Philippines Destination Wedding Photographer

Lourdes Church and Taal Vista Wedding Photography | Ramon and Zerline

2009-12-30T14:53:00.001+08:00

Remember this post that I had a couple of weeks back? Well credit Zerl for the funny speech and then for having such a wonderful wedding just some moments before that. =)

There are so many beautiful things about this wedding. So why don't we cut the text and go right on with the photos? =) Enjoy ;)

Tagaytay and Punta Fuego Wedding Photography | King and Donna

2009-12-24T12:12:00.001+08:00

I know that most of us are going to be super busy tonight celebrating Christmas eve with friends and family. There's going to be a feast just about everywhere and the atmosphere is just splendid =) Now if and when you decide to take a break and surf the net, I left this post of King and Donna's wedding for you that your eyes can continue to feast on =)

Merry Christmas everyone =)

San Francisco Engagement Session | Ron and Cate

2009-12-20T11:06:00.000+08:00

We are in the middle of a crazy month for weddings. And while we have our subtle share of all the wonderful chaos that's been happening, i thought it would also be nice to just keep posting updates on the blog for our dear readers. After all, it's my last chance for the year to be nice and make-up for all the delays (non-posts) in my blogposts - I'd still love to get a really cool gift from santa. =)

Here are Ron and Cate's photos from their e-session in San Francisco last July. =) They are set to tie the knot in Manila this Wednesday, December 23rd. Shot in the Embarcadero and in the Palace of Fine Arts, we had a great time seeping through parking lots and climbing structures (you'd see that under the huge construction in the center was where Sean Connery met her daughter and got caught in the movie The Rock).

Enjoy the photos =)

Guess who was with me in the shoot? =)

Splendido Tagaytay Wedding Photography | Glenn and Charlyn

2009-12-17T23:00:00.000+08:00

Back-to-back championships, buy-one-take-ones, dual-cores, cotton buds (what?) etc. There are just things that are so much better when they come in twos. So was one of my tagaytay weekend back-to-backs with two super gorgeous Veluz gowns - both in my favorite birdcage veil. Woohoo ;)

Last post I shared Toper and Mei's dream-come-true wedding. And just hours after that, we witnessed Glenn and Charlyn's very intimate Christian wedding in Splendido Tagaytay. The mood was very relaxed and yet everything was heartfelt. =) Enjoy the photos.

Nurture Spa Wedding Photography | Toper and Mei

2009-12-17T22:59:00.001+08:00

The most interesting part of Toper and Mei's wedding story came after the reception when we were all just chatting waiting or the DVDs to render. The couple were telling us, still every bit fascinated, how happy they are that their wedding came out to be a dream-come-true. From, ahem, the photographers up to all the details and venues (ok I had to put me first of course. hahaha). But of all those things, the most moving story is the story of her gown (one look and you'd know whose masterpiece it is).

Since Toper and Mei didn't really put a big budget for their wedding, and although Veluz Reyes is her dream gown designer, Mei thought that even with her best efforts, she would only wind-up with a 10,000 pesos budget for a wedding gown and that a friend of a friend or a friend of the family will only be the one to make it for her. To make things more difficult, that "friend of a friend" was traveling a lot and was hard to get a hold with and time was running out. Then just out of her continued amazement with Veluz, Mei sent Toper the link of their site just for him to look at it and see what are the inspirations that she wants for a gown. Toper has been in Japan for a couple of years already he himself loved the gown designs in the site. He thought that there was no price to the experience of her bride-to-be to wear a gown which in itself is priceless. So, as we all see it, the rest is a wedding love story. =)

Enjoy the photos =)

Fernbrook Wedding Photography | Tristan and Angelica

2009-12-02T23:51:00.001+08:00

This wedding of Tristan and Angelica is special for a lot of reasons. Yes, it had to wait two months before being posted in the blog but it's all for a ~~good~~ great excuse. =) Tristan and Angelica are dear friends of mine - Angelica and my wife's bond goes back to high school. This was also the first time that my little girl, Lana, is going to be a flower girl - daddy's most excited of course. =) This was also the wedding where world renown artist Jason Magbanua will shoot me while at work for Metrophoto's avp (that super amazing video you see up there that we just put? yep, that's exactly it). We thought that it would be just appropriate to feature the wedding just as we are launching the video =)

Thanks to Tristan and Angelica for letting us use their wedding for the video material =) Enjoy the photos and see that beautiful detail on the amazing Veluz gown? watch out for more when we shoot Tristan and Angelica's aftershoot in China early next year! woohoo! =)

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots =)

Tagaytay Midlands Wedding Photography | Vernes and Sheryl

2009-11-25T14:01:00.001+08:00

I have a million of blog topics to post - or at least it feels that way. I'm months behind and I'm so tempted to skip and post our more recent coverages. But I won't, not yet. =) Instead I'll resort to speed blogging, everyone deserves to see all of the wonderful weddings that we've been a part of. =)

