my world, my domain, my photography, my blog

EdwinKarganilla.com V2 is up!

2010-02-27T20:34:00.004+08:00

Today, I spent the entire day fixing my portfolio / gallery. I must say, I am very pleased with the outcome, considering I have zero knowledge on html.

I hope this will be the start. Need all the support I can get!

Si edwink, nag portraits???

2009-10-26T23:30:00.004+08:00

Yah, those were the words thrown at me.
Wala ba akong karapatang mag try ng glam and portraits? :D

Tested my two new, a 50mm f/1.8 and an old school 70-210 f/4!
Damn, ang sharp ng 70-210 f/4 ko! Sulit na sulit!

Here's a slideshow of the rest of the photos I took:

Here's a full screen version of the slideshow.

Update!

2009-10-22T22:16:00.006+08:00

I'm a certified panorama and vr addict. I have completed my setup. Now time for some practice... some shots from my recent trip to Ilocos with Abby...

Hoping to make something out of this new passion...
---
Geartalk :
1. Sold my D70s 700nm IR camera
2. Sold my Landscape filter set (CPL, ND400x, NDG, holders etc)
3. Sold my Benro B-0 ballhead
4. Bought a classic and rare Nikkor 70-210 f/4 zoom.
5. Bought, again for the xth time, a Nikon 50mm 1.8D - 2 yrs CDSC!
Never ending GAStos is bad for the wallet...

Fishy fishy...

2009-09-08T07:26:00.002+08:00

Nikon 10.5mm 2.8 on a Nikon D90
0.017 sec (1/60), f/2.8, ISO 500
---
I lab et!!! My setup is now complete!
Can't wait to create my own virtual world!

The lighthouse of Cape Bolinao

2009-09-06T21:27:00.002+08:00

Bolinao, Pangasinan | D70s IR, 12-24 F4
---
IR cam sold. I'm sad. but I'm also happy. I now have a fishy!

Looong time no post...

2009-09-03T20:56:00.008+08:00

Wow, it's been almost a month since my last post. Time does fly fast. Have been preoccupied lately with so many things going on.... Hahaha, I don't know what to write anymore! I know! Gear talk!

Sold my D70s IR converted just this afternoon. Though it was hard for me to let go of that camera, I just had too. Have to finance another project... tomorrow I will get it and will soon post samples! Can't wait. Hopefully that will end my GAS attacks... sa December na sana next.

I have completed my basic filter setup, Hitech NDG 0.9 SE, Kenko Pro1 CPL, and a Hoya NDX400, plus a cool Tamrac filter pouch to hold them! Finally was able to test them out seriously. So many to learn so much to develop. I have to admit, I am starting to love shooting long exposures (unlike before!).

August 2009 has been interesting. I was able to travel a lot. Climbed Mt. Arayat in Pampangga (of which I am yet to upload photos, went with some cool friends and of course my Abby to El Nido Palawan and last week had a quick trip to Bolinao where photos above where taken.

The incident last week was unforeseen. It drained me a lot, and I thought the Bolinao trip would help. Up to now, I feel "lowbat", dunno why.

Maybe I need a hug from my bebeh... Abbyko!!! mahal ko!!! san ka na???

Longing...

2009-07-17T17:02:00.004+08:00

Nikon D70s IR, 1/800 sec, F/8, ISO 200, -2/3EV
---
While the team was busy with the BPP activity, I went to the back of the house and saw this row of greens. I shot full manual, and prayed I got it right (exposure comp on IR cam is not accurate anymore due to IR blocking filter).

The mountains on the left is our exit point last June 08 coming from that 3 day long hike that brought us to Cambulo, Batad, and Naggor. Will never forget that moment on the waiting shed. Finally, a phone signal!

Going Infrared...

2009-07-15T07:19:00.004+08:00

edwink goes IR!!!
Hope this leads me to somewhere...
---
Updates!!!

BPP Project Aral Treks for June 2009 - Success!
Abby met the family. =)
New camera hehehe... D70s IR 700nm
Finally, my own pano head - Nodal Ninja III MKII
Still searching for that elusive telephoto
And still craving for that macbook...

The cove's allure...

2009-06-06T10:51:00.001+08:00

Nikon D90 + 12-24 F4 @ 14mm, 3 sec, F/8, NDG+ND8
---

I can still remember when I had the beach for myself. It was just the sea, the sand, the pines and myself. I would run to the woods and play on the river's edge. I would walk the long beach, leaving the only footprints on the stretch of sand. I would sit on top of the hill and gaze upon the beauty of this place. I would spend hours of doing nothing, thinking of nothing, just watching the waves break and listening to the rubbing of the pines.

