My World Tuesday is a Fireball

taken at Boracay

Boracay really is one of my favorite places in the world. The perfect sand, friendly people... its beautiful. I took this picture one night in one of the bars along the beach and they had a show with the firedancers. It was an amazing site! It may sound cheesy but it's a beautiful form of dance. The fire is absolutely mesmerizing! If you find yourself in Boracay, you shouldn't miss this. :) 

I whipped out my Holga, set it on the bulb setting and let the firedancer work her magic. The outcome reminds me of that anime, Dragonball. Haduken!

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The Holidays Are Coming

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and celebrated it with the people most important to you. :) Every year, my family goes to our beach house with our relatives and celebrates the coming of a new year with lots of love, laughter and booze. It's one of my favorite traditions! Hehehe... I love how crazy my family can get!

How are you welcoming in the new year?

You and Me

taken at Boracay

It's always going to be you and me babe.

By The River

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing, China

Watery Wednesday is In Beihai Park

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing, China

I love the shot of this lone boat on the lake. I would have likes to have taken a ride around the park as well but we didn't have the time.

Little Tala

Meet Tala Miller. She's the daughter of my good friend, Gail. Isn't this too cute? And I love her zebra leggings!

Simple Joys

taken at Beihai Park, Beijing

Good customer service is always key to a good business. I complained to the place I have my film developed that the shots of one of my rolls were missing and they immediately resent all my photos for free! Yey! When I saw the shots from my Vivitar, I couldn't believe it still had shots from my Beijing trip which was like in May if I'm not mistaken. Unfortunately it takes me longer to finish my 35mm rolls since the Vivitar has no flash, I definitely can't use it at night, unlike the Holga. There are no settings I can tinker around with to help brighten the shot on a cloudy day either so I'm very picky about when I can whip out my Vivitar and take pictures. It has to be a relatively sunny day. 

On a sadder note, my lola (grandmother) passed away last night at 11:10pm. Please say a little prayer for her. She had quite a struggle against cancer and of course I'm sadden that she has left us but at the same time glad she doesn't have to suffer anymore. It's been a tough few months for her. I just wish we were there to say good bye.

How I Miss You Boracay

taken at Boracay, Philippines

I got my film today! Yey! Bad news though is that one was unexposed (how can that happen??) and the photos from my Vivitar don't seem to be in the CD. Definitely calling the hotline tomorrow. 

Only 2 days to go before my last day from my month-long stint in my old agency and honestly, I can't wait. The account that they needed help with was really tough and I can't say I'm going to miss them. I'm looking forward to going back to my usual life and I appreciate being a struggling entrepreneur even more. I'm super excited for 2011, January is already looking interesting! Another business is coming up and I'm sooooo excited. It's something new here in the Philippines. :) 

Oh Dear Blog, How I've Missed You!

taken at the Yabang Pinoy Bazaar

I've been away for waaaaaay too long! I apologize for that. Things just have been pretty busy plus, I haven't had the chance to take any blog-worthy photos. That just means I need to take more photos! I have a bunch of used rolls of film that needs developing, pronto!

This photo was taken during one of the bazaars Hanky Panty participated in. Couldn't figure out how to flip the photo but the sign says "there's no excuse for boring underwear!" 

It's Our China Year

taken at Beijing

We're off to China again in a few days but this time, we're going to Shanghai! I missed blogging... but I don't have much new photos I want to share so I've been MIA again. I'll have a new set again once I'm back from Shanghai! So looking forward to eating xiao long pao! Yum!

Must remember to order film later so I can get it by Thursday!

My World took a Tram Ride

taken at Corregidor

Things have been pretty crazy again for me, trying to set up other businesses. I have to admit, its frustrating to be working hard on all these things and not make money from them yet. I keep reminding myself to be patient and one day, I will reap the rewards of all my hardwork. PATIENCE!!!

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Spanish Courtyard

taken at San Agustin Church

Remember the wrought iron heart I posted here? This is the courtyard that gate led to. I really like the fountain in the middle and I'm sure it would be even prettier if it was on. I imagine what it would have been like here during the Spanish era. I bet they held banquets out here! 

