~ Life's a wonderful Art ~

Moving out, goodbye Blogspot!

2011-05-25T10:30:00.002+08:00

It's finally happening.... ~~tomorrow~~ *insert update* Today, 26th of May, I'm moving out!

If you happen to be here for the first time, don't yah worry! I don't have plans of deleting this old blog. After all this is where everything started for me and I'll sure miss the old home still despite problems technically in blogging here. =)

For those who've been following me here, I can't thank you enough. Really.
But I'm excited to see you all in my new lil happy corner.

This way pleaseeee...
Update your bookmarks! www.josephinesicadphotography.com/blog
Spreadin' la la lurv!!!

Random Saturday + my 25km goal + another exhilarating news ahead!

2011-05-21T12:13:00.001+08:00

Just random things....

1. Took that uber cute photo above from last tuesday's beach fun with my friends. =) I still need my beach fix soon. Oh please dear Summer, don't leave me yet! :p

2. I've been lounging at the imac still tinkering with the new blogsite so obviously, it's been occupyin' a whole lot of my daysssss. I hope I meet my deadline.

3. I ran like it's the last time I'll ever run last week and reached my first 21km goal and I'm running my official record ever and longest run yet of 25km goal today (if it doesnt rain!) - in fact this afternoon!!!! (and what am i still doing blogging instead of preparing for it huh? haha) If you just sent a goodluck wish to me or about to chant a lil prayer hoping I'll make it to the finish line hehe, I surely appreciate that! *wink*

4. I haven't enrolled to my nihongo class but it looks like I might enroll for French first --- it's about time I at least understand the French songs I've been listening to! :P

5. You know how when it's really hard to keep a secret sometimes? Well I can't hold it much longer --- so I'll announce yet another exhilarating news next week soon! Some of my closest friends know it but please don't spoil my surprise news yet (for the nth time, no I'm not preggers yet! hahaha) Ssssssh!!! Am i such a teaser? :P

Happy weekend everyone!!!

{E-Session) Jess & Beth

2011-05-18T16:03:00.002+08:00

"There was really no proposal. We just decided to step up....", Beth shared that to me when I asked her how their love story transpired over the years. "He brought out the worst in me and yet he loves me with all that I am."

Awww. That's like the sweetest thing to say. Yeah?

Meet Jess and Beth.

Jess is working in Singapore while Beth comes and goes back to Manila. Beth is so far one of the busiest bride I've met. Well, how can she not be when she's also a professional wedding planner herself running around to make every bride's wedding a dream come true for them. In fact, she found out about me through some of the bride's she's work with that I've already photographed. Now that it's time for her to get married,too, it's amazing to think that she managed to squeeze in a time for their engagement shoot that we did last September. Yes, last year. I only was allowed to post their photos finally now because they're getting married next week (May 24th)!!! How exciting that's going to be for them counting down the days left!!!

They are such a funny tandem. Full of zests when they're together! =)

Well, we didn't get to finish the whole set of this photo session actually due to limited time so yeah, there's most likely a Part 2 of this after their wedding when they'll both come back to Singapore soon. Hehe *winks to Beth & Jess* =)

Did I mention we just found out we've moved in to the same neighborhood this year? Ahaha

So, how fun is that to know from being strangers, now friends, we'll just be knockin' on each other's doors anytime we could. =)

Hope the lovely beach wedding in Boracay will be grand and fab for yah!
And wishing you a world of happiness on that day and forever through!
Congratulations guys! Hugs! =)

---

Taken last September 2010
Singapore

Becoming Yourself.

2011-05-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect
and beginning the work of becoming yourself."
- Anna Quindlen

Quick post. Or maybe not.

If you're following me on my Facebook page or Twitter, you'll already know by now that I'm working with all my might on a better blogsite so I might be a little on and off the radar. I sure did say this long ago that I was going to revamp little by little...now that I have quite the time in this world to sit long hours on it, I'm so excited to launch the better look, bigger photo displays, and a few perks that I've invested on. Yes, it's about time. Should I give out a deadline to myself then so I don't give more excuses next time, huh? Hehehe

Okay, before June it is. Will definitely launched the new happy bloghome. Please be patient with me. *wink*

Photo above taken in the Osaka-ju Castle, Japan during our spring trip last April 2011.
Hai! hai! hai!!!! the Japan photos will look great in the new blogsite soon. Promise! =)

Finding your path.

2011-05-09T10:28:00.004+08:00

"When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way."

— Paulo Coelho

I grew up in a family that never could afford a camera back then. My mother would just hire some local photographer to shoot random family pictures, during special occasions or when we're lucky, join in from the neighbors. We don't have birthday pictures every year. Not even during Christmas. Sometimes I wish we had a camera at least, it would have been really nice to see more of our baby pictures,too and all the times I lost a tooth. Haha. But it's okay. That was how life was. And it's not really a sad part of my life. That's just the way we roll. =)

Times change and blessings come along. That's why Life is never selfish! =)
I got my first ever handed down, ever reliable, Nikon D40x around Feb 2009.
Then upgraded to the next in May 2010 with the Nikon D300s.
Luckily this year, May 2011, all stars aligned hallelujah!!! --- it's about time to plunge into full frame.
My D700 is a wish-list no more. =)

Don't you love waking up each day believing there's so much beauty to capture yet in this world?
Well, yes, I'd love to do just that for the rest of my life.
Thank you Thank You Thank You Universe!!!

Happy Monday ya'll!!! =)

Love without getting tired.

2011-05-08T09:43:00.002+08:00

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary.

What we need is to love without getting tired."

— Mother Teresa

One time, around 22 years ago (yeah, that's how long ago it was!) I went home, holding up to myself a bucket of tears until I reach our house and tell my mother what seemed to be the saddest news for me back then. Well, I was probably still 8 yrs old.

"What happened to you?', my mother was so concerned.
I started crying. Really hard.
"I didn't make it to First Place in the class...", I sobbed and sobbed.
But I made it to Second though.

Well, I can't remember all the details of what happened afterwards. All I know was I wanted to always make my parents proud. Ever since after that sad moment, I persevered naturally and was motivated to get better, even if I get to second place again...as long as I gave it my very best. My mother was always there to tie my ribbon on stage every time I get an award. When 6th grade came, I made it and graduated Valedictorian! Oh yes, without sounding too braggy about it, I cried happy tears, even how much scared I was for not finishing my valedictory speech on stage. Well, hello, I had stage fright. Hahah.

One thing certain, it felt like everything paid off. And my dearest mother witness it all. My mom didn't even finish her high school due to lack of finance but without her untiring love and support to make sure we didn't experience what she'd gone through --- I wouldn't be 'ME' now and I owe everything from her.

I love you, Mother Lucing! :) I don't say that as often as I really should but I mean it more than anything else!!! Although you may not know how to exactly log on to the Internet and all and won't even be able to read this post ever I think hehe....but it's okay, I'm seeing you soon again and we'll celebrate a day that you'll ever deserve! =)

Happy Mother's Day to my Mama and to all deserving Moms out there! =)

Photo above: A blooming sakura, taken from our spring trip in Kyoto, Japan.

{Sneak Peek} Dennis ♥ Anna

2011-05-07T13:24:00.000+08:00

They're two architects happily in love.
And from the looks of it, I bet they'll draw out a great future together.

Ooooh I can't wait to post this whole set of Dennis and Anna soon.... *wink*

Saying 'Yes'!

2011-05-03T21:50:00.006+08:00

"Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn't have the courage to say "yes" to life?"

