tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81262061548953234542024-03-06T05:15:57.003+08:00INKBLOTS: Life as it happensblogging about anything and everything, under the Orient sunINKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-19897047154380439002012-04-26T11:47:00.001+08:002012-04-26T11:51:57.882+08:00Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106231729/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7106231729_efd546eb09_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960161038/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6960161038_3f5822ec37_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960161308/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6960161308_54c0cb17e3_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960161670/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/6960161670_c228f84eaf_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; 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margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106234261/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/7106234261_85eff6d729_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106234533/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7106234533_d1598ac41d_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106234741/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7106234741_ecb111ecaf_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960164232/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/6960164232_67777da289_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960164426/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/6960164426_e73c90890b_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106235391/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7106235391_0fe0e9a427_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106235641/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/7106235641_19a93b85fd_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960165122/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; 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margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960165888/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/6960165888_2649a4e4a9_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106236811/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7106236811_8ed799753e_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106237105/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7106237105_4e388634df_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6960166548/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/6960166548_f65d6a565c_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/7106237577/in/set-72157629882512191/" title="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7106237577_7f5cc433d9_s.jpg" alt="Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/sets/72157629882512191/">Aliwan Fiesta 2012 | Street Dance</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>To me, the street dancers are the star of the show. The effort they have put into all their performances--at the Quirino Grandstand, Rajah Sulayman, and Aliw Theater is just beyond belief! Their stamina amid the heat of the summer sun while keeping that captivating smile on their faces is just admirable and commendable!<br />
<br />
Read more: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2012/04/aliwan-fiesta-2012-streetdance.html" rel="nofollow">The Pinoy Explorer</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-65672654603022414472012-01-10T17:24:00.004+08:002012-01-22T00:47:59.357+08:00When "It's more fun in the Philippines!" clicks, and when it doesn't<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6672131005/" title="JU121091 copy by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="JU121091 copy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6672131005_be62f92d73.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Filipinos are known for their sunny and cheerful disposition. Filipinos are also so adaptable and resilient that, in fact—as a way of coping, Filipino can still laugh and smile amid natural calamities, economic difficulties, and social tragedies. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, it is this very trait that rallies the Filipino people, once again—through the power of social media, towards promoting the Philippines as a prime tourist and travel destination. <br />
<br />
The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new campaign slogan <a href="http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/" target="_blank">“It’s more fun in the Philippines!”</a> drew both positive remarks and negative criticisms. Prior to this, DOT’s “Kay Ganda ng Pilipinas” drew so much flak for it being a copycat of <a href="http://www.poland.travel/en" target="_blank">Poland’s tourism logo</a>. Hence no other than the Philippine president ordered to junk the campaign logo and tagline “Pilipinas, Kay Ganda”. To this blogger, that is clearly an oversight.<br />
<br />
Several months later after Former DOT Secretary tendered his resignation on August 31, 2010, the DOT under the new leadership of an advertising executive Ramon Jimenez, worked to define what would be the Philippines’ tourism tagline. Hence, they decided “it’s more fun in the Philippines” would nail it.<br />
<br />
However there were some sceptics on the new tagline. It was reported that it was a copycat of Switzerland’s promotional tagline more than 60 years ago. But it did not stop the new meme to spread all over the world that it has gone viral in the internet—that photographers, travel bloggers, lifestyle bloggers and even Facebookers attempted to make their own version of the meme. Needless to say, Filipinos, literally, had fun with it. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6672117963/" title="When it is more fun in the Philippines, and when it doesn't? by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="When it is more fun in the Philippines, and when it doesn't?" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6672117963_f31b538a12.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
To check on why it clicks, <b>The Pinoy Explorer</b> asked several travel bloggers and photographers, communications and media practitioners why they think this campaign slogan works for the Philippines, and here are their answers:<br />
<br />
<b>Edmar Gu-Quibb</b><br />
<i>Travel blogger</i>, <a href="http://www.edmarationetc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Edmaration, Etc.</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>It tries to balance the negative publicity around the world that the Philippines is a mischievous place for tourists (referring to Manila bus hostage crisis in Rizal Park), and for journalists (like the Magauindanao massacre).<br />
<br />
Despite the brutal past that the Philippines had to face before the global community, the slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines" tells that if you have experienced something from other countries, the Philippines can offer better, which could be very catchy. If I were to decide, of course, I will choose the one with "more" fun.</i></blockquote><b>James Betia</b><br />
<i>Travel blogger</i> - <a href="http://journeyingjames.com/" target="_blank">Journeying James</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>It is different from our neighbors in the Southeast Asia—most of the countries use a one-word adjective to describe their countries. We on the other hand, say loudly that we are offering better deals.</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>It clicks because Pinoys want to have their say on the tourism promotion. And they can do just that when they start to make "it's more fun in the philippines" captioned photos. It has gone viral now.</i></blockquote><b>Roniel Macatol</b><br />
<i>Photographer, Travel Blogger</i> – <a href="http://eatinghalfway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eating halfway</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Whether Pinoys found it a serious advocacy or just simply entertaining (I mean those who mock it by changing the "fun" to "funnier"), it positively awakened the creativity among us by coming up with memes on the photos/promo initiated by the DOT. It served well the purpose when DOT said that the campaign is banking on the power of social media.</i></blockquote><b>Eileen Campos</b><br />
<i>Travel Blogger</i>, <a href="http://possiblypinay.com/" target="_blank">Possibly Pinay</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I absolutely support and love the new DOT campaign. Controversy aside, it is great because people are contributing to it and people are reacting to it positively.<br />
It encourages people to create the content themselves to contribute to the campaign. I'd like to call it modern day bayanihan.<br />
<br />
It is witty and it allows us to display everything Filipino—not just the Chocolate hills and the underground river but also people, culture and the way of life here. People can easily relate.</i></blockquote><b>Chito Flores</b><br />
<i>Travel Blogger,</i> <a href="http://liquiddruid.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Druid's Blog</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>There are lots of factors. Foremost is the fact that it gets people to be involved. Filipinos now have a sense that they themselves are responsible for the success of the campaign. As a result, this spurs creativity, humor, wit and whatever is best in being Filipinos.</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>It does help that most of what's going on is based in the Internet. Even those who are not creatively-inclined and who are content with just viewing the work created by others will most likely forward it to their non-Filipino friends.</i></blockquote><b>Reuel Delez</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamalayan" target="_blank">Photographer</a></i>,<br />
<i>Travel Blogger</i>, <a href="http://makenowheresomewhere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make Nowhere, Somewhere</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I think the new slogan works because it allows Filipinos to interact and play with the idea with a pinch of wit and irony. It’s a nice play which can sometimes be uberly exaggerated but can remain in line with the theme. I have seen funny ones but still showcases some of the events or whatnot, the Filipinos are and can be proud of.</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>One particular, just on top of my head are, the photo of our cebu inmates with a caption: “Jailtime. It’s more fun in the philippines.” Another is of a helicopter on decent, a lot of people below with a caption, “Miss saigon, more fun in the Philippines.” These are just some that gives me a good laugh, but, I think, will still send out an idea of what an eccentric but fun country the Philippines is.<br />
<br />
As mentioned some of the photo posts are exaggerated but for me other than the campaign, it reunites us Filipinos in the idea of the DOT theme. Personally, even along with its glitches, it is an establishment of our character as a country.</i></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6672125137/" title="When it is more fun in the Philippines, and when it doesn't? by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="When it is more fun in the Philippines, and when it doesn't?" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6672125137_0104a10079.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
However, there are those who gave their divergent thoughts on this, and they sit well enough to carefully ponder upon amid the sea of people taking side with the new slogan. <br />
<br />
<i>Edmar Gu-Quibb further says</i>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>[If the government] wants to attract foreign tourists, they should be ready first to welcome them. If we will overhype this slogan knowing that we have “one of the worst airports,” poor public security, unsafe and dirty streets in some parts of Metro Manila, the slogan will just turn to be a shame. It will just disappoint foreign tourists knowing that they are expecting better fun in the Philippines and not one horrible experience. If we will not fix the broken, the slogan will just turn to be a lie that will spread negatively as fast as forest fire.</i></blockquote><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Chito Francisco</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitofran/" target="_blank">Photographer</a></i><br />
<i>Head Writer, Bubble Gang</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I think the efforts of the DOT to promote Philippine tourism is commendable, and I would gladly support it in any way I can. The slogan, may or may not work. Personally, I find it corny and outdated. I don't even think they put much thought in coming up with that. But silly slogans and titles oftentimes create interest, that is why I stated that it could have a positive effect on the campaign. Here's hoping that it does.</i></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6672137615/" title="ALIWAN2008 320 copy by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="ALIWAN2008 320 copy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6672137615_14835cbee1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Essentially, there are and will always be a spectrum of ideas. <br />
<br />
While we are caught in this whirlwind affair with the new slogan, we should not let ourselves be catapulted to the notion that it is <u>always</u> “fun in the Philippines.”<br />
<br />
Undeniably, the Philippines have so much to offer. We have the finest beaches in the world. We can offer the best dining and cheapest shopping experience. We have idyllic and spectacular ecosystems we can be proud of. We are the most hospitable people. We have the most fun and cheerful people to host the nations. We have rich history, culture and heritage as a showcase. However, we should not also miss the fact that we also have so much to work on. <br />
<br />
<br />
However, the Philippines has yet to reclaim itself as the <i>“Queen of the Pacific” </i>or the <i>“Pearl of the Orient” </i>where every foreign visitor can always say <i>“WOW, Philippines!” </i> and perhaps learn to utter the words,<i> “Pilipinas, Kay Ganda!”</i>.<br />
<br />
The success of the tourism industry is measured not by the number of clicks or how it has gone viral in the internet, but by the number of visitors per year and the concomitant economic benefits and jobs generation. Here is hoping that it does not just be a meme. <br />
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Secretary Jimenez said that selling tourism is <i>“as easy to sell as Chickenjoy,”</i> I would say, it is in the buying and tasting that counts and matters.<br />
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<b>The Pinoy Explorer</b> should not be misconstrued. He supports the DOT's new campaign slogan and the initiatives for the Philippines’ tourism industry. <b>While there is so much hype and excitement in the social media—when the selling has seemed to have succeeded, the DOT should not allow this excitement among travel bloggers and people using other forms of social media simply to take dip. Just as travel bloggers have been unselfishly writing stories about the Philippines, who had been unwavering and championing Philippine tourism, there should also be a parallel move to make the tourism products worth selling.</b><br />
<br />
_______<br />
<b>Cross-posted from: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/" rel="dofollow" >www.thepinoyexplorer.com</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXcP7b5HmWcUFeSD2tVdYQ5Jzazjyw3M5JNXquXxQZocucb2QxR6QF0I9pQkI-Lwd04rC2yzsN3rpfcUcVKhutZAj4_BXyfCWPSN-aGfN136y7XsYOcJUXgQfLkFkdTIF6Hu19uAOa-Y/s1600/taxikick+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXcP7b5HmWcUFeSD2tVdYQ5Jzazjyw3M5JNXquXxQZocucb2QxR6QF0I9pQkI-Lwd04rC2yzsN3rpfcUcVKhutZAj4_BXyfCWPSN-aGfN136y7XsYOcJUXgQfLkFkdTIF6Hu19uAOa-Y/s200/taxikick+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As the new year ushers, there comes a new private initiative on policy and law enforcement. <a href="http://www.taxikick.com/" target="_blank">Taxikick</a> seems like a knight dressed in shining armor to defend taxi or cab passengers who were, in one way or another, fell victims to so-called abusive taxi drivers. <br />
<br />
At first glance, it looks like it has become the hope of the helpless. In fact, based on its website as of January 4, 2012 it has become so popular that it been tweeted 842 times, and recommended in Facebook by around 2,000 individuals. It has even caught attention by the national news.<br />
<br />
But the basic question remains: <b>"Will Taxikick serve its purpose of eliminating alleged rude and abusive cab drivers in Metro Manila?"</b><br />
<br />
Before we answer that question, let me point out, based on my limited paralegal knowledge the following questions and observations:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uk_eOTexQFCap1WmTY8o6Cy5g3Nzu4sPipFuhjUkIq44jsbN1oFKASWFlyWsIwrHvSHNDqVJMcNpmjcS8R3gsHZLBfUcmQu9A3PYX6IDbhmcOTGqdP5_JtWXNzJAt-ZEFGR-Zrg66Wo/s1600/taxikick3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uk_eOTexQFCap1WmTY8o6Cy5g3Nzu4sPipFuhjUkIq44jsbN1oFKASWFlyWsIwrHvSHNDqVJMcNpmjcS8R3gsHZLBfUcmQu9A3PYX6IDbhmcOTGqdP5_JtWXNzJAt-ZEFGR-Zrg66Wo/s320/taxikick3.bmp" width="254" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">The site does not provide for real names or identification of the complainants. </b>The Philippine legal system requires that a complainant appears before the proper court (or authorities, in this case the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board [LTFRB]). For a case to be established, there has to be a complainant and a plaintiff, and the complaint itself.</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>It does not provide the name of the cab driver. </b></li>
Of course it is difficult to establish this fact. But cab drivers are supposed to hang their identification cards on the rear view mirror for the passenger to see. If there is none, then this becomes a violation. Different cab drivers drive a single cab in a day. So it is very important that the name of the cab driver has to be established. Yes, it is difficult to get the name, but do not react yet at this point until you read the succeeding observations.
