Epix-06 Honors Best Images of the Year

Last Sunday, October 29 was a very commemorative date in my photography world. This is the day when budding photographer like me will be honored with pride as we contribute our talent preserving moments of our time.

I rushed to MRT station going to Chino Roces in Makati City for the awarding ceremony of Epix-06 conducted by Epson Philippines held and organized in cooperation with One Workshop Studio.

I come late because I have a visitor then in my house in Quezon City and I was so tired that made me fall asleep. I was able to reach the venue almost past six and everyone are having their heavy snacks.


The awarding proceeded almost 5 p.m. because according to some photog friends who are also an awardees, the day was full of photo op with free live models to shoot and plus of course the food. My arrival was just in time as beverages were also being served. Well, at least I have some moments to savor my triumph as my lone entry was considered as one of the best images for this year :)

And so, being a late comer is not a reason to soul gripe, for my only consolation was more than the prize I got. Who else? A celebrity photo enthusiast finalists, Ms. China Cojuangco was with me for a photo op.

Anyway, all awardees' works were featured in a black hard bound glossy art book that was printed in Singapore. It features the winners and finalists of two categories namely: Vanishing Scene and Filipino Achievers under two divisions, The Enthusiast and the Pro Category, respectively. This book will be distributed in some universities, cultural galleries and embassies in the country.

This is the 2nd year for Epson to conduct this event for Filipino photographers. Thanks to them for honoring Filipino talents thru this medium. For sure, with the two successful event, more photo aficionados and pro will look forward for another challenging theme for next year's Epix. More power to Epson Philippines!.

A Father to my Son

My time was already eaten by my work that sometimes I have already forgotten that my family needs my presence and quality time. Last week, I ponder things and I realized my shortcomings when I was at the hospital holding my son while he was being injected with syringe to control his high fever. I felt his heartbeat pounds so hard as he struggled to escape from the medical procedure. I told myself that I should took that pain instead of him for he is not supposed to be prone from pain and hardship. My heart seemed to break from pity especially when my child uttered the word "Papa, Papa!" Try to imagine that, and you'll probably feel what I feel.

The dextrose had slipped-out of his hand because he tried to escape from the grip of many hands holding him. I suggested to stop the doctor from doing it and instead lull him to sleep first before he do the procedure again. With his tender age of 1 year and 8 months, he still couldn’t control his emotions for total strangers.

We decided to rush him at the UDMC hospital by 2:00 a.m. because the medicines didn't help to subside his high fever. Though he is still active, his eyes is a little fussy, a sign that he is not in a normal condition yet. This is his 2nd time to be confined in the hospital since his birth. His first was when we left him in the nursery care due to infection and jaundice. And with these people in white uniform made him scared. My baby got an infected toe that triggers his fever. It reaches to 42 C and according to the doctor, with that temperature it could trigger a convulsion. I was thankful then that he was blessed with a strong immune system so he could overcome the dilemma he’s in at the time. It is my consolation that I have a wife who is very diligent and full of patience to be there to take care of him.

So, after his confinement, I have devoted my weekends to my son and my loving wife. We went to Mall of Asia and let Chad enjoy the biggest branch of Toy Kingdom. From there, he rode his favorite bike and remote controlled cars. What he liked most were the kiddie cars of all sorts which were replicas of a true car. But I feel sorry for not giving this perk because of lack of enough money.



After strolling down the mall, the following day we went to Quezon City Memorial Circle and Park so Chad could experience the ambience of the surroundings, enjoy the fresh air, lush greeneries and amenities. We also attended the mass and thank the Lord for the blessings he gave unto us.I drove them in a bike with a side car along with the other kids at the park. We also brought him to the kiddie area where he could play with fellow kids while they ramp up and down the slides.

Now, I feel relieved seeing my son back to his norms. The saying is true, "Any man can be a father , but it takes someone special to become a dad.

