Zzz...

JOIN CREATIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS !

2011-03-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

Visit my site for more info

Make-up for "MAD MONKEY MUSICIAN"

2010-11-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Please vote for my chance to win the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD

2010-10-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Francesca Balaguer - Art Takes Miami

New image for HEROES and HEARTBREAKERS

2010-10-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

please click on the image to view large

Current Project: Heroes and Heartbreakers

2010-09-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

click on the image to view large

Heroes and Heartbreakers is my attempt to revisit my early photo styling, influences, and inspiration found in urban art, vinyl toys and pop art. The title of the series is borrowed from a vinyl toy series I started collecting early this year. The models are motivated by typical superhero characteristics, is she a hero or a heartbreaker? The setting of the shoot took place at Clarion Alley and the photos feature the amazing murals and graffiti that can be found in this single area. I found it fitting to have the shoot take place in this environment. Alleys are common setting for super heroes and villains to battle it out. I decided to manipulate the murals and graffiti as backdrops to create further interaction between character and environment, as well as to explore elements of action and impact.

I Want This More Than Life

2010-09-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

Belief in the breeze,
The smoky morning haze.
The sun on her face,
and the touch of lovers' hands.
The pain that comes today,
Is here, then goes away.

And we are homeward bound,
And I,
I want this more than life,
I want this more than life,
I want this more than life.

To touch something real,
Will help your wounds heal,
Like the sun on your face,
The dreams of starry nights.

And we are homeward bound,
And I,
I want this more than life,
I want this more than life,
I want this more than life...

I want this more than life.

By Whitley

Golden Gate Lover

2010-09-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

Golden Gate Lover by francescabalaguer featuring 3/4 leggings

My personal style

Summer Romance by The Redwalls

2010-09-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

...Oh, that change, came over me
And I find it lovely
And all the sounds, space, and time took a break
as we listed promises that lovers make.

But falling that storms outside, the rain is coming
And I fell in love with my darling.


...So cast out by the storms and the rain and the wind
an old flame set a light again
And so all these things come back to me in waves
And i fell in love with you darling

Time goes on and feelings change
infatuation fades away
The ties that bind begin to fray
Oh oft alone and not decay

Please don't let me hear you say goodbye, darling
Please don't let me hear you say goodbye.

...Please, don't let me hear you say goodbye!
I'm in heaven when you smile.

Sia | Breathe Me

2010-09-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

International Photo Awards!

2010-08-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Very pleased to share that two of my entries placed in the IPA 2010. The Majestic series and It's So Good It's a Crime! placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.

You can view the gallery of winners HERE.

God is so good, this is such a blessing. I am so thankful. Thank you to Gregangelo Herrera, Darkhijav Damba,Roman and Elijah Seabock, Marissa Lendhart,Velocity Circus, Brendan Ramsden and Dynamo Donut! I share all this with you. You guys are so inspiring!

Heroes and Heartbreakers Preview 2...

2010-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Photography and Styling: Francesca Balaguer

Make-up: Todd Hartman

Hair Styling: Rebecca Butz

Model: Alicia Forbrich

Photo Assistant: Merlin Jackson

Heroes and Heartbreakers Preview...

2010-08-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Photography and Styling: Francesca Balaguer
Make-up: Todd Hartman
Hair: Rebecca
Photo Assistant: Merlin Jackson
Model: Renata Gar

OUTTAKES: Heroes and Heartbreakers Coming Soon...

2010-08-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Some outtakes from the first shoot of Heroes and Heartbreakers, my new photo series featuring Characters with superhero meets Urban style photographed against famous San Francisco Street Art and Murals in Clarion Alley.

Photos by Merlin Jackson

Sending out SUPER DUPER THANKS to my amazing team that day! You guys are so much fun to work with. I loved the positive energy we all had through out the shoot. Such a pleasure working with you all!

Super Make-up Artist: Todd Hartman
Super Hair Stylist: Rebecca
Super Assistant: Merlin Jackson
Super Models: Alicia Forbrich and Renata Gar

Top 50 Portfolios from EXPOSURE

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Made the top 50 portfolios! Check it out :) Artist Wanted Top 50

Early Self-Portraits

2010-08-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

What you find when organizing old files...

Rules to myself...

2010-08-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2007/11/11/advice-from-a-photographer/

Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

2010-08-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

I like how it is sounding a lot like the songs of Sam's Town...Oooh, I hope the rest of the songs in his album have that style.

The Winner Is

2010-07-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Nice instrumentals, could be good to listen to while I work.

