About PointandShoot.Asia

We are a group of friends who have a passion for the art of Photography. We have decided to create a business out of our passion so we may share it with Asia and the world.

My Responsibilities

• Redesigned Website
• Website Maintenance
• Back up Photographer
• All-around Assistant

Company Website

After seeing this pamphlet design from Mojorno, my heart rate went up a bit.

- Yanko Design

The booklet phone is solar powered as well. I remember the first time I’ve been to a fireworks show, that “WOW” feeling and chills that ran down my spine, it’s happening all over again. Now for the bad news. There are no plans for this design to hit the mainstream because nanoparticle technology is still on the drawing board. My kids will probably be the generation who will enjoy this technology. Lucky bastards.

[View with PicLens]

About DLV Solutions

Our vision for DLV Solutions is to provide quick and prompt IT Services ranging from Web Development to Remote Support, to VoIP Telephony. We provide all these services at very affordable costs, and we ensure our clients get more than what they pay for.

My Responsibilities

• Developed the Website
• Assistant Manager
• Content Writer
• Web Developer
• Project Team Lead

Company Website

About DLVStudios

DLV Studios was formed by a group of young professionals who want to showcase their talents and cater to the public while doing so. Composed of a group of friends and family who are experts in their field, they finally decided to form a company; hence, DLV Studios was born.

My Responsibilities

• Created company website
• Maintain and Optimize company website
• Shoot at events as main photographer
• Assistant/Lightman/Cameraman at events

About Jaski

Jaskicars is an auto dealer that specializes in Used Cars, Second Hand Luxury Cars, SUVs, Vans, Trucks, and other types of vehicles in Cebu City, Philippines. They have a wide selection of used cars and they cater to residents of the Philippines. They also give special rates to Balikbayan, OFWs, and Ex Patriots.

My Responsibilities

• Web Development and Maintenance of Jaskicars.com
• Administration and Support for website
• Photography of all vehicles and events

Company Website

Here’s what Andrew Walker, the developer of the plug in, had to say:

This guy, in my opinion, is a freakin’ genius.

Another year to continue existing, another year to witness the good and the evil of mankind, another year to try to become a better person.

Back in 2006, an asshole hillbilly was put into office by the United States. Since then, this stupid hick has singlehandedly crashed the US economy and in effect, the world’s economy (except China), by waging a war for oil which he didn’t get for the country, and also by allowing banks to recklessly spend tax payer money, then bailed their asses out after they went under.

After this dumbass redneck retard left office, he was replaced by a black superman who promised hope for the future. However, this black thunder of a president did nothing and the economy continues to crash through 2009 to 2011. People continue to lose their homes, their jobs, and their lives. So do you really think 2012 will be any better? Eat my shorts.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Pictures selected for the exhibit by Dan Brian Gerona, current IPC President, were printed out by Jan Gonzales with funding from Radical Ads. The dimensions of the shots are 19×28 inches, each mounted on a 20×30″ versa board.

Here are some of the shots on display.

[View with PicLens]

Exhibitors are the following:

• Dan Brian “Jiggy” Gerona
• Gerald “BeOR” Yuvallos
• Dexter “Recon25″ Bongo
• Big Makoy Ladanan
• Karlo “Kems” Matuginas
• Arjune “Siopao” Orbiso
• Glenn “Glennboi” Gamayot
• Roi Anwar “Waryu” Abarintos
• Gerard “tikboy” Domanguera
• Jeff “litocruz” Go
• Michael “ekimo” Ocaña
• Rod Evan “vanix09″ Incorporado
• Tim “teeemoy” Albano

I wasn’t able to help set up the photo exhibit due to prior engagements. However, a day later, I went there and took shots of the final set up. Here they are.

The IPC Photo Exhibit will be on display at the lobby of the i2 Building in IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City from December to January 2012. Check us out today and leave a comment below.

[Wikipedia]

The box itself isn’t anything special. It’s the usual Canon camera box. The Canon T1i DSLR I purchased last year had a better looking box than this one.

