 |
What if fear is the only
thing that separates humans from gods? What if we can do anything we can
imagine, we're just so used to the limitations of the "reality" we're
born into. What if our eyes and ears, nose, and skin don't really help us to
see, hear, smell, and touch but just limit and debilitate our perception? What
if the Big truth is just around us or in front of us and we only have to be
fearless and free to get there?
|
11 Self-portraits and 11 Shoutouts
Calapan Zoological and Recreational Park
Or simply Bulusan Park.
Last holiday(EDSA day) was my turn to kick stress in the ass and go somewhere new! I particularly intended to go to a zoo because of my wildlife photography assignment in a course in UPOU. With bonus pa, my daughter will surely love to meet face to face with some animals she has only seen on tv and on her alphabet books.
Well, first off, I know what to do, Google has the answer.There were two options it gave me, this and the reptile zoo in Puerto Galera. But we opted for the Calapan zoo because it's more accessible and Puerto Galera seems to be a place that is too good for a one day stint, we don't wanna insult its beaches, so I mentally tagged it as "later".
View Larger Map
Last holiday(EDSA day) was my turn to kick stress in the ass and go somewhere new! I particularly intended to go to a zoo because of my wildlife photography assignment in a course in UPOU. With bonus pa, my daughter will surely love to meet face to face with some animals she has only seen on tv and on her alphabet books.
Well, first off, I know what to do, Google has the answer.There were two options it gave me, this and the reptile zoo in Puerto Galera. But we opted for the Calapan zoo because it's more accessible and Puerto Galera seems to be a place that is too good for a one day stint, we don't wanna insult its beaches, so I mentally tagged it as "later".
View Larger Map
An Attempt at Animal Photography
It's been a while. I've been busy with life, meaning getting on with my daily routines, trying my hardest yet to be a hands on mother and working my way being well-attached to my little girl and between and midst those things, nursing some dark feelings and thoughts that I can only surmise as depression. Big word. But that's a different blog post.
Photography, among other things, feels to me like a lover I am falling out with, I think this comes with having a world view of a tired old woman seeing not much of a purpose on most things. The gnawing feeling of triviality and superficiality while looking at all these images in the social media and elsewhere. But I'm trying to wiggle that away, especially that there is a photography course I have to complete this term or at least try to.
Luckily, some days I win.
I took these photos at a zoo here in Oriental Mindoro in hope that I can get good shots for my wildlife photography bonus assignment but it turned out I should do away with catching cages on my frame so as to give an impression of wild(kaya nga wildlife e). I only read up the complete instructions after, that means I'm also not reading much. Thus, consider this as just a warm-up to the real thing.
1/48 Self Portrait
Oh my, crammed my way into posting this photo entry, never thought taking self-portraits can be so mentally draining. Of over hundred shots I got only three is pwede na. None of which is totally mind-blowing, probably that's why it's a daunting task because my goal is to have a pro look, which is not for me to attain at this point. So in the last minute, I just let go of all my expectations and just blindedly pick a photo which I think I'm in my rawest and sexiest.
What do you wanna be?
Me: Do you wanna be an astronaut.
Her: No. Aliens are scary.
Me: We don't know that.
(Pause.)
Me: So what do you wanna be?
Her: A doctor. A teacher. Nagtitinda (seller). Santa.
Me: Why Santa?
Her: Coz i wanna give gifts to kids like Dibo (Disney's gift dragon).
Me: Wow. Miss Universe answer. So generous naman ng anak ko.
Discover Philipines : La Laguna
I would love to roam my homeland and in my case there's almost the whole Philippines yet to be seen, looking forward to Dora-like adventures in this Hello Philippines series i just thought of starting right now. Of course with my best travel buddy no other than my own little Dora, my daughter!
It just dawned on me that I am hardly moving at all, business and saving money always come first in priorities but life doesn't wait for you to be ready, life is this, life is now! I'm not judging those people who are addicted to work, it's just that I'm not that kind of person. I'm mostly hedonistic and get easily weary of routines.
And don't underestimate travelling as learning and socialization resource for your kids. And they get to unwind too from their daily routines (yeah, they need it too!)
