MY WAVE!!!

Colour Manage your Firefox Browser

2009-08-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Its barely a year since my last post. I'm back and have lots to share specially tips in photography, drumming and vizualising. Let me start off with a tip in browser colour management.

Recently I noticed disparity of colours on an image displayed on my Photoshop and Firefox. I remember a month back that my Vista created a new user profile for me as my old one corrupted. As a result my Lightroom and Photoshop custom profile was reset, all my Firefox browser bookmarks gone and a lot more similar things happened on some other programs.

So for Firefox in particular, I had to re-enable color management by doing these steps:
1-on your Firefox browser, type "about:config"
2-it will give you a "here be dragons" warning...don't be scared, just go in
3-in the filter search box type "gfx.color_management.enabled" and once the same line appeared in the list below, double-click until it shows its value set at "true"
4-you are done, restart your Firefox browser. now to test, compare if an image uploaded in your Flicker for example shows exactly the same in colour terms as when that image is opened in your Photoshop or Lightroom. they should be identical.

Test Driving an Enzo Ferrari

2008-10-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

F1 Test Drive at world's only night track (virtually)

2008-08-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

it's no joke driving this four-wheeled monster, you wouldn't want to risk your life shifting to 7th gear and face extinction in a flick. but damn, i love the adrenalin, wanna be like Schuma =)

more pics here: http://glenoe12.multiply.com/photos/album/211/F1_Test_Drive_Singapore_Track_Virtually

BMW-Z4 (painting with light)

2008-08-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

"The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on most modern BMW cars, most noticeably the 7 Series and 5 Series. As of 2007, the entire BMW car line, including the BMW 3 Series and X5 SAV, had incorporated Chris Bangle's design theme." (complete wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z4)

just sharing an example of using HDR image in a 3d/CG scene. the HDR image is not seen here but i used it to simulate light and the reflecting environment. how the HDR looks like is somewhat similar to the background image, only that its a 16-bit floating image format like RAW(background is only 8-bit).

just like shooting/photography, i had to key-in the appropriate f-stop/shutter/iso/wb values in the software's camera parameters to get the right exposure, as well as to set up sunlight with its correct physical value, plus additional lights (as strobes) to enhance the subject, the workflow is virtually painting with light.

HDR? Enter Paul Debevec. In 1997, he presented a paper at SIGGRAPH (PDF), the leading graphics industry expo. He brought forward the idea that a high range of brightness levels could be captured by combining multiple exposures of the same image, much like the pictures shown above. Differences in brightness at the various exposures could then be stored in what is known as a radiance map, which could be added to the picture's color information. For example, most pixels are stored as varying levels of red, green and blue, or RGB. With the generation of a radiance map, a fourth value, A, could be added to each pixel, and the resulting file stored in an RGBA format. (taken from and more here: http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/lostcoast.ars/2)

(above) Paul Debevec enjoying prawn mee soup and Tiger Beer in one of the hawkers in Singapore. Who says HDRI imaging should be glamorous?

I'm Back Shooting Macro!

2008-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

'shoot within your equipment's limits' is my motto. i don't easily fall for buying cliche lens. you'll end up carrying a heavy bag on photoshoots, confused of which lens to use on location, or worse owning good lens but not able to maximize its capabilities. the only good thing i can think of is its cool factor. not to mention the $350 worth of workshops, i bet you can easily learn all those techniques on the net, tutorials are priceless nowadays. okay that's just my excuse, coz i'm cheapo =) but i have already set my mind on the next lens purchase, but will need to wait a little more till the manufacturer settles with its new agency here in SG. for now here are my latest dragonfly macros. and thanks for your time dropping by!

Shake Your Head by Eraserheads

2008-06-19T22:43:00.002-07:00

Thanks CoedLiza for reviving this song--for me is one of the best ever written.
Anticipate, trust your guts, shake your head, walk away, no regrets...move on!

I was born, upside down
I felt my grandma put my feet
on the ground
They put a spoon, in my mouth
And everyone was shocked to
hear me shout
Well i knew i couldn’t take all
the dog food that they make
I’d just as soon as put myself
on a stake and burn

Refrain:
I saw it comin’ around
I saw it comin’ around, yeah
I saw it comin’ around
So i just, yeah
Shook my head and walked
away.

I grew up, in a town
Where everybody tried to push
me around
The girls were alright, but
the guys were tough
They’re always buggin’ me with
macho stuff
Well, i ain’t no stupid
fighter, i go for flower
power
I’ve been running every race
just to save my face, yeh

(repeat refrain)

Bridge:
Well, they try to see if you
care
It’s just a matter of not
begging for more
You know it’s really suicidal
to just give in
With people you can never
really be sure–
O-hoh when it gets down to this

They’ll eat you up
When the words get in your head
They’ll get you up
It’s a saving grace to have
enough
When you find yourself in a
compromising spot
You should know, you shouldn’t
take
All that dog food that they
make
You’d just as soon as put
yourself on a stake and burn

Refrain 2:
You’ll see it comin’ around,
You’ll see it coming, comin’
around,
When you see it coming around,
you just, yeah
Shake yer head and walk away
Yeah! (walk away) alright!
Shake, shake, shake, shake
yer head;(2x)
Yes, the one you think with..ho
—ohhc’mon, c’mon

Sing along with us!

2008-06-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

New Heroes Anthem by Mr. Brosnan?
From the Banda Fantastica 3 compilation album.

