Fila Everest Trekking Shoes
Once upon a time I was walking around in Ayala with my family and then I came across a store that said “SALE”. And so I decided to go in check around a little . Upon further investigation I chanced upon the Fila Everest Trekking Shoes.
I knew I wanted, no, NEEDED the Fila Everest Trekking Shoes. I’m quite a nature lover myself and since I do live in the mountains I’ve had quite a few casualties with my footwear. Read the rest of this entry »
Massive School Structure
A few months ago I had the privilege to be invited by the Governess of the Biology department of the Cebu Normal University to witness their induction of new officers in their Butterfly Sanctuary in Talisay.
When I first entered Cebu Normal University Campus I was amazed by the massive structures that surrounded the school parking lot. It really is a sight to behold and if you are into Spanish Architecture you will really appreciate the building design as Read the rest of this entry »
Cebu's The Strip
The Strip in Cebu is one of the many places any Cebuanno can enjoy hanging out in. It has several establishments such as the Med Express Pharmacy, Cakewalkers Cafe Kul Kitchen and the O2 Spa.
You can find the Cebu’s The Strip just across the Bo’s Coffee Club which is across Cebu Doctors University in Cebu City.
Why do I like Cebu’s The Strip? What’s in there anyway? Read the rest of this entry »
Pescado Al Fresco
In my last nigh at Manila I had dinner with my best friend and my younger brother. We ate in Bigby’s in Megamall. I wanted to eat there because I’ve been wanting to eat their Pescado al Fresco since I last ate it about a year ago. Now I get to eat it again. I love how it had thinly sliced potato strips and then it has that nice taste that makes you wanna keep eating more of it until it’s done. Read the rest of this entry »
Full Moon
Cebu had its fullest Moon for 2010 during May 31, 2010. Unfortunately I only got to take a shot during April 1, 2010. So if you look at my shots you’ll notice I have the upper portion somewhat cut. Still, I just had to take shots of the beautiful full moon.
How do I take Full moon shots?
I have to be honest my weakness with these shots, I just can’t seem to capture the moon with her clouds gently surrounding her radiance. If I try to shoot it with the clouds glowing the moon is compromised making it too bright.
First of all you need to have a Telephoto Lens and a Tripod. The best minimum option would be 300mm. If you have a 300mm with IS (image stabilizer) then even better. Some would be daring enough to try 200mm but if you’re willing enough you can go for a teleconverter with 1.4X or 2.0X magnification. However, doing so can soften your image.
Recommended settings will be ISO 100, f45. shutter speed 1/6. The high aperture concentrates the light in the light source (which in this case is the moon) so it gives detail to the moon without making it too dark (this is basically a theory which I made up, please correct me if I’m wrong).
Remember it’s very important to have tripod and if you’re lucky enough to have a remote trigger then even better.
Fullest Moon
Blue Moon
White Collared Kingfisher
Last night I heard the helpers at home screeching my name. When ever someone calls me at home it’s only for three things. One is to take a picture, second is to fix the computer, and third is if there’s a wild bird in the house. Obviously it had to be the third one.
This White Collared Kingfisher or Tikarol in the dialect, is actually a common bird in Cebu and can be found in forests, marshes, mangroves and seashores. This one happened to be looking at our new baby fishes in the fish pond.
White Collared Kingfisher in aggressive stance
I couldn’t release the white collared kingfisher at night because it’s not that safe to do so. (I also wanted to get a good shot of it before releasing). This is not the first time I’ve encountered a Kingfisher as I’ve had the Variable Dwarf Kingfisher enter the house before.
White Collared Kingfisher in a calm state
Facts:
The White Collared Kingfisher is around 8-9 inches long from beak to tail. Though generally described as to be blue, it has a beautiful gradient color from green to blue. It perches on high branches gracefully gliding from tree to tree. It feeds on insects, lizards, and yes, fish.
This bird is called as the Kingfisher because it is best when it comes to fishing. The body and beak are well designed for aerodynamic air diving and the feathers are coated with a special oil to have an impermeable effect against water when taking flight after a quick dive for a fish.
Synonyms: Todirhamphus chloris, Collared Kingfisher
Of course this post won’t be complete with my already traditional Pic with the birdy.
Happy pic with the White Collared Kingfisher
serious moment with the White Collared Kingfisher
And most importantly, like any wild bird photoshoot that I’ve ever had, one must remember to set the bird free gently.
I guess I don’t need really long lenses after all. 
Tikarol on the Ficus Tree before it flew away on its own.
