Day 296, Jan 29, 2012

Bernice"s 2nd shoot:

Her first one was sometime December last year (if I'm not mistaken), and now with the help of some friends (and their photo studio), she and two friends got to experience one today.

This was my first time in a studio shoot, and I did learn a few things - probably a lot more (though I can't remember them all right now). I really enjoyed watching and participating in the shoot - thanks Marvin and Alex for the great time.

So what did I do in the shoot? For starters, I learned about some set-up techniques, how much focus is needed, and got to use a synchronized switch for the lights/diffusers. I basically acted as a 'behind the scene' One other idea that came to roost was that we would hold a Bacardi night in the studio... and somewhere along the way of said night, we'd shift to a fashion photography session... that is, for those who aren't drunk enough - yet.

Day 295, Jan 28, 2012

First Bacardi Night for 2012!

Tradition dictates that since Sheila's birthday falls in the month of January, we try to celebrate our first Bacardi night at her place - so far, this has been two years going... albeit the previous one had a whole lot more people.

Still, it was an interesting evening; as Jingo would say, small group Bacardi nights allow for a more intimate, more personal evening of discussions... and the things one learns about others in such a small group.

Some I file under 'nice to know', others under 'that figures' - but regardless of where they're filed, one should not try to make a possible altered state of understanding into some kind of huge thing. Just take things in stride, and hope its not the alcohol talking... after all, 'blame it one the a a a a a alcohol' isn't supposed to cut it.

That said, looks like next time, we'll be drinking less Rum and more Wine - let the health conscious efforts begin! For me, it doesn't really matter what we drink - its more the company that makes the party. But, I won't say totally goodbye to Mojitos just yet.

Day 294, Jan 27, 2012

And he's Two!

Yup! Today is Jude's birthday and we just had a simple celebration with a not so simple set of food - for example we had two (not one) over-sized pizza with the thought of having several guests (some kids) in mind.

Aside from the pizza we had had three servings of White Vongole Spahetti - where one serving could easily feed five adults (okay... maybe four of my kind of adults), a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and I can't remember what else... after all, with just those three mentioned, I'm sure Id have a great eating experience - and I did. Jude, just like any two year old, will probably not remember all these - as he'd be transfixed with the gifts he'd be receiving (as this picture points out where he's riding a toy car (or scooter - I really don't know how to call it), oblivious of everything else happening around him.

Anyway... welcome, as some would say, to the terrible twos stage - may we all survive the experience. Hehehe.

Day 293, Jan 26, 2012

View form the Facilitator's table:

This is what you'd see if you'd be sitting at the chair behind the Facilitator's desk - that is, if you'd be sitting. After all, a great number of the time, you'd most probably be standing and moving around, just like us.

In this particular case, this is an Application Testing School conduct which lasts for two day and is normally handled by two facilitators - in this instance its me and Tess doing the honors, and we'd normally be dividing the conduct between AM and PM schedules.

Since I'm normally coming from afar (Global1 is the farthest location for me to go to from the perspective of having to bring Barbie first to her office in Paranaque), I let Tess handle the AM session - which she likes because it means she's free in the afternoon to check on a few shops in between my lectures.

Nothing spectacular about how I took the shot - tried a few samples to get lighting capture properly - then took the shot. What made it unique is the fact that I haven't (to my limited knowledge) taken a shot form this angle - or view yet.

Day 292, Jan 25, 2012

New Hangout!

This is Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Eastwood mall. On a Wednesday morning, while I await my turn to talk in the Testing training with Tess, I went here to get a good mug of coffee - and yes, open my internet sites (including this one). It was sparsely  - filled which allowed some semblance of privacy, and the music wasn't so distracting (most of the time, anyway).

Most importantly, it allowed for WiFi Internet access - one that I was somewhat hoping for when I brought my laptop with me this morning. So here I am enjoying this blogging experience while sipping coffee - yes, I just had to order for coffee... unlike their Greenhills counterpart where a minimum meal cost of around Php300 is needed to be given WiFi access. So I'd say I definitely prefer hanging around here - at least, whenever I find myself in Eastwood with some time to burn.

Yes... that's my current background - none other than NCC 1701.

Day 291, Jan 24, 2012

Money tree:

Well, not exactly... more like a prosperity charm that will hopefully attract money where its placed. I bought this for Barbie, who complained that her office looked a bit gloomy without a plant - any plant.

