FPPF Photos

Hay. Haven't posted for ages. A lot has happened to me these past months. First, I resigned from my job as a Quality Coordinator in Yell Adworks. Then, I got broke. Got enough money to study basic photography. Now, I'm broke once more. But then, I feel really satisfied with what I've achieved so far - kahit wala akong pera.
Went to study Basic Photography at FPPF despite the negative comments my college instructor gave the workshop. I wanted to give it a try and I also knew that by the time a workshop schedule comes up from my preferred photography instructor, I would be penniless.
Here are the photos I submitted during the workshop:

Black subject on black background, supposedly

Deep depth of field

Glassware on black background

Motion blur

Motion freeze

Portrait using window light

Shallow depth of field

White subject on white background, supposedly

The Internet...O.o

Oh my. I know that the internet is a powerful medium of information...but oh my...this is the first time I got paranoid on how well people can find things about you. The horrifying part of it is people most especially can find your dirt through the internet.
 Up until now, I still wonder how people found SQ's blog when all the vital information that might help SEO were divulged in riddles and initials like YA, WG, NL. Is that how smart technology has become?!LOL
After I found SQ's blog, I urged to checking my gmail for social network site updates (yes, I'm not allowed to access FB, especially LinkedIn from office). I choked when I saw that my boss send a request to follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn! I know I didn't say any horrible thing about him or my job in those sites but I did mention in Twitter how I felt about my job. I didn't want my boss to know how I felt because I wanted to show him how strong I am. When the day comes that I've decided (to whatevurrr), I wanted him feel that I am indispensable. Letting him see a slight hint of my discouragement might destroy the image I wanted to build. Is it Google? Have you been giving away my sites?! Ugh! I hate you! I trusted you. CHar! Lol
Ay nako buti nalang protected ang tweets ko. Lol! (and I can't remember my password!)

My Sister's Other Job

It's been a while since I wrote here. I've been very busy with work...too busy perhaps. I've been promoted to a Quality Coordinator position. I'm not going to say anything about that job...for now.
The only thing that keeps me happy during my spare time is my sister's other job - makeup application. I've always been supportive of my sister. Imagine how ecstatic I am to know that she has found her true passion and that she finally has the courage to pursue it.
My sister is a graduate of HD Makeup Studio & Academy (formerly Basement Academy). She specializes in bridal, debutante, special occasion, and fashion makeup. Ate Noemi was trained and equipped to do makeup that can withstand high resolution/definition cameras.
I've been helping her develop her portfolio. I've been assisting her during her makeup stints and taking photos of her work. Here's her portfolio:
http://www.wix.com/makeupbynoemisamson/home#!portfolio
I've also helped her develop her own website:
http://makeupbynoemi.weebly.com/
I know, I'm bad at web designing. I still believe that it's the effort that counts.



My sister not only has a good heart, she is also talented. I hope someday, people can notice that.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

I hate coming to work everyday. At the start of the week, I just wish that the weekend would come fast. I do not like my job and the shift schedules. If it weren't for the new shift schedule I might not even think of hating my job. I could not totally say that I hate what I'm doing because why else would I stay for over a year in this company? The only consolation I get from this job (aside from the pay) is the two weeks (every other month) that I feel like I'm like any other working person in the Philippines--I go to work during the mornings. However, last month, they rolled out a new shift schedule - 12mn and 3am (thanks to the "shining beacon of hope" and to mr. "designers!").
I would not deny that I liked the 12mn shift. There was no rush in coming to work and I actually slept well. Come next shift though, I felt the effects of never seeing the sun and never experiencing weekends (because I spend them sleeping, and when I'm awake, everybody else is sleeping. Sunday leaves too fast.).
What was worse was hearing that the new manager does not welcome critical and logical thinkers--he is basically a dictator. I really wish that Sir Art is still our manager. I miss having him as our OM. Naalala ko tuloy si Cor. Sir Art na mahilig mag-eavesdrop.haha At least he cared.
Last week, Liss told me that DDB is looking for SEO writers. I hesitated on giving her my resume because I haven't really thought of leaving the company. Hindi naman lahat ng bagay sa kumpanya eh masama.
1. I have really awesome friends
2. This is the first time that I get paid this much
3. They have up to par health benefits
4. I like their PTO program
5. The job really isn't that hard
6. They give opportunities for us to learn
Yun nga lang, they can be abusive at times--depending on the "company's needs."
If I leave this company, I'm afraid I might not be able to find a job that can offer the same benefits.

Decide, decide...hay mag-aaral muna ako sa May or June, tapos saka na ako mag-iisip.

Welcome home Vevi Nikon D3100!

I'm so happy to have finally bought my first ever, awesome DSLR - the Nikon D3100 (a.k.a. Vevi, I still haven't thought of a better name for it)!

 
Despite the tax and the "no log out" deductions from my salary, last Saturday, I still went to Hidalgo as planned. I was with the family. Mami was so happy for me now that I have my DSLR. Finally, she would be hearing less of my almost-quarter-life-crisis rants. Dadi was happy to lend me money (haha).

