adventure chronicles #13 My NY fashion show experience

The Camera has been a part of my life since I can remember. I grew up going with my mom during her photography gigs in a known hotel in manila. The darkroom was like a magical place because I saw images just appear on paper underwater.


Never in my wildest dreams would I have seen myself cover a fashion show and not just any fashion show, a fashion show during the NYC fashion week. Adding to that thought, Im covered an event where the clothes are for the androgynous fashionista. It was when DapperQ (the website made for  butch lesbian fashion) asked for volunteers to cover the Marimacho fashion event, I saw the post and said what the heck so i submitted samples and they called me for it. It's either i was the only one that volunteered or my photos appealed to them whatever it was these are the times when Im just grateful to the universe and i cant explain the logic behind the experience and it's ok not to find out at all.

Like in anything I do for the first time, I was feeling the jitters. What if I don't do a good job or it comes out blurry. Then a good friend said "You can do it, photography is like breathing to you" and she was absolutely right. Holding a camera and capturing and framing life's moments just feels so natural. Her words calmed my nerves and I went to one of the more interesting events I've ever been to.

For me fashion like writing, painting, and acting are careers one needs to be really passionate about or focused on or it will be difficult to pursue so to be in a room filled with artists is one surreal and amazing experience. I love surrounding myself with passionate people. And my friend was correct, once i started clicking everything just came in naturally, it felt I was in this field for the longest time.

Enjoy behind the scenes photos and the Marimacho event itself (photos from the runway show have been tweaked a bit)

 Runway show

Truly an unexpected event in my life but I would love to do more. Thanks DapperQ for this opportunity

adventure chronicles #12 San Fran

Been planning to leave the Philippines for a time now but it has been delayed for several reasons and one day I told the universe, by 35 I need to leave or I stay. Several months after my 35th birthday, I get my visa and now here I am, starting a new book in my life.

My 36th birthday will be one of my memorable birthdays not only did I celebrate it with family I haven't seen in a long time I got to spend it in another country. I will never forget my uncle's invitation to visit him in San Francisco, just like when I was younger when I was always asked to visit my lola on my birthday and when I get there a birthday party has been planned already and I get to see my relatives.

After my happy birthday weekend, I got the chance to tour the wonderful city of San Francisco. The City of San Francisco is as beautiful as people I know have described it. Staying by the ocean really sets a beautiful mood to a city. San Francisco is like how they describe it, it's laid back relaxed and is a perfect place to go around for lovers. Another interesting observation I noticed is how people are into fitness which can easily influence anyone. If I would live there, that would be in the top 3 reasons that would encourage me to do so.

My uncle brought me to the known places in the city, I believe he can have a tour guide business because he is gooood. I'm bias because he's one of my favorite uncles. Always the coolest. Thank you for bringing me around.

Golden Gate Bridge

Palace of Fine Arts

Lombard Street

Victorian houses

During the week, I went to the city alone. I decided to take the hop on hop off tour. The bus took me to the other sights and I went off when I wanted to and I just rode other buses when I was done touring the place. Interesting that this side of America had both the hippies and the beatnik generation. So is that the reason why people are relaxed here? because of them or is it because of the city's ways that these kinds of lifestyle grew. Whatever it is, that's vibe you can get when you visit SF

This old school lesbian enjoyed visiting Haight-Ashberry street and Little Italy. Anything I see in a place or store before the rise of technology catches my interest. Visiting Haight-Ashberry street brings back memories of growing up and going to little Italy was just nice because of the coffee all around and i discovered a museum of the beatnik era.

Beat Museum

Haight-Ashberry St.

Traveling and experiencing a different place is the best way to learn. I've been lucky to have this experience. But if you think about it, if you cant go to a far place make sure you've discovered your own town or place I'm sure you'll find something interesting and new every time.

BUT as a "traveler" You should atleast save up for a trip to a country you've always want to go to. It's worth every coined saved

NY Chronicles #1: Subway

If you have known me a long time you know my desire to be in New York has been on top of my list for as long as you can remember. The last time I was in this city was when i was 13 and I knew after that I would come back someday. I'm here right now with the help of an unknown force some may call desire, determination, God or sometimes i would call Universe.

What fascinates me about this city is its constant motion. People are always moving wanting to get to a certain destination and no, they wont stop. If i put an analogy on it I would describe New York as something solid because of the concrete you'll see all around you but i would classify it as gas because of the constant motion of particles. So I'm calling it a solid gas....and take note this gas will never form pressure because the particles don't bump each other because everyone's respect of personal space. How cool is that? (literally and figuratively)

One and I think is the most popular way to get around is using its subway system powered by the MTA. A fact which my friend and I discovered on a tour. The subway was privately owned by 2 companies in the past and you know how they were distinguished? One line used numbers and the other line used letters. So now under government control, you will notice there is a line that has numbers and another having letters. Little trivia you find out once in a while.




The subway is either introduced as a scary place or the best way to go around New York. Personally, I love it. There will never be an uninteresting ride in it. What i enjoy seeing in the subway is the diversity. Several nationalities will fill the train and it doesn't matter who you are seated next to, that amuses me because no matter what you say it's possible for people to stay in one area whether they have different faces, colors of skin, different hairstyles or fashion sense. It really doesn't matter. I think its the government that wants to make us fight?!?!..LOL Another reason i like riding the subway is because it compels you to walk. Im a lover or movement and exercise so the subway system makes everyone walk. Helps keep people fit one way or another. Last favorite reason, it's the one moment you are to yourself because there is no signal. You can wallow in your thoughts or enjoy your playlist. I would make it my read time.