Leaving paradise, I told myself... I have to go back. And that's what I've been doing for the last 3 years...

Bluer than blue Xth version

2009-05-29T07:10:00.001+08:00

Don't you just love the blues?

Smile...

2009-05-26T08:46:00.002+08:00

Sagada 2009
---
Abby, balik tayo Sagada!

Checking history

2009-05-26T00:01:00.001+08:00

American War Memorial,
The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
January 13, 2007

Revisiting my archives.

In my 3 years in photography, these are the only photos I took with a Hoya IR (Thanks to Vernes for letting me use his R72). I just don't have the patience in shooting IR and don't know how to pp them properly. =)

Sunset @ Potipot

2009-05-19T23:45:00.002+08:00

D90 w/ 12-24, 1/100 sec, F/8, ISO 200, ND8, ND Grad 0.6
---
If there's one thing in my life that's missing
It's the time that I spend alone
Sailing on the cool and bright clear water
It's kind of a special feeling
When you're out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon, like a lover...

Lightning Crashes

2009-05-18T21:24:00.002+08:00

Jammin at Ayuyang, Baguio City
---
Oh now feel it
Comin' back again
Like a rollin' thunder chasing the wind
Forces pullin' from the center of the Earth again
I can feel it

Change

2009-05-06T23:36:00.000+08:00

Mt. Tabayoc, traverse to Mt. Pulag via Tawangan
May 1-3, 2009

It was so hard to wake up at 4:30AM, considering that the previous day we hiked for 10 hours straight the lematik-infested Tawangan trail to the saddle of Pulag. And previous to that, we did a day hike to rainy Mt. Tabayoc (2nd highest in Luzon after Pulag), and the night before that, the long agonizing 6 hour bus ride from Manila to Baguio seating on a not so comfy plastic stool.

Here's my second attempt to capture what Pulag has to offer...

The love of my life

2009-04-28T21:44:00.002+08:00

Abby with her zoolander pose!
Hehehe... Joke lang! Love you!

We were on top of the tower at Capones Island
in Zambales. I was so afraid...
yes I am afraid of heights. So what. Lolz...

I am out...

2009-04-28T07:45:00.003+08:00

Cornfields at Alfonso Lista, Ifugao
December 1, 2008
---
No comment.

Balsa sa Sampaloc

2009-04-19T23:41:00.002+08:00

Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna

April 18, 2009

D90 & 12-24, 0.3 sec., F/8, 15mm, ISO640, RAW
ND8 + 0.6 ND grad HE + tripod + shutter release
---
Thanks to my sweet Abby for bringing me there!

When my day stood still...

2009-04-14T23:35:00.001+08:00

Sad day today. I did not expect this.
I almost had my dream.
Guess that's why it's just a dream...

May kulay, walang kulay....

2009-04-14T00:46:00.003+08:00

Trying a new workflow. Kapa-kapa. Hula-hula.
Read more, study more, practice more, shoot more!
---

Umaagos

2009-04-12T21:29:00.001+08:00

Nikon D90, 3 sec., F/16, 17mm, ISO 200
---
I'm happy your back Abby! Mwahugpit!

Sad...

2009-04-08T08:25:00.002+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/320sec., F/9.0, 15mm, ISO 200
---
Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Smiling Joseph

2009-04-07T23:41:00.004+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/30sec, F/4.8, 55mm, ISO 400, +2/3EV
---
Cambulo Village, Banaue, Ifugao, 2/28/2009

This is my second time to see Joseph. As always, he approaches guests wearing his trademark... the biggest smile ever!

I wish I could be like him, no problems, no worries, no issues... just smiling all the time...

Monochromatic Capones

2009-04-02T00:54:00.000+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/320 sec., F/9.0, 12mm, ISO 200
Capones Island, Zambales
---
After a number of failed attempts,
finally I've landed at Capones Island.

Banaue wood carver

2009-04-01T09:32:00.002+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/30 sec., F/4.8, 52mm, ISO 1600
Banaue, Ifugao Province, Philippines
---
I always see this wood carver whenever I am in Banaue. He sits silently in his small-makeshift art studio/store, working on his pieces, focused, naive of what's going on the outside world. He sells his masterpieces to tourists and visitors. I approached quietly, not wanting to disturb his deep state of concentration, and took this snap.

Patapat bridge

2009-03-31T23:34:00.004+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/160 sec., F/6.3, 22mm, ISO 200, +1/3EV
---
This 12km viaduct connects Ilocos Norte & Cagayan Valley Province. Patapat was under maintenance when I took this photo. Construction was on going. Workers fixing the foundation of bridge, adding huge boulders and sand. Such a nice place to see, too bad weather was not cooperating. Till next time I guess... who wants to travel 10 hours to Ilocos Norte?