David Lynch on iPhone

2010-07-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Chuck Liddell Makes Me Smile :)

2010-07-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here's more proof of how Chuck Liddell brought the MMA to the mainstream. How could you be so tough and ruthless, while staying so charming and funny. I call Chuck my Teddy Bear! Hihihi :) Such a funny video, enjoy!

Thank you to Franco for finding this for me... he knows how loyal I am to the Iceman :)

Watch The Greatest Stop Motion Animated Commercial that NEVER Was

Ingrid Michaelson - Can't help falling in Love with you

2010-06-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Try not to mind the video...Just another version of my favorite song.

MMA CONNECTED INTERVIEW WITH CHUCK LIDDELL IN TORONTO

2010-06-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

San Frantasy: A Dream of the City By the Bay

2010-05-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Goldie Bridgets: Guardian of the Bay

City Skyline from Pier, San Francisco

Metal Chick 101 with Master Malone

Workshop, San Francisco

Ladies V and Antoinette

Alamo Square, San Francisco

Catch of the Day

Swan Oyster Depot, San Francisco

Cursed Sisters of the Craft

Lovejoy's Tea Room, San Francisco

Cinderfella

City Hall, San Francisco

Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme

Isotope Comics, San Francisco

Off With His Head!

Crown and Crumpet Tea Room, San Francisco

Fire Prince

Coit Tower, San Francisco

Mad Monkey Musician

Stern Grove, San Francisco

MissFortune

Ross Alley, San Francisco

Summer Of Oz

Fern Tree Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

So Good It's a Crime!

Dynamo Donut, San Francisco

Experimental Darling

Belljar, San Francisco

Golden Depression

Torpedo Wharf, San Francisco

Mystic Volution

Labyrinth at Lands End, San Francisco

DICK GORDON SLAMS NOYNOY, VILLAR AND ERAP! "LEADERSHIP IS ACTION"

2010-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Zzz Team

2010-04-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

My newly oranized team after my shelf gave way.

A few casualties... The most painful, losing my plants, Vicki and Mo. They were crushed under my books:(

Mo was really gone but I'm still nursing Vicki... Let's see, you can do it Vicki!!!

Metal Chick 101 with Kelly "The Metal Master" Malone

2010-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Kelly Malone is the owner of Workshop, the DIY haven in San Francisco. I walked into this space and was filled with ideas, I just wanted to create...not just photos, but fluffy felt stuffed toys, light bulb terrariums and a screen print designs for t-shirts! This place is industrial meets heavy metal and a ton of other things quirky cool and exciting.

I read about Kelly's story and how she came up with Workshop and was instantly intrigued, I wanted to know more and I wanted her in the photo for sure. I met with Kelly who shared her inspiration, hobbies, favorite things and I quickly learned that she was the ultimate metal chick. That's how I came up with this idea of making her this metal master craftswoman showing how to create the ultimate metal chick. If the Workshop offers everything from sewing 101 to heavy metal aerobics, I figured a Metal Chick 101 class themes photo would fit right in

The Workshop and Kelly Malone stand for some true SF qualities, creativity, community and resilience.

Thanks Kelly! You were awesome...you owned it from the very first shot!

Cheers to you and Workshop:)

Magic at Lovejoy's Tea Room

2010-03-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

These sisters are cursed in love but gifted with magic and an inseparable bond. Here you catch them in the middle of their usual mix of afternoon tea, spells and witchcraft.

Muna and Gillian are the owners of the truly special Lovejoy's Tea Room in Noe Valley. This tea room is filled with so many precious treasures and antiques that add to the already warm and cozy feeling you get from all the sweet and hospitable people who help run Lovejoy's.

Gillian was awesome in trusting my vision and immediately convincing Muna to hop on board the San Frantastico Project. Muna was who I worked with a lot for the planning of the photoshoot. All I can say is that it was such a delight meeting these women. Muna was so accommodating and thoughtful! I never left Lovejoy's on an empty stomach. I was always treated to their aromatic teas (I love the Chestnut Tea, I had to get a bag for myself to drink at home) and their delectable sandwiches, fresh fruits, crumpets and scones (Oh, their scones with devon cream are yum-O!).

Moving on to another pair of must-meet women, I must share more about my models. Catherine (left) and Ronia (right) are real sisters, who really practice witchcraft...the good kind. They were such troopers agreeing to pose for me with such short notice and bringing in all their own personal trinkets, ingredients, potions and yes broomsticks! If you look closely, you'll see a lightning bolt on one of the broomsticks-- the Nimbus 2000. How cool is that? It was so pleasant working with them, such a relaxed shoot!

