Edwin Robert Cortes

UPLB's First Christmas Tree

2008-12-22T21:26:00.004+08:00

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first gigantic Christmas tree ever put up inside the campus. Standing at 50+ feet, it's the biggest twig tree we ever had. Complete with gifts in various shapes and sizes... and a Johnnie Walker Black Label bottle - ayos!

Men on Wheels

2008-12-07T01:05:00.008+08:00

These players are the Men-in-Wheelchairs Philippine Team.

They are Tahanang Walang Hagdan residents. When they are not making creative things, they practice and play basketball. They play good basketball, I tell you... they can clearly kick your ass on the court.

The team has played and won in tournaments all over Asia. They've been to Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan among other places.

It's always inpiring to see people rise up against challenges and face life head on... living life to its fullest. They take pride in what they have achieved and what they have surpassed.

Singapore Zoo

2008-11-25T09:05:00.022+08:00

There's no better place to house and appreciate animals than here in Singapore Zoo. No cages! The animals are just there - right in front of you - nothing obstructing your view. They are truly amazing when you get to see them this close. They seem less stressed with this open-space setup, which is a good thing. The only thing that prevents them from making a dinner out of you is a moat around their living space - a deep, wide ditch that makes it difficult for them to get out. But, it does not prevent you from making yourself a scrumptious dinner by jumping right in... something to think about.

Sentosa

2008-11-24T00:05:00.023+08:00

Do you remember the time when you were little and your parents took you to the carnival? You felt overwhelmingly excited thinking this day is going to be a great and fun-filled day! You could spend the whole day in this place and never run out of things to do or eat. I felt the same way when I entered Sentosa, well, maybe not the jumping in excitement part, but definitely an excited feeling - like I was that child again who went to the "peryahan". Sentosa is a big place with lots of attractions to go to. I guess a whole day would be just right to enjoy this place.

Jurong Bird Park

2008-11-23T20:16:00.025+08:00

It was a great experience seeing most of these birds freely roaming around the park, in open spaces with no limiting cages. Though, a lot of them are still in cages, they have enough space to fly around. These enclosures are made in such a way to mimic real world conditions where these birds live, lots of trees, plants and space to roam around. The birds in the "Lory Loft" seem to like interacting with visitors. Ganda dito! Singapore has really invested a lot to make all these happen.

Karla Paula Henry - Miss Earth 2008

2008-11-10T20:40:00.009+08:00

Karla Paula Henry (Philippines) has been crowned Miss Earth 2008 on Sunday, November 09 (Manila time) at The Clark Expo Amphitheater, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.

Makes you proud to be a Pinoy.

2008 Miss Earth Sportsfest

2008-10-26T23:40:00.029+08:00

What a great day! Wiwiiit!

Collectibles

2008-10-20T17:59:00.011+08:00

It finally arrived! The box that I have been so patiently waiting for. A box full of toys... I guess it's early Christmas for me this year!

Blooms

2008-10-13T15:24:00.024+08:00

"Being perfect artists and ingenuous poets, the Chinese have piously preserved the love and holy cult of flowers; one of the very rare and most ancient traditions which has survived their decadence. And since flowers had to be distinguished from each other, they have attributed graceful analogies to them, dreamy images, pure and passionate names which perpetuate and harmonize in our minds the sensations of gentle charm and violent intoxication with which they inspire us. So it is that certain peonies, their favorite flower, are saluted by the Chinese, according to their form or color, by these delicious names, each an entire poem and an entire novel: The Young Girl Who Offers Her Breasts, or: The Water That Sleeps Beneath the Moon, or: The Sunlight in the Forest, or: The First Desire of the Reclining Virgin, or: My Gown Is No Longer All White Because in Tearing It the Son of Heaven Left a Little Rosy Stain; or, even better, this one: I Possessed My Lover in the Garden."

~Octave Mirbeau, Torture Garden

Interesting how flowers have so many meanings.. how they bring out certain emotions from the receiver.. how it embodies feelings of passion, love, and kindness from the giver.. (kalachuchi o makahiya kaya?).

UPLB Loyalty Day Fireworks

2008-10-12T19:22:00.024+08:00

It was raining the whole day and it would have been a shame if most of the activities were cancelled because of the heavy rains, thinking that a ton of planning, sweat, and hard work went into making this celebration a really special one. Good thing the UPLB spirit was not doused by the heavy rainfall - programs and presentations were moved to the D.L. Umali Hall. By night time the sky was clear.

It would have been great if the celebration was held on the grounds (as planned). The stage was nicely done and I've heard that giant screens were also put in place behind the stage. Nonetheless, it was a great celebration. The fireworks were lit before the stroke of midnight. It was not as lengthy as I'd expected it to be but I still enjoyed it.

UAAP 2008 Swimming Championships

2008-09-30T02:25:00.020+08:00

Records broken, Personal best surpassed, Confidence restored, Lessons learned, Friendships made. The more we push ourselves to achieve excellence, the more we learn about ourselves. The more we learn about ourselves, the bolder we become. The bolder we become, the more we become aware that our goals are achievable.

Flip Limited Pinoy Edition by MADL

2008-09-24T11:54:00.002+08:00

Finally got my new toy by MADL. Proud to be Pinoy!

Bayle sa Kalye - Bañamos Festival

2008-09-23T20:25:00.027+08:00

Last Sunday was the last day of a week long celebration. It was my first time to see the street dancing contest parade. Fourteen groups of dancers participated representing all the barangays in Los Baños. This was a great opportunity to witness local festivities and I was not the one to pass up the opportunity.

These kids were really good!

Manila Bay

2008-09-18T00:01:00.010+08:00

I was really hoping I could catch the sunset at Manila Bay - too bad we left early. Next time na lang. It's nice to walk along the Bay, the feel of the cool breeze on your face, the quiet and relaxing atmosphere... it's funny how we take these simple pleasures for granted. Most of us would like to believe that we are always busy... busy at work, busy doing nothing, always wanting to be seen as a person who is working hard and has no time for rest and recreation. I've fallen into that trap so many times. Who am I fooling? Life is sweet and we ought to enjoy it! Blessings abound! And we just have to stop, look, and listen... really. Kahit parang sign pa sa railroad crossing yan.

UFO Sighting

2008-09-17T00:02:00.005+08:00

This was taken in Cebu about a week ago. You see that tiny spec on top of the photo? Looks like a leaf blown by the wind (a really big leaf), or it might be just a plane (with its wings bent backwards), or just a harmless bird (which happens to fold its wings as it ascends).

Maybe it's nothing, but then again, it might be something. I'll let you be the judge.

Here's a closer look...

Manila Ocean Park

2008-09-16T00:58:00.021+08:00

Been wanting to see this place... finally had the chance - sumama ako sa field trip ng pamankin ko. Saling ket-ket!

It's a neat venue to house different kinds of marine animals. The Ocean park is quite big and you would need a full hour (or more) to absorb everything. The staff said that by next year the new wing will be finished. Can't wait!

Flash photography was not allowed inside so it was really difficult to get good shots. The only light available were the lights inside the aquariums. I had to bump up the ISO to 1600 to get some decent exposures. Better to have well exposed subjects and a bit grainy rather than have crisp photos but overly underexposed. I'm happy with what I got.

Ark Avilon Zoo

2008-09-15T22:39:00.007+08:00

How often do you see an ark filled with animals?

Cebu

2008-09-11T12:03:00.030+08:00

Cebu is a great place to visit! I wouldn't mind living here. Such a laid back place - with beautiful people and good food.

Collecting Toys

2008-08-26T16:09:00.007+08:00

Recently, I have been itching to revive my old hobby of collecting "Garage Kits", most call it G-kits, sometimes Statues or Figures. These are made of either resin (solid & hard) or vinyl (soft & pliable). Much like any model kit, it comes in pieces and you build and paint them yourself. It's such an engaging hobby! I have quite a few G-kits in storage including Batman, Superman, The Joker, and a few other characters. I also tried my hand with military models, they're quite fun to build especially if you create interesting dioramas.

So, until I get around and actually unpack them from the boxes in the basement, I'll stick with cleaning these figures like my Jimmy Neutron posable figure.

Friends

2008-08-22T00:00:00.004+08:00

It's great hanging out with close friends. You can talk about anything... do almost anything and still not be judged by the things you say or do. They will support you in every way they can and give you a big whallop on the head if you do something really stupid.

You can do crazy things with them, be on adventures with them, and laugh with them 'till your jaw hurt.

Thumb Raiders!

2008-08-21T15:24:00.007+08:00

Yes! They are actually thumbs with feet and a face - and no arms ... and riding a skateboard. How cool is that? There is Frankenstein, a football player, a punk with a mohawk, a hardcore chic. Nice!

Aeta Community in Morong, Bataan

2008-08-13T11:14:00.015+08:00

This was the first time I had the chance to visit an Aeta community or any indigenous community for that matter. It was quite an experience! Aside from the fact that we had to trek steep slopes and cross a hanging bridge... meeting the Aetas were the real treat. Though, I was expecting to see a really tribal village much like the ones I see on the Discovery Channel where the community is isolated, inside a forest, speak their native tongue, and with really bizarre customs. Much to my surprise, the Aetas were quite living the modern life in the sense that they dress casually, no "bahags" as a daily attire, speak tagalog, have electricity and water supply, and sari-sari stores. Still, with their acceptance of technology and modern living, they still manage to keep their identity through their customs, traditions, and values.

From the brief moment we had the chance to interact with them, I now have better understanding, greater respect and much appreciation for them. They were courteous, respectful, humble, and interesting.

Ocean Adventure

2008-08-12T22:24:00.009+08:00

It's been quite a while since my last visit to Subic. Ocean Adventure was still the "ocean" then.

The tour inside Ocean Adventure was very organized and the staff were courteous. It took us more than two hours to go through the whole facility including a dolphin show and a sea lion show. Sulit na sulit talaga!

You have to see these animals up-close to really feel how magnificent they are.

Stain Patterns

2008-07-15T09:02:00.005+08:00

I have knack for seeing patterns, faces, animal or plant forms on stained walls and ceilings. My guess, it's a talent developed by too much daydreaming... and staring blankly on walls, pavement, and ceilings (brought about by boredom).

While I was walking along the bridge at the back of the UPLB Library, I noticed this face, seemingly etched naturally, or artistically scraped off by one creative and equally bored student, on one of the posts at the end of the bridge.

It's interesting how random and natural-looking the peeled paint is and how uncanny it resembles a man smoking a pipe... you can even see some smoke! This reminds me of illustrations done during the 70's. It has a retro feel to it.

What do you think? Natural wear and tear or artistic expression?

Celebrating 50 years

2008-07-10T01:02:00.008+08:00

A very trusting friend asked me (actually I begged her for the chance) to cover this event, knowing well enough that I don't have any experience in wedding photography. But it was an opportunity I wouldn't want to pass up.

It was an intimate affair - only a handful of guests were there. And although it took a whole day to cover the event, I had fun spending time with them. This family is hands down one of the coolest (and wackiest) I've met. Three generations of kakulitan... one big happy family.

For the couple - 50 years is no easy feat... but they made it.

UPLB Library

2008-07-09T03:09:00.005+08:00

This used to be the SEARCA building, I believe they turned it over to UPLB when they constructed a new office building just a stone throw away. Since then it has been converted to be the University Library. I used to go here most of the time during my college years (true story)... mag-aral, magpa-aircon, makipag-kwentuhan pero mostly to study (hindi nga...).

Ah yes, the library... apparently, it is a venue for many activities not just for research and studying. It is a place to hang out, a place for dating, group meetings... and that's just during the daytime.

Gagambakal

2008-07-08T06:56:00.013+08:00

Hybrid spider? Spiderman & Ironman...? Hope not.

In and Around

2008-07-03T08:41:00.021+08:00

Finding something interesting to shoot in and around your house is a challenge for every budding photographer. Allowing ourselves to be confined in such a relatively small space, forces us to be more creative and imaginative - focusing more on the details!

Most of the time we tend to look for high impact images to shoot, but we need to push ourselves to create interesting images out of seemingly ordinary and unattractive things.