Sa pag-ikot

2009-03-29T05:50:00.002+08:00

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte
Nikon D90, 1/2500 sec, F/7.1, 48mm, ISO 200

Walang gana...

2009-03-27T08:37:00.001+08:00

Pencils up!
Camera down...

Need to shoot again...

Nowhere

2009-03-20T08:37:00.000+08:00

BPP: Cambulo Art Workshop A Success!!!

2009-03-03T00:45:00.003+08:00

Cambulo, Banaue, Ifugao
February 28 to March 1, 2009

Black Pencil Project would like to thank the men and women who found to join us and made everything possible as we returned to the village and pay tribute to the young ones that inspired the BPP advocacy.

www.blackpencilproject.org

Magnificent

2009-02-26T09:17:00.001+08:00

Sagada Rice Paddies
D90, 1 /200 sec, F/7.1, 18mm, ISO 400

Bomod-ok Falls

2009-02-24T01:02:00.001+08:00

The Bomod-ok Falls (Big Falls)
Sagada, Mountain Province

D90, 18-200vr @ 56mm, 0.3 sec, F/22, ISO 200, ND8

Reminisce

2009-02-16T23:39:00.002+08:00

Taken at Baseco Compound, Manila 7/30/2006
Canon S3IS, 1/160 sec, f/5, 68mm,

---

Good things in life.
Simple ones.
One step at a time.
Contentment.
Good times.

Lapis at Crayola: BPP Art Workshop

2009-02-16T09:49:00.003+08:00

Black Pencil Project will be doing an art workshop for the kids at Cambulo, Banaue end of the month. All Slots (volunteer teachers/ photographers) were already filled. However, should you wish to partake on this project in the future, you may wish donate art supplies (e.g. crayons, sketch pads, erasers, sharpeners) for the program.For pledges and donations, please email blackpencilproject@blogspot.com or you can send me SMS at 0928-5067002.

Maraming salamat po!

Edwin

"The best of Philippine Hot Air Balloon"

2009-02-12T09:21:00.002+08:00

Pinoy Photography Organization Hot Air Balloon Photo Exhibit

a photographic collection of Philippine Hot Air Balloon from 2006 - 2008

SM City Clark Pampanga, Philippines
February 11 to 28 2009

Sponsored by: SM City Clark Pampanga
Layout by Mon Corpuz
Photo by: Dave Deluria

----

If you have time, please visit our exhibit at SM City Clark.
I have a couple of photos there.

Thanks!

No man is an island...

2009-02-08T20:10:00.000+08:00

D90, 12-24 F/4, 1/250 sec, F/8, 2, ISO200

Slowly... moving... away...

2009-02-07T18:02:00.004+08:00

D90, 12-24 F/4, on tripod
15 sec, F/8, 14mm, ISO200

w/ Hoya ND8 & Cokin ND8 Grad 0.9

2008 is over

2009-02-06T09:38:00.002+08:00

December 2008
Vigan, Ilocos Norte
Bangui
Crocodile Island
Palaui Island
Aparri
Iguig
Peñablanca
Tuguegarao City

November 2008
Magat Dam
Mayoyao
Bangaan, Banaue
Batad, Banaue
Mt. Tenglawan

October 2008
Tarak Ridge

September 2008
Mt. Tagapo

August 2008
Mt. Cristobal
Mt. Pico de Loro
Pagsanjan, Laguna

July 2008
Mt. Gulugod Baboy

June 2008
Mt. Maculot
Bangaan, Banaue
Batad, Banaue
Cambulo, Banaue

May 2008
Mt. Talamitam
Lucban, Quezon
Daraitan

April 2008
Talipanan

March 2008
Stampang Bato
Anawangin

February 2008
Sagada via Banaue

January 2008
Samal Island, Davao
Anawangin

---

Whats ahead this 2009?
It's starting... =)

We are now an ORG!

2009-02-04T21:09:00.002+08:00

Thanks kind-hearted soul for the domain registry. We are also accessible as
www.blackpencilproject.com
Now we need a hosting and a website design. Anyone? =)

------

Together...

2009-02-02T10:48:00.001+08:00

And it's beautiful...

Nagcarlan's Underground Cemetery

2009-01-28T10:16:00.002+08:00

0.1 sec (1/10), f/4.0, 12 mm, ISO 800, 0 EV, No Flash
---
Scary!

My photo was featured in a UNESCO Publication!!!

