Call me late (since this was released last 2007 or so), but here's an interesting stop-motion video by Oren Lavie, and an amazing song to boot.
I'm not normally the biggest fan of stop-motion, but I do appreciate it when the concept is great, as I believe it is here.
Manila Ocean
I dropped by Manila Ocean Park last Wednesday to conduct an ocular for a shoot we're doing this Saturday. Great place, it turned out to be a lot more impressive than I was expecting. We are a country extremely rich in biodiversity, and the aquariums beautifully reflected this fact. Walking through the tunnel-shaped glass corridors separating myself from the hosts of rays swimming above, I felt like I was back in Anilao chasing turtles and teasing clownfish.
I snapped this shot a bit later, eating a late merienda at Chowking on the second floor of the Ocean Park. It's one of the rare times I get to view the famed Manila Bay sunset while not in a moving car. If you look ever so closely, you can see the smudges on the window separating me and polluted beauty.
I snapped this shot a bit later, eating a late merienda at Chowking on the second floor of the Ocean Park. It's one of the rare times I get to view the famed Manila Bay sunset while not in a moving car. If you look ever so closely, you can see the smudges on the window separating me and polluted beauty.
A Change Of Pace
Photo randomly taken from Flickr. Sorry, Mr. Owner!
The sweet suburban breeze rushing past you as you stand under a street lamp, its haunting yellow light casting an foreboding warm tinge on the world of the night.
The interesting conversation with the groundskeeper while sitting on a bench in the empty church courtyard.
The uninhibited and heart-warming laughter of local barkadas as they while the night away drinking beer at the local sari-sari store.
The loving way the middle-aged Korean couple teased each other while taking their nightly stroll through the village.
My trusty iPod serenading me with Chopin and his nocturnes while I make my way through the streets, my feet walking but my mind soaring.
These are things I would have never seen, heard, or felt had I chosen to do my usual run. The impromptu decision to have a change of pace and go out into the night in my plaid shorts and Sanuks was, perhaps, the right thing to do tonight.
Road Kings In Their Own Mind
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't sirens supposed to be illegal on unmarked vehicles? Meaning if you're not a MARKED police car, a MARKED ambulance, or a MARKED fire truck, then no wang-wang for you?
If so, then ZSX-217, shame on you. Not only were you wantonly blasting away with that siren, you were also driving very arrogantly and recklessly, in a residential subdivision no less.
I presume that you are a politician or a relative thereof, given the combination of the two factors mentioned above. For shame! You, sir, shall never have my vote.
January 24, 5:05pm, BF Homes, Paranaque City
If so, then ZSX-217, shame on you. Not only were you wantonly blasting away with that siren, you were also driving very arrogantly and recklessly, in a residential subdivision no less.
I presume that you are a politician or a relative thereof, given the combination of the two factors mentioned above. For shame! You, sir, shall never have my vote.
January 24, 5:05pm, BF Homes, Paranaque City
PhilPost
So I'm on the way to the Paranaque Central Post Office to pick up my latest book purchase (and first ever online). I'm hugely surprised at how quick it was delivered - it arrived last October 29, although I was not expecting it to set foot upon Philippine soil until November 18.
Nearing the post office, I suddenly realize that I forgot the notification slip that was sent to me (containing some code to help find my parcel). My mind fills with dread as I imagine all the excuses they'll give me for delaying the pickup (it was noon - lunch break), or adding extra charges - hey, this is the government we're talking about. When I actually arrive there and explain the situation to the friendly-faced men at customs, however, my dread quickly vanishes at the exceptional treatment given to me:
First of all, they were actually working during what was supposed to be their lunch break (honestly, when have you ever seen someone from the government work during lunch?).
Secondly, they pored through books upon books of records with me, searching each line intently for my name with nary a complaint.
Third, when I actually remembered that my book was supposed to be picked up at the second floor (they were at the first floor), I heard no grumble as they gently pointed me in the right direction.
Fourth, when I got to the second floor, all the employees up to the mailman level were there (even the mailman that worked my street). They paused their eating for a few minutes to retrieve my book for me. My mailman even knew exactly what I was looking for at the mere mention of the street where I lived.
Lastly, no hints of a tip. Ever. Not the slightest one (although I do plan to leave a bit for the mailman during his annual Christmas envelope).
This has been one of the rare displays of exceptional service shown to me by government employees. In my whole life, I've only been witness to a few dedicated individuals whom I saw truly were passionate about their jobs working for the government - Pisay employees (teachers and staff), and a few of the jail guards over at Las Pinas City Jail being the others. Call me shallow, say that it's expected of them, but things like this really make me feel good.
To the three guys who work at Window 1 (Customs), and the mailman servicing my street, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not just for the book - that was trivial (and part of your job anyway).
Nearing the post office, I suddenly realize that I forgot the notification slip that was sent to me (containing some code to help find my parcel). My mind fills with dread as I imagine all the excuses they'll give me for delaying the pickup (it was noon - lunch break), or adding extra charges - hey, this is the government we're talking about. When I actually arrive there and explain the situation to the friendly-faced men at customs, however, my dread quickly vanishes at the exceptional treatment given to me:
First of all, they were actually working during what was supposed to be their lunch break (honestly, when have you ever seen someone from the government work during lunch?).
Secondly, they pored through books upon books of records with me, searching each line intently for my name with nary a complaint.
