Photography Pep Talk

There was a one-hour window in my series of meetings today, and I decided to spend it along the acacia-lined campus of the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The trees had a refreshing color that afternoon, so I tried applying the impromptu photo101 lessons Luis gave me during an event the night before. To my dismay, I realized the great disparity between my point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot P93 and his digital SLR, a Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel ). As I tinkered with my camera's manual mode, an elderly man in his sixties approached me and asked how my pictures were doing. He carried Sony Cybershot DSC-F828, and I knew my shots cannot be as vivid as his. He showed me how to use the program mode of my camera to increase the exposure. My photos did come out brighter, but I am resigned to the fact that the ordinary lens of my P93 cannot compete with the Carl Zeiss lens of his F828. I thanked him for his tips, and took his photo as he walked away.

Bibingka Crepes!

I just had a one-of-a-kind bibingka-crepe treat in Tomas Morato. Took this picture of Macoy at Half Moon cafeteria where we had our "unplanned" dessert after dinner. It all started at Starbucks, where the group proceeded to have coffee after the delightful dinner at Teriyaki Boy. Before ordering coffee, one of us uttered the word "bibingka crepes." The next thing I knew, we were already on a joy ride towards a small open-air cafe near ABS-CBN. Deo treated us to a succulent set of crepe-like bibingkas stuffed with chocolate, cheese and peanuts. I'd say it was exceptional! I can't wait to visit that little cafe again.

Friday Fellowship

Seems I will be frequenting McCafe Greenbelt every Friday now, where we hold our IVCF cellgroup. I was actually looking for a small group in Makati, and of course, my first choice was CCC since my spiritual journey with friends in this organization back in college was life-changing. For some time, I was part of their Makati Professional Ministry after graduation, but have lost touch when I was assigned to the FEBC head office in Valenzuela. Now that I'm back in Makati, I can't seem to find them. Good thing my IVCF friends, Dave and Hope, have invited me to join their cell group every Friday night. I'm glad to have discovered this group. Now my Friday nights will be filled with food... spiritual, that is. And perhaps some coffee and pastries on the side. =)

Coke, Crackers & Letters

I'm starting to get fascinated with monotones. Took this picture of Third when I dropped by their place after my highway adventure. We were chatting over coke and crackers in their dining room while Pierre read a letter I wrote to him in December 1998. It was only now that I was able to give it to him because, admittedly, I forgot to mail it, and soon lost it. Good thing I accidentally discovered it in one of my shelf drawers. He was able to finally read the letter -- after six years. Just ask him if it was worth the wait.

Classic

UCC Cafe looks classic in monotone. As we waited for our friends to arrive, Syvel and Chad talk about an upcoming event they were coordinating. It was Dawn's post-birthday treat to her DZFE friends that day -- seems like the fellowship, which was once broken, was renewed. We all went our separate ways (it was only Tiff who was left to manage the station) but still, we are all united in our concern for DZFE. We wouldn't want to see all the hard work and long nights we put in for the station simply go to waste. But times are hard, funds are low, airtime has to be cut, and DZFE could be losing listeners. Prayers are needed. Its music may be timeless, but it does not guarantee that the station is too.

Chocolate Concoctions

When we finished our "fit" at the seamstress shop, we met up with Pastor Bong and Budong at North Park. The meal was simply sumptuous, but the dessert was even more enticing. Max Brenner's was a haven for cocoa lovers like me. I had the time of my life poring over the numerous chocolate concoctions in the menu. We made sure we ordered different drinks so we could sample the various chocolate blends that the bar has to offer. It was a chocolate paradise.

Fit For A Bride

Chayen, my friend since gradeschool and my usual seatmate in church services, is getting married in a few days. I can still remember that as kids, we would draw pictures when we got bored with the sermon; and as teenagers we would enjoy describing the pecularities of our male friends. Now, she'll be entering a whole new era in her life. We just had our fitting session with her seamstress. I took her picture in front of the mirror, but of course, I didn't leave myself out of the reflection (haha, vain!). So did Oliver.