Ang Pinoy

Hindi ako maka PPGMA as in Pekeng Pangulo Ganid Makapal ArroVo at hindi din maka GO kundi isa lang pinoy na nagmamalasakit sa bansa.

Sabi MO , ang gobyerno natin ay palpak.
Sabi MO , ang mga batas natin ay sinauna.
Sabi MO , ang lokal na pamahalaan natin ay hindi
maganda ang pagkolekta ng basura at ang paglilinis ng mga lugar.
Sabi MO , hindi gumagana ang mga telepono, katatawanan
ang kalagayan ng trapiko, at hindi nakakarating sa
paroroonan ang mga sulat.
Sabi MO , parang nasadlak sa basura ang ating buong bansa.
Sabi Mo , sabi MO, sabi MO.

E ano'ng ginagawa mo tungkol dito?

Kumuha ka ng isang taong papunta sa Singapore . Bigyan
mo sya ng pangalan, yung sa IYO. Bigyan MO sya ng
mukha, yung sa IYO. Lumabas KA sa airport nang
pinakamatino mong sarili na maipagmamalaki sa mundo..

Sa Singapore Hindi KA nagtatapon ng upos ng sigarilyo
sa kalye. Ipinagmamalaki MO ang magaganda nilang
underpass. Nagbabayad KA ng mga 60 pesos para
makapagmaneho sa Orchard Road (parang EDSA) mula alas
5 hanggang alas 8 ng gabi. Bumalik KA sa parking lot
para bayaran ang parking tiket mo kung napasobra ka ng
oras sa shopping o sa pagkain sa isang restaurant. Sa
Singapore , wala KAng sinasabi, meron ba?

Hindi MO susubukang kumain sa lantad kapag Ramadan sa
Dubai .
Hindi MO susubukang lumabas ng bahay na walang takip
ang mukha sa Jeddah.
Hindi MO susubukang lagyan ang isang empleyado ng
kumpanya ng telepono sa London para mapunta sa ibang
tao ang mga long distance na tawag mo.

Hindi MO susubukang lumampas ng 90 kilometers per hour
sa Washington, at saka sasabihin sa pulis "Alam mo
kung sino ako?"

Bakit di MO subukang dumura o magtapon ng upos ng
sigarilyo o balat ng kendi sa mga kalye sa Tokyo ?

Bakit hindi MO subukang bumili ng pekeng mga papeles
sa Boston tulad ng ginagawa sa Recto?

Pinag-uusapan pa rin natin IKAW.

IKAW na gumagalang at sumusunod sa patakarang banyaga
sa ibang bansa pero hindi makasunod sa sarili mong
lugar.

IKAW na tapon ng tapon sa kalye pagtuntong mo pa lang
sa lupa.

Kung IKAW ay nakikisalamuha at pumupuri ng systema sa
bansang banyaga, bakit hindi KA maging ganyan sa
Pilipinas?

Minsan sa isang panayam, ang dating Subic
Administrator na si Gordon ay may katwiran ng sinabi
nyang "Ang mga aso ng mayayaman ay pinalalakad at
pinadudumi ng may-ari sa kalye, tapos sila mismo ang
pumupuna sa may katungkulan sa kapalpakan sa
paglilinis ng mga kalye. Ano ang gusto nilang gawin ng
mga may katungkulan? Magwalis tuwing makakaramdam ng
hindi maganda sa tiyan ang kanilang alaga?"

Sa America , bawat may-ari ng alaga ay dapat maglinis
matapos ang pagdumi ng aso. Ganuon din sa Japan ...

Gagawin ba ng mga Pilipino yun dito? Tama sya.

Pumupunta tayo sa botohan para pumili ng gobyerno at
pagkatapos nuon ay tinatanggal na natin sa sarili ang
responsibilidad. Uupo tayo sa isang tabi at
paghihintay ng pagkalinga at umaasa na gagawin ng
gobyerno ang lahat habang wala tayong iniaalay.

Umaasa tayo sa pamahalaan na maglinis, ngunit hindi
naman tayo titigil sa pagtatapon ng basura sa kung
saan-saan, at ni hindi tayo pupulot ng anumang piraso
ng papel para itapon sa basurahan.

Pagdating sa mga panlipunang talakayin tulad nang
hindi pagiging tapat sa kasal, sa mga dalagang ina, sa
pagtatalik ng walang basbas ng kasal, at iba pa,
maingay tayong nagpoprotesta ngunit patuloy naman
nating ginagawa ang mga ito.

Sa sandaling tayo ay mangulila kapag nasa labas tayo
ng bansa, naghahanap tayo ng aliw sa iba, kadalasan sa
kapwa rin natin Pilipino, na hindi natin iniisip ang
ating katungkulan na ating sinumpaan sa ating pamilya
nuong narito pa tayo.

Tapos sinisisi natin ang pamahalaan kapag nakikita
natin ang karahasan sa kabataan, pagkagumon sa bawal
na gamot, at iba pa, samantalang sinimulan natin
ito sa hindi pagpansin sa pangangailangan ng ating mga
anak ng tunay na pag-gabay at responsibilidad ng isang
magulang.

Ang sabi natin, "Ang buong sistema ang kailangang
magbago. Ano ang magagawa kung ako lang ang
magpapabago sa aking pamilya?"