2009-01-26T22:34:00.014+08:00

The featured photo in page 14.
"Part 1 Ifugao Rice Terraces Situation"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMPACT: The Effects of Tourism on Culture and the Environment in Asia and the Pacific: Sustainable Tourism and the Preservation of the World Heritage Site of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines
by Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo)
Bangkok: UNESCO Bangkok, 2008
viii + 90 p.
http://www.unescobkk.org/index.php?id=941
ISBN 978-92-9223-224-5 (Print version)
ISBN 978-92-9223-225-2 (Electronic version)

You can download a free copy here (PDF format):
http://www2.unescobkk.org/elib/publications/224_225/

Sunset at Caliraya

2009-01-20T08:53:00.003+08:00

Nikon D90, 20 sec, f/18, 12 mm, ISO 200, 0/6 EV

The sunrise brings hope...

2009-01-14T00:59:00.002+08:00

Nikon D90, .003 sec (1/320), f/10, 18 mm, ISO 200, 1 EV

You captured my world...

2009-01-12T23:11:00.003+08:00

Nikon D90, 5 sec, F/20, 18mm, ISO 200, RAW, Capture NX / CS3

Ang dapat gawin...

2009-01-11T23:19:00.007+08:00

Nikon D90 , 1/200 sec, F/7.1, 12mm, ISO 200

Callao Cave

2009-01-03T08:39:00.003+08:00

Eposure:	20 sec (20)
Aperture:	f/8
Focal Length:	12 mm
ISO Speed:	250
Exposure Bias:	0/6 EV

Circumnavigating Northern Luzon

2008-12-31T13:13:00.003+08:00

City, Tamauini Church, Sword making in Brgy. Lirio Bajo, Callao Cave in Penablanca, Cavalry Hills, Iguig, Pottery Making in Iguig, Alcala Church, Lallo Church, Aparri, Port Irene, San Vicente Port, Crocodile Island, Palaui Island, Patapat Highway, Bangui Windmills, Vigan, San Fernando, La Union

I miss you Abby!!!

2008-12-26T18:58:00.001+08:00

Nikon D90 + 12-24 F/4

0.05 sec (1/20), f/4, 24 mm, ISO 1600, no flash

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T14:20:00.004+08:00

Nikon D90 + 18-200 vr
.033 sec (1/30), f/5.3, 105 mm, 800 ISO, no flash

---
What a Christmas!
Thank you for all the blessings!
To God be the Glory!

Finally... a carbon fiber tripod of my own!

2008-12-19T23:13:00.014+08:00

Benro C-168 m8 Carbon Fiber Travel Angel Tripod and a Benro B-0 2nd Generation Professional Ball Head.

This should cure my gear acquisition syndrome for now. I promise not to buy anything after this (I hope!) . Have to stay away from PhotoWorld end of January! Or else, patay nanaman.... IR, ND8, Wide Angle filter holder with ND Grad...

Lately, I've been reading Really Right Stuff. Bad idea. 'm drooling for a BD80-L bracket, MPR-CL nodal slide and PCL-1 panning clamp. That's about 500 bucks! Can't afford that shit, so I am hoping I can put up something similar by trying my luck in Hidalgo. I'm sure they have different kind of plates there. Papawelding ko nalang sa kanto! Lolz...

Hmmm... 20mm or 24mm or 28mm?

Just small things...

2008-12-17T09:15:00.004+08:00

taken at MOA, D80+12-24, tilt-shift effect

Closed Window

2008-12-15T09:54:00.002+08:00

But you opened it (though on the pic it still closed, lolz...)
You have made me realize the good things in me...
You appreciate the things I do for you...
You understand, you listen, you give advise...
What more can I ask?
Love you Abby!

And to the stalkers out there... yah, you kow who you are....
I have 2 words for you....
God bless. :D

Time...

2008-12-09T10:13:00.004+08:00

I need time to shoot,
time to upload photos,
a time off...

ISO 1600 tests

2008-12-08T08:55:00.003+08:00

0.025 sec (1/40), f/3.5, 18 mm, ISO 1600

0.077 sec (1/13), f/4, 32 mm, ISO 1600

Useable high ISO. A big improvement over the D80.

Both taken using a Nikon D90 with 18-200mm AF-S VR DX.

The most beautiful woman in my life...

2008-12-03T12:27:00.002+08:00

Beautiful inside out. No pretension. No condition.

A success!!!

2008-12-02T21:25:00.008+08:00

We arrived Manila early this morning. Thanks to all those who have given support to the Black Pencil Project. As of this writing, the pencils, crayons, erasers, and other supplies are now in the towns of Banaue and Mayoyao in Ifugao. Photos will be posted next.
----
1. I'm so in love right now. I love you Abby!
2. The D90 is worth it. I'm so happy.
3. The group had fun (I hope). Such a happy bunch. I'm so glad.
---

Black Pencil Project goes back to Banaue!

