SF Giants | World Series Champions | 101101

From NL West Champs to World Series Champs in a matter of 30 days.  After half a decade, the Giants finally bring a title to the city of San Francisco.  With many thrilling games along the way, the fan base grew as each game and series were closed out in fashion. 

With my office being located right across AT&T Park (best baseball stadium; Yahoo Sports), I got to experience the sites and sounds of a World Series atmosphere.  From McCovey Cove, Willie Mays Plaza, down to the Bars on King Street, Giants fans represented their black and orange real well.  Not knowing when this experience will come again, I walked up and down the ball park taking pictures from my iPhone. 

World Series Champs Baby!

This 2010 Postseason Theme Song created by a die-hard Giants fan has become a viral sensation.  With the video being played at the ball park as well as many bars after a win, it has become a huge hit.  See for yourself!

Francis Lopez - iPhone 4

Thriller | Yoshi's SF | 101030

Halloween is the kickoff to the Fall and Winter season, which pretty much starts off the holiday season as well.  This year, Yoshi's in San Francisco held a 'Thriller' event which featured a 14-piece Michael Jackson cover band called 'Foreverland'.  Alot of MJ impersonators were present, as well as many other exotic and freaky costumes.  Foreverland plays at many venues in the Bay Area, so be sure to check them out if they're near you.

Francis Lopez - 40D

Fleet Weekend | San Francisco | 101009

Fleet week is one of my favorite events in San Francisco. It was mentioned that this will be the last year this event will be held, but with the attraction that it can bring, I can't imagine them taking this weekend away for good.

With clear skies and temperature in the mid 70's, the Blue Angels showed their skills which can make you feel like an 8-year old. From the rooftop apartment in Russian Hill, I managed to get a few shots in while following their blazing speed at a distance.

Didn't I mention it can get you as excited as an 8-year old? Brought to you by Chiselle V.

Francis Lopez - 40D

SF Giants | 2010 NL West Champions | 101003

After 7 heart-breaking seasons, the Giants are back in the pennant. With a combination of a strong pitching rotation and a young stud behind home plate, the Giants look poise to make a run for the title. This month will be exciting to watch and be around as Giants fever has landed hard.

Lincecum, Game 1, this Thursday!

Francis Lopez - iPhone 4

Family Picnic | Alameda | 100828

With the the fall season upon us, it's hard to believe how quick the year has gone. It seems as if it was just several weeks ago when we were counting down to 2010. Closing out one of the quickest summers we've had, running around and eating great food with the family in Alameda was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. It was cold and windy, but that didn't stop us from enjoying a day out away from the daily grind.

Photo taken by: Jojo Lim - Nikon 300D

Video of the Day | 100824

I just happened to run into this video today and found it hillarious. I'm not a fan of cats either, but even I wouldn't think about doing this.

Freedom Is My Soundtrack II | 100727

A culturally defined sound divided by genres, music is a fine art that feeds my mind and soul.  The theraputic beat of a drum to the sweet sound of a guitar, it can throw a bad day out the window as fast as you can press play.  To the intro count untilt the chorus hit, three fingers up to the men and women behind the booth keeping you on the dance floor. 

Photos taken by:  Chad Marcelo - Canon XTi

City on Shutter | San Francisco | 100727

Back to the most photogenic city in the country, there's always a shot or angle you want to have under your belt.  Photographs that I've gathered in the past several months makes me appreciate how fascinating this city can be beyond your typical tourists and popular landmark sites.  Justin Herman Plaza, Coit Tower, Transamerica Building, and into the urban streets of Embarcadero, you'll see an elegance to the city that is envious to most. 

       The historic Ferry Building

         A midnight shot of the infamous Palace of Fine Arts

Francis Lopez - 40D

Champagne Life | Ne-Yo | 100727 ♫

Ne-Yo, back at it again toastin' it up to the good life. From his glide steps, to its falsetto, down to the white socks...it has a little MJ touch to it which never gets old no matter who tries to immitate the Late Great!

Celebrate Everything and Anything...EVERYDAY!

Let's Toast It Up!

Prosit! Je via sano! Toston! A Votre Sante! Sláinte! Prost! Okole Maluna! L’Chaim! Egeszsegere! Cin cin! Kampai! Skål! Saúde! Oogy wawa! Salut! Pura Vida! Mabuhay!

Cheers!

iPhone 4 v. HTC | 100720

Mainstream \ˈmān-ˌstrēm\

Webster:  a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence

Urban:  is what's the new trend. when one "style" gets old, a new one is reborn, a mainstream person is someone who jumps from trend to trend so that they fit in with the rest of the crowd. Mainstream is being what society thinks you should be, and look like.