E sino ang magbabago ng sistema?

Ano ba ang mga sankap ng sistema? Napakaginhawa sa
atin na ang sistema ay binubuo ng ating mga
kapitbahay, mga ibang tahanan, ibang syudad, ibang
komunidad, at ang pamahalaan. Pero hindi kasama IKAW
at AKO. Pagdating sa ating pagkakaroon ng positibong
handog sa sistema, ikinakandado natin ang sarili, pati
na ang ating pamilya sa loob ng isang ligtas na pugad
at tumatanaw na lang tayo sa malayong mga lugar at
bansa at naghihintay ng isang Mr. Clean na dumating at
maghatid na mga himala.

O lumilikas tayo. Parang mga tamad na duwag na hindi
pinatatahimik ng ating mga takot, tumatakbo tayo sa
Amerika upang makisalo sa kanilang luwalhati at
purihin sa kanilang sistema. Pero pag naging
masalimuot sa New York tatakbo tayo sa Japan o
Hongkong. Pag nagkahirapan ang paghanap ng trabaho sa
Hongkong, sakay agad tayo sa susunod na eroplano
patungong Gitnang Silangan. Pag may digmaan sa Gulf,
inaasahan nating masagip at mapauwi ng Gobyernong
Pilipino.

Lahat ay handang umabuso at gumahasa sa bansa. Walang
nag-iisip na handugan ang sistema. Ang konsyensya
natin ay nakasanla sa pera. Mga mahal kong kababayan,
ang sulating ito ay matinding nakakakislot ng isipan,
nangangailangan ng maraming pagmumuni-muni, at
tumutusok din sa konsyensya. Medyo inuulit ko lang
ayon sa ating salita ang mga salita ni John
..F.Kennedy sa kanyang kabansa upang maitugma sa ating
mga Pilipino:

"Itanong natin kung ano ang magagawa natin sa ating
bansang Pilipinas at gawin ang nararapat upang ang
Pilipinas ay maging tulad ng Amerika at ibang
kanlurang bansa ngayon."

Gawin natin kung ano ang kailangan ng Pilipinas sa
atin. Ipasa ito sa lahat ng Pilipino.



Eva Gutierrez
Khalidiya Street
P.O. Box 29034
Abu Dhabi, UAE
) +971-2-6815897
2 +971-2-6816601
email: eva_gutierrez@merck.com

Software for Photographers - Last Part

In looking at other software, The main interest has been in finding something that will do what photographers need while costing very little. Assumed that if you can afford it, you will buy Photoshop for the reasons stated previously.

Most photographers will not need to buy any software. If you have a scanner, it will almost certainly have come with some suitable image manipulation software, and some may also have been bundled with your printer. Many scanners include a cut down version of Photoshop, known as Photoshop LE (Limited Edition). A similar piece of software is now sold by Adobe as Photoshop Elements, at around a quarter of the price of Photoshop itself.

These programs have virtually all the functions that most ordinary photographers will need - including the ability to use Photoshop plugins should you want to. Unless you are involved with the publishing industry they will do most of what you need, although the latest version of Photoshop does include some useful web-related tools. Another Adobe product often bundled is PhotoDeluxe, and hidden underneath its interface this too has much of what you need.

Other software suites such as Corel Draw also include reasonably usable image editors. The version of Corel Draw comes with Corel Photopaint, and this will also do much if not all of what is needed. Never found its interface anything like as intuitive as that of Photoshop, although others tells it is easy to use.

Another good graphics package that never really got to grips with is Picture Publisher from Micrographix, which again I've had supplied as bundled software.

One of the best-known shareware packages is Paint Shop Pro. This gained its place in the market by providing a low cost alternative to Photoshop for people who didn't need all of Photoshop's features. Over the years, Paint Shop Pro once a small, neat and simple graphics editor that has now developed into a very capable program, but lost some of its ease of use as well as increased in price. From it was able to use Photoshop plugins. There are now many alternatives, some of which may offer better value, but the large user base for this program that has grown over the years means there is quite a range of tutorial material and tips available on line and in print.

Of particular interest to anyone with a digital camera is the free Digital Camera Enhancer(DCE) from Mediachance, which makes a good job of noise reduction and improving colour and tonal balance of digital images. This is available both as a free standalone program and as a part of their impressive Photo-Brush software. DCE runs significantly faster here as part of Photo-Brush than on its own. Photo-Brush lacks the selection tools that make Photoshop essential for photographers, but has some impressive features, particularly its retouching tools and noise/dust removal, which makes it worth considering for this purpose alone at its low price. The other missing feature in this and most of the cheaper (or free) software is the lack of support for images at higher than 24bit depth, vital for the best results from scanners.

There are free graphics programs that look to be of interest for those whose needs are basic. IrfanView32, written by Irfan Skiljan, a student at the Vienna University of Technology, allows you to carry out some basic image manipulations. More sophisticated free programs include Serif's PhotoPlus (requires free registration), Satori PhotoXL, Ultimate FX (which supports Adobe plugins) and Vicman's Photo Editor, but I've not actually used any of these these.