Case in point is this wedding of Vernes and Sheryl =) They are very good friends of mine from my photography club and it's heartwarming to see them tie the knot and be able to capture every moment of it =) Enjoy the photos =)

Romance in Acid | Bim and Gen

2009-11-22T18:09:00.000+08:00

Acid, as the dictionary defines it, is "a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid chemical substance that dissolves some metals. Don't worry there is absolutely nothing in this post that will show a couple making romance in a liquid that will actually melt their bodies to death - despite the title. Futhermore, sour-tasting is definitely not a way to describe the love of BIm and Gen (maybe Bim's face during crunch-times for his onsite videos), it's far too cute to even go there. So why romance in acid? I'm thinking it's a metaphor to describe how the couple "sizzles" when they are together, similar to the reaction you get when you dip something in acid. If that is correct, im not sure. What I'm sure of is that "Romance in Acid" is the overall title of the shoot.

Bim and Gen are good friends of mine from the Philppine wedding industry. Bim is the guy behind the fast-rising and popular Pheoben Teocson wedding videos who I have worked with countless times already. This month, it's their turn to be part of wedding videos and photographs as they set to formally promise forever to each other. Of course before that, engagement photos first. I have to warn you that some of the photos that you will see here could be disturbing so please do take caution (don't say I didn't warn you. hahaha).

Bim

Here we all are after shoot. All sweaty and sticky. =)

Ateneo Engagement Session | Ramon and Zerline

2009-11-22T18:00:00.000+08:00

This Saturday, Ramon and Zerline will tie the knot. And before that let me share their lovely photos from the e-session we shot in the Ateneo campus where the couple met and fell in love (cheesy ba?! hahaha)... thus it was a super special location =)

What's also special is that THE Jason Magbanua together with his awesome team went to the prenup shoot to yours truly for the metrophoto promotional video =) See cool out-takes at the bottom of the post. =)

Fresh from Iloilo, Madge Lejano also dropped by to make sure that I look fab in the video. =) woohoo! can't wait to see the video? Keep checking the site! hahaha. In the meantime, enjoy the photos =)

US Engagement Sessions

2009-11-12T03:43:00.003+08:00

Metrophoto's recently concluded US trip was by far the most grueling set I've ever done. It's unbelievable to know how much one can put himself to a challenge, not only physical, but more over, of mental exhaustion with successive shoots in different climates and in different cities. Fine, it sounds exaggerated and like an intro in the next episode of Man vs. Wild... but hey it was just also me (without any camera crew) if any more comparison is needed. hahaha.

Despite all those whining and self pity, I must say that it was such an amazing experience. I am truly blessed with the best of clients and the best of friends. Check out samples of the shoots in the round-up below. All of these incredible destination e-sessions were only paused by me attending the equally incredible workshop of Amelia and Justin Lyon in Laguna Beach, California (I'll blog about the workshop next). Enjoy the photos and watch out for the complete galleries and posts soon! =)

Remanda Xiang | Portland Bridal Shoot

Tony and Joy | Downtown San Francisco Engagement Session

James and Jaygee | Las Vegas Strip Engagement Session

Chris and Melody | Greenwhich Village New York Engagement Session

Derreck and Mary Ann | Times Square New York Engagement Session

Bryan and Dinah | Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Session

Jon and Mary | Lancaster Engagement Session

Baguio Wedding Photography | Jay and Gaia

2009-10-27T11:23:00.001+08:00

If some people say that the pouring rain is a blessing, then I have to say that our blessings came in big chunks during the wedding of Jay and Gaia - we got an interesting shower of halestorm that was perfect if only I had coffee with me. hahaha. You might remember them from our recent post of their intense engagement session in Ilocos Norte and this set of their wedding photos is as every bit as awesome if not awesomer! hahaha =)

Remember that Jay is from Laoag, Ilocos Norte so this time we shift from the e-session there to Baguio, where Gaia (who Rommel insists resembles Megan Fox) is from, for their beautiful wedding =)

It was Metrophoto's first wedding coverage in Baguio and the great climate and scenes in and around Camp John Hay makes it all the more memorable =)

groom

Shangri-la Edsa Plaza and Fernwood Wedding | JR and Rachelle

2009-10-27T03:27:00.002+08:00

JR and Rachelle will definitely be in the list if ever I will have a favorites list of all my metrophoto couples. They were super nice to us, they made sure that there was not a minute that we're not taken cared of, they even prepared very lovely thank you stuff for us. But most of all, they trust and understand us almost unconditionally I think. hahaha. It's just a wonderful feeling for us to be treated in such ways that you wish you can do it all over again =) hahaha... seriously =)

