Olympus PEN Workshop held last July 31, 2010

Last Saturday July 31, 2010, Olympus Philippines had its first Olympus PEN Workshop at Max’s Restaurant at Shaw Boulevard, Puregold. There has been a growing interest for the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras like the Micro Four Thirds which Olympus is a part of. And to spread the awareness of the availability of the system, Olympus Philippines is conducting a series of workshops on photography.

Here are am discussing My Experience with the PEN

I was the first speaker in line to talk about My PEN Experience with the Olympus PEN which I had been using for more than a year on how I incorporate the advantages of the system to my style of Travel Photography and also some insights into my field of work.

Jay Alonzo discussing Creative Photography

Jay Alonzo, the first Olympus Endorser and also one of the well known Photography instructors in the country shared some useful insights and concepts on the technical side on his topic Creative Photography.

In between, participants were able to try out the new PEN cameras like the Olympus E-PL1 and E-P1 and were served some snacks and dinner.

It was a fun event meeting other photography enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about the Olympus PEN and Photography. Do join us on our Olympus Philippine Facebook Page for future announcement on events and activities.

Marine Barrage, Singapore (Olympus E-P1)

I’m finally back in Manila. I was in Singapore for almost 11 days. And funny when I was there, I usually explore the famed country in the afternoon welcoming the evening. Witnessing the day break and greeted by Singapore’s majestic lights by night. I like the city, a bit expensive but surprisingly unique as it says. But beyond that there are seldom seen sights in the island I was able to explore which I will soon be chronicling on Ironwulf.net.

Nuffnang Awards Best Travel Blog Nominees from Ferdz Decena on Vimeo.

And I think one of the highlights of my stay there is attending Nuffnang’s First Asia-Pacific Blog Awards held in Pan Pacific October 23 2009. It was a night where more than 200 bloggers from Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Philippines converged. It was grand and exciting and fun. And what made it more special when I got Best Travel Blog Awards that night for Ironwulf.net. My heartfelt thanks to all.

Nuffnang Trophy

I have to give credit to Nuffnang’s Ming and Tim. Coming from a leaking office at the start and being this big is an inspiring feat. And initiating a blogging event at this scale is also an achievement. Closing this dispatch with this year’s twelve winners on Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards.

• Best Blogshop: bonitochico.livejournal.com
• Best Food Blog: ieatishootipost.sg
• Best Fashion Blog: ladymelbourne.blogspot.com
• Best Parenting Blog: childhood101.blogspot.com
• Best Travel Blog: ironwulf.net
• Best Celebrity Blog: joannepeh.com
• Best Entertainment Blog: kennysia.com
• Best Geek Blog: mrgadget.com.au
• Best Hidden Gem: dedoodleblog.blogspot.com
• Best Original Blog Design: xiaxue.blogspot.com
• Most Influential Blog: xiaxue.blogspot.com
• Region’s Best Blog: xiaxue.blogspot.com

My Photos at Coffee Origins Booth (Miag-ao, Silay and Lake Sebu)

For all the coffee lovers out there the Philippines Coffee Board is celebrating the Coffee Month of October with Coffee Origins, the celebration of the best of Philippines Coffee in Greenbelt 3 (lobby) and 5 (bridgeway). The event booths will be up there from October 13 – 26. There will be samples from different roasters and processors, small towns and private farms.

the Coffee Origins booth and crowds

Coffee Origins Oct 13-26

I’m not really a heavy coffee drinker but I’d like to promote this event since I have three photos there in display at their Greenbelt 3 booth. Since Coffee Origins highlights the different coffee on different destinations they have booths for some of the places. My photos there highlight places like Lake Sebu, Iloilo and Bacolod.

So do check it out if you’re passing by the places soon. I heard there are other scheduled activities and seminars as well.

Gourmet's Coffee

The Philippine Blog Awards 2009

It’s that time of the year once again as we give recognition to the blogs that have moved and shaped the Philippine Blogosphere in their respective niches. It’s the 3rd year the Philippine Blog Awards (PBA) and each year it is getting better. The theme this year is “One Blogging Nation” and the celebration for the awarding of the best of the best will be held in three separate venues – Manila (Luzon), Cebu (Visayas) and Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao).

And today PBA 2009 has rolled out the finalist under the 24 categories. You can check out the finalist here.

Watch out for the Awards night in Manila on October 9, 2009 6:00pm. Venue is still to be announced.

If you can’t make it, it will broadcasted live online on Flippish.com

In the meantime as we wait for the grand night, check out the PBA Teaser Videos:

PBA V1: The Blogger

PBA V2: The Jingle

Manila Design Week 2009

There are a couple of events in Manila right now that is worth checking out for both the artsy and photographic types out there. Manila Design Week 2009 kick started yesterday at the Fort’s Bonifacio High with a live Public Art Demonstration from popular collective art groups. This is the first Philippine Art Festival that will run a week long with different themes everyday on different venues.

Yesterday’s Public Art demonstration was really a feast for the eyes. From the groovy doodles of WeeWillDoodle and colorful graffiti of Pilipinas Street Plan among others, it was great to see these groups create their street art from a white painted canvass. Seeing them made me wish I was drawing again. Hmmm… maysbe I should brig a sketch pad next time I travel.

