Thoughts and Non Thoughts

These orchids were shot using the "Portrait" camera setting of an iPhone. After asking me to "move further away," the phone's AI gave quite an impressive output, blurring the background. The second image above is without the "computational photography" applied. I would say that this setting works well in creating images that focus on the main subject and blur distracting elements like the fence in the background. Here's another shot — the first image is without the computational effect and the second has it applied. It still works, though notice that the stems of the flower on the upper left of the image and below the main bunch at the center have been blurred, too — the flowers appear to be floating in the air. This setting is good if you want to focus on a single subject, but look out for unexpected blurring effects.

When traveling and you want to avoid bill shock from roaming charges, you can use Viber for calls, especially when there's wifi (say, in a hotel). Just don't forget to turn off "Viber-In Calls" on your settings. If you keep this on, your Viber calls could be diverted to regular roaming calls, with roaming charges.

Upgrade went smoothly. The best thing about this upgrade on my iPhone 5 is the longer battery life. It seems like Apple finally fixed a bug in the time remaining (hence charging?) algorithm. In terms of functionality not much difference as the previous iO2 8.4 was quite good already. Excellent upgrade for iPhone 5.

It's been a week since I upgraded my iPhone 5 to iOS 8.3. I was hesitant at first due to mixed reviews. The consensus seems to have been "wait and see", specially with iOS 8.4 around the corner. But I've been experiencing poor battery life since iOS 7 to iOS 8.2, always having to recharge by midday. So I thought I had little to lose -- most of the issues on iOS 8.3 were related to touchID which the iPhone 5 doesn't have. I'm glad I upgraded. Battery life has been a vast improvement, I'm back to one charge cycle per 24 hours. My guess is the better management of apps in the background. Good job, Apple!

Happened to pass by Talisay, Batangas. It's the town next to Tagaytay, right beside Taal Lake. The town is preparing for its fiesta, which is on Feb 10. The San Guillermo Church, named after its patron saint. It's worth the short stop.   The altar and interior of the San Guillermo Church.   Going up to Tagaytay on the winding road, I passed by this Buko Stop, complete with a view of Taal Lake. (photos taken with an iPhone 5)  

In black croc. In brown cordovan strap.

  The Nomos brand has been gaining popularity in the horological world. Though a young company, its pedigree as a manufactury is impeccable, making its movements in-house in the watchmaking town of Glashutte. Combining this watchmaking tradition with sleek, simple, classic designs, Nomos Glashutte was one of the watch collector's best kept secrets, a small independent making significantly fewer watches than the big names. Recently, Nomos has introduced new designs, including slightly bigger versions of the original 35 mm Orion range. The 38 mm Orion White Datum has a dial size that keeps to current trends, though still clearly within the dress watch category. It also has a date window which is easy to read, consistent with the design concept of the brand. The white dial and silver plated hands add a touch of elegance and class. The 38 mm Orion White Datum is attuned to the times, while retaining the essence that quintessentially Nomos. A modern classic indeed.   ...

Nice, iOS7 is nice. It's definitely faster, and I like the new appearance. One thing I missed is the double click on the home button which brings the wiggly app symbols with an "x" that you can click to force close them. I was worried when no wiggly apps appeared, just pages like all your history is on display. Finally figured it out -- just SWIPE UPWARDS the pages you want to close -- they will promptly disappear. I feel like my iPhone 5 is a new phone. And the camera is definitely more responsive. Did I say iOS7 is nice? 

Near midnight. (taken with iPhone 5)

 (photo taken with an iPhone) Enjoyed the concert of Tony Bennett at the PICC in Manila. He is the picture of a happy man. He loves what he does and is doing what he loves. You can feel how much his music means to him,  and that he will continue performing for as long as he lives. And people will continue listening to his music and watching his concerts because of this.

(taken with an iPhone 4s) Had this set up for audition/demo. The Brio-R is an excellent integrated amp that comes with a phono stage for MM. Though its spec sheet says 50 watts per channel, it punches way above its weight. The RS1 speakers aren't left behind too. With just an iPod into the Brio-R and RS1 combination, the musicality is apparent -- smooth liquid mids, extended highs for a wide soundstage and the bookshelf speakers going deep. It's just as comfortable with Dianna Krall and Frank Sinatra as with Pink Floyd and Bon Jovi.  It's a transparent system, so it will reveal good and poor recordings; its phono stage clearly contrasted a bad pressing of Bruce Springsteen's The River with an excellent pressing of Tunnel of Love. But it's been sprinkled with a little warmth for that classic "British sound."  It's an excellent system, a shining example of synergy the Rega way.