The Headwere classic and visor

If you’re still thinking about a neat Christmas gift for that traveller friend of yours, let me just say it’s not that hard to find items that’s very useful to take on a trip. These items aren’t expensive and are even useful. Checkout the Headware and its new Visor variant, some Messy Bessy Little Warrior and Human Heart Nature Bug Spray.

The author wearing the Headware Visor

The Headware

The days of donning the usual bandana on the head when embarking on a serious trek or hike may soon be gone. Well not completely though but the Headware is a convenient alternative than a t-shirt or a loose bandana. They have a number of funky designs as many as the possible use it has. From the usual head-wear to a beanie, an arm band, a head band or even a tube for the ladies.

Their Headware Visor may not be as flexible but its added shade is really useful for running and treks. It’s easy to put in the bag and the rubber material of the visor is flexible that it goes back to shape. I really like using it for runs or hikes as it absorbs the sweat from my brows, saves me trouble from the usual wipes on the face. SRP varies from P250 to P360. (www.theheadware.com)

Messy Bessy's Little Warrior

Messy Bessy Little Warrior

Yes, there are many hand sanitizers in the market but com’n, we’re going clean and green here so reduce some carbon footprint and let’s go with the non-toxic, all-natural kind like the Messy Bessy’s Little Warrior. This germ-fighting mini spray is enough to sanitize your hands, icky surfaces and even temporarily blind the eyes of your annoying companions if you’re not careful. But seriously it’s a handy green alternative. I even like its fresh and natural scent than the chemically mixed commercial ones. I just think they have to do something about the bottle cap that’s easy to loose. SRP P70 (www.messybessy.com)

Human Heart Nature's Citronella Bug Spray

Human Heart Nature Citronella Bug Spray

Another green and natural product here but a highly effective mozzy and bug scare. The Citronelly Bug Spray is more an oil application than a spray but it worked on situations when there are really pesky mosquitoes and annoying bed bugs. The citronella smell is strong and distinct which can be striking if you’ll wear it on daytime but hey, you can boast that you’ll be sure be bug free when you’re in company. I had the same problem with the bottle cap. SRP P89.75 (www.humanheartnature.com)

The Polaroid Pogo Printer in the box

Many shutters have been clicked, so many people have been photographed, so many smiles have been captured. Yet it’s rare that I get to return the favour of sharing their moments with us photographers. I wanted to give something back, even as simple as giving their own photo.

When I saw the Polaroid Pogo printer for the first time, I thought it was a very handy device to give instant photo to people. Its introductory price was steep two years ago (about P4000+) but when I saw it a couple of months ago it has gone down to half its price and thought about getting one. I thought it would be useful to bring to Myanmar where I could give photos so select individuals so I bought a unit.

The Pogo size comparison with a mobile phone

The Printer

The printer itself is small and handy, slightly larger and thicker comparing it to the size of popular smartphones, in this case, I compared it to my Nokia N8. On one side is the compartment where the paper is fed (max 10), on one of the longside is the interface for the power while the other is the interface for the USB and power button and indicators.  It’s pretty straightforward and easy to figure out.

The charger is quite large for the printer

One disadvantage I saw here is the huge charger which is almost the size of the printer itself. I hope the next time they’ll make use of a smaller charger. That in the way, I just make sure I fully charge the unit (which takes about 2 hours+) to make sure I can print about 14-15 photos on full charge.

ZINK Papers

The ZINK Paper

The box comes with an initial set of 10 ZINK paper. The Polaroid Pogo uses ZINK technology paper where the paper has crystals which reacts to heat and then produces the photo. It’s pretty neat and instant like the good old Polaroids except that you don’t have to shake it on air or tap it. It’s also water-resistant and has an adhesive back to make use of it as a sticker. The papers can be bought locally for P180 for a 10 set piece. Not really cheap so it’s worth thinking which ones to print.

Printing via bluetooth

Printing

The printer can be loaded with up to 10 piece of ZINK paper including a SMART Paper which comes with every paper set. That SMART paper placed under would automatically spit out by the printer then it would be ready to print with the actual paper. There are two ways to print – USB and Bluetooth.

