Video credits: Gary_Ross via bitlanders

Image credits: moviemeter

Watching the trailer for The Hunger Games movie again, the very first of the The Hunger Games series is like rekindling an old love, it brought chills to my spine, all my body hairs reaching out of me and I can't help but want to watch the film one more time to be able to write this movie review.

I have been a fan of this movie series and I know I have not really taken the last two movies seriously because I have read, seen and heard several negative things about its main cast but I must admit, this is one of the movie series which really made me want to become like Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). That girl on fire with one side braided hair who's very good at archery!

Image credits: beataboutthebook

The beauty of movies is that it somehow leads the life of the characters into our being. We feel like we are those who played the role and when something totally opposite to the character played by the actress gets into the news, all that was established within start to crumble, they are like the walls of Jericho, they stumbled and fell.

But anyway, because of bitLanders Content Review: The bitLanders Film Series to Support Women Empowerment, I want to make a review of the movie most specifically the part of Miss Kandiss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence. How she had evolved from being a common teenage of District 12 to become a strong fighter, ending up as one of the survivors of the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games

Image credits: tvguide

According to wikipedia:

The Hunger Games is a trilogy of young adult dystopian novels written by American novelistSuzanne Collins. The series is set in The Hunger Games universe and follows young characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

The novels in the trilogy are titled The Hunger Games (2008), Catching Fire (2009), and Mockingjay (2010). The novels have all been developed into films starring Jennifer Lawrence.

Did you know that the story of the Hunger Games was conceptualized by the book writer Suzanne Collins when she was flipping through channels on television and saw these different reality shows and a news report of the Iraq war? It's really a little disturbing how the book was written from that perspective but, I guess the movie went successfully although it was based on real blood, true lives, actual people taken down in the war happening in the Middle East.

The Hunger Games Movie Story

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.

Video credits: Moveiclips via YouTube

Katniss Everdeen volunteered in behalf of her sister Prim to be a district 12's tribute to the 74th Hunger Games.

In the what was depicted as the ruins of North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games, it was the 74th year and Katniss had no choice but to present herself instead during the reaping on behalf of picking her younger sister.

Together with Peeta, the selected male tribute who had a crush on Katniss long before, the two marched their way to the capitol, being presented and showcased in a stage which pretty much resembled that of reality shows. The young kids will have to undergo certain transformation and also training for survival. Then finally will be placed in a certain arena where they have to fight against each other, only one will end up as the victor.

Image credits: thedailybeast

Katniss was District 12's first ever volunteer for the Hunger Games. While they were served with richness at the Capitol, her district was suffering from all poverty, starvation and all distress. This was one of the few things Katniss and Peeta had discovered while within the games.

Hunger Games Review

May the odds be always in your favor.

Image credits: theglobeandmail

While I was not very happy not finding it on Netflix, I did find it on YouTube which cost me Php 200 or 4$ to watch. I guess it is not really important if I had to pay for it, what matters to me was the sheer want of watching it anew so I hit that watch button right on YouTube and played the two hours and almost thirty minutes movie by Lionsgate.

The truth is, I am really grateful this is just a movie. You know, its such a heartbreaking scene if this was befalling in the real world, imagine a parent suffering from losing his or her child because of this competition? I believe it is inhumane and against the terms of the heavens.

Image credits: lightscameraallie

And think about how these audiences were cheering for the individual tributes? I don't know if they have a single idea what these tributes were up to once they walk into that arena. Goodness! They are going to abolish each other's lives just to win this foreign game.

But because this is just a product of the mind, I am all for the great imagination of the author. Most especially for making the protagonist a woman, not just empowering her as a strong, smart and resilient individual within the game but also as someone who is not willing to change her character only to please the audience. She showed the real human, someone who has the guilt, fear, and sadness.

Do you support women's empowerment?

Movie Cinematography

Image credits: leonardpierce

Throughout the movie, the film's color grading was grayish with a tint of blue, this signifies terror, fear. It was at the few minutes that the entire District was in fear for the selection of the tributes who are going to play at the Hunger Games and the movements of each scene depicted rush of events. The music was surely persuasive of the emotions especially that time when Primrose was walking towards the stage, only her footsteps were audible and that brings this sole notion of the character's act of muting everything around her because of the strong sentiments going on within that part, I believe that was an awesome part.

Should I also say that throughout the movie, I feel the nerve wrecking sentiments going about the protagonist? I could smell it from the way her blue eyes stare at Cinna the moment she was about to go out of that tube. I won't also miss how the music was on point as well to bring the audience into the scenes.

Image credits: architectureandeverythingelse

Watching it was like being in a room where players were in a battle game amidst human controllers, navigating through the computer system, changing the game rules, modifying the maps and making the players engage with each other. Moreover, they were intentionally causing every instance for the tributes to kill or else it would be a boring match.

But their amusement caught them especially President Snow. It was love all along that had brought Katniss and Peeta to their victory. But it will also be love that put them into a much-complicated game, both with life and love.

Fashion

Image credits: reddit

Obviously, this movie got a lot of fashion to talk about. The wigs, the colorful headdresses, the newfangled and weird makeups and how they present themselves, how they talk, how they laugh, it's as if they belong to another world, another universe, perhaps, an alienated Earth filled with random neon colors, thick and long eyelashes, and strange hairdos.

This kind of fashion I only see in magazines. Well, it's an assurance that the movie is not happening in real life in fact because there's no such normal person who's willing to make an effort to be in those suit for a common day.

The Hand Signals

Image credits: scifi.stackexchange

Did you also find District 12's hand signal where they kiss their three middle fingers and point it to Katniss when she was at the stage during the reaping?

I was totally curious what it meant so I searched for its meaning and found that on the book, it means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.

However, when Rue died and Katniss did the same hand signal, the gesture completely changes and it becomes a symbol of the revolution - effectively, a way for the citizens of the Districts to say goodbye to the overbearing force and power of the Capitol.

The Hunger Games Movie Quotes

Freedom has a cost. - President Snow

You really want to know how to stay alive? You get people to like you. - Haymitch

The victor bathed with riches would serve as a reminder of our generosity and forgiveness. - President Snow

Arrogance can be a big problem. - Haymitch

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained. - Snow

What kind of movies do you like?

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

 Video credits: YouTube Movies via YouTube 

Do you know that YouTube isn't just about watching free videos? And when I say free that means you don't have to shell our any pocket cash for it, yes there are ads and that's how the site is able to live. Well, I bet you know but for the benefit of those who don't, YouTube ventured into the film rental service too! Yes, you can pay YouTube a few bucks to view certain movies and films, talk about business ideas but video-on-demand services isn't a new thing, it has been available for decades!

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook 

So when we think that YouTube can only have video clips, TV show clips, music videos, short and documentary films, audio recordings, movie trailers, live streams, video blogging, short original videos, and educational videos, think again because it can offer more than the list stated earlier. You may also look into YouTube Music Library and the Movie Rental Service which I am going to tackle today together with my own experience with how to rent a movie and all the details about it. Not to also forget to state my own review on how my first ever movie rental went.

YouTube Movie Rental Service

Image credits: gadgets.ndtv

Apparently, YouTube is the second most popular sites according to Alexa as of May 2018, the first is, of course, Google, our best friends, and the third place goes to Facebook, our frienemy, just kidding! Being the second most viewed site in the entire world means a huge opportunity to earn dollars from views most especially that the world now is going "ga-ga" over video blogs or vlogs from different areas of life, may it be videos for kids, for teenagers, for those who want to do DIYs, for those new housewives who want to learn how to cook, to the new moms who need help with their babies and so on, it even has vlogs for those who just want to listen to songs! The list is endless, mind you!

So, it is evident that YouTube also opens its doors to providing movie titles, including new releases and classics. There are already sites who are giving us monthly subscriptions in order to view videos and series but still, YouTube ventured on this type of service, why?

Image credits: collider

On 2011, YouTube announced their video-on-demand service or the Movie Rental service with the main aim of providing a complete movie experience for their hundreds of millions of viewers. They then partnered with different studios such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate Films, and many others.

Navigating to www.YouTube.com/Movies will open a page with an almost 69 million subscribers and a site which has a list of thousands of full movies waiting for the user to purchase or rent. For the pricing, most of their new releases start at $3.99 and the library start at $2.99.

Image credits: macintoshhowto

Once a user decided to rent a certain movie, he or she has to pay for it via PayPal or Credit Card payments as options and has 24 hours to finish watching the movie. Then the rental is good for 30 days, so the user can definitely share it with the rest of the family and friends.

How to Rent or Purchase a Movie

Video credits: Internet Services and Social Networks Tutorials from HowTech via YouTube

Renting is quite very straightforward to do and the YouTube interface is also simple and easy to navigate with. Here below are the steps that I had personally done when I rented the movie The Hunger Games.

That's quite an old movie but I had to do so before I could write a review about it for bitLanders Film Series to Support Women Empowerment.

If you want to read my own movie reviews, pick one of the following:

The Hunger Games : A Game You Don't Want to Play!

The Julie Slash Julia Project : A Year of Cooking and Blogging Challenge

Enchanted: A Disney Princess Movie with a Twist!

Do you support women's empowerment?

So for the steps, please refer to this step by step guide:

1. Pick a Movie.

Image credits: androidblog.it

Choose your preferred movie to watch from the list of films at www.YouTube.com/movies. They have it categorized as Recommended for you, New Releases, Top Selling, Hot Deals of the Week, New to Rent, Most Popular, Top Rated and according to movie genres like Animated Movies, Action and Adventure, documentaries and etc.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

2. Press Price to Rent.

Click on the price listing. The price is already visible underneath the movie title so the decision comes fast and easy when selecting the film that might interest you. Again, their new releases start at $3.99 and the library start at $2.99.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

3. Select PayPal or Credit Card.

It is required to log in to PayPal or enter credit card details if that's the choice you want to go with. As for me, I had to opt for PayPal. Note that you can use any credit card for this as long as you are a legit owner and not a fraudulent one.

4. Payment Confirmed!

As soon as the payment is confirmed, the movie is ready! You can play it right away or just keep it pending.

How Was My First Video Rental Service?

As I stated earlier in this blog, I didn't find The Hunger Games Movie on Netflix. Good thing it was listed on YouTube Movies so I went ahead and rented it. I used PayPal because I still got a few funds available enough to purchase the rental fee of Php 200.

Image edited via Canva credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

After the successful purchase, I got rerouted to the main movie where the video has a confirmation message if I would like to start the rental. This means when I start the period, it will start counting the 30 day period and more importantly, that I should watch it within 48 hours. What will happen if I don't watch the entire film in that timeframe? I don't have a clue, I'll find the answer and update you on that.

As for the movie, I pressed the Start Rental Period button and started watching it. I plan on sharing it to my friends and family members in Bohol so they could also watch the movie from there. It's like treating them to a movie theater for just Php 200 or 4$ for the entire family! I ordered the HD option for Php 200 there's 720 and 1020, subtitles are also available for Arabic and English.

Image credits: hollywoodreporter

Based on my first experience, payment wise, everything went well however, I only had one issue, I selected the 1020 HD and it had this weird staggering motion. I thought it was just the film effects but it happened even in the middle of those solemn scenes, I had to switch it back to 720p and it went well.

Aside from that, everything was okay and I guess that will be the start of me renting movies instead of looking for free ways online which of course is not a good habit most especially that the movie producers had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce such great movie. Although I had done such horrible things before of watching from illegally downloaded films, I am now switching over to become a supporter for film and is now willing to pay for every single film that I want to watch.

Shall I Rent A Movie Again with YouTube Movies?

Image credits: independent.co.uk

Of course! There's no doubt about it, in fact, I am hundred percent sure that in the next few days, I will be renting the second part of the Hunger Games: Catching Fire for the next movie review!

What kind of movies do you like?

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

The video above is just a sample engagement session. Video credits: Francis Abellanosa via YouTube

Disclaimer: This blog is a journal type of entry, stating about how my first E-session went.

My first engagement photo shoot session happened last weekend and I can't wait to tell you how fun and time restricted we were at our location, I will share with you below how I started with photography, the humble gears we used and the story about the couple whom we photographed with.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Photography as a Hobby

Ever since I was small, I always love taking photos. I was in third grade I guess when I was introduced to a film point and shoot camera, owned by my cousin who's based in Cebu. From that time on, I can't help but ask my parents to buy me one. Of course, it was still very expensive at that time that we can't afford it so we borrowed one from my cousin. I remember it to be black and it was Fuji.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I recall saving a huge part of my allowance just so I can buy the 36 shots film roll from this photoshop in Jagna, a town of thirty minutes away from home, yes I was willing to travel from home just so I can buy that film. My photos before includes a lot of candid shots of my friends and classmates, my parents and family members, even when we are about to sleep, I would take photos of all those moments and even dare to develop them!

As soon as digitalphotography was introduced to me, I didn't let it slip. My brother bought me a Canon point and shoot digital camera, and finally, when I graduated from college, I got a hand of my first ever Canon DSLR, the 1000D with its kit lens.

Photography for Travel

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

In this saturated world of photography where everywhere you go, each turn, you'll get to see a lot of very talented photographers, you'll fill very noob and beginner, that's totally how I felt whenever I get to see my photographs. I was not learning how my camera works. I was not paying attention to the specifics of the gear until my husband had encouraged me to understand and learn how to really use it with the right settings.

