The Point and Shooter

16 - Mung Bean Sprouts, Tofu, and Tomatoes

2012-01-18T14:26:00.002+08:00

16 / 366 - Mung Bean Sprouts, Tofu, and Tomatoes
Sony Ericsson K800i
16 January 2012

I challenged myself to try four recipes from Ms. Maiylah's "Food Friday" meme, and second of the four recipes I was able to cook was the "Mung Bean Sprouts, Tofu, and Tomatoes." A very simple and easy recipe to do.

The tofu wasn't burnt - it's deep brown because I marinated it with some soy sauce before frying it. The dish is already a meal in itself, but because I love my rice, I ate this with some rice, too!

15 - Mushrooms?

2012-01-18T14:19:00.003+08:00

15 / 366 - Mushrooms?
Sony Ericsson K800i
15 January 2012

I walked with my brother that afternoon to buy ingredients for dinner. Walking along our street, I saw this tree trunk-turned fence post with some white stuff on it - sure looks like woodear mushroom but because it's white, I am not sure what's it called. :)

14 - Leafless Tree

2012-01-15T15:45:00.003+08:00

14 / 366 - Leafless Tree
Canon Powershot SX130is
14 January 2012

From one tree to another.

I do love the drama behind leafless trees. I don't know why, I just do. I already have my supposed to be picture for this day, but when I saw this while doing the afternoon walk / marketing with brother, I knew I just have to take a picture of it.

13 - Tree Monochrome

2012-01-15T15:38:00.002+08:00

13 / 366 - Tree Monochrome
Colinas Verdes - San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
Sony Ericsson K800i
13 January 2012

The pictures from the first 12 days of the year may not give the entire story of my January, but believe when I say that my psychological state wasn't so healthy. Don't get me wrong, I am not crazy, but I was very emotional and my emotions seemed to have ruled my actions.

Today, I decided to do a full turn. First up - morning walk / jog. It felt great to go walking again... it allowed me to contemplate and reflect on past actions and future plans, and while taking that few minutes of rest before going home, I saw this tree. It looked alone, but still standing tall, an inspiration, really. :)

12 - Sacred Heart Parish

2012-01-15T15:29:00.002+08:00

12 / 366 - Sacred Heart Parish
Kamuning, Quezon City
Canon Powershot SX130is
12 January 2012

Day 12 of 2012 was quite a busy day - brother and I attended the press conference of Weddings & Debuts 2012 Bridal Fair - where we got to meet celebrities, other blogger friends, and not only that, we got to eat lotsa food as well (correction, there were a lot of dishes, but I wasn't able to eat much - I just gave the dishes a bite or two and let brother eat all the remaining food on my plate).

It sure was a very awesome day, but since most of the pictures from the event were already shared on my food blog, I decided to share this picture instead, because of its relation to our (brother and I) lives.

You see, November of 1980, I was baptized at this church (brother was baptized here January 1979). When I turned 7 years old, my mom brought me here so we could both say a prayer of gratitude, and though I may be young that time, I pretty much remembered that day. Anyway, brother asked me if we could walk here from the event because he just wanted to have a blast from the past - and since I got to re-visit the church November 2008, I couldn't see a reason why I shouldn't come with him - afterall, it was a great chance to speak to the Lord and lift up prayers of gratitude and intentions.

11 - Siberian Husky Pup

2012-01-15T15:16:00.003+08:00

11 / 366 - Siberian Husky Pup
Canon Powershot SX130is
11 January 2012

I may be a master (errr... more of a slave) of five cats, but I never stopped hoping I'd get a dog someday. I guess, the fear after I was bitten by a puppy in the face when I was about 6 or 7 years old already clouded this hope, but someday, I'd know I'd have a dog - big and friendly enough to be my good friend, baby, and a companion during morning walks.

This Siberian Husky pup is our neighbor's. She's about two months old, and one sweet dog. Well, I just hope it grows to be sweet and friendly in time - I actually am hesitant to come near big dogs because it might bite me. :)

10 - Sampaguita, It Is Not!

2012-01-11T22:18:00.002+08:00

10 / 366 - Sampaguita, It Is Not!
Sony Ericsson K800i
10 January 2012

Sure looks like Sampaguita at first glance, but it surely isn't Sampaguita. What's the name of the flower then? I surely don't know.

I took this picture from one of our neighbors' garden. I actually had no plans of going out today, but K was able to motivate me to go out and have an afternoon walk even for just 30 minutes. I did get to walk for about 45 minutes, but yes, I still do feel lazy.

Blame it on the weather. Hahaha.

Of course, all the blame's on me; I really should slap myself real hard so I'd wake up and get back on track. I have already wasted nearly half of the 11 days bumming around.