Polka Interior

2008-06-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'm back. Here's a revisitation of an old project, tweaked a bit of finishes and decors. Hope you like it!

Rock with us at BF3!

2008-05-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Aqua Timez - Alones

Oreta awai tsubasa
Kimi wa sukoshi
Aosugiru sora ni tsukareta dake sa
Mou dareka no tame janakute
Jibun no tame ni waratte ii yo

I.
Izen to shite shinobiyoru kodoku
Uchigawa ni tomoru rousoku
Nigiwau ba ni gouka na shanderia to wa urahara ni
Tarinai kotoba no
Kubomi o nani de umetara ii n’ darou
Mou wakaranai yo
Semete yume no naka de
Jiyuu ni oyogetara anna sora mo iranai no ni
Kinou made no koto wo
Nuritsubusa nakute mo asu ni mukaeru no ni

Chorus:
Oreta awai tsubasa
Kimi wa sukoshi
Aosugiru sora ni tsukareta dake sa
Mou dareka no tame ja nakute
Jibun no tame ni waratte ii yo

II.
Rettoukan to no wakai wa
Kantan ni wa kanawanaisa
Jiishiki no teppen ni suwaru
Kagami ga utsusu hanabira
Furishiboru you ni
Kogoreta ai wo sakende miru keredo
Modokashikute
Meguru toki no naka de
Kizuguchi wa yagate
Kasabuta ni kowatte iku
Kimi wa sore o matazu
Totemo utsukushiku
Totemo hakanage de

Chorus:
Hagare ochita ato no
Ubuge no you ni
Hiwamari no naka de furueru inori
Ima wa muri ni dareka no koto wo
Ai sou to omowanakute ii no ni

[Instrumental]

Toki ni kono sekai wa
Ue wo muite
Aruku ni wa sukoshi mabushii sugiru ne
Shizumu you ni
Me wo fuseru to
Kawaita chimen ga namida wo susuru
Why do you feel so
Alone anytime
Subete wo uketomenakute ii yo
Why do you feel so
Alone anytime
Koraeru koto dakedo
Yuuki ja nai

Fish Eye

2008-04-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Banda Fantastica-3

2008-04-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

check it here:
www.philmusicsg.com

get your tickets early,
"no BF3 cd, no cry"

email me for reservations:
tutik@mrbrosnan.com

New Heroes MTV (on the works)

2008-04-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

BF3 is coming soon yay!

The Dark Side Is Calling

2008-04-19T21:05:00.001-07:00

It can wait...

Almost A Winner

2008-04-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

SG Flyer Contest Website

almost a winner here (but without the nikon d40 + flyer ticket). i'm just glad they liked my entry and used it even though i didn't win.

Mosaic Music Festival '08 Snipes

2008-03-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Imago (Phils):

Imago Fans:

Swissy (Phils/Aus):

Megan Bowman (Aus):

The Disclaimers (UK):

Reza Salleh (Malaysia):

Logic (Aus):

The Braves (fans):

Nokia Powerhouse Stage:

World class acts and good music...more coming up!

The Pianoman

2008-03-10T19:31:00.001-07:00

MOSAIC Music Festival '08

2008-03-08T00:48:00.000-08:00

Featured Pinoy Artists:

Peek-A-Boo!!!

2008-03-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Stefi's 1st Art Competition

2008-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

1st March '08. Twas an ordinary weekend, nothing planned. Stefi and I had the usual afternoon weekend trip to the library to borrow some books:

Just outside, we noticed some art competition for kids ages 4-10yrs. Stefi joined and ended up winning. Unfortunately, daddy didn't bring a camera along (not even a camphone) so receiving the price from the stage was undocumented.

Congratulations kid!

Serenity

2008-02-24T00:27:00.000-08:00

Had a chance to shoot hdr's in a landscape/plants nursery. In Singapore, having a landscaped garden at their backyard is a luxury. But public parks and landscaped public areas are everywhere (that is why SG is tagged 'a garden city') but you have to be away from the house to enjoy it. Good thing it can be captured digitally.

the entire set here: http://glenoe12.multiply.com/photos/album/116/Serenity

A Friendly Jumper

2008-02-24T00:23:00.000-08:00

More here: http://glenoe12.multiply.com/photos/album/115/Salticidae

Yusheng!

2008-02-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Here's for a prosperous year of the Rat en Roll!!!

Meshpotatoes Live at BarNone

2008-02-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Superproxy & Yugyugan Na (cover):

CNY Macros

2008-02-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

gong xie fa cai!!!

i love donuts:

cny dragon:

your prince:

The Colours of Festive Chinatown '08

2008-02-01T10:11:00.001-08:00

more images here:
http://glenoe12.multiply.com/

Merry Christmas to All

2007-12-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

Whew, time flies! 'Twas only last year, yeah a year ago that I last greeted everyone and now it's time to do it again. So much great things happened last year and the future is just gonna be much better for all of us, hopefully. A lot of 'could have beens' as well. Things we wished for or expecting but didn't materialize. Well, that's life--a hit and miss. What goes 'round as they say, comes around. As long as there's inspiration then determination follows. It's good to have passion, but not to the point that it becomes a religion, where we close our eyes just to get blinded by opportunists who takes advantage of our weaknesses. I wish for a better and prosperous year for everyone. I wish for peace and equality. I wish for genuine friendships. I wish all to have good health. So having said all of that (pinch or not), again let me and my family greet everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!

The Song Remains The Same

2007-11-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

"You don't know what you're missing now.
Any little song that you know
Everything that's small has to grow.
And it has to grow!"

"Sing out Hare Hare, dance the Hoochie Koo.
City lights are oh so bright,
as we go sliding... sliding... sliding through."

damn, really love this song...the Zeps must be Gods!!!

Nokia IAC

2007-11-20T03:25:00.000-08:00

This is a cool site for the Singapore Indie Music scene. Download and rate your favourite indie bands. Enjoy!

http://web-iac.nokia-asia.com/singapore

Singapore Botanic Garden

2007-11-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Tks Ryan for reminding, link's now updated:
http://twotik.110mb.com/SBG/index.html

Mr. Brosnan at Banda Fantastica 2, Le Baroque

2007-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Everlong (cover):

Cardioanomaly (original):

Our Father (original):

BANDA FANTASTICA-2 ALBUM LAUNCH TONITE

2007-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since my last post! Here's happening tonite...Where: Le Baroque Bar, Chijmes, near City Hall
When: October 20, 2007 (Saturday Night) – Show starts from 4:30 pm, ends at 10:00 pm
Drinks at Buy 1 get 1 Free promo.
Tickets are at a stand still price of 12 SGD!!!
(Tickets are non-consumable)
(Get a free Banda Fantastica 2 Album CD – NEW Album from PhilmusicSG)

4:30 - GATES OPEN
==========SHOW TIME===========
5:00 - 5:24 aftersix
5:24 - 5:48 aftermath
5:48 - 6:12 blues junkie
6:12 - 6:36 cajooters
6:36 - 7:00 soundpedia
7:00 - 7:24 saint trend
7:24 - 7:48 pop machine
7:48 - 8:12 launchbox!
8:12 - 8:24 ROBERT SUNGA
8:24 - 8:48 mr brosnan? (doing songs from live, puddle of mud, foo fighters and 2 originals)
8:48 - 9:12 transient attack
9:12 - 9:36 kernel panic
9:36 - 10:00 winter riot

(program may change w/o further notice)

see ya there and have fun!

Chandy

2007-09-21T21:57:00.001-07:00

Birds in Toa Payoh

2007-09-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

A 4-year old bird 'double yellow-headed amazon parrot':

A 2-yr. old 'yellow-shouldered amazon parrot':
"amigos para siyempre!"on the left is an 'african grey parrot':ready to go:

Bay_window_Beats!

2007-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

Dave Hill Effect

2007-09-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Surreal Art

2007-09-06T07:34:00.001-07:00

Good Morning SG!

2007-09-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

T-Pak!

2007-09-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

A Message From Stefi: "Happy Teachers Day!"

2007-08-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

That's True - My 1st CG Music Video

2007-08-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

coming soon! but it won't be shown here...it's produced for someone else's site so watch out for the link...

SG Fireworks Festival '07

2007-08-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Where are the fireworks? (click me)

Saigon Chronicles Day 3 (installment)

2007-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Day-3 was supposed to be a free day (no itinerary) but some of us decided to hire the guides and bring us to Chu Chi Tunnels. On the way I managed to catch some more bikers on the streets:

1 - Ice Delivery. Can you imagine drinking your juice its ice rubbed against the guy's dick? or butt?

2 - You'll Be Safe Here. Kid in standing pose!
3 - Off To School. Looks cute, but I wonder if these kids are insured. Even if, I don't think its worth the risk. My colleagues witnessed a taxi-hit-motorbiker the next day. Imagine if they were these mother-daughter who flung in front of them.

4 - Chu Chi Tunnel. The Vietnamese have claimed to be the only victors in a war against the Americans. The 5km network of subterranean tunnels is one big reason they claim to have helped them.

5 - Tutik Was Here!

6 - An Arms Dealer?

7 - USD$1 Per Round. Wanna pop caps on one of these machine guns or AK-47's? How does it sounds? ...to me its like 1dollar-2dollar-3dollar-4dollar....geez my drumming is no match to these earcrackers (you really need earmuffs when firing these).

8 - I wonder how many Viets had gone under its mercy?

9 - ...plenty of lives lost for no reason. Some Viets bear no grudge to the Americans, they felt they were just victims of war. For some, they only fought the Americans because they just wanted peace in their land.

10 - Notre Dame Cathedral. One of the landmarks the French has built in Saigon. I was late for the afternoon service so they didn't allow me to enter midway during the service.

11 - ...was behind the grilles when i shot this. 12 - Posies. Pirated paintings, anyone???

(to be continued)

Saigon VMW Trip Chronicles: Day-2

2007-08-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

1 - "Overcast Saigon Morning (View From Hotelroom) ." Went for a massage abt 2:30am hopefully to get physically good condition for Day-2's tour. Woke up feeling great however, it was an overcast Saigon morning! Maybe it rained a few hours before I woke. Will the rain spoil the day's program? We'll see... 2 - "Creative Juices for Creative Peeps." I was just waming up my camera as it was fogged attributed to the hotelroom's aircon. I should have kept it in the safe as a drybox.
3 - "Tutik Breakfast ." Warming up my cam some more, I remember one of those pop-photography thingy so I decided to create one for my folio.
4 - "Tay Son Arthouse." Our first stop, the first area that we entered before the art merchandise gallery is the back-of-the-house work areas where some of the items are being made.
5 - "Looking Behind." I noticed some of the unfinished items and took this. Only realized the artistic potential of this image at the end of the day while browsing the images. The lady in white wearing that uniquely Vietnamese hat posed as if she's waiting or speaking to the other lady behind her.6 - "Vietnamese Dragon." Taken a few minutes before the bus leaves for Mekong river. I passed by this dragon boat a few times but only decided to shoot it when the shop was almost empty. I had to squat to shoot the dragon at almost eye level. 7 - "Wading Flood." Our bus was heading to Mekong River somewhere in the outskirt of HCM. The traffic was really heavy and some of the streets were flooded. I heard Bong seated far behind shouted "look at those kids swimming!," pulled my camera, the bus was moving really fast, luckily my shutter is defaulted fast enough to capture the moment. A few more millisecond more I could have captured the backrest of my seat.

8 - "Two-storey Unit and Void Deck." A Vietnamese version of an HDB? Taken during our ferry ride at Mekong River.
9 - "Mekong River Tourist Ferry." We rode a similar ferry like this.

10 - "Master and Servant (Who is who?)." Our ferry's driver smiling gladly. His pet is a poser too.
11 - "Mekong River's Elephant Fish." We docked at a restaurant for lunch.
12 - "Cool Tourists." A few poses before filling our tummies.
13 - "I'm Just Fine Here."
14 - "Mr. Candyman." Next is a stop to a village candy factory. Light was just nice to highlight the candyman, the background suggesting how far he is from the light source hence, the semi-silhouette effect.15 - "Candy Bees." We were told these bees will only sting children. How insecure these bees are.16 - "Floating Resto." A serene place to dine and rest.17 - "Vietnamese Altar"
18 - "Provision Shop." We walked through a village and exchanged smiles with the locals. They were very friendly and keen to pose for pictures even if we did'nt purchase anything.
19 - "S-neck." A damn big snake, I felt him squeezing my leg during a pose.
20 - "Mekong Bancas." Interesting sight from the bridge. The blues really stands out in this picture.
21 - "Am I Cute?" Back to the ferry and took this. He is very camera friendly.22 - "Twin Blue Cruise Boats" as we pass by...
23 - "Twin Blue Fishing Boats"24 - "Female Construction Workers." After the Mekong cruise we headed to a Buddhist temple. Just outside of the temple's premises is this construction site, a giant buddha being erected. I noticed these ladies lifting mortars. They were too shy to face the cam so most of the shots I managed never captured their faces.
25 - "Father and Kid." The father came to me and asked to be photographed. They were too happy to see themselves on the LCD.
26 - "Kapok is Saigon." Yet, another shot.
27 - "Wild Frangi." Those we have in Singapore have pointed leaves. This species have rounded tips similar to the white frangis.
28 - "Airbournes." Haha, nice one!
29 - "Bikers Galore." Back to the city of bikers.

Saigon VMW Trip Chronicles: Day-1

2007-08-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

1 - "Drive Home Saigon." This trip is an annual event sponsored by our company. Last year was in Bali which I passed up due to safety reasons. A year before that was in Hong Kong, my first outing with VMW. I was with the third bunch of colleagues leaving for Ho Chi Minh. The first thing noticeable as you leave from the airport is the amount of motorbikers everywhere. About 3million motorbikes roaming the streets. This attributes to Saigon (alternative name for Ho Chi Minh) being a third world city of about 7million, where public transportation is not yet fully established and only a few can afford to buy cars.
2 - "Saigon Street Arts." Noticeable too were plenty of art shops some are known to be selling pirated paintings. I have seen a Monalisa in one of those shops but the image I snapped was not good enough to be posted.

3 - "Saigon Rush Hour_1 ." The rain had just stopped when we landed at Ho Chi Minch City (HCM). 'Twas about past five and working hours had just ended, and so the streets were very busy. Despite the overcast sky, the setting sun still managed to cast a bit of light on the motorists on the image below.

4 - "Saigon Hotel View After The Rain." The moment I entered the room, there was a sudden urge to see what's behind the day curtain. It was a colourful rural skyline, in itself tells a lot about HCM City.

5 - "VMW Dinner." The first company event in HCM was a dinner at a floating resto.

6 - "Birthday Peek." Photojournalism was my focus for the HCM trip. My colleagues will definitely be armed with at least a point-and-shoot camera of their own for their poses so for me, to capture what is uniquely Saigon is utterly more important. At the second floor of the ferry where the viewing deck is, I managed to capture a birthday celebration being held. I hesitated switching to a wide lens as I might lose the moment that's why the violinist in the fore was lost it could have been better to frame the unfolding scene.

7 - "Floating Resto." A similar ferry on a distance. It would be impossible for me to capture it nicely focused as our ferry was also moving, so I decided to play with zooming the lens in an out while pressing the shutter button. Here's one of the best shot amongst a few.

8 - "Portside of Resto." There was a live band and a firedance show to entertain us. The ferry docked and it was time to head back to hotel. I got lucky to step out of the ferry first and was able to capture this scene. Just one shot as I have already started a bottleneck.
9 - "Saigon's Best: Tran Manh Tuan." The night was still young, so some of us decided to alight at Ben Tanh Market instead of heading back to hotel. A chill out was a great idea so we walked towards a popular Jazz bar for some drinks. The bar is owned by Tran Manh Tuan, a popular jazz saxophonist. Singapore's Mario Sergio used to have regular performances here.

10 - "Best Seat In The House." I have always wanted to play serious jazz music, in its highest form. But the opportunity keeps on eluding me. Nevertheless, I'm quite happy with what I can play at the moment and maybe just pass on the passion to my kids later on. Jazz drummers, I respect them that's why for me, this is 'the best seat in the house.'

11 - "Speaking Hands." There was an interplay of spotlights highlighting the band. I waited for the yellow light to hit the pianist, hoping to capture the melancholy of the song the band was playing at the time.

12 - "SGD$1.00 Beer." If Phils have San Miguel and Singapore have Tiger, Vietnam has Saigon Beer. But unlike in Singapore, beer in Vietnam is very cheap. Almost everything there is cheap if you are coming from a first world country. But Saigon is not their favourite beer afterall. You will know from my 'Day-3 chronicles' coming soon...

13 - "Saigon Means 'Kapok' Tree." Walking back to the hotel, I can't help but adore the giant Kapok Trees (about 30-metres tall) lined up along most streets. They are like pine trees along the streets of Baguio City (Phils). In Singapore, there are a lot of these trees introduced by Landscapers recently (in the past 5 years) but never had I seen gigantic ones as those in HCM.

Cool Shooters!

2007-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

(Images by John Panelo of PinoyCSers)

Baybeats '07 Day-3: URBANDUB

2007-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'd pay to watch this group again! Probably one of the best in Phils. today. Their music and their stamina on stage is just AWESOME!

PinoyCSers Macro Outing, SG Botanical Gardens

2007-08-04T10:15:00.001-07:00

My Sacrifice Cover by Mr. Brosnan? (Live at BarNone, Mariott Hotel)

2007-07-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

My Sacrifice Cover

Add to My Profile | More Videos

2007-07-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

"Talent...is most likely to be found among non-conformists, dissenters and rebels." - David Ogilvy

Cardioanomaly by Mr. Brosnan? (Live at BarNone, Mariott Hotel)

2007-07-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Cardioanomaly

Add to My Profile | More Videos

PinoyCSers Family Day, East Coast Park

2007-07-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dreamers

2007-07-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

" Banda Fantastica - 1 Album" proponents I dream of having a Les Paul...

'ts been a while since I played the guitar...

...a new song in the pipeline!'BF - the album': out now (its free!)

NDP'07 Preview

2007-07-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I'd be out of town during the NDP Parade Day and won't be able to shoot the fireworks in its full glory. This test only ran for abt 5-mins, I was lucky enough to capture just about five 'good enough' shots. I picked the above as the best.
After all the smoke has gone, 'twas time to capture the magnificently lit urbanscape.

Best Friends

2007-07-27T21:20:00.001-07:00

22Jul07: Post Bday/BF Dinner

2007-07-27T02:18:00.000-07:00

After attending church service at Good Shepheard Cathedral, we strolled around Bras Basah and found this Italian resto. 'Twas about to rain so we decided to dine.

Food was great, i'd come back for the 'vegetable medley.'

Fantastica Dream Came True!!!

2007-07-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

If you still don't believe in dreams, now I'm telling you...it really does come true.

When you really put your heart on something, it will drive you on...and on...and next thing you'll know you've just been there...

But its not as easy as you think. Along the way you'll get to know friends who will help you along. You don't need to scratch their backs...all you need is to give a little bit of RESPECT.
Its not about who gets there first, not about who call the shots, not about who is more popular, not even about who is better...no this ain't about who is cute...

These people have one passion, one mindset...they are no whiners...(above photo by leo odulio, jr)
...and no, its not about money, coz they are all good in their respective professions, they will give anything for free......their only goal: TO PLAY AND BE HEARD.

...that is 'THE DREAM'

they set their minds on that goal, and they worked their hard damned asses for it...
they did it good, and they did it for ...
YOU!

At this point I would like to thank God Almighty! everyone behind BANDA FANTASTICA ALBUM and BARNONE LAUNCH (Pres. Ivan and team). My fellow bandmates from MeshPotatoes and Mr. Brosnan and their loved ones? My wife Evelyn and clan for the unyielding support and inspiration! Thanks to colleagues Bong, Corinne, Leah, Max, TeckLoon! Thanks to former colleagues Erwin and Kelly! Thanks to Menchie for taking the shots when I was on stage with my bands. Thanks to other bands for keeping up with the dream. Thanks to everyone who came to support.

We live the dream and we will do it again!

Company Outing: Paintball at Orchid Country Club

2007-07-21T23:17:00.001-07:00

This was our 2nd trip to Orchid CC. Last time it rained 2minutes before reaching there and we ended up partying at Wala-wala. This time the weather was just fine. Due to the following day's gig, I had to stay away from injuries so I opted not to play. I was there to shoot them, not with a gun but with a cam :)Looks like Ariel's team is ready for action. Max will definitely come up with good tactics being an NS man himself.
Breifing before the game proper. "Remember not to shoot somebody within 3m distance, bullets are strong enough to rapture the skin."
This is where they test their guns. "Remember not to bring a useless weapon on a battle. "

This team is serious! Well, its good for arts sake :)

The war zone. Some action above (you wouldn't wanna see the gruesome ones). Raptured skin, yes there were. But I won't be posting it. I encourage you to play the game and experience how it feels to get shot hehe. Above, Ariel got hit on the leg.We decided to 'makan' at the popular Chomp-chomp after the energy sapping games.Guess what, we spotted Optimus Prime, and my colleague was eager to take a pose.

Food was great, we called it a night. Tomorrow is Banda Fantastika!!!

35 great years!

2007-07-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

Yes, I just turned 35! and it feels good (just one strand of white hair so far)

...and my assistant's too eager to blow it for me heh...

Final x 2 Practice for BarNone Gig

2007-07-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

My kick's timing is getting better, tks to 2x a week practice sessions with MeshP and Mr. Brosnan. 'Hope it stays consistent if not better on saturday.
Yin and yang. Tiet's got a new baby...a splash!

Edgie's got a new rig! Damn he's got GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).

Practice is over, I guess we're ready for saturday. Hope to see you all and let's rock BarNone!!!

Me warming up for Bar None gig!

2007-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

THIS COMING SATURDAY!!!!

He's got him!

2007-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Library Finds

2007-07-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

I found 'Color Confidence' to be vital in developing my digital photography workflow. Unlike traditional photography, digital photographers have added burdens of making sure that the captured colors are accurate in screen and print. After reading through till Chapter 5, I've decided to add these to my workflow in keywords terms:

1. 10megapixel size setting

2. Custom white balance, presets or RAW capture for maximum flexibility

3. sRGB color space

4. Capture One DSLR software

(...now reading on to Ch-6)

BANDA FANTASTICA ALBUM LAUNCH

2007-07-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Library Finds

2007-07-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

Searching for inspirations, I ran accross this DVD. It features photographers with great deal of passion and how they endeavoured to come up with great images that were published in the famous National Geographic magazine. Most inspiring was "Beneath the Sea" featuring David Doubilet.
Here's another Gnomon DVD 'must-have.' Designers, storyboard artists, hobbyists will benefit from this demonstration of Mark Goerner's technique. Also borrowed Carlos Huante's 'Creature Sketching and Design' but have nothing to say at the moment (I'm yet to watch it).

Clicks!

2007-07-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

12July07, MeshP jamming for Bar None gig. This is MeshP's headquarters:

Drummer's View:

It says it all:

Brothers

2007-07-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Got to aquire something before the GST hike so this is what I got. Like twin brothers ya, but only the one with the shorter lens is mine. The other one was my company's. Good thing, I can borrow good lens and save up for other accessories.

Almost won Group 1 if not for that one number (2), then I could have bought better equipments and headed for somewhere like Brazil or Spain. Nothing to loose though coz I still got Group 3 and 4 winnings summing $408. These kind of blessings they say are better kept than spent (for more luck), so we'll open savings accounts for Stefi and James to start 'em up training for 'thriftiness' values.

National Library Finds

2007-07-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Cure Live in SG

2007-06-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE DRUMFEST '07

2007-06-16T02:17:00.000-07:00

I'll be there!

2007-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Federer, Nadal to play exhibition match

2007-05-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

"Organizers needed 19 days and $1.63 million to create the court, which divides the surfaces by halves for a unique match in which a player can receive on clay and hit a winner on grass — or vice versa."

2007-04-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Singapore's daring new icon is taking shape!

2007-04-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Kitchie Nadal, Singapore Dec'06

2007-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

A gig that shouldn't be missed:

...too bad I missed it, damn!

images grabbed from Photonski , posted by jaredflo and sons_of_george (two thumbs up snappers!)

Rivermaya in Singapore, 9Apr07

2007-04-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

I snobbed this gig...(coz already watched them last year). Twas a great show I suppose!
Gone are those gay-ish hairdo (above).

Dreamin, I should have one of these mood shots too. And where are the rest of your cymbals dude? (above).

Two-drumkit setup? "Sorry I only use Gretsh drums" - RM drummer (above)

Looks like 90% of the crowd were ladies hehe!

Images grabbed from clubsnap posted by Amaka (hope you don't mind, your images are great man!)

Yet Another One

2007-04-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Split Rendering Tutorial Part 2 - MOOD SHOTS

2007-04-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here's to add another dimension to your renderings. Its actually part 2 of my 'split rendering' tutorial and here's one of the applications. I won't be too specific on the parameter settings. This is to basically explain the concept.

Let's do a basic workflow, create split render passes with:

1. No lights, only HDR (sunset) applied to Vray environment (image below):

2. Vray Sun (sunset position) only, HDR is off (image below):

3. Only Living room lights on, Sun and HDR is off (image below):

4. In Autodesk Combustion, composite the images with HDR Pass as the background image, screen merged with Sun Pass. With this (HDR+SUN) as the background, screen blend with the Living room lights pass as the foreground. Applying color correct modifiers will give you flexibility to dim or brighten your scene as desired. Its all about perception so how you control colors and brightness is your call. As a guide for this tutorial, here's a blending flowchart used:

5. Here are the mood shots:

sunset mood:

sunset, kitchen lights on:

with added living room lights:

Since we are working in Combustion workspace, we can animate the dimming or brightening of lights. With rendered animation passes, we can do a lot more :)

Blessed Easter to all!!

Today in ST!

2007-04-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

TVC should be out soon!

20th Singapore Film Festival

2007-03-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Official Site: http://www.filmfest.org.sg/display.php?catid=505

and here are worth looking forward to:

Update

2007-03-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an update from my previous post.

Barbie in Esplanade

2007-03-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

I left Manila for Singapore in 1998 and never saw how this girl with her band bloomed into the limelight during those times. My brother Mark since had been updating me about Manila's band scene and this band named "Barbie's Cradle" was always mentioned. I didn't bothered until i sessioned with another Pinoy band here in SG and Barbie's song was covered.

Yesterday I got to meet her face to face, finally. Stefi was excited too, she's already a fan as evident in this video. We arrived early at the Nokia Musicstation stage so we got seats at the third row. Managed to take a few pics before the gig started. However, as soon as the band started to play my camera's battery went dead. (I realized wifey took one of the charged 2700's and replaced it with an uncharged 1800.) Ivan is seated in front with a videocam borrowed my tripod (he got his own share of glitch as his tripod's tilt lock malfunctioned). Here are the shots from the Musicstation stage:

(above: getting ready for the 1st song)

(above: a rich man's bass guitar. owned by a kid named Honasan, a good bassplayer!)

(above: emcees Patricia Tan and ?)

(above: Yamaha Stage Custom model, when do I get my hands on that kit and perform on that stage?)

She's very sweet, very charismatic in her expressions and even in her songs. I like how she communicated well with the audience. She would establish eye contacts and give a smile that keeps you hooked up and mesmerized. Too bad I didn't managed a nice shot of her, I'll make up for the next set at the other stage.

After the set there was a Nokia goodie to be given away. I knew the question is gonna be easy (i actually watched a jazz gig last saturday so this time i knew what to do). So when the emcees asked for volunteers I did not hesitate, and I caught their attention first, I was chosen. That was my first experience of stepping on one of Esplanade's stages but not as a performer, but as a contestant. The question was very easy, so I got the goodie (a Coldplay X&Y South East Asia Tour Edition CDs) and a Nokia leather picture frame.

The next set was at the Nokia PowerHouse stage. There was a two-hour gap so I had the time to buy batteries, fill-up our tummies, even got a last-minute opportunity for an authograph and a pose with Barbie.

Rivermaya was here last year for the same event, the Mosaic Music Festival. Barbie was given the same format--1st set at the smaller stage, 2nd set at the larger stage. The 2nd set was a bit longer (1hr) and Barbie did the same song lineup from the 1st set and added a few more songs, just like Rivermaya's. Next time therefore will probably just watch the 2nd set.

The heat was too much near the PowerHouse stage as the crowd has build up so we decided to position ourselves far behind the crowd. Ivan's nowhere in sight (i needed my tripod this time) so likewise, I didn't have a decent shot of the band again. Here are some lousy takes and hope you don't mind my shaky hands.

Most of their songs were new to us except for Overdrive (Eheads revival), High (TheSpeaks cover, which Stefi and I enjoyed specially the part "yeyey!", Ayoko ng Torpe. There were a few songs sounding like lullabies Stefi enjoyed and sang with familiar lyrics like "twinkle twinkle little star, abcdefg..xyz, Jesus loves me..."

They end both of their sets with flashy solo exhibition of each members. Barbie showig up her lead guitar skills (Titan, lead guitarist of Launchbox jokingly said, "damn she's better than me!," keyboardist playing a SuperMarioBrothers tune, bassist rendering another arcade game tune and drummer doing his solo (damn he's good in his solo) for a bang.

(above: yes she is 4-months pregnant. let's pray for her safe delivery and a healthy baby!)

Well, that's another concert to remember. Best of all, its "FREE!" Looking forward to another Mosaic Gig next year!

Links to photos by others:

Leyo's

3D TUTORIAL: SPLIT RENDERING IN VRAY/3DSMAX

2007-03-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

I promised someone to send him tutorial links about split rendering. However, I can't dig the links so I made a quick tutorial. Might as well share it here:

1. In your scene, assign a unique 'Object ID' number for each object (ref above image)

2. Set your Vray Frame Buffer parameters as shown above
A. Assign where to save the split channels (ref above image).

3. Set your Render Elements parameters (ref below image):

A. Add the channels you need to split render
AA. select the channels you need (ref above image). For this tutorial I picked VrayObjectID, VrayRawLighting, and VrayShadows
B. (pls. ignore this, assign filenames here if using scanline. we already done so in step 2A)
C. Added channels will be reflected here (ref above image)

4. Render to open up the Vray VFB (above image). You can scroll to preview the channels during rendertime (ref below images).

ObjectID pass:

RawLighting Pass:

Shadow Pass:

5. Split channels are saved after render (image below):

These is a very basic workflow and will need to be adjusted to suit your needs. Some channels may not work for different image formats (tif, jpeg etc). If you are using Autodesk Combustion for post, max can create a combustion workspace with all the split channels already layered within the workspace file.

3 Generations of Gadgets

2007-03-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Long before the ipod was invented, the Sony CD Walkman had served me for years (Of course there's the cassette walkman but I don't have it already):

(click images for a larger view)

The walkman was not considered 'bulky' then. Its this bulky housing called LaserLine. This box can hold 12 cd's, has a through for the earphone so it can be used while its closed, spare battery holder, and a rubber strap (already gone)...
The walkman is velcro-ed to the LaserLine so it doesn't move or shake while you're on the go.

Next to the walkman was the Sony MD-walkman that I dreamt having but never had it. Cost is one reason coz when you buy one, you also have to buy a midi component. When I came to Singapore, its this tiny radio receiver was very handy as I take bus more than train--the Sony Groove:

It become obsolete after 2yrs as I had to take the train more often, after shifting to another job. You won't get any radio signals in the subways here in SG. Furthermore, its difficult to get a consistent radio signal anywhere in SG due to the tall buildings and HDB houses. Finally, the Ipod Nano. Simple, compact, mp3 format, I-tunes software, podcasts...just right. So there they are, my 3 generations of gadgets (my take in history):Curious to see my favourite CD's? scroll down some more:

There are more, but these are my all-time favorites (my take in anti-piracy).

Wishing...

2007-03-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

I wish they consider dropping by SG:

Details here!

Singapore Drumming Festival 2007

2007-03-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jun 9 & 10, 2007

Suntec Convention Hall 601

Featuring:

NateMorton

The 1st Pinoy Newspaper in SG is here!

2007-03-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the official website:

http://www.bagongpinoy.com.sg/index.html

Issues:

http://www.bagongpinoy.com.sg/bpissue1.html

http://www.bagongpinoy.com.sg/bpissue2.html

Article from UPAAS:

http://www.upaas.org/news-2006bagongpinoy.html

Latest MeshP Video, Tks Tsel70!

2007-03-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Tennis Serves 2005

2007-02-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

Dug these clips taken 2yrs ago. I think it has changed drastically over the years. 'Hope I can take and post our latest service strokes for comparison. Stay tuned! And here are the rest:

Paul: Correct bending of the knees but tummy is hindering the bending of the back and shoulder's follow-through

Pat: Good high toss but ball need not be too far away coz there's a tendency to lean forward forcing a net ball (fault serve).

Jun: A very relaxed serve. The receiving end can relax too coz the ball is coming too slow with a predictable trajectory and bounce.

Goryo: This serve relies on shoulder power. No bending of the back, no bending of knees and only minimal follow through of the shoulder.

Reunion

2007-02-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

My old cymbal case has arrived. Thanks to brother Marvin. He arrived yesterday for a holiday and brought the case along. Some rust on the metal handles are already showing up (this case is about 10yrs old). The foams inside had to be taken out as it's already turned crunchy. Hmm...won't be difficult to recondition this...

Only missing in the family is my big'o rock ride cymbal which is still on loan to brother Mark's friend (I wonder if the borrower still intends to return it. Its kinda sentimental, 'twas given to me as a graduation present). I should thank Celes too for bringing my cymbals here a year ago. Thanks dude, still owe you the extra pounds!It would be pretentious, to bring such a big case with humble cymbals in it in a gig. I might settle for platic bags still until bigger cymbals come into acquisitions. So for the sunday's gig it might just stay at home.

EK!

2007-02-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

Dahon at Aposento '05

2007-02-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Watch my younger brother Mark play bass with his band Dahon. Their lady drummer's using my red musicmate drumkit (except for her own snare). The place is called Aposento Restaurant, at the base of Manhattan Square Condominium (one of Megaworld's project where me and my wife previously worked at, it was still under construction back then) in Makati. The place is restaurant by day and yuppies chillout bar at night. Bands needed to bring their own equipments, only the PA system is provided.

Part-2
Part-3

Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good

2007-02-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

Work in progress...

2007-02-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

See you all back tomorrow!

2007-01-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

Wish we could have joined you but Eve's still recuperating and I'm rushing for deadlines. Anyways see you all back in SG tomorrow!

Photo Essay

2007-01-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

The day has ended, I'll play again tomorrow.

Attack of the clones

Time to wake up...time for lunch

Who shrunk the donuts?

2007-01-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

I thought only Big Macs and Quarter Pounders have shrunked over the years. 8yrs ago these donuts were double its current size: Thanks mom for granting Stefi's wishes! This time we didn't have to queue at Raffles City basement's donut shop. Dunkin's still the best!

Bamboo is back in OC Singapore!

2007-01-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

Click here for details!

Have A Laff!

2007-01-25T00:13:00.000-08:00

A New Paint Job?

2007-01-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

The most sought after tennis racket in Singapore has been revamped with a paintjob. It even looks head-bigger than the previous "nCode six one tour" model. While Robert and Pat whine about it, we'll see tonight if this revamped look is still Fed-Ex's magic wand on his road to defend his crown at the Australian Open. The challenger--Andy Roddick.

Prior to AusOpen Andy's beaten Roger at the Kooyong Classic Invitation. Must be luck? Yes 'coz grandslam is just another story, and Fed-ex just won't loose on this. So in my opinion, this semi-final will be the end of the road for Andy. My prediction: Federer to meet Gonzales (who just beaten Nadal) in the finals.

MOSAIC 2007 PICKS!

2007-01-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

In the world of sessionist jazz musicians, anyone who has session-played with Chik Corea is considered a class-performer. I have seen Akira Jimbo (former Chik drummer) and really marveled his skills. I'll do what it takes to find my way into this show.

It's a pity she's abandoned her 'cradle.' Barbie's Cradle songs were like Bamboo's with unconventional grooves. When I was in Manila back Nov 2005, the first time I heard a BC song was a rockin "feel-good for the drummer" song. I never thought a year after that I'd be sessioning with Launchbox and Backwater playing the song Independence Day. I felt good indeed. We'll see if her charisma alone will be good enough to pull off this acoustic gig. Will she rock? Let's find out...