finding our niche

In a family of about, what? 50 cousins, it's impossible to find peace during gatherings! Let alone order! It's a happy riot, nonetheless.

Survival of the fittest.
Scream, shout, do anything to make yourself known.
As they say, you are unique, just like everyone else.

That spells "niche".

Anyway...
Honey and Ate Kit were talking about how they have been (perpetually) mass readers.
Achie Bing semi-complained that she has forever been a bridesmaid (and never a bride?).
I fully complained that I was never a flower girl in any of the weddings that they had a part of. (Tawn pud.)

And Marba? She just grunted at us.

She used to scream a lot before. (Stuck feet in the car, "Call the doctor, call the carpenter...")
She used to quarrel me a lot before. (Gives me a looot of reason to fight back! Haa :D)

More than what she used to be before (although she still screams a lot), she has definitely found her distinctive niche... that make us unworthy, haha :D.

This is a taste of what I was meaning. Passion and love.
dance dance dance :)



I almost cried after this performance! It was beautifullll!
Unless you are really keen, you wouldn't even notice the slip!
I love you Marba! I am very proud of you! Mwahmwah!


[Images taken last May 23, 2009 at Noi Dison's Wedding using Donzki's P&S]

and did I just say number 6?

Hehe. I am smug today. I like to be smug sometimes, especially on few occasions that I can. Smug smug smile with that!

I have personally told only a couple of people about this site. I feel that I still need to place a loooot information about previous travels that would compose this travel blog that it is supposed to be.

But anyway, it brings a smile when people say nice things about what I am currently enjoying - besides taking pictures. Rambles, but nonetheless keeps me virtually present.


James emailed me saying this is a good start. He is currently connected with a big local company that I'm not sure if I can mention. I always smile when I see him because I can remember Mr. Miyagi of Karate Kid. (You're not born in the 1980's of you don't even get a recall!) Anyway, I have visited their office a couple of times, and the rest of the guys have been really warm. One of the things that they share is enthusiasm for great pictures. Jeff, one of the other guys there even taught me few tricks on curves (pp). Then there's Orville and Christian that I have worked with in few projects. I also smile when they kid around at their office, distinctively saying "Allrriigghhtt" and calling each other with pet names.


Soooo...
on from getting side-tracked, I was supposed to come up with a review of public comfort rooms of the places that I had and will be visiting - as suggested by James. I told him I thought it's a great idea,and that when and should I get to have the joomla site up, I'd have that section, and name it "James's Corner"!


Second off, I got a message from Norfelly.



Chronicles of a professional photographer wannabe! yahu! :)

He got married a month ago at Argao, down south of Cebu. I was among those surprised but very much happy to receive the invitation. He's one of the first logic designers in the company, and he remains grounded despite his expertise and responsibilities. If there's one thing I wish for him though, that would be not getting rattled by any unexpected circumstance. Hehe. Picturing it out, type in ":-SS"in YM,

Anyhow, I told him that my presence would be my present for this wedding! Having my cam with me at that time, I fell in love with the place and captured as much as I could. I love how dramatic the church was, facade and more so in the inside! Frescoes! I doubt if someone ever visited the place and didn't sigh looking up.

Here are some of my favorite captures.



[Images captured last April at Argao, Cebu]

Other pictures here. Congratulations again, Norfelly! Cheers to simple celebrations, and new beginnings! :)


P.S. I just got outside the office and saw the looming horizon, setting for for the day.
The shades of blue were loovveelly! Missing my camera, though.

Top 20 Things That Make Me Happy:

I find myself unable to catch sleep. Feeling jet lag :)). What with waking up three in the afternoon! Anyway, I find myself blog-hopping in multiply, and on Bianca's (Gonzales - yep the celebrity) page. When I started out months ago, I found inspiration from her writing. If anything, I find few things in common with her, as her...

• Writing Style. She's a list type of blogger, than the narrative paragraphs one.
• Travels. She likes to go around and travel new places.
  
