Shutter Happy Moments

This Blog is Now CLOSED!

2010-07-01T09:39:00.000+08:00

Last week, I was way so surprised when my anti-virus has been sending me warning whenever I am in my photo blog. Come afternoon, when I checked back on the blog, I have been receiving this pop-up asking me to log-in for authentication. I asked some of my friends to check the blog, and some would say they would get the pop-up, too, while some don't receive any. I didn't want to create a commotion and I don't want to cause anyone a problem, so I just thought of opening another photo blog. I am actually hoping to get a domain, but I just don't know the steps in getting one - and how to set it up, so I guess I will just resort to the free one. Hopefully next year, I will have a photo blog which bears just my name.

The new photo blog will now be seen - HERE. I hope you do give time to view it as well. Thanks a lot.

*** Jenn ***

Back to School Treat

2009-07-17T11:27:00.002+08:00

Back to school days may give most of us a pain in the wallet, especially the parents. For parents with kids wearing eyeglasses, sometimes, it gives more pain when the kids' eyeglasses get lost or breaks because of the kids' hyper nature. When I was much younger, I recall my mom getting angry at me because I would accidentally drop my eyeglasses and it would mean another trip to the optical shop.

Had only there's the $ 8 Rx eyeglasses back when I was younger, for sure my mom would choose it for me. Well, not only do their eyeglasses right on the pocket, I like their designs, too! For girls, I am sure they'd love the yummy colors and decorations on their eyeglasses. Actually, not only can you see Zenni Optical on the Internet, you can also check out Zenni Optical on TV!!!

This back to school season, it's another High Five to Zenni Optical!

Lovers

2009-06-26T08:50:00.002+08:00

The SM Mall of Asia bay area really attracts all kinds of people, especially during sunset. My sister said we might not be able to see the sun disappear on the horizon, so while the sun was still preparing to set, I already took some pictures. I recalled sets of pictures from friends / online buddies who took pictures of the sunset from here featuring silhouettes of people sitting by the wall, so I tried the same aspect as well. There were lots of people taking pictures of the sunset, so no one would really suspect that the photographers were already taking pictures of them. Well, it was a silhouette, so I guess it's okay.

*** Jenn ***

W = WordCamp Philippines

2009-06-24T08:41:00.003+08:00

September of 2008, I was one of the lucky bloggers who took part of WordCamp here in the Philippines. Even if I was just a newbie in using WordPress as a blog platform that time, I really took the effort in making sure I could be one of the campers because it was the first time it's happening in the Philippines, and I want to be a part of it.

Hmmm... my photo blog is in Blogger, but my travel blog - Jenn Was Here - is in WordPress platform. Actually, the camp wasn't just exclusive for WP bloggers, because I met a few who uses Blogger, although it would be nice if you're in WP, of course.

The day was divided in different classes - all related to blogging and WordPress. It was a very educational time to spend with other bloggers, but I guess the sweetest part of all was being able to have a picture next to the man behind WordPress, Matt Mullenweg. My friend Mabelle and I knew early in the day that if we won't be able to have a picture with him that morning, we would be having a real hard time being photographed with him. If not for Mabelle's determination, I won't be able to have that picture I could certainly brag about. =)

After lunch, all the campers converged in the hall because classes were intended for all. It was also the time when games were played, announcements were told, and upcoming news about WordPress were given. Before we all called it a day, we were able to have a class picture with Mr. Mullenweg. Nice!

The 2009 WordCamp Philippines is now in the works. I am so looking forward to be a part of it again.

*** Jenn ***

ps - the second and last pictures were taken by Mabelle Santiago-Rubia. Thanks, Mabelle!

Karatong Festival Beauty

2009-06-23T10:12:00.005+08:00

Continuing with the pictures from Aliwan Fiesta 2009

She isn't the festival queen of the Karatong Festival from Dulag, Leyte but she sure has able to make everyone's eyes glued on her. She was so mesmerizing, she even made it at the front page of a very popular daily newspaper here in the Philippines. The minute she came out to join her group, photographers didn't stop taking pictures of her!

