Last Spring

Entering the iron gates of Pedralbes Palace Gardens, you will be welcomed by Mediterrània, a marble female nude at the centre of an elegant oval pond. A slight grassy slope with laurels and orange trees behind and a small waterfall complete a set of great beauty in its simplicity.

A fortunate twist of fate took us there last spring or primavera. Though it wasn't our initial plan, we couldn't have asked for a more exciting family day. The park's breath-taking scenery left us in awe.

Inside, we follow up the main path leading us to the Royal Palace, located at the back of the park. In front of the palace, in the centre square presides a sculpture of a woman holding her son in her arms. It happened to be Queen Isabel II presenting her son, Alfons XII, to Barcelona. There, we stopped a bit and I took some pictures.

Aside from the numerous sculptures, in these gardens you will also see different variety of plants and trees, flowers, shrubs and bushes. I really like the shots I took my wife and kids inside the bamboo groves. For some time, I thought they felt like models of a perfume ad shown in the television. Anyway, it was another good family day.

Embracing Life, One Day at a Time

Bienvenido or welcome 2013! Another year has flown by, and we find ourselves fortunate to be alive and well. We all have 365 days ahead of us, a blank slate filled with endless possibilities. Some will approach this year with intention, planning their days wisely and working towards specific goals. Others may choose a more carefree approach, letting life guide them. Personally, I'll strike a balance between the two. While I have my own aspirations and resolutions, I'm also open to unexpected opportunities. After all, setting goals can be motivating, but it's equally important to embrace spontaneity and flexibility. Life without challenges and the drive to overcome them would be rather dull.

Salmons swim upstream against powerful currents to spawn, while wildebeest undertake perilous migrations in search of sustenance. These creatures demonstrate a remarkable drive and resilience, pushing their limits to ensure the survival of their species. Unlike these animals, we humans often find ourselves stuck in a rut, clinging to the familiar and fearing the unknown. We may hesitate to take risks or pursue new opportunities, settling for a stagnant existence. It's crucial to remember that growth and progress often require embracing change.

We should grab the opportunity to explore new places and expand our horizons. Stepping outside our comfort zones and traveling at least once a year can enrich our lives in countless ways. The world is vast and full of wonder. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the historic sites of Berlin, there are countless destinations to discover. And let's not forget the beauty of the Philippines, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm-hearted people. While we can, let's seize the day and embark on adventures. Life is fleeting, so let's make the most of it.

Learning is a lifelong journey. Regardless of age, there's always something new to discover and explore. The world is a vast repository of knowledge, from the depths of the Earth to the farthest reaches of the universe. Immerse yourself in documentaries like "The Grizzly Man," "The Lion King," and "The Last Lions," or delve into historical mysteries like "The Mysteries of the Maya," and "Ancient Civilizations." Expand your horizons, feed your curiosity, and unlock the full potential of your mind. It's never too late to learn.

Cherish your loved ones and make time for meaningful connections. When was the last time you shared a cup of coffee or a meal with your family and friends? Simple acts like dining out at a casual restaurant, like Hard Rock Cafe, can create lasting memories. The cost is minimal, but the value is immeasurable.

Watching a movie together can also be a great way to bond and share emotions. Let yourself feel the power of a performance like Anne Hathaway's rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" in Les Misérables. Remember, the strength of family ties can be a source of incredible resilience, as exemplified by the inspiring story of the Spanish family in the film "The Impossible".

As we embark on a new year, it's a great time to set some personal goals. Start by prioritizing your own needs and happiness. It's okay to say no and to set boundaries. Remember, you don't have to please everyone. This is your life, so make it count. Additionally, incorporating daily prayer or meditation can help you stay grounded and grateful for the blessings in your life.

May you have a prosperous and a happy new year!

Os deseo un próspero y feliz año nuevo!

Behind the Glass

Every time I visit Barcelona Zoo, a complex mix of emotions washes over me. A part of me wonders if these animals, confined to their enclosures, are truly living fulfilling lives. While they may be protected from predators, their captivity raises questions about their natural instincts and behaviours.

As I captured this chimpanzee's image through the glass, I couldn't help but notice a hint of sadness in her eyes. It's impossible to truly know what she's feeling, but it's hard not to empathize. Perhaps she's longing for freedom, or simply missing the social interactions and natural environment she's accustomed to. Or maybe she's content in her safe haven, oblivious to the world outside the glass.

