Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man

My Books: Absolut Sequel

2012-01-31T00:05:00.000+08:00

Found this book by chance at National Bookstore in the discounted/sale section a few years ago. I was just looking at the titles of the books trying to find an interesting read at an affordable price. When I glanced upon it, I recognized the title and the logo because its a well-promoted vodka among foreign magazines. The advertisement that I remembered was of Naomi Campbell modeling inside an ice sculpture of the well-recognized Absolut vodka bottle. I scanned it and was intrigued by the photos so immediately bought it. Only later did i realize that it is a book on advertising.

What is great about this book is that it takes on the advertisement of just one product, Absolut Vodka. Tackling only one product shows the evolution and the variety of creativity of such advertising in the more than 25 years of its existence. You can view different types of print advertisement ranging form the simple to the complex. This is a great book on studying design, photography, layout and, of course, advertising. The impact of this book to me is that it gave me ideas on how to approach design and photography from different angles. I learned that, for a advertisement to mean something, it must get the message across even if it is not clearly stated. You get curious with Absolut advertisements. I think that is the key, curiosity. To find out more about the subject.

I hope I could get the first Absolut Book. And If only I could get my hands on the book, Absolut Legacy, which unfortunately is not for sale and only given to media practitioners.

This is My Attempt in Doing an Absolut Advertisement:

Absolut Kurant

Video Games That I Played: Final Fantasy Tactics

2012-01-29T00:54:00.001+08:00

First of all, I am not good in adventure or action games. My favorites are fighting and basketball games. This is one of the few video games that I finished. Played it until early in the morning without ever realizing it in my uncle's Playstation (PS1). I was pretty hooked with this one and it took me almost a year to figure it out. I enjoyed the chess-like structure of this turn-based game. It's quite an easy game to understand but difficult to complete. Strategy is required. If I still have this copy today, i would want to play it all over again.

The Camera and Its Lens

2012-01-27T23:56:00.001+08:00

It was a tough start but I've known you a lot better since.

After all the trials and error that we've made, I'm still learning more about you.

Together, let's capture moments of time before they're lost forever.

Give it A Try: Water-sports

2012-01-23T22:47:00.000+08:00

Give water-sports a try, like skimboarding or surfing. The odds are against you with this one. It's quite difficult to get a learn. Cuts and bruises would be evidences of that. You are now thinking that you might fail.

Now, think about the question "What if you succeed?".

Are you going to let the fear of failing get in the way?

Now, get your adventure on!

I Just Called to Say...

2012-01-22T23:56:00.003+08:00

Call someone you miss today.

Maybe they're thinking about you too.

And you both entered the waiting game.

Why wait? Call them now.

A Bridge No More

2012-01-17T23:19:00.000+08:00

The rain poured. The river swelled. Trees fell. A wooden bridge has no chance against the force of nature.

Warnings. More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-15T01:15:00.001+08:00

Wishlist: Canon PowerShot G1X

2012-01-12T11:52:00.002+08:00

This camera will be released in February and I want one. I could use this in my street photography. My DSLR is to bulky to carry for everyday use and it is not discreet to use. I like the full manual features in this camera. Before, I've contemplated on buying a Micro 4/3 Camera but upon seeing this camera, it's perfect for daily use. Its fixed lens is good for me because I only intend to buy additional lenses for my DSLR camera.

I just hope i could afford this.

Hitchhiking. More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-12T00:20:00.000+08:00

Non Sequitur: Meet the Blogger

2012-01-11T15:38:00.001+08:00

My Books: Lupin III

2012-01-08T20:22:00.000+08:00

I had a hard time completing this collection because it was not sold as a complete set. It was displayed in discount/sale section and as expected in disarray. But was glad to complete it after looking at several branches of the store in less than a year of looking.

I first encountered Lupin III as a television show and was captivated by his antics together with Goemon, Jigen, Fujiko and the ever so persistent Zenigata. The movie Castle of Cagliostro further increased my admiration for these characters.

Upon learning that this TV series was based on a manga by Monkey Punch, I wished of getting a copy of one of them. When I first read the manga, I was shocked because this was not the Lupin III I was used to. Let's just say that the manga is the Rated R version of the anime. It was still funny and entertaining but I can't recommend it to everyone. It's not for the faint of heart because it contains scene lewd scenes that are objectionable.

For adult fans, a must-read with great and absurd stories to choose from.

Maybe next time, I could complete the 2nd series of this manga. I only have Vol. 1 of of it.