2008-11-28T08:10:00.006+08:00

Last night... actually early this morning...

The group preparing the pencils, crayons, erasers, sharpeners for today's trip to Banaue. We are set to go to Banaue tonight for a 3 day adventure - Banaue, Batad, Mayoyao and Magat.

With 2,000 pcs. of pencils, 400 sets of crayons plus a few others, we hope to bring smile to the faces of the children this part of Ifugao.

Advance Merry Christmas Banaue!

To know more about this project and for donations, please visit our Official Blog http://blackpencilproject.blogspot.com

Thanks,
edwink in behalf of the BPP team

After 2 years...

2008-11-26T09:37:00.006+08:00

Thank you God for the blessings!

Tenglawan

2008-11-23T11:59:00.002+08:00

Wanna know?

2008-11-05T22:50:00.011+08:00

I passed this marker more than 10 times already during my past trips to Banaue and Sagada. Finally, just this weekend, I was able to set foot on the highest point in the highest highway in the country!!! Yahoo!!!

Great stuff:

-I have a new job, great company, great culture. Process and result oriented.
-I have my own office with a great view of Manila bay!
-I got my first paycheck. Great!
-Great climb at Mt. Tenglawan, enjoy na, we helped kids pa!
-D90 itch... may not be an itch anymore... soon.
-A beautiful, loving, caring and very supportive woman at my side.

Not so's...

-I'm having problems uploading pics here in blogspot. The auto-resize doesn't work anymore.
-I'm in the middle of something... need to work this out.
-Need more sleep time.
-Chismis nanaman? Di na ba kayo magbabago? Say it in front of me, para malaman nyo hinahanap nyo.

Im lost...

2008-10-26T21:40:00.006+08:00

You say I am...

2008-10-22T08:38:00.004+08:00

Those just got to be the most painful words said to me...

Everything's new...

2008-10-20T22:30:00.015+08:00

Mall of Asia, October 4, 2008
Model: Xeres
MUA : Kate Aguilar

---

Got a new job. It's so overwhelming that I can't find the right words to use. All I can say is that, God is good!

The downside... now I don't have enough time for my extra-curricular's...

I have not posted lately. Hardly have time to check my mail, and upload pics. Need to work on so many things, so little time... so much responsibility, limited resources... I'm tired... I need a real vacation... like a 1 week, Cordillera expedition...

Buti nalang... andyan ang mahal ko... she give's me strength... she brings smile to me... she makes me happy... I love you Abbyko!

Ang pag tawid sa Laguna de Bay

2008-09-28T19:51:00.000+08:00

September 20-21, 2008
Mt. Tagapo ala "Susong Dalaga"
Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal

Laguna de Bay is the larges lake in the country. It is a freshwater lake thus the fish pens scattered all over. Water lilies are everywhere and are considered pests. They destroy fish pens and can damage the bangka's propeller. The ride was about an hour (costs PhP 40 if public bangka). On the left, one can see the other baranggays of Binangonan, and on the right, it is possible to see the buildings of Makati and Ortigas. Sadly, the weather wasn't cooperating that day. Far ahead, we can see Talim Island, and a peak called Mt. Tagapo (aka Susong Dalaga), our destination that weekend.

More photos here.

Black Pencil Project on ABS-CBN NEWS.COM!

2008-09-24T19:42:00.000+08:00

Changing the world one pencil at a time
By TRINA LAGURA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/24/2008 9:53 AM

Early June of this year, friends Edmond Corpuz, Edwin Karganilla and Zer Cabatuan took a time off their respective busy lives in the city to do the other thing that they love, photography, which they fondly refer to as their "stress-reliever." They were gunning for the scenic spot of the famous Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao province. Armed with their lens and P500 worth of black pencils, they set out on their trek. Their cameras were for the landscape and the black pencils were for the local children who would usually mob new faces.

Read the rest of the article here

Why was I happy this past week...

2008-09-14T18:35:00.004+08:00

Mali - Sir John Chua's pet
----

Have you ever experienced waking up smiling? These past few days I was. And it felt so good.

I'm at my crossroads, actually 2 sets of crossroads. The first one is leading me towards a direction of improvement and gain, the other points to what seems to be a dead end. The change will definitely improve everything. And I have been waiting for this for so long. Finally, a clearer and better future ahead of me. I think I deserve this.

But what's this? The dead end seems opening up. Is it for me, or for them? Is this true or will this just be another promise and another lie? I can't continue if there's no clear direction. I can't wait. Not for nothing. Le me know soon, or else...