Zamora Grandkids | 100720

Growing up having a sibling-like relationship with my first cousins' is what I've always experience from when I was young, to the age I am now.  From the 80's set, to the 90's, up to the 2000's, we've all had a tight bond and considers all of them as extended siblings.  As it can get chaotic when most get together, it's hard to believe that all have not been in the same room at once.  Nineteen enthusiastic and different personalities total. From Texas, Seattle, Chicago, San Diego, and another overseas, we still all manage to maintain and build a relationship that we appreciate and are grateful for.  Top to bottom, half-black to half-white, a bond is no greater than, or less than one.   

Chad.Mahalynne.Allen-Marcelo

Leonard.Carol-An.Francis-Lopez

Laurance.April-Cosper

CJ.Jamie-Zamora

Clay.Ryan.Mikey-Heckel

Carmela.Adrian.Jericho-DeGuzman

Jeremiah.Jenica.Janessa-Zamora

Jason Mraz | Sleeping to Dream 07 ♫

Jam of the Week: Jason Mraz's "Sleeping to Dream" is a long time favorite of mine. As good as he sounds on his tracks, he's even better live. So if you haven't seen him perform, it's worth your time. Although the song was never in any of his official EPs or LPs, here's the performance at The Eagles Ballroom in 2007.

Ocean Beach | San Francisco | 100522

Weather in San Francisco has been predictably inconsistent. It sure doesn't feel like May. Although it was still chilly, the weekend brought a glimpse of sunshine. Nothing like a good sunset with a live random band in the background drinking some vino. Word!

Francis Lopez - 40D

Bay Bridge | 100502

Overlooked by its Golden counterpart, the Bay Bridge is actually my favorite of the two.  For some, it symbolizes a road path to an ambitious and competitive career.  But for most, it's a night to hang the 8 to 5 on the shelf and prepare for a rough morning.

Francis Lopez - 40D

Emerald City | 100502

A trip that I take about 3-4 times a year makes Seattle a home away from home. Spending a lot of summers growing up makes me feel like a "Seattleites". This 2nd trip of the year in the Pacific Northwest was a random road trip pieced together by my brother, uncle, and auntie. With only a short weekend and a total of a 25 hour drive round trip, we made every single hour count to its last second. With a trendy and classy atmosphere of Joey's, and its coffee shop on every single half block, down to the most freshest seafood, a trip is always worth it...RAIN or shine!

My cousin Allen and his girlfriend Eilyn at my cousin Mahalynne's roof top apartment.                              

Photos taken by: Joey Marcelo - Canon G10

Mahalynne and I, Pre-Nigori.....'Smile'.                                                          Photos taken by:  Leo Zamora - Canon G11

The Orrick Building | 100501

A few posts back, the property managers at The Orrick Building asked me to take some shots of their building to be included in the BOMA Earth Awards.  A couple of moths later, they were announced the winner of this year's contest on Earth Day which makes them  most GREEN building in their class.

Congratulations Ladies!

Francis Lopez - 40D

Ne-Yo | Sexy Love | 100426 ♫

I completely abandon posting anything on this blog. So here's something random.

As much as I love original artists, I also respect artists who can imitate the moves and sounds of MJ. But what makes Ne-Yo so much more respected is the fact that he writes and produces his own craft as well as for many top 40 artists out there. From his break up and see you later R&B hits, to his uptempo flirtatious tracks, Ne-Yo has become one of the most played artists in my playlist.

'Sexy Love'(2006) is definitely one of my favorite Ne-Yo jams. I've been playing it non-stop to get me through the day. With it's sexy beat that you can play over and over again until the record breaks, it never gets old. It's always a "new track" everytime I play it. So check out this 'new track'

Golden Gate Bridge | 100222

Golden Gate Bridge under blue skies always gives me a reason to hike up the hill and get one or two quick shots. The scene never gets old and I'm always down to make that short hike across the bridge.

I didn't bring a tripod with me, but here's one sitting on a short wooden post.
By the way, get at me for those of you who have plenty of computer time in the day and have the lightroom/photoshop skills.  I can't find the time in the day to buff them up.  I'll be more than happy to email you the raw files.  

Francis Lopez - 40D

Zamora Parties | Group Shots | 100222

A Zamora party wouldn't be complete without ending the night with a group shot.  With all the aspiring & professional photographers we have in the family, someone is always bringing a camera/tripod.  So here are the first 2 of many this year.  One from a 1st Birthday, and flippin' a 180, the other from a 40th birthday.

Photos taken by:  Jojo Lim

Carmela, Jenica, Adrian, Janessa & Jericho | 100222

Chasing and running from waves in the shore of Baker Beach was a fun day to spend in San Francisco.  Breath taking scene, not by the view, but by chasing kids around when they're running on mach-10.  You can  find out how good of a shape you're in.  Not that I couldn't keep up, but I just decided to lay back and take a few stills of the afternoon. The kids definitely left some footprints.