Skywatch Friday Knows The Time

taken at Venice, Italy

Yeah, I'm a day late for Skywatch Friday but better late then never right? ;p This has got to be one of the coolest clocks I've ever seen! Although it's kinda difficult to tell the time... the time I took this shot it was like 7.... something..... Can I just say it was a couple of minutes to 8?? And the moon was up!

Oh Italy, how I miss you.

Check out more skies here.

Missing My Film

taken at Beijing, China

I miss my lomo cameras. My supplier was MIA since April and finally has reappeared a couple of weeks ago. Thanks God coz I was having a really hard time finding another supplier! Lomography is not a cheap hobby at all. I'm trying to finish a roll of film in my Holga but weather hasn't been very sunny over here and I prefer taking photos on sunny days. Since film is so expensive, I can't just click away like there's no tomorrow! I really try to get a good shot everytime. I love the anticipation of seeing my film developed and hoping for an extraordinary photo. Lomo is love. :)

Love From Above

taken at the San Agustin Church, Manila

I love this wrought iron design that was placed over the gate of the courtyard in the San Agustin church. Exploring old Manila really is fun. I loooove traveling and whenever I'm in another country, I soak up all their history and culture. Then I realized that I've forgotten all the history of my own country and visiting Intramuros and Corregidor has reminded me about the journey our country has gone through to get to where we are now.  

Let It Guide Your Way

taken at Corregidor

Yesterday, I was on my way to Makati and stuck in traffic along Pasong Tamo. I was texting my friend and complaining that I didn't have a regular cash flow, I needed to find a way to make more money, what I was making from my stall wasn't enough, I was getting impatient with having to wait for the other businesses to give me cash flow etc, etc. Right after I sent a long and whiny text message, I look out the window and saw a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk with no shirt on and broken slippers. It was like the Lord was the Lord was reminding me about all the other blessings I have. There I was,  in the comforts of my own car, complaining that the money I am getting each month isn't enough but this man probably doesn't get anything. That image really put things in perspective. I may not be getting the money I want each month YET but I'm getting there. I'm lucky to have parents who are helping me out while I work on my financial freedom.  

Thank you, Lord for that reminder yesterday. Instead of complaining about my cash flow, I'll use that reminder to make me work harder to reach my goals faster.

1st Blog-iversary!

taken at Corregidor

August is practically over and I almost forgot that my blog-iversary was last August 17!! Click Snap Shoot has been around for a year already. It actually feels longer! I'm looking forward to many more pictures to share and friends to meet with this blog. :)

A Little Something To Say

taken at Corregidor

It saddens me that after the hostage situation that happened in our country, people all over the world have generalized us Filipinos. Please, do not judge all of us by the actions of one man. 

At Corregidor: MacArthur's office

taken at Corregidor, Philippines

This was Gen. MacArthur's office on the island after it was bombed by the Japanese.

My World is Down The Tunnel

taken in the Malinta Tunnel at Corregidor

Carlo and I took a day trip to Corregidor last Saturday for our 3rd anniversary. Corregidor is an island a one-hour ferry ride away from Manila Bay. This island was the center of the war between the Americans and Filipinos against the Japanese back in the 1940s. This tunnel was where President Manuel L. Quezon stayed in during the war. Many soldiers died in this tunnel... it gave me the heebie jeebies!

Check out this site for more corners of the world.

The Hair Flip

taken by Alejandro Rivera for Hanky Panty

I've been neglecting my blog... So sorry! Just had to share with you guys my favorite shot from  our photo shoot. I loooooove this picture! How awesome is that hair flip? Now I wish my hair was long so I can have a shot like this too hehe. To check out our other designs, please visit our official Hanky Panty site. You can also add us on Facebook and Twitter.

One of the things I would love to get in to is fashion photography. I know fashion photographers here aren't paid as much as commercial photographers but fashion is so much more exciting don't you think? :)

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

taken at Venice, Italy

I have been soooo busy the past few weeks! My baby has finally been launched last Monday! My friend and I launched Hanky Panty, we make undies with cute and quirky designs but at more affordable prices ranging from P180-190 ($4-5). 

