Review: Pentax ME Super

Pin It Now!

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

Out and Around Siquijor

Pin It Now!

the cross in Santa Ana

We went to Siquijor a month ago without knowing anything about the island or what to expect. We didn't even have an itinerary. It was a let-us-see-what-would-happen kind of vacation. We read a few blogs a week before the vacation and asked friends. However, we only relied on what will happen and what we felt like doing.

The great thing about Siquijor is that you can go around the island the whole day. The entire island is only 75 kilometers (using the main road). Anyone with a driving license can rent a motorcycle or a van depending on how long you're going to stay in Siquijor. The usual renting charge is around PhP 250 to PhP 350 for 24 hours. For around three liters of fuel, you can already go around the island. Just make sure to ask the owner what kind of fuel you need. Tourists won't have any problem finding any shop that rents out motorcycles or even those that have fuel. They're all along the road. This way of touring Siquijor is also more affordable compared to hiring a tricycle driver. You can visit the different towns in Siquijor at your own pace.

our trusted bike for the trip

Once you set foot in Siquijor, you'll find maps of the island in different areas. We found one in our resort and other ones along the road. This was really useful for us when we were going around Siquijor. We used the map as a basis of where to go from our resort, Coral Cay, which was in the town of San Juan. Everything in Siquijor is within reach if you have a vehicle at your disposal.

looking up from the balete

the four-century-old balete tree

Our first stop in the trip was the centuries-old balete tree, which was just 15 minutes from the resort. It is sitting quite inconspicuous along the road. The caretaker said that the tree was more than 400 years old and was believed to be enchanted. It did look pretty spooky to me. Tourists can dip their tired feet in the water, under the tree, for a quick fish spa for free. You can also donate money for the maintenance of the spot.

Capilay Spring Park

The next destination was Capilay Spring Park. It was filled with local kids swimming in the long stretch of pool, with water from the spring. If you're gutsy, go ahead and take a dip too. I intended to take a swim but I got scared by the big fishes and the gigantic weed-like organisms inside the pool. There are also small tables where visitors can sit down at the park and just enjoy the calmness of life in Siquijor.

San Isidro Labrador Church

Lazi convent

The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent are among the known structures in the island. These are located in the town of Lazi. The church has a baroque architecture with visual interior. Its facade is made of coral stone, a material that was frequently used for churches at the time. The convent is one of the biggest and oldest convents in the country. You can actually take a tour inside the convent, but we didn't go in.

to the falls

long flight down

third tier

thesecond tier

Cambuhagay Falls is far off from the main road in Lazi. Although it's not really along the road, a lot of Siquijor tourists and locals visit this place. It is considered the best attraction in the island, as well. One has to go down around 135 steps in order to reach the falls from the dirt road. Parking fee for vehicle costs around PhP 15 to 30, depending on the vehicle. It has three tiers where tourists can enjoy for a swim. We were only able to swim in the last tier but had really fun taking a quick dip there.

turn right to Salogdoong

we're heading to Salogdoong

my favorite part in Salogdoong

The Salogdoong Beach is probably my most favorite spot in Siquijor, because our resort's beach was covered with seaweed. I love the crystal clear blue water and the cheap fees (which is new to me because of the pricey beach fees in Cebu). We only paid PhP 15 for every person and another PhP 15 for the motorcycle parking fee. The beach screams U-N-T-O-U-C-H-E-D. Fishes go near you, even in the shallow water. It was just how I envisioned paradise to be. Although the sand is not as powdery as the beaches here in Cebu, the waters are definitely virginal. You can just bring your own beach towel and lay down in the sand instead of paying PhP 100 for the cottage. However, Salogdoong is around an hour away from San Juan.

going on a roadtrip

There were definitely a few other tourist spots that we missed during our short trip to Siquijor. We didn't have enough time there, so we're hoping to visit Siquijor again next time and make the most out of what the island paradise has to offer.

Do you have other favorite spots in Siquijor that we might have missed? Comment below.

 Konica C35 x Centuria DNP 400

Siquijor: The Island of Fire

Pin It Now!

the fine stretch of beach near Siquijor's port

Siquijor is considered among the most mysterious islands in the country. It is filled with stories of witchcraft and the unknown elements. It is believed that witches reside in the island and people can get love potions. And, the stories go on.

