Reasons for not blogging...

I've been busy with work and some classes lately that I had no time to do other stuff anymore... including photography, Sigh...

Pottery Class

I'm going to my 7th class this coming Saturday. So far, we're only learning the basic skills of pottery... still haven't tried using the flat spinning object yet (this is for advance class). We have created a fish, a japanese plate, a jewelry box, a tea pot, and a cup (but mine became a mini flower pot instead, hehehe). I'm still thinking whether or not I should to enroll again after my 10 session class is over. Hmmm... We have a very talented teacher and I enjoy the class so far, except when my pakialamerang Indian na kaklase e nangingialam ng aking ginagawa dahil wala tapos na yung ginagawa niya. I'm trying to be creative and the same time create "usable" ceramics - something I could bring back home... hehehe. I will post my "art" works when I got them. It's not yet glazed. Anyway, those who are interested in pottery, check this site.

Taiji Class

I got different reactions when I tell people I'm learning Taiji. The most common reaction or comment I get is "Taiji is for old people". The truth is it's not. It's just so happen that most of the time we only see elder people doing it. I wanted to learn taiji for a long time. Why? Well, I really don't know. Do I need a reason for everything? I just know that I want to learn this for a long time. Anyway, I'm enjoying it and I REALLY like it. Besides, at least I'm doing some exercises now. So, if you don't have anything nice to say, just shut up! Hearing some people making jokes behind my back about me doing taiji is... well, I really don't care what you think. :)

Birthday

My birthday just passed by a few weeks ago. Come to think to it, its been a year already since I started blogging. I didn't have any plans for "my" day because I thought I was going to be working overtime again. Anyway, it turned out different, I was able to go home on the dot. So, my friend and I ate dinner at Swensens and watched movie, KungFu Panda! Didn't sound so much fun eh? Anyway, being able to watch the movie is much MUCH better than working my ass off in the office. I like the movie, it's funny and original. This is definitely going to my Favorites. I'm very touched a lot of people still remembers my birthday. Thanks you guys! It really means a lot to me. Miss you all!

Photography

Haven't done any photography this month. But last month, we went to a temple (Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery) during Vesak Day and also Night Safari. The animals in the night safari did not cooperate at all, my friend said maybe the animals were too tired from their day job, they decided to hide and sleep instead. Anyway, here are the only shots that came out ok. The photos from night safari have to undergo a lot of post processing though. Damn! My camera had a hard time focusing in low light condition! Made me wish I had my s50 with me. Hehehe. Honestly, I still haven't master my SLR yet.

(The only photo that I like taken from the Monastery)

Cooking

Last month, I prepared and cooked Lumpiang Shanghai for the first time. It may not look good but it was a success - tasted like real Lumpiang Shanghai! Hehehehe. I also tried doing some dumpling, which end up in total failure. hahahaha.

Work

I've been working overtime for the pass few weeks. OUr project has been delayed again for the second time... so, I believe more overtime for the coming days again. Sigh. I really don't want to talk about that right now. Let's see.... I transferred my seat! Since I get a lot of "your place is jinxed" "Your seat is jinxed" from the locals (Yes, they're so paranoid). I decided to transfer to another seat. I like my new seat now because I can eat freely, nyahahahaha. And I'm not sure if it's just a coincidence, but after transfering seat, my problems during my "pager duty" seem to have lessen... a lot. hahahaha. We got a lot of new Filipino employees now - 7 all in all, but one was terminated after two weeks of joining the company, and one Malaysian. It's the first NOT Filipino to join the development team of the company after I started working, and you can really see how DIFFERENT it is the locals are treating the non-Filipino employee. Sabi nga nila, "ganun talaga ang buhay... (that's life)"

#12 Digital Photography - East Coast Park

A friend of mine was going to East Coast Park to bike. I tagged along. While they're biking, I went photo practice. It was a perfect afternoon for photo shoot. I'm falling in love with photography again with my 450D.

#11 Early Birthday Gift

Although my birthday is more than one month away, I decided to give myself an early birthday present. :) Hahaha. Truth is I was planning to buy a SLR Camera on the next IT show which should be around mid June (but still no update when is the exact date of the next IT Show), but after talking to (and being offered with a "nice package" by) a staff, who happens to be into photography also, from Harvey Norman, I decided to buy it today!

Sigh... Words are not enough to express how happy I am. Here's my birthday gift:

#10 Great Movies - Iron Man

I was so surprised when I saw the trailer for Iron Man the first time. I was like... "Robert Downey is Iron Man? E?". Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the actor, actually I like some of his movies like Only You, Hearts and Souls (Hmm.. old movies.. hehehe). Its just that I don't see him as Iron Man. But after watching Iron Man today, I'll say Robert Downey Jr is definitely Iron Man, like Johnny Deep to Captain Jack Sparrow and Hugh Jackman to Wolverine. Although his acting (in my humble opinion) is still the same but somehow he made Iron Man very real. Maybe because he could relate to his character as Tony Stark. I don't know. But I think this is a great comeback movie for him.