— Paulo Coelho

Well, a BIG YES to Life and Law of Attraction it is!

I am now a full-time dreamer and a ~~trainee~~ housewife.

And I Thank the Universe for aligning the stars for me again and again! =)

You see, it took me a bit of time to start this post. I've been tryin' to hold on to my chair since last week or a month ago actually, before I do publish this and tell the Internet an oh-so-exhilarating-news! =)

Today I officially started my indefinite leave from the rat race. Feel free to blink your eye while reading this coz yes, I've finally done it. I resigned from my full time job and decided to take an oh-much-needed-REAL-break!!! For how long? Well, I don't know yet. That's why I called it indefinite. Hehe. Will I miss the corporate world? I can't tell for now. I might go back but maybe after a month or two or three or more ....or never. *wink*

And what am I suppose to do now while on this so-called-break?

Well, it won't definitely be as easy as it may sound. Really. It's not like I've found a pot of gold and I can now have all the time of my life...oh nothing like that, not yet, but hey, I sure am beaming and looking forward to start living my dreams fully,too and do what I passionately love doing and really do MORE, that my dear friends include the art of embroidery. No, I'm not kidding. Haha. Oh I know I'm starting to sound so domesticated, am I? of course! I'll have more time to hopefully be a better housewife, too!!! My dearest mother explicitly reminded me all the housewives-must-dos over the phone when I called her this morning (too bad I didn't have a pen to write them all! tsk tsk) and my father gave his blessings for me to go follow my guts and have faith in me. On top of all this craze I'm putting myself into, I have Brian to be ever so grateful for -- him being there for me, despite me being still an imperfect wife, and supporting my decisions every step of the way (well, we still argue now and then ya knoww!). A matter of fact, I hope I made him proud coz I started ~~experimenting~~ learning to cook again and served a sumptuous dinner tonight...next thing ya know, I might just become my husband's all-time-favorite chef. LOL. (special thanks to Junior Masterchef Australia, i couldn't get over how kiddos ages 8-12 can seriously cook , so why can't I? hehe)

If you're curious enough, I've already filled my calendar and task lists to fill my coming sunshiny & rainy days: morning/afternoon runs, blog, revamp website, study (nihongo!), sleep, photoshootsssss (yey!), travel (oh yes travel more i hope!), clean, wash, cook ......and la la la...repeat. *big big grin*

Hope Tuesday treated you all well everyone!!! Spreadin' la la la lurvvv! =)

Photo above taken by Brian, behind the scenes while having a break in between an esession.
Feel free to peek more behind the scenes over at Facebook.

{E-Session} Rendon & Debbie

2011-04-27T21:21:00.003+08:00

It didn't take longer than a minute to love these two couple the very moment I met them only on the day of the shoot last February. Especially because they're one of those sweetest couple I've adored shooting. There's not a need much for me to even explain why. Really. And it's not just because they were too cute to give me a special surprise card,too? *winks*

Meet Rendon and Debbie. I was so giggly to upload this set finally.

Debbie sent me an email first week of January --- oh you bet it made a great start of my year! =)

Both of them are Filipinos working and living now in Vietnam. *Oh yes Vietnam, that one country I love to visit too soon and takes loads of street photos!!! So Vietnam, you just wait!!!* :P

It so happen they wanted to visit Singapore for a quick vacation during the Chinese New Year and thought might as well have their engagement photos taken while they're on the fly! :P

They didn't opt for anything glowing or dazzling to wear --- all they had were utterly genuine smiles and bursting hearts that tell you straight how happy they are together --- just simply being themselves! :)

Debbie shared to me with much giggle,too how it all started over an insistent and persistent Rendon wanting to buy her coffee at first and then tried asked for her number. Debbie kept turning him down but Rendon obviously wasn't the type who'd throw away the 'I surrender' flag so he eventually managed to get Debbie's number in the end.

Their first date? Was over Starbucks. Debbie had tea and I could imagine how they must have exchange laughter endlessly, sharing stories of all sorts till there was no more tea left on Debbie's cup. "Let's go home, shall we?', Debbie suggested. "Oh, do you want more water for your tea?", Rendon replied. *Aaaah, such a smart move, Rendon!!!! Ahehe*

Anyone please find me a synonym for 'uber sweet'? :P

Love love love.....

Up up...and up they gooo! Hehe

Oh soo fun!!! Weeeh!

I can still hear how Debbie laughs out loud here ya know! :P

More hugs and sweet kisses :P

"Once in awhile,
Right in the middle of an ordinary life,
Love gives us a fairy tale."

-Unknown

Enough said. :P

I'm so thrilled that these adorable two are getting married soon in November.

I wish I'd be able to visit you both in Vietnam (then we'll have part 2 esession? hahaha) coz really, I'm starting to miss the fun of being with you guys!

And I'm certain it will be a grand ride to your new married life soon!

So here's us wishing you both the very best of everything! Congratulations in advance!

♥♥♥

----

Taken in Fort Canning Park, Raffles Hotel & Chimes (Singapore)
7 February 2011

Stringing it all together.

2011-04-22T16:44:00.000+08:00

‎

"Maybe the truth is, there's a little bit of loser in all of us.
Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect.
Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things."

-Ann Brashares

It's barely a week after we got back from Japan (pls be patient with me, I'm still organizing the photos for uploading as of this writing). Oh God knows how I miss every moment of our spring trip. In fact, I'm dreamin' of going back in autumn and terribly wishin' for it! I know you'd think I can be really crazy and every time I try to mention this, the husband is rolling his eyes and must have been whispering a little prayer of some sorts. Hahah :)

Well, okay....for now, I need to put my travel cravings to a little pause. There are other priorities to settle first before the next big trip...and I am about to face another REALLY exhilarating journey of my life --- and it starts a week from now. But oh NO again, I'm not pregnant yet. I'll spare you the wild guessing. *wink* Me and the Universe came down with some sort of a 'dream deal' and finally it's happening next week. I will surely tell you about it in the coming days. =)

Hope you all have a blessed Lenten Season and have a happy long weekend ahead! :)

{Food & Travel} Old Town Love - MELAKA.

2011-04-17T19:59:00.008+08:00

"But do not ask me where I am going,
As I travel in this limitless world,
Where every step I take is my home."
— Eihei Dogen

I'm not so good in telling some history like how Wikipedia narrates this and that, so instead of copy+pasting some trivia, feel free to click lonely planet's link to describe more of Melaka. *grin*

However, I do hope that the things, people and places I've captured while I was there will somehow teleport you into this old town, the way I see it, which I've now grown to love and shall come back to visit to again.

So where do I begin? (Warning: loooong post ahead. *wink*)
Well, I love putting my images as they happen and put them up into my blog in chronological order as much as I can. And like how all roadtrips start, there we were in the bus....(by bus, I mean 'coach type' or what they refer to as express bus)...

We booked our coach tickets last January when I found a promotional deal over the web and got a 38% discount for the fare from a travel agency here in Singapore. It cost us SGD39.90 each instead of the usual SGD65. It does pay better to watch out for deals, isn't it? :)

Oh but just a quick back story here. We originally wanted to go to Kuala Lumpur or go to Cameron Highlands,too however, due to time constraints, we decided to go Melaka instead and yes, thank God we did. I long wanted to come visit this place and finally managed to squeeze a weekend for it. :)

Below is a fellow passenger sitting infront of us and I supposed it's his first time to go to Melaka,too like we do.

