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Are there still people who do it? Make a heart-felt wish before blowing the candle out? Interesting thought.

I often would casually utter wishes as I go through my days without thinking whether I really want them or they’re just passing fancies. But I guess the real ones stick, yea?

I had wished for one thing during the past couple of months. It’s that when I hold my camera again, I’ll be creating different photographs. They’d look new — better, somehow.

I think I got my wish.

I still can’t put my finger on it but something’s different in my photos.

I’m happy.

There is something about salads that automatically makes you think of “good health”. Is it because we were taught that vegetables are healthy? I reckon it is. It’s quite ironic, however, when some people associate eating salads to weight loss diets; often perceived negatively, at that.

Food is something I’m not overly attached to but am challenged to photograph. Taking photos of food is not as easy as it looks.

Salads are great practice esp since they offer colours and textures that I’m so interested to capture. I’m working on capturing its essense of being a symbol of a healthy eating habit. I want others to see its freshness; look at it and be able to almost taste it. Do I make sense?

Who knows? Maybe one day, I’d grow a good collection of food photos to show as proof that I’ve also gained a healthy appetite.

Trivia: Photo taken of a salad from Délifrance; February 2008. Also seen here.

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A tall massive, skyscraper will never fail to capture the attention of anyone who passes by. Looking up will make you realise you’re small; feel less significant.

But did you know that you’re bigger and more majestic than any of the skyscrapers in the world? You are actually a whole lot stronger. You can make skyscrapers but skyscrapers cannot make you. You have the ability to destroy one; in turn, if it wishes to destroy you, it must first destroy itself. Its beauty and splendour will fade.

Whereas, you move. You grow. More importantly, you have love.

You are indeed small and insignificant against it, then again, you’re larger in so many ways.

Trivia: Photo taken outside the Saigon Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; February 2008.

If everything in life is black and white, coping will be easier. There’s comfort in predictability. Measured steps, formulated process, calculated decisions. We can achieve a certain amount of accuracy. Like having power to see into the future.

But I love the colour green. I love seeing where the sea ends and the sky begins. I enjoy the roughness of the road and softness of fresh linens. I love the richness of chocolate. I love to watch the dawn approach. I like the brightness of day and the mellowness of night.

Nevermind the power to control the future. I’m thankful that life is not black and white. It’s a whole lot more beautiful that way.

Trivia: “Kalesa”, a horse-drawn carriage in the Philippines. Photo taken in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila; May 2008.

An unexplained fondness of balloons. Never really questioned it. Drawn to it just like a child would be.

I had always wanted to have one. I’d bring it home, tie it somewhere, and just watch it float. Sometimes, I’d tie it around my wrist or hold the string between my fingers as I walk about the house. There are times when I would let it go, but only within the confines of the house so I can easily retrieve it.

But then there are memories of seeing balloons float away. Out of my reach, gone forever. I remember the feeling of loss. I had never wanted to see the balloon go.

That’s probably why I had stopped bringing them home. I had taught myself to ignore them, however strong the desire is. I had hardened myself to it. What is the use of wanting something if it’s not going to last?

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