The other crossroad... well not really. I know what I want. There's no need to choose, for I already made a decision. I will be with you soon. Can't wait.

Black Pencil Project to be featured in ABS-CBN

2008-09-12T09:52:00.000+08:00

Inspired with the kids who serenaded us at Cambulo Village, Banaue, Ifugao Province, we formed the Black Pencil Project - a personal initiative to help provide pencils through resources mobilizations to public elementary schools in the remote barangays accross the country. It aims to encourage localized participation and individual commitment of goodwill in support to government education programs in the countryside.

Initial beneficiaries of the project are kids in Cambulo, Banaue, Ifugao.

We raised 700 pesos and a bunch of pencils from the recent Basic Photography Workshop, myself and Mon conducted (for free) with my montaineering group Boondockers. This coming Tuesday, we will be meeting with ABS-CBN. They will feature our initiative in their website. Hopefully this will create awareness and promote the Black Pencil Project

Click here to view video on YouTube.

Self Portrait, with Zer and Mon. Im the one in the middle. =)

We are also known as AkosiSuperEdwink.

akosizer - Zer
Super_ed - Mon
Edwink - Edwin (me!)

all members of Pinoyphotography.Org (the forum and the photography club)

2 years

2008-09-09T13:04:00.000+08:00

I've been waiting for this for the longest time. There's nothing I could want more.
Please let me go. I wish to go...

Sincere

2008-09-08T07:09:00.000+08:00

I've never felt that stupid until that Sunday morning.
There's nothing I can do to correct what I have done.
But please, give me a chance to redeem myself.
I will make it up to you I swear.

Yes to you...

2008-09-02T12:56:00.009+08:00

I thought honesty would free me. I believe showing my true self is my way of showing sincerity. Now, it seems that I have made a mistake. Or maybe, I did not. I don't know. But one thing I do know, is I am rebuilding my life. I'm putting things in order. I may have started on the wrong side of the boat, but I am correcting my mistakes. My wish is to be given a chance. A chance to prove myself.

I would want to workout things first, before going into this new journey. I will make sure that every step I take, will be for the right direction. I can't afford to be lost. I need to find the correct path that would hopefully lead me to you.

Yes to you.

Edit:

Is it you? But why do these to me... don't you see? tsk tsk tsk...

What's going on lately...

2008-09-01T11:44:00.001+08:00

I miss Cordillera, specifically Sagada and Banaue. The June Cambulo-Batad-Bangaan adventure is still fresh in my mind. The trip brought a sense of relief and a much needed break from work and life. Photography and traveling has been my refuge. I thank the Lord for giving me the resources and time. All of my photos are for you Lord. Thank you!

More on photography, the 12-24 came really as a surprise. Though I lost my SB800 and 50 1.4 (to fund for this UWA), I feel it was worth the loss. I have so much to learn with this wide angle, and I hope I could be as good as my bud Zer.

Inspired with the recent PiPho photo-op with master Edwin Martinez I am seriously considering to get an IR filter, ND8 and a ND Grad Cokin. But my main worry is that on my monthly (okay, almost weekly) climbs, I don't have time to setup a tripod and shoot slow shutter. Backpacking is fast paced and I can't be the cause of the delay for the group. We have an Itineray to follow, chores and roles to do. Photography is second to my backpacking when we are up there.

Sideline: I promised myself that I will not involve myself in "Photography service for pay". I don't have the time, and don't have the eagerness to shoot events, weddings and others. I'm a landscape photographer, a traveler. I love shooting the sky, mountains, rivers, sunrise, sunsets... but it seems that opportunity keeps on knocking at my door. I recently covered a friend's civil wedding in Pamapangga. Quite ironic actually. Did learn a few things, and true enough, I had problems submitting the photos for I lack time. Shot one corporate event, the Davao trip and now another wedding end of September. Maybe this is for me. If so, I would want to do these on the sides, not a primary objective, maybe just to fund my GAStos attacks.

I sent my "Batad Wide" photo already. I hope it met the deadline. God willingly, it will be on the cover page. My first feature if ever. Thank you again Lord!

oh, and about GAS... I was waiting for the D90 to come out. And it was launched last August 27. And soon it will be on the shelves of Hidalgo stores. This is what i've been wanting for the longest time... low noise, faster fps, bigger/better LCD, active D-lighting, sensor cleaning... all in a small and light D80 like package. I don't know how I can afford to get one. Maybe thru "sidelines". I dunno...

So funny...

2008-08-30T14:10:00.004+08:00

Can't help but laugh at myself.
I try to make things happen...
And they do happen.
But not the way I want I want things to happen...
Lolz...

