The Big Fat KILL

Get Some Culture

2012-01-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Little P.'s class went to a concert.

Here are some videos:

Haplik at Salakot (part 1)

Haplik at Salakot (part 2)

Upuan - Gloc 9(part of it)

When Old Folks Dance

2012-01-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Little P. danced "Haplik at Salakot" for their school fair.

Click the picture to watch the video.

Golden Bricks

2011-12-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

" One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie. "

From LEGO.com:

Warner Bros. Consumer Products and The LEGO Group announced today a partnership that awards the world’s leading construction toy brand exclusive rights to develop build-and-play construction sets based on THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ trilogy and the two films based on THE HOBBIT™. The multi-year licensing agreement grants access to the library of characters, settings, and stories for THE LORD OF THE RINGS property, as well as films The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

LEGO® THE LORD OF THE RINGS construction sets are slated for a rolling global launch beginning in June 2012 in the United States, with LEGO THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY scheduled for later in the year.

.., and my resolve to stick to basic bricks faces a new, and tremendous, challenge.

Let Them Go

2011-12-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

From the toy loving people of the Die-cast Car Collectors of the Philippines:

Fellow collectors,

One of the annual highlights of the 6th Christmas Toy Fair is the donation of toys to the less-fortunate children of our society. The beneficiaries for this year are Kythe Foundation for cancer-stricken children of the National Children's Hospital and ABS-CBN's Larunungan Kalinga Kapamilya Toy Drive for kindergarten students.

Unknown to some, DCPH is a regular contributor to this cause thru some of our kind-hearted members and it will be more special to participate now because we are staging our 1st Philippine Diecast and Custom Car Show during the Toy Fair event. Years ago, on our own, we also gave contributions to BATA Foundation, a charitable institution looking after abandoned street children, and to National Children's Hospital as well.

On behalf of the DCPH Execomm and 1st Philippine Diecast and Custom Car Show organizers, I'd like to ask for your humble contribution to this cause by donating your unused or extra toys to these children. Let's give our share in bringing smiles to these children's faces and make them forget even for a few moments their unfortunate condition. Toys may not necessarily be diecast cars. You may also donate other kinds or cash directly to Kythe Foundation.

For the toy donation, you may bring your items during the swapmeet day, Dec. 18 (Sun) and look for any DCPH Execomm member. The official turnover to them will be in the afternoon.

Thank you in advance for your generous contribution and may it reciprocate happiness to you as well. God bless you all and Merry Christmas, DCPH!

Crooks and Planes

2011-12-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

Two new LEGO activity books with minifigures from Ladybird. Set to come out on March 2012.

LEGO CITY: Busy Airport

An activity book that lets you join the LEGO CITY minifigures at the bustling LEGO airport; build your very own LEGO CITY minifigure; and, read the stories and complete the puzzles.

ISBN: 9781409312833

LEGO CITY: Crooks on the Loose!

An activity book that lets you join the LEGO City police as they hunt down crooks; build your very own LEGO CITY minifigure; and, read the stories and complete the puzzles.

ISBN: 9781409312840

I Am Up!

2011-11-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

I have been sick. I have been busy. I have been really sick. I have been really busy. This is a cycle that I have been trapped in for the last few months. Hopefully, it is broken now.

The new work term has begun, and I think it will take a couple more weeks before I am fully adjusted to it. My alarm clock is still in full time duty. I long for the time when I can wake up without its help.

The Trees Keep on Dying

2011-08-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

2 new LEGO books with minifigures are now available for preorder from various online bookshops.

LEGO City: Fire Team Adventure! Storybook with LEGO Minifigures and Accessories

Lets you join LEGO City minifigures on their action-packed adventures. This storybook comes with interchangeable minifigure parts and lots of accessories, that helps you build 3 different LEGO characters.

ISBN: 9781409309321

LEGO City: Police on Alert! Storybook with LEGO Minifigures and Accessories

It's Thomas' first day as a LEGO CITY police officer and he's already on a case! This title lets you join the LEGO CITY police, as they try to figure out who stole blankets, a horse... and robbed the bank.
Full description

ISBN: 9781409309314

Going hungry..

2011-07-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

And they have done it. The one thing to hook a toy VW Kombi and LEGO hobbyist.

This is the yet to be released LEGO VW Van - 10220.

No lunch breaks for me now!

* Picture scanned by Captain Eugene from Flickr.

Pour Sugar On Me

2011-06-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

For summer, aside from Kiddie Crew, Little P. also attended an art workshop. Here are some of her work, a couple of them done at home.

Covering Your World

2011-06-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here are the covers for the other upcoming LEGO Activity Books with minifigures that I mentioned in this previous post.

LEGO CITY: All Aboard! Activity Book with LEGO minifigure

LEGO CITY: Space Mission Activity Book with LEGO minifigure

No Flame Too High

2011-06-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Little P. helped make a giant LEGO Fireman.

You want fries with that?

2011-05-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation will not be complete without a fun summer activity.

I Am Stealth.

2011-05-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

The preliminary cover images of the two Ninjago Activity Books with Minifigures to be released on August that I mentioned here are out. Normally I would not put anything with the "confidential" tag here but seeing how they are already in some book sites, here they are:

LEGO Ninjago: The Chosen Four Activity Book with LEGO minifigure

LEGO Ninjago: Spinning Power Activity Book with LEGO minifigure

Also, the two other LEGO City Activity Books with Minifgures have finally gotten their full titles:

LEGO CITY: All Aboard! Activity Book with LEGO minifigure
(October 2011 • Age: 5+ • £5.99 • 9781409310358)

LEGO CITY: Space Mission Activity Book with LEGO minifigure
(October 2011 • Age: 5+ • £5.99 • 9781409310365)

We love these books!! We have all the previous releases, including the now out-of-print Atlantis sets. Right now, I am thinking if the Annuals are worth getting (they do not come with minifigs!).

