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The Hidden Beauty of Manila Zoo
The famous quote “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” seems to forget that some beauty has to be observed. In this generation where we are constantly bombarded by the media with instant images and novelty, it is tempting to think that even beauty can be served to us like fast food for the eyes. There are instances when we need to take a second look, or maybe a third one before beauty shows itself. It may be testing you if you are worthy to see what is hiding underneath the first impression. One place where such beauty is hiding is in a small oasis called the Manila Zoo.…
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The Joy of Selecting Your Bridesmaids
Have you ever attended a wedding and wondered why there had to be bridesmaids (and groomsmen)? It got my curiosity thinking a while back and I did a quick search on the traditions (and some superstitions) that involves the choosing of your entourage. It wasn’t mind blowing when I looked it up so I simply put it at the back of my head. But recently as I was shooting a wedding, I noticed that the bridesmaids were very helpful, always cheerful, and kept the bride happy from start to finish. And then I recalled the other weddings that I’ve shot wherein the brides were always relaxed, happy, or full of…
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Hay Tita – Funny Wedding Moments
Weddings are filled with moments, the crying, the hugging, the laughing, I’m pretty much used to seeing and feeling the emotions in events like these. But then there is this tita, who comes up while the couple is doing their funky first dance and inserts a packet of money in… well, I let the picture tell the story. 🙂
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Wattah Wattah – A San Juan Festival
Who wants to get their camera wet? Certainly not me, but my wife gave me a plastic rain cover for my camera as a gift a few months ago and I simply folded it and stuck it in my camera bag, thinking I’ll surely use it when the rain comes. Then this picture… I woke up late on the morning of June 24 and saw a photo message from John Ong with the message that said: “Go Derrick, this is how my windshield looks! Then I realized “Oh it’s today!”, I always wanted to shoot this festival but I always had wedding shoots whenever this happens. Today however is a…
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When It Happens
It’s our job to be on our toes during a wedding day, and through experience we learn where to stand when we expect certain things to happen. But sometimes things just happen when we are not yet in the right place, and when it does, speed, calmness and a little luck will get the shot. Not the most properly composed photo, but the moment is captured. Dad cried during the wedding.
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Mahogany Market – A Tagaytay Photowalk
“Life can be more interesting in the right light.” I arrived tagaytay mid afternoon and thought I could spend an hour or so walking around and taking pictures, the afternoon light was beginning to look nice too. I had to decide on a place where I can see the most activity and Mahogany Market was the first thing that came to mind. I’ve been to Mahogany market before, it’s like a typical marketplace but with a more relaxed atmosphere because of the cool weather. Pineapples litter the floor at times, and the various plants at the back corner emits a refreshing smell as you pass by it. My favorite is…
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Kelly and Gigi – The Henry Hotel Prenup
I was so excited when Kelly called me up asking for a time to meet regarding my services, I’m always giddy when a batch mate is on his wedding preps journey and it was also a great time to catch up. Very happy too that he found a beautiful and loving partner in Gigi, because somehow deep inside I would wish for a fellow classmate to end up in a good marriage. Funny thing though they are sort of opposites, I’ve known Kelly as the quiet type during our high school days, and I found out during the shoot that Gigi is the kind of person who reaches out, so…
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Wild Ride
Usually a conversation would go like this: Friend: Where did you go last weekend? Me: Butuan! Friend: Oh, is it nice over there? Me: Yes! I loved my trip, it was full of great experiences. Friend: Really? What’s your favorite? Me: Other than the food, the sights and the road trips? My favorite is the WALL OF DEATH! And that, is usually followed by raised eyebrows, blank stares, dropped jaws, or sparkly eyed excitement! If you haven’t seen a wall of death, then you haven’t seen crazy at it’s finest. Below are photos of one of the nights I was in Butuan where our host brought us to the local…
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Ryan and Kenna – San Agustin Wedding
The amazing thing about love is that it seems to bridge long distances. No matter how far you two are from each other, you will always find each other in your heart. What your love needs is nurture. Keep your love alive by constantly communicating, encouraging and surprising each other. Work hard to keep your love strong. Ceremony: San Agustin Church, Intramuros Preps and Reception: Century Park Hotel Bridal Gown: Atelier Debbie Co Make Up: Syrel Lopez
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Rainy Chores
The weather has a way of surprising us lately, in the mornings it will be hot and then in the afternoon it will be cold and wet. But as much as it is an inconvenience to most people, it also allows some interesting and charming humor.
Life and Love Photographer
