"Kodak Professional BW400CN is a high-speed chromogenic black and white negative film designed to be processed in C-41 chemistry and printed on RA-4 color papers."
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Monday, July 03, 2017
Before my trip to Melbourne a few weeks ago, I did a lot of research about their transport system and how to use the Myki card. Aside from checking their official site (https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki), I've checked out a lot of blog posts too as it can get really confusing on how to use the card.
I spent 3 days in Melbourne and below are some of the basic things you need to know about using the Myki card:
Where to buy?
I bought mine at the PTV Hub area as soon as I arrived at the Southern Cross station. Once you get off the Skybus & enter the station, you will see a ticket office on your right.
Update as of November 2018: You can now buy your Myki Card at the ticket office on your right, after you enter the Southern Cross Station from the SkyBus arrival area. They accept cash and card for payment.Aside from the PTV hub station, you can also purchase the card from other premium train/tram stations & 711 stores.
How much is the card?
The card cost $6 AUD after which you can top up with either Myki money or Myki pass.
For tourists, they recommend the Myki Explorer package ($15 AUD) which includes the following:
- Myki Card
- Myki Money $9 AUD
- Maps
- Souvenir Wallet
Topping up your Myki Card
A Myki card can be topped up with either Myki Money or Myki Pass (see which one is for you in detail here). For travelers, Myki Money is the choice here and the amount of how much 'money' to load will depend on your itinerary.
You can top up you card on Myki machines located in tram/train stations & 711 stores.
How much Myki money should I top up?
They have a 2-hour fare ($4.10 AUD) & a daily cap fare ($8.20 AUD). Maximize your Myki money by planning your itinerary wisely - identify which Zones the places you want to visit are located at & place them on the same day. This way, you can travel all day anywhere within Zones 1 and 2 for a fixed amount. Take advantage of the free trams around the area, and should you need to use your Myki, it would be more economical & convenient to use the daily cap instead of the 2-hour fare.
When to tap on and off?
If you are only traveling within the free tram zone area, no need to use your Myki and tap on or off. However, when your journey includes any station from Zones 1 & 2, you need to tap on & off.
Sample Scenario:
From CBD area -coming from D2 Central Pier station, you'd like to go to St Kilda Beach and the nearest tram station is Stop 136 The Esplanade (St Kilda).
1. From D2 Central Pier station, take Tram 35 (City Circle) and get off at Stop 1 Spencer St/Flinders St. As this is still within the Free Tram Zone area, NO NEED to tap on or off.
2. From Stop 1, walk towards Stop 124 Batman Park/Spencer St.
3. Take Tram 96 (St Kilda Beach) and tap ON your Myki Card.
4. Tap OFF your Myki card before getting off at Stop 136 Esplanade.
Note though that even if you forgot to tap on or off on stations you should have, the maximum amount it will deduct your Myki card is almost the same as the daily cap fare. So for me, as a traveler, it would be less confusing if you just take the daily fare & visit the places outside the free tram area on the same day.
Sunday, May 07, 2017
AGFA APX 400
Black and White Film Negative
ISO 400
*Unedited Photos & shot on a bright, sunny (morning) day
*Location: WaWa Dam Rodriguez, Rizal
*Thoughts: Milky/Light Gray, low contrast tone.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
So, I've been dabbling on film photography these past few days and have been researching on getting myself my own film scanner. Finding a photo studio who still does film developing & scanning is quite a challenge so I really want to buy myself a film scanner so I can have more control of my film scan results.
I was supposed to buy either a Canon or Epson Film Scanner but unfortunately they were not available at Trinoma so just to satisfy my urge of getting a film scanner, I headed over to CD-R King and was able to buy their stand alone film scanner for Php 2,800.
This film scanner does not require any application to scan films, just plug (either to an outlet or to your PC/Laptop using the USB cable), insert the film using the included holders and adjust the frames to display correctly on the monitor then save. It has a slot for a memory card where you can save the scans but it also allows direct saving to laptop/PC via its USB cable connection.
The box contains:
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| Stand Alone Film Scanner |
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| Film Holders (Negative, Slide & Roll Film) |
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| Plug, USB Cable, TV Jack Cable and Brush Cleaner |
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| User Manual |
Now for the comparison of scan results; I've had my film scanned by Kodak Express Digital Solutions (Trinoma).