An International Bookfair for Filipinos

With the theme "Make it a habit", The 27th Manila International Book Fair culminated last August 30-Sept. 3, 2006 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This is an annual event for book lovers and a big show for all book publishers. Everyone has its own strategies and way to attract book lovers to visit their booths, attend special events and a showcase of their respective products and services. One of them is Vibal Publishing House - one of the big publishers who has free story telling for children. They have children's story and coloring books that are bestsellers. They have invited Ms. Cha Chua and her group from Alitaptap Storyteller's Club to conduct storytelling session at the Function Room B of the bookfair. It was a success and needless to say that it had attracted not just kids but also adults because of their theater-like presentation. It is now the modern approach that is used by storytellers to gain attention and let the listener fully understood the stories being featured.

After that, I went around and take a look on their booth. I was greeted by a presentation showcasing their new multimedia products. These are nominated to the World Summit last year. As I turned around I see more product showcase and glad to know that some of them contains my contribution on photography and other creative stuffs. Some of them are the multi-awarded Regions of the Philippines interactive DVD, the Book Award winner for best in Trave Writing Murada: A Walk to the Historic Instramuros and also I am doing a website project for their coloring books based on the popular TV series "Super Inggo". Their booth is very well designed that it gain as third placer in the booth competition.

The World Trade Center in Pasay City was the venue of this international event. There are more than 80 exhibitors who had joined and it caters all types of books from kiddie books to professionals in all levels. Some of them consist textbooks, educational supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials. Giant bookstore chains of National Bookstore and Powerbooks covers the largest part of the venue and it lures the public with big discounts and other surprise gifts.

I scrambled through their isles to look for some books on electronic publishing and other reference books. I'm into book on blogging, wiki's and other computer jargons such as AJAX and XHTML. I need these because I have a huge site being develop. These are new tech-terms that surface and getting popularity among web masters and I think these books has not yet been published. Some of them are just available as documentation online. What I really wanted was a book on actual project implementation and in-depth experiences from several companies who had applied these technology.

This year's event really attracted book lovers and to my conclusion, the event was a big success and more innovations will hopefully be seen next year.

A Day with Ana's Band

For a photographic point of view, perfect lighting is very important to achieve the drama that we wish for the final output of an image. And for a natural lighting, we depend on the time where sunlight is on its perfect form. That's what I am trying to explain to my clients everytime we do an outdoor photo shoot.

This time, I have an emergency pictorial for an upcoming band named Ana Loves Sundays. You might ask why its an emergency? My friend Dennis called me up late in the evening and referred me this project. We come up for a half-day shoot because it's the only time I'll be available. I have some pending jobs in the office that needs attention. We have decided to start early at 8 am so we can make most of the natural lighting.

The plan don't went fine as we have expected. We are at UP Diliman by 7:30 and expecting all members of the band to be there and ready for the pictorial. They never thought that we can go as early as this. May be Dennis don't clarify with them his intention for a day light effect on their pictorials. To make the story short, we ended up shooting around 11:00 am which give us a harsh lighting in the background. The sun rays is so distinct and its not perfect for them. It might give them a squint eyes one's they are at the middle of the field. We understood, its their first time and they never expected that we are that serious. So, we have modified some concepts of the shoot to take advantage of the sun lights.


I have to make a decision now, I don't want to ruin their excitement as we go along with the shoot. We have only finished 2 concepts out of 6 by 12:30. And i can't just go and leave them hanging with expectations. I decided to stay and continue the shoot till afternoon. After the break, we continue at 3:00 pm and finished the concept shots. We can't go to shoot in an intense day light, so warming it down would be a good decision to make. The idle time was devoted for discussion of the concepts while they are playing around jokes to each other.

This band were mostly composed of young teens and they were headed by their vocalist Ana, who is an executive in an advertising firm. They called their music "(sorry i forgot)" — a combination of Rock Ballad. Though I have not heard their song, truly this promising band, has something to show in the music scene in the near future. Ana said that they are already making some discussions with IVORY records and this pictorial is intended for their CD labels and poster campaign in some gigs. They are scheduled to do a front act during a concert of Barbi this October.

The Pacific Plaza w/ Ms. Shh-BOOM

May be i was just lucky enough to be attached on this distinct high-rise building at the center of Fort Bonifacio in Makati City not just because my boss lives here but having to work with a former actress for a pictorial on this same location is something.