But still, the insecurity of not being able to really produce good photos discouraged me a lot that I thought I am off with just using the camera with our travel and for blogging only. I was limiting myself with such a way that I am totally not confident with my photographs.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I have all my images shared on my blog posts on bitLanders, on some other sites and even on social media. The good thing about it was that my husband and I didn't stop, in fact, it was him who didn't stop learning. He had already understood the technicalities of our camera features while he always relays that information to me.

Accidental E-Session

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

It was this year that James and I decided to start putting up our own website which will both showcase our travel stories, photos, and blog entries. But more importantly, it was also a medium for us to level up our photography skills even more and share these images through social media too because it is where the market is.

Early this month, one of our family friends approached my mother whom they asked if we could take their wedding photos. Of course, I said yes right away, there were several proposals before that we had refused because we feel that we were not ready, however, this time I thought it is just the chance for us to get experience in taking wedding photos.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Now when I advised the bride to be about it, she didn't want to have a prenuptial shoot but I insisted and so she agreed afterward. Because the groom to be is a seafarer, he seldom comes home so we set up a time when they are both available, it was last weekend that that became a reality.

Rainy Photoshoot

On the day of the planned engagement photo shoot session, James and I arrived in Ubay Port almost drenched after getting out of the ship while the rain was harsh outside. We forced it because it was already five in the morning.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

But surprisingly, in my hometown, Guindulman, it was not rainy, it was totally sunny and so I was confident that we will get the golden hour for the photoshoot.

We met with the couple at two in the afternoon, the bride to be, Juliet was still taking time with her makeup and while she was almost done, we noticed the skies getting dark. It was a problem we thought would only pass but on our way to the location which was just 20 minutes away from our place, it poured really hard!

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Eventually, it took a lot of prayers before the rain eventually stopped. It was already four in the afternoon when the skies cleared a bit. We immediately started shooting and happy that we were able to take quite enough shots. Our couple had two dresses so we had to also give them time to prepare for the second costume however, it was already dark and started to rain again so we only had a few shots on the second part.

I was using a Nikon D600 with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens.

How Was My First Engagement Session?

The video above is just a sample engagement session. Video credits: Svitlana Vronska via YouTube

After the limited time of the photo shoot, I realized as I was editing the images that I enjoyed the session! A few weeks before that day, I was really anxious if I can do it but after the session, I liked it very much!

Then comes the editing, I think I really still have a long way to learn about photo editing most especially the skin retouching. But I don't worry that much because there are so many tutorials online that can help me improve with my photography.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

The truth is that my love for photography has a lot of potentials. As my husband encouraged me, he also advised me to work on improving it more. He shared with me a digital book which helps with improving skills entitled The First 20 Hours Secrets of Rapid Skill Acquisition by Josh Kaufman. It was a very nice book that I learned a lot, I also realized I have to be selective in terms of the things that I do like I should spend the time to those things that would improve my skills and sacrifice those things that are not in line with it.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

So, I have decided to go and follow the author on his advises, I am quite serious with photography now that I want to enhance this skill because I am pretty sure there will be more creative opportunities in the future.

That's it for today's blog, I hope this also encourages you if you are into photography.

Thanks a lot for reading! Do you like photography?

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: セブ島留学 セブイングリッシュ Cebu English via YouTube

Image credits: ties

Working in a corporate environment, solving problems, facing a monitor, typing on the keyboard, answering email and supporting customers, it may become monotonous, so much that most if not all employees tend to become bored of the same type of issues, problems, and situations happening within the office.

It is indeed the job of the recreational department to get their employees to do something out of the blue, activities which will somehow break the frozen nerves and clogged brain cells. Part of these activities is involving the entire company community to a scary, exciting and fun Halloween treat!

How do Cebu-based corporate companies join the fun Halloween fun?

In Cebu or throughout the Philippines in general, Halloween is also being exercised, it may not be the same as that in the United States where kids would surely go out with their cute costumes and knock on neighbors doors for candies, there are already different areas where the same is practiced.

Corporates, on the other hand, make it a point to also allow their employees to feel this event. I can vouch that having these activities exercised in the corporate world takes that serious work-mode away and exchange it with a relaxed and chill place to stay.

There are several things that can be done inside the office and the list below are just a few of them:

Best Decorated Station Contest

Image credits: glassdoor

The office has to have that vibe of the season. The cobwebs, those hanging skeletons, skulls on the floor, lit up pumpkins on the station desks, perhaps some dark and filthy witch brooms or graveyard photos, whatever it is, perhaps one of the most common activities which the admin office would request the employees to join is the Best Decorated Station Contest.

It brings out creativity among the comrades, the wild imagination and perhaps copycat talents to really mimic an image find on Google search, as long as the station is being decorated, that will do it.

Image credits: denver.cbslocal

Others like my previous BPO company would give the task in groups, like per isle which will enable more hands to work on their designated section because admit it or not, there are really individuals who are either just lazy or that do not have a creative side to this challenge.

Best in Halloween Costume Competition

Of course, who will forget the Halloween costume competition? It can also pass as a Cosplaysort of event because of course, you have to become what the character you are portraying on that specific day.

Image credits: everythingcebu

There are so many costumes to work on, there are those which are just simple like being a fairy with nice makeups while there are also others who go the extra mile with all the stains, bloody dresses, props, and other gimmicks.

This reminded me of a time when my husband's company had the same competition and they had someone portraying a nun with a very white scary face!

Halloween Party

Video credits: Arcanys via YouTube

There's a good reason to set up a party on Halloween, it brings about team cohesion and camaraderie. We do want to chill and just be crazy at one time so this type of party is definitely one to consider.

Party can include food and merrymaking. Getting together and building up a friendship between co-employees and perhaps employee to employer relationships too! There are dancing and eating and drinking but for sure the company won't allow getting drunk so if there would be any drinking, it will involve only with sodas and sweet cocktails.

Image credits: thesmartlocal

Scary Movie Sessions

While it is fun to have parties and competitions, there are some businesses like let's say start-up companies which can not afford to shell out money to really set up parties and there are employees who are like me, don't want to stress themselves with preparing for costumes, we all know the hassle of looking for a costume right?

Image credits: belltimemagazine

So one good idea to still feel Halloween is for the entire team to watch scary movies! I definitely believe there will be scary movies at the theater on Halloween Day so it is a time for the ladies to scream their lungs out and the guys out there to perhaps cover their faces as they feel the chills on their spine and such.

Popcorns and drinks will surely get all over the theater place in such case! So be ready and just keep calm as the horror story begins!

Office Trick or Treat

Image credits: nrf.com

Alright, we will never forget the traditional trick or treat but with a twist, because this is an office set up so each employee will have to prepare candies and treats for their officemates' kids to come by!

The employees are exempted of all the costume thingy as well as decorating their stations. All they got to do is to buy out packs of sweets and yummy treats because the children of their colleagues and perhaps their own too will be knocking on their station boards for their baskets to be full on that day, at least that's their ultimate agenda.

Image credits: blog.dreamscapenetworks

Trick or treating is always fun when it involves kids so you got to forget about being greedy with those candies because the kids will surely hunt you down until the last piece gets into their collection!

Then it will be your decision if you go pranking on your kids that you ate all their candies the next day! But just a reminder, don't go overboard with that, just laugh and tell them that you are just kidding!

Spooky Photobooth

Image credits: thepartyevent

Finally, for your Instagram or other social media updates! You don't want to let that day pass by without an update on what you did on Halloween Day.

For sure you want to get involved in this scary but fun day so setting up a spooky photo booth is totally possible. There are so many photobooth services nowadays which you can customize and get your photos printed right away! Plus, the digital copies are also imported into an online page like in Facebook so each employee has the chance to get a photo updated into their social media accounts.

Are you joining any Halloweenevent this year? Are you an employee? What are your company activities for Halloween? As for me, we are having our first Scariest Halloween Costume Office Day! It's quite exciting and I will surely blog about what my costume as well as my colleagues' next week!

Image credits: Victoria Sih 

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

There's a new place to chill and dine in the heart of Cebu City. It's very similar to Sugbo Mercado, a weekend food hub in the center of the city. But unlike Sugbo Mercado, this food hub is actually open all week long!

Out of the blue, James asked me if I would like to go, it was a surprise because most of the time, or shall I say 99% of the time, it is yours truly who'd look for a new place for us to go or would even drag him to dine at a certain spot.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

And because it was his suggestion, I had to go. It was Friday evening when we went there, just in time for their company's Halloween Event at their office. So right before having dinner, we were first thrilled with their Harry Potter-inspired Halloween event! It was awesome to see their office in such setup. Let me show you a sneak peek:

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Alright, enough for that. Let's now get to Yello Cube Cebu and find what's fun to do there most especially when you are with your friends and loved ones.

1. Have an Affordable Date

With a city saturated with so many high and middle ranged restaurants, it is quite a challenge to find a place where you can take your partner with you and spend only a few bucks for food. Of course for males, you don't want to be bringing your girlfriend and would tell her that the bill will be paid between the two of you. That's a major no-no most especially if you are the one who invited her.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

That's the first fun thing to do in Yello Cube Cebu, you can bring your partner, have a date and pay only a few bucks for some good food but affordable ones!

There are stalls to find delicious and mouthwatering viands, kinds of seafood and meat such as Buldak station which offers cheesy chicken, ribs and more. There's Catalianos for your pasta and pizza cravings. Newfound Burger of course for those burger lovers out there! Don't forget to order it with extra cheese because I heard it tastes so good!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

We won't also miss Seabu which has grilled cheese scallops but you can also select from their butter option! Not to forget that they also offer a boodle fight! That's some unique dating experience, perhaps great to those who are in a group date, what do you think?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Above all, they got Kusina Guadalupe in the house too which offers Tuna Panga or the jaw part of huge Tuna fishes for an affordable price!

Bjornfire, on the other hand, is quite interesting because of their open kitchen style while Southern Grind Bistro offers ribs rice meals, sandwich and rolls, Mac and Cheese and Quesadillas!

2. Fill Up your Tummy With Delights

Perhaps you came around to Yello Cube Cebu because you are just curious about it like how I see most of the other guests inside, like the mother and daughter date at the table next to us which I really found cute.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Don't worry as Yello Cube Cebu has sweet options too! There's Sol's Halo-halo and Desserts which is a Tisa original. Slurp the last few bits of goodness in style with your Sol's Halo-halo in a labeled cup!

Who would not want to have halo-halo? Perhaps those who are in a strict diet, zero sugar and no sweets at all but if you are not in a diet, then surely you can have a cup or two. Sol's Halo-halo is actually one of the best in Cebu City!

3. Di-hy-Drate

But maybe you are not coming to Yello Cube Cebu for a romantic night out but instead with friends and colleagues! Don't worry, there are also drinks available here to be shared with the gang!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Di-hy-Drate has a unique name and reading its name made my throat dry, like literally. This portion got all the common liquor drinks available. But aside from that, they got some sweet soda and colas, and water too!

So while its name states being dehydrated, you won't go dehydrated at all because they got you covered with your liquid needs!

4. It's Fun to CLAYGO

After all the eating and drinking and just right before leaving, there's a strict policy inside Yello Cube Cebu which requires young, adults and even old folks to be mindful about their trash. The plates are disposable ones and their spoon and forks too which although I dislike, I had no choice so the best of things that I can do is to follow their "Clean As You Go" policy.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

All sections within Yello Cube Cebu has this sign displayed. There's one next to the tables, there are signs hang, some pasted on walls and even in the trash bag too! So there's no way one can miss it unless he or she can't read signs!

But I have to rant as well that although this was already visible in every area, there were still visitors who had missed to follow the policy. Hopefully, the future guests would be mindful enough about it and be responsible.

5. Play with Lights

Yello Cube Cebu has this unique container van concept. And surprisingly, they gotInstagram-worthy corners too! One of which is their lighted entrance, the yellow cube!

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I believe its name was derived from that section of the food hub. Each customer would like to have their photos taken in that section because it gives this illuminated light effect to the skin!

Aside from that, there are also hanging lights which make the area in a festive mode! I would like to state as well that there's a second-floor dining place too which gives a wider view of the hub.

6. Chill and Listen to Acoustic songs

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

What's more fun in Yello Cube Cebu is that the customers can surely enjoy their food while listening to this acoustic guy, strumming his guitar and singing wonderful songs. He played Rico Blanco's Balisong which is a favorite of mine and he sounded really nice. Listen to it in the video below:

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I had fun listening to more of his songs and he got a really nice voice! He played a lot of Original Filipino Songs that night. James and I had fun!

Note that Yello Cube Cebu is open from 5 PM to 2 AM, Mondays to Sundays. If you are interested in visiting, do be aware that this requires patience from waiting for your food order and remember the CLAYGO policy. If you want to become a merchant, below are their contact details:

Contact number: 0917 849 4927
Email address: sales@gothongsp.com
Social: Facebook Page 
Exact location: 2Wilson Place, Wilson Street, Lahug, Cebu City – near JY Square, across St. Therese Church (behind Shell Gas Station in Lahug).

