Shooting Boy, Shooting Toy

We grow up but do we really outgrow toys? Or we just settle for bigger ones?

Let loose the child within.

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).

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

Inside Oktoberfest 120

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

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

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. :)

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

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

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

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

Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig (The World On My Shoulders)

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

Ang lahok ko ngayon sa LP ay hindi lang tatak Pinoy, kundi tatak Kapampangan pa! Hehehe.

Kung tutuusin marami akong pinagpilian kung alin sa aking mga litrato ang aking isasali ngayong Huwebes. Pero para maging kakaiba naman at hindi gaanong ma-drama ang aking lahok, eto na lang. (Hindi raw ma-drama pero hindi ba't ma-drama na ang mismong larawan? :D) Pansin ko kasi sa nakaraang dalawang linggo ko sa LP, masyado akong ma-drama, baka akalaing seryoso ako. Hahaha.

Kinuha ko ang litratong ito nitong Mahal na Araw ng nakaraang Marso sa Barangay Panipuan sa San Fernando, Pampanga. (Gamit lang ang cellphone dahil wala pa akong camera noong panahong ito. Ni hindi ako makalapit sa mga nagpepenitensya dahil nahihiya ako kumuha ng mga larawan; ako lang ang gumagawa noon.) Naging tradisyon ko na kasi na dumalaw sa aking kabarkada rito tuwing Mahal na Araw dahil parang fiesta rin kapag ganitong panahon sa barrio.

Maliban sa kasiyahan at kainan sa gabi, syempre andyan ang mga nagpapasan ng krus, namamalaspas ng likod at gumagapang sa kalsada upang maaliw ka. Parang may pagka-sadista ang dating, ano po? Pero hindi naman. Hehehe.

Pero ang talagang pinupunta ng mga turista sa Pampanga tuwing Mahal na Araw ay ang pagpapapako sa krus ng mga nagpepenitensya sa Barangay Cacutud, San Fernando. Sayang lang at hindi pa ako nakakapunta rito dahil walang gustong sumama sa akin. Alas dose ng tanghali kasi nagaganap ito; mainit daw at maraming tao. Hehehe.

Maligayang LP, mga kaibigan! ^^

***

Neri's third entry for Litratong Pinoy

My entry for LP isn't just Philippine-branded, but Kapampangan-branded as well! Hehehe.

Actually I had several pictures to choose from, which I would like to join for this Thursday. However I wanted my entry to be unique and not so dramatic, so I picked this one. (But then ain't the picture itself dramatic? :D) I noticed that I was being dramatic for my last two weeks in LP, that you might think I'm too serious. Hahaha.

I took this picture at Barangay Panipuan in San Fernando, Pampanga last Holy Week of March. (Using my cellphone only because I haven't got a camera then. I was embarrassed to take pictures because I was the only one doing it; so I couldn't even get near the penitents.) It was already my tradition to visit my friend here every Holy Week because it seems like a feast in the barrio during this time.

Besides the merry-making and feast-like activities in the evening, of course there were those who carried crosses, those who scourged their backs and those who crawled on the road to keep you entertained. Sounds sadistic, ei? But it isn't. Hehehe.

But what the tourists really anticipate in Pampanga every Holy Week is the crucifixion of penitents in Barangay Cacutud, San Fernando. It's a pity I haven't gone there yet because no one wants to accompany me because this event commences at twelve noon; they say it's too hot plus a lot of people go there. Hehehe.

Happy LP, my friends! ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, Holy Week, tradition, cross, crucifixion, Panipuan, Pampanga, Philippines

You Drive

I think I'm getting into the habit of shooting pictures while riding the tricycle. This is the second time I've done this "in-transit shooting" and I really enjoy it. (Though most of the time I only get glimpses of jeeps and walls because, of course, we're moving. Hehe.)

Among all my trike-driver-hand shots, I picked this one because we're head on with another tricycle on the left. See? Trike on trike. :D

So what analogy can we conjure up this time? Hmm...

This brings into mind the notion that we are the drivers of our lives. There's always a map but it's our decision if we consult it or not. There are different highways and alleys we can enter and exit. But the essence of our ride is the destination. Are you on the right track, my friend? ;)

With that, have a wonderful evening and do sleep peacefully. ^^

Tech Tags: digital photography, tricycle, road, driving

Children's Joy

This is a rough shot from my Nokia phone. I beheaded Jollibee! Waaah! Sorry, Jollibee. :(

I took this photo just this evening after watching a movie (by myself). I was on my way to the mall's exit when I passed by these children playing musical instruments at the Jollibee fast-food chain. What really dragged my feet towards them was the violin. I've always admired violinists because it was my childhood dream to play the violin. (But then I have a lot of childhood dreams. Hindi naman masamang mangarap nang marami, di ba? Hehe.)

