Catalina Island

This album post is actually still part of my Socal photo adventures from way back.  We got to visit this small  island off the coast of Los Angeles when we joined a yearly Canon event called "Canon Captures Catalina" in September 2009.

Catalina harbor and Casino

Trivia: the "casino" above is not really a casino.  It is actually called a "casino" because the original Italian definition of casino meant "social gathering place" not a place for gambling.

The view during our ascent to the Catalina hills via golf cart

Another view of the harbor from the hills

Fresh oysters prior to our departure

The seabirds of Catalina

Bye Bye Catalina Island

Catalina Island is accessible via daily ferry from Long Beach or Dana Point in Orange County.

Paella: Cerveseria Greenbelt

When I first started this travel blog, I also wanted to create a separate food blog.  However, given that virtually all travels entail dining at the local restaurants, I eventually decided to integrate my food adventures into this same travel blog.  And I noticed that most Pinoy travel blogs always include photos of the local food they tried. Oftentimes, most travel blogs have more food photos than those of the actual scenery!

So for my initial foray into food blogging, we'll feature the Cerveseria restaurant in Greenbelt mall in Makati business district in the Philippines.  I was able to get a Deal Grocer discount and invited a  few friends for lunch from Instituto Cervantes last November.

Nope, this is not your school cafeteria/library hybrid place

Notice the space underneath the table where they kept the unused plates prior to the arrival of customers.  Nice touch.

The cozy unique feel of the restaurant's interior might make you feel you're elsewhere and not realize that just outside is the busy world of  the Philippines' central business district.

Okay enough with the discussion of the place's design, let's get down to the reason why I wrote this post - the food and drink.

My coupon included a pitcher of Sangria which is an important component of Spanish cuisine. Salud!

We also ordered Nacho chips which were not included in the deal grocer coupon.  They had a unique way of way of serving the chips - wrapped in paper placed inside a glass mug.  I've been eating Nachos for seven years in Southern California and this is the first time I've seen them presented like that.

Finally, the piece de resistance arrives!

Here's a closer look at the Paella Cerveseria - with shrimp, soft shell crab, squid, bacon, chorizo, and other good stuff.  It was well worth the approximately 30 minute wait.

The deal grocer coupon which I used last November cost me 615 Philippine pesos and it included the Paella Cerveseria and a pitcher of Sangria.  This combo was supposedly good for 4 people but in our case, 3 hungry people finished it. :)

I just checked the deal grocer and they don't have this Paella/Sangria promo right now.  But Cervseria itself also offers other promos such as the ones below.

Using March 2013 forex rates, the  615 peso coupon would be equivalent to US$15 or 12.60 Euro, which I think is definitely a good deal especially that it is good for 3 to 4 people.

 

You won't even realize that just outside Cerveseria is the
busy world of  the Philippines' central business district

Cerveseria is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City.  It is near the fountain area which also has Starbucks and Seattle's Best.

Los Angeles Area

I just realized that I haven't posted photos from the Greater Los Angeles area where I lived and worked for the past six years. Good thing I was still able to archive my much older photos even if they were shot using a film DSLR and a cheap Point and Shoot.

So here you go...

Hollywood Highlands

Long Beach Pier

Long Beach

Griffith Park

Griffith Park

LA Live

This previous photo is a  little more recent than the other photos.  I already had a DSLR with good low light capabilities in 2010.

Non CGI King Kong at Universal Studios

Catalina Island

The Queen Mary

...And your typical suburban Socal neighborhood right before sunset. Home!

Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

If you've noticed, my recent blog posts seem to be alternating between the US and the Philippines.  So, just to break this trend, here is a post for my October 2012 visit to the Lion City - Singapore!

And if you are visiting Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is the must-see  tourist attraction.  Since I am a big fan of skyline views, I decided to have lunch at the Sky on 57 restaurant, which is on the topmost floor of the casino hotel owned by Las Vegas- based Sands (the owner of Venetian and Palazzo)

Make sure you are seated outside so you can see the awesome views from the 57th floor.

The business luncheon cost S$50 for the three course and S$60 for the four course which I ordered.  These prices are as of October 2012.

While waiting for your order. the restaurant staff will even lend you Nikon binoculars to check out the fantastic views.

Views like these:

You'll be able to spot some iconic landmarks of Singapore

Which made me regret not bringing my DSLR. Perhaps next time.

The main course finally arrives:

the ever popular Wagyu beef with egg and noodles.

If you are a gambler, you can also join the 

Marina Bay Sands Program for earning rewards points

Sagada: Kiltepan Sunrise

Last December, I was able to make a quick side trip to the outskirts of Sagada after visiting Batad,  Thanks to the kindness of fellow backpackers I just met in Batad, I was able to join their shared van ride to Sagada. Muchas gracias strangers!

After arriving at the Rock Inn Sagada late afternoon, we slept early so we could wake up early and catch the famous sunrise at Kiltepan. The staff of Rock Inn were nice enough to offer guests a free shuttle ride to/from Kiltepan.

We arrived at Kiltepan around 530AM and the moon and stars were still very much visible.  Flashlights and headlamps would be useful especially when you're fiddling with your camera settings in the dark. Or just negotiating the rocky terrain of a small area packed with still drowsy backpackers (with hangover from last night perhaps?)

Dawn@Kiltepan

Most photographers also bring tripods for those long exposure shots.  But I just handheld my DSLR as it was difficult to find a spot as the good ones were already occupied and the available ones did not offer good views.  Thank you Canon T3i for usable high ISO settings!

The sun finally shows itself after less than an hour of waiting.  

Even man's best friend enjoyed the sunrise view.

 Keep in mind that it can get really cold here especially during the Dec-Feb season.

It might be worthwhile to check the weather forecast and sunrise forecasts if you really want to see a postcard worthy sunrise.  I've seen other travel blogs wherein they were disappointed that clouds obscured their view of the sunrise.

You can contact Rock Inn Sagada at +63 (920) 909 5899 or +63 (928) 213 1149.   They offer a wide variety of accommodations; from executive suites to just renting out bedspace on the attic floor (for budget backpackers). The latter option just cost me P300 (US$7.50) for the night I stayed there.  Wow, that's probably the cheapest accommodation I've ever booked.

Las Vegas Low Light Part I

In about a month, springtime will be upon us here in the US  Expect to start feeling some warmth again after about 3 months of frigid temperatures.  And some people like yours truly will start receiving email offers from Vegas hotels as April is the start of peak season leading all the way to summer. Though I don't really gamble, Vegas has been my favorite spot when it comes to shooting low light scenes.  This desert city has some of the most spectacular night time views in the world.

So here are some of my favorite night time shots:

The View from the Mix Lounge @ 61st floor of TheHotel@Mandalay Bay.  It is reportedly Dana White's favorite hang out in Las Vegas.  And I just by looking at the photo below you would know why.

The View from the Eiffel tower replica of Paris Las Vegas Hotel. To access the elevator leading to the top, you  need to buy a ticket ranging from US$11.50 to  $16.50.  Tickets are more expensive after the sun has set.

Mirage Volcano: One of the more famous free attractions on the Las Vegas Strip.  I mean it's totally free since you just watch from the sidewalk facing the Mirage hotel and casino.

Caeasar's Palace: one of the original venues for big name boxing fights during the 1980's

It has been  recently renovated so expect really nice rooms and suites.

Boracay Dec 2012

In two months, the Philippines will be experiencing another sizzling summer. And what better way than to experience it at the country's most famous beach destination - Boracay!

So to encourage you further, here are some photos from my trip last December.

So start making your plans and book your hotel and plane reservations before the peak season!