Filthy Forty #16

Crossing my fingers,

Until a wish will come true,

Frosty breeze, yuletide cheers,

Let the nightingale sing,

Say I can uncross them now,

Make my wish come true

meet naph

Meet Simeon Naphtali, my 6-month old camera. Yes! it has a name. According to Jessica Zafra, a thing will live long if it has a name, so I was persuaded. My mother taught me not to give too much value on material things, but photography has always interested me. If it's a sin to get too attached on material things, when it comes to Naph (its nickname), then I am guilty. At first, i thought that naming a material sounds crazy, but in the long run I have come to realize that materials such as camera increase its value when we name them. Maybe that is why Zafra said things will last longer when we name them, it is because we treat them with special care.

I received an early christmas gift from my sister this yuletide season, naph's tripod! I could vividly remember when I spent my vacation in the island of Boracay. I was drooling to take a shot of the seashore during night. The boracay island is full of lights giving me an impression that it never sleeps. Tripod could be very helpful for long exposure captures such as the scene I have mentioned. Anyway, on another note, I am so happy that there is a member from my family that appreciate photography. Anyone can easily appreciate a photograph, but not to its frenzy side. Frenzy side means the technicalities of understanding the mixture of aperture, shutter and ISO. I'm blessed to have a sister who is as crazy (though in a subtle way) as me.

I often take photos and people see me
as either totally stupid or absolutely genius.
-youngcampbell

Filthy Forty #15

under the surreal starry sky
when candle building lights
dance like evening daffodils
waiting for us to make a wish
a dream will come true tonight

Langit

"Tumingin ka sa mga ulap, kay ganda ng langit"
"Hindi yan langit, hangganan lang yan ng natatanaw ng ating mga mata...

ang langit ay nasa puso ng tao"

Merit

I had a crazy and busy week and I'll share to you a part of it.

I was finally able to work as examiner. It was four months ago when I had orientation for this job, but I was not able to pursue due to the so called super hero training. After a session as an observer, I had again performed return demonstration to my superior to asses if I' am ready for the job. Then yesterday, at last I became an examiner. I am very grateful to the students assigned to me by the reason of they are very well mannered. They made my task easier.

First Job
If i will write an autobiography, I would be very confuse on what my first job is. When I was grade school, I engaged into selling product... I could remember that my minimum weekly profit was P30. Anyways, I also experience working for my mother by computing expenses (related to work) . Of course, I can never forget my high school days that I sold my assignments and do projects for other people. My high school teacher won't be proud of that, I know.

Now that I'm off from school and trying to fit in in this world ruled by adults, I guess being an examiner is my first job.

First Pay
Technically, the income that I receive from the said part-time job is called honorarium not salary. Anyhow, I can't explain the difference between the two. ekkkk! All i want to say is, it's an amazing feeling that you receive a reward of something that you work hard for.

Not to take anything away from examiners, this job is way far easier than being a superhero. Being a super hero, I mean working as part of the medical team who save lives. In Philippines, the reality is, examiners are far better financially compensated than superheroes. When you're the latter, you have one of the most important jobs in the world because it's all about handling lives, yet you are unfairly compensated. That my friends, is what i can't really understand.

This is not about money, this is about MERIT.

I'll tell you about my first love

I remember....I remember the feeling, I remember there was no fear in my heart of something going wrong, because to me fairy tales could happen and to me that was the case and it would be forever. I remember that I felt like I could conquer the world with him by my side, and I went against all the world... but as all good things do, it ended....and that empowering feeling ended with it.

I guess Adrianapreta knows
what's on my mind,
or what's on my heart,
or something like that.

bow and arrows

-->

Like how cherry blossoms gently fall from the ground

Is how I whimsy fall for you

I care not how reckless the wind blows

All I know, it’s the same wind that you and I share to breathe

I am deaden and imprison by your beauty

Take me and throw me to your dungeon

I have no gems nor sparks

My poem be my bow

And these words as arrows

Feat, tangle to your heart

growing young

I just turned 21 and I feel like I am getting too old for certain things.

But I am not too old for words.
I like to string words together if for no other reason than because they sound pretty.

I am not too old for wine in paper cups and an unremembered night every once in a while.
I am not too old to believe in 11:11 or peter pan and to be wowed by the glitter of stars.
I am not too old to read books under my covers with a flashlight,
not too old to stare off into space and dream of the things yet to come.

I’m not too old to get out of here.

Next I am going to take off, write letters back home on paper napkins, make mistakes,
exchange a thousand awkward words with people I have never met, do things I have never done
on my own before.

I may fail miserably time after time…but even if I ▁ ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ █ up,
I will never ever give up.

reblogged from bless-your-cotton-socks, edited then posted.

To Any One

Graduated College at 19
.
.
.
Became a Licensed Professional at 20
.
.
.
There must be something bigger and greater
that will happen in my 21st year of existence

Ahhh! Life is Good!
Thanks to everyone who greeted me, you made me feel so old :)

Filthy Forty #14

Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice,
but falling in love with you...I had no control over.
Things may didn't work out, I'm too fly to weep. I'm stronger now.
I'll kiss loneliness goodbye, happy days are here to stay.

Why Travel - Blog Winner!

To celebrate Jonel Uy's 2nd blog anniversary, his blog Let's go Sago conducted a blog contest by creating an article with the theme: “Why Travel.”

The Criteria:
Creativity/Writing Style 40%
Originality 30%
Overall Impact 30%

Jonel Uy with the help of mystery-judge-no-more Dominic of www.escapeislands.com, who has been blogging for more than two years now and calls his travel blog “Eskapo” announced few days ago the winners of the said contest.

Out of many entries. there can only be one winner. Thus without further say THE WINNER IS...

not me!

I was In third runner up though with the score of 85%. It reminds me on my clinical grades in college and i would often defensively say barat manghatag. Kidding aside, winning was honestly not my goal, it's just that the theme, "why travel" turned out to be a catalyst on a quote that has been running on my mind for a long time, "I want to travel, I may meet myself along the way". That line was the sole backbone of my why travel article and it's just really amazing how a simple thought can turn out into a winning piece.

click here for larger view
PS, it should be written as "I was" instead of "I'm was",
guess I was too carefree when I wrote it

Aside from the prize that im about to have , thank you once again Let's go Sago for allowing me to share my travel thoughts to your readers. To know more about the blog winners visit Let's go Sago. Kudos Love Lynne Esguerra of lynneenroute.wordpress.com for emerging as the ultimate winner of the contest. AYOSSS!

our love story

-->

Remember when we ride on a bus

Of you letting me choose where to sit

Near the window or far from it

I hardly look straight in your eyes back then

We had endless talks until I fell asleep in your arms

Remember those days when we lay on the brown grass

Sharing secrets, not minding how many people pass

Remember when we danced on the rain

hopping and running along the bright street lights

Often you'll stop, smile and ask if I'm alright

It was a cold night, but i felt very warm inside

We have too many memories together for me to just forget about you.

Someday, you'll sit here... again, beside me.

superbianca, daghang salamat

Feeling a little low these days but trying to see the bright lights from the bad fights. By that I mean, we should find happiness even in small things, don't drown ourselves on the bad things that has been happening. Stay focus on the brighter side. In that way, you can think better, feel better and act better.

There are some unpleasant happenings on my life at present but I'd rather talk about the positive ones. Not talking about the "unpleasant happenings" does not mean I'm escaping from it, it's just that I want to give more attention on beautiful things because these are the reasons that gives me strength on fighting the bad days.

One of my posts pretending to be adult was feature on a blog site which is owned by SuperBianca aka television host Bianca Gonzalez. I really admire her blog since it very inspirational plus she features her travel adventures, and witty thing is that she never or rarely talk about her work. Last September was her 7th blog anniversary! Yes! 7 years! To celebrate, she invited her readers to share a moment in their lives that forced them to grow up, and the life lesson learned because of it. I am so happy that she featured my growing up as becoming a superhero story which she called living a daily challenge, this does not only implies as a highlight on my blogging life (hehe) but also SuperBianca became a powerful medium on sharing my story to many people. It's very heartwarming to hear that people are inspired on what I have written.

click the image to visit her site



click the image to for larger view

Through reading her post, she taught me something very moving. " I realized one very important fact of life. you are not alone. you may be going through something very difficult now. you may be hurting. you may be thinking how the hell will you get through this. i will say it again. you are not alone. whether you are going through a quarter life crisis wondering what to do with your life. ... whether you carry a heavy cross every single day of your life. know that you definitely are not alone." -SuperBianca

Quote to share:
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. -Albus Dumbledore

If ever Superbianca will be able to read this, I sincerely thank you.

Filthy Forty #13

Music without Melody,
Sky without Unicorns,
Forest without Fairies,
Ocean without Mermaids,

without you...

the MAGIC is all gone.

Photo taken weeks ago when I met the Davao Photographers for Peace members, they were so accommodating and inspiring specially to young neophytes such as I. Thank you sir Glenn for allowing me to use your heavy and long lens, also sir buoie for helping me with my camera settings, Sir Shem for being so kind and encouraging and to the rest of the members, I had a great night. Looking forward for the next activity. Super hero on duty schedule, Oh please cooperate!

Filthy Forty #12

I don't want to be lonely for the rest of my life,
so come back, be around.

The Racing Line Auto Fest and Motor Fest 2010

Late post! sorry, there's been too much going on with my world right now. Anyway, here are some photos I took few days err..weeks ago.

My dear turtle alien friend janus joined an event called "The Racing Line Auto Fest and Motor Fest 2010" here in our city, thanks to him I was able to get close (like really close) to those cars displayed and take some good photos. There was a time when I was so busy snapping shots and a security personnel approached me, telling me that I'm not allowed to take shots. Thanks to this almighty I.D., once i showed it to him all he said was sorry, smiled then turned around going back to his post. Thank you so much janus! =)

This is one of my favorite cars, it's yellow (Go USTe! hehe). Can you notice the metallic symbol of transformers? right in the middle! it's there! look closely. If you're a girl and happens to drive this, then you're a cool Chick!

I tried to take variety of shots but it seemed that pictures with front and side view looked more presentable. Check out this Subaru racing car, awesomely painted! Green, Black and White really work well!

I was really amazed to see this, well I was more of giggling at that time. I wasn't convinced that in the City of Davao, there is a Porsche Car that exists! (haha sorry) Janus said that most of the displayed vehicle in the event are kept underground, which means you will rarely spot them on main streets. These luxury cars are often kept for Carshow events and other special purposes.

Though global warming has caused our globe extra warmer, convertibles are still and always will be in the trend.

I find this shot interesting because it doesn't look like a car. It's like... like...like... I actually can't figure. :P mind to help me out?

This one is the coolest, the owner for sure is very proud to be a dabawenyo. When i get my own wheels, I should put something that symbolizes where i'm from too.

XOXO that's me! thank you dwayne for the photo! I'll be featuring the loudest car in D city on my next post so stay tuned! =)

This event was made possible by TheRacingLineTv and the long list of sponsors. For more photos, news and the like, visit TheRacingLineTv on facebook or visit its official website.

Why Travel?

I know you’ve heard that most of the answer is “why not” but I’m telling you, you’ve got to travel because you are about to meet a very significant person in your life.

I understand that it’s scary to be in a place that you are not familiar with but are you really satisfied to live a life that everything seems to be a routine? Like every time your clock alarms wake you up, you take a bath, eat breakfast, go to work, then go home, chat a little with friends and family, eat dinner, sleep then wake up again. So where is the fun? Where’s what we call “living the life to the fullest”?, when everything seems to be just the way it is.

Life can be dangerous enough to live but lets seek into something anything but ordinary, life’s too beautiful to go to waste, don’t let the person in you that is full of hesitations and is coward become the reason to get outlived by others. One of the things that scare me is that, I'm gonna die before I get the chance to live the life as I want to. We only get a chance to live (it’s a different case if you believe in reincarnation ), so make the most out of it!

Back to the reason that I mentioned earlier why you ought to travel, I was taking about a significant person that you need to know more than anyone else, his interests and dislikes, his strengths and the things that he need to improve at, most importantly to discover what does he really want in life, his goals and dreams that he wish to achieve. Now, I’m not talking about a knight in his shining armor, this doesn’t involve about having a romantic relationship (but if your suerte, it’s highly likely that you’ll meet the man of your dreams!). In my case I should use the word her instead of his because that significant person that I was talking about is no one else but myself.