09 - Wall Decor

2012-01-10T21:02:00.002+08:00

09 / 366 - Wall Decor
Starbucks - Araneta Center, Quezon City
Canon Powershot SX130is
09 January 2012

I met up with forum friends Ethel and Sam today, and at first we were inside Starbucks as there weren't any available tables outside. Even with the first few minutes of seeing her, I wanted us to take pictures here and there, but I just didn't have the courage to ask her... so I just took a picture of this wall decor.

Some thirty minutes after, we found a table outside, then we waited for Sam to arrive. So many stories shared - mostly about Ethel's love lives (did I say that correctly) - and I can't help but laugh at the stories she shared (well, they're funny anecdotes anyway), and yes, some of her stories I can relate. Why? I'd rather not tell.

Around 6-ish in the evening, Mr. Pipoy arrived and after a short intro and him taking two pictures of us girls, we bid goodbye and off we went for some alone time. Woo hoo!

08 - Turon Split

2012-01-10T20:43:00.002+08:00

08 / 366 - Turon Split
Mang Inasal - Robinson's Place Novaliches, Quezon City
Canon Powershot SX130is
08 January 2012

After roaming around the tiangge trying to get more discount to the already discounted goods, my mom, sis, and I went inside the mall to have some snacks / early dinner. Sister's dessert was the Turon Split, which she shared to me. Well, I had one of the Turon (banana spring roll) and maybe half a teaspoon of the chocolate ice cream.

One funny, weird thing about me - I do love photographing ice cream desserts because of its color and texture - but I can't eat much of it, as my tummy usually reacts negatively to ice cream. Still, if one would invite me to the ice cream parlor, I'd always give it a go. :)

07 - Wawa Dam

2012-01-10T20:19:00.002+08:00

07 / 366 - Wawa Dam
Rodriguez, Rizal
Canon Powershot SX130is
07 January 2012

Today was a dream come true. I have long wanted to visit Wawa Dam (even included it in my Christmas Wish List last year), and today it came true - big thanks to Kuya Jeff. Well, everyone is invited to visit the place and it is accessible using public transportation, but what made this trip special aside from seeing the actual dam - was the bamboo raft ride and the short uphill trek leading to the Pamitinan Cave.

Though I have seen the dam, there are still reasons for me to return - I still want to brave its water and walk across the foot of the dam, as well as interact with the locals. Erick (a photography friend) said sunrise is awesome here, so I am now sort of thinking how to make those reasons come true the time I get back there.

06 - Resolutions

2012-01-06T22:32:00.006+08:00

In my three attempts to do Project 365, I always post a day behind - meaning photo taken for 06 January will be posted on 07 January... but since I am going out tomorrow and that it was today when I learned about Darcy's (of "Life with 3 Boybarians") Project 52, I decided to join and post my image now.

06 / 366 - Resolutions
Canon Powershot SX130is
06 January 2012

As what was written on my 2012 Resolutions, first thing I listed was "To lose more weight." Well, I still am obese, but believe it or not, I have already lost 24lbs in the last three months. I still have 50lbs to lose before I hit my goal weight, but I am still very much into this journey and I still am very much committed to lose weight, be fit, be healthy and live much longer.

I told myself that for this year's Project 365, I'd use one day of the week as a day for selfie pictures. Thanks to Darcy's Project 52, I will attempt to relate all themes to self portraits. May I be able to pull this off... checking the list of themes, I might have difficulty taking a selfie picture for the "Cabin Fever."

05 - Meaty Lasagna

2012-01-06T22:13:00.004+08:00

05 / 366 - Meaty Lasagna
Teacup - Mother Ignacia, Quezon City
Canon Powershot SX130is
05 January 2012

I attended my first blog-related event for the year, and I was so happy about it because I found out only six bloggers were invited for this food-tasting event, though of course they will invite other bloggers for the next batch. Anyway, we got to taste several dishes from the Cafe/Restaurant, and although the Meaty Lasagna wasn't my favorite, I personally loved how this image came out.

After this, I have two more definite events to attend: one for Max's Restaurant, the other for Nuffnang. There are so many blog related events happening every now and then, I do hope this year marks a good year for lots of great events to attend; it's always nice spending time with bloggy pals!

To read the full story behind this picture (and to see more food pictures), please click HERE.