According to the Aliwan Website, Dulag is one of the municipalities situated on the eastern coast of Leyte. In ancient times, Dulagnon communicated using the karatong – a bamboo implement also used to warn of impending danger and to drive away intruders. When Moro invaders ravaged the town to get their golden bell, the natives were allegedly moved by the Nuestra Senora del Refugio and the Senor Santo Nino to tap the karatong to save the town. Since then, it has become a highly progressive town. Dulag’s float is made of 100% bamboo as this is an abundant resource in the municipality. The open bamboo stands for a new beginning for the town, while the cornucopia laden with fruits and grains symbolizes abundance and a bountiful life.

*** Jenn ***

Purplish

2009-06-22T08:41:00.004+08:00

More of the Baguio Flowers...

Just like the sunflower I posted two Mondays ago, this flower (which is unknown to me) was captured in Wright Park, along the lagoon. I have read in one of the photography tips that one "should not take pictures of flowers from above" as it is a common practice by any people who takes pictures of flowers, but for this I just couldn't resist. Actually, I also took pictures of the flower itself, but I was having a hard time attacking the shot, so I just did this. =) If anyone knows the name of the flower, feel free to say to me. Thanks!

*** Jenn ***

Brownish

2009-06-21T08:05:00.003+08:00

Continuing the posts on butterflies from Baluarte...

Nothing really special about this one, I just saw sitting comfortably in one of the leaves. I was hoping to get lots of pictures of this one, but this butterfly was located just near the ground. The place was a bit small and it was getting crowded, so the only way for me to take a picture of it was to position the camera from above.

*** Jenn ***

EK Fireworks

2009-06-19T07:07:00.002+08:00

I rarely put up night shots here in Sky Watch because obviously, the sky is black, and if there's a full moon or something in the sky, it would be difficult for me to photograph it because I am using a point and shoot camera.

But for this week, I will go with night shots. Taken in Enchanted Kingdom, the biggest and the most beautiful theme park in the Philippines, the park always cap off the day with a great fireworks display. I don't know why people just loves fireworks. I guess we're so used in seeing a dark sky every night that a sight of something colorful makes us happy and optimistic.

*** Jenn ***

Umbrella Details

2009-06-16T10:23:00.003+08:00

This colorful and wonderfully decorated umbrella is part of the Pakaradyan Festival float, an entry from Malapatan, Saranggani Province.

According to the Aliwan Fiesta website:
The municipality of Malapatan in Saranggani province is participating with a float entry. The Pakaradyan is a term used for any festivity in the area – be it a kalilang (wedding), a kuyog (procession), or the enthronement of the sultan. In Saranggani, a pakaradyan celebration is highlighted by beautiful Maguindanaoan décor artfully arranged. The sound of drums, kulintang, and agung are heard the whole day. The Pakaradyan is an opulent feast to fill the senses.

*** Jenn ***

Purple Flower

2009-06-15T07:42:00.003+08:00

To continue with the Baguio City flower pictures...

Taken from the grounds of Saint Joseph Church, I found the flowers very pretty (I am a bit biased, purple is my favorite color), so before entering the church, I took some pictures. It was quite sunny that day, so I am having a difficult time checking the LCD of my camera, so out of about 7 pictures taken, these two were the good ones. I hope the beauty of the flower was able to compensate. =)

Happy week, everyone!

*** Jenn ***

Butterfly

2009-06-14T13:59:00.003+08:00

Continuing with the butterfly pictures from Baluarte...

My last visit to Baluarte prior to this one, much of the butterflies were of this species. When I get back there last May, I told myself that I would minimize taking pictures of the butterfly of this kind, but when this landed in the plant right in front of me, I wasn't able to resist.

