Purple Fig Photo

I am moving . . .

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:23:00 +0000

The new blog is up at www.purplefigphoto.com ! It is much more user friendly and lets you navigate the various posts much easier. Thank you for the continued support.

Spice and Sizzle: A full day Moroccan cooking class

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:48:00 +0000

This travel photo-journal is divided into four sets:

Set I: Marrakech Tales from the red city

Set II: Spice and Sizzle: A full day Moroccan cooking class

Set III: The Saharan Dunes [coming soon]

Set VI: Portraits of Maroc [coming soon]

I am a big fan of Moroccan food –- what best way to enjoy it than to dig in and create good food. I found a highly rated class in Tripadvisor run by cooking expert Lalla Nezha. The focus is on Tajine cooking which I had never tried before. This is letting meat, vegetables and spices stew in a special clay pot.

The meeting place for the class was in Café France by the main square where all the tour groups and classes meet that two rogue students mistakenly joined our group. Too bad Lalla is so popular the class was full for the day.

First Stop: Grocery at the Jewish Market
Lalla brought us to the Jewish Market where the locals shop far from the touristy souks (shops). What an experience. We went in a tiny spice shop. Lalla showed us almost every spice in there including the 35-spice mix – paprika, cardamom, curry, cumin, anise and many more. The cardamom was grounded on the spot from the seeds. Some are local to Morocco like argan oil (similar to olive oil but from Argan trees) and orange flower flavored water that they add in tea. I honestly cannot keep track of everything. Reminded me of Herbert’s Dune series. “He who controls the spice controls the world”. It was pretty cool to smell and have a little taste of the sweet, fragrant and sneeze-inducing Moroccan spices.

Other interesting stops in the market: variety of marinated olives to try, fresh bread made on the spot and tasting various hardened butter to preserve meat.

The highlight of the market stop: the protein source.
Fresh food is a literal concept in this exercise. My classmate who picked pigeon and chicken for the Tajine had to choose from real live pigeon and chicken. These guys had to be weighed and brought to the butcher for the kill. He slit the chicken’s throat, dipped it in hot water and placed it into a machine that takes out the feather. Well, hello lunch.

The fish were local from the coastal areas. The sellers were handing raw shrimp for us to try and it tasted real fresh.

Next Stop: Lalla’s hood for the cooking class
Lalla’s house is about a 20-minute drive outside the walled city of Marrakech. Her place is lovely with a central courtyard dotted with olive trees. Lalla makes homemade olive oil from the olive trees. Our group quickly was put to work to chop, slice, dice and spice. We each had our each Tajine pots and we were asked to choose between sweet or berber Tajine. The cooking started with the protein – fish, chicken, lamb – and then we added spices and vegetables. The sweet Tajine was sweetened by prunes and apricot. The berber Tajine was more traditional and salted with pickled lemon. This reminded me of Philippine green mango dipped in salt. Double yum. Each Tajine clay pot was now put under the coal for 45 minutes to cook up.

While waiting for the main meal, we made side dishes such as sliced deep fried eggplant with tomato toppings, a Moroccan salad and local dumplings. Lalla’s assistant also taught us how to properly pour tea. Start with the pot touching the rim of the cup then slowly pull upwards and tilting as the cup is filled. I love tea here, it is sweet and contains some spice and orange water.

My classmates were good company and serial travelers. It made for very interesting conversation and ideas where to go next.

The Tajines were finally done and yum. I enjoyed my lamb Tajine, and shared it all around. Bon Apetit!

And yes, I am still domestically disabled in the kitchen department. I should've taken notes. I'll stick to photography for now. :-)

Marrakech: Tales from the Red City

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:28:00 +0000

This travel photo-journal is divided into four sets:

Set I: Marrakech Tales from the red city

Set II: Spice and Sizzle: A full day Moroccan cooking class

Set III: The Saharan Dunes [coming soon]

Set VI: Portraits of Maroc [coming soon]

About this trip

Why Morocco? I wish I can share a romantic reason why Hubby and I chose this destination -– so far removed from our city life. The cause was pragmatic. The Hubby forgot to renew his Philippine passport and by the time we were about to book tickets three weeks before my mandatory vacation kicks in, visa requirements will not get processed in time. There were only 2 countries outside Southeast Asia where we can go: Morocco or Brazil. Rio tickets cost $2,500, so Morocco it is: 4 days in Marrakech, 5 days in the Sahara desert.

