Thou Shall Not Steal ---PHOTOS!?

I will let you guys know why we should not steal photos or put a watermarks at  the images that we do not own. There are few people who need to be educated on this matter. I’ve seen great photos posted at facebook, twitter, tumblr and whatnot, and it bothers me that some just carelessly put watermarks as if they own the photos. Internet is a fascinating world; everything is spoon-fed, available or just a few clicks away. Internet is designed to make everything accessible, we are being spoiled with all the information we can get and if you happened to encounter someone who is as curious as me, well chances are, you might end up being busted, hehe .

I know a lot of people who are really amazing in taking stills with their camera and I commend them, with all praises. So, aside from what I have stated above, this also aims to educate or to give tiny bits of information to some photo enthusiast by being careful in sharing their craft and how to research (just in case they don't know this yet). Unfortunately, I also fail on this (I'm very amateur in photography though), as I carelessly post my photos without even marking or sealing it, with that I risk the chance of my photos being stolen by someone.

So to cut it all short, I want to introduce GOOGLE IMAGE. Google Image is a service provide by Goggle. Yes Google, if you see the image icon or word located at the upper part of your Google screen, then that’s what I’m talking about. Check out the image (or better yet, go to Goggle and click the "Image"):

Google Image can help you search for images in the web. It will give you the sites where that image was used or taken.  Just drag the photo that you wish to locate and let Google do the searching for you. Just like so:

And the result! Tadah!

As you can see in the Image above, the photo that I dragged from my Facebook account is the same photo I've use here in Blogspot and Tumblr. I used it as a header therefore Google has identified that image and matched it with both of my accounts. You can also try and search for more popular or less popular photos and see where it takes you, because I tried using it and so far it hasn't failed me. One thing I noticed though, your original photos posted in Facebook or Twitter will not be recognized, unless you copied or posted it in your Facebook from another source. And so, If you have photos and you wish to know if those are being used in a website or a blog or if you want to know if that photo is originally from someone, then that’s the best tool that you can use. But if you wish to search thoroughly or you want a more advance tool, then you can also try TinEye.

TinyEye is an Image Search Engine developed for that special need, it can give you details of an image or a page containing an image. It will search for the other usage of the image, the time of their appearance including modified image based on the original image posted and so on.

I’m not really sure if there’s a violation for the people who steal photos in the internet. as far as I’m concern the internet culture doesn’t stop anyone from reposting images found in the web, but there are some ethical internet users who are good in giving credits, they link back the photos to the site of the owner or they mention the name or at least note that the photo is not theirs. What I do know is, ethically speaking, we should not put watermarks or claim photos under our name if it is not our original. If we find a photo amazing or good then maybe we can repost it even without giving credits,(if we really don’t have time to search for it or whatever reasons we have) just don’t steal recognition from someone. On the other hand, if you are an aspiring photographer aiming to earn from what you are doing, it is important to make the necessary protection for your craft. alrighty!?

So that’s it, that’s all I have for today I hope we can all be careful or at least let’s not make a fool out of ourselves by being stupid, hehehe. Don’t watermark the photos that are not yours, don’t claim something that others work hard on. Live an honest life by exploring your talent, we are all gifted. We just need to put more passion in what we are doing!

Live a great life everyone ^^

Hamilo Coast Beach Bumming!

Last October 2, my friends and I decided to pack our things and check the beach. I have a friend who knows someone who owns a unit in Hamilo Coast, so my good friend got us a pass to stay at the exclusive beach club, hehe!

The trip was 3-4 hours drive from Manila. We were facing a bad weather so we have to be extra careful on the road. On the way we made some stopover at Tagaytay to buy all of the stuffs that we will need. It was cold and foggy that day, we arrived in Tagaytay at 2 in the afternoon and it seriously looks like 6pm, and it was raining on and off. But we were being mischievous taking pictures and having fun, not minding the bad weather and time.

