Saturday, December 31, 2011
LA (Downtown): Angels Flight
While in downtown the other day, we took a one-way, 25-cent ride up on Angels Flight (the shortest railway in the world). It saved us the trouble of walking up the hill to MOCA and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I think it's mostly for tourists, but locals use it to get to and from the Grand Central Public Market (across the street) during lunch.
Friday, December 30, 2011
LA (Downtown): Central Library
So, we went to the Central Library, for the first time, thinking that it would look like the library as seen in the movie City of Angels. Boy, were we disappointed! Apparently, we should have done our homework first so that we would have realized that the library we were looking for was in San Francisco (how misleading!!!). Anyway, we had fun going up and down a ton of escalators and seeing the odd characters roaming throughout the library. Oh, and there are books there too. ;)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thank You (for the Gifts & Parties)!
Thanks M. Family! |
I'm just winding down my 2011 affairs (as you probably are too) and just wanted to thank everyone that gave us Christmas/Hanukkah presents this year! Here are a couple shots from this year's stash. :). Also, I especially wanted to express my gratitude for all the invites we received this year for various holiday/birthday parties in the past & upcoming weeks. This has been the busiest season for us yet, so we do apologize for not sending out holiday cards this year (shame on us, I know)!
Thanks W&A! |
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Travel: San Diego - Imperial Beach
We spent a very warm Christmas in San Diego this year. We tried going to the beach in the middle of the day, but after feeling how hot it was and because no one brought any sunscreen, we opted to return at sunset (which isn't a problem since we live nearby). It was wonderful strolling all the way down to the estuary (where the polluted Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean). I was able to get a few shots of my dad as we walked around on the sand. It is interesting to note that we were so far south that all our phones triggered international roaming rates, despite remaining north of the Mexican border.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
'Tis the Season for Eating
I swear these holidays will be the death of me with all the eating. Anyway, here are a couple more food shots from a party I went to a while back (I can't keep up). What was particularly depressing was seeing a couple kids get a hold of the red velvet cupcakes (above) and then were tossing them up in the air. As they were trying to catch them, I instead witnessed the cupcakes exploding upon impact in their hands and splattering everywhere. Tsk tsk. What a waste.
I know the cake's been cut into already. That's what I get for arriving to a party 2 hours fashionably late. |
Monday, December 26, 2011
Travel: Las Vegas - Buffet of Buffets
So, we mistakenly thought it would be a good idea to buy the "Buffet of Buffets" pass for ~$45-50 (good for 24 hours at like 6-7 buffets). Personally, we only had time to go to Paris, Caesar's, and Rio, before I seriously did not want to see food ever again. I know you don't have to gorge at these buffets, but after waiting an hour or so in line just to eat, you almost feel like you have to. Anyway, that was an experience I will NOT be repeating anytime soon.
Note: these food shots were taken near the guest elevators at the Venetian on my way to my hotel room -- not at any buffets that I went to.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Just wanted to take a break from posting to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
Btw, here's probably my new favorite Christmas song (ha!). I know it's about a "superficial consumerwhore" girl (to put it nicely). I actually just thought the video was hilarious.
Btw, here's probably my new favorite Christmas song (ha!). I know it's about a "superficial consumer
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Travel: Las Vegas - Bellagio at Christmas
Friday, December 23, 2011
Travel: Las Vegas - Aria Resort & Casino
Aria Resort and Casino is probably my next favorite hotel. I only say "next" because I haven't yet stayed in it (I'm slowly working my way south on the Strip). But I'm so in love with its look (the art! the architecture!). Between the sweeping waterfall at the front, the futuristic sculptures near the parking structure, and the dancing fountain in the roundabout, I'm dying to see what the rooms are like. It also doesn't have that smokey cigarette-cloud smell (probably because there are so few people there or their superior ventilation system?).
Aria doesn't appear to get into the holiday spirit as much as other casinos (see yesterday's post). But the effect would have been quite cheesy compared to its overall modern, clean look (as seen in the pallete used for their hanging Christmas balls in the lobby). Talk about classy.Thursday, December 22, 2011
Travel: Las Vegas - Winter at the Venetian
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Mexican Food Night
Raw steak fajitas |
Cilantro doused with tequila. |
Monday, December 19, 2011
Seaweed
I noticed that the latest shots I've been posting have all been indoor photographs (I blame the cold!). So, I found in my archives this picture taken earlier this year of dried up seaweed on the beach in San Diego. I guess this is sorta a landscape shot (okay, not really). My favorite part of this photo is that there are no people. Fat chance of me getting a similar shot in Santa Monica.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Chess
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Circular Polarizing Filter
So, I'm giving away my Hoya 58mm circular polarizing filter. I bought it for like $50 a couple years ago and only used it once. I think if I had gotten into landscape photography, I would have used it a bit more. But I didn't. Polarizers are useful for making your skies bluer and cutting your reflections in windows and the water.
