So today I’ve decided to get a physical check up just to see how am I doing…well physically. I do some kickboxing once in a while and now it turns out that my muscles aren’t all properly structured. The right side of my body is way stronger than my left. It turned out obvious after I realize that I use my right arm and leg a lot especially in kick boxing. We noticed that my right shoulder is actually bigger than my left. Plus, I have much strength on my thighs that It’s basically overwhelming my lower back. I don’t have a good balance since my right is stronger than my left.

I felt a little out of the loop that I’ve decided to get a personal trainer to help me fix my issues. From this day forward I will try to put a little bit more strategy on my lifestyle. Have a proper diet, less intake of junk food, eat more protein and eat 5 times a day! I’ve been so focused on my work that I’ve practically neglected my health. So now I will do my best to help myself and reach my goal, which is to get my physique in good shape.

Wish me luck!

Once in a while I spend some time thinking about the things I do in my life. I’m quite a busy guy and most have told me that I’m married to my work. No argument there. I have three jobs. I work full-time as a motion graphics designer while doing websites and photography on the side. If I count the hours, I probably work 16 hours a day (breaks included of course). But then my thoughts bounce back at me with a question: where’s all the money? It’s the same principle at some workplaces. No matter how hard you work your ass off, at the end of the day it’s all about the money. Even If you spend 80 hours on a project if it’s not profitable then you lose. You did a good job but you lose, buddy. I ask myself: really? I digress.

Money is important in life. And like what Danny DeVito said in the movie Heist: “Everybody needs money. That’s why they call it money.” Yes I need money, but my goal is not money. It’s making a difference not only to my life but also to others. My previous boss told me once: “While you’re young you have all the energy to do whatever you want. Don’t waste it.” I was 20 back then. I’m 24 now and I still abide by those words. It’s been my mantra. I work this hard but not to earn tons of money. I work this hard to make sure my family is proud of what I’ve become and my accomplishments at my age. I know it’s not a lot, but I’m doing my best. I know there are others who are younger and more successful than I am, but hey, I have my limits too! I’m just quite proud to say that being a young creative entrepreneur that I am now, I’ve never relied on anyone to get to where I am. My good graces never dropped a single penny on me so I could buy my gears. I wanted my family to see that I can make a difference and that all their effort raising me wasn’t a waste. I wanted them to see that I can be mature enough to stand on my own. I wanted them to be happy.

So what have I accomplished really? Let’s begin 3 years ago when I first started doing websites.

I was still in University that time. I had no idea how complicated it would turn out but I gave it a try anyway. And as I expected I did not do very well on my first project. It was painstakingly embarrassing. It came to a point that I told myself that maybe I shouldn’t put myself into this kind of mess. The business world is pretty scary for someone who had no idea where to start. But I didn’t stop nor did my business partner who is also one my best friends. While in school, I took part time graphics/web design jobs to learn the particulars of running a business. Slowly, I worked my way up. It was a good ride and a year later there I was:

Published in a magazine with a handful of 17 clients from Korea, Qatar, China, Los Angeles and Toronto. The moment we saw the page on the Top Choice Awards magazine, we’ve never been so proud! It was quite a thrill!

Another year passed and business was still running steady even though my business partner had left to Korea already. I started working full-time while still running the business on my own. I slowly invested on better equipments to provide more services. And few months later, I started doing business on photography. Photography was a passion, but I thought, hey, why not add that to my services? So I did. I started with friends then moved to events and eventually weddings. And a year after there I was again:

At the moment, I’ve worked with more than 60 clients from different countries on my own. I know it’s not a lot for 3 years, but I can say that I did my best and I’m quite happy to where I am now. At the back of my head I still tell myself that I could have done better, but I can only do so much. I just hope that with what I have right now, my parents and my beloved Grandmother are proud of me. And I thank them for putting faith on my capabilities. For giving me support all the way through. And for giving me a chance to learn on my own.  I owe them and this is the best way I can show how much I appreciate all their hard work.

The title is from the books of Ecclesiastes and Isaiah. 22:13. A cautionary line that simply says: life is short. enjoy it.

I thought of this when I received a photo shoot project last week. The photo shoot involves a simple family dinner of 30 people. It sounded like a project I’d enjoy so I cordially accepted the offer. However, I was told later on that this dinner was intended for their Grandfather. The client wants to have family photos and Individual relative shots as a gift. And the sole reason was this dinner will be the last dinner they will have with their Grandfather. Quite saddening, really.

Diagnosed with cancer, the client’s Grandpa will reside into the unknown quite soon. This was implied during my conversation with the client. I can’t bring myself to imagine how I’d be like photographing someone who’s about to depart. I’ve been used to shooting smiling couples, laughing drunkards, pretty faces and happy friends. For once, I never thought I’d shoot an event that could result into melancholy. It makes me wonder what kind of essence will come out of my photos.

I always say that photography changes how one look at things in life. Somehow, I’m quite wavering about the project. I get this feeling that this photo shoot will leave marks on me. Whether good or bad, I will find out soon enough…