I guess the fact that it was a bit friendly made it easier for me to take pictures of it. It was a willing model, and I am a willing photographer. I actually was able to place my finger under its belly and carry it, but that picture will be posted in a different time. =)

*** Jenn ***

Cell Site

2009-06-12T07:50:00.002+08:00

Taken last March while walking home. I love the look of the clouds providing nice background for the cell site, and since I always bring my camera even though I am just walking in the neighborhood (I was in La Union the day I shot this), I see no reason why I shouldn't take a picture of it. I only took one shot, and I think I put the cell site way off to the right, but I hope this picture is still appreciated. =)

Happy weekends!

*** Jenn ***

Pangarap Ko (My Dream)

2009-06-11T08:58:00.002+08:00

Mula nang maging interesado ako sa potograpiya, pinangarap ko ng magkaroon ng DSLR Camera. Minsan naitanong ko, magiging mas maayos ba akong litratista kung ako ay may DSLR camera? Maraming nagsabing oo, pero siyempre nasa akin pa rin iyon kung paano ko ima-maximize ang potensyal ng aking camera.

{Ever since I got interested with photography, I have always dreamed of owning a DSLR Camera. Once I asked, will I be a better "picture taker" if I have a DSLR Camera? Many said yes, but of course it boils down to me and how I maximize the potential of my camera.}

Ngunit hindi lamang ang pagkakaroon ng camera ang pangarap ko. Kaakibat ng pagkakaroon ng gamit na ganito ay ang mga pangarap na makasama sa mga photo walks ng mga kagaya ko ring mahilig sa potograpiya, ang makapag-aral sa ilalim ng pagtuturo ni Jo Avila, at higit sa lahat - ang makapunta sa iba't ibang panig ng Pilipinas at kunan ng litrato ang samu't saring elemento na magpapatunay na isa sa pinakamagandang bansa ang Pilipinas.

{But I am not just dreaming of owning the camera. Part of it are dreams of joining photo walks of people who are photo enthusiasts just like me, learning under the supervision of Jo Avila - and most of all - going to different parts of the Philippines, take pictures of different elements that would attest that the Philippines really is one of the most beautiful countries.}

Ang litratong ito ay kinunan Oktubre 2008 sa San Juan, La Union. Ako ay nandoon upang saksihan ang unang araw ng "Surf Break 3" pagkatapos kong bisitahin ang puntod ng aking ama. Natuwa ako sa grupong ito kaya kinuhanan ko sila ng litrato. Pangarap kong isang araw maging katulad na rin nila ako.

{This picture was taken October 2008 in San Juan, La Union. I was there to watch the first day of "Surf Break 3" after visiting my dad's grave. I really liked this bunch of photographers who shoot their hearts out that day. I dream to be just like them one day.}

*** Jenn ***

Lemba Festival Float

2009-06-09T07:54:00.003+08:00

I have posted pictures of the beautiful people from different festivals, let me share a picture of one of the floats for this week.

This float belongs to people of Cotabato, a province in the Mindanao, located to the south of the country. Cotabato, which derives its name from two words meaning stone fortress, has prepared a colorful flotilla display of traditional heirlooms of the sultanate, which is held on special occasions or even healing rituals called Ipat. Affluent families with sufficient royal lineage are on board to symbolize the richness of Maguindanaoan heritage. Traditional decor such as flags, rice grain, and a miniature spirit house decorate the float. In pre-Islamic practice, the Lemba was important when conducting special offerings to pagan gods for abundance, peace, power, and progress. (Source: Aliwan Festival website)

*** Jenn ***

Sunflower

2009-06-08T07:53:00.002+08:00

Continuing with the Baguio City flower photos...

My cousin and I dropped by the Mansion from Mines View Park and from there we walked towards the Wright Park before going to Saint Joseph Church. While walking along the park, we saw some sunflowers. I still don't have a picture of a sunflower the whole time I was in Baguio that day, so why not? This sunflower didn't have much petals, so I just concentrated on its center.