* Images from Penguin/Ladybird.

Swat This Bug.

2011-04-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a another menacing LEGO MOC made by Peer Kreuger (the same guy who made that really cool Metal Grudge). Looking like a mean robotic insect, it is actually an all-terrain camera quadpod with adjustable limbs. It also has a facility for having the camera face upwards or downwards.

Not made of basic bricks but I would take it.

Bricks and Films

2011-04-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

Cary Norton combined two things that I like, LEGO and photography, into one. Amazing stuff.

Though, I still would take this beauty over that giant.

2012 Is Over.

2011-04-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

The cover image for the LEGO: The Official Annual 2012, which is talked about briefly here, has finally surfaced.

" This awesome annual is bursting with brilliant comics, games and activities about all your favourite LEGO® ranges, including LEGO® CITY, LEGO® Kingdoms and the awesome new ninja theme, LEGO® Ninjago! With LEGO® bricks to build and play with too, this is the perfect Christmas gift for LEGO® fans! "

Making A Difference

2011-03-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Andrew Carol has made a working LEGO version of Charles Babbage's Difference Engine. The machine that is made up of about 2000 LEGO parts can evaluate polynomials having the form of Ax^2 + Bx + C for x=0, 1, 2, …

Now, this is a MOC.

Build Me A City

2011-03-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

I am having second thoughts about acquiring The LEGO Ideas Book that is set to come out on August. A couple of sample inside pages have hit the net and they are plain "meh" material. For those who are feeling like me, LEGO Certified Professional Sean Kenney's latest might be a better purchase. I passed on both Cool Cars and Trucks and Cool Robots because they required special pieces, and we only have basic bricks, but I am really keen on getting Cool City. The cover alone convinced me (such yummy buildings), I do not need any sample pages.

Available on hardback and having 32 pages, it comes out on October 11, 2011, although most popular online bookshops have it on preorder now. If the description is true, there will be a guide for a mini metropolis. Think Micro Building Set (Dacta 9324). Now, that is cool.

Pandamonium

2011-03-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

We do not like pandas here.

Die Trees, Die!

2011-03-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just like real Ninjas they have crept up unnoticed. (Or, like me, nobody is paying attention.) The same guys responsible for putting out the LEGO Atlantis and LEGO City series of activity books, Penguin, are at it again. On August two new activity books with minifigures based on the new LEGO Ninjago theme will be released. Also on August, expected to come out are two LEGO City storybooks with minifigures and accessories and the LEGO: The Official Annual 2012. Then another LEGO City activioty book with minifigure comes out on October.

LEGO Ninjago Spinning Power Activity Book with LEGO minifigure
5+; Paperback; 290 x 205 mm; 24pp £5.99; 9781409309369

LEGO Ninjago The Chosen Four Activity Book with LEGO minifigure
5+; Paperback; 290 x 205 mm; 24pp; £5.99; 9781409309352

LEGO City Storybook with LEGO minifigures and accessories
5+; Paperback; 240 x 200 mm; 34pp; £6.99; 9781409309321

LEGO City: Police on Alert! Storybook with LEGO minifigures and accessories
5+; Paperback; 240 x 200 mm; 34pp; £6.99; 9781409309314

LEGO: The Official Annual 2012
5+; Hardback; 285 x 215 mm • 64pp; £7.99; 9781409309345

LEGO City Activity Book with LEGO minifigure 2
5+; Activity Book; 290 x 205 mm; 24pp; £5.99; 9781409310365

Now, I do not know how popular the Ninjago theme is among AFOLs (It sure is a hit with the kids, especially in Australia as this news article would show), but I am getting these activity books when they become available. We have both the Atlantis and two of the City, with the other two expected to get here in a couple of weeks. Bang for your buck, these books are. Definetly worth adding to The LEGO Ideas Book and the Brickmasters. Little P. loves the activities, and it is always good when the minifigure population count grows. All that for a tiny fraction of what you would spend on a Collectible Minifgure.

None of these book are availble for preorder as of now. No cover images too. Keep your eyes peeled.

There Is No Switch.

2011-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

I feel like it is quite late now. Deep inside I know that we already blew it. All the happenings around is doing little to change my feelings. Still...

Yup, the video is nice. Looks like a moving LEGO mosaic, with 1x1 bricks. And yeah, go beyond Earth Hour.

Book It!

2011-03-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

That image of the LEGO Ideas Book that I stumbled upon actually came with images of 2 other upcoming LEGO books from DK Publishing- Brickmaster City and Brickmaster Ninjago. I did not put up the images of those 2 since they were marked "confidential", and I did not want to go against The Lego Group's policy on confidential images.

A couple of days ago I found what might be the final product images, different from the confidential images. Here they are:

The books, which will both have 2 minifigures included, aside from the bricks, will come out on July. SRP is $29.99. I am definitely picking up the City. Am not into Ninjas.

Table of Plenty

2011-03-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

"Jesus said... the Kingdom of God is inside you, and all around you, not in mansions of wood and stone. Split a piece of wood... and I am there, lift a stone... and you will find me."

Forget Paris

2011-02-26T02:18:00.000-08:00

So, it looks like I really do not have any intention of going to Paris any time soon as I totally forgot that the wifey mentioned it last week. Haha. But, Malaysia is definitely in my travel plans for the next couple of years. I have never been to Malaysia, despite its proximity to Singapore (which a favorite of ours), Little P. too. Big P have been there, I know, but that was ages ago.

