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Supafly Singled Out from the Quiapo Crowd

Fritz — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:27:36 +0000

Kids, I have to warn you that fishing out your camera on the LRT platform can be very dangerous even if it’s a mere point and shoot camera you’re using. Fast forward to Sunday afternoon while we were lounging at the San Mig Cafe inside the Oceanarium after a day of walking around Manila, I was reviewing my shots and came upon this:

Sunday noon-time Quiapo crowd taken from the Carriedo LRT platform

I don’t know if it’s typical of Quiapo to be this crowded but I wouldn’t be caught dead swimming with that swarm. I’m not really a crowd person is why. I zoomed at the photo to see if anybody’ll stand out. Yeah, one person did.

Same photo. Magnified.

See him yet? Let’s zoom in a little more.

See him now?

Wide view… magnified… magnified… hold it right there Supafly! LOL

Supafly at 100% magnification

Now, the big question after this exercise: “Can your point and shoot camera do that?” /gloat

In Photos: Two Eclipses and a January

Fritz — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:12:17 +0000

This much I know when attempting to photograph an eclipse, be it lunar or solar: my first few attempts will always end up a failure. See that post-header image? Got that this at around past 5 in the afternoon on 01.15.2010 when I hoped for a decent shot of the solar eclipse. Shooting earlier would have ended in failure because those blasted clouds decided to block the sun. Way to go, clouds!

(Click on image for a larger view)

I rushed to another office window to get a clear view of the sun minus the metal obstructions and got depressed because no matter what setting I use on the Lumix ZS3, I still couldn’t get a decent shot. What followed was an idea I got when I was still in school: get a micro floppy disc, tear it open, and get the magnetic film inside and use that to filter the brightness that’s too much for the camera’s sensor. I got excited when, finally, I got this (pardon the digital noise):

(Click on image for a larger view)

I did my best but it ain’t good enough and so I tried to get another shot but was already too late. The sun has already set. :(

I used the full zoom (12x optical) and tweaked the following with the dial on “normal picture” mode (limited manual):

ISO Sensitivity: Auto
AF: 1-point
Pre-AF: Continuous AF
Metering Mode: Spot
Intelligent Exposure: On
Stabilizer: Mode 2
Min. Shutter Speed: 1/8

Coincidentally, I just discovered that I used almost the same settings in getting this Lunar Eclipse shot on January 1, 2010 (save for the Min. Shutter Speed factor which I set to 1/60 for this photo):

(Click on image for a larger view)

Compact point-and-shoot cameras win at life. See those lines? Fuckit, I never thought that those can be captured, either. You may see the images of my first two failed attempts for the lunar eclipse in this flickr page.

Gloat factor: these images were not enhanced/post-processed, save for the in-camera cropping and/or resizing.

New ROFL Greenwich Pizza Ads for 2010

Fritz — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:07:30 +0000

Sobrang Cheesy is soooooo last year.

Arpee got me and a few lucky others to meet up with Greenwich marketing execs to get a glimpse of the new Greenwich Pizza ads for 2010. I replied Monday with a “if the geniuses behind the John Lloyd sobrang cheesy ad won’t be there, I’m not going!” LOL didn’t mean it naman hrhrhr. Seriously, those guys have raised the bar so much that, at first, I wasn’t quite sure how they’d top “sobrang cheesy talaga!!!” and then we saw the new tag-line “nag-level up sa sarap!” in line with their latest offering Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza that claims to have 100% more hawaiian toppings.

Here are the first three ads featuring “nag-level up sa sarap.” I went ROFL literally when I got to really listen to the dialogue. PATOK NA PATOK! Way to go guys!

“Bala sa bala” (LOL line: “ubos kung ubos!… eto pa action star… rawr!“)

“Boss” (LOL lines: “minsan lang maging big time eh!” and “excuse me… my coat!”)

“Biceps” (LOL line: “Haneeeep! Flex ng flex!”)

So, you may ask, “kamusta naman ang pizza?” Pucha, natikman ko kagabi at kung olats to, di ko na to baon ko ngayon!!!

