Rough Groove

I didn’t qualify

I just got an email telling me that I didn’t qualify for the 13th INTERNATIONAL NOORDERLICHT PHOTOFESTIVAL. What a bummer. Because of the bulk of photographers entering and the photos that they have, I was edged out of the qualifying 64 slots. Well, I would admit though that the portfolio I assembled was done at the last minute and really, it’s not as coherent as what I’ve expected it to be, having been assembled through different photos that I have on stock, not a specific project that is thoroughly planned and executed. In fact, I was beating the deadline, emailing my entries as the last few minutes ticked off to a close. I checked the website and was even surprised that Masferre’s famous Cordillera photos were able to make it even if the photographer has died long ago.

Lesson: I still have much to learn. In order for me to really advance, I have to embark on personal projects, learn and learn and learn. No love lost but a challenge to take.

By the way, my entry is Series 30: In Transit: Buses and Terminals.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm USM

My favorite lens which is often times attached to my 350D camera. I use it for architectural shots, event/street photography in tight spaces, landscapes and just for fun due to the distorition effects that is inherent with ultrawide angle lenses. Its also solidly built, reliable and with really good picture quality output as well as sharp. Purchased last November, its quite expensive even if I was able to get it on sale at Watson’s in P. Gomez St. in Quiapo, Manila.

I’ve been using it primarily for the Semana Santa photodocumentary, various travels and old Philippines churches for an ongoing project. By the way, this is the ultrawide version for Canon’s digital cameras with the 1.6 crop factor.

An unexpected development

Just when I’m at the point of making a major career decision, a move that will forever change my future here comes an exciting offer from my department head and manager to be a part, though temporary, of a group that can put into good use my learning in the 4 semesters that I’ve had at AMA Davao for Cisco CCNA. Well, I’ve been putting off for some time the actual taking of the certification exams but with this new assignment, I might be forced to really take it for good. From Nationwide Optimization, I’m now assigned with Core – IP Planning and Engineering specifically for the IP Backbone activities for Metro Manila. Seems an exciting development, and one that I’ve not expected to happen. Frankly, I’ve been wishing to be a part of this group but that seems elusive until that afternoon meeting last week, Thursday. I started to report to this group just yesterday and seems that I can learn and enjoy it a lot.

Seems my plans for a career shift will be put on hold for the moment. I’ll give this a few months and assess from there.

Please read and sign this petition to save our churches!

I’ve already signed up. This is a very important petition in the name of Philippine cultural heritage. Please spread the word. We need to act fast before its too late!

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http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp/

Almost every town in the Philippines has at least one church built during the Spanish colonial period, all of which are inherent parts of the architectural heritage of Filipinos and stand as testaments to the excellence and creativity of Filipino artisans and craftsmen of yesteryears who labored to create these works of art.

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Mall of Asia

Was there last Sunday and I was hoping to watch an IMAX movie or go window shopping. But when I arrived at the newest mall of Henry Sy, purported to be the 3rd biggest mall in the world and the third biggest in Asia, I was just aghast to see the crowds who also thought it best to visit this place, an occassion for Father’s Day. After taking a snack in Read y Coffee (not really the best food around with their pizza wanting for a makeover), I went back home. But not before getting two books at 15% discount at Fully Booked: one photobook and The World is Flat.

The biggest mall in the country and in Asia, 3rd in the world. Wanting to have a good time, I was just disappointed to see the huge turn out of the crowd. People were just everywhere! Every nook and cranny. Every path leading to the various shops and foodstalls and foodcourt. People, like ants, swarming.

People, people, everywhere…

… and still everywhere. Right, in one lucky moment, I was able to capture with my Nokia 6680 phone, two lovers alone and enjoying the sea scene. In just seconds after taking the shots, people were then blocking the view.