When you open the box, the first thing you get to see are the manuals and CDs which are placed in two separate plasic bags. The manuals in one bag are: The Canon EOS 60D User Guide, The quick start guide, and the usual Canon Catalog featuring all their products. The other plastic bag contains: The Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, and the Canon EOS Digital – Sofware Instruction Manual.

After taking out those plastic bags, you are now able to open the box completely. This is where the goodies are.

Here are the contents:
Canon EOS 60D DSLR
1 LP-E6 Battery
1 LC-E6E Battery Charger
1 PC USB Cable
1 Media USB Cable (RCA)
1 Canon EOS Camera Strap

I took different shots of different angles of the camera. At this point, I notice a lot of similarities between this camera and the Canon EOS 7D.

Feel is about the same, despite the 7D’s magnesium alloy body. The rubber feels durable. Dials are almost in the same place as the Canon 500D except for the main dial at the back which is present in the 50D except for the 9 axis directional buttons, which feel plasticky by the way.

The top dial is a bit different. You’ll have to press the small button at the top to change modes, which I personally feel isn’t necessary. And of course, the most distinguishable physical feature with this camera and older EOS models is the swivel screen which rotates 180 degrees.

I haven’t played around with the camera’s interface that much yet, but basically, it’s about the same as the Canon 7D. However, I did conduct a noise test. I did it at a very, very dimly lit hotel room. Here are the settings:
Av Mode, f/8, -1/3EV at different ISO settings.

[View with PicLens]

From what I notice, noise starts to become significantly visible at ISO 1600 and up. This is way better than my 500D where noise is already irritating at ISO 800.

At this point, this is all the testing I’ve done with the camera. If you want a full in depth review, I suggest going to [dpreview]. Overall, I’m happy with what I got, and I’m hoping my photography would only improve from here on out.

You can support me by buying yourself a Canon EOS 60D from [Amazon]. Thanks.

Ok now onto the Trek. We met at the Macdonald’s at IT Park for breakfast at around 7:00AM. I bought an extra Sausage McMuffin for lunch and put it in my fanny pack. We drove to Talamban, and took a left at Sunny Hills Subdivision. We then continued up to the Budlaan town proper where we parked our cars. We took a quick group photo before officially starting the trek.

After this shot was taken, we went down a small path where there were slabs. Everything was fine and dandy. We reached a clearing where the view was absolutely breathtaking. I took a snapshot.

Then we walked down to the river nearing the first waterfall. This is where I broke my big toe when I stepped on a loose rock and the rock popped up and hit it. This is the part where I said to myself, “I’m fucking buying a pair of trekking shoes.” We crossed the river then posed for another group photo.

We went on walking and treading through the jungle, where I got a flesh wound from a plant. I didn’t notice it at first until the searing pain signaled my brain a little later when we were nearing the waterfall. I still managed to take a few shots in between.

We finally reached the first waterfall. I took out my tripod and filters and took a few shots. Here’s my final image:

After a drink of water and a short rest, we took another group shot, and then pushed on.

At this point, we were climbing rocks and hanging onto roots for support. My water was running low, and I was getting tired. Hell I only brought 16 ounces of water. Another mistake. Anyway, we were approaching the second waterfalls and I was a bit tired, but I felt I could still go on. I was still able to take out my camera and take a few snaps of the guys.

A few minutes passed and we reached the second waterfall. I drank my water, and then took a few shots of it. Here’s my final product:

We posed for a group shot. I’m sure you’re seeing the pattern here. Anyway here it is.

Then we mosey’d on along to the third falls. At this point, I was out of water and my knees were starting to shake. My big toe, by the way, was killing me. But at least the pain from the flesh wound was starting to go away. At this point, because I was halfway to delirious, I wasn’t able to take any shots any more.

When we finally got to the third waterfall, I was stunned. It was a sight to behold. The guys were setting up shop looking for different angles. As for me, I went to the most convenient spot I could find, set up my tripod, attached an ND8 and CPL filter, set my camera, and a took a straight on shot. Here it is:

As usual, our leader still wanted to take a group shot and we all happily obliged. At this point, I was asking for water from anyone who had any.

