Top 8 Grand Finalists of Leyte IDOL 2010

It’s Leyte IDOL season once again and this year’s Top 8 Grand Finalists in the search for the best vocal talents have been announced.

The Leyte IDOL 2010 search started November last year and the final 8 contenders were formally presented to the public last Sunday, February 7 at the RTR Plaza, Tacloban City.

It’s an odd mix for this year’s top contenders as most of them come from only two places – Tanauan, Leyte and Baybay City having 3 final contenders each, while one hails from Tacloban City and the other one comes from Baybay City.

The Top 8 Grand Finalists (from left, above): Reginald Detabali (Baybay City), Janine Creer (Tanauan), May Obando (Ormoc City), Jessa Mae Tagolino (Ormoc City), Ma. Kristine Ricarte (Ormoc City), Maryrose Modesto (of Tanauan, Leyte), Melanie Tejano (Tacloban City) and Julius Modesto (Tanauan).

The finalists will be performing special shows every Sunday at the RTR Plaza prior to the final showdown, the Grand Finals, set for March 21, 2010 at the LNHS Gymnasium.

Maryrose Modesto of Tanauan, Leyte

Julius Modesto of Tanauan, Leyte

Melanie Tejano of Tacloban City

Reginald Detabali of Baybay City

May Obando of Ormoc City

Ma. Kristine Ricarte of Ormoc City

Janine Creer of Tanauan, Leyte

Jessa Mae Tagolino of Ormoc City

More photos >>> http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p1035125690

Slideshow >>> http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p1035125690/slideshow

UP Diliman Revisited: A quick, rolling tour of past haunts

It was a quick, passing thru.

See, my brother in law got this one-month old Sta. Fe SUV still needing more break-in miles. So where do you wanna go? he goes.

Hey, how about tripping back memory lane?!

Great! Let’s visit Molave!

Molave Residence Hall – or “Prison” Hall – in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC campus was where I spent some five years of my college life. It was my second home for what seemed like a looonng period of time. Since officially graduating in 1979, I have rarely been back to the campus. Been back only a couple of times. And to Molave maybe only 2 or 3 times…

My reluctance to revisit stems mainly from my trying to avoid being reminded of past disappointments and frustrations, of what-if’s and what-could have-been’s. Arduous and trying times. But, sure, there were definitely good times, too… and I’m being kinder to myself now hehe

My Alma Mater…

Molave Residence Hall, where I spent a good 5 years of my 8 years in college! Haha!

Palma Hall – College of Arts & Sciences or “AS” as we called it then.

UP Institute of Mass Communication (UP-IMC) now called College of Mass Communication.

The UP Carillon, now called Carillon Tower/Carillon Plaza.

Photos taken 14 January 2010.

View full gallery: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p452851643

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p452851643/slideshow

Art treat at the mall

Here’s a treat for art lovers and it’s right there at the mall for easy viewing.

It’s the art exhibit showcasing the paintings of young artists from the University of San Carlos College of Architecture & Fine Arts, Cebu City.

Dubbed as “iDentity – An Art Exhibit,” it features the art works of talented aspiring artists of the Pintal Organization.

The Camera Club of Leyte & Samar & Litratista Group were on hand to witness the first day of the exhibit which runs till Friday, February 05, 2010 at the 2nd floor at Robinson’s Place Tacloban.

Above, the artists’ group hug…

… and the kodakers, the Camera Club of Leyte & Samar (CCLS) – Litratista Group

• View more photos: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p2141762
• View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p2141762/slideshow

A treat for local art photographers

Serious photography enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals alike, are keenly aware of the importance of knowing and having mentors or models to follow in the burgeoning world of digital imaging. Aside from knowing – or at the very least being aware of – the latest technology on hand, one has the intrinsic need to have some kind of a beacon to follow or a fundamental sense of knowing what’s happening, what the possibilities are out there and where one is headed to in the complex, evolving landscape being presented before him.

Art being subjective by nature, the possibilities are infinite, subject only to the availability of tools and the limitations of the mind’s creativity. And failure of not having a sense of what’s going on around you can lead you off to unnecessary directions – even dead-ends. At the very least, one gets to find his or her own comfort zone in the process.