Public Art by WeeWillDoodle

Check out the schedule of activities for the Manila Design Week 2009. For more info, check out their website at www.maniladesignweek.com

Manila Design Week 2009 Schedule

Also touring world wide now and currently in Manila Philippines is the World Press Photo 2009 Exhibition. It started early this month doing a week’s showcase at the Podium in Ortigas, Pasig. If you would like to see the evocative and captivating images of this year’s winners of the World Press Photo 2009, you have to check out the exhibits. It’s Photojournalism at its best.  I actually like the mounting and and how the images here are presented. Large boards and very crisp images strategically arranged.

Word Press Photo 2009 exhibit at The Podium

World Press Photo Exhibit 2009

There are two more weeks to go on a couple of venues. Check out the remaining World Press Photo 2009 schedule of the exhibit below.

The Block, SM North Edsa
SM North EDSA, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City

Sun 09 Aug 09   Exhibition open for public
Mon 10 Aug 09   Official opening
Wed 19 Aug 09   Last day of exhibition

Mall of Asia
Pasay City

Thu 20 Aug 09   Exhibition open for public
Thu 20 Aug 09   18:30 h. Official opening
Sun 23 Aug 09   Last day of exhibition

Cory Aquino's Cortege passing by Buendia Makati

It must have been serendipity that I was in the vicinity of Makati when I heard about Cory Aquino’s Cortege passing by Ayala and Buendia en route to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Greenhills. Corazon Aquino, the beloved former president of the Philippines died of colon cancer in August 1 2009. She has been a symbol of peace and freedom for the Filipino people and well remembered for the peaceful revolution on EDSA 1986. Her death sparked deep emotions and overflowing gratitude for the gift of freedom she gave to the Filipinos.

Ninoy's Flag and Confetti in the sky of Ayala

I wasn’t really aware of the date and route of her cortege to Manila Cathedral as I rarely watch news shows or read newspapers. I’ve only learned about her where abouts online. Turning on the live coverage on tv, we could see the huge crowd that gathered in Ayala where the statue of Ninoy Aquino is located. There wasn’t much time to catch up so I decided to just meet up the procession on it’s turn to Buendia. I wasn’t really prepared for this shoot as I only have my Olympus e-520 and 25mm (50mm) f2.8 prime attached to it. But it’s better than nothing.

Salamat Cory from the people

The streets were filled with anticipation as the people await the incoming procession. It was mid day so people from the office were able to partake in this graceful farewell as Cory’s Cortege passed by Buendia. There were people from their building balconies on watch and the crowds were excited to wave their banners and express their love and gratitude to the late president.

Ninoy flags waved by the crowds

Confetti filled the sky and flags of both mixed images of her beloved husband Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and hers fly through the sky. Cory’s Cortege in Ayala is like going in full circle with her husband.

People watching the cortege from their office buildings

It was a grand display of affection from the people. I’ve seen many rallies in Ayala and most of the time, they were brought upon by hatred and anger. It’s rarely we see people gather like this for respect, love and gratitude. And for that, again I have to say Thank You for Corazon Aquino that even after her passing, she has tought what Filipinos should have gathered for.

DPP Travel Photography Lecture at Fully Booked

Last June 27, 2009. Digital Photographer Philippines, the premiere Photography magazine in the country and certainly one of the best printed mags here celebrated their Third Anniversary. It was a whole day of lectures on three different venues inside the Fully Booked building at Bonifacio High Street. The event is not without any hassle as there were some confusion with the lines, signing up for lectures and getting their goody bags. I guess the people at DPP didn’t expect the influx of hundreds of participants (around 650) at the venue, but I think most were quite happy still.

Jam Packed at U-view

There were different lectures on several topics each hour and happening at the same time on three venues. Olympus Philippines tapped me to do a talk on Travel Photography for an hour there. It was one jam packed session. The U-view room on the basement is like a mini theater that could house around 80 participants. I heard from Nick Tuason that it is one of the most popular lectures people were signing up that day, so I thought I had to deliver well. I heard there were a lot more who wanted to go inside the session, even friends who I was expecting to attend wasn’t able to come in because it was already full. Maybe a bigger venue next time would be great.

It was a truly jam packed but good thing it was really cool inside the U-view room. And for the “Improving your Travel Photography” lecture I discussed the following:

• a brush through on the aspects of Travel Photography
• venues to show and publish their works
• Tips on taking Travel Photos in context on what travel publications would consider and what they are looking for in a Travel Photo
• A real interesting Q&A at the end of the session

Participants clicking through each slide

Q&A Session

I really enjoyed doing the talk and I was grateful that the participants were clearly paying attention. Even made me aware that I only had 9 tips instead of the 11 which I wrote. But hey watch out for the other 2 as I summarize them here. That’s the plan. And the numbers of questions at the end clearly shows the interest of the participants on the lecture. I think it was well deserved.

I wasn’t able to attend the party in the evening as I had to rush to Manila for the Balangay Easing at Sea but I heard it was one heck of a party.

So thank you very much for Olympus Philippines and Digital Photographer Philippines for inviting me to talk on this lecture. It was fun. And big congratulations to Digital Photographer Philippines for their 3rd Anniversary. Thanks to Mike for the Photos.