I've never approached strangers so I can take their pictures. (I just take shots without them knowing. Har har har.) But because I didn't have the power of zoom in my hands, I asked them if I could take their picture after donating in their box named Children's Joy Foundation. (I'm convincing my conscience that I did not pay them for the picture.)

I was too shy to ask for their names; what I only knew was they came from San Fernando, Pampanga. Perhaps one day I can visit them... if I find them.

***

I have a soft spot for orphans.

That was since I visited a local orphanage back in high school because of an outreach program. We were told to bring toys for the kids and play with them. I picked a frail little boy of five in a sando shirt. I can't recall now if his name is Paul. At first, we were both shy and didn't know what to talk about. Until I played swing with him and that made him smile. I held his hand while we walked around the vicinity and got food and drinks. He sat on my lap while we watched the programme my classmates prepared for them. We were silent most of the time but I felt we both enjoyed each other's company.

The visit lasted for about four to five hours. The time came for us to go. My classmates and I said our goodbyes to our "children". Most of the kids didn't want us to leave. Tears welled up on Paul's eyes and he held my arm firmly. I hugged him and promised I'd be back.

Our class went back to the bus so we could go home. The kids waved us goodbye. When I got seated, I saw Paul waving his arms to me as well. I waved back to him despite the clutching sadness in my heart. I wanted to cry. I knew I would be breaking my promise.

Papa

Unang lahok ni Neri sa Litratong Pinoy

Ang kamay ng naglalaba rito ang siyang kamay na umakay sa aking mga unang hakbang sa mundo. Ang siyang humawak sa akin habang nakasakay sa bisikletang may apat na gulong. (Kaya siguro di ako natutong magbisikleta.) Ang siyang tumulong sa aking sumagot ng aking mga homework. Ang siyang nagtuloy ng mga proyektong pinagpaguran ko ngunit hindi ko matapus-tapos. Ang siyang naghanda ng almusal kong hotsilog at hapunan kong Maggi.

Ang siyang nagtiis ng maraming hirap at pasakit upang makatapos ako ng pag-aaral. Ang siyang haligi ng aming tahanang matagal na sanang nabuwag. Ang isa sa dahilan kung bakit andito ako sa mundo.

Salamat, Papa.

***

Neri's first entry in Litratong Pinoy

The hand that you see here is the hand that guided my first steps in this world. The hand that held me when I rode a four-wheeled bicycle. (Perhaps that's why I didn't learn how to ride a bike.) The hand that helped me do my homeworks. The hand that continued the projects I worked hard for yet I could not finish. The hand that served my hotsilog (hotdog, egg and fried rice) breakfast and Maggi (noodles) dinner.

The hand that sacrificed through a lot of difficulties and hardships. The hand that held firm the home that should have been gone long ago. One of the reasons I exist.

Thanks, Papa.

Tech Tags: digital photography, water, laundry,washing, hand

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, everyone! :)

May we celebrate this with warmth in our hearts and gratitude overflowing for the man in our lives who sacrificed a lot for our well-being. Cheers!


BTW, I've been tagged by Lissa. Thanks for the beautiful rose, girl! :)

So to keep it going, I'm tagging Kaycee, Enday and Beevee. :)

Tech Tags: digital photography, father, family, Bayanihan Park, white rose

Stock-Still Peacefulness

Do you sometimes feel that the world moves on but you're just stock-still in your place? And yet it feels peaceful inside, ei?

Tech Tags: photography, places, people, Bayanihan Park

Flying Bottles

I'm having a hard time picking out which picture stands out and depicts the flying bottles so I just gave you the slideshow. Hehe. Anyway, at least you can see everything that happened. From the two bartenders-to-be (I think) to the two peanut vendors.

Ironic that there are two college students practicing their field in front of two out-of-school youths peddling for income.

Tech Tags: photography, bartending, vendors, out-of-school youth, Bayanihan Park

Spidermen

When I was still at the previous office of my previous company, situated at the 5th floor Pearlbank Centre in Makati, I would always marvel at these guys who are cleaning the opposite building for a new paint. Looking at these guys, my bosses realized how lucky they are with their jobs. Two of my officemates, however, wanted to clean buildings for the thrill.

How about you? Would you like to exchange places with these guys? I know I won't; I'm afraid of heights. :(

Tech Tags: digital photography, heights, building, work, Makati