Kodak:
CD-R King Stand Alone Film Scanner:
Kodak:
CD-R King Stand Alone Film Scanner:
CD-R King Stand Alone Film Scanner:
Kodak:
CD-R King Stand Alone Film Scanner:
As you can see, there's a lot of difference on the quality & color. But with it's price compared to high-end legit flatbed film scanners which ranges from 10K-15K, results are worth of its price. This is recommended for those starting with film photography who:
1. Wants to scan their own films but do not want to shell out too much money.
2. Don't have space for a proper flatbed film scanner.
3. Wants to conveniently scan their films without using any application.
4. Film Scanner you can bring anywhere & scan films anytime.
5. Does not require much editing & high-quality images.
6. No plans of printing the scanned images.
In my opinion, it's not too bad - in fact it gives a more vintage-vibe, don't you think?
Thursday, November 17, 2016
I feel like birth certificate is the most requested document by Filipinos as this is always if not often part of the requirement when applying for anything in this country. We are so blessed that nowadays, we now have a quite few options to request for this copy without sacrificing much of our time, patience and sanity.
Online
All you have to do is fill out the form, pay and wait for the document to be delivered to you.
Two sites I can recommend are:
2. NSO Help Line: https://nsohelpline.ph/order-now
I always get mine at E-Census web site because one of their accredited payment channel is BDO, which is hella convenient for me.
Step 1: Application Form
Fill out the form and once done you will be provided with a Batch Request Number & Request Reference Number
Step 2: Payment
You can either pay via online banking (which is what I always do) or pay via BDO ATM machine or go to the nearest BDO or UnionBank and provide the Batch or Request Reference Number
The fees are as follows:
Step 3: Delivery
After payment, it will take 3-5 working days (Metro Manila) for the document to be delivered. You will receive a Dispatch Notification email to update you when the document is on its way. If in any case, you won't be able to receive the package personally or you opted to have it delivered in your office address, make sure to leave an authorization letter & a xerox copy of any valid ID so the guard on duty can receive it on your behalf.
I have not tried NSO Helpline yet - but based from their FAQ page, their fee is Php 350 but processing time is 2-3 working days. If you are ok with the extra Php 35 charge for a much faster processing time - then this one's for you.
Mall Business Centers
SM Mall Business Center now accepts request for government documents and this is a good option if there is a SM mall near you. Their fee is Php 140 per copy plus an additional Php 20 for service fee. You have the option to pick up the document after 4-6 business days or have it delivered for a fee.
Serbilis Outlets
Now if you are in a hurry to get a copy of your birth certificate and can't afford to wait for a few days delivery, then you can always go to the nearest Serbilis outlet to request one. The fee is also Php 140 and you can wait for the release of the document within the day.
You can visit this site: https://psa.gov.ph/civil-registration-services/walk-applications-serbilis-outlets to get more information on the steps & timeline of the whole process once there.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Last Saturday, I had no weekend-getaway plans to I decided to just spend it by pampering my tired hands & feet. I remember seeing this new salon near the parking area of Trinoma, so I decided to give it a try. Since it was real early, I was their first customer - you know there's always a pressure being the first customer, its like you're setting their sale situation for the day.
Anyhoo, the receptionist that greeted me was very kind & accommodating. I asked her what she can recommend as what I basically wanted was a foot spa/scrub of some sort. She recommended their Foot Spa package - which already consists of pedicure, foot scrub & massage. And all these 3 for just Php 450.00.
They also offer different kinds of scrub, oil & massage you can choose from; but if you're too lazy to select - then they do have a ready package you can choose from. I was so tired from my night shift that day so I just opted to choose from the ready list. I chose Easy Sunday Afternoon package which includes:
- Peppermint Scrub
- Lemongrass Mask
- Lavender Oil
- Swedish Massage
- Pedicure inc. of regular nail polish
Before I get to the service, entering the main area really amazed me. Their salon was so homey, and true to their business name, its as if you are inside a kitchen.
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| Center table with fake cupcakes on top |
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| Comfy couch sets |
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| Work area is very spacious |
Small pots/pans hanging on the wall, a refrigerator where they store their top of the line nail polish, even the tools they use for mani & pedi like a pan to soak your feet in, syringe to dispense their cuticle remover, etc. SOOO COOL :)
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| They use a whisk to mix the warm water & soap |
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| Some of the kitchen tools they use for your feet |
Easy Sunday Afternoon
1. First, they soaked my feet in a frying pan with hot water. One of the crew used literally a whisk to I guess mix the soap & hot water before they ask me to dip my feet in it.
2. After soaking, Anne started to apply the Peppermint Scrub on my legs. The peppermint smell was relaxing alone. 
3. Then they wrapped my legs & feet with a clear cling wrap plastic foil. Anne describe this as baking. She had my legs & part of my feet baked for around 10-15 minutes.4. While my legs are 'baking', she started working on my toe nails. I was so amazed how they are using simple kitchen tools on their mani/pedi service. She used a syringe to dispense a gel-form cuticle remover (this was my first time to try a gel-like form so I was so amazed) & a salt & pepper shaker to dispense alcohol. I also admire them for sanitizing all their tools before every service.
