a scene at the airport

Talents of Starmovers Management

a self portrait and a sunset

before a shoot at the lung center of the Philippines, testing my camera before the actual shoot. I liked how it turned out. The other one is at Enchanted Kingdom. There were a lot of people we had to wait 4 hours in the line for a 2 minute ride. Anyways about this photo. Well, I love the play of the lights here with the clouds all glowing and orangy. Then the silhouette of the roller coaster pierces through the sky...

...Im sleepy now, its almost 5am and have lots of photos to finish. Haaayyy... lovin' it even if it is sometimes tiring.

It actually took me several minutes to type this short blog, Im dozing off!hahahaaazzzz...zzz.

jeanette

Jeanette is one cool subject. We did this shoot in her condo in Ortigas, the space was tight but we managed to have some decent shots from it. I think she still has some of those showbiz training ( she was the child kontrabida in the 80's soap Anna Lisa ) as she was very comfortable with the camera I was the one who can't keep up with her poses. She has different angles that makes her kinda look like different actresses right now - from Ruffa mae Quinto to Ruffa Gutierrez to Marianne Rivera - seriously!  This photo ( top low ) was her idea. She just came from Dubai and I think she was inspired by the fashion trend there and so did some poses using the veil.

We have more sessions coming - she enjoyed the shoot and said we have to do it again soon!

Dagupan Trippin

Went to Dagupan for Christmas with the family. Before leaving for Manila, went to the fish port and with a styrobox in one hand ( for the Bonuan Bangus I would bring to Manila ) and the camera on the other, got some photos of the sights you'll see in the fish market. The first one however is a " magbubuko" ( should I call him the " coconut man"? ), selling the sweetest buko juice I've tasted in such a long time. A few of them are found in make shift stalls along the highway in Calasiao. For those passing by Pangasinan going to and from the North, this is worth the stop. Not to mention a lot of other things pretty good to check out in my hometown/city/province. : )

2009 Before Weddings

Cross, the groom and Rose, the bride to be were high school sweethearts who eventually broke up and parted ways only to meet each other again after several years in a Nokia party. But they were both " committed " at that time and so that was that.

Forward a few years later, they found each other again and this time, they were both single and unattached. Both decided that this time they shouldn't let go of each other anymore. And not let go they did. Or at least, will do - by February this new year 2009.

Our e sessions was a blast. Here are some photos. The couple said and I quote - the photos are " awesome ".

So nice to hear such appreciation ( ears-a-clappin' ). ; ) Nicer too, to hear such a wonderful love story. : ) 

Imation Project Rare Photo Contest - Top Prize Winner

Yippeee!!! I won the top prize for the Imation Project Rare Photo Contest! This is such a wonderful blessing to kinda end the year with a bang, although its only one of the many blessings I am thankful for, God has given this year 2008! : )

This Photo Contest is kinda unique. First off, it is the first time Imation as a company did an event which more than promotes their products, they supported an advocacy partnering with the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders ( PSOD ). This advocacy spearheads the cause of helping kids, usually infants battling one of the several rare genetic disorders described as the " orphan disorders " due to its rarity ( one in 200 thousand to one is to a million afflicted ) and the fact that no drugs are made to cure these diseases due to lack of commercial viability for the pharmaceutical companies thus, these kids are practically " orphaned ".

Imation together with the PSOD and other sponsors organized this event to build up awareness about these disorders and seek to gain more support in every way possible to minimize or eradicate completely these diseases through more funding, research and procurement of already existing cures or medicine.

It is an amazing thing to win this contest, but when I heard the whole story of what this was really all about, all the more was I privileged to have been part of it. What was another amazing thing was being able to actually meet and hear " Dikoy ".

" Dikoy " ( i hope I got his name right, Im so slow with names sorry ) is some sort of an industrial engineer. He owns and runs his own company at the young age of 29. But here's the thing - Dikoy is disabled. His muscles slowly atrophied while growing up until he was practically paralyzed from the neck down. He had one of the rare orphan's disease that took its toll on his body. Doctors said he had no chance of getting into his 20s - he will pass away.

He's 31 now.

He is 98% disabled.

He finished school ( La Salle )

He is an industrial engineer.

He has his own company.

He's kinda like the local version of the Team Hoyts ( search it at YouTube ).

If you're still not picking up the moral of this story... Its simple,

YOU CAN. WE CAN.

Whatever the bad circumstances one has in life - it can be overcome. God always honors the faith.

I got more than win this contest really. I got to meet this awesome guy, Dikoy. He is living life to the fullest and helping people, kids have their chance to do so. Meeting this guy, there is no acceptable excuse anymore into living miserable, unproductive lives. We choose our destiny. No one shoves it to us nor can impose anything to us. Circumstances do not dictate the outcome, our choice does. We have it in us.

I have been inspired all the more by all these being done by PSOD and Imation. Being the top winner had just become an add on. I love winning but I also love to inspire, be inspired and to meet and encounter those who inspire others towards being better people.

This is rare. But amazing nonetheless. Project Rare by Imation - Mission Accomplished. : )

More to Come. : )

A Poem That Speaks of Today's Destruction of Our Forest and the Environment. Like Global Warming. And Kaingin Farming. And Non Recyclable Materials.

Puno Na. Ako.

oh puno.

why are you

only

two...?

you're supposed to

be

tree.

Skate and Live

I haven't had any legitimate physical exercise lately. Maybe months to almost a year or so. Maybe longer. And it shows. I have grown a belly which was almost impossible way back then. I feel heavy. I am trying to skate but could only do so from the building of the condo to the parking. I can't even do ollies anymore. The last ramp i dropped off in sprained my left ankle. I was totally out of sync and had no warm up so I had it coming. I hate to say it but being 30 something without any workout, well - the pounds are really taking their places inside my body. To think I wanted to get fat before.

On the other hand, I have become more open to other physical activities. Im looking into mountain biking again since now there are more bike shop options here in Manila. The only thing is - I am in Manila. Very different from the province where you kinda know what to expect when on the road. Here in Manila, aside from the toxic fumes from thousands of cars, buses and jeeps - you have to contend with the different assortment of drivers who seemed to think they're made of metal or own the road so as to occupy every part of it with their " tetano " jeeps or taxis or whatever. Manila road is scary.

Surfing and wakeboarding are also good but expensive and far off the city. 

Funny, I did try golf once and surprisingly I had fun with it. To think I once thought golf was such a lousy loser uptight elitist game, I found out that it really was quite challenging. You don't go there swishing your way with a golf club thinking you could easily hit that small white golf ball, men I tell you - it wasn't easy as it looked. But after a couple of tries I began to get the knack of it and saw,hmmm... potential. 

I did sweat a lot also.

But golf is also expensive.

Well, I guess for now - I will still try, as much as I can, to skate. Give it maybe my last few hurrahs before I shift to a new sport. Something my 30 something body can do without looking clumsy.

Men did I just say that? - that sounded like I was ready to let go and bury my board. That sounded like I was quitting. And I never quit.

Okey, compromise... I will still sate. I will get back to form. But I also will get me a bike. And yes I will little by little learn how to golf well.

Fair enough?

I do still want to ride and feel the concrete and asphalt roar beneath my feet. The snap of the maple ply as I ollie from one crack, gap and gutter to another. Nothing can be purer. More raw and more real than riding your way through the surreal concrete jungles of Manila, Philippines or any other concrete jungles anywhere for that matter. Only a skateboarder can understand this.

Skate and Live. ( sorry no cliche' juvenile " skate or die a" crap ).

Pamilya

This was supposed to be a blog about the recently held official launch of the Maharlika Mirasol Photography last November 22,2008 which was a rousing success if I may say so myself ( feedback, reactions, and just the overall mood and look on the guests' faces do seem to point out they were to say the least, happy with what they saw - which were my photographs on exhibit ). I do have a lot to make kwento about the launch but just as I was infront of my Mac, I suddenly had the urge to work instead on some intimate family portraits I took some fairly recently and some just a few months ago.

I dunno...

So here it is, if you can - tell me what you think... ( uploaded the photos, but it didn't go on this part instead its now above the text. Anyways, THERE it is.lol. )

Passion. Art. Life. - The Official Launch of The World's Most Awesome in Photography

Busy brewin' busy brewin'... We are currently getting ready for the official launch of The Maharlika Mirasol Photography. This is like a dream come true. Well, it is - a dream come true. : ) If there's anyone out there who is soon to be wed, we invite you to look into our wedding packages and samples of our work. Also, watch out for our official website. Very very soon!

This is exciting I don't know what to blog about - theres a lot! Positive reactions from clients, heartfelt congratulations from friends, warm encouragement from families... I am just overwhelmed.

