I believe that everyone should always be learning stuff, no matter if it’s in a field we think we already know. It never hurts to refresh your knowledge.  That was my mindset when I joined the Basic Digital Photography Workshop by CIIT.  I have taken several Basic Photography classes before, but I thought, why not learn it again from another teacher?  I could pick up a new tip or two.  And besides, it’s always nice to meet new people.

Besides, CIIT is just near my place.  Luckily, the class was scheduled on a sunday and I didn’t have anything planned for that day.  So it was a no brainer – I’d take the class.

I admit, I’d never heard of Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology (CIIT) before.  I was curious!  Do they provide quality education to students?  I came in ready to learn and to observe.

CIIT has a small campus and it seemed like everyone knew each other.  An interesting thing I noticed immediately was that the classrooms are painted different colors.  That made it easy for me to find the Basic Photography class.  All I had to do was find the light blue room!

I came in a bit early and there were only 10 people in the room.  We had to wait a few minutes for the rest as 25 students were expected to attend the basic photography class.  While waiting, I surveyed the room hoping to see someone familiar.  So I just took my seat and waited for the class to start.  I was sure that once the class began, everyone would be more comfortable and we could begin socializing then.

The class started with our teacher introducing himself.  Our teacher for CIIT’s Basic Digital Photography Workshop was Edwin Celestino.  He brought with him 8 years of teaching experience (seven years in the College of St. Benilde) and he specializes in fashion and advertising photography.

Teacher Edwin was engaging.  He asked us to share what we expected from the class and encouraged us to ask any questions we might have on photography.  He cracked jokes all throughout the class making sure that we wouldn’t get bored while listening to him.

According to teacher Edwin, the basic photography class had been cut down from 2 whole days to just 1.  Because of that, the teachers decided that we wouldn’t do the photo walk.  Fortunately, Edwin noticed that we were all kind of disappointed at the news, so he asked us if we wanted to do the photo walk anyway.  The answer was a resounding yes!  Teacher Edwin laughed and agreed to our request. He said he’d manage the time so we could finish both the lectures and photo walk.

The lecture ran from 9AM to 11:30AM then continued on from 1PM to 3PM.  Photo walk was done from 3-5PM.  The last part of the session was to receive feedback from our teacher regarding our pictures.

Here’s what we learned in the morning:

• Basic Camera Parts and their Purposes and it’s operation
• Understanding and Creating Proper Exposure, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Bulb setting
• Exposure Compensation
• Program modes of modern SLR

During lunch, the owner welcomed me and 3 other bloggers who were invited to try out CIIT classes that day.  Sherwin was enthusiastic and very positive.  He graciously gave us a tour of the campus.

According to him, CIIT is a proud member of the Cosmopoint Education Group (CEG) which started in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1991.  In 2008, CIIT opened its branch in the Philippines to bring top notch ICT education to us Filipinos.  With its goal to promote quality of ICT education, CIIT offers courses in Web Design, Multimedia, 3D Animation, Game Development, Photography and Network Design.

CIIT prides itself for choosing teachers well.  They also treat feedback from students seriously.  Sherwin even told us of the time that they discontinued the services of a teacher who got failing grades from the students. Wow.  That must be really scary for the teachers.  Since they know that they are always being evaluated, I’m sure they’re always on their toes and doing their best to provide quality education.

We also saw CIIT’s beautiful library.

The drawing room was pretty nice…

I was in awe as I inspected the drawings on the white board.  I’ve always thought that drawing wasn’t for everyone, that you should have the talent for it.  Apparently, it can be learned.  I was so curious that now, I’m thinking maybe I should take drawing classes just to prove that it can be learned 😛

Lastly, I took a peek at the Photoshop class.  I wanted to learn this but I use Adobe Lightroom more than Adobe Photoshop.

Sherwin said that seeing their students’ work make them feel that they’re meeting their goal to provide quality education.  I agree: it is the best proof of their success.

After a yummy Chinese lunch, we continued on with the Basic Photography class.  This time around I learned about composition.  Teacher Edwin shared with us different design elements and design principles.  This part I really appreciated.  At that time, I already knew that in spite of knowing basic principles in Photography, this was a good learning.  As expected, I learned something new!

At 3PM, we went out of the campus and started walking around the ABS-CBN area.  We were tasked to take photos of anything interesting.  I honestly struggled hahaha!  I remember when I joined last year’s Canon Photomarathon, I had the same dilemma.

At the end of the photowalk, believe it or not, I hadn’t taken a single picture!  I was so embarassed.  Out of panic, I shot a quick picture of this “no taxi ‘no taxi terminal’ sign after I saw the taxis actually making it as a terminal.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t a very good shot.  But I really appreciated Teacher Edwin’s critique of it.  He said that a photographer should not need to explain the pictures they have taken.  The story should be obvious, he said.  I am so going to keep that lesson in mind.

