Sunday, November 20, 2016

37th Grand Marian Procession 2016

The 37th Grand Marian Procession will be held December 4, 2016 Sunday 4:00 PM at the Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila.

Everyone is invited to join the festivities and to appreciate the wonderful works of art inspired by the Virgin Mary.

37th Grand Marian Procession 2016

Saturday, November 12, 2016

My New Canon EOS M10

In 2011, I purchased my 1st DSLR using my 13th month pay. At that time, I was choosing between Canon and Nikon. Both cameras are almost identical in features, design and price. However, I choose Canon because its interface is more user-friendly. Five years later, I am still happy with Canon in terms of quality of the product and after sales. I only brought it once to the Canon Service Center when the 18-55 kit lens was “stuck” after I brought it at Malico, Nueva Ecija (it’s a cold place).

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I first saw the Canon EOS M10 at the recent FPPF judging at the Chamber of Commerce in Intramuros, Manila

Last Thursday, I was at Camerahaus BGC and I bought a mirrorless camera. I have P22,000 in hand from the back pay I got from my last company (I resigned August 2016). I first check for Fuji and the lowest price they have for a Fuji mirrorless camera (that is available) is P27,000. I don’t have enough “funds” to buy it. Luckily, Camerahaus BGC has a Sony mirrorless camera and the Canon EOS M10, which was released recently.

The Sony ILCE-5000 is being sold at a cash price of P20,000. It has 20.1 megapixels and comes with a free 16 GB SD card and a camera bag. It’s almost identical with the Canon EOS M10 – both wireless capable and has an LCD screen that can be flip. The Sony model was released in 2014 and I actually wanted to try other brands (aside from Canon). However, the interface of Sony is complicated for me. The lens that comes with the EOS M10 (15-45mm) is also “wider” than that of Sony. The EOS M10 also feels more like a compact DSLR unlike the Sony ILCE-5000 which is more like a digital camera. Although the Sony is lighter than the EOS M10, I find it more convenient to grab the M10 that the Sony, which feels like it would slip my hand anytime.

I purchased my Canon EOS M10 at the new Camerahaus branch in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which is located at the 3rd Floor of Central Square Building. If you’re coming from Market-Market, it’s at the very end of Bonifacio High Street. I paid it in cash and It’s P19,800. For the freebies, I got the red “jacket” and a Sodexo Gift Certificate worth P500.

I am still on the process of getting to know my new mirrorless camera. I’m glad that I’m not going to create #ElmerLovesSony blog but instead, stick to my current #ElmerLovesCanon blog. I’m posting my test shots of the Canon EOS M10 here. Both the Sony and the Canon mirrorless camera come with a 3-year warranty. I hope by then, I’ll have enough money to purchase a new one if needed.

I just read the manual of the Canon EOS M10 and I’m happy that it has in-camera features (effects) like HDR, fish-eye, toy camera and miniature models. It can also be linked to a smartphone and can also upload to the cloud storage of Canon, for easy transfer of images, wirelessly. The EOS M10 is the entry-level mirrorless camera of Canon – a cheaper version of the EOS M5. Back in 2011, I purchased an entry level DSLR. Now, I purchased another entry-level camera but it’s mirrorless now. I hope I can make the most of this new gear.

This camera by the way has a free “housing” (or casing) color red worth P1,500. It gives the Canon EOS M10 better grip. The only take-away is that, you have to remove it using a coin whenever you’ll charge the battery or change SD card. The battery is also below 1,000 mAH and I only got 104 shots with a fully-charged battery. I guess, I’ll need an extra battery.

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The guy in red is the one who convinced me to choose Canon EOS M10.

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The Camerahaus in BGC (3rd Floor Central Square Building)

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Taken around the Bonifacio High Street.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0

This year has been amazing for Blogapalooza. I was actually surprised that they were able to have two events this year – one in May 21, 2016 and the second one was yesterday. I thought Blogapalooza is a once-a-year event similar to Blogopolis (Nuffnang). Well it’s good that Blogapalooza was able to stage a 2nd event this year. It’s such a milestone.

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Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0 is held at Novotel, Araneta Center, Cubao. It’s one of the newest hotel in the area and the venue was at the 6th Floor besides the swimming pool. I love the venue! It’s an open air, garden setting with a small tent for indoor activities and symposium. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish the entire talks since I have a prior engagement yesterday but I did manage to listen to two speakers, Ms Ace Gapuz of Blogapalooza and Sky of When In Manila (WIM).

I got a lot of tips from Sky of When In Manila. She’s fond of using the Top 10 and her Things To Remember (in blogging) are really practical and helpful. She emphasized the importance of finding one’s niche in the blogging community (field of expertise) and creating one’s brand. She also reminded us to keep on writing since consistency is the key to blog success, traffic and all those stats.

I remember the first time that I attended Blogapalooza – it was in 2013 at SM Aura. The venue was a bit small and the companies that participated are really new to me. Now, Blogapalooza is one of the biggest events for bloggers and the venues are simply awesome.

Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0 would not be made possible without our generous sponsors: Krispy Kreme, Philippine Airlines, Amada’s Leche Flan & Desserts, San Mig Food Ave, ATC Healthcare, Mig Me, Alfox Printing Services, Marianas Visitors Authority, Victoria Court, Asian Massage, TAG, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, Shapecloud, My Cure, Novotel, Habitat for Humanity, Bona Vita, FundKo, Philippine Realty TV, Microtel, Mobcly, Eurotel, Taisho Ramen, among others.

Here are some of my pictures from yesterday’s Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0 #BiyaheBuddy, #MyMarianasPH, #Blogapalooza, #UnitePH

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@AceGapuz and the people behind the success of #Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0

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Who’s that blogger? #Blogapalooza #UnitePH

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What’s the last name of Hans? Is he active on social media? He’s a nice emcee.

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Sky of When In Manila #WIM

Novotel Cubao

It’s been a while since the last time I’ve been to Araneta Cubao area. When I learned that the venue for Blogapalooza Horizons 2.0 is at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Cubao, I got excited. I love going to new places/venues.

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Novotel Cubao is one of the newest buildings in Araneta Center, just beside the Araneta Coliseum along Gen Aguinaldo Avenue opposite Shopwise. The venue of Blogapalooza is near the swimming pool area at the 5th Floor. There’s a garden and big tent in this part of Novotel. It’s a perfect venue for such a prestigious event.

novotel map

Business and leisure meet at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, located in the heart of Quezon City's premier district. The hotel’s stunning contemporary design features 401 stylish suites, a pillarless Grand Ballroom, seven meeting spaces and an outdoor bridal garden, along with numerous other first-rate amenities. Sample global fare at Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s all-day dining establishment Food Exchange Manila, unwind with personalized cocktails at the Gourmet Bar or enjoy breathtaking city views at the Pool Bar and Lounge.

Shopping, entertainment and trade meet in this bustling hub, a few steps from the award-winning Gateway Mall and SMART Araneta Coliseum, with access to LRT and MRT stations, making it close to where you want to be. Source

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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Camerahaus’ Photolympics

Camerahaus, one of the country’s leading distributor of cameras, is holding an event similar to Canon Photomarathon – it’s called Photolympics. This event is open to all photographers using any brand of cameras – Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Pentax, Sony, Samsung, Olympus, etc.

Camerahaus’ Photolympics will be held this November 26, 2016 Saturday at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) High Street (opposite Market-Market). Mark your calendars fellow photography enthusiasts… this will surely be a fun-filled day.

#TeamCanon for the win!

Camerahaus Photolympics

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Legend Villas

The Legend Villas is located at 60 Pioneer corner Madison Streets in Mandaluyong City. It’s walking distance from the Globe Telecom Plaza and Robinsons Forum. It’s located at the heart of Boni-EDSA area and is a perfect venue if you have a business trip in the area and needed a place to stay. It can also be a perfect get-away (staycation) right at the heart of the Metro.

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The Legend Villas is also a 100% Filipino-owned hotel. Some of the amenities of this luxury (yet affordable) hotel are:

  • Swimming pool with jacuzzi (open from 8 am to 9 pm)
  • Lola Maria Restaurant (a la carte and buffet dining)
  • Complimentary parking
  • Fitness gym with basic cardio equipment
  • 24/7 business center (with mailing, fax, and parcel delivery services)
  • 248 sqm pillarless Banahaw Ballroom
  • 142 sqm Raja Ballroom (divisible into 3 function rooms)
  • Seven (7) smaller meeting and function rooms (ranging from 30 sqm to 135 sqm)

The Legend Villas was recently the venue of the 1st Travel.ph Blogger Affiliate Get Together and we were able to see how beautiful this place is. It features Filipino design in their rooms and function halls including menu and their restaurant. I believe it’s one of their advantages – it will really make you feel at home.

The Legend Villas Room Rates

Combining elegance, comfort, and style, The Legend Villas features rooms and rates tailored to let you delight in ease during your city holiday. Each of our 130 accommodations is fitted with warm-toned, vintage furnishings and cozy wooden accents, along with a line-up of key amenities. Inside them, you will have access to cable TV, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, private toilet and bath, phone, work table, and Wi-Fi Internet connection.

The different rooms of The Legend Villas are Studio, Deluxe, Family, Villa Suite, Villa Suite Premier, Team Suite and Executive Suite. The Legend Villas is also part of a group of luxury hotels which also include The Legend Palawan, The Mabuhay Manor, among others.

For inquiries, you may visit The Legend Villas at www.legendvillas.com.ph or call them at (632)702-2712-14. You may also click

http://www.travelbook.ph/philippines/manila/mandaluyong/the_legend_villas_944128/?affid=0141

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The architecture of The Legend Villas is definitely Filipino.

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Pictures taken using myPhone my85 DTV.