The Trophy Around My Neck

We all have this urge to upgrade our gadgets right? I mean, one day I dreamed of having it, then the next  thing I want is an upgrade, since the newer ones offer a more advance feature. In my case, I wanted an upgrade because I believe that I've maximized my camera's use, and I now "need" to go beyond that. It took me 2 years to put my Canon EOS to a good use. Make that 3 years this 2011. I started with studying the manual, taking online lessons not only on photography, but also on how to maximize my camera's features. I own a Canon EOS 1000d. It is a good entry level camera and at the same time, it is not too heavy for the pocket. It's small, light and it gives quality images, especially if you go beyond AF.

I wanted a dslr because I got bored with my digital camera. I want  to have better looking photographs. Sharper images, brighter pictures, lesser disappointments on a poorly lighted venue. And the beauty of slrs is the capability of  it to change lenses, which aids on capturing remarkable images. I do have my favorites when it comes to lenses. One is my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 which is perfect for my love of portraiture, and I also love Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD lens (cheaper) which is the close equivalent of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens. Just the other night, I was talking to my husband about the thought that I wanted an upgrade for my camera. Of course, my first dslr should stay. I'm not going to sell it. Then he told me, "yeah I think you need to move forward"... but then again "do you really need it right now?" It was the right question to ask.

Here's the hard part for me.

1. Some say, that my Canon EOS is good for a hobbyist like me, it's the lenses that I need to invest on. 

2. Some say, to study photography first then buy the right camera. 

3. Some say, upgrade the camera first, then study advance photography in order to maximize it right there and then.

I'm a stay at home mom, my only career is to take care of my family, I want to study photography but I don't have the time. Yes, it is a big investment. Do I need an upgrade? I believe so. A good point was made in one of my photography readings and I like to share it with you. The message was something like this: one must always put in mind that a dslr is not a trophy you hang around your neck for display. There's a very good reason why you got that trophy.  Make the most out of it. 

Let me put it this way, 2 years ago, all I wanted was a better camera "an upgrade".  It was just "a trophy",  a dream fulfilled. Until... I started enjoying and embracing what this gadget can do. Sure, a digital camera is enough once you have an eye for photography. But the truth behind everything, a dslr can really give amazing pictures whether you have the "eye for photography" or not. That's why everybody wants to have one. It pushed me to be creative. It brought out the best in me, quite a discovery I must say. It made my imagination more colorful and made my brain work harder. For me, these are the reasons, or lets say purposes why this trophy "was given" to me...

Let me cut it here... because throughout the time I'm making this post, I've reached a decision. 

I'm sticking with #1: My Canon EOS is good for a hobbyist like me, it's the lenses that I need to invest on. But for now, I think I have the lenses that I need. Will research further for the next one. I know that even an upgrade is going to be worth it. It's just a matter of time.


Case closed. I knew it! sharing a blog about it will help me. Hay... the wonderful things blogging can do...

A Cool and Sunny Afternoon at the Cliff House Tagaytay

It was the place to spend time with family... Our Cliff House stay was one of our relaxing trips in Tagaytay. As much as possible, if given the time, we always go on a quick break and head for Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay is one of the nearest destinations in Manila that gives an instant relaxing vibe. Third day of our new year, we decided to spend our cool and sunny afternoon at The Cliff House.

At the Cliff House, I found 3 of the most loved gifts of nature...

bush of hydrangreas

This is a common plant that everyone in the family loves.

Fresh Herbs

 I found a garden of Rosemary

 A view of the peaceful 

Taal Volcano...

The sun's out, the breeze was very cool, there weren't much people around... The smell of Christmas was still in the air, we enjoyed good food at Café Breton and dessert with Mochiko. I took advantage of the silence that embraced our Monday afternoon and released whatever was inside my mind. For me, days spent as peaceful as this is a blossoming opportunity to examine one's self again.
This experience was indeed a sign that it is going to be a fantastic year for everyone.

* The Cliff House is located along General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway Tagaytay City.

TRON On IMAX

TRON was the perfect movie to watch on IMAX. The Walt Disney Castle that's always shown before a movie was made digital to match the artistic world of TRON. It is indeed the spectacular 3-D movie of the year. TRON left me breathless.

TRON is a sci-fi film that goes around the story of Sam Flynn son of the missing virtual world designer. 20 years went by and a message from an old pager was sent to his father's friend. Through this message, Sam went back to his father's old arcade and discovered a secret room that has a system ready to be launched. Sam tried to access the computer and without any clue, activated the very same machine that brought his dfather into the world of TRON. The story concentrated inside The Grid which Sam's father has created and improved with the help of Clu and Tron (which are 2 important characters).