The Gimp, first developed on Linux, also runs on almost any platform you can think of, though you may need to compile it yourself from the source code. You can download the Windows version as a normal program and it has some interesting features. It does however give the impression of being developed by a committee that can't quite make up its mind what it should be, and there are many rough edges to be smoothed before this is a serious contender on PC. If you run a Linux system, you will almost certainly make it your choice, though still found it very slow to handle large files.

As mentioned previously, Picture Window is a tool made by programmers who are also photographers and with their needs in mind, while Photoshop seems more a publisher's image processing package written by programmers, which many photographers find useful. If you are an experienced colour printer you may find Picture Window's ability to specify filters in CC units and other similar touches useful. If you like the look of this program, the more expensive Pro version (still very cheap compared to Photoshop) is recommended because of its support for ICC profiles and other useful features.

Software for Photographers - Part Two Image Manipulation

Why Photoshop?

This is the first of a series on image manipulation, which will start - after an introduction to Adobe Photoshop and other image editing software - by looking at scanning images and optimising the files obtained. There are some simple instructions on scanning transparencies, negatives and prints in the Photography .

Most photographers these days spend at least part of their time working with images on computers. For some of us it has largely replaced the darkroom, while others simply want to put images onto web sites or just to explore the possibilities of manipulating images that the computer can offer. If you want some good advice on making your photo web site work for you.

If you don't have Photoshop, you will still be able to do most of the things, although the detailed commands will be different. After all you will need to do the same kind of things with images in order to optimise them. You will probably have to spend a little time looking through the menus or even searching and reading the 'Help'. However, since Photoshop is the leading player in the market, many software writers have borrowed the odd feature and terminology from this program, which may make you life easier.

Why does Photoshop still have the kind of prominence it enjoys among photographers? It may help to look at some of its pros and cons:

Benefits

simple intuitive interface (despite what some people say)
unfussy operation for common actions
useful simple definition of common sets of actions
industry standard, used by many other photographers
includes standard ICC/ICM colour management
wide range of publications (print and web) dealing with its use including good online tutorials
many plugin programs to add functionality
makes better use of second processor and large amounts of memory than most software

Drawbacks

expensive basic program
very expensive plugins
many missing or poorly implemented functions (why you need to buy plugins)
poor image resizing
poor (slow) handling of image data for large images

Photoshop - unlike many other image manipulation programs (although Picture Window probably has better calibration) - includes a facility to calibrate your monitor. Although fairly basic compared to some specialist hardware/software devices, there is little point trying to get accurate results from an uncalibrated system. If you own Photoshop and haven't calibrated your monitor, do it now, using the Adobe Gamma utility located in the Photoshop/Calibrate folder (Windows) or Photoshop/Goodies/Calibration folder (Mac OS). You will also find it in Control Panel in Windows.

Software for Photographers - Part One

Image processing (including specialist software for panoramas and watermarking), image cataloguing, noise reduction, scanning, monitor and printer calibration and other software for photographers.

Picasa - Find, Organise and Share Your Photos

Picasa is a free download from Google. It isn't a tool for pros, but for the average digital camera user it is simple to use and does all that is needed - so 5 star software for them.
It starts by automatically finding the image files on your hard drive (except for any directories you exclude) and creates a database of your images.
You can then use Picasa to view, sort, print, edit and do most other things you need to with images, including sending copies by e-mail or uploading them to a Picasa web album for others to view.
Editing is pretty basic, but still useful, and there are some nice special effects.
Getting and Installing Picasa From the main Google page, simply select the "more" link and then choose 'Picasa'. Picasa is only available for PC, and you need to be running either Microsoft® Windows 2000, or Microsoft® Windows XP. You also need to have version 5.01 or later of Internet Explorer installed. The version tested for this review was Picasa 2.6, but I also told it to look for free upgrades and install them automatically.
Of course you do need a little disk space, preferably 100MB, and there are some other detailed requirements listed on the web site, but most systems running Windows 2000 or XP are likely to meet these.
To download the software you need an Internet connection, and the software also offers Internet based services, including sending images by e-mail, creating web albums and ordering prints over the Internet. For these you need a 56K Internet connection speed or better. However, once installed, Picasa's non-Internet features can still be used when you are off-line.
Installation was rapid and smooth, with no problems. Once installed and run, it began to index all the files on your system.

click this site for sample: http://picasaweb.google.com/dubaibase or click here

How and When to Use Fill in Flash?

Fill-in used to be an advanced technique that made pro work stand out, particularly in colour. Its main use was for photographing people in bright sunlight. People still occasionally come up to when I'm using it and ask if I know I'm using the flash, despite the sun being out. Modern digital cameras in particular have made this technique straightforward for all of us.

Built in Flash

Most new cameras now come with flash built in. Few of these flashes are powerful enough to be more than a makeshift solution for pictures in the dark, and their closeness to the lens makes 'red-eye' an almost certain result in portraits. I never bother to use the 'red-eye' reduction methods with pre-flashes, as red-eye removal is so easy in your image editing software.
The good news about built in flash systems is that generally they make what used to be the tricky practice of 'fill-in flash' a no-brainer. A few years ago, only those with expensive professional equipment including a dedicated flash unit could be sure of getting this right, at least without a few calculations and a bit of luck.
Unless you had an expensive Nikon or Canon system, fill in flash was too often a matter of hoping and praying. Sometimes it worked for me, other times the flash was too predominant, or failed to have enough effect. Most digital cameras seem to cope well with balancing - it is simply a matter of telling the camera to always use flash and shooting.

