Monday, February 20, 2012

Saan ang lakad ngayong 2012?

What to do and Where to go this 2012?
by anakngkidlat

Many people might say that it is a bit too late for posting my wishes for 2012. But hey, it's just February and there are 10 months to go before this year ends as they say "It's better to be late than never". So here are the things that I hope I could accomplish:

1. Buy a new camera (to be exact a RED Panasonic Lumix G3!)

The Panasonic G3 in RED!

You would ask: "Why Panasonic? Why not a Nikon or Canon?" My answer : "To be different". I don't question the performance of both Nikon and Canon that's why they are selling hot like pancakes. I just simply want to deviate from what most people would choose. Besides, my first camera is also a Panasonic (FZ20). I was satisfied with it but I felt a need to change from a hybrid to an interchangable lens camera.

The Thing is: Currently the price for the G3 is expensive for me (30,000++ php for a single lens kit and 40,000++ php for a 2 lens kit) and there are few distributors not only for the model but for the whole Panasonic line! Although I haven't checked Hidalgo if they do have this. (I hope they do) If there would be ways to have it free (as long as it is Legal) then I would do it. I hope people from Panasonic would see this post ^_^

Update (3/17/2012) I might change my mind in buying a G3. Due to difficulty in finding stores with separate lenses, problems with an available service center and there is a more cheaper DSLR that could match it. Sad to say I might eat my words of being different from the Nikon and Canon users. ( Panasonic needs more reinforcement of stores in the Philippines or else face being unknown against big DSLR competitors with more stores and availability to service)

2.Have my first DOMESTIC airplane trip

Zest Air plane (credits to visitpinas.com)

You would ask: Really? cheap fares and go light trips have been almost everywhere and you haven't bought one? My answer: Yes... (T_T) You may have noticed though that I specified a Domestic flight. That is because I already had an International flight to USA almost 2 years ago. Sadly, I have not started this blog back then and had no camera to document too.(not even a decent point and shoot). The Destination could be anywhere as long as I could travel by plane.

The Thing is: Although the destination could be anywhere in the country, I would also consider the cost and the weather conditions. It may be cheap to go to Boracay for example, but you can't fully experience it if you went there during the rainy season (Obviously!)

3. Have an out of town or country trip with my wife

Don't leave the country without this!

No need to ask why. There are some things you would want to experience with someone special (That would be my wife)

4. Go to a real Fiesta!

You would ask: What do you mean? My Answer: What I know (at least one aspect) about a real Fiesta is that you would go from house to house and they would serve you with what they have cooked. At the end of the day your stomach will be so full you can't even get up! (correct me if I'm wrong about this)

The Thing is: With the current economic problems  the Philippines and the rest of the world is currently into, Free food would be a scarcity. Don't get me wrong that I just want to go to a Fiesta for food alone.There's something in that practice that I couldn't explain because I haven't tried inviting strangers in my home and feed them on a Feast Day.

5. Meet at least one Blogger that I have been following

You would ask: What for? My Answer: Isn't it great to talk to someone that shares your drive and your passion? I'm not talking about the ordinary blogger. They are the people who had been doing it, had been through a lot of places, had experienced a lot of difficulties and comforts of travel and live to tell it all.You may say that I have accomplished it already with Lakwatserong Tatay but he has paved the way for me to be into blogging and get to know fellow bloggers and their experiences. On that certain level I would like to meet one. (or shall we say another)

The Thing is: With a hectic schedule (not to mention managing VLs) I would need to at least set up a trip and ask the blogger to join or fix my schedule to conform to the Blogger's trip to meet up.

6. Have a Major Climb

Mt. Pinatubo crater (credits to pinatubo4x4.blogspot.com) 

You would ask: Why? My Answer: From the climbs I have been, Brian told that they were just minor. I thought, if I'm feeling strain in my legs, get exhausted and yet feel energized once reaching the peak, how does it feel if it is a major climb? It could be twice the pain, but definitely twice the reward!

The Thing is: I would need to ask or join a major climb. The preparation would also be a must! 2012 is still far from over so I hope for at least one major climb. =)

How about you? Have you made your wishlist for this year?

Saturday, February 11, 2012

From a foiled 5 museum photo challenge into an Intramuros experience

The San Agustin Church and Museum
by: anakngkidlat

With the completion of the tropa's trip to Tanay and Laguna ( 3 waterfalls, 2 churches 1 day) got me thinking of a new concept to where to go next. For a budding photo enthusiast like me, I would like to take pictures that simply captivate or inspire people. I suggested Brian to have a 5 Museum, 1 day challenge. It felt like it's a very interesting trip because there are a lot of museums scattered in Manila and we can even get to more than 5 if the museums are not too far. I made list of the places to visit:

1. CCP Museum
2. Metropolitan Museum
3.BSP Money Museum
4.Museong Pambata
5.National Museum

The side trip would be Intramuros since the National Museum is just a short walk away. It was settled and there were only 4 of us that confirmed for the trip. I also checked for the available museum schedules and found out that the Money Museum is only open during weekdays! "It's ok" I thought since it's just one Museum short maybe we could still check Intramuros then. Finally the day for the trip came but there were slight problems. One is that Brian didn't woke up so he couldn't make it on time. Another is that one of our companions came from the night shift. I'm worried since I was the "promotor" that she would have complications from not having the time to sleep but she said she is used to have no sleep at all and is ok. Just when I thought things will be fine but there were more problems to come.

We were early when we got to the CCP Museum. So we waited a bit and asked the front desk just to find out they do not allow DSLRs inside the museum! And what's more is that they wanted to leave our cameras to them! Disappointing as it may seem but I won't give up. To release my frustration, I took a picture from the flowers nearby.

Flower @ the CCP Grounds

Next was the Metropolitan Museum and sadly it was the same story from CCP. This time I really got disappointed. I wasn't sure if Museong Pambata and National Museum will allow DSLRs so I decided we would go straight to Intramuros specifically, San Agustin! We had a taxi ride so we wouldn't waste time.



Welcome to San Agustin Museum!

The Church was completed in 1607 and had been damaged by an earthquake, destroying one of the towers beside the church. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, It has been the venue to some of high profile weddings in the Philippines.

Inside San Agustin Church
The current museum was once a monastery which was destroyed and made to what it is today.
Bell at the entrance
The Museum allows pictures but not at all rooms and at times no flash should be made. It's fine by me.



Hogwarts-like stairs!


At the second floor there is an access to the choir loft. The intricacy of the work made inside reflects the passion and keen attention to detail of those who made the church.












Lastly there is Father Blanco's Garden. Sad to say it was already closed to the public... I saw it back when I was in college and it is so beautiful and romantic.
Father Blanco
When we had finished our tour, there was a shop in front of the church that we noticed.

That's old for a shop =)
As the name implies, The Papier Tole Shop has almost all sorts of paper made products. I couldn't describe the things we have found there so I will let my pictures speak for itself =).

Kinky?

Salt and Pepper Shaker


Paper tole of Old places in Manila


Cute little turtles
Although my plan has crumbled to dust, We still had a wonderful time exploring a part of Intramuros. Who knows, we might go back for a photo walk or something. (hopefully.... X_X)


Memo to me: Check museums if they do allow DSLRs and make back up plans in case Plan A fails!