Aside from the Legoland which is on schedule to open on 2012. I need some more Malaysia "stuff" to justify to the wifey that a trip is in order. Bags, would definitely be an attraction to her. Of course, there must be something for the little one, but the Legoland already has that covered. (Wink, wink) Pipe in with your recommendations, I would greatly appreciate that. Themeparks are shooins, we love themeparks. Museums, not so much.

Located across Universal Studios Singapore, with just a waterway in between, Legoland Malaysia will offer 40 rides to go along with shows and displays. The display, of course, will feature famous structures in Asia, and require around 30 million bricks to build. Legoland Malayasia will only be the 6th of its kind in the whole world, and will be the 1st in Asia.

(Don't you just love their ties?)

Photos from AFP via The Straits Times.

Get A Brick, We'll Travel

2011-02-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

We have never been to Paris, and, even though the wifey would love it, it has never been in my list of places to visit. Serious or otherwise, we have never had any discussions about going there. The closest I have been to the Eiffel Tower, aside from a 3-inch souvenir someone gave the wifey, is at a large-scale display in Hong Kong a couple of Christmases ago. It was quite a surprise coming home to a LEGO "Paris Tower" made by Little P. Colorful, the litlle thing is, just the way I like it. Plus, it doubles as a spaceship, according to my 6-year old who just go introduced to LEGO last December. (Most architects will never think of that!)

(Photo from Tour-Eiffel.com)

LEGO come out with an Eiffel Tower (10181) set in 2007. Built to 1:300 scale and stands 42.5 inches high, the realistic tower retailed for $199.99. Of course, today it goes for 5 times the original price.

The Perfect Way To Raise Little Pervs

2011-02-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

At the recent 2011 Toy Fair and at the CES, Mattel unveiled its latest creation, the ~~Perv~~ Video Racer. A video camera housed in a 1/64 scale car. It has an LCD screen on the chassis and carn record 12 minutes of video at 30fps. The budle has an SRP of $59.99 and comes a case that makes it possible to attach the car to helmets, bikes, skateboards, shampoo bottles, laundry hampers, and maybe even to the pet cat. Also included is a Video Racers software and a USB cord for uploading and editing on a computer so that your little Hayden can make movies with music, effects and transitions.

Photos from Chipchicklets.com.

I Will Blog For Bricks

2011-02-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

It is now official, Guinness World Records recently confirmed that DK Publishing - The LEGO Group have broken the world records for the largest image made with interlocking bricks. The mosaic, which is that of a Star Wars poster to celebrate the LEGO Brickmaster book, required 384,000 Lego bricks and 1500 baseplates, took 3 days to complete (23-25 October, 2010) and measured 97.5 square meters.

That is a lot of money to burn. Good thing this was backed by TLG. Me? I am, for the last couple of months, thinking (dreaming) of ways to raise money for my own mosaic project. I made some calculations, and based on S@H prices I need around 10,000 pesos to create a simple mosaic on a 48x48 baseplate.

While you're contemplating on how much to donate to my mosaic fund, head over to DK Canada for videos and more pictures. Maybe those will inspire you to shell out some dough. I promise, I will not employ children to work on my mosaics.

Lomokev Misses A Shot

2011-02-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

Kevin Meredith's new book, "Toy Cameras: Creative Photos", came in the mail a few days ago. I also have his first one, a personal favorite, "Hot Shots". The second, "Photo Op", the only one that was locally available I did check out but did not pick up. And unlike the previous ones, this new book features a lot more contributors' shots rather than just Kevin's. 40 "toy" cameras are featured, their quirks and "effects" discussed quite briefly and sample images shown. While I am quite satisfied with the coverage, I feel the best digital toy cameras had been left out. The VQ and the FD did not make the cut.

The Vistaquest Keychain Camera variants VQ1005 and VQ1015 Entry are tagged as the digial LC-A, producing images with almost the same feel as those produced by that not so "toy priced" Lomography camera, vignetted and with saturated colors.

The Fun Digital Camera FDC01, also known as SQ28m in Japan, is another little keychain camera that has a big following among artistic photographers. It captures square images and can produce b/w, vivid, and cross-procossed shots.

The LEGO Digital Camera made it into the book. Which is a surprise because it is not really that popular among toy camera enthusiasts and it is quite new compared to the VQ. Little P thinks it is a blast having her camera in there, I am okay with it too.

A side note, ndroo aka Fuzzyeyeballs, a Singaporean who loves toy camera photography and whose blog I follow has a couple of pictures in the book.

LEGO Goes Vrooooom!

2011-02-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

High resoltuion pictures of the upcoming Disney/Pixar Cars 2 LEGO sets have been unveiled for us by Grogall of Birckshelf. Just click on the thumbnails below to view them.

Flo's V8 Cafe - 8487

Mack's Team Truck - 8486

Spy Jet Escape - 8638

Tokyo International Circuit - 8486
This set will be a Toys R' Us Exclusive, but most likely will be available via Lego S@H as well.

World Grand Prix Racing Rivalry - 8423

The Fillmore just does not jump at me. I think it is even looking away from me!!

My Love in 3D

2011-02-15T02:37:00.000-08:00

Respect The Classics, Man!

2011-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

They are out. Here are some really fresh pictures of upcoming LEGO Cars sets courtesy of FBTB and Kris Kelvin of Eurobricks .

8200 Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen
May 2011. US$6.99.

8486 Mack's Team Truck
May 2011. US$39.99.

8487 Flo's V8 Cafe
May 2011. US$59.99.

I love Cars, but only collect Fillmore, and I am quite disappointed with the Fillmore in the above set. It does not look like a Volkswagen Kombi!! Where is your respect for the classics, LEGO?!

