The Uncle Spoils His Nephews

I'm meeting my nephews this weekend because my cousins invited a lot of our relatives for their Mom's death anniversary. I know it is not much of a big deal for westerners but Filipinos have this culture of having strong family ties. Not that we do not know how to let go, but we celebrate their good lives... and we remember them together with our families. It is not conventional, but that is how we do things around here.

My nephews are cute, bar none. The two kids even had several photo sessions with a famous guy last year so they could put them into vitamin C ads and labels for kids. It was really nice seeing them on the drugstore counter... if it was needed I could have bought one myself ha-ha!

Well being the good Uncle that I am, I need to probably buy them stuff because we seldom see each other. No, it's not bribery or anything like that. It's just something to remember me by. I remember when I was a kid people did not even give me that much gifts weather it would be my birthday or Christmas. I checked out the latest gifts on line and found personalized children's plates. I know that would really be a good thing to get for them since they would be using it everyday. They also like to go to school too, so maybe getting them a toddler backpack would help them study harder while being the envy of the other kids.

I could also get his baby brother an ezy roller so his folks would not worry about him too much while traveling. I just want the best for them so I should get them the best toys in town. I hope someday, somehow they will remember the Uncle who spoiled them. I in fact remembered mine and that is what I would want to happen in the long run. I'm no psychologist but that really did wonders for me!

What would you get your kids if you were in my place? I'm sure its one of those!

My Friday, June 12, 2009 - Independence Day

It's June 12 today and it's independence day in the Philippines. Whatever it means to you, happy independence day!

I just got my IR remote for Trish, bought it this morning and they delivered it around noon. I'm happy because now it would be easier for me to take self portraits. Although I don't know how I would be able to hide the remote when I take a picture of myself... 10 second delay maybe? Hehehe.

Aside from that, I was in constant stomach pain this morning and afternoon. I barely got enough sleep and almost was late for work. I'm gonna still work my butt off though. Not that I'm complaining, but it would be nice to have a raise of some sort... my tax is getting bigger by the minute but my basic pay is still the same. Same old story huh?! Haha...

I'm angry at some people right now, because they told me they'll pay me back. But its been a few months and no news of that payment yet... how I wish there would be some hitlist I can put them on so they'll be dead the day after... I would really love to sign them up for that! *sarcastic*

I'm happy it's the weekend once again, I would be able to go back to my new hobby again. I'm going to Trinoma tomorrow so I can visit the crumpler store. Probably buy a camera bag for Trish (My Nikon D60) *there I go again addicting myself to bags!* and a tripod, and a lenshood for the kit lens. The list goes on and on! This is getting to be expensive I know, but I'll stop buying stuff somewhere in the middle. Anyway, I haven't got a lens yet for shooting a little far. If someone would buy me a gift, that would be nice! Heheh. It would not be bad too if you guys started donating them spare dollars you know! Hahah!

Something Confidential

I've got a friend who just recently confided his problems with me. It's not that big of a deal really but for him it is something worth his married life. Yes, he is married to a smart and perfect wife and the only thing he can boast about is two things... his good looks and his ability to pro-create. Like any man, he's more into that machismo stuff. Without it, it would be like taking away his MOJO. Do you remember how Austin Powers went to the whole hurrahs of getting his MOJO back when it was stolen from him? It is somewhat close to that but not quite. We have to discount that my friend is not much of a comedian.

Here's the thing, he lost his ability to perform. I do not even know that this could be a reality, that someone that close to me would even be one. It is just surreal to think that he has impotence. It is just not quite the same person as I knew in college where he was often labeled as a ladies man and a womanizer. Times may have really changed because at that time, you would think this would never be his problem. I was wrong, but the need to help him has risen. Given the fact that I am quite healthy at that department should probably be a major factor why he told me these things. Generic Viagra was one thing I could suggest. In this day and age, it should not be too big of a deal anymore. There are a lot of functions enhancing stuff you can get at a fraction of its cost. Like on some on line stores, some have trial packs available so they can test it out first before purchasing big volumes of it. This is one sure way of getting only the effective ones so they would not have to waste money in the long run. They can also try the on line store's discount program (10% off for returning customers, 15% off refills, 2% when paying by AMEX or JCB, free shipping). I'm sure giving him enough information and encouraging him to take actions now would greatly help him. Knowing I was there when he needs me most is enough to make him happy and encouraged to get back into shape!

How to Take Care of Trish (My Nikon D60)

After reading some materials in forums and books, I think it's time to list down what I need for my Trish. I need to accomplish this before the next photo shoots!

My Own Camera Checklist!

First things first...

1.) Get her that UV Filter to protect your lens. (CHECK)




2.) Get a Screen Protector for the digital screen. I saw one in Digital Walker, Greenbelt5 based in Phipho. They will cut it to size and install it for you. (Yeap, they did that when I first bought it!)

3.) Get a camera bag (if it didn't come free with the camera). If you want something cheap, use your own bag but make sure it has proper cushioning. (I do, but I'm planning to buy a Crumpler! ^^)


4.) Get her new cleaning accessories. The rocket blower and the lens pen would be a good start. I've got a lens pen and 3M Microfiber free with the package I bought. I have to find a blower!

5.) Extra battery (get either another Nikon battery or Phottix at almost half the price). I don't have this yet but this would make sure I would never run out of juice.

6.) Diffuser for your built-in flash. Gives subjects a natural tone and removes the harsh reflections on their faces. I bought one yesterday! Yehey!



7.) Nikon IR Remote so I could do self portraits! It's gonna be in my hands by tomorrow!



8.) Lens Hood, which I will also buy from DP... it is a little expensive but I need this so I won't battle too much with natural glare from daylight...9.) Tripod, which probably is going to be bought in CDRKING... it's cheaper there! I need the function and I won't look at the brand anymore! Hahah...

Most accessories of my cam can be bought in Pixelpro (VMall, Greenhills), DigitalWalker (Greenbelt5) or JT (Pasong Tamo) for nearly the same price as in Hidalgo. I would not want to go too much in Quiapo, the place is creepy heheh.


These things are minimum to protect Trish... I'll take good care of her don't you worry!