The fish market...jumeirah version

Early this morning with sleeping attire still on, Randy and I, together with a friend, decided to go to this place where fishes are widely sold by indian fishermen at very low prices...I'm talking of Dhs10 for a 4-kilo to 6-kilo of any kind of fish...isn't that mouth-watering? So, we took a walk at the open beach which is just a stone's throw away from our villa. The place is not that nice, but really, the prices are soooo low. We also found other "kabayans" (as what we call our fellow filipinos here) there... What we just bought are hamour (lapu-lapu) and an arabic fish I'm not familiar with. Of course, I considered it as another photo opportunity!!!I have more pictures to post sana, kaso I'm pissed off with this internet connection! Darn! I can't post more pictures!

Then, we cooked sweet and sour fish using Lapu-lapu...hmm...tsalap!

To add more spice: Spot the "fly" in one of the pictures! heheheh... =)

When I started editing...

Ever since, I promised myself that I won't be editing any of my shots. However, I came to realize that the softwares I have would be useless if I don't put them to use especially on my shots. Plus, this way I can harness my editing skills and creativity. So last week, my "not-so-great" creativity crept into me and produced these outputs: A shot @ bohol beach club. I just edited the hue/saturation of this pic. Barry is my officemate and one of my closest friends here in Dxb. I applied some creative effects in Photoshop.
This picture was taken during our stay in Bohol. I took this shot while inside the van which will take us to the "hanging bridge" (as far as I can remember). The tourist guide-slash-driver told us that this is the only church with the "bell tower" placed in the middle...interesting, huh?!?
Taken @ Hongkong International Airport while in a 4-hour transit. The picture was overexposed due to the huge windows with strong sun rays peeping in...I took advantage of the sun rays to wipe out the background. Then, converted the pic to a monochromatic composition.

Another pic of Barry. I applied some types of blur to cover the model's blemishes, used the clone stamp to transfer a good picture from another file and used the color range select tool.

This is one of the beautiful ceilings at IBN Battuta Mall. Considered as one of my first shots...using my point-and-shoot camera (Sony DSC-H2). I didn't apply any Photoshop tool on the image itself, but just placed a border around the image.

Oh well, I know you're so tired of seeing this face now. But what to do, he is my most "on-the-game" model. In this picture, I chose the color range select tool ang played around the different effects. I also used the history brush tool to preserve the resolution of the shades as the subject. I did not use any blur tool here.

And these are my unedited shots just recently...these are the pictures I don't intend to edit...I just like the way these pictures look like...

Sometimes, we have to be open-minded. If you have something in mind like you can foresee an image to be somewhat become extraordinary by just having some enhancements, don't hesitate to do it...unless you're fully satisfied with the unedited version...anyway, truly..."beauty is in the eyes of the beholder".

Friday getaway!

Yesterday was one of our busiest days! We woke up @ 5am...arranged my gears...and voila! we went to Burj Al Arab open beach for my 1st prenup shoot! Since I started this photography hobby, this couple also started bugging me to shoot their prenup here in Dubai (though they already have prenup pics in Fujairah ... that's another LONG story). I was hesitant before, because what I only own that time is a "point-and-shoot" camera. I'm worried that I won't be able to capture the "thrilling" moments during the shoot.

But as what I have promised to them, I agreed to do their prenup since I already bought a DSLR cam. My hubby is in the learning stage of photography these days...I'm keeping my patience to teach him every single day...nung una, halos sumuko ako, kasi di nya ma-gets ang sinasabi ko, he hates reading technical terms kasi. Every night, I required him to practice using my old cam, so every night din kami nag-aaway...hehehe!

But oh boy! I was very happy...he was my back-up photographer yesterday during the prenup...his shots were sooo good! Ang tindi ng araw...there are some functionalities in my cam that I was not able to adjust...I was happy because I learned some more things about photography from this shoot. This might be basic to some pero pag nandun ka na sa shoot, a beginner might not be able to notice it or to remember adjusting it.