Leo & Apple's Wedding

Last month, I had the incredible honour of photographing the wedding of Leo and Apple. These two are simply amazing! Their infectious laughter, playful banter, and unwavering love for each other made the entire day a joy to capture.

Leo, with his quick wit and mischievous grin, kept us all entertained. He was game for anything, even a spontaneous striptease (thankfully, he didn’t quite follow through!). Apple, on the other hand, was a picture of pure emotion. Her tears of joy flowed freely throughout the day, from the church ceremony to the first dance.

It was clear that these two were not just lovers but also best friends. Their genuine connection and unwavering support for each other were evident in every moment.

I’m so grateful to Leo and Apple for trusting me to capture their special day. And a huge shout out to my talented friend and colleague, Dick Arias, for his invaluable assistance.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

A Shattered Peace

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning in Spain, the news of the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, shattered my peace. Despite a busy day ahead – a Christmas party for my family and a barbecue for my mother’s birthday – the horrific details I read online consumed my thoughts. My heart ached as I journeyed to the city centre, tears welling up in the metro. The urge to hold my children close, to shield them from the world’s cruelty, was overwhelming. As I thought of the parents who had lost their innocent children, my heart broke. Their loss was unimaginable, a pain that would forever haunt them.

I'm grappling with conflicting emotions. My heart aches for the lives lost – the innocent children, their parents, and the dedicated teachers who sacrificed their own lives to protect others. I grieve for the survivors and the families of the victims, whose lives will forever be marked by this tragedy. Yet, I also feel a profound sense of gratitude. My children are safe and happy, and we are blessed with a fulfilling life. As we celebrate and enjoy the simple pleasures, I am keenly aware of our immense fortune.

My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. This world, marked by violence, sorrow, and hatred, is a fleeting reality. Yet, beyond this earthly existence lies a place of eternal peace, harmony, and love. A place where suffering, injustice, and fear are absent. I believe they are now in God's embrace, forever angels.

Let us be grateful to the Lord for our safety. It's important to remember that humans have free will, and it's our choices that shape our actions. Some choose paths of darkness, while others choose light. This tragedy is a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. Let us cherish the blessings in our lives and trust in God's plan. He knows all and sees all, and we must place our faith in Him.

Though today may feel lonely, tomorrow brings the promise of a new day filled with hope. Let us hold onto our faith and find strength in the face of adversity.

Ephesians 6:16

"In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

A Heartful of Gratitude

Thanksgiving or el día de acción de gracias is a beautiful tradition where Americans come together to give thanks and express gratitude for life's blessings. It's a time for family, food, and reflection. While this annual celebration is meaningful, we should strive to carry this spirit of gratitude throughout the year. By acknowledging the countless blessings we receive daily, we can cultivate a deeper sense of peace and joy.

I'm humbled by the overwhelming love and grace that God pours into my life each day. As I reflect on His countless blessings, my heart overflows with gratitude.

I'm truly blessed to have such an understanding and amazing wife. She completes me, and together we've learned valuable lessons about love, patience, and forgiveness. She's my rock, my best friend, the yin to my yang, and the love of my life. Our relationship, though not without its challenges, has taught me the true meaning of faithfulness and compromise. I'm grateful for every year we spend together, and I cherish her role as a loving mother to our children.

I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of fatherhood. My children, Kayla and Keiron are the greatest gifts in my life. They are my two precious gems. Their love and affection bring me immense joy. Their morning hugs and kisses are the perfect start to my day, and their warm welcome home fills me with happiness. I know that these moments won't last forever, time will come when they no longer hugs or kisses me, so I'm determined to savour every second of these beautiful memories forever.

I'm blessed with a wonderful family. My mom, Ate Leng, and Maui have been my constant source of love and support. Though distance keeps me from my father and Ate Zening, I cherish the bond we share. Distance may separate us, but love knows no bounds.

I’m so grateful for my friends. They are friends who laugh with me and bring joy into my life. People I can count on to and I can depend on. They taught me about how to live a life in a community and that no man is an island. They give me support in my tough times. They are my other family.

Lastly, I’m so very thankful for having God in my life, a God that loves me unconditionally. I don’t know where would I be if I’m not with Him. I was lost, broken and torn apart and He saved me, fixed me and brought me back into the light. Through my faith in Him, I’ve known that He has a plan for me and that plan is good. With Jesus Christ in my life, my heart is filled with happiness and love, my problems are easier to bear and my trials are less trying.

I just want to thank you for reading this blog. I know you too have so many things to be thankful for. Now is your time to say thank you. It’s not too late! You have all the time in the world to express your gratitude or appreciation to someone who makes your life special.