What fill-in does

The difference in lighting between the sunlight and shadow areas in a bright sunny scene is too much for film to handle, particularly for colour film. If you expose to keep the highlight detail, the shadows will be black and empty. Using the flash on camera supplies extra light evenly across the subject. This has little or no effect on the brighter areas, but boosts the shadows dramatically to give a much more preferable result. Now as digital camera was easy to determine if you need to use build in flash since you can easily deleted if the imaged was not good.

(fill in flash used (Nikon SB-800)

If you overdo the flash, your subjects will look abnormally bright against the background, often making them seem rather like those life-size advertising cut-outs of people. It is an effect that has been deliberately used, but generally not what you want. Correct fill-in is not noticeable in a picture, or perhaps just makes the subject look a little healthier, but it lightens those deep black shadows, producing full detail in them.
Flash also helps to liven up your subjects on dull days, as in this image of

(build in flash used)

this girl standing against the sunlight. You can see how the flash helps make him stand out from the background.

A call For All Pinoy's in the Emirates

Dear Friends,

The Filipino-Off-road Auto Club organized a charity parade to be held on May 25, 2007 Friday, starting at 3pm. The aim of the parade is to give financial assistance to a six year old boy in Sharjah suffering from Leukemia. He needs a bone marrow transplant to survive. The details regarding the boy was given to us by the Consul General Antonio Curameng. we are also giving cash donation to the Dubai Charity Association.

( Erriszel Cortez and His Mother)

This Association (Dubai Charity Association) is helping poor families and orphans not only in Dubai but the whole Middle East. they are also building Mosques, clinics and hospitals. they are also accepting used clothing, used furniture, used bags and shoes but it should be in good condition.

We will parade in the street of Dubai in our cars. having police escorts and ambulance to assist us .the destination will be the Safa Park in Jumeira. there we will have a small program. we have guest from the Consulate and from Emirates Motor Sports Federation. the parents of the boy will be there too.

Each participants will be given a blue colored balloon. we will release the balloon altogether at 6pm. simple dinner will be served. there will be raffle prizes. each participant will receive a certificate of appreciation from Filipino-Off-road Auto Club. each participants name and the amount given will be published in Emirates Today newspaper in Dubai and Peoples Journal newspaper in Philippines. the event will be covered by media and the TFC channel to be aired in Kwentong Disyerto in Dubai.

This event is not about publicity. this event is not about recognition. this is about saving someone else life. this is the best time to share your blessings. this is the best time for us Filipinos to be united for a good cause. the best time for us to give something to Dubai where we are having a good life for so many years.

Your participation in this event is very important. the boy needs transplant in two months or he will die. if we act together it will make a difference.
Please help me in inviting people to come and donate for this event. minimum donation is Dhs.50/- . Forward this to your friends.

To register and for more details please call 050-2599579.

Thank you,
Liza Concepcion
Chairwoman,Filipino-Offroad Auto Club

This is a call for all Filipino's base here in United Arab Emirates to help our fellow Kababayan... Let us give our helping hands and show to the world the true meaning of "Bayanihan".

Concert Photography - Part 2

Now that you have your assignment, photo pass, and some thoughts on how to act when you get there (covered in Part I), it's time to get down to the physical, technical aspect of exactly how you're going to shoot the concert. We'll start by thinking about equipment: primes vs. zooms, fast aperture lenses, camera bodies, and a recommended basic setup. Then we'll move on to basic exposure: stage lighting, metering systems, shutter speeds, and aperture settings.

"I will laugh in the face of shallow depth of field; I will harness all available light with super-fast aperture lenses; I will handhold my 200/1.8 wide open and smile." --Anonymous unemployed concert photographer

If you haven't played around with your camera indoors without flash lately, now would be a good time to take a hard look at those meter readings. Set your ISO rating to 400, your meter to spot (which you should have if you're serious about concert photography; more on that in a minute), and your mode to aperture priority, wide open. Point around your kitchen, bedroom, wherever. How often are you getting a reading of 1/125 or faster? Unless you have a very fast lens mounted (f/2.8 or wider), my guess is not very often, if at all. Now point directly at the skin of your palm; what's the reading? You're going to need at least that amount of light to capture the detail in a skin tone under those lighting conditions. Since most outdoor concerts have some kind of ceiling over the stage and indoor concerts need spotlights for the crowd to even make out the performer in the first place, you're looking at a very similar situation to what you've just metered. No wonder there are ISO 1600 and 2.8 lenses: one stop of light means the difference between a motion-allowing 1/60 and a motion-stopping 1/125.
Does this mean you should go out and spend a fortune on all those super-fast lenses, like a 50/1.0 or an 85/1.2? I wouldn't. In fact, I've never seen a lens that fast in use at a concert, and that's probably because of: 1) Shallow depth of field; and 2) Stage dynamics.

