A Cat's World

I love cats and I think that they are the most vulnerable creatures in our planet. They are just naturally sweet and cuddly. This all started when my brother and I adopted a stray cat, then they keep on growing and growing in number. We lost count actually, but I think there were more than 50 that we have taken care of and passed away. This is "What's your name?", my cat without a name, but since it's already used to be called as such, we decided to call him that way.

Why I consider this cat very significant in my life? He is the last cat left of the feline breed that we adopted since we were 10 years old. There were no more female cats that survived, so the bloodline simply ended with "What's your name?".  This cat is such a charmer, he knows when to look at the camera and communicate with me through his eyes. He's the sweetest, I used to remember how this furry thing comes in my room to sleep and wakes me up early in the morning whenever I get up late. It is just sad however how it died tragically when I saw him lying dead in the garden and we found out that it was attacked by our dog.

Here are some photos when my cat was still alive and kicking. All I have are these lovely memories with this cute little thing! =)

The Lady in Black...

With the Red Rose props.. Hala sige! haha

There was a time in the past wherein I'm fond of having my pictures taken, then I suddenly realized that I am just better off behind the lens! Mag-init lang ulo sa photographer haha I guess posing and projecting isn't really my thing maybe because I'm just 'shy' by nature haha. But yes, like most of us, I gave it a try, just for FUN. This set was taken about more than 2 years ago, my hair is still black, I'm a few pounds lighter, I don't know much on photography and make-up and I'm just a wannabe. 

Taken one Sunday morning, these photos were just in my USB drive all the while... hehe

You might wonder where this is, we had our so called "shoot" at Gap Farm Davao, I prefer it here, walang tao, nakakahiya kaya... hehe

This is my first time, It really shows how awkward I am. 

Pwede nang endorser sa watch haha

The Ms. Wannabe and Canon Lover... I'm better off with my cam! =) haha

At the end of the day, I just knew what I wanted.

Photos by: Jepoy Panuda

Sweet Advocate Photo Contest : Win a Heart-Shaped V-day Cake =)

Sweet Advocate's Love That Photo Contest

A good friend of mine Charisse Dagohoy, owner of Sweet advocate would be having a photo contest in lieu of their 3rd year Anniversary and Valentines day Celebration. They would be giving away a BIG heart cake on Valentines . This is their way of giving back to their very dear Sweet Advocates, like me.. (hehe)

Here's how to join:

Like Sweet Advocate on Facebook

You may also share this post to your Facebook page, click the Facebook logo at the upper right corner of this page.

And follow these very Simple Mechanics:

1. Post a photo on our wall of your favorite photo of 
you and your loved one. ("Loved one" is defined as 
your husband/wife, lover, child, mother, father, grandparents, a group, etc.).

2. Tell us why you love him/her/them with not more 
than 8 words (in Bisaya, Filipino, or English only).

3. The most number of likes in his/her photo will win a 
personalized 9" Heart Cake from us on February 14, 2012.

4. Winners will be notified through e-mail, so do not forget to include the following:
> Contestant's full name, active e-mail address, and contact numbers.

5. Submission of entries will start on 21st January 2012, and will only count entries that are submitted on or before 12nn of the 14th of February 2012.
 

Qualifiers:

1. Should be a fan of our fan page for you to be able 
to upload photos on our wall. 

2. A resident of Davao City only, and are willing to 
pick-up their price from the location which will be 
divulged along with the notification.

3. Aged 13-60.

Do's & Don'ts:

1. You may tag your friends of your photo if you want to, or share the link of your photo to tell them you're joining. But remember, only those "likes" on the uploaded photo in this album "Love That Photo Contest" will be counted (not the "likes" on the shared link). 

2. Photos do not need to be shot in a studio or a high-end camera. As long as it depicts sincere love, sweetness, and the photo is clear enough for everyone to see, then it's good to go!

3. No use of vulgar, sexual, obscene, or any irrelevant words in your photo description. Failure to do so will 
automatically disqualify the entry from the contest.

4. Price not claimed after 7:00pm of 14th February 2012 will be given to the second most number of likes.

So what are you waiting for? Post your photos now!

Sweet Advocate also caters all sorts of cakes, pastries and desserts for your party needs

You may visit their page for more inquiries and information =)

Photo Courtesy of Sweet Advocate

Click logo to visit their Facebook page

A Trip to Memory Lane

The Finster Building (inside view). This was still under construction when I was in first year college but we were able to utilize the 2nd and 3rd floor.

A Sneak peek at the Ateneo de Davao Campus.

I really forgot, that it has been already years since I graduated in college. Hmm... Maybe I got too busy figuring out my life that's why. It even seems like just yesterday. haha Some of my younger colleagues are now even addressing me "Ma'am" which I am not really used to, some even told me that I was one of that staff that handled them when he was still a student. Gosh, I really must admit that time is just flying by.

Kiboy caught me on the phone while sitting comfortably on the bench haha 

An old time friend that I'll be missing yay! Kiboy was such a good companion since college, training days, tons of exam reviews, during work at SPMC, etc. etc. =D good luck my friend! =D

Anyway, last week I accompanied a friend and classmate to our Alma mater (Ateneo de Davao University) since he needs to process some school documents, good for him, finally he'll be having a good career ahead  =) I really don't want to be emotional, I had a lot of wonderful memories in this place, correct me if you did not consider college as one of the best part of your life. I just wanted to thank Kevin, because I realized that I don't have much photos in the campus, maybe because during our time, we don't pay much attention on taking pictures, there was friendster then that you can only 5 photos in your account. So pathetic. With Kiboy we were able to stroll around the campus and take some photos. I was even quite unprepared we were still even on our scrubs since we went straight ahead right after our duty.

As the dawn breaks...

At left photo,  at the benches at Finster Building. This was our favorite place while waiting for our next class. At right photo, one of the empty classrooms at Canisius Building.

Perhaps one of the reasons that really hit me hard was when we recently had our batch reunion in High School. I just felt that it was just yesterday, so much had change in the physical aspect including myself after a few more pounds later. There are so much that I have learned from this institution, lessons learned in and out of the classroom. I am not leaving Davao anytime soon, but if better opportunity comes to open my door, then I'll be more than willing to embrace it.

4th floor is where most of our classes were held, the mini canteen above is still standing, this has filled our tummies during classes because we are allowed to eat during classes because of ou. 

Kuya Guards fixing the Philippine Flag... 

An empty classroom that we happen to pass by. Being a student is such a tedious job. haha 

Some few reminders posted at the OSA bulletin board that an Atenean should possess.

Huling hirit pose, sige na lang, pagbigyan niyo na. haha =D

Well, this is just another trip down the memory lane. I just wanted to document the significant places in my life. It pays to recollect and look back where you started and came from. It's a humbling experience that leads you to appreciate yourself even better. I'll soon be posting some photos of my photo projects last year. =)

Photos taken entirely with LUMIX LX5 and edited with Photoshop CS4 for a more rustic vintage feel. 

In Black and White

This is one of my Favorite sketches. A portrait of a mother and child. I made this few days after Mother's Day in 1999

Before Digital Photography become popular, there was no Photoshop nor readily available internet. Sketching was one of my favorite past time. I may not be that exceptionally good in drawing and painting but I guess I have the skill, but if not mistaken, I used to ace my Art Class in elementary. My art teachers also never failed to notice my skill and technique. I remember that one of my artwork was chosen to be reproduced as a Christmas card and our prize was a bar of Toblerone (yay!). At a young age, I know that this is the talent that I possess (naks). 

Who doesn't know Archie Comics back then? This was a popular reading past time among students.

One of my favorite art medium is Charcoal pencil. It is cost-effective, easy to control and blend, and it is simple as it is in BLACK and WHITE. Maybe I can do some part-time sketching job at the mall or somewhere in downtown near UM Bolton. Nah! Just Kidding. But, even with sketches, I'm really fond of doing portraits. I haven't continued doing sketches lately because over the years I have been busy building a so-called career. Art has evolved unceasingly since there are endless ways to express yourself through many forms and mediums.

In this post, the following sketches are dated more than 10 years ago, I was in high school then. It is just now that I have this opportunity to impart it with everyone, rather than having it all hidden behind the cabinet.

Queen Mother and Sleeping Beauty both in 1999. I am a fan of Disney Princesses.

Alice in Wonderland in 1998

Mr. Santa in 1998

Little Red Riding Hood in 1998

Sonic Boom was a popular game back then in SEGA

Sketched  Mariah Carey's Photo in her album

A Portrait of Mama Mary. Not really happy with this one because of the nose and lips. Pero ok na lang... :)

LOVE

Love key chain from a Nine West Bag that I took from my mother... This one is classic. :)

 is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. Love is also a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection; and "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another".
  
(Source: Wikipedia)

A pendant from MANGO, which says ''amour''.  I have been wanting to buy this early this year, good thing they had it on sale. @ 40% off! hehe

A pair of love earrings... sweet!!!

 Heart Lock and Key (not seen in photo) Pendant.

I am a big fan of heart-shaped accessories or anything with love on it. I do not know why, maybe because I really find it nice and lovely. But despite of the unfortunate events that we encountered to the year that was,  there is no greater feeling than to feel loved and be loved. So this 2012, let us all extend our love and heartfelt gratitude to those who are dear to us.

BRING IN THE GOOD VIBES

Spread some LOVE this year!

ADDU GS '97 and HS '01 Reunion: A Time with the "Awesomest" Batch =)

One Big Knight Affair at the Summit Bar of the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City

About 2 years ago, if not mistaken, last 2009 there were hear says or probably an initial plan to organize a batch reunion, unfortunately it wasn't materialized maybe perhaps due to some reasons. Nevertheless, two years later, last December 23, 2011 everything was made possible. Many thanks to our batch's organizing committee who placed their time and effort, for some financially just to make this happen namely Louel Zambrano and Karlo Tesoro. Personally, I had lots of fond memories way back in High School, I'm just an average kid way back . Like a normal kid does, we just wanted to pass our exams, laugh, cry, for some fell in love, be with friends, do crazy things and makes the most out of everything.

Ateneo before, it was torn down right after my Grade School Graduation in '97.

So much for everything, for those who haven't made it that night, the event was held at the Summit Bar of the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Almost everyone came with their different hues of blue outfit, which reminds me so much of Ateneo. The background music being played was so 90's, the likes of Alanis Morissette, Back Street Boys, Third Eye Blind, Semisonic, The Creed, etc. Flashback photos collected from batchmates we're also flashed as well as our high school year book. As we await for the program to begin, there's also a photo booth prepared for us to take our pictures and the beers and drinks were starting to flow while waiting.

Some of the activities during the night.

The hosts/emcees for the night were Diva Zamora and Vincent Oliver Te. There were sets of games and activities for everyone. An awesome AVP/Flashback video was also being played. Cool prizes were also given away, unfortunately I wasn't able to win any huhu Souvenir items were given away, a goodie bag with a customized mug and t-shirt. Thanks to Print-to-Go (Cecille Cayetano-Inventor and husband) for the sponsorship. But the best prize among all, is to see your old time friends come to life and not just seeing them on Facebook or in other social networking sites. It's beyond priceless, because 10 years comes only once in a lifetime. I'm so glad to be part of it! Was an "EPIC" night indeed! =D 'Til next time.....

Ivan - the "night's" Social Butterfly! =)

With Cha, Dimps, and Kimmy

Representatives from 4 Pignatelli! (L-R: Louel, Davil, Floyd, Shiela, Mary Anne, Rico, Paula, Gemma, Me (Mel), Jinggo)

Customized Baller ID =)

More Photos.... I wish my solid HS barkada was here as well.... nice to see everyone! Weeeeee

Photo wall by Red Lens Studio =)...

The people who made this event possible!!!

'Til next Reunion!!!