I Can See The Future

2011-02-09T00:44:00.000-08:00

So you have bought all the LEGO sets you ever wanted. Your room has LEGO boxes up to the ceiling. Display cabinets are filled with built sets and MOCs. But how will you ever know when that new set you have read about on Brickset is finally going to be released? YES! You need a calendar!! And it is not too early to grab a 2012 calendar for marking down those dates for sets that have no release dates yet. LOL!!

High-res versions of the cover image of the 2012 LEGO Calendar that is available for preorder from Amazon.com, and some pages off the Workman 2012 Calendars catalog can be viewed by clicking the small images below.

" Named Toy of the Century by Fortune magazine and now the subject of a bestselling book series, LEGO toys are one of the most popular ever, beloved by boys, girls, and grown-ups too! Exhibiting a dozen astonishingly lifelike constructions by top LEGO designers, LEGO: The Calendar is a fun and obsessive tribute to the little plastic blocks that have fueled kids' imaginations for generations. Each of these creations is a masterpiece of imagination and engineering. A space shuttle on the launch pad (10...9...8...). A perfect replica of the White House. An entire city block, finely detailed down to every lamppost and distinctive building facade. Accompanying the photographs is lively text with historical lore, building tips, and LEGO artist profiles. "

Our Heart

2011-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

I found out today that the wifey will not be here on Valentine's Day, again. So, here is a quick LEGO build for her.

Yup, I do not have any money to get her anything else.

I Fell On Black Days

2011-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

I have been staring out the window for more than half an hour. The CD might have already stopped a good 10 minutes before I noticed it. It started out with Chris' unmistaken growl swirling around the room, pulling, tugging, shoving me back into the 90s. Then I got to thinking. Which, as everybody knows, is a very dangerous thing. And Mr. Cornell's unsinkable voice gets lost in the background.

He has announced a solo acoustic tour. This after the band supposedly reunited a few months back. Some sort of a greatest hits album +1 previously unreleased old song was released (the one that was playing), and a live album off the 1996 tour is coming soon. I should not be complaining. They are back together. As a fan, and a big fan at that, I should be happy. Yet I am not. I am wondering about the point of reuniting. Where are the new songs, the new album? Where is the tour in support of the new album?

I am playing the CD again because it is the only thing I can hold on to now of a new Soundgarden. Yes, I am buying the soon to be released live album because I might (will?) never get to see them live.

Out the window I can see an old cow being milked. Instead of black spots it has dollar symbols, big, glowing and green. I am day dreaming now. This is nothing but a dream, yes, just like a truly reunited Soundgarden.

When Your Steps Get Numbered

2011-02-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

Finding it quite hard to finish rolls inside the Photoblaster and the Vivitar UWS. Somehow the spontaneity of shooting goes out of the window when I am using film cameras. I keep on weighing whether it is okay to "waste" shots on garbage cans and street signs or just take photos of Little P. while she turns the house into a "pretty" mess. I did manage to finish a roll of Sensia 100 with the Viv last December. That one remains unprocessed though, waiting for the other two before being sent to the lab.

I am afraid that I will not find an analog groove any time soon. It is no fun when you are over-thinking before firing. My love for my VQs (1015 Entry and 1005) remains unmatched.

Brick Brock, LEGO Rocks.

2011-02-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is why LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 4 rocks.

Photo from Brickset via Grogall.

From Sand To Concrete

2011-02-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

We went out to get Little P's prize from Build City the other day. It ended up being a big Racers set. Not really fit for a little girl. She opened it, looked at the sealed baggies and decided to sell it to her mom for funds to get a City Corner.

(Taken with the LEGO Camera.)

Little P is quite right, you cannot play Sylvanians with Racers.

Fireworks & Red Lanterns

2011-01-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

Just getting reacquainted with them bricks. Here is a simple build off an old Lego.com monthly build.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!!

Let Us Kill More Trees

2011-01-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

While there are plenty of online resources for LEGO building ideas and inspirations it is always good to have some around that you can readily pick up when there is a lull in "normal" life.

The last official LEGO idea books came out more than a decade ago. If you have deep pockets you can pick up some of those off evilBay. Even nicer, and maybe even harder to come by at a good price and mint condition, are those from DK Publishing, which produces some really nice LEGO related books including the fantastic "The Lego Book". Going for steep prices even for beat up condition, Build Fabulous Figures and Build Amazing Animals should be in your hunt list. Kids, as well as AFOLs I think, would love these two.

Available for preorder now on most online bookstores is another idea book from DK. "The LEGO Ideas Book" is for official release on August 15, 2011.

(Image of product is not final.)

"LEGO® inspiration: tips and techniques from expert LEGO builders covering transport, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure and useful makes. Perfect for LEGO fans who want to make their models cool, fun and imaginative."

My day is coming up. Greetings are okay but The Lego Book would be better. LOL!

A Girl and Her Fish

2011-01-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

Little P.'s LEGO Mermaid won Build City's Minifigs In Action contest.

Heaven In Technicolor

2010-12-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

LEGO shopping in Singapore is like heaven. Not only because of the much better selection but also, and more importantly, because of the cheaper price. It is great to see sets going at prices close to, or even lower (with discounts) than, their US retail prices. Our local price goes from double to almost triple of retail, which is just plain crazy.

Of course, since we are trying to stay away from themed sets, we picked up mostly Bricks & More and a couple of City impulse sets with minifigs to go with them.

If you are hitting Singapore and plan to pick up a few sets, hop on over to A Modular Life for a fantastic shopping guide maintained by a nice AFFOL Erica.

It Is A Jungle Out There

2010-12-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Zoo

We Flew

2010-12-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

Pooh went with me.