5. After my legs & feet have been fully baked, they took out the cling wrap foil by massaging a hot towel first. After removing the foil, they soaked my legs & feet again on a frying pan with hot water.
6. Next was my favorite part. The MASSAGE. Anne applied the Lavender oil & massage my legs & feet. HEAVEN.
7. The last part was of course the continuation of the pedicure itself. I paid an extra Php 60.00 for a Zoya nail polish. The package actually includes the basic nail polish already but if you want to try some high-end / organic nail polish - it will cost you extra Php 60.00 that you can use for both hands & feet.
Classic Manicure
Cost: Php 145 inc. of regular nail polish1. First, they will ask to soak your nails on baking tray with hot water & soap.
2. The usual manicure process
They have a separate blower/heater to quick dry the hands & feet; very hygenic & useful especially if you are in a hurry.
Overall, my experience on this salon was incredibly awesome. All 5 stars for the staff, 5 stars for the excellent services and 5 stars for their tools/equipment/interior design.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place & will definitely go back.
They currently have 2 branches:
- Trinoma: located at the 3rd floor near Mindanao Parking Entrance & beside Sony shop
- Alabang Town Center: UG Commerce Ave. Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
Friday, April 22, 2016
Place 5/5 Rating
Inside, they have a very relaxed & cozy setup. They also have an outside section (covered area & with a ceiling fan) - I guess this is for smokers. Even though the outside section was so tempting, it was around 3PM in the afternoon so we are not choosing to dine covered in sweat.
Compared to other snack places along that area, their place was sufficient enough to cater to at least 25-30 pax on the first floor. They have a second floor but at that time it was closed.
Food 4/5 Rating
We ordered Avocado & Strawberry Milkshakes.
As per their menu, they only have 4 flavors of milkshakes which cost Php 135.00 (one size) each.
We enjoyed it, not too sweet & loved the whip cream, sprinkles & pinipig on top!
We also ordered Carbonara & Lasagna (each cost Php 175.00)
I find the Carbonara too small of a portion with its price. Serving of their pasta is for one person only & NOT for sharing (in the case of Carbonara, kid size in my opinion).
Portion or serving issue aside, it was delish. I just feel Php 175 does not give justice to the size of Carbonara served to me. Lasagna though was of fair portion - no complaints about it.
Price 4/5 Rating
Food price range from Php 200-400. Acceptable price if you want to have a fancy snack or merienda. They don't have a service charge so leaving out a tip would be nice.Staff 5/5 Rating
What I noticed is that they are very attentive & courteous. That day all of them have smiles on their faces, which maybe they are all just having a good day that time but still seeing your servers in a happy mood is a good reflection of the store.I'll definitely go back here to try out their cake and other stuff they offer in their menu.
Address:
Concepcion 2 41 Lilac St., Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, Philippines
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/CafeForgetMeNot
Monday, March 28, 2016
YouTube make up gurus made me curious about this new type of make up brush; and while at a mall on a Black Saturday - I chanced upon this stall at Trinoma Pop Culture that sell this kind of brush. I did not know how to call this brush at first- but according to Google/YouTube - its what they call 'Paddle Blending Brush'.
Pretty Angel Shoppe has a small corner at Pop Culture & saw this one on display. I asked the lady (who was very busy that time, not entertaining other customers mind you, but busy chatting with the other 'tinderas') the price (surprised she heard me) and said it was Php 250.00. So, why not - I got it together with a mushroom brush (Php 220.00).
According to the package, this is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Blending Brush. Only if you are high on drugs or in denial will you believe that with a price & box condition like that, it's an authentic Anastasia Beverly Hills product. Checking Anastasia Beverly Hills' official site, they do not sell this kind of brush at all. The only like legit 'paddle blending brush' I saw was from MAC - which as you know is quite expensive.
But I didn't mind as I just wanted to experience how my foundation will turn out if applied using this brush that looks like for my teeth & not for the face.
I first used this to apply my Loreal True Match super-blendable makeup foundation. I loved how it easily blended & applied the product to my face, the hairs were so fine & soft that it easily glides unto my face. I feel like it made my foundation air-brush finish. I also loved how it buffs the product so easily, especially on the hard corners of my face, like the side of my nose & my undereye area. Since the hairs are so soft, blending & buffing was a breeze.