But of course, if possible, she wanted one that would give her luck - yes, I know we make our own luck... but why not let fate intervene as well? Anyway, this little potted plant was set atop my aquarium - which explains why there seems to be light coming from under the leaves. I was taking this shot form above the plant - looking for a dynamic angle. Apparently I got the angle, and the shot looks great (if I say so myself).

Day 290, Jan 23, 2012

A Prosperous New Year!

Today is the Chinese New Year, and as my family and I went to Greenhills (as today was declared a non-working holiday), we witnessed the Lion and Dragon dances being performed in all the stalls/stores of the different buildings in Greenhills Shopping Center.

Tradition dictates that these dances happen as a form of inviting prosperity for the establishments - which will translate to business success. So I was happy to take a few shots here and there - not really following them around, but trying to get a picture of the moment, wherever and whenever I chanced upon it.

It was amazing to see how the 'Lions' or the 'Dragon' would try and grab the 'ampaw' located, at times, in hard to reach places (usually at a height that one person would find hard to reach). Of course, for the curious observer, it was a delight to watch; though for a few old men wanting some peach and quiet in a particular coffee shop, the noise was deafening and a big bother... oh well, it only happens once a year, so they had to just suck it up and bear the noise of the loud drum noises.

A missed opportunity for me was not having the chance to take a picture of a really large and long dragon which was moving around the Greenhills shopping center's street block - said dragon was even lighted inside to give it a surreal look. I'd estimate said dragon to be roughly 10 cars long... maybe more. Oh well... maybe next year.

The picture above is a bit blurry, as things were moving fast, and I had minimal time to prepare - still, I chose this over my other (clearer) shots because it gives one an idea of how long this dragon is. You can see its tail at the left-most side of the picture, and its head obviously moving away from my vantage point.

Day 289, Jan 22, 2012

New look:

The sofa and curtains are definitely new - in fact, that sofa is less than a week old and the curtains just came fresh from the department store. I was a challenge finding curtains to match the sofa, but I think Barbie and I managed to luck into a good combination.

So this is what friends and relatives will be seeing when they come into our place - this is the reason why I can now have Bacardi nights at home again - since our place... more specifically our living area, looks more presentable. In this picture, Buffy almost blends seamlessly with the background. Had it not been for the camera's flash making the sofa and the pillows shinier, Buffy would be harder to spot.

Day 288, Jan 21, 2012

Sashimi:

I normally bring Bryce to school Saturday mornings - after which, I go to Greenhills every other week to check out a weekend market and see what seafood items I can get for us to cook during the weekend.

This particular week, I got shrimp, squid, salmon belly, oysters and marveled at the tuna and salmon being sold. I thought they would be great if the market vendors sold as sashimi - which is basically these fishes sliced to near bite size and eaten fresh. I then went on to buy some fruits and vegetables and on my way back to the car, I spotted this man slicing some salmon into sashimi cuts. It was only then that I realized that they did sell the fishes in sashimi slices - I just had to ask them to do it.

So ask I did. I bought half a kilo of sashimi and proceeded to have this for lunch with Barbie. Salmon, is, after all, one of the better tating sashimi - so long as they are fresh. So aside from my getting the items I said on a regular basis, I will get salmon and tuna sashimi on a semi-regular basis.

Day 287, Jan 20, 2012

Prosperity:

This is Virra Mall in Greenhills in the middle of a Chinese New Year preparation frenzy, hence all the red decors hanging in the mall's lobby. Whereas once the Chinese New Year was not seemingly practiced, this year is more celebrated by way of being a holiday (a first, far as I can remember).

Whether this is because Filipinos just look for an excuse ot party, or whether we are finally recognizing the fact that we have a relatively large Filipino-Chinese community - the fact remains that the Chinese New Year is becoming a marketing pitch for people who wish to sell their wares with the excuse of these items ably attracting luck and prosperity to its new owners.

Add to that fact the situation that majority of Filipinos feel and one can understand why people - specially the non-Chinese, are willing put into practice all the suggestions of Geomancers, so much so that these selling of lucky charms or totems may very well match the sales of gifts for Christmas. Me? I've been practicing some of these things for personal prosperity. I get the usual luck totems, and my home has some Chinese-oriented Feng Shui items - after all, if it can help, I'm willing to get them to at least make sure I've favorable chances with business, prosperity. health and family.