Thanks a lot for reading! Enjoy this Querlo chat about dining:

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Famous Pinoy via YouTube

Every corner of the world, there are beliefs and traditional stories about creatures which are unlike us, unknown, not normal human beings, perhaps ghost and vampires can be classified as such which are the most common ones we all are afraid of.

While they were there to scare us most of us are well aware that they might just be some creatures made out of the wandering imaginations of our old folks. In our country, most of these creatures were made up to frighten kid so they won't go out at night. Some were just written ups to cover certain accidents and murders while the majority of them were just authored and made popular that after several years of reiterating them to generation to generation, they somehow become almost true.

Image credits: phspirits

But the thought of them being authentically real is somewhat hair-raising. That same feeling when we walk into a dark street, no one's around and your only companion is the flickering lamp post at the distance.

Speaking about such creatures made me inspired to introduce to everyone some of the Cebuano Mythical Creatures. There might be certain similarities of these creatures from your own region so feel free to let me know if you find one interesting or familiar.

Ungo "ú.ngû"

Image credits: sunstar

This is the most common mythical creature being used by parents or elders to scare their kids. Ungo is portrayed as a giant hairy creature or spirit, it originated from the Warays of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran, which together comprise the Eastern Visayas Region of the Philippines.

Cebuanos have already adopted this term and it goes together with the term Abat which we will talk afterward.

Elders say they are scary because they love to walk around humans and they only do so at night and their favorite playmates are the little kids.

Abat "á.bat"

Image credits: exemplore

Some may say Abat and Ungo are the same but they are actually different imaginary creatures. Abat is somehow closer to bats, so they are thought to be creatures which fly around.

The Abat can fly around at night and while their name sounds scary, they don't harm humans but only would come to scare.

Aswang "æ·swang"

Video credits: GMA Public Affairs via YouTube

Probably the most feared creature in the Philippine folklore because of the hundreds of movies inspired by it. From the time I was little, the movies had been hunting me so I dislike watching horror movies most especially those that include Aswang.

These mythical creatures are really scary because the stories and movies state they are humans dwelling like normal persons during the day but at night, they can cut themselves in half, leaving the waist down behind at their homes while the other upper half can fly to hunt for food.

Image credits: artstation

Their favorite is pregnant women, they suck the unborn babies out of the mother's womb with their long Proboscis or tongue thus killing both the mother and the child. They usually stay at the rooftop and their weaknesses are salt and garlic.

Image credits: nextshark

Some stories state that they can also change their form from being a shy human being to a bat, a boar, a bird and a lot more, they can even change their faces and they don't age!

Agta "ag.tâ."

Image credits: kobeveneracion

The folklore states these are the usual huge black creatures living in huge and old trees like Balete Trees. They are also signified by someone who has a cigar at hand while dwelling in the tree.

While they may seem scary to imagine, there were movies and stories involving Agta to be good creatures, those who help humans and would not hurt anyone.

Banwaanon

Image credits: thinkingpilipinas

From its root word "Banwa" which means vegetation. These mythical creatures are those who live in forest and woods. This is a Cebuano term for Engkanto.

Most of them are depicted as good ones who would help those who also help them. However, Banwaanon has tendencies of liking human beings and they would lure them into joining their kingdom.

When a certain individual is liked by a Banwaanon, he or she will be taken into their world, they will offer food and if he or she eats it, he becomes part of the Banwaanon Kingdom and there's no turning back!

Duwende

Image credits: deviantart

A Filipino equivalent of the elf or gnome. They mischievous and some of them holds magical powers. They are believed to live under the earth where they bury their treasure, mostly are gold and diamonds and guard them.

Duwende can be a friend or foe of human beings. They can help their human friends or they can curse them with different sickness.

In our town, those ant mounds are usually thought to be the Duwende houses and most of the elders would prevent children from playing near it. In fact, they believe that if a person steps on the mound, the Duwendes might inflict an untreatable disease which can only be cured as soon as forgiveness is given.

Kataw "ka.tá.wu"

Image credits: edizine

These mythical creatures are basically mermaids, half human, half fish! In the Visayas region, they believe that these are mermaids and sea gods who rule over the ocean. They take fishermen by singing beautiful songs while they are sailing or fishing.

Because of their beautiful voices, most fishermen are lured into going to where the voice comes from. It is like being hallucinated into going into deeper parts of the ocean before they realized that they are already lost in the vast sea.

There were several stories of fishermen who were not able to go back to the shore after sailing the night before and the families would think of only one reason, the fisherman was victimized by the Kataw.

Image credits: soulveda

Obviously, there are several more other folklore creatures, mysterious and scary which often comes into being when Halloween is coming. I am pretty sure some of the above lists are familiar to you.

And after learning about the Cebuano Mythical Creatures, would you consider that they might be real monsters or they are simply one that was a mind-generated idea? Are you afraid of them? How do you feel upon seeing them in pictures? How would you respond if they appear to you tonight?

No, I am not scaring you at all, these are simply my thoughts shouting out loud from my head.

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

My love for hand lettering and calligraphy started way back in my elementary years. I had always been fascinated with letters and how they are presented. I would often look into labels, tags and tarpaulin designs since I was little. When my father gave me a lettering book, I was super obsessed with it that I would copy those lettering which interests me.

Back in high school, I was actively involved in the design team for our school's activity stage. Every time that we have events, I was part of the group who does all the work of designing, creating and putting up all of those stage ideas, making them all realized. I had cut hundreds of letters before out from Cartolina rolls, pasted different layers of colors and pinned them into our stage wall! It was not an easy task but I definitely enjoyed all parts of the process.

Video credits: OpenInkStand Art & Calligraphy via YouTube

The most memorable for me was graduation day because just an hour away before the ceremony starts, I was still at school on my jeans and shirt, still putting up the letters, it was a hustle I won't forget. I learned a lot about working hard and hustling that morning. I was thankful that I was able to arrive home to eat lunch and prepare for my graduation.

Anyway, why am I stating this? Well, because it is somewhat in connection to what I had joined last weekend. For months, I had been dreaming of joining certain classes so I would learn a skill specifically in Dip Pen Calligraphy. Let me share with you how that class went and the things I have learned.

What is Dip Pen Calligraphy?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Also known as Pointed Pen Calligraphy, this is a branch of calligraphy which makes use of a nib pen or pointed pen. Dip Pen is more of a description of the pen as the nib has to be dipped into the bottle of ink for writing, the nib doesn't have an ink reservoir thus it has to be constantly dipped to be able to write.

The use of Dip-Pen started in the 19th century. It was derived from how the ancient men write with the use of quill pen. If you are a Filipino who knows Dr. Jose Riza, the national hero of the country, most illustrations of him show himself writing with a quill pen, that pen made out of a molted flight feather of a large bird, similar to a chicken feature.

With the mechanical age, the use of quill pen was eventually changed into wooden or metallic dip pens.

Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Miss Coy of Coyligraphy had been showing up on my social media feed since last year and I had been eyeing to join but due to the time schedule as well as with the pricing, I found it hard to really get myself up there in her class until this week.

Prior to this week, I already have created a daily time schedule for myself. I set up a time on which I must enhance a skill. At nine in the morning, I have set it for Photography, editing and familiarizing the Adobe Creative software such as Lightroom and Photoshop.

Then I still have an hour extra which I don't get to do anything so I decided I should fill it up with something worthwhile. My love for hand lettering and calligraphy, of course, came in mind and the rest was history.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I signed up for Miss Coy's early bird promo for the Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop which was held at the Civet Coffee Roasters in IT Park, Lahug, Cebu. I ordered something sweet so I can have energy throughout the workshop. However, I ended up eating it after the class because I was caught very into the writing and lessons.

Above photo shows my blueberry muffin and Caramel Frappe.

The Learning: Introduction to Dip Pen Calligraphy

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

For beginners, there are things to be aware of this type of calligraphy. Although I don't consider myself as a beginner, I still went through this workshop because I believe that in order for me to learn each corner of this topic, I should start from scratch.

Materials

Here below are the basic tools for Dip Pen Calligraphy:

Nib
Pen Holder
Ink
Paper
Cleaning Materials

Priming the Nib

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The nib is the main tool for this type of calligraphy. In this point in time, the nibs are all mass produced and they are made of metals so they are being coated with oil to prevent them from rusting while still being stored. Thus, the oil coating has to be removed for the nib to hold ink. Without it being prepared, the ink will just slide off the metal nib.

There are certain ways to prime the nib, in our case, we used the Nikko G type which is the most recommended type of nib for beginners. It is also important to know that there are hundreds of types of nibs, each of them has characteristics, time will only tell which one suits one well.

Flame Method
Hand soap
Toothpaste
Alcohol
Potato
Saliva

The above is to be used for priming, the most recommended one is alcohol because it is easy, clean and safe.

Attaching the Nib to the Pen Holder

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Straight or Oblique. These are the two types of pen holder for Dip Pen Calligraphy. Once should select which of the two suits him or her well depending on if you are right or left handed.

Since both I and my classmate were right-handed, Miss Coy prepared the Oblique pen holder which has a flange. This will allow almost all nibs to be compatible with the pen holder because of how the flange is designed.

I learned how to attach a the nib to the flange and then the flange to the holder. Together with that, our teacher also introduced the anatomy of the nib and the mechanism. There are only two principles with calligraphy which is thin stroke up and thick stroke down.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Also, the guidelines were explained such as the ascender composing of the upper line and the waistline, the x-height which is the waistline and baseline, and descender which is the baseline and lower line. This reminded me of my grade school papers with its red and blue lines.

Personally, I want to learn more about Modern Calligraphy rather than the traditional one but, of course, again, I have to learn the basics before I could switch to another type.

Practice Calligraphy Strokes

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

After all the introduction and explanation of the nibs, the pen holder, stories about master penman and integrating calligraphy with digital art and photos, we headed to the application of our theories.

The worksheets contained guided and blank pages where we have to practice and get familiar with holding, writing and moving around the paper.

Video credits: Calligraphy Masters via YouTube

Time was fast that we didn't realize it was almost time to go home. Pointed Pen Calligraphy is very tricky but it is also one way of realigning your mind to focus and just be present at this moment in time. It is therapeutic because you will not hear anything but your breathing and the sound of the nib working into the paper.

Parting Time

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The Basic Pointed Pen Calligraphy Workshop ended at four in the afternoon. Both I and my classmate received a certificate of completion but I am already aiming to join her advanced calligraphy class which will happen next month. I believe I will learn a lot too in that class but for now, I will have to work and hustle on practicing and honing the traditional calligraphy.

So much learning on that day that I can't help but share the experience on my social media accounts. It was a nice feeling to finally tick that section of my bucket list!

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Migz L . Haber via YouTube

Being a part of a start-up company has pros and cons, well, I believe that in every aspect of our lives, there will always be negative and positive sides of it all. In the case of working in a start-up company, having extracurricular activities may become a little inactive but, this year, Gemango had risen up to the challenge of involving their company employees in certain events including Halloween.

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

This is in line with how Cebu based companies join the Halloween fun, a costumeoffice day was held for the first time and it was more fun than scary. I will be summarizing how that day went in this blog story.

A Halloween Costume Office Day!

Video credits: Jomie Hospital via YouTube

In lieu of the All Saints and Souls day occurring in the next few days, Gemango announced a new activity which never had happened in the past years of business. The event state that there's a Best in Costume!

The criteria for this event was whoever wears the most unique and scariest will win. This can only be declared through votes and thus everyone at the office will drop their top three. The prizes were:

3rd Place winner receives Php 500
2nd Place winner receives Php 1000
1st Place winner receives Php 2000

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

The prizes sound very encouraging thus most of the colleagues were enticed to join most especially that this was the first of all time that Gemango's hosting such.

A week before, most were already preparing for their costumes, it should be unique and scary at the same time.

October 30, Judgement Day

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

The doors open at 11 AM, states the announcement board thus one by one, the employees start arriving at the office. Still in their normal get up but most already have their own costumes hidden out in their respective bags. There were others who decided not to join and conceded with those who had declared they will join the fun.

Makeup kits were also present already at the office for all those who want to get their face painted out.

Coincidentally, two of the employees planned to celebrate their birthdays together with this event thus allowing us to also have food after the presentation.

Introducing Gemango Employees

Twelve individuals came to the office prepared. But only three will win the said competition. Below are the participants of the first-ever Gemango Halloween Costume Office Day!

The Joker

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Wearing a purple long sleeve shirt, he arrived at the office plain and simple. He mentioned he will only use his face for the said competition and even asked someone else to do the makeup. Jann did the honor of putting up the white water-based paint into his face, filling up the entire face and then adding up dark circles in the eyes as well as the red but also looking like purple lips.

Although it didn't really look very close to being a Joker, it was pretty good enough for the role. The photos showed the effort and he waited until dinner before taking out the paint which by the way was really itchy but he endured it the entire time.

Unfortunately, the Joker didn't win the battle of the best incostume contest but he sure did have a great time.

Broken Wrist Zombie

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

A few days before the day, someone had bragged about his idea but without spilling the beans of what he will become. Over the weekend, he was able to prepare the things he needed, an old white jacket, fitting shorts, some aesthetic hand and a little creativity with a red paint.

Since there was make up available at the office, he asked a colleague to do his make up so he could look really like a zombie but since we don't have a makeup artist among us, his make up looked somewhat funny.

