Day 34 -- Hamburger University

I didn't know that there really was the Mcdonald's Hamburger University until Aunt Norma told us that it was near their place. On the way home, we stopped by to see if Juancho is eligible to at least take a short course of "Hamburger Science." Unfortunately the office was closed (it was a Saturday) and we did not have a chance to inquire... So we took a few pictures of the campus instead.

Photo of Day 34 is the Hamburger U campus.

Hamburger University

©JReyes

10 October 2014

Day 33 -- All that Jazz

Visited the Theatre district today. I said to myself Chicago pictures will not be complete without the "legendary"/ "traditional" Chicago theatre photo. :)

All That Jazz

©JReyes

9 October 2014

Day 32 -- River Cruisin'

Day 2 of the Chicago tour: River cruise. That was a great 90-minute river and lake tour of the city, thanks to Aunt Norma and the Wendela River Cruises. :)

Chicago River

©JReyes

8 October 2014

Day 31 - My Kind of Town

That is the famous song by the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. From the feel to the people to the food, I can also say that Chicago is indeed my kind of town.

Our Aunt Norma showed us around the City on our first day: United Center, Willis Tower, downtown, Cloud gate, Millenium Park. Of course we had to try the Deep Dish pizza. Thank you Gino's for the tasty spicy crusty deep dish (and thank you Levi and Aja for the tip). 

Photo of the day goes to the beautiful Chicago skyline, taken from the Adler Planetarium. 

My Kind of Town

©JReyes

7 October 2014

Day 30 -- Pacers Bikeshare

While road trip officially started on October 5, I took my first shots the day after since all we did was drive the first day.

From New Jersey, we stopped over and spent the night in Columbus, OH. In morning the day after, We drove all the way to Chicago but stopped to have lunch in Indianapolis, IN. There I was able to take a few shots.

Indianapolis was a good quaint city which, from the flurry of bars, posters and merchandise shops, boasts its sports teams. From the Hoosiers, to the Colts, to the Pacers, you can really feel this city's love for its home teams.

Here's one example. Photo of the Day goes to Pacers Bikeshare.

Pacers Bikeshare

©JReyes

6 October 2014

Day 29 -- Balae

Day after Kuya's wedding: As we go on our next journey to the Windy City, we say buh-bye and see you soon to my cousins, aunt and uncle. We did a set or parting shots, one of which was "meant to show what my mom is missing."

Photo of the day is named "Balae," a Filipino term for how parents of married children call each other. Since my mom is back home, my Tita Vangie says she's the "Balae" proxy. :)

Balae

5 October 2014

©JReyes

Day 28 -- Janet + Philip

It is done. My first wedding coverage. I hope I did well. :) I hope my first clients were satisfied. :)

It's an honor to be able to cover this wedding. Congratulations to my dear cousin Kuya Philip and Ate Janet. Here's to forever. :)

Janet + Philip

©JReyes

4 October 2014

Day 27 -- Rehearsals

That goes for me as well. Dear cousin Philip is getting married on October 4 and I was asked to be the "official" photographer... Oh what a task. I think on this day, I was more nervous than the groom.

I always wanted to perfect my secret life of being a photographer. However, I do not entertain the thought of doing a once-in-a-lifetime event like a wedding. I just hate the feeling of anxiety of ensuring that the moments will be cherished just how they like it to be remembered. What if my camera breaks? What if the memory card breaks? What if I lose batteries in the middle of the event? But then again I couldn't say no to Kuya Philip. He's not only a first cousin, but also a treasured childhood friend. When he said that he wanted me to cover the wedding, instantly (though a bit reluctant and doubting of my talents) I said yes.

So along with the entourage, I tried to practice my shots the day before the wedding. :)

Rehearsals
©JReyes
3 October 2014

Day 26 -- Mayeen and Gelo

It's always good to see good friends from thousands of miles away. That's why when I know folks are in my side of town, I make sure I get to see them for at least lunch or dinner. If schedule permits, I get to take them to some places around town.

This day Gelo and Mayeen made DC one of their stopovers during their US tour. :) It was good to share hotdogs (my favorite Ben's Chili Bowl, fries, stories, and a few laughs together. Bonus was the 50-cent tour I gave them after the dinner. Not ot mention we had a good pictorial, too. :)

Thanks for the dinner slot folks! It was great catching up with you both! See you in Manila very soon!

Mayeen and Gelo
©JReyes
2 October 2014 

Day 25 -- Tablas

Welcomed the first day of October over a happy hour with tapas at Boqueria. Oooh those crunchy creamy croquetas...

That was to also celebrate my cousin's birthday in September. Happy Birthday Trish!

Tablas

©JReyes

1 October 2014