One of the things I wasn't looking forward to on their wedding day was the evening ceremony at Fernwood Gardens. This will mean only one thing - evening portrait session inside the venue (unless of course Christine allows me to drive the couple away to shoot somewhere else). So I thought JR and Rachelle deserved more than that. So I figured it would be really awesome if they will agree to meet before the ceremony, and have a "first look" instead, and shoot inside the Fully Book store just outside the hotel where they are going to have their preps. =) Needless to say, they said yes (not as easily as they ready wanted the surprise during the ceremony) and we had a terrific time shooting including capturing JR's look as he saw Rachelle in her Cecilio Abad wedding gown looking extremely beautiful =)

So without further ado, here are photos from JR and Rachelle's wedding =) Loved it so much that I used the photo above in my recent ad ;) Enjoy

you absolutely can't go wrong when there is a gorilla in your wedding reception =)

Bohol Trash The Dress | Mike and Leslie

2009-10-27T03:18:00.003+08:00

I've probably shot a photosession in the most interesting places in the beautiful province of Bohol... twice in the man-made forest in Bilar, along Panglao beach, the Loboc museum, among the old houses in Baklayon - of course with the exception of the Chocolate Hills which I'm likely not even allowed to step onto. hahaha. While those seem a lot, there is this one elusive place that I've always been fascinated with but never had the chance to explore, the unusually vast mangrove field (if you even call that a field) along the highway. For the last few times I attempted, it was either raining, or I was out of time, or that area is knee-deep with sea water.

Well not this time. =) Mike and Leslie are my lucky charms. In the instant we went and stepped into the area, all we saw are amazing structures of plants and trees all surrounded by powder-white sand that even looked like snow =) It's an unbelievable site. If ever it gets more unbelievable than that it is because I'm actually doing an aftershoot of a gorgeous threesome Mike, Leslie, and nothing less but a Veluz wedding gown - how more stoked can one be? =)

Enjoy this super lovely aftershoot session with Mike and Leslie who made it so fun for me (see behind-the-scenes photos at the bottom) by being very spontaneous and being very easy to work with. =) The dinner that followed after this shoot was as fun. hahaha =)

Ilocos Norte Engagement Session | Jay and Gaia

2009-10-27T03:16:00.002+08:00

It took a lot of ideas, a lot of turns, and a lot planning before Jay and Gaia finally decided that they are going to have their e-session in Ilocos Norte. Afterall, Jay is a tycoon from Laoag (that's what we tease him) and Gaia is a princess from Bagiuo (which isfar up north as well). And who am I to say no to a photoshoot in one of the best places in the Philippines? I'm actually stoked that they chose to have their e-session there instead. woohoo!

An hour's flight from Manila brought me back to the homeland of the Marcoses after 5 years, and this time I'm ready to bring home more than memories. We had our schedules all packed. Including of course feasting ourselves with native ilocano delicasies like the Bagnet and their famous Empanada.

We shot heavily (heavily?!) in the Putaput Viaduct (where I had to hike up a cliff to get a spectacular shot of the bridge and the sea - with the couple of course) and in the Bangui Windmills. Both were dream locations for me to shoot and I could do a cartwheel because of so much excitement when we got there. hahaha =)

Enjoy the photos from this intense e-session.

Eastwood Engagement Session: Chris and Rochelle

2009-09-22T23:42:00.001+08:00

University of California Engagement Photography | Jack and Olivia

2009-09-14T09:36:00.005+08:00

Jack and Olivia are happily and successfully married for 10 years already. Yes, they look young to be married for that long, but I guess being in love always has its rewards - aside from, of course, getting a lot of love. hahaha! =)

As part of their celebration, they asked metrophoto to shoot their anniversary photosession no place else than where their love started and flourished, during their college days at the University of California in Berkeley.

They will have a formal celebration in Hongkong, where Olivia is a lawyer and Jack is a finance manager, this December. Meanwhile, enjoy the photos =)

Napa Valley Engagement Photosession | Jerome and Maris

2009-09-07T09:46:00.008+08:00

Napa Valley has eluded me for quite a while. I've had several couples before already planned a shoot there but somehow, it always changes last minute. But obviously, not this time. Not this time because Jerome and Maris live a few miles from where the vineyards are, not this time because Jerome and Maris are avid wine fans, and definitely not this time because Jerome and Maris braved the midday sun, the dirt, and the seemingly inadequate time we had (1.5 hours) for the shoot. =)

I've always been very thankful for all the super nice couples that I get to photograph, and these two are no different, in fact they are even on the top bunch. =) Jerome is funny and warm and Maris is sweet and pleasing. They are beautiful inside and out and it shows in all their photos =)

Hawaii Trash the Dress | Abe and Jane

2009-09-03T14:51:00.005+08:00

Welcome to blowhole bay. It was love at first sight when I saw this place while scouting for a good location for our Hawaii aftershoot with Abe and Jane. My requirement is really something intense and awesome, and you don't get more intense when you see those powerful waves wallop the beautiful rocks in the area. It was mind-blowing (maybe that's why thay call it Blowhole? hahaha) and when I found out that most of its areas are accessible if your subjects are willing and are troopers, I knew it was it. =)