<li><b>The date and time of the incident is not being reported.</b> This is very important to provide the lead to establish and gather information on the <u>name of driver and the operator</u>. The taxi companies or those franchise holders who own several units must have a record on the driver who drove a particular unit on a particular day and time. In cases when the franchise owner owns only one unit, it is easier to establish this fact. It is also important that the time frame is provided. </li>
<li><b>The information on route is not provided.</b> Again, this is to establish some factual evidence.</li>
<li><b>The supposedly violations in the drop down menu provided, need further validation and concurrence from the LTFRB. </b> The supposedly violations must be included in official list of violations as stated in the franchise agreement the operators have signed. It does not mean that these are not needed, complaints such as <i>"smelly interiors"</i> and <i>"dilapidated"</i> may just appear to be whims and caprices of the riding public. If LTFRB does not conform to these "violations" then the taxi drivers could be wrongly and unjustly accused of an alleged crime that does not exist.
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-p14KEHHmSSny_lXj629bbytGGULxwchbMTFh1LtdxD1kZ_DXuE4RbYeD2fp5DIVG_Jel1oh6deFJzschrt5Y-DZlXg6c9sBNVMUCpwpN2f4mwg1Niu8C0QnmobwpJE0Nc3cf0P7-eU/s1600/taxikickviolations.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-p14KEHHmSSny_lXj629bbytGGULxwchbMTFh1LtdxD1kZ_DXuE4RbYeD2fp5DIVG_Jel1oh6deFJzschrt5Y-DZlXg6c9sBNVMUCpwpN2f4mwg1Niu8C0QnmobwpJE0Nc3cf0P7-eU/s320/taxikickviolations.bmp" width="227" /></a></div>
<div>
Granting that this initiative may be a good example of people's participation in law enforcement, it has to be taken with a grain of salt. Why? I have the following concerns:</div>
<ul>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-p14KEHHmSSny_lXj629bbytGGULxwchbMTFh1LtdxD1kZ_DXuE4RbYeD2fp5DIVG_Jel1oh6deFJzschrt5Y-DZlXg6c9sBNVMUCpwpN2f4mwg1Niu8C0QnmobwpJE0Nc3cf0P7-eU/s1600/taxikickviolations.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><br /></b></a></div>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Some people may be just too trigger happy</b> and just use the site at their whims and caprices. It does not augur well for a case to be established.</li>
<li><b>It may just become a site to rant</b> and not really pursuing the case against the alleged abusive taxi drivers.</li>
<li>In reality, <b>commuting public does not want to be bothered at all after reporting the case.</b> I have yet to hear a news that a cab driver has been punished after a successful hearing with the LTFRB. (If you know one, please inform me.) If this is the case, then this effort would prove inutile in going after allegedly abusive cab drivers.</li>
<li><b>How this information will reach the proper authorities is another big question.</b> Initially, on the evening news in GMA7 and ABC5 last January 3, 2012, LTFRB already said that these complaints will not hold as the complainant has to personally appear in the complaints section of the LTFRB. Granting we do this ourselves, are we willing to attend LTFRB hearings?</li>
<li>And more importantly, <b>we may need to reform the judicial and administrative policies and systems</b> just to accommodate this initiative, which primarily involves information technology in filing a complaint. This is not just a simple customer service complaint. We are dealing with established and ingrained legal systems.</li>
</ol>
</div>
This is not to say this blogger is against Taxikick initiative. But there is one final observation from me that the Taxikick has failed to do before even launching their website.<br />
<br />
<b>Taxikick has failed to call upon the participation of major stakeholders in the transportation industry--the LTFRB and the association of taxi franchisers/ operators. </b> For governance to become efficient and effective does not rest on a <i>gung ho</i> private initiative alone. We are thirsty for change! We all want change for the benefit of the riding public. Who would not want to ride taxi cabs with courteous and honest drivers like in the case of Davao City and Baguio City, who would not hesitate to return your P1.50 change, even if you insist that they keep the change? For law enforcement, stakeholders agreeing to specific positions is very crucial. We should ensure that the franchise holders agree and support this initiative, and give due credence to the role of LTFRB. Otherwise, they would merely see it as an affront to their agency and their efficiency. They should not be relegated to the background or just come as an afterthought.<br />
<br />
For some other future initiatives like this, we can draw lessons from this. It is the prayer of this blogger, however, that the Taxikick principals would be able to thresh out these issues with the LTFRB and the franchise holders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Anyway, worried that my dotcom might suffer from these similarities, it seems the other way around. Perhaps, I, unintentionally, benefit from the online searches. So I tried to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egosurfing" target="_blank">egosurf</a>. You see this is not for vanity's sake. I am trying to find out how well <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/" rel="dofollow">www.thepinoyexplorer.com</a> fares in the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Web" rel="wikipedia" title="World Wide Web">world wide web</a>. So here are the results of this egosurfing:<br />
<b><br />
<a class="zem_slink" href="http://search.yahoo.com/" rel="homepage" title="Yahoo! Search">Yahoo search</a>: The Pinoy Explorer places 2nd in page one (1).</b><br />
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<a class="zem_slink" href="http://google.com/" rel="homepage" title="Google">Google</a> search: The Pinoy Explorer places 4th, 5th, and 6th in page one (1)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabJsrdwJ0gxFy2aiOszum_dnksGTz4119nIB7qiS31DNsDiXkIX1MXEL7F7XGyS4MR0mwS_Y_iyxtO0BAz5lrXth8ZgeBAMcQ0u3Jh1oWY_dRmFYypwo6HVdzfKG106XzqmqclDEOqcY/s1600/PE-google.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabJsrdwJ0gxFy2aiOszum_dnksGTz4119nIB7qiS31DNsDiXkIX1MXEL7F7XGyS4MR0mwS_Y_iyxtO0BAz5lrXth8ZgeBAMcQ0u3Jh1oWY_dRmFYypwo6HVdzfKG106XzqmqclDEOqcY/s1600/PE-google.bmp" /></a></div><br />
I say, not bad for a start, right?<br />
<br />
I think that there are four (4) factors that affect this trend:<br />
<br />
<ol><li><b>My readers</b> - who have been following The Pinoy Explorer over the past months since I resurrected it in May-June last year (2010).</li>
<li><b>Facebook</b> - in Google search Facebook helped pump up my visibility,</li>
<li><b>Google Plus</b> - I think a few Google+ it and there you go that made it appear in the search.</li>
<li><b>Cross-posting it in this blog</b> - this blog is older and definitely has gained residency in SEO and cross-posting some of the articles in this blog is definitely a plus. Take the<a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/12/eureka-batanes-oldest-ivatan-house.html" target="_blank"> article on Batanes' oldest house</a>, for example. </li>
</ol><br />
In this regard, "thank you" is not enough, but just the same, I express my gratitude to all my readers and followers for the support! <br />
<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=82e47daa-c8ab-4496-ad62-359a32d22779" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-18000460536551302192011-12-15T11:30:00.000+08:002012-01-22T00:58:48.487+08:00The Pinoy Explorer | Batanes' oldest Ivatan house<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6505169547/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Batanes' Oldest house by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Batanes' Oldest house" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6505169547_25c250df60_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>When I took these photos last September 17, 2007, it was 3 days after the anniversary of the earthquake and the house was exactly 120 years old. Auntie Ida (Ivatans or locals commonly call elders, auntie) or Florestida Estrella, then 81, owns the house. I do not know if she is still alive. If it were so, she would be 85 by now, and the house is now 124 years old<br />
<br />
<br />
Read more about this at: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/12/eureka-batanes-oldest-ivatan-house.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">Eureka! | Batanes' oldest Ivatan house ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER</a><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-19240369581216519662011-12-15T11:28:00.000+08:002012-01-22T00:58:36.499+08:00The Pinoy Explorer | Calapan Bay by day and night<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6492940615/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Calapan Bay by day and night by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Calapan Bay by day and night" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6492940615_933e7ab766_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Initially, I thought it was just an ordinary daily scene. But then peeping through the grills of the fence that separates the sea and the hotel, I noticed some people gleaning (it was a lowtide). Again, another dramatic scene I always wanted to capture through my lenses. So, I dashed back to my room and grabbed my camera backpack and in minutes, I was shooting the beautiful scenery. Thus for three mornings, what could be better than enjoying morning sun, sniffing the salty sea air, savoring your coffee while admiring this God-given scenery? Lovely, isnt't it?<br />
<br />
Read more at: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/12/calapan-bay-by-day-and-night.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">Calapan Bay by day and night ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER</a><br />
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<br />
<p>It was a refreshing weekend getaway--literally and figuratively. Join me as I journey in one of unknown travel destinations in Mindoro.<br />
<br />
Read more at: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/12/shooting-cascades-in-papa.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">Shooting cascades in Papa-a ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER</a></p><br />
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<script language="JavaScript"><!--//Disable right mouse click Script//By Maximus (maximus@nsimail.com) w/ mods by DynamicDrive//For full source code, visit http://www.dynamicdrive.comvar message="Thank you for reading this blog! If you need a copy of this article or any photo, please email me.";///////////////////////////////////function clickIE4(){if (event.button==2){alert(message);return false;}}function clickNS4(e){if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){if (e.which==2||e.which==3){alert(message);return false;}}}if (document.layers){document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=clickNS4;}else if (document.all&&!document.getElementById){document.onmousedown=clickIE4;}document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")// --> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-13311325730336886542011-12-11T14:30:00.000+08:002012-01-22T00:59:15.202+08:00The Pinoy Explorer: Revisiting Barangay Calima<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6470062001/" title="Revisiting Barangay Calima by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Revisiting Barangay Calima" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6470062001_4bd57e6397_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<p>Barangay calima is just an ordinary village. However there are some things that make it endearing--its people, nature and all that come with it.<br />
<br />
Read more at: <a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/12/revisiting-barangay-calima.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">Revisiting Barangay Calima ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER</a><br />