So, I went out to find some (seemingly ordinary) subjects and came upon these:

A headless chicken
A pile of rocks
Purebred white "pusakal"
Purebred brown "pusakal"
Leaves
A bee
Lowly sampayan and some sipit
Fita wrapper
Old wood

Kids

2008-07-02T17:05:00.007+08:00

Kids are fun to photograph. You don't need to tell them how to pose, how and when to smile (or in this case... frown). Just point your camera and fire away - you'll get a different reaction each time... each reaction is as sincere as the last one.

Church with a View

2008-06-30T21:55:00.007+08:00

Finally had the opportunity to shoot some city scenes. Been looking for something architectural to shoot for quite some time now. Since I live near UPLB, I had my fair share of "greeneries" and buildings no more creatively designed than a rectangle. Honestly, most days I feel like there's nothing more to shoot here except trees, trees, and more trees. I guess, I'm just being too lazy to scout for a spot to really appreciate and frame some really cool subjects.

Being here for more than 23 years have somehow numb my perception on seeing something unique... maybe because everything looks so familiar.

Having an eye for great composition is a skill best developed through consultation, research, and practice.

I will most definitely come up with more creative photos from my alma mater - but first, malalaking gusali muna sa syudad.

The last time I saw the church at greenbelt was years ago. I got to see it again last week and a lot has changed - the structure seems the same but the surroundings are interestingly different.

I call it... The Church with a view.

Dubai: Book Launch

2008-06-30T16:41:00.022+08:00

It is always inspiring to see a friend overcome challenges and come out stronger, wiser, and possibly richer! Being able to turn an otherwise disappointing and costly experience to something great is a trait of a true fighter.

I guess, we all have to relentlessly pursue our passions no matter what others might say or think... seek guidance and do what's necessary to achieve what we set out to accomplish.

I believe life is best experienced by doing something bigger than ourselves.

Congratulations Karina! A new book... it's a first for you - definitely, not the last.

Pa-cheeseburger ka naman dyan!

University of the Philippines: 100 Years

2008-06-28T00:01:00.005+08:00

A century of excellence... Proud to be a Peyups!

Kanin Club

2008-06-27T15:12:00.025+08:00

Quite an unusual name for a restaurant.. no they don't serve bottomless rice... but that would be a good idea!

This place was highly recommended by friends and family. We ate here a couple of times already.. they serve filipino dishes. At first it may seem like the same old native restaurant serving the same old dishes just like everybody else. Surprisingly, it was unique in some way... good old filipino food but with a twist - and most of what we tried tasted very good!

It was amusing though, how they name their dishes - yes it's still the literal way most filipino dishes are named like "nilagang baka" or "pritong tilapia" but "Tapa ni Anna"? cmon!

Here are the things you should definitely try:

Sinigang na Sinangag

(sabihin mo nga 'yun ng 5 beses na mabilis!)

Ginataang Sigarilyas

Crispy Dinuguan

and of course, Crispy Tenga (not for the faint heart, really!)

So, if ever you're in the Sta. Rosa, Laguna area dropby Paseo de Sta. Rosa and check out this resto. You won't regret it... maybe you'll leave there with your blood pressure and cholesterol level a tad high but hey - not disappointed!

Food, no matter how ordinary or unappealing, is best enjoyed in the company of friends and family.

Villa Escudero

2008-06-25T11:52:00.016+08:00

I had the chance to visit Villa Escudero last May with my friends... It's a great place to explore.

The museum was filled with old (very old) stuff - 18th century coins, life-sized santos, a stuffed leopard which in a past life ate a girl! Ayus!

By the edge of the waterfalls, workers were building this huge, intricate floating bamboo tower. Apparently, the next day was the feast of their patron saint - and it will be sitting atop this huge structure and paraded by the lake.

By the way, eating by the waterfalls was quite an experience. How often do you get to soak your feet in cool, flowing water while pigging out on buffet.

This day was also a chance for me to play around with my new camera! My friends were only too happy to have their photos taken. I, being the unofficial photographer of the day, was lucky enough to have my picture taken twice... no complaints here!

Welcome!

2008-06-24T23:45:00.008+08:00

Today I created my very first blog site. I'm not really a blogger but this seems to be a great way to share thoughts and post photos. This site is about learning to see things differently... it's about hoping to inspire others.

Exciting!