Ferdz Decena

Participants at the Basic Photography Workshop This is a bit late but I would like to thank the Doctor’s of Dipolog for participating in a Basic Photography Workshop organized by Nestle Philippines last September 11. I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with you guys. It’s great you people are really enthusiastic in Photography. Many thanks as well to the Nestle folks there for the being a gracious host and letting me do this Photo Workshop. Am excited to do another Photo Workshop again on Travel and Landscape   this October in Bagac, Bataan for another group of Doctors.

Book Cover of Ghost Train to the Eastern Star The premise, retrace his route from his travel narrative that shot him to fame with his Great Railway Bazaar . It was a book published in 1975 recounting his railway journey from London to Asia, Japan and Back through the Trans-Siberian express. 30 years later, around 2005, Paul Theroux, now much mature, relived the journey which resulted to the book Ghost Train to the Eastern Star . I have never read his Great Railway Bazaar but I found it wasn’t a problem with this book as we would give glimpses on what it’s like on his first journey. In fact each chapter can stand alone, like if you want to read a portion on Japan or Vietnam, it would not be a problem. But take heed this is not a guide but more of a personal account and he does it with exceptional writing. He’s a keen observer and touches a lot on the social and the political state of a country. His narrative is fluid and emotional at times but can be brash and egotistic as well. But one...

SMUGs Metro Manila Yep you heard it right! SmugMug is coming to Manila for the first time and we’d like you to be a part of it. Best of all, its FREE! Join us on September 30, 2011, Friday at AIM (Asian Institute of Management) in Makati, 7-9pm as we hold our first SMUGs (SmugMug Groups) meet in Metro Manila. What to expect? Co-leading with me will be the awesome wedding destination photographer Tracey Heppner . We’ll both talk about our photography and share why we organized a SMUGs here in Metro Manila. At the same time we hope to hear from you too! We’ll also share what’s in line for the group every month starting from the first meet till next year. If you’re interested to join us SIGN UP HERE ! Like our SmugMug Metro Manila Facebook Page as well for additional details. What the hell is a SMUGs you ask? Here’s a description from their website:

UST WVT Maru and Judy victory hug I never thought Beach Volleyball can be so emotional, it is really a different atmosphere from indoor Volleyball. But I guess on every game when the championship is at stake, every player can feel the pressure and only having a pair on a team, it really shows on every winning point. I was able to watch the finals game match for UAAP Season 74 beach volleyball in UE Caloocan. For the Women’s it’s UST with main players Maru Banaticla and Judy Caballejo playing against Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez and Bea Tan . Game 2 was a win from Ateneo forcing a deciding 3rd match. I was really surprised on how each player would react to each points they got and they sure show a lot of passion for the game.On Game 3, Maru had an injury but she showed how a trooper she was and continued playing despite the pain. In two sets, UST was able to get  their first Beach Volleyball championship and it was a well deserved win. Lots of victory hugs here.

A detailed shot, part of the Art Installation at Imprints at Cubao X Last night was Dispatch Media’s first  Travel X Thursday featuring IMPRINTS: Soul on Sole . it’s a travel art installation by Pilipinas Street Plan featuring 30 extraordinary nomads and know the tales behind their favorite travel footwear! It was a blast getting to meet fellow travelers for a while all in one place. The Art installation was really interesting, especially the part where the photos merge with the real life installation. It was also a pleasure to finally meet local author Caloy Libosada of the “ 26 Days Around the Philippines ” fame, that book was a big influence when I started traveling.  Sharing a few photos from that evening.

The JJC vs Clik Wrist Strap   Lately in my attempt to keep my gears light and accessible, I’ve been exploring different ways of bringing and using my PEN cameras. One was to get rid of the bulky and sometimes uncomfortable next strap. For one thing I no longer want to bring my camera dangling like a bling bling. I prefer to keep it in a plain messenger or shoulder bag where no one could see but I can easily pull out when I needed. But just to keep my camera secure on hand I want to have a wrist strap for support. I’ve been looking for a few straps and found the JJC Neoprene and Clik Wrist Strap . So which one found a place with my camera.

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...