</p><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-31003111076354652812011-12-11T14:17:00.001+08:002012-01-22T01:01:01.004+08:00The Pinoy Explorer: A short immersion at Pula's Iraya village<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6441819851/" title="A short immersion in Iraya Village at Pula by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="A short immersion in Iraya Village at Pula" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6441819851_e5ff887cb3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<p>Recently, I extended an official trip in Mindoro to include a one rest day for me. This is the first of a series I blogged about Mindoro. Check out my first experience about communing with Mangyan Iraya tribe at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/11/iraya-hospitality-in-pula.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">A short immersion at Pula's Iraya village ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER</a></p><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-18729983617393183102011-11-25T21:10:00.000+08:002012-01-22T01:00:49.020+08:00EXPLORED!: Awesome sunset in Butuan City<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/6356129829/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sunset in Agusan City by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunset in Agusan City" height="180" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/6356129829_d9bfe226ca_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
It is not very often you get to witness a stunning sunset that gives you goosebumps. For a photography junkie like me, you should never, never, never let it pass just like that. If you are lucky enough to bring with you a camera, that would be heaven, but you will forever be haunted by your conscience if you did not--you know the feeling that makes you uneasy and makes you curse yourself why on earth you did not bring any camera at all!<br />
<br />
Read more at:<br />
<a href="http://www.thepinoyexplorer.com/2011/11/awesome-sunset-in-butuan-city.html" rel="dofollow" target="_blank">EXPLORED!: Awesome sunset in Butuan City</a><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-17420705901307674872011-11-15T00:28:00.000+08:002011-11-15T00:28:54.945+08:00Pangkat Aklat: Flickristasindios reaches out to Isla Pulo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1GbCMF0fwZpf-aGjGaaV0JMNMVmqdx5Uogi1V9A-xTQbmijkn6_4izCW24GXW2in3BLmpfrosGO3C06WTmvMHVDrjKTgm4tqZKaxgKr9NrXZuLkQgqwV0dZrqgIuKK77Dj4KhgzMGN4/s1600/313451_1981803953426_1493028036_31636876_1747593214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1GbCMF0fwZpf-aGjGaaV0JMNMVmqdx5Uogi1V9A-xTQbmijkn6_4izCW24GXW2in3BLmpfrosGO3C06WTmvMHVDrjKTgm4tqZKaxgKr9NrXZuLkQgqwV0dZrqgIuKK77Dj4KhgzMGN4/s400/313451_1981803953426_1493028036_31636876_1747593214_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>More than 300 new and old books in Filipino, English, Math, Literature, and other reference books were gathered for 4 weeks by the members of Flickristasindios from among its members, and organizations like CANVAS and CI Philippines.<br />
<br />
Just a few days before the typhoon Pedring struck Luzon, the books finally reached its intended beneficiaries on September 24, 2011--the school children (both elementary and high school) of Isla Pulo, which sits in the fringes of fishponds located off the coast of Malabon City and Navotas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Isla Pulo and SAMASAISIP community organization</b><br />
<br />
Isla pulo is home to at least 100 poor families or roughly 500 individuals. They live on subsistence fishing, charcoal-making, and working fishponds. Some who have small capital have invested in small variety store and food vending. Some also engage in odd jobs.<br />
<br />
As it was told, Isla pulo was a large sandbar in middle of the sea. As years go by, the strong tides during typhoons pushed the mass of sand inland that they had to relocate every time there is a big land movement. At this time, we find them inhabiting the mangrove area along the fringes of large commercial fishponds.<br />
<br />
Isla Pulo community, though financially challenged, has something to be proud of--their community organization called SAMASAISIP<i> (Samahan ng Maralita sa Isla Pulo)</i>, which becomes their social capital in leveraging and engaging with development organizations, donors and interest groups like Flickristasindios. They were supported by the Norwegian Alliance Mission for 5 yeatrs, until it phased out from the area. <br />
<br />
Currently, they have a project called Youth Development Activity (YDA) whose purpose is to encourage the youth to engage in more fruitful activities like education. There is a group of volunteer college students who tutor the children during weekends. Some of the high school students living in the community, likewise, tutor their younger siblings. They have built a YDA Center in the middle of the community that serve as their weekend classroom and library, as well as a venue for other community activities. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Flickristasindios' response</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GDDgGYCnRLyLAyqPehnZU_UJ6gpbnYQOajJ5R0hvTSYfmnSt5JKuYvxv9FVGEWMBO-nWTWdzxA3_CGrnAcYQN9ubiBQFxXNEtNCSQhGa_f5a6260u-trSoj-2CsnitRBxG6Zpraf-ho/s1600/11241482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GDDgGYCnRLyLAyqPehnZU_UJ6gpbnYQOajJ5R0hvTSYfmnSt5JKuYvxv9FVGEWMBO-nWTWdzxA3_CGrnAcYQN9ubiBQFxXNEtNCSQhGa_f5a6260u-trSoj-2CsnitRBxG6Zpraf-ho/s400/11241482.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Flickristasindios has been conducting several outreach activities for some communities. It had its outreach activity in Teresa, Rizal in Payatas, Quezon City, the streetchildren of Cubao, and now in Isla Pulo. It took four weeks to gather the books from various sources like the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), Children International - Philippines, and of course from among its members who unselfishly gave new, old and usable textbooks, and other instructional materials and posters.<br />
<br />
Ree Joie Ibarra, one of the administrators of the group spearheaded the activity. Simple at it seems, this endeavor proved to be a challenging one. <br />
<br />
<i>"Initially, only book pledges were coming in. I think, we only had 30 books after the first book-gathering activity. So the anxiety lasted until the last few days before the actual event date. So address this, constant promotion and buzz were done. I asked Rico to create posters and second phase of the promotion was the Info Bit which showcased the real situation of the community. Also, the solicitation helped a lot. It's 60 books guaranteed,"</i> Ree Joie relates.<br />
<br />
Renowned painter, Elmer Borlongan, facilitated some donations from CANVAS:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>I asked the Executive Director of CANVAS, Gigo Alampay, about the planned children's library in Isla Pulo. He did not hesitate to donate their books and immediately sent them to me. My wife Plet and I included some Filipino children's books also. We believe this is for a good cause and the Flickristasindios did a good job organizing it. The children of Isla Pulo will benefit greatly and the private sector as well as government people should continue and support the project.</i></blockquote><br />
The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) promotes greater awareness and appreciation for Philippine art and culture principally through exhibitions and projects that, not only showcase artworks from some of the best young contemporary Filipino artists around, but also lead to the publication of books, prints, and other merchandise that make these artworks more accessible to the people.<br />
<br />
But with a true-blue Indio spirit, who is not easily disheartened, the campaign went on until more books were gathered. In the end, there more than 300 books, enough to fill the bookshelf the community has constructed for their community library and activity center.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Intrinsically rewarded</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABgVDORzkv6v2Lzut03UpiU42vxnZGQ5sZcL2VQziM6MNNIUBhC7DhyrLCPeAJzoBF4lo_L17zX-GYE_7YFQU_LFUfS_8fD__aO31FTY_j5dHnSq8WDUUWtEyFQzXT4vobBzFyGRYDYI/s1600/Rommel+Laurente2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABgVDORzkv6v2Lzut03UpiU42vxnZGQ5sZcL2VQziM6MNNIUBhC7DhyrLCPeAJzoBF4lo_L17zX-GYE_7YFQU_LFUfS_8fD__aO31FTY_j5dHnSq8WDUUWtEyFQzXT4vobBzFyGRYDYI/s400/Rommel+Laurente2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Rommel Laurente</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The community's response was just overwhelming. The song and dance numbers by the children inside the cramped center never failed to entertain us. A mother who spoke in behalf of the community for the donated books was more than enough to fill our hearts. Indeed, the spirit of volunteerism and a sense of community was just overwhelming that day--and we say, it was a successful outreach activity of the Indios!<br />
<br />
<i>"The event became successful because of members' desire to really help. Giving back and reaching out have been the inculcated already in the Indios' culture. It has been the second identity of the group next to photography," </i>Ree Joie proudly says.<br />
<i><br />
"It is overwhelming, to be an instrument of sharing, giving back, education and most of all fulfilling their dreams makes me proud of be of service,"</i> she continues. <br />
<br />
<b>Let's hear it from the other Indios </b><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;">Louie Agapinan:</span></span></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE6tl8At9a4WCR_6LAn98DiUvm_ZtOTaTQV0SS_K-ZHzqTjXIYh9bzQ1MFrRbmrxw9RCi_DXT6fBwvdtnQY0MqQCVN4VyFU3ePoM5b6yNsuT-m3IkbTMxqmA47IU_LhH0vVLYNbevHuY/s1600/Lorelie+Pajemna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE6tl8At9a4WCR_6LAn98DiUvm_ZtOTaTQV0SS_K-ZHzqTjXIYh9bzQ1MFrRbmrxw9RCi_DXT6fBwvdtnQY0MqQCVN4VyFU3ePoM5b6yNsuT-m3IkbTMxqmA47IU_LhH0vVLYNbevHuY/s320/Lorelie+Pajemna4.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by: Lorelei Pajemna</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;">I was touched by the words of the parent when she thanked us for the books, saying that they don't have enough money to buy them. I got teary eyed while taking a video. I am happy that I have been a part of this actvity, knowing that we have helped and made more people happy. I hope we can reach out to more communities in the future and you can always count me in, anytime. PROUD to be an INDIO</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">!"</span></i></blockquote><br />
Lorelie Pajemna:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCK8JRX5WREJEE-zaWfIkqEn43Ef2MGKePiXChwxV9CD39-fGXnhTzUzjtV-96i1KDp1DrKrGvl1FIpFWrjyuFEByxvI71gp-I1vn0Ss-hUWHVQacFRogHmXCiYcqz059sQHoRdGV294/s1600/11241440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCK8JRX5WREJEE-zaWfIkqEn43Ef2MGKePiXChwxV9CD39-fGXnhTzUzjtV-96i1KDp1DrKrGvl1FIpFWrjyuFEByxvI71gp-I1vn0Ss-hUWHVQacFRogHmXCiYcqz059sQHoRdGV294/s400/11241440.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;">It was actually a privilege to be part of this activity. I know that not all of us are given the chance or time to reach out to our less fortunate brethren, especially those who live in places you don’t even know would exist, just like Isla Pulo. I have been a residence of Malabon (the closest town next to Navotas) for many years now but I never heard about this community. Had I not been a member of the Flickristasindios, I would still be clueless up to this moment.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"> </span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"> </span></span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><span class="apple-style-span">I have attended many outreach programs before that was also organized by the Indios, but this one is quite different for me, because aside from walking and hurdling the muddy fish ponds walls or walkways for 15 to 20 minutes. Thank God that there is a boat to carry the books to the community. Also I find it different because instead of giving them a temporary relief for their needs, we have given them something that they can use for a long period of time and it can also be passed on to their next of kin. </span></span></i></span></div></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carvin Medina</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pangkat Aklat was another great opportunity to give back to the community and another eye-opening "wow meron pang mga tao nabubuhay nang ganito sa ganitong lugar" experience for me. I do hope, however, that our donated books will be relevant and appropriate to the community's immediate needs. I also have faith in the community in Isla Pulo that they would maximize what they get.</i></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u><b>Post Script</b></u></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Apologies for this late blog post. Some uneventful situations prevented the blogger to post this blog. </i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Typhoon Pedring has devastated the entire Luzon island, brought storm surge in Manila Bay, including the small community in Isla Pulo. By merely looking at the news about the storm surge in Roxas Boulevard in Manila during the typhoon, we became worried about the community. They could have been devastated. The Indios already resigned to the possible fact that the books, which have been barely touched by the children, have already gone with the strong tides.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Last week, Flickristasindios was informed that the community protected the books the Flickristasindios donated. The children are now using it to study their lessons.</i></span></div><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-36348467639521435532011-07-29T21:28:00.002+08:002011-07-29T21:37:21.246+08:00Explored!: Reloaded<a href="http://ding-explore.blogspot.com/" title="Explorednew by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Explorednew" height="213" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/5699174607_5c7b8a97ea.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Maintaining several blogs can be quite laborious, especially if you begin to suddenly face a writer's block--or worse, you have nothing to write about [because you feel that everyone is writing about it anyway] or simply you are dead beat or simply does not have anything to write at all.<br />
<br />
I have wanting to blog every so often, but I was up for something that I have protracted for so long. It is my travel blog called <b>"<a href="http://ding-explore.blogspot.com/">Explored!</a>"</b> This has been shelved for more than a year and it is only now that it is beginning to take its own pace and have its own following. Unlike my <a href="http://inkblots-monologues.blogspot.com/"><b>Mono-logues</b></a> blog, which has gained a relatively strong following, Explored! needed more push, which in the end, made this blog suffer.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough of ranting and justifying. I would just like to invite the readers of this blog to cross over Explored! for some stories about my travels. See you there!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For more details of this contest, visit: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.wowphilippinestravelclub.com/enter-contest.html">WOW Philippines Travel Club</a></b></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-83300249365526441322011-06-06T18:00:00.000+08:002011-06-06T18:00:20.489+08:00Inkblots is now tweeting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBXVFEN2uDCGvqMyd_bbCnM2W_jIw6FSNrXaqXgsvYvQAFmSfg081L8-nah6EUuvLmNAYzIeOdKA1aZZQ6j2M3ZZlfOA_BzDEAC07k11LyCToXz3KSB0sTeLVY4gZt9IlvTCt0vaqDJ8/s1600/Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBXVFEN2uDCGvqMyd_bbCnM2W_jIw6FSNrXaqXgsvYvQAFmSfg081L8-nah6EUuvLmNAYzIeOdKA1aZZQ6j2M3ZZlfOA_BzDEAC07k11LyCToXz3KSB0sTeLVY4gZt9IlvTCt0vaqDJ8/s320/Twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had a personal <a class="zem_slink" href="http://twitter.com/" rel="homepage" title="Twitter">Twitter</a> account but I deleted it because I thought I have been managing too many <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network_service" rel="wikipedia" title="Social network service">social networking</a> accounts. But then, I thought of using Twitter to gain more readership of my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog" rel="wikipedia" title="Blog">blogs</a> which I am trying to revive after a self-imposed hibernation, particularly with my <a href="http://ding-explore.blogspot.com/">Explored! </a>blog.<br />
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Blogging, I guess, is beginning to lose its popularity because of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://facebook.com/" rel="homepage" title="Facebook">Facebook</a>. I have returned to some of my favorite blogs, and there are fewer readers who are commenting on personal and even political blogs. Some bloggers have even gone hibernation for a while, and some have even been shut down.<br />
<br />
So I hope you follow me there and get the latest updates from my three blogs (this blog, <a href="http://inkblots-monologues.blogspot.com/">Mono-logues</a>, and <a href="http://ding-explore.blogspot.com/">Explored!</a>).<br />
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Thank you for reading<i> Inkblots: Life as it happens! </i><br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=8ad8e018-7e4c-415d-901b-e5c9663b9f24" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-74251764855765887822011-05-19T07:50:00.000+08:002011-05-19T07:50:17.623+08:00Photography and the art of seeing<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5733224235/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="02195813 by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="02195813" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/5733224235_496dbaa107_z.jpg" width="400" /></a>In February this year, the members of Lightpainters Photography Club (LPC) had the chance to meet with Virgie Teresita a.k.a. Imago2007 in Flickr. She is a US-based interior designer who dabbles in photography. Virgie, has earned the respect of her fellow Flickristas for her photographic work, that is why we invited her to give a short talk for the members. And I thank her for allowing me to blog about it (though a bit late). I hope that this post will help any newbie in photography, as well as those who think they are already good at it.<br />
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<br />
<b>For her, what is photography and how does she make really good photos?</b><br />
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She gave a very simple, yet rousing and thought-provoking discussion. While I have photography books and reading materials, I tend to go back to my notes from her lecture and follow what she does. <br />
<br />
So I now share to you what I have learned from her. <br />
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<ul><li><b>Have the eyes and a heart of a child in you. </b> Approach any subject with a pair of eyes, without any preconceived notions about the subject. It is like "magic" that happens without you knowing it. Having a fresh outlook will also help you to compose based on the inherent qualities of the subject and bringing out the best in it.</li>
<li><b>Search for the subtle beauty of light, form shadow and pattern.</b> By doing this, you give the viewer a deeper experience of a simple, yet, interesting subject. Ihis includes training your eye to see the beautiful subtleties in nature, even on things like a blade of grass or the tip of a leaf.</li>
<li><b>Simplify. </b> Learn how to make your subject stand out and free from other elements. Simplify your vision and include only what is essential. She advises using special lenses like 50mm or telephoto lenses to isolate the subject.</li>
<li> <b>Control your camera.</b> The camera cannot control what we want to capture. One can control the camera by capturing the image you have in mind or anything that has meaning to you. Thus it is basic that the photographer study the settings and buttons of his/her camera. Control can be best achieved by your distance to the subject, your perspective and point of view. </li>
<li>[In landscapes] makes sure you <b>include a hint of a human posture. </b>This will make an ordinary sunset come alive.</li>
<li><b>Find your voice in the photos you produce. </b>Photos are supposed to express a part of you. Thus, you need to find meaning in what you capture and be able to express what you think<b> </b>and feel.</li>
<li><b>Capture what is not done before.</b> There is no harm in copying, but it is always rewarding to be unique in your art.</li>
</ul><br />
And to see for yourself, and be inspired of what she is talking about, here are some sample photos by Virgie:<br />
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And to see the rest of her photographic work, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/imago2007/">FOLLOW THIS LINK</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5729486709/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="230611_10150187805557721_660412720_7291867_5561540_n by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="230611_10150187805557721_660412720_7291867_5561540_n" height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/5729486709_493da1b8dd.jpg" width="400" /></a>Winning a photo contest for the first time (well, officially and with a prize for that matter) gives a different high! <br />
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Recently, I won a photo contest by the Foundation for Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) and Concepts Commune, which is in advocacy for the entrepreneurship for the poor. Winning photos are included in the photo exhibit dubbed as <i>"Kabuhayan: Travelling Exhibit on the Entrepreneurship for the Poor"</i>.<br />
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I was lucky to have three (3) of the six photos I submitted be chosen among the 15 photos which were selected for exhibition. The rest of the photos were assigned to some photographers.<br />
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The exhibit was launched last May 16, 2011 at the Northwing lobby of the House of Representatives. House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, and Deputy Speaker Erin Tanada, and some Representatives graced the occasion.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5729486377/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="230181_10150187805827721_660412720_7291872_981217_n by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="230181_10150187805827721_660412720_7291872_981217_n" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/5729486377_98284829e3.jpg" width="400" /></a>Winning a photo contest is something, and exhibiting it too makes it even better! And, finally, I realized my goal to blend photography with my anti-poverty work and advocacy. I just hope I would have more opportunities to make use of my photography for my personal advocacy in the future.<br />
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And this is my acceptance speech: <i>"I share this win with the Raffia weavers of Brgy. Ilaya in Inabanga, Bohol; the woodcarvers of ELJ Enterprises in Cainta, Rizal and the unknown vendor on wheels."(Smile!)</i><br />
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Here are the rest of the photos that made it to the cut:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5729513241/" title="Wood Carver by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Wood Carver" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5729513241_c58e1e5ef1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5730062480/" title="Women raffia weavers of Inabanga by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Women raffia weavers of Inabanga" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/5730062480_57003ae77a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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For more than 3 years, I have put my heart into photography. I just wanna share with you my Flickr set of photos which are most popular based on views, comments and faves.<br />
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Feel free to share... <br />
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Advanced Happy Easter to all! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5512208798/">Missing cordi</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ding-inkblots/">Inkblots™</a> </span></i></span></div>One of the joys of my work as a social development worker is the opportunity to go to different places, like Benguet in the Cordilleras. <br />
<br />
From afar, I could already see the clouds rolling over the mountaintops. It was a sight to behold. So I asked the driver of our vehicle going to Buguias, Benguet to stop so I can capture this once-in-lifetime scene. <br />
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The driver obliged and took five minutes to compose (since we were in a hurry). <br />
<br />
I set my camera in RAW so that I could manipulate later on if ever the exposure is not good. It came out the exposure was okay but I had to add a digital graduated filter for the sky to bring out the clouds on the mountaintops.<br />
<br />
It was worth the 5 minute stopover.<br />