Actually, we'll be having a party at my boss unit later this afternoon and the pictorial was just a co-incidence. She is waiting for me at the Penthouse of Pacific Plaza where we conducted some part of the shoot. The unit was so cool and very spacious that is worth for a feature story in a glossy lifestyle magazine. It's theme was a bit of Mediterranean and Avant garde matches with dramatic sun rays that perfectly embedded on its high glass windows.

The dramatic approach of Ms. Rachel Lobangco for her pictorial was really perfect for the setting. She wanted me to shoot by using the available lights coming from the window and this is much easier on my part rather using a strobe lighting .

She teased me with her skimpy clad body that is well maintained and sculptured in spite of her age. She has still the SSH-BOOM appeal that once so popular with her beer commercial. She is full of energy and very provocative with her poses that i really like. She made the pose of her own and I cannot ask for more :). My camera goes rapid fire as it click on its desire and we are happy for its output.

Rachel has a vast collection of two piece attires that are really perfect for her voluptuous body. When the sun starts to vanish through the building cloud formation, we decided to go out on this 300 m2 unit and we went strait to the high speed glass elevator down to its floral landscape pool.

From here, we start the shoot before it crowded us with guests on the building. It's good, we have the security that are very cooperative and manage to stand with us until we are through with the shoot. Rachel is with her friend Honey and they have tandem during the pictorial. They have lots of swim wears for the pictorial and all well perfected on their ever sexy bodies. They changed attire after few shots while I am thinking for a possible back drop of the shoot.

My assistant was very clever that he manage to get few on-location shots. He do it in between while he holds the reflector and run for my batteries. The climate doesn't cooperate with us during that day, that made us to pause for the sun to come in. So, when the rain starts to pour, we can't do anything but to shoot rapidly as she pose on her desired angles.

Well, that's how I experience my day at Pacific Plaza and I'm just so thankful that my client really appreciated the outcome of our takes. Now, i have to get rest and party time is next in line.

ABOUT RACHEL LOBANGCO

Rachel is a former actress who turned stylist, fire dancer during her free time and was a popular SSh-Boom Girl for a beer commercial. She was featured in some local movies as "KOKAK" who was a a hit during the late 80's. She also manages their family-owned Elvie's Beauty Care chain of outlets in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces.

ABOUT PACIFIC PLAZA

The Pacific Plaza Towers is situated on a 15,000 m2 site adjoining the Manila Golf Club. This large and most premium site lays claim to having the best views in Metro Manila. At elevation, the Towers will have superb views of the Makati Skyline, Laguna Lake, Manila Bay and its sunset, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Architecture of two elegant towers, executed as a wave (North Tower) and the other as a curve (South Tower) by world-renowned Arquitectonica and Recio + Casas, to serve as a distinct signature landmark in Fort Bonifacio.

The Landscape of 102 hectare open area presents a luxurious garden estate featuring lobby level reflecting pools, terraced waterfalls, an Olympic size swimming pool, an island spa, children's pool and playground, meditation gardens, and a surrounding curtain of flora.

From Everest to Bataan

Everest is just a dream for everyone of us but for Romi, its something that he can already cherished for a life time. He made a mark on our history and soon to amaze us in the future.

His return to his hometown in Bataan, is like another journey for him. He had never seen his family for quite sometime during his full time preparation and training for his big dream on Everest. So this time, his return is made possible with the full support of his fellow mountainers and his major sponsors.

Allow me to share my photo essay. Although this is not my usual travel blog, Please consider it as a new experience for us as I once travel in a life of a very ordinary, simple person yet so determined and full of passion for his sport. The name who made headlines-- Romi Garduce.

6:30 -- Our convoy started from the backgate of GMA 7. We drove in a Revo with my writers while Romi rode in a van with his fellow UP mountainers and Northface group. His loyal friend, Henry who is the current UP Mountainers President drove his F150 with his wife. We had a stop-over at Shell station by the North Express way for breakfast.

8:30 - We arrived at the boundary of Pampanga and Bataan where the motorcade team and local supporters are waiting. He can't believe what he sees, and even hesitant to jump off from the van. Waiting fans cheered when they saw Romi marching towards the float made for him. They all wanted to shake hands with this man who had conquered the Everest. As he went near the float, the band starts to play. He was meet again by Jemo, the GMA 7 cameraman who joined him at Everest basecamp with Jiggy.