Third, when I actually remembered that my book was supposed to be picked up at the second floor (they were at the first floor), I heard no grumble as they gently pointed me in the right direction.
Fourth, when I got to the second floor, all the employees up to the mailman level were there (even the mailman that worked my street). They paused their eating for a few minutes to retrieve my book for me. My mailman even knew exactly what I was looking for at the mere mention of the street where I lived.
Lastly, no hints of a tip. Ever. Not the slightest one (although I do plan to leave a bit for the mailman during his annual Christmas envelope).
This has been one of the rare displays of exceptional service shown to me by government employees. In my whole life, I've only been witness to a few dedicated individuals whom I saw truly were passionate about their jobs working for the government - Pisay employees (teachers and staff), and a few of the jail guards over at Las Pinas City Jail being the others. Call me shallow, say that it's expected of them, but things like this really make me feel good.
To the three guys who work at Window 1 (Customs), and the mailman servicing my street, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not just for the book - that was trivial (and part of your job anyway).
All Saints'
Today was a day for the dead as we trooped to the cemeteries with the rest of the populace to pay our respects to our dearly departed. There were two destinations today - St. James the Great Parish in Alabang to visit my grandmother, and Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque to visit my mother, with a side trip to Cory & Ninoy's tomb.
For those of you under a rock (or in another country) who do not know who they are, Cory and Ninoy Aquino are a couple that had great influence on the recent history of the country. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was a Philippine Senator during the time of the Marcos presidency. He was smart, articulate, and popular - well on his way to the presidency, hastened even more by the declining popularity of then President Marcos. Long story short, he got shot at the airport tarmac in 1986. His death led to a revolution and the eventual election of his housewife Cory to the presidency, who served as a symbol of clean governance and high morals for years to come. Cory died just this year, and with her death came the announcement by her son, Senator Ninoy Junior, that he wanted a shot at the presidency, but I digress.
Upon arrival at the tomb, I was pleasantly surprised to see how simple it was. I was half expecting such opulence to mirror the lifestyles of today's senators and other political lifeforms, but all that met my eyes there was a simple tomb, with 2 pillars and a roof. If not for the teeming throngs of loyalists and curious bystanders (as well as 2 TV network trucks and 2 huge spotlights), I would never have guessed it to contain an ex-president and a senator. I was also surprised to see no campaign material for Noynoy, save one small sticker and one yellow ribbon.
Oh, and guess who sent the biggest flower arrangement?
An Interesting Turn of Events
It's funny how things are playing out. First I watch Band of Brothers. Over the 5 or so days it takes me to finish the series, war is often the setting of my thoughts. I do a post on it, and now we're shooting a military wedding.
My friend's best friend is going to marry a Captain in the Philippine Army. We met the couple along with the wedding planner earlier this afternoon for a quick pre-production, and although I'm more than used to soldiers, it just seemed a bit surreal interacting with the groom and his Malaysian friend (who in turn was a Major in the Malaysian Army) while they were in full uniform. My recent immersion in the exploits of Easy Company during the second World War probably contributed to that.
In other news, a huge congratulations to my 2 buddies Diego and Fonta for getting their shots in Digital Photographer Philippines! They did some great stuff with the DLSU athletes, which has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.
My friend's best friend is going to marry a Captain in the Philippine Army. We met the couple along with the wedding planner earlier this afternoon for a quick pre-production, and although I'm more than used to soldiers, it just seemed a bit surreal interacting with the groom and his Malaysian friend (who in turn was a Major in the Malaysian Army) while they were in full uniform. My recent immersion in the exploits of Easy Company during the second World War probably contributed to that.
In other news, a huge congratulations to my 2 buddies Diego and Fonta for getting their shots in Digital Photographer Philippines! They did some great stuff with the DLSU athletes, which has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.
Band of Brothers
As much as I value the relative peace our country comfortably offers, as well as the lives of our countrymen, I find a certain...shall I say glory, or shine to war that inexorably attracts me - beyond the glamorous filter that Hollywood places on what is.
I suppose that should we indeed find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend our motherland from invaders, I would want to volunteer to fight. Ika nga, "Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting. Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil." Imagine the thrill of taking national interests in your own hands, fighting for every inch to drive out one who would have your land and life. Imagine your elation when you succeed in doing so, the drum beats of "This is the Hour" resounding through your head.
What a day that would be.
Or perhaps I'm just looking for that adrenaline rush.
SCTEX
I found this photo sitting dormant deep in the recesses of my archives. This was taken last June 10, on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, at approximately 100 kph.
As part of my work back then, I would travel to and from Subic quite a lot. Now what I've experienced in Subic, Olongapo, and the surrounding towns would fill up a whole new book of tales in itself, but one of the real pleasures I've had in travelling to Subic would be the SCTEX.
One of the newest highways in the Philippines, the SCTEX also happens to be (in my opinion) the most scenic. It has three main exits - Subic, Clark, and Tarlac (hence the name) - and the view sharply changes from one point to the other. Going to Subic from Clark, you're left agape as mountain after mountain looms over you, made even more majestic by the sun's highlights. Head the other direction to Tarlac, and you'll find yourself amidst field after field, with nary a man-made structure in sight.
And once in a while, you'll get that eyeful that will make you want to...well, stick your head out of the driver's window at 100kph with a camera in one hand, and wild abandon in the other.
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