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I will go back again in Benguet next week and I hope to take some photos again.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-56382890075006485232011-02-25T01:45:00.000+08:002011-02-25T01:45:31.123+08:00Cory Aquino: An inexhaustible gift to democracy<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/3784973708/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tribute for Cory at Times Street by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Tribute for Cory at Times Street" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3784973708_f2992f7279.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br />
<br />
<i><u><b>Author's note: </b></u>This article was re-published by this author from <a href="http://www.devcomsync.org/main/?p=375">www.devcomsync.org</a>. An express permission was sought from the website owner. In commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution, and although this article was written in time for Cory Aquino's death, this is a fitting tribute to the bloodless revolution in 1986. The last part [in bracket] was edited to keep up with the recent developments in the Philippine political and administrative system.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><i>_____________</i></div><i> </i> <br />
<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">LAST AUGUST 5, 2009, more than a hundred thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life—young and old, rich and poor—have lined up the streets of Manila, braving the heat, rain and dust just to get a glimpse and offer their final words of thanks to their humble and beloved hero, President, Corazon C. Aquino, who passed away on August 1, 2009 after more than a year of battling with colon cancer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Filipinos came in droves and kept pace with President Cory Aquino’s cortege from Manila Cathedral in the historic walled city of Intramuros to Manila Memorial Cemetery in the suburb Parañaque. Thousands of supporters wearing yellow, likewise, joined the crowd by lining up the streets. They unceasingly chanted in chorus “<b><i>Cory! Cory! Cory!</i></b>”. They brought with them banners, memorabilia, photos of the late president, candles and silent prayers as the cortege passed by. Some groups of students were singing <i>“Bayan Ko!”</i> expressing their support to the Aquino family, their love for the late president, as well as their undying support to the restoration and guarding of democracy in the country. Everyone was waving <b>“L”</b> with their hands, signifying “<i>Laban</i>,” which literally means “<b><i>fight</i></b>” that became the symbol of the late President Corazon C. Aquino during her bid for presidency against the tyranny and dictatorship of the Marcos regime.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For many Filipinos, it was reminiscent of the funeral of her late husband, Ninoy Aquino, who was assassinated on August 21, 1983, seconds after he stepped on the tarmac from the China Airlines plane he boarded on his way back from his US exile to Manila. It was reported that around 2 million Filipinos and supporters of the late Ninoy joined the funeral march from Sto. Domingo Church to the Manila Memorial Cemetery in Parañaque City. It took the procession 8 hours before Ninoy was finally laid to rest. Cory’s funeral procession took almost the same.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/3798315026/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Messages by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Messages" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3798315026_0b1e39e926.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For Cory Aquino, a simple homemaker to then political detainee, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. who was a staunch political rival and critique of then dictator President Ferdinand E. Marcos, joining politics was out of her mind. However, in prayer, she sought the answer to her question whether or not to file her candidacy against the fourteen-year martial law regime of political strongman, Ferdinand E. Marcos. Cory, with the intercession of prayer, finally announced her bid for presidency, primarily because she shared a common principle with her late husband, <b>“<i>I believe in the</i> <i>compelling truth that an ordinary Filipino can overcome a dictatorship.</i>”</b> Thus, Cory, who was not even as glamorous as Imelda Marcos, became a compelling face of the opposition, who can topple the dictator.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Capped by a massive and blatant election fraud during the February 1986 snap elections called by then President Marcos, the tumultuous years of the Filipino people under the Marcos dictatorship had come to a historic end. The opposition led by Cory Aquino held nationwide daily mass actions and rallies that culminated in the famous bloodless and peaceful <b>EDSA People Power Revolution</b>. Hundreds of thousands of infuriated Filipinos converged at the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and shouted slogans <b><i>“Tama na! Sobra Na! Palitan Na!”</i></b> <i>(Stop! It’s Enough! Time to Change!). </i>They<i> </i>held rosaries and said their prayers, offered flowers to the soldiers, literally held their bodies against armored trucks, tanks, and military forces before Marcos could order to quell and annihilate the angry mob. Eventually, his growing unpopularity, waning political support, and the absence of a military back up, led the dictator to abandon his post, flee from Malacañang, and seek refuge in the US for political asylum.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Under her revolutionary and transitory government, President Cory Aquino put up the Constitutional Convention that penned the 1987 Philippine Constitution that, in turn, restored the Bicameral Congress and breathed upon Judiciary to life. She brought back the ailing nation to life by attracting foreign and domestic investors to do business in the country. Nongovernment organizations (NGOs), which were indiscriminately accused and branded as Communist groups by Marcos, came into the open and helped the government in healing the wounded nation through various community organizing and community development programs. Government employees worked with a renewed commitment and were proud again to be called as public servants. The press has finally regained its freedom. Political leaders who were unjustly detained had their new lease in life. She resumed peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). She distributed lands through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) even to the consternation of the elites and the landlords. The ordinary Filipinos, once again, took pride in being a Filipino. Everyone was in high spirits. Indeed, it was a glorious moment for the Philippines and its people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/4748668169/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="JN302003 by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="JN302003" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4748668169_123363f041.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This transitory and revolutionary government, however, was not a bed of roses for the new President. Her presidency was marred with eight military coup attempts to topple her administration. There was a lot of spillovers of socio-economic problems under the fourteen-year martial rule. Those difficult years did not also spare her from attacks against her integrity and capability as the President. However, her steadfast leadership, her calm disposition and resiliency to preserve peace and order and democracy, as well as with the strong support from her constituents, she was able to finish her presidency and end her term with integrity and have a much lauded graceful exit after six years in office.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even after her term and presidency, Cory Aquino was still a prominent icon and a strong crusader for freedom, democracy and good governance. A mother to her nation, she told her successors to behave. She led rallies to unseat an inept President, became a prominent figure against imminent attempts to bring back martial rule and those who have tried to amend the Philippine’s 1987 Constitution so that they can cling to their powers beyond their term. As history can tell, she made Presidency a symbol of simplicity, servanthood, trust, and most of all, integrity and high moral standard. Thus, any successor to her leadership comes to a point of comparison especially when her successor are not bereft with scandals, deceit, abuse and corruption.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Her passing away, not only becomes a reminder to the Filipinos of the legacy of her administration. For Filipinos, Cory Aquino becomes a national symbol for integrity and democracy. Moreover, she epitomizes the soul and spirit of the Filipino people—one with innate courage and strength and resiliency to face all the odds, and strong belief in God. In her words: <b><i>“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoong Diyos na ginawa niya akong isang Pilipino.”</i></b> (I thank God that He made me a Filipino.). More importantly, she becomes a symbol for Filipino’s strong valuing for peace and freedom, more so that this peace and freedom have been regained from a corrupt and dictator regime.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She always believed in the greatness of the Filipinos. If her husband, Ninoy Aquino, once said, <i>“The Filipino is worth dying for,</i>” for Cory Aquino, “<i>The Filipino is worth living for.</i>” Again, she further stressed the belief that the Filipino people, as a nation, can be great again. During her last State of the Nation Address (SONA), she said, <i>“I believe in the inexhaustible giftedness of the Filipino people.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For Filipinos, her death also ushers a renewed love of country and freedom from tyranny and dictatorship, and the birth of crusade and public vigilance against power grabbers and leeches, corruption and abuse. More importantly, this is a fitting reminder to the national leaders that real and genuine power emanates from the people, and that only the people can bestow trust and respect to its leaders. To the last of her breath, a leader like Cory became an inexhaustible gift to her nation and democracy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Philippines is still sailing rough in its political tides. [With the national elections barely 9 months away, the Philippines will become another testing ground for the virtues that Cory has set as examples. <b>Now that Cory Aquino has joined her God, who will continue her legacy for integrity and good governance. Who will continue to champion the cause for truth, justice and democracy?]</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Adddendum: </i></b>History will tell us that her son, Noynoy Aquino has taken over the Presidency. PNoy, as we fondly call the President, vowed to continue her legacy for integrity and good governance, as well as to champion truth, justice and democracy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Despite this development, the question remains.<b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/4749322450/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="JN302082 by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="JN302082" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4749322450_a70e2fab47.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Will all these be gone as the icon fades away? </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Still, the new president has a lot to hurdle, but as we say, governance does not dwell on the presidency alone. <b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Only the Filipino people—can answer that question. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And only Filipinos can choose to carry the torch to make Cory's legacy live again. </span></b></div><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-24901983657920312702011-02-14T21:34:00.002+08:002011-02-14T21:51:24.166+08:00A date with Heidi Mendoza<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FLf4qQ7-Y5nYzbD-SLs0UUOYYZUC4hIACSHCs0vAmHepzknB_H9jINdc5ns0bVRYXU4wv7c8LPU1so0-7DhTxJr92PXGXG5L3vVSHhUExcJ8st4VBg9eUgU0exPCsP6PQtxjMLxNhmM/s1600/180755_498984325793_754335793_6471573_2062068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FLf4qQ7-Y5nYzbD-SLs0UUOYYZUC4hIACSHCs0vAmHepzknB_H9jINdc5ns0bVRYXU4wv7c8LPU1so0-7DhTxJr92PXGXG5L3vVSHhUExcJ8st4VBg9eUgU0exPCsP6PQtxjMLxNhmM/s400/180755_498984325793_754335793_6471573_2062068_n.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Courtesy of "We Support You, Heidi mendoza"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ding.fuellos?ref=profile#%21/home.php?sk=group_197399430275484&ap=1">Facebook page set up to support Heidi Mendoza</a>, the most recent whistle blower in the issues concerning the plea bargaining agreement of ex-General and AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia, she reiterated:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b><span data-jsid="text">"remember my main valentine message...love of family should be rooted in love of God and country..."</span></b></blockquote>On February 14, 2011, during the press conference dubbed as <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Love your country. Have a date with Heidi!" </span></span>held at Club Filipino, she delivered her official statement.<br />
