Last Shots.

Here are some images from the last set of shots I did using my Lumix camera before it was stolen (1) (2). These images were taken on 2-20-06, three days before I lost it to thieves! Inspired by a Photography Forum that one doesn’t neeed to go out to take good pictures, I gave it a try. They may not be as good but I am sharing them with you for “sentimental” reasons, aside from the fact that I got to clean these pieces, after sometime!

Here are some African-inspired candle holders made of wrought iron, beads and shells:

Update on Theft: I already felt Violated. And now Insulted.

It has been three days. I miss my camera but I got a new mobile courtesy of Amy. Huge Thx! My efforts to recover (at least) the camera and the sim card have no substantial development yet, but I am talking to two females in my old number for a possible return. As of the moment though, there is no clear and final talks yet.

The morning after the theft, we tried calling my old number and somebody answered, a male which we presumed to be in his 20’s with a baby crying on the background. Asked where I was, he answered, I went out. Everytime we call, that was his dialogue then puts off the phone. Sometimes, a female answers which I presumed to be the wife.

I was concious of not intimidating them and I even texted them that I need just the camera and the sim card for a cash reward, if they wish to. I made quite a number of SMS of the same import but they never replied. If I call my old mobile, it rings, sometimes, it’s off.

Having given up on texting them, I asked someone to text in my old number regarding how a “huge” amount of money will be sent to me, because I never answer back calls or reply SMS. Immediately, they “missed call” the person whom I asked to make the “urgent” SMS as well as the phone that I was temporarily using.

I was Broken Into: A Shot at Recovery!

For me, there are five (material) things which I may not live without: my mobile phone, laptop, car, camera, and wallet. Two nights ago, I lost two, my mobile phone and the digicam, to thieves, right inside my apartment, right beside me sleeping!!!

Some may find it funny or stupid to tell about it, but I am sharing this horrible experience, for whatever reason it may serve, for anyone and for me to better one’s security, even inside your abode, even within a seemingly secured place like Malacanang Compound.

Because of the onset of the summer, I took out the cushion of my bed to the living area two nights ago, to get some more air. I slept with the TV on and the “sign-off” sound of the TV woke me up. I put the TV off and checked the time at my mobile phone (which is always beside me when I sleep) and it was 1:00 o’clock in the morning.

Being called “Balong!” Very Ilocano. Very Meaningful.

Today, as I read some comments, I came across comments (1 , 2) made by Manong Luis Beltran, originally from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, who have been living abroad for 30 years now! I honestly feel how “homesick” he is, but more than that, what touched my “emotional glands” (if ever there is!) is when he called me “Balong!” In Ilocos, “Balong” is a term used by older peeps to call younger boys, just like “Manong” to refer to older men.

When Luis referred to me as “Balong,” I was immediately transported back to my childhood and in seconds, I felt the warmth of being called “Balong,” once more! I remember my Mom and Dad calling me by that name, and in most cases, I felt loved, cared for, and protected from any harm. It is more of a term of endearment to me, rather than a mere reference to being younger boy.

It is on this note that I am making this entry not only to pay tribute to Manong Luis Beltran, who called me “Balong” after a very long time, but to all “Balong’s” not only in Ilocos but everywhere. I am posting here some images of “Balong’s”, who someday, will become “Manong’s,” like me and Luis.

It’s playtime!!!

Kids of Ilocos!

Here is my first “concious” attempt to take portraits of kids. Most of it were taken after a kid’s birthday party in Ilocos where they become quite restless! I had a difficult time capturing their genuine expressions because they were so mobile and because of the digicam’s “shutter lag” (the time between pressing the shutter and when the image is actually taken), the images always came out blurred. Here are the good pieces, however.
Below is my first attempt to do “panning” – the subject is captured against background in motion.

Pro’s always say that kids are one of the best subjects especially when their image conveys a statement, such as an invitation, to eat! This may be a good example.

More images on the next page.

More Test Shots: Close Up (not Macro)

I made a mistake in previously calling my test shots in a earlier post as “macros” where, in fact, technically, they are merely classified as “close up” shots. In the strictest sense, macro shots must be 1:1 ratio. Most compact digicams have macro mode but they do not necessarily deliver a good 1:1 ratio, but when used, then any shot made using this mode may be loosely referred to as “macro.”

In view thereof, I am sharing here with you some close up images taken in Ilocos using the macro mode:

(Blooming Euforbia)

(Vigan Jar)

More images on the next page!

Reflections of a River Resort

Ilocos (Norte) is not just beaches! If you want to try fresh water, then the river resort in Sarrat is a good alternative. It only comes ‘alive’ though during the dry season, which is about December to May.

Images here are taken in the morning, before guests arrive and I had the full freedom to take every shots. The resort was serene and walking the 2-kilometer’s of riverbanks, with bamboo footbridge leading to the cottages made of light materials at the center of the river, reflected in the clear waters of the river was so peaceful.

The Evolution of Ilocos ‘Royal’ Bibingka

The Ilocos Royal Bibingka is one delicacy that Ilocos is proud of and every visitors’ must try. It has a decent packaging, a good shelf-life, and very affordable price (Php 105.00 a dozen) which make it very ideal for “pasalubong.” However, it is only in Ilocos Sur (Bantay and Vigan) where you get your Royal Bibingka. This is not your usual ”puffy” bibingka, like the one at Ferino’s. Instead, the Ilocos Royal Bibingka is a “sticky rice-cake,” closer to fresh “tikoy” in texture.

In Ilocos Sur, the latest maker of bibingka is Marsha’s Delicacies, located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the immediate neighboring town of Vigan City.

Marsha’s Delicacies is located along the highway which makes it very accessible to motorists with very generous parking space that makes it (more) convenient. A counter with other delicacies on sale makes buying orderly. The dining area which is just beside the counter is neat and restrooms at the other end of the dining is clean.

Ilocos: It’s always good to come back!

Here’s another entry of a Guest Blogger, Elmar, a friend since College. He first came to Ilocos in 1993, and since then, he kept coming back, sometimes, on his own. Surprise! Elmar is here! But what can you do, he’s already on the doorsteps! He was always welcomed though!

Read on…

Winners of Christmasterpiece 2006: Laoag City is Third Place

Fourty-three (43) Cities and Municipalities all over the country participated. They built their own Christmasterpieces inspired by their respective culture and tradition. Used indigenous materials and adorned with hundreds and thousands of Lady’s Choice Mayo bottles as Christmas lights. Many have been called, but in the end, only three emerged as winners (compared to 2005 where there were “several” bronze and silver winners).

The “Christmas Wonderland” theme of Laoag City captured the third place: