Betty La Fea is my friend

She is not Bea Alonzo, though she is perhaps prettier than her. Naks!I want to blog about my friend, she is so sweet caring and I wonder why she's single? ;)

The photos will portray how candid she is. Acting like Betty in Gerry's grill makati. :)

I'm blogging about her to let her know how much I really appreciate her effort to pick me up during my spiritual and emotional downtimes this months. I tell her how much I appreciate it and this is the emphasis.

Jocen is her name, very candid, sweet and ever reliable. Sensitive despite of her jolly attitude and never ending smiles, jokes and laughter. I never thought I offended her before which I apologized because yes, I am a darn suplado just so you know. Hahaha.

Thanks Jocen and cheers to you. May God bless you even more and be very positive about life despite of what we are experiencing.

Flower Macros and Sharpening Tutorial

Last month I bought a back issue of Digital Camera, a top U.K. magazine, but up to now I am not thru reading it. Nevertheless, it is an ideal magazine for professional photographers and the amateurs like me. Herein, I learned that in shooting flower macros, it is more effective to compose the shot in a vertical orientation rather than horizontal. It is an effort and more difficult to shoot flowers this way but once you get the hang of it, it's like 2nd nature. The reason behind shooting veritically is that flowers are in nature vertically oriented isn't it? In fact, getting the stem with them gives it more reason to shoot in the said orientation. However, no rules in photography is absolute, so break the rules only when you have mastered it. Once mastered, you'll know the best way how to break it.











































Practice, practice, practice. As always advise by expert photographers and so I always do.

The rest of the result can be found in http://yaj10.multiply.com/photos/album/108/Macro_Photoset or at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mystrongice3

Note that these photos were sharp from the very beginning. I took them using my kit lens Nikkor 18-55mm VR except for one which I took using Nikkor 55-200mm VR @200mm. This is the photo I am talking about.











































How do you make them sharper then? I don't know how to do it in jpeg but definitely know in Camera Raw. In Photoshop's camera raw, go to sharpening. Zoom in closer to your subject and adjust the levels of sharpening, radius, masking, and the noise reduction part. Take note that too much sharpening can also cause the subject to appear unreal so set your dials right.

Cheating? It varies on your perspective, but for me, in photography it is not just about the shot. The before, during and after the shot counts!

Disclaimer: This is not fool proof and I'm not an expert as well. Follow the above at your own risk. Goodluck!

Cheers,
Jay

Guava Leaves

Long time no blog. Ok, I woke up feeling so good today, I do not know why. I hope I'm complety healed on my 4 months of illness. Well, I went home to Pampanga Tuesday and before having done so I have asked my mother to take me to the faith healer in Bulaon, San Fernando City where she got her frozen shoulder healed a couple of years ago. So Tuesday after my work I went straight home and arrived before lunch time. There I was still catching up with my backlog of photo post processing until the afternoon to meet up with my mom. And so we went to my Uncle's house in Bulaon first then he helped us to Aling Itang.

Aling Itang, smokes. Like the old school grandmothers. I don't know why at the time we arrived there she knew that I was the one needing help. I don't look sick at all but perhaps I look stressed. :(

So there we were, she told me some stuff which I wouldn't want to write about. Nevertheless I can tell you that she wanted me to boil Guava leaves with Saresa Leaves. (I don't know the english for Saresa or tagalog if ever but I'm positive that I Kapampangan.) Back then I got my right eye feeling sore due to my addiction to photography caused by photographing the sun and radiation caused by the computer's monitor, she touch my both eyes and I felt a little relief. To cap all that has been said, she said, trust in God, not in me for He is the true healer. I gave her a nod. Two days after that I went back to Makati Medical Center to have myself tested again, I was extracted for blood samples and a stool at that for Lipids check, FBS, stool and occult tests. I hope results be negative once I get hold of them later. Now, on Monday, I'll be subjected again to Gastro Intestinal series of X-rays. There's too much to be checked but I am thankful I am still able to do the things that I want except to eat and drink what I want.

Going back to Guava and Saresa leaves, perhaps it is true that they are good herbal medicines. I have been taking a drink of its bitter boiled leaves like never before. Actually, my dad told me to do so a couple of months ago but I was just stubborn not to. In fact he told me again last mo: Jay, drink this and you'll be better and will even have longer life. I replied, I will never have a long life, I have been sick all my life. Well, enough of my bitterness, I hope I'm back to normal soon.

Cheers,
Jay

The Bacolod Mansion Ruins

Located in Silay, Talisay, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines is a mansion that has Italian and Roman influence. It will soon become a tourist attraction and I'm fortunate to do a photoshoot before the tourists crowds this place. Don Mariano Braga, a former captain of a shipping vessel owned and had this constructed before the World War II. It has met a sad fate when the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East) and the brave Filipino guerillas burned it to prevent the Japanese from taking over it and using it as their headquarters. Though this great fire consumed it's original form, the structure still stands proud and boasts its antique beauty.

