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Change the World

SirNicolay's MTv brings and challenges you to...

Shine it on my heart,

so you could see the truth

 That this love that I have inside

is everything it seems

That I could change the world

You would think my love was really something good

  How can anyone change the world?

That's what I thought before. It dawned on me about eight years ago that to say that I cannot change the world is tantamount to non-existence. Everyone matters. We affect each other's existence. The fact that you're viewing my pictures and reading this text thousands of miles away proves this.

 

Last weekend, I was very worried about so many things. I was thinking about the bills I have to pay--I thought I wouldn't be able to make ends meet in the next few weeks. I was almost hopeless. Like Icarus flying to the sun, I felt my wings starting to melt.

 

It took some words of encouragement and clear thinking before I saw the light in this seemingly long and bleak tunnel. Someone suggested that I could actually combine both my passions for teaching and photography in order to earn some money during weekends. The lightbulb appeared in my mind: what a great idea! I thought I had experiences in both disciplines, and I thought I could do it. 

So we spent a few hours conceptualizing, planning, weighing pros and cons. Around night time, I was already making a website which would be the homepage of this sideline. The day after, Monday, I did some advertizing, and, to my surprise, I was able to lure two customers. The following day, I made a video ad using my pictures and processing everything in iMovie '09. More people started to visit my site. It was an exhilarating experience to see that I did it. Now, I can safely relax in the next few weeks: I received more support than what I had expected.

 

I am very inspired to share this with you, guys, because I've been blessed and I feel so grateful for being part of the tabblo community. I have learned a lot and started friendships from the members of this site. Your comments and pieces of advice on my work are great factors to this miracle happening in my life right now.

 

You have changed my world. :) Thank you.

 

This is not about getting a TOD or sucking up to fellow photographers. This is not even an advertisement because most of you are not from the Philippines, where my customers should be. So I'm simply sharing this because I felt that it's the right thing to do.

 

And in the next few days, I'll start to share my knowledge in photography. If I could do it for free, I would. Haha! But for now, from what I have researched, I charge the lowest fee among any other photography seminar around. I guess that's my little way of expressing my gratitude to the world.

 

I'm excited to teach photography. Being a teacher, I'm always reminded of this famous quote, "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, you feed him for life."

 

So I guess this is how I'm changing the world. Teaching others to see the world differently through their own cameras.

 

Let's all change the world! Bring sunlight to the universe!

 

- James

 

PS. I just created a guestbook! w00t! If it's not too much, please visit my guestbook in the website. I would appreciate it. Thanks! :)

C H A N G E  T H E  W  O  R  L  D

Lyrics by Eric Clapton

If I could reach the stars,

I'd pull one down for you

Right-click here for the music

But for now I find

it's only in my dreams

I would be the sunlight of your universe

  Baby if I could change the world

It's impossible. That's what many people would say. I am merely an infinitesimal fraction of an atom in this universe. Whatever I do won't change anything--I can't even change myself. Nothing matters, anyway. Look at the story of the fall of Icarus: when he fell from the sky, no one really cared.  Why would anyone give a damn about me. I am nobody. I cannot change the world.  

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus by Pieter Brugel is one of my favorite paintings of all time. In this painting you can see the leg of Icarus near the large ship. Life goes on. Nobody noticed him when he fell from the sky. (The picture is from this site.)
COMMENTS
Karsten said at 1:24 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
What a tabblo to end my day! I am sure that every and each of us can change the world by his attitude! So glad that you found a solucion of your worries! it surly will work out - you have a brilliant mind, you are a super-photografer and it is good to have you as a friend! Thanks you for beeing!
Karsten said at 1:35 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
P.S.: you webside is great and working with mac - outstanding...jaja
Sirnicolay said at 2:10 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Thank you, Karsten :)
Mariusblack said at 2:17 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
WOW! ayawan moment na ito. haha! mind-blowing photomosaic, james. love it. but you wanna know something creepy? 10 minutes ago, while having merienda, i was singing this exact song!!! then i log in here and find your tabblo. same wavelengths, eh? haha! congratulations on this one and best of luck on your new endeavor. just tell me if i can be of any help. =)
Chilla said at 2:49 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
James, this is a great tabblo and asalways you express yourself so well in your words and pictures. I am sorry that you have been stressed recently but delighted that you have worked through it in a very positive way. Good luck with the new project I amoff to have a look now.
Welshchick said at 3:42 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Sounds good dear James~ Eric Clapton changed the world when he wrote this song, right? YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT AROUND THE BEND MY FRIEND!
Sd14 said at 3:46 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
hi sir it is about time you see you for" THE GREAT & CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER THAT YOU ARE "
your dedication & commitment to the art is amazing clear to me &also that you should be working with it . the world needs a new order that is for sure.
all professional photographers start small & build their customer base from there,
you have my very best wishes for your new adventure for now & always,
sorry about your problems it seems that the whole world is in trouble now all down to a few greedy people,
you will make it you have the expertise& dedication to do so, ENJOY!!!

joe???
Sirnicolay said at 4:14 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Marius, creepy nga!!! :) Salamat sa suporta, my friend. :)

Celia, Rhonda, and Joe: thank you for the kind words and support. :)
Joaqy said at 4:25 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Naunahan mo ako sa pagturo. Unlike you, my outline is a mess not knowing when to stop, how to start, how to end. Mine kept growing and growing....and now am stuck. Yes, you charge cheap. Dagdagan mo just a tad more. And to whoever enrolled, he/she will realize he/she got a bargain because you are good. Well...more than good.

