FLICKR ACCOUNT
Finally, I have the guts to share some of the photos I took with my new DSLR camera. I opened a new Flickr account for this purpose. It is still subject to review. As soon as it becomes public, I'll direct you to it..
These are pictures taken by an enthusiastic beginner, so look with tolerance hahaha... Anyway, Im having such a grand time taking pictures. I soon hope to attend photography classes. I inquired with the FPPF (Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation) office. They are offering a Basic Photography Class all Sundays of June (that's June 3,10,17,24) at their Intramuros Office. Address is at Room 302-A FEM II Building, Aduana Street in Intramuros, fronting Manila Cathedral. Their contact number is (02)5247476. This class costs P2850. Since my D40 kit included a P500 discount on any class with the FPPF, it was my top pick for photography classes. I look forward to this. I'll keep you posted about any developments. In the meantime, check out my pics!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
ROAD TO THE NETHERLANDS: STEP ONE- THE ACCEPTANCE LETTER
I officially took the first step nearer to Netherlands. I have accepted my admission to the University of Groningen. I was advised that the said acceptance should be in writing for it to be legal and binding in Netherlands, sent through regular mail or fax. I chose the latter, it being faster and less expensive. If I opted to send the letter through snail mail, it would take a month, more or less, to get there. I cannot afford the lag time!
STEP TWO - APPLICATION AT THE HOUSING OFFICE
The international office acknowledged the receipt of the said letter and directed me to apply for housing in Groningen, as the University does not have in-campus accommodation. However, there is a housing office to address the needs of international students to find reasonable accommodation. You have a choice between a room in an international student house and one in the private market.
According to the application form, a single room in an international house would range from E200-E350. After conferring with my sponsor, (my dad!) he allowed me (hahaha) to live in a single room, after a short debate about the possibility of having a disagreeable time with a difficult roommate. Anyway, all of these will all depend on what kind of room and living conditions the Housing Office can provide for me. As of presstime, I am about to send my application to the Housing Office.
I officially took the first step nearer to Netherlands. I have accepted my admission to the University of Groningen. I was advised that the said acceptance should be in writing for it to be legal and binding in Netherlands, sent through regular mail or fax. I chose the latter, it being faster and less expensive. If I opted to send the letter through snail mail, it would take a month, more or less, to get there. I cannot afford the lag time!
STEP TWO - APPLICATION AT THE HOUSING OFFICE
The international office acknowledged the receipt of the said letter and directed me to apply for housing in Groningen, as the University does not have in-campus accommodation. However, there is a housing office to address the needs of international students to find reasonable accommodation. You have a choice between a room in an international student house and one in the private market.
According to the application form, a single room in an international house would range from E200-E350. After conferring with my sponsor, (my dad!) he allowed me (hahaha) to live in a single room, after a short debate about the possibility of having a disagreeable time with a difficult roommate. Anyway, all of these will all depend on what kind of room and living conditions the Housing Office can provide for me. As of presstime, I am about to send my application to the Housing Office.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
MY FIFTY-FIRST POST
I have exceeded the fifty post mark! Wow what an achievement! So I shall parade this milestone by launching a new chronicle... MY ROAD TO THE NETHERLANDS....
I have been accepted to the Master of Laws Program in International Law and Law on International Organizations, Specialization in Human Rights, at the University of Groningen. So, it is now a personal pledge of mine to document each and every step I take towards this new sojourn. SO stay tuned! And I hope I'd be diligent with this new project!
I have exceeded the fifty post mark! Wow what an achievement! So I shall parade this milestone by launching a new chronicle... MY ROAD TO THE NETHERLANDS....
