As the title indicates, last week was super busy! With a 70th b-day party, a "fashion" shoot, Halloween, Helen's new play opening, and "stalking" Manny Pacquiao, I barely had time to sit down at my computer to update the blog. Thank goodness, I was finally able to spare a moment and update the happenings in my life! Here it goes!
First, our good friend Rodney K., celebrated his 70th birthday party last week, Oct.30th, with much fanfare, food, and friends. Great times indeed. At his party, my good friend, and enemy during college football season, Tamlyn T., was there to rub in the fact that USC barely lost to Stanford that weekend. Here she is "celebrating" the loss.
Me being a good sport with Tamlyn's taunting.
A moment later I MADE her make it up to me by representing the Trojan "V" for victory sign.
Okay, we're friends again.
Monday was spent photographing The Biller Foundation's Theater Best Awards at the Colburn School of music. The Biller Foundation is a terrific philanthropic organization that supports the arts and many other worthwhile endeavors. A great group of people! Thanks for having me.
Afterwards, it was Halloween time! Woo hoo!!! Unlike most people who really prepare for the one night of the year where we can dress up like other "beings", I sadly threw together my quick costume, with the simple purchase of a moustach and goatee, and styled my hair differently. That, coupled with passing out literally 3000 full sized bars of candy, made for a great night! Oh, and it was mom's birthday too! Happy Birthday Mom!!!
"All I do is win, win WIN!!!"
(As he WILL on November 12th!!!)
Before all this happened, I did a little headshot fashion shoot that I posted a preview of last week, with my friend Jully. After a few tweaks with some of the other photos I took, I decided to share these with you all. Thanks Jully!
"Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?"
(D. Zoolander)
Due to copyright laws, I had to come up with a new type of cosmetic product.
Besides, this was just a test :) Jully can pull it off though right?!
Friday was spent with the opening of "Ching Chong Chinaman" by Artists at Play, at the Actors Company in North Hollywood. My very own girlfriend Helen is in the show, along with a stellar cast and producers! Great times and fun show! Have a great run everyone!
Me and my "Star" Helen who plays "Grace" in the play.
(L-R) Helen, Stef (Producer), and Peter (Director)
Founding producers of Artists at Play, (L-R) Julia, Marie, Peter, and Stefanie.
Congrats on your inaugural production guys!
Finally, on a totally "weird" note in the history of my life, Saturday, I happened to finally turn down the street where Manny Pacquiao's "Wild Card Gym" is located, and to my surprise, from the sidewalk, you could hear the legendary boxer working out with his coach Freddie Roach preparing for next saturday's title fight in Las Vegas. Being a proud filipino, I couldn't help but stop my car, park and hang out with dozens of other fans of the "Pacman" hoping that after his workout, that we would get a glimpse of one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the boxing canvas!!!
After three hours of waiting, sadly, I wasn't able to see him as he took another door out of the gym to the Thai restaurant he frequents next to the gym :( BUT, during those three hours, I saw Scott Caan, Justin Long, Freddie Roach (his coach), Manny's right hand man, Buboy, and Aaron Rogers of the Greenbay Packers (who apparently drove up from San Diego for the day to see Manny). I had photographed Pacquiao's press conference with Oscar De La Hoya years ago, and it would've been cool to see him again, but oh well, not this day. Great luck to the "Pride of the Philippines" next Saturday, (although he won't need it!).
See that door at the upper right of this photo? That's Wild Card Boxing Gym,
home of the champ, Manny Pacquiao!!!
(The cars exemplify all the "money" that's involved in world championship boxing")
Manny's party bus for the ride to Vegas this week - sweet!
Lastly, what's a blog post without a cute little "bug" to finish off a great week? Here's our little pal, Kaia in her Halloween costume last week.
This was Kaia's first Halloween :) Hope you had great time little one!
Thanks for stopping by everyone! Have a fantastic week, and don't forget to pick up your camera or phone and take a photo of your life :)
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It's really getting to be summer in these here parts! Hope everyone is enjoying the great weather! Go outside and get some sun - you know who you are!
In my family, my generation of cousins were self proclaimed the next generation of Palma's, or "Next Gen" (as coined by my cousin Tod, who I believe took it from a comic book a while ago). Now that we're getting older, the last of my "Gen", and possibly a cross over into "Gen 3" is no other than my brother J.J. He's the last and youngest child of generation 1 from my dad.
Jay, has appeared here on my blog before, and like any brother, I'm pretty proud of my siblings. Our sister is a concert pianist, who plays circles around what ever level I ever attained in the height of my piano playing "career" (then again, I was using my powers for "no good", but that's another story). Jay is tall (got it from his mom's side), athletic, smart, good looking (runs in our genes - ha!), gets good grades, and is an all around good "kid". So why not exploit those qualities and use him as a model while testing out lights I borrowed from my good friend Keri of Kaba Head Kreations (thanks Keri!).
I invited Jay over Sunday to play around with some set ups, and here's what we got.