Having my own business has always been my dream and it has finally become a reality! The whole process is such a learning experience. Everyday, there's a new obstacle to overcome. Things hardly go as planned and there's no use fretting over what we should have done, rather we have to think of what can we do about it? This mindset is helping me get through the whole "birthing pains" of the business because without, I would be stressing over every little thing that goes wrong (and there have been a few) and that would take all the fun out of it! 

Last night, I had so much things going on in my head that I couldn't sleep until 4:30am! So to make use of my time, I went through photos from our Italy trip last year and finally uploaded them in Facebook. Now I'm missing Italy again. Sharing with you guys a photo of awesome art that was in a department store in Venice. The artist was inspired when he got caught in the rain while under a lamp post. I love this because it really looks like I'm standing under the rain.

Skywatch Friday At Beihai Park

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing China

I wish we had huge parks like this in Manila! I'm sure I would spend some afternoons reading a book by the lake.

My World Likes Lamps

taken at Resorts World

Last Saturday, the boyfie and I checked out Resorts World, this relatively new casino that's located near the airport. I'm not a big gambler, I don't like risking my hard earned money so that was actually only my second time to ever enter a casino. We gave ourselves a budget of P500 ($12) to spend and we were only going to play the slot machines. I'm sure all you veteran casino lovers will say "what?! that's nothing!" but I really couldn't bear to part with more money especially now that I still don't have a regular cash flow. So anyway, we stuck to only the slot machines coz we both don't play poker and are not confident of our black jack skills! I must admit it was fun while it lasted... which was only 5 minutes. I lost P400 in 5 minutes! Since we can't take pictures in casinos, I took a picture of the pretty lamps in the restaurant of the casino. Wouldn't you love to have those in your room? I took this using my iPhone's lomo app.  

Find What You Love

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing, China

Read a part of Steve Jobs' Commencement Address for Stanford University back in June 2005, really reminds me that I made the right decision of going for my dream.

 Sometimes life hits you on the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only things that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.

As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle. 

 

Classic Toys

Taken at the art district of Beijing, China

I saw these toys being sold along the sidewalk of the art district in Beijing and I just loved these vintage toys!! My favorite was the van with the surfboards on top.

You Choose Your Own Path

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing, China

We don't always know what path life will lead us which can be pretty scary. Last year was a year of soul searching for me. I was going through the quarter-life crisis and it was NOT fun. I didn't know if I wanted to stay in advertising because I felt I wasn't going to get financial freedom there. I had fun in the industry but I was slowly getting tired of the job description. I was an account manager, aka client's slave. I was also playing around with the idea of taking my MBA in NYU but then I realized it wouldn't benefit me anyway. They say that in the world of advertising, 2 years of experience is much better than 2 years of taking an MBA. Plus I was considering it for all the wrong reasons - I was looking for an excuse to live in another country for awhile. I wanted to experience independence in a different country. I always knew that I wanted to get into entrepreneurship so that when I have my own family in the future, I would have my own business where I have more control of my time and still contribute to the family income. I don't want to rely on my future husband for everything! I want to make something of myself too. I am woman, hear me roar! 

So it became clear to me that I wanted to go entrepreneurship... but what business was I going to get in to? 3 years ago, I borrowed money from my parents to put up a franchise of a fruit shake kiosk. I never really spent any time taking care of it and my crew probably stole money from me but I just wasn't interested. I realized that I had an opportunity right there and it would be a waste if I didn't make the most of it. Another was Baila!, a dance studio I have been going to since 2003. I came on as a partner in 2007 but never was active in it. Actually, most of the partners weren't so since no one was paying any attention to it, of course the studio wasn't making much money. That was another opportunity right there! I love that studio and felt there was so much potential and it would be a shame for it to close.

That sealed the deal. I had 2 businesses when I left my job last March 31. Right now, I'm also working on a business which will launch in August, so watch out for that! I like the path I'm on. I still have a lot of things to work to get to my financial freedom but I know I'll get there. :) 

Posters

taken at the art district in Beijing, China

Posters were up all over the art district, unfortunately, I had no idea what they were announcing. I also decided to make my photos bigger in my entry... something i obviously should have done from the start!

