Lift A Glass To Toast The Year Ahead

Un Brindis Por Los Que Vamos A Terminar El Año Escuchando Salsa.

Here's A Toast To A Bright New Year And A Fond Farewell To The Old. Lift A Glass With Me To Toast The Year Ahead. May Your Life Be Full of Love And Laughter.

Arriba Los Indios de Mayaguez

By winning last night's baseball game, my local team Mayaguez Indians advanced to the post season playoffs. Arriba los Indios!!!

The View From My Window Today

 Crash Boat Beach - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Foto Friday - Reserva Natural Caño Boquilla

I went to visit a childhood friend who lives near the Anasco River, in a town that bears the same name, Anasco.

To get to my friends house, I have to cross over a bridge in a neighborhood called Boquilla. Every time rain fall over an extended period of time, the Boquilla and Anasco rivers merge and causes both rivers to overflood their banks.

It is a mystery to me why anyone choses to live near any river. As you know, this is a tropical island and flash floods are a common occurrence every time it rains. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful and peaceful paradise location. But I rather live far away from a big body of water, if you know what I mean.

This picture was taken yesterday afternoon from the top of the bridge.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Nuestra familia les desea un año lleno de esperanza, mucha alegria y nuevos proyectos en tu vida.

Our family is wishing you a year filled with new hopes, new joys, and new beginnings.

Letters to Santa Claus

 Last night the grand-nephews wrote their personalized letters to Santa. Feliz Navidad! 

Behind The Scenes

This is a before and after picture of a photoshoot I did last year. It was taken near a restaurant bar in an area called El Mani in Mayaguez, where the tuna factories Bumble Bee and Stark Kist processing plants used to be.

As a general rule, I don't like to take pictures near busy establishments where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages. They ask too many questions, and most importantly, they get in the way of the photoshoot.

How do you deal with drunk people getting in the way of your shots? Sometimes I make them part of the shot, especially sunsets with some nice silhouettes. Or I take the picture and erase them in Photoshop. It's a public space, I have no right to ask them to move.

Winter League Baseball

The Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League is the main professional baseball league in Puerto Rico; it is colloquially referred to as the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Consisting of six teams as of the 2024–25 season, the league's champion participates in the Caribbean Series.

My hometown professional baseball team playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League, the Mayaguez Indians, is back in first place tonight after defeating the San Juan Senators team 5-3. Go Indians!

Vintage Cars - 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air - 1957 Ford Ranchero

Late yesterday afternoon, these two vintage cars drove by and parked in front of City Hall while I was eating ice cream and hanging out with a group of friends. 

We decided to kill some time before heading to the baseball game last night. Which by the way, my hometown team won again, but I digress.

If I am not mistaken, one car is a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, and the other one is a 1957 Ford Ranchero. The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air reminded me of my father, it was his favorite car. I still have a picture of my sister and I, sitting on my father's car when we were little. That car was his pride and joy.

Drone Hysteria

Drone hysteria about the New Jersey nighttime visits from mysterious drones is making it difficult for legit drone users like myself.

I personally don't want to get hassled by the authorities. Last year I purchased a DJI Lightweight Mini SE Drone that weight less than 249g. It is almost as light as a Smartphone, which may exempt it from certain regulations.

I am afraid that what is going to happen with the apparent drone sightings in NJ and other states, is that law enforcement and the FAA are going to overregulate an already regulated drone industry. Count on it.

Lifeguard Observation Tower

I Went to Boqueron Beach in the town of Cabo Rojo yesterday, to photograph the golden hour. Sunsets take place at the end of the day.

This is my first time ever shooting this location. Surprisingly, the beach was completely deserted. Most locals don't visit the beach during this time, despite the tropical climate and warm water temperatures. The average temperature in Dec and Jan, is between 70 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instead of taking the usual sunset image, I decided to incorporate a lifeguard observation tower into it. Enjoy!

Cravings

Earlier today I was invited by some of my high school classmates, to have brunch at Antojos Restaurant in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Antojos in Spanish means "cravings".

The high school class president decided to throw an impromptu get-together at this very popular outdoor restaurant to brainstorm about an upcoming Valentine's dance. It's not even Christmas yet, and they are already discussing next year's events.

It was a very productive get-together, while enjoying a fabulous meal. Good food, good friends, good times. You can check out their interactive digital menu by searching for Antojos Restaurant in your favorite browser. Enjoy! 😀

2024 Mayaguez Christmas Parade

Last night, my hometown, Mayaguez, held their annual Christmas parade starting at the post office and ending in front of city hall.

This year parade was dedicated to children, with themes related to Christmas. The kids encouraged by their parents seemed to have a lot of fun. Enjoy the pictures, they were extracted from a short video that I recorded last night! 

My Worst Photo Critic

A photo critique is an event where photographers gather to look at other attendees photos. It can be a valuable experience that helps you see your work in a new light.

In 2018, I was invited to a small "Photo Critique" meetup in Northern Liberties, to get input/feedback on our images. I was asked to bring five pictures, to hear people's opinion, reactions, hear new viewpoints and comments to my photos. The top picture shows participants of the "Photo Critique" meetup reviewing my five images.

This morning, my worst photo critic, offered positive feedback about the two pictures I took yesterday in Rincon, Puerto Rico. I was lucky to have beautiful weather, with the sun and clear clouds in the sky where you can watch surfing and windsurfing.

On a clear day like yesterday, you can see the outline of the Desecheo Island from Rincon. Desecheo Island is a prime destination for diving and snorkeling. My worst photo critic was pleased with the two Rincon images. I couldn't ask for better feedback!

Fiesta de Navidad 2024 - Escuela Superior Jose de Diego - Clase 1974

Our 1974 High School Class held their annual Christmas event last night. The school reunion and dance was a complete success. 

What brings people closer together, an excellent selection of traditional flokclore music and great food. The music group performed Bomba, Plena, Seis, Aguinaldos, Danza and Musica Jibara. A traditional form of folk music that originated in Puerto Rico.

This event exceeded all my expectations, and I am glad to have attended. Enjoy!