It's Not the Arrow; It's the Indian

"It's not the arrow; it's the Indian.."
If there's one thing I'd remember from Dennis Balangue's photography class, that would be it.

Sometime last July, I finally gave in to starting something in my I've-always-wanted-to-do list, do good (at the very least, decent) photography. I figured that Filipinas Heritage Library's Digital Photography for Point-and-Shoot Camera Users was a pretty good way to kick things off. (Rivka, thank you, thank you, for the invite.)

It's a one-day affair which starts off with the basics of the camera & photography, and takes you through different techniques of taking pictures. There were about 20 or so in our class, from different ages and backgrounds, and the only thing we had in common was that we were all starting from scratch. Some of us, myself included, have never even touched our camera manuals. ;o) We also had varying reasons for taking the seminar, from doing travel photography, to documenting events, to just maximizing the money shelled out for the newly-purchased "toys".

More than the lecture, I think the best parts of the learning came during the hands-on exercises, the actual picture-taking. After each "seatwork", we'd regroup and review the work each one had done. By the end of the day, Dennis had us taking pretty good, professional-looking shots which you'd think would have come from a DSLR. (so you see, it's really the Indian.)

But more than the photography, I had actually gotten a lot more head fakes from it. About how getting good in photography had so much to do with control, to enable you to communicate. About how, much like everything else in life, you had to see the pictures first in your mind. About how, after learning all the rules, it's actually ok to break them.

The seminar comes with the materials and your meals for the day. FHL even threw in GCs for a couple of free 4R prints. Considering that, and everything else I had learned, I'd say I got more than my money's worth. Probably a small price to pay for something which could actually end up being a passion.

If photography's something you've always wanted to try, this is worth checking out. :)

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Check out http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/ for the schedule of the other photography classes. Filipinas Heritage Library also offers other classes such as writing. They have a wide collection of Filipiniana material, both for browsing and for sale. The Library's also a good venue to rent for various occasions. (Trust me, nerdy as it may sound, it's really a nice place to hang out in.)

Dennis Balangue is a semi-professional photographer who among other things, has done a lot of work with local celebrities. You can check out his works at http://bubuy12.multiply.com/.

Of Ice Cream and Childhood Memories

I have a distinct childhood memory of going on a nursery fieldtrip to the Ice Cream house along Aurora Blvd. I remember being with my dad then. I remember how neat it was to watch the ice cream being made, and to eat scoops of it after.

Cut to 27 years later. The new job this year has lead me to different routes home, going through Aurora. It takes me quite a while to have my second visit, but hey, you never grow too old to have ice cream, right?

Although it was in the same familiar place, the Nestlé Creamery had a "new" look with the remodeling done in the recent years. You can still order ice cream by the scoop, and they kept most of the old favorites - the banana splits, the cobblers, the sundaes and so many other oh-it's-going-to-be-a-happy-day desserts. They also have new & interesting treats, like the marble slab concoctions. (We had the Eskimo Choco Decadence - it's a must-try. I've also heard that the Blueberry Crumble is good.) Oh, and you still can get ice cream cakes too.

* Jerome whipping up a Blueberry Crumble.

They've expanded the menu to include meals like pasta, sandwiches, pizza and salads, making the Creamery a really good spot for the family's lunch or dinner (and dessert of course).

* It's going to take more than just a few visits to go through this list. =P

And if you haven't had your fill by the time you need to go, there's a little area at the side selling ice cream gallons and other good pasalubong stuff.

Something for the kids and the kid-in-you to try. Go have fun. :)

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Open everyday, the Nestlé Creamery is located inside the Nestle Ice Cream compound along Aurora Blvd. You can give them a call at (632) 415-7872.

Citylights

Simply the best seats in the house. :)

Dinner that night was at the Skyline at the 31st floor of Vivere Suites, in Filinvest Corporate City.

I must say that this has been one of the better al fresco dinners I've had, especially with the spectacular views of the metropolis. If you're not one to be fond of heights, you can go have yourself seated near the infinity pool instead, and still get a good "view".

I've heard different reviews about their menu, but I was pretty happy with my lengua that night. Then again, regardless of your dining preferences, for the view alone, dinner at the Skyline is still something to put on your things-I-should-do-in-this-lifetime list.


They're generally open as early as 5:30 from Sunday to Wednesday and 6AM from Thursdays to Saturdays. I would suppose breakfast with a view would be an interesting experience as well. (Already on my to-do list :) )


Go check it out. Do bring your loved ones. (And don't forget the camera.)


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Vivere Suites is located at 5102 Bridgeway Ave., cor. Asean Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang. You can check out their website -- http://viveresuites.com/. Best to call first to make a reservation -- (+632) 771-7777. Ask for the Alpha table. :)