Traveling is like a retreat, a time to suppress everything that gives you stress and just focus on things that deserve a bigger issue in your life, like your philosophies and rediscover how beautiful life is. Go and explore the world and get to know your self more!

But before you think of exploring and invading the world wonders, why not discover our own islands. As they say, love our own! Philippine Travels will allow you to be proud that you’re a Filipino, we got one of the best fine white sand beaches worldwide and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet in you whole lifeline!

I ♥ BEACH! I dont really mind if i get charcoal skin tone,

as long as i enjoyed the heat of the sun and the waves of the ocean.

You missed half of your Davao Adventure if you haven't visited Pearl Farm Beach Resort,

take note: the food served are beyond superb, promise!

Meet Black Jones, Fairways and Blue water Boracay's official Tour Guide. IMY buddy!

This entry is a response post for Let’s Go sago! Anniversary contest Part 2. Visit Jonel Uy’s site, the man behind the amazing blog site that promotes travel and food adventures thru here.

Filthy Forty #11

I waited about an hour
just to hear you saying Hi

Whenever we talk, I run out of words
Get tongue tied, Don't know what to say

Don't know how, I don't know why
maybe because you are unfathomably freaking awesome

Filthy Forty #10

As proposed months ago, a photo should be posted once a week for this (Filthy Forty) project, due to unfathomable reasons (that even I cannot explain) that rule is obviously broken.

Anyway, here's a photo I took along Claveria Street during a night photowalk with friends. I used too much light but this is the best shot i can show you guys. From my 3-11 shift on saving lives last night, I was suppose to run this early morning but my bed didnt allow me to get up so I followed its mandate, who am I to contradict aye?. Ahhh! sleep is one of the greatest luxuries in the world!

Laugh (and you'll die)

Few months ago, I had my vacation in Manila, the capital city of Phils.

MANILA, where my Simple wacky wishes came true. :)

#3 For the first time, Chuuuu! Chuuuuu!!

There's no train in Davao City! but don't imagine like I live in a jungle and far from civilization. I live in a metro, but there's no train I was actually a little scared on riding because I always see movies like Partition and Slumdog Millionaire where people would really wrestle other passengers just to get in the train, that's frightening! I wanna go home from my vacation alive! The scenario in the movies is not alike here in Phils, it's safe, fun and I felt really happy (don't know exactly why), I guess that's really how it is when you experience something for the first time.
(Note: photo above is from the web)

#2 Gliding on the Rink

When I was still a kid, I can spend my whole day using my roller blades! Ice skate is something new to me but drags me to my childhood days. It was my first time to skate on ice! First, I'm a little scared because I can't remember how it feels like skating but eventually, the kid in me overshadowed all those apprehensive emotions. I love the Ice! For those you are about to try ice skating, I suggest that you guys should use gloves because whenever you fall and when your hands touch the ice, you won't like the feeling. brrrrr! so cold! For the first few minutes while on rink, I used helmet but then removed it because it's choking me! This can be a dangerous sport because of the blades, thus it will be better if the rink is not crowded and be mindful on other skaters while gliding. In this photo, I'm teaching my 9-year-old cousin to skate, she's a fast learner!

#1 My Ultimate travel destination finally came true!

I've been a fan of the school's women volleyball varsity team for many years now and it's one of the big reasons why I want to visit UST. I know that sounds crazy! anyway, recently this school was recognized as a historic spot of our country. It is the Philippines' oldest university (more than 400) and Asia's 2nd oldest. Jose Rizal and Manuel Quezon, our national hero and former president (respectively), once enrolled in this Dominican institution. Also, this is one of the sister schools of my Alma Mater, plus my friends study here. UST is more than a volleyball :) I dream to study psychology or take minor subjects on photography here but I've got to save money first so i can send myself.


Since I already met my travel goal to visit UST, Henceforth my new ultimate travel destination is BRAZIL. ola Leila! :)


Till the next travel adventure

It's got to be...

Too much drama lately, let's talk about something that elates our mood. FOOD!

Where can you find an over delicious thin crust, not so greasy, Oh so yummy! Hawaiian Pizza may sound ordinary but its my all time favorite, classic! The sweetness of pineapple chunks blend well with tiny thin squares of ham, added with cheese = moi perfecto!