In my family, my generation of cousins were self proclaimed the next generation of Palma's, or "Next Gen" (as coined by my cousin Tod, who I believe took it from a comic book a while ago). Now that we're getting older, the last of my "Gen", and possibly a cross over into "Gen 3" is no other than my brother J.J. He's the last and youngest child of generation 1 from my dad.
Jay, has appeared here on my blog before, and like any brother, I'm pretty proud of my siblings. Our sister is a concert pianist, who plays circles around what ever level I ever attained in the height of my piano playing "career" (then again, I was using my powers for "no good", but that's another story). Jay is tall (got it from his mom's side), athletic, smart, good looking (runs in our genes - ha!), gets good grades, and is an all around good "kid". So why not exploit those qualities and use him as a model while testing out lights I borrowed from my good friend Keri of Kaba Head Kreations (thanks Keri!).
I invited Jay over Sunday to play around with some set ups, and here's what we got.
Next Gen 3 himself, Jerome James Palma.
BTW ladies, he's already taken.
A pensive moment.
This one was posed on his part, his take on Rodin's "The Thinker" I think.
Kinda looks like he's looking at my watermark. Sorry.
Have a terrific week everyone. Stay cool! And as always, thanks for stopping by.
BTW ladies, he's already taken.
A pensive moment. 
This one was posed on his part, his take on Rodin's "The Thinker" I think.
Kinda looks like he's looking at my watermark. Sorry. 
Jay is also a basketball stand-out. Serious. He's got game, and it's not because I'm a proud big brother. I've seen him "school" other players. Nasty.
Thanks Jay for modeling for your kuya. We'll do more soon.
Lastly, Cold Tofu was asked to perform at the Company of Angels fundraiser last week Thursday (Thank you Joyce Liu and Jully Lee!). Solid show! Here are a few backstage photos I took that evening.
Lastly, Cold Tofu was asked to perform at the Company of Angels fundraiser last week Thursday (Thank you Joyce Liu and Jully Lee!). Solid show! Here are a few backstage photos I took that evening.
"The actor's life"
The robot? Not sure what's going on here.
Jamaal Steven Brady.
The robot? Not sure what's going on here. 
Jamaal Steven Brady. As a "side" photo, our good friends Denise and Rambo invited us to the Hollywood Bowl last wednesday, for a night of Jazz and great food (thanks guys!). On our way back to our car after the show, going into the tunnel under Highland, I took this photo:
Have a terrific week everyone. Stay cool! And as always, thanks for stopping by.
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June 27, 2011
Happy Tuesday everyone :) As always, another great week of image creation and artistry, meeting with new people and life as I know it.
First off, last week began with a terrific headshot session with veteran actor Joseph Cardinale, the father of a friend of mine from my Movement for Actors class over at the Edge. Joseph has been an actor now for 30 plus years, and has done everything from film, TV, musicals, theater, you name it! It was a fun and enlightening session listening to Joe, about his experiences, his life, how proud he is of his children and grandchildren, and life in general. A huge thank you goes out to both he and his daughter Tina for allowing me to photograph him for future roles! We got a lot of great shots, and I'm certain he's going to have a hard time choosing which ones to use!
Joe isn't this intimidating when you meet him, it was just a prop he had in his pocket, so we decided to use it. Works though!
This is more like it :)
Friday I had the unique opportunity to photograph my good friend Ele Keats for a personal project. Superb, sensual, provoking, enticing, sexy, alluring, teasing, beautiful photographs that you guys won't be able to see! Sorry! They're for one dude only, and that's NOT me! Maybe if we're lucky she'll let me post a few, but for now, all the images we created are for her cool boyfriend Jason - what a lucky guy! Enjoy the photos you two, and thanks to Ele for asking me to create them with her. Oh, and thank you to my art director, Cindera Che, and our terrific MUA Christine - you guys rock! Would love to do more work with you again!
On Sunday, I met up with my next bridal couple, Mike and Sandy who has so graciously asked me to photograph their upcoming wedding. I know Mike from my high school days, and from photographing his big sister's wedding back in 2008. They have asked me to photograph their big day and I'm so excited to do so! What's even more cool is that these two have been going out for 10 years now! Wow! You go guys! Can't wait :) Here's a quick photo of them:
Finally, the reason why I also entitled this entry as "Life in general" (aside from mentioning it in the opening paragraph) is that yesterday, Monday, I visited my Tita Becky (aunt in english) in San Diego who isn't doing so well. I hadn't seen her in about four years, ever since my grandmother died. Seeing her again after all these years was great, and quite frankly reminded me that sometimes we let our own lives "get in the way" of spending time or seeing those who mean something to us. I have to admit that I am guilty of letting these years go by without having seen her, and it truly is something I regret. As she lay there, her spirits were up, talking, and sometimes joking as I have always known her to, ever since I was a kid. Her mind as sharp as ever, yet her body battling for its survival. You never know what life will throw at you, what lies around the next corner, or what tomorrow may bring. But what I've learned is that people don't usually give up; they don't fault you for not having seen them in a while; every moment counts, and that there are always people there to help you even when you don't think there are any. As my aunt battles through this disease, I am comforted in knowing that she is surrounded by people who are there to make sure she gives it her best shot, regardless of the outcome.