For more photos, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/kixsterpixster/sets/72157608874253614/

A big yet humble God

I write because I want to. I write because I have no one to turn to. I write because I believe no one will ever have the right words that I need to hear. I do not tell my friends about this because this my own battle, not theirs and I am sorry for perhaps I might even be misunderstood.

Since October, I have hardly prayed. That is right, I am trying to be a good son of God but I am living otherwise. I am not proud of this but I am full of emotions these days. Why? I'm not in the mood to re-type or be redundant, you could just read the following in consecutive order:

http://jayfrancisbromero.blogspot.com/2008/11/pissed-off-with-bad-health.html

http://jayfrancisbromero.blogspot.com/2008/11/furious.html

http://jayfrancisbromero.blogspot.com/2008/11/apologies-on-my-behavior.html

(FYI: a few months ago I was so hurt when I learned that someone said: I am a man of God but living otherwise. Seems right today, however, whoever you are, you still lose. You're only intelligent and I am wise. The only thing you deserve from me is 'dedma-tology'.)

If there good news it would be that I prayed sincerely last sunday. When was the last time I can hardly recall. Probably at the 1st week of last month. To set the record straight I did not even pray for myself but for a friend who was in the ER of Medical City. It amazes me how I could be like a doctor, have you ever experienced telling someone thrice in a row, I had that before and you shouldn't worry. Damn! This is really too much for me. A few months ago this friend of mine got vertigo. I told him, you should be fine. Just a little rest and you'll be back because I had that before when I was in college and during my first year in the workforce. Then a couple of months after, he had another back pains. The usual me, encouraging him, I had that before. Until Sunday evening I learned he was in the hospital, I said the magic word again. Migraine? That is really pesky, it won't be off for a time. I had that before you shouldn't worry about the pain, you think a lot that's why. Let me tell how my other conversations with this friend went. J is me and T is him:

T - Bro, please pray for my speedy recovery. I'm in..and so it goes.

J - Sige Bro, I will try to pray., para sayo susubukan ko.

J - I forwarded your sms to our friends, perhaps they can pray for you better than I am.

T - Don't try, pls do.

J - ok, sige na nga. Will pray and pray for you.

G - Salamat, I can sense how deeply emotional you are right now. But I realized that the more we should cling to Him amidst the storms coming our way.

J - ok thanks. (so cold.) Let me know if you need me jan sa ospital.

....

And so T was discharge later that night which was good.

Continuing from my yesterday's writing this was first titled: My Life's Ordeal, Where art thou God? But things change really fast and so the retitling is neccessary. From where I left off I go back to Monday. I was alone but supposed to watch Madagascar but unable to do so because of my 10pm call from the office. I sent T an SMS asking how he is and it sounds good that he is getting better. This didn't stop me to be emotional on God. Expressing my disappointments in violent speech and killer looks. I asked, I have prayed for a lot of people and most of them you've given. I had so much faith in you that I claim you are the great healer of the sick especially those with terminal illness, even mentioning the truths of your word like Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." How will I be able to say that again if I myself doesn't get well? Too many questions and disgusts cloud my mind. Should I say the inverse for me not to be subjected to test? I did, if not almost did put God to the test. Perhaps I am like the runaway prophet, though I am not as righteous nor do I consider myself even close to it.

Wednesday morning I was in good mood to reflect, pondering I was struck by 2 Corinthians 12:9 even without opening my bible. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I felt the storm calm down on me, the lion heart being tamed. Then it was time for me to go to work. Unfortunately, I felt pains of my chronic gastritis in my stomach again so I was back to being an emotional son to God the Father. Well, I really don't understand you.

Evening came and I was alone in my room, post processing my huge backlog of photos. Skipping the details of the other occurences, I realized last night that:

In the millions of my problems and health concerns, I am still blessed.

I may not be well, but I am provided well by Him for my medicines. An employer for an HMO. The concern and compassion of my friends, online buddies, my sister Noreen, my mother and my D60-joke. Hahaha.

I may have been sickly but I can play physical basketball and smashing it up in badminton.

I may always be sick but not with a terminal one.

I may be down but not a loser.

I am a contradiction in a million ways, but faith is my only hope. A few months before I have comforted my friend thru this verse "Romans 5:3-5. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." and my new found wisdom thru Him.

I am ashamed that I was not able to live up to the strong faith that I used to have. I am ashamed to my friend whom we prayed for last September if she will read this. I am ashamed on Him. Ashamed to the fact that I rant, rant, rant, angry, angry, angry and yet He was silent. Not even bragging on why I still breathe, why I am capable of buying my expensive medicines, to press the trigger of my camera and more.