Another thing to be happy about is another proof of my blog description. Though you might have the right gear, if you won't be able to adjust it the proper way...it's nothing. It's better for you to use a plain camera having not much adjustable features. Just look at the shots of my hubby using my point-and-shoot camera:See...my hubby is doing good, right?!? Anyway, here are some of my shots. These pictures are unedited, pero dahil sobrang natuwa kami...(and may bago kaming natutunan sa photoshop), we're planning to edit the good shots...
I won't be posting much photos now...wait til we finish editing the shots.

Actually since I started this hobby, I promised myself that I won't be editing any of my shots. But then, after learning the capabilities of Photoshop and just recently, Aperture...I decided to change my policy...as long as I can edit my shots to somehow tickle my imagination, I will process these shots in different imaging renovations. This way, I can clearly communicate to the viewer what's in my mind...how I foresee the shot to be astonishing...and somehow to practice myself in giving "life" to dull moments captured.

Related to this, Randy & I attended the recently concluded "GulfPhotoPlus 2007" held at Knowledge Village. I booked myself & Randy a slot in the Apple & Canon Live. The lecture was great...I was able to learn the features of Aperture - a mac software for professional photographers...though I'm not a professional photog. Aside from that, I was able to meet "Mahryska" - one of the photographers here in Dubai that I look up to, naks!...nice meeting you! Since that was our first time to be in Knowledge Village, I did not let the opportunity pass to shoot & shoot...Let me just post the pictures on a new blog entry...my internet connection is sooo weak right now.

After our class in the gulfphotoplus, we proceeded to mall of emirates to again meet with rico & emtee (the couple we had prenup that morning)...and this time, to hit the gym and stretch our muscles, swim, and for the sauna & steam room! We went to Fitness First Plus in Uptown Midriff...wow! the place was sooo good. Emtee & I went swimming and also experienced the supposed-to-be-jacuzzi...then afterwards went to the steam room & sauna. While Randy & Rico did some weight lifts and some other exercise I'm not familiar of and then afterwards, joined us in the swimming pool...and steam room & sauna. The feeling was soo good & refreshing...it's been a long time since I last experienced that kind of feeling. We also had a great talk about the ups & downs of our lives...that's more interesting.

And oh...I was surprised...MAY "KAMISETA" NA PALA SA DUBAI?! Aba't syempre diko pinalampas yun...shopping ulet! Hay, I wish I could just live in the uptown and experience the priceless convenience living there!

We might go back there next weekend for our next prenup with Rico & Emtee ulet...practice, practice...hah! can't wait...

By the way, some of the pictures from the prenup are posted here: http://leivillanera.smugmug.com

Uncyclopedia...funny!

Well, from one forum, I got this amazing link. Don't wanna say more about it, just try reading some of it...really funny! har!har!har!

http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Philippines

The article might have some partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation...particularly on third sex issues.

Happy 2nd monthsary, honey!

This is not actually for today...yesterday was our 2nd month anniversary as husband and wife. I must confess I forgot it...but Randy was so sweet to remember it and texted me this: "Happy anniversary, honey! I love you so much..."

We were on fight yesterday but he still had the guts to tell me such a sweet thing. Because of that, we decided to dine out yesterday. Of course, I need to bring my cam...but oh shocks! When I turned on my cam to check before going, one message popped in the screen: "Change battery pack"..empty batt!!! How sad...so we decided to postpone it..I just can't go out without my cam. Randy was suggesting to just bring my old cam..but I insisted to postpone it na lang.

We are planning to just eat @ Shakespeare & Co. (Jumeirah) later this evening...HAPPY 2ND MONTHSARY TO US!!!

New online gallery!

I'm a bit sad for the past few days...my proxy server is down for straight 3 weeks already! Therefore, my flickr account is currently dormant. Take note, I just acquired a pro account last November 2006, paid $23 (I think) for 1 year subscription. And now, I can't use it.

So, I asked my fellow photographers (some are amateurs, some are strugglers like me! and some are professionals) what's the best online gallery aside from flickr? Well they gave me numerous choices...but I really liked one particular gallery...because of its interface and fast upload capability (for windows). But right now, I still have a trial version...why? Because I can't seem to upload (actually, chambahan...tinotopak sya!) when I'm using my macbook! Damn! And til now, I can't seem to figure out why.

I have 12 days left before my trial version expires...hopefully I can fix the problem before the expiration and get myself ANOTHER (sigh..) account..and this time, it's a screaming $40!!! waaahhh...my hobby is becoming expensive! sigh..sigh..sigh..