I tell stories in pictures more than words so if you need travel advice, email me.

In a nutshell, this trip was borne out of pragmatism but the experience is storybook magic.

Marrakech – Tales from the Red City

Marrakech is a welcome assault to the senses. From the plane, the buildings and city structures are visibly of a single color: caladryl pink. It was made into law to keep the color consistent to preserve the city’s character based on materials first used in the early days.

The heart of Marrakech is the main square -- Djemaa el Fna -- enclosed in a walled city or the medina. I am up at 530am and took the taxi alone to the main square (glad to report it is safe although I did get a lot of curious looks) to catch the sunrise. The locals, dressed in this part of the town in traditional wear, are walking about to catch the early morning commute. The shop owners are starting to set-up wares to sell for the day. The early starters are the fresh orange juice vendors selling a glass for 60c each. The vitamin C is much needed since I was starting to get colds. Beats my staple glass of Emergen-C powdered drink. No surprise on the abundance of orange sellers as orange and olives trees dot this land.

Inside the medina is a veritable maze of souks, riads (local hotels with a central courtyard) and residences. Interesting supply chain system to support local commerce. The donkeys are tasked to make the deliveries inside the shops in the medina. Money is exchanged and the owner and donkey are off to the next shop. It is easy to get lost in the maze so kids pop from out of nowhere to be unsolicited guides for a few dirhams. Since one can navigate around via Google maps GPS, this was really not necessary so when I said “No Thanks”, I got an enthusiastic “F@#k You” from the kids as I was walking away. Pretty impressive vocabulary especially that Arabic and French are the main languages spoken here and English is not all that common.

If you are a hard negotiator, shopping is a delightful exercise to flex those bargaining muscles. 50% is at least the average markdown and my main approach is to walk away, and the shopowner will run after you. From high quality leather goods (tanneries are within the medina), crafts, plates, antiques, spices, pure silver jewelry --- this place is a shoppers paradise.

At night the main square converts into more than 100 stalls selling meats, vegetables, cous-cous cooked on the spot. Stalls dedicated to snail soups also abound. The snail soup is spicy, a perfect appetizer.

From Dawn to Sunrise Inside the Walled City

(above: leather tannery inside the walled city)

The City Square at Night

A Pawsitively Perfect Christmas - Finn, Natalie and Ryan

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:04:00 +0000

I don't even remember how Natalie and I became such good friends. I've known her for a while over a series of drinks, good food and great conversation. I attribute her convincing powers to finally push hubby and I to move to downtown San Francisco from the 'burbs. :-)

We've been planning to do a photo shoot for a while with Natalie's doggie Finn. Not since I was in Colorado last spring that I've done a photo shoot with four-legged bestfriends. When she found out her brother Ryan, who's doing his post-grad work in South Africa will be back in the Bay Area for a break during the holidays, a date was set.

Well the original date did not quite work out since rain was pelting much of the West Coast to no end. Two days before Christmas and finally the sun came out after a week of rain and gray skies.

'Twas the perfect day to hang out with Natalie, Ryan and Finn. Finn is a star!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! My bags are packed and I am looking forward to the warm weather in the Sahara desert.

Backpack and Camera Required: Off to Africa in 7 Days

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:06:00 +0000

Destination: Morocco
Continent: Africa
Departure: Christmas Day, December 25
Last Time in the Continent: 11 years ago
Photo Opportunities: Unlimited

Checklist:
   Backpack: c/o Marj and Jeff, check
   Guidebook: purchased today at Borders, check
   Travel converter: check
   High-heels: not required but check
   Cigs: check
   Camera: check, check, check

Sunblock: ~~missing~~ got 2 according to hubby

Highly durable and waterproof camera bag: ~~missing~~ bought this today at Calumet, cheap and durable

Only a Single (iPhone) Photo Here: The Turning Point

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 02:19:00 +0000

2010 has not been great. In fact, it has been kind of a bitch. I had been sick a lot, had to deal with Lord Voldermort's other half who made my life hell and someone close to me got very sick. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful and I know I am blessed, but there were just too many days in this year when I thought "this is the day I couldn't do it anymore".