See how things work out and falls into place? Someone is listening :D

Am a fan. Am here to help if you need me. MABUHAY!
Wildthing said at 4:43 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Another terrific tabblo, James. Clapton's words compliment your excellent images.

As for changing the world....You do. You are an educationalist who cares, and will - every day - excite and ignite your students with the knowledge and enthusiasm you have in abundance, helping to shape their lives.

As a fellow tabbloer, I am always eager to read your thoughts on life, and can FEEL your passion for it.

Follow your dreams, my friend. Bravo ~ Mike
Charlespop said at 4:59 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Great photos are to be found in this tabblo ! I especially like the first one.. Best of luck in your new teaching challenge. And remember the very best teachers remain students at heart and the best way to learn something deeply is to teach it !
Sirnicolay said at 6:14 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Master Joaquin, maraming salamat. :) I'm aiming to get more customers. Tsaka na yang mataas na price kapag sobrang magaling at sikat na ako. Hehe. Mabuhey! Apat ang customers ko this weekend. Ahihi. Wala na akong pahinga. LOL. Ahh long weekend pala. Holiday sa Monday. Yay! :)

Mike, thank you. We do what we love to do. That's why I keep on teaching because it's technically my first love. :)

Charles, I agree with you. Another quote goes, "To teach is to learn twice." Thanks for the kind words. :)
Joaqy said at 6:15 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Monday? Holiday? Why?
Eduardo.affonso said at 6:28 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Sirnicolay's MTv is my favorite online channel.
Guest said at 6:40 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
wow, the first one and the last are my favs, I signed your guest book:)
Sirnicolay said at 7:49 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Joaquin, EDSA/Ninoy holiday thing. Hehe.

Edu, you're much too kind. :)

Guest, whoever you are, thanks so much! :)
Sirnicolay said at 8:04 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Gamster, Sue, Marius and Edna: thank you so much for leaving a message in my guestbook. :D I owe you guys.
Sirnicolay said at 9:09 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Mike, thank you too for the message you left. Very, very kind of you. :)
Moabjeeper said at 9:32 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Awesome tabblo. wish you much success.
Doogieisdamann said at 10:16 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Nice tabblo cher! Congrats on TOD! :D
Sirnicolay said at 11:15 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Thanks, Bob and Doug. :)

Thanks for the TOD, Eric. :)

I feel very nervous and pressured right now because I'll meet my first photography students about nine hours from now. Ack. Usually, I don't feel this whenever I teach English to my students. It's just that I feel apprehensive as to what will happen. Hopefully nothing goes wrong.
Pkeener said at 11:20 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
ok. you are not going to believe what is playing on my itunes this very moment. yes. EC singing change the world. I know i am connected to my brothers in the Philippines, but this is just too cool. You are inspiring in thought word and deed, Jamsie. I know you will be successful in your teaching endeavor, and in anything you enter, because you have a winning attitude, a beautiful mind, and a whole lots of guts and energy.
Pkeener said at 11:20 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
every photo speaks volumes. beautiful tabblo
Debdog said at 11:21 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
sorry i missed this, it certainly speaks volumes, and best of luck to James....you are very talented, and are a GREAT teacher i am sure:) well deserved TOD...and i so believe WE CAN change our worlds at least, one small step at a time, with each person we meet, take a little from them, give a little to them, every times lives cross paths, it's like a ripple in the water. :)
Debdog said at 11:30 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
I am so crazy! i thought i missed seeing this on the day it came out!!!! Your photography and the ad ,all so professional too!
Candlepower said at 11:36 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
WOW!!! A Favorite!
Ira said at 11:38 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
You can change the world... You make the world perfect and wonderful. Your creativity makes it. Very beautiful photos. And it is very a pity, that I can not state the admiration to the full.
Candlepower said at 11:42 a.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Congratulations on a well earned TOD!
Umair said at 12:07 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
one of the finest ever on this site!!!!! regards!
Sirnicolay said at 12:23 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Pam, that is just bizarre!!! The three of us have strange bonds. Haha. Thank you very much for the support, Pam. I hope I have the guts to be my best tomorrow :)

Deb, I just posted this tabblo today! Haha! You are right. We can change the world one step at a time. :)