Connecting the device through bluetooth

Most Bluetooth capable phones can connect with the printer. Upon initial device recognition and connection, you can then browse through the gallery for the image you choose then “Print” in the menu. Just choose the Polaroid Pogo as the printer. One minor quirk though that led me to an hour of troubleshooting. Once the device has been recognized and trusted by the device the “Print” command no longer works, instead I found “Send” the image to the printer would do the work. I’m not sure if it is just the Nokia phone but it kinda made me panic a bit at first.

Printing via PictBridge

The other way is when connecting the camera directly to the printer via USB. Most cameras nowadays have PictBridge like my Olympus E-PL1. This was a lot simpler to do. Just connect the camera and choose the Print option. The gallery would open. Just choose the photo and print. There are other options like the number of copies.

Direct to Camera Printing is easy

One thing missing though is connecting it directly to a computer. I hope they add that feature on future releases.

Print time and image transfers usually take about a minute or so.

The Polaroid Pogo Printer produces decent prints

Print Quality

I wasn’t expecting top notch quality like let’s say the Canon Selphy which is a larger 4R portable printer. But I was quite satisfied with the decent quality of the prints which is good for posterity purposes. It has the grainy and instant quality to it. I do notice that dark photos when printed turns out a bit muddy that’s why I try to brighten them up in-camera first before I actually print them.

Giving photos prints as a way of saying thank you

Verdict

When I was in Myanmar, I had the chance to use the Polaroid Pogo Printer and it amused a lot of people when I hand them instant prints. My horsecart and motorbike drivers really appreciated it they have a photo along with the payment I gave. A family I met with two talented sons was very happy having their family photo. The mom kept looking at it and smiled back full of gratitude.

I guess it works and it gives me chills when people appreciate it. It may not have the top quality printout but it’s the thought that really counts here. I didn’t have trouble bringing the printer when I go out to shoot (of course leaving the charger at the hotel) nor had trouble printing out once I knew how. Polaroid Pogo is a fun little toy I really enjoyed using. It definitely has a place inside my photo bag.

The Magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda

After 11-days, 5 overnight bus rides, 1 train ride, 1 pick-up truck, 2 horse carts, countless motorbike rides and thousands of words scribbled in my notebook, I finished my journey around Myanmar. I can say it was one of my fulfilling travels in a while in line with my travels in Laos and China. It was one of those journeys where Traveling and Photography is all about being in the moment, being part of the scene, melding, and being invisible. I love the interaction I get with the locals and just being in there. It’s the travel and the photography where the only person I’m shooting for is myself. I can’t wait to write it for the next few months. Here’s is Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold studded landmark which symbolizes the country. It was the major sight I visited the first time I got in the country and also the last before I left. Myanmar is a wonderful country that I won’t hesitate to go back again.

Shwezigon Siblings (Olympus E-PL1, 45mm, f2, 1/400s)

I’m nearing the end of my Myanmar Journey with only a few days of stay here. I had a bit of snag in Inle Lake which was supposed to be some sort of a highlight for my trip but things got complicated when there was a festival on the nearby town. One things for sure I tell you, avoid the local festivals if you can. While it might be interesting, prices double and accommodations are non-existent. But still it was an experience. Good thing I met a very helpful lady in Aung Mingalar Hotel who accommodated me on my very brief stay in Nyaungshwe when I was already loosing hope of finding a place or even going back to Mandalay. Anyways more details of the story when I write them. In the meantime here’s a fun young sibling I met in Shwezigon in Bagan. That thanaka on their faces just gives the poeple of Myanmar a distinct character.

View of the Old Bagan during sunrise

I’m currently halfway through my journey in Myanmar and I can say it’s more than I expected it to be. I’m currently in Pyin U Lwin at the north of Mandalay. 3445 ft above sea level, taking the slow train immediately coming from Bagan. The cool clime is a refreshing change from the warm and dusty environs of Bagan. One thing I can say that the country is changing fast, any latest information from 1 year ago or even a few months ago has changed. Anyways I’ll leave you guys with one of the sunrise shots in Bagan which I thought was really a fabulous place.