The irony is this year is peppered with the most amazing days of my life. I got married last February. I learned photography from the most talented pros out there and met the most awesome people who trusted me with their personal moments.

Well, why am I in the turning point? Last weekend, I went snowboarding. I got myself talked into going into a black diamond run called the Challenger. I grew up in a tropical country, so this is definitely a major risk after only two irregular seasons behind my belt. That is one of the most difficult levels: one mile long, 2 cliff edges, narrow paths and experts whizzing by. I stumbled, I fell, got extremely bruised but dammit I made it to the end, all bones intact.

Something clicked during that snowboarding run and boosted my spirits. It's a turning point to change my life's course and turn the amazing days into an amazing 2011 (and beyond). Life is too short.

As I move to a clearer path in life, I can't hardly wait to see what new things I will create with wonderful people through the only art I know, photography. I don't know how my style will evolve, what new things I will learn or where the creative process will take me. All I know is that it's time to kick-ass.

12.25.2010 Yearend Update: I just came into a conclusion that my best accomplishment this year is standing up for what is right despite some shitty trade-offs. I feel good about that. As my friends Gio and Richie always said, "Here's to the good life". Amen.

I don't usually write personal posts. Thanks for letting me share. Friends, thanks for the love and Trace thanks for the note. I pasted it on my wall where I can always see it. :-)

A BadAss Engagement Session Part Deux - Jo and Nick

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:19:00 +0000

As I was going through Part II of Jo and Nick's photo set, I am suddenly reminded of why I got into this whole photography hobby, gig, passion or whatever best to call it. It is just simply a call to be authentic, which at some point middle of this year during my (business) trip to India and Manila dawned to me. Well folks, these two are one of the most original people I've met in my lifetime. No pretensions, can easily vacillate between philosophical to nutty and unconventional. These are the reasons why I think they are amazingly badass.

Here's Part Deux (credit: Jo). Check out Part I here.

P.S. January is around the corner and I can't wait to see what Mayad and Mangored cook up for these two.

A BadAss Engagement Session - Jo and Nick

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:47:00 +0000

I thought I wouldn't split sessions into parts I and II anymore but the awesomeness from Jo and Nick's engagement shoot is too much to be contained in a single post.

I met Jo through a wedding forum a couple of months back when she asked for wedding supplier advice. These two are getting hitched in one of the most beautiful places in the world -- Boracay -- in January of 2011. It's getting really close and I couldn't be more excited especially that some my favorite people (and wedding suppliers) Mangored, Mayad Studios and Boracay Events (Amanda Tirol) are part of their wedding supplier team.

The cool of Jo and Nick against the backdrop of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco is a welcome overload to the senses. The colors of the storefronts and street graffiti are bursting alive on this sunny fall afternoon. Nick and Jo were just having too much fun with the interesting, the weird and the eclectic items in-store. This is a part-quirky, part-hobo and full-on badass set. I'll let the photos do the talking.

Update: Part II here.

Disney-Pixar's "Up" Engagement Session Part II - Jackielyn and AJ

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 07:29:00 +0000

Here's Part II of more "Up" inspired goodness with Jackielyn and AJ. See Part I here. It was quite a challenge to get the dollhouse to the park. It did not fit in AJ's car so he had to hail a van/cab to transport it. The cab driver actually showed us the best spots in the park to shoot where there's not a lot of crowd traffic. Jackielyn's friend La Verne was a real trooper and helped looked for parking. The few people in the park, including kids, just enjoyed watching Jackielyn and AJ's photo shoot because these two were just having so much fun and everyone kept saying how much they loved "Up".

Keeping close to the dollhouse inspiration, the sweetest surprise are the real life victorian styled houses dotting the area where Jackielyn and AJ lives (helps that Pixar is 15 miles away). These houses look so similar to the balloon home Carl and Ellie lived in. What a perfect serendipity :-)

Disney-Pixar's "Up" Engagement Session Part I - Jackielyn and AJ

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:28:00 +0000

I don't think there is a Pixar movie that isn't beyond amazing. I've seen "Up" and the first 10 minutes -- every single time I watch it -- I cry buckets of tears. When Jackielyn called me and told me she was dead set on doing an "Up"-themed engagement session, I was more than delighted.

