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The Pre-Race to Marriage
Sometimes, work clients do cross over and inquire of more personal shoots. So when Kat, a friend from my car industry circle asked if I could cover her Tinghun, I was caught off guard, deeply honored, and very, very excited, for they are genuinely wonderful people. They were practical too, everything was kept simple, all the basic things done right, nothing over the top. Everyone pitched in to help put things together, and it was nice to witness and capture those small acts of care in a family gathering. What stood out most was the smiles exchanged between the two families. Whether consciously or not, it felt like a quiet…
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SINEPOP – THE TRANQUIL ZONE
A good friend invited me to an evening of intimate chamber music in a venue hidden somewhere in Cubao, a place which he says, is a haven for introverts. I went with my wife and we had a wonderful time with the music and the crowd. After the performance, the host toured us around the venue and gave us a summarized history. It was evening that time, but I could imagine the light coming in during different times of the day. The quiet place is called Sinepop. A few months passed since then and after a busy streak of shoots, I was eager for some quality R&R. Somehow Sinepop kept…
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THE QUIET COLLECTIVE
I recently learned that there are two kinds of workshops, a kind that designs and educates, similar to Odang Putik’s Workshop, and a kind that gets hot and dirty, like the one I’m going to show you. For Liter of Light to be able to achieve the 3000+ solar lamp project, a team from a third generation family artisan business is entrusted to mass produce them in a short amount of time, because they can! It took a little convincing for them to show us their workshop though. They would always say it’s too hot, or I might not like it there, but I loved it! And I also learned…
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FROM MIND TO MOLD
Weeks ago, Illac called me up to set a schedule to document a component of a project he is working on. I was to head to a pottery studio north of Quezon City, to observe the brainstorming and design of the receptacle for Liter of Light’s solar lamps. I arrive at Odang Putik Pottery Studio, the art space of Ianna Engano, a prime mover of functional ceramics. A small but smart studio where every area has a purpose. Why pottery? The project at hand calls for the solar lamps to be encased in something locally made, a local craft if you may. Pottery came into the picture, a local art…
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MORNING PRAISE
There’s a story to this one, but I will share it next time, for now let’s start the week with words of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of life! “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look…
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THE LIGHT IN YOUR HANDS
Solar powered lights, assembled by hand, tightened by simple tools. Renewable and clean, something so simple can be so essential when the storms come and electricity gets knocked out. This is the very thing Liter of Light has been doing for many years, bringing light to the communities in need, and teaching them how to do it themselves. A proactive advocacy indeed. Now it needs your help! On Sundays at June 8 and 15 at Asian Institute of Management, from 8am to 5pm. Liter of Light calls for your community to help assemble 3,000 Solar Lamps, first as a set up for a World Record, then to be sent to…
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A VIEW OF GRATITUDE V2.0
I sit as I watch my child enjoy the view, and I think to myself. My dad’s first travel was when he was 12 years old, they went to Baguio. My first travel was when I was around 12 years old as well, I would sometimes look back at the pictures and remember the trip with fondness. But my kid, he’s just a few years old and he’s already been out of the country. This perplexes me because many times I would wonder when my next project would come, or if the next coming shoots will be enough, but whenever I worry, a friend would always point me to this…
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Art in Resonance – Bencab
Stepping into the lobby of The Peninsula Manila always fills me with awe, especially in the early mornings. The peaceful crisp air is contrasted by the warm morning light that beams in to gently kiss the cool marble interiors. The hallowed halls slowly wake up. While I may not be an early riser, I am here to catch the morning light, and something special. I’m here to take photos of the works of Bencab. During the latter weeks of May up until July 21, 2024, the lobby of The Peninsula Manila served as a backdrop to 8 wonderful works of Philippine Nation Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera. Presented…
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FAITH TO REST, FAITH TO MOVE
I remember I was beside my wife back then when she was given the news that the company she’s working for is ceasing their operations here in the Philippines. We were all in shock, and to those who have experienced this, you know that the rest of the week will be surreal. Sudden changes in life in general comes as a shock, and it takes its toll, whether physically, or mentally, it literally drains your energy for the days. When that happens you got to stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and breathe in. Keep reminding yourself to not worry, because reality will be knocking every moment of…
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BOHOL BEE FARM
I remember my previous experience in Bohol Bee Farm to be a bit strange because I wasn’t able to see any bees. I later learned that the colony moved to a different location when Bohol was hit by a major storm. What I also remember was that I enjoyed their food a lot! Especially their ice cream. I’m back again in Bohol, this time with my family, and the place is as lively as can be. Passing by the reception area and the shop, we walk down a quaint pathway towards the restaurant, a very buzzzy restaurant. Service staff would zip by bringing dishes or clearing tables, the chattering of…
Life and Love Photographer