What's the least amount of gear can get away with?
This is actually an incredibly relevant question, since the last thing you want at a concert is a lot of gear getting shuffled, banged into, and shoved around. It's also an important question for beginners and those wishing to shoot one-time events. So here, in order, is what recommend:

1. 50/1.4 or 50/1.8. It's the time-honored way to get started, the so-called "normal" lens. With a fast prime you can experiment with depth of field and capture sharp images when you use high-speed films. Only a professional zoom can compare in terms of optical quality; Canon EF 50/1.4 and Nikon 50/1.4D is just as sharp wide open as the 70-200/2.8 wide open. That's economical quality for you.

2. 85/1.8 or 100/2.0. You'll be amazed at how close a 100mm gets you when you're even a short distance from the stage. An affordable telephoto is the next logical step in your system, and since those 135/2.0 models run upwards of four figures, your best bet is to grab a fast 85mm or 100mm, for which you'll pay no more than (exception: the Nikon AF-D 105/2.0 is wicked expensive).With only a fast 50mm and 100mm at your disposal, you can adequately cover most small and average-sized shows without flash. In fact, for about two years near the beginning of my pursuit of concert photography, that's all I used for lenses--those two.

3. Either a wide-angle prime (17-55/2.8 of Nikon, 16-35/2.8 of Canon) or a long telephoto prime (180/2.8, 200/2.8). After going to a lot of shows and switching off between your 50mm and 100mm, you'll have experimented enough to know where you need to go next, and that's either much wider or much longer. If you're enjoying small club shows, you'll probably want a greater sense of perspective, which a 17-35/2.8 of Sigma can easily render; If you're moving up to arena and large theatre shows, you know your 100mm just isn't cutting it anymore, and you need that 200/2.8. At this point you're getting pretty serious about concert photography if you're outgrowing your 50mm and 100mm setup by considering for yet another lens.

You might want to consider holding off until you can afford a 17-55mm/2.8 of Nikon or Canon 16-35mm/2.8 IIL USM, if you'll be working mainly in very small clubs and bars, or a 70-200mm/2.8 if you're stepping up to large arenas. There are advantages to both primes and zooms, of course. You'll get better optical quality with the prime, and since it won't be nearly as heavy as the zoom you can probably get away with somewhat slower shutter speeds. If your subjects aren't that active of musicians, the prime is probably the best choice for you. If you're finding yourself moving into rock, rap, punk, or another kind of high energy genre, the zoom's flexibility will be invaluable to you, and you'd be best served saving up for that.

Just why it s highly recommended that if you are trying to buy a new gears and you are serious about photography concert or what ever, you must invest for one time don't buy more lens. For me for wide angel lens 17-55mm/2.8 by if you are Nikon User and 16-35mm/2.8 IIL USM if you are Canon User and for telephoto you must have 70-200mm/2.8 with VR for Nikon User and 70-200mm/2.8 USM for Canon User and at least you must have 50mm/1.4 and 105mm/2.8 macro for both brand.

50 Pesos Isang Oras

One of my friend send me this forwarded message and desided to post it to my blog...


50 Pesos Isang Oras

Isang araw, may isang lalaking gabi na umuwi ng bahay na pagod napagod at naiinis, nang maratnan niya ang kaniyang maliit na anak nanaghihintay sa kanya sa may pintuan."Tatay, puwede po bang magtanong?" "Sige, ano yon?" tugon ng ama."Tatay, magkano po ba ang kinikita ninyo sa isang oras?" "Wala ka naroon… ba't ka ba nagtatanong pa ng ganyan, ha?" galit na sinabi ngama."Gusto ko lang po kasing malaman… sige na po, pakisabi n'yo na pokung magkano po ba ang kinikita ninyo sa isang oras?" ang paki-usapng paslit."Kung kailangan mo talagang malaman ay nakaka-50 pesos ako isangoras.""Ah," tugon ng paslit habang nakayuko at lumingon paitaas sa kanyangama upang sabihin…"Tatay, puwede po bang maka-utang sa inyo ng 25 pesos?"Lalong nagalit tuloy ang ama."Kung ang dahilan lang ng pangungutang mo ay para makabili ka ngwalang kwentang laruan o walang katuturang ibang bagay, mabuti pa…pumunta kang diretso sa kwarto mo at matulog ka na, at isipin mokung bakit ka nagiging makasarili."

"Nagpapakahirap akong magtrabaho araw-araw, wala akong panahon saganitong pambatang kalokohan."

Tahimik na nagtungo ang bata sa kanyang silid at isinara ang pinto.Naupo ang lalaki na lalong nagalit tungkol sa mga tanong ng paslit."Lintik na bata yon ah, magtatanong ng gan'un para lang makakuha ngpera."

Makalipas ang higit sa isang oras, ang lalaki ay nahimasmasan atnagsimulang mag-isip na masyado naman yata siyang naging marahas sakaniyang anak."Siguro mayroon talagang importanteng bagay siyang bibilihin sahalagang 25 pesos... Kung sa bagay, bibihira naman siyang manghinging pera, eh."Kung kaya't ang lalaki ay nagtungo sa silid ng kanyang anak atbinuksan ang pinto nito."Tulog ka na ba, Anak?" tanong niya."Hindi pa po, Tatay. Gising pa po ako." tugon ng bata."Ini-isip ko na sobra naman yata ako sa `yo kanina, eh," ang sinabing lalaki."Medyo napagod kasi ako maghapon, kung kaya't ikaw tuloy angnabalingan ko... O, heto na ang 25 pesos na hinihingi mo."Naupo kaagad ang paslit habang nakangiting kinuha ang pera atmalakas na nagsabing, "Salamat po, Tatay!"