I was actually craving for spaghetti last week, that's why this post is created. The pasta that reminds me of Ascaris hehe I have this interesting story about ascaris and spaghetti but ill share it to you next time, I know it's improper to talk about it now.

Where can you find very accommodating crew that will treat you so nice just to make you feel the best convenience they can offer? It's got to be in Shakey's! Photo below features one of the restaurant's branches. Located at the public white beach in boat station 2, Boracay Island, Caticlan, Aklan, it's really a fun experience eating my favorite pasta while watching the sun kissing the sea as it sets.

I remember when we were eating, there were some Asians (Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, I don't know what's thier nationality!) who hardly speak english were patiently attended by a waiter. As the Filipino waiter tried his best to speak in English to get their order, the costumers with unknown nationality were speaking on their native language. Since there's no way that they can understand each other, the waiter spoke using local dialect, after 5 minutes or so, the waiter got their order! Amazing talaga ang mga pinoy!

Must Try: (Photo from shakey's official website). I took a photo, I'm sure! But i just can't find it, anyways here's something that i really recommend that you guys should try. The Mojo Jojo potatoes, best served when it's hot, it's hard outside to soft inside texture and perfect taste makes eating extra special.

P.S. You should try Mango shake too... Ohhhhh! I remember the taste! lami kaayo :)

GBD asks

...to complete this sentence.

The Older I get, the More I Realize ___________

The Older I get, the More I Realize that life gets more and more complicated. As our age increases, our knowledge broadens, our horizon widens and we tend to care more about what surrounds us. There’s a mixture of pain and love, ups and downs, rainy and sunny days…and that makes life beautiful. We experience situations, that in one way or another, make us a better person.

The Older I get, the More I Realize that people are at the same age. We seek those hopes and dreams that we had when we were young. We find genuine happiness on simple things just like a child. We cry, and we laugh.. A lot. The Older I get, the More I Realize that we are all bunch of kids, pretending to be adults.

Quote to Share:

The more I get older the more I realize that we are never truly adults only children running around in adult bodies -Kendra, one of the founders of Girls by Design

pretending to be adult

A response post to superbianca.blogspot.com


-->

Hi Bianca, I’m Yuli. I graduated college at 19, became a licensed professional at 20, and currently having my so-called superhero training in one of the hospitals of the country that cater the largest number of patients.

It was around 2 months ago when I was still an ordinary human creature. I sleep late, wake up lake, eat brunch, surf the net, movie marathons, then sleep late, wake up late again… it was a cycle of worry and stressless lifestyle. A Bum Life! Things were so simple.

Everything changed when I started to save lives and joined this hospital training. I have to wake up before the sun shines and be very mindful on how I spend my 24hours. When I step in the hospital, it was like there’s a transfiguration in my whole being (like how cars transform into robots in Transformers). At 20, I am forced to act like a real adult. In my career, there is no space for weak links, no errors should be committed, I have to work efficiently and accurately, in short…close to perfection.

There were couple of times when I witness people fighting for their last breathes, there were also some instances when I need to comfort patients who were informed that there’s no cure for their illness and they just have to wait for their doom. I’ve also seen some people crying their lungs out as doctors pronounce that their loved ones already left them. In my head, I would ask myself, What in the world is going on? Isn’t it, it was just few months ago when I was so carefree? And in a sudden, I’m standing on the real world, pretending to be adult, compressing chest to assist the heart on pumping blood, teaching parents how to take care of their sick children, inserting needles on veins for fluids, and during my free time I still have to read about the medical cases that I encounter and familiarize the medicines that I give. This whole situation is frenzy, It's emotionally, physically and intellectually challenging. But this is how I choose my life to be. Although I agree to you that at 20’s, were confuse on what we really want in life. I myself want to do a lot of things too, like pursuing photography, writing books, travel the world and study philosophy. I think, when you decide do something, you really have to make a commitment to stand by to that decision, no matter what it takes. I decided to become a superhero, and if I have to grow up fast to become a hero, then I will.

Life can teach us lessons in brutal or weird way. God does not throws things on us that he knows we can’t surpass. So whenever were on a plight, I believe we are still blessed. We should keep thinking positive because for sure, he is preparing us for something better and greater out there.

unrelated to the topic photo. meet my new found kabarkadas,  Happy Kadayawan Davao!