Aside from the great effects (It's been a while since I saw a movie with great effects!). The movie "will definitely leave you wanting more" like what Orlando Parfitt of IGN Movies UK has commented. I think Marvel Comics fan will definitely enjoy this movie. Hey, don't forget to watch the movie until the END, ok? I wonder if they're going to join X-men, Spiderman, Fantastic Four all the other superheroes into one movie just like the comics. Hmm... Riot toh! Hahaha.

Here's Iron Man The Movie's Official Site.

#2 Appetizing Food - Pizza Hut

My friend and I meet up after working overtime (again) last night and went to Pizza Hut for our late dinner (mga 9:30pm na ata nun). It seems that the only outlet I have nowadays is FOOD!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love food. It's just that *sigh* ang mahal naman dito. Well, at least once a week lang ako kumain sa mga (ano ba mga to? Restaurant? Fast food?) restaurant. Sabi nga ng isa pang friend ko: You should treat yourself once in a while. :) Hehehe. Ito ang mga inorder namin:

All photos were taken by my K770i. :) The Portobello Chic has chicken chunks, portobello, button mushroom, peppery sauce and mozzella cheese. Actually, hindi ko alam kung ano ang "portobello". Pero since mukhang bagong ang pizzang ito sa kanilang menu, yan na lang yung inorder namin. Siyempre, curious pa din ako kung ano yung kinain ko, so ito pala ang portobello ayon ke gourmetsleuth.com:

"The portobello also called portabella is really simply a brown crimini mushroom in disguise. Evidently the usage of the two words "portobello vs. portabella" is simply an issue of a marketing brand. Once the little brown crimini grows up to be about 4" - 6" in diameter he is deemed to be a portobello."

In short, mushroom pa din. Anyway, the pizza taste good while its hot. I don't recommend Honey Roasted Wings. I think we should have ordered Sweet 'n Spicy Drumlets instead (balita ko masarap daw ito e). There's always next time. :)

Canon EOS 450D/Rebel XSi/Kiss X2

I think Canon EOS 450D is the one for me. Features includes:

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
  
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

The Official Price of this Camera Kit is SGD1,499 which also comes with a 4GD SD Card and some photography magazines. However, this baby is currently sold out at the Courts. The sales lady said this is a "hot item". But it is available at Sim Lim though.

Review links:
DP Review
Camera Labs
CNET UK

Labor Day

While my roommate went to work today, I spent my whole morning searching for reviews on Canon 450d.

At noon, I decided to go to the mall to have my lunch. On my way to the mall, I called up my friend, Joy-joy. They were also heading to the mall to have their lunch. They were going to eat at Jollibee. I miss hanging out with them. I would like to have some Chicken Joy also but there’s only Chicken Rice here. Gosh! The food court and the mall is full of people! I was thinking of watching Iron Man after but I forgot to bring my movie money. So, I went to grocery instead, again, lots of people. Bought some snacks and headed back home. On my way home, I called my mom and other friends. Sigh, I miss everyone.

Can't wait for my pottery class to start! I really bored! Hehehe

Today's exchange rate is SGD1 = PHP30.80. Still going up. :)

The Search Begins...

I bought my first camera on December 2001. It was a Canon point and shoot camera. I remember spending so much money on the films and developing fees back then. Then I went digital on August 2003 with my Canon Powershot S50. My affair with digital photography has been on and off for the past years but I know my passion for photography is still inside me and still growing. Off maybe because, I haven’t found the people to share my passion with? (Joy-joy miss na you! Miss ko na yung photography practice natin). Or maybe because my S50 is giving up on me? (Overused na kasi). Or maybe, I’m just very lazy. Hehehe. I think that’s it.

“Gusto ko ng SLR Camera” – I’ve been saying this for more than one year now (more pa nga e). Para sa mga laging nakakarinig nito sa kin, malamang sawang-sawa na sila. Hehehe. Finally! I’m going buy a SLR camera. I’m very excited. I’m not sure which model yet but I’ll still going for Canon. I heard Canon 450d is out. Hmmm...

Compact cameras are good. Pero iba talaga ang kuha ng SLR compared sa compact cameras. But I’m still very impressed with the macro shots taken by my Sony Ericson K770i. Anyway, here are some of the features I’m looking for:

1. Good High ISO Performance.
   
2. Light weight and comfortable
3. Affordable
4. SLR Kit comes with good lens. To follow na lang yung ibang mga lente. naks! hehe
   
5. Anti-dust system
6. Video - I know this is impossible. I don't think there's any DSLR out there with video yet

So far, that's it. I'm off to search for my SLR camera. :)

#2 Appetizing Food - Swensen's Grand Opening at Tampines

Swensen's... mabigat sa bulsa pero masarap talaga!

#9 Training

IT related or not. Having some training is better than no training at all. Besides, its good to learn new things!

I was able to attend a training regarding Wealth Management this week. Yahoo!