Day 286, Jan 19, 2012

Piazza's Food Adventure:

I was invited (by way of Jinkee) to the Marketing launch of this promo where for Php600 anyone would get to sample dishes from 14 establishments...  invited were bloggers - and Jinkee thought of me because 1) I blog... and 2) this was happening in the Piazza - and I happen to be teaching in Campus One (literally a stone's throw away from the Piazza).

After my class, I went straight to Piazza and discovered that Jinkee was already there and registered. I then went to the registration booth, got the necessary items (passport and wristband), got escorted to a table and proceeded to experience my very first foodie sampling and review.

This was definitely a gastronomic encounter, and I'm sure this evening set me back a bit with my exercise regimen... but hey, how often does this come one's way? Naturally, I intend to blog about this by writing about the program - and writing about my experience with the different dishes, this way... I can spread the word - as it is.

I hope there will be future instances of these launches where I get invited - be they food or other products. After all, I like taking pictures and writing about stuff, so I will most likely enjoy such launches - and lets not forget whatever freebies that may come our way with the marketing kit. Once I have my blog entries done, I'll post links in my FB page.

Day 285, Jan 18, 2012

Shades:

This is my new shades - a Christmas gift by Barbie, and I, in turn gave her a similar one.

Its been a long while since I had a Ray Ban - a decade ago if I'm not mistaken. I believe it was during my I/ACT days. That one got lost - and I hope this one lasts longer with me.

Still, its nice to have this - or any shades for that matter, since these days seem (and at times) feel like summer. So while I'm driving, I need this to prevent the bright sunlight's glare from hurting or distracting me. These Aviators were made for pilots, and I can feel like a pilot when behind the wheel. Minus the mach speed, of course.

Day 284, Jan 17, 2012

Clock without hands:

What's the use of a clock without its hands? How can it tell time - which is the essence of its creation, without these hands? It simply can't. It becomes useless... and if not fixed - left to age and just rust with stagnancy? Well it eventually turns into an eyesore... and should the clock be large enough to be seen a block or two away - then what an eyesore it would be, right?

And yet... this is what I see whenever I look at the clock tower of Eastwood mall. A clock that is not being used - one without its hands. The tower seems to be slowly going into disrepair, with no signs of anyone doing any maintenance work. Too bad, though, after all, this was the landmark of Eastwood for years.

So now, whenever I overlook the pantry area of Accenture, I see this once proud landmark just staying there. Maybe its because its not the tallest edifice around these days, as it is easily dwarfed by the other condo/hotel/office buildings surrounding it. But even then - this was the first commercial establishment with a Big Ben-like landmark. People used to refer to this tower whenever they wanted to synchronize their time... not to mention New Year countdowns (at least, this is what Tess told me once). I hope that somehow, some way, there are plans to revive this clock... or replace it with a better one. After all, the people working, eating and living in the general vicinity deserve more.

Day 283, Jan 16, 2012

The Chipmunks!

If you're my age, I'm sure you've heard of or have seen cartoons about the Chipmunks - Theodore, Simon and of course, Alvin. The three would be seen singing songs and I'm sure I probably hummed along with them. Believe it or not, my parents even got me a long playing album of the Chipmunks singing Beatles songs, which I played again and again until I memorized all the songs  (and that is how I got introduced to the Beatles).

Timewarp to the present - the Chipmunks now appear in live-action/computer generated movies (I believe the latest one is their third movie) and maybe a new generation is getting to know them - but my generation... including Fiel; as seen in this picture, still fondly remember the Chipmunks, and maybe watch the movie - though I prefer watching them in TV, as I feel that with the current prices of movies, these kind of movies are not must see ones.

Still... as you can see with Fiel's face, its still a pleasure to think of these three... so much so that Fiel won't care with what others say about him posing with the statues of these three, with a bit of a suspension of realism... if only to imagine one's self actually having their pictures taken with the three (imagined to be live) Chipmunks.

Heck, I would have wanted a picture with these as well.

Day 282, Jan 15, 2012

Exercise:

Yeah yeah yeah... this is something I have not really been doing for the past years - or if I do, its an on and off thing. But I do know the need and importance of exercise - its just that I find it difficult to get into a routine to do them continuously.