It just dawned on me that I am hardly moving at all, business and saving money always come first in priorities but life doesn't wait for you to be ready, life is this, life is now! I'm not judging those people who are addicted to work, it's just that I'm not that kind of person. I'm mostly hedonistic and get easily weary of routines.
And don't underestimate travelling as learning and socialization resource for your kids. And they get to unwind too from their daily routines (yeah, they need it too!)
First stop: Laguna!
An easy getaway from Manila, in our case from Mindoro. With lots of free to cheap eye feast and new experiences waiting for you. Diversity plus culture plus history plus nature.
In this trip i consciously tried to get away from commercial places. Malls and touristy destinations are getting so tiresome and plus I don't wanna hurt my pocket, I wish I could afford to at this point :)
Peaceful Parenting 101
Spare the rod and spoil a child.
Our generation, the 80's children, at least most of us, knows this parenting style so well, in fact we know it like a childhood friend. The whipping sound, the physical pain and more than that the cold sensation washing over our faces that we only later on know by its exact name--embarrassment. And they say, violence is a vicious cycle but for some miraculous twist of fate or call it the changing times, the cycle has been broken when it's our turn to take the cudgels. However, change has not happened everywhere, not to all of us. Barbarism is not kept away for good, not every hour of our life.
If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?
If I can give one thing to the Philippines, I would give her the gift of sincerity. The gift of finding her own voice again and being faithful to it.
I was born in the early 80’s and was too young to fully comprehend what’s happening to my country then in the context of those times. But to my mind now, Filipinos, even the poorest of the poor, used to have dignity. Not because they were economically rich but because cinemas were bursting with glowing vibes of local movies, many are as mediocre as the present time films but some were gems waiting to be found, and there were sterling varieties, genre was a vibrant concept. Filmmakers were ambitious and in several times, rightly compensated for it. Sitting in front of the big screen meant ferreting heartfelt dialogues and emotions. Characters felt real, placed in real situations and predicaments, not some trying hard actors instructed to vomit overly condescending lines.
Music in the airwaves sounded either too dramatic or preachy for the modern taste but they all sounded soulful and genuine.
I was born in the early 80’s and was too young to fully comprehend what’s happening to my country then in the context of those times. But to my mind now, Filipinos, even the poorest of the poor, used to have dignity. Not because they were economically rich but because cinemas were bursting with glowing vibes of local movies, many are as mediocre as the present time films but some were gems waiting to be found, and there were sterling varieties, genre was a vibrant concept. Filmmakers were ambitious and in several times, rightly compensated for it. Sitting in front of the big screen meant ferreting heartfelt dialogues and emotions. Characters felt real, placed in real situations and predicaments, not some trying hard actors instructed to vomit overly condescending lines.
Music in the airwaves sounded either too dramatic or preachy for the modern taste but they all sounded soulful and genuine.
20 Most Recommended Children's Movies
Just because we're mother-and-daughter tandem of movie junkies. Just because it's a way of relishing our moments of togetherness in watching a screen unfold from point blank to a moving, complex story of humanity or alienity or animality, whether it's on a laptop, or a TV set, or the big screen. Just because it's fun making a list.
I come up with this list with the following criteria:
(1) Watchability for my daughter who is now in preschool age,
(2) Likability for both of us,
(3) The universal message it sends for both adults and kids.
Good and Affordable Children's Pinoy Storybooks
Giving your kids the gift of love of reading does not come with a dizzying price tag anymore. First, the internet gives you an unlimited variety of children's stories free and not, some even printable and downloadable. Second, there are countless kiddie apps on your mobile phones and tablets and there are great interesting ones even without upgrading to the paid versions. Lastly, gone were the days when the only good books you see in your local bookstore are imported and way too pricey for a family with just a regular budget. Check this out!
This is my daughter's growing collection of Pinoy storybooks. Adarna, Hiyas, Anvil, Lampara, few of the local publishers that brings to Filipinos not only cheap but great reading experience not only to our kids but to us grownups as well. Guess what? For only Php50 and up you'll be taken to fantasy and adventure lands. It comes with colorful and artistic illustrations which could raise to the roof our children's interest and imagination. Some of them also comes with big size edition, perfect for classrooms and gatherings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)