This morning while waiting for the lift in our office building lobby, I saw “Biceps” and said to myself, “that’s soooooo last night!” LOL Oh, and check out the new box, designed by Team Manila. I remember back in 2005, kami lang ata ni Ade ang sobrang fan ng Team Manila. Look how that baby has grown! *tears*

Year-Ender Post: 2009 in Fritzparazzi Photos

Fritz — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:17:53 +0000

Whew! This took too long. I’m sure there’s an easier way out there but I’m old school (i.e. a noob) so I rocked the hard way. If we’ve had interactions in the past year and if in those moments I was crazily snapping away like a loon, then most probably you’ll be in one of the 250 odd “fritzparazzi” photographs I used to come up with this vid. I was too tempted to use photos of other bloggers from most events because I later realized I was missing a month’s worth of pics off my archives, July 2009 to be exact, but thought better. This should do, I hoped.

So I start out with the Baconator and end with a snap of the lunar eclipse that happened on New Year’s Eve. Ok, that’s a lie. The ending’s totally different and I might end up getting killed for having that up LOL. Watch the vid already so you’ll know what I mean.

This one’s for you. For the company, the good times, your work, your craft, your dedication, and your passion. I hope that one day, I could at last measure up with the amount of efforts you have put in this endeavor, with or without Google AdSense.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a better year ahead of us all. And world peace.

Cheers!

Note: You may want to watch the full HD sized format of this vid straight off its youtube page. You’ll see the detail better that way.

Pet Society Items for December 28 Sneak Peek: Happy New Year Week

Fritz — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:11:06 +0000

I totally forgot publishing last week’s sneak peek, I just remembered. Goes to show that I may already be helplessly bored with Pet Society. So, it’s finally come to this, yes? Some good things never last, at least for me. Anyway, nostalgiangst (angsty nostalgia LOL) aside, I’d like to greet everyone a Merry Christmas.

In Pet Society, it could well probably be the last week for the Holiday Items. How’d you find the previous week’s items? Loved the Gingerbread Pet potion, that I’d have to say. This week, there’s yet another potion that you may want to wish could be here even after Christmas season: Snowpet Poition. There’s also a clearance sale happening, too, so better save those hard earned coins for Pet’s Society’s version of Black Friday. The 2010! Cake reminds me of the Rainbow Poo which sort of kinda makes the entire idea disgusting, seriously. New wine, fish, cabin theme, New Year’s Eve clothes, and among others form part of this update. Video below by user mayragracia of youtube.

That’s it, folks! Cheer’s to Pet Society and the year that shall near end. It’s been fun. Will you see me and the updates next year? Let’s see. The game gets boring by the week.

On a side note, are you guys playing Vampire Wars? I am and I already have all the Limited Edition Avatar Collection Set for the new New York missions. I have also completed all NY Missions, thereby getting the much coveted Flames of Liberty Ability with a 150 Offense and 50 Defense. This is, by far, the highest ranking “Offensive” ability yet! Mission closes 13 days after today. These limited missions require the “Blood of Elders” That you may get by doing regular missions. Bored with the wait of getting your Energy refilled faster? Here’s some help. Perfectly safe because they don’t not require you give them your password. Just refresh and get your refills. Erm, that didn’t come from me, ssssssssssssshhh! LOL I’m so crazy about this game, lag and all!

Well, that’s it. Stay safe everyone! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Holiday Gift Suggestion: “Not The Planner” 2010

Fritz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:58:41 +0000

I first read of this great gift idea from Sarah’s “This planner. I has it. I LOVE IT” plurk two weeks back. It had a link to the Not the Planner multiply site that just begged to be clicked. 10 minutes of going around the site, looking at the photos of the planner, and reading the creators’ notes had me texting the number and ordering 12 of this for my officemates. See the photos below to understand my “I want one, too!” reaction (hover on the images for captions).

I had a short chat with Chinggay, one of the brains behind the awesome “Not The Planner 2010″ planner and coerced her to share something that fans and soon-to-be-fans of the product may want to know. She said, “Chinggay, Tonet, and the planner’s artist Karl had their first (and only) face-to-face brainstorming meeting in Seattle’s Best.” The irony! LOL

I later found out that Chinggay and Tonet are both from UP Diliman. The entire idea about the planner only started in September this year. I didn’t believe it was possible, either. Such a short time to create something of this caliber!

When I finally got my dozen, I immediately scribbled a note on gift tags and began distributing them to officemates. They said if I or anybody with my personality were to make a planner, this would definitely be how it’ll look LOL. Getting a fix of the holiday coffee offerings of Starbucks I’d understand but going crazy and going to a store at least once a day in order to be the first of many to own an overly mass-produced planner (philanthropic undertones aside) only after owning 17 stickers (of 9 Holiday Specials and 8 from any other coffee drink) I don’t. Way expensive and stressful, not to mention common.

Two years ago, I brought my 2007 Starbucks Planner to an industry convention. I was feeling rather aloof that time and there’s this annoying person who took note of my planner and used it to capitalize on small talk with a “so you’re a coffee lover.” WTF?! That same night, I gave the same planner to my sister. Never again.

So if you still haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, getting these planners at P320.00 a piece is just a text message away to +63 906 4652191. They can also meet you up at some place convenient (some MRT stations, for example). Panalo lang!

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Shooting Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” Mini-Figures

Fritz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:24:50 +0000

It’s been a while. Good thing Anne’s got new toys on the shelf downstairs. Photos are of the Tim BurtonCorpse Bride Mini-Figure Collector’s Ser Series 2 from McFarlane Toys. Used the Lumix ZS3 in “Manual” mode, white balance in auto, 200 ISO max, and macro. Light source, as usual, is a 21-LED caving light. Tell me what you think.

The good thing about the Lumix is I’ve no need to reduce noise levels despite using a very low ISO limit and a paltry light source. Loving the cam all the more.

Pet Society Items for December 14 Sneak Peek

Fritz — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:50:15 +0000

Second week of Christmas in Pet Society (facebook) introduces a new game feature: Cooking. From my experience, you need not buy the ingredients from the food shop. Just “cook” from the cookbook and you’ll well be on your way. The food items level up the more you get to successfully do them (not get them burnt). This is a bit, hmmm, I dunno, odd. Anyway, new items on the 14 will introduce another machine just like the NannyBot that runs on PF Cash batteries: the Snow Machine! Also, from the looks of it, you’ll be able to build your own Snowman (much like those of the jack o lanterns from Halloween).

OK, I got bored fishing with Holdiay Fish Biscuits that I stopped on the 10th fish and never got the drive to fish again. Why? Because I discovered new games on facebook namely, Pet Ville (from zynga, the makers of Cafe World, Farm Ville, Fish Ville, and my all time favorite Vampire Wars!) and Fish Isle. Pet Ville’s graphics look really sleek and the pet does this funny dance when visiting neighbors. When I leave my pet alone for a few seconds, he go towards the screen to wave. So cute! Join in and let’s be neighbors. You’ll get more coins the more neighbors you have. PetVille is celebrating Christmas right now, too, so I’m getting broke there just trying to catch up. The items from their stores look elegant because of the layered overall feel and texture. See it for yourself!

How about you, still not tired of good old Pet Society? I still visit my pet in PS everyday for the Advent Calendar Free Daily Ornaments. After this season, let’s see what’ll happen with my love for the game. See you guys next week!

Pet Society Items for December 7 Sneak Peek

Fritz — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:42:59 +0000

This update is a bit late. My apologies to all who have visited the site for this much anticipated update. Christmas is FINALLY in Pet Society and that’s going to happen on December 7th in the next refresh! Prepare to get your pet broke LOL! Check out the new items as provided to us by our guardian angel and bringer of good tidings, mayragracia of youtube.

First, the good stuff. There are going to be WWF ice sculptures which are sure to be a hit with collectors. Too bad they’re going to be in the cash shop. Those Holiday Aquariums, too, are most definitely going to cost us CCs. Bummer. During the week, I was wondering why I can’t seem to get all holiday fish from last week (got CCs just for this purpose). Turns out, they’re going out in installments and this week, they’re releasing the rest of the promised 16 Holiday Fish. The furniture looks great and the trimmings (and the all new Christmas Tree Lights) are going to surround the entire tree this time unlike last year’s. The candle holder and multi-colored candles look pristine. There’s a new Christmas Tree I see, some snow frosting, a new snowman, a new fireplace, an outdoorsy wallpaper and flooring, and a tree ornament mystery egg, woot! The new garden tree and flower may look very promising but that happy holidays sticker look tacky which only goes to show that we can’t have a 100% tasteful update. Just 99% LOL.