Without a polarizer, you cannot read the words (which are highly reflective). |
With the polarizer, the reflection is cut, and you can read the inscription. |
Labels:
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Friday, December 16, 2011
Children's Toys
Thursday, December 15, 2011
How to Apply for a Philippine Passport
This highlights my experience applying for my first Philippine passport from the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate General office. I have at least 1 parent that is Filipino and I was born in America. I went through this process a while ago, so things may have changed and the fees may have increased. This is mainly designed to give you a general idea of what to expect (what documents to bring, how much money you'll need, and the overall process) since it was my experience that the info on the LA Consulate's website was not up to date when I did it. So, I hope this helps!
U.S. citizens (born to 1 or 2 Filipino parents) applying for a Philippine passport will find this process to be relatively easy. Reporting your U.S. birth to the Philippines actually is the more complicated part. I did both in a matter of 2-3 hours total (most of it was spent in the waiting room) on a very crowded day (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are apparently the worst). At least, they have a couple flat screen TVs that air The Filipino Channel to entertain you while you wait.
Let's get started!
Reporting Your BIRTH to the Philippines (if you were not born in the Philippines):
U.S. citizens (born to 1 or 2 Filipino parents) applying for a Philippine passport will find this process to be relatively easy. Reporting your U.S. birth to the Philippines actually is the more complicated part. I did both in a matter of 2-3 hours total (most of it was spent in the waiting room) on a very crowded day (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are apparently the worst). At least, they have a couple flat screen TVs that air The Filipino Channel to entertain you while you wait.
Let's get started!
Reporting Your BIRTH to the Philippines (if you were not born in the Philippines):
- Costs:
- ~$25 for the application process.
- Bring lots of quarters for use on the Xerox machine. The Philippine Consulate makes absolutely no copies for you and you need 4 copies of all documents. There are a several photocopier machines on the same floor as the consulate and on the ground floor, so shop around.
- Optional: $10-$50 to get things notarized.
- Documents you'll need:
- Report of Birth Form: you can get it at the consulate (or here). You'll need things like your parents' passport info (passport numbers, date issued, date expires), your parents' date of birth, etc.
- Birth Certificate: you'll need it to prove who your parents were. Also, it gives you the name of your doctor (which they ask for some bizarre reason).
- US Naturalization certificates or Philippine passports of either (or both) of the parents who claims he/she was still a Filipino during your birth.
- Marriage contract of your parents (if married). If not married, and you're using the surname of your father, you'll need an affidavit of paternity of the father.
- Affidavit of delayed registration: you get the form from the consulate (or here) but you can get it notarized downstairs on the ground floor for like $10.
- Process:
- Go to the window that handles birth registrations to submit the forms. They check to see if you have 4 copies of everything and sort them for you.
- Pay the $25 fee at another window.
- Show receipt of payment to the window where you submitted your forms.
- Wait to receive completed Report of Birth forms.
Applying For A Philippine PASSPORT (after you've registered your birth):
- Costs:
- Fee: ~$70-$100 (depends on how many pages you want your passport to have and how fast you want it mailed to you).
- Bring quarters for more xeroxing (see note above).
- They don't validate parking so be prepared to cover that expense.
- Documents you'll need:
- Report of Birth (see above)
- Passport application form: you can get it at the consulate (or here).
- Process:
- Go to the other window that handles passport application forms. Give completed documents listed above and they'll probably ask you to make copies of your documents.
- Wait.
- They call you in groups into the room where your passport photo is taken.
- More waiting.
- Get your photo taken. Note: Ladies, they do ask you to remove earrings and glasses, and to cover up your shoulders, if wearing a tank/tube top -- they provide the shawl).
- Pay fee at window where you also paid to report your birth.
- Wait 10-12 weeks (for the slowest option) for the passport to come in the mail!
That's it! Congratulations! Now, when your children grow up, they too can go through the same process to receive their Philippine passports.
Labels:
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Free Photography Filters!
So, I wanted to contrast yesterday's black and white photo with this rainbow colored one today. I think we're looking at colored filter samples for photography (apparently the "Designers Edition"). I got this nifty spiral-card-fan-thingy for free while I was taking a lighting course a few years ago and never got around to examining it until now. I'm not entirely clear how and if I can even use these filters. However, I don't think using filters is my thing (my style is more of the high-key variety), so if anyone wants it (for free, of course), just stop on by and pick it up. There are even shiny gold and silver ones! I'm strongly considering just throwing it away the next time I do spring cleaning, if no one wants it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
High Heels for the Philippines
Anyway, today was a cloudy/rainy day, so I wanted to take advantage of the naturally diffused light to photograph black on white (okay, so I ended up using beige but that's only because I've run out of backgrounds). I don't think I've totally blown out my hot spots (yay!) but I probably should've put a diffuser between the window and subject. Enjoy.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wireless Shutter Release (and Thank You!)