Just give me this last 3 days in moody June

Ok, so it’s been like more than a month since I last posted here in mygoodriddance…that was long and annoying. We’ll I won’t rant about how busy my schedule was and yadahyadah, since it’s not new anymore but instead let me just put some random photos of my collection and what not and tell random stories that I can recall. So here it goes:

Panic in the Street of Beyond

There are a lot of things to think about, the news has it all. This past few weeks are filled with dreaded and whimsy headline. I won’t give details but the Royal Wedding, Benediction of Pope John Paul II and Osama being dead are just some of the major. And others like earthquake here and there and who win what and who lead who and whatnot. 

Part of me is saying WTF! Growing old means feeling a great concern of what’s happening around. Honestly, at my age, I still feel like a kid who never gets tired of playing around. I walk the streets of Ayala everyday and see different kind of people, most of the time the elders would caught my attention. My refusal to accept that someday my hair would turn gray, my eyes would lose its sparkle of youth and my skin would crumple, things like that  would hit me in an instant and I feel a little panic on my stomach.

Daraitan: Open your Eyes!

Summer 2011 is indeed my busiest summer ever. I have gone to the beach, saw some magnificent falls, climbed a beautiful mountain and was finally was able to trek a river. I have to say that once I completed those four journeys there is no stopping. I still have to continue for this growing passion is getting big and I have to swim more seas, climb more mountains, search for more falls and trail on more river.

Daraitan is an easy destination for those who long for natures love, easy access and less strenuous (just don’t count the rock climb/descend). It only took us an hour to reach our destination (haha). Well, they told us (for newbies) sometimes it takes about 2 hours or more before reaching the campsite. Maybe we’re not so new anymore. Maybe that trek had baptized us. Now I’m aiming for a major hike that will touch all the four elements.  

More! More! Stories!

Surprise! Surprise! And Random Stuffs!

This is what they prepared for me ^^

 I was so happy, I can’t even stop laughing! ^^

I love surprises! Last April 13 my team surprised me by decorating my work area with balloons and colorful papers. They also cooked Pancit (sautéed rice noodles), bought flowers and cake for my birthday. They even prepared the drinks and utensils to be used, whew!. I, on the other hand just bought Pandesal and Peanut butter plus Ice Cream. I didn't come to work on my actual birthday because I wanted to spend the entire day with Wacky. But just the same my team was able to give me the most sweetest surprise ^^

I love this People!
Thank you guys! Thank you for all the love and
for giving your best in everything you do!

On my birthday eve, Wacky went home a little late, but we still manage to do our plan, our slumber partey. We stayed up until 3am eating Ice cream, chips, watching cartoons, reading books and playing. I love Wacky to death. I'm his no.1 fan! lol

He prepared this Dreamy Princess Ice Cream for My Birthday!

Now I'll be posting some Random stuff. 

You got to check out the little girl in the middle. lol. And now she's all that! All of that!

Mygoodriddance!

Wacky mi hijo, muy Bonito! a lot of people are asking if his father is a Korean or Japanese, in some cases I manage to make them believe that his Father is actually in Seoul Korea. LOL. Oh boy! how I laugh! We both have that naughty side. I think he manage to inherit my sarcasm and wittiness! lol He's very intelligent, I hope he maintains his outstanding grade. His last report card showed his grade range between 97-100%, how's that!?

Wackz

And I'm a sucker for nice little things! below are the random me in photos! things that scream my name in one way or another. ^^ 

Me!

Let's all be happy! Live life. Keep it steady and warm! Thank You! Cheers!

Listening to Bice 'Like Someone In Love' try to search for that song, (maybe in youtube) then look for the one that doesn't have any lyrics but humming and lalala (lol) it's really beautiful ^^

Boracay in Dazed

Rah Rah Borahrah!

Last February my Good Friend Lotlot (not her real name hehehe) booked a flight for 5 of us to Boracay. Originally the plan was just to have a good summer outing at Sagada for four days. But since our good friend was able to sniff some info on ticket sales to Caticlan we were able to divert the plan to the beach thus instantly reducing of the number of participant from more than 12 to 5. So off we go planning for our trip. Funny how we rarely contact each other not until March, two days before the said trip lol. March 19-22, 2011

My first time riding a small plane, flying domestic I was anxious at first
and my first time travelling far with my friends. Yes too many FIRST!