There is much more to say. But it is better to let the images do the talking. That is, for those who's going to attend the launch on November 22, Saturday at the Lancaster Hotel, Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Have to go for now, working on the  some more photographs for the upcoming exhibit.

i love 50mm

Haha. Im one of the EB in this EB. That's early bird in this egg basket.lol.  This was a pretty fun event held at the Mall of Asia. Joined the On the Spot Photo Contest and I got my photo landing into the Top 10. Got me some Canon products as prizes. Haha. Thats kinda cool cause Im a Nikon user. A bit weird though cause I forgot all the new people I met, at least their names that I forgot cause we were all using our handle name/ online name. I am so not good with names i have yet to fix me up on that one.

Thats me the 42nd photo. Or was that 41? : )

Another Day at the Office

Yes, be it at a nearby Starbucks               ( caramel macchiatto ).

Or Coffeebean ( English Breakfast Chai Tea Latte ), or Krispy Kreme ( original glazed ) at Bonifacio Hi Street or in a veranda of a cottage wood inspired resthouse as the cool winds of Tagaytay blow gently by the late noon sun. It is, for me - another day in the office. My office.

I don't know when exactly it happened and how or maybe even why, but there was a point in my life I decided that I can't be dull. Otherwise I'd die. Not that I didn't try to be normal. I did. I really did. But there came a point in those trial stages of normalcy that I almost puked my guts out realizing that it wasn't me. I tried to compromise. Who would in their right minds try to go against the flow of the crowd? I certainly didn't want to do that. That would be harsh. Dangerous. Stupid. Economically non viable. The words that came from people "who are in the know". I tried. Did what they told me to do. What was expected of me to do. As most do.

I really did. And I failed.

Reflect and Genuflect (ahaha).

Unfortunately, I can never be "normal". I was not and never will be the same as the others. I am as Vhong Navarro would put it, "The Anothers ". Like Professor Charles X. Xavier's students I am... different.

It was at this point that everything else fell into place. I had to come to terms with it now ( oopsss... funny how that sounded gay.ahaha). Be me or Bust. But then, who is me? So I'm different, Im not normal what then, who then Am I?

I cannot put it into words right now. But one word always speaks a familiar tone when these kinds of question arises. I am, and the word is, an - ARTIST. From the day I was born up until now. The word, the meaning of this word lingers in me. In fact this word does not, cannot even contain it - its meaning. The soul of this word. But this describes me. At its best and at its worst.

Thus there was no point of hiding in the futility of averageness. Eventually I had to break free. And break free I did.

But I feel sleepy now and I have a shoot later at 10am and its already 3am. So this means a part 2 is in the offing. : )

How abnormal is that - ending abruptly.wahaha. I don't care this is my blog. And besides you readers probably don't even exist! lol. : )

By the way thats me in the photo of  course, with my awesomeness MacBookPro which is a whole new story altogether. In fact this whole hoolabaloo is just really about HOW AWESOME MAC IS. Really. (wahaha - suckers ).

And that other thing beside me is one of my Nikon camera. Great great piece of machinery.

Thats all Katol for now Bolinao. : )

Obama - A Change We Need

Senator Barrack Obama kinda looks like my father no kidding. But truth is I was kinda skeptical about his campaign propaganda of the " Change We Need " and all those idealistic talk he was using. I was thinking its the usual propaganda to do and say to crush the already unpopular Bush administration and the Republicans. Also, being colored I was thinking he was using that to his advantage knowing that the issue of race and color is already a touchy subject and that if you happen to be white and not like Obama you automatically become a racist so it seems the white Americans are held hostage to the issue.

Those were my thoughts. Note, WERE. I was only able to listen awhile ago to his speech, his victory speech. There I realized that I could be wrong all along. Admittedly I have no real basis for my opinions I mentioned above. Except for the fact that Obama was antiwar and my own stand against it was the war on terror should not stop until the terrorists are crushed. Bush unpopular as it may be made the right decision I think. These terrorists really should be wiped off the face of the earth. Not an easy thing to do. Not an easy thing to decide to go to war. But Bush did so and stuck with this decision.

It was thus easy for Obama to ride into that unpopular choices by Bush. A classic political move.

But now, to go back - I was able to listen to his victory speech. I cannot help but admire the man and what he stands for. I have a confession, I even got teary eyed as he was speaking ( okey I cried tears and all but I was trying to hold it back ). It was good the camera was showing people from the audience also teary eyd and crying. Rev. Jesse Jackson and even Oprah was there all teary eyed.

