17th of December, 2009

I normally don’t vent like this, but wow…. a lot has happened!!!!

After much thought and reminiscing, 2009 perhaps was the most eventful year of the 22 years I have been alive. Even the word “eventful” is a major understatement on all the things I have been put through and experienced in this particular year.

… Starting up photography again… graduating @ USF in 4 years with a chemistry degree… finding work after graduation… becoming alumni of a fraternity after leaving your legacy… realizing what real life is like, despite being in transition from undergrad to medical school… seeing the true sides of people (ugly and beautiful)… life and relationships… realizing how patience is a virtue…. I honestly can keep going on how 2009 really molded me to the person I am today. I don’t know whether or not the person I am now turned out to be positive, or have become cold and bitter.

I end 2009 by going back to the Philippines (my ethnic roots) to visit family and relatives… but mainly to reminisce and absorb the events of 2009 and think about what is ahead of me in 2010.

… Life throws curveballs at you, I didn’t realize life threw that many in such a short time…

-870

15th of December, 2009

The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) had a charity event to raise funds for their organization. A friend of mine invited me to this event (thanks Michelle). Its the usual filipino event, food, drinks, and dancing…. too much talking though…

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…location/venue… Boca Raton, Florida @ a Hilton Resort

An up and coming filipino organization in the South Florida (miami, ft. lauderdale, boca raton area) requested PPAC to dance in their inaugural ball, rather similar to the Sampaguita Ball I posted earlier in this blog. T’was good times, nice room, fancy environment, food, drinks, dancing, college football picks… not so good though.

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…merry early x-mas everyone…

…rather unexpected, i met Rush Limbaugh…

…ummm okay…

So… my “photo talents” were put to the test for a couple that I have known for a couple of years. Judy and Jonjie gave me the opportunity to do the photography for their wedding in early October. I’ll be honest, I was rather nervous because this wedding shoot was technically my first solo job and also a major step in my photographic ventures. But hey, everything has its firsts.

Again I knew the couple for some time now and I know personally that they are rather chill people, but as the day went by and with some encouragement, you could see the excitement through their expressions. Nonetheless, they gave me an experience that I’ll never forget, and I thank them for that.

Some personal notes here…. first time I realized how on point you have to be for a wedding shoot with no one to help you… incase your external flash breaks (which it did!!!) bring an extra (unless you have a rubber band.. haha)… florida october weather is really hot… so much photo editing… and lastly, have fun doing what you love to do

Best wishes for the two of you for the many years to come.

-870

(great venue, even when i’m here very other week)

(still giving directions)

(here is where the excitement begins)

(it was extremely hot that day)

(quite the crazy family)

(the wedding ceremonies)

(I thought the napkins were awesome!)