*** Jenn ***

Orange Butterfly

2009-06-07T06:52:00.002+08:00

For this month of June on Camera Critters, I will post pictures of butterflies taken on my recent trip to Baluarte in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

I was very happy to see many kinds of butterflies during my last visit to the place. And happier I was that the butterflies were willing models for pictures. I loved to see this butterfly orange sip the nectar of the orange lantana flowers, it was like they belong together!

*** Jenn ***

Buyogan Festival Beauty

2009-06-02T06:53:00.004+08:00

I was terribly busy last month that I wasn't able to post much for Ruby Tuesday, so this month, I am just going to continue posting images I took from the Aliwan Fiesta 2009.

I saw her even before the parade started. I am not sure if she's the muse, but she's one of the many beautiful people who were part of the Buyogan Festival from Abuyog, Leyte. Their contingent was the champion for the street dance competition.

*** Jenn ***

White Daisy

2009-06-01T19:16:00.002+08:00

Happy month of June! Time for another batch of flowers for Today's Flowers. This month, I will share pictures I took from Baguio City last March 04, 2009.

Baguio City is best known for its cold weather, strawberries, and flowers. In fact, every February, the city celebrates the Panagbenga Festival, or the flower festival. Whenever I go there, I surely wouldn't pass up taking pictures of the flowers, which were planted abundantly just about anywhere. This white daisy was captured in Burnham Park as my cousin and I pass by the daisy garden before taking a jeep ride to Mines View Park.

*** Jenn ***

Alam Mo Ba? (Do You Know?)

2009-05-28T06:10:00.002+08:00

Alam mo ba na kailangan mong humakbang ng 252 steps bago mo marating ang tuktok ng Lourdes Grotto sa Baguio City? Noong una akong pumunta sa lugar na ito, talagang nahirapan ako, pero kinaya naman.

{Do you know that it takes 252 steps before you reach the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio City? When I first went here, it was really a very trying moment, but happy I was able to handle it.}

Ang litratong ito ay kuha noong Marso, nang yayain ko ang aking pinsan na samahan akong maglakwatsa sa Baguio dahil hindi ako masyadong nakalakwatsa noong Panagbenga Festival, kaya imbes na mag-Vigan ako, minabuti kong mag-Baguio naman. Una naming pinuntahan ang Lourdes Grotto para marami-rami pa kaming lakas. Plano naming bilangin kung ilang hakbang papunta sa grotto, pero nawala rin kami sa bilang, siguro dala ng pagod. Sa isang palabas sa telebisyon ko nalaman kung ilang hakbang papunta sa grotto.

{This picture was captured last March, when my cousin and I went to Baguio. I wasn't able to roam around the city during the Panagbenga Festival, so instead of going to Vigan, I decided to just roam around Baguio that time. We first visited this place, so we still have lots of energy. We planned on counting the steps, but due to exhaustion, we lost count. It was in a television program that I learned the number of steps going to the grotto.}

Kayo, nakapunta na ba kayo sa Lourdes Grotto sa Baguio?

{Have you been to the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio?}

*** Jenn ***

S = "Stairway to Nowhere"

2009-05-27T09:03:00.002+08:00

The ruins of this house was located near our house in La Union. Whenever I see it, I can't help but feel sad about it - a very good land put to waste... but at the same time, I am intrigued as to the history of this house.

I just hope the owners would do something about it, though. If I own this land, I might put up a business since the school is just nearby.

*** Jenn ***

Rays

2009-05-22T06:00:00.003+08:00

While traveling back home from the out of town trip with family and close neighbors, my sister said that the sun rays looked great. I peeked by the vehicle's window and saw its beauty, too, so I took out my camera and took some shots. The first two ones looked awful as the vehicle was moving, but I think I captured a good one on my third try.

This was taken along the town of Pandi in the province of Bulacan.

*** Jenn ***

ps - Would like to inform that I will be MIA (missing in action) for four days... my brother and I will be traveling to our paternal hometown and will go on a side trip to Ilocos Sur before heading home. Aunt Julie said we will be saying some prayer intentions for all the departed loved ones, so we have to be there.

