an aspirant

I am an architecture student surviving my third hell-like year and yet I’m more passionate with photographs than my course. Photography entered my list of interest when I was in highschool. I have been visually perceptive but I never really had that time to indulge into my obsession until recently. Photography earned my attention through the photos I see on TV and magazines. I enjoyed looking and criticizing these images and perhaps could make my own.

I was not that lucky to travel the world hence I’ve been leaving footprints locally and get fascinated by the culture all that I see. I used to carry around my kiddy sketchbook and all I would do was draw the stuff that captured my attention. By the time I was in highschool, my dad bought my sister an SLR and took her for a lesson. She got thrilled, used for a while, then forgot all about it. Out of curiosity, I started tweaking its little buttons, take few frames then that started my enthusiasm.

After finishing highshool in LaSalle Greenhills, I attended architecture where my interest grew further. A part of studying architecture is studying its history. My favorite photographic subject was street scenes that convey a historical-architectural dimension. I saw mystery and fascination in the growth of architecture from pre-history to the modern times and realized how much magnificence my lenses are missing.

I am currently indulging my passion with Canon EOS Rebel X who has been with me for four years now. The Rebel X includes the following mode: program, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, A-DEP, full-auto, portrait, landscape, macro, and sport. My SLR is quite old compared to the new digital-SLRs that are sprouting continuously. Despite its oldness, it’s light, handy, and easy to use. After holding on to this SLR, I turned my attention in learning this craft. I did not take any lesson; I’m much of a self-starter so I hit the internet, books, magazines and devoured everything I could. I wanted to work and evolve my own techniques. Having more freedom is important for me than learning the standard way.

I have a short list of my favorite photographers leaving footprints in photojournalism, portraiture, and realism. All of these photographers added their own styles as they capture the essence of a story in their images. I know I have to work a long way to attain their greatness, therefore I’ll continue to move forward and focus my lense in this passion.

keep dribbling

What I’ve been working on. I almost killed myself after staying up for almost 48 hours. I was doing my major plate for design and sleep wouldn’t help to reach the deadline. Cramming is not the best way to work on your plates. I started working 5 days before the deadline and I was committing myself to hell like I have no time for anything.

When I do my designs, time would consume me. It is physically and mentally exhausting that I would be lost in the progress. Sometimes I would doubt my capabilities for my ideas. Whenever I construct my concept I know I can nail it, I know I can bag it, I know I can make it work. But it sucks that I’ll end up rushing, pushing my ass as time constrains my work.

One of the lessons I’ve learned in this course is the importance of flow. Architecture could be considered as a sustainable course if you just keep dribbling the ball. Just keep the pot bubbling smoothly. This blog is an example of keeping the flow going. Updating an online journal is like doing something bit by bit and yet you’re progressing. Such kind of flow makes a long term project possible. Your work is broken down into pieces which are more manageable than having loads of work for a day.

Working piece by piece is how I want to see myself. Instead of rushing, cramming and running after deadlines I want to see myself strolling along with my works. A good friend that could help me would be routine. He’s a friend that I never once met, nor intended to. Within three years of studying this course I’ve been struggling with deadlines, risking other subjects and doing crowded schedules with no priority.

I’ve already started scheduling chunks of work for my second major plate in design. I’ve set dates for every piece of details and requirements for this project. I’ve made several sketches of concepts of how my airport would seem like. I’m trying to make a habit now of doing work bit by bit. I’ll just keep the ball dribbling and sooner I’ll be done with my designs on time.

nostalgic addiction

Addictions sneak up on you that at some point you just find yourself yearning for it to be a part of your life. When it comes to the internet, I cannot control myself wandering over ebay for a marvel comic book. I never thought of collecting one since the day I realized that I unconsciously lost a bunch of graphic novels. I am wandering over ebay in the interest of nostalgia. I was collecting comic books for the sake of completion of the issues that I lost. But now my interest brought a different intention. I am now collecting comic books in the interest of nostalgia, admiration and financial profit.