Next day, I tried using this only for blending/buffing my undereye concealer. It was awesome! It blended the product evenly - compared to when I'm using my fingers, brush or sponge - this one takes the cake.
What I noticed though is the plastic handle is not that sturdy. If you got heavy hands or enjoyed buffing too much it will definitely break easily. If you have this, I'd recommend you either do it gently, or hold it near or close the paddle brush area. Not sure if the bendable handle has its purpose though, so I might be missing something here.
This is the low point when buying fake brushes - either you get hair fall outs and/or cheap plastic handles that break out easily. But, in fairness to most of these knock-outs, they do the same job as what their original version are tasked to do. Last Christmas season, I was able to buy a flat-kabuki brush at Divisoria - which was labeled as Sigma F80 brush. The hair was so soft - similar to the Artist Studio quality brushes at Landmark - that's why I bought it.
The thing I don't understand is why the need to put those brand names on these China-made knock-off products? Just produce them without brand names, period. People will still buy them - if they are of good quality & because its cheaper. Stop hurting MAC or Anastasia or Benefit or whoever doing legit business or process. It's like a double-slap in the face.
Going back to the paddle brush, yes its a good alternative when applying your foundation/concealer. Should you buy the original one? I would say - if you have the budget buy the MAC ones (you will never find an original Anastasia Beverly Hills because there ain't one - yet :P) - this knock-off gives good result so imagine if you get the legit one right? But, if just for experience & if low on doe - this one will do the trick. Let's be real, people go for the less expensive one, as long as they give the same result - times are hard.
Is it necessary? Every person has their own preference when applying foundation, if you already found 'the one', then good for you - no need to buy another one. But when you are into make up, you will not be contented with just having one brush, like everything else, make up is evolving - its either you go with it or just stick to the basic - your call.
Pretty Angel Shoppe has a small corner at Pop Culture & saw this one on display. I asked the lady (who was very busy that time, not entertaining other customers mind you, but busy chatting with the other 'tinderas') the price (surprised she heard me) and said it was Php 250.00. So, why not - I got it together with a mushroom brush (Php 220.00).
According to the package, this is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Blending Brush. Only if you are high on drugs or in denial will you believe that with a price & box condition like that, it's an authentic Anastasia Beverly Hills product. Checking Anastasia Beverly Hills' official site, they do not sell this kind of brush at all. The only like legit 'paddle blending brush' I saw was from MAC - which as you know is quite expensive.
But I didn't mind as I just wanted to experience how my foundation will turn out if applied using this brush that looks like for my teeth & not for the face.
I first used this to apply my Loreal True Match super-blendable makeup foundation. I loved how it easily blended & applied the product to my face, the hairs were so fine & soft that it easily glides unto my face. I feel like it made my foundation air-brush finish. I also loved how it buffs the product so easily, especially on the hard corners of my face, like the side of my nose & my undereye area. Since the hairs are so soft, blending & buffing was a breeze.
Next day, I tried using this only for blending/buffing my undereye concealer. It was awesome! It blended the product evenly - compared to when I'm using my fingers, brush or sponge - this one takes the cake.
What I noticed though is the plastic handle is not that sturdy. If you got heavy hands or enjoyed buffing too much it will definitely break easily. If you have this, I'd recommend you either do it gently, or hold it near or close the paddle brush area. Not sure if the bendable handle has its purpose though, so I might be missing something here.
This is the low point when buying fake brushes - either you get hair fall outs and/or cheap plastic handles that break out easily. But, in fairness to most of these knock-outs, they do the same job as what their original version are tasked to do. Last Christmas season, I was able to buy a flat-kabuki brush at Divisoria - which was labeled as Sigma F80 brush. The hair was so soft - similar to the Artist Studio quality brushes at Landmark - that's why I bought it.
The thing I don't understand is why the need to put those brand names on these China-made knock-off products? Just produce them without brand names, period. People will still buy them - if they are of good quality & because its cheaper. Stop hurting MAC or Anastasia or Benefit or whoever doing legit business or process. It's like a double-slap in the face.
Going back to the paddle brush, yes its a good alternative when applying your foundation/concealer. Should you buy the original one? I would say - if you have the budget buy the MAC ones (you will never find an original Anastasia Beverly Hills because there ain't one - yet :P) - this knock-off gives good result so imagine if you get the legit one right? But, if just for experience & if low on doe - this one will do the trick. Let's be real, people go for the less expensive one, as long as they give the same result - times are hard.
Is it necessary? Every person has their own preference when applying foundation, if you already found 'the one', then good for you - no need to buy another one. But when you are into make up, you will not be contented with just having one brush, like everything else, make up is evolving - its either you go with it or just stick to the basic - your call.