This photo is proof that when everyone comes together and commits to a shared vision, things can really happen:) I love photography for making me discover new things about this fantastic city everyday.

To all the beautiful women who made all this possible, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

For more info see the links below:)

Lovejoy's Tea Room

Catherine Grillos Enterntainment

San Frantastico goes to the Belljar...

2010-03-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

There ought, I thought, to be a ritual for being born twice - patched, retreaded and approved for the road. ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar, Chapter 20

Special Thanks To:

Arabelle Raphael, Model

Scott, Make-up

Pam Sta. Cruz, Photo Assistant

Belljar, Location

I am so grateful to have you all on board this project!

2010-03-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

It still always takes my breath away... this view and the fact that I get to see all this beauty everyday on a walk with my Pumpkin...

New members of the family...

2010-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin the Pug, Vicki the Venus Flytrap and Francesca the Photographer would like to welcome new members of the family...

Momo
aka Mossball

and
Bambi
aka Sexy Bamboo

Fools

2010-03-02T00:14:00.000-08:00

"...all sometimes we Build to

fall...

I want it All."

We miss you Papa!

2010-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

I can meet any Filipino around the world and they always ask me, "Floro? How are you related to Danny Floro?" I always proudly answer, "He's my grandfather!"

How I wish I was around during those times when viewers of the PBA knew what it was like to be fans through and through. When people from all walks of life would come together and cheer their teams on to victory and be there to stand by them during defeat. I always love hearing stories from my mom about those days, it was pretty amazing.

Cheers to you Papa! I love you and miss you dearly!

Here are a few links paying tribute to Papa and other sites if you want to get to know more about an amazing man...

Philippine Daily Inquire: Missing Danny Floro, Dr. Yes of the PBA

About the Team Crispa Redmanizers

Crispa Reunion in Memory of Danny Floro

Join the group: Crispa Floro Redmanizers on Facebook!

Crown and Crumpet Tea Room

2010-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

My third addition to San Frantastico...

Suzanne with her twins Marcus and Vincent in Crown and Crumpet Tea Room

Think Stepford Wives meets Interview with the Vampire...

Suzanne says "Now hurry and eat up boys! You don't want to let a bloody fine cake go to waste!

Oh, by the way...Daddy isn't making it home for dinner."

Special Thanks to:

Suzanne Ramsey

Tanya, Roman and Elijah

Maayan Ben-artzi

Amy and the delightful people at Crown and Crumpet Tea Room

The Mad Monkey Musician in Stern Grove

2010-02-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here's my second addition to San Frantastico,

Mad Monkey Musician in Stern Grove

Erythrocebus Patas, the Mad Monkey Musician is a Patas Monkey at the San Francisco Zoo. This is a photo of him during some down time from his day job at the zoo. He often gets tired of acting like an animal at the zoo and so, he escapes to Stern Grove to play his violin and listen to some classical music.

Credits and Thanks to:
Gregangelo Herrera and Jeffrey Ferns
Dharkhijav Damba for the Make-up
and Dominic Colacchio for being the maddest monkey!

Dynamo Donuts

2010-02-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dynamo Donuts...So good it's a crime!

I first heard about Dynamo Donut and Coffee from a friend of mine from LA. It was part of his "must-try" list on a food trip he was planning on doing here in SF. After some research for this project, the name kept coming up...Dynamo, Dynamo, DYNAMO! This place was on every "best-of", "try-before- you- die" San Francisco list I read about. Their donuts are as unique, quirky and extraordinary as San Francisco gets. They are well known for their maple glazed bacon donut (the star in the photograph above). Let me tell you though, all the flavors are worth tasting. Stop by the shop and be greeted by the warm and helpful staff.

To Sara and the whole crew at Dynamo, THANK YOU! It was such a delight working with you all! Cheers to more new and exciting flavors to come!!!

San Frantastico: Dynamo Donuts- On Location.MOV

2010-02-11T11:20:00.001-08:00

Getting Ready...

2010-02-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Darkhijav Damba working her magic make-up wand on Brendan Ramsden my Police Officer and Jailbird for the Dynamo Donuts shoot for San Frantastico!

San Frantastico: Dynamo Donuts- Getting Ready.MOV

2010-02-11T10:25:00.001-08:00

Heart Countdown

2010-02-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

It's right around the corner and in honor of the day of hearts, I'm posting a bunch of things that have caught my eye around the city as SF celebrates Valentine's Day.

never knew Winnie the Pooh was that romantic...