Since I learned and read about monetary gain available in comic book collecting, my interest grew further and developed as an addiction. I consider my growing collection as an investment. Graphic Novels are good investment, for they are rapidly beginning to emerge like the stock market. I remember as a kid comics were read, traded and shared among our friends and now, comic books are stored properly with acid-free backboards, cases and special bags treated like historical artifacts.

Today comic books are auctioned with a significant amount of money reaching thousands of dollars. I read about the considerable things in figuring out your comic’s worth. Comic books should be in good condition, without creases or fade. Issues where coupons have been cut will decrease the value of the comic books. The actual worth of comics is based on its availability, demand, and if it has the first appearance of a character.

As I read through articles regarding investment on comic books, I’m starting to feel my worth as a collector. I’m creating a nostalgic attachment with my collection. It is nostalgia that brought these graphic novels in my list of interest and I couldn't trade their value. I have comic books that worth good money and some that worth a little. But I guess I wouldn’t sell them for anything.

an oddity

It seemed like my butt was glued on a chair last night. I was in a party with some friends and all I did was sit, take pictures and laugh. The whole night I was like.. what am I doing here? The only thing that encouraged me to go were my friends. Urbandub played last night. Honestly I don't care since I'm not really a fan. It’s just that I don’t give them that much attention and I hardly know their songs and I’m glad I was not alone. I would stand on the tables and scream if Bloc Party would be there to play.

It’s really weird when you discourage yourself to socialize in a party. I guess I was just not in the mood for that. I see my friends enjoying a night without any deadlines. I see people having what appears to be fun and I was again like.. what am I doing here? I should be there wasting the night, kicking their asses with a beer in hand! Then a part of my head is throbbing. I don’t know if it’s from the humidity, the lack of oxygen or just me being weird.

I want to be part of the party but I can’t take my ass off my seat. Then I asked myself, is it really important for me to be here? Am I having fun? I asked a few friends for a coffee and we ended up in McDonald’s. We came back and missed our friend’s band and that sucks. I waited in my seat, take more pictures as Urbandub came out to play. Everyone crowded the floor near the stage and I’m left with no choice but to stay on my flatten ass and watch (we had a good view anyway). Urbandub started their show with crowd-inducing guitar; and I have no idea what were they playing.

People near the stage were wrecking, gasping for air, and drenched in their own sweat. The gesture is not lost on the audience. Some guys were chanting, some were jumping, some were screaming. The band tears through their songs and they were good. “Thank you for coming, salamat sa mga bumile ng album!” They closed their gig with a recently released album cover and the crowd screamed louder. They left the stage then audience started crawling their way towards the exit.

The band was good and was not that lame at all. I was not enjoying the night for I chose not to. I saw friends nearing our table exhausted, gasping air, bathed on their own sweat. They asked questions like where were you. You missed a lot of fun. I asked myself and wonder what am I really missing out on?

Zidane's headbutting farewell.

France vs Italy
FIFA Finals! They predicted to have a billion of people watching this stirring event across the world. A minute after the game started and Henry was flat on his back. An awful collision with Cannavaro and it took a few minutes to get the forward back on his feet. Few minutes after Zidane attempted to score his penalty into the roof of the net. The ball hit the bar, bounced inside the goal line before bouncing out again. Italy earned their first goal after an incredible corner kick and a powerful header. After the first half was packed, the pasta boys are looking more confident.


A goal, a headbutt, and a red card.. all were from Zinedine Zidane. The real football “action” happened after the first half. Zidane made another attempt and powered a header at the goal but Buffon one-handedly save with an impressive tip over the bar. Then the French superstar was overshadowed by stupidity and temper. Pressure on the pitch lead Zidane to instinctively headbutt Materazzi right on the chest. Once the referee took a red card out of his pocket, I knew Italy would win. Wtf?!!! I read an article this morning it says that Zidane was subjected with some verbal abuse (racist slur, terrorist ...) by Materazzi which encouraged the headbutt. His miraculous goal during the first half was nearly forgotten after that moment. After that incident, France and Italy need to hang on for ten penalties. France were not so lucky. Italy won all five penalties and the World Cup title.

