Go Team Pilipinas!

Anything is possible! This is very true as Smart-Gilas Team Pilipinas is now on the semi-final of FIBA Asia 3rd Stankovic Cup in Lebanon. 

This team is on the verge of skipping this event due to depleted line-up. Good thing they decided to go and compete.

They will face Lebanon on the semis. Chances of winning is really not that good but who knows, they might pull another big upset. Go Team Pilipinas!

Ros is Now Blogging!

Ros, to my surprise, recently created her own blog via Blogger. This is really unexpected, that’s why after learning about it, I immediately bought a domain name (www.roszain.com) and registered it for 2 years! Check out her postings on our Boracay vacation and birthday preparation for Reese.

Heading Off to Boracay Tomorrow

Ros and I will be in Boracay starting tomorrow for a 3days/2nights vacation. Our flight is around 9am via Air Philippines. We didn't take Cebu Pacific simply because the rate is way too expensive (almost doubled). We will be staying in Boracay Holiday Resort situated in Station 2. The hotel looks good in picture. I hope it's really as good as advertised.

This is actually my first time to be out in Boracay. I hope the weather will improve, even a bit, and will not completely spoil our entire stay there.

Cheers :D

2008 World Pyro Olympics Starts Today!

After several delays, World Pyro Olympics is finally here! Hope to get good
shots using my Canon EOS 450D :D

DATES
The 2008 World Pyro Olympics III will be held on the following dates:

May 3, 2008 - China,Germany
May 10,2008 - Canada,France
May 17, 2008 - Italy,Venezuela
May 24, 2008 - Fellowship of Fire - Collaboration of all countries with the Philippines

LOCATION
The World Pyro Olympics III will take place once again at the Esplanade behind SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

See you at the bay!

[via World Pyro Olympics]

UPDATE: Check out some of my photos

Starbucks Earth Day Promo

Starbucks is giving Php40 discount on hot or cold beverages if you bring your own tumbler in replace of disposable cup in line with the celebration of Earth Day :D

I Got a Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi!

After months of thinking whether to buy or not my first ever DSLR camera, I finally decide that I really need to have one!

At first, I'm thinking of buying Canon EOS 400D which is 25% cheaper in Hong Kong compared to Manila. In spite of the big savings, I let it passed simply because I'm still undecided. Come this Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi which was released just 3 weeks ago. After trying out the actual unit, I told myself that it's time!

Below are Canon EOS 450D main features (lifted from Canon website):

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
The 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor gives you plenty of detail for poster-size prints and extra flexibility when cropping. Sensitive in low light and virtually noise-free, Canon’s CMOS sensors are also remarkably power-efficient.

3.5 fps shooting
The EOS 450D captures up to 3.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 53 large JPEG images (6 in RAW).

9-point wide-area AF
The 9 AF points are spread out across the frame to better accommodate off-centre subjects. The central AF point is a high sensitivity cross type sensor for quick, accurate focusing with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Canon’s built-in dust prevention system uses three methods to keep images blemish-free. (1) Specialised materials reduce dust generation within the camera. (2) A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust from the sensor each time the camera is turned on or off. (3) Stubborn dust spots are mapped for easy removal in Digital Photo Professional.

3.0" LCD with Live View mode
The bright 3.0" LCD provides sharp definition for checking focus and composition, with 10x magnification for finer details. When shooting from awkward positions, Live View mode gives you the option of framing the image from the LCD, and a choice of focusing modes.

DIGIC III processor
Renowned for its white balance accuracy, DIGIC III renders colours with brilliant, true-to-life precision. Captured images are processed in 14-bit colour depth for finer tonal gradations. DIGIC III works efficiently to minimise power consumption while maintaining ultra-fast response times.

Large, bright viewfinder
A large viewfinder gives a bright and clear view for easy composition of the scene.

Total image control
Gain easy control over image processing parameters with Picture Style presets. Contrast, sharpness and saturation can be customized in-camera or through the supplied Picture Style Editor software. After the shoot, Canon’s RAW processing software Digital Photo Professional provides everything you need to manage and process your RAW images.

Compact and lightweight
Ergonomically designed for natural and intuitive handling, the EOS 450 is housed in a compact body that weighs in at just 475 grams.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 450D is compatible with over 60 EF/EF-S lenses and all EX Series Speedlite flash units.

The next thing to do is study all the nice features of this camera and start creating beautiful pictures :)

UPDATE: I've been getting some hits searching for the price of this camera. I bought mine at Canon house in Mall of Asia. The original price tag is Php42K something. My wife and I was able to get it at Php40K. You could actually get this camera on much lower price in Hidalgo. HTH :D

Lenten Break

Tomorrow is the start of 4-day Lenten break. Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week to all! :D