My proposed schedule:

22 May (Friday) - Travel to La Union at 10AM; watching the sunset at Paratong Beach
23 May (Saturday) - Stay at home, help with the preparations
24 May (Sunday) - Hear mass in San Juan church; go to San Fernando City come lunch time - visit Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, then to the provincial capitol for another sunset watch by the Phil-Chinese Friendship Pagoda.
25 May (Monday) - Travel to Candon, Ilocos Sur first thing in the morning then travel to Vigan City soon after. Will stay in Vigan and travel back home at 9:30PM.

Will resume with my regular blogging come Tuesday morning.

Lahat Ay Payak (All Are Simple)

2009-05-21T06:26:00.003+08:00

Maraming dahilan kung bakit gusto ko ang buhay probinsiya. Una ay sapagkat ang buhay ay simple, mabagal ang takbo ng oras at nae-enjoy ko ng husto ang kagandahan ng kapaligiran. Sabi ko nga, kung papipiliin ako kung saan ako titira habangbuhay, gugustuhin ko sa probinsiya. Pero siyempre, dapat may Internet! Hahaha.

{I could list down a lot of reasons why I love to live in the countryside. One is because living is simple, all is laid back, and I could get to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature the most. I actually told myself, if I am to choose where to live forever, I'd choose to live in the countryside. But of course, there has to be Internet! Hahaha.}

Ang mga litratong ito ay kuha Oktubre 2008. Mula sa simbahan ng Balaoan sa La Union, ako ay pumunta sa may grotto ilang kilometro ang layo. Pagkatapos kong makuhanan ng litrato ang grotto, naglakad ako sa may bukid kung saan ang mga magsasaka ay naghahanda para sa pananghalian. Silang lahat ay nagsama sama sa may lilim ng puno upang pagsaluhan ang mga pagkaing inihanda ng kanilang mga kabiyak. Payak man ang pamumuhay, bakas sa kanilang mukha ang kasiyahan.

{These pictures were taken October 2008. From the church in Balaoan, La Union, I went to the grotto a few kilometers away. After taking pictures of the grotto, I walk at the nearby farm where the farmers were getting ready for lunch. All of them gathered under the shade of a tree to share the lunch prepared by their wives. Their living might be simple, but happiness can be seen through their faces.}

*** Jenn ***

R = Red Roses

2009-05-20T07:36:00.002+08:00

I took this picture off a flower shop when sister and I went to SM Mall of Asia in January. At that time, I still haven't received a flower yet, so I figured I just took pictures of it. =) This is some sort of a drive by shot, as my sister was rushing me. So I just went to the shop, took a picture and left.

*** Jenn ***

Spider X

2009-05-17T07:15:00.003+08:00

A picture I took near my Aunt Lorie's house. We were there to eat lunch after visiting daddy's grave for his second death anniversary. After eating lunch, it was quite a boring afternoon, so I just walked around to look for subjects to take pictures of. I was taking pictures of this flower, when I ducked because of the web, and when I looked at it, I saw it had a spider. Instead of freaking out, I just took a picture of it. =)

Happy Sunday!

*** Jenn ***

Austin Realtors

2009-05-17T05:40:00.002+08:00

In the forum that I am always visiting, there was this thread about "Showing Your House." The thread starter is just starting to build his house and he was very excited how the house will look like.

Unlike this person, some of us prefer to buy a house and move in, rather than building it from the ground it. Looking for a house that will serve as our home requires good decision making. We have to be sure that the house very much worth its price. And during these times when people are having financial problems, every decision has to be right.

If you're from Austin, and you're looking for a house, you must talk to good Austin Realtor to help you find that good home. Actually, they're not really good in helping you buy your house; if you're planning to sell your Austin home, they could help you, too!

Certain decisions in life don't necessarily mean you have to decide on your own. Sometimes, we need a little help for us to maximize all options.

*** Jenn ***