If you have a prayer request, just post it or leave a comment. I will be grateful to pray for you. I just hope you’ll pray for me too! God bless and happy thanksgiving!   

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

To Blog or Not To Blog?

It feels like forever since my last post. Life has been a whirlwind lately. I've been juggling two wedding projects, dedicating my free time to album design and photo editing. Weekends are packed with coaching a women's basketball team and organizing group activities. And, of course, there's my day job and family time. I can't even remember the last time I had a moment to myself, let alone a date night with my wife.

I'm a firm believer in single-tasking. While I can multitask, I've found it's more effective to focus on one thing at a time. However, with a long list of responsibilities, it's often challenging to dedicate undivided attention to each task.

Photography is a passion of mine. I could easily spend hours each night editing photos, even after a long day of work. My mind and body may protest, but I'm driven by my love for the craft. I believe it's essential to find joy in our work, otherwise, we're simply wasting our precious time. It's important to pursue activities that we're passionate about and that bring us fulfilment.

I'm deeply passionate about my community, CFC Couples For Christ. I love spending weekends coordinating events, preparing activities, leading the CLPs or Christian Life Programs, and participating in retreats and gatherings. I feel called to serve God in this way. I've even dreamed of stepping outside my comfort zone and doing full-time missionary work abroad.

While I enjoy writing, it's not my top priority. I could easily sacrifice it to focus on other things. However, photo blogging allows me to combine two of my interests: sharing my photography and my thoughts. Ultimately, the most important thing is that I'm having fun with it all.

I'm reminded of the physics principle of using a magnifying glass to ignite a paper. By focusing the sunlight on a single point, the intense heat can cause the paper to combust. Conversely, moving the lens around disperses the energy, preventing any significant heat build up.

Similarly, multitasking can dilute our focus. While it may seem efficient to juggle multiple tasks, we often end up being mediocre at all of them. We are becoming Jack of all trades, master of none.

So, should I continue blogging, which is currently low on my priority list? Or should I focus on writing detailed descriptions for my photography? The question remains: to blog or not to blog?

A Milestone Birthday and a Life Lesson

My little girl just turned 10! I'm so proud of the amazing young woman she's becoming.

In the month leading up to her birthday, she was bursting with excitement and had all sorts of ideas for a celebration. At first, she envisioned a pyjama party with her friends. Then, she shifted her focus to a cake-baking party where everyone would dress up as chefs and create their own delicious treats. It was clear that she had big plans for her special day.

To ensure a smooth celebration, we made a little deal: if she could complete her assignments for three weeks leading up to her birthday, she could have the party of her dreams. She eagerly agreed, and the plan was set.

Two weeks later, just one week before her birthday, she seemed downcast. I found a note she'd left on my desk.

Papa,

Are we going to celebrate my birthday?

Please check:

Yes or No

Kayla      

It was clear she was struggling to keep her end of the bargain. Her mother explained that she'd forgotten some school materials, resulting in a failed assignment. As a father, I felt torn. On one hand, I wanted to be understanding and compassionate. On the other, I knew the importance of honouring commitments. I didn't want to set a precedent where agreements could be broken without consequence. It was a delicate balance between maintaining our relationship and teaching her the value of responsibility.

I decided to take a more cautious approach and celebrate her birthday in a simpler way. While it wasn't the extravagant party she had envisioned, we still made it special. We gathered with close family for a dinner featuring traditional Filipino dishes like morcon, afritada, and pansit. We were also fortunate to have Robert and Len, SFC mission volunteers, join us for the celebration.

Kayla was the centre of attention, and she seemed to enjoy the festivities. Despite the scaled-down celebration, she had a wonderful time surrounded by loved ones.

We love you, Kayla!

Wilson & Sheena's Wedding

September was kind to us, painting the sky with soft hues and blessing us with a perfect day for Sheena and Wilson's wedding. Sheena, a natural beauty, absolutely shone in front of the camera. Her infectious smile and effortless grace made capturing her a dream. Wilson, with his quiet charm and unwavering love for Sheena, was the perfect complement.

The post-wedding shoot was a blast! The picturesque location, combined with the couple's relaxed and playful nature, made for some truly magical moments. I barely had to direct them – their chemistry was so evident, and the camera just captured their love story effortlessly.

The reception was a whirlwind of fun and emotion. The bride and groom, along with their entourage, danced the night away, their infectious energy filling the room. It was one of the most lively and memorable weddings I've ever had the pleasure of photographing.