I ♥ SQ.

So comfy even Pooh fell asleep.

Where to next? (",)

The Stuff That Makes Up The World

2010-12-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

Getting the LEGO digital camera somehow rekindled my love for LEGO bricks and building. Little P. and I plan to amass tons of basic bricks for gazillions of constructing fun. Never mind the themed sets. I think having a brick stock and just grabbing some images off the net would be more fun. Plus, we love multicolor builds, "real" colors are just plain dull.

Whoopass Stew!

2010-11-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are done saving the world. I swear Mojo Jojo would never return after being mobbed by a hundred or so Powerpuff Girls.

Blastin'

2010-11-18T04:32:00.001-08:00

Above is the X-Treme Pix, a camera that is said to be a Blaster hiding behind a differently colored body. The original Nickelodeon Photoblaster has been discontinued years ago. The last batches came out in 1999. This fun camera creates four separate images off a single frame (yes, four clicks).

Today, I got my first Blaster roll, a May 2006 expired Fuji Superia 400, back.

I am one happy film shooter.

Misteryo

2010-11-06T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Last One

2010-10-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is. Finally.

With his forefather.

Yes. I am dead now.

Nimbus.

2010-10-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

We got sick. Again. Little P. had to be hospitalized. Then it was my turn. Maybe it was a superbug from Pakistan that did us in. Or maybe, it is the city that is slowly killing us.

We are up now. I am still unable to breathe normally but dreaming of fresh air and some time away from work and school. The bad city has a way of getting in the way of things though. Commitments, meetings. Not even a 6-year old is spared. Exams, activities.

This city is bad, really bad.

Que Sera, Sera

2010-09-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Buck Stops Here

2010-08-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to post about some "thing" here but it seemed totally inapproriate with the current situation of my right "foot". That original post will come out when I get better. Those who love seeing me get in trouble with the wifey better keep watching this space. Nope, nothing to do with maxing out a Citibank credit card or emptying a bank account. The wifey, though, might say "close enough".

X-Rated

2010-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Got a new toy.

Just like its predecessor the FDC01, aka SQ28M, this baby has a horrible shutter lag. (I was hoping they already worked on that.) Hence, it is not suited for drive-by snapping which is only what my time allows right now. A proper "photowalk" awaits.

I have not paid for this yet. My dear wifey would be glad to know that I did not have to break into our bank account. Yet. Think of it as a credit card purchase without the interest. (Right, 'tol? Hehe.)

Here is a sample capture using the yellow mode:

Where Is Spongebob?

2010-08-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Kids came, expecting to see the yellow sponge. Only The Chinese hopper showed up. I too, was disappointed.

Those Are Not Roses.

2010-07-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I was done buying diapers.

Yes, it poops. I can smell it. Same odor as burning money.

ReBound.

2010-07-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Finally got this colorway. A retro, yes, from 2003. I got this since OG ones that I have encountered are not wearable. (Sapatos yan, hindi trophy.)

Joining an old friend.

My dear wife, do not worry. I am staying retired, I just could not pass this one up.

Plastic Fantastic

2010-07-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

My flood shoes are here. They join the wifey's Melissas and Little P's Crocs.

Please, leave the Crocs to the toddlers.

Who Needs An LC-A?

2010-07-06T21:14:00.001-07:00

I got my second film camera today, a Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim. My first one I got as a gift when I was in high school more than two decades ago. Somewhere among all the junk we have in the province that camera is waiting.

The UWS is known as the "poor man's LC-A" (that really expensive plastic camera from Lomography). Like the LC-A the UWS can also produce fantastic color saturation and vignetting. I love those effects on my photos. My VQs can do the same. Sometimes though I wish for a viewfinder, hence, the UWS.

What concerns me now is the "total" cost of owning a film camera. I have checked the net, and the good films go for around 5-7 US dollars. Then we have the cost of film processing and film-to-cd service.

So the UWS remains untouched, waiting for her turn.

I Stand Alone

2010-06-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Film cameras have crossed my mind a few times since I picked up "snapping pictures" as a hobby. There are a couple of models that I think would suit me. I tried acquiring one but it went beyond my hobby fund. Also holding me back is the cost of films and film processing. Plus, I honestly think my "toidejikames" are better than any toy film cameras out there. A free camera would go a long way in making me think otherwise. Just in time, Ms. Jennifer Young of i art u is giving away a Holga TLR and some other yummy goodies from Fourcornersdark.

Hop on over to i art u. Read the archives as well. Very good read. If you end up winning the Holga, send it over to me. You will be a better person for it. Trust me.

Trouble Is Upon Us

2010-06-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Little Popot is going to a new and bigger school next school term. She hates being called small now. "I am five, turning six."

She tried on her school uniform today. Yup, trouble is just around the corner now. I can see myself waiting on the porch with a double barrel on my lap.

The Once and Future King

2010-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

And my big toe is killing me again, exactly a year since our last battle. Must stay away from those nuts. (Man, I love those nuts.) Would not mind now if Little P keeps on finding my stash. This time though, I think it is that "bulalo" that did me in. Somewhere up there a cow is laughing.

We Love Staring At Blank Walls

2010-05-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am staying away from the term lomography and lomo when I talk about my photographs. There are elitists out there who think lomo is about the camera and not about the approach and the photograph (haha) and I do not want to deal with these people. So, when it comes to my pictures, I am using the terms lowres (low resolution) and lofi (low fidelity). Funny though, now that I am in Flickr, lomography groups from all over keep on inviting me to join their pools. Weird. Hilarious.