Running To Get Caught

2012-01-07T00:07:00.001+08:00

This is the figures on top of my friend's wedding cake. A woman catching a runaway groom.

At first glance, it makes us think that the man was an unwilling groom who was forced to wed the woman. But sometimes, or maybe it's just me, people run in order to get caught. It's a way of saying, please come after me. It makes the person running feel important. As the lyric of a song goes "Catch me, I'm falling for you and I don't know what to do". It's wonderful to be in the arms of the one you love.

So start running, maybe somebody's gone chase you and maybe, just maybe, you want to get caught too.

Movie: The Trip (2010) & The Guard (2011)

2012-01-03T23:39:00.001+08:00

I've watched these movies this week and I really enjoyed it. Both are British comedy with witty humor and great dialogue. These are the movies that I love to watch and watch them repeatedly. However, this movie is not for everybody. Some of my acquaintances don't like to watch these type of movies because they can't find something to laugh about although these movies are advertised as comedies.

For me, British comedies requires some knowledge and understanding of their culture for one to get the joke. It's different from slapstick were one can easily spot the jokes and the punchlines are easily recognizable. I've heard before in a television interview that the difference between British and American comedy is that you laugh immediately with American comedy while you'll laugh the next day with the British.

For movie lovers, I recommend this type of movie. Forget about the stars of the films, and watch movies for what they are presenting. It's enjoyable that way. The story and acting carries the movie and not the smile or beauty of the performers.

Amihan Rules

2012-01-02T22:13:00.001+08:00

The Rules to follow if you want to be a member of the Amihan sa Dahican.

- = Skim/Surf Shack = -
Dahican Beach, City of Mati, Davao Oriental,
Region XI, Mindanao, Philippines

Let's Begin the New Year with a Prayer

2012-01-01T01:10:00.000+08:00

A new year, a new beginning for all of us. We've succeeded and failed during the previous year. The important thing is that we've learned from both our victories and failures. And know that there are fights that we should never give-up. It may be irrelevant to other but its something that we must do.

Sometimes, our dream are standing in front of us and we can't say the right words or express our emotions to make it ours. Afraid of the things we cannot control. The fear of failing this so important aspect of our life. But things must be said no matter what the outcome is. A new year brings new perspective on things. We now know what to let go and also what to hold on.

Let's take a chance at something. Because I know I will. The great hockey player Wayne Gretzky aptly said that "You miss 100% of the shots you never take".

We all need guidance of someone greater than ourselves to push us when we've lost all the strength to move on. To carry us when were weary. To love us even when we can't find ways to love ourselves. So, let's start it with prayer that our Lord gave us. God bless us all.

My Books: Calvin & Hobbes - It's a Magical World

2011-12-29T23:38:00.001+08:00

Found this book by chance at National Bookstore while looking for manga. It was piled among the disregarded books at the back shelf and at a discount price. I immediately grabbed and paid for it. One of the best book purchases I've made.

I've been a fan of this comic strip by Bill Watterson ever since I first read it in some newspaper a long time ago and since have read every comic strip it circulated through the internet. It grabbed my attention because it can be understood in different ways. You could take it as it was written, an adventure of a irritating and joyful kid who has a love/hate relationship with is toy tiger. Or it can be understood philosophically, reading between the lines and reading that their is some logic to the rants to that little noisy kid. Later, I found out that the title of the book refers to two philosophers. And that we also share the same birthday. A great book indeed.

And now, if I could only I could find where to purchase "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes". Sadly, it's not available in my country.

Need to be Next to You

2011-12-28T00:13:00.002+08:00

Right here with you is right where I belong

I lose my mind if I can't see you

Without you there's nothing in this life

That would make life worth living for

I can't make it if you're not there

I can't fight what I feel any more

Cause I need to be next to you...

The Rain Keeps on Going, Going, Going...

2011-12-27T00:18:00.000+08:00

The river kin front of our house is on the verge of overflowing due to constant rain which started early this morning. And based on the weather satellite picture, it will go on until early this morning.

The threat of calamity when heavy rains occur is now at a high point because of the recent disaster in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City due to Typhong "Sendong". Everyone needs to be vigilant because it happens quickly and most often without warning.

Let's hope that all are safe in their homes even with the heavy rains.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T02:29:00.002+08:00

Have a blessed Merry Christmas to Everyone.

Let's share.

My Books: Pugad Baboy 23

2011-12-23T08:28:00.001+08:00

Another Pugad Baboy has been added to my collection. It's 23rd part of the series. More Laugh Out Loud moments for me, to the irritation of my brother. Until the next collection.