This year,  though, with the help of our very own elliptical bike, this will change. After all, its just here at home, so there's no need to dress up for the gym - no need to worry about having to wait my turn in long lines to the equipment, no need to worry about being too tired to go to the gym because this particular equipment is already at home... a place I will eventually be going to anyway.

I also learned that two habits of successful people who lost weight and kept it - as opposed to remission and regaining their weight, are that they exercise at home (the treadmill was mentioned) and that they monitor their weight with a weight scale everyday. The other aspect, of course, is to steer clear from temptation - like avoiding that doughnut shop in the corner by walking in a different path - well its nice to know there are no such shops near home, and when I drive home, its usually straight home anyway.

So here's to me - good luck to me and hope I get positive results that I can brag about before this blog ends.

Day 281, Jan 14, 2012

Sausages:

Hungarian, Garlic, Cheese... oh yeah, and the Tender juicy version for kids... these were the stars of the night with respect to what was served at John's grill-filled evening get together with friends.

I was lucky to be a part of this and I have to admit to trying almost one of each sausage - a filling experience, leading me not to take any rice as part of my dinner.

Aside from these sausages, we also had some fish (Gindara just being one of them) and clams. There was some barbecued chicken as well - but I did not even bother with these, as I was too busy enjoying the sausages. I also tried a few grilled pork... but not too much.

This evening was definitely a gastronomic event, and this is something I look forward to - but not too often as such will ensure a very dramatic change to my weight. So here's to more of these - and next time, I'll drag Barbie along.

Day 280, Jan 13, 2012

Yogurt!

There was a time that taking yogurt was not so fun. It came with a slightly bitter taste and people who took it as mainly a weigh reducing tool did not really look forward to such. Luckily, there are better options available these days.

Yo Swirl is just one of these options, and in this case, I've leaned towards the vanilla flavored version of their yogurt, topped with strawberries (as seen in the picture). I could literally eat a gallon of this - though I wonder if that would defeat the purpose of having a healthy snack.

Day 279, Jan 12, 2012

Juke Box:

I like this contraption. It hies back to the 50's - days when Rock and Roll was the generational dividing line, and Soda Fountains or Shops were the in thing... and oh yes, lets not forget the Juke Box that supposedly had 45s (vinyl) in them, and you could select what to play for a few coins.

Well believe it or not, this item beside me is a CD player - but its designed with the same principle in mind - namely have a great number of songs, ready for your choosing and listening pleasure.

As A kid, I could recall seeing some of these things in malt shops lie A&W or Dairy Queen, or I vaguely remember one of my mom's company outing where we went swimming, and I saw one of these - found a favorite song of mine in it ans started playing the same song again and again and again (Paul McCartney and the Wings' Live and Let Die... what can I say, I was a James Bond fan?)

The point is, I liked this CD player designed to remind us of the hey days of said juke boxes - did I ever say I'm a bit of an Anachronist? Well now you know, right? Oh yeah... I've learned... if I should ever ask anyone to take my pic with my camera, I just set it to auto mode - that way, I need not worry about blurred pics of me.

Day 278, Jan 11, 2012

First Class:

No, this isn't a passenger airline's premiere lounge... nor is it a VIP room... and neither is it the merry band of mutants formed by... well, you know that, and its irrelevant to the picture, so lets just explain the title.

This picture represents my very first class in the new year 2012. Yup... I had no work for the entire week coming from New Year, and its only now that I have returned to Accenture to do what I normally do - namely facilitate their trainings... in this case, the Packaged Application Design School (a.k.a. PADS). My partner in this endeavor is Jinky, and what's nice about the training is its a bit laid back (specially when compared to other courses available.

So there you have it... nothing special in terms of adjustments, disturbances, or picture configuration - just a picture of my first class for 2012.

Day 277, Jan 10, 2012

Venti Green Tea Frap:

I rarely go Venti... so this is obviously a sign that I plan to stay here for a while. I would normally do this with the occasional comic books in my possession - so I could read leisurely while I sipped my Green Tea Frap - the healthiest Frap being sold in Starbucks I might add.

Now this isn't the first time I've taken a picture of said frap... after all, I go to Starbucks occasionally and there would be lots of opportunities for me to take a picture of my drink.  So nope... taking the picture of another frap... even in venti size, would not be that much of an event.

