"I found the one my heart loves." - Song of Solomon 3:4
I'm a self-confessed freelance noob at photography and certainly not good at doing photoshoots for other people. I've never even taken any special course for learning Photography..though I did remember having basic Photography 101 during my Art class in College but that's it. I do know the technical terminologies in using an SLR camera but my experience with my babyniko (Nikon D5100) only goes as far back as when I bought him on May 2011 during his first release in the market. I also covered a couple of events from seminars to conferences to gatherings to weddings to festivals but usually only around friends and community people (CFC/SFC and PYMSK) only. Add that I also kind of limit my creative skills to landscape views and yes, according to my mood since my hormones seems to overpower my supposed artistic skills. Though, I do aspire to be a pro someday.
Anyway, as a practice for my so-called future other profession (ahem ahem), I was contracted by my cousin Kuya Daryl and his lovely fiancee Ate Sassy to do their Pre-Nuptial Photoshoot here in Kuwait. Their official and actual photoshoot would actually be covered in Bacolod City a few weeks before their wedding on September 21st. So since the preparation for this practice Pre-Nup shoot was only a day before the pictorial, everything was done in a cram. Funny thing, the night before we even went to Ate Sassy's bridal shower and I only had 4 hours of sleep. But the day was a blast and the photos.. I found them totally amazing! Well maybe I was feeling too proud of myself for being able to accomplish something but like what I said "it's a labor of love".
Location: Al Kout Mall in Fahaheel
Mood: Sudden burst of inspiration out of nowhere :D
Blogging is an expression of free will. It is a form of communication done through the use of online tools that vary depending on the blogger - the person behind the blog site. Blogs certainly differ from person to person and the blogger's interests. Some would either write short stories, opinions on things or tell tales of their real life experiences. Writings would also vary depending on the blogger's intent on his/her post, the structure structure or writing style used and language. While others capture quality moments through their lens which they share by posting photos or videos, blogging has been used mostly to express oneself. Interestingly, some has also used this online tool in earning a good income through one's passion while people like me simply just do this as a means to practice what I am fond of doing - writing.
Personally, I also know some people who use their blogs as a form of advocacy about real life experiences which inspire and motivates others to support their goals. These people come from different backgrounds and most of their stories share the same sentiment - being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) who was forced to work out of the country for a greener pasture. The President of FBK (Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait) Ms Gracia Amor uses her blog DiaryNiGracia to create awareness about the current issues and lives of Filipino OFW here in Kuwait. Another member, Tito Al Manlangit's Soujournal blog is catered to show his love for landscape photography which reflects his artistic side and Architectural background. Some also uses their blog to chronicle their life's activities as a tool to communicate with their friends and relatives across the globe like Tita Freda Contrera's A Blessed Life.
Official Teaser Video for FBK's 1st Anniversary. Credit to PamatayHomesick.
Through their blogs, these Filipino Expats came together to create a small bonded group that advocates blogging as a form of communication not only as a past time (like in my case), but as well as use this medium to share and disseminate valuable information to other Filipino Expats who are in need. This blogging group established only last year called the Filipno Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) has found itself an important role and responsibility in supporting important advocacies and creating awareness for other Filipinos here in Kuwait through these online tools to aid less fortunate fellow men in their needs. For the past year, the group has done charity work with the Philippine Embassy and other Filipino groups in helping maltreated fellow OFWs who were taking shelter in the Embassy. A few weeks from one, FBK will be hosting a Blood Donation project at the Kuwait Central Bank on the 20th of September 2013 and a free seminar about Blogging at the Philippine Embassy on a first-come-first-served basis.
Blood Donation Project. Credit for image go to FBK
Passion is a God-given gift and it is something that people should know how to use not only to entertain oneself but as well as use it responsibly to help others. Helping doesn't need to amount to a great extent in order to brag about something, but it can be done even in a small form through sharing valuable information that can give a sense of positive enlightenment.