• Interest. When she travels, she makes sure she gets a picture taken - with her cartwheeling in it. (Only I'd dream of being able to! So I'm very much content with posing beside a kilometro.)
• Pictures. A little kid in me, I find picture books more interesting. Although I've grown to love Judith McNaught like - thick novels, I'd say I'll forever be a picture book girl.

Anyway, I've came up with my own list of top 20 things that make me happy.

1. Rainbows
2. Capturing "nice" pictures
3. Short trips or long travels
4. East West's Mango Sushi Crepe
5. Family gatherings, especially when everyone's complete (or almost)
6. Getting commended with my work (work work, or not work work. Haha)
7. Friends
8. Beach!
9. Birthdays and Christmases
10. Accomplishing my tasks for the day
11. Hearing from someone that I look pretty :)) and knowing they are not lying!
12. Seeing my (toe) nails clean
13. Coming up of eat-able food for everyone
14. Chocolates
15. Surprises. Giving or receiving them
16. Pretty landscapes and picturesque scenery
17. Chick flicks and feel-good movies
18. Proving someone wrong, or proving I am right! Evil grin with that! Hehe :)
19. Skype's bear hug and demure laugh
20. Ordering coffee jelly, and seeing my name spelled right



[Isn't the rainbow really pretty? The girl at the center is prinsesa taken at Portofino, with the rest of the pictures randomly selected. Lower right picture with high school friends taken from Kei's cam.]

"it was long overdue. and not easy to do. but i have learned,
as should you, that one has a choice to be happy. and take away
toxic people people in one's life who do not share in one's
happiness :)"

From one of the email exchanges I had with Ate. It sounds poem-ish, but I believe that was not purposely rhymed, but getting the point across that yes, there is nothing wrong if you sulk and get sad and even get depressed, but it is greatly your choice if you get yourself winded up in it after a looong time.

the boss gets what the boss wants

As I'm watching Judy Ann & Ryan's Wedding Special (the making episode), I'm laughing with the friends of the couple, as well as the couple go about the preparations and arrangements.

I wonder if they can count how many laughs people belted out in that episode, I'm sure it would be a headache! Hehe. Although Papa Tito was complaining how long it was, among other things, I thought it was really cute.

They wanted a happy secret wedding, and they got it.

Same went for J(y)osi and Jaja's beach wedding that I was invited to last week Sunday, as well as Noi Dison and my new cousin-in-law, Ellen's, yesterday - only crashing out the secret part.

Like many others, I love love stories, and I love happy endings (or new starts?). :)
If I were getting married, I'd like mine to be a mix of those that I have attended, but definitely keeping it happy as a common denominator.



Anywayyy...
Jill, sent me a message that the ad was published, about two weeks ago? I've lost track of time, and I guess I have been kinda busy not to have scanned a copy of the actual ad. I still have yet to get my own copy from her, which reminds me!

Anyway (again), her boss wanted some color splashed on the ad. Although my favorite of the two lay-outs was not chosen, I'm still as glad that one of my two favorite pictures was.

Boosting my confidence in capturing pictures a level notch higher, here's the second ad that I had laid out for Pueblo El Grande Ad.


And here's the image that went through publishing. Isn't she pretty? Haha :D






Mare, as I told you through text, the boss gets what the boss wants.
So no worries, we'll be bosses some time. :)

Full House

I come from a big family.
I come from a very big family.
I come from a very big and happy family.
I come from a very big, happy, and loud family.
I come from a very big, happy, and very loud family.


...et cetera, et cetera? Got the point most probably on the second line. Ha :)


Summers before were spent at Bogo.
Not "usually" nor "more often than not".
That was how it used to be before.

Daddy has about nine siblings. So I guess one can easily imagine the branches of that, and even
the branches of the branches?

Loud voices, boisterous laughs, getting really excited even just passing by the "Welcome to San
Remigio" signage, kuluk kulok...

Even while I'm typing off right now with everyone asleep upstairs, and Marie mindlessly talking
in her sleep beside me, I'm smiling. I can distinctly remember the smell of Elf - the orange truck
that we got us from and to Bogo, with everyone crammed in the cushions spread out at the back.

