Saturday, 21 November 2009
Countdown
There's no mileage promo yet in PAL so I might take the Shanghai route via Cebu Pac after all.
Youtube seems not replete of good annular eclipse videos... Here's one of the acceptable ones I stumbled upon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSBSupx3u3o&feature=related
Monday, 2 November 2009
Team Shanghai Solar Eclipse Expedition Video Tribute
An 11-man team that defied the odds and went to a foreign land to document what would be the longest eclipse in our lifetime.
Annular Eclipse Pic
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Video Tribute
Anyway I hope this small tribute to Team Shanghai makes up for my absence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dufDXXUQmrE
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Hostel
80 days to go till Qingdao..
Good thing my boss requested me to support our Beijing site.. Gives me the chance to do an ocular for the Qingdao expedition.
Hostel we intend to stay looks quite promising
http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Qingdao-Old-Observatory-Youth-Hostel-HiHostel-/Qingdao/21072
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Perseids Meteor Shower Rewind
I know of people who had unfortunate experiences to associate with this day. Why, just 3 months ago, a coworker while cruising through the NLEX, had an accident on a rain-drenched Friday the 13th. He survived the collision with a broken neck; his car though was a total wreck.
On the foot of the mountain where the school is located, the scenario was entirely different, oblivious to the storm occurring in the nearby areas. The clouds had parted ways- as if an answer to my prayers- providing us a magnificent view of the clear imposing sky, teeming with stars.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
The Astro Factor
So what was it? What is the Astro factor that made that uncommon bond, a bond that makes us talk the same stuff over and over again every time we meet (and yet never seemed to get tired of it)
Astro probably provided solace for each unique individual. It was a place where one can just be one’s self and not fear being labeled weird or different.
It was and still is a group that thrives on differences and eccentricities.
Yet despite the range of idiosyncrasies we realized we are the same.
We go to the abandoned and desolate hill on a Friday night to look up at the wide expanse.
We leave behind our thoughts on a make-or-break exam, or the fast-approaching thesis deadline, or the looming MRR at the end of the term.
We take part in the continuing saga of creation that unfolds in front of us.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Shahai Total Solar Eclipse Multiple Exposure Shot
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Tips to save on travel : Tip 2 : Book in advance
Friday, 7 August 2009
Eclipse 101 : What is an Eclipse?
Nonetheless should you need to brush, here's a cool video from from video jug of what an eclipse is
http://www.videojug.com/film/what-is-an-eclipse
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Tips to save on travel: Tip 1 : Establish Contacts
There's a kewl site called Couchsurfing.
It provides a great way to trot around the globe without spending so much by booking in the so-called couches. It's also a great way to establish meaningful contacts.
What I like about the concept is that it somehow works on a Pay it Forward principle.
Our spot in Jinshanwei was identified because a fellow Couchsurfer provided the link in a meeting event.
Totality Video Shanghai 2009
More videos to follow.
http://tinyurl.com/totaleclipsevideo
This video is posted at http://www.solareclipse2009.co.cc/
Friday, 31 July 2009
Eclipse Hunter Pack
Headed for China this January 2010 for the Annular Eclipse?
What’s an eclipse hunter without his tools ? Get that checklist and see if you have considered bringing this stuff. Give yourself a point for every item considered.
1. Passport… Perhaps the most important piece of your luggage. No passport no entry. Nuff said. And be sure it’s at least 6 mos. valid. China requires visa. Allot 4 regular days for processing
2. Toiletries… hahaha.. A hunter needs to be vain at times to look good on the camera. But don’t bring the whole set.. One thing you might miss out is lip balm.. Weather will be very cold in January, you ‘ll need to moisturize your lips regularly.
3. GPS… This tool comes in handy to get your exact latitude, longitude and elevation. Essential for contact timings. Don’t forget the AA batteries
4. Cash… Most hostels don’t accept credit card.. Bring lots of mooolah.. Better bring dollars and have it exchanged at an accredited bank. Changing dollars at the airport is not advisable because they charge a considerable fee.
5. Wristwatch.. For the timing of the contacts
6. Digital Camera.. ..Of course while you’ll be using a DSLR for the sun shots it pays to have a point and shoot cam handy.
7. Hotel Info… In Chinese characters.. Most taxi drivers can’t read the alphabet. Have your hotel info in Chinese characters handy and you’ll never get lost
8. Cellphone… Of course you would want to answer that incoming call.. It’s PhP 80/minute for int’l roaming . But then it pays to have it handy for emergency purposes. Besides you can receive text message from your envious friends in the Philippines for free. Texting back though is PhP 20/ text.
9. Photographs… Some hostels have this sort of shrine for travellers (Think Mt Pulag Shrine). Leave your mark by posting a good photo of your group.
10. Mini-flashlight… I just squeezed this in.. Flashlights might come in handy in case of power failure. We had that experience when we’re in Shanghai. A small key-chain would do the trick.
11. Mini-tripod… Big things come in small packages. Comes in handy for those spur of the moment group shots. This toy elicited hearty response from my foreigner friends when I whipped it out for a group pictorial.
12. Credit Card… While most establishments don’t accept credit cards, having one is a good insurance.. You’ll never know when you need one.
13. Mementos…. Bring memorable stuff from the Philippines or from your group. Chances are you’ll meet a cute lady whom you’d like to leave something to help her remember you by.. (ehem ehem, sounds familiar to someone I hope)
14. Chargers… As Lady Gaga said… Russian roulette is never fun without a gun. Your gadgets are useless without the power.
15. Calling Card… Chances are the person sitting beside you on the plane is a fellow eclipse hunter or a media personality or has a contact to where you’re headed There is always wealth of opportunities of meeting folks on trips like this.. Have these cards handy so you can give your contact details in a jiffy.
16. Thumb drive… Handy for swapping files.
17. Pen… Need to fill out that entry form? Need to write down the address of your hostel? Need to scribble the cute girl's number? Need I say more?
18. Scissors and Cutters.. They come in handy in most unexpected circumstances.. cutting ropes for your banner… constructing a box… devising a filter for your cam.. Throw in a baggage tape and masking tape to complete the set . Just make sure you pack it in on your checked in baggage as sharp objects are not allowed in the cabin.
19. Medicines… A hunter is only good if he’s not sick.. Make sure to include paracetamol, ascorbic acid, ibuprofen and loperamide in your pack.
20. Laptop.. Kinda bulky but essential for storing thousand of bytes of digital images and videos.. Besides you would need to stay connected with the gang.
That’s it folks. Hope this list gives you a head start on your hunt.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Viewing the Setting Sun
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Shanghai Total Solar Eclipse 2009
The Journey Begins
Hopefully my third attempt to capture the climax of the eclipse in photo would be successful this time thereby disproving that I have "balat sa puwet".