Paraphrasing "Ferris Bueler" - LIfe goes by really fast, and if you don't stop and look around, it'll pass right by you. The lesson here is to stop, take a deep breath, look around, and cherish what you have, cause sadly it won't be here forever, but the memories you keep of it will, and should you honor each moment, then these good times will never leave or pass you by.
Thanks for stopping by everyone. And have a terrific week :)
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Whew! Had a full weekend this past week. Friday night started off with a show to support our good friend and fellow Cold Tofu cohort Kevin at his sketch show championship, which I am happy to report that his team won, congrats! I believe they're off to Colorado for yet another showcase, all expenses paid - how cool is that?!
Saturday was spent at the Julia Dean Photo Workshop, attending a class called "Photographing the Figure" with awesome instructor Scott Stulberg. There were only three students in the class the entire time, and boy did we have fun! Sadly, I'm not going to post those images here as they are not really safe for work, but I'm thinking of posting them up later on a separate link so I can show you the work. No, it isn't porn, just fine art :)
The evening was spent at our annual vocal recital in Gardena, with our esteemed instructor Lisa Joe. It was a great night of singing, and sharing of everyone's talents. Afterwards, we headed to the "after party" and seriously, couldn't keep up with the veterans. Too tired!
Rounding out the weekend was an all day portrait/headshot shoot with members of the new theater company Artists at Play. The company, made up of good friends of ours is embarking on a theater project in the fall, and when more info comes up, I'll post it up here so everyone can support them. Great group of artists!
Let's get to the images, shall we?!
Saturday was spent at the Julia Dean Photo Workshop, attending a class called "Photographing the Figure" with awesome instructor Scott Stulberg. There were only three students in the class the entire time, and boy did we have fun! Sadly, I'm not going to post those images here as they are not really safe for work, but I'm thinking of posting them up later on a separate link so I can show you the work. No, it isn't porn, just fine art :)
The evening was spent at our annual vocal recital in Gardena, with our esteemed instructor Lisa Joe. It was a great night of singing, and sharing of everyone's talents. Afterwards, we headed to the "after party" and seriously, couldn't keep up with the veterans. Too tired!
Rounding out the weekend was an all day portrait/headshot shoot with members of the new theater company Artists at Play. The company, made up of good friends of ours is embarking on a theater project in the fall, and when more info comes up, I'll post it up here so everyone can support them. Great group of artists!
Let's get to the images, shall we?!
Yup, this little cutie made her headshot debut this weekend.
Love this photo! Looks like she's singing :)
If you know Amelia, she has the "Amelia face". This is close to it. Still cute though.
Our friend Peter, who directed us in Songs for a New World in 2009. He's also working with Artists at Play.
We love Peter :)
This is Marie, also part of Artists at Play. So excited for these guys!
Amelia's Mom, Stefanie :) I like this photo of her.
Amelia's Dad, John. Very debonaire!
Amelia, making my job a little challenging.
But eventually, we got the shot :)
And this one :)
Love this photo! Looks like she's singing :)
If you know Amelia, she has the "Amelia face". This is close to it. Still cute though. 
Our friend Peter, who directed us in Songs for a New World in 2009. He's also working with Artists at Play. 
We love Peter :)
This is Marie, also part of Artists at Play. So excited for these guys!
Amelia's Mom, Stefanie :) I like this photo of her. 
Amelia's Dad, John. Very debonaire!
Amelia, making my job a little challenging.
But eventually, we got the shot :) 
And this one :) That's it for this week everyone. Glad to be able to share the images with you. And thanks to Artists at Play for the opportunity to photograph them :)
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What a busy weekend! Started off with a few dinners with friends, a birthday party, and then ended with another horseback riding outing, and then a first time portrait session with our new little buddy Kaia. Let's get to the photos, shall we?!
Love how the mobile hovers above her like stars.
LOVE that I got this photo of her smiling. I wonder what babies dream about?
Such a sweetie :)
During this part of the session, she was very focused on me photographing her.
Gotta love those eyes :)
A little "mommy time"
One of my favorites from this shoot. Love how she's peeking out from the pillows.
This kid is so cute!
A huge thank you to Laura and Kaia for letting me photograph them both :) And to Kaia, thanks for being such a good sport :) Just a note - some of these photos are going to be used as a father's day gift to Kaia's dad, so please don't forward him this link so as to not spoil the surprise, okay? Thanks in advance.
Have a great week everyone! Thanks for stopping by. As always, please leave a comment :)
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Amanda says:
Gorgeous!
(06.01.11 @ 10:43 AM)
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this is a ridiculously cute picture of Kaia. a ladybug in the grass. priceless.
(11.09.11 @ 05:28 PM)