First day when we arrive at the island everything seems like I’m in a hurry and strikingly calm (bipolar). I haven’t had a long vacation and my body was really aching for it. I hate the fact that vacations sometimes can put more stress and can totally change the idea of resting with no worries.  I was feeling chill all over, I mean relax and cool about what’s going to happen in next couple of days at the same time stress. Thinking can we all put together all the plans that we have since time is catching so much of our free days.  So we headed on the shore and try to capture our sunset and played with the sand on our feet. Went on happy hour and witness a Chinese man proposing to his girlfriend. And I was oh-what-the-firth-she-is-so-darn-lucky! while I was there at the side cheering and shooting my cam and cursing all the lovely things around! Har! Hahahaha! Kidding!

Now more pictures and stories...

I’m Blank!

Summer Love!

Ok, I know that I failed (almost) to put here my activity for the month of March and April. First off, I’m feeling a little lazy (it’s nothing but natural) and I’ve been writing and deleting all that are suppose to be posted here, moody me. My spirit have been high these past few months but from time to time I feel sluggish (which reminds me how normal my life is), plus I’ve been sleeping a lot and the tons of pictures to be posted are taking much of my time. In Bora we have a total of 2000++ photos and In Gulugod almost 800 Photos. Take that! 

Let me tell you that I’ve been to places these past few weeks. As what I have written on my last post, yeah I went to the beach, Boracay Baby! And I’m going to give a full account of what happened there (I went Man Hunting- chinky eyes searching, actually. jk!) and the things that you can do to enjoy your stay. Watch out for my Boracay entry. Then just recently I went mountain climbing to Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Mabini, Batangas, I’ll be describing the place although you can also find some information in some blogs here at WWW but mine will be for kikays (make face) hahahaha! Our next stop will be river trekking in Daraitan and after that, we are still laying the plan whether to take Mt. Daguldol, Piko De Loro, Mt. Sembrano, Mt Batulao or swim the waters of Pagbilao in Borawan and Lukang Beach first. Whatever comes first it doesn’t really matter, just the same we’ll be having fun and making good memories.

I’ll be posting some of my favorite photos for preview today and will be spamming on my next post soon. Ready!?

1st Fun under the Sun~ TM Galore!

Boy! It’s not summer yet but I’m preparing myself for all the adventure that I’ll be taking this year. Last year I said I can’t stand the sun, so when the summer sun arrives I was nowhere to be found--- but was able to see the beach just for a glance at least in bataan and batangas but seriously it was hot.

This year I will take the heat and enjoy everything. For starter I had a simple get away with my team to Antipolo, this is actually a late Christmas celebration since last December our schedules are loaded and we decided to focus more on our priority, our family. We rented a private place to spend our night singing and swimming the entire cold January night (which I wasn’t able to do because I can’t stand the water, its freaking cold).

I’m changing everyday!

I said the first step to freedom is change and I would do it first by recreating myself…freedom to express myself in how I look and what I choose to wear. I had my hair cut but not too short because that’s just the way I like it, I’m back to my bangs and my hair color (had DIY) is a mix between golden blond and golden brown. You will see me looking more like a gypsy or boho walking in Makati lol.

The Musical Oeuvre--Kevin and Kaye!

Last 2009 when Kaye told me they have plans of getting married I was excited. They were still on the stage of planning and don’t have any slight idea to begin with. So when Kaye told me that she wants me to be her Maid of Honor I was a little bit surprise because with all honesty I’m not the best person to speak with when it comes to marriage (go figure lol). But because they’re both good friends and I would like to offer all the help that I can give and Kaye is more like a little brat sister to me I accepted her proposal. And so the musical idea begins.

We like to Party! The Lotlot and Friends Style

Last Christmas I was (again) task to organize a party for my friends (I think it’s becoming their habit). We rented a room in a cheap hotel just to make it more private and here are some of the scenes.
Alright, that's not a real gun that's from Vanity's wii and being a poser of course it won't escape my camera.

MAKE LOVE NOT WAR! RAWRRRR!