My 1st Flash Gun: Nissin Di866 Mark II

2011-12-22T22:58:00.001+08:00

My flash gun or external camera flash has arrived earlier this week. This would be my 1st time using it. I've yet to explore its uses aside from the automatic flash setting. Being a newbie in using this device, i have to read more about its proper use.

I've learned that this is best used off-camera but I have no spare change to buy a remote transceiver. For now, I have this to occupy my time.

This is a new frontier for me and I have to learn to use it fast. A wedding is waiting for me to cover in just two weeks.

Movie: Watchmen (2009)

2011-12-20T09:59:00.000+08:00

Note: A repost from an article I wrote in March 20, 2009 in a blog that i've discontinued.

Who watches the Watchmen? That would be Me.

Two weeks ago, I went to another town to watch the movie Watchmen since we have no cinemas here. That was not my real intention but Plan A didn't materialize so I resorted to Plan B which is just to watch the movie adaptation of the graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN.

I was enthralled by the movie because of what I have heard of the graphic novel since I am an avid comic book fan of both Marvel and DC. Truth be told, I already had an electronic copy of this graphic novel years ago but failed to ready it. I got most of my information about the novel from Wikipedia and other websites after my friend gave a copy, saying that it was one of the best comic book ever made.

Even with all that information from the internet, I wasn't able to fully comprehend the story of the novel until I watched the movie adaptation. Since the 12 issue graphic novel cannot be all incorporated into a 2-hour movie, I'm currently revisiting my copy of the comic book to fill-up some gaps not found in the movie.

Also, I have watched the animation "Tales of the Black Freighter" which is a comic story within the Watchmen story. It was quite scary and not suitable for anyone for teens. The story is quite dark and grotesque that it is uncomfortable to watch and I kept grimacing while watching the video.

From the host of watchmen characters, I now understand why many believe that Rorschach is the most popular figure even on the way he was portrayed in the novel.

I do like how Rorschach thinks, in this world where there are many gray areas that people tend to make, it is a necessary component to have a character who sees things as black and white, right or wrong, good and evil. I like a character who doesn't compromise their beliefs even when it resulted in a perfectly made lie.

The saying "The End Does That Justify The Means" comes to mind on how Rorschach does his thing. The is a very flawed character who does veil things to get what he wants but doesn't pretend that what he was doing was right. No apologies for what he has done because he himself knows that they're wrong.

Although I like Rorschach, I question whether such a person could exist in seeing the world just as black and white. Well, I think that the world of tolerance, understanding and empathy would not be in the vocabulary of Rorschach.

Nevertheless

2011-12-19T13:50:00.000+08:00

We cannot change the painful past or bring back our loved one; nevertheless, we can live with gratitude for the love we had and for the life we shared – even though that love and life ended too soon. How will we live with the grief that has rocked our world? Will we get stuck in yesterday with the words “if only” or will be move ahead toward tomorrow with the word “nevertheless”?

Daniel T. Hans

It's the Season of Giving

2011-12-18T23:44:00.000+08:00

In an unfair and unjust world, show a little kindness. It goes a long way.

What better way to show it than this season of giving, Christmas.

Share your blessing with another, maybe it will be the best present you could give yourself.

My Books: Pugad Baboy X & XX

2011-12-14T11:27:00.002+08:00

Pugad Baboy X

Pugad Baboy XX

I've read every collection released and will continue to do so with future releases. Sadly, some of my collection have been lost while I was still in college. And I plan on purchasing those old books in the future.

Pugad Baboy is a great addition to any book collection. It's funny, witty and contains great observational comedy.

Gaze at Each Other

2011-12-13T22:25:00.000+08:00

"...What they do is the couple comes in and they kneel down in front of the
whole congregation, and they just stare at each other, and nobody says a word
unless they feel that God moves them to speak, or say something.
And then after an hour or so, of just, uh, staring at each other, they’re married."

from the movie "Before Sunrise"

Movie: Ghost Town (2008)

2011-12-12T14:10:00.001+08:00

Note: A repost from an article I wrote in May 13, 2009 in a blog that i've discontinued.

I've just finished watching the movie Ghost Town, starring Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear & Tea Leoni and found it quite remarkable. It's a comedy with clever jokes and a wonderful storyline featuring a different take on the idea of a ghost's "unfinished business". However, in this movie, we find out that it is not ghosts who have "unfinished businesses" but the people they left behind. Sort of the "letting go" idea.