We all got our certificates!  Whee!  I have experienced a CIIT class and actually finished it!

I asked some of my classmates and they said they were very satisfied.  This Php 2,500 class is a good investment especially for beginners.  Thanks CIIT!

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CIIT: Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology
5F CTTM Square, 68 Timog Ave Cor Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 441-0737

November 11, 2011 was a special day mainly due to the rare 3 number combination: 11-11-11.  However, there’s one more thing that made that day cool.  You know what it is?  Well, when I got an invite via email saying that Smart, HTC and Beats will introduce new HTC smartphones in Republiq club, Resorts World, I already knew then that it would be an awesome and uber duper fun party.  Smart has been known to throw crazy fun parties.  So this time around, I wouldn’t wanna miss it!

Republiq was booked from 6-10PM exclusively for the Smart-HTC event.  Boy, I was really excited!  I wanted to know more about the new HTC smartphones because I heard that they are part of a new line to feature Beats Audio technology to deliver studio quality audio.  That explains why the launch was held at the most popular party place in the Metro today.

Before the event started, we took a look at the gallery where they featured Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.  I was drooling but I knew I won’t be able to purchase one for myself as the price range is between Php10,000 to Php 30,000.  I can’t afford them at the moment.  However, I’m sure that some of you who are willing to shell out money to get the best audio quality would not hesitate to get a pair.  They certainly looked awesome!  I wish I was able to try them out though.

While waiting for the big reveal of the new HTC smartphones, we posed for the camera.  Barely Toast was the official photographer for the event.  I knew the company takes awesome pictures so we had Barely Toast take our pictures.  I loved the pictures! <3

Smart and HTC started the show by introducing their companies and explaining how they entered into the partnership.  They also showed some videos of the Black Eyed Peas and what we can expect with the Beats Audio technology.

They didn’t just simply unveil the new HTC smartphones.  They did it with style!  Smart and HTC invited DJs and dancers to visually show us what to expect with the new HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL.  Both HTC smartphones will feature the Beats Audio Technology.

Let me share the information that Smart and HTC gave to us about the new HTC smartphones during the launch.  Enjoy and start planning your expenses as you might want to get a handset for yourself.  Do note that the phones are available in the Philippines through Smart Communications Wireless Centers and through HTC authorized retailers.

• HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio (Php 31,500)

Pushing the audio boundaries – the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio indulges the scenes with the astounding sound profile of Beats Audio.  Bundled together with exclusive custom made Beats headset, the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio instantly transports you to a world of your own with crystal clear vocals and audio tracks and a fuller bass that leaves your feet tapping.

Shape and form – 126.1 mm (L) X 65.4 mm (W) X 11.3 mm (T), Weight: 151 grams (with battery)

Serving up a power boost – powered by an enhanced 1.5 GHz dual core processor, the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio takes surfing and switching between apps to the next level.  The boost in the processor promises accelerated speeds and a long battery life of 1730 mAh allows you to enjoy the experience of the phone for hours.

Enhanced Features with HTC Sense 3.0 – never let a great shot slip away again with the new instant capture camera feature.  the moment you press the button is the same moment the photo is captured – each time, every time.  The revamped lock screen has also been transformed into a preview window to all the good stuff on your phone.  You can now check up on your portfolio, view your friend’s social network status and more, all on the lock screen.

A phone that just makes sense – HTC Sense is an experience designed around many little insightful ideas.  Ideas that seem so simple, you think “why hasn’t any one else thought of that? It just makes sense”.  It’s a phone experience full of lots of little surprises, delighting you every time.  Surprise yourself with simple things like flipping the phone to silence it, navigate roads with not just a map but a compass too or simply tap a word or phrase during your read and look it up on Wikipedia, Google, YouTube or the dictionary.

• HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (Php 32,500)

Amplify your screen – the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio is engineered to deliver an unsurpassed visual experience with its massive 4.7-inch WVGA screen display.  With its new superb lightweight upbeats headset, the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio showcases outstanding multimedia content, bestowing you a phone that impresses the senses.

Shape and form – 132.5 mm (L) X 70.7 mm (W) X 9.9 mm (T), Weight: 162.5 grams (with battery)

Impressive from every angle – sporting a super sleek 9.9mm side profile, the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio is designed to exude a premium look and feel inside and out.  Showcasing a pristine white chassis, this super phone boasts of both stunning aesthetics and functionality.