9:00 - He is on his float fully decorated with a replica background of Mt. Everest. Posters and streamers of congratulations are on every vehicle who will join the motorcade. As we passed by the barangays, all cheered for him with such pride and chanting furiously his name. The motorcade created heavy traffic because of the narrow roads going to his hometown in Balanga. And as the sun heats up, the motorcade starting to go slow because of the crowded area in some municipalities. It's good that somebody volunteered to get an umbrella for Romi or else he will be fried again with the scourging sun.

11:00 - We arrived at the Provincial Capitol where the Governor and ten of his officials are waiting to congratulates him. His aging mother and four of his siblings are also there. After a brief chat with the officials we all get inside the Provincial Meeting Room for the start of the Program.

Several awards and Merit on his honor was given to him. And as usual this politicians are all ready specially for the photo op. A 5-minute film showing was shown in a projector to showcase his successful feat. In return, Romi give the Governor his personal souvenir from Everest to the people of Bataan. It was a picture of him and colored flaglets which he used during his climbed. They said that it was blessed by the Lama to give him guidance on his journey.

12:30 - The governor treat us with buffet lunch. Its about time for all of us especially Romi to relax after the 3-hour motorcade. The food are nice and really mouth-watering everyone are quite and so busy with the food. After that lunch and a stick of "yosi", another pictorial session for the group together with the local press. Then, the group decided to go to Romi's place to rest.

1:30 - We are at Romi's residence and a simple buffet of steamed crab was prepared by his family. He invited us to join them but we rather prefers to stay at the sala and sip a couple of beers he gave us earlier. GMA 7 camera starts to roll to document and conduct some interviews with his family, they have to do this for their news update deadline.

2:30 - The sirens rang, the band played and the float came to pick us for another round of motorcade. This time, its only in the municipality of Balanga. Romi's visitors came and his neighbors were alerted of his presence and immediately flock the area. By the way, he lives in a village and it has a narrow street to accomodate more vehicles. Earlier, our arrival at his house is just like an ordinary visitors who knock on door and it did not alerted his neighbors. May be they don't realized that Romi was with us.

4:30 - The city government of Balanga had also prepared a program for Romi. Upon our arrival, people are running towards our direction. Most of them are youth and they scattered all over with their cellphones on to get his pictures. The funny thing is that on his way to the stage to meet the Mayor, the crowd were so excited that it even bumped the mayor to get a clear shot of Romi. I know for sure he's quite irritated with the scenario:). Again, for the second time...awarding ceremony follows.

7:00 pm - we decided to go back to Manila..the view of heavy rains is like a back massage for me after this event. I'm so tired same with my two companion chick who find their own comfort at the back of our service vehicle.

Sidetrip to Everest

June 7, 2006
__________

The hype over the climb to Mt. Everest continues and everyone were so excited to get the latest update that leads to some sort of network war on their coverage of the 1st Philippine Expedition to Mt. Everest.

Well, at first, I'm not interested to the news when it was first announced. But when the news broke up that Filipino made it to the summit. I have this deep admiration and sense of pride realizing that a Filipino can make it.

Actually, as the news broke out about the climb, we have conceptualized a book on Mt. Everest quest by Filipinos. Our writers starts to gather the news and starts on their research while on the wait for the actual events of the said ascend. My only role is the conceptualization of the book design and help the writers for the possible title.

I started my research by downloading some images i found on the net for my visual concept presentation. During this course, i have seen and appreciated the beauty of Everest from countless stock photos available and feel the drama behind those who had earlier conquest of the Summit.

Then, here goes the chance to meet one of the conquestor—Mr. Romi Garduce, a veteran climber, member of the UP Mountaineers and the third Pinoy who had reach the Big E.

We had an interview with him at a Cafe' in Greenbelt 3 last June 7 and were so lucky to hang with him in spite of his countless visitors at the adjacent table. His schedules are hectic and talking to him about his quest is like a Side trip to the Summit and much excitement awaits us when he showed to us his personal photos of the great Everest. He's very accommodating and very funny, just like any other mountaineers who always crack a joke to relieve their exhaustion during climb.

