" (usual connotation: sexy; dictionary definition: slender) and I found it difficult because I can't post my picture for this. Bwahaha! XD

This brought into my mind the [Filipino] term "korteng Coke" (Coca Cola-shaped) because of the sexiness of a Coke bottle... before. But how do we use it now when there are lots of Coke shapes and sizes... there's "sakto" (a petite size), "litro" (1-1.5 liters), and even "in can." However there's no available Coke in the house and I didn't want to buy one in the nearest store just so I could take its picture, plus I am in a tight budget. The only bottle here is a Pop [Cola] Litro but it isn't sexy enough. So I searched for a shapely form in my treasure chest of digital photos.

The picture above was taken when I was still working in Makati (using my cellphone still). I and my officemate Jen decided to try it out in Cafe Central because in our long stay at Valero, we haven't eaten there yet. Ironic because we only ate there when we were about to move to a new office in Karrivin and found out that it was wonderful in Cafe Central. At least, it's better late than never. :D

I was delighted with the color and glass of my Kiwi Italian soda. Sigh... I miss those days. :(

Tech Tags: digital photography, Cafe Central, Valero, Makati, Italian soda, kiwi, penne, pasta,Coca Cola, Pop Cola

Fil-Am Fest Exhibit Take-Off

Sorry, I wasn't able to post yesterday. Something came up in the afternoon and then my sister needed to use the laptop last night. Therefore, I owe you two pics for today. :D

Last Sunday, I noticed an exhibit near SM Clark's Event Centre after doing our groceries. On further inspection, I was amazed at the replicas of ships and airplanes displayed that it was a pity I didn't bring my camera. (I couldn't because I wouldn't be permitted to go inside Hypermarket.) But why do I have these pictures now? I came back. Hehe. :D

I don't think there was a tour guide for the little exhibit so I presume that it was a celebration for the Fil-Am Friendship Day last July 4, which is also the US Independence Day, of course.

It was rightful that the exhibit was done in SM Clark, especially for the planes below, because if we go back to our history, Clarkfield was the previous US Air Base in the Philippines. (While Subic, which is in Zambales, was the Naval Base.)


I like this vibrant red plane.


Brings into mind Harrison Ford from Air Force One (the movie), ei? I liked that film. :D

More replicas in the following days. Except tomorrow because it's LP day! ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, Fil-Am Fest Exhibit: Replica Maritime and Aviation, airplanes, SM Clark, Pitts, US Air Force (USAF), Harrison Ford

Pace Your Race

My internet connection now is so slow; I can't upload my supposed photo post for today. So here's a picture I took on my first "in-transit" photo shoot a month ago, which was previously uploaded already.

Of course, the jeepney will soon overtake the bicycle in front of it. But what's important is that the bike rider will get to his destination, as slow as it may be compared to the other automobiles behind it.

We have our own pace to accomplish our goals. Don't fret. :)

I hope I can get to my usual blogging and blog-hopping activities later when my connection goes back to normal. Sorry, guys, if I can't visit you right now. I am currently at pains posting this short article, so you can imagine how browsing can go into oblivion.

Have a happy Monday! Start the week with a smile. :)

Tech Tags: digital photography, bicycle, jeepney, San Fernando, Pampanga