To Sheena and Wilson, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

Celebrating Five Years of Love and Laughter with Keiron

Last Saturday, October 6th, marked a special day for our little clown, Keiron. It's hard to believe he's already 5 years old! Time seems to fly, and it feels like just yesterday his mother brought him into this world.

I remember the anticipation as I waited in the hospital, eager to meet my son. The caesarean section was a bit of a struggle, as Keiron was content in his mother's womb. When I finally held him in my arms, his tiny, purple and warm body, and sweet smile filled me with overwhelming love.

One of my favourite memories is watching Kayla, his older sister, gave him a kiss for the first time. I hope that moment forged a bond between them that will last a lifetime.

I'll never forget the tears of joy in his mother's eyes as she held him for the first time. She embraced him, kissed him, and nourished him with love.

There have been countless nights when Keiron has fallen asleep on my chest. The weight of his little body and the overwhelming love I feel for him often bring me to tears.

Over the past five years, Keiron has filled our lives with joy, laughter, and countless precious memories. He is a beloved member of our family, and we can't imagine our lives without him.

I love this boy so much with all my heart. My life will never be the same without this snuggling little personality in it.

Happy birthday, Keiron! May you continue to grow and thrive.

Life is a Cup of Coffee

While exploring the internet for inspiring tales, I stumbled upon this remarkable story by an unknown author. Its profound message resonated deeply with me, prompting me to share it during our monthly general assembly. For those who missed it, I hope this blog post will inspire you as much as it did me.

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savour the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

As I reflect on my life, I’m grateful for the blessings I’ve been given: a loving family, a good job, and a life well-lived. Yet, a strange contradiction often arises. Despite my contentment, I sometimes find myself envying others’ successes or possessions. Questions like, “Why don’t I have that?” or “What more could I be doing?” creep into my thoughts, leading to feelings of doubt and dissatisfaction. It’s as if there’s an insatiable desire for something more, something better, something that will bring ultimate happiness and fulfilment to my life.

Many people are still navigating life's uncertainties. Some may be single and searching for a partner, others may be torn between career paths, and many more are simply seeking a better future. It's common to yearn for a life that's easier, happier, and more fulfilling, often leading to the pursuit of bigger and better opportunities.

Reading this story has given me a valuable insight: true happiness doesn't come from material possessions or constant striving. It's about finding joy in the present moment and appreciating what we already have. While it's important to set goals and work towards our dreams, excessive focus on the future can often lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Let's not forget to cherish our relationships, savour life's simple pleasures, and live each day to the fullest.

I'm grateful for this reminder to prioritize what truly matters. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes to the beauty of simplicity. I'm committed to living a life filled with love, gratitude, and contentment. May I always find joy in the little things, from sharing moments with loved ones to enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Thank you for this renewed perspective, Lord. I believe my life will be infinitely better for it.

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

James & Ann Engagement Session 1st Part

As I look back at these photos, I'm transported to a beautiful day on Montjuïc, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I had the privilege of capturing the love story of James and Ann, a couple whose affection for each other was as radiant as the Barcelona sun.

Montjuïc, with its stunning vistas of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, provided the perfect backdrop for their engagement session. The historic castle, the lush gardens, and the winding paths offered endless opportunities for romantic and intimate portraits.

I remember the way Ann's eyes lit up whenever James was near, and the way he would gently hold her hand as they strolled through the park. These tender moments, captured in these photographs, are a testament to the enduring love they share.

It's been a few years since that special day, but the memories, like the images, remain vivid. I'm grateful to James and Ann for trusting me to document this important chapter in their lives.

Thanks very much James and Ann! I love you both!

The Human Towers

Strolling along La Rambla and into Plaza Real Square, I was fortunate to witness a centuries-old Catalan tradition: Els Castells, or human towers. Originating in Tarragona in the 18th century, this spectacular display of human strength, balance, and teamwork continues to captivate audiences today.

The Castellers, or participants, form a human base by huddling together. On top of this sturdy foundation, they build a tower of people, one person standing on another's shoulders. The tower is typically topped by a child, known as an enxaneta. These daring climbers can form towers up to seven or eight people high, a truly impressive feat of human ingenuity.

In one of the image below, the little boy's determined expression as he begins to raise his hand signifies the successful completion of the human tower. This ancient tradition not only showcases the Catalans' impressive physical strength, agility, and balance but also their remarkable sense of community and teamwork.