It was quite a long ride going to Melaka but we didn't expect it to be even longer - must have been almost 6 hrs on the road coming from Singapore. Good thing there was a stop-over in between for us to grab food or go for toilet breaks.

My favorite stop-over was when we bought this sweet corn. Yumyum! :P

During the ride, Brian was either playing silly games on his phone or nagging me with whatever stuff. While most of the time, when I'm not having a quick nap, I kept staring at the window - coz I hate to miss things that could surprise me along the road.

By the time we arrived in Melaka, it felt like home.
Maybe like Cebu. But there was something more.

Outcast skies. Too bad. It was bound to rain that afternoon when we arrived...

I love the old feel of letter boxes.

And here I was looking like I don't know where to go first. Haha.

We checked in at Discovery Cafe and Guesthouse - the name itself was kinda cool so after going over a few other hostels listed at TripAdvisor, I decided to just go ahead and pick this when I read some good reviews. It wasn't really that disappointing when we came in to our room, it was good enough for a budget hostel to stay for a night and safe,too. The great thing about it is, most of the attractions were easily accessible coz the guesthouse was located right in the middle of the town. That was what mattered to us.

And because we were on a roadtrip, of course, I had to wear the right shirt. Hahaha. ;p

We left our backpack at our room and head on to the streets to find something to eat...

The buko wasn't that tasty like what we have in Cebu though, but oh well, we were craving one so it suffice. Hehe.

Some street window-shopping for me (wait, do you still call it window-shopping though when you're actually outside? hmmm)....

Hmm, it doesn't seem to look bad on me, so yey, bought one floppy! Hahah

The famous coral-painted Christ Church in Melaka built by the Dutch in 1741 and mostly packed with lots of patronizers and tourists. Do read more about it's history here.

Me goofing around...and Brian saying 'Do I really need to sit down here while you take a picture of me?". Duh. Haha.

An old windmill nearby.

Inside an old Portuguese ship...

An old abandoned train..everything's old here so expect me to abuse that word. Hehe

Me taking it for a short ride....in my imagination. =)

Met a little girl who seemed to be ready for my camera. :p

Me acting like a real tourist. Hehe.

An old engraving in a tombstone.

I love these textures. They feel like....uhmm, old? :p

Well, the streets were unfamiliar at first, but later did we realize how everything was just few mins walk from between each other after we toured around riding the local transporation which they call "Trishaw". Aren't they too lively to ride? Hehe Oh no no, I wasn't really driving it around...

Meet our trishaw driver. We hired him for RM30 (SGD15), good for about 45mins, which surprisingly was quite enough to bring us to some corners in Melaka.

Another trishaw driver who was too shy for my camera.

After that little tour around, we started walking along the Jonker Street. Anyone wanting to visit Melaka couldn't miss this part of the town. Especially when you love goin' to distinctive and artsy shops. I couldn't stop pin-pointing this and that to Brian and was amazed with the different displays we found - from antique shops, wood carvings and interiors, colorful unique accessories and more.

Of course, where would you expect Brian to be while I feast around the many bazaars?
Street food was his only game while we were there. Hehe. I dig to some but he was the more adventurous one in terms of streetfood.

I put out a big grin I can bite anyone, huh? ;p

Because they looked too pretty, I had to buy one box. Haha :p

Too bad this vintage treasure wasn't for sale. :(

Fruit candy. It's sold at every corner in Jonker street. Strawberry or grapes or some fruits combine and coated with melted sugar. Just like that. And it's yummy! :p

Fruit candy lady.

Ooops, someone's a lil grumpy that day.

Sotong bukar or dried squid I guess. It was my favorite,too.

Melaka's local delicacies...

Colorful bangles here and there...

Old man vendor in the street. He was trying to tell me something but it was hard to understand him so I just smiled and took this shot. :p

Here's another street vendor who was friendly and excited to open his shop. Apparently, normal business hours for them is late afternoon around 5pm.

Too oily for my appetite...so yeah, I skipped this.

Hello there kiddo.

More street delicacies... sugarcane juice!!!!

When night time seeps in, that's when the real party starts...

But Brian and I didn't have much energy left for some night-party-drinking (I don't drink though) so after grabbing dinner, our weary feet lead us back to our hostel to hit the sack.

The next morning, I woke up earlier and had to drag Brian out of bed hehe coz I wanted to walk around the streets more. We were bound to go back to Singapore that afternoon so we only had the morning to spare.

I love bike shots, remember this?

I was trying to chase this lady on her bike candidly but she gladly pose for me when she saw me. I realized how friendly they really are.

Our noodle breakfast. Only one shop open that morning.

I wanted to check out this place....

Too bad they were still close in the morning.

This man smiled after I waved 'Hello'. :)

We grabbed coffee at this lovely cafe...it became an official fave when they played bossa and jazz music while sipping my hot cup. :p

As I crossed another street, I was greeted with this man on his bike. At first, we wasn't wearing his hat. After seeing me ready with my camera, he quickly grabbed his hat to strike a pose. :)

And look what I found? There was a nearby street flea market going on....vintage madness! I panicked! my camera started clicking here and there. :p

I now regret not buying this pocket atlas. Errr.

It was quite weird that someone would sell their wedding photo in the street. Or maybe someone picked this up somewhere. It seems creepy,too. Eeek.

*big sigh* I wished I could bring those vintage finds to Singapore. But I'm glad to have seen and feasted my heart on them. Hehe.

Meet the hostel owner, Mr David Heng. He was really friendly to guide us around the town. He loves collecting vintage and antiques. You can see them displayed at his cafe.

From the outside, you'd think this place isn't safe, huh? Hehe
Well, Brian and I wondered the same but after staying one night, proven it otherwise, so no more worry on that. :p

Our hostel room was actually located across the street, which was just few mins away from this cafe.

So it was time to go but we bid no goodbyes.

I know I'm bound to come back and visit this place again someday. ;p

+++

Roadtrip to Melaka . March 12-13, 2011

{E-Session} Ron & Rachelle

2011-04-15T10:55:00.000+08:00

Barely a month to go and another two kindred souls will bind themselves forever in love.

Meet Ron and Rachelle. Their story is one of those that give you that exciting thrill like how you always anticipate every story as it unfolds while reading a favorite book. They met during high school but only years after did they realize there was more meaning of finding each other. Something wonderful happens - yes, Love happens - and they find themselves never losing sight of one another since then.

My heart must have skipped a heartbeat when Rachelle sent me that email inquiring me to have their engagement photos taken - why? because she was kind of in a rush and wanted to have their shoot taken sooner the week after she asked. Luckily, my schedule was free on a Monday. And wait, did I mention it happens to be on Valentines' Day? =)

So yes, I played excitedly as cupid capturing Ron and Rachelle's happy love story that day.

Rachelle knew about me through another couple I've previously photographed, Mike & Joyce. And it didn't take really long to feel closer to Rachelle - being as friendly as she is and sweet, she doesn't even look like her age at all. I'd teased her for someone who'd still yet to celebrate her 18th birthday. Hehe :)

This look is one of my favorites. =)

Love how the red dress pops out here.

I love framing these two together. Love love love!

Rachelle says, "We complement each other in so many ways which we have never given a thought before but can just laugh about it now. We went through so many things but never ever gave up fighting for this love that held us together.

We are so blessed to have God bring us together in this lifetime."

Brian took that sweet photo above. =)

Another shot below taken by Brian -- oh I love my second shooter. =)

Funny and sweet. =)

I'd rarely catch Ron's laugh, here's one to be treasured. =)

So who's the best, huh? =)

Life will certainly be more exciting and worthwhile when you get married soon
as you start another lifetime together as husband and wife.