Filthy Forty #9

I dont have much time to take photos nowadays, that's why I'm showing you a photo that I took when I had my vacation. Ahhh.... Vacation, music to my ears. :) it's been a month already! It's funny how time flies by when we are busy.

It's funny when we wish of something but when it already landed on our laps, we wish for something else. It's like wanting to be there but don't really wanna go there. Am I as clear as vague?

I've been so hard on myself lately, some small mistakes becomes a big issue. I guess it's because I was raised; anal retentive. Or is it because that's how stress mysteriously affects me psychologically?

IDK, I just want to stay positive although sometimes I'm faking it. ☁

.It's our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which,
more than anything else, will affect it's success outcome.

Drop the World

Sometimes when you pretend that everything is going well, you would subconsciously make your self forget that there's something wrong.

It's like taking a slumber in a desert. With eyes closed, it's serene, smooth, and comfortable but the reality is that there will always be a point in time that the heat of the sun will burn your skin and you'll wake up in pain.

Wide eyes open, there you'll realize that the slumber was just a respite, the reality is... not everything is okay, because in the first place, there's something wrong.

Filthy Forty #8

I want to write but nothing pops into my head, maybe on my next day off guys. I'm pretty preoccupied with my training, I've got to adjust and manage my time effectively so I can do more things. It's been like a week since I read a book, and I promised to God that If he'll let me join the training i'll study at least one topic in a day, but you see technically im on training 10 hrs a day and when i go home i'm pretty tired, uhg! excuses, what a shame.

Anyways, this is a photo I took when my family and I went to Pear Farm. I've been there before but the recent visit is really special because I was with my mother. Ahh... I love her dearly, I want to work hard to give the life she deserves.

till next time guys! don't stress too much, life is tough but we're far more tougher!

Filthy Forty #7

A Japanese woman who stays in our living room for many years. My Aunt got her from Japan, (where else?) lol. I was suppose to be with local photographers yesterday for a photowalk but wasn't able to come due to this "super hero training". Uhg! I miss taking photos! Next day off, i'll try to bond with Naph (my camera).

The Loner Traveler

Flying Alone. Few weeks ago, for the first time I rode airplane all by myself. I am somehow a little proud because it is something new and i consider it as an accomplishment (hehe). I was thinking that someday, I want to travel a foreign country alone. You may think I'm a loner (I guess I am, somehow), but I've read from a traveler that she prefers to travel by her self because if you're gonna travel with someone else, all you do is talk to that someone but if you're alone, you're somehow forced to mingled with others, especially to the locals. In that way, you'll have an deep exploration of the place you're visiting. Am i being so defensive with regard to loner issue?

This is Mitch, my 9-year-old cousin's monkey. I could imagine that her face exactly looks like mine when I traveled home alone. It's like she's giving a fake smile. This is what happens when I'm acting cool but deep inside I'm freaking out, praying... "don't let me die on this ride Lord, I have so many dreams to make". Whenever I see sea on the window from the airplane, it gives me the feeling that the plane will crash anytime soon. My theory is that, the paranoia is simply brought about my fear on the consequences of inability to swim. Given that the weather was very unfriendly during my flight, like raining really bad, it's like a roller coaster ride-air version, and we (the passengers) were kept on advised to put on our safety belts, unlike in a smooth ride when you would usually put on those belts during take off and landing. Anyway I arrived home, safe and sound. Whenever i look back on the things that was going inside my head during that experience, I can't help but bully and laugh at myself. Praning!

P.S. note: Cabin Crew used to be something that I really want to be yet through series of plane rides, I have come to realize that I am attracted to the job not because I loved to be a flight attendant but because I want to travel, visit places, meet new people and take beautiful photos. Although cabin crew can travel transport free, I prefer to be a tourist because when you're in a vacation you aim to be relaxed, instead of being care free, you're too guarded because you're roaming in a foreign city with your boss. An experience will be a lot different (and way more fun), if you're spending it with people you're very comfortable to be with. But still, i'm dreaming to become a cabin crew. someday. haha!

................................................................................

A little bit about Photography:

Patterns can be seen everywhere, interesting! =)