2010-02-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

Fools
They don't know
What they're on about
Those fools
Don't get my dreams
 
And I want it, I want it, I want it
And I want it, I want it, I want it 
All
When you can't wait
To watch me fall
 
High
Singin' stories on a wrecking ball
Colliding fast
To bring you down
 
If you want it, you want it, you want it
If you want it, you want it, you want it
All
Sometimes
Things we build
To fall
 
And I want it, I want it, I want it
And I want it, I want it, I want it 
All

- Fools, Temper Trap

2010-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams...

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Catching up with my Keel's Simple Diary Quotes:

2010-02-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

1/4/10
Let's be spontaneous.

1/10/10
Not every bridge wants to be crossed.

1/11/10
Technology fooled us.

1/24/10
The longer the kiss, the more they miss.

1/25/10
You like potato, I like potato, we like French fries.

1/26/10
Boring and elightening are the stages of solitude.

1/30/10
What you want is less than you could wish for.

1/31/10
The ideal is provocative.

2/1/10
Some simply suggest.

2/2/10
Think about being more thoughtful.

2010-01-24T09:56:00.001-08:00

sweet disposition
never too soon
oh reckless abandon
like no one's
watching you

a moment, a love
a dream aloud
a kiss, a cry
our rights, our wrongs
a moment, a love
a dream aloud
a moment, a love
a dream aloud

so stay there
cause i'll be comin over
and while our bloods still young
it's so young
it runs
and we won't stop til it's over
won't stop to surrender

songs of desperation
I played them for you
a moment, a love
a dream aloud
a kiss, a cry
our rights, our wrongs
a moment, a love
a dream, aloud
a moment, a love
a dream aloud

An '09 highlight...

2010-01-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

with the master dreamer, David LaChapelle. Working for him was an unforgettable, irreplaceable, indescribable experience. Words like crazy, fun, hectic, exciting, eye opening just don't do the trick. Never did I dream of meeting him, what more see him in action and help in creating his fantastical, surreal and electrifying imagery. Yey to dreams coming true!

Lullaby...

2010-01-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

I can sail without wind, I can row without oars, but I cannot part from my friend without tears.

Lullaby,

Can you hear me?
Breathe me?

A little bit.

I love you, I hate you

2010-01-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

Color has taken possession of me. - Paul Klee

AIM HIGH PHILIPPINES!

2010-01-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Sen. Richard Gordon for President

Best Actor of the DECADE!!!

2010-01-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Yowza!

ELVIS - Can't Help Falling In Love (Remastered audio)

2010-01-07T20:19:00.001-08:00

My favorite, favorite Elvis song... love it. Happy Birthday!

Elvis Presley - Can't help falling in love (1961 )

2010-01-07T20:02:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin the Jetsetter

2010-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Photos during our stopover at Narita Airport on our trip from SFO to Manila last Summer... Check out the sad masks Pump and I had, no protection whatsoever! Good as a hat for Pump though:)

2010-01-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Sanity is a cozy lie.- Susan Sontag

Keel's Simple Diary...

2010-01-03T02:49:00.000-08:00

I got myself a Keel's Simple Diary as a present for the new year. It's super easy and because of that, I feel like I will finally get to complete a year of entries! There's a quote for each day...I will share them with you all everyday..or at least try:)

Here was 1/1/10

You can trust your instincts but you still need to know.

1/2/10

Ketchup is genius!

and for today, 1/3/10
Convince those who can handle it.

2010

2010-01-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Words I read from Jeffrey Ferns' Facebook post. Very fitting for the New Year... 2010 here we come! Cheers to a new year full of dreams, magic, color and life! Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to the crazy ones

Here's to the crazy ones.
  The misfits.
    The rebels.
      The troublemakers.
        The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
     And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them,
     disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
      Because they change things.

They invent.    They imagine.    They heal.
  They explore.    They create.    They inspire.
    They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.

How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?

We make tools for these kinds of people.

While some see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.

From Apple Computer

-http://www.virtualteacher.com.au/crazyone.html

2009

food poisoning twice. one shot. gregangelo. the majestic. david lachapelle internship. dreams tattoo. sf-manila-bangkok-la. hello hollywood. new driver. de young show. cmyk magazine. balaguer clan in america. new projects.spring forward. dark summer. filled fall. bright winter. love lost. friendships found. love transformed.

A Merry DLC Studio

2009-12-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Here's one of the photos from the surprise Christmas Photo shoot we did for David. What a great crew!:)

My Photo in CMYK MAGAZINE

2009-12-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Real excited to share that one of the images from The Majestic series is in the latest issue of CMYK Magazine Vol. 45. It was chosen as one of the images for the New Top Creatives Showcase:

Hard at Work :)

2009-12-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Just got the new imac for the intern office in yesterday...loving it. Here's the interns hard at work, testing the photobooth:)

maddy.jk.hugo.chesca

sf hotel

2009-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

last night in sf...leaving tomorrow. bye bye charming city! putting my baby to sleep now...