I pray Obama is a beacon of hope and change to this generation of apathy and pointlessness. Here in our country alone I am almost out of hope for the so called leaders of our nation. It seems everywhere you turn in the different sectors of government no one is really as they say they are. A lot are even without shame or a sense of guilt even when caught with their pants down ( the euro generals ). Our President having a lot of booboos in her integrity as President with all the scandals, corruption... I feel sick as I type this. I am not the kind who complains and blames the government. But it really is a fact that a large part of our nation's problem is the hypocrisy of our leaders. People in government are in government not to serve but to have power, feel powerful, and feel wealthy. They are burning their souls even while still here on earth.

I studied Political Science for 4 years and sadly, the conclusion of all my study of Politics is that the main driving force of politics is not idealism, not vision, not servanthood and leadership but - money. The manipulation of the peoples' minds, the temptation of money and the pride of being in power. People who mean well, who strive for change, who truly strive for vision and idealism are sadly, underfunded, smeared by black propaganda or - if all else fails, subjected to disappearance and - death. Ninoy and a lot others are obvious examples.

I was saddened by this but deep within me a passion still burns that keeps holding on to what is good. To what is ideal.

Here now is Barrack Obama. He espouses change and speaks of it. He inspires and gives hope. He is honest knowing full well of the hard task at hand yet still hopeful and headstrong. His political machinery is well funded no doubt about it but more than anything else it was due to common people believing in him and taking part in the goal, the hope of change for their country. The line was drawn. While there are people who stands for selfish individualist motives, an " i don't care attitude - there are now those who are standing up, taking part in their own little ways.

The time tested political maneuverings and spin doctoring, black propaganda and smear campaigns didn't work. A well oiled, administration backed, well funded political machinery didn't work. Against what? Against a man who envisions change. Simple. Profound.

We need this too here in our country. We need people not unlike Obama. No rhetoric, no shitty speech. No vote buying or maneuvering. Genuine Leaders. Inspiring Leaders. Humble Leaders. Selfless Leaders.

Sad how even right now a priest from Pampanga is being attacked from all sides when he stood up against a well entrenched gambling lord/politician and wins practically by a miracle. Goes to prove that there are still those who are hopeful. There are still those who will take a stand amidst overwhelming odds. That is good. We need more like that. Pinoy man o hindi. I fear for the priest's life. But more than fear I pray for strength and God's covering to be upon him. And because he took his stand and stood his ground more people are being inspired. More people will take their own stand.

I am inspired by Barrack Obama. God does bless America still. I pray God blesses our country too. We need a godly leader and one who inspires. And one who is strong that summons up the strength and courage of the people to once and for all stand up against the tyranny of the corrupt who has entrenched themselves in our government. I pray that fear divide and eat up this people who think they have the power to abuse the Filipino people and get away with it.

I pray the change we need comes soon. Its time we shine in this world. A Changed Filipino.

A Singapore Wedding PostNup Session

This is my first out of the country photo session, a post nup or some call it " Trash the Dress " but we didn't trash the dress of the bride. We just went all around Singapore with Vangie in her actual wedding gown and of course the handsome groom, Alvic - with his slick formal wear. Singapore is much more humid than the Philippines but the couple was game and didn't complain. We finished the shoot at around 8pm in the evening! Were we tired? Of course, it was exhausting! But it was all worth it. : )

Lola and Child - Pagkalinga

Amidst all the chaos of the Kawad Kalinga event and the heat of the noonday sun, I saw this grandma o so gently carressing, carefully wiping off the sweat from the little girl's forehead at the same time holding the red umbrella. A real epitome for the word " kalinga ". Or, " Pagkakalinga" ng isang lola sa kanyang apo.

A Binondo Adventure ( JP and Buffie's E Session)

We could've complained about the rain. But the day was just too beautiful to be ruined by anything. So instead of the rain soaking down our mood, as it happens it really was just a matter of " point of view "...

This was my first time to shoot in Binondo. The couple, JP and Buffie wanted their engagement photo sessions totally different from most prenup photos they saw. They asked me if I can do an e session ala papparrazi. They couldn't have asked for a better person to do this. I was always for the unique, the unusual, the extraordinary. Our wavelenghts were aligned and thus scheduled our shoot and went to Binondo. It really was a one of a kind experience. The shoot was a bit challenging but fun nonetheless. Stay Tuned As I will post some of the photos soon... :)