Well turns out the lovely couple -- Jackielyn and AJ -- were so similar to Ellie and Carl's personalities in Up. Jackielyn, like Ellie, is bursting with energy and made sure this shoot was one fun adventure. She took care of every little detail from the dollhouse, the balloons and the outfit. AJ was very calm, chill and along for the ride and making sure his bride-to-be was as happy and comfy as it can be.

Jackielyn and AJ wanted to capture the first scenes of the movie --- when Carl and Ellie first met to dream about their adventure to Paradise Falls. The weather was unusually perfect in the middle of autumn with the sky bluer than blue and dotted by wisps of cloud. While on the laying on the picnic blanket they did have fun to thinking about what the cloud shapes might look like. They even have their own adventure book! I can't wait for AJ and Jackielyn to get hitched to begin the biggest adventure of their lives..then they can start filling up that adventure book.

Still have a lot of beautiful photographs to share....wait for Part II! :-)

Update: Check out Part II.

Color of Fall

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 06:03:00 +0000

Goodbye Indian Summer, Hello Autumn. Yellow, red and fallen leaves dot the landscape of Mt. Diablo, a 40 minute drive East of downtown San Francisco. The summit is enveloped with fog and clouds intertwined. Autumn is rain, hot chocolate, warmth and serenity.

First four photographs are taken from the summit of Mt. Diablo.

Random Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 06:54:00 +0000

Here's my day for you: online and on the phone for audio conferences by 6 am, instant messaging multiple people, putting instant oatmeal in the microwave and figuring out when to take the dog out for a potty break -- occurring simultaneously. Create list, check out things from the list, create a new list. Starbucks. Crunch numbers, answer emails and call people. And you know what's a mini-break? Refreshing Facebook. Even Facebook is now becoming pseudo-work with a set process. First, check the little red icons with numbers. Then check the messages. Then check the newsfeed. Or some permutation of these steps.

How do I unplug? I take my camera, put on my sneakers and take a walk. I pay attention.

When I visit my childhood home every year, I never venture in the garden. Until last September. I just realized my mom now keeps pink orchids. My last memory of orchids growing up were rows of deep dark violet dendrobiums. I need to ask mom why the orchid variety shift and when did this happen.

Here are two French-looking guys in San Francisco. I wave and they wave back and say hello in fake French. They were rehearsing lines for the theatre.

It's pretty cool to not just look but to really see. Random little things and interesting characters. Being in the world with 100% undiluted attention. Each photo = a second of seeing, being and clicking. In that critical moment, it is just you and the subject, plus the bonus of capturing what can no longer exactly be.

One second of clarity. No clutter. What a gift.

Baby Nina - Welcome to the World Baby Nina

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Caught up with newbie parents Ronald and Cecil last Thursday to finally meet Baby Nina - - less than 2 weeks old. She is so precious and so tiny. Auntie Marj was there to make sure Baby Nina is a budding fashionista with outfit changes. Welcome Baby Nina and congratulations Ronald and Cecil!

Take a sprinkling of fairy dust,
An angel's single feather,
Also a dash of love and care,
Then mix them both together.
Add a sentiment or two,
A thoughtful wish or line,
A touch of stardust, a sunshine ray...
It's a recipe, for a Baby Girl truly fine.
-Author Unknown

Alessio's Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:02:00 +0000

Alessio's first birthday in picturesque Tiburon, CA. Love the sprinkle of Italian and Polish in the conversations. Mommy Beata is definitely one super mom with each and every detail taken care of. Everyone from babies, little kids and big people are enjoying themselves in this sunny Sunday October afternoon. Happy birthday little bambino. Masz cudowne zycie przed soba. :-)

San Francisco At Dusk

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:18:00 +0000

Almost surreal...

Cutiepie Kaio

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Kaio is 100% bundle of sweetness and joy. This cutie without a doubt got his momma and poppa's movie star looks. I have never seen this cutie cry, just always smiling and laughing with the slightest funny expression or baby talk. I always tease his mommy, Dorota, that he will unintentionally leave a trail of broken hearts behind. Thankfully, that's still many more years in the future. I'm so lucky to capture these moments as this little baby will soon be a big boy.

Kaio, you are so awesomely angelic and so much loved. :-)

Zachary and Miggy - A Day in the Park

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Spent Saturday morning with my two favorite little boys. Drove out to a nearby regional park where the morning sun bathed the rolling hills in gold. Twigs, rocks and soil -- pure entertainment for these two little balls of energy.

