aglow...

i discovered quadtones in one of my readings. sort of tried it on one of my photos and i liked it. it definitely will stay.

i took this photo during one of the gatherings amongst friends celebrating the birthday of bea. i saw micah playing gleefully with michelle with the light source coming from the open doorway and the light bouncing off the floor. this photo was originally taken in color and i decided to convert it to black and white and topped it off with a quadtone finish. the effect is truly amazing.

look who's here II... samapi sportsfest 2009

taking photos of people really gives me this certain sense of satisfaction that can't be compared when i take shots of scenery or other inanimate objects. i took another look of the file folder of the shots taken during the second sunday of the samapi sportsfest and decided to have another little compilation of fav shots.

090607

look who's here... samapi sportsfest...

one of the joys attending an event is that it gives me an immense opportunity to capture facial expressions of people. i enjoy taking photos of 'persons' more than inanimate subjects. these photos were taken during the 2009 samapi sporting event in cambodia.

micah at samapi sportsfest...

...sat beside me, pulled my camera, poked at the lens leaving smudges, ran after the tournament ball, asked for water and be carried, cried a bit here and there as she was being noticed by friends, smiles and kisses, a giggle and a grin... largely, she had fun at the sportfest...

unexpected subject on a sportsfest...

all i was thinking when a friend informed me of the samapi sportsfest was to take photos of the pure energy of the players and, of course, the jeering (cheering) crowd but surprisingly got more of what i expected.

we arrived at the place still devoid of the players and organizers. i set up my gear and placed myself strategically located facing the gate of the venue (a school at the corner of sihanouk and monivong street) where i could see participants - players and non-players - arriving. i took this opportunity to take shots. thanks to my fast trigger reflexes, i captured these... using my 300 mm tele...

miss samar at angkor wat temple complex

it took a while before i was able to post these photos but am sure glad i finally did. these photos were taken six months ago on her second visit to cambodia. what a sport (thanks ga), i am so glad that she conceded with my request of her playing along with my camera. as we were going through temples after temples, it sure is good to have a little fun time. here are the shots.

she was crowned miss samar 1988.

buri baras beach... at dusk...

...a sudden squall brought back fishermen to hide in the beach cove
and let the stormy wind die down before returning out to sea.
most of the residents in the area are fishermen.

"par, nag-iinano ka?" (what are you doing?), asked a friend by text message to which i replied, "waray" (nothing). "kalakat kita" (let's go somewhere) came the subsequent text message and i hurriedly replied, "kana" (in agreement). It was four in the afternoon. Quickly, i got into my car and met up with them. Stocked two cases of beer and ice and loads of snack food taken from another friend's mini-grocery. spontaneity is always the name of the game among this set of friends.

i originally suggested to go check my tree house near the beach and while away time there but the caretaker was nowhere to be found so we opted to go to another beach. by then, the sun was still comfortably above the horizon.

went to the unused airport and diverted into a dirt road (good thing, it was dry so we didnt have any problems proceeding up to a few meters from the beach). we parked the car at tessie's retreat place (if am not mistaken of the name) providing much needed security.

there were five of us... each had his hands full carrying things we needed... mostly food and drinks, guitar and of course, my camera gear.

we followed the trail and on the way met a bunch of beach goers going back after a day's stay. finally reaching buri baras beach, it was such a sight... the beach was totally desserted... and the sun was slowly setting in the horizon. took this chance and here are the photos.

we truly had a great time with the talents of my friends in guitar playing and singing (one of whom is on a holiday from his stint abroad). it was like reminiscing good old times.

info: buri baras beach is located north of catbalogan, approximately nine kilometers from the city proper. upon reaching the village of sulangan, turn left to take the small road going to the wharf (this will take you to the improved unused airport). upon reaching the airport, notice a small dirt road to the left of the runway (right at the beginning of the runway) and this will take you a few meters from the beach proper. almost at the end of this dirt road, there is a resort (also a good place to unwind) called tessie's retreat resort. the rest of the way to the beach needs to be trekked following a trail which would take at least five minutes.

cottages are available in the area (100 php) and there are small variety stores for some minor replenishment of supplies. there are also two karaoke places though i prefer to shy away from cottages near these areas as the music comes up blaring. there is no entrance fee.

host class 1983's invitation to the ball...

i cant give credit as to who designed this 'great looking' invitation... the color was just perfect... but to the person who conceptualized this... you did a really good job... thanks.

2009 SSU alumni homecoming: the parade: part 2

and the parade rolled out from the grounds of the school... with the cracking of fireworks and the blaring music of individual floats... it had a very consistent festive atmosphere from start to finish...

...photoshots by oliver and post process by myself.