Thinking about it now, I can list endless notes about what and how I remember how it was before.
And...

Thinking about it now, I'd make a mental note to do it one free time!


[Images taken last night after dinner, with ate and noi bebe's camera]


As Papa Tito explained to Steve weeks ago during the Manila family gathering that well, the gathering,
is and will never be completed without the, now tradition, pictorial. Although I still don't have my
camera, Noi Bebe compensated for such misfortune! Nikon D90, drroolll!


As the saying goes, you can choose your friends, but not your family.
Not that I mind getting forever stuck with this one! :)

Who Doesn't Love Kids?

If this were years earlier, I'd say there's Gayle. And if I consider earlier this Monday in the
factor, I'd say there are about a million others. Only going down the point that:


Many may love kids. But not necessarily their own.


So I ponder on that.
Apparently, I have no kids of my own yet. So I'd say, I definitely love the rest that I've come to
encounter with.


I'm back in Butuan for a two-day work presentation. Earlier this afternoon, I was walking back here
in the inn from the client's office - seeing a mother of two playing kids who returned my smile.

Wweelll, I'm friendly.
And a few steps passing them, I heard the older asked the mom? "Kaila ka ato, Ma?" With the
younger chiming in, "Classmate toh nimo, Ma? Classmate toh nimu?"

Nalingaw ang isa ka naglakaw na dakong bata. Heeee :D The innoncence of kids!




I can even remember Myka asking me inquisitively, "Tita Chari, why do you have small boobs?"
Wapak. Such innocence.

So anyway, Kim sent me the copies of her song, together with her niece, Keisha's banana cue
camote cue!








[Random Other] My things to do for the coming days:

1. Gayle's Assignment for me: Give a "maybe" in her "Life is simply a yes or no."

2. Finish Potski's / Don's last pages of the scrap book before his birthday next week. While I'm
at it, I better make it really good.

3. Upload unposted pictures in muliply. And with my the family gathering for Noi Dison's wedding,
as well as the Fiesta, I'm sure to get some more lined up in the pile.

And banana cue makes my day

As I was momentarily stopped from working, I was browsing over entries of my multiply contacts, stumbling upon Kim's new music post.

She was this silent girl I met during Pinoy Po band shoot earlier this year. She was just keeping to herself that afternoon. But knowingly or unknowingly, she drew attention to herself. It was either that looong straight hair, or her easy smile, or a pretty face with a guitar, or that simplicity.



[images taken for Pinoy Po! 2009, February]


Everyone fell in love with her voice when she sang that February night.
I mean, it's not always that you hear a voice so smooth despite a lot of videokes around the corner, right? Hee :D

Anyway...
She posted in her description, referring to one of her two posted songs:
"Keisha kept on bugging me, she wanted to sell banana cue to you guys. She just came up to me and said "magsing ko. baligya ko." "

Then, shrieked this little cute voice:

Banana cue! Camote cue!
Banana cue! Camote cue!

it was never ending chant until she grew a bit tired and her voice faded,
then she was shouting again from a distance.

Cutee! Swear, I've been smiling for almost half an hour replaying her number over and over!
Banana cue! Camote cue!

Sayang, I couldn't post the song here! I would have loved to download it, but limitations of mutliply. I messaged Kim how funny I thought her little niece was, and adorable! She mentioned where I would want her to send the songs!

Sooo...
When and should I get a copy of it, I would make a video out of it so that it would be uploadable here.

Sayang also her account is only for her contacts, it would have been accessible here.


Anyway, I'm listing the people on top of my head right now whom I vowed that I am their number 1 fan! Hehe.
[And here goes]
1. Sili (and her band)
2. Balde ni Allan
3. Angelai
2. Edzyow
3. Kim
4. Keisha :)


Love,
Frustrated Singer,
and Banana cue Camotee cue lover

Still hates gravity

....or should I say REALLY HATES GRAVITY?