Our Eyes

2010-04-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Like always, this blog has been put on the side for quite some time. Various things occupying my time and my mind. I have had tossed around some blog entries but I ended up not wanting to share them. I am quite selfish that way.

Still into digital lofi photography. I got my third model late March, the FDC01 (SQ28M in Japan). Even Little Popot is getting in on it.

I am finding it harder and harder to be into things that Popot likes. I no longer can sway her taste towards things that "we" like. While we still have Pikachu and Mickey, Barbie and Ariel has taken up most of her time (and our time). So, it is a wonderful occassion when she gets interested in the things that I am into.

We went out for this afternoon, only the VQ and the FD with us.

Little P's shots:

Legend

2010-02-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

The RC card edition is finally here.

And it is complete. All the single releases. Took years, but the long hunt is over.

Bonus pic. "The Rookie Card."

Sorry kids. I am not into Mcfarlanes

Yes Or No?

2010-02-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

This girl asked me out for Valentine's.

Oversharing

2010-02-12T01:01:00.000-08:00

This blog is dead. Do not blame it on my neighbor securing his interwebs. Somehow there is no longer that much of a need for sharing, no matter how little I like to share. We have become crazy with all the sharing. I am thinking a sentence, maybe a photo, would be better if churned out regularly. Like a Tweet or a Facebook status update, only more mysterious (I hope). Maybe I would even throw in some action words and adjectives to make it more fun.

Okay. Do not want to keep you too long. I myself have a lot of FB status to make fun of.

Bad Blood

2010-01-22T03:07:00.000-08:00

January is almost over. That means only one thing. I am sick. It is a yearly thing now. When the last week of January comes, the gods start to toy with me, putting my body through some really rough days (and nights).

The nebulizer is on standby now. We got this for the little one. It is me though that is regularly hooked up to it. I have no complaints. Better me than her. It feels worse when she is the one on it.

Since the holidays I have been feeling a need to sweat, to let out poisons I have taken in during the past year and are circulating in me. I do not feel right. More than a physical thing, I know it is a mental thing too. My mind is full of traffic jams. My lungs with bad air.

Anybody up for a getaway?!

Messing With Luck

2010-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

We only had one round fruit for Media Noche (New Year's eve midnight meal).

Grapes.

Noche Buena 2009

2009-12-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

Coming soon.
Another photo blog.
The wifey is organizing the pictures.

Red Velvet

2009-12-26T05:46:00.000-08:00

From this

to

this

Want some?

YUM!!

I Got Me A Hat

2009-12-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

Our (Little Popot and me) first time in Enchanted Kingdom.

Great day.
Nice place.
Good people.
Fun, fun stuff.

Nah. I bring my own magic.

"Can I borrow your hat, please..." Her weapon. That look. I dare you to say "no".

The Vanishing Hand Trick.

Night carnival.

Pictures are from my toy camera.

An Angel Sent To This World

2009-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

Little P's class had their Christmas "Concert". Unlike last year, I was there really early. About two hours early. Too bad the teachers decided to guide the performers right from the middle of the front row!! Even the shots from the "pro" cam ended up having some "dirt" in them. These Flip shots were taken by Big P.

Bigger version.

Bigger version.

Bigger version.

Keep checking back for a couple more.

A New Love

2009-11-30T04:10:00.000-08:00

Words have not been arriving. This barren blog shows it. Images, on the other hand, are flowing. Saturated, vivid, whimsy. The VQ1015 Entry brings them like Sandman brings dreams.

I Bleed For You

2009-11-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

Alice In Chains. Black Gives Way To Blue. William DuVal's voice is dark, not unlike Layne's. It is wonderful. Be not careful and you will end up thinking Layne is blurting out all the pain filled whispers and pounding words. Heavy, poetic, heartfelt. If you only have money for food, get this album, you will never go hungry again.

Stupidity Killed The Cat

2009-11-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

It is Day of the Dead today, and a bunch of our "stuff" died. My precious Soungarden concert shirts are all gone now, and I am finding it hard to pull back the memories of my "rock and roll" days. People will find it hard to understand, but in losing the shirts I feel that I have lost a part of me.

Yes, there is such a thing as sentimental value. It is talking, are you hearing it?

Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet

2009-10-31T02:09:00.000-07:00

Knock, knock.
Who are you?
I am a witch.
I am a little witch.

A little witch cat.

Make Believe Hong Kong Weekend

2009-10-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Blind frame.

What is a HK weekend without a HK picture pose.

We will be back. Soon.

I Am Wearing White Make Up

2009-10-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Picked up Popot's Halloween getup. After some drama, we managed to convince her to go with the "pretty" pink witch. Dia De Los Muertos, after all, is not for the pretty princesses.

I had the 4 Treasures Roast at Chef Choi's. The first time I ate there I was so impressed, not this time. I will come back again, only to verify if today was only because of the big "midnight sale" crowd.

Oh My! What Big Balls You Have!!

2009-10-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today, we went to Mall Of Asia, the most overrated mall in the country.

Not the original. But, would do for now. Popot still loves these hot babies. We also had some pizza.

Practiced a little blind framing using the Ixus. Preparing for my new toy.

Miguel liked MOA. I am still wondering why.

Maybe because of the big balls.

Dee For Victory

2009-10-09T15:33:00.001-07:00

A good day for my team. The Big Three (Dee, Penny, and Cappie) led them to their 2nd WNBA Championship in 3 years. Awesome year for a Lady Huskies fan like me. Dee's Spartak Moscow won Euroleague. The Lady Huskies are the WNCAA Champs, and now, Mercury is tops in the WNBA again.

Number 1, baby, number 1.