What I did notice, however, was the table's design - of its words spiraling inwards or outwards; depending on one's interpretation, and I then decided to take the design's picture - but... I needed a prop... after all, how interesting would the table be without anything on it? Thus, I strategically placed my drink in the perceived center. Got my camera out, and snapped a few shots.

Day 276, Jan 09, 2012

New Printer / Scanner / Fax:

This printer is a Christmas gift from Bern, Barbie's older brother, who happens ot be working in Lexmark at Cebu. He brought it here a few days before Christmas - just informing us that it could double as a scanner and fax machine. Did I mention it has WiFi, so it won't need physical cables connecting to a PC or laptop when printing had to be done?

Now, our current (at least, current until this came) printer could likewise scan (and in that sense, also copy/reproduce stuff), and for all intents and purposes, its a great printer - except for the fact that it really eats up printer ink fast - due ot its internal cleaning process. The downside of this is that the ink s were pricey (specially the cartridge for black), and it had a design flaw (at least to me) of not working - rather, refusing to work, when even one ink cartridge was deemed empty.

Anyway, as I was not in any hurry to do anything, I deemed it the right time to set up the printer properly and introduce it (with its WiFi capabilities) to our home network. Glad to announce it works fine - and the longest part was the printer's self configuration and downloading of its needed files. Oh yeah. the technical manual was confusing somewhere in the middle of it all. So much for great documentation.

Day 275, Jan 08, 2012

Banana-Q:

Normally served skewered in a barbecue stick, this sweet snack is made up of caramelized (via brown sugar) and deep fried bananas. Ideally, they're supposed to be just right to the bite - meaning not too soft as they may just fll out of the stick.

Well this afternoon's snack happens to be the above-mentioned delicacy, and what we do at home is to add some powdered milk to the banana, thus giving it a sweet and milky taste when we bite into it. I had to hold myself back as I could have easily consumed three of these babies - okay, maybe six... but I wanted others to have a chance to taste this snack. As it is, I'm sure a lot of people on diet will want to pass up the cahnce to enjoy this... but not I. You can't be a real pinoy if you don't like banana-q.

Being a bit lazy, I simply placed the camera on close up shot mode and clicked a few times. The result, as seen, is a slightly macro shot - tightly focused in teh middle, with a tendency to blur as we move outwards. I did not use any flash for this picture, though I tried using it... but it was still harshly looking. Hence this non flash option became the better picture.

Day 274, Jan 07, 2012

Restful:

This picture represents how our day today felt. No mad rush to shop, no appointments to chase, no work-related tasks to think about. If there were any need to go and do things, it was minimal (like doing the groceries), but aside from that, I'm glad to say that this was a rest day for us at home - well, except for Bryce who had class, anyway.

So these two sleepy heads, enjoying the air-conditioned room and our bed represents what we were (or at least, I was) doing a lot this day... namely resting, reading comics, sleeping eating - and by the way... eating a great number of sea foods (ones I bought this morning). So yeah... Saturdays should always be this way.

Day 273, Jan 06, 2012

Chinese decors out:

With Three Kings fresh on everyone's mind, some malls are already looking forward to welcoming the nest big event - which happens to be the Chinese New Year, and why not? After all... this incoming New Year promises to be a good year for a lot of people or businesses. Its basically the year of the Black Water Dragon - and though I am not privy ot the nuances of what that may mean, I've been listening to some Geomancers or reading their works  (this particular mall, by the way, happens to be Shoppesville in Greenhills).

Though there may be differences, most agree it will be a good year - or to say the least, as good as 2011 was, which means it won't be bad. The more positive Geomancers say that business will be good this year, and for me, personally, as with anyone born under the Ox year, it will be a good year health and business-wise. I mean, what else can I ask for, right?

Whether this will indeed happen will naturally remain to be seen. But as of now, most people respecting these beliefs and practices will be expected to welcome the Chinese New Year; happening January 23 (next Monday - not this coming Monday) by way of having fruits and sweets on their tables. Others may have fireworks... us, we'll be content to ensure that luck, health and prosperity comes into our home in whatever manner it can. Meanwhile, the anticipation builds - and the malls will once again take advantage of this.

Day 272, Jan 05, 2012

Meeting:

This was done at the PhoenixOne premises in Makati, and the agenda simply had two items - a review of 2011 and plans for 2012.

