Ah yes. This photo brings good fond memories. This shot was taken during my first ever somewhat formal photoshoot. I was invited by a friend and a former classmate to do a photoshoot for the UP Cookout AV presentation. I willingly agreed thinking I wanted some experience. And experience I did gain. We had the shoot in an area which was considered a squatter’s area, although I was amazed with how clean it was. The concept of Bugas (Rice) Queen, was the idea of the barrier between the Rich and the Poor. Our symbols of wealth? Well, the obvious glamrous wedding gown, and the more common neccesity in life…Rice.

A good number of Rich Filipinos would most likely do what the Bugas Queen is doing. Enjoy their luxuries, and ignore the hungry world of poverty that constantly yearns for what they have: A life. Take a good look at who are those Bugas Kings and Queens in our Society… The politicians, the Liars… I mean Lawyers, and those cheating businessmen. Are you a Bugas King/Queen?

(Note: For those whos say I am rich, for the Nth time, I am only upper-middle class)

Every year it has become a tradition for me to bring my camera to All Saints Day. One of my favorite subjects, is the candle. There is just something about the candle that makes me ponder on matters. Matters such as life. The candle is a nonliving thing carrying with it also something nonliving. Yet this thing that it carries along with it, a flicker or a flame, become one as a candlelight, and together, they die. How can something without life, die? So going back to the image, I did not fix the candles like this. They were in that position when I passed by. Which is why they caught my attention. And when I saw them, I realized they looked a lot like people in prayer to a significant One. And then I remembered, Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Contradictory to the famous song, “No Man is an Island”, my picture of my brother on that small piece of rock, says to everyone, you can be an Island. Yes, you can be an island. you can be your own man. You can live on your own… But not for long. You can be an island, but not a country nor an Archipelago. You can be your own man, but not your own family. So one man is an Island. But no man is an Archipelago. We all want to be more than just an Island.
(note to self: Im actually proud of myself for using ISO 100 for this situation)

During Sinulog, most of are caught up with the hype of the costumes, the dancing, the partying (I know how everyone is really after the partying). But we need to remember that the Sinulog was once a way for Filipinos, or Cebuanos rather, of praying and offering to the Lord Jesus. Although many would say it was paganistic, and yes it was, since we were originally a pagan nation. But we should know that, the intent was in a form of an offering, in a form of prayer. Although I do not know the true intent of that dancer, I can see that she is giving it her best and I do hope that we follow her example at the same time, do it for the greater glory of God. AMDG Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Okay, you CANNOT and I mean CANNOT deny, that this has to be my number one Photo. I mean, look at that thing! Can’t you feel the cuteness oozing from it? Anyway, as the title suggests, I shot this photo when the cat didn’t see me. Cats are known for their style and grace. This definitely the complete opposite. Note to self, do not exceed ISO 400 when in outdoors.

I’ve Got You

Details:
Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Edits: Additional sharpen and shadow with Picasa 3.0
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
Aperture:f/5
Flash:none
Focal length:43mm
ISO:1600
Exposure Compensation:-0.7 step
Date of capture: 11/24/2007, 11:00AM

These kids were outside of Julies Bakeshop constantly begging people for some spare change so they can eat some bread from Julies. I have seen them a couple of times from afar. They are always within the area near school. That day however, together with some classmates, we took the courage and decided to feed them and talk to them. Now remember, I am not really someone who easily goes to someone I don’t know or have no connections with so this was a rare opportunity for me. So, I took this shot and we asked the elder one a couple of questions. She told us that her parents abandoned them so they had to live with their uncle and aunt and since they had no place to stay, they slept on the public waiting areas, and lived on whatever peso anyone offers them. The title points out that they are not sad and depressed with their condition as long as they have each other. We all need someone, be it a brother, a sister, a father. a mother.or a best friend. We need someone to say to, “I’ve Got You.”

Reflection

Details:
Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Edits: none
Shutter Speed: 1/640s
Aperture: f/5
Flash:none
Focal length:120mm
ISO:1600
Exposure Composition: 0 step
Date of capture:3/31/07 5:51 PM

A lot of photographers are fond of using reflections. You can see that in Mirror pictures, lake water reflection, and more. They usually do it with object subjects, or portrait subjects. But this was just too good to pass. I captured a landscape image in a small side view mirror of a car. Sometimes. We don’t have to keep on looking at the obvious to see what is beautiful. This image is a very good example of what matters the most is in the small things, not always the big things. So if you take a good look of your relfection, remember, there is so much more than what’s merely in the mirror. There is so much more than just your reflection.