I like the part of the movie where Gervais' character found out that she was in love with the woman that she haven't noticed before even though they lived in the same apartment building. It's that sort of realization that strikes me because I can actually happen in life. Maybe, I'm sentimental about that kind of idea but it was wonderful presented in the movie that it didn't seem like a cliche.

The best quote in the movie, for me, was said by Tea Leoni's character, "We just get the one life, you know. Just one. You can't live someone else's or think it's more important just because it's more dramatic. What happens matters. May be only to us, but it matters." Oftentimes, we are victims of envy of other people's lives because they have more drama in them while we think that we live in a boring life just because there's not that many fireworks in our daily living. This explains why people love watching telenovelas. They like exploring the twists and turns of the characters in the series.

Also, listen to the soundtrack of the movie because it features many wonderful songs.

What do Birds Eat?

2011-12-10T23:28:00.001+08:00

Can you see the bird?

It's helping itself to a mound of corn.

RC Airplanes

2011-12-08T22:09:00.001+08:00

I was transported back to my youth when I saw these radio-controlled aircraft, or RC Planes are it is commonly known. Upon looking at the planes and their sizes, i was completely amazed. These are not the one you seen in the mall. They're huge. Its almost as tall as me.

Since I was a child, I dreamed on having these as my toys, upon seeing them in movies, but I can't afford it. I had the chance to talk to a builder of these planes and inquired about the cost of these airplanes and they're still expensive but I could afford it now. However, after thinking about it, I decided that I still can't afford it because even if I could purchase one I couldn't afford the costs associated with it like maintenance, fuel, repairs, etc. It's still a toy for the rich boys.

For now, all i can do is appreciate and watch them soar through the skies. Maybe someday, just maybe.

Calvin and Hobbes: I Like to Set Kites Free

2011-12-07T14:26:00.001+08:00

Freedom is a Right

Uniqueness in the Unimpressive

2011-12-07T14:20:00.001+08:00

Genius is recognizing the uniqueness in the unimpressive. It is looking at
a homely caterpillar, an ordinary egg and a selfish infant,
and seeing a butterfly, an eagle and a saint.

William Arthur Ward

Private Conscience

2011-12-05T10:38:00.001+08:00

Note: a repost from an article i've written in May 20, 2009 in a blog that i've discontinued

I think that when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties, they lead their country by a short route to chaos.

from"A Man for All Season"

I am watching once again the 1966 movie of Fred Zinneman about the Life of Sir Thomas More entitled " A Man for All Seasons". It a wonderful movie about standing one's group over an issue even at such insurmountable odds and dire consequences.

Most of us know that Thomas More has already been declared a saint by the Catholic Church and rightly so. What is wonderful about the movie is the fact that it didn't present it is the view of his saintliness by his humanity. The dialogue is much more of a courtroom drama rather than drama.

The quote above is something to ponder about because it creates a debate on which is to be followed when holding office, is it your own conscience or is it your duty as a civil servant. With the separation of church and state, we sometimes encounter laws that must be implemented but is not morally sound based on our beliefs.

Which would you follow? I have my own convictions about it and that's a blog for another day.

Dark Chocolate

2011-12-01T23:17:00.001+08:00

Take a bite &

Unleash your dark side.

Movie: Beyond the Clouds (1995)

2011-12-01T15:08:00.001+08:00

Note: a repost from an article i've written in December 30, 2008 in a blog that i've discontinued

Al di là delle nuvole (Italy)

Beyond the Clouds (USA)

Jenseits der Wolken (Germany)

Par-delà les nuages (France)

Beyond the Clouds is a film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and Wim Wenders (who directed Wings of Desire) released in 1995. This is the last film of Antonioni, who was a brilliant Italian director.

It is composed of four short stories linked by a journey of a film director played by John Malkovich, while thinking of his next film in Europe. The stories take place in Ferrara, Portofino, Aix en Provence and Paris with each story centered on a woman. They are Ines Sastre, Sophie Marceau, Chiara Caselli and Irene Jacob, four of the most beautiful women assembled in one film.

Each story at each end doesn’t explain the reasons by the characters became as such or why they acted that way. I think it invites as to speculate, to wonder why they are what they are.

I would define each story as, 1st – Unfulfilled love over time, 2nd – Meeting a person with Intriguing Personality, 3rd – Chance encounter leading to Infidelity, and 4th – Love at First Sight vs. Divine Love.