The Tempur Travel Pillow and Sleep Mask

Traveling can take a toll physically especially on long journeys. When I find myself coming in on a destination from a long transit, I allow myself time to recharge so when I explore a destination I would have a clear head and more alert with my surroundings. One sure way to get the energy back is to have a quality sleep but that’s not always easy adapting to a new environment or you’re in company who have a different lighting preference with you while you sleep. Tempur Philippines recently introduced me on some of their accessories to make sleep a lot more comfortable.

Tempur in the Philippines had me try a couple of their Travel Accessories namely the Travel Pillow and the Sleep Mask. I already know the reputation of Tempur when it comes to pillows and and mattresses. Hey it’s the only way one can try NASA and Space Foundation certified products on a regular consumer basis. So what’s so special about Tempur? Here’s a quote for you:

Tempur is a visco-elastic, temperature sensitive material that mold to the exact contours of your body. It yields slowly under compression, making no counter-pressure, until the full weight of your body is distributed evenly on the entire surface area of the mattress. When you lift your body from the TEMPUR material, Tempur returns to its original shape.

Tempur Travel Pillow and Pouch at Fragrance Hotel Singapore

I was able to bring the Travel Pillow on several places already like on a cruise in Singapore and and also some homey inn in Bislig City. It’s only half their popular TEMPUR Original Pillow but has the same qualities of molding to the shape of the head and neck for support and relief. What I also like about it is I can roll it and put it inside the pouch included which is almost the size of a 9-10 size shoes. A lot more easier to bring but take note that one has to un-roll it and let it naturally get back in shape within 24 hours. It’s small but I never had problems with it since I don’t move much when I sleep.

The very comfortable Sleep Mask

The author wearing the Sleep Masks in a Bus

The Sleep Mask was really useful for me all around. I usually carry an eye-shade which came from an airline. I’m quite sensitive with light when I sleep and I like it pitch dark. Also, it helps when I try to sleep in a bus. But what I really like about the Tempur Sleep Mask is that it is really soft and it has relaxing breathing space over my eyes and finally it really shuts out the light. Very handy.

The Tempur Travel Pillow has an SRP of P3400 while the Sleep Mask has an SRP of P1500. The price is definitely on the premium side but what I think is important here is the investment for quality sleep and the health benefits brought by it.

For details you may check their website www.tempur.ph and add them on their facebook page Tempur in the Philippines.

Disclaimer: The Travel Accessories were kindly provided by Tempur Philippines.

Star Cruises Superstar Virgo seen from the cable car from Sentosa

Last weekend, I was invited by AirPhil Express to experience their  new AdvenTour Package offering they had call “Fly and Sail”. In partnership with Star Cruises, the Fly and Sail is a four-day Adventure Tour Package where once can Fly to Singapore and go for a cruise to Malaysia for only P24,888 per person. It’s my first time to actually try a cruise and it was pretty fun. I’ll be writing about the experience starting next week in ironwulf.net En Route. In the meantime if you would like to know more of the details, read on.

AirPhil Express Fly & Sail Package

Selling Date: August 10 to September 20, 2011
Travel Date: August 23, 2011 to March 13, 2012

For as low as Php 24,888.00 per person (based on Quad Sharing Room)

Inclusions:

• Rountrip Airfare (Manila-Singapore-Manila)
• Transfers (Airport-Hotel-Port-Airport)
• Overnight Hotel Accommodation (Hotel Fragrance Oasis or Rose)
• 3 Days/2 Nights accommodation on-board Super Star Virgo with full board meals
• All access to Super Star Virgo’s facilities and live Entertainment
• Fuel Surcharges, Cruise Surcharges, PH & SG tax & Ticket Service Charge

You can check out more details on the Pricing options and itinerary on this AdvenTour Package PDF