That has been my status message for the whole day.
And few asked at fb who baby ced it, and I grow more sad by the second.


My camera is now in Canon Service Center at The Gallery, Mabolo.
He's gonna be in for about 3 weeks, the attendant informed me. And that would only be the checking up. Should there be any damage and (ghad, I hope not) any part replacement, it would likely be another 3 weeks. Looks like damn gravity did not only do damage to mine, but to the rest that's lined up.

I pleaded and even did my pouty look and puppy dog eyes on her, which I must say that I did not do intentionally. I have intended to use it this Sunday at Yosi's reception party, and Noi Dison's Wedding. Can I cry now?

:(

Honeypie said that she knew a friend who had a Nikon fixed, and *caching* at a lesser price. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed and pray there's some way it can be ready, even at least by next week Saturday.

Although, if there's anything that came out good from this, it would likely be proving Gayle (and Auntie Letty) wrong that there is indeed a Canon service center here in Cebu. Hehe.

Anyway...
Still, I'd rather be wrong, as long as my camera will be okay.


Ghad, help me.

Mailing Address: Butuan City (and Gingoog City)

Dear Butuan Friend(s),

I'm back in Cebu! Like other places I had visited, I sadly said
"Bye Butuan...". It's weird, but I honestly felt attached to the
place, and I guess what with my one week stay. But I've got to
say home will always be sweet home :D

Searching the Net, there wasn't much attraction until I got to
go around the city... and amused myself! Hee :D

Surprise surprise! My wish was certainly granted. And my search
for a Butuan friend? Was I kidding myself when I said that? God
definitely loves me!


[images taken from flight to butuan and some from my room at julien's inn. yum chocolates from auntie joy!]


To My Butuan Friend: Lonely Planet

Thank god, I borrowed you from Rick :) Although there were
a lot of details that were no longer applicable, and a lot more
that I'd definitely add, you were such a gem.



[the last image is the Agusan Marsh that the province boasts of]

Destination: City Cafe, Almont Hotel (Formerly Big Bowl Restaurant stated in Lonely Planet)

I had to go back to the centro for this (and this was the place I
wanted to drop by on my trip around the Rizal area.) This time
I was still in shorts, but I've got a neater top than and sandals.

Place Rating: Great (kinda posh-ish, with great lighting and interiors,
with an piano accompaniment to add the hotel-ish ambiance)
Location Rating: Great (it was easily accessible, and there it was the
outside was safe enough for me)
Food Rating: Okay (but nothing more than the ordinary, but I must
admit it looks good in pic, diba?)
Drinks Rating: Great (just the right sweetness)
Dessert Rating: Great (I guess you can never go wrong with a plate
of fresh fruits)



[images taken at city cafe, almont hotel]


To My Butuan Friend(s): Kuya Tricycle Driver
Destination: Diosdado Macapagal Bridge

I was counting how many cabs were running around the place, and
they weren't much. I was told there were about only five, and I must
say that it was super nice that there are many of you who were
readily available.

Observations: All of the tricycle units that I have seen have "Butuan
City" labels at the upper front; The units come in two colors with
majority in bright orange, and few in lime green.
Place Rating: Nice (There were a number of food vendors, as well)
Ride Rating: Super Great (Very affordable, and Kuya did not take me
some other place, kidnap paranoia, Ha :D)
Kuya Rating: Super Great (Very accommodating, and he even agreed
when I asked him to take a picture of me with a kilometro, wee :D)

Trivia: I was told by Sir Sammy that it apparently was a white elephant
project as there were only few who go by at. I'm not sure how true it
is but the other side is said to be a dead-end-ish.

Nonetheless, I was super glad that I was able to catch the sunset. With
30 pesos fare (and a tip of an additional 20), it was an adventure!



[images taken at diosdado macapagal bridge, butuan city; the lower left picture is my favorite shot.]


