wade

I wanted to play around and shoot underwater for this fashion spread, but wasn't able to borrow an underwater camera on such short notice. Next time, I definitely plan to rent one in advance. :)

Publication: Manila Bulletin
Stylist: Liz Anne Bautista
Make-up: Kris Bacani
Model: Kat Taylor

francisco coching: an inspiration

Was able to buy a reprinted copy of the great komiks creator Francisco Coching's 1954 Lapu-Lapu. Been reading it nightly, struggling with the deep and age-old Filipino language but loving how the phrases flow and feel like home. The foreign yet familiar rich word play touching my indigenous senses and profoundly connecting me to my Filipino roots --- cathartic.

I just love how expressive the old Filipino language used to be! The words and phrases to describe anger, love, lust, beauty, etc. were filled with so much emotion and depth that reading Lapu-Lapu gave me goosebumps. Read it out loud and you can actually taste how beautiful and exquisite the language really is.

Someday, I hope to visually translate the awesomeness of the old Filipino language into photographs. Soon, soon. :)

project in the making

My first personal project on creative spaces is steadily moving along and I'm feeling the need to start a new project again soon.

I've always been interested in women's sexuality and gender roles... it seems the next project will revolve around those issues. I have no idea how to go about it but with enough daydreaming time and stimulating conversations, hopefully, it'll come to me soon. :)

Do watch out for the next project in line!

macro experiment

Rented a 100mm f2.8 macro lens from a friend to do a personal project. Here are some experimental shots just for fun at 2am. I'm definitely extending the rental days just to play with it... hours of fun, endless possibilities! :D

dare to bare

Did my first pro-bono advocacy photo shoot last December 2009 for the HIV/AIDS awareness month.

When I was invited by Ana Santos to join this project, I immediately said yes without any hesitation; wanting to support my HIV-positive friend Wanggo and spread the much needed awareness about the virus.

It was an eye-opening experience talking to the advocates and learning about their own personal HIV-related stories. Most have friends who have died or are affected by the virus, some are going through life with the virus.

Let's spread the word, not the virus. Let's all play safe --- No glove, no love.

4 Sundays, 17 advocates, 1 cause.

Read the feature articles at:
- spot.ph
- plusnews.org
- cosmo.ph
- wmn.ph

Make-up: Ana Santos
Styling: Alcs Porras
Hair: Ruel Papa

Thank you to DKT Philippines, Victoria Court Pasig, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for their support of this campaign.

*For more information about HIV/AIDS, check out www.doh.gov.ph, www.unaids.org, and www.unaids.blogspot.com

xian lim

This feature on actor Xian Lim came out at cosmo.ph. One of the things I learned during this photo shoot was to pace my shooting time. We had to finish 8 layouts in a span of 4 hours --- It really pushed me to shoot faster. Now I always check my watch to make sure I'm working right on schedule. :)

Writer: Cheekie Albay
Styling: Happy Lopez
Hair and make-up: Cats del Rosario

in the hood, trawlin' for cool

One of my favorite photographers is Terry Richardson. I love his raw and ballsy pictures!

So for this fashion shoot, I opted to experiment and use my trusty external flash (instead of the usual studio lights and softbox) to get the brash feel of Richardson's photographs. I'm happy with the results --- the bright flash and the in-your-face attitude of models Brent Chua and Berto You Lee really meshed well and gave an edgier feel to the entire picture.

By the way, I totally fell in love with those two models... They were so easy to work with! :)

Publication: Manila Bulletin - Lifestyle Special Issue (Jan. 2010)
Styling: Liz Anne Bautista
Hair and make-up: Ria Gamboa for M.A.C.
Models: Brent Chua and Berto You Lee