Congratulations to you both and stay sweetly in love!

---

Taken in Hard Rock Hotel & Universal Studios Singapore
February 14, 2011

Hair and Make up by: Myca Feng

Of Living Out Dreams.

2011-04-14T15:14:00.001+08:00

"We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving. And we all have some power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing."

- Louisa May Alcott

I'm writing a quick post to shout out 'HEY, WE'RE BACK AND ALL SAFE!' from the exhilarating spring trip to Japan (Apr 5-13, 2011). Thank you all really for the thoughts and concerns.

Trust me when I say it's going to take a really looong while for everything to sink in. I have kept pinching myself at every thought and nagged Brian with the same question over and again "Am I really finally here?" *big grin* --- well, you see, this surreal feeling that we really made it together to Japan and lived my life-long-dream to get there...and really BE there together with Brian will certainly last me a lifetime.

The rest of the photos still need lots of sorting out...and really, I can't put all justice to how amazing Japan and it's people are despite it's on-going crisis at the northeastern regions, my heart goes out sincerely for all those who are still greatly affected. I will upload my fave photos soon and tell you more stories as I share Japan through my eyes.

Now cleaning up my mailbox, on a laundry-spree and me obviously still wanderlust-high.

Spreadin' la la love on Thursday! =)

Choose Hope.

2011-04-05T08:30:00.001+08:00

Once you choose hope, anything's possible.

~Christopher Reeve

If you've been here for a while following my blog or have known me for a length of time, you'd probably say 'there goes that bike shot again!' hahaha. Well, for the obvious reason, I love bikes. I owned a mountain bike which I left back home in Cebu and I miss it every time I compose a 'bike shot'. I miss those uphill but most especially the downhill adventures. I own a bike now here in Singapore, the vintage pink type of bike I sometimes pedal along lazily in the park. However, I'm missing it too ever since someone created the word 'BUSY'. Errrr. =) Photo taken from our Melaka Trip last month (remind me again I need to blog the full post for that trip real real soon!)

Oh wait, by the time you're reading this, based from my published date, I'm already a thousand kilometers above sea level, together with Brian on our way to Japan. You wonder why we're still goin' there despite the really sad news? Read from here. But just to give you a quick highlight, we will be staying mostly in the western part of Japan and will certainly act responsibly to stay alert and safe. For the benefit of my family and friends, our flight leaves from Singapore as early as 7:10am, transiting in Taipei at noon and we should be arriving in Osaka around 4:25pm JST. Don't ask now what time did we sleep? Or did we even sleep at all? =)

So this is just me saying, we'll be back soon. We'll be in Japan only from Apr 5 - 13, 2011....barely a week to try and chase the best sunrise/sunset I can photograph, a full bloomed sakura, witness how Japanese people are moving forward courageously with their lives and everything my heart can capture in between -- hopefully I can share those to you all and prove worthy this whole trip.

And YES, today and every single day on, I choose HOPE. I reckon you'll choose the same.

{Singapore - Chinese Wedding} Mervin & Jiali

2011-04-04T12:27:00.001+08:00

It was October of last year when Jiali surprisingly sent me a really delightful email, so delightful enough you can already tell she was wearing that big happy grin while writing to me. It turned out she knew about me thru Charisse and Randolf when they attended their Catholic Engagement Encounter. I feel so lucky for having happy couples spread the love for me! *winks to Charrise and Randolf* . Then it became a more exciting news when Jiali told me there were only 3 months left before the BIG day so luckily,too it was timely enough that I had a slot for their wedding just last January. If there was enough time, she would have wanted another engagement portraits,too. =)

Jiali met Mervin in 2006 during their graduate/masteral studies in IT here in Singapore. Although years sometimes don't matter but in that length of time being together, one can tell how love will always endure despite any hurdles along the way. And I'm pretty sure Mervin and Jiali has proven that to themselves together. =)

Fast forward to the blissful day, I feel grateful for having captured another beautiful couple's love story. It's priceless enough to witness their happy beaming faces and with everyone who came to celebrate their happiest day!

One of Jiali's pretty pair of shoe....I said 'one of' because she had at least 3 or 4 pairs worn during the wedding day! She's that fab you know! =)

Ruby shoe love...

Meet Mervin. He is actually a Filipino-Chinese descent and even if I've only met him on the day of their wedding, I can already feel how down-to-earth and blithesome he was. It became more evident when I met his family who flew in from Manila and some relatives from the United States. It didn't take any awkwardness at all to exchange that familiar smile and laughter together all throughout the wedding day.

Before Jiali wore her wedding dress, there was the tea ceremony celebrated at their home.
The elegance Jiali brings out for this dress is really admirable. :)

Jiali's mom must have been really happy and proud to see how beautifully she brought up her daughter.

...and Jiali's father is a very respectful man. Although he didn't speak English much, he was really kind.

I also met Jiali's sister who was very cheerful and creative.

She handcrafted this two fabric dolls for Mervin & Jiali --- aren't they the cutest? :)

Lovely bridesmaids =)

Would you guess they are siblings? Hehe
It was fun meeting Mitz , Mervin's sister. Later did I know she writes an inspiring blog,too. =)

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Church of St. Teresa.

Jiali preferred walking down the aisle with her Dad. It was the sweetest scene.

Mervin's Dad and Mom couldn't be more excited too for their son.

It then rained blessings for the couple just right after the ceremony was finished. =)

Off we went straight to the luxurious Raffles Hotel for their wedding dinner party. I love to go back and shoot another wedding here any day. :)

Jiali gave her most heartfelt speech. It was so sweet.

This band of three played the wonderful jazzy mood music during dinner time.

And the cheering just never ends. =)

I end this post with the now happily married couple.

May you share more cheerful days ahead of you and more blessings to surround you along the way.

Congratulations again, Mervin and Jiali! ♥♥♥

mervin + jiali wedding

29 jan 2011

Ceremony: Church of St. Teresa

Wedding Dinner: Raffles Hotel Singapore

Back up Photographer: Paul of Calography Team

Inexplicable.

2011-03-31T23:50:00.002+08:00

"The value of things is not in how long they last, but in the intensity with which they occur.
Thus there are unforgettable moments, inexplicable things and incomparable people."

- Fernando Pessoa

There are days that I really can't write everything I wish to write about. We all have our own reservations set aside,too yeah? After all, everyday's what??? A winding road? Well, yeah, I'd agree with Sheryl Crow on that. =)

But no, I won't rant about what-ever stuff. I just love reading that quote above I stumbled upon my faery friend Tinay's FB status post few days ago. And have I mentioned how her writing always inspires me? BIG TIME. I ~~sometimes~~ always wish I can paint beautiful words like her that just hits you home. And I haven't met her in person yet. One day, I will. *wink wink to Tinay*

Oh look! Tomorrow's April. Say Helloooo!!! But wait, where did March goooooooooooooooo? :P

And it seems like there'll be heart-pounding-days ahead of me...have you ever had that feeling when you know how uncertain you are yet sometimes deep deep deep in your heart, there's still that 'thing' you never lose part of you?

Inexplicable, isn't it? :)

***

Photo above is a quick snap of my fave booties I can just wear everyday (really) if I could. *big grin*

{E-Session} - Carlo & Cathy

2011-03-26T09:48:00.000+08:00

Fun and all wackiness were all we ever had the day we had this shoot. Carlo and Cathy are such a jolly couple that you can't help chuckle so much along these two. You'll know what I mean as you scroll down the rest of their engagement photos below. But before you do, I'm sending out big big hugs and love wishes to Carlo and Cathy because today is the day they're actually GETTING MARRIED!!! Woohooo!