2009-11-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Back in San Francisco! This time with my whole clan for Thanksgiving!!! All 19 of us...oh, 20 including Pumpkin! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Isn't she a cutie?

2009-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

My San Francisco Trip and the de Young Exhibit: Part6 (After the Reception)

2009-11-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

After going non-stop from 6:00-8:30pm, I was starving! My hunger finally hit me. Larry, Mindo and I went to our ever faithful Thai Stick and treated ourselves to a good meal.

After dinner we headed to Polk and met up with Maayan for Hookah and beer:)...Classic SF thing to do.

I had a wonderful WONDERFUL time...such a cool visit and can't wait for the next. I'm surely leaving my heart in San Francisco once again.

My San Francisco Trip and the de Young Exhibit: Part5 (The Reception)

2009-11-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

After welcoming the guests, we let everyone in by groups. The gallery could only accommodate 50 guests at a time and so they had to patiently wait in line to come in to the gallery and experience the imagery, paintings and installation. What a wonderful crowd, THANK YOU for waiting and for coming to see the exhibit. It was a gift being able to share my art with all of you.

Amberlyn Nelson from the AAU, thank you for all the help and support!

Me and my dear friend Maayan. Thank you for making it, even if you weren't feeling so well. You are a trooper!

Will Mosgrove, Graduate Director of Photography at the AAU. Thank you for coming Will!

With Wilmarys, so nice seeing you again Wil! I missed you!

Larry, my bodyguard, manager and photographer of the night! Thank you, it was awesome getting to share this experience with you. (Larry was busy all night taking all these photos!)

Awesome seeing you there Ate Nina and Doug!

This little boy was adorable.

The sweetie Note aka Notolomo, queen of the Holga:)

Giving Rachel a big BIG hug! I missed this lady a lot.

Listening carefully to Emmanuel as he shares great words of encouragement.

With Mindo who was there the whole night for support. You are awesome my friend:)

With Vadim of Plotnet, where I had my postcards and images mounted. Thank you for all the help and the wonderful job!

This is Pam, the one who kept me calm and sane, found time in her busy schedule to help hang the images with me and stayed up many nights listening to me, my ideas and craziness. I love this lady!

With two lovely ladies, Claudia and Michele

With Greg the real ringmaster. I love making fantasies and dreams come true with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I am so blessed, I offer all the praises to the God that has been so gracious to me, my loving parents, caring family and amazing friends, who all in their own special ways helped make all this happen. Maraming Salamat Po!

My San Francisco Trip and the de Young Exhibit: Part4 (Minutes before the opening)

2009-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

After waiting forever for my cab to come, I finally made it to the de Young. Larry and Mindo my ever-dependable buddies were there early to help document the night and offer their support. I love you both!

Minutes before the Opening...

A little nervous, but more excited.

Greg getting us together:)

The normal busyness and semi-chaos I'm used to calmed my nerves...now I'm smiling.

Greg had a few people dress up in costume to work the event. Here's Greg buttoning up one of the performers with the fiber optics costume.

Darkhijav Damba working fast on make-up! She modeled and did all the make-up for the Majestic series. I couldn't have put the series together with out her sharing her amazing talent and skills. She is a lovely human being!

Our crazy adventurer/explorer who worked the crowd and the lines all night. You were great Brandon!

Talented Jim Berenholtz, also an Artist Resident of November

Outside the Gallery

Greg before welcoming the crowd

Jim giving a background on the whole installation

Public Enemies

2009-07-26T21:02:00.001-07:00

I was able to catch Public Enemies over the weekend. Johnny Depp, I love you! Haha! Seriously! Another thing I've always loved, aside from Johnny Depp are gangster films.

I remember watching them with my dad or brother as early as the 1st grade (I know, not really recommended viewing material for a kid but I think I turned out alright:) ) I don't know why but The Lost Capone was one of the first gangster films I remember watching. After that, I was pretty much hooked. I've been drawn to the outcast, the underdog, the misunderstood.

So, going back to Public Enemies... I knew a little about John Dillinger but then after the movie, I was so intrigued and searched the internet about him right when I got home. For those who haven't seen the movie... expect a gangster love story. Damn John Dillinger, you were a smooth talker! His confidence and character was so captivating. The relationship he had with Billie Frechette was real touching.

I enjoyed the soundtrack and the song that played every time they robbed a bank was Ten Million Slaves, for anyone who liked it as much as I did.