Slow MO

2009-10-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

I just purchased "stuff" for my new hobby. (My dear Pakistani wife, I know the kitchen needs fixing.) It will take some time though before I get my dirty paws on it, had them shipped to my sister in the US. Hope to get them before the term breaks ends so that I can have some time to mess around with them.

Man, these babies are hard to find. There are alternatives out there, but nothing beats the original.

Do not know what the hell I am talking about? Do not worry, once I get started with this, you will learn about it. I am learning myself. Now, if only I understood Japanese.

Payback Time

2009-09-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

No, I was not kidding.

Ondoy happened. People are surprised by this? The post below first appeared in my 360 blog about 3 years ago.

Armed to the teeth, I am telling you.

Air Slimers

2009-09-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

I have not bought any sneakers in a long while (well, I copped a couple, but they are not for me). Earlier, amidst the heavy rains, and even though I could not find my Ghostbusters lunchbox, I went out to pickup the Air Slimers. Hell no, I am not wearing anything the glows in the dark anytime soon. I would wear the baller band, but only to make fun of stuff and other people! It will be sold, the Slimers will be, to fund a "new" hobby.

Popot with the Slimers and the matching lollipop.

Yes, I am a reseller. Premium reseller. Haha.

Sticky Little Fingers

2009-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

We finally picked up a netbook today, ASUS Eee PC 1005HA. The 10 hour battery life got us sold. Went over Gateway Cubao to buy it so that we can join the raffle for Toshiba NB200 (haha).

Popot might have outgrown her Leapfrog Clickstart now, and have been craving for her own real computer. (Though she still will not sell her Clickstart.) She still draws, most of the time, but has been spending more and more time with the Asus, doing online Disney Princess and Barbie online games. She likes Starfall too, which is a good thing. I am going to have her hooked on Funschool one of these days. Another benefit of having "her" own computer is that she does not "bother" us anymore when we are using our computers, or the Nintendo Wii (large scale Internet FTW).

Sleepwalker

2009-09-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Having trouble waking up during mornings again. (Like always, going to sleep is easy.) And that means I am having problems getting to work on time and have incurred my first and second "late" for the current work term. It also means I have been feeling sluggish at times even though I know I am getting enough rest. Except for the couple of tardiness, work has not been affected though, my bosses would be glad to know.

Hmmn. Vacation, anyone? December is just around the corner. DL HK is on a Halloween theme. Have not seen that before.

Snoopy Be Damned

2009-09-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Red Barons, went out for the first time the other day, my new line, as part of the DCPH-Toy Kingdom-Hotwheels Dino Trick Tracks Exhibit.

They got a good amount of attention, and a few inquiries. I am quite happy with that. Hopefully, we get to see more of the "not usual" coming up during exhibits.

Gigantic, big big love.

2009-08-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

This blog has been thoroughly neglected. I was never busy all those days, only lazy. Fact, lazier than ever. I have never been known to be NOT lazy. People would be surprised if they find out that I actually have a job.

Well, let us get it on with a bunch of blog entries.

28 August

Just got back from Makansutra. The food was okay and really filling. I loved the Char Kway Teow, the Pad Thai was good too, as well as the dimsum (though I missed out on the Hakaw). Little Popot had her noodles with soup (I forgot the name), and enjoyed 2 servings of the Fish and Chips. I had no problem loading up on the Bandung with Chichaw and the Michael Jackson, which is a soya based drink (I think). Big thanks to Gene of Makansutra, who greeted us right at the door and was a really gracious, not to mention generous, host all through out. We brought home a few nice prizes from the raffle for Philmug members.

(Sorry, no pictures of the food. I was too busy gobbling them up.)

If you want to try out some good Singaporean/Malay dishes, Makansutra Asian Food Village is at the 2nd floor of the Manila Ocean Park Complex.

23 August

Finally went to see Disney Pixar's UP today. 3D is the way to go for this kind of stuff. Fantastic movie. Heart warming, funny, had enough action. Popot was on the edge of her seat, literally, the whole time.

19 August

Man, kids just do not forget a thing. When we watched Transformers 2, Popot saw the preview of Disney Pixar's UP and I made the wrong move of telling her we would go see it when it comes up for showing. She has been reminding (as in pestering) me about it since.

05 August

13th Craziest Toys Sale
Thu 23 July to Sun 10 Aug

With Special Buys at up to 70% off, the annual Crazy Toys Sale is back this year with an even bigger selection of merchandise for all bargain hunters.

Come and check out the huge collection of toys, stationery, school-bags, apparels and footwear at crazy prices. Prices starts as low as $1, you will be crazy to miss out this crazy event. at Takashimaya Basement.

I am sad to be missing this event, again. One thing I always look forward to when I visit Singapore. I am telling you, you have never been to Singapore if you have never been to this sale.

31 July

Little P's school bash. McNuggets, Twister Fries, and OJ.

The little rascal looked like an angel in her black and pink dress. She could pass for a princess. All grown up now, my baby.

Gifted Children

2009-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Something is not right with this current world, really. When I was younger, in the normal world, the one who was having the birthday gets all the stuff. He does not give out stuff! These days, you are providing food and entertainment for your "well-wishers". And as if that is not enough, you would have to give them loot bags too. What the hell is a loot bag?!? Who they hell came up with this crazy concept??! I am telling you. The world is not well. Earthlings have gone crazy.

Cooking Master Boy

2009-07-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

I made wantons last night. First time. I have been wanting to make those dumplings for ages, and I finally did last night. "Perfect for snacking! Would go well with instant yakisoba." The wifey liked them. Little P loved them fried. Fact, she likes even just the "warps". Crazy kid.

Watch out for my sushi!