To My Butuan Friend: Sir Sammy
Destination: Uncle Sam's and Goat to geder

Food Trip! I mean, free food! Hee :D Although you claim to have not
visited other places in Butuan that I was able to discover, you definitely
knew the best eating places. Uncle Sam's really boasted the crispy
beef thingee, and Goat to geder the yummy Kaldereta and those other
orders, which names I have forgotten.

Sayang I didn't have the camera with me during our Goat to geder pig
out. Hmmm... Did I just say that right? Ha :D (No ironies intended.)
Sooo... maybe next time.

More than those dine outs, I would honestly count myself lucky if I do get
to work with you again. Or should I say FOR you? ;D


[images taken at Uncle Sam's Restaurant, with a stolen shot of Sir Sammy at the upper left corner.]


To My Butuan Friends: Lotlot, Lalang and Upaw (the kid chicharon vendors, who became my instant models)
Desitination: Butuan Regional Museum (unlike what Lonely Planet details, there wasn't any entrance fee)

Butuan is said to have existed centuries ago, even before the Philippines
did exist! Surprised? I was a bit pondering on that claim. But hey, they
have archaeologic and ethnologic artifacts to prove that. I would have loved
to take some few shots inside, but I was a good girl that I supposedly was
and didn't even steal some captures, hehe. You guys proud of me? Hee :D

The archaeologic was a bit spooky for me, admittedly. I guess it had a lot
to do about the skulls and the remains display at the end of the room, but I'd
love to take some of the bead accessories, if only I could.

More than the interesting collection, I was really surprised with man-made
pond. It was really really nice, and quiet. I'd love to go back again. I hope
all of you will be there to sell some chicharon again. I'll be sure to bring my
camera again, rest assured.



[images takan at the museum, and my new found friends, whose names I really remembered.]


To My Butuan Relatives: Uncle Boi (Daddy's Cousin) and Auntie Joy
Destination: Butuan Home and Gingoog City

I'm sorry I wasn't able to take on your offer to join you on your Davao trip,
but I was sure glad to catch up with you at Gingoog City. I honestly have
to see the picture again to remember the place. Gi-ngo-og. Truth be told
with no offense meant for the residents there, I didn't know there was
such place! Hehe, nonetheless, it was such a great discovery for me.

Adventure:
- About 2 hours bus ride from Butuan City, you can just ask the konductor
to you drop you off at the terminal.
- Swimming in the rain! I enjoyed the beach regardelss if the place had black
sand. I enjoyed my natural spa with the crystals :D
- Quary site (where some of Uncle Boi's trucks were operating) The place
was really interesting, and the sunset? It was a wonder!
- Big Truck ride! I didn't really mind the humid temperature inside the truck,
I felt as if I was a little girl asked to try out riding inside the fire truck, Hehe :D



[images taken at the visited places in Gingoog City, and some from Butuan home. See the flat screen tv? It was really huge, I was not able to fit in the picture, Hehe. The two pictures at both ends are among my favorites/]


To My Gingoog City Friends: Black Sand Friends
Destination: Dinah Beach Resort, Gingoog City

Once I get the time, I'll have the pictures posted at friendster, so that they
will be accessible to you. The little kids were a bit kulit, but I was happy
clicking away, surprisingly had a few flickr-worthy pictures ;D


[images taken at Dinah Beach Resort]


Endless thank-you's again for the adventures with me. And to Greenbank of Caraga employees, it was really nice working with you. I'll see you on the 20th!

Will post other details soon! Contact details and etc.
Mwah!


Lotsa Love from your Cebu friend,
Chari

Don't Puppy-Dog-Eyes Me!

If there's two things I really hate about Pinas, it would most likely be:

1. frikin overcharging cab drivers
2. and random kids on the roads, suddenly becoming beggars when they see you having food in your hands.


I mean, what's the deal? One thing they were boisterously joking around with their friends, then tadaaa... they suddenly send out their puppy dog eyes look on me?

The acting award goes to.... tadadangtadang!


But actually, I found myself laughing at well, myself when I realized I was half-running to avoid the first kiddo who was intent on getting my mcflurry from me. Hee :D
Don't mess with me and my food? And heyyyy... puppy dog eyes is my style! Hehe :D


Anyway, to think I was smiling while going out of McDo.

I said, "One Mcflurry"
And the attending person said, "Mcflary?"
I just had to smile, he was really nice.
Then I asked if I can also have three packets of "Sug(ur)"
But I had to repeat myself and say "SugAr".
Arrr... Ha :D

Then there was this lady behind me who seemed to know everyone. I found her first talking to one lady, telling her that she grew thinner, and they laughed it off happily.

Then she found the manager, who apparently was someone she knew, as well. I couldn't help but smile when she also mentioned that she grew thinner. This time though, she pestered the her manager friend, asking her what the reason was. Her manager friend first shrugged it off and said that might have been the lack of food. I think the lady didn't get the joke, when she pestered on more, which of course became haggle of are you sure, yes I'm sure.

Some opening line, huh?
What if I befriend her?
Ooohhh, niniwang lagi ka dai?!

Professional Photographer Wannabe - Update

From Jill:
"Mare, wud it be ok wd u if ako nlang edit ani? murg dpt ryt now na mahuman gd and maikog nakog padalig edit nimo. akng gpakita sa akng boss imng ads, ghnhn pd au xa esp sa katong big part, portrait style..."

If only I could measure how wide my smile can go, I'd say it was that big! ;))
And for those who couldn't understand Cebuano, it simply connoted that I still have a hand at it, after all. Hee :D

I've always loved Advertising subject, and as I have a number of times mentioned to some people, I loved Teresita ;D.

Anyway, did I mention that it would not only go out in Sunstar, but also Freeman?
Yep, that wide smile.

Anyway, here's one draft design I did. This wasn't the approved design, though.
I surprisingly am having fun with this collage lay-out...



and I had more fun shooting away :D

Belated Happy Birthday, Mare! Mwah :*

Professional Photographer Wannabe

Waaa.

I am so so excited. My good friend from college, Jill, asked me to help out on
her project to advertise the houses they are marketing. That was last Saturday.


It was only now though that I was able to take the time to format an ad. The
ad will be printed in the local newspaper (Sunstar). I am excited for that, as
well.

I was able to finish two lay-outs, and I feel foolishly pleased with them. Although,
I'm not sure if they will be picked out by Jill's bosses, I'd still feel happy should
I see the pictures I've taken, published.

I always get giddy after any supposed artwork. And hell yeah! I've got those lay-outs
reason enough for being this excited.


Sooo...
Now, I'm sure it will be a while before I get myself to sleep.

Anyway, probably I'll get to show the world these lay-outs as soon as Jill's company
will be able to release the ad. Should they be not selected, I'll post them here,
the same.

Below are two my favorite pictures of that day, as well as a pose with "my" models, Hee :D




Btw, the pretty girl's name is Monique. She became my instant favorite. She was such a
darling, and I'd kill to have that photogenic face.

There goes my lesbo tendencies. Hehe :D
Other details next time. Mwah!

Mailing Address: Butuan City

Dear Butuan Friend,


Where are you? I have been looking for you. I'm here already.
I was hoping that I could meet you. As long as you are nice,
it wouldn't matter if you're any random kid in town.

Yeah, okay, as long as look decent enough not to kidnap me,
as well. Hehe, I'm in Mindanao, call it paranoia.

Anyway, I got lost earlier. But I didn't know any place, so it
didn't really feel like it. Ha :D

I think the driver mistook my "sa bridge, kuya?". It felt more
like an overpass! Nonetheless, the cam came in so handy.

I got to see your plaza, and church, and local stores. Walking
around it was really nice, as well. Too bad I was wearing shirt
and shorts, I would have loved to go in almont's hotel, and try
the restaurant that Rick's Lonely
Planet book mentioned.

Well, maybe some other day. Tomorrow or the next. (Or the
next after that next, Hee :D)

Anyway, I've got to meet you. Let's get lost somewhere. Or not.


Your Cebu Friend,
Chari