I started learning photography two years ago because i want to have a hobby that’s easy to get started. I began with a couple point-and-shoot cameras, but everything i know about photography i learned from a used Nikon DSLR i bought online. From there, everything went like a whirlwind. I created a weblog and called myself the Shutter Slacker. I got a few recognition from fellow bloggers and even taught basic photography at one point. Having a blog fueled me to shoot more so i can post more and maybe make a name for myself online.

A year later, i had to sell my DSLR because of financial reasons. Since then, posting on my blog became very scarce even if i finally got a new camera. I don’t know, i guess i just got too laxed until i lose the desire to go on. Shutter Slacker is, for me, a huge success, and it’s sad that i let it die a slow cyber death. But i just couldn’t push myself. :’(

Shutter Slacker gave me one of my best blogging experiences. Being able to share my work with people who appreciated it was beyond amazing. But right now, i have to set my priorities straight first, figure out what i really want, and then pick up from there. I’m no longer the Shutter Slacker. She was a serious, DSLR-wielding photographer. I am now just a little snapshooter.

I’m currently working on a new and much simpler photoblog. Only pictures and captions — no long and wordy posts. It’s still under construction but you may want to take a look at it and let me know what you think:

ODEEISAWESOME | SNAPSHOTS
Link: http://odeesnapshots.tumblr.com
Platform: Tumblr

You can also catch me at my personal blog, http://odeeisawesome.wordpress.com

Again, a huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported my craft through the months. And to Christie, Stef, Prima, Joshua, Chester, Ayla, Anna… you guys were the ones who drove me the most to shoot. Thank you!  :”>

THANK YOU THANK YOU.

This is one of the reasons why I’m excited to start with my new work: the place surrounding our building is just so picturesque. :)

It’s been a while since I last saw the moon. Or, it’s been a while since I brought my camera out to take a photo of the moon.

More like a painting than a photo, but it’s okay. I’m all for experimentation.

Carbonara topped with parmesan cheese and bacon bits. I’m picky when it comes to white sauce pastas, but this one by The Creamery is, by far, the best I’ve ever tasted!

A slice of Sans Rival ice cream cake. Yup, no chiffon or spongy layers – just pure ice cream (Selecta, not Nestle) with a bunch of peanuts. It’s too sweet and frozen for my taste, but I love chewing the nuts hee hee!

The Creamery is a casual resto and ice cream bar located at the Mall of Asia, Philippines. Visit them at the Ground Floor, Entertainment Mall South inside Kids’ Universe. :)

I love sunsets. Whether i’m at the beach or on the road, sunsets never fail to amaze me. ^_^

Taken on a footbridge, converted to black and white. I like the contrast of dark and light at the top and bottom. :))

Every day this summer season feels like the hottest day of the year in the Philippines. Forget the usual halo-halo and indulge yourselves to these smoothie flavors: Guyabano & Caimito* Twirl and Guyabano & Kamias* Beat. Now available at:

It’s a great-tasting smoothie, promise.^_^

*thanks to Stef for bringing to my attention a translation of these local flavors. Guyabano is soursop and Caimito is star apple. I couldn’t find a direct English word for Kamias; the closest description was averrhoa, a close relative of carambola, but I think it’s a scientific name. :))

More photos after the jump. ^_^

The guy below is called a “spotter”; it’s his job to stay on top and try to spot a whaleshark so he could signal us when it’s time to dive. Whalesharks are sensitive sea creatures who love to swim peacefully. Hence, we should dive as quietly as possible to avoid causing disturbance.

I have no underwater case with me so I wasn’t able to take photos of the whaleshark in action. So I concentrated on the surroundings instead.

Of course, sunset photos are quite a staple in beaches.

We did firefly watching during the night. However, I wasn’t able to capture the fireflies as accurately as what the eye would see. I got this instead. The green trail is that of a firefly who passed in front of the lens. The green dots were all fireflies with flickering lights on a tree.

Good morning, beach.

Cagsawa Ruins is a former church which took a major blow when Mayon Volcano erupted many years ago. What’s left now is the old building’s right bell tower.

Souvenir shops line the side of Cagsawa Ruins, offering potted plants, the usual fridge magnets, shirts and key chains, and local refreshments.

We left Cagsawa and was train-bound back to Manila. Outside, the train looks like this:

Inside, you’ll see this:

To be honest, I was surprised that the interior looked like that. The exterior has such a rugged appearance. :))

For detailed information of this backpacking travel including personal itinerary and expenses, click HERE and you’ll be directed to my personal blog. :))

Canon’s G-series targets enthusiasts who want to move on from normal compacts but can’t quite jump yet to a DSLR. The G12 is its latest model to date, which still continues to gain a steady number of users because of its DSLR-like features without the additional bulk and weight.

From this day onwards, photos that will appear on this blog are all taken by the G12 unless otherwise stated. :))

Mt. Mayon in Albay, Philippines. Less clouds mean a better view of this active volcano.

Camera used: Blackberry 8520. Zero post-processing.