Of the four stories, I was struck by the first and last story.
The first story is about a travelling technician Silvano who encountered a roving teacher Carmen (Ines Sastre) while trying to find a hotel to spend the night in a remote town somewhere in Spain. She pointed the technician to a hotel nearby where he stayed for the evening. In the morning, the technician found out that the teacher was also staying the hotel. They had an interesting conversation throughout the day. In the evening, he escorted her to her room and said good night before going to his room. After closing her door, he hinted for the desire to enter her room maybe to have an intimate night together. But he never did. When he woke up in next day, he found out that she had already left.

After three years, they again met and continued their conversation as if time has not passed since they last met. He asked her why she left without saying anything and it was revealed that she was waiting for him to enter her room that night. She showed him to her home were it was revealed to she has been with a man for a year now telling him of a letter that her lover wrote while lamenting that “Words do us good even in writing/ A woman expects them/ She always does”. He left her house but returned immediately and the woman let him in again. They had an intimate moment but before it could be consummated, he left without saying anything.

It was clear that he loves the woman and continues to do so even after he left. Maybe the woman did love him too, hinted by a sign of sadness while watching him leave from her window. The question lingers that even though he loves her, why he not possessed her even though it was hinted that she wanted him to possess her. It may be that he has too much pride in himself or maybe it’s just plain foolishness on his part. We are led to speculate on the matter

Why did he left when? Did the knowledge that she is with someone else deter him from pursuing her even though he loved her immensely? Will he be contended that he just knew her? Is he afraid of what might have been? Was it sacrifice or pride?

I was left to wonder why he did what he did. I’m still wondering…

The last story was about a man who was fascinated with a girl (Irene Jacob) whom he just encountered while holding the door for her as she was leaving the apartment building. He followed her immediately and asked her if he could walk with him. She was heading to a church to attend mass at as nearby church. As he was accompanying her, he told her that he thinks that she is in love and the girl agreed. He assumed that she was in love because she was satisfied and they continued their conversation heading to church. They attended mass, however, he didn’t sit beside her preferring to side by the side of the church. He felt asleep and when he woke, the mass was finished and the girl had already left.

He went outside and tried to find her and caught up with her in the nearby fountain and then accompanied her back to the apartment building where they first met. They continued to talk even as the rain was about to fall. Upon reaching the apartment door building, she hurriedly went up the building to her apartment leaving the man. The man followed her up the stair. As she was about to enter her room, the man revealed that if maybe he could she he again because he was falling in love with her. And the girl said that it could not be so because the next day she will be entering the convent to become a nun. And she closed her door while the man outside dumbstruck of what he just heard.

Could that single meeting constitute as love or just infatuation? What would one feel knowing that the one he fell in love with was not meant for him? How could he react to that kind of answer? It’s human love versus divine love.

These two stories are opposite of each other, the first one didn’t continue a love he could have while the other cannot have the love he wanted. Both stories end in heartache. The stories didn’t mention how each story might have ended up in the future. The first one only implied that he continued to love her and I believe that he did.

Most people would say that we should move on with our lives when we encounter heartaches like finding out that we could never have the person we love or letting the love of our life continue without us to have a better life as I think the character Silvano did. He let he go because he thinks that he is inadequate for her. This is very painful to admit knowing that you’re not good enough for the person you love. However, I think it is even more painful to realize that you can never have the person you love even if you are at your best just like the boy who fell in love with the future nun.

Yes, we should move on but not necessarily lose the feeling for the person we could not have. Sometimes, moving on and letting go doesn’t follow the same path. As what I’ve read in a book, we should hold on the pieces of our broken dreams because they will serve as a reminder of the ideal that we couldn’t achieve. They will serve as our guide in formulating another dream.

I believe that love is a choice and we are free to choose who we love but we could never choose the person who will love us. We could only hope that the person we love feels the same way about us. Even if your stars decree that you’re fated to be together, until the choice is made, it is still nothing.

Make the choice, not because it is easy or is available but because you wanted that choice. Never settle for something, choose the best even if you won’t succeed. Settling for something is a continuous pain to suffer because deep inside you, you know that it is not what you wanted.

Rejection is easier to accept rather than the knowledge that you were just settled for.

Continue searching. Who knows? We may continue a love story from our past or create a new one. We could only hope for the best because we still can’t see anything beyond the clouds.

Reuse It Again and Again...

2011-11-30T01:04:00.001+08:00

It's a nice message but...

Do they really mean this or has it become just a marketing or PR stunt?

Just wondering.

My Books: DC Justice

2011-11-29T16:29:00.001+08:00

I have just recently purchased the hardbound version of the DC graphic novel Justice.

