Thoughts and Non Thoughts

If watches had personalities, then these two JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) watches would represent two opposites. While the SARB065 immediately grabs your attention with its sunburst dial and contrasting second hand, the SARW011 is more subtle in its appeal. Only by looking closely at the enamel dial, the blued hands, and the power reserve and date complications will you begin to appreciate the depth of its character. One is an extrovert and the other one is more introspective. Like girlfriends, it really depends on what you prefer. You can have one that is lots of fun and one that is looking for a more lasting relationship but has a lot to offer. Fortunately for us, with watches we can have both.

\   Party time Catching the last of the sun   Night light    The morning after the night before...  Nice F*ing life

A scenic route to Pico de Loro and Punta Fuego, via the Cavite coastal road.  

Living in the city... another day.

For a nice Tagaytay experience, Breakfast at Antonio's is a popular destination.   It's along the main highway at the west end of Tagaytay, on the ridge side, so it has some views of Taal Lake.   The food is good, probably at the same level as coffee shops in international hotels in Manila.      There's  nothing like a waffle to satisfy one's palette after the hour-and-a-half drive from Manila. Anotonio's version of Eggs Benedict. Smoked salmon for something light and savory. And you can go with good old BLT and chips for a filling meal. Expect to spend between P400 - P700 per head. The waiting line can be 30 -45 minutes but it passes by quickly in the cool breeze of Tagaytay. Service is quick and courteous. There's also a bakeshop cum deli where you can get bread or their bacon and chorizo if you want to take some home. Recommended to try at least once.

The Denon 16611UD is a Universal Player that can play Blue Ray, DVDs, CDs and, most of all, SACDs.   I use it purely as a SACD Stereo player through its 2-channel analog outs.       It connects via a NAD304 used as a line pre-amp into a Conrad Johnson MV55 tube amp.     This is where the alchemy begins. With the superb SACD playback of the Denon feeding the CJ, it is as close to analog as digital can be.   At the end of the chain are the LSA2 Towers giving out a full range rendition.   The first time I heard SACD many years ago, I was wowed. When I heard this combination play in my system, I felt that "wow factor" again. Priceless. Cables: Acoustic Zen Reference and MIT T5 interconnects, Rega Duet speaker cables  (Shot with a Canon 6D using a 40mm 2.8 STM pancake lens)

When I bought the 550D with the 18-55 IS kit lens three years ago, I got a good deal since the 600D was just coming out. I was impressed at how much Canon DSLR's image quality has jumped since the 10D, but I always considered the 550D a "bridge" camera for casual  use while waiting for full frame to come down in prices.  I finally got my wish and bought the 6D a few months back. Full frame just felt right. My enthusiasm for photography was rekindled. Ironically, the 6D has also made me appreciate the 550D even more. It does not give away much to the best DSLRs in the market today. It focuses fast and fits nicely in the hand. With the kit lens, it makes for a very handy travel camera, which is not bulkier than a SL1 or EOS-M fitted with a similar lens. I don't do video and don't care for articulated LCD in DSLRs, so the latest enhancements on the 600d to 700d don't mean much to me. With the same 18 megapixel count and arguably simi...

The Face Saigon by Night

My first Omega, a Constellation Chronometer from 14 years ago. It has developed quite a nice patina.

There's no place like home. And there's nothing like food to make one feel at home. A few of the food that makes the Philippines more fun! Puto bumbong Bibingka D' Original

(Click for larger image) Canon 6D, 50 mm 1.8II at f/2.8 Monochrome Picture Style (crop) 

The Canon EOS 6D is a fantastic camera. Full frame in a well-built body -- and at a good price, specially when bundled with the 24-105 IS L lens. I was curious how my old 28-135 IS USM lens will fare with a 6D. Wood, light, and shadows (Canon EOS 6D with 28-135 IS USM lens, ISO 12,800, handheld at f5.6 and 1/8s.) The low light handling of the Canon 6D is quite impressive at ISO 12,800. Well, despite showing its age with the old generation IS, the tad slower focusing, and the well-known zoom "creep", it is still a good lens. Somehow it feels at home with a full frame body, perhaps because it was a lens made for film cameras?