We saw that placard yesterday while waiting for a ride and I took it thinking that that will be a nice props…it says MAKE LOVE NOT WAR!

I was thinking who could have left it there but since its Christmas I assumed it’s from one of those Christmas party goers who dressed up in a hippie costume and decided to throw his placard on the street maybe because it has no use anymore or maybe he wanted to reach out and spread world peace (dope! peace^^)…

So I took the camera out and start snatching pictures…I don’t care whoever pass by and see us…They don’t know us anyways. Then a guard came and our conversation went like this:

Budjie & Vanity's Red Wedding!

Vanity and Budjie’s Wedding…The much awaited event! Everything went smoothly the way it was planned. Travel was the wedding theme mainly because this couple loves travelling. It was overwhelming how my friend Vanity has planned her dream wedding starting with the invitation (passport and plane tickets to their wedding) to the color scheme to every details like the church, reception, the table assignment which was named after all the places they’ve been to— just to name a few Hongkong, Macau, Singapore, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and much more, their souvenirs which came from those different places and not to mention the after party!

Kaye’s Bridal Shower!

This is soooo overdue but I promise myself that I will blog about the things that took place this month according to the succession of events. So I’m not in a hurry to write about the most recent happenings but I will go through it one by one till I reach the most current and that is Kaye’s wedding, the last wedding that I’ll be serving as a maid of honor ---at least for this year. ^^

Can I be part of the Cullens instead?

A good friend of mine made a comment in one of my project 365 photos. Well, this is what he said: “VODKAHOLIC VAMPY: THE RED COLORED BOTTLE compliments and blend to your mane”. And I replied saying “thank you and I like that title: Vodkaholic Vampy!” But it didn’t stop there he made another comment this time stating the reasons why I deserve that title.

This is what he said:

You are most suitable candidate for the title VODKAHOLIC VAMPY, hahahha! Here are the reasons WHY:

* You are a night walker

* You are a Vodka Lover

* You are Victoria's exact replica (Twilight)

* Your mane and fashion statement is awe-inspiring.

* You are forever young LOL =P

I rofl with that statement and how great it was pointed out!

You are a night walker~ and I never sleep at night, we all know that I’m insomniac, that's why I rather work at night.

You are a Vodka Lover~ GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY! YES, my name is Levz and I’m a VODKAHOLIC! Lolz!

You are Victoria's exact replica (Twilight)~ That---I’m not so sure of! Victoria is brunette and her skin is pale white vs Me --well, my mane is quite reddish, I colored it red but being a natural Filipina we all know it would fail, hehehe, my skin is pale yes! But not white pale hahaha!

Your mane and fashion statement is awe-inspiring.~ Now, that is one compliment that I appreciate! I work hard to look great because if you look great everything else will follow. And I appreciate those who like my fashion sense, not too eccentric but a little edgy! And my hair is not as gorgeously straight or curly but I like it like that!

You are forever young LOL =P~ WOW Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! I’m on a my double curly age *nods up and down* and I still get a shot and glare whenever someone asks for my age and I answer it with full honesty, hehehe…I feel good to be branded as ageless!

I know this is narcissism at its finest, but when someone compliments you, you should be thankful and appreciative! Don’t be coy or shy! Just like what I always said “don’t be bashful!” Say Thanks! And gulp it all. After all we don’t get that every day, just don’t forget to pay it forward!

Now can I just be part of the Cullens!? HEHEHE!

Chocolate Fire ~ For your Dessert Lustful Desire!

Last Saturday my Gals and I went to celebrate my cousin Vivi and Joli’s Birthday we had dinner at Chungkiwa *Korean of course*, then after dinner we decided to go at Chocolate Fire for desserts and coffee.

*I was snatching photos while waiting for my turn to order but was told by one of the crew that they prohibit taking photos of their chocolate, good thing I was able to snatch some shots, hihihi Sorry, Promise I won't do it again*

Chocolate Fire is located at PDCP Building Corner of Leviste St. and Rufino St. Makati, It's the Chocolate Deli all the way from Australia and it's the home of the finest Belgian Chocolates here in Manila. They offer wide variety of chocolate, dozens of them *I had trouble choosing with my already fickle mind*, they also offer Coffee, Food and Drinks. There’s also a mini bar where you can drink and smoke, so it's a cafe, lounge, bar and resto all rolled into one.