Kevin Flynn: The Grid. A digital frontier. I tried to picture clusters of information as they moved through the computer. What did they look like? Ships, motorcycles? Were the circuits like freeways? I kept dreaming of a world I thought I'd never see. And then, one day...

As for me and my family, we had a blast watching the flick on IMAX. It's best to watch these kinds of movies on IMAX. It's an action packed movie which was digitally perfected. And of course we had free popcorn. We really waited for my husband's birthday to make our TRON experience extra special.

The Gift of Inner Peace

I am very, very, very happy... Happiness Is Overflowing.

What I am feeling right now is all about happiness. 
Laughter, smiles, simple joys and friendly faces. 
All I know is... everything is falling right into place.

The gift of serenity:  Calmness of mind, undisturbed state, and coolness.
We are on the right path, 
I am on the right direction. 
I've never felt this light before.  
Thank you Lord for this gift, thank you for this extraordinary life...

My Little Boy's Thomas Creation

My son got his first Thomas Train set back in 2008. That time we were just aiming for the idea of our son experiencing on having his own train set. 

We really didn't know that Thomas and Friends will develop a more interesting set up for both the kids and those young at heart.

I have been posting that my son is so into Thomas and Friends, but I never really shared any of his creations. To be honest, we've been visiting various toy stores looking for hard to find train tracks or track set which comes in different sizes and lengths. Building an unusual train station was quite a challenge because it's a little pricey and most toy stores have limited supply of rare train tracks and accessories for Thomas Trains. They only have the basic train tracks. 

For the past holiday season, we went our way and visited almost every toy store within the city. Toy Town in Eastwood City, Toy Kingdom (Podium, Megamall, MOA, North EDSA, and SM Department Store's Toy Section). Not to forget, Toys R Us (Shangri-la, Galleria and Alimall). We were lucky enough to find a box set of tracks and accessories for Php1200. Other than that, we bought some more tracks sold separately for Php100-300 each.

"Building" itself is a form therapy for my family. We like creating things together. Especially my boys. My job is to keep the whole place clean all the time.

And my little boy's latest creation is this set I'm sharing with you today. It took him 15 minutes with the help of his dad. From the bedroom, I asked him to transfer it in the living room. And it took him 10 minutes (alone) to create the exact set which he created with his dad earlier. Other than the Thomas Train set, my son added other toys to make the whole thing look like a city with matching Transformers cars. Now we have a happy Thomas!

Happy Birthday To My Dearest...

 I thank the Lord for this day, for he has given me someone who is full of humility, wisdom and love... 

Today, I celebrate with my husband his special day... I am truly honored to have met a man beyond the person I've dreamed of. You're such a blessing in my life. 

When I'm with you, everything just fades away... All I can see is your face, with the warm smile that makes me giggle all the time... Each day spent with you is cherished. The hugs and sweet nothings we share means a lot to me and your son... 

On your birthday, you gave somebody else a very special gift... You shared your life with us... May you be showered with more blessings, happiness and love.


More smiles, more laughs and more funny stories. Birthday gift? You want new mags for your car?

Happy Birthday to our dear Papa Bear... 

We love you...

His Adorable Surprises

I'm not much of a shopper. I go shopping once or twice a year. That's why I end up wearing stuff over and over again. Sometimes, I wear same old pair of shoes for years. Well, lifestyle here in the Philippines isn't as demanding since we only have summer and the rainy season to mind.
And with less to think about, my closet ends up with old clothes or I even get to keep an empty one, this is when my knight will come in.

Last year, he requested me not to blog about the surprises he gives me. But with another touching gesture... I just gotta share how sweet my other half is.

You know what I like about him being thoughtful and all... He can go shopping without me. He knows my colors, the style I adore, my size for both clothing and footwear. He can shop blindfolded and nail the right stuff that he knows will make me happy. 

Today, my dear husband surprised me again with another pair of chic sandals. For me, it's not the shoes, it's not the goody bags he brings home to surprise me... It's the wonderful thought that I am being appreciated. For every gift handed to me... it comes with a sweet note from my husband: "Ench, you deserve it... you even deserve more than this..." You have no idea how important and valuable these words are to me.

To my husband... it is you and our little boy who inspire me everyday to be at my best. The both of you are the reasons why I always look forward to a brand new day. Even a stormy day can be sunny just being with you guys. But, thank you, thank you for the loving thought. Anything is welcome, anything is considered as a gift and a blessing.