8/20/2008 3:01:01 PM

2008-08-20T13:21:00.008+08:00

It happened again. Silly me.

A moment

2008-08-19T10:45:00.009+08:00

I stand forcefully, combating the strong wind...
I stare intently, on the clouds passing by me...
That's where I was... That's where I will be...
With your arms wrapped around me...

If God will allow me...
I want to do it over again and over again...

The playground

2008-08-15T00:46:00.002+08:00

12-24, 8 frames, P-mode, PS CS3 auto stitched
---
Back to basics.

One Saturday With The Light Chaser

2008-08-14T08:07:00.003+08:00

August 9, 2008 - Pagnsanjan Laguna
Thanks to Edwin Martinez for the invite.

more here: www.pinoyphotography.org

A blessing

2008-08-13T03:20:00.003+08:00

Finally, a person who believes me
and who understands me.
Thank you kabalen...

Pakikibagay at pakikisama...

2008-08-12T07:54:00.001+08:00

saan ang hangganan?

Ang lawin sa paglubog ng araw...

2008-08-11T22:09:00.006+08:00

Parehong bundok,
parehong samahan,
puno ng kasiyahan,
walang iwanan,
mga tunay na kaibigan.

UWAaawww!

2008-08-03T17:41:00.002+08:00

Let's see what this baby can do...

Something new came up...

2008-07-20T13:01:00.004+08:00

50mm 1.4 + manual extension tubes

----

One does not need to be afraid. It's a cycle that everyone has to go thru.

I am happy. Thank you Lord, for this new blessing.

And it came true. All of them.

2008-07-09T23:57:00.004+08:00

Mang Ben is one of the respected elders who lives in Batad. He has a small hut, within his rice paddies, overlooking the village of Batad.

Mang Ben wore a necklace, where a bunch of long hair strands is attached.

We were told that it was his wife's hair.

Such a humbling experience to meet Mang Ben, a nice person with a colorful character

----

I knew it would. I saw what would happen. But why did I still do it? Because I had to take the risk. I had to conquer my fears. If I did not, it would surely hunt me for the rest of my life. "What if's" can only be answered if actions were taken. And I did. I thank the Lord for giving me the strength and the courage to travel in this long winding road. I am blaming no one. It was my choosing, it was my destiny.

This travel is taking quite a while from what I wanted. I have endured so much. Pain, defeat and agony. Turning around and going back would make the risks I took worthless. So I will continue to travel, hoping that when the end comes, it's a sight to behold. A perfect one, that God has specially chosen for me.

Portrait of a Filipino

2008-06-30T22:32:00.000+08:00

Title: Man of Batad
Location: Batad, Banaue, Ifugao Province, Philippines
Date Taken: June 7, 2008

This came as a surprise. What a nice birthday gift! Thank you!
3rd Place - FPPF Photo World Cup 2008 JUNE Portrait of A Filipino

Early morning message

2008-06-22T22:29:00.001+08:00

"The most important thing is not to be bitter over life's difficulties. Learn to let go of the past and recognize that everyday won't be sunny, and when you find yourself lost in darkness and despair, remember - its only in the black of the night that you can see the stars, and those stars will lead you back home. So don't be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble to fall... Because most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing things that scare you most."

Ang barkada...

2008-06-20T08:08:00.001+08:00

Ano nga ba?

Sablay

2008-06-17T14:35:00.004+08:00

Some people say being techie is a gift.
For me it's a curse.

Lesson learned:
What you don't see, you don't know, won't hurt you.

Thoughts of pain

2008-06-17T13:13:00.004+08:00

Like a river that flows endlessly
My thoughts carried to eternity
Believers are nowehere
Contradictions are everywhere
Why was I treated like this
What actions did I miss
Forgiveness at this time I can't make
This time, it should be me, for my sake
If they say or does not
It doesn't matter...
I'll pray to the Lord...
that's all I would do.

It takes two

2008-06-02T19:54:00.005+08:00

2:00AM, walang tulog, taga na van, adik na mga kasama,

panis na chowking, apat na litro tubig, day pack,

pitch kunwari, tulog sa ground sheet, Oh shit! literally,

daming baka, daming shit, bulalo sa mahogany,

aldente na tawilis, saya sayang lakad. masayang samahan,

masayang akyat. masayang tropa. walang iwanan.

Skin deep

2008-05-29T08:12:00.002+08:00

God will make a way

2008-05-28T23:50:00.003+08:00

God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength

For each new day

He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness

He'll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see

Heaven and earth will fade

But His Word will still remain

He will do something new today

Friendship?