Regarding the first, we just summarized what we did right... what our strengths as facilitators were. Let me just point out that we - meaning my colleagues and I, do have a lot of strengths - but we did not really voice them out as we might come across as haughty, and to put it simply, we see our strengths as more like SOPs. Nothing really extraordinary there, so we (or at least, I) don't really place it as a strength. Do I underestimate us by doing so? I don't think so. If anything, I guess it makes us keep on our toes.

As for the 2nd option? I do hope it happens - namely the possibility of spreading the opportunities and not just relying on Accenture as a client. I mean, after close to 10 years of training there, I do need a change of environment. I'd like to add IBM to my repertoire. Another possibility is the more project related option. That would be cool - but whichever option happens, I hope that Phoenix can give me more work time or a higher rate... because I need to earn more... and based on my discussions with a few others, we're looking at it the same way.

Well... good luck to us. But as some people also say - we should make our own luck.

Day 271, Jan 04, 2012

Coffee break:

At least, its a break from all the driving I normally find myself doing  for Bernice, Bryce and Barbie... usually in that order too. The first two are about school... and the latter is work.

Today was basically a dry run for this year - and with Bryce's school starting tomorrow, it will be a real run tomorrow. By next week, hopefully, traffic will still remain light - though I doubt that very much. Still, it should not be as heavy as these past months.

So what exactly did I do here? Aside from coffee, that is? Simple, I planned for my week - what little activity it has as it is... like I said, it was a rather light day to a light week. Good thing too - it make me ease into reality mode again, in a sort of gentle manner. The metal disk at the right corner mentions Energy - and I guess my sitting there was not just accidental, as I was waiting - stoking my energy level, psyching myself up for the usual work ahead of the time I'll be needing it.

Day 270, Jan 03, 2012

Dict's Birthday:

Its a bit hard to celebrate one's birthday after people have barely been through eating and drinking binges in the holidays... so I can just imagine how Dict feels whenever its his birthday, and he tries to invite friends. As it is, Dict really did not have a  lot of invitees this year - or if he did, a lot of people were unable to turn up for his celebration... which was good in a way, as it turned into a purely family get together. For convenience sake, Dict chose to celebrate in his Makati residence.

Now, as for the celebration proper... to say I was not really looking forward to the food portion was not an exaggeration - nor is it an intended reflection of the food served... after all, I'm just having food fatigue these days... just like same time last year. And as it is, it was a simple set up... pizza was ordered, carbonara was served plus some chicken wings... that's it.

Here's to you Dict! May you experience an abundant measure of health and wealth this 2012... and Happy Birthday as well.

Day 269, Jan 02, 2012

Same old... same old:

Yup, one of the things I plan on doing consistently this 2012 is still collecting, reading and enjoying comics, after all... what was once looked upon as a useless waste of time is now seen as an actual avenue for future Holywood hits - we have but to look at what's in store this year. Batman: Dark Knight Rising and The Avengers being two prime examples of such ideas - and yes, its obvious that they're both from comics.

That said, I definitely enjoyed reading my latest batch of comics... ones that I purchased a few days before the new year - but  only got to sit back  and read this 2nd day of January, only after things have somewhat settled down in terms of holiday activities, reunions and the likes. Most in this picture represent the 4th month of the revamped DC, and I'm definitely trimming my list - but mainstays will most likely be the Batman-related titles, I mean they're all great... in fact, should I be asked to cite favorites, I'd say Nightwing, Red Hood and Birds of Prey. Batman and Batgirl come in after those - in fact, the only non-Bat related titles I see myself getting on a regular basis are 'GL', 'Aquaman' and 'I, Vampire'. The rest, I can opt to drop.

On the Marvel front, I finally read the end of the Dark Angel saga - wonderful arc... on I will get should they come up with a deluxe compilation. Forgettable issue here is the Avengers. I like that its events are tight with the other Avengers title... but the pacing and characterization are uninspiring... but then again, that's Bendis' writing for you. Guess that's another thing that won't change.

Day 268, Jan 01, 2012

Happy New Year!!!

This was taken as the clock struck 12 - leaving behind 2011... ushering in 2012. Its obvious from everyone's faces that they like what they see, which happens to be the 3rd and final set of fireworks as arranged by the Tribeca for our (and everyone else's) viewing pleasure. Consider as well the fact that if this is the 3rd set, then people would have been jaded a bit - but noooo... which goes to show that the fireworks were indeed spectacular.

