So much have happened since the last post.

I was finally enrolled to the Royal Academy of Art (part-time photography programme) after a serious last-minute procrastination. I moved out of Utrecht, and started to live a life on my own in The Hague. Not as fun as I thought it would be.

I am now renting a room by the sea. Somehow it reminds me so much of home.

But it all boils down to this. I'm back, whether you care or not.

 

I stopped and asked myself today, "what the hell am I trying to do?"

 

Life, as I knew it, wasn't as complicated as how I'm taking it.

So I said, "Yeah, shit happens sometimes. I'm young."

The Filipino Youth League and the Peoples Artists Network in Belgium.

June 29, 2008. Updates on social and political situation on the Philippines. A theater arts workshop followed where they were able to come up with a solid performance in two hours.

"This land is mine. Leave or die!"

*******

Also a few nature tripping here and there. I spent most of the time by the swamp (yes, my friends, stop calling it a lake) chasing after a blue dragonfly.

It was also my first time to try the D40 and D300 combo. The latter came early this week and so far we're doing good.

I mounted the 18-50mm f/2.8 on the D300 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 on the D40. Later I realized that it would have been better the other way around.

 

Swinging two heavy Nikons is still waaaaay more convenient than having one and two lenses. I've yet to try this out on a more time critical event.

 

 

 

Simba and Nala shots from yesterday.

Still not a fan of cats. Gotta work on that, I know.

 

It was more of a picnic than a commemoration of the Philippine Independence, of course. Wait. Independence? What independence?

So what was there, in general?

You can buy stuff and collectibles. Or listen to western music. And watch sexually-inspired dance numbers in bad wardrobe.

And spot the obligatory wasted people by 5pm.

But here's something I'd like to see: something cultural. Something educational. I mean, if we can pull this off, gathering a huge number of Filipinos together for a day in a year, why not take the opportunity to educate them about the Philippine society today and help them trace their cultural roots?

I bet that would be wonderful.

But am I boring you already?

 

 Serve the People. More pictures here.

 

 

Baby photoshoot again. You've gotta love them. They don't complain about how they look in their photographs. Well, at least not in 10 years.

Today I took a number of photographs of a classmate's two-month old son. It was my first experience on baby photography outside the Filipino community. Outside my comfort zone. Picked up a couple of lessons along the way... you know, like taking the right bus so I won't have to drag my equipment for kilometers under the summer sun.

Yes, I got lost somewhere in the neighborhood I've been staying in for 2 years.

 

I've been busy-- yes, a valid excuse that is.

But my favorite baby model is now three weeks old. I've been broke, buying metal frames from Ikea and printing posters at Dixons Utrecht. Broke, but for the first time in two years, I am having fun with what I do.

 

 

I skipped quite a number of school days too. Not that it's something new but I am breaking new records without getting kicked out. Guess I have to do something about that though.

And yes, I still feel and believe that Holland is not for me. Being underpaid at Albert Heijn last month does not help either.

Anyway, I have a couple of projects ahead. After 'moderate starvation' and working extra hours, I will be expecting a baby soon-- I'm looking at the temporary Nikon D300 sale at an electronics supermarket.

Right now, I am desperately open for job offers. I need the D300. I do, I do

 

If you hang around in Amsterdam a minute too many to notice little things, there's more than just the red light district. There's nothing more amusing than actually watching tourists and people go about their own personal stories.

(Subject spotted by Lilia Cornelio)

To Lilia, who will be a very good photographer someday: I know you'll be reading this. Thanks for the day out. I should definitely do that more often (except the part I told my employer I couldn't go to work because of LBM). But it was worth it. Til next time!

And here's something to keep you motivated, and to remind that you have to get a Nikon D-something soon: