Edwin Robert Cortes

Love as I See it

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:09:00 +0000

Staying together for years is not easy. Once the feelings have levelled off and everything starts to look like reality, it is hard to stay in love. But I believe love is not based entirely on feelings - it is by choice to love somebody that makes the difference. We all know that looks and feelings are fleeting. It is the devotion and dedication to one's partner and the willingness to always make that choice to love and care for another is the true measure of love. Their ability to turn an otherwise ordinary day, in the most ordinary place, doing something ordinary... into something special just because they are with each other. That is how I see love. This is my entry to "Love as I See it." A project of www.islandrose.net flowers Philippines.

UPLB's First Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:26:00 +0000

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first gigantic Christmas tree ever put up inside the campus. Standing at 50+ feet, it's the biggest twig tree we ever had. Complete with gifts in various shapes and sizes... and a Johnnie Walker Black Label bottle - ayos!

Men on Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:05:00 +0000

These players are the Men-in-Wheelchairs Philippine Team.

They are Tahanang Walang Hagdan residents. When they are not making creative things, they practice and play basketball. They play good basketball, I tell you... they can clearly kick your ass on the court.

The team has played and won in tournaments all over Asia. They've been to Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan among other places.

It's always inpiring to see people rise up against challenges and face life head on... living life to its fullest. They take pride in what they have achieved and what they have surpassed.

Singapore Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:05:00 +0000

There's no better place to house and appreciate animals than here in Singapore Zoo. No cages! The animals are just there - right in front of you - nothing obstructing your view. They are truly amazing when you get to see them this close. They seem less stressed with this open-space setup, which is a good thing. The only thing that prevents them from making a dinner out of you is a moat around their living space - a deep, wide ditch that makes it difficult for them to get out. But, it does not prevent you from making yourself a scrumptious dinner by jumping right in... something to think about.

Sentosa

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Do you remember the time when you were little and your parents took you to the carnival? You felt overwhelmingly excited thinking this day is going to be a great and fun-filled day! You could spend the whole day in this place and never run out of things to do or eat. I felt the same way when I entered Sentosa, well, maybe not the jumping in excitement part, but definitely an excited feeling - like I was that child again who went to the "peryahan". Sentosa is a big place with lots of attractions to go to. I guess a whole day would be just right to enjoy this place.

Jurong Bird Park

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:16:00 +0000

It was a great experience seeing most of these birds freely roaming around the park, in open spaces with no limiting cages. Though, a lot of them are still in cages, they have enough space to fly around. These enclosures are made in such a way to mimic real world conditions where these birds live, lots of trees, plants and space to roam around. The birds in the "Lory Loft" seem to like interacting with visitors. Ganda dito! Singapore has really invested a lot to make all these happen.

Karla Paula Henry - Miss Earth 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:40:00 +0000

Karla Paula Henry (Philippines) has been crowned Miss Earth 2008 on Sunday, November 09 (Manila time) at The Clark Expo Amphitheater, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.

Makes you proud to be a Pinoy.

2008 Miss Earth Sportsfest

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:40:00 +0000

What a great day! Wiwiiit!

Collectibles

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:59:00 +0000

It finally arrived! The box that I have been so patiently waiting for. A box full of toys... I guess it's early Christmas for me this year!

Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:24:00 +0000

"Being perfect artists and ingenuous poets, the Chinese have piously preserved the love and holy cult of flowers; one of the very rare and most ancient traditions which has survived their decadence. And since flowers had to be distinguished from each other, they have attributed graceful analogies to them, dreamy images, pure and passionate names which perpetuate and harmonize in our minds the sensations of gentle charm and violent intoxication with which they inspire us. So it is that certain peonies, their favorite flower, are saluted by the Chinese, according to their form or color, by these delicious names, each an entire poem and an entire novel: The Young Girl Who Offers Her Breasts, or: The Water That Sleeps Beneath the Moon, or: The Sunlight in the Forest, or: The First Desire of the Reclining Virgin, or: My Gown Is No Longer All White Because in Tearing It the Son of Heaven Left a Little Rosy Stain; or, even better, this one: I Possessed My Lover in the Garden."

~Octave Mirbeau, Torture Garden

Interesting how flowers have so many meanings.. how they bring out certain emotions from the receiver.. how it embodies feelings of passion, love, and kindness from the giver.. (kalachuchi o makahiya kaya?).

UPLB Loyalty Day Fireworks

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:22:00 +0000

It was raining the whole day and it would have been a shame if most of the activities were cancelled because of the heavy rains, thinking that a ton of planning, sweat, and hard work went into making this celebration a really special one. Good thing the UPLB spirit was not doused by the heavy rainfall - programs and presentations were moved to the D.L. Umali Hall. By night time the sky was clear.

It would have been great if the celebration was held on the grounds (as planned). The stage was nicely done and I've heard that giant screens were also put in place behind the stage. Nonetheless, it was a great celebration. The fireworks were lit before the stroke of midnight. It was not as lengthy as I'd expected it to be but I still enjoyed it.

UAAP 2008 Swimming Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:25:00 +0000

Records broken, Personal best surpassed, Confidence restored, Lessons learned, Friendships made. The more we push ourselves to achieve excellence, the more we learn about ourselves. The more we learn about ourselves, the bolder we become. The bolder we become, the more we become aware that our goals are achievable.

Flip Limited Pinoy Edition by MADL

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:54:00 +0000

Finally got my new toy by MADL. Proud to be Pinoy!

Bayle sa Kalye - Bañamos Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:25:00 +0000

Last Sunday was the last day of a week long celebration. It was my first time to see the street dancing contest parade. Fourteen groups of dancers participated representing all the barangays in Los Baños. This was a great opportunity to witness local festivities and I was not the one to pass up the opportunity.

These kids were really good!

Manila Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:01:00 +0000

I was really hoping I could catch the sunset at Manila Bay - too bad we left early. Next time na lang. It's nice to walk along the Bay, the feel of the cool breeze on your face, the quiet and relaxing atmosphere... it's funny how we take these simple pleasures for granted. Most of us would like to believe that we are always busy... busy at work, busy doing nothing, always wanting to be seen as a person who is working hard and has no time for rest and recreation. I've fallen into that trap so many times. Who am I fooling? Life is sweet and we ought to enjoy it! Blessings abound! And we just have to stop, look, and listen... really. Kahit parang sign pa sa railroad crossing yan.

UFO Sighting

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:02:00 +0000

This was taken in Cebu about a week ago. You see that tiny spec on top of the photo? Looks like a leaf blown by the wind (a really big leaf), or it might be just a plane (with its wings bent backwards), or just a harmless bird (which happens to fold its wings as it ascends).

Maybe it's nothing, but then again, it might be something. I'll let you be the judge.

Here's a closer look...

Manila Ocean Park

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:58:00 +0000

Been wanting to see this place... finally had the chance - sumama ako sa field trip ng pamankin ko. Saling ket-ket!

It's a neat venue to house different kinds of marine animals. The Ocean park is quite big and you would need a full hour (or more) to absorb everything. The staff said that by next year the new wing will be finished. Can't wait!

Flash photography was not allowed inside so it was really difficult to get good shots. The only light available were the lights inside the aquariums. I had to bump up the ISO to 1600 to get some decent exposures. Better to have well exposed subjects and a bit grainy rather than have crisp photos but overly underexposed. I'm happy with what I got.

Ark Avilon Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:39:00 +0000

How often do you see an ark filled with animals?

Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Cebu is a great place to visit! I wouldn't mind living here. Such a laid back place - with beautiful people and good food.

Collecting Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:09:00 +0000

Recently, I have been itching to revive my old hobby of collecting "Garage Kits", most call it G-kits, sometimes Statues or Figures. These are made of either resin (solid & hard) or vinyl (soft & pliable). Much like any model kit, it comes in pieces and you build and paint them yourself. It's such an engaging hobby! I have quite a few G-kits in storage including Batman, Superman, The Joker, and a few other characters. I also tried my hand with military models, they're quite fun to build especially if you create interesting dioramas.

So, until I get around and actually unpack them from the boxes in the basement, I'll stick with cleaning these figures like my Jimmy Neutron posable figure.

Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +0000

It's great hanging out with close friends. You can talk about anything... do almost anything and still not be judged by the things you say or do. They will support you in every way they can and give you a big whallop on the head if you do something really stupid.

You can do crazy things with them, be on adventures with them, and laugh with them 'till your jaw hurt.

Thumb Raiders!

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:24:00 +0000

Yes! They are actually thumbs with feet and a face - and no arms ... and riding a skateboard. How cool is that? There is Frankenstein, a football player, a punk with a mohawk, a hardcore chic. Nice!

Aeta Community in Morong, Bataan

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:14:00 +0000

This was the first time I had the chance to visit an Aeta community or any indigenous community for that matter. It was quite an experience! Aside from the fact that we had to trek steep slopes and cross a hanging bridge... meeting the Aetas were the real treat. Though, I was expecting to see a really tribal village much like the ones I see on the Discovery Channel where the community is isolated, inside a forest, speak their native tongue, and with really bizarre customs. Much to my surprise, the Aetas were quite living the modern life in the sense that they dress casually, no "bahags" as a daily attire, speak tagalog, have electricity and water supply, and sari-sari stores. Still, with their acceptance of technology and modern living, they still manage to keep their identity through their customs, traditions, and values.

From the brief moment we had the chance to interact with them, I now have better understanding, greater respect and much appreciation for them. They were courteous, respectful, humble, and interesting.

Ocean Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:24:00 +0000

It's been quite a while since my last visit to Subic. Ocean Adventure was still the "ocean" then.

The tour inside Ocean Adventure was very organized and the staff were courteous. It took us more than two hours to go through the whole facility including a dolphin show and a sea lion show. Sulit na sulit talaga!

You have to see these animals up-close to really feel how magnificent they are.

Stain Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Edwin) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:02:00 +0000

I have knack for seeing patterns, faces, animal or plant forms on stained walls and ceilings. My guess, it's a talent developed by too much daydreaming... and staring blankly on walls, pavement, and ceilings (brought about by boredom).

While I was walking along the bridge at the back of the UPLB Library, I noticed this face, seemingly etched naturally, or artistically scraped off by one creative and equally bored student, on one of the posts at the end of the bridge.

It's interesting how random and natural-looking the peeled paint is and how uncanny it resembles a man smoking a pipe... you can even see some smoke! This reminds me of illustrations done during the 70's. It has a retro feel to it.

What do you think? Natural wear and tear or artistic expression?