Pagkatapos ay mayroong ina-abot ang paslit sa ilalim ng kanyangunan, at saka binunot ang mga gusut-gusot na pera"Kasi po ay kulang pa po ang pera ko kanina… Pero, ngayon po aykumpleto na po," ang tugon ng paslit."Tatay, mayroon na po akong 50 pesos ngayon… Puwede na po bangbayaran ko na lang po ang isang oras ninyo… para po… umuwi po kayong maaga bukas, …kasi po, gusto ko pong magkasabay naman po tayongkumain kahit po sana sa hapunan, eh."

Sa sinabing iyon ng kanyang anak, natigilan ang ama… dali-dali niyang niyakap ang kanyang anak!

Ipamahagi ang kuwentong ito sa mga taong nais ninyo… ngunit masmabuti pang ibahagi ninyo ang 50 pesos na halaga ng inyong panahonsa mga taong mahal ninyo.Ito ay isang munting paalala para sa inyong lahat na labis na abalasa paghahanap ng ikabubuhay.Hindi natin dapat hayaan pang makawala sa ating mga kamay ang mgaoras, nang hindi man lamang natin nabibigyan ng panahon ang mgataong malapit sa ating puso.

To the author of this message thank you very much for sharing your thought...

How to photographs an Events / Concert Photography

Just wondering about the $100 free reviewed made by our friend SELaplana on my blog ( Thanks you very much) to continue posting about my hobby and passion thats "photography" and I will do my homework "banner designed" later as soon as I finalized my designed".

Since I'm taking photos for more than two years now I think its time for me to share what I had experianced on how to take pictures of concerts and events.

So You Want To Photograph A Concert?

(Parokya Ni Edgar in Dubai)

Upcoming events in Dubai will be the Aerosmith, May 31 2007 at the Dubai Rugby Exile Club.(If I got a Press Pass I will post some Photo's) Now before you even begin dreaming about meeting Aerosmith backstage for a private photo session, you have to obtain what used to be termed "credentials." Today that means a photo pass: a sticky piece of cloth you slap on your shirt that allows you to get past security and into the area in front of the stage reserved for photographers. Photo passes are printed by the band's publicity machine, whether it be the record company's publicity department or a private P.R. firm. You will have to convince the person assigning the passes to give you one. The easiest and often only way to do this is to have an assignment from a newspaper or magazine. Why are photo passes given out in the first place? The more publicity the better, and that will work to your advantage with smaller acts and against you with larger ones. Whereas a band just getting started will actually call established writers and photographers and offer them photo passes to guarantee the band some publicity, veteran acts will choose among whom they want to shoot the show and will only hand out a specific number of passes, despite the number of requests. High profile national magazines and widely subscribed newspapers get first priority, followed by smaller mags and newspapers, and finally, if there's any room, web sites.

( Vernie Varga in Dubai with the Hit Makers)

Ethics; or What Would You If...

So you're now at the venue, you've finally secured your photo pass, and you're ready to start shooting. There are some guidelines to keep in mind, and they all revolve around that Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

First, remember that nearly everyone else at the concert has paid to get in; they're there to enjoy the show. If there's a barricade set up in front of the stage, you can go behind it to shoot for your designated number of songs. But there are fans right up front too, and if you stand directly in front of them they won't be too happy. Kneeling down a bit or resting your elbows on the stage won't alter your perspective too much and will help keep you from getting in the way of the fans who've waited all day or paid top dollar just to get in the front row. Move around a bit, too; not only will this help you get different kinds of shots, but it will give the fans you've been standing in front of a respite.

Security personnel can be your best friends or your arch-enemies. If you establish yourself as a rule-breaker, security will give you a hard time. Follow their direction and you'll gain a solid reputation, one that might earn you some leeway

Part 2 ( Equipments requirements) on next...

Featuring Kichie Nadal & Kamikazee performed live in Dubai

More than 1,000 Pinoy's OFWs and other nationalities watched Kitchie Nadal and Kamikaze band performed live on May 10, 2007 at Al Nasr Leisureland. Here are some of photo's I took.

During the presscon:

During the Concert:

For more photo's visit my Photo Album...

Dubai - Road Traffic and Accidents a big Chaos

Today I really don't know what should I post, what kind of article to be publish on my blog. Moreover, while I am reading a news online Gulfnews I saw a special coverage column regarding traffic situation here in Dubai or they called it traffic watch, and then realized to make my own comments and reaction with this since I am also a motorist and I experienced this everyday. I know that this is different from my blog discriptions and previous post but still it's all about Dubai UAE...

I lived in UAE for not so long (just more than 5 years) driving Dubai and UAE roads for 4 years. From this period of my driving experienced, here in Dubai I will share some of it.

Why Dubai has much of road accidents, they said because of they are having wider highways and the users drives fast. If they have wider highway why there was a big traffic?