I have been accepted to the Master of Laws Program in International Law and Law on International Organizations, Specialization in Human Rights, at the University of Groningen. So, it is now a personal pledge of mine to document each and every step I take towards this new sojourn. SO stay tuned! And I hope I'd be diligent with this new project!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
LEARNING THE ROPES
I've been quite busy lately dipping my hands into photography. As in my previous post, I just bought a new DSLR camera. I'm very happy with my purchase. Although I just have to admit, I am not yet able to maximize the power of my new machine. So I've been reading books and the manuals repeatedly just to be acquainted with the functions and basic elements of photography. I also plan to take up lessons soon. I bring my camera whereever I go. it's also funny coz my siblings and cousins are getting annoyed that I also take their pictures, whether posed or candid. So they're always on their toes not to look silly, or else!!
I'm still a little apprehensive about posting my pictures here coz some of those shots will not convince you that it was taken using a really good camera. But in the two weeks Ive spent with my new Nikon, I guess I found the hobby that will usher me to my 30s.. I just realize how expensive it can get. But by taking snapshots of everything, I figured that I see sights like I've never seen them. I tend to appreciate my surroundings more, and for that, I think the money spent for that camera was all worth it.
I've been quite busy lately dipping my hands into photography. As in my previous post, I just bought a new DSLR camera. I'm very happy with my purchase. Although I just have to admit, I am not yet able to maximize the power of my new machine. So I've been reading books and the manuals repeatedly just to be acquainted with the functions and basic elements of photography. I also plan to take up lessons soon. I bring my camera whereever I go. it's also funny coz my siblings and cousins are getting annoyed that I also take their pictures, whether posed or candid. So they're always on their toes not to look silly, or else!!
I'm still a little apprehensive about posting my pictures here coz some of those shots will not convince you that it was taken using a really good camera. But in the two weeks Ive spent with my new Nikon, I guess I found the hobby that will usher me to my 30s.. I just realize how expensive it can get. But by taking snapshots of everything, I figured that I see sights like I've never seen them. I tend to appreciate my surroundings more, and for that, I think the money spent for that camera was all worth it.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I BOUGHT A NEW DSLR CAMERA!
After several sleepness night, the shopping bug hit me again. I've been surfing the Net for days, researching on whether or not to buy a new digital SLR camera. It's the rage these days, ever since prices of these high end cameras were slashed. You know I am not a photographer. I just like taking pictures. I'm in fact the avid point-and-shooter of the family. For days, I've been convincing myself to practice on my old Digicam first, a Sony Cybershot DSC-60, which has served me well, for over 3 years now. But then, I figured I'll turn 30 in a couple of weeks, 17 days to be exact. I should reward myself with a gift, that will start me off on a new hobby, which I decided to be photography. In the early part of the year, I've been nagging my friends to come with me to Camarines Sur, to learn wakeboarding. But then, most of them were halfhearted into going. So my enthusiasm kind of died down. But it is funny, ever since I bought myself a Nokia N93 phone, I started taking shots everywhere and posting it here. So, this is the background that led me into my most recent impulse buy.
I've searched high and low in the Internet for camera reviews, crash courses in digital SLR photography and photographers' message boards and forums. I even bought myself a new book entitled, "Get the Most from Your Digital Camera" by Simon Joinson. I recommend it to beginners like me, so you can be enlightened on terms commonly used in photography such as, ISO, shutter speeds, aperture, etc. I am learning from it, and I like the photographs featured in this book. I wish I could get to make such great photos someday.
During my research, I found out that R. Hidalgo Street in Quiapo, found in the heart of Manila, is the haven for photographers. Here is where they recommend you to go for your photography gear, to avail of a wide array of choices and lower prices, of course. I planned to go there to make my purchase but I was quite apprehensive since Quiapo had been notorious because of pickpockets and shady elements. Despite the allure of getting big savings, apart from the fact that I think they only transact in cash, (I dont want to roam around the streets of Quiapo with a large amount of money) I just made a step back and decided to buy my camera from malls and more accessible retailers.
I narrowed my choices to two models, the Canon EOS 400D kit (which retails at P48500) and the Nikon D40 kit (SRP P34,900). Yesterday, I wandered around Mall of Asia to get a grip of these cameras. I found that the Nikon D40 fit my hand perfectly. Despite it being equipped with 6.0 MP, this was the one I chose. Main consideration, THE PRICE TAG!