Carlo is really being naughty here. Hahahaha =)

Lovelovelove.

This is where we infused a few scenes they love to re-enact from one of their fave movie (and mine,too) - The Sassy Girl. How fun this turned out be! =)

Back-to-school-uniform-fun!!!! =)

And here's the funniest part of it all! Teehee! =)

Oh sweeeeet....

Congratulations to both of you guys! We're more than glad to have photographed a part of your story together and here's to more laughter and happiness than you can ever imagine as you begin a grander journey ahead as husband and wife! =)

♥♥♥

Life is what happens.

2011-03-24T11:39:00.000+08:00

"I believe that life is a game, that life is a cruel joke,

and that life is what happens when you’re alive

and that you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”

- Neil Gaiman

Thursday is laundry day. But no, i'm not that excited about that. Hehe

However, the coming months are making me utterly delirious, I can feel my stomach flip floppin' now ...I can't contain it so I told my faery friend the secret. Oh, but NO again, I'm not preggers yet. Hah!! But you'll know about it all in due time. So for now, this is me (photo above) in Melaka, the silly self taken by Brian.

This is one quick post,too. I wasn't kidding about that laundry...there's a ~~hill~~ mountain of it right now. :P

P.S. While you're here and reading this, why don't you tell me what you're listening to now? I'm drifted away listening to Maggie Eckford & some folk/acoustics like Angus & Julia. <--Their vintage designed website is making me drool. ♪ ♪ ♪ And don't be shy. Drop me a comment. I'd love to know what sorts of music you love,too. If you do, I might just send you out one BIG HUG. *grin*

Happy Thursday!!!

{Singapore - Chinese Wedding} Joel & Canice

2011-03-22T21:51:00.001+08:00

I dream of happy-blog-holidays like today when I can post more and more. This one is a long overdue since my last preview I confess. *guilty grin* But I won't rant much about dreaming more holidays and post this once and for all. =)

I'm missing Joel and Canice's Wedding (and their e-session,too!). After all, theirs was my very first official wedding in October last year. We were blessed with a great weather as we started the day at Canice's home for the preparations and the traditional tea ceremony. Then came the wedding dinner that made a blast! All the laughter still echoing as I recall how fun Chinese weddings can be! To say how amazing that experience was wouldn't be enough. A tiry long day but rewarding coz really, being able to document a very important part of their married life is always such a great honor. Thanks again and again to Joel & Canice for the trust of having us document the day that have now become part of your forever after. Big hugs!!!

Now, I'll just let the rest of the photos tell the story how that day unfolded ...

Joel and Canice Wedding

October 2, 2010

Wedding Dinner: Amara Hotel, Singapore

Back up Photographers: Calography Team (Paul, Charisse & Paulo)

My Lil Happy Corner

2011-03-22T17:07:00.005+08:00

I could hear the tweeting of lil birdies outside our window now. Some people could get annoyed with that but not me. It makes me feel more alive. That there's still something always great to look forward to despite unfavorable things that happens and something tells me it could be a sun shiny day perhaps. It did rain early this morning though and before I could wake the husband up, I peeked a little to see how misty it still was outside. So I rolled back and hugged back my pillow tight to snooze some more. =)

It's a Tuesday off from work for me, alone (but not lonely) at home again. The perks of being alone sometimes include the idea of me screaming by myself *singing* if I want to in the shower or in the bedroom and blasting off iTunes. *grin* I'm thinking of washing the laundry but naaah, i'm putting that aside for Thursday (hope Brian doesn't read this post hehe). I'm preparing lotslotslotsofblogpost to post in the coming days. So Im putting my drafts all in the pipeline and hope to schedule them to be published one after the other. Looks like I have about 2 weeks left before our long-awaited big trip (if God permits us to go!) as soon as April steps in and I don't really wanna put more cobwebs on this blog during the time when I'm away so when I can, I will try my best to pop in here.

In the meantime, thought I'd let you peak into my lil happy corner. Thanks to Brian for being my handydandyman in building the mini-library I've little envisioned in my random dreams lately ever since we moved in to the new neighborhood. (Thank you,too Ikea! I found me a lil shabby shelf!) Yeyness!! I really couldn't get a new dog yet to live with us here in Singapore but these my friends can suffice my longing for a new happy pet --- but how can a mini library be comparable to a pet? Oh, that's just my crazy idea. =)

You might have seen some or most of these on random posts I had.... I can't stop hoarding things that make me happy like a child would you see... so yeah, I rummaged pretty (and vintage) things here and there! If only I could own more than just one bookshelf! Oh dear!

Bart says, 'Hello Internet.'

Next book to pick is the 'Drifters'. My friend Bevlee gave it to me last year and I've been meaning to flip the pages of it soon! =)

And there's my Yashica film camera, yet to develop my first film roll, if I wasn't too busy with other stuff, I promised myself to bring this camera out soon.

My 10-yr-old Teddy bear found his happy place,too right there.

I miss writing Haiku. I love Japan. I could have been a samurai in the past. In fact, I own a shinai given by a fellow samurai. *wink* Haha. =)

My lil collection of kimmidolls. Kawaiii. One given by my dear friend Vee.

Did I mention I am a crazy crazy Bruce Lee fan? =) Photo frame of him given my dear friend Ivy when I visited Californina in 2007 and that toy figurine is from a good friend Jeffrey. It's really not so hard to know what to buy for me on birthdays and such stuff. Hahah.

Yes, I've been obsessed in collecting musical toys and boxes. =)

And these are really just a few yet of my snow ~~balls~~ globe collection (of places I love to visit yet or have already visited). I wanna see the whole World!!! (Roma, Australia & Tokyo given by friend Fred while I bought the Thailand myself. I forgot to buy something from my last few trips like Hongkong, Bali and Melaka. Eeeek.

My mini-diana lurv. I miss shooting film. =(

I wanna own all the pretty artsy notebooks out there if I can. No, I don't write on 'em so much. I just love keeping them. =)

Too bad this polariod is broken. Or so I thought.

Few cookbooks, crafty guides, caricatures (for Brian) and food/travel book.

I haven't pick up my guitar as often as before but out of the random blues, I would.

Me love the classic and timeless.

See that sunjar? It's solar powered. Just recently bought by my bff Yvon for me. Weeeeeh! =)

Yes, I'm learning Nihongo (that explains the Japanese phrase pocketbook,too) but I admit I have been slacking with it. *sigh*

I have yet to look for the right happy chair or beanbag I could place right here for me to jump into during lazy days. Hmmmm

Oh, see my vintage satchel bag? Thriftily found it here. *wink*

And ooooh , before I end this post, lookieeee!!! I love Anthology mag. Just got my own copy of their second issue. I swear there's too much eye candy I can really eat all the pageeeees!!! =) Thanks to my bff Yvon again for picking it up for me over at Heima store. And speaking of Heima, I have yet to visit that oh-so-uber-crazy-pretty-place! =)

Happy Tuesday wherever you are! =)

{Bump Love} Sharon

2011-03-18T13:07:00.003+08:00

"A grand adventure is about to begin."

-- Winnie the Pooh

Sharon is a very good friend of mine, she's become a family. When I knew she got pregrant, it was one of those happy news that brings you all the smiles. And everyone is all too excited of course when she delivers her first baby by end of March.