I had Chocolate mousse and Cappuccino and the rest of the gals ordered Chocolate Dipped Pringles, American Dream Bark w/Cereals, Chocolate Ganache, Tiramisu and Abby ordered something that was molded in a small container in shapes of lips and heart…I don’t know how it is called. And for drinks they had Hot chocolate and Sheila Had Hot chocolate with soy milk. Everything was delicious, the chocolate was so smooth, it melts in your mouth and the sweetness is perfect, it will leave you craving for more. We shared our orders so that everyone will be able to experience each of our mouthwatering dessert!

I’m a chocolate lover although I’ve been restricting myself from eating too much chocolate. I love Dark Chocolates, it’s one of my guilt pleasure *aside from coffee* I would surely go back and try out some more of their Deli!

Well, we had fun and enjoyed the night with our table full of goodies but that doesn’t end there because while we were busy chatting and laughing the barista went to our table and serve us Raspberry Rum, I was like “oh, we didn’t order drinks…” he said “Ma’am, It’s on the house we are giving these to you for free” teehee! And we were all smiles saying thank you!

Some of Chungkiwa's photos to share from the RnR Girl's Nightout:

The Super Random Roadtrip to Tagaytay!

Long weekend, my cousins and I was feeling kinda bored so we planned a last minute trip. At 11pm, Sunday night we decided to head for a ride. The plan was to go somewhere *unsure* but we have to drop by at our cousin’s dorm in Carmona, Cavite. The reason (unbelievable): he forgot his cellphone charger and he wants us to bring it to him. Wow! For the time, gas and the toll fee just for a cellphone charger! But since we'll be going to Cavite we thought that we’ll just drop by at Tagaytay and eat somewhere.

The roadtrip is so freaking random. First, we tried looking for away going to Tagaytay thru Carmona and realized after few kilometers that’s its too far, end up going back. Exiting carmona and going to Sta. Rosa we only spend 4 pesos for the toll fee and finally found our way. When we arrived at Tagaytay we don’t have any exact place in mind so we went back and forth the highway looking for a place to eat. Maybe eat Bulalo or eat at one of the restos, then have coffee and laugh at Starbucks after. Unfortunately, since we left Manila at 11pm we arrived at Tagaytay at past 1am, all the restaurants were close. hahaha! but there's McDonald, the only place that is open 24hours. Arrgh!

After which, we thought that the trip was a waste but we still wanna drag ourselves and try our luck. So we started looking for a coffee shop since Starbucks is already close. Again we are wasting precious time and gas driving around Tagaytay. At 3am we quit looking for coffee and ended up taking pictures at Tagaytay Econo Hotel, hahaha! Just like your regular Duday and Dodong but since its 3am no one was there to notice our mischievous trip and we just don’t care, we’re just too happy to mind other people who are watching us!

We stop at a long line of flower vendors, my aim is to take my 365 on that area and I was welcomed by a vendor who thought I’ll be buying flowers, hehehe! So I have to think of a way to snatch pictures, I ended up inquiring for wedding flower arrangement and getting their contact infos and whatnot, *lols sorry ate!* We also stop by some fruit stands but there’s no one to assist us so we left. We had stopovers at some pitstop and gasoline stations just for the sake of stopping over. lols

We had so much fun that night and we promise to do it again. By the way, we didn't quit searching for coffee shop on our way down Tagaytay but luck is not on our side. I wonder if the coffee Gods are punishing us and we end up drinking coffee at home! hahaha! nothing beats 3-in-1 coffee! Darn!

And this is The Most Awesomeness (Random) Photo of the Day:

I took this inside the car on our way home while waiting for Nico who's buying cig at 7/11. I was amazed with the outcome, totally random nice selca. I really like this shot. I didn't even use my SLR just the regular digicam and edit the photo using Picasa, add shadow and manipulate the color and walla! A Perfect Artistic Profile Shot!