The Naked and Famous - All of This

"All of this is tearing us apart

I don't know where us or this start."

My current soundtrack.

I don't own copyrights.

-O

Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening

Some friends and I went to the Rugby World Cup Opening last month to witness the fireworks, some cool bands and the first rugby match. I'm not really in to Rugby but I thought I might as well learn it since I will be staying here for a while. It's a really aggressive and brutal sport from the way I see it. I mean, all the running, eluding and tackling and smashing and breaking (my knees!) makes me want to not play it! That precious ball that every one wants to snatch from you; that you devotedly shield from any one of course aside from the blokes wearing the same shirt as yours. Shoot me! Scares the shit out of me. I'd rather watch it and share the cheers and jeers from behind a huge television screen. Though there would always be a though crowd, but lesser aggressive. 

 Anyways, I must say that I was really impressed by how the local Aucklanders, and visitors, come in the CBD and packed the streets. It was seriously packed. We actually never got to see any bands as the concert grounds were full. But oh well.. next time.

Cheering for the All Blacks.

Elvis

A few weeks ago, I got my first pair of Levi's jeans (511) since the clearance store went on a massive 50% off sale everything. The jeans felt comfortable wearing, although I got an inch size smaller cause the salesman told me: "So long as you can keep the them zipped up and/or buttoned, your jeans should be fine, as they'll loosen a bit as time goes by." This I found very true. Slim (not skinny!), dark and raw jeans are the way to go.

So, I took my chances and got a flannel shirt as well. I don't know but anything that seems to have a touch of red or maroon I find attractive. Maybe this has something to do with my color preferences.

I prefer shirts more than tee shirts any day - it just adds a sense of coolness.

Happy shopping.

.

Almost, quite..

Written: September 20, 2011

Boo have not blogged for some time now. I've been busy with my new life. You ask? I've been living my life as a bummer for the last two months when I finished my studies. And since then I stayed most of the time at home thinking of what the future holds for me. Eat - <insert inappropriate activities here> - sleep was my routine. Although I've been to some casual parties and gigs. Yes and no. I've been hopelessly sending out my cover letters and curriculum vitae (yeah, that sounds better than resume) and been constantly receiving rejection letters or even worse if no response, which is kind of uninspiring and insulting for my young mind. Until the first week of this month when my good friend hooked me up a job, I was a living in space with the Martians (and David Bowie).

This new life is fun - and not. It is fun and exciting in many ways like you get to apply all the learnings and earnings from your university. Just as you thought what all those boring lectures are for nothing - you failed that paper/course/subject. Anyways, meeting new people, specially the bosses and leaders, in companies are as much as overwhelming as your first day at work. First days are always the hardest. Communication, interaction and participation are what I found most essential. Getting to see new faces, races and ages (modesty aside, I'm one of the youngest) is thrilling. Making mistakes and not knowing what to do (and what I'm actually doing) is daunting. But helping others is fulfilling. I miss attending lectures in uni, though.

On another note, I can't believe I'm finally graduating in a few days! This is the most exciting event ever to date. I've been cramming all the shopping time during after work hours - because weekends are the new workdays, sigh (though more work means more pay so I'll shut up now). But, yeah, 8 hours of work and 1 hour lunch break, 3 hours preparation and travel time, and 7 hours spent on sleeping leaves me 5 hours of free time (that I should spend wisely). Welcome to my life for the next 45 years.

And oh, some pictures I want to post of our newly washed Isuzu Bighorn.

Lens flares.

Ciao.
-O

Monroe

Photo competitions are.

20:24 to Waitakere

Just Another Weekend At Work

Saturday Nights Are For Studies

Last June I entered the Nikon Auckland Photo Day competition. Unfortunately I didn't get the second best award, or even get shortlisted - very disappointing. Look at this year's winners and just see for yourselves: http://www.photographyfestival.org.nz/news/index.cfm. I want my name included in that list of 30 people and I want that Nikon D7000 so badly. Next year is a long wait, though. Sigh.

Eversince I got my DSLR back in 2008 I've been joining photo competitions and yet never have I won of any of those. Just seeing someone else's winning work makes me uninspired and want to quit this hobby. Good thing a few friends' comments are keeping me in this game. Or so I thought.. But still, the dream goes on. No one's stopping me now. Doo do doo!

Just shoot! 

He wishes he had a girlfriend who:

-loves to talk with him every minute of everyday
-likes to be wherever he wants to be for a whole afternoon
-asks his whereabouts within reason
-cooks for him regardless of the calorie intake
-appreciates his playlists and types of music
-updates him of her every whereabouts at her own freewill
-supports his artsy-fartsy ideas
-accepts him in spite of his obvious imperfections
-would be his fashion model for a day or two
-has almost the same interest as his
-would never go busy and would spend a whole weekend with him
-kisses him before saying good bye of good night.
-talks all her problems out with him
-will be his best friend
-he sees every day
(and the list goes on..)

But he's only wishfully thinking.




Sentiments of a dreamer.

Us

They made a statue of us.

And it's contagious.

PFFFT!

So I got my 8th rejection letter today. So what? What is: the feeling of being rejected 8 times? Seriously?! FML. I've been averaging 4 job applications every day since last Thursday and I've been denied for the eighth time since yesterday. What gives? And their reasoning and wordings are somewhat generic though, like "thank you for taking time to apply for the position but..." (here comes their bitchiness) "we regret to inform you that we will not proceed any further" or "your application is unsuccessful on this occasion" and they usually end with "best of luck to you future applications." So after they've rejected your knowledge, disgraced your character and torn your souls apart, they'll give you words of good fortune and boost your motivations like they actually cared? Kind of like a mock, huh? I seriously wonder where this will go. Anyhow, I still made my day by staying positive and looking at the brighter side of things. This job applications are somewhat fun after all.

Anyway, this is exactly what I needed now - a little bit of your sweetness... But there's nothing  left in the cupboard. Sigh. I got a cheaper alternative, but still, nothing beats the real thing.

Perfect exposure - I think.

About the shoot: Shot last April '11. This was my first time to do a product shoot using an external flash. Tried experimenting the flash from different direction and even bouncing it above the (white) ceiling, but I found coming from the my right the most suitable.

Ciao,

-O

PS: By the time I was editing this I already have done an exam-like test from one of my prospective employers. And I'm seriously crossing my fingers to pass that and proceed to the next stage of the interview process because honestly, I barely had any ideas on what I've answered. Seemed like uni did not teach everything there is to learn (Well that's obviously the case! Idiot me)!

Before getting too attached..

He suddenly wants to talk to her. He waited all day in high hopes that she could finally spend her last few minutes before dosing off with him at least through exchanges of instant messages - or whatever easier at her disposal. But it turns that she's dead tired from her day's worth of activities. He then realizes the time differences - their different worlds, and each other's works, chores and activities. He remembered having an intimate conversation regarding situations like these, that he and she must work and work and work some more to keep themselves busy without realizing the time passing by. But she has a life of her own, and with the time on her hands she can do whatever she would like. A little chitchat with her before going to sleep would really be a delight, he thought! To maintain the status quo here is really important, he added. Theirs is none like other: this is not your typical romance. The distance, the longing, the letters, the kisses and misses. So the efforts are doubled. He would just wait again for another day, another shot that he could hope to make the feelings right for him, and for her. Then before ending this last sentence, he realizes that he really can't do much about it, whatever he does.

-O


PS: If she had finally found this then she'd know he's just a little unwell that he needs her right now.
PPS: Florence Welch will be my lady for tonight.
PPPS: F##&%^! LDR.

Lens test

I was doing a little bit of a lens/es test; I wasn't even sure what lenses I have used in this series. I've played with different exposure compensation and focal lengths. At the same time I was also doing laundry as you can see - what lovely subjects!

A must read

http://dealnews.com/pages/10-Reasons-Not-to-Buy-an-iPad-for-a-College-Student-07-20-2011.html

Feed your minds. Don't be fooled.

Last February, and now..

I miss Summer - the beaches, trips, sea waves, bikinis, the summer breeze. I should watch 500 Days of Summer soon.

Oh sizzles.

Camilla Luddington

This is one of my favorites from the photo sets of meinmyplace. Gosh, every set they upload is intrinsically beautiful. I love how they feature all sorts of women away from the mainstream - chubby, tall, curved and so on. But what I really loved most is how she is presented in a very sexy and sassy way without really taking her clothes off, inside her innate environment. I found women not dressed wholly but not fully naked - or so to say women in her undies - very sexy. She can be as foxy as she can be without labels of porn. Yes, we have heard (or even seen) of women being naked at home - just because they can - but this one would always get me. Her smiles are even contagious, as they could make my day any time of the day, and her kinky poses, which I guess are extraordinary inborn talents, are certainly admirable. I guess it is just personal preference: "just a pinch of naughty" as quoted from me. Undergarments tends to have more sense of intimacy than a full-on naked body or any frontal nudity, which is as intense and provoking. And by sexy I meant subjectively. I firmly believe: women does not need to be physically attractive and pleasing to the eyes;  that every woman can feel sexy so long as she feels it to herself. 

On another note, their use of natural sun/light makes it more appealing and calming to the eyes. I think that's one of the reasons I keep myself posted aside from, of course, the gorgeous female bodies catered for my visual pleasure. Nevertheless, each upload is an art considered and appreciated. 

I've always wanted to try this kind of photography, but I'm not even sure what it's called. And just having thoughts like this one seems pretty mind-blowing for me. Butt cheeks!

Photo from meinmyplace.

Canonet 35

I named my Canonet Julia - just because I can. But it's such a shame that she failed my first roll of Kodak Ultima. It turned out that the spool did not hold well the film as I wound it, so when I opened camera door I exposed the film to sunlight. That's 36 exposures wasted! Sigh. Anyways, I made a quick remedy by taping the film to the spool. And the shots are yet to be made so stay tuned. In the meantime I will looking for some second-hand film scanners. Hmm... what to get?

The Paper Kites and The Band Perry

Oh, just before ditching my youtube account, these bands appeared on the right-side bar while I'm listening to The Honey Trees. And heck, these bands are so awesome! Genius lyrics, catchy melodies, minimal instruments of strings and percussion, bare vocals. No effects, no auto-tunes.

I think it's definitely worth spending some time clicking on the related videos. Who knows, your next favorite band might be behind the surprise of the click. And oh! I just made a hypothesis that all the bands starting with The has two or a couple of songs that you'll definitely be hooked to. Trust me.

The Honey Trees

Such a sweet song. Genius -- lyrically and melodically. This would have been my favorite indie band.

They also did a cover of Moon River (funny how I just stumbled upon Audrey Hepburn the other night.) from Breakfast at Tiffany's, circa 1961.

I have yet to see the film and I'm feeling giddy!

Charlie!

So cute.:">

Self Portrait Sequence

These were taken the Saturday morning that marked our 2-year stay in Auckland. But this has nothing to do with this photoshoot. I just thought that I'd make a series of self-portraits, since everybody seems to be doing this - I'm joining the bandwagon. By the way, I'm not conceited and this has nothing to do with vanity.

I haven't been posting lately because uni is keeping me busy, really busy. I've been dealing with group projects and individual assignments nonstop since the start of the semester. The papers that I took seem to be demanding most of my time. Add to that, I've taken this Italian 101 as a general education paper. I don't know, but I told myself that I'd learn at least one European Language before graduating college. It turns out to be a really time-consuming paper (Of course it takes practice [And what I mean by practice is 24/7] learning a new language! What did I expect?). Or maybe it is just that case that I've still got a messed up time management? Come 2011, I told myself I'd be a changed man. Well I guess I won't be changing (for good) anytime soon - because that's how we roll! Anyways, the semester will be over after some more weeks and I'll be a fresh graduate in no time. For now, I'd make the most out of my student diary - jotting down important deadlines and extra-curricular activities.

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Oh, and meet Julie! my rangefinder.

Ciao!

-O