That's like few more baby kicks to go! Weeeeeh!

They won't divulge the baby's name yet but surely it's goin' to be a healthy & handsome baby boy...

just like the Mommy & Daddy. =)

We did this part of the shoot just at their apartment and I so love that soft backlight from the window.

Pretty pretty & still sexy Mommy....

And with such a pretty round belly. =)

Mommy Sharon has shared to me her heartfelt wishes are for her baby boy to come out healthy soon and that he grows into a fine gentleman every parent could ever be proud of.

With loving parents to grow up with, there ain't no doubt about it.

Quoting, "Any man can be a Father but it takes someone to be a special Dad." - Anne Geddes

And here's one excited Dad, is he?

Congratulating you both in advance for becoming proud happy parents soon.

It'll be such a grand adventure indeed! =)

For Japan...and the World.

2011-03-18T09:32:00.001+08:00

Quick post. Share that short silence with me...

Do feel free to grab this simple image if you want to share and spread the love.

♥♥♥

Seeing a whole new perspective.

2011-03-16T11:17:00.007+08:00

"What is important in life is Life, and not the result of life."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Preview. Roadtrip in Melaka, 12th March 2011.

I've not blogged (again) for ageeees (read: 7 unbelievable days so this could be a long post ahead). And I have missed jogging for over a week, too. *deep sigh* But finally today, I managed to wake up early and dragged myself out of bed to have 10 rounds at the stadium just 5mins walk in our new neighborhood. Yes, new. We just moved in to a newer place and will tell you tidbits of that later on.

But first, you might wonder where have I been, huh? Here's a quick run through my week:

Michael Buble's concert jazzed up my night last Wednesday when he visited Singapore. I swear! I screamed till I couldn't scream anymore! =)

We did so much packing with our stuff last Thursday till the wee wee hours.

Friday, we moved in to the new neighborhood. Too excited. But not a relief yet because that also means there's a mountain of unpacking to do afterwards.

Saturday, went off straight for our sleepless road trip to Melaka . 5+ hrs of bus ride and yes, that will be another blogpost on the pipeline later ..later..later.

Sunday, we got back home in Singapore late night...and well,..we ended up staying till the wee hours again of unpacking & organizing our things.

It's now middle of another week and time is fleeting by too fast. At least that's how I feel about it. But I am not complaining. Not ever going to. Because on the other side of this planet or somewhere out there, things don't exactly feel the same.

We all know by now how the World stood still last Friday..in unbelievable awe, as northeastern Japan faced one of the worst yet ever recorded earthquakes followed by a really devastating tsunami. I thought for a second, those things really just happened in movies but it was as real as it was. I'm glad to hear that our friends living in Japan are now safe but still, I couldn't begin to imagine the lives lost and how survivors will continue to be haunted by the unfortunate events. I cry reading every story told in the news and if I can, I try to avoid the videos because they are too heartbreaking.

Things like these do make you see things life in a whole new perspective. If not, I don't know what else does. And if you remember I was this happy when I finally got my Japan Visa last week to visit there by first week of April (that's next month!). After seeing what happened to Japan, I received some messages from friends and I'm grateful that you shared your thoughts to stay safe if we ever push through our travel plans. Some of my closest friends are too worried. My sister in Canada even messaged me to cancel our travel right away. But I told her to stay calm.

To be honest, I haven't changed my mind at all. I still want to go. I never thought, even for a second, to cancel our flight, unless there was a travel advisory of course. But visiting there soon might be on a different mood. If there is a chance to help in whatever way we can while we are there, I told the husband that we spare a part of our travel just to do that. And for those who are too worried, I hope it will help you to also stay calm that we plan on only staying at the western part, opposite side of where the disaster was.

Till then, I will keep you all updated through my twitter/FB posts. =)

I know Japan could recover fast. Or maybe slower but they will. And I believe they're a really strong nation and for generations they have been raised to face positively and courageously any adversities. That's how we should all learn to live by, too.

Each moment counts. For those who want to know how to help, here's a helpful link.

While we can, let's all keep praying fervently for Japan and the rest of the World.

Never lose sight.

2011-03-08T22:50:00.001+08:00

It felt like I was waiting the longessstt 2 hrs of my life today before I could excuse myself to get off earlier from work --- we were scheduled to pick up our passport and yet to determine if we got approved or not for our Japan visa. Brian didn't feel agitated or anything for that matter - after all it's not his first time to go to Japan. But it was way different as for my case, coz really, it was me seriously wishing for one of my ultimate dreams to come true...it's like more than just seeing all those japanese anime/drama scenes I've watched on long nights come to life for me. No kidding. And what would make use of the looooong itenirary list I've prepared like ever since there's a lonely planet guide if things won't work out? LOL! =)

I'm sure for some, I sound too naive and visiting to Japan might be just a mundane thing they could take the next plane right away. And some of the lucky ones could just go back anytime they want. And that's like making me always jealous...but inspired. Because I know, one day I'll get there myself. But first, there's the visa application to go through..... but even if the process was really quick, I won't even lie --- my heart was pounding hard I swear you might just hear it if you were beside me (and yes, my knees were even shaking a bit) while waiting for my queue number to be called. Oh but I kept my faith. =)

And just like that, a matter of seconds, the visa officer handed down my passport...and my eyes beamed...I could hug Brian forever ...did my happy dance ...didn't care who saw me...and whispered loud in my heart "Thank You Universe. Thank You God."

So there! I thought I just had to write what just happened today *i'm just bursting out you can tell* haha...and maybe years after, I'd looked back to this post and relive the day I never lose sight of my dreams. *geez I really am a drama queen. so?? hehe*

Ureshiiii ureshiiiiii!

Uhmm.below is an irrelevant photo. Hehe coz it's supposed to be summer now, raaaytttt?...but I'm nowhere near the beach. To suffice, I've planned a short road trip to an old town this weekend with Brian...yey food trip,too!!! and well hopefully, we could find a beach somewhere out there. *wink wink*

my roxy pair. taken in Bali, Nov 2010.

Mini-happiness & Me.

2011-03-07T22:15:00.003+08:00

I have this tendency to forget "things" but not 'memories'. I have to put a specific borderline for that. And who doesn't? Brian would popped at times and asked, 'Jhoe, where did you put the nail cutter? where's that sd/compact flash card? Have you paid our phonebills? Did you reply to that email from so and so? Have you brushed your teeth? *eeekk i never should have mentioned that?!* hahaha ...and yes, the list can go on. And more often that not, I would find myself scratching out my head but I just give Brian either the 'guilty glare' or the 'innocent grin'. Teehee. I hope this didn't come with age. Duh. No one's admitting - not me. not yet. Haha. Life's too fun to think one is aged enough, yeah?

Wait wait, I was supposed to try blog about some few parts of the long overdued Bali trip on this post but here I am putting that aside again (i sure sound hopeless now, do i?).. Sorry. I'm starting my week crazy..no, actually crazier...and the anticipation of every tomorrow has been killing me, or maybe it's just me putting too much thought on it. You wonder what I'm talking about huh? Forgive me, I tend to talk to myself a lot. And just jot down things, if only I could pick better words I could at least sound poetic...but my writing is just how it is. You surely must have noticed lots of grammatical erros/typos here and there. So yeah, I do wanna learn to write better along the way. And that's why I love to read and catch up with books I haven't flipped out yet.