With today’s fast-paced development in the field of digital imaging technology, numerous tools are sprouting here and there, all offering unimaginable possibilities unheard of prior to the advent of the DSLR (or digital single-lens reflex camera) photography.

The acknowledged leader in the field of digital image processing and creativity is Adobe, with its array of softwares and “suites” at one’s disposal. Foremost among Adobe’s computer programs is one called, Adobe Photoshop, one very powerful tool which is now part and parcel of today’s modern tools in the art of photography.

It was therefore a real treat, for local photo enthusiasts – both amateurs and professionals – when Dave Fowler, a Master Photographer and Master Craftsman in the U.S., came into town on short notice and offered to share his knowledge and mastery on the use of Photoshop.

The Camera Club of Leyte & Samar then swiftly organized and held a small group interaction dubbed, “An Intimate Afternoon with Dave Fowler” last Sunday, January 24, 2010 at calle Z cafe.

Some 24-odd participants were treated to a whole afternoon of learning new tricks and techniques using Photoshop in a free-flow, informal discussion with the photography master. It was not for the faint of heart nor for the technologically-challenged but nevertheless an inspiring one hehe

The CCLS and the participants are one in expressing its gratitude to Mr. Dave Fowler for his unselfish sharing of his expertise and mastery. Thank you, Sir!

View gallery & slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p118972793.

Read more about Dave Fowler on this post at The WarayBlog.

Kalesas in the Metro

An important mode of transportation introduced by the Spanish colonizers in the Philippines during the 18th century was the kalesa or karitela.

Basically a horse-drawn cart with two wheels, it was the ilustrados or the rich Filipinos who initially used them. Aside from travel, the kalesa was also used to transport goods and supplies.

I remember the time when upon reaching the port of Ormoc, on a trip from Cebu, one would hire a kalesa right along the ship dock to get you and your luggage to the bus terminal. Childhood memories of summer vacations spent with relatives in San Isidro, Gapan, Cabanatuan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija are full of fun experiences riding the kalesas.

The era of kalesas has long been gone, replaced by today’s pedicabs and motorcycles. Kalesas have become a rarity in the Philippines but one can still see and ride on them in certain areas. You’ll find them still in Vigan, Laoag, Iligan and some areas of Cebu and Ormoc and in Binondo, Intramuros, Quiapo, Ermita and Malate in Manila. Most of the kalesas of today, though, are being used mainly for recreational and tourism purposes.

In Manila last week, I found it noteworthy to see and take photos of several of them around the metropolis during my brief visit.

At T.M. Kalaw near Luneta:

At Echague St, Quiapo:

At Tiendesitas in Pasig City:

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p750810139/slideshow

Cruisin’

For urban dwellers tired of living within the choking confines of an urban jungle that is  Metro-Manila, nothing beats the sight of the open Manila Bay at dusk. Perfect quick-fix and easy recharging for anybody feeling so drained out in spirit and soul.

Went cruising recently along Roxas Blvd one late afternoon and had a relaxing time taking shots at the Manila Yacht Club and at the Harbour Square.

View slideshow: http://gerryruiz.callezaragosa.com/p514476823/slideshow

Fishing in the big city

People migrate to the big city in search for a better job, a better life, a better future not only for one’s self but for the family and folks left behind in the province.

Many who do so are fully aware that the road to self-actualization is far from a walk in the park.

Still people take to the big city in droves, some out of sheer desperation. Or could it be out of some kind of blind faith?

Unable to find a job, one is pushed to survival mode, especially those armed only with the most basic skills with nothing much to show in their personal resumé.

The fisherman below, oblivious to the big fire eating up homes in the far background, tends to his fish net in his territorial fishing ground (never mind if it’s inside the confines of a ritzy milieu), hoping to catch something fresh for dinner.

Who knows what dreams remain kindling in his mind, as another day comes to an end in the metropolis?

Quiapo: The Heart of Old Manila

Generally speaking, I do not buy any camera stuff at malls. The prices there are pretty up to here.

It’s an open secret where one can get the best deals on cameras, lenses and accessories – in Quiapo, the heart of Old Manila. Hidalgo St., to be more specific.

I was there last week to get some gear.

While some things change, many remain the same. Plaza Miranda looks much better though. Quiapo Church, Quiapo Ilalim… familiar scenes holding lots of stories… reminders of the past.

Here’s what Quiapo looks like today.