Company’s First Year Anniversary Outing

Our company is celebrating its first year anniversary and we are going to hold it at Subic.

 I am honoured being able to see this company progress from its humble beginnings, being a part of that beginning, and to what it is now. I just can’t wait for the company outing!

However, I still don’t have a camera! Well, I guess I can’t post any pictures about that event as I don’t want to use the pictures others took. I just wish I can find a good deal sometime soon.

 I believe the company outing will be grand as it has been a milestone for everyone. I pray for further milestones and more blessings to pour heavily on the company and all its stakeholders.

Test Driving a Sony DSC-W300

I was testing the Sony DSC-W300 at a mall showcase and, instantly, I love the gadget! It was too awesome as it has lots of features and on top of that it has manual settings similar to a SLR or DSLR but you need to click your way thru not like the ease the SLR and DSLR camera provides.

The model model is the latest and the top of the line in the DSC-W series for Sony and it has been released sometime February 2008, therefore, it can demand a bit out of your pockets for a small compact digital camera. (see DSC-W170 and DSC-W300 comparison)

Looking thru the camera model’s features, it is rare to find Sony to offer a larger aparture size at 1/2.8, however, you don’t get too much tele capability, the optical zoom capability. However, looking at other brands, the others do offer even larger aparture sizes from 1/2.6 to 1/2.7 with greater tele capabilities compared to that of the W300. I am still looking forward to Sony being able to make such cameras in the future.

Comparing Sony’s small compact digital camera lines with the rest of the other brands, they are by far one of the most expensive in the market. Becasue of their prices, they try to compensate that by offering many other features such as instant photo retouching, image slide shows, and more. However, what is more compelling for me to buy such camera is the way Sony digital cameras offer colour quality to your shots as I believe they have engineered a different set of sensors.

By the way, if you plan on buying a Sony camera, do take good care of it as it is disposable when damaged. What I mean by disposable when damage is that when you get the camera’s internal parts damage is it is better to buy another new unit than having it repaired. Expect the main part’s replacement to cost at least Php6,000!

Information on Mount Famy Trail

Last Holy Week of 2009 I went together with my officemates on a mountain trekking adventure where we trekked the Mount Famy trail.

The Mount Famy trail can be considered to be a good trek for those who are beginners to the outdoor backpacking. It is just a few hours away from Metro Manila and the trek up the camp site will normally last to three hours. (See our pictures).

Mount Famy is situated near Siniloan, Laguna and our itenerary to reach the place is as follows:

1.    Jeep from EDSA Crossing to terminal at Taytay, Rizal
2.    Jeep from Taytay to Siniloan, Laguna
3.    Trike from Siniloan to Mt. Famy trail registration booth

Before going to the Mt. Famy registration booth and started the trail, we stopped over the Siniloan public market to buy goods for meals during the camp. Don’t worry about getting lost at Siniloan as the Siniloan Public Market is the destination of the jeep as it is the terminal. We also took the time to use the public toilet as there is none during the trail. Then from there, you can take the trikes to the registration booth.

The trail has some forks so better be with people who has reached the top as they know which path to take, however, during the Holy Week there are lots of campers so you won’t be alone but expect to have no place to camp upon reaching the camp site.

Upon reaching the top, the main camp sites are found at the top and bottom of the Buruwisan falls. There are also good spots to camp going to the Batya-batya falls or, to the other end, the Lanzones falls.

What to expect on the trail and the camp site:

• Mountain rangers that ensure the safety and cleanliness
• No signal for Globe and Sun subscribers while there is a little for Smart on few selected spots
• No electricity
• A seasonal mom and pop store that sells bread, cigarettes, soap, shampoo, soft to hard beverages, and more
• A pay toilet
• A night event when there are numerous campers

My expenditure for the trek was around Php800 for a three day two night stay at Mt. Famy includive of my fare from Cubao and back, the registration, and my food. However, if you are not physically fit and you don’t have the required equipment, you might find yourself spending more than that.

When having such an outdoor adventure, always remember to take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time. Please be responsible with your trash and bring them down when you leave.

VCF Alabang Kids Ministry Random Pics

Here are some random shots taken during the preparation or ongoing Sunday services for the Kids ministry.

 Here are the album 1 and album 2 links to get the individual pics.

-Xycris