So, I bought my Canon wireless shutter release from Amazon last week for like $20. It even comes with a cute little black pouch. I should warn you though: this thing is tiny! I suppose it has to be (in order to hide it in one's hand) because it uses infrared technology and requires line of sight. I tried it out a few times and the range appears to be decent. Now, I get to be in group pictures (if I bring along a tripod as well)!
Also, as a side note, I just wanted to thank everyone that gave feedback over the weekend regarding how to improve this site. I think we've shifted it's look from the early 90s to modern times. :)
Now back to shooting...
Also, as a side note, I just wanted to thank everyone that gave feedback over the weekend regarding how to improve this site. I think we've shifted it's look from the early 90s to modern times. :)
Now back to shooting...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Cookies and Wine
B and I once again got invited to a cookie-and-wine holiday party where the hosts serve home-baked, gourmet cookies to their guests (instead of providing a typical lunch or dinner). It's pretty fun and DELICIOUS (I can't emphasize the latter part enough). They actually bake the cookies throughout the party, so they're warm and moist.
Anyway, as much as I love red wine, we usually aren't picky about what we drink. But other people aren't so forgiving. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for reasonably-priced red wine that I can perhaps grab at a local BevMo to bring to the party.
Otherwise, please pardon this shot, I'm re-jiggering what kind of watermark to use and where to put it, so let me know if u love/hate it.
Anyway, as much as I love red wine, we usually aren't picky about what we drink. But other people aren't so forgiving. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for reasonably-priced red wine that I can perhaps grab at a local BevMo to bring to the party.
Otherwise, please pardon this shot, I'm re-jiggering what kind of watermark to use and where to put it, so let me know if u love/hate it.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Dell Streak 7 vs. Pride & Prejudice
So, on Black Friday this year, I bought a tablet -- the Dell Streak 7 -- for my brother at the unbelievably low price of $150- or $160-something (thank you Best Buy!). Because he's on vacation right now, I'm testing it out, particularly because I've only played around with an Apple iPad. I absolutely L-O-V-E the Streak (and am strongly considering keeping it for myself :P). Disclaimer: This isn't going to be a product review or anything, but you should know that there are apparently battery-life problems (which I have yet to encounter, obviously).
Anyway, as I was browsing through the pre-installed apps, I noticed that the (Google) Books app came with three free e-books: Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I started re-reading Pride and Prejudice just for kicks when I suddenly realized I already owned not one, but TWO copies of the novel in my personal library. On top of that I own the DVD.
Now, don't get me wrong: I am NOT one of those chicks -- you know, the die-hard fangirls that dream of marrying a real-life Mr. Darcy. If I was, I would have realized that I already own one copy of the book and wouldn't have purchased another one so that I could get free shipping on Amazon. Yes, I have read this book several times, and do enjoy it. But the buck stops there.
I suppose there could be worse things in life: I do own all four of the Twilight books (yeah, I read through all that trash in one week)... in hardcover, no less. Ugh. SMH.
Anyway, as I was browsing through the pre-installed apps, I noticed that the (Google) Books app came with three free e-books: Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I started re-reading Pride and Prejudice just for kicks when I suddenly realized I already owned not one, but TWO copies of the novel in my personal library. On top of that I own the DVD.
Now, don't get me wrong: I am NOT one of those chicks -- you know, the die-hard fangirls that dream of marrying a real-life Mr. Darcy. If I was, I would have realized that I already own one copy of the book and wouldn't have purchased another one so that I could get free shipping on Amazon. Yes, I have read this book several times, and do enjoy it. But the buck stops there.
I suppose there could be worse things in life: I do own all four of the Twilight books (yeah, I read through all that trash in one week)... in hardcover, no less. Ugh. SMH.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Jade Plant (aka Money Plant)
So, a couple of months ago, B and I helped our friends (M + A) move. As they were cleaning out their old balcony, they gave us this jade plant (an indoor bonsai) which they actually were considering throwing away! Channeling my Asian side, I was of course thrilled to receive this lucky charm. However, when we got it, it was brown, withered, and -- for all intents and purposes -- practically dead. I watered this sucker every day for the next few weeks and finally restored some green life back into it: I even have baby leaves sprouting! Now, all I need is just to buy myself a lottery ticket...
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Persimmons
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Fido
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