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The following is a transcript of Heidi Mendoza's official statement:<br />
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<i>(This blogger was not able to attend the press conference. An express permission was granted to this blogger from the Admins of Facebook support page for Heidi Mendoza. The same is published in <a href="http://asg.ateneo.edu/news2.php?newsid=198">Ateneo School of Government's website</a>.)</i><br />
<br />
_______________________<br />
<br />
MAGANDANG UMAGA!<br />
<br />
I come here this morning, to give voice to the continuing work and struggle of many citizen groups and CSOs for good governance and specifically anti-corruption and social accountability. I stand among my friends, co-workers and co-advocates calling for more committed and active involvement of public servants and citizens to uphold that which is true and fair -- just.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Sa aking mga kaibigan, kasama, katrabaho, kasangga </span>-- <br />
<br />
I ask all of you to stand firm in our commitment to strengthen our ongoing crusade for accountable and transparent governance. I ask my fellow Filipinos, from all walks of life, from every organizational or institutional affiliation to step up our efforts in crafting practice of governance that is marked by integrity -- transparency and accountability. <br />
<br />
• Create a government that is trustworthy, and institutionalize the needed instruments for combating graft and corruption. <br />
<br />
• Forge a system of accountability and transparency at all times including: immediately and urgently enact the Freedom of Information Bill if we are to make government transactions transparent and accountable. In other words, we need to move our people close to government; we need to exact accountability from government.<br />
<br />
Our people are getting more tired and exasperated with half-truths, evasions, lies and corruption. We deserve something better. We deserve a government that serves with righteousness and integrity. <br />
<br />
I also come here to share with you my boundless faith and hope in the Filipino. <br />
<br />
Yes, Hope -<br />
<br />
The past few weeks have been intense to say the least, I am being humbled, uplifted, challenged, acclaimed, threatened and inspired all at the same time. I want to believe we are in a vortex of forces and this brings hope!<br />
<br />
After undergoing this ordeal, I have come to realize that each individual is a well-spring of hope -- that hope is born in each and every act that upholds the truth. <br />
<br />
I have served in the Commission on Audit for more than twenty years and done much work with citizen groups and CSOs. Throughout, I have tried to do my responsibility with rigor and competency for the simple reason that this is what our people deserve. I am a public servant; and the public deserves nothing less but the best from us. <br />
<br />
This responsibility is a mission -- a crusade and it is not about me. It is not even about us - individually. Nor is this about one organization or group of organizations. It is about constructive engagement between government and its citizens, which is the essence of governance. It is about ensuring that the work that we do (whether in or out of government) are constructive, sustained and productive. <br />
<br />
We all know that this crusade will not be won in one day. We need to have more Filipinos on our side. Hence, I propose that we continue this national dialogue in combating corruption and building a far better future. <span style="font-style: italic;">Kailangan nating magkaisa at ipagpatuloy ang ating pag-uusap bilang isang bansa -- isang bayan</span>. <br />
<br />
But most of all, we need to be rooted in the fundamentals -- faith in God and love for each other and our country. Or as Saint Paul constantly points out, all our actions must be based on FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. <script language="JavaScript">
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-85034012349025725462011-02-13T01:49:00.002+08:002011-02-13T01:56:47.166+08:00Let's get loud with plastic!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Maej, my former work colleague tagged me in one of her photos, which happened to be ladies’ beauty accessories. And why would she tag me, I thought. I would never buy those. But then, I got curious about the material. So I asked. Apparently, it was crocheted out of recycled bags. Cool! And she was selling it, perhaps, thinking of me buying for wifey.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX1pE_cC5Z6IC-69EfjZRnVv3iERlo9yfrQv9I4fnWsQlvsIaPq0K849_0aWKOkdMhBbJAMYFDUgMYjZrlJ3fBsYFZX3kC5Px6aj8BRkyP9nY_L2li-T7MHCzVHNjlfy4FByVZEa-kqg/s1600/181017_498321292107_168581592107_6697856_1775700_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX1pE_cC5Z6IC-69EfjZRnVv3iERlo9yfrQv9I4fnWsQlvsIaPq0K849_0aWKOkdMhBbJAMYFDUgMYjZrlJ3fBsYFZX3kC5Px6aj8BRkyP9nY_L2li-T7MHCzVHNjlfy4FByVZEa-kqg/s400/181017_498321292107_168581592107_6697856_1775700_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Joyce Mariscal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Nonetheless, I quietly observed about this product—from a personal initiative, it was slowly evolving into social enterprise. And it is an opportune time to help a former colleague in her advocacy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">To cut the long story short, Maej resigned from a lucrative corporate job to concentrate on an unusual hobby-turned-advocacy: fashioning scraps into highly wearable accessories as livelihood for women. Hence, Loud Plastics Creation was born. And her formula? It is called CPR or </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH"> Creative recycling </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">+ Promoting household waste segregation </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">+ Reviving Philippine cottage industry (CPR)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Loud Plastics Creation is based in Davao City, Philippines.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><b><span lang="EN-PH">Below is Inkblots’ Interview with Maej.</span></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymYioYl5tVOuOG7dpQ2GLG0v2rkhPtGvPJKyQdkDik25Zx1tnQw4pOCIsTOWHAO-_RwrWD8WZeut7Tl6tzZMPvX9Kx3xwwDD5RxUwN9_v36V6J9cMiUdEuyTBdsEq_PGbViyh7d3qaK8/s1600/167300_192389150787705_100000498654864_689931_5723658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymYioYl5tVOuOG7dpQ2GLG0v2rkhPtGvPJKyQdkDik25Zx1tnQw4pOCIsTOWHAO-_RwrWD8WZeut7Tl6tzZMPvX9Kx3xwwDD5RxUwN9_v36V6J9cMiUdEuyTBdsEq_PGbViyh7d3qaK8/s320/167300_192389150787705_100000498654864_689931_5723658_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Ogs Ocleaza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH">What started Loud Plastics Creations?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">In 2009, I received a crocheted plastic bag from Invisible Sisters as a gift from a friend, Rebecca, and I adored it! I tried making a similar bag but I wasn’t able to finish it. The unfinished bag turned out to be a great accessory piece, and so I created my first “happy accident” necklace. I thought, if Manila and other countries like UK, US and Canada are into recyclables fever, then it’s high time that Davao and the rest of Mindanao region get a share of that “green infection”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH">Who and what motivated you to pursue this project?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">I give credit to my good friend and mentor, Rebecca “Bec” Gilllman, a former teacher in ISM (International School in Manila who is now based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) who opened my eyes to see the wonderful possibilities of recycling. She definitely “infected” me with her green movement. Last year, I had the chance to link with several other Manila-based community enterprises like Ann Wizer of Invisible Sisters, Lynie Pispisano of Philippine Christian Foundation and Jan Harris of Trashebolsas. And this inspired me more with a can-do attitude.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-PH">You employ crocheting as the primary skill in your products. Of all craft skills, why crocheting and why focus on fashion accessories?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGRSkNegGYuqUmuj5UZllIk7yFSlvM1gBNOCmugTxmbP5agGBMz25h0Aq4qeEaZfN192LNgP0wk96H0CqZ_Ob3VNasNHhB5BZR92jpcE1xb2eEsipEY6cjNkrmJE6yazT1oOpizWz3Sc/s1600/26293_384453522107_168581592107_4447748_3143456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGRSkNegGYuqUmuj5UZllIk7yFSlvM1gBNOCmugTxmbP5agGBMz25h0Aq4qeEaZfN192LNgP0wk96H0CqZ_Ob3VNasNHhB5BZR92jpcE1xb2eEsipEY6cjNkrmJE6yazT1oOpizWz3Sc/s320/26293_384453522107_168581592107_4447748_3143456_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>Maej, showing her trainees the proper way of cutting plastic bags </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">I’m a certified “craft-aholic” and grew up learning to crochet from my mom</span><span lang="EN-PH"> so I easily learned more in school under Home Economics. During my community outreach, I realized this specific skill set is no longer available among the younger generation. Most of those who know how to crochet are grandmothers, mothers or the elderly. Plus, crocheting is environmentally friendly in such a way that it does not make use of machineries, ergo, no energy waste. Through Loud Plastics, it is my own way to revive the interest again to learn to crochet and to stay true to being eco-friendly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Wearing recyclables is a proactive way to start sending out a strong message about recycling, in its most “mainstream” form – a fashionable item. Women who wear loud plastics are those loud enough to advocate recycling in its most tangible form; they instantly represent the growing number of recycling advocates like me, therefore, “infecting” more and more people with the recyclables fever. It becomes easier for them to talk about recycling because people can see right away how these junks can be turned into something new again.</span><i><span lang="EN-PH" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></i><span lang="EN-PH">My designs are not too gaudy either because I wanted more people to wear it, or to match with casual attire. After all, accessories are light weight and are definite conversational pieces. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH">What are the challenges in this project?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">One of my many challenges is influencing the mindset of my target market – young professionals, women leaders, students, and mothers. Making recyclable accessories is completely doable; selling it to an available market at a competitive price is another story. Buyers need to be educated how difficult it is to make these pieces. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Take also in to consideration the packaging cost. Not too many consumers even realize that a huge amount they spent on a product goes to its packaging. To maintain true to my intention, labels used for our products are made from recyclables, too. As a social entrepreneur, I would rather spend on labor wage, creating social impact, rather than spend on packaging or plastic tags that will become additional junks. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH">Do you have links with communities and institutions now (network)? How are the communities responding to these initiatives? </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNXz8hk6nihGi8uLpiDEPiKYM1NWWn9TdIJpOIOrd1EkzIJlfoz4OktWkOIjqiLgFU6WGDdz26dp5mLyBRJlNnfKHqpyft6YMG4ZA4WriAKF7F9FgCQvXbYsNqKyr5mzzYUHRM3fVrvE/s1600/26293_384452417107_168581592107_4447691_11960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNXz8hk6nihGi8uLpiDEPiKYM1NWWn9TdIJpOIOrd1EkzIJlfoz4OktWkOIjqiLgFU6WGDdz26dp5mLyBRJlNnfKHqpyft6YMG4ZA4WriAKF7F9FgCQvXbYsNqKyr5mzzYUHRM3fVrvE/s320/26293_384452417107_168581592107_4447691_11960_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">It’s a simplified version of helping our communities in such a way that I provide skills and income for them (similar to “teaching a fisherman to fish and he will never beg for fish”). I do not see myself getting these recyclables from junk sorters, as this will tolerate people more not to mix their waste. I also encourage the communities I train to start segregating their waste. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">I usually visit a community first and check what type of waste is usually available in their area and then I design a specific product line for them. I am keener in providing them the recyclables, because there’s a huge temptation for them to just buy new plastics to produce the requirements that I need. And that’s how I ensure that the pieces we sell are really made from recyclables. By tapping these communities as workforce, it is helping revive the Philippine cottage industry. The income they get is not much, but for people with so much idle time, and great skills, it is a lot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">You have to understand that these communities are in it for the money and then the recycling. I am in it for the recycling advocacy and the profit is just a bonus. The motivating factors are different. Hence, I have to be able to respond to their motivation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">For other communities that I’ve tapped, I made it a point to design a signature item for each group keeping in mind what is their available market. By doing so, I keep their motivation because they are able to sell and earn right away. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Furthermore, it eliminates competition which can result to “price war” and this is not good for a social enterprise to become sustainable. For example, I’ve taught the Cagwaitnons their signature piece, plastic crocheted lei, which they started producing for their first client, Cagwait LGU, in the annual Kaliguan Festival last June 2010. The municipality of Cagwait was a great avenue to share my skills since they have already in place a waste segregation program called ‘Cagwait’s Best’.” The workshop in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur was made possible through the invitation of Mayor Bonifacio Ondona. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH">Do you have any plans to bring in additional product line like bags, purses, etc?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Most recyclables available in the market (local & abroad) are bags and purses and I definitely do not want to compete with them. The accessories are my own unique line of collection. And I’m working on my signature line, where my pieces are convertible from necklace to bracelet, anklet or headband. I usually work on a piece based on creative instinct which means, I can never mass produce. Pretty much like dreamweavers where our ancestors receive a design through a dream, hence, each work is unique on its own. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pFIFOzAqQZnyKecQUHKu7Clye38kb1Ue87P75y6ViRuB3mTzuYAMbJMzAWysCRFyjiNRLnYmcl65zd19CzoVHYGf_1Vh2d9RjcORtLyrvttC0IIklqzX7Gun0hUeE0SbAm_t0FfumC4/s1600/168164_498321517107_168581592107_6697864_2803621_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pFIFOzAqQZnyKecQUHKu7Clye38kb1Ue87P75y6ViRuB3mTzuYAMbJMzAWysCRFyjiNRLnYmcl65zd19CzoVHYGf_1Vh2d9RjcORtLyrvttC0IIklqzX7Gun0hUeE0SbAm_t0FfumC4/s320/168164_498321517107_168581592107_6697864_2803621_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Joyce Mariscal</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
What is your vision for this venture?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">For the brand to be visible in retail stores, souvenir shop and make its way in to the shopping list of every visiting Filipino abroad as pasalubong and take pride in Pinoy recycled arts & crafts. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">For the venture to remain true to its intentions and maintain integrity by using only recyclables, where all items are 100% hand-crafted (no factories), therefore creating environment impact, and for the communities to embrace the habit of waste segregation and creative recycling. I hope to be able to come up with designs that can be labelled 100% recyclable, and using non-toxic materials such as adhesives or dyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">This year, Loud Plastics Creations has taken it to the next level by getting a permit from DTI and other government agencies so we can aggressively bid our products as alternative items usually bought in event-driven market such as festivals, parties and weddings. Also, exporting the products will be within reach. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">I’m also re- branding the collection From “Loud Plastics” to “PINASAHI Wearable Recyclables & Designs”. PINASAHI means “one-of-a-kind” in English or “naiiba” in Tagalog. It is named as such since I do not want to limit myself to just using recycled plastics. Plus, we cannot anticipate the type or volume of recyclables that we will receive. Hence, each piece is uniquely designed based on the available raw materials (recyclables). I do not see ourselves buying junk just to continue with the production for profit’s sake. It just defeats the purpose. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-PH">How would Loud Plastic Creation create an impact to the communities?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywx1wvG3dP7lw23UevhNLhYb7bY45m2bsxsJwDYXqGEUYgRSrImr5bo6Mhxdz3ZIeU8jkQojfV-Bg3hZQKuCTk-CE_0eYMQwhhEyZpp4Wbb67BsmueI-FKf217ij2Nuy0Djp9hxyKr9k/s1600/164738_192395610787059_100000498654864_689985_6494924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywx1wvG3dP7lw23UevhNLhYb7bY45m2bsxsJwDYXqGEUYgRSrImr5bo6Mhxdz3ZIeU8jkQojfV-Bg3hZQKuCTk-CE_0eYMQwhhEyZpp4Wbb67BsmueI-FKf217ij2Nuy0Djp9hxyKr9k/s400/164738_192395610787059_100000498654864_689985_6494924_n.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Ogs Ocleaza</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">We need to compete with those mass-produced, China-made accessories. Taking a hand-crocheted bib necklace versus an assembled or premolded necklace, for example, the crocheted accessories are more labor-intensive, hence, cluld command a higher price. Buyers would become more conscious how the products are made (environment impact), and who the partner-beneficiaries are (workforce). In UK, buyers don’t question the price they have to pay for hand-made products. They have a huge amount of appreciation for handcrafted items and neither do they haggle nor negotiate for prices. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">I strive very hard to be transparent to my customers as to where their money goes. For every piece that gets sold, the buyer creates a huge impact on the sustainability of the project. That I believe is the real value for money. And getting that message across becomes an additional challenge to hurdle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">The market for recyclables is getting bigger. Take for example here in Davao when my items were only saleable to foreigners. My raw materials are recyclables found at home and from friends’ houses and restaurants, I am highly dependent on donations. It is because of this growing number of buyers and donations that I get motivated. I have been approached by a local school that they want to join this initiative. It therefore validates further that the message is already out there, and more and more people are now getting in to the habit of recycling and the growing interest to be proactive about it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">____________</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH"><i>Photo Credits: Maej Villanueva, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OGS.delarosa.OCLEAZA?ref=ts#%21/album.php?aid=56696&id=100000498654864">Ogs Ocleaza</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OGS.delarosa.OCLEAZA?ref=ts#%21/album.php?aid=271219&id=168581592107&fbid=498321207107">Joyce Mariscal</a></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH"><i>____________</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH"><i>Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ding.fuellos?ref=profile#%21/pages/Loud-Plastics-Creation-by-Maej/168581592107"><b>Loud Plastics Creation by Maej</b></a></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">***** </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax5heOFPZ-to-ubTNx68HUlotkqOgQuhxVY16eInt3xi68JqBsNNZmonih4T1C5KOHrGDrHGMw7SDLYx0-qkO1nLuRV9q8xNXGGcezJWOp_FPCpYQ8pZAZ87cVXqz6dhqNWcZy_SQzn0/s1600/26293_384452387107_168581592107_4447685_3115920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax5heOFPZ-to-ubTNx68HUlotkqOgQuhxVY16eInt3xi68JqBsNNZmonih4T1C5KOHrGDrHGMw7SDLYx0-qkO1nLuRV9q8xNXGGcezJWOp_FPCpYQ8pZAZ87cVXqz6dhqNWcZy_SQzn0/s320/26293_384452387107_168581592107_4447685_3115920_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-PH">For donations of recyclables, please contact Maej Villanueva at 0918.9129767.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">They need a steady source of recyclables which include the following:</span></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Clean, used plastic/cellophane or sando bags (those plastics that you cannot recycle as trash bags at home, the small-sized plastics)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Old magazines, telephone directories, outdated flyers and product catalogues</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Corks from wine bottles</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Worn out rubber slippers or those with missing pairs</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Foil packs from chips, cereals, biscuits, candy wrappers, etc. and tetra pack juice packs</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Disposable lighters</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-PH">Shampoo sachets, old toothbrushes, and laundry powder sachets</span></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-21560970853795038682011-02-12T13:15:00.004+08:002011-02-12T17:54:17.382+08:00Movie: Crossroads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgI_PhbZvDm2zHj4SYaWlDwpQBcob4wf6gTuK0DJB_XmJ59265WWDlt7RJjPjYR0hixFr7hsRDBNz9uQRaI3-j5bmqPZEi0IImCTMZ77YjPrHI2pQ0PCSk_h2gUqP_Ejm8U7lElvic3U/s1600/-home-hbo-www-uploads-dimension-500x375-crossroads_11827_65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgI_PhbZvDm2zHj4SYaWlDwpQBcob4wf6gTuK0DJB_XmJ59265WWDlt7RJjPjYR0hixFr7hsRDBNz9uQRaI3-j5bmqPZEi0IImCTMZ77YjPrHI2pQ0PCSk_h2gUqP_Ejm8U7lElvic3U/s320/-home-hbo-www-uploads-dimension-500x375-crossroads_11827_65.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Some HBO movies these days are becoming too boring that missing movies is not that a big deal. Star Movies shows newer blockbuster hits. While shuffling from one channel to another, I chanced upon "Crossroads." It was quite old. With Ralph Macchio in the lead role, it must be really old! I wonder what happened to him after his Karate Kid days? I thought, I should take a peep at the movie.<br />
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I am not a guitar player. I am not into blues, either, but I was hooked. <br />
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I think any movie buff and music enthusiast should watch this movie.<br />
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Here is the synopsis from HBO Asia:<br />
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<blockquote>Eugene Martone struggles with the devil and his destiny when he goes down to the Crossroads. Eugene is a gifted young guitarist and is obsessed with unlocking the mysteries of the blues. He finds cantankerous Willie Brown, a master of the blues harmonica, and frees him from prison. The unlikely duo hoboes from New York to Mississippi as Eugene searches for runaway Frances. </blockquote><br />
And one of the YouTube clips:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D0QKbnCDW94?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
I will not go into details so not to spoil your watching.<br />
<br />
<b>My Rating: 8/10.</b><br />
<br />
You may watch 12 clips of this movie in <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/yenmanovic">YouTube</a></b>. (However, 10/12 clip does not have an audio. I think this is the crucial part. Nonetheless, enjoy the movie or catch a <a href="http://www.hboasia.com/webmovies/crossroads-4734">rerun at HBO</a>.<br />