The Bagman

2009-07-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of selling one of my STM laptop bags so that I can pickup a Samsonite Sahora Business backpack. Chickened out. Figured that the Samsonite, and most other backpacks, do not have a "boss" look. The laborer look, it has. Hehe. I, conceited that I am, like to think that I am still my own boss, someone who starts and accomplishes tasks at his own pace, and skips work whenever he wants to. Besides, my old STM has served me really well. No, I have nothing against laptop backpacks (and those who own them), really. Good for your spine and all that. Fact, if anyone has an STM Convertible to give away, I am right here, with open arms, ready to love.

Throwing Infants Into The Nile

2009-07-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

The wifey arrived from Egypt last Saturday night. I welcomed her with a still swollen face, the result of an allergic reaction to some over-the-counter pain reliever. Of course she got me something from the lands of Pyramids. And what is the "best" pasalubong for someone who has the Disease of Kings?? NUTS!! Everyone knows I cannot, for the life of me, resist nuts. I swear she just loves me to death.

Gone Batty

2009-07-07T02:02:00.000-07:00

I got 8 more pieces of size AA Eneloop batteries today. Officially, I am a "loopy". I think having more than 10 and not owning a DSLR automatically makes me one. We have 18 pieces now (not including the 4 AAAs), most of which are in Popot's "gadgets". What is not to like? Made by Sanyo, they come ready to be used right out of the pack, has more juice than other rechargeables I have tried, and retains 85% of their capacity even after being in storage for a year. Plus, the pearly "Mac" color goes well with my other stuff. (Yup Apple lovers, I still call them Macs.) That is why when we were getting our Flip UltraHD, I insisted to the wifey that we get a white one. Like what I was thinking then, the pack that came with the Flip is now the backup, the Eneloops are in-charge.

Apples, Couches, and Honeybees

2009-07-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have been real busy at work, munching on apples, and feeding on high-fiber crackers. I have already missed two out of the seven work days so far. That is okay, nobody is losing anything by me being away. At least not yet.

My left foot is slowly healing, the right is back to normal. I think I need "more" rest. It would have been great if they delayed work for another week. I am sure that by then I would be in full work mode and would "rarely" feel the need to be absent.

Yup, lazy as a sofa, that is me! *s

Ugly Bouncing Fishies

2009-06-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

I went down to the pool today and put in a few laps. Walking and hopping, not swimming. I figured some form of water exercise could help take away the remaining pain in my left foot. Kids were gawking. Staring and wondering at what the hell I was doing. I wanted to take Popot with me. It would have been a good "reason" why a fat, long-haired but balding, old guy would be there.

If anybody out there is brave enough to face a "real" challenge, come on over and teach me how to swim. This is something that would really look great on your resume!!

Nudity Is Suggested But Not Shown

2009-06-22T23:19:00.011-07:00

The wifey gave me a notebook. It was Father's Day after all, and not all fathers need a wrench or an electric shaver. This a good, if not a great, gift. It is something I would love owning but would not really go out to buy out of my own pocket. Problem though, I have not written anything in ages, not with a pen and paper anyway. Nowadays, those fortunate words that somehow escape the hell that is my mind go directly to digital form.

It seems that this blog will have its physical (and unedited) version now. Please, no drawer diggings.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Popot's Hot Lava and my Titulares.

Potato skins, a new family favorite.

Teriyaki glazed salmon head for Nanay.

Meat spaghetti for Popot.

Chicken steak for me.

Double strawberry banana split as an ender.

Daddy's girl.

Gran Torino

2009-06-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

It seems I have really grown physically old this past summer. All the aches and pains have started coming up. The lines on my forehead are more defined now. If they make me more matured or just plain tired, it is hard to tell. I have never been known for sleeping early, but even then I could go to sleep whenever I wanted to. These days are different, I find it getting more and more difficult to shut down. The trip helped , lessened a wee bit of the stress. A boat load of stress though is just around the corner. I am going back to work in a few days. I too, am anxious to see how I will hold up.

The King Of Hearts

2009-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

I was still battling Asthma and was still weak from the episode of dehydration when the Gods decided to make me a royalty and gave me The Disease of Kings. I could not stand for four days, both feet giving me tremendous pain even with the lightest touch. I have not walked normally since. The right foot is back to normal now, the left is not. The joint of the big toe is stiff and still hurts.

The past week was great, even with all the sickness I had (have). Spending fun, quality time with the family always numbs away the pain. And yes, I had Lechon.

Looking California, Feeling Minnesota

2009-05-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

On the sofa now. The fan is turned off. I can feel sweat dripping down through the folds of my belly. A good sign. Toxins are going out of my system. This long and difficult bout with Asthma (and dehydration) is taking a toll. I am getting some sleep, but I need more. Random, vague stuff seems to be cluttering my mind. Clearing it is a problem. I am still coughing. Might take a few more days before I get rid of it. I need something. I have no idea what.

Authentic Lechon Macau, maybe??

The Second Day

2009-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I had a post circling my mind the other day. Totally forgotten now, courtesy of my asthma attack. I think it was something about Pearl Jam's "Avocado" album and how it was a throwback to the Ten days. Anyway, I am on the second day of the attack, still on a Ventolin diet. Having difficulties breathing, I hardly slept the last two nights. I woke up early this morning and both my eyes are puffy. I cannot tell if from the meds or from the lack of sleep.

Have to go now, my weak lungs are calling.

Call Me Johnny Mac.

2009-05-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

Blogging has been put on hold. People are busy with tennis. Wii Tennis. This is the best thing to come out since Pong! We got a bunch of games with our new Nintendo Wii system. (Yup, a few years late.) But, Wii Sports is on the top of the heap. I do not see me buying another game in the near future. Though the wifey seems interested in Wii Fit.

Yes, I curse too.