We climbed up to fourth waterfall and had our lunch. I took out my Sausage McMuffin and started gobbling down the whole thing. I was done in about 2 minutes. I felt refreshed. I felt full. The guys took off their clothes and started bathing at the base of the falls. I just took of my shirt and washed myself on the side. I didn’t bring swim gear and I didn’t like to wet my car’s upholstery or my cargo shorts. They were that heavy already from the water absorbed from crossing rivers. Here is a shot of the guys enjoying the view of the fourth waterfall:

A little later, I took my shot. Again, at the most convenient vantage point I could find, which was at the base of the waterfall. Here it is:

After this, we again posed for a group shot then we climbed up the rocks to a path that leads back to the town. This is where I was really tested. The incline felt like it was around 75 to 80 degrees. I was panting after a few meters. Pictures from this point are all Brian’s. I was sweating like whore in Church. I was tired, and my knees were giving out. I couldn’t think about taking my camera out for pictures anymore. I just wanted to go home.

When we got to the top, I took off my fanny pack, my camera bag and just lay there on the ground. I asked for water and I tried my best to get up and get going. We posed again for a group shot while we rested.

At this point, I was spent. I felt like I wanted to just lay there and wait for the ants to eat me up. Anyway, I wasn’t able to take out my camera anymore for shots of the trail going back. Regarding the trail going back, it was fairly easy to traverse. No more inclines or declines. No more crossing rivers. There was a man made path and it took us around 30 minutes to traverse. We then posed for a final group shot before we officially called the trek a success. Here it is:

Tips on Trekking Budlaan:

• If you take the short way to the falls, you’ll only see the Fourth waterfall. If you go there to bathe, then take the short route. If you go there for pictures, do what we did.
• Wear the right gear. Do not wear cargo shorts because they absorb water making it a bit more heavy. Get a good pair of trekking shoes so you won’t have to go through what I did.
• Bring food. If I didn’t bring that Sausage McMuffin, I think I would have died.
• Bring at least a liter of water. If you’re not a trekker, bring 2 liters. The water in the river is not potable. Locals in the area use the water for washing clothes, bathing themselves, etc.
• If you’re not familiar with the place, find a local to guide you, or a trekker who has the experience. It’s easy to get lost because there aren’t any paths once you reach the river.

Thanks to IPC for making this trip a trip of a lifetime.

Thanks to [Brian] for the group shots.

Check out everyone’s shots here: [IPC Budlaan Trek]

We were dropped of by the cab at the Day Tour Center. We registered for the tour which took us to the major sites of Eden. We arrived at approximately 2:00PM. The nice lady said the tour would be at 3:00PM and we had an hour to take a look around. We did some exploration around the Day Tour Center. There we found the Souvenir Shop, the Indiana Jones, and the auditorium. After an hour of trying out the Indiana Jones and a lot of chit chat, the tour was about to begin.

First they took us to the amphitheater where there was a beautiful flower garden. The amphitheater is a wide open space with lots of grass for people who want to hold seminars, workshops, and team buildings.

Next they took us up to the Tinubdan Village where there was a display of the cultural nativity of the place. I was only able to take a few shots there so please forgive me.

After this, they took us to a part of the park where there was a view overlooking the city and a beautiful organic garden. At this point, my camera gave out on me so I have nothing to show for there. I realize this is a pathetic article about Eden Nature Park but rest assured, I’ll post another one with more detail, and better pictures.

Thank you for your kind consideration. If you want to see the place for yourself, plan ahead, and go there in the morning, or if you’re going as a group, book one of their many rooms.

You can check out their website at http://edennaturepark.com.ph/.

As usual, shots are on my [Flickr].

The rates are not exactly cheap, but they’re not that expensive either. Here they are:

So I was placed in the cheapest room in the house, which was really cramped and dark. It had a split type air condition, a bathroom, a television, and of course, a bed - but no windows. All I cared about at that time was sleep so I didn't have the chance to take pictures of that room, or even use the bathroom or television. I just turned on the air condition and drifted off to neverland.

At about 11:00AM, the hotel phone rang. They told me my room was ready. By this time, I had had enough sleep. I moved to my Deluxe Single room and it was everything I hoped it would be. Spacious, a window, a big bed, clean bathroom and all. By the time I was settled in, it was lunch time.

