Monday, May 27, 2013

Singapore Skyline

What can be accomplished in 11 days of travel? How far can your body go before you run out of gas? Here's what we did. 5 countries, 8 cities. From Ho Chi Minh to Singapore, you heard it right, in 11 days. If only we had more time, Indonesia would've been conquered as well. We patterned our IT from a helpful friend's recent trip. For that, thank you  for its conception, James. 

For memory's sake, I'd like to jot this down in reverse fashion starting from the last country visited. I do not have much pictures as the heat was torturous. I was hit by an untimely realization; my full frame camera (5DM3) with a walk-around lens was no convenience in backpacking trips. 'Twas the correct call not to bring my big ass tripod. Whew!


With less than 48 hours to spare in a mega city that is Singapore, what do you conquer?

Sentosa island is home to Singapore's make-believe pretentious beaches. Day one was a full day in that beloved island pearl of theirs. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore like the usual youthful tourist, which brings me to travel tip #1, always bring your student ID, even if you're no longer a student. A 20 SGD discount will be irresistible. Songs of the Seas, Tiger Sky Tower and Skyline Luge came afterwards. I would ride more of the Luge if time permitted, only that is worthy to be mentioned.

Day two's theme was Singapore revisited. Last time I was here, there was no Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Universal Studios among other less known things. First we met up with our former swimming coach, he had us devour the famous Singapore curry, if such a meal exists. Went up the top of MBS for free. Walked here and there. Walked here and there again. 

The only time I put out my dSLR camera was when dusk arrived. The blue hour, perfect timing for the picturesque Singapore skyline. Marina Bay photographs below. The Helix Bridge. The Merlion. The Art Gallery. 

Time to fly home! Changi Airport was  a friendly one, in fact a no-brainer. A subway system directly connected to all terminals, affordable too. Free candies on the immigration officers counter. Water refill fountains available at boarding gates. Too bad though, multiple layers of glass prevented me from taking pictures of all sorts of planes and airlines. I rode skytrains here and there, as such is my love for aviation.








Sunday, March 31, 2013

Guam in Infrared

Yes, you read it right! I am on my feet and traveling once again! First stop, the US territory, Guam. This destination was a forced issue by our dearest Father, something about getting the US visa stamped. Or he just wanted to spend his money. I'd push for India, New Zealand or Japan if it were I to choose. 

There's not much to do in Guam, from an adventurous or cultural point of view. The island has lots of diving spots. Maybe my lack of a diving license killed it. I did mostly long exposure shots instead. Not much family pictures taken, no one insisted since Mother did not come to this trip with us. Yet, she was missed.

By the way, I was ready to upload these 3 days ago. Blame the crappy hotel Wi-fi. 
But here it is for savoring.

PS: Spare the horrendous writing. After all, I've only stepped at home a mere 45 minutes ago. Also, my gut is strange of late; parallel to my mental well-being, it is having symptoms of ADHD. ETEC probably, I'm hoping that was the last wave. 

Till the next episode of Terence Travels, see you in China!
Outside the hotel, around 50m from the beach
Bear Rock
Eastern coast of the US territory that is Guam
Play with streaks
Tuna transported in grocery carts
Chamorro with fresh tuna
That stereotype shot

Bloooood 
WHAT point?
Rocky shore
Underneath the tree, the rented Hyundai Tucson in the same playground
The Rock 
Wished we brought our swimming attire on our road trip
Army plane flies over Two Lover's Point
"Travel opens the mind and loosens the bowels." - Therapeutics 201

Monday, March 25, 2013

Chased Light

As soon as classes in medical school ended, the first Sunday thereafter, I attended the Chasing Light Advanced Infrared Workshop. The err of figuring out it was for advanced Chasing Light students caused a bit of a problem. The great unknown in composing and focusing would have resulted to failure. Nevertheless, I tried to absorb as much as I could. The night before, sleep was my friend. 8 hours of it to prevent that headache to be caused by the highest sun alternating with an arctic-cold air-conditiong blast, drying sweat and screen illuminations.  

Some of my shots
I have no idea how I can reduce the noise.
The residences at night
Atop the Greenbelt 5 where grass shouldn't be existing.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

I am itching to write a blog post; it's been almost a month since the last. I don't know what to write about at this ungodly time of supposed compre studying. But deliberately, I now compose. I don't know what font I've been using. :| Too lazy to compose in third person; I shall take my leave.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

That Productive Weekend

February 26, 2013 - A weekend full of surprises. Starting off as 3-day long weekend transforming into 4-day vacation, and its becoming of an intermodule weekend.
They took some portraits, enjoying each other's company.
Ladies walking the ramp in a fashion show. Gentlemen watching by the sidelines, readying their soon enough shallow pockets. With a camera as big as that Terence owns, be mistaken as the event's official photographer.
Hello blue-skinned Na'vi!
Hello Z!

All Lee smiles
Flight by balloons, kites, skydivers, jet exhibitions and hot air balloons, some A320s on the tarmac. Up up and away!
Up.
Down.
Up.
Down.
Up.
Down.
Dawn.
Such in the mind in an ADHD
More photoshoots. The sun getting a piece of his yellow glow. Reflections of people in the water. Terence's sister will be turning 18 soon. She's almost adult now?!? Well, Terence is as well, despite it not being obvious due to hyperactivity.
Bokeh, new skills learned
Outdoor setup with Silent Ted
Fresh breeze
Food tasting with sea bass as the star of the show.
That's about the weekend, ladies and gentlemen.