2008-05-27T16:35:00.002+08:00

I had enough. So be it. I don't need nobody.

Angst

2008-05-22T11:31:00.005+08:00

I was trying to prove something. I was trying to get someone to understand. I have been trying for weeks.

Today, I still feel the same way. I want others to understand and to know. I want everybody to ask. Why? Because I am surprised why no one has dared ask me. Not a single person approached and asked me what happened. I came into conclusion that they already have talked to whoever, and gotten there whatever side of the story. I maybe wrong, and probably is. But why the silence? Can you blame me for asking?

For weeks, I faced this dilemma alone. I have no one to talk too. I don't think anybody would understand how that felt. Zero. Nodda. None.. Nobody. All I needed was for someone to tell me, that I didn't do wrong. I want re-affirmation that I did good. I don't want to put blame to others, but wanted for others to see the right in me. Or, again, I maybe wrong. I maybe at the wrong side of the boat. I maybe the one to blame. Maybe that's what I really needed, someone to knock the hell out of me and tell me that I fucked up.

If a person is open to the idea that he maybe wrong, shouldn't we give him the benefit of the doubt, and possibly consider the idea, that he maybe right after all?

Proving who's right and wrong is a lame excuse. It's unprofessional and an immature way of thinking. But sometimes the solution to a problem is going back to basics. Who did what and why? Another point to consider is the present situation. Who has what, and who has nothing? What changed and what did not? Who's smiling, who's crying? Who's utterly boasting, and who's self keeping?

Am I expecting others to think the same way? Yes!!! A hundred gazillion Yes!

But honestly... no.

I don't expect for others to understand. I don't want others to know. I am not wanting for everyone to ask me, why and what happened.

You know why?

Because no one in this world would understand how I am feeling right now....

Lost, just like that...

2008-05-20T19:59:00.000+08:00

Supposedly it was a simple task, re-allocate a file partition to the OSX partition so I'll have more spaces for more apps. I typed in the command, made sure I had the right number, 2 and 4. Not 4 and 2. Made sure again, 2 and 4.... then crossed my fingers, pressed enter, then....

Then viola, it did not only merge partitions 2 and 4, but also merged the partition in between - partition 3. My data files/photos were all saved in the 3rd partition! That's about 40GB+++ worth of photos, deleted in an instant! I knew I should have waited for the mybook backup to complete! Argh! Patience is a virtue! But that's not only it. Windows XP won't boot no more. Leopard won't boot either. I killed my notebook!!! Waahh!!!

Scrapped the 10.5.0 disk image and did a 10.5.1 (Kalaway) full installation. Had initial problems with Audio and Video. But after a couple of "googling around" was able to find the fixes and all is now working fine. But what an improvement! Less lag, it's faster, more apps opened, more space for apps! Yahoo!!! The screen shot shows I'm backing up everything this time. I learned my lesson. Lolz...

I have 600GB worth of space to fill-up. Plus I still have a spindle of DVDs. No photos. Walang gana...

Clueless

2008-05-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

It helps not to know. For knowing only brings complication.

karapatan ng bata...

2008-05-18T07:04:00.003+08:00

1. Maipanganak, magkaroon ng pangalan at nasyonalidad.
2. Magkaroon ng mag-aalaga at mapagmahal na pamilya.
3. Mabuhay ng mapayapa sa isang komunidad and mabuting kapaligiran.
4. Makakain ng sapat at nagkaroon ng aktibo at malusog na pangangatawan.
5. Magkaroon ng edukasyon at mahubog ang kanilang potensiyal
6. Karapatan sa paglalaro at libangan.
7. Magprotektahan laban sa abuso, pagpapabaya, karahasan at panganib.
8. Madepensahan at matulungan ng pamahalaan
9. Mapahayag ang kanilang mga saluobin at pananaw.

---

ako din, may karapatan.

Going Home...

2008-05-09T11:53:00.005+08:00

Going home, going home
To the place that I love to see
There's a light, that's shining on my window
And it's shining just for me
Going home, going home...

Going home...

--- 1986
--- 1995
--- 2000
--- 2002
--- 2008
---

From experience

2008-05-09T07:05:00.004+08:00

Everybody takes risk at one point in life.
It's just a matter of courage and
attitude towards the outcome.
~ Justine

A premonition...

2008-05-08T20:58:00.014+08:00

It's just a matter of time and it will happen.
The truth will be told.
And that we will finally prove...
that I was right after all.

Unclear...

2008-05-04T11:26:00.000+08:00

Aliwan Festival 2008CCP
Complex, Pasay City, Philippines
May 3, 2008

Where to go... What to do...