i am a hero

I went into the restroom at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall and saw this - the " I am a Hero " design by Team Manila ( these guys are awesome ). I just had to take photos of it. I felt like this is some sort of positive affirmation which is much needed by a lot of Pinoys especially the "masa". The trouble with this is, its inside Rockwell at the Powerplant Mall and this is not a mall for the "masa". If there are some of you who may not know, The Powerplant is more of a high end shopping mall - for the A,B market so... Wait I guess I have to explain. Well you see, I do believe in positive affirmations. It is like programming ones psyche to replace all the negatives that run in ones mind with that which is positive. We have a natural tendencies as human to be drawn to the negative. As Pinoys even we have a pervading culture of a sort of negativity. Yes, we are a bunch of happy, resilient race but for some reason we have - and Im sure you know, these mindsets such as " Bahala Na ", " Pwede Na ", " inggit " that leads to crab mentality. A mindset of mediocrity, a sense of insecurity that kind of makes us think that some people are better than others and we are not. The mindset that makes us think that the Americans, or practically anyone who is whiter than us, are - more superior than us.

I was suspect of all these mindsets and true enough I began to realize these are false beliefs ingrained to us that needs to be demolished. One effective technique to replace this bad thought process is to constantly BE in a GOOD thought process. To see, think, feel, speak and hear all that is positive and shut down all the negatives. This is positive affirmation. A practical and simple example would be to go infront of a mirror, look at yourself and say with feelings and conviction;

" Gwapo Ako..." or " Mayaman Ako " or " Winner Ako ".

It has been proven time and again that people who do this are more likely to be who they declare/affirm themselves to be. Even the bible speaks of this. Jesus said Himself that it is given to you according to the measure of your faith - your belief. A man who thus believe in bigger better things to come and happen for him will, by virtue of his faith, eventually have what he asked and believed in.

" I Am a Hero " by the design firm Team Manila affirms the "heroness" in all of us. The fact that they placed it in the restroom goes right smack into the proven affirmation process of seeing yourself - in this case, as a hero however ordinary you are. I just thought, " People outside Rockwell need it more than the people inside Rockwell as these people in Rockwell are most likely wealthy and successful already and may be contributing a fair amount of their wealth and energy to the society. I think most of them already know or practice a thought pattern of a hero or a successful person - positive, persistent, wise, industrious.

Some may argue that positive attributes are not monopolized by the rich. The same goes the argument that the poor, the "masa" are good people too but are still poor and that is just not fair. Yes, there is some truth in these statement but as a wise mentor said to me before;

" based on results " the poor whatever else they say remains poor and then there are few who become rich, continues to be or on the way towards being rich.

People who are rich have already in them ingrained, a positive mindset. People who become rich and successful learn to adopt in them a positive mindset. The poor on the other hand still yet has to break free from the poverty mindset - a mindset of lack instead of prosperity and excellence.

To be a Hero is to see in oneself a bigger, better person than one is known to be. To be a hero is to see in oneself the capacity to make a difference in society whatever ones situation is in life. 

That sticker in the mirror seem to make you say that whoever is infront is a hero. The glasses below makes reference to Ninoy Aquino who is of course a true hero to all Filipinos. If much more people see this and realize this I think positive, hopeful changes are not far ahead.

Let us be - WE ARE...  I am a - Hero.

More Misyel and Rene

Here are some more photos of Rene and Misyel's Wedding. I just love the naturalness of this photographs. The couple did not pose this are all natural. : )

2 measly blogs!

o oh, its October now and I have 2 measly posts in this, my supposed blog. I've been going online practically daily yet still I never had the time to create a new post. Hmmm... actually, its not really the time I don't have. i think its more like I didn't have the guts to post what I really wanted to say at that particular point in time. Why? I don't know why. I guess, its kinda like I hesitate to say what I want to say for maybe fear of what other people might say. That is a total "duh" i know and I'd say a lot of it is just my own imagination so right now I remember something Paul said in the bible;

" You do what you don't want to do, and that which you want to do, you don't do it..."

Something to that effect. In line with his thought about the mind willing but the flesh is weak.

But I think its time to stop the excuses and be Nike. " Just Do It ".

No Fear. No Second Thoughts. No hesitation.

I started this, so I have to go through this with all the pain and the glory that goes with it. Its too late to care now what other people might think or not think. Besides, does anyone really care? How may freakin' blogger are out there anyway maybe they too feel the same way I feel and still do it anyway. 

Now I guess that is just how it is with the common man's usual struggle. We have fears and emotions that swirl inside our heads making us stop, hesitate and some if not most, give in. And there are a few who despite all of the doubts and uncertainties they feel, jump out into the water...

And thus they swim. Some fly. I on the other hand - walk into the water ( that is a whole new blog altogether watch out for it ). : )