The Great Sea Wall Escapade!

A lazy Sunday morning.  The sun’s finally out.  Despite the endless To Do list, I told myself “Nope, I’m not going to be enslaved today! I’m taking a real time off!”  Lucky for me, my husband must’ve thought the same, so without much planning, off we went for a super spontaneous day that started with a cup of coffee at our favorite coffee shop on Libertad Market. 

Without anything on the itinerary, my husband suddenly decided to go to Punta Taytay, the local Sunday and summer destination of the City of Smiles.  We joined up with Owen’s good friend Giant and his wife Chona who were already at the very in-demand lounge of the Sea Wall eatery. 

We had a superb lunch; local oysters for me, grilled pork chops, adobo (courtesy of our friends, Giant and Chona) and the yummy grilled chorizo.  As we gorged ourselves on the gastronomic feast, the oysters overflowed, as Geraldine and Lovely, both 13, masterfully opened the oysters in front of our very eyes.  It was heaven!
After the foodfest, we found ourselves involuntarily relaxing and enjoying the breeze.  It seemed that the waves forced us not to think and instead reminded us to leave the stress of the bustling city for a while and just delight ourselves in what Mother Nature can offer.

While my hubby busied himself taking pictures, I just sat there appreciating the scenery, reminiscing the better days of Punta Taytay which was a major factor of my happy childhood.  I would find myself smiling while looking at the children skip and mess around with the waves.  I used to be one of them.  I would play with the sand, make new friends and demanded ice pop from my dad!  Ah!  That was the life! The difference however is the beach was then more health-friendly. 

Seeing the smile on these faces reminded me that it’s not the place or the extravagant spending that really makes a weekend getaway special.  It’s how we appreciate what is available and making the most of it all.

Staying there for more or less five hours indeed provided us the much needed relief we so longed for , after the stressful weeks that came by.

I am not sure if I’ll be going back there very soon but one thing I’m pretty sure of, I know Punta Taytay will always be part of my itinerary whenever I feel the need for a good R & R.

Photo credits: Owen Segovia Bayog http://www.facebook.com/pages/Owen-Segovia-Bayog-Digital-Photography-OSB-Digital/165973370085590

Point and Shoot (The Way It Should Be!)

Owen Segovia Bayog Photography held its first ever photography workshop today, Jan. 22, 2011 at the Provincial Tourism Booth, Panaad Park and Stadium.  The mentor, Owen Segovia Bayog himself, shed light in the many unanswered questions of the participants who aimed to understand more about their equipment and maximize its potential without adding a lot of other enhancing accessories.

The target of the workshop was to reach only a maximum of 10 participants to ensure that all of their inquiries will be properly addressed.  Six made it while due to other circumstances the other four were not able to do so and opted to join the 2^nd wave in hope that their schedules will coincide. 

I am not a photographer, but I was there to fully support the teacher (which, fortunately, is my better half).  At first it was kind of awkward for me because I felt like an outcast, without a camera or any knowledge of what photography is all about which is actually a bit pathetic, knowing that my husband is a professional photographer.  Nevertheless, I was there.

During the whole course, I stayed at the sidelines, trying to get a glimpse of the seminar from time to time and eventually found myself engorged on the lecture.  During breaks, I would occasionally ask the participants how they found the sessions and I would hear very conservative feedbacks especially on the earlier parts. 

The ice eventually broke after lunch when they started to hold their cameras and take photos within the premise.  Some posed while others took shots and vice versa.  I saw the camaraderie among the 6 which clearly disregarded age, employment status and even the differences on their respective equipments.  They began asking more questions to their mentor and eagerly listened to his explanation.  The culminating activity was a portraiture session with 3 dashing models.  It was obvious that each one of them enjoyed.  Who says learning can’t be fun?

By the end of the workshop, I randomly asked the attendees how they found the workshop and I was so glad to hear positive responses.  Overall assessment, they learned a lot by comfortably asking questions and never once did they feel intimidated by the capacity of their mentor, nor the differences of their equipment.

However, I was in a way baffled as to why these reactions?  I carefully placed myself on one of them and I thought this should really be the case if I join a workshop, right?  I did not go into the details on their previous workshop experiences but one thing is for sure.  Owen Bayog has done his part of sharing his knowledge on photography to these individuals without making them feel belittled or ignored.  As far as I am concerned a workshop is where the participants learn and definitely not the venue for the teacher to boast his expertise.  With this, I can say that Owen has successfully complied to the necessity.

I am definitely looking forward to the next wave of participants and who knows? Maybe I’ll be one of them. 

Happy thoughts.