Ate was psyched about Savory

I allotted 31k for the DSLR because I've already called some of the shops in Hidalgo. But upon learning that the prices may vary from one shop to another, I checked out all of them before deciding to buy one. Henry's was the last shop I checked out, and that was not because it was at the corner of the road. The 1st shop (coming from Quiapo church, forgot the name) offered D3100 kit for 31k, with a free bag, 4g memory card, 1 year store warranty and a duster. Honestly, I wanted to buy that one already because the shop dude was really accommodating. Yes, I'm a big fan of sales talk.haha But I did not trust my instinct and went on to check out the other shops. Almost all of them offer the same price and freebies. 24k offered the cheapest price - 29k. but here's the catch -- it doesn't have a free bag and they offer 6 months store warranty only. Mami then went on with saying, "Di bale nang mahal basta mas matagal yung warranty, anong malay mo."


So finally we've reached Henry's. The shop lady had me at, "29,800 libre bag, 4g memory card, saka may 1 year store warranty." Yehei! Since nakamura ako nang malaki, I've decided to buy a lens filter. Saka na yung iba. I got my D3100 kit (body, 18-55 mm VR lens, bag, 4g memory card, and lens filter) for 30, 200.

Here's the 1st photo Vevi took of me:

  I'm happy that I was with my family who helped me buy Vevi that day.

Then off we went to Dadi's "sentimental journey." We passed by Dadi's favorite bakery, favorite carinderia, favorite movie house (now an abandoned lot), and of course, his favorite restaurant:

We spent 1,200 for a large serving of Pata Tim, Savory Chicken, and Pansit. It was really cheap considering the amount of serving they offer. We weren't able to finish them all and in fact, we ate the left overs until the night after that day.

Look at that Pata Tim plate and compare it with Ate's plate! Grabe, ang dami!

Dadi wasn't happy about the pansit though. He said David's had the authentic Chinese tasting pansit. Okay, winner na ang David's (true naman!).

Hay, so from now, expect that this blog will be filled with photos from me Vevi.

"Managing" as what by boss would say

It's been 2 months since I last posted here. They say you forget to post a blog entry when you are happy and content with what you have. I must say that's true for me, but not entirely.

As my boss would always say when I ask him how he's doing, "Managing." He's tired, but still he finds life and happiness outside work.

I'm tired, but still I've learned that there are good things that await you when you work hard.

So far, I've received 2 blessings from work:

1. Money to buy my first ever, awesome DSLR

Yes. This coming Saturday, I've got everything planned and I'm heading out to Hidalgo! :D Last December, I've decided that if I don't save up for my DSLR, I'd have to wait for another year. I initially planned on buying one on February. But I've realized that I needed this camera by the end of January since I'm joining the kids' camp at Laguna.

I begged Dadi to lend me 10k, just so I can buy the DSLR this coming 15th. I promised to pay him by the end of Feb. Mabait talaga si Dadi, kasi pumayag siya! :D (that's what you get when you're great at sucking up to your Dad.haha)

After much deliberations and phone calls, I've decided to buy Nikon D3100:

It's got 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor and HD movie recording.
BABY! See you in five days!


2. An 8.5 out of 10 rating in my December scorecard.

I'm not sure if 8.5 out of 10 can be considered high already, or laging late lang talaga ang team mates ko. I got a perfect 10 on attendance because I always come to work on time and even 30 minutes early sometimes. Eh malakas pala manghatak ang attendance, mataas kasi ang percentage niya sa scorecard. Anyway, I'm happy enough to reach 8. (syempre inspired! sa DSLR saka kay teenage crush!haha)

Ay, si Teenage Crush pala...he's not gay, OKAY?

Hay. I can't wait for Saturday to come. Sana bukas Saturday na! :D

1st entry for this account

I never maintained a blog. That is one mistake that hadn't realized for years.

I am stressed at work and don't even know if I'm gearing towards the right direction. What I know right now is that I want a DSLR, badly. But, what should I do after buying one?

That's how messed up and vague my life is. The worst part is, I'm having a difficult time relaying my feelings to the people around me. It must be the age and cultural difference. No matter how close they are to you, they can't get close enough to fully understand your situation.

I know, I'm 21, and I am not allowed to waste my time playing around...just like what I did in college. I have to be serious because every decision I make affects my future. "You can have short term goals, kid, but they must be part of your long term goals." That's what I kept saying to myself.

Last Friday at work, I was reading blog entries from friends. Most of them were written during their quarter life crisis phase. That kept me thinking. If at this point of my life, from the scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), my level of ranting and whining is 7, how higher can it get 3-4 years later? Ugh.

"I hate to pressure you dude, but these things, you'd have to confront them sooner. You never notice them hanging behind your back, and in no time, you're completely eaten up." (Hold up, Dasepo Sonyo clips suddenly popped in head.haha)

And yes, I talk to myself, mostly during office hours (that's how isolating my job feels, weird eh, I'll talk about some other time).


That was when I decided to put up a blog, one that I commit to maintain for the rest of my life.

Nobody can help me if I'm not able to understand myself. I know I'm weird, I'm a psycho, I've been told.
So this blog, I hope will help me pick up the pieces and eventually help me find my way (ew, it's like writing a song for my blog).

BTW, I've been saying this, but I'm really not serious about it...I want to be a photographer working at a cruise ship. :)