Discounting my other health issues, I am entirely at fault with my stomach pains. I have enjoyed the root cause anyhow. Given the chance to go back time, I won't think twice to do it again. Pints after pints of Stella Artois, glasses after glasses of bubbly champagne and shots after shots of whisky, I have enjoyed for free in marvelous London. Without a doubt I enjoyed it, perhaps it is the city of all types of beer, the lager, the foster, the sanmigs, my favorites stella-perhaps the best beer in the world and more. The yuletide season there is flooding with alcohol instead of food in contrary to Filipino tradition. I won't forget, me and my clients went down to HA Bar after lunch of December 18, 2007 to be merry with new VPs and drink all day.

Another notable part is to have a drink with a lovely lady, though worlds apart we are right now, I won't forget that 1 big kiss I gave her.

I asked her out but she's got a boyfriend, true or not it doesn't matter. It was a delight to have been told: "I appreciate how gentleman you are and for treating me nice."

To conclude, let us enjoy life! Problems may shake us, but God's grace is sufficient enough for you and me. We may differ in our own debacles, but rest assured you are blessed by the Hand of God. Like the footprints in the sand..You may not see Him but He is there. Sulking and dwelling in the negative will drown us to insanity. Let us change our view point and focus on the good. It will be difficult at times and be sure that I'll experience spiritual dryness again and give up but God never gives up on you and me. Focus and count on your blessings, we only have one life to live in this earth, so make it count.

One day, we'll see each other in Heaven, dressed in white with all the angels and saints but only Jesus is dressed in red, soaked in blood because He changed place with us.

Cheers,

Jay

PS, thank you for all those who have shown concern and compassion. To JLR, Glenn, Stitch, Joken, blsm, Louie, Bubut and Celina, you are God's instruments, thanks a million.

James Bond 007: Quatum of Solace Review

Going back time. January and February of this year, the making of this film is already much talked about in London. The film was half-finished and the new bond girl having a lot of publicities and to that effect. So I read in the free tube (tube is what the English call their city train.) newspaper daily going to work and a lot of free tabloids after work. Why read them? They are free and I have nothing to read and there's 1 in a million things that can be bought cheap in that great city. I wonder how much more publicity that the film had when I left, perhaps a lot more that's why it's a blockbuster in the U.K.

As I have promised you a review of the movie, I was able to watch it last weekend with my best buddy Luis after an anticipated Mass in greenbelt. I was excited to view this film since the trailer is action packed and the storyline seems much to my liking. The movie starts in a fast paced car chase which is a trademark of the Bond movies, you'll surely hold on to your seats at the twists and turns and innovative effects. Well, there is not much really to expect from the film and I rate it as fair: 3/5 for the great action stunts and funny lines between M and James. The downside of the film in my opinion is the not good enough storyline. Yes, I knew that this is the sequel of Casino Royale but it really doesn't appeal to me. The villain is the leader of an "unknown organization" which is really close to impossible as to having something unknown from all the intelligence that agencies have from the first world countries. There a little twist at the end of the movie that gives it a different ending. Did James had his revenge? I don't want to ruin it for you if you really want to see the movie. But for me, revenge do not appeal to me as I am emotionally unstable these days.

My Verdict:
Thumbs up: Action packed!
Thumbs down: Storyline. :(

Stressful Relationships: Untie it! Sever it! by all means!

I wanted a funny title but a clean one and this is the closest statement that I could think of. Bear with me as I try to make this as humane as possible.

We filipinos have sort of green metaphors that could have a very good use in our daily lives!
If your in a stressful relationship, you most likely need this:

"Wag magpatali ng bayag!" or better yet "Wag magpahawak ng bayag!" Rephrased, "Wag magpasakal!"

Whatever it is, go for the kill! Have the killer instinct! If you smell blood, hit right were it hurts! What is important is that you make yourself free from an unhealthy relationship that is causing you to:
1.) Sin.
2.) Stressed in any form.
3.) Manipulated.
4.) You can't be yourself.
5.) Your partner is self-centered.

etc, etc, etc.

He will change? She will change? --this doesn't work my dear! Love yourself first, not until you are selfish, before you can love anyone back. You should be overflowing with love before you can settle for that very 'yes' in marriage.

Why am I writing this? Because in my multiply site, I can see a lot of people brokenhearted.
Have I experienced this? Yes, I did 4 years ago a brokenheart, a few months ago a vengeful heart. Angry driven heart is not good, forgiving is everything. I am not righteous, I also had a difficult time forgiving. Well, don't carry an extra luggage by being bitter and unforgiving. Laugh at it, pray about it, joke with it..it works!

How do you do the killer break-up?! Do it properly, but if need be, santong paspasan na..and run forrest run!

Now, take care of your heart.

-Jay, the photographer. (feeling masyado, wahahaha)