I don't want to elaborate more on our conversation but one thing for sure, Mr. Garduce is in love with his passion more than anything else. His quest for the seven (7) peaks in the world is his ultimate dreams and you can stop this man with great determination and passion.

AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS ROMI, Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Back to my Roots

My visit to my hometown in Bicol Region this summer gives a glimpse to the old friends and playmates during my childhood years.Some of them have a family of their own,others made achievements here and abroad.We reminisced the past,talked of the present and dreamed of the future along with a bunch of alcohol to be able to stay awake until the wee hours of the morning.

I may sound like I have not returned for years huh! but two years had passed since my last visit is quite a long time gone for me. Nothing is new nothing has change except the people that live here.Many have been migrated and worked to other countries. New life had emerge that adds to the growing population of the city. The thoroughfares made a lot of improvement, city scapes start to grow and extends to the nearby barangays and tourist spots have something to tell.

I have not waited so long. So, the following day, with my younger brother, we drove to my father's motorbike and visited some barangay and nearby towns to stroll. He toured me to some of the places where they usually visited. We went to Baao, the hometown of my mother and visited my relatives. As we go downtown, the old church of St. Bartolome has a new finished and got a few shots for a souvenir.

We decided to go on the diversion road to Nabua afterwards. From there, I see the long stretch of bounty green rice fields with farmers as they lined side by side flowing their precious land. It was like a relief to my eyes with these new scenes that i see more than the usual traffic of EDSA i witness everyday. The vast land that surrounds the hills of the town of Nabua and Baao are their town's precious jewel. Unlike the vast land of Makati and Quezon City that are just converted into malls and golf courses are only productive to a few. Needless to say that these young men and women who are hanging at the middle of the scourging heat of the sun are the food source of this town.

Then, we reach the old church of Nabua. It is considered as one of the oldest churches in Bicol because of its old baroque structure that remains until this very day. Stories from old folks say that this is one of the Japanese headquarters when they occupied this town. Many Filipino guerillas happened to be hanged and bayoneted in this area.

As we proceed going to Iriga City, the long road of National highway gives a dramatic backdrop of Mt. Sumagang (Mt. Iriga). You can easily see the volcanic landscape of it from afar plus its clear blue sky which is very visible during summer.

We immediately detour for a highway exit when a one bystander told us that there is a "parak" or police ahead of us. The Iriga Police are on patrol at that very hour and they were apprehended for their colorum vehicles including those who have no license. I have lost mine for over 5 years already and never secured one since I am not driving in Manila.

It was a blessing in disguise because if not with this police on patrol I would not have the opportunity to take a look of the majestic view of Mt. Iriga. It is considered as one of the highlights when you visit this city. The clear blue sky with great contrast of green lush fields is worth for a postcards.

Of course, my lens never missed that. I even take shots while aboard the motorbike. We drove to a barangay shortcuts to miss the city proper. On this streets, you can see the usual barangay setting, kids playing, oldfolks on their "nganga" (betelnut), pandesal vendor on his bike and young men playing volleyball on rough roads.

We reached Barangay San Jose and at the middle of the fields we saw a newly reclaimed driveway. We try to find out where it is going until we saw a group of teens on a tricycle going to that way and soon we follow. As we reach the entrance of the field and as swayed by the banana leaves a beautiful view of Mt. Iriga captured my inner soul. For more than two decades, i have never seen her beauty and prestige... really, its so majestic.

And there the much awaited end of the road...is a cold spring resort at the middle of the rice fields. According to the caretaker, it was built by one of the influential political families of the city. I must congratulate him for this wonderful project. It is still on its development and the entrance is still affordable to the public. I just hope that when I returned to this place and bring my family, I can still enjoy the precious water as much as others have enjoyed it.

The Adventure Begins

Welcome to the simple travel blog of an ordinary Pinoy! We seldom go to places but never wonder on its significance, right? For me, every place is something that i can cherished and eventually becomes part of me.

Well, on this page a journey to life starts here. Come with me and be my guide.