I've been pretty busy nowadays. Since I left my corporate job in advertising,  I was a little worried I would get bored or I wouldn't be motivated to really work on my businesses. I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm keeping myself really really busy. It's actually pretty tough juggling marketing our dance studio, setting up another business with my friend and running the franchise I got of a fruit shake stand. What really gets me moving on all these is the fact that the money I have in my bank account is slooooowly getting smaller. I know I HAVE to make money because if not... well we know all know where that would lead! 

I get asked how is the "lady of leisure" and seriously, I am far from that. Leisure is not the word I would choose to describe my life right now. Busy, hectic and tiring would be a few. But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's especially exciting for me to be putting up my own thing. I know all the hard work will go somewhere and it will directly benefit me, not a company. 

I realized another thing that I want to put on my vision board. When I'm all successful, I want to become a consultant for start up businesses. I want to be able to help aspiring entrepreneurs such as myself. In the whole process of starting up a business, I realized also that I love marketing. Its my favorite part of businesses! Oh and I want to support an organization such as WWF or PETA. The environment has no voice and can't ask us for help. We need to be the ones to take the initiative to protect them.  

Here's to you lil bro

taken at Beijing, China

Growing up, my brother and I were constantly fighting. The times that we weren't playing together, we were fighting. I guess it came with the 5-year age gap we have but once my brother was in high school and I was in college, things changed and we finally got along. I have to admit, I'm a very protective older sister but he's 22 now so I better start letting him make his own mistakes because really, its the only way he'll learn.

So happy birthday Paolo, my one and only favorite brother in the whole wide world! Have a great 22nd birthday. Love your big sister.

Orange Bursts

taken at Beijing, China

One can't help but smile when you see a bunch of pretty flowers... I know I can't.  :)

Skywatch Friday Is At The Great Wall

taken at the Great Wall of China

It was pretty hazy when we were at the Great Wall but it still didn't make a difference, the Wall was AMAZING!

Bricks

taken at the Beijing Art District

My World Saw A Floating Head

taken at Mimi's house

This statue has an eerie yet elegant feel to it. Love how the light just plays up the drama even more!

Brown Girl Dancing

taken at Beijing's Art District

This little piece of art caught my eye. She has such character!

Step By Step

taken at Beijing, China

It was a looooong way up!

Lunch Break

taken at Greenbelt 5

Took this picture of my ex-officemates on my last day of work. I miss those guys! My team was the reason I stayed as long as I did. They're awesome. :)

Lovers At The Park

taken at Beihai Park in Beijing, China

I love how this could look like an old picture from back in the day. One of the things I really enjoyed doing in Beijing was walk around this park and the Summer Palace. It's really a place where you can just sit on a bench and read while enjoying the sunny day. 

My World Loves Thai Food

taken at Chariya Thai Restaurant

My boyfriend works in sales for a food company so he discovers all these hidden gems of a restaurant all over the city. It's so fun to explore hole in the wall restaurants that really offer valur for your money. One of our favorites is this little hole in the wall restaurant along Nicanor Garcia street in Makati City where they serve really really good Thai food. It has only about 10 tables and has no aircon but the food is sooooo worth it! Servings are big and the price, super affordable. You can have a meal for two for just P200 ($5) and still have food to take home! This shot is of the simple decor on the wall which adds to its charm. I used Jellybean (my Holga) and used Fuji Provia. 

Oh, the baby shower was a success! We had so much fun, especially with the baby charades... I swear, charades is a no fail game! So much fun. :) I can't wait for my friend to give birth. She's due end of August but she has a feeling it will be sooner than that.

Colored Cows

taken at Beijing, China

One of my favorite spots in Beijing was the art district. There were so many quirky sculptures and paintings everywhere! You could spend the whole day just going through the stores filled with all sort of knick knacks and whatnot. Then when you get tired, you can stop at a coffee shop and admire more art in the area. I went all trigger happy over there! I'll definitely be posting more pictures from that area soon. 