Well I counldn't commend Jane and Abe enough for this shoot. Abe has been sick for a couple of days already but found enough energy to have the shoot AND still look good. They definitely made their Hawaii honeymoon and Metrophoto's first shoot there truly superawesome ;)

Enjoy the photos =)

The Proposal | San Diego Wedding Photography | Ollie and Tina

2009-09-01T03:01:00.001+08:00

You might remember Ollie and Tina from a shoot we had in Resida Point a year back. It has gone to be an annual photoshoot and this year, Ollie wanted to shoot in San Diego where they are now both based. But aside from that, Ollie saw the shoot as the perfect time to surprise Tina with his proposal AND have photo coverage of it because essentially, I was actually shooting them.

The idea was that Ollie will have the ring (that one that he hid inside the computer CPU so no one can see it) with him during the shoot and as they warm-up with the shots and poses, I will have Tina pose where she will have to turn around. I'll signal Ollie and he then kneels and proposes. Guess what? It happened exactly that way. =)

This is Metrophoto's very first proposal coverage and it was such a heartfelt and awesome experience to see one of my bestest buddy proposing and having to see and capture all the love that they both share. =) With us during the shoot was our very good friends Juvy and Matt and of course my family, Nina and Lance =)

Enjoy the photos and relive the moment when Ollie finally proves to everyone that he's a man. hahaha! =) There is a video too, shot by Juvy posted at the bottom of this topic =)

We started out with a few poses. Slowly, I'm making Tina turn around.

Here are successive shots of Tina's expression as she turns around and sees Ollie kneeling down with a ring.

Before saying anything, she walks away. Tina: "oh my god!!!!"

Tina here finally looking back again at Ollie after almost walking away totally because of too much surprise. =) hahaha

Here are all of those in a different angle =) Great shots sweetie =)

It's a YES!

Tina: Is this a real diamond? hahaha

the rock! =)

Here's Juvy taking her own shot of the ring =)

YES! I'm a real man! hahaha

Ollie: Finally man! We did it. And there goes my 3-month salary. hahaha

Still cant believe it.

Of course we went on with the shoot of the now engaged couple. =)

Kaangakas ang Metrophoto | Happy Birthday John

2009-08-31T12:43:00.002+08:00

Sa ano mang mithiin, kung ito ay malinis at para sa nakararami, sama kami saan man yan! =) Siksikan tayo sa Vespa mo John! =)

Happy Birthday John! =)

Downtown San Francisco Wedding Photography | Abe and Jane

2009-08-27T01:18:00.010+08:00

An English writer once said (or wrote hahaha) "There may not be a Heaven, but there is a San Francisco". People who visit the city helplessly fall in love with it. It's a city rich in culture, in history, in almost everything. It may not exactly be a heaven to everyone but with San Francisco's character, it sure is close to it for us photographers. =)

Abe and Jane's wedding is right at the heart of this city that everyone hearts. hahaha. Set in the very nice Nikko Hotel along Mason street, it's described to be a sanctuary of serenity in the midst of one of America's most vibrant cities. It was a sure-fire awesome wedding coverage for metrophoto especially when rockstar bay area wedding photographer Ed Pingol came by to shoot alongside me. It was an unbelievably great experience. =) Check out some behind-the-scenes photographs at the bottom of this post. =)

Enjoy the photos and do watch out for Abe and Jane's Hawaii Aftershoot session very soon =)

Metrodorable | Lana Oasis is Two

2009-08-25T13:59:00.005+08:00

Today, my sweet, pretty, and sprightly little daughter turns two =) And this morning, daddy shot her I-just-turned-two-and-i'm-so-cute portraits. hahaha!

She's such a blessing... and always a delight to see and be with. Especially when she utters her "i love you" to me... which sounds more like a-a-lu. =) hahaha.

So from Daddy, Mommy, Lance... a-a-lu Lana! =)

San Jose California Wedding Photography | Gary and Vivian

2009-08-23T03:50:00.014+08:00

Im pretty sure that those who frequent this site is familiar with Gary and Vivian. Why, they were the couple who had such lovely photo sessions both in Hongkong and in Macau earlier this year. Both shoots were favorites and we even used one of them for our recent ad. Well their big day has come, and in this series we had a lot of fun shooting the entourage in Stanford University somewhere in Palo Alto in California.

It was such an exciting and yet familiar feeling having to cover their wedding. Exciting because I got to shoot a wedding tradition that is of a different culture and mostly in a language I understand not one word. Well, all rght maybe one word but I forgot what it is already. hahaha. And familiar because it was in the same church, St. Francis