He had the pale skin tone, a few dark nerves popping out of his wrinkled forehead and red lipstick to act as fake blood. The best thing came when he changed clothes and into acting like a zombie.

I suppose the broken wrist was what made his presentation interesting but the photos also show that he was also able to present himself well.

The Nun-cy

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Ever had that very supportive friend? The Nun, Valak was able to put up a show at the office because of how supportive his good friend was. He prepared the nun costume with some black and white cloth then at the office, another colleague friend did his white face looked pretty much like a matured and stressed panda at first.

Valak was able to scare a few other neighboring employees too while he stood still outside the Male comfort room! He also stood outside the elevator and shook a lot of other people inside the building!

At the end of the day, the majority of the votes were given to Valak and he won the first prize for the said contest.

Scary Preggy

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

If there was a good supportive friend, there's also a more supportive husband who would do everything for the wife. She's really pregnant but her costume scared most of us because it involved a doll with broken limbs and arms and was about to get out of the belly!

Broken with red blood on its face and body parts, we don't want to look at the doll because we felt like it was really her baby! She's pregnant and will soon be delivering her baby girl on December!

But all the husband's effort was paid off because the scary preggy won the second prize!

The Butcher

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

For our third place, the butcher stood out among the others with her acting skills and very efficient accessories. The mask, the apron, and its fake wound stitches were all on a roll when she was presenting herself during the proper performance.

Her great portrayal I believe won the hearts of the colleagues who were truly entertained the entire time that she was on the floor. She ended up also winning which made all of these things worth it.

MCC Witches

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

While the rest of the team were very busy with their own costumes, the girls from our team had nothing but simple black shirts on and wore some witch hats.

They were then called as the MCC witches! MCC is our client and they were there to represent our team together with Valak, the nun, and the zombie.

The Nurse from Hell, the Mummy, and the Bitch Wife

Image credits: Gemango via Facebook

Our company isn't a hospital but we have a lot of nurses and they participated well during the first Halloween Costume Office Day with one wearing a nurse dress, one was also the mummy with a golden face and the wife which was wearing black and bitchy.

The entire night was full of laughter although what we all have been scary faces and costumes. But the food was also there, we partake in a sumptuous dinner with cakes and noodles, fried chicken, sweet and sour pork and a lot more.

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

The long weekend just ended. Currently, I am onboard the Oceanjet vessel to Cebufrom Tagbilaran City Bohol and I was thinking of the next blog to talk about, however, I thought I should instead talk about what commenced during the recently concluded long weekend.

A long weekend means one or more days in addition to the normal Saturday and Sunday. This long weekend was due to the All Saints' and Soul's Day which fell on a Thursday and Friday respectively.

Let me share with you below how busy I was that weekend. Sharing here a weekend full of photography and photo manipulation.

Sunrise View at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

My original plan was to stay at home and have a rest, a full eight to ten hours of sleep could have been a good amount of sleep to regain my energy but then, when we arrived at the Ubay Port at two in the morning, we decided we want to take sunrise shots at the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay.

Arriving in Candijay, James and I were fetched by my brothers and we went our way to the rice terraces. We have been there before but since we were with family, most of our photographs were with everyone, this time, what we're after was sunrise while in the rice fields.

Sunrise started at 5:30 am but we arrived prior and were already positioned in a way that we were facing East. There's a mini island in the midst of the terraces, I asked my brothers to stay there while I take photos of them.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

It took us an hour of the photo shoot. I took lots of them to ensure that I have a good and sharp copy then stitched the photos into one through Adobe Lightroom to make it like a panorama photo. It was awesome watching the sunrise from there. It's amazing seeing the rays stroke through the foggy morning and we only heard nothing but our own aws and ohs as a sign of appreciation.

Cabagnow Cave Pool

After Candijay, I learned that my cousins from Cebu were in the house visiting and they wanted to go out to check some spots within the town. We brought them to Anda.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

First, we dropped by Cabagnow Cave Pool for lunch. We grilled fish and pork while the kids swim. The fun thing in this spot is, of course, the cave pool. This is all made by nature. An opening enough for jumping opens itself to the earth. It is a combination of salt water and the common tasteless water so the combo was great for swimming the 13 feet water pool.

There's a huge space inside underneath the land where we were having lunch. It's quite amazing how this formed into one. It was not a long time ago when I first came here, now there are improvements such as the stairs going up is already better and sturdier. There are floats in the pool too and the entire place is guarded and covered with some interlink walls.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Jumping off to the water is still the best activity here although they also have set up tables and chairs for those who want to stay longer and eat. The management can also sell freshly picked Buko fruits for only Php 30!

Quinale Public Beach Resort

There's a very popular public beach in Anda, Bohol and there are hundreds if not thousands of people visiting every single day! After getting over the Cabagnow Cave Pool, we went straight to the town's public beach which was just around five minutes drive.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

This public beach is located just right in front of the school and church. There are tables and chairs for rent if you needed one while others prefer to just lay down in the sand underneath the bamboo made Teepee.

We had kids so they all enjoyed running around, playing with the waters and swimming. Unfortunately, it was low tide upon arrival but it didn't stop the kids to still enjoy the place.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues via Facebook

I, on the other hand, had also taken lots of photographs of my cousins and other relatives most especially teenagers.

Cake Smash Photoshoot

On the 2nd of November, our day was booked for a baby photo shoot! It's baby Amara who's turning one on December's time and her parents would really want to keep memories of her before she turns one.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

With a Cake Smash theme at a public beach along our town, we started shooting at four when the sun was not too harsh anymore. The cake was a simple chiffon but with icing. I enjoyed the shoot, I didn't expect that editing it over on Adobe Lightroom was very enjoyable!

Baby Amara cried when she was dressed in this tutu but later on smiled and laughed while smashing the cakes! It was such as a cute moment of course for the parents too!

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

We had family portraits and I made a collage too of their many many photographs which I don't want to keep with me anymore, as much as possible, I wanted their photos to be given to the family because it will serve as their remembrance. Additionally, James and I will also take her dedication shots which will happen by December, on her first birthday too!

Portraits with Gecell

By Saturday, the next appointment was another photo shoot for my sister in law. We had been planning this for two weeks now and finally, we had it realized.

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

The theme was a pictorial with Wiggy, their car. The car was red so I asked her to wear something light like white so she did and we drove to the neighboring town where there were huge Acacia trees with branches and leaves covering the road for good lighting.

It was quite challenging for a pictorial next to the road because there are cars and buses going here and there but my brother, Gecell's husband was very supportive of it that he made sure that we were safe while the pictorial was ongoing.

That was just a fun shoot which we always do whenever we are back in Bohol. For sure in the next few weeks and months, we will be doing another fun shoot but of different concept.

Seth's Dedication

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

And yet another photo shoot on Sunday for my nephew's dedication. It was a tight one because it was held inside our local church which has a very limited space so taking photographs was very challenging because of not enough lighting.

But what I did was enhance the lighting in the post-processing part. Also, I had created a tarpaulin design for the Dedication event. It was a photo with Seth on the beach and I edited it in Adobe Photoshop. The tarpaulin design was made in just a few hours, perhaps two hours. The good thing is that there's already a tarpaulin printing company nearby so printing it on Saturday was easy and fast.

Image credits: Jean Beltran Figues uploaded via bitLanders

The entire weekend was really full pack, I guess I had spent numerous hours in front of the computer editing photos and doing some Adobe Photoshop works rather than blogging or interacting with other social media.

Still, it was worth it. I believe it helped me enhance my skills as a photographer as well as the editing process. I have to improve more to make it more efficient most especially in the editing part on Lightroom.

Thanks a lot for reading!

----------------------------

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Photography session opportunities are always just some corners away. Everyone at some point wants to have their portraits taken, most especially for those who are having special events like birthdays, weddings, holiday events, and the list goes on. Even on those normal days, photography can be done but it is totally different if your photograph is taken professionally with a good camera and nice post-processed.

It is given that everyone would like their faces photographed as a remembrance of those certain good times in life. While it is easy to take portraits of adults, those who are getting married and those who are modeling for personal reason, it is quite a totally different case when it comes to baby photography. Let me tell you why.

Baby Photography

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Babies who are under 12 months, although not fully aware of their environment can be at times picky with the things around them. They have unpredictable mood swings and full of emotions. It may change in just a few seconds and so it requires tender care.

Baby Photography is definitely cute and every parent would want their children's baby photograph taken as a remembrance of their happiness when they were still that small.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Note that I am not referring to New Born Photography, here is for those babies who are almost turning one. Those of who can already recognize faces and can be entertained with any toy or can be disappointed with just the texture of their dress.

What Are the Challenges of Baby Photography?

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

There's definitely nothing wrong with documenting your child's very first, his or her first step, first hard food, first straight walk, first word and first birthday. It would be wonderful if all parents, most especially first-time parents to really keep a book of all photographs of their child but that isn't the case at all. Only a few can do it on their own, the rest will need help from a photographer.

So last weekend, my husband and I went on for aBaby Photography with Amara as our model. She's turning one by December 8 and her parents want to keep a digital and tangible copy of her before turning one-year-old photos.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Our theme was the very cute and sweet cake smash. The rule was just to let Amara smash, eat, push, kick and whatever she wants to do with the cake, it will all be hers and I will only be documenting her the entire time but before doing so, we have to take family portraits and also some solo shots of her at the beach shore.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Now comes my expectation versus reality moments. I pictured it out that Amara's going to be all smiles and laughter but it didn't end up that way so I have to adjust. It was challenging but after the photo shoot, I guess I was okay.

Here is my own personal take on the challenges of Baby Photography:

Babies Can't Be Instructed

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

I had taken portraits before, engagement sessions with couples and family photographs with grown-up kids, there was no issue with giving them instructions on what to do, where to put their hands and how to position themselves while I am shooting.

However, when it comes to babies, this is not applicable. I can't tell Amara to turn this way or point her hands that way. All I can do was tell her parents to call her and make her laugh. But then again, babies have their own way of doing things. When they feel unsecured and alone, they cry and that's what happened during our attempt to take her portraits.

Obviously, she was not happy being alone in that shore while all of us were just in front with those big cameras pointing at her. She might have become scared of the camera too, what was in her thoughts, we all don't have an idea!

Babies' Moods Can Be Unpredictable

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Even parents can't predict their babies' emotions and moods so as much as possible, we must give in to all of their wants and likes during this shoot to make it a success.

During the photo shoot, Amara was not so happy with her portraits taken. In fact, we only had one or two shots with her normal cute face, the rest, she was already crying with tears around her cheeks and eyes were sore and we don't want that to be in the photographs.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

To make use of our time, I asked her mother, Jessa, to carry her and make her feel secure. She was already holding Amara, she stopped crying for a while but then started crying again in just a minute.

To keep her entertained, we gave all stuff that we have available to make her laugh, we asked her grandmother, the other kids to call her name and make her smile but it was a failure. We just have to wait for her to stop and I guess that was one of the really great challenges during these sessions.

Eventually, her father calmed her when they were just walking around the beach and so the photo session continued.

Surrounding Can Make or Break It

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

When photographingbabies, it is important to bring her favorite things, toys most especially but during our shoot, I guess we missed to bring them into the scene.

But because it was a cake smash, bringing out the cake in front of her changed everything. Her mood changed, her facial expressions uplifted and all she could do was just play with the colorful cake!

That was the great part of the shoot, when she was already having fun with the messing up the cake and killing it with her bare hands, the photographs turned out pretty good.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

Since she was already having a good time, we thought it was a great opportunity for their family portraits taken too. They walked in the waters too and some sunset drama was also documented.

Overall, I can say that the Baby Photography Session with Amara was 75% a success. There were several other items in hand that was not used like the colorful beach balls, her other costumes, and her headbands because she dislikes them.

Image credits: StillsandMotion via Facebook

But then after working on her photos while post-processing the Raw images, I figured it was enough and that I had pretty decent shots of the family.

Truly, there were several lessons learned points that I have taken with that shoot. I am surely able to bring them home and be able to make use of them in the future as well.

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

In support for "The bitLanders Film Series" to Support Women Empowerment, I have here a review of the movie Moana.

Video credits: Ron_Clements via bitLanders

It was not too long ago when I rewatched Moana from Netflix because of my niece who requested that we watch it while at home. I gave in to that request, so together with my niece, my brothers and sisters in law, we went on with the child-friendly movie which didn't only give good vibes to the young ones but also to the adult audience.

Moana is a 2016 American 3D computer-animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The movie starred the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk. Information from wikipedia.org

Moana Movie Story

Image credits: knowyourmeme

Moana is the daughter of a Polynesian chief sets off and sailed out to find Maui, the shapeshifting demigod so she can return the stone which was the heart of the goddess Te Fiti which Maui stole years ago. Her adventure was purely a personal will to save her village who was about to be consumed by the wrath of nature.

The young Moana had been chosen by the ocean and her saving heart was her only power to get through the fight of her life. She had no extra power but she has a strong will that was the only needed thing to spare their island and lives normally again.

Animation

Image credits: whats-on-netflix

I can't say anything bad about how colorful, vibrant and glorious the movie animation was done. Top notched and certainly, the animators nailed everything. I didn't see anything that was low quality or mediocre. From the grasses to the trees, the clothing designs, there's absolutely detail in every aspect that fits well to the island life of a Polynesian.