If you want to know more about John Dillinger, Billie Frichette and Melvin Pervis here are some interesting links I found:

Official John Dillinger Site: Public Enemies

Dillinger's Women

Detox: Liver and Gal flushing...The result

2009-07-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ok...so after drinking a ton of juice from 8am-130pm, I had to completely fast from 2-6pm. At 6pm, I took my first epsom salt+water mixture and all I can say is YUCK! I'm sorry, but I just couldn't take it. I finished the first dose which was the most disgusitng 3/4 cup of anything I had to drink ever in my life. Eeew. I gagged almost every sip I took. I called my sister who was just about to drink her's, I said "Please, drink it while you are on the phone with me, I want to hear you gag!" She drank it and we both seriously contemplated the fact that we would have to do it all over again 3 more times, plus an olive oil and grapefruit mixture as well. I though to myself if I could drink the epsom salt mixture at 6am on an empty stomach? No. My sister's husband was like "Why are you guys doing this to yourselves?!" So, right there and then we (me and my sis Ate Dimples) made a promise to just eat healthier instead to be kinder to our body in place of the detox. Props to the many who have finished the 24hour program! For me and my Ate, we would rather pass on the ampalaya-metal-kalawang-antibiotic tasting epsom salt mixture.

Detox: Liver and Galbladder Flushing

2009-07-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

Tried the Detox with my sister Ate Dimples. It's a 24hour prcedure where you drink a bunch of different juices, both fruit and vegetable along with other things to flush out all sorts of toxins from your body.

When we started at 8am on an empty stomach, we got together and only had saba for breakfast. Then juice every 30mins till 1:30pm. We had carrot& apple juice (this wasn't bad), malunggay-monggo-garlic soup (um, I guess not so bad), the challenge so far of the day was the broccoli-onion-cauliflower soup. Because it was the hardest to take, I thought it deserved to be photographed!

Our drink of choice...NOT!
Acting loopy already...side effect? hehe...
How we really felt about the taste is shown below.
I still have many hours to go...many more drinks to take. Let's see how I feel in a bit. Now, I'm a bit dizzy, slight headache but overall ok.

Love you Mom

2009-07-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

My mom turned 64 last July 12. Thank you Lord for giving me another wonderful year with my mother, my best friend. I dedicate this post to my mom... she's an amazing woman! I could not ask for anything more from her... the support, love and wisdom she shares with me is endless. I love you Mom! You're the best:)

This portrait was taken the day after her birthday. Gardenias are her favorite! Her tattoo is real, she got it with me on her 60th birthday... I'm thinking of what we could get for next year!:) Cheers to you mom, this one is for you!

Dream a little Dream by Tara McPherson

2009-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

2009-07-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

Wonderland

2009-06-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland...How can you go wrong with this equation...Tim Burton+Johnny Depp+Helena Bonham Carter+Alice in Wonerland!

My latest tattoo...

2009-06-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

I got my 3rd tattoo, two days before leaving San Francisco. I got 'Dream' tattooed on my back as a remembrance of my stay in SF. It represents many things... the dream-like and fantastical style of photography I've developed, a reminder to keep dreaming, and that it's alright to run with your imagination sometimes, to dream big, aim high and reach for the stars!

Thanks to Jason for taking the job even if it was so last minute! If anyone is in SF and needs work done please check out Idle Hand Tattoo. Hope to see you in Asia next year Jason!

Thanks Note for giving me this photo...I never get to see my tat back there!:)

Today I really feel like an Aries...

2009-06-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Finally Home

2009-05-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

After 17 hours (not evem including wait times at gates, baggage,etc)of traveling, I'm finally home!

Every time I go through long trips like that, I am reminded of how much I love my little Pumpkin! I could easily take a 10 hour straight flight from San Francisco to Manila, but just the thought of putting her in cargo or leaving her behind is just not acceptable! So, Northwest Airlines it is! She gets to sit by my feet and sometimes, I sneak her out of her carrier to stretch and make some fellow dog lovers smile on the plane with her ever cheery sunshine personality.

I was so knocked out...I was asleep even before we took off, I woke up from the sound of the plane lifting off. Pumpkin was knocked out as well...maybe all the packing this past week wore her out too, just like me.

I know I've spent the past weeks being emotional about leaving the crazy beautiful city of San Francisco, our home of 2 years but last night when my parents picked us up from the airport I realized how nice it is to be home again.

