Sweet Surrender

For those who would like a temporary getaway from the heat of Metro Manila, Tagaytay is the best choice. Aside from the majestic view of  the lake and volcano, Tagaytay is also know for its sweet pineapples. Freshly picked in the morning, we were surprised that towards the afternoon, the pineapples are sold for a big discount, maybe for them to get rid of the "old" stock and replace them with fresh new fruits the next day. Of  course the "baby bananas" are also available, but they ripe and fall of easily. Not a good idea to bring back home. If only for the juicy, fresh and sweet pineapples, I can surrender my weekends going to this cool place.

John Edric

John Edric Ulang is a multi-talented young man who won the MR. POGI title  in Eat Bulaga.He sings, dances and acts and has already garnered numerous fans all over the country! Watch out for him!

J

Baby Bump

... Not a lot of  women like the idea of having their pregnant pictures taken. The Filipino culture being full of superstitions, believe that it's "bad" to take pictures of pregnant women ( for the reason I really don't know why), but that has now changed. A lot of women want to capture that moment by having their professional portraits done, and I recently had Jam, who's expecting her first baby boy come August as another "very satisfied" client!

HOLY WEEK 2013

      Our Lady of the Abandoned Shrine and Parish Church is the oldest church in Marikina City which boasts of over seventy images in it's annual holy week processions during holy wednesday and good friday. Here are three of my "favorites"  because of the reason that they all seem so "real" and alive !

 

Church Sanctuaries

        I have this penchant for church altars. More than the exterior, for me it's the altar that attracts me more because this is where the circle of  our life begins and ends. From baptism to passing on, the church is a witness to all our moments in our lives both happy and sad.

 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Talim Island, Binangonan Rizal

 

 Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Antipolo City

Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Marikina City

  The historical Quiapo Church

Immaculate Conception Parish, Marikina City

San Antonio de Padua Parish, Antipolo City

 San Idelfonso Parish, Tanay Rizal

NEW POPE !!

  
    So much have has been said and written about the Catholic Church's new leader, Pope Francis. I just want to post this picture in his honor. Habemus Papam!

The Heart of Saint Camillus

 

  Saint Camillus de Lellis is known to be the Patron Saint of the sick, hospitals and church workers. It was a rare chance for me to view his relic at the Saint Camillus Seminary; merely a stone's throw away from our house in Marikina. I can never forgive myself if I didn't go. So on the night of February 23,  I was there at the Seminary chapel where I prayed fervently for my loved ones, especially those who are sick. It was an advantage ( or disadvantage?) that there were only a few people around so I was able to get closer to take this picture. It's just too bad that this Saint is not as "popular" as the others and I am greatly privileged to know him through my priest and seminarian friends at the seminary. Lucky me...I saw his heart during the Love month!

Prom Night

....Had a photo shoot today with a friend's daughter, Clara,  who's having her senior prom. After all the trouble of finding the right gown, shoes, accessories and make-up artist, it's just right to document everything by means of a professional photo shoot. Don't you agree?

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Next to Christmas I think Valentine's day is also a well celebrated occasion. I took pictures for a flower shop's website many years back and witnessed how they worked on Valentine's Day. Cars are all queued  along the road, with customers waiting for their turn to get their flowers. Each one of them is lead to a "showroom" . They choose the flowers they want, the staff put them all in a "pail" ( well that's how i see it) and then brought to the arranger. After a few minutes ( well actually not really few as there are so many people in the shop) they get their bouquet, and off they go. Almost 80% of the flowers are imported with ecuadorian roses being their best sellers. ( picture shown). And yes, they command a hefty price ! But no one seem to mind, after all V Day comes only once a year. Happy Valentine !!!

Landscapes and Churches

The oldest church in Marikina, this church looks a lot different now.. I'm just glad I was able to take its  picture long before its expansion and renovation.

River Parks  along the Marikina River at night..this is the floating restaurant.

  Another series of my landscape photographs

Travel

The most popular resort / hotel up north..Fort Ilocandia!

That's me, Paul Apilado, and Father Allan Lastimosa

  This was taken years and years ago but till now, I can't forget the memories it brought me. Ilocos takes you back in time and makes you forget about your worries. I hope I can go back!

Rainy Tuesday morning

    It's February 12, 2012...woke up to a rainy Tuesday morning, cool weather and happy plants !

       This is actually a very late post.. Visited a long lost friend , Jeffrie, who's based in Paete, Laguna. Dropped by his crafts store and bought a few items . Taken before Christmas , 2012.

Sweet Gesture

 

Dark chocolate with nuts from New Zealand. Went out for lunch today to see some old friends, particularly Mrs. Imelda Wood and her  hubby, David. After lunch, she gave each one of us this big chocolate bar! Just exactly what I wanted ! Thank you !!

Charmaine Mae with daughter Althea Candace

          This is  Althea, at seven months spending her very first Christmas with her mother....a picture can really say so much !  Can't wait till she turns one !

      Being a part-time pro photographer, there are times I do get inspired taking pictures ( portraits are my forte) and I go to the extent of retouching them to the best of my ability ( not overdoing it of course) and I call them my "masterpieces". Portraits done out of love and passion! I'll be posting some of them here and more to follow once i get the hang  of this new blog I just created!

    To your left is actor Jerome Ponce ( must be his screen name ). He had a "different" name when I first met him. Ha ha ha..anyway this young man was supposed to be with the PBB Teens, but something happened along the way. He did not have the chance to enter "Kuya's" house but was given the chance to be in the tele-serye "Be Careful With My Heart". Now, isn't that a big leap? When a door closes, windows do open !

 Anna Vicente is another "newbie" in showbusiness. I escaped my mind that I was able to take her pictures when she was just in her pre-teens!

This photo shoot became sort of  reunion of us and I'm just glad she's now slowly but surely realizing her dream. Barely 15, ( at the time of this shoot) Anna can easily pick up instructions in a drop of a hat. Young, pretty and oh-so-nice and talented, she's a totally complete package !

Mr and Mrs Jolly and Cecille Valdez with their parents..representing the groom's mother is his sister.

 I am not really into  covering events , but from time to time I try to take pictures at weddings and parties ( mostly friends') in order to hone my skills and expand my horizon as a photographer. This picture was taken during my good friend, Cecille's wedding to her long - time boyfriend, Jolly. I guess it's a good start but still I feel I have a lot more to learn when it comes to documenting weddings.