A great find for me because I've read this before and liked the art and story of this graphic novel. Graphics novels are just perfect for me because I love to read but dislikes reading non-fiction books with no pictures in them. I think i'm not as imaginative as most readers. I just can't figure out the appearance of the characters in a book just by reading them. I've read many novels before and understood them but still I can't figure out how they look like.

I grew up reading comic books from our locally-produced comics using characters parodied from my favorite video games and also comics and text cards from Marvel and DC. My father encouraged me to read english-language comics and text cards to improve my comprehension in school. And I liked reading it ever since. There was a time when i memorized the history of the X-Men as compared to my history books in school.

Reading graphic novels is a delight for me because it features my favorite comic superheroes re-imagined by great writers. It brings new life to these characters that I've been fascinated with outside of their current story arcs.

Next purchase: DC Kingdom Come

Walk With Me and Walk Awhile

2011-11-24T23:38:00.001+08:00

If loneliness surrounds you

And rain clouds hang around you

And waking up each day gets you down

And if the life you're leading

Seem hollow then maybe

What you're needing

Is someone to turn your world around?

Take my hand

Come take my hand

And walk with me and walk awhile

Let me teach you how to smile

And I'll show you skies where gentle breeze flow

And I'll take you where peaceful waters flow.

Jim Weatherly

Passera

2011-11-21T22:25:00.001+08:00

in a world of cars and high speed

for the ones who arrive always last

for the ones who say good bye

for the ones who bump against

the obstacles of diversity

songs are fireflies that sing in the dark

it will pass sooner or later

this little pain inside of you

inside of me, inside of us

that make us feel like sailors

at the mercy of wind and nostalgia

singing a song that you don't know

but that little pain

be it hate or be it love

it will pass

(english translation of "Passera", originally written by Aleandro Baldi)

Welcome to the Island Made of Sand

2011-11-20T00:54:00.001+08:00

Location: Oak Island, City of Mati, Davao Oriental

I am Happy

2011-11-18T17:40:00.001+08:00

On this special day,

I spent a quarter of my day with you.

I am Happy.

Forgotten Ember

2011-11-11T22:45:00.001+08:00

“Abruptly the poker of memory stirs the ashes of recollection and uncovers a forgotten ember, still smoldering down there, still hot, still glowing, still red as red.

William Manchester

Chicken Joy

2011-11-11T01:03:00.001+08:00

A place where (broiler) chicken roam free... for the moment.

Time...

2011-11-09T23:21:00.000+08:00

Time is slow for those who wait,

too swift for those who fear,

too long for those who grieve,

too short for those who rejoice.

But for those who love,

time is not.

Henry Van Dyke

Another Quiet Day at the Beach

2011-11-07T23:27:00.000+08:00

Dahican Beach

A typical quiet day with the usual adrenaline-pumping sight of seasoned skimboarders doing their best tricks in front of you.

Accompanied the scorching heat of the sun and the cool turquoise waters of the sea,

a perfect day to frolic at the beach.

You can't go wrong with this.

A Castle Made of Sand

2011-11-06T00:20:00.001+08:00

So you tried, to believe in the castle made of sand

When it falls to the sea and your feet can't find dry land

Reach for my hand, reach for my hand.

Pick Me. Choose Me. Love Me.

2011-11-04T23:06:00.001+08:00

A simple message that most of us can relate to.

And I found this one printed in a friend's blouse this morning.

Next time, take a closer look on printed shirts/blouses, maybe you'll find

a message that speaks to you.

Let's Paint the Town...

2011-11-02T21:35:00.001+08:00

Pick your own color and splash it around town.

Musical Innovation

2011-11-01T15:08:00.001+08:00

This is not a portable or recycled vase for flowers.

It is a variation of a water bottle xylophone using recycled liquor bottles.

I'm proud to see these type of innovations. Not everyone could afford expensive musical instruments but this didn't stop the creative and innovative teachers and students from pursuing their love for music. It makes me smile that at this age of technology, where people make more complex gadgets while fitting them in the palm of our hands, that simple things that achieve simple objectives are still not lost among our youth.

It's aesthetically pleasing too with those flowers on top.

Do You Want Some Balloons?

2011-10-26T00:14:00.000+08:00

What is success? It is a toy balloon among children armed with pins.

-Gene Fowler-

Moving On

2011-10-23T23:19:00.001+08:00

The place where you once called home is not yours anymore.

Time to move on to a better place you can call your own.

Change is difficult. Leaving behind a place full of memories.

However, change can bring something unexpected.

A blank slate where you can make something new.

Sometimes, we fear the unknown.