My observations are these, First they are having a wide highways where? On Sheikh Zayed Road having 4 lanes before, now 5 to 6 lanes and Emirates Road currently 3 lanes but according to RTA it will be wider to 4 to 5 lanes.

Now where are those problems of the said big traffic? The problems are the bridge that connects from Deira to Bur Dubai. Why because of the bottleneck designed of the road. There are 3 ways that connects with this two area, they are the following 1st Shindagha Tunnel, 2nd Maktoum Bridge and the 3rd Garhoud Bridge (with new Bridge under construction hope this will help).

I will make an Illustration how they designed this road, bridges and tunnel.

1st Shindagha Tunnel from Deira to Bur Dubai traffic flow from 4 lanes down to 2 lanes while entering the tunnel then from Bur Dubai to Deira traffic flow.

The Second was in Maktoum Bridge. Traffic flow from Deira going to Bur Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road

And traffic Flow from Sheikh Zayed road going to Deira and Northern Emirates.






Now the Third Road, Garhoud Bridge From Deira and Northern Emirates






Traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road to Deira and Northern Emirates from 5 lanes down to 3 lanes.


Now as illustrated do you think what are the causes of all this road traffic and accident then add all the Dark side (Bad Road Manners) of some UAE road users...

Four Things of dubaibase blogger

As what I expected my friend Zaldy OFW life keep on reminding me about my first 4 in life on the same day he posted his. So, before someone tag me again on this topic, I think it's time to respond to his call, time to convert the 4 things of dubaibase blogger from thought into writing since 4 years now I'm not getting my vacation (hu! hu! hu! hu!!!! I miss the Philippines).

Four jobs I have had

Account Manager
Right after I graduated, I try my luck in Metro Manila the Big City and luckily I've got a job as Account Manager in one of the distributor of Goodyear Tires in Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Territory Specialist
My second job after was in Gulf Oil Internationa Philippines I decided to transfer since this company offers much better salary and good opportunity I resigned for being Account Manager. Time to practice more my degree as Marketing Graduate. Here I travel a lot my first Area was Region 3 (composed of 6 provinces Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales) after establishing the area I transfer to Region 5 ( composed of 6 provinces Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Marinduque) to replaced the guy who resigned in this Area. Then the political problems come in former Phil Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada leadership. The company need to retrench some of its staff ( i'm one of them hu! hu! hu!!!) stop and give up their office in Makati and forced to transfer in their warehouse in Pandacan.

Boss of my self

After that tragedy in the Big City I'm back home and Put up little business to practiced my technical skills (by the way I'm frustrated Engineer (ECE) classmate of Zaldy's brother Oliver) that was a Computer Rentals ( Gaming, Internet etc..) The business was good with the help of Zaldy and his two bothers (Oliver and Jasper) since we have also the same business we are exchanging clients to create good relationship with our best player in Counter Strike and of coursed to established our business. But when that kind of business come out like mushroom that time I plan to go anywhere to find my destiny...

Senior Office Administrator
This was my third and current job here in the Sand land (UAE) I came here in the UAE first in Abu Dhabi then transfer here to Dubai. Hopefully my boss acknowledge my worth in the company before I change my mind and transfer again for my fourth job here in UAE. Not saying I'm excellent in my position or assigned work but I think I deserved more since ??? (in that matters its confidential) till now no one will replaced my position thats why no vacation hu! hu! hu! Huuu wahhhh)...

Four movies I watched over and over
With Honor ( Brandon Frazer you will realized the importance of dignity and honor)
Mouse Hunt (you will laugh till you drop)
Gladiator ( full of courage)
Die Hard (all of them 1,2 & 3)

Four places I have lived
Paombong Bulacan ( placed I was Born, lived there till I was 7 years old)
Sta. Rosa Nueva Ecija (where I grown up)
Abu Dhabi UAE ( my first place outside the Philippines)
Dubai UAE (present)

Four PC Games I love to play
Starcraft
Warcraft
Diablo
Commandos 3

Four places I have been on vacation
Baler Aurora ( my wife's place)
Sta. Rosa Nueva Ecija (my home town)
Paombong Bulacan
Baguio City

Four of my favorite foods
Pochero ni Misis
Nilagang kong OX tail
Bulalo na luto ko
Gising gising sa Cabanatuan City Philippines

Four places I would rather be right now
Philippines
Canada
Singapore
Dubai

Four people who will answer this tag
reflection of timeby Milton Chai
health and wealth by Ed of Saudi Arabia
SELaplana by Sustines E Laplana
and the Last one will be any one from my visitors or YOU who are currently reading this...

Now I think my part was done to do my four things...

OK.. the rule of this game is simple, just give your 1,2,3 4's in life like what I've done above or you may add a description whatever you want. The last category which is the "four people who will answer this tag" as the category implies must create a post and list up their 4's in life and please don't forget to mention anchored by dubaibase blog anywhere in your tag response.

Price of Gold On the Rise

Dubai: The emirate's gold industry fears consumer resistance to jewellery purchases if the precious metal crosses the $700 per ounce price threshold.
Dubai's jewellery sales volume last year was 108 tonnes and the industry is trying to achieve the same level this year amid anxiety over volatile gold prices, Unstable prices can make consumers delay their purchases and discourage traders from replenishing their stocks.

May will become Labor Day In the UAE

Dubai: Workers will be honoured in the UAE on May Day from next year, the country's top labour official announced.

In a rare move, the Minister of Labour marked the International Labour Day by congratulating workers for their contribution to development of the UAE.

In a statement marking what is believed to be the first local celebration of the day, the minister stressed the importance of protecting workers' rights on their day.

"We congratulate all those workers who through dedication and efforts contribute to the economic boom and growth of this country," "Under the directives of the UAE leadership we aim to provide continuous support for the workforce in the country by protecting their rights,"

Shoot Your Own Child's Portrait

How to Work With, Not Against, a Kid's Rowdy Nature

Yes, you can take your own baby, toddler or child's portrait with your digital camera. It can be a challenge to get good pictures of such squirmy subjects, but it can be entertaining and worthwhile for everyone involved (even your child).

I’d like to give you some tips on photographing those little wonders in a way that will allow you and the children to have fun, all the while creating some great photographs and memories.

Get down to their level. Let the photo show the world from the child’s point of view. This also allows for even exposure from the flash on the child's face.

Consider taking "candids," which are non-posed photos. Candids always make great pictures when it comes to children. Don’t let them know that the camera is out. Just watch and wait for them to do something entertaining, which usually doesn’t take too long. This method also shows the child's personality (or a great tantrum shot can also be used as evidence when the future teenager claims they are so well-behaved you should buy that new car for them).

Portraits can sometimes be a grueling task even when photographing adults. Kids can be, well, kids. A couple of things you can do to hopefully help things go smoothly is to let the child pose the way they want. It's more comfortable for them, which in turn will make them happier. No one wants a portrait of their child staring daggers at the camera.

The more you can do before the actual shoot the better. Decide where you want the portraits to be set before you grab the child and the camera. Maybe there is a place your child likes to go. Does he or she have a favorite room in the house or place in the yard? What about a playground? If the child is happy and comfortable in the setting, that will help tremendously.

Do they have a favorite toy you can use as a prop? Maybe the family dog? Allow the child to take part in the building of the portrait. Like I said before, the photo will show what the subject feels and if the child starts to become bored and begins wandering physically or mentally, take a break and come back to it later.

Try to take photos when you will have good natural light. Repeatedly using a flash can make any kid (or adult) grumpy. Be sure you do not have your light source directly behind the child, or the kid will become a mere silhouette. For outdoor shooting, a slightly overcast day is better than noon-day bright sunshine (which creates unpleasant shadows).

Get rid of any clutter in the background, and try to let the child fill as much of the frame as possible. Don't be afraid to take several photos. One great aspect of the digital camera is you can easily delete bad ones, either on the camera itself or on your computer.

The number one tip is to have patience, patience, patience

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in Dubai

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was bring its brand of basketball to Dubai.

The Purefoods Giants up against Barangay Ginebra, last April 13, at the Al-Ahli Sports Club, with the Kings flying in as the favorites despite playing with a badly depleted lineup.

Bayanihan - The Philippine National Folk Dance Company Performed in Dubai

The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company was founded in 1957 by the Hon. Helena Z. Benitez, former Chairperson of the Philippine Women's University. During their debut at the Brussels World Fair on May 27, 1958 they were adjudged among the top top from the thirteen dance companies that performed. Since then, the company has mounted fourteen major world tours and more than 100 short tours.

At present, the oldest dance company in the Philippines still continues to awe audiences wherever they go. The company is known for their grace and flawless movements as they interpret various folk dances from all over the Philippines as well as folk dances from other countries.

A multi-awarded company nationally and internationally, The Bayanihan has awakened a new pride among Filipino in their cultural heritage, added a new dimension to the country's dance tradition and built a rich reserve of international goodwill.

And last DSF (Dubai Shoping Festival 2006 - 2007) celebration Bayanihan was invited by the DSF organizers thru Philippines Business Council - Dubai to performed in the Global Village as a part of thier Theme "One Festival One Family One World"...

This was not to entertained all the Filipinos (OFW)Overseas Filipino Workers lived here in the UAE but also to show the Philippine Cultures to other Nationalities, who lived and visiting Dubai UAE for the said Festival.

Bastakiya - Wind Towers

Away from the hustle and bustle of the modern Dubai lies a small and tranquil area that is filled with wind tower buildings. The area is called Bastakiya and wind towers buildings are the traditional homes unique to the countries around the Arabian Gulf. Wind towers are built on the rooftops to funnel air into the houses to cool them in the summer (basically, an old fashioned air conditioner). Very few of the original wind tower homes remain because most of them have been demolished to make way to the new buildings in the city. Existing ones have been renovated and some new ones are being built in Bastakiya. Most of them now house art galleries, cafes, restaurants and government offices. Walking along the narrow alley way between the wind towers is a great way to spend an afternoon to take photos. Every time you go there, you will find something new because of the on going renovation. It is so quiet and peaceful, you can actually hear the birds chirping and the call to prayer from the mosques near by. It is a true treasure almost lost, but glad they managed to preserve. Bastakiya, Dubai, at the end of Al Seef Street, close to the Ruler's Court and Dubai Museum, Dubai