And guess what? Just few days ago. while in the midst of packing up (since we are moving out to a newer place this week) the happy thought slip into my head: "I wanna build me a really-mini-library." Nothing fancy but I'd like to try come up with a lil rustic/shabby corner in our bedroom (hope there's enough room for it!) where it's cozier to pick a book, gaze at them, smell them and sat lazy in a beanbag maybe. And Brian agreed, yeyy! And I'm gonna DIY pretty little things to make it look ..well, pretty enough i hope! Hehe Those are just really random thoughts for now...I hope I'd accomplish this soon before this little dream dies away! *wink*

One of my inspiration was this....back at Bohol Bee Farm.
And I quote,

"It's the little things in life

That brings the greatest happiness."

How was your Monday?

+++

Spreadin' happy happy thoughts.

I can't wait for tomorrow to come.

Law of Attraction, Law of Attraction!!!!

What's up weekend?

2011-03-05T09:02:00.002+08:00

I couldn't sleep much last night. Even grabbed my current book to finish at the wee hours hoping it will lull me and shut my brains down. That strategy sometimes help actually. Now, my eyes are still half-opened, forcing them to bulge out, while typing this post. No kidding. I just literally got out of bed. *yawwwwn* This week haven't given me enough sleep (pls forgive typos later, I might just not have the time to review and just publish this hehe) --- why hello, obviously because my work shift has been crazy,too and later I have to work again all night...on a much awaited weekend...when supposedly I intended to start packing.

Oh yeah, we need to start packing..finally we've found a new prettier place to (rent) live. And we're all beaming with excitement to move in next week (forgetting how penniless that have cost us now hehe)--- but first, there's the ghastly task to pack again our things I can't really begin to think how to start. I'm pretty sure Brian will be the best man to organize things for me so I'm being a spoiled brat wishing there's not much I need to carry. *bad bad bad me* But you have to understand, I'm not allowed to carry heavier stuff since the nightmares of my backpains and all. Hmmm. But come to think of it now, I may have gone better since I've been running these days and that might just cured me a bit. *happy thought*

How will you all spend your weekend? Feel free to share. I'm sure it will be as fab as our 'packing madness' huh? =)

While I start arranging with books & shoes, here's another sneak peek to blog about in the coming days....that day I played cupid on Valentine's Day for Ron & Rachelle who are getting married just a few weeks away from today.

Full of love love love...

More of Ron and Rachelle soon....

Happy weekend everyone! =)

The courage to start.

2011-03-01T09:50:00.000+08:00

Yesterday ended February. And oh my, today starts March, huh? ---- wait wait --- I had to actually make a lots of blinks at the thought of that. Really now? I'm sure caught up with feeling too exhilarated that days just go by that fast yet I feel like I'm chasing off something I'm a bit frantic I may not have just enough time to get there --- to somewhere, I wanna be, someday...and the Universe certainly knows better about what I'm talking about. *wink*

Anyway, I was supposed to upload some few stuff last weekend but caught up with -- hmmm -- *me goes on checking my google calendar* --- where was i? --- oh yeah! There was me crazy excited joining and *hallelujah* surviving my first official 10km marathon in Singapore. (hello i have this to prove it! gah!) Too happy that I feel proud how I have beaten my own personal record, too. Hoohah!!! =)

And I do wanna quote John Bingham,

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."

For some people, this may be really too naive but hey, I'm just really hyped up that I'm keeping myself on track ...and I hope to get better at this,too. Oh but no, it didn't come across my mind to win any race at all --- I just want to always have that courage to start every run --- and finished it at my own pace....because in every mile I conquer, it means I can prove, not to anyone else, but to myself --- as cliche as it may sound, that there's nothing impossible at all if I just dare and never give up.

Other than that, last week I just had this spontaneous and wondrous portrait shoot again with my free-spirited-faery friend In-In (that will surely come in another full blogpost soon). And for the record, she was my very first portrait model to practice with, back when I just started learning shooting in 2009 and I'm just too happy to see her again while she visited Singapore.

A sneak peek...

Happy Tuesday!!!

{Baby Love} Indigo.

2011-02-23T11:09:00.016+08:00

Take a sprinkling of fairy dust,
An angel's single feather,
Also a dash of love and care,Then mix them both together.
Add a sentiment or two,
A thoughtful wish or line,
A touch of stardust, a sunshine ray...
It's a recipe, for a Baby Girl truly fine.
-Author Unknown

If you've been here with me since I started my photography, you can probably all remember Niño and Jeandy during their anniversary shoot. And then followed with Jeandy's bump love shoot. We live together on the same apartment for over almost a year now and they've been a family to me since I met them in Singapore so it comes naturally capturing a part of their lives especially now that Baby Indigo is here.....

Meet Indigo...goin' 6months old soon...

She can't sit on her own yet but look how we managed to let her sit pretty. *big grin*

While I was finishing my edits on this, I couldn't help but just giggle giggle giggle. Too adorable.. just like her own name. Daddy & Mommy both love the color 'indigo' so much so even before she's born, they've already decided to name her after it....

"Because she's bringing more color to our already colorful lives." - said Mommy Jeandy.

"And we considered the color 'indigo' or purple as "mature pink" - elegant, lady-like and sophisticated - the color of royalty."- added Daddy Niño.

You wonder where she's looking? Well, shooting a baby doesn't look too easy --- I needed to let the parents cheer her crazily,too at my back or beside me (see behind the scene)...trust me, I even tried dancin' while shooting her. Heheh And it was way way fun that we've been just laughin' out loud in the middle of the park!!!

And baby Indigo seems to be having the time of her life,too --- weeeeeeh! =)

And this must be just the cutest of the cutest of the cuteeeesstttt of them all!!!!!!! =)

Time to rest and cuddle with mommy now.....

And show us the silliest baby smile...hehehe uber cuteeeeeee!!!

Awwww......

Playtime with Daddy.....weeeeeeeh!!!

Oh...such a Daddy's Lil Girl, aren't you?

Baby tryin' to reach the tea cups....

And she crawled harder....but failed.... hahahah

Baby love love love!!!

I bet you'd grow up as pretty and happily in love as Daddy and Mommy.

And you'll wear the prettiest and chic dresses, shoes, bags, and wear make up like Mommy Jeandy does and you'll be just as fabulous!

Mommy Jeandy just knows what's best for you.

Daddy + Mommy + Indigo = LOVE LOVE LOVE!

♥♥♥

In writing my own story,too.

2011-02-23T08:44:00.001+08:00

“I wanna do something huge with my story. But I can't do that unless I'm choosing my own path...unless I'm writing my own story."

-Jasmine Star

It's past midnight and I was already covering my head under my fave pillow...tryin' badly to sleep. But my thoughts were racing in my head as fast as the beating inside my chest and so I decided to sneak out -- to write this blogpost --- while hoping not to disturb the husband's sleep.

I was just seriously overwhelmed and deeply affected, yet again, when my superhero photographer Jasmine Star posted this video....and hope it's just not me, but I was all happy & teary watchin' it. And i don't care if you think (again) I'm too emotional or sappy or plainly weird. I've said it countless times, leaving a comment on J*'s blog or sharing on my FB/tweets..next thing you know, I might be meeting her personally one miraculous day, huh? ---but really, I am as always grateful that the Universe created someone like Jasmine for the overwhelming inspiration she brings. This is yet another one of those prick on the heart, the wonderful kind that aches and a big knock on my head...to do SOMETHING MORE and BETTER in writing my own story too....in my own ways...and in every chance I get, I love that I'm able to just enjoy sharing my stories through my blog (even if no one will ever read it) and capture more of life with my photography.