So next time you visit New York, be sure to use the subway as your transport of choice. Any where you go, danger is something you must be aware of. Just be careful and not go into dark alleys and places unknown. Just be aware of your surroundings, you will be fine. Just try it, here might even discover good singers and speakers...

food adventures #1: Authentic Mexican Food

I think the passion you have for life is directly proportional with your love for food. I can't imagine anyone passionate on experiencing life not enjoying the food the world can offer. I love food! It's amazing how there are many distinct flavors even if you use similar ingredients. As I travel I would also like to share my food experiences with you.

Last December a trip to San Diego was planned and as always planned trips must include where and what to eat. It was my first time there so the must eat for me was authentic Mexican food. I love how technology has given us no excuse not to find anything anywhere in the world. Thank god for reviews and the natural instinct of man to just speak his mind. It's now easier to narrow the choices that were available. I decided to choose a new cantina just down several blocks from where we stayed. The place was called El Cilantro Taco Shop (must try if you're at that area).

I have a weird thing with trying food with food names of the place or state I'm at. So for this trip, I had to try California Burrito in California...is that weird or what?

look bigger than my hand :O

My California Burrito in California

 It was authentic mexican food alright. I love the flavors, how clean the food was. As my friend would say it was balanced. I had all the flavors in one bite. I would say it wasn't the best choice in their menu because my friend's order was better, she had the carnitas burrito, THAT WAS GOOD!
It was a burrito stuffed with the best pork i've tasted. It felt the pig was roasted on fire to perfectness(if there's such a word). It just melted in your mouth with every bite. That's what you should order when you're there :) Our other order was this fries dish which had everything on it. I don't drink sodas but if there's something new i have to try it, I do indulge at times. The Jarritos Mexican Soda should be drank with whatever you decide to order, it was good. Im an orange soda drinker so that's what i got, they have different soda flavors.

French Fry dish

Orange Jarritos

Another discovery was Jamaica. It's a Mexican juice drink made from Jamaica flowers. That i have to say was delicious because this restaurant made fresh ones from real flowers not from cans bought from the grocery. The lady from the store even gave us the flowers.

Jamaica drink

I should say I'm giving my first Mexican food experience a check. I was a happy foodie that day :)

adventure chronicles #11: Tour of the Firefly 2012

80% I got a bike was because I've always wanted to join a bike tour with a cause in the Philippines called Tour of the Fireflies. This tour signifies the organizer's concept of having a cleaner environment by lessening pollution by using bicycles to go around.

I made sure I registered for the tour of the Fireflies once i got Kate (my bike's name). The tour was a half a day bicycle ride around 5 cities in Manila. The 2012 tour was moved several times because of bad weather until the final schedule of November 18 was set.

We started the tour in one of the city's known shopping areas. I was there around 5:30am together with several bikers and biking groups who of course would participate in the tour as well.

Another of those activities that I did alone but with the big outcome I was sure to bump into someone I knew. True enough I met a training buddy and her hubby and we decided to be bike buddies for the duration of the tour. When everything was set, the tour started as planned and we were off.

I enjoy doing activities especially when it's for a cause. That will be the day when everyone decides to ride a bike everywhere they go in the Philippines but it's a good awareness campaign. I'm looking forward when the Philippines has bike lanes and respect bikers on the road for now I'm happy to see the increase of bikers and different city's efforts to have bikes as part of their roads.

It would be nice though to see fireflies back in the city......

adventure chronicles #10: I'M HERE! NEW YORK PRIDE MARCH 2013

 Now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you...


Yes...Believe it or not, I am actually here, the city I've always wanted to live in. In this point in my life I truly believe that once you set your mind into something, it's yours. Though I know for some reason I'm going to be here still there's this part of me that is in a state of shock that I am actually here and walking the streets of the city I dreamed of living in. Knowing and experiencing that makes me happy.

It's been a long while since I last posted that means I will be doing a lot of updating and posting past adventures in the last 10 months. Yup, it has been that long since we last saw each other, hehehe...

For my "return" post I think this would be the most apt because of the recent court rulings and just because it's a milestone for the LGBT community. Just last week DOMA or the Defense of Marriage Act was ruled unconstitutional and paved the way for complete equality for married LGBT couples in states where it is legal. That ruling made my Pride Month more meaningful not only that it was my first time here, Im here celebrating a historic event in the LGBT community.

The historic court ruling was last June 26 and it was a Wednesday morning. This awesome news made people gather to the place where LGBT activism started ---Stonewall. This I couldn't miss so i went there to just be one with the community. The atmosphere wasn't party festive but it was a serene joyous nostalgic atmosphere. People were just hugging smiling and just a surreal moment for everyone. That was just a moment Im so happy I captured.

The Stonewall Inn, New York

 4 days after the ruling is the celebration of the most waited event for most of the LGBTs and this would be the annual Pride march. This event is in my bucket list and Im so happy that I'm here celebrating and crossing it off my list in this time of LGBT history.

Streets were closed, routes were fixed and everyone arrived at the start of the parade at 12nn. It started at 34th and 5 ave all the way to Greenwich ending at the Stonewall Inn again. I decided to watch the event down by the stonewall where everything ends.

This was truly a festive event where everyone just went there to have fun and celebrate. It was a gathering where labels were not important it was just a celebration of humanity.

Every imaginable group was in the march from corporate friends, to different nationalities, different beliefs, Party people, sports enthusiasts, people in government, they were all there supporting what the Pride march was all about.

No matter how people see things or try to control what they think is right. The pure spirit will always prevail...a true God does not discriminate or create a being s/he doesn't love..

and LOVE is the root of all that is LGBT :)

 One event you should experience who or whatever you are :)