It's easier to continue what has been started

rather than create something from scratch.

Life is offering us new chances to rewrite own own story.

To amend our mistakes, to start fresh, to live anew.

After all that, I still fear the unknown,

but i will face it head-on.

Empty Chairs @ Empty Tables

2011-10-23T00:17:00.000+08:00

There's a grief that can't be spoken.

There's a pain goes on and on.

Empty chairs at empty tables

Sometimes the Easiest Things are the Hardest to Say

2011-10-04T00:16:00.002+08:00

My hands are shaking

I'm yours for the taking

Don't you hesitate

Please just do one thing

One small sign, something

Let's jump off the edge

Sometimes the only things words do is get in the way

Sometimes the easiest things are the hardest to say

Samsara

2011-08-17T23:40:00.000+08:00

I realize now that my task is not over, and so I will be returning to Samsara. I know that we shall meet again. Perhaps when we do you will be able to tell me what is more important: satisfying one thousand desires or conquering just one.

2011-07-03T23:50:00.001+08:00

Two things indicate weakness - to be silent when it is proper to speak, and to speak when it is proper to be silent.

A Life of Prayer

2011-06-07T20:45:00.004+08:00

Behind the cold steel bars live heartwarming and devoted
individuals who consecrate their life in prayer.

2011-06-05T23:43:00.001+08:00

I haven't the slightest idea how to change people. but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case i should ever figure it out.

David Sedaris

On Track

2011-06-05T20:49:00.003+08:00

11 Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

2011-06-03T00:26:00.002+08:00

Empathize with your enemy
Rationality will not save us
There's something beyond one's self
Maximize efficiency
Proportionality should be a guideline in war
Get the data
Belief and seeing are both often wrong
Be prepared to reexamine your reasoning
In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil
Never say never
You can't change human nature

from the documentary, "The Fog of War" by Errol Morris

A Place Where Roosters Once Roamed

2011-06-02T00:20:00.005+08:00

This used to be a cockfighter's (sabungero) breeding ground.

Hidden from plain sight, demolished by law.

And the chickens rejoiced... for now.

The battle continues.

To Let It Go

2011-05-27T22:54:00.002+08:00

To live in this world, you must be able to do three things:

To love what is mortal,

To hold it against your bones, knowing your own life depends on it,

And when the time comes to let it go,

To let it go.

Mary Oliver

The Sun Setting Beyond the Clouds

2011-05-18T23:37:00.001+08:00

The Golden Hour

Absolut Kurant

2011-05-03T22:42:00.005+08:00

ABSOLUT(LY) SURE

+ just practicing product photography +

Are You Afraid of Crossing The Bridge?

2011-04-30T00:24:00.004+08:00

There are times when i'm fearful of crossing the bridge.

Afraid of what i will face on the other side.

Afraid that i may not like what it out there.

Afraid that all my efforts will result in futility.

It is fear of the unknown and of failure.

It is the anxiety that gets to me and it is a daily struggle.

Sometimes I win but most often, I lose.

It's always the battle between the heart and the mind.

My heart says yes while my mind says so.

Finding logic in the unexplainable desire of the heart.

Maybe I just don't understand myself enough.

The Fire From Within

2011-04-24T00:04:00.000+08:00

Is It Inside You?

A Lenten Reminder

2011-04-22T22:36:00.003+08:00

He died so we might live.

Quiet Afternoon

2011-04-21T00:55:00.003+08:00

I need times like this. A quiet afternoon with just the wind in my face and the sound of splashing waves to keep me company. An escape from the bustling city. To be one with nature. To find tranquility. To be free.

Go Out For A Walk

2011-04-14T21:56:00.003+08:00

“If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes goes for a walk”

Raymond Inman

The Fight

2011-04-06T20:29:00.001+08:00

Fight the Right Fight

Still Life: Refreshments

2011-04-05T22:32:00.002+08:00

Have a Drink.

Sitting in the Middle of the Road

2011-04-04T23:25:00.001+08:00

Is she tired?

A Red Boat in the Blue Sea

2011-04-01T21:36:00.001+08:00

Something New, Something Old

2011-03-31T00:25:00.006+08:00

"When we buy something new, we're looking for something unlike ourselves and our other possessions -- perfect. It never stays that way for long, and it's this period of disillusionment that we find so hard to live with. Fortunately, there are characteristics - or character - that possessions eventually acquire which we sometimes prefer to brand-newness."

Andy Rooney "Pieces of My Mind"

Where is the Man on the Moon?