So if you happen to be reading this, just click play, hopefully I made sense...coz by now you can already tell how many times I've hit the replay. =)

Jasmine Star - Love your story from Anton Lorimer on Vimeo.

♥♥♥

{Food & Travel - Bohol} Bee Farm Love.

2011-02-19T11:23:00.010+08:00

It was 22nd of January, 2011. I was bound home to attend my bestfriend's wedding on the 24th. But first, I'm goin' on a little adventure trip. And exhilarating may not be enough word to start with. My flight arrived from Singapore to Cebu at early 4am....and with ~~less~~ no sleep on the plane, I waited outside the airport for my sister-in-law Charisse (husband's sis & fellow photographer too) to pick me up. And where were we goin'?

Straight to the pier to get on a ferry...off to a quick road trip to Bohol.

We were meeting up with another wanderlust friend, Mai a.k.a.The Shutterfairy.I have so much to say about this delightful & soulful lady, apart from the fact that we both share deep love in photography and anything that's VINTAGE...and I mean anything. And this is actually our 2nd official meet up yet --- although we've always been exchanging FB comments and messages which originally started back at Flickr where I first saw all her marvelous and inspiring stream...and since then I've always wanted to take a portrait of her. Sadly, we didn't have so much time during this trip to do that portrait shoot, so yeah -- it's a bit of a bummer but definitely looking forward for the next time we meet again and hopefully we get to travel together, too. Right, Mai? =)

Anyway, there we were at the pier and as we met & hugged again it just felt like we've known each other long enough we could be bestfriends already. *grin* The main reason why I'm goin' to Bohol in fact is because of her --- blaming it all on her --- haha --- I was too inspired when she posted her trip to Bohol Bee Farm last year that I couldn't wait to pack my bags and all the rest of her travel stories make me just get to all those places in a heartbeat. =)

Well, Hello, Bohol. I'm feeling all bliss that I finally made it back here. I can only count in one hand the few times I was here to be honest...and never knew about the bee farm till now.

After our 2hr-boat ride, we arrived to find ourselves haggling drivers to send us to Bohol Bee Farm right away. Good thing Mai was well-aware already how some could deceived tourists so we made sure we picked the right price around. From getting P3.5k offer to rent a car, we pulled it down to someone offering P1.5k. Yey! So if you plan to also go here, make sure you don't get fooled around with their overpriced offers.

Here's one driver I saw but no, sorry Mr Driver, we're not hiring you. However, let me just take one photo of you, okay? And he gave me this fierce look. Hehehe.

As we rode along the road to bee farm, I started feeling sluggish -- why hello, I really haven't slept for more than 24hrs that time then. You can just imagine. But I tried to keep my spirits awake. Then I saw all these rice fields and vast greens --- and I told Mai & Charisse how I wished we could stop the car and take photos first coz I wanted badly to frame in my camera that nipa hut in the middle of the fields --- but the rain started drizzling so we needed to make sure we get to bee farm before the rain poured harder. The rice fields reminded me so much of Ubod in Bali. Only then that I realized how all beautiful is Bohol --- and all happy thinking if I ever miss Bali again, there's always Bohol close enough to remind me of it. Definitely, I need to go back to either! =)

Took a short nap while on the road,too...and then we finally arrived at Bohol Bee Farm and I could feel an adrenaline rush...my heart was in for a wonderful treat again.

...and I kept asking myself who could ever be such a real genius artist and created this oh-so-happy-pretty- place?

Since we were all famished, we dig in to the menu right away --- and since it's Mai's 2nd time coming here, we let her choose for us mostly what to eat. Even the menu is some kinda magically created. Everything my eyes can feast on is all artsy love! =)

I fell in love for sure....to the rustic chairs, the wooden tables and the table settings. No, not just that, I mean EVERYTHING there was squeezing my heart. It felt like a fairy tale to be just there.

And the food there was everything organic. I choked a bit knowing it on Mai's blogpost then. Because I was not really a veggie-person. Hahaha. However, I love salads and can muster eating some leafy stuff...just no slimy stuff pleaseeee. =)

Home made organic pesto and buttery thing i forgot the name....yum!

Camote bread...yum yum!!!

And here was our organic garden salad.... topped with some indigenous flowers! Yes you can eat the flowers! I almost didn't believe Mai when she said we could actually eat them. Tsk tsk. It does look pretty to eat, huh? But naah, I didn't try one yet. =)

Good thing there was chicken on the menu. Hehe

A mountain of greens. My mother will be so happy to know I ate some of it. =)

See how so many things were invented magically here....

Starting with this old old old sewing machine now stands pretty as a dining table. I love!!!

There was a massage ("hilot") area ...I will definitely try that next time I come back!!!!

And the enchanting sea was just over the cliff ...by the boardwalk. Oh I love boardwalks! (I got married on a boardwalk by the beach in fact!)

I wanna teleport back here ..NOW...and bring along Brian and spend lazy days forever if we could.

So here's my only neat portrait of Mai. Hahah she was probably busy checking/uploading something in Facebook, hehe. You can read her latest blogpost for our trip here. Thanks for the warm thoughts,too Mai! I love sharing our dream places and little of life stories,too with you!!! =)

By the way, it started getting all really hot sun shiny first before there was rain and to be honest, we were all sweating out ourselves already so we kinda looked all swamped, most especially ME so we've put aside taking portraits of ourselves that time then. That explains why you won't see much of our silly faces. tsk tsk.

I want a lawn outside the backyard that will look as much like this.

Life's little reminders were widely decorated...

A favorite quote to live by...

Vintage madness...love!!!

And everything so rustic and shabby...I sooooo wish I live here!!!!!!!

Before we had to leave this place *wish we didn't have to!* , Mai introduced us to organic ice creeeeaaaaaaammmmmm. Yes, you heard that right. I told you everything here is madly organic!

And I had Buko & Ube....I couldn't dare malunggay yet. Maybe next time. =)
And see my hair? No I didn't go for a swim, that's how swamped I already looked. Gah!!!!

And the kindred souls who made such great company - Mai and Cha. I can't THANK YOU both enough. Big hugs to you pretty ladies!!!

Indeed indeed....

Hope it won't sound weird but a thought came across my head...

If I had to spend the last few days of my existence, it better be a place as peacefully & heavenly as this.

Happy weekend everyone!

Life is not actually just good...but beyond great!!!

♥♥♥

{E-Session} Rendon & Debbie - PREVIEW

2011-02-16T22:42:00.001+08:00

'Wherever you go, no matter what the weather,
always bring your own sunshine.'
-A.J. D Angelo

I kinda love that thought --- deeply warms the heart, isn't it? =)
And I might just want to print that image above,too in a pretty frame with that quote, to remind me more every waking moment.
Coz, really --- Life should be live that way.

And oh yes, speaking of sunshiny days, here's a quick sneak peek of such adorable couple based from Vietnam who flew in to Singapore for a quick vacation and have their esesh while they're at it and if you remember, they gave me that cutest-diy-card ever.....

Giggly to upload the rest of these....

In the meantime, I'm throwing big hugs to the birthday girl Debbie today!!!

Stay bubbly and radiantly happy as you are!!!

♥♥♥

When you fall, you fly.

2011-02-14T23:29:00.005+08:00

“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”

- Neil Gaiman

It's supposed to be what they call Valentine's Day today...but I (or even the husband) don't exactly celebrate it significantly. Teehee! =)

But I love 'LOVE'....and I hope to spread MORE of it in this lifetime.

A giveback to the Universe. In any possible way I can.