Birthday Roses

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Birthday today. So much love.

Call of the Real - India

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:33:00 +0000

What is Art? It is the response of man's creative soul to the call of the Real - Rabindranath Tagore

Bangalore -- there are no planned suburbs, no assurance of set schedules to be met due to traffic or festival street closures or sacred gods in the middle of the road. Intuitive chaos best describes rush hour. The food was superb with spices and flavors and aromas bursting into fireworks in one's palate.

I am fascinated by the people and the street scenes. A child on his way to school who gamingly posed for a photograph while I am perched on top of a ledge observing the Monday traffic. I wonder how far he has to walk in the hot humid day. The flower shop set-up on the streets to trade a few coins in exchange for a bouquet to give a loved one. The street vendor outside the temple selling various knicknacks including a plastic tiara which he was wearing. The man chopping the fresh coconut to refresh the tired and weary worker.

There was no grand catharsis or epiphany in this trip, only a reminder of authenticity of the world and of myself. I am thankful for this reminder to be authentic.

Sweet Singapore Rendezvous

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:03:00 +0000

I've been to Singapore a handful of times but I have never enjoyed it as much as I did during a 6 hour layover trip in my 33 hour adventure flight across the Pacific. I don't know if it's a few years that passed since I last dropped by or because I was in a company of a very good friend or if it's the first time I'm seeing the city colors behind a lens.

I strolled by the Arab streets despite the heat and humidity of the noon sun. Light lunch at a Turkish restaurant with various Hookah pipes on display. I can imagine the streets pulsating with energy at night while the yuppies (is this still a valid term?) take a drag of hookah while dining alfrescoe. After some time, I had to take comfort in the airconditioned Orchard road malls. Took the Subway and it is packed for a Sunday afternoon. The best part about the trip? Walking by Clark Quay and all the different places and talking to the locals -- a vibrant bride and groom, the artshop owner whose woman paper model sticking across the wall piqued my curiousity and parents watching over their kids run across a fountain spray. These kids are just laughing, squealing and begging mom and dad to stay a bit longer than planned. Oh what joy is it to be young and have no cares in the world.

And yes, in Clark Quay there is a bar called Clinic, and the seats are wheelchairs.

Dog Days of New York Summer

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:39:00 +0000

I heart New York in summer. 100 degree Farenheit weather plus humidity. WTC view from the room. Walking. Tourists gawking and sweltering in the heat. Frozen hot chocolate. Sushi. Smurftini. At 4am, maniacally running across the Brooklyn Bridge to catch the sunrise. Same sun but not quite the same view as the golden hue blankets Manhattan. Subway back. Hotdogs for breakfast. More walking. Worn out shoes. I will see you again.

More Boston Love

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Vroom: Life in the Fast Lane

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:30:00 +0000

I did not win the lottery. Over the weekend, I stayed in a very down to earth, typically suburban home in South Cal. What gem do I find hidden inside the garage? A Lamborghini Gallardo *cue rap song*. The offer was made for me to drive this baby from Orange County to Temecula but obviously the owner is not aware of my skills on the road. I'll stick to my Toyota, thank you very much (and hope the break works).

A Day or Two in Beantown - Travel Guide Not Required

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:29:00 +0000

I have never enjoyed walking in a US city as much as I did in Boston. Sure, I nearly killed my foot nerves exploring the city in high heels. Its worth soaking up the magnificent and historical architecture contrasted with the young energetic vibe, where some of the world's most famous universities are just a train-ride away.

Got deliberately lost around Charlestown admiring the grand and regal brick after brick houses. Discovered the house where Louisa May Alcott lived and where current old Boston money resides. Stopped by a local artisan Chocolate factory in Charles street and saw a quiant hardware store filled with antique knickknacks. Enjoyed the atmosphere at Faneuil Hall.

I can walk and walk and walk and walk in this city...

Gettin' Yer Country On - Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (purplefig) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:17:00 +0000

The land and sky meet in the horizon. You are small yet significant at the same time standing in the wide open space. No pretensions. It is the real thing. The weather may be unpredictably cool but true friends warm the heart.

Norwegian Fjord Horses in Fort Collins, Colorado