Now, I just have to find out how to get Pumpkin back used to the sound of all the birds chirping and singing in the morning or the horny frogs out in the golf course behind us?!? She goes ballistic when she hears these sounds and barks NON-STOP. It's so funny, she's really become a city dog. It used to be the sound of the sirens and drunks singing in the streets that made her nuts. Now, she doesn't mind those sounds at all....hope she adjusts soon. I need, want and love my sleep!

2009-05-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

2009-05-26T02:04:00.000-07:00

If you're going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning.

If you're going to fight, fight for those in need.

If you're going to question something, question authority.

If you're going to lose something, lose your inhibitions.

If you're going to gain something, gain respect and confidence.

And if you're going to hate something,

hate the false idea that you are not capable of your dreams.

-Daniel Golston

2009-05-19T16:02:00.001-07:00

I feel so happy, blessed, nervous and excited all at the same time!

New things ahead, even my fortune cookie of the day agrees:)

Alice

2009-05-18T12:21:00.001-07:00

During another epic day printing in my 2nd home aka the Porter Lab, Walt (real talented photographer...doing great things with musicians now) shared this video with me. I love Alice in Wonderland! Alice definitely knows how to Zzz...dream!

Fight Night

2009-05-03T10:40:00.001-07:00

Watched the fight at Sudachi with Note, Misael and Mindo. It was such an awesome fight! I flew out of my chair with every knockdown and knockout. Manny is truly amazing. Note instantly became a Manny fan last night:) He is such a smart, fast and powerful fighter....best in the WORLD! Go Manny! Go Philippines!!! Woohoo!!!!

...haven't heard any rhymes from Mayweather Sr. since the fight. Manny was right, "Less talk, less trouble"...Pay attention to the Pacman next time boys!

2009-05-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Finally! Manny Pacquiaaaaaaaaooooooo! So excited to watch the fight tonight!

TOKYO! The Official Movie Trailer - Michel Gondry, Leos Carax and Bong Joon-ho

2009-04-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Just watched Tokyo! a series of shorts by one of my favorite, FAVORITE directors, Michel Gondry. Once again he didn't disappoint...honesty, wit and imagination... It's classic Gondry... to expect the unexpected.

UFC 97 - Liddell's Last Stand

2009-04-20T08:15:00.001-07:00

Sad that probably Liddell's last fight went down the way it did (although his 1 round was way more exciting than Silva's 5 rounds...what's up with another lackluster fight by Anderson Silva?!). With that, this post is for one of my favorite fighters of all time... Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell!

2009-04-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Roman mythology, I call this one Faunus and Marica.

Gregangelo's Museum/Home is fantastic and I highly recommend anyone who's in San Francisco to drop by and take a tour. It's so worth it!

I am more and more falling in love with this series. Aside from the final result, it is the process that I truly enjoy. I am given the opportunity to work in a more intimate environment, building relationships with the people I collaborate with, moving together towards a shared vision and making the work personal on different levels. The energy I get from all the people in the house is truly amazing. What a gift to have met all these inspiring artists before heading back to the Philippines. I'm really going to make the most out of this last month creating more memories, moments and photographs. The countdown begins... I'm not putting my camera down!

2009-04-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

2009-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Relationships go through transitions, and it's not healthy to resist them. You need to stay open to change and understand that just as you grow as a person, they do too. You want the best for your friends and loved ones, so you need to support their experiments and cheer when they need it. If someone's new endeavor is taking up their free time, so be it. You can't expect them to keep their life exactly the way you'd like it to be, can you? Give them freedom and they'll give it back.

April 11, 2009 Aries Horoscope...hmmm...

2009-04-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Pacquiao vs. Hatton 24/7 Trailer (HBO)

2009-04-10T11:50:00.001-07:00

A sign of my being a true blooded Filipino...my love for boxing and my support of the "Pacman", MANNY PACQUIAO!

In the Philippines, his fights make the country stand still... Pinoys come together... we unite, even if it is just for a couple of rounds of boxing (it depends on how good a fight his opponent puts up). For me, one of the many Filipinos scattered across the globe... It's a night I make my way into a packed sports bar, and cheer my heart out (no matter who's standing beside me). It's extra nice when I see fellow Manny supporters, hearing the national anthem, the support...I wish more Filipinos had this amount of national love and pride all the time.

This fight, I am even more prepared... I've got my t-shirt ready. It has an image of Manny in front with text that reads: The Heart of a Champion. One Man:Four Titles

Watch out for Manny Pacquiao! May 2 '09!!!!

2009-04-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time...this forecast sounds real nice though! Go Manny!

my 25th...

2009-04-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

These are the people that make my San Francisco sweet and special. Thanks for welcoming my 25th with me...here's to good times, photo-friendships and beyond!

