Otaku With Filters

Maybe I'm really down with my luck. It was the 14th of February. But my activities were vastly different from practically everyone else. It was unlike the usual romanticism that everyone adheres to and want to get into.

Valentines day for me was nothing more than another day at work. After having my dinner with my father, it appears to be a tradition that we had for the past half decade already I think. I just went to work. Apparently I was among the few who didn't give a damn (read: No gorgeous date!) due to being single. They say something is legitimately wrong with you if you're still single at 30. I guess to some degree it was true. Had the worst of luck in relationships, but I suppose that's for another entry.

Foregoing the usual tradition of getting on a date (or, for the luckier ones, getting laid after the date) I just went to work. It wasn't too busy a night and I happened to bring along what has been a proxy for a hand to hold (wait, that didn't sound right.. I mean a camera..) so I indulged in one of the few activities I loved: Photography.

I didn't have a model that night (no pretty girl willing to pose for me. A shame, eh?) so I borrowed one from a co-worker. It's no girl but at least it can be posed and won't judge me however I pose it. Two word to describe my model: GIANT ROBOT. Ok, not really. it's a model of a giant robot standing around six or so inches tall. I guess that's a layman's term for it. Otakus (that's japanese for geek) like me refer to it as a Mobile Suit. More specifically, a "Gundam".

Gundam AGE. It's no gorgeous dame but at least it won't complain.

I got the chance to fiddle with different filters. Each one has its different appeal, and it made the activity more fun for me. Below is a series of filters for the same "portrait" shot. Each with a different filter and its own appeal. I took several shots but I uploaded my favorite ones.

Pinhole effect gives it a lomography-ish appeal.

Cross processing lends some relatively
unpredictable color, making it interesting.

The dramatic effect brings out some grunge-y look.
It almost looks plagued with static noise.

Pop colors really bring out the blue.

I really can't disregard Grainy B&W. It gives a
really classic look. In my opinion, it makes
the picture simple and timeless.

It's not ideal, but I guess it's still something to be thankful about no matter how lame it felt for me that I'm not dating some gorgeous chick nor getting laid on valentines day: Not everyone has a father to eat dinner with, after all.

That said, that doesn't necessarily mean that I'd appreciate any less the next pretty girl that comes along.

Otaku With Filters

Maybe I'm really down with my luck. It was the 14th of February. But my activities were vastly different from practically everyone else. It was unlike the usual romanticism that everyone adheres to and want to get into.

Valentines day for me was nothing more than another day at work. After having my dinner with my father, it appears to be a tradition that we had for the past half decade already I think. I just went to work. Apparently I was among the few who didn't give a damn (read: No gorgeous date!) due to being single. They say something is legitimately wrong with you if you're still single at 30. I guess to some degree it was true. Had the worst of luck in relationships, but I suppose that's for another entry.

Foregoing the usual tradition of getting on a date (or, for the luckier ones, getting laid after the date) I just went to work. It wasn't too busy a night and I happened to bring along what has been a proxy for a hand to hold (wait, that didn't sound right.. I mean a camera..) so I indulged in one of the few activities I loved: Photography.

I didn't have a model that night (no pretty girl willing to pose for me. A shame, eh?) so I borrowed one from a co-worker. It's no girl but at least it can be posed and won't judge me however I pose it. Two word to describe my model: GIANT ROBOT. Ok, not really. it's a model of a giant robot standing around six or so inches tall. I guess that's a layman's term for it. Otakus (that's japanese for geek) like me refer to it as a Mobile Suit. More specifically, a "Gundam".

Gundam AGE. It's no gorgeous dame but at least it won't complain.

I got the chance to fiddle with different filters. Each one has its different appeal, and it made the activity more fun for me. Below is a series of filters for the same "portrait" shot. Each with a different filter and its own appeal. I took several shots but I uploaded my favorite ones.

Pinhole effect gives it a lomography-ish appeal.

Cross processing lends some relatively
unpredictable color, making it interesting.

The dramatic effect brings out some grunge-y look.
It almost looks plagued with static noise.

Pop colors really bring out the blue.

I really can't disregard Grainy B&W. It gives a
really classic look. In my opinion, it makes
the picture simple and timeless.

It's not ideal, but I guess it's still something to be thankful about no matter how lame it felt for me that I'm not dating some gorgeous chick nor getting laid on valentines day: Not everyone has a father to eat dinner with, after all.

That said, that doesn't necessarily mean that I'd appreciate any less the next pretty girl that comes along.

The Best Lover I Never Had

It's unbelievable it's been that long. To give some context to this, I was going through the worst day of worst days for someone like me. After a long battle I just lost my better half. Four years into the relationship she cheated and this left me distraught. Despite that we carried on. Sadly, it was all for naught. In the wake of that devastation I ended up bothering people I shouldn't have bothered, and bothered some friends way more than I should have. 

This particular friend of mine was there when the wounds were at their worst or when the memories and demons of what I lost haunted me. She made the most painful of days bearable. Sadly I have eventually worn out my welcome, especially when I found myself inadvertently attracted to her. Needless to say, that's faux pas on my part.

The feeling was not mutual, however and due to that, and that made for awkward conversations. Gradually, we kind of drifted apart. She's now with someone and I wish her the best. She deserves that much. We're still friends, but not like before. Nonetheless, I owe her. I hope that it won't come to it, but in the unlikely event she ends up in my shoes, I promised myself that I'd come running to her aid. Always, I'll remember her.

I'm amazed at what words overflowing emotions can come up with. During the lenten season she abstained from using the phone or getting online on social networks. That's when I conjured up the stanzas below. At the time I didn't know what fate awaited me. Sad, but no, not really. Hit the jump to read it all.

My dear friend, my  benefactor
My light since the darkness that came after
Now I'm wondering how long has it been
Since I last saw you hoping for what could've been

I once again remember
the times we spent together
In my sadness and our laughter
even when I was torn asunder

I miss how you were always patient
to bear with my torment you're so lenient
What I miss most of all like no other
is your saccharine smile, sweetness all over

Those mornings when I called you
over the phone to wake you
And I hear you talk trying to wake up
So adorable, it always perks me up

Then to work you'd get ready
Always rushing to avoid being tardy
At work being your best, doing things right
From morning 'til the day turns to night

Then when I feel that the time is right
I'd call or text you, "Can we meet tonight?"
To hear you say yes, everytime I'm very elated
But if you decline I'd feel kinda devastated

The way you adore strawberries
That way you were spooked by ghost stories
That way you separate tomato seeds painstakingly
And of course, that way you make me feel about me

That trip when we went somewhere enchanting
The coffee & sweets that we were eating
That birthday you had when I saw your smile sparkling
Not to forget, that laughter-filled night we spent drinking

What I like much more about you
was you respecting me when I said what's true.
I more than *just* like you
And I was hoping you feel the same way too.

Then again I'm kinda disappointed
My feelings are sadly unrequited.
Then again, I'm thankful after being frightened
We understand each other more, I'm enlightened

When will Lent end? When again can we meet?
I won't let our oath bend, so I won't cheat
It may feel too long that we've been apart
Until we can talk again I must do my part

Easter is near, I'm tired & weary
I long to see & hear you very badly
Even if I know I shouldn't be expecting much
Unrequited feelings, why must there be such?

I'm unaware of what sort of path awaits us
Will there be a rift or a gift between us?
I can only guess how things will end
What surprises lie just around that bend?

I guess it can be whatever, It doesn't really matter
I'll remember how you saved me from heart-slaughter
The friendship we share will never be forgotten
Even if I won't be the one you'd be lovin'.

The Best Lover I Never Had

It's unbelievable it's been that long. To give some context to this, I was going through the worst day of worst days for someone like me. After a long battle I just lost my better half. Four years into the relationship she cheated and this left me distraught. Despite that we carried on. Sadly, it was all for naught. In the wake of that devastation I ended up bothering people I shouldn't have bothered, and bothered some friends way more than I should have. 

This particular friend of mine was there when the wounds were at their worst or when the memories and demons of what I lost haunted me. She made the most painful of days bearable. Sadly I have eventually worn out my welcome, especially when I found myself inadvertently attracted to her. Needless to say, that's faux pas on my part.

The feeling was not mutual, however and due to that, and that made for awkward conversations. Gradually, we kind of drifted apart. She's now with someone and I wish her the best. She deserves that much. We're still friends, but not like before. Nonetheless, I owe her. I hope that it won't come to it, but in the unlikely event she ends up in my shoes, I promised myself that I'd come running to her aid. Always, I'll remember her.

I'm amazed at what words overflowing emotions can come up with. During the lenten season she abstained from using the phone or getting online on social networks. That's when I conjured up the stanzas below. At the time I didn't know what fate awaited me. Sad, but no, not really. Hit the jump to read it all.

My dear friend, my  benefactor
My light since the darkness that came after
Now I'm wondering how long has it been
Since I last saw you hoping for what could've been

I once again remember
the times we spent together
In my sadness and our laughter
even when I was torn asunder

I miss how you were always patient
to bear with my torment you're so lenient
What I miss most of all like no other
is your saccharine smile, sweetness all over

Those mornings when I called you
over the phone to wake you
And I hear you talk trying to wake up
So adorable, it always perks me up

Then to work you'd get ready
Always rushing to avoid being tardy
At work being your best, doing things right
From morning 'til the day turns to night

Then when I feel that the time is right
I'd call or text you, "Can we meet tonight?"
To hear you say yes, everytime I'm very elated
But if you decline I'd feel kinda devastated

The way you adore strawberries
That way you were spooked by ghost stories
That way you separate tomato seeds painstakingly
And of course, that way you make me feel about me

That trip when we went somewhere enchanting
The coffee & sweets that we were eating
That birthday you had when I saw your smile sparkling
Not to forget, that laughter-filled night we spent drinking

What I like much more about you
was you respecting me when I said what's true.
I more than *just* like you
And I was hoping you feel the same way too.

Then again I'm kinda disappointed
My feelings are sadly unrequited.
Then again, I'm thankful after being frightened
We understand each other more, I'm enlightened

When will Lent end? When again can we meet?
I won't let our oath bend, so I won't cheat
It may feel too long that we've been apart
Until we can talk again I must do my part

Easter is near, I'm tired & weary
I long to see & hear you very badly
Even if I know I shouldn't be expecting much
Unrequited feelings, why must there be such?

I'm unaware of what sort of path awaits us
Will there be a rift or a gift between us?
I can only guess how things will end
What surprises lie just around that bend?

I guess it can be whatever, It doesn't really matter
I'll remember how you saved me from heart-slaughter
The friendship we share will never be forgotten
Even if I won't be the one you'd be lovin'.

It's Like In The Movies... Almost.

It's not everyday that I get to step into some place that looks like something that I see the movies... But when I got into a place like that, the experience is surreal.

I can almost imagine some country singer or rockstar performing here.

There's a place like that in the City of Makati (Philippines). It's not hard to find yet it's too easy to miss if you're not looking for it. I know because I've been passing by the vicinity and I never imagined there'd be such a place. My sister mentioned it to me and we went and had lunch at the place once. 

No, they're not drying the laundry. It's a display of their club shirts.
This is the home of the Mad Dog Motorcyle Club.

What made it very unique to me was the fact that it's like a sports bar pumped with testosterone and trimmed with a lot of badass. Upon entry you'd feel like you're in a bar scene of some Hollywood action movie. I can almost imagine big burly bikers and some country singers giving me the dirty look when I come in and a fight breaking out in the billiards area at the other end of the room...

I can almost imagine a fight breaking out here.
But that's just me. LOL

But that's just me and my movie-fueled imagination. It was two in the afternoon when we went there and there were only a few customers and there was some sports event showing on the TV. It's quite a cozy place actually.

Family Picture? I like this touch as it's very appropriate for the ambiance.

Overall I'm very impressed with what they did with the place. The whole theme was so well executed and the ambiance was so convincing that it sparked my imagination... 

A drifter walked to the bar... Just kidding. He didn't.
He actually got a table and ordered steak.
And took pictures.

What was more impressive was the price. This was the first place I've been in here in Metro Manila where I got a generous serving of steak for a price that didn't break the bank. I haven't got pictures though. I already finished the steak by the time I remembered to take a picture of it. (I'm a black sheep of the Instagram generation. :p)

Would I be coming back here? Definitely.

Overall I'd recommend that folks would pay a visit to the place if they still haven't. That goes double for those looking for a different dining experience. I'm not sure how it is at night but I suppose it won't be too different. Just add a crowd and a band playing on the stage. What I like about the place too is the fact that they're open all day and all night!

 Visit their website at www.handlebar.com.ph. Their site also has a map that shows their location. It's a bit obscure so you'll miss it if you're not looking for it.

I also miss their awesome steak so I would definitely come back soon. 

It's Like In The Movies... Almost.

It's not everyday that I get to step into some place that looks like something that I see the movies... But when I got into a place like that, the experience is surreal.

I can almost imagine some country singer or rockstar performing here.

There's a place like that in the City of Makati (Philippines). It's not hard to find yet it's too easy to miss if you're not looking for it. I know because I've been passing by the vicinity and I never imagined there'd be such a place. My sister mentioned it to me and we went and had lunch at the place once. 

No, they're not drying the laundry. It's a display of their club shirts.
This is the home of the Mad Dog Motorcyle Club.

What made it very unique to me was the fact that it's like a sports bar pumped with testosterone and trimmed with a lot of badass. Upon entry you'd feel like you're in a bar scene of some Hollywood action movie. I can almost imagine big burly bikers and some country singers giving me the dirty look when I come in and a fight breaking out in the billiards area at the other end of the room...

I can almost imagine a fight breaking out here.
But that's just me. LOL

But that's just me and my movie-fueled imagination. It was two in the afternoon when we went there and there were only a few customers and there was some sports event showing on the TV. It's quite a cozy place actually.

Family Picture? I like this touch as it's very appropriate for the ambiance.

Overall I'm very impressed with what they did with the place. The whole theme was so well executed and the ambiance was so convincing that it sparked my imagination... 

A drifter walked to the bar... Just kidding. He didn't.
He actually got a table and ordered steak.
And took pictures.

What was more impressive was the price. This was the first place I've been in here in Metro Manila where I got a generous serving of steak for a price that didn't break the bank. I haven't got pictures though. I already finished the steak by the time I remembered to take a picture of it. (I'm a black sheep of the Instagram generation. :p)

Would I be coming back here? Definitely.

Overall I'd recommend that folks would pay a visit to the place if they still haven't. That goes double for those looking for a different dining experience. I'm not sure how it is at night but I suppose it won't be too different. Just add a crowd and a band playing on the stage. What I like about the place too is the fact that they're open all day and all night!

 Visit their website at www.handlebar.com.ph. Their site also has a map that shows their location. It's a bit obscure so you'll miss it if you're not looking for it.

I also miss their awesome steak so I would definitely come back soon. 

Filters, Anyone?

Who likes using filters in their photos? Digital filters are basically just effects applied to a photo, with the intention either to emulate the colors, contrast and tones of certain film formats or to add some new artsy effect.


It was one not so busy afternoon in my workplace and I happened to have my camera in hand. It's not often that I use the other modes in the camera dial so I thought I'd try it out.

The original shot. Dull, depressing and boring. At least for me.

Adding some Pop Art effect makes it more colorful than it really is.

I can't really put my finger on it, but there's something about the
Grainy Film effect that I find appealing. Maybe it's the simplicity and contrast.
Or maybe that's just me.

Pinhole Effect. This adds some vignetting and makes the picture resemble something that comes out from Holga or Lomo or other toy cameras. This is actually among my favorite effects.

Miniature Effect adds additional blurs to the parts you're not focused on. This effectively makes it look and feel like (you guessed it) an image of a miniature model.

Cross Process effect actually makes the colors look all weird. But it still has a toy camera appeal to it. Cross processing came to be when folks started processing films using chemicals intended to a different type of film. A better explanation can be found here.

Sepia effect isn't entirely that impressive, but its appeal is timeless.

This effect is something that I found common among Olympus mirrorless cameras. It's called Dramatic Effect. It does look fairly dramatic with added blacks on the outlines. But sometimes, it just doesn't look appropriate the shot. Like this one for example.

I'm rather thankful that my camera has Filter Bracketing. it allows me to make multiple filtered outputs from just one shot... Because half the time I can't make up my mind which filter to use. (And I don't like spending to much time post-processing my images. That's just me.)