Denisha and Ash Engagement

Sony A7IV ■ f/4 ■ 1/1600 ■ ISO 160

My daughter just recently got engaged. Her boyfriend, Ash, asked permission from us before they went on a cruise to Bermuda last month. We saw pictures and videos they posted on Facebook on how Ash proposed. Even though they were with friends during the cruise, Ash wanted the event private. However, he did that during a tour they booked. Everyone that was with them witnessed it and congratulated them.

After they returned from their cruise, they came to our house and told us their wedding plans. They were choosing dates and planning on when they will be sending out “save the date.” I suggested to them that I can take their engagement pictures to add selections from the ones they took with the smartphone.

Good thing that the photoshoot was a family event. My wife, Sinjin, and his wife, Ruchi, joined us at Barnegat Light House to shoot pictures. Ruchi oversaw posing and Sinjin assisted holding reflector to direct light back to the subjects.

It was a cold, windy but sunny day. I normally would suggest either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is not harsh. After the shoot, we went to grab a late lunch before heading home.

I was able to finish my processing after a week and gave them a digital copy of the shoot. I hope that they will find a couple that they use for their “save the date” invitation. Click here for pictures

SINGAPORE 2024

Marina Bay Sands Sony A7IV ■ f/7.1 ■ 1/800 ■ ISO 100

Our Philippine trip this year was through Singapore. My wife wanted to try Singapore Airlines not knowing that the first stop was 19 hours to Changi Airport in Singapore before continuing to Manila for another 3-hour flight. When I pointed out to my wife about the flight, she did not know that it would take that long. Compared to other airlines like Korean Air and Asiana, it was about a 14-hour flight. Singapore Air route was eastward compared to others which were westward.  

Other than the flight time, it was good. Food and service inside the plane is good. Though halfway through our flight our section lost entertainment, and we were given a $200 voucher which we could use to purchase items in the airline shopping magazine. Though, I did not think I received it in my email. 

This was our second stop over at Changi Airport. The first time was last year from India to Manila. Both times we did not have time to go out of the airport to visit Jewel. However, this time around on our return flight to United States from Manila, we have more than 12 hours layover. 

Prior to our departure in Manila, we applied for a transit visa and availed of their free tour courtesy of Singapore Tourism. We were able to go out of the airport on a tour bus and went to popular sites Singapore is to offer. We went to the area where you can see Merlion overlooking the Marina Bay Sands and other stunning buildings. Our tour guide also mentioned that we passed through the street where the F1 cars race is every year. Our tour also stopped by Gardens by the Bay where you can see the super trees. Then at the end of the tour they dropped us off back at the airport with 2 options: back to the gate or stop by Jewel. 

Since we had more time, we opted to get dropped off at the Jewel and walked around and marveled at the indoor waterfalls. We also had dinner at a Chinese restaurant with an extensive line at level B2. I need to go back to my card charges to find out the name of the restaurant. I paid about $40 for 2 people and our table was filled with so much food that we did not even finish. It was good by the way; we just did not know that some of the dishes we ordered were for 2 people. 

We then walked to the airport through the bridge connecting Jewel and Changi Airport. We just waited at the boarding gate on our flight back to United States.

 Click here for pictures

PHILIPPINES 2024 - BAGUIO CITY

The Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every summer, people from the lowlands flock to this highest city in the Philippines to escape the heat and enjoy its beauty. My family moved here because of my father's job when I was in 3rd grade in elementary. I remember my brother and I visited my family on my father's side in Manila every summer.

This was decades ago and this city is far less attractive than it used to. Back then, the City of Pines (another nickname of the city) had pine trees and the side of the mountain was full of trees. The air was fresh and you will need a sweater when outside.

Sad to say that after all these years and after much improvement and progress, I feel that this city that used to be the Summer Capital or the City of Pines is no more. The trees were cut down to give way to high-rise condominiums and subdivisions. The city became so crowded and much much worse during summer. I will try to look for old pictures that I have of my beloved city to show you what it looked like.

This city was our last stop before heading back down to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. From Pangasinan, we drove to our Airbnb in Baguio City to spend a couple of nights. It was a 2 bedroom condo. I am guessing owners bought condo units for this purpose. Our condo's balcony overlooks other housing developments and several condominiums, gone are the days when you could see luscious green trees and a breath of fresh air. That time you smell gas fumes and noises from vehicles.

When we arrived at our condo, it was already night time and we just ate our dinner and chit chat then called it a night. I was surprised that we needed an electric fan because it was hot and humid. It was supposed to be cold but I guess this is what we pay for progress.

The next day, Chona stayed for work and we got ourselves ready to go to Camp John Hay to grab a breakfast buffet. This used to be an American base where servicemen came for R&R. Technically they built the Kennon Road that connects the city to the lowlands. Before you could not get admission to John Hay without passing through security. Since the Americans left the country, this place was converted to some tourist attractions, and built hotels and restaurants.

I just found out that I did not take many photos here. The one shown below is Mines View. Decades ago, you would only see the mines, hence, Mines View. Now, the mines closed and the area is being converted into a housing development.

Sony A7IV  ■ f/7.1 ■ 1/800 ■ ISO 100

After breakfast, we just strolled in Camp John Hay and they headed back to the condo and dropped my wife at a flower shop. We needed to get flowers to lay on her father's and brother's graves. This was the main reason we went up to the city, to visit the graves of her deceased father and brother. Did I mention that my wife used to live here as well decades ago? I did not meet my wife here in the city but in Manila, however, that is a topic next time.

Later that day, we went for dinner at the Slaughter House. Kid you not, it was my first time to come here and dine although I used to live here. I was told that this area has improved a lot and was made famous by bloggers who dined here. If you are a picky eater then I suggest not to come here, otherwise, you should try what they have to offer and you will not be disappointed.

The next day, we made sure that the Airbnb was in order before we turned in the key to the caretaker. Then got ourselves ready to drive to the cemetery where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were laid to rest. Afterward, a long drive back to Laguna.