Next update on PS, Ima show you my collection of Holiday Fish. Stay tuned!

Nokia N86 8-Megapixel Camphone Hands-On Review

Fritz — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:23:05 +0000

Finally, the Nokia N86 is here. The most pressing question, however, is will it be worthy of the title “the Nokia N82 successor” when it comes to taking kickass photos with a similar buy-in of camphone photography enthusiasts the world over? If not better, probably as good as? Or will it be worse?

The convenience of having a great camera phone is it’s one less bulk versus carrying another camera if by itself, it could suffice for your general, everyday snapping requirements (depending on what you need one for). What’s a camera review, you ask, without some sample N86 snaps? Right back at you. This one’s the resized but raw version capture of a Porkchop dish taken from Cyma at the EDSA Shangri-La Mall.

Since I’m all for enhancing images so long as it’s not overly done (plus that it should really “enhance” the image and not make it look artsy just for the sake of being artsy), here’s a “better” take on the same Porkchop that’s guaranteed to get you hungry.

I’m hoping to get more photos using the different presets in the N86. I’m still not overly convinced that the Dual LED flash can be a xenon flash substitute primarily (maybe) because I haven’t been using the N86 for night shots just yet. I did try using it to capture video with the Dual LED on and I must say, ooh-la-la, I think I may have some use for this nifty feature some time soon (evil smirk). Some Nokia camphone users (during the time when the N82 became so popular) cried and begged for a camphone that’ll carry light to aid them in capturing videos in the dark and Nokia, with the incorporation of the the Dual LED flash on the N86, did deliver that functionality. Awesomecakes!

For a head to head comparison of shots using the Nokia N82 vs the new Nokia N86, not doing this only because somebody has already done it, here’s what fonearena got for your reference.

For this leg of the stress-test, I’ve taken down 14 things you should know about the N86 versus the Nokia N82 and/or N96:

1. Smaller than the N82: N86 is 103.4 x 51.4 x 16.5mm while the N82 is 112 x 50.2 x 17.3mm
2. Smaller in width and thickness than the N96: The N96 is 103 x 55 x 18mm in dimension (it is, however, somewhat heaver than the N82 and N96: N86 is 149g while the N96 and N82 are 125g and 114g, respectively)
3. Kickstand with features: functional unlike that on the N96
4. AMOLED LCD screen is noticeably brighter than N82’s TFT
5. Same GPRS/WiFi specs as the N96
6. Faster OS than the N82: ARM 11 434 MHz vs the N82’s Dual ARM 11 332 MHz
7. Insert contacts while composing SMS
8. Hardened glass screen is scratch resistant (but not fingerprint/smudge proof)
9. Dual LED flash lets you take videos with light. A feature voyeours could have a field day using hrhrhr
10. FM Transmitter lets you “broadcast” music from your phone to an FM Radio/receiving device (something it shares with the N97 and N85)
11. Wider angle, better low-light, larger sensor, 8 megapixel camera. I have one gripe with the new cam feature: I want the grid feature back!
12. N86 has 8Gb internal storage and 128 MB RAM versus the N96’s 16Gb and the N82’s paltry 100Mb.
13. Better bettery life at 312h (2G)/264h (3G) stand-by and 6h 18min talk time courtesy of the 1200mAh Li-Ion versus the N82’s 225h (2G)/261h (3G) and 4h 20min. Music playtime is estimated at 25h continuous for the N86.
14. N86 has a camera cover just like (but not similar to) the N82

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Yesterday, I saw an N86 for sale at Anson’s Makati (in front of Landmark) at PHP27,390. Here’s a little tip: if you have the cash, there’s this online store that sells the N86 (complete package with 1 year Nokia warranty) for PHP21,200. Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with this online store but I check it once in a while for great bargains (check out how much she’s selling the new Canon S90 and the new iPods).

I’ll be waiting for the day when the N86 becomes available with Smart’s Retention Package for my post paid plan probably and hopefully by next year ;)

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