04 - Children's Island

2012-01-06T22:00:00.006+08:00

04 / 366 - Children's Island
Hundred Islands - Alaminos, Pangasinan
Canon Powershot SX130is
04 January 2012

The place may be called "Hundred Islands," but there were only three developed islands. One of those is the Children's Island - called such because water levels here aren't so deep, making it a good place for children to swim or take a dip at. This was our last stop before heading back to the Wharf. I didn't really take a dip (I only dipped my feet and legs) as I didn't want to carry wet clothes home, so while my companions were busy enjoying the waters, I was at an elevated part of the island enjoying the view while watching over our things and food.

Time spent island hopping was short, but it was better than not having to see it in person.

03 - Lucap Wharf

2012-01-06T21:49:00.004+08:00

03 /366 - Lucap Wharf
Alaminos, Pangasinan
Canon Powershot SX130is

I traveled out of town for the first time this year, and I was so happy to make this decision, because I know for sure I will regret this if I didn't pack my things and join my relatives for this road trip.

My maternal family is from Pangasinan, and even if I have traveled there lots of times, this was the very first time I set foot in Hundred Islands located in the town of Alaminos. It was already night time when we arrived, so the only picture I was able to take during my first hour there was this - taken at the Lucap Wharf. Very difficult to take pictures on low lit environments - I had to set my camera's shutter speed to 2 seconds and I had to be very still while taking the picture just so it won't blur. This wasn't as sharp as the DSLR-quality images, but I was happy with how this image turned out. I didn't use tripod for this, by the way.

02 - Lunch at Sbarro

2012-01-06T21:24:00.004+08:00

02 / 366 - Lunch at Sbarro
Ali Mall - Cubao, Quezon City
Canon Powershot SX130is
02 January 2012

Mr. Pipoy (that's how I call my boyfriend) and I met today. We exchanged Christmas gifts and for lunch, he let me chose where I wanted to eat. Sbarro will always have this spot on my heart because this was where I treated myself when I received my very first pay check (well not really a check, but you get what I mean). Last time I ate at Sbarro was in 2010 - when K (my British friend) and I were on a holiday in Iloilo City, so when we passed by at the Sbarro branch in Ali Mall, I told him I wanted to eat here.

He let me chose my food, and aside from the half plate of Penne Carbonara, he also ordered a slice of Grandma's Pizza for us to share. We only got to share half of the pizza, though.

We don't get to see each other everyday, so every time I see him is always a happy day for me. We plan to meet again two Sundays from now, so between this day and the day we meet again, we only have phone calls and text messages as our way of communicating to each other.

No complains, I am totally happy with this relationship.

01 - Parlor Game

2012-01-06T20:43:00.004+08:00

Oh wow... my first few days of 2012 sure was hectic! It's now January 6, and since I am attempting to do another Project 365 (Project 366 this year), I should have posted 5 pictures already, and because I am already way behind my posts, I will no longer make an introductory post and go straight to the photo share.

01 / 366 - Parlor Game
01 January 2012
Canon Powershot SX130is

Every year between Christmas and New Year's Day is the annual neighborhood party. On this day, we set up a long table where we place our potluck dish(es) and along the street is where we all gather and play different parlor games. Since every family along our street is invited, each family present at the party had to sponsor a game.

This year, party happened dinnertime of 01 January. We all thought this party will not push through as none of us really laid out plans before Christmas, but because the neighborhood kids wanted this party to push through, we just made an impromptu decision today.

First few games were for the kids - afterall, the party is for them (us adults wanted to promote good friendships between neighbors), but the adults did participate in some games, like this one, which our family sponsored.

There were two teams with five members each and the game master (my mom) gave a category and members of the teams had to arrange themselves chronologically. When the team arranged themselves, they had to sit down to indicate that they have already done what was asked of them. For this round, mom asked them to arrange themselves by their age, and since one member on the right team still had one member standing, the team on the left won the round. Of course, the game master asked for their answers to check if they did arranged themselves chronologically.

It sure was wonderful for the adults to feel like kids again. Prizes aren't that lavish nor expensive (some prizes were candy loot bags), but everyone sure took pleasure in the simple joys.

Memories Dreams Reflections for 2011

2012-01-03T09:10:00.000+08:00

Hello all! My name is Jenn, and I welcome you to my new photo blog. I am the author behind the blogs Shutter Happy Moments and As the Shutter Clicks, and because I decided to drop my other photo blog, I still went to open this one, just to start on a clean slate.

I still am going to use Shutter Happy Moments for different photography challenges, this blog is mainly for my third attempt to do Project 365. For this year, though, let me start by sharing some images from 2011. Here's my take on Ashley's "Memories, Dreams, and Reflections":

01 - Me.

I have so many selfie pictures, but I decided to go for this because this was the very first selfie picture I had for 2011. Over the course of 12 months, I have experienced a lot and I am most proud of my strength and endurance. Having to visit different places, testing my limits and accomplishing things made me really appreciate myself as a whole.

