UPDATE: Oct. 5,2009
A little over a week ago a deadly Typhoon by the name of “Ondoy” hit the Philippines and left half the country submerged in floodwaters. The typhoon resulted in thousands of homeless individuals and caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. In just one day, many lost everything they had. My heart goes out to all of you who may have lost someone/something because of the typhoon. Condolences.

It’s funny how it is only during times of hardship when one can really make a very big difference. However, making a difference does not mean that you must do superhuman things. It’s as easy as doing what you can for the benefit of others. In the span of a week, I was able to truly understand the concept of Bayanihan (A spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective) at work. Almost everyone I knew volunteered to help give back what “Ondoy” took away.

Yet despite all the heroic and selfless acts of most of my fellow countrymen I was still exposed to things that I did not agree with… things that really disturbed me. I refuse to lie. Corruption, ulterior motives, and self-serving acts were still carried out during the whole relief-time period. In this sense, the Philippines still needs a lot of work. Following this note – the Philippines still needs a lot of help. I'm sure many of you already have contacts on where to donate and volunteer. If you don't have any and you're willing, don't hesitate to send me a note.

We are facing a difficult time for the Philippines right now. There are talks of following Typhoons, signs of social ordeals, and even rumors of erupting volcanoes. Frankly, I’m worried. However, I can’t discount the fact that I learned a lot – about myself and about my country. I’m damn proud of The Philippines... Damn proud to be a Filipino... and most of all, I'm damn proud of my fellow Filipinos. All of this was a huge step you guys. I think we all learned a lot. I hope we can all carry and utilize all of this in the future. Kudos.

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SEPT. 22, 2009
FIRST AND FOREMOST: HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY KAT!





This girl and I go way back. We've been through so much together. It's insane.

On a completely vain note... I finally dyed my hair black:

Colored hair is too expensive to maintain.

I’m not going to lie - times are certainly hard nowadays. I have to deal with a lot of new expectations now; the majority of which border the impossible. All the stress I’m currently going through has really put me in a dry spell in regards to my photography. However, I hope to overcome this forced hiatus as photography really helps me deal with the added stress of life. It forces me to focus and in a way - relax. It gives me a sense of fulfillment which I find, is really hard to come by nowadays. Thus, comes my new resolve -> to start shooting again - anything and everything.

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