Tell me what you think...check this out: http://leivillanera.zenfolio.com



I am yet to upload some more of my shots...til I get a pro account.

When it rains, it pours...

Oh well, last Thursday March 15, 2007...I had to admit...I had a job interview (again) with a multinational company. As a background, I've been having a hard time whether I will continue with my work or resign. Please see my previous entry: http://leivillanera.blogspot.com/2007/03/l1-visa-anyone.html#links.

Ok, the interview went well...but I don't think I will be selected...bcoz first, I'm too young daw to be a business analyst. The position is a semi-managerial position where I will be running a single department...and not only that...this will be the 1st time that they will be having a department like that. What I will do is design & implement the internal controls...to make it simpler. So I said ok, that's fine if I would not be selected...I was not really expecting. Right after the interview, I went to work.

Upon arrival, I was surprised by a news...yeah, the docs for the approved US petition of my boss for me has finally arrived thru fedex. It was a bunch of docs (which I still haven't finished reading til now! waaah)...requiring me to report to the US Consulate to process my L1 visa. Ok, fine. Probably, I'll just go for this...anyway, I won't be accepted naman dun sa company where I was interviewed earlier that morning.

At 3PM, while I was busy reading the docs, I received a call....from Elizabeth of Charterhouse, an executive headhunter here in DXB. I was really surprised with her news!...yez...the interviewer liked me, and I was accepted.

So, what am I gonna do? Yes, there were 2 blessings which have just come in a single day...but this is not good...I'm really having a hard time of choosing...sigh..sigh...sigh...

I prefer not to write about my decision first...though, I have come up already with a firm decision.

What was also a good thing that happened last thursday was...I GOT A NEW BABY!!!
Yes, I've finally gave in. Finally, I bought this new cam that I've been wanting for ages...eheheh!My old cam will now be owned by my better half, Randy. Too good for him, I just bought it last July '06.

My Bohol/Cebu photo stint (slash) honeymoon

It's been more than 2 months now after our wedding day. Really, time went so fast! I still can remember when I just started preparing for the d-day…and now, it’s gone already. Usual questions of my friends these days are “musta buhay may asawa? Ano ginawa nyo after the wedding?”…haha! If you would answer it literally, it would be: “What a question! What would be the 1st thing the couples do right after the wedding? Of course, you know it!” hahaha! Oh well, let me cast off the green-mindedness in me first…wooosh!

Ok, now I’m fine. After the wedding (2 days after, to be specific), we went to Bohol (which we just booked 2 days before the wedding, haha…see? I’m not really after that!). We initially booked a PALakbayan package to Bohol, but sadly, PAL had no available booking that time. So, we took Cebu Pacific instead. We checked in Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island…and wow! The place was so stunning! Believe me! Perfect for honeymoon!...oh did I write ‘honeymoon’? Well, you might not believe it, hehehe…but instead of resting and spending a peaceful time with your newly acquired man (*wink*), I spent 3 days and 2 nights of tiring photo stint around Bohol…and Cebu! Since I have been enjoying this endeavor for a few months now, why not teach my better half on how to do it? (So I can also have great pictures with my face on it!). So all in all, it was not really a honeymoon…it was our photo stint! Believe me, on our 3rd day (and the day of our flight back to Manila)…I was sick…and I just wanted to extend our days in the resort…I wanted to start the “real honeymoon days”…but wut to do, yani?!Day 1: We arrived at Tagbilaran Domestic Airport @ 8:00 AM. We were greeted upon arrival by the representatives from Bohol Beach Club…wow, we felt like VIP. An MB100 van took us from the airport to the resort. Our itinerary was to have a free day on Day 1 and a day tour on 2nd day and a free half day on the 3rd day. But since it was already 8:00 AM, we were not able to catch the Cebu trip of Supercat or Weesam. If we would get the 10AM trip, we will have less time in Cebu since the last trip going back to Bohol from Cebu is 6PM. So we decided to talk to the receptionist if it would be possible to book us a trip going to Cebu the next day and just schedule the Bohol Day Tour on that specific day. After 1 hour, yey! We were allowed to hold the day tour on Day 1…that means we can go to Cebu on Day 2! We went to the usual spots in Bohol. Some of them are (take note that I had to “google” these since I wasn’t paying much attention to the tourist guide since I was busy taking shots...):
• Chocolate Hills
• Loboc Tarsier
• Loboc River (Lunch Cruise)
• Bilar man-made forest
• Baclayon Church & Museum
• Dauis Church
• Oldest house in Panglao Island
• Blood Compact/Sandugo
…and a few more spots which I could not remember because of the reason I stated above. Here are some of the pictures I took during the Day Tour:







I took so many photos of this li'l creature, but I was caught by this amusing photo! I told Randy to spread his palm at the back of the Tarsier so we can demonstrate how small it is...timing was sooo good, the tarsier suddenly turned its head na parang ayaw nya magpahawak...sooo cute! Take note that these creatures are nocturnal..so they're almost not moving during the day...


Day 2: We woke up at 5:00 AM. At 5:45 AM, we’re already at the resort’s lobby to meet with our car service. He will be taking us to the Port to catch the 1st trip of Weesam Express.It took us 2 hours to reach Cebu City…while at the “mini-ship”, Randy & I decided to go to the viewing deck. It was sooo cold! We can see the mountains surrounding the sea…beautiful.
At 9:00 AM, we already reached Cebu port. Our first stop: Sto.Nino church. We were able to buy some religious materials for our home in the future and pasalubongs for our families.
Then, we headed to Magellan’s Cross which is just behind the Sto. Nino church.
We just had some picture-taking then, we went to SM Cebu! Since childhood, I’ve been wanting to go to SM Cebu. I dunno…probably because of the so many endorsements in TV.
Syempre si Randy pa rin ang model ko...hayy, wala akong choice eh...daya! ako, wala ganong picture na maganda...kaya nga tuturuan ko na sya eh...hehehe!

We ate our lunch there, bought some goodies and of course, photo shoot! From there, we went to TABO-AN. This is a place in Cebu where all dried goods are widely sold. I was really afraid to go to this so-called “life-threatening” place in Cebu. The jeepney drivers told us … “beware of the people here…they’re not that nice”…as told by them. Because of the warnings we received, I refrained from flaunting my cam…the reason why I had no photo taken in this place…not a single one. Oh…and did I tell you that we just took jeepneys for every destination we went to? Yep…because also of the fear that some taxi drivers would be arrogant...as told by the people we have talked to at the “mini-ship” and at the Bohol Beach Club (they all came from Cebu!). They told us not to take taxis…that is, if we could sustain the difficulty of riding jeepneys since all jeepneys are just pre-numbered…according to their route. But since we both came from Dubai (where buses are also pre-numbered), we survived! Yey! …by just asking the passers-by on which route to take.

At 3:45PM, we headed back to the port to catch the 4PM trip going back to Bohol. We were both tired na so we decided to go back to Bohol as early as possible. But nyay! When Randy paid the ticket, we were informed that the 4PM trip booking is already closed…so, we had no choice but to take the 6:30PM trip! Gosh, we had to wait for 2.5 hours in the Port. And take note, I was not really feeling well na talaga…I was chilling and I had sore throat…probably because of our stay in the viewing deck early that morning. So, we waited at the port for more than 2 hours!

At 9PM, we already reached Bohol Beach Club. I was very sick na talaga! Randy had to ask the lobby receptionist for medicines. Our flight the next day is @ 12:30PM.

The next day, we woke up @ 8AM. I was still not feeling well…but I forced myself to get out of bed to maximize the photo opportunities of the resort. After taking our breakfast, I held up my camera and started taking photos.

So, that’s it! Now, I’m hoping for the real honeymoon trip next time! When would that be? Watchathink?!?

Side story: My hubby is planning to go to Europe on our 1st anniversary as husband & wife…wooohooo…but wait, it seems that….THAT WOULD BE ANOTHER GOOD PHOTO-STINT! Yey! (Tsk..tsk..tsk, sometimes you have to deal with my addiction…)

CREDITS:
Photos taken by Lei
Equipped with: Sony DSC-H2 (point-and-shoot camera)
*Some photos which include Lei in the picture were taken by Randy.*