02 - I love you!

This year, I met a man who didn't just believe that I can lose weight and be healthy, he also loved me unconditionally despite my many flaws. This picture was taken the very first time we met personally (before that we would just exchange messages and calls) to walk around Quezon Memorial Circle.

03 - Still Laughing

My cat Oreo may not be the sweetest cat of all, but he does know how to make us feel his presence.

04 - Winter Wonderland

No winter here in the Philippines, but sometime last November, I attended a coffee-art workshop and one of the coffee artists decorated the cup with a snowman.

05 - Birthday

I didn't plan to celebrate my birthday this year, but my mom still went home with a cake for the family to share.

06 - Friends

August this year, mom and I traveled to Cebu and Bohol with some of her close friends (and their kids) at work. This picture was taken at the Muro Ami beach in Bohol.

07 - I Was Inspired

At 200+lbs., I couldn't do much things, and seeing this graceful pole dancer sort of inspired me to lose weight because losing weight isn't all about looks, but the ability of doing many things. May I be able to make that attempt to pole dance in the future.

08 - Spring Fever

A wild flower I saw while doing my morning walks.

09 - Travel or Vacation

At the start of 2011, I told myself I wouldn't make so many travel plans because I am aware of my financial problems. The universe must've love me so much because I still was able to travel around - even going to places for the first time. Of all my travels this year, the one closest to my heart would be the time sister and I (together with some bloggers) trekked to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo (Zambales). Not only was I able to see one of the most beautiful places I've seen, I also was able to have a good conversation with myself - the trek surely allowed me to get in touch with my inner self, making this the most fulfilling travel I have had.

10 - Summer Days

Our summer came in early this year (because we weren't able to travel during the actual summer months), and another memorable trip was our trek to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union.

11 - A Day in the Life

One of the few morning walks around Colinas Verdes with my sister.

12 - All Smiles

My favorite picture during our annual Christmas family photo shoot.

13 - Autumn Harvest

No Autumn here in the Philippines, so I am sharing a picture of a moth having autumn colors

14 - Family or Home

My cats aren't just pets... they're also part of the family. The one on top is the mother cat... the three below are her offspring.

15 - Celebrate

A picture of our neighbor Cindy (and her husband) during their Wedding Day.

16 - Let's Do it Again

This year, I was able to take part of the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon and I sure hope we could travel back there next year.

17 - I Miss You!

My cat Orange-y died this year. I miss this cat as he has been so sweet to me.

18 - Beautiful

Near the end of the year, SM Mall of Asia unveiled MOA Eye, and although I still haven't had the chance to ride it, seeing it in person was sort of enough for me (for now). Also, seeing the sunset from afar was just so beautiful!

19 - Dress Up

While strolling along Calle Crisologo in Vigan, sister and I got to see two clowns walking... good thing I was already holding my camera, I was able to get a quick snapshot of them.

20 - Macro

I have so many macro pictures taken this year, but one dear to my heart was this one - something I took while with Mr. Pipoy (my fitness buddy/boyfriend). Not only that, I tend to take pictures of flowers either looking down on them or positioning my camera near the side of the flower, but thanks to the fresh perspective Mr. Pipoy gave me, I was able to take a picture with my camera under the flower.

21 - Holidays

As they always say, nothing beats Christmas here in the Philippines, because people here start celebrating / prepare for it as early as September and the merry making continues until the first Sunday of January. One of the buildings with extensive decorations include the Central Bank of the Philippines. No need for billboards, the whole stretch of the building was decorated with lights!

22 - My Favorite

With pictures taken everyday, it sure is difficult to choose that one favorite picture, but I decided to share this - a picture inside the church of Birhen sa Simala Lindogon (Cebu). I have entered so many Catholic churches, but this is the only one that made me cry bucket loads because of sheer bliss.

23 - Don't Ever Change

The three most favorite people in the world. We may not be perfect, but I do love that they're not just my family, they're my great friends, too!

24 - Just Because... so There

Aside from the blessings of traveling around, I was also blessed with so many things related to food. I got to taste so many cuisines this year, and for a private degustation I was invited to attend, I got to eat lobsters and bougainvillea (a flower) for the first time.

25 - Hopes and Dreams

2011 has been a very fulfilling year for me. Taking risks, pushing myself to the limits... following my bliss.

For 2012, I hope to celebrate more of life. I still have apprehensions about taking risks, but this year, I really do want to let my guard down and bit and tear some walls. Life is short, and I really have to enjoy every second of it.

Starting tomorrow, pictures published here will be from my Project 365. Hope you will come back here and check it out.