<br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-50012406136992896842011-02-07T21:45:00.000+08:002011-02-07T21:45:50.624+08:00At home [and at peace] with HDR PhotographyWhen I saw <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tremington/sets/72157624206031983/">Tony Remington's Photo set</a> on high dynamic range (HDR), my attitude and perception towards HDR has completely changed. Earlier in my photography, most of the HDRs I saw looks surreal and unreal. As a beginner, I thought, this is not the kind of photography I would delve into. It would go for more realistic photos--especially those astounding images of light and shadows. HDR was not just my cup of tea, so to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAVUjEEl75Klzdy7Ph82ZULVw9dJmGB8QvU72EtW7Yn_3vWKvwcNapve1l11Rrxp4b0pc_zPJmDeyUMiaLdWingbK9dE9Tlrn7YikZ0FWXqsQ9mDhsbhxez1JPMjyT8zF9s_4qI2RIu8/s1600/b2feF.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAVUjEEl75Klzdy7Ph82ZULVw9dJmGB8QvU72EtW7Yn_3vWKvwcNapve1l11Rrxp4b0pc_zPJmDeyUMiaLdWingbK9dE9Tlrn7YikZ0FWXqsQ9mDhsbhxez1JPMjyT8zF9s_4qI2RIu8/s400/b2feF.png" width="400" /></a></div>Lately, I saw a link on the stages of photography. Looking at this graphical representation, I thought my photography really sucks! I am not even on a maturing stage and I am regressing. I must admit, I ate my own words about HDR (uhmmm...not particularly those who are doing HDR). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/5149984667/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="General Luna by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="General Luna" height="182" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5149984667_4b0e0003cc_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
But then, sometimes, I get frustrated with getting the appropriate exposure for both the foreground and the background in my landscape photography. This is true when you see an amazing view and can only live with the available spot or location. It was either the sky is appropriately exposed and the foreground is underexposed or the foreground is just right but the sky is overexposed. I thought, in times like this, or when the sun is not at your back, the only solution is HDR. This also applies to the so-called "tunnel shots" like this. you cannot make a good exposure of the "tunnel" (which in this case is an arc bridgeway in Intramuros, Manila.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/4731735074/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Chocolate hills redux by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate hills redux" height="180" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/4731735074_f588d1c46d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>I tried this during my trip to Chocolate Hills in Bohol. There is no way I could face a sunrise and get a good exposure of the Chocolate Hills, and it was the only time I would get to photograph it, since I have a workshop after breakfast. Since I had no tripod during that time, I took a single RAW shot, and made three exposures in Olympus Master (the bundle post processing software of my Olympus E-510) -- these exposures are -1, 0, and +1. Then I had my Photomatix 3.2 do the trick, and edited the colors and white balance in Lightroom 2.0. <br />
<br />
So am I into HDR as a signature photography post processing? The answer is both YES and NO.<br />
<br />
YES, because I would love to use HDR only on my landscape and architectural shots. I would still like to create HDR photos like that of Tony. <br />
<br />
NO, because I tried using it for street photography and still photography. Sure, the photos look nice, but then HDR is not appropriate for them. If ever I would go into portraits using HDR, I should be as good as <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitofran/sets/72157624072164975/">Chito Francisco</a>, where most of his HDR post processing for portraits produce outstanding results.<br />
<br />
In other words, HDR has its own purposes, and has some limitations, too. HDR is good for landscape, and architectural shots, where you want to bring out the details and exphasize the architectural design elements like Tony's photos. Also, if you want to create a surreal photo like the movie <a href="http://www.lovelybones.com/intl/aa/#home">"The Lovely Bones"</a>, then you are on the go. I would say, forget it when you are dealing with still photography. Yes, you may use it to emphasize the "oldness" of the subject like dilapidated trucks and so on. But sometimes, leaving them as they are makes it more realistic. <br />
<br />
In other words, HDR is not bad <i>per se. </i>HDR is nice to learn. <i> </i>In fact it is a must for non-pro like me to learn HDR to learn more about shadow and light and exposure, which is the crux of photography. But making it as your signature photography genre would be limiting you to explore the vast possibilities in photography.<br />
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HDR relies heavily on skill on post processing technique. If you do not have basic photography principles on white balance, lighting and exposure control, and colors, then HDR is not for you either. HDR photography also relies heavily on technology. Too much reliance on software like Photomatix, Lightroom and Photoshop, also stunts your photographic learning curve. Not everything can be solved by HDR. Not every photo must be "HDR'd". HDR has a purpose, and you need to discover that yourself. On this last note, I would say that HDR offers many possibilities too and I might try HDR for portraits, like that of Chito Francisco.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/sets/72157624314712164/with/5149984667/">Click here to see my HDR photos.</a></b><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-18124966361936745592010-10-21T00:12:00.002+08:002010-10-24T23:08:52.395+08:00By popular demand<span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_wordmark.svg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wordmark of Flickr" height="91" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Flickr_wordmark.svg/300px-Flickr_wordmark.svg.png" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_wordmark.svg">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br />
I have been a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://flickr.com/" rel="homepage" title="Flickr">Flickr</a> user since March 2007 or 3 years and 7 months to be exact. My PRO account expires on November 5, 2010.<br />
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So far I have been satisfied with Flickr services, especially when it comes to protecting my <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph" rel="wikipedia" title="Photograph">photos</a> from being stolen through its privacy and copyright options, and several features that allow me to see how my individual photos fared in the internet, and how they appealed to the viewers. I might renew it again when the time comes.<br />
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Compared to other flickr users, this statistics is nothing, but just the same, I just want to share with you several photos based on popularity. : (You may click the image to view the larger size).<br />
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<i><b>Most Interesting:</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/2271630689/" title="Broken wings by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Broken wings" height="192" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2271630689_7ef81c2fb9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<i><b>Most Viewed: 3852 views</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/2359446669/" title="Si Superboy at tumbang-preso by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Si Superboy at tumbang-preso" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2359446669_29acc8cd22_m.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
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<i><b>Most Favorited: 42 people favorited</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/4731735074/" title="Chocolate hills redux by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate hills redux" height="180" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/4731735074_f588d1c46d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<i><b>Most commented: 101 comments.</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ding-inkblots/3299671439/" title="Peace out! Yo! by Inkblots™, on Flickr"><img alt="Peace out! Yo!" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3299671439_13f13d1451_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>Thanks to all those who patronize my photos!<i></i></b><br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=1f12b187-0b77-4f4b-9e32-c774b7af48b9" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to INKBLOTS: life as it happens!</div>INKBLOTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383892900318523648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126206154895323454.post-89305654750403141232010-10-07T07:17:00.001+08:002010-10-07T15:19:47.445+08:00"I like it on my keyboard."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP7YHgep2lZw9h_p1AYSmcUvVkpdEWQCVhoKbDRSfdARROWJOPAFq61ACgc61M5rW1QZbPamcbJnV2a96ws9P6SUutfiz28XJ_IqTSDljBe0aQBVaddGQt8rCVL53p2iYDW1rt7_xKZ0/s1600/breat+cancer+awareness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP7YHgep2lZw9h_p1AYSmcUvVkpdEWQCVhoKbDRSfdARROWJOPAFq61ACgc61M5rW1QZbPamcbJnV2a96ws9P6SUutfiz28XJ_IqTSDljBe0aQBVaddGQt8rCVL53p2iYDW1rt7_xKZ0/s320/breat+cancer+awareness.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />
Last night, I was browsing through Facebook and saw a couple of statuses from two of my female friends. One "I like it on my bed." and another likes it "in the closet."<br />
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Apparently, this is another creative way of spreading the awareness of and support to the fight against breast cancer. Even if I am not a woman, but I have a wife, sisters, women friends and relatives, so I am joining all in spreading this campaign. It can be recalled that last year, 2009, it was all about the color of underwear. So, "I like it on my keyboard."<br />
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My <a href="http://ding-inkblots.blogspot.com/2009/02/forty-days.html">late mom</a> also had a stage 2 breast cancer. That is why this issue is very important to me. After all, I was nursed with her breasts when I was a baby. She passed away two years ago due to some undiagnosed disease (but could be related to breast cancer). Initially, my mother received the "bad news" with a heavy heart. Assurance from us, her children, telling her that breast cancer can now be treated, helped her understand and recover fast. Indeed, she survived it and was declared cancer free until her untimely and unexpected death.<br />
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Hearing the words "breast cancer" doesn't always mean an end. Rather a woman can take it as the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.<br />
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Some important lessons can be drawn from my mom's experience:<br />
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<ol><li><b>Knowing the real score.</b> It is important that the patient knows her condition. It is her body and she has every right to every information on the illness she has. Gone were those days when cancer was to be kept a secret. It has to be out in the open so that one can openly wage a battle against it. </li>
<li><b>Know thy enemy. </b>One needs to confirm (and re-confirm, if needed, by getting a second opinion) if, indeed, one has the big C. Laboratory tests and diagnosis, and prognosis are very important information in waging a battle against it. One needs to know her nemesis, so that she can attack its weaknesses as well as allow her to prepare and strategize for the "battle".</li>
<li> <b>Gathering your ranks to support the patient, </b>as well as in battling the disease. Cancer is not easy--financially and physically speaking. The big C can drain both. It can drain a patient morally and spiritually. That is why, the family or even the entire clan (if possible) must be involved in giving moral support, offering prayers, and even financial support. Likewise one's circle of friends is equally important in every way. </li>
</ol>In addition to the above lessons, every woman and man, must be fully aware of and learn about breast cancer. For Filipino women, you can browse through the <a href="http://www.pfbci.com/">Philippine Foundation for BREAST Care, Inc</a>. One can also learn more about breast cancer at <a href="http://www.pinkribbon.org/">Pink Ribbon Official Website</a>.<br />
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