OSB DIGITAL BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

OSB DIGITAL
BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

(COURSE OUTLINE)
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOJOURNALISM DEFINED
KNOWING YOUR CAMERA
TRINITY OF A GOOD EXPOSURE
UNDERSTANDING LIGHT AND SPEED
COMPOSING AN IMAGE – RULE OF THIRDS – LINES – SHAPES - COLORS
HANDS ON PHOTOSHOOT
CRITIQUE OF THE PHOTOSHOOT
(END)

AN INVITATION TO JOIN 

Owen S. Bayog (Photojournalist) is inviting you to join his POINT AND SHOOT (Basic Photography Workshop) here in Bacolod City. The Pocket Workshop will enjoin all photography enthusiasts that have basic photography tools, such as point and shoot and DSLR cameras. The workshop aims to boost the shooting skills of the photographers/hobbyists/enthusiasts without having to take out deep from their pockets. The workshop fee is pegged at P500/participant and the location/venue of the workshop will be sent only to those who will register and willing to join the said activity.

Unlike other photography workshops, we will not take a lot of time sitting on a classroom venue for hours of lecture – instead we would like you to shoot photos and later on have it assessed by the group. 

Discussions and hands on photoshoot, knowing the capacity of your gear and how one could get the optimum value of the images that it could make. Composition, knowing the light source and emphasis on the elements of a good photo will be the highlight of the workshop.

HOW TO JOIN AND RESERVE A SLOT

The Basic Photography workshop dubbed as “POINT AND SHOOT” will only cater to 10 participants. Interested individuals may confirm their attendance by sending an email to bluebackdive@gmail.com.
You may also confirm via SMS – 09205440140.

MODE OF PAYMENT

Participants joining the workshop may pay in cash at the determined date and venue of the workshop.

Note: The organizers of this activity will rely on the responses gathered after a week of promoting this activity. Venue for the said workshop will be sent to your email/facebook when the target number of participants (10) will be reached.

Nanny-TV on the Loose!!!

I am one of the many guilty working moms out there that depend on “nanny-tv” to entertain my 7 year old daughter whenever I’m out at work or busy sleeping to re-energize for my next shift.  In fairness, Cartoon Network programs such as PowerPuff Girls, Ben10, Blue and other fascinating animation series have influenced her into honing her English language skills at a very young age, I think as early as 3 years old. 

Recently, however, my attention was caught by my husband’s comment on a particular tv show aired in one of our local stations that runs immediately after the local news.  It’s a tv series revolving around a young girl who happens  to showcase her innocence by running around with probably a flower attached on her right ear and wearing a see-through summer dress of which I think was only a reality back in the 60’s.  I got curious about it because he mentioned about incest and other rather adult-descriptions that I could say did not categorize the show to be wholesome.

I got the chance to see one episode and to my dismay, it showed how the girl was nearly raped by her mom’s boyfriend, the struggle of escaping with nearly torn clothes, rushing to her mother’s side and was greeted only by the culprit that looked as if nothing happened.

I felt alarmed because this is definitely a program that is of parental-guidance in nature.  Whatever happened to the fantasy “teleseryes” such as the woman who turns wolf, or a pretty mermaid, or even the family-friendly game show?  Where did all these go? 

With such hard times nowadays, the nanny-tv concept is very convenient to parents who work hard to sustain their family’s daily needs.  In general, by 6pm people are still rushing to finish marketing and go home to prepare dinner.  Unlucky for others who commute for they have to perish the rush-hour traffic before they can reach their humble abode.  If this program is aired at this time, the children are in danger of losing their own innocence at a young age. 

I am not saying that depending on television is the best way to take care of my children but it is supposed to help me multi-task in order complete my daily responsibilities as an individual and parent. I have had hopes before that the media is a basic tool of information and is coupled with a social responsibility for the betterment of its viewers.  And I’m not saying that this has completely vanished.  This may be a temporary glitch as a result of the network’s target to earn high revenue and I am so looking forward that they see it in their conscience to move the series in a much later time, when kids are already beside their parents, or even better, if they are all fast asleep.

To us parents, be reminded that television may be a tool to help us manage our time but let’s not forget our sole responsibility of protecting our children and rearing them right.  I, for one have been back on the game of monitoring the programs that my kid watches.  I make myself available to answer her endless questions on why things are happening, like what she sees on tv.  I make sure that she is with an adult while watching tv when I’m not around.  If no one is available, I just ask her to take the afternoon siesta with me.  I give her more educational materials to keep her busy such as the traditional coloring book or even writing pads if she wants to draw or write stuff. 

My question now is, what about those who only have enough funds to provide the basic amenities to their household? How will they be able to suffice alternatives to their children in order to guide them into becoming better citizens of the future and not rapists or killers?  What assistance can they receive from entities that they patronize? 

I hope these networks will consider going back to their mission-vision and be clear of their goals so as to be responsible again on how they cater to the millions of people who bring them revenue.  It’s not all money guys, let’s go back, be on track and be of service to the Filipino people.

