On the afternoon of April 24, 2010, I went to Star City are for the annual Aliwan Festival. Since the parade is still in the Mall of Asia grounds, I went to the Harbor area and then to the back of CCP to shoot the sunset. I was still walking and haven’t positioned my camera to shoot the sunset when I heard a guy arguing with a guard. I heard the guy said, “bakit siya (pointing at me) hindi mo sitahin?” Of course, I don’t want to participate in whatever they were arguing so I just passed by them. A few meters past them, I began to shoot the sunset using the DSLR. The same guard approached me and asked for a permit. I said I had none, and inquired, “kailangan ba? wala akong nakitang sign eh.” “Basta sir, pag ganyang mga malalaking camera, bawal.” At that point, I was already done shooting because the sun has disappeared already. I reading my point-and-shoot and asked him, “eto, pwede na?” “Pwede na sir.”

What’s up with that? For one, why cannot I shoot in a public and open space? And second, why can’t I shoot with a DSLR? Here are possible reasons: In general, I don’t think guards really like people roaming around. It would be a lot easier of course for anyone to guard something that is empty and hollow. Easier job for them. Now, I heard some arguments that the reason DSLRs are not allowed is because these are owned by professional photographers for commercial purposes. Thus, administrators of the place want to partake on whatever earnings the photographer may have. The admin want photographers to get a permit and pay the necessary fees.

The problem, however, is that not all owners of DSLRs are professional photographers. Most of them are hobbyists like me. Ultimately, it boils down on the definition of a “professional photographer.” Usually, we consider someone a professional if he/she studied and learned his craft in an institution and has taken an exam (like that of PRC’s or the bar). Of course, in photography and in other art, experience hones our craft. There’s this photography magazine that stated that a professional photographer is someone who gets paid to shoot. But, how would you know that the shoot is for a commercial purpose or a personal use? Who determines who is a professional photographer and who is a hobbyist? The amount of gear one possesses definitely does not define one.

The second time a guard approached me while shooting was last October 20 in Eastwood. I setup my tripod in front of the fountain that “dances” every 30 minutes. When the dance was done, the guard asked me if I had a permit. Since I don’t have one (and I felt I don’t need one), I simply said that I am finishing up my shoot anyway. I wonder if the guard will approach me had I didn’t use any tripod. But, I’ll be lenient more on shooting in private properties (a mall is owned by a company) because once we stepped in to their yard, we are governed by their rules.

What’s irritating is the lack of definition and rules that encompasses on when it is okay to freely shoot. Take for example the Rizal Park. If you have a DSLR, it’s not allowed. If you use your phone camera, it’s allowed. But if a foreigners uses their own DSRL, it is allowed. In the mall, it’s okay to shoot with a family member with an establishment as the backdrop. You can’t shoot that establishment if you’re alone. You can all you want if you’re blond and speaks another language.

But if you want to download the original song, here’s the link.

Title: Pag-ibig
Artist: Apo Hiking Society
Album: Heto nAPO Hiking Society Ang Original
Year: 1982

No’ng tangan ng nanay ang munting mong mga kamay
Ika’y tuwang-tuwa, panatag ang loob
Sa damdaming ika’y mahal

No’ng nakilala mo ang una mong sinta
Umapaw ang saya at siya’y ibang-iba
Sinasamsam ang bawat gunita

Chorus 1
Hindi mo malimutan kung kailan nagsimulang
Matuto kung papa’no magmahal
At ‘di mo malimutan kung kailan mo natikman
Ang una mong halik, yakap na napakahigpit
Pag-ibig na tunay hanggang langit

No’ng tayo’y nagkakilala nang hindi sinasadya
Ikaw lang ang napansin, nahuli sa isang tingin
At sa pagbati mong napakalambing

Chorus 2
Hindi ko malimutan kung kailan nagsimulang
Matutong ikaw lang ang mahalin
At ‘di ko malimutan kung kailan ko natikman
Ang tamis ng ‘yong halik, yakap na napakahigpit
Pag-ibig mong tunay hanggang langit

‘Di ko malimutan kung kailan ko natikman
Ang tamis ng iyong halik, yakap na napakahigpit
Pag-ibig mong tunay hanggang langit

The story of Hachiko was introduced to the mainstream in a movie that starred Richard Gere in 2009. It was a story of friendship and faithfulness. This was the third movie that left me teary eyed – the first being My Sassy Girl (the part when the guy gives a litany of what the girl likes) and Magnifico (when the lead actor is to be buried).

Yesterday, after quitting the presidential race.

The only novels I read are those of John Grisham. But whenever a movie is shown about those books that I don’t read, I make sure that I watch it. In 2001, when the first Harry Potter was shown, I was 7th in line in SM Megamall. I was curious on what is in that movie that almost everyone want to watch. Of course, I don’t know if the movie gave justice to the book since I didn’t read the story.

This was just forwarded to me and want to share with everyone. I don’t think I have the luxury of time to even read the ebooks. Files are hosted in Mediafire. Post a comment if it’s a dead link.

Book 1 – Twilight

http://www.mediafire.com/?j9zgfvmfz8i

Book 2 – New Moon

http://www.mediafire.com/?ngwjg9jv9wy

Book 3 – Eclipse

http://www.mediafire.com/?ijvlnmmdiem

Book 4 – Breaking Dawn

http://www.mediafire.com/?zckrhcdod3t

Though I wasn’t able to listen fully to the show, I was able to record some parts of it. Magic’s signal is not too clear in our place. When I tried to listen through the MP3 player, the battery is already drained. The web server of the online streaming does the same. I hope that Magic will be able to host their radio in Eradioportal.

Nevertheless, I was able to record some of the senator’s answers. Why is “Chiz” his nickname? Are all UP students bright? How can he encourage the youth to vote? Will he run for president?

Part 2

I used Audio Recorder for Free from downloaded.com. It’s easy to install and easy to configure.

I also recorded Chico and Delamar’s interview today with US Ambassador Kristie Kenney. The show is aired in Monster Radio RX 93.1, Monday-Saturday, 6am-9am.