A Vacation in Baguio

At last, a vacation was fulfilled after the hurdles in the office. But still has to work in baguio for a day meeting with our librarian/editor and to give the indexing of the book that is already scheduled for the press. The Xmas break is the only time that I should pursue since the coming year is expected to be tight with deadlines and activities.

Anyway, three days and two nights in a cozy old house of my "Ninong Lloyd" is something that I cherished and thankful about. At least, I have saved money for other expenses as we stroll all over this romantic place with my wife, my little prince and my younger siblings.

This is my second long trip with my family for a vacation. We have been to my hometown in Bicol few months ago and now here we are in the summer capital of the Philippines-Baguio City.

THE BURNHAM PARK

This lushious public park did not change at all since our my last visit here for the Panagbenga Fest last 2004 except for additional commercial establishments that sorrounds and within the area. The usual group of bikers and swan boating in the lagoon was a common scene. More pedlers are scattered in the park offering their merchandise they carry on their hands. I bought my kid a knitted cap since the temperature is getting cold during late afternoon.

We took first our lunch in a seafood restaurant inside the park as I waited for the text message of our editor. The food was truly amazing and we have eaten so much. Vegetables here were fresh and we enjoyed their tropical drinks.

To loosen our stomach, we decided to stroll the park and have decided to go swan boating as a request by my wife. Mind you, this is my first boating in the lagoon here in baguio. Me and my wife have never tried that when were still dating. My son really enjoyed the ride and keep on calling other children in other boats.

BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

Early in the morning of our second day, we started in this famous landmark of baguio. We stop in here to thank and ask for guidance as we stroll our list of itineraries. I also thank the Lord for giving us chance to visit here with my family. The Cathedral was still on its fame and more people flock to this place when they visited this city. There's already vendors in the side walls of the church where you can buy souvenirs and delicacies.

Our visit was just in time 'coz we have witness a wedding ceremony. The long aisle of the cathedral was a dreamed of every young couples. The red carpet, nice flower arrangement and glowing chandeliers added to the elegance and sacredness of the wedding.

BOTANICAL PARK

This park in noted for igorots on their costumes waiting for tourist souvenir photos for a fee. This is a good alternative income for these aborigines but it seems, they are being tolerated to depend on this type of income generation. Sometimes they already victimizing the tourist for their pictorial fee. This should be regulated and there must be a clear guidelines for these people on their business.

Anyway, I just can't stop myself from giving feedback to what I observed so at least future visitors would be wary before transacting photo-op with these people. Good for me, I have shut my flash, so they have no idea that I was taking their pictures : )

The garden is not as lushfull as before. Flowers are seldom seen..well may be its not yet February...but I found the place lack of flowering plants and constant maintenance for the park is required.

We have photo op with the giant carvings of local legends being displayed in strategic parts of the park. My kid was so amazed with these giants and had enjoyed running around the area.

MINE'S VIEW and GOOD SHEPHERD

What I don't like about this place is that, it is so crowded with tiange and mini-stores. If I am new to the place, I can't able to identify the location of the Mine's View park. These stalls that hide the natural view of the park should be relocated in place suited for them. The park should be cleared so as to have more space for tourist to room around and enjoy the place.

On the contrary, the cold breeze is something you cannot buy on this place plus the breath- taking scenery of lushful forest. Food in restaurants are also nice and an order of "chopsuey" is a good start.

The Good Shepherd Seminary is becoming more popular because of their cooperative that produces local delicacies such as strawberry and jam. It is just a walk away from the Mine's view park and you can experience a long line of people waiting their turn to during peak season. Thou their goods are a bit pricey, you can assure of the quality product plus the assurance that it follows the rules of sanitation.

THE MANOR HOTEL and PMA

It was my first time to visit Fort del Pilar, where our famous military officers today have sculptured their bodies and mind with the gospel of love and service to our countrymen. PMA is really a stop that you should not missed. If you have visited Camp Fort Bonifacio, this one is an experience that is worth to tell. The place is cool with heavy fogs embracing the tall pine tress that surrounds this military facility.

Vintage planes and tanks are on display and I was happy that my little boy can already recognize this objects that he usually see in his story and picture books. We have just stayed here for an hour because we are running out of time.

Afterwards, we went to Camp John Hay, I have been here two years ago when I covered the Panagbenga Fest. I want to bring my family the Club House but it was closed because of the presence of our "Madame President" who was in baguio to rest and holds the Rizal day celebration. We'll, we just went to Manor Hotel where we have refreshment and relax.

My son was so excited when he sees children of his age and play with them as we stroll the place while having a souvenir pix. The accommodation here is a bit expensive but you could have an experience to its fireplace and log-made hotel. The design structure is also one of a kind here in the Philippines. When you are there, its like you are in Paris or in United kingdom.

We'll, that was 3 days and 2 nights in baguio. Tiring but rewarding but at least I have comply with my promise. I have spent my time with my family and at the same time have a relaxing place like this to visit. My next stop would be...

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.