Enhanced features with HTC Sense 3.5 – never let a great shot slip away again with the new instant capture camera feature.  the moment you press the button is the same moment the photo is captured – each time, every time.  The revamped lock screen has also been transformed into a preview window to all the good stuff on your phone.  You can now check up on your portfolio, view your friend’s social network status and more, all on the lock screen.

A phone that just makes sense – HTC Sense is an experience designed around many little insightful ideas.  Ideas that seem so simple, you think “why hasn’t any one else thought of that? It just makes sense”.  It’s a phone experience full of lots of little surprises, delighting you every time.  Surprise yourself with simple things like flipping the phone to silence it, navigate roads with not just a map but a compass too or simply tap a word or phrase during your read and look it up on Wikipedia, Google, YouTube or the dictionary.

Oh, before I forget, both phones will have SmartNet installed 😀

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Smart, HTC and Beats launch HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL
HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio (Php 31,500)
HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (Php 32,500)
Smart Communications & HTC authorized retailers

A lot of people have been joining the Apple bandwagon.  Yes, Apple-branded gadgets are getting more popular by the minute.  Ever since I bought my first Apple-branded product (iBook), I became a super Apple fanatic.  Apple just kept innovating products that make us want & need them.  My iPhone, iPod and Macbook Pro are things that I use every single day.

One downside for me is the price of those gadgets.  Boy, they are surely expensive!  Most of my earnings over the recent years were used to buy gadgets and its available accessories.  I never regretted buying them as they made my life easier.

All Apple-branded gadgets has a one-year limited warranty.  I made it a point to always avail an AppleCare Protection Plan for my Apple laptops so I can get 3 years limited warranty.

As you all know, the AppleCare Protection Plan doesn’t cover everything. It has limitations. Among them is:

(ii) Damage to the Covered Equipment caused by accident, abuse, neglect, misuse (including faulty installation, repair, or maintenance by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider), unauthorized modification, extreme environment (including extreme temperature or humidity), extreme physical or electrical stress or interference, fluctuation or surges of electrical power, lightning, static electricity, fire, acts of God or other external causes;

Well, good news!  You don’t have to worry anymore if you accidentally drop your Apple gadget or if some bad person steals your precious Apple-branded product.  Because Protect + is now here to cover that.

What is Protect +?

Protect + is a new “gadget” that will fortify your Apple experience. It is a very practical tool that will enhance the protection of your Apple gadget specifically Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, iMac Mini, iPad, iPod (no iPhones sorry).

Protect + ensures that your gadgets are repaired or replaced conveniently without interrupting your activities. It is an extension to your AppleCare warranty that covers theft and accidental damages to your Apple gadget.

It offers you a FREE 30-day trial within 7 days from date of purchase. Apple Protect Plus has flexible terms when it comes to duration of coverage and payment of premiums. It is available to you within 14 days from date of purchase.

Sometimes, we just have no control over thieves who may break in to our private space and unexpected things could happen to our gadget, let someone else worry about it. PhilFire Protect + will be there to take the hassle.

Protect + Benefits

Philfire will indemnify the insured against the cost of Repair or the Replacement of the Equipment (with similar specifications, which may be by way of refurbished equipment).

Philfire Insurance shall only be liable to pay for a maximum of (2) Repairs during the period of Insurance.

Protect + Coverage

• 12 Months Protection from Accidental Damage
• Standard Repairs and Unit Replacement
• 12 Months Protection from Theft

Flexible payment terms are available.

Protect+ is just an extension to AppleCare 1 or 3 years warranty, not a replacement.

How to Activate Protect+


1. Visit your nearest DigitalHub store to purchase your favorite apple gadget.
2. Ask for assistance from the sales representative to register for the 30-day free trial of the Protect Plus.
3. Visit the PhilFire website at http://www.philfire.com.ph
4. Click on the Products and choose “Protect+”
5. Create your own account by supplying your personal information and details of your purchase. (Purchase should be within 7 Days of purchase)
6. Successful Registration will be confirmed by means of an email verification of your purchase details.
7. For 6 and 12 months coverage, your insurance policies will be delivered to your preferred addresses

It’s really nice that Digital Hub, a leading Apple reseller in the Philippines, is offering 30-day free trial of the Protect +.  Since this is a new service, a lot of people might need some time to decide if they want to get additional insurance.  Well, once I get a new iMac by next year (or next next year:P), I’ll make sure I’ll get both AppleCare Protection Plan and Protect +.  I want to feel secure with my possessions and wouldn’t want to stress about it.  Accidents are inevitable and it’s something we cannot control.  So I’m really glad that Philfire has this new service.

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Protect +
Philippine Fire and Marine Insurance Corporation (PhilFire)
For more inquiries, you can visit any DigitalHub stores.