The Nikon D40 shown here
I was about to purchase it at the BST-Pink Studio, one of the authorized dealers of Columbia Digital Sales in Mall of Asia, they didn't accept credit cards again... OOPS! They had it available at the Lito Sy studio, it was more expensive by almost a thousand pesos. In Digital Walker, they sold it for P30,000 (WOW!) but they offered only an in-store warranty. I suspected they were selling grey units, so I searched some more. For a while, I thought about the Canon EOS 400D, because it offered a lay-away plan for 6 months at 0% interest. But it was way too expensive for me... So I left Mall of Asia with a heavy heart, only a copy of the latest issue of Practical Photography, UK tucked in my arm.
By day-end, I dragged my sister to Megamall, as I called the Columbia Photo outlet there, and I found out that they had an available unit, sold at SRP, with all the perks. I was so happy! I spent P1400 for a 1 gig SD card and got for free the following, The One privilege card, a P1000 gift certificate for Columbia photo services, and a P500 discount certificate for photography classes at the FPPPI. It was a smooth transaction, worry-free, which was the premium I paid for, in exchange for the huge discount I would have gotten at R. Hidalgo.
I'll be really busy dissecting this camera. Maybe I could get to post some of my photos here soon! For me, Happy Clicking!
Oh by the way, I'm selling my Nokia N93 for P25,000. Used it for a month, comes with a 1gig Mini SD card, with 1 year Nokia Care Warranty. I need money to pay for this camera! Fast!
After several sleepness night, the shopping bug hit me again. I've been surfing the Net for days, researching on whether or not to buy a new digital SLR camera. It's the rage these days, ever since prices of these high end cameras were slashed. You know I am not a photographer. I just like taking pictures. I'm in fact the avid point-and-shooter of the family. For days, I've been convincing myself to practice on my old Digicam first, a Sony Cybershot DSC-60, which has served me well, for over 3 years now. But then, I figured I'll turn 30 in a couple of weeks, 17 days to be exact. I should reward myself with a gift, that will start me off on a new hobby, which I decided to be photography. In the early part of the year, I've been nagging my friends to come with me to Camarines Sur, to learn wakeboarding. But then, most of them were halfhearted into going. So my enthusiasm kind of died down. But it is funny, ever since I bought myself a Nokia N93 phone, I started taking shots everywhere and posting it here. So, this is the background that led me into my most recent impulse buy.
I've searched high and low in the Internet for camera reviews, crash courses in digital SLR photography and photographers' message boards and forums. I even bought myself a new book entitled, "Get the Most from Your Digital Camera" by Simon Joinson. I recommend it to beginners like me, so you can be enlightened on terms commonly used in photography such as, ISO, shutter speeds, aperture, etc. I am learning from it, and I like the photographs featured in this book. I wish I could get to make such great photos someday.
During my research, I found out that R. Hidalgo Street in Quiapo, found in the heart of Manila, is the haven for photographers. Here is where they recommend you to go for your photography gear, to avail of a wide array of choices and lower prices, of course. I planned to go there to make my purchase but I was quite apprehensive since Quiapo had been notorious because of pickpockets and shady elements. Despite the allure of getting big savings, apart from the fact that I think they only transact in cash, (I dont want to roam around the streets of Quiapo with a large amount of money) I just made a step back and decided to buy my camera from malls and more accessible retailers.
I narrowed my choices to two models, the Canon EOS 400D kit (which retails at P48500) and the Nikon D40 kit (SRP P34,900). Yesterday, I wandered around Mall of Asia to get a grip of these cameras. I found that the Nikon D40 fit my hand perfectly. Despite it being equipped with 6.0 MP, this was the one I chose. Main consideration, THE PRICE TAG!