I could have decided to show the shot of the fireworks instead - and I do have a lot of them, but I prefer the emotions shown in this picture. Suffice it to say that to get this reaction from a lot of people - some more stoic than others, the fireworks display must be grand indeed. It was a welcome get together for us, more so since its something we rarely do with the rest of my dad's side of the family.

Anyway, here's to everyone... cheers - and may we all experience greater health, more abundant wealth - both financial and spiritual, of course. May our dreams be fulfilled, and our lives be joyous. Lets not be strangers - too busy to share special moments like this... in fact, may moments like this be plentiful this 2012.

This I ask, for friends and  family alike, through the grace of God. Amen.

Day 267, Dec 31, 2011

Traditional welcome:

Every day before New Year, it has become a family tradition to have round fruits on the table - at least one fruit representing a month of the coming year... more if possible (specially for the superstitious sort who won't want 13 fruits).

Whether this can be traced to a custom or cultural practice, or whether this is just one hell of a marketing spin for fruit retailers - I don't really know. However, it doesn't hurt to have the fruits on the table - and we do get to eat some healthy stuff  as the New Year starts, so this is fine, as traditions go.

The four glasses at the foreground have the following, and are representative of the following meanings -  rice, to represent having food, salt representing the spice in life, sugar for sweetness, and cotton representing lightness (or a problem free life). The chocolate coins are a new addition - again, representing luck and fortune - and sweetness as well.  The drink tower is just that... a container for drinks, so we need not grow thirsty in 2012 - at least, not thirsty for  lack of drinks. After all, it is alright to be thirsty for knowledge, right?

Day 266, Dec 30, 2011

Nail art:

As I took this picture - at Bernice's request, I opted to go with flash, and without. What you're seeing is the without option - which absorbs more background lighting.

It was only belatedly that I realized how appropriate all the colors within this picture helped emphasize the nails being focused on here. In fact, even as the picture is set to do a macro shot (notice hte blurred background?), the colors of pink and lavender seem to help make this a most feminine background feel.

Anyway, this day saw us - Barbie, mommy, Bernice and I doing some last minute shopping before 2012 arrives. Surprisingly, Greenhills was quite a pleasant place to be in - gone were the days of maddening crowds, full parking and maddening traffic. Looks like its back to normal around Greenhills - at least, as normal as things are before the Christmas rush.

Day 265, Dec 29, 2011

Nature trip:

No, I did not smoke weed... nor did I eat one of those wild eggplants on the picture's lover left... and this pose is purely just for kicks. Just wanted to get things straight.

Today was our scheduled Batangas trip and this is where the picture was taken. It also happened to be Miguel's birthday - and though previous trips were made earlier... more in time foe Christmas, our being too busy made us opt for a latter schedule - and what better reason than going in time for Migs' birthday?

That said, I spotted a pile of hollow blocks stacked up to almost look like a pedestal for a statue - or a meditating spot, so... I asked Bernice to take the shot as I hammed it up a bit. Oh yeah... the Ray Ban Aviator happens to be a gift from Barbie to me this Christmas - I, of course, gave her one too.

On another note, this is a milestone to the countdown to my blog's end - as I only have 100 days to go, to fulfill my project 365. I'll most definitely continue on with a third year... but as things become more sluggish - performance-wise, I would most likely have year three done elsewhere... maybe create another blog. I don't think the blog can handle 700+ pictures, and I'm not about to try and experiment with such.

Day 264, Dec 28, 2011

Jude with Bubbles:

Precious moments come and go fast... so when Jude showed his wanting to lie down on Bubbles (with the latter not minding it at all), I was glad that my camera was just a few steps and set-up away.

Of course, it took me several photos to eventually settle with this one where we see Jude smiling lovingly as he enjoys Bubbles fur. I had another picture - this time of Bubbles smiling, but Jude's face was hidden in Bubbles fur - hence I chose this one instead,

Apparently, Jude is very much fond of our dogs - he is holding a picture of Buffy while doing this... and yes, he later did the same lying down thing, with Buffy. So cool... looks like Jude will, hopefully, get to love being with dogs, so long as he doesn't get traumatized for any reason.

And talking about possible trauma, as he was doing this, I was alert to check the dogs reactions to Jude - and to their credit, they both allowed Jude to do this. Guess they have accepted him as part of the family too.