Despite the many rumors about this little island, it has blossomed in the recent years. Many tourists flock not to search for love potions, but to look for a relaxing haven. The little province is now bustling with tourists from different parts of the world that foreign faces are becoming a norm.

boats in Liloan, Santander

Dumaguete City pier

Getting to Siquijor can be a long trip. It will take roughly five hours or so to arrive in Siquijor from Cebu City. You need to take a bus ride (PhP175) from the South Bus Terminal to Liloan, Santander. Upon reaching Liloan, get a ticket for the fast craft (PhP 62) to Sibulan, Negros Oriental. There are jeeps and tricycles waiting at the port of Sibulan that all go to Dumaguete. The jeepney ride from Sibulan to Dumaguete City costs PhP 11for every person while the tricycle tends to be slightly pricey. Ask for directions to the pier in Dumaguete's boulevard and get on the boat to the Siquijor. There are different vessels going to Siquijor. The air-conditioned Ocean Jet costs P220 per passenger while the other fast crafts are around P120.

the port in Siquijor

When you arrive at the port of Siquijor, you are greeted with crystal clear blue waters. It's one of the cleanest ports I've ever seen. It makes you really excited for what the island has to offer. The place is squeaky clean. It's really a refreshing break from the bustling city life. The life and time is slow in Siquijor. With the places and people to meet, time's not enough.

Aside from that, the residents in Siquijor are just generally nice and accommodating. Although I've encountered a few annoying ones, most of the people are happy and helpful. They're also very laidback and calm.

the empty streets in Siquijor

schoolkids on a Saturday

people (and animals) in Siquijor walk only!

I'm looking forward to revisiting Siquijor next year. According to the locals, the peak season in the island is from October to April. It's the time when many foreign tourists flock the island. However, we went to Siquijor last month and found a decent number of Filipino tourists out and about. We're hoping to get back during the peak season and meet other travelers.

Konica C35 x Fujicolor 200

Remembering UP Cebu

Pin It Now!

seal
Nikon L35 x Fujicolor 200

I miss being in school. It's ironic because I badly wanted to finish my degree and get out three semesters (especially when I was among the oldest in the campus already). However, now that I'm done I feel nostalgic about the corridors, classrooms, the empty spaces, and my classmates in UP.

Oble then in bronze
Centuria DNP 400 x CD-R King

Oble now feeling grey
Nikon L35 x Fujicolor 200

My mind lingers to my contemplative walks to and fro my classes. I've always liked walking alone along the covered walk and dark corridors in the undergraduate building. It makes me feel alone yet surrounded with the other students headed to their respective classes. I spent most of my vacant periods hiding on the veranda of the MassCom wing while my friends were smoking. I liked going to school early to clear my mind and even to cry.

I went to school briefly a week ago to meet a former classmate. It felt like home. Many things were new to me. Despite the changes, it was that contemplative air in UP that makes me at ease. The school molded me into who I am today. Much of my values and principles in life were formed during college. I became more accepting and more open because UP nurtured those qualities aside from critical thinking.

this way, please
Nikon L35 x Fujicolor 200

them huts in school
Nikon L35 x Fujicolor 200

looking UP
Smena 8M x Euro Color 200

Throughout my excessive stay in college, the school campus has always been my favorite subject in my film photos. I guess it was just natural to document the beauty of something as mundane as school. A part of me wanted to capture the school as it was. Another reason was to keep the memories alive.

It's funny how bitter-sweet college life really is. We never solely hate or love it. There will always be a memorable classroom where you feel in love with a classmate's shy smile and another room where you cried when you broke your heart or failed your exam. There are those favorite tambayans you used to hangout with friends and those you spent your drunken moments in.

a memorable bit
Smena 8M x Euro Color 200

can you tell I like the trees here?
juice box camera x Centuria DNP 400

For me, college is that period in life where I discovered more of the world and what it truly means to be educated and free.

Review: Canon Snappy Q

Pin It Now!

the Canon Snappy Q *

I "borrowed" this camera from my parents when I visited them two years ago. This is the first and only film camera my parents had because they weren't into photography. I have fond memories of the using the camera during the end-of-the-year school recognition and other school activities. My parents weren't really keen in taking photos so I was always the one who took photos during events.

When I rekindled my love for film, I decided to give this camera a go. I wasn't expecting much from it, being a point and shoot camera. I do remember that it took decent family photos but it wasn't really that great.

automatic pop-up flash *

shutter button and film counter above *

The Snappy Q is a 35 mm point and shoot film camera from Canon. It's a fixed focus camera with an f/4.5 lens and a 1/70 shutter speed. It can only use films with ISO/ASA 100/200 and 400. The film advances automatically after every frame is shot. Since it's an automatic camera, the Snappy requires two AA batteries. It also has a pop up flash for shooting in the dark.

When I got the film back from the lab, I was a bit impressed with the sharpness of the camera. It was definitely better than the other point and shoot cameras I've used. It can definitely shoot great images.

Kadaugan sa Mactan 2013

Santa Ana Chapel in Toledo

I think the Snappy is just a little bulky for my taste and it's also a bit heavy. Its odd shape makes it harder to hold on to the camera during photo walks (especially that camera strap got broken a decade ago). However, it can be a great go-to camera for photo walks or just for daily use without bringing the too-heavy SLRs or rangefinders but getting good results.

Hey, Ronald!

flowers in the chapel.

I'll surely be bring it out next time for more play and shoots. It's a great compact camera for regular shooting.

Canon Snappy Q x Centuria DNP 400

* taken with Canon 500D

Manila: First Flight

Pin It Now!

off to Manila

Let me tell you a secret: I've never flown anywhere. I guess I've never been anywhere aside from Cebu and Negros my entire life. My travels have always consisted of long bus and boat rides to wherever I was heading. I've never been on a plane until early this year.

Due to my work as a writer in a local publication in Cebu, I get to travel and go to different places to attend corporate events. My editor sent me to Manila last February to attend Daikin's product launch. It was my first trip to Manila and my first time on a plane.

my view from the hotel room

I was pretty excited about the trip so I readied two rolls of films and my well-loved CD-R King film camera. I googled pretty much the places I wanted to visit within the vicinity of our hotel, the InterContinental Hotel in Makati. I guess the hotel's location made going around the city easier. I only had to walk around the area.

I was nervously excited about flying. It was that kind of feeling that makes you want to wail and puke at the same time. I also have acrophobia so flying was definitely scary for me. 

Aside from that fear of flying, I also had reservations about Manila. Although I know a lot of friends in Manila, watching all those news about robbery, murders, and accidents all happening in Manila was pretty horrific.

fishpond in Greenbelt

My colleague and I went around the malls in Makati, especially those near our hotel. It was just a simple stroll in their massive interconnected shopping malls. I visited the Ayala Museum, which probably was my best experience during the trip. I love museums and I especially enjoyed looking at their intensive gold collection. I was also able to meet up with a close friend, who now resides in Malate. He took me around the city and invited me to a late dinner at Aristocrat along Manila Bay.

I know I sound like a probinsyana in the city, but it definitely was invigorating seeing new stuff in Manila. I frequent provinces and the beach when traveling, and being in a bigger city than Cebu was a first for me.

looking up in Greenbelt

Manila was good to me despite that scary experience with traffic on the way to the airport and the taxi driver asking for more than what was due. I definitely want to be back and discover more of what the capital has to offer. What places should I visit next?

all photos taken with CD-R King camera x Fuji XTRA 400

The Blogger's Back

Pin It Now!

I know. I know. I've done it n times already. I've been foregoing blogging for the demands of my multitudes of work and I wasn't quite happy about it either. However, I've promised myself this year to make time for blogging. Lately, I've found myself down without any outlet to express myself.

Even if I'm already working full-time as a writer in a newspaper, blogging will always have a special place in my heart. It was through blogging that I was able to cope with my angsty and problematic teenage and college years. When I 'formally' blogged, I met a lot of readers and fellow bloggers that made me more attached to the trade. It just felt right to go back to blogging.

So, I'm officially back! Yay!

To make up for all the lost time and undeveloped film rolls, I will be posting all of them nine rolls of film soon. I know I have to make that important trip to my film lab this weekend to start the ball rolling. I'm super excited! Aside from that, I'll be making a few trips in a few weeks so just keep posted.

So let's start with this photo I unearthed when I randomly developed a film roll from my stash. I took this two years ago. Just shows how much I've been neglecting (and keeping) my films.

Balloons. CD-R King x Centuria DNP 400

Btw, I REEEEAAAALLLYYYY  miss this part the internet! Hugs!

I'm back to blogging! Watch out for my upcoming posts next week! ;)