I went out to lunch and I came back about 2 hours later. When I got back, it was the first time I noticed how nice their lobby was. When you open the door, the first thing you see is the front desk. Hanging high above it is a nice, round chandelier. Off to the side was a nice comfy sofa where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee and read a bunch of magazines. I took a few shots of course.

I went back to the room and turned on my laptop. I tried connecting to their wifi network so I could check my social networking sites. No wifi. I went over to the table where there was an ethernet connection which I plugged into my laptop. Nothing. I called the front desk and told them that I couldn't connect to their wifi or ethernet connection. They politely told me that the wifi connection couldn't reach the third floor so I had to use the ethernet. She said she'd send someone up to fix the connection. Not more than 5 minutes since the call, someone buzzed at the door and helped me out. There seemed to have been a loose connection between the wall socket and the ethernet cable. After a few minutes of tinkering, I had internet.

I checked all of the social networking sites I wanted to check, then I decided to do some YouTube HD streaming. No buffering at any point. Their internet is wicked fast. After a few hours on the PC, I took some shots of the room and bathroom so I could post them here. Later on, I decided to meet up with friends and enjoy a night out in Davao. By the time I got back to the hotel, I forget what time this was, I was sleepy and drifted off.

When morning came, I went down for breakfast. They have a small breakfast menu but it didn't matter. I eat my usual corned beef, sunny side up egg, and rice. The serving was okay, but I could have appreciated it more if there was more corned beef, but I won't complain. I got what I got from the free breakfast. Warning though, if you check in alone, this is all fine and dandy. But if you check in with someone, you'll have to pay for an extra breakfast which is about Php 100.00. Apparently, the free breakfast is applicable only for one occupant.

After this, I enjoyed the rest of my trip to Davao. I had the satisfaction of knowing that wherever I went, at the end of the day, I had a comfortable, quiet place to rest. All in all it's a great hotel. Nicely decorated rooms, comfortable bed, wicked fast internet connection (which is free by the way), clean rest rooms, accommodating people, quiet environment, and free breakfast (for one, that is).

Overall, Sunflower Hotel in Davao City gets my two thumbs up.

Contact information
Address: #751 Tionko Avenue cor. Araullo St., Davao City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 82 221 5011
Website: http://sunflowerhotel.net/

My shots are also available on [Flickr].

• Download the firmware files from this link: http://filefactory.com/file/cde317a/n/Modroid-v7.zip
• After downloading the zip file, extract it to a convenient directory.
• Format your microSD card to FAT32 by inserting it into a card reader and plugging it into a USB port on your computer.
  NOTE: The Readme file that came with the modroid v7 zip file warns that you should use a 1, 2, or 4GB card because larger cards may not work.
• Place all of the files you extracted from the zip file to the SD card. Do not place it into any directory. Put it directly on the card.
• Run changer.bat from the sd card and select the number of the device you have then insert the microSD card into your aPad.
• Turn on your aPad. Flashing will begin automatically.

After flashing, you will be instructed to remove the SD card and after you do that, a reboot will follow. Loading Modroid for the first time may take up to 5 minutes so just relax. If it takes more than that, reinsert your microSD card to your computer and run changer.bat again and pick another number.

In my case, I chose “1″ because I’m using the green LED aPad but it didn’t take it. So I tried “2″ and for some reason, it booted successfully so that may just be case for you as well.

After you’re able to boot into Modroid, follow the rest of the instructions from the readme file which I’ve posted below.

Special Thanks to [wicknix] from the [SlateDroid] forums for all his hard work and by putting this firmware up.

Here’s what the poster says:

Attention All Photo Enthusiasts!

Let us rediscover the Urban Streets of Cebu City this coming August 13, 2011

What: Open Photowalk for all Photography Enthusiasts
When: August 13, 2011
Assembly Time: 5:00AM – Walk starts at 6:00AM
Where: Magellan Shrine (Magellan’s Cross)
Route: Colon, Carbon, Pasil, Taboan, Cebu Cathedral.

[iSTORYA.NET Photography Club] in full support!

Photo Walk hosted by [1Up2Down Photography]

via [dbgg1979.com]