Though Zinedine Zidane made a brutal end in his glorious career, he made a huge part in France’s successive games. He pulled most of the team’s goals as they reached this far in the FIFA Finals. He was named the Golden Ball award winner, as the most outstanding player of the tournament.

the king of grasscourt

I am extremely satisfied with the grass court result. The no.1 seed Roger Federer wins his fourth consecutive Wimbledon Title. I’ve been watching tennis for years and matches are really unpredictable. I could not imagine winning a grand slam title was this easy for Federer. He displayed his finest tennis beating the no.2 seed Spaniard Rafael Nadal in a four set match. Nadal has a huge capability but he was obviously looking lost and tense with those awful serves.

Federer wrapped the first set with 6-to-nothing-lead for a few minutes. After that set I was confident that my bet will win. It seemed like Federer is more delicately poised on the grass than is Nadal. With his amazing running forehand he made it worse for Nadal to capture his game. Though Nadal managed to play with his aces, Federer played smoothly with three championship points waiting for his opponent to swing a mistake.

ang cute?

I recently had some of my photos printed for an extra-curricular requirement. The initial impression that I got was “cute!!” followed by “did you really take this?” I was getting a weird, suspicious and doubtful vibe. No one really knows that I’m more serious in taking photos than designing spaces.

The definition of cuteness has expanded into an all purpose adulation. The term cute became handy whenever you can’t think of any word when you’re expected to say nice. It usually imposes pretty attractive or fetching associated mostly with the kids or animals. It is obviously contrived to charm paralleling to a teenstar’s appeal. Cuteness means attractive in the sense of smallness or prettiness alike of a baby, puppy, kitten, or a cuddly toy. I want my works as not just being pretty attractive; I want my works to be interesting, evocative, and suggestive. I may still be an amateur in taking photograps, but I know my photos are beyond cuteness.

I saw this kid walking and I asked her if I could take her picture, she hardly says anything but stood right in front of me and posed for a shot. I shot a few frames and thanked her then she left. The other was a product of pity. Maybe he saw me taking pictures and he felt an admiration for it so he tried to get my attention. I took different shots and he was consistently staring at me.

million dollar manny

Manny Pacquiao is intending for world domination. One of the perks of aspiring world domination is you give your life as an object of public attention. Your autobiography will be rewritten, film-makers will be eyeing for your story turning into a glitzy movie. You’ll receive an offer to make an album, which will questionably and surprisingly reach platinum. It'll be an enhanced cd with subliminal messages publicizing your fame while brainwashing whoever listens to it. You’ll be prowling in the consciousness of every pinoy turning them as your obedient minions. You’ll have a guarantee spot in the political world for the mass will worship and believe in whatever shit you say. And you’ll be next to Britney Spears as the most searched celebrity on Yahoo!

No I didn't watch the match. I fell asleep in the middle of the commercials. All the advertisements were forced into the air-time and I was so pissed that I went out to get some air. Surprisingly roads were clean and empty yesterday. It was an enough proof that the whole nation is tuned in to the fight.

When I came home I thought I won’t be seeing any pacquiao-related stuff. Reruns, interviews, analysis, parties.. all in different channels. Full-page ads of Pacquiao’s endorsements are screaming in the papers today. He's like a virus infecting every source of media available and it's really getting annoying. It was nice though to put our country's name with a worldwide attention in boxing.

FIFA-foo-fam

Brasil vs France
It’ll be a lonely flight for the fans of the mainstream-football-bet Brasil, for France has reserved their place for World Cup semi-finals. No, I did not watch it. I was too busy doing my school plates; but I saw a clip from the news. It showed Zidane's excellent footwork with his golden football boots leading the ball away from the Brazillian. It was after Zinedine Zidane’s impressive free-kick left four Brasil defenders glued to their feet while watching France's winning goal!. The clip showed Roberto Carlos not moving any muscle as the ball hits a score for France. haha.

England vs Portugal
Aaaaggh!! I left my drafting table for this and all I got was a mockable football game. Last night’s quarter-final match was really unbelievable and disappointing; Beckham’s injury, Rooney's red card, stupid quality of football, and losing penalties against Portugal. England's game resulted a shitty football last night. Though they have impressive players, they weren’t able to play their game suited for them. After 52 minutes, David Beckham was sent-off with an injury and could not participate in the penalty shootout. Few minutes later Wayne Rooney was given a red card for an unsure reason. It was just after Rooney’s dismissal that motivated the team to play a good football. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s choice of players is relatively questionable picking only four strikers, he has this inconsistent thought and incoherent game play.

The game was an absobloodylutely mess. Players go running to the referee acting like little brats complaining for a red card. It was an unprofessional game, players demanding for someone to be sent off. Player taunting other player is really amateurish, Rooney’s anger was pushed and he’s not to blame. It was showed on TV! Ronaldo winking at their shitty bench as the England striker was leaving the field. Officials should analyze the incident leading to the retarded referee's decision. Eriksson is leaving, McClaren is taking over, Beckham gave up his captaincy and it could be his last World Cup. Who'll take over his captaincy? What worse shit could happen next??!!!

Agassi’s last Wimbledon fuss

The former world no.1 André Agassi said his farewell from last night’s grass court match. The no.2 seed, Rafael Nadal beat Agassi in frustrating straight sets, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-4. The first set was lead by Agassi but unforced errors attacked his game until Nadal managed to wrap the set in his advantage. From 5-2 it reached 6-7!!.. Nadal was really playing his game well with his angled shots, unbelievable aces, and his trademark running forehand winners which made him moved with two sets ahead. The final set took Agassi’s game. Unforced errors prowled the former world no.1, and Nadal ruled with his superior gameplay closing the match with an ace. André Agassi praised the crowd, thanked the fans, made few autographs and left while receiving a standing ovation.

Agassi announced late last month that this would be his last Wimbledon and he will retire by the end of the year. His impressive career will probably end in US Open which will start in August.




An undesirable jinx for the former no.1s
Former no.1s left wimbledon after the first week of the tournament. André Agassi played his last grass court match with unacceptable straight sets. Venus Williams faced a controversial defeat against I barely recall player. Andy Roddick unhappy with his game against an- I also can’t recall player.

Venus Williams admitted that she lack match practice this season. Williams noted a controversial matter after she complained to the umpire regarding her opponent’s serving. It’ll be weird for me not watching a grand slam finale without one of the Williams sisters.

Andy Roddick accepted his defeat, but still unhappy with his performance. The former no.1 has not won any title for eight months. During his match last night, Roddick is obviously struggling with his volleys. His lack of form and gameplay took the first set against him. The no.3 seed Roddick praised his opponent’s movement and speed and that he could go far and succeed with his career.

lost comicbooks

Before the x-men, now Superman. Interest in comic books will sure be a hype. I was one of the gullible buyers after comicbook-adaptation movies were released. I did some comic-book-digging on the internet of rare and hard-to-find issues. Ebay is a great internet source for finding lost comic books. Some issues can be more expensive than your latest mobile phone, reaching prices of P25000 or more depending on the number of bids. The real gold are limited copies and comic book classics.

Last year, I unconsciously lost about 7 marvel comic books. I had a day long depression and guilt caused me to wander over Ebay.com. Once I learned about the ability to order and to ship to Manila, I anxiously looked for those issues and- there they were! A whole set of Fatal Attractions series. The price was $20.00 plus shipping and etc, so the whole thing would cost around $30.

After one hour of hesitating, I bid for one issue- the 1993 Fatal Attractions part- 4 issue. That was an eye-bleeding moment for a first time ebay user. I was so paranoid about my money. I wasn’t sure if the item would arrive, nor if it was for real. But then, I was the winning buyer so I contacted the seller, deposited the payment then the package arrived days after I ordered. I removed the plastic and there it was, the wraparound cover that features the x-men enhanced with gambit in a hologram.. exactly what I had 13 years ago. The 52-page comic book features Magneto ripping Wolverine’s Adamantium off his body. It has been years since I last saw this issue, flipping its yellow pages seems like I was again a 7-year-old x-men enthusiast.