On other news, I'm taking break from cramming the games for my friend's baby shower tonight! I just finished my "who's your daddy (or mommy)" deck wherein i'm going to flash pictures of babies then they have to guess who is their celebrity mom or dad. Now I'm brainstorming for charades... I need things related to babies so they can act it out later! My friend is due to give birth in October and I can't wait! This will be the first baby in our circle of friends... for sure that baby boy will be very very very spoiled!

View from the Great Wall

taken at the Great Wall of China

I finally had my rolls of film developed and I got them yesterday! Woot woot! It was kinda cloudy during my trip there so some of the shots from my Vivitar came out pretty dark, which I expected but others came out awesome! Time for some lomo, luvin'!

Last May, I was able to cross off "walk along the Great Wall of China" from my bucket list. It was an amaaaazing experience! We climbed up a gazillion steps and we took a lot of breaks in between. I took this photo at the point we decided that was as high as we would go. My dad said if we didn't start going down, we might be late for the tour (or maybe we were all just making excuses to stop going up hehe). I can only imagine what it was like for the Chinese who would be on the look out at night during winter! It must have been freezing!!! And it doesn't help that you have to go down all those steps after your shift was over. But I really suggest that you go see the Great Wall!

Camouflage

taken at Beijing, China

I'm not sure why the bark of the tree ended up looking like this but it reminds me of those camouflage prints! Anyone know why the bark looks like this?

On other very girly news, Forever 21 is opening in the Philippines for the first time today! The first 250 customers to line up in front of their store will immediately get a P200 ($5) discount card. I decided not to go today because chaos is not conducive to shopping! I'll probably pass by next week when there aren't as many people. I've seen a lot of teaser photos and the store is massive!! I can't wait to check it out :)

Look Up!

taken at Beijing, China

When in Beijing, don't forget to look up. Even the ceilings are full of art!

Smiling Lion

taken at the Drum Tower in Beijing, China

This smiling lion is just too cute. I felt like he was telling me to enjoy my vacation. ;p

On The Wall

taken at Beijing, China

Love these little artworks that were on the walls in this area in Beijing (sorry I forgot the name!). Just makes everything more interesting.

Sa Whut??

taken at Beijing, China

Now can someone tell me what this sign is really trying to say? :D

Knick Knacks and Whatnot

taken at Beijing, China

I'm such a sucker for useless souvenires. One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to check out the souvenire stores. My family buys refrigerator magnets from all the countries and cities we visit then when we get home, we stick them on our refrigerator. So now, its covered with memories of all our family trips! Me on the other hand, I collect shot glasses and those are displayed on my bookshelf in my room. What do you collect?

Only in China

taken at Beijing, China

This is one mode of transpo that I'm pretty sure can only be seen in China! Amidst all the rickshaws in this part of town, I saw this vehicle like a little golf cart but check out the wooden details! That's what really caught my eye. It's like a moving piece of furniture.

Art and Color

taken at Beijing, China

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. I needed sometime transferring my stuff and setting up my new laptop! Got myself a MacBook Pro ;p yey! And I'm LOVING IT. 

Things have been pretty busy for me recently with the 3 businesses I'm taking care of. Not that I'm complaining or anything but I was a bit worried that I would have too much idle time on my hands once I left my old job. Now, I keep myself busy but I get to schedule everything. I can adjust deadlines and manage my time much better. I like that I am able to make my own decisions on things instead of forever asking my boss. 

The picture above was taken in a little house in Beijing. I love how the art is also used for decor on the table. The colors are so striking and beautiful it just brightens up the table area. It could be a great idea that you can apply in your house!

100th post!

taken during the Baila! photoshoot

This is my 100th post! I decided to post a picture of me for this milestone, even if it wasn't me who took the shot. This was taken during the photoshoot we had last week for our recital programme. Jump shots are so much fun and it's not easy to take a nice one so I just had to share this! I'm looking forward to many more posts and pictures to share with everyone. Yey to blogging!

White Blooms

taken at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China

I wish we had more flowering trees in the Philippines!