I don't know if you felt the same way but while watching the movie, I could literally feel envious of the how clear and blue the waters of the ocean in that movie, I personally felt like I need to go to the beach in any minute!

Image credits: cgrecord

Also, I really believe that there was great research, personal visit of the island from the animators and designers themselves and perhaps even crews who are true blooded Polynesianswhile the movie was being produced because the attention to details was on point!

Island Vibe and Life

Image credits: indiewire

Being the first Polynesian Disney princess, it is totally embraced by the rest of the world. It is because of the way it presented the film with the island vibe, the island setting and the view of the ocean and the beach.

The Polynesiancustoms, traditions, their village boats, the music, the dances and even the way they dress, it all define how the island village of Polynesia really work. The producing team did their job with really developing such correct presentation.

Image credits: moana.wikia

Also, I could relate to it partially because as an island girl who was born and raised near the beach and ocean, it is very similar to how our own village and community works. Those certain scenes were Moana and her other villagers pick coconut palm fruits and drink the fresh water from it, that's definitely how we do things too in our village before when I was younger. The dances and how grandparents would influence us.

Music

Video credits: DisneyMusicVEVO via YouTube

Well, who didn't have the last song syndrome with the Moana songs? How Far I'll Go was once a song that went running on my head for weeks after the Moana mania! My colleagues, my family members and even strangers I met along the road were just humming the song.

But I admit there were songs which I didn't understand the lyrics but they somehow bring chills to my spines and goosebumps too! Personally, I loved the Moana Song but I also personally get goosebumps with the "We Know the Way", with the way it synchronizes with the visual presentation and the music, it sends strong feelings, internal ones which are definitely relatable to those who had lived in the beach areas.

Image credits: ew

It is euphoric, nostalgic to think of how our ancestors did things their way back in their times and that song somehow brings that feel to me. It makes me think of my roots, my family tree and the ones who had gone to the afterlife.

But if you don't like that, how about the songs which were sung by Maui? They are just playful most especially the song "You're Welcome" by Dwayne Johnson, oh what are those things that Dwayne can't do? I absolutely enjoyed her tattoo animation too!

I also want to point out that there were also certain songs which were not registering to my memories like that "Shiny" song. It was fun but not very striking.

Everyone Wants to be Moana

Image credits: disney.ph

For once, be honest to yourself, once in our lives, we want to do things our way even if it was not approved by our parents, our community and our customs, within our heart we thought that it is the right thing to do and that those who didn't approve of that will soon find out that it is the right way. I bet you had those experiences before.

Moana, although a Disney Princess movie was totally opposite to the usual princess story, it didn't talk about the dreams of a certain lad, the wishes of a certain princess, love interests and so on, but it deviates to the usual formula that Disney portrays in their princesses movies.

Image credits: aliexpress

Throughout the movie, Moana went into an adventure of fighting over what her environment was saying to her that she can't do but still heeded and listened to her parents just as how good children does! But when the dire need to do such action arrived, she didn't have reservations, she went into the ocean without being prepared but she was successful with understanding the heart of nature.

What I adore about the character that this modern princess Moana displayed was as a woman, she portrayed the determination, strong willpower, independent and loving at the same time.

Takeaway from Moana

I will have to say that there are so many life lessons that I learned with the movie Moana. Let me share that with you today.

1. The family will always be there.

Image credits: sciencefriday

Moana had been wanting to go out to the ocean as it calls her to do what she had to do but when she failed at the first attempt, her family was still there for her.

It was also her mother who supported her and even gave her the go signal to push for what she believes is right.

2. Strangers can be our friends too!

Maui and Moana's first meet up was not that good. Maui was arrogant and very self-narcissistic but that didn't mean that they can't be friends.

In our lives, there are certain times when we meet individuals who are totally opposite to our own beliefs and culture, friendship will make it possible for each other to accept and embrace each others' differences.

3. Bad choices hunt forever.

Image credits: disney.wikia

The stealing done by Maui at the start of the movie was relatable to our choices in life. We might think we can get away with it for a time however, there will be a time when it will ask you to pay back in any sort.

Repenting the deed and doing stuff which can correct it is important to do and the good news is that Maui was able to do that.

How do you like the Moana movie? I enjoyed it, I love the setting, the vibe and some of its songs and certainly love Moana's character!

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Paramount Pictures via YouTube

This movie review is a submission for"The bitLanders Film Series" to Support Women Empowerment. You might think, well this is not part of the movie list given by Micky-the-Slanted-Salerno and yes, I know but I want to add it because I feel like the women in the movie portrayed strong and determined characters which every single woman on planet Earth should also acquire.

Surprisingly, the movie A Quiet Place is available for rent in YouTube Movies for only Php 180 (3.5$), that's 50% less compared to the other movies like Disney's Moana which is at Php 370 (7$)! Why could it be? I truly believe YouTube has its own reasons. But just to make it clear, I didn't watch the movie out of YouTube Movies but I was able to watch it during the Halloween Event at Arcanys, my husband's company.

Image credits: posterspy

Remember my blog regarding how the Cebu-based companies join the Halloween fun? Read it here: How Cebu-Based Corporate Companies Join the Halloween Fun?, Arcanysalso had the decoration contest and even had a movie night! Since I was at the office that time, I joined in and watched their third movie of the night, A Quiet Place.

A Quiet Place Movie Overview

Only a small percentage of humanity is left after these unnamed, blind creatures had wiped out the population. The movie centers the Abbott family who was part of the few left, they were scavenging their way to survive these almost indestructible creatures who are attacking anything that makes noise, thus the survivors, the Abbott family specifically has to keep themselves quiet the entire time, thus the movie title, A Quiet Place.

Image credits: kmuw

Lee (John Krasinski) and Evelyn (Emily Blunt) together with their children Regan (congenitally deaf), and sons Marcus remained intact, keeping themselves quiet all the time after they lost their youngest Beau because of a noisy toy space shuttle. Regan has to keep the blame of it because she was the one who gave the toy to Beau.

Years after that incident, the family was expecting a new baby and they had planned their way out to get the baby out with less noise as possible. Evelyn prepared the oxygen, the underground room and the possible area where she could give birth and raise the child but some unexpected things occur.

While Lee and Marcus were out to fish and Regan at Beau's memorial, Evelyn stepped on a nail while alone at the house, she dropped a frame and this made a noise, attracting a nearby creature. She then went into an emergency labor but survived the creature and the labor with Marcus' firing up the fireworks to distract the monster.

Image credits: cinemabravo

Lee, on the other hand, went out looking for his children but Marcus and Regan ran out of gas-liquid before Lee could find them. While fighting over if they should go, Marcus fell into a corn silo, Regan jumped also to rescue Marcus while the creature was on the area, Regan's hearing aid sent out frequency which irritated the monster.

The monster then went into attacking Lee while the kids hid in a truck. When Marcus saw his father helpless, he screamed, the creature then went towards the kids while Regan turned off the hearing aid because of the noise pain, Lee went sacrificing himself but made an I love you sign before doing so to remind Regan how much he loves her.

Image credits: sfexaminer

Lee was attacked and killed in an instant while Regan and Marcus went home driving the truck. They found their mother and they both went down to the basement to hide but the monster came too, while nearby Regan's hearing aid was sending out high frequency to the creature, showing them a distressed reaction. Learning about it, she kept it near a microphone which made the monster expose its flesh and Evelyn shoots the monster that killed it.

The movie ended with the notion that the family now has found the monster's weakness they had been looking for.

Movie Review: I Wasn't Scared at All!

Image credits: screenrant

Honestly speaking, I didn't jump off my seat or screamed the entire hour I was watching this movie. I thought it was a horror film? But I don't know, I just didn't feel that scared at all. Though I admit, there was certain music that could anticipate that there's a monstrous scene coming up but it was very predictable that I had prepared myself before it could happen.

In all fairness to the producer Michael Bay, this had definitely become a movie that was hyped around the globe. Everyone thought it has a unique story and we all know about being quiet, we just can't do it! Everything around us produces a sound so perhaps everyone was anticipating a pretty halting and holding on their seats when this movie comes out of the screen.

Image credits: collider

John Krasinski being the co-writer, director and even the co-star of A Quiet Place is just insane! How can such a person do so many things at the same time? I also would like to comment that he did well! Plus, note, it's his real-life wife, Emily Blunt who was his partner as well in the movie! She was totally terrific, acting-wise and all so I am going to talk about her in the next few stanzas for this movie review.

But first, I just want to say that the movie had no proper introduction on why there were monsters or aliens if that's what they were in this part of the world. But during the start of the movie, it did showcase how the family lost their youngest because of his noisy toy. It made me cringe that they didn't ensure all things that could possibly create noise would be eliminated off from their home. However, this is a very unique one which I applaud the writers for.

Image credits: inverse

Anyway, it was all part of the story! Also, it was quite obvious that they were looking for the weakness of these monsters but there was nothing in the movie scenes that showed how they were looking for that solution.

I might have missed it or what but A Quiet Place showed only the exceedingly cringing moments of labor and suspense by keeping the child's noise under control. There was even a little portion of that part where the John Krasinski was making the ear hearing aid.

I must also say that this movie had a pretty slow phasing most especially during the first part of the movies. I worry I might get bored while watching it but because the quietness strategy was giving me this "focus" reaction, I couldn't help but get my attention just right into the movie, I was looking forward to more but it didn't give me that satisfaction.

When the movie ended, I just felt like okay, that was it and had to get over it. The horror scenes didn't even register that much in my head! So perhaps it was just me or the movie really wasn't that terrorizing.

Women's Self-Control in Stressing Circumstances

Image credits: conceptnewscentral

Now here comes the real reason why I am making this blog. Emily Blunt was just so good at this movie. I must say, if it wasn't for her solo scenes, this movie would be a flop! Yes, I mean that.

First, she lost a child because of the child's stubbornness. Children are like that in real life. Second, she has a deaf daughter. The entire family learned how to sign language which helped control their voices during the entire film. But as a mother, I know how hard it would be to take such events in one's family life.

Image credits: ign

Third, she got pregnant and has to suffer labor pains and keeping herself from screaming during that time. I have not gone labor yet but my friends, my mother did and they all testify it is something they don't want to go through again. The exhilarating and exhausting pain plus the transformation of the woman's body.

Video credits: Punjabi Boys via YouTube

Imagine all of that Emily Blunt had to go through and she has to keep quiet that entire time! I don't know if there's someone else in this world could do normal labor without screaming their lungs out! Plus, she has to endure the pain of stepping on that nail! I totally hate that part!

Fourth, surviving several monster acquaintances is such a blessing! She sure is the main character of this movie or perhaps it's her daughter too! And finally, John Krasinski was the real hero!

Image credits: culturalhater

What do you think of the movie? Did you watch it already? If not, are you going to watch it after this movie review?

Thanks a lot for reading and participating the Querlo chats!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography and calligrpahy enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Hi bitLanders! Its another weekend to spend with the husband. Unlike the previous weekends where we had spent our long days in different towns of Bohol, this weekend is a very educational one for the two of us as we sign up for a free workshop which introduces the new Nikon mirrorless camera.

Nikon Z7 Goes to Cebu

Video credits: Nikon Europe via YouTube

Nikon's first ever mirrorless cameras had visited Cebu today at SM City Cebu. The event was put up by Nikon and Colours Photo Academy which involved three key points:

1. Introduction to Nikon Mirrorless Full Frame Cameras
2. Gab Mejia's Journey as a Travel Photographer
3. Workshop with Mr. Mike Sia

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

This blog is all about what my husband and I had learned through the entire four-hour course. This was a free event and so it was a perfect way to learn more about camera gears most especially in the Nikon mirrorless technology together with their future Z series lenses.

But more importantly, there was a workshop and an inspirational story in between which was really what made this event very interactive and encouraging. Let me share with you how our day went.

Nikon Z7 and Z6 in Town

Image credits: nikon

The mirrorless cameras are here to change the way the world takes photographs. Mirrorless cameras as much more lighter than the DSLR, they have been developed for portability use and they carry more advanced technology within their systems.

Although a little late, Nikon was able to release their very first mirrorless system full frame for professional use, Nikon Z7, and Nikon Z6. Both have the same Z mount technologies. The differences between them are the sensors, focus points, the frames per second, ISO range, autofocusing, and pixels. In short, Z7 is much advanced while the Z6 is more for the amateur or entry-level photographers.

Image credits: smartprix

Obviously, Z6 is way cheaper than Z7.

Mr. Vince of the Nikonph Marketing Teamhad officially introduced the new mirrorless cameras. He opened up with the information that these mirrorless cameras have the shortest flange focal distance amongst brands today at 16mm and a 55mm inner mount diameter.

Aside from that, this new camera technology provides the following advantages:

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

1. Delivers extreme resolution.

With the Nikon Expeed 6 processor engine, the Nikon Z series delivers the best image quality.

2. EVF delivers edge to edge clear natural view.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

It has been mentioned by different mirrorless photographers how these cameras have weird viewfinder designs. Almost all brands had this issue and Nikon listened to the consumers on this matter so they created an electronic viewfinder which makes it easier to use it most especially for prolonged uses. In this camera, using it for hours won't stain the photographer's eyes.

3. In-camera 5 axis VR.

For videographers, this camera has good image stabilization because of its 5 axis VR. The x and y movement or vibration on the camera is definitely a plus to those who are shooting events!

Image credits: thephoblographer

4. Full frame 4k.

The best thing about this mirrorless camera is that it is full frame and can shoot full frame 4k. It also has other options for the shooting types. This allows the possibility of shooting timelapse with full frame 4k.

5. Nlog 10 bit 422.

This has more to do about their color profile and or dynamic range in which the footages can be graded without losing any detail or information out of each frame. This may sound very technical and I am sorry for that.

6. Topnotched Ergonomics.

Image credits: digitaltrends

With the new mirrorless technology released by Nikon, there's a talk in town about the transitioning from their old DSLRs and Nikon made the new technology in a way that the users who had been using these DSLRs won't take time in getting used to using the new camera. In fact, they have the same buttons and ergonomics with the old camera!

7. Robustness.

Image credits: techradar

Build with Magnesium alloy, these cameras are also weather sealed, so it is totally waterproof, dustproof and more. In that case, the camera is perfect for those travel photographers and even those who are just using it for portraits and lifestyle photography.

In fact, one of our goals as well in this business is to get a hand of those weather sealed camera bodies and lenses. It is definitely different when your camera is weather sealed. It eliminates those rain shower hassles when shooting.

8. System compatibility.

As mentioned earlier, the new Nikkon Z series have also provided their Nikkor Z lenses. They have developed 50mm f1.8S, 35mm 1.8S, and 24-70mm f4. These lenses have a nanocrystal coating which makes it an ultra-durable lens.

Image credits: theverge

Significantly, since the camera has the shortest flange focal distance, it also produces the same bokeh from other brands' wider aperture lenses. This also means the photographs produced have zero chromatic aberrations which are very applaudable!

As for those Nikon loyal users who had already collected several lenses from old DSLR series, this new system provides the brand new FTZ mount adapter which serves as a medium for the old lenses to be used in the Z mount. So far, there are 360 lenses that can be used into the mirrorless camera through the FTZ mount adapter.

9. Focus Peaking.

Image credits: dpreview

With the full frame mirrorless, Nikoncameras come to their focus peaking function. This allows the photographer to know if he is in focus or out of focus by simply adding in a color for the focus peaking feature. With that highlights on the live view, it is way easier to shoot at your preferred focused area.

I personally have some trust issues with focus peaking most especially when I tried it using the Canon M50, a mirrorless camera as well from Canonbut of which my experience had been all but negative when shooting portraits. I had used the focus peaking yet the photos were totally opposite from being sharp to where I had placed the focus. But when we used the Nikon Z cameras, the focus peaking was so far nailing it! By that, I had already changed my perspective with the focus peaking and how graceful it works with Nikon!

Video credits: Tony & Chelsea Northrup via YouTube

The second and third part of this event will be narrated in the next blog, the second part of this topic. Perhaps I might be splitting this in three as well because the second and third parts of the event were also very interesting and educational. So better watch out for the following in the next blog/s:

Part 2. Gab Mejia's Journey as a Travel Photographer
Part 3. Lifestyle Photography Workshop with Mr. Mike Sia

If you have reached this part, thanks a lot for reading! I hope you also had learned something about the new Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and perhaps consider getting a hand on any of them. In the near future, new Z mount lenses will be announced as well and in the coming years, it will all be about the Z series but of course, they specified that the DSLR series will still be available as well as they won't be phasing those models anytime soon.

What do you think? Would you consider buying this camera? As for James and I, I guess we will just look into other mirrorless cameras with almost the same price range. We had compared it with the Sony A7 III and they have a close price range but there are several differences and we like Sony too! Oh well, let's see in the future if we will indeed go full mirrorless.

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography and calligrpahy enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: Nikon Philippines

Hello, bitlanders! Here I am again for another sequence of the activity James and I joined yesterday, Saturday at SM Trade Hall with Nikon and Colours Photo.

The blog prior has some overview of what this event was. You may want to read the blog further in the below link: Nikon Z7 Goes to Cebu! 

In that blog, I also talked about the new Nikon mirrorless full frame camera in the form of Nikon Z7 and Z6. The characteristics and other information of these two cameras were stated in the blog above so, you might want to check that out.

Video credits: Adam Mullins Photography via YouTube

Today's blog is more about the things that had occurred after the introduction to Nikon Z6 and Z7 which were again inspiring and educational in their own. For now, I am sharing the second part which was the talk given by Gab Mejia.

Gab Mejia - On The Climb : One Story, One Summit, One World.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

This young man had me thinking what I have been doing with my life in the past 30 years. At the age of 21, he had been to different parts of the world, even to the ends of the Earth, in the remote sections and to the tip of some of the mountains of the country and the world.

He had won an international photography competition which paved his way to achieve far greater success in his life most especially when he was given an all-expense paid trip to Patagonia which he said had severely changed his life and his advocacies.

Image credits: choosephilippines

Currently, Gab Mejia is a still a student at the University of the Philippines in Manila and at the same time working for different projects given as opportunities for him to improve on his craft as well as pursue his advocacy in helping the environment and just be a good steward to nature.

His latest project was about the Tamaraws. He shared a video documentation which he had taken videos of the elusive and severely extinct animal which is endemic here in the country specifically in the island of Mindoro. It is a Philippines' pride and of something that we all as Filipinos ought to be proud of.

Image credits: On-the-climb

As Gab Mejia showed his video and gave his take away words upon the changing world, I could literally see how passionate he is in this journey he is taking. He is totally on a roll and he had been very persistent in this work and is not holding down. He continues to climb every mountain and every remote area of the country and even to the other parts of the world.

Gab Mejia and Nikon Z7

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Gab then testified how he had used his D3300 during all his other previous trips and the total difference when he used the new Z7. With the mirrorless camera's lightweight body, it was evident that taking photos and videos is easier. Its weather sealed body was a blessing for him as it has been raining and raining the entire time. He thought he the unit will be damaged by the end of the trip and he won't be able to come up with footages but surprisingly, it survived and even delivered way better than what he had expected!

He still uses his baby, his first Nikon camera but also uses the new mirrorless most especially when traveling to remote parts of the country.

Video credits: on-the-climb

I can't stress much how I adore this young man. He is still 21 but he sure had experienced more and had also faced the reality of life that our time in this world is short and that we have to do what really matters most instead of wasting our time in the things which are not worthwhile.

Mike Sia Lifestyle Portrait and Demo Shoot Workshop

Next in the line of activities was the workshop by Mr. Mike Sia, a lifestyle photographer who is an official Nikon instructor. Coming from Cagayan De Oro, he has no issue with communicating with us because he speaks pure Bisaya as well.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Now during his talk, he shared several things about lighting, composition, angle, profiling, and cropping. I learned a lot most especially with lighting. I like the way he would instruct the model who was hired by Colours Photo for that specific shoot. He makes the model very comfortable with the photographer, with him most especially as well as shoots with good and proper composition. However, I had a little problem with some of his "green jokes", you know what I mean.

Well, I can't blame him, he might want to have something that the audience can relate to and I was just ignoring those parts during the workshop.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Perhaps what I can take away from that two hour photography demo was that as a photographer, one should make every way to get the model to chill, relax and just be comfortable during the shoot most especially that this was a lifestyle type of photography, we have to get the personality of the person out and away into the pictures.

Image credits: mikesiaofficial

Mr. Mike Sia is also a wedding photographer, so he shared his style of shooting, how he would be able to take photos of certain poses and angles without taking much time. During the workshop, he instructs the photographers to find where is the dominant light and that is the key to properly taking photos. As long as you got good lighting, you are well. That, I believe is really the most important thing that I must learn my way.

Q and A Portion

There was a question and answer portion too afterward where all those who would ask will get a freebie from Nikon. I personally asked him about why he shoot JPEG instead of RAW. His answer was that he shoots JPEG 90% of the time because he makes sure that he has the perfect shoot in camera so he doesn't have to take time during the post process most especially during weddings.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Another question was about the number gears he has during wedding events. He has five, three camera bodies, one drone, and a mobile phone, specifically a Huawei P20 PRO.

Wrap Up

After the four-hour event was the presentation of the certificate of appreciation to the key speakers, the attendees also had the chance to get some photographs with the speakers and a group photo opportunity as well!

Image credits: Mike Sia

Most importantly, we got the chance to use the Nikon Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras! It was its first time to be displayed here in Cebu City and we were the lucky ones who were able to get a hand of them. Currently, they are still very expensive, I would go broke if I buy one but it was all worth spending time that Saturday afternoon.

James and I learned a lot that we sure can apply, Gab Mejia sure had inspired and encouraged the two of us to practice more and explore our country and even dream to go to other places we hardly could imagine. Life is short, we have to do what really matters and live not only in one place!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography and calligrpahy enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Hi bitLanders! Today's a very chill day, I was just working yesterday at the office and I was under the spell of the writer's block. I can't watch a movie because I was at the office, I can't also think of anything to blog so I did review my list of topics for inspiration. I guess there's really such time when you can't find the idea for a blog but when I bumped into the second part of my list, I found "20 Travel Questions" and I know I am going to blog about this topic this time.

I Google searched on the 20 questions about travel and I found thecareerbreaksite.com where they listed 100 questions about traveling and I know that I should answer the top 20 because a hundred is just too many to answer!

Traveling

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

It is evident that not everyone gets the opportunity to travel. While others can go around domestically and internationally, there are others who are more into their local place which I count myself in. Others would want to explore internationally because they want to experience new kinds of culture and such but then again, international travel means bigger expenses compared to domestic travel.

For my husband and I's case, we both have not traveled together internationally because of that main reason but we will be traveling to Japan in 2019 so we are both excited for that.

Now let me start answering these top 20 questions and there's a bonus question at the end as well. I hope that these will give all of us idea on my own personal choices when traveling as well as provide specific details on my goals and likes as a traveler.

1. What's your favorite place so far?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

As a local traveler of the Philippines, my country, my top most favorite place so far is Palawan. Read my blogs here:

El Nido Island Hopping

El Nido or Coron?

Palawan Destinations You Shouldn't Miss!

Taraw Instant Trek El Nido Palawan

Why? I guess it was because there was less expectation when my husband and I traveled there and the experience we had was totally unforgettable. We were not stressed at all in whatever activities we had plus it was budget friendly. In fact, it was a trip where we had unexpected side trips and they all turned out well! That's speaking about El Nido.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

On the other hand, Coron had also been wonderful. The trip to the Calauit Safari Wildlife Park was also a once in a lifetime experience which I truly treasure so much!

We are also planning on going back to Palawan in the future or perhaps in a different part of the island. I heard of Balabac which also offers a very nice beach and white sand area.

2. If you could swim with dolphins or go shark diving, which would you pick?

Image credits: hurriyetdailynews

I'd surely pick swim with dolphins. Why? Because I had gone swimming with the whale sharks before which was cool but they are not very interactive with human beings. Dolphins, on the other hand, are known to be playful and harmless so I bet if I go swimming with them, they'll be playing around with me and perhaps they'll let me ride with them or something similar.

Also when we talk about sharks, we are not sure if they are referring to the pretty gentle whale sharks. They might be talking about hammerheads or Malapascua's Thresher Sharks!

3. What place is top of your bucket list?

Image credits: antor.org

If I could select any place internationally, I would prefer Switzerlandspecifically in that region where the landscapes are just jaw-dropping. I have seen alps filled with snow and those gorgeous natural landscapes just so refreshing to the eyes!

However, if just domestically, I would like to go to Batanes. It is in the top region of the country and I want to experience the beauty of its landscapes and green pastures.

4. What can't you travel without?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

I can't travel without my husband and camera! It is clear that I am not a solo traveler, I go with my husband and I had promised I won't go out on a travel without him because of course, a man should leave and cleave with his wife! I live by that verse.

But then the camera, on the other hand, is so essential in traveling because I won't be able to document the events and places without it. I believe in "Take pictures or it didn't happen".

5. Do you prefer solo travel or with someone else?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

I guess I have answered it in the previous question, I am not a solo traveler, I need my husband when traveling because I feel more confident and secured when he's with me, I can talk with him about the travel, other thoughts and that means no dull moment during traveling.

The question perhaps is if he enjoys traveling with me! Lols, just kidding!

6. Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat?

Video credits: National Geographic via YouTube

It would be Machu Picchu because Angkor Wat is quite close to the Philippines while Machu Picchu isn't so I would like to experience a farther place.

7. Who is the person at home that you miss the most?

I guess I would say, my parents, although I don't really miss them that much when traveling because I had been independent my whole life since I was little. But if I would be selecting individuals, of course, it would be them for sure given that I travel with my husband.

8. What home comfort do you miss the most?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via Facebook

I will surely miss my comfort room.

For some unknown reason, when traveling, my body goes into some hibernation and I don't know why it tends to do that way. I mean, during times of traveling, I always get constipated, like every time. I had noticed that every single time that we travel but when just at home, my digestive system becomes alright again!

Could there be an explanation to that? Let me know if there is!

9. What has been the most interesting item of food you've tasted?

Image credits: thedentistisinthekitchen

I am not very adventurous when it comes to food but in the Philippines, I guess I would say "laing". It was only introduced to me when we traveled to Manilaand it was the cheapest on the menu. It doesn't look very appealing to me due to its color but it was super good! I always crave for it!

10. What food from your home country do you miss the most?

Image credits: international-vegan

In this question, I would say "ginataang utan". Ginataan means something that has coconut milk in it and "utan" means vegetables or more like local vegetables. Everything just tastes good when there's coconut milk added to it and since I don't get to eat many vegetables every day, cooking it with freshly squeezed coconut vegetables just makes any local vegetable yummy!

That's the end of the first part of the 20 questions. I wished to have answered the entire 20 questions but I decided to cut this into two parts because this is going more than a thousand words now!

See you on the 2nd part, for now, please check this Querlo chat below about traveling.

Thanks a lot for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Previously, I answered 10 questions about traveling and anything under the sun regarding travels and places. I originally planned for posting the entire Q and A in one blog post but then I didn't realize that the first ten questions were already long that it went to a whooping whopping thousand words.

Anyway, shout out to thecareerbreaksite.com for providing with the questions. In fact, they posted 100 questions but I can not definitely answer all those hundred marks.

So as mentioned, this is the second part, let's get started! Here below are the next ten travel questions!

11. Which country makes the best coffee or tea?

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

This question is quite hard as I have not yet traveled to a different country except for the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong for my connecting flight.

So far, UAE has good coffee as well as that in Mt. Kitanglad's locally brewed Arabica coffee. But note that I am not a coffee person so I guess I am not a legit person to be asked on that.

12. If you could only ever eat rice or potatoes, which would you pick?

I am Asian so you know already my choice and that's obviously rice! Absolutely rice! A hundred percent rice! But I am not closing my doors for potatoes because I love french fries and mashed potatoes too!

13. Who would win in a fight: a polar bear with a rifle, or a shark with a laser gun?

Video credits:  the king minn via YouTube

All right, this is some funny question and I am having fun reading these questions one by one and thinking of the answer. Of course, I don't have to be very serious about it but I still use my brain in choosing these options.

For me, it would be the polar bear with a rifle! One, a polar bear has hands which it can use to pull that trigger while a shark even if it has a laser gun can't push that fire button or whatever that would be.

14. Which country has the friendliest people?

Image credits: travelswithahobo

I can't think of any other country but my own, the Philippines! Well, this is not because I am a Filipino but because most of the foreigners who would visit the country can attest to that. It is really amazing to know that other citizens would consider my fellow Filipinos as the friendliest and most hospitable people in the entire world!

15. Who is the most interesting person you've met so far?

Image credits: Jean Beltran uploaded via bitLanders

This had me thinking of such person whom we met during travel who is very interesting and perhaps it would be our tour guide and driver during the trip to Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. Our driver was a local T'boli and was also the head of the Lake Sebu"habal-habal" drivers.

During the trip, he provided me with so much information about their tribe and how their tribe name was even made up as well the lakes' names because they don't really have any specific name before until some foreigners or those who were not from South Cotabato itself would start calling them as the "taga-bili" then it became T'boli.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I have all that we had talked about stated in my previous blog, you can read it below:

How to Enjoy Lake Sebu, South Cotabato?

16. What's been your scariest moment?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I could think of two but instances which scared me the most. First and the top was when James and I traveled from Sagada going back to Manila. I ate a lot of Lemon Pie and although I have a strong stomach, it ruined my trip because I had a very very bad stomachache and LBM.

Imagine traveling 12 hours with a very grumpy tummy and that I wasn't able to sleep properly during the trip plus I always look forward to the next stopover so I can go to the comfort room.

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

The good thing though was that the trip came to an end and I successfully held my exit well but I was very scared the entire travel that I would cause trouble inside the bus!

The second would be when we were in Mindanao, specifically in Tandag and our flight was canceled because of the weather. So what I was scared about at that time was that I was together with my friends and my brother. So we were six people and my friends have to be in Bohol the next day for their sister's birthday.

Good thing that I was just calm about calling the airline and getting a new ticket from Butuan to Cebu. After that event, I always get a little scared of group trips.

17. Toilets: squat or Western?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

To set the records, I do Western 99% of the time but squat whenever I feel like the toilet is not clean enough for me to sit on. In fact, I always try to bring lots of tissues when traveling so I can spare a few flaps for the bowl, yes I clean it first before sitting on it.

Although I read somewhere that squat is better when pooing because of the way our intestines and the anus are aligned when seated in that way, lols, I am a little embarrassed now stating that.

18. What was your most embarrassing moment?

Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

I don't think I have anything so embarrassing but there was one time when James and I were in Baguio and I was lining for the washroom and this cleaner just told me the funniest and a little embarrassing if others had heard it but since it was just me and her who heard it, it was not that embarrassing.

What she said was:

"Oo pwede jan sa mga buntis."
"Yes, you can use that for pregnant women."

She was referring to a special cubicle for pregnant and oldies! I was laughing inside but I used it to my advantage so I can pee right away. I told James afterward about it and he was laughing really hard and was bullying me of my huge tummy. That was perhaps the reason why the cleaner told me I was pregnant.

19. How many foreign words have you learned so far?

Video credits: theUrbanEvevia YouTube

Of course, this is very applicable to those who had traveled internationally but I also learned a few words which I use a lot of times because I have friends who are also using them in a daily basis over Skype or even in person.

Kamsahamnida!
Arigato gozaimasu
De Nada
Gracias
As-salaam 'alaykum

20. How many different currencies are you carrying?

Image credits: community-exchange

I do keep some foreign currencies but I don't keep them in my pocket but instead, they are just left at home. So, to answer this, I only bring one currency which is Philippine Peso since we only had domestic travels. My husband keeps a dollar and a Swedishbill in his wallet though.

I found a bonus fun game at the end of the page from thecareerbreaksite:

Take your age, add it to the day of the month you were born on, and answer the question. Eg if you're 25 and were born on the 25th, you would answer question 50.

Mine's 61 so the 61st question is: What do you wish you'd brought that you haven't?

This question is very timely because James and I were just talking about this that after evaluating the cameras we had and thought we are regretting buying the Canon M50. But since we already have it, we are just going to make use of it. That's it!

Thanks a lot for reading! Please check this Querlo chat below about traveling.

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Warner Bros. Pictures via YouTube

Hey you Potty heads! I know you were all excited for this prequel of the Harry Potter series, the Fantastic Beasts! Today, I am sending you a lot of movie spoilers ahead, so if you are planning to watch this, you have been warned!

I am not truly a Harry Potter fan but I had viewed the movies and I admired them. It's just that I am not very into the wizarding world but because of the husband's company which is giving free movie tickets, we both went to watch the second part of Fantastic Beasts, The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Image credits: ew.com

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a 2018 fantasy film directed by David Yates, with a screenplay by J. K. Rowling. A joint British and American production, it is the sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). It is the second installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, and the tenth overall in the Wizarding World franchise, which began with the Harry Potter film series. Information source: wikipedia

Image credits: ew.com

As confirmed, Fantastic Beasts has been cut into three parts. The second of the trilogy showcases the crimes of Grindelwald who is cast by Johnny Depp. Note that the Fantastic Beasts is adapted from a textbook on the magical creatures of the wizarding world that author J.K. Rowling penned for charity.

Movie Main Casts

Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander

Image credits: empireonline

Shy, low key and sometimes boring character, a magizoologist but a confidante of the famous Albus Dumbledore. He is also linked to Tina Goldstein who starred in the first part of the series.

In the first part of this trilogy, he was introduced as someone who wants to educate the wizards of the animals and beasts which he breeds and protect at his place.

Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski

The no-maj and lively sidekick of Newt have as well starred in the movie. He was on the lookout for Queenie, the love of his life but was devastated when she went to following Grindelwald instead.

Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein

The sweet character portrayed by Queenie had been given quite a good amount of showing time in the movie but it didn't really add anything relevant to the story.

But it is quite important to note that she might be in the next sequel who is with team Grindelwald.

Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone

The disturbed and very violent boy who had survived the first part of the movie because of his Obscurus remains. He played a huge part in this second sequence and was found in different places within the movie. He was at one point cleaning certain circus together with his friend Nagini. Then finally at the end still didn't find his real identity.

Video credits: Looper via YouTube

Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore

The entire movie showed the young Dumbledore on his gray waist suit. He got no action but all talking with Newt. Perhaps in the next sequence, he'll be given enough screentime full of actions.

Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald

Image credits: movieweb

Starring Depp gave a bad impression because of his previous personal issues but there was no stopping Depp from portraying the villain of the movie. All white and evil, Grindelwald was more of the talking than the action too although the negative impression on his character was built even at the start.

Movie Plot

Image credits: fantasticbeasts

The movie Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald was all about running after Gellert Grindelwald who was recruiting wizards to help him create a world which is governed by him, he has gone into tricking certain individuals such as Queenie and Credence to join his group.

But really, the movie was all about finding Credence, almost all of the characters here, several of them were just popping out into the screen all looking where Credence is. Grindelwald however also wants him but wants him to come without force.

Image credits: inverse

Albus Dumbledore, being as powerful as Grindelwald, proved emotions rule over his heart than the good force that should push him to fight Grindelwald. His promise of not fighting Grindelwald was a little bad reasoning that he missed all the action but stayed right in that school.

In the end, Grindelwald was able to get what he wanted, Credence and a vast number of followers who believed in his future plans.

My Movie Review

Image credits: usatoday

I totally believe that the movie is for those who had read and watched the entire sequel of Harry Potter. It added a visual representation of the stories inside the book.

But for those who had never watched one or even really watched the first part of this trilogy nor had read the books concerning the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, the movie can be confusing. There were so many things going on here and there, there were too many characters and the event phases were really unimaginable.

Image credits: digitalspy

But don't get me wrong, the cinematography and acting were fine but I felt like it was more of a magic spell! The movie, however, didn't add any much importance or significance to the Harry Potter world, if there was any, it could only be a negligible piece of the pie.

The mystery was not very mysterious at all, the magic wasn't really magical at all, the story between Jacob and Queenie was more of a flap than romantic compared to the first and the drama of Grindelwald's quest to achieve a world where the wizards rule was not very appealing at all. In fact, his character's physical appearance wasn't very much of a villain if you compare him to Voltemort.

However, the niffler was still a cute creature with so much room for items in its pocket and Pickett, a bowtruckle also got itself a room in the movie.

Image credits: firstpost

Really, after less than a day of watching the movie, I couldn't remember most parts of it. I only recalled how I felt. I sensed like I was taken in a rollercoaster of events, a fast ride and I found my mind boggling into who's this character, what's its relationship to Harry and more. I even regret watching it. My husband, just like me, felt the same way as well as his colleagues.

So instead of being entertained by the movie, we ended up being confused and overly concerned if it was just us or if the other viewers were also feeling the same way. I have seen a lot of sequel movies before and although I didn't really have an idea of the events from the first part and such, I was still entertained by the action and performances in the movie but for this, I was totally disturbed in a bad way by the obviously aim of just extending the sequences.

Image credits: Warner Brothers/Bleeding Cool

J.K. Rowling stating what the ending of the movie might not be the case was just a little more confusing.

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Thank you for watching! What kind of movies do you like:

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Image credits: imdb

Hi bitLanders! I am bringing you another personal movie review as a support for Women Empowerment brought to you by "The bitLanders Film Series". Today's movie is a cheesy movie entitled "Home Again".

As I was looking at the movie poster, I can't totally judge right away what this was all about but the tag, "Starting over is not for beginners" was very catchy most especially to women like me. So I went on checking on the trailer, see below:

Video credits: Hallie_Meyers_Shyer via bitLanders

Here's an information about the movie from wikipedia.org:

Home Again is a 2017 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, in her directorial debut. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Nat Wolff, Jon Rudnitsky, Pico Alexander, Michael Sheen, and Candice Bergen, and follows a 40-year-old single mother who allows three young aspiring filmmakers to live with her in her Los Angeles home.

Plot

Image credits: latimes

Alice played by Reese Witherspoon was a 40-year-old separated from his husband for five months. She returns to Los Angeles together with her two daughters. She got herself in a little complicated situation when she met this group of three aspiring filmmakers, one of them she became romantically linked.

The movie started with the main protagonist telling a story of his dad, John Kinney, a film director who had a very successful career but who also has his own love issues. But after all these issues, he stayed as a good father that she adored that's why she knew so much about him as well as his different women but still prefer to talk more of his positive side.

Image credits: sky

Intricate situations had also opened up the scene with Reese crying over something in the first part. Then the first days of schools for her daughters, then her husband missing out on that special day but in fairness, he didn't forget her birthday and most importantly her work as a start-up designer.

On her birthday, she had dinner with her friends who were trying to get her to meet some new guys but she stressed about how she is just separated for a short time, however, over a few minutes, she met young and broke filmmakers who had no place to stay.

Image credits: traileraddict

Eventually, she had hosted them in her guest room and the story began to become even messier. But could things be the same when the husband comes back at home?

Casts

Reese Witherspoon

This "Legally Blonde" actress played Alice, the single mom who bumped herself and somehow got three guys staying at her guest room.

Image credits: traileraddict

Obviously, Reese is such a good actress, she sure gave fairness to this role and I had always wondered how she felt when she had that romantic scenes together with the young 27-year-old Harry. Perhaps that was awkward but she's definitely used to those, its just work.