Photo Credits: 

http://www.google.com.ph/imglanding?q=filipino+kid+watching+tv&hl=tl&sa=G&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&tbnid=FoTA9NhoG2QUfM:&imgrefurl=http://article.wn.com/view/2010/09/20/Lives_Remembered_Ranald_Graham/&imgurl=http://cdn.wn.com/pd/8b/cc/ec0464862849bd4b3464c7151a40_grande.jpg&zoom=1&w=468&h=351&ei=zXMmTYvvIIK3cNHj0LAB&iact=hc&oei=snMmTYazLoKHrAfN8PHECw&esq=4&page=10&tbnh=144&tbnw=193&start=113&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:113&biw=1024&bih=634

http://www.google.com.ph/imglanding?q=filipino+kid+watching+tv&hl=tl&sa=G&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&tbnid=mGXfl9WO6et6lM:&imgrefurl=http://dawnling.blogspot.com/2010/12/danielles-belated-birthday-celebration.html&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGpBIFmAz62XwEe-AEgWla3hgnr-rvKguVWlL2g5uSFzNQhKWx0zqNR-jgZO5hc8pEz6pSctLv0TPvUoJD3e0ILEkoM6V4djAQZ9r825CpVslkdytD-zw-2qHkJ9LLl5-cziX89ZApm4/s1600/P1160137.JPG&zoom=1&w=800&h=600&ei=RHQmTaChLo_Bca-FgdkB&iact=hc&oei=snMmTYazLoKHrAfN8PHECw&esq=5&page=13&tbnh=146&tbnw=195&start=150&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:150&biw=1024&bih=634

A New Year Realization

"The Year of The Rabbit begins on February 3rd 2011. Most Rabbit years are quiet, positive and inspiring and 2011 looks to be heading in this direction – a refreshing change after the fast-moving and quite dramatic Year of the Tiger. Family, diplomacy and personal development will all be highlighted in 2011. Once again alternative sources of energy and green living will be under the spotlight. The arts and culture sector of society will very busy producing amazing works of art and staging important exhibitions throughout the year. Love, romance and family life are well-starred, with a renewed appreciation of loved ones and friends. Overall, it should be a fun and relatively peaceful year. Even though aggression, violence and war zones will still be in evidence, the Chinese Rabbit year favours peaceful solutions and diplomacy, so there will be a feeling that all is not lost and that hope is still very much alive."

I've read this in one of the many articles on the Year of the Metal Rabbit as I googled subjects for my very first blog.  It caught my fancy because it is showcasing quite a lot of positivity for the year 2011.  A certain mind conditioning tool for a more optimistic year.  

Bill Hajdu, who studied chinese astrology for over 20 years, created a chinese almanac that for me is really full of hope and aspirations. According to Hajdu, peace will reign this year after a dramatic  year of the tiger. In the Philippines alone, I became a witness to a number of tragedies and historic events that could definitely pass this category such as the first ever nationwide automated polls which created quite a hullabaloo whether or not the results will be truly legit. Or the nation's embarrassment as a police officer hostaged a tourist bus full of Hongkong tourists.  The latest, wherein a senator's son who was said to be involved in the tragic massacre of a family in Manila was set free and declared innocent after 15 years behind bars.  In Bacolod, nothing can surpass the the hideous end of a 6 year old child, having been beaten to death by her own parents.  Dramatic? Yes, I agree.  

But what about 2011?  According to Hajdu, this will be a year of harmony, the "kiss-and-make up" stage.  People will be more diplomatic and cooperative.  In his almanac, he had "evidence" that certain unions have been completed during the year of the rabbit.  But I don't want to be too detailed about it because my point is, it is always possible to achieve unity if those concerned are willing to make ends meet, not because of astrology.  Don't get me wrong.  I am not questioning the validity of this particular study because I am just a "commoner", not an expert of anything.  My point is, it is still up to every individual to be responsible of the consequences brought about by their actions.  

According to some local astrologers, the restaurant business will be booming ths year.  But take note that if nobody ventures into the business, how will it become a blast?  It still boils down to us and our actions.

A simple reminder to all of us, these studies exist to guide us. These aren't materials that we should depend our lives on.  A tool for motivation? Possibly.  But definitely not a manipulating machine that will leave us with no choice.  One may want to put up a garment business, GO AHEAD!  Strive and for sure it will prosper in no time.  I don't think a person will push himself and be a restaurateur even if he doesn't know the difference between salt and pepper.  The food will really be a disaster then.      

We should deal with everything that comes our way according to its sense of urgency and not wait for a suitable year to resolve them.  Time is gold as I always say for we don't know what's going to come our way.

Happy thoughts.