Francis Lopez - 40D

The Orrick Building | Howard & First | 100220

Shout out to the Property Managers at The Orrick Building (one of the coolest looking building) for considering these photos to be presented in their portfolio as part of the Earth Award Contest.  The Orrick Building placed 2nd last year in the contest, and hopefully they can snag first place this year.  The Orrick Building is a 10-story, Class A office building located at 405 Howard Street in the South of Market Financial District in Downtown San Francisco

The BOMA Earth Awards recognize building owners, operators and suppliers who create “greener” working environments and demonstrate responsible environmental stewardships. They are awarded to buildings on the basis of resource conservation and environmental criteria that target recycling/waste reduction, energy conservation, water conservation, toxics/air quality, transportation and education. 

So big ups to the Managers of the building Blake & Chiselle in helping the city be green! Good luck ladies!

Francis Lopez - 40D

CupidSpan | PalaceFineArts | AlamoSquare | 100131

San Francisco encompasses a land area of approximately 48 square miles, also known as 7x7.  Renowned for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, mix of Victorian and modern architecture and famous landmarks.

Taking advantage of a sunny Sunday afternoon, here are a few of famous landmarks you can check out in San Francisco if you have yet to see them.

Francis Lopez - Canon 40D

Golden Gate Bridge | 360° | 100131

With the non stop rain we've been having here in the Bay Area, the sun was shining all weekend and I decided to take a drive along the coast of 101 in San Francsico.  From Crissy Fields to Baker Beach to Northbound 101 to the hills in Marin, here's one of the most famous bridges in the world in various angles.  It was a little bit hazy but was still a fairly nice day out.

Francis Lopez - Canon 40D

Nick's Crispy Tacos | RussianHill-SF | 100131

If you haven't had Nick's Crispy Tacos in the Russian Hill District, it's worth the trip. Hands down the best tacos in the world, and it's still probably an understatement. This place is located on Broadway and Polk, and I can guarantee that you won't have a better taco anywhere else. When ordering, remember to get your taco "Nick's way"...it's a fiesta in your mouth!

Best I Ever Had like Drake..

Francis Lopez - Canon 40D

This Is It | Filipino Inmates | 100126

Michael Jackson was a fan of the more than 1,500 Filipino inmates who performed the choreography for his video "Thriller" in 2007 and was an international youtube hit. If you haven't seen it, look it up.

MJ's choreographer Travis Payne flew to the Philippines to teach the inmates the moves that were suppose to be performed in MJ's "This Is It' tour, which is also documented in the DVD which comes out today. "The Drill" is the last scene Payne and Jackson worked on together before he passed.

Payne spent two hours on Jan. 17, and Jan. 18, teaching the dancers the routines from Jackson's "This Is It" film.

Pretty cool!

Madisyn-Taylor | 4yrs later | 100121

Almost 3 years ago, I met Madisyn-Taylor who just melted my heart the moment she gave me a hug. She was only 1 at the time and was already full of life. I rarely ever see her, but every time I get a chance to talk to her, her voice and enthusiasm make everything else insignificant. I may not see her grow in front of my eyes, but I’ve heard her grown to the coolest, smartest and most adorable little girl I’ve ever met. She has plenty of nicknames, Maddie from most, Little Princess to some, Booms to one. But I’ve always known and called her Little Angel because of the obvious, she’s heaven sent.

Happy Birthday Madisyn!!!!
Photos taken by: Roxanne Velicsanyi Nikon D80

Laforet | Canon 1D Mark IV | 100119

Shot in all natural light using the latest and greatest Canon 1D Mark IV.
Damn, I want!

Freedom Is My Soundtrack | 100113

New year comes with the typical new year's resolution. Most people would agree that music has always been a good remedy. From the rhythm, the harmony, the melody, combined with the sonic qualities of timbre and texture, it has always been a cure to get your mind away from the daily grind. Whether you're a person who sings out loud in the bathroom or on your drive to work. Or even if you're someone who loves to free yourself by doing an old school dance. Music has always been my beat to life, and without music, things will just be...dull.

So with the help of my brother, I will learn the art of working the wheels of steels. Be on the look out!

Photo taken by: Maurice Ramirez 
Nikon D700

The Power Of Dreams | 100112

Failure, The Secret To Success | Racing Against Time |
Dreams v. Nightmares | Mobility 2088 | Kick Out The Ladder

Pure Life! | To The New Decade | 100101

It's the new decade, and it's unreal to see how 10 years can fly by so quick!  If you didn't learn anything from the last decade, learn that the next 10 years will go by even quicker!

What better way to keep track of the next coming years than through deep within my own left eye. (also other aspiring, upcoming, & current photographers)

To the New Decade!

NYE '10 - 'In The Game'. My family decked out in sports gear.
two-thousand ten, let's play ball!

To my cousins in Alameda, Dallas, & Seattle..Happy New Year!!