May '09 Holidays

I had a great 3-week holiday in the Philippines. I and my family went from places to places, buying needed things for family and things that I have to bring in PNG. It has been more than 6 months since I left my country and found a lot of things that have changed. My focus then is for me and my family to have fun and enjoy the time we are together.<>

Unfortunately, my kids went to summer classes that hindered us to go far from home. My kids insisted that I send and fetch them. We just maximized time after school. I am glad to hear and see the improvement in them. I brought them to places that I know they would enjoy. I know that the place doesn’t have to be very special, but knowing my kids, I know exactly what they want. Of course, taking pictures is part of my itinerary. Below are some of the places we’ve been.

Below is a huge ground where I brought the 2 kids so they can run around. It appeared too big for them but they got what they wanted - running, running and more running. This is in University of the Philippines. We wanted to come here for 2 reasons, Gio and Jahn to Play and taking pictures of the scenery.

The city where I live in, San Pablo City is also known for its 7 Lakes. The one that is more famous is this - Sampaloc lake (Sampaloc means tamarind in English). I wanted to come here because I see the view to be relaxing. I took a lot of good pictures from here and this one is my favorite.
This may be a small resort, but I am hapy to see my kids swimming. The 2 kids are afraid of the water and with the aid of their classmates, they also had fun on the water.
Have been to this floating huts when I was still a bachelor. I find this place nice, the kids liked the placed and my wife - the food.
Going out is fun especially for the kids as they are both can already appreciate the things they see. Bonding with family is good problem I had – parting time.

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New Addiction

We had a chance to go to out last weekend to Goroka, a small town that is known for coffee. It is still in PNG but at least it is 300 km away from Lae (more than 4 hours of driving.) Found lot of things to take pictures of and got busy with them. Since I went to 8 mile and taken good photos, I have been imagining things that I want to take pics of.<>

Below are my favs from our latest journey. I have been experimenting and making sure that the subject would not look like hanging/floating.

Time consuming - waiting for the right time taking pics with insect in it but it's worth it.

I knew I bought an old book on photography and dug it out of my big box full of books. I located it and checked what other subjects can be taken. I got hold of great tips as the book is entitled "Learn from the Experts" and found it very motivating.

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Dream Photos

On Palm Sunday, my friends went to St. Joseph Tech in 8 Mile to be a part of their kids’ summer camp. I have nothing to do that morning so I ended up coming with them. It is the last day and while they are in the hall with the kids during the short program, I stayed outside. I saw some good flowers and with the camera I have, I took pics of them. I tried some settings in the camera and found out how to capture picture which looks like the ones I found in magazines.<>

One type of photos that I love to see is subjects with blurred background. This can be done thru digital applications but seeing that I can do it without the use of editing and even with the not so very sophisticated equipment I have, I can already consider it as an achievement. Below are pics that I took when I learned this trick.

Click here to see pics from 8 mile.

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