The Nikon D40 shown here
I was about to purchase it at the BST-Pink Studio, one of the authorized dealers of Columbia Digital Sales in Mall of Asia, they didn't accept credit cards again... OOPS! They had it available at the Lito Sy studio, it was more expensive by almost a thousand pesos. In Digital Walker, they sold it for P30,000 (WOW!) but they offered only an in-store warranty. I suspected they were selling grey units, so I searched some more. For a while, I thought about the Canon EOS 400D, because it offered a lay-away plan for 6 months at 0% interest. But it was way too expensive for me... So I left Mall of Asia with a heavy heart, only a copy of the latest issue of Practical Photography, UK tucked in my arm.
By day-end, I dragged my sister to Megamall, as I called the Columbia Photo outlet there, and I found out that they had an available unit, sold at SRP, with all the perks. I was so happy! I spent P1400 for a 1 gig SD card and got for free the following, The One privilege card, a P1000 gift certificate for Columbia photo services, and a P500 discount certificate for photography classes at the FPPPI. It was a smooth transaction, worry-free, which was the premium I paid for, in exchange for the huge discount I would have gotten at R. Hidalgo.
I'll be really busy dissecting this camera. Maybe I could get to post some of my photos here soon! For me, Happy Clicking!
Oh by the way, I'm selling my Nokia N93 for P25,000. Used it for a month, comes with a 1gig Mini SD card, with 1 year Nokia Care Warranty. I need money to pay for this camera! Fast!
Monday, April 16, 2007
PACQUIAO WINS ANEW
Manny Pacquiao did it again! It was a busy Sunday morning for us since it was my mom's birthday. ANd she particularly requested that we watch the Pacquiao-Solis fight live. We managed to get seats at Hard Rock Cafe in Glorietta, Makati, for P500 per person, plus 2 free standard drinks. Cinemas offered their seats at P600 each so I guess we got quite a deal!
I got some photos, but they aren't as good, since I aimed and shot these photos from the widescreen TV at the venue. Anyway, the Philippines is proud of the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. If only he would back out of running for Congress, then the world would be a better place. Go PACMAN!
I will post the photos next time :)
Manny Pacquiao did it again! It was a busy Sunday morning for us since it was my mom's birthday. ANd she particularly requested that we watch the Pacquiao-Solis fight live. We managed to get seats at Hard Rock Cafe in Glorietta, Makati, for P500 per person, plus 2 free standard drinks. Cinemas offered their seats at P600 each so I guess we got quite a deal!
I got some photos, but they aren't as good, since I aimed and shot these photos from the widescreen TV at the venue. Anyway, the Philippines is proud of the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. If only he would back out of running for Congress, then the world would be a better place. Go PACMAN!
I will post the photos next time :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
EASTER WEEKEND AT PUERTO GALERA
Happy Easter everyone! I just wanted to share photos I took during the weekend. I am at a loss of words right now. I jsut hope these snapshots could tell how much we all enjoyed that well deserved break. :)
My current favorite sunset shot
Just the two of us...
I shall return...
Taken at the deck of Mindorinne Oriental where we stayed
Puerto Galera was definitely the place to be last weekend. It was packed, like being in Megamall on a scorching hot Saturday afternoon!
Starbucks ba ito?
Photo Ops with the Del Mundos at our favorite out of town Italian Resto Luka's
Tang Sunset 1
Tang Sunset 2
Happy Easter everyone! I just wanted to share photos I took during the weekend. I am at a loss of words right now. I jsut hope these snapshots could tell how much we all enjoyed that well deserved break. :)
My current favorite sunset shot
Just the two of us...
I shall return...
Taken at the deck of Mindorinne Oriental where we stayed
Puerto Galera was definitely the place to be last weekend. It was packed, like being in Megamall on a scorching hot Saturday afternoon!
Starbucks ba ito?
Photo Ops with the Del Mundos at our favorite out of town Italian Resto Luka's
Tang Sunset 1
Tang Sunset 2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