2011-03-24T22:28:00.002+08:00

Never say no when a client asks for something, even if it is the moon. You can always try, and anyhow there is plenty of time afterwards to explain that it was not possible.

Richard M. Nixon

Warning

2011-03-15T23:25:00.002+08:00

Serenity

2011-01-31T22:47:00.000+08:00

Consideratio

2011-01-16T22:09:00.002+08:00

“The basic theme is the one that you have noted: Do not become utterly absorbed in activism! There would be so much to do that one could be working on it constantly. And that is precisely the wrong thing. Not becoming totally absorbed in activism means maintaining consideratio -- discretion, deeper examination, contemplation, time for interior pondering, vision, and dealing with things, remaining with God and meditating about God. One should not feel obliged to work ceaselessly; this in itself is important for everyone, too, for instance, every manager, too, and even more so for a Pope. He has to leave many things to others so as to maintain his inner view of the whole, his interior recollection, from which the view of what is essential can proceed.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Ready for Another Run

2011-01-16T08:33:00.001+08:00

Walking in Water

2011-01-04T22:04:00.001+08:00

My Neighbor's Fireworks

2011-01-03T23:49:00.003+08:00

I missed our town's fireworks display.
Just have to settle with my neighbor's.

January 1, 2011

Joey Ayala Jamming @ Karl's Koffee Korner

2011-01-01T10:48:00.004+08:00

An Unexpected and Pleasant Surprise on the wee hours of December 31, 2010.

Baywalk

2010-11-10T22:54:00.002+08:00

Pawikan sa Dahican

2010-11-08T23:40:00.002+08:00

Skimboarding

2010-11-06T21:43:00.001+08:00

Sunset

2010-09-19T22:05:00.003+08:00

I like the color of the sky in contrast with the black foreground.

The photo's a bit grainy.

I'm still practicing how to do sunsets.

I still don't know the right settings for my camera.

Sea & Sky : Great Combination

2010-09-12T22:06:00.002+08:00

Picturesque Clouds and Deep Blue Sea

A Quiet Afternoon at the Beach

2010-09-11T23:51:00.001+08:00

Behind Your Back

2010-08-30T22:51:00.001+08:00

Sweet Moment

On Sailing We Will Go

2010-08-29T00:11:00.001+08:00

The combination of a driftwood-made boat, surfboard as outrigger and a sail used in windsurfing resulted in this beautiful boat.

Playful Children

2010-08-18T23:25:00.000+08:00

Those were the days...

Thrown Out

2010-08-16T22:39:00.001+08:00

Fierce Waves

Turtle & Master

2010-08-15T22:54:00.003+08:00

Check out the sea turtle's life vest?

We can't be too careful... :)

Open Hands

2010-08-14T18:43:00.000+08:00

Philippine Flying Lemur

2010-08-11T21:57:00.002+08:00

Somebody caught a Philippine Flying lemur aka "Kagwang"

The Philippine Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus volans) is one of two species of flying lemurs, the only two species in the order Dermoptera.

Although called a flying lemur, it cannot fly and is not a lemur. The Philippine Flying Lemur is one of the two species of the order Dermoptera. The other species is the Sunda Flying Lemur.

An average Philippine Flying Lemur weighs about 1 to 1.7 kilograms and is 14 to 17 inches long. It has a wide head, small ears and big eyes. Its clawed feet are large and webbed for fast climbing and for gliding. Its 12-inch tail is connected to the forelimbs via a patagium. This membrane helps it glide distances of 100 meters or more, useful for finding food and escaping predators such as the Philippine Eagle. [1] Its 34 teeth resembles that of a carnivore but the Philippine Flying Lemur eats mainly fruits, flowers and leaves. It is nocturnal and stays in hollow trees or cling on dense foliage during daytime. The female Philippine Flying Lemur usually gives birth to one young after a two-month gestation period. The young is helpless and attaches itself to its mother's belly, in a pouch fashioned from the mother's skin flaps.

Source: Wikipedia

Green Sea Turtle

2010-08-09T23:05:00.002+08:00

Save The Pawikans!

Chasing Dolphins

2010-08-04T22:55:00.001+08:00

Catch me if you can!

A Child's Curiosity

2010-08-02T22:47:00.001+08:00

Playful Satisfaction

Collision Course

2010-07-29T19:26:00.001+08:00

Is she afraid?

Wharf

2010-07-26T22:41:00.000+08:00

Up In The Air

2010-07-24T18:56:00.002+08:00

Floating Cottage

2010-07-22T23:40:00.001+08:00

A Place Good For Two.