2009-03-15T02:34:00.001-07:00

interesting and somewhat timeley for someone who doesn't really check her horoscope....

"With every step you take today, you are approaching a major turning point, so you've got to be primed and ready to act and see a great opportunity heading your way. Changes can happen at any time in your life-- if your are ready and waiting for them. It might not be comfortable for you to act quickly at first, but eventually you will get into the excitement and enjoy the unpredictability of it all. You'll never feel more in charge of your life than you do today."---03 /15/09

2009-03-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

-fortune cookie 03/13/09

Crazy Thursday

2009-03-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

Had a crazy Thursday! It all started Wednesday night when I went over to Allison's (a great friend of mine who is also a real talented photographer) to help her pack up for her trip to Spain (Bon Voyage my dear... you will have a wonderful time... jealous!). Ended up taking longer than I thought and ended up finishing at 6:00am Thursday! I totally loved hanging out though... thanks for listening to me vent Allison:) Anyway, got ready for my shoot, picked equipment up and met up with Pam and headed over to Gregangelo's. Was there from around 10-6pm... pretty intense day. I worked with Darkhiya again. She's a-ma-zing! She cooks for everyone that comes in and out of Gregangelo's house/museum/office/playground, cleans, does her own make-up, helps create the costumes and poses for me during shoots. I also was able to work with twins today. Roman and Elijah, 7 years old and sons of Tanya, another member of the company. Thanks boys:)

So, after one hectic day at the circus...Pam and I packed up and headed to my place. Pam...you are my savior! Thank you! I couldn't have made it through the day without all your help and input. Plus, having someone to chat and laugh with on the side didn't hurt as well.

After dropping my equipment off, Pam and I headed over to Thai Stick to celebrate Note's 25th Birthday! Hurray for Note! Yummy shabu-shabu! Our whole group of photo friends (stuffed and pretty high on thai food) moved over to Sudachi for many Many soju shots to end the night, followed by like 10 hours of sleep. Yey.

It's all a process...

2009-03-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

I originally wanted to make this whole series with Gregangelo Circus a venue for me to really practice new techniques I've been learning from my advance Photoshop and compositing class. I was getting frustrated because it seemed like my ideas just weren't coming through in the imagery. So, I just decided to drop the pressure of shooting for compositing and just did what I felt was natural and what worked for the subject and environment. The result were images I was much more pleased with. I learned that I guess there are just some techniques that work for the subject and there are others that don't...no point in forcing things. Plus, it lead me to explore a whole other series that I will be working on in the coming months...I'm so excited! Watch out for that:) It's all really a process... obstacles you have to face, challenges you need to take and then finally you find what you're looking for and go for it.

....oh, and the more I see that really REALLY pink image from the previous post...the more I am tempted to just take it down. But then again, I guess it's good to see how we evolve...

2009-03-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

-fortune cookie 02/28/09

Gregangelo Circus Series

2009-02-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

This is part of a series I am working on with Gregangelo Circus and Museum.

I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for me to once again meet interesting and creative people that embody the spirit of this amazing city.

I had my first shoot the other day. This image will be used as backdrop for an illustration.

I like!

2009-02-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

MI-ZO

Maki Kawakita Photography

Acqua Natasa by Stephane Sednaoui

Chris Cunningham

Michel Gondry

Goodbye Chunky Rice

2009-02-11T13:03:00.001-08:00

tear.

friendship & missing.

love it, it hurts.

good to read now.

My Ladies...

2009-02-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin misses lola,come visit us soon...

Hermann's Demo Reel

2009-02-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a demo reel I edited for Hermann Claravall. He's a real talented Filipino Filmmaker/Cinematogrpaher. I'll try and get more of his work up here soon.
I miss editing!

2009-02-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

SHErashi and Manahattan Rolls

16mm B&W film

2004

Official Selection: 5th Berlinale Talent Campus, Berlin Film Festival
Best Documentary: 5th UP Film and Video Festival, Phil.
Official Selection: International Women's Film Festival, Phil.

Director: Francesca Balaguer

DOP: Andrei Von Kamarawsky

Editor:Francesca Balaguer

Sound Design: Francesca Balaguer

Featuring: Hiromi Suzuki

Here's to Dreams.Truth.Photos.

2009-02-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

"My pictures are about getting as far away from reality as possible. Dreams should be part of everyday life."- David Lachapelle

"You don't have to sort of enhance reality. There is nothing stranger than truth."- Annie Leibowitz

Those two quotes are pretty much a mix of how I feel about my photography...

Dreams should be part of everyday life because there is nothing stranger than truth.