Thank you very much, Pat, Ira and Umair. :)
Sirnicolay said at 12:24 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Thanks to Deb, Pam, and Noreen for visiting my site and leaving words of encouragement in my guestbook. You guys are the best!!! :)
Lifequest22 said at 3:52 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
James, congratulations on TOD and your new business venture. I know you'll be a great success and help to change the world.
Andre. said at 4:49 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
I think, Clapton could sign up for your lessons as well:)
Loes said at 5:20 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Congrats on TOD James, what a terrific tablo!!
Mirella said at 5:59 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Sir, it's not a miracle; YOU did all this. You are GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gams said at 6:31 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
No probs James, If I only live closer to you, I would be on your students list ;-)
Tazzari said at 6:38 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
Nice pics and choice of song, 'cher. :D really deep message...
Memotions said at 8:14 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
What can I say....You are introspective, thoughtful, grateful, talented (in so many ways) AND I absolutely adore your gusto, because you are a true believer in the fact that one act, one person can start to change the world......one deed and one person at a time. Your photography shows how much you SEE and how passionately you care. Your video and choice of music were artfully thought out. Your essence, talent, approach and intuition completely blow me away. You are an inspiration, you dear man. This is just awesome. DANG...this was one great Tabblo!!!!!!! I feel honoured to have viewed it. :)
Memotions said at 8:17 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
I just need to add one more thing, you are anything but "infinitesimal " BAH HUMBUG!! You rock.
Mariusblack said at 9:58 p.m. on Feb 20, 2009:
woot! another TOD from james' mtv. you're on a steamroll, my friend! congratulations! good luck on your first class today, btw! =0
Saulblum said at 12:00 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Hi James, funny too since someone sang "Change the World" at the karaoke I was at last night! It's great what you're doing. If I was in Manila, I'd sign up! Good luck.
MarkAmirault said at 12:09 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Wonderful!
Chaitiamma said at 2:06 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Go for it James, dont let anything stops you. With your talent, YOU CAN DO IT !!!
Distinctivephotography said at 2:25 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Congratulations on TOD! More importantly, congratulations on your new "sideline" and goodluck! I love the first picture, by the way. And the girl running in the fields :)
Sirnicolay said at 3:44 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Thank you very much for the tremendous support: Linda, Andre, Luisa, Mirella, Gams, Ed, Patty, Marius, Saul, Mark, David, and Distinctive.. :)

Thanks to Bobbie and Rhonda also for leaving comments in my guestbook. :)

I just got home from my first tutorial lesson. I had just one student. And it was really great to finally do this. It feels good to pass on what I have learned about photography to others. I'll post pictures soon.
Aipye said at 8:42 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
nice post sir :)
Pkeener said at 8:45 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
you go!!
Sirnicolay said at 9:14 a.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Thanks, Ezra and Pam. :)

UPDATE:

Here's the work of my very first student:

http://sirnicolay.blogspot.com/2009/02/pictures-of-my-first-student.html

Please comment if you like. :) I'm sure he will appreciate it.
Fabio_DL said at 1:52 p.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
James, another wonderful tabblo! Thanks much and congratulations!
Noe said at 4:21 p.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Great tabblo James... congrats!! =)
21-gramm said at 7:42 p.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
Great Style og your last Tabblo, James!
I`m going to visit your web-world!
))
Dusdee421 said at 8:20 p.m. on Feb 21, 2009:
I am really impacted by this Tabblo, I really love it and it's message. Congrats on another TOD cher!
Hhwind said at 4:19 a.m. on Feb 22, 2009:
A deserving TOD and a fantastic message, success will be yours my friend for you are one dedicated teacher .
Albert_09 said at 5:39 a.m. on Feb 22, 2009:
Preciosas fotografias y excelente Tabblo. Enhorabuena.
Sirnicolay said at 5:51 a.m. on Feb 22, 2009:
Thanks, FDeLima, Noe, Den, Dustin, and Teo. :)

Thanks to Den and Teo for leaving messages in my guestbook. :)
Sirnicolay said at 9:12 a.m. on Feb 22, 2009:
Gracias, Albert!
ConnieL said at 6:28 p.m. on Feb 22, 2009:
James, this is fantastic. I have no doubt you love to teach, it's very obvious. And your photos speak for themselves. So, for you to teach photography is fantastic...combining two loves. In the process you are changing the world and teaching others to do so as well. I wish you much success. :)
Krisu said at 5:55 a.m. on Feb 23, 2009:
Congrats on TOD!!!
Dyowi said at 6:03 a.m. on Feb 24, 2009:
Another Great Tabblo james!
Bryanhrdzdier said at 6:28 p.m. on Feb 27, 2009:
Beautiful work! as always...
Sirnicolay said at 7:44 a.m. on Apr 30, 2009:
Thanks, guys!
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