Look Up

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my favorite mess of trees
*Centuria DNP 400 x CD-R King film camera*

There are times when days seem to drag on and the world seems upside down. But, such is life. There will always be ups and downs and that's what we all need to deal with every single day.

Things will never go our way, no matter how we plan every minute detail. People will hurt us. Circumstances will make us disappointed. Sometimes, we just feel alone despite the crowd around us. Then, reality bites. We're all on our own, aren't we? 

vines going up
*Centuria DNP 400 x CD-R King film camera*

When I was in college, I went through a lot of challenges that shook me emotionally. I usually found solace in staying underneath the trees in UP. Before there was the Ichthus in the campus, there was the green mess. The area had unruly grasses and garbage. I enjoyed standing there looking up at the trees not minding that I look crazy.

Sometimes, we get so preoccupied and stressed with everything that's eye-level that we forget what's above us. I'm not referring to any god, but to the magnanimity of life and nature. It's a different perspective.

When I look up, I feel so tiny in a big world. I feel that my worries seem trivial compared to those who face hunger or illness.

Makati
*Fuji XTRA 400 x CD-R King film camera*

Even if I'm not facing something deadly, I try to see a different perspective. It's refreshing to see things in a different light, from a different point-of-view. To see that sometimes, you need to know how sad you can get in order to be happy.

Siquijor's balete
*Centuria DNP 400 x Konica C35*

When I look up at the sky and at the trees, and all my worries seem to fade away. Bits and bits fly away with the clouds and the leaves. 

Quick Trip to Dapitan and Dipolog

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a scenic welcome in Mindanao

My company had a marketing conference in Dipolog two months ago. It was just a quick trip, mostly for work and some fun here and there. It was my first time in Mindanao and I was both scared and psyched at the same time. I have an irrational fear of boats and riding one to and fro the destination, which caused a lot of distress for me. When we were on our way to Mindanao, the boat stopped midway and I freaked out. Aside from that mishap, the entire trip went on smoothly.

On our first day, we went on tour in Dapitan. This is a historical city as the national hero, Jose Rizal (AKA my forever idol and obsession in grade school) spent his last years in Dapitan. There was a Josephine Bracken street, that I wasn't able to take a photo of. We also visited the spot where Rizal first landed by boat in Dapitan. We went around the city and to the churches and plazas.

Rizal's first steps in Dapitan

St. James Church in Dapitan

I wasn't able to take photos in Rizal's Dapitan home mostly because it was getting dark and my ISO 200 film can't handle it. Plus, I hate shooting with flash. I only took a few photos with my smartphone and just enjoyed being a tourist. I had a I-just-want-to-take-it-all-in-and-get-lost-in-the-forest kind of feeling.

A dancing girl on the rock where Rizal and Bracken are said to have been married.

That night, we went to Fantasy Land, which was a mini version of Star City. However, I wasn't really feeling up for some amusement rides since I'm a scaredy-cat. My editor, creative head, co-writer, and me just went ahead to the hotel and enjoyed the pool.

The next day was intended for a quick Dipolog tour before we get on our boat to Cebu. Our department basically spent most of this Dipolog trip by buying pasalubongs. We dropped by Montaño twice and Cathy's Bakeshop.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Dipolog

Cathy's

The trip was definitely short. However, I can't complain because it was really intended for work. Dapitan and Dipolog were great as quick getaways that weekend. I hope I can visit again soon with more time of course. Comment below if you've gone here and where's your favorite spot.

*photos taken with Fujicolor 200 X Nikon L35 AF*

Review: Pentax ME Super

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Pentax ME Super *

I got myself a new toy last year, a Pentax ME Super. I've been looking for an SLR that's not quite pricey but would still give me quality photos. I landed on this baby when I saw it on eBay. The price was just right and it came along with a set of filters, a tele-converter, and a flash. I though it was a great deal until I got the items early this year from the US. The camera was not in great cosmetic condition. The flash works but some parts were missing. The filters and the lens cap weren't the right ones for the 50mm lens. 

LESSON LEARNED: Ask as much questions as possible before purchasing a vintage camera online.

Despite all these, I just tried to make the most out of the camera I purchased. We tried to put on some fresh (SR44) batteries for the light meter and everything seemed to work properly. However, we did find another battery compartment that we can't open and don't know the purpose. (Please do comment if you know what the battery compartment is for.)

back view of Pentax ME Super *

The Pentax ME Super is from the late 1970s to mid 1980s. It has semi-automatic operation which allows users to switch from manual to automatic shooting. However, focusing has to be done manually.

The great thing about the ME Super is that it's really light. It probably is the lightest SLR camera I've used so far. It's not bulky, which is perfect for those who don't want to lug around heavy SLRs all the time. I try to bring a film camera with me to work regularly and this baby fits the purpose.

Heritage of Cebu Monument in Parian Park **

boats in Maribago **

Because it has an automatic feature and the light meter seemed to work fine, I relied heavily on shooting auto (aperture priority). I thought this made the entire experience easier and less hassle. I found the camera's electronic shutter completely cumbersome as I had to adjust the speed with the up and down buttons rather than the usual wheel.

I was really in love with the camera, despite the little flaws. When I finished my roll, I was utterly disappointed and heartbroken to find that most, if not all, of the photos turned out underexposed. I used a 400 ISO film and used auto (AP), which probably is the reason why the camera overcompensated the shots I made. I also think that the light meter is quite off. These are just speculations, though.

a blind talent **

Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge at night **

If you have encountered the same problem with the Pentax ME Super, please do leave a comment. I would like to know how my shots ended like this. I'll definitely test out the camera with another roll soon and post the photos here. I hope it will end up better than my first.

* taken with Canon 500D

** Pentax ME Super X Kodak Ultramax 400