Pico Alexander

Played as Harry Dorsey, one of the filmmakers but more importantly, Alice’s love interest. He's young, tall and very charming.

Image credits: ew.com

This character was only good at being cheesy and there might be many movies with this type of personality but for some reasons, I felt like he was overacting to the point that it appeared like I was watching a teenage romantic anime, that of the likes of Fushigi Yuugi, but that was one of my favorite cartoon movies though so don't get me wrong.

Michael Sheen

The music producer and Alice's husband. He's referred as Austen Blume, and Isabel and Rosie’s father.

Image credits: productplacementblog

Seriously, he as a father failed so much in this movie. I can't imagine a father missing out on his daughters' first day of school and won't get time to see them in five months! That's totally unreal!

Home Again Movie Review

The first movie directed by Nancy Meyers' daughter, Hallie Meyers-Shyerwas not the most unique kind of story, she wrote the story by the way. We all have heard and seen something similar to this but in respect to Reese Witherspoon's acting, I had continued watching the film until the end, it was not a long film though.

Image credits: click2houston

Although I found some parts of the film entertaining and fun, I can't deny the fact that there were several overacting scenes, they were obviously cheesy and very predictable. I guess everyone watching it would already know what will be the end of the story.

Image credits:durangoherald

The movie had significantly shown a common "directed" vibe, where most of the conversations between the characters have been given enough time to react and retract and respond. Notice that "Do I Know You" scene with Harry, Alice and Alice's mom exchanging reactions and statements? It's very unnatural. It was very scripted and transition-wise, it was not so convicting.

Watch this scene below to have an idea:

Video credits: Movieclips Coming Soon via YouTube

I can say that I didn't like it that much except that I was more interested into the designing part, the way the house was decorated, the tones of the interiors and I love the green lushes of Alice's house. I love the idea of having guest rooms separated from the main house and that there's a garden between the two buildings.

However, I felt like there was not much focus on that too. There was just a few of it here and there. But kudos to Reese Witherspoon for accepting this comedy type of film, however, the story and the character didn't seem to fit well with the current timeline given that it was released in 2017, even the connection of her being a daughter of a film director who was introduced as a famous one was not given great application too!

Image credits: brentwoodnewsla

And finally, whenever I watch a movie, I would try to look for whatever lesson I can take away with it. What I have learned was that I shouldn't do whatever Alice in the movie did. I should learn that as a mother and of age 40, I should have been wiser with my decisions. Also, being nice doesn't mean getting tangled with several men in a home where there's no father material and most especially, never to get attached with a relationship that has no label and no commitment.

If you had watched it, how do you find the movie? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Thank you for watching! What kind of movies do you like:

Support women empowerment:

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

Weekends had to be spent with family, right? So this Saturday, James and I went out to find good and affordable places to try new food at. But aside from that, we further had a bunch of delayed errands and tasks on our To-Do list so we had to be early so we could check all of those listed.

Today's blog is a review of a sort for the Cebu restaurants that we had dined in this Saturday. And a little snippet of my journal hunts before 2018 ends.

Brunch at Live Life

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Our Nikon camera had been acting weird for a couple of weeks now, it is best to have it checked and repaired if possible. As per Google Maps, Nikon's service center and showroom is located at Escario Street along Axis building and so it was our first errand for the day.

We reached at eleven in the morning, hungry because we only had shakes and bread earlier, we looked for a place to have brunch prior to admitting the camera. We found Live Life.

James and I had been planning to visit this restaurant because it features all vegetarian food options and we loved Lunhaw Cafe which is just situated a few minutes walk from here. We believe it also offers great food, not to mention, healthy.

The ambiance of Live Life

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Tall glass made walls always make a restaurant's ambiance extra fresher, it also paves the way for the possible customers to see what's inside, curiosity will surely help with marketing and because of that, it is very important to have a clean and bright interior and Live Life ultimately provided that.

Outside are green plants surrounding the eatery, I noticed that their restaurant name's lettering from outside is filled with some lushes and ferns I guess but they had withered and a little lifeless. I assumed that they have their own timing when it comes to refilling that, we were just unlucky to be there at this time of the month.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

The hot weather encouraged us to get inside immediately even before the restaurant opened up. They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily. The crew allowed us to get in and after that they switched the restaurant status to open.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, I totally believe this is the restaurant's motto because they are just sparkling clean! The floors are very attractive with those Mediterranean patterns and colors. A wall from the far end of the room was also painted with colorful leaves and lushes with Live Life in them, it was a perfect spot to have your Instagram poses which I did too.

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Our table was just enough for two with space just right for a few plates and orders. I love the chairs as well, they had different styles and colors but they compliment each other that although the restaurant isn't that big enough, the numerous tables are well fitted with no issues with walking space.

Food and Pricing

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

James ordered his Veggie Ham and fries, Sticky Mango Rice for dessert and I asked for their Pesto Pasta. We also asked them to serve us with service water only.

Live Life's pricing is a bit higher compared to that of Lunhaw cafe. But food wise is just equally good. Serving was also just enough for a single person except for that of the Sticky Mango rice which was at a small portion.

Our total bill was at Php 550 for our brunch.

Crew and Service

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

I have no negative thing to say about the crew or even the service because we were the first customers so serving took only a few minutes and the crews were very fast in providing our requests.

Also, it is given that they'll be able to attend right away because the restaurant is just small so they can see right away if a certain guest needs anything.

Dinner at Joed's Lutong Hapon

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

In between brunch and dinner, we went to different places, checking off different tasks. First, we didn't find the Nikon service center as it has closed and relocated itself in Manila. So we went directly to Starbucks, had coffee to chill while it was scorching hot. Then we went to the Yamaha service for our motorcycle maintenance.

Then to Ayala Center to check out some laptops and then to SM Cebu Mall to park while we went to APM mall to get our camera checked at Macy's Camera Shop.

It was past six when we reached Macy's, I was already starving. After surrendering the camera gear, we proceed to Joed's Lutong Hapon for dinner.

Ambiance

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

Joed's Lutong Hapon is a budget-friendly Japanese food restaurant. The owner has currently two branches, this in APM mall is the second branch while the first one is in Mabolo.

The place has the usual Japanese ambiance, with lanterns and plastic Sakura trees. This has been their decoration ever since we started dining here. A huge circular poster with Koi fishes and the restaurant name hanged on the service wall.

Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders

It is still clean and I love their wooden tables and walls. The temperature was also fine, it was just cool enough for us not to sweat over the hot canton and also not too cold for us to still enjoy the cold fruit ice cream!

Food and Pricing

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

As mentioned, this is a budget-friendly Japanese food hub so most of their food options are pretty affordable and is obviously cheaper compared to the other eateries offering the same type.

However, the better pricing doesn't mean their food quality has been compromised because what was served to us were still good. Not that I am a Japanese food expert, its just that I liked the taste and pretty finished all my orders, one Oyakudon, one California Maki while James ordered his Spicy Seafood Canton and fruit ice cream too for the dessert.

Crew and Service

Image credits: bitLanders Society via Facebook

There was only one server around but nothing's wrong about that because again, we were the only customers around. So food was served in time and we had good music too in the background.

Weekends are great to spend with the people you love, in my case, it is James, my husband plus it is better to spare this day eating out good food over sweet conversations and practicing photography.

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Thank you for watching!

About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.

Video credits: AmandaRachLee via YouTube

Twenty nineteen's last and final quarter is about to end. The year 2018 will soon be waving goodbye and although most are excited for the holidays coming up in the next week weeks, there's another trend that is kicking in around you and me. Perhaps only those who are into books, papers, stationeries, and journals are interested so I apologize if this doesn't fit your likes, you who are reading but I will post it anyway.

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All those paper lovers out there, may he or she be a coffee lover or not might already know that most coffee shops are offering their limited edition Planners or call it journals like in my case. The hype of "sticker" collection is again on a roll and although I didn't join this craze before, I am finding myself in the situation of "I have to have a Starbucks or a The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or that Tom N Toms planner!". Seriously, I thought it was very unnecessary but right now when I started really entering daily journal and taking notes on books that I am reading, I decided, it is good to use these books as journals and note taking!

Introducing The Cheapest Planner For 2019 Ever!

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But the problem or the issue with those coffee shop planners is that they are very expensive if bought one time. If collecting stickers, it will take a lot of coffee cups to fill out all 18 for Starbucks, 12 for CBTL and Tom N Toms and I know there are still more out there which I have no clue of if they're selling out journals.

But if you are frugal like me, there's a way out of this expensive journals! Introducing the Suki Joyful Daybook 2019 brought to you by Mercury Drug Store!

I have learned about Mercury Drug Store's annual journal books last year. It was first introduced to me by an online friend and I bought a few items from the drug store and eventually had a hand of the "My Write Life 2018". I still use it for note taking when reading books. I love jotting down quotes and inspirational lines.

This year, Mercury Drug Store launched the "Joyful Daybook 2019". It can be redeemed from any branch for 35 suki points. One suki point is given to every Php 200 purchase. But today, let me share with you how to have one without spending a lot! Read on to know more about the book and the personal hack!

Joyful Daybook 2019

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Mercury Drug Store's 2019 Planner comes in 4 Joyful Daybook colors:

Blue - Sapphire for peace and happiness
Violet - Amethyst for courage and clarity of thought
Red - Ruby for love and passion
Yellow - Topaz for strength and intellect

I got the violet one since it is my favorite color. I am still thinking if I should get another one for the family or perhaps for a friend. Let me show you the pages of the planner.

Cover

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The Joyful Daybook 2019 is perfect bound with a rubber cover nicely designed with embossed print and cute random doodles. Its front has the joyful day book 2019 print while at the back has Mercury Drug Suki Daybook embossed print as well.

A stretchable garter keeps the book closed and a ribbon marker as well with the same color of the preferred cover is available inside.

Joyful Daybook Pages

"Finding joy even in the littlest moments is a great way to live a brighter and healthier life."

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The first few pages cover all fields where the owner can put up his or her personal information as well as emergency contact details. This is a lined notebook overall but it also has certain pages which feature inspirational stories, messages and even activities like that in a Bullet Journal!

Mercury Drug Store also has their own message to the owner. A snippet of the message goes:

"Life is not about being happy and contented, but it is also about appreciating even the smallest things that make your life meaningful.

With powerful ideas formed together in our 2019 Suki Daybook, start the year with a new purpose. Now's the time to step your life up and feel joyful!"

The Bright Mind Page

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Yellow with a sketch of a woman and a man on the left side, this page shows the ways of keeping the mind happy and healthy. Learning to say no, stop the self-torture, treating yourself like that person you love, controlling how you feel and just choosing to have a radiant mind and to exercise, whether it is Zumba or yogato make the mind and body alive.

60 Day Mood Tracker

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Like that of a bullet journal, the Joyful Daybook has a certain section where the owner can monitor his or her daily emotions by simply shading the emoticons according to how he or she feels.

This is good for two months so it is a great way to really see in a wider angle as to which specific days one feels such and figure out the trend after the 60 days period ends.

Finding My Ikigai

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This portion here is pretty interesting. It was my first time to learn about Ikigaiwhich is a Japanese term for "a reason for being." So the page elaborates by providing a page where the book owner can relax and start writing down the actions that come to one's mind when certain questions are asked such as:

1. What are the things that I love doing?
2. What am I good at?
3. What are the things that I can get paid for?
4. What do I think the world needs?
5. Off all the things that I love doing, which of them am I good at?
6. Which of these things can finance my basic needs?
7. What would pay me and would benefit the world?
8. What does the world need that can make me happy too?

The answers to the above determine one's Ikigai. This is the passion plus mission plus vocation and profession, one's true life purpose.

Adventure BINGO

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Here's another Bujo type of activity page which is more of a challenge to the book owner which they refer as the ultimate self-love reward.

The catch is to cross out the squares by doing the life changing activities presented in the page one day at a time. Such activities include:

Volunteering at an organization
Buying an indoor plant
Being totally honest in a day
Writing a thankful love letter to your parents
Treating yourself to a spa session
Having a nice conversation with an elderly
Spending 10 days being a vegetarian
Enrolling in a short painting class
Petting stray animals
Taking up a new interesting hobby
Not using plastic utensils in a day
Quitting alcohol and cigarettes for a month
Thanking five people you meet today

The list goes on and it is very interesting that I want to do these challenges soon too!

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More pages show how one can be productive, there's one section which has a Snake and Ladder activity to gauge the productively happy day. Yet another one encourages how to acquire the grateful attitude and its effect on the body, health, and relationships. It also includes another 30-day thankful challenge where one can spend a month appreciating all the good things that go along each day by answering certain questions every single day for that duration.

How to Get the Joyful Daybook 2019 for less than Php 200?

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As mentioned above, the Suki Daybook is not for sale but only to be exchanged for 35 suki points at any Mercury Drug Store. Each suki point is equivalent to Php 200. That means a customer will have to spend Php 7000 before he or she could reach the 35 points.

But don't fret because there's a hack to that. I spent only Php 198 and here's how!

When you visit a Mercury Drug Store, look for all those items which could earn you additional points. In my case, I selected the three set Orab B toothbrush which was priced at Php 198 and gives 50 suki points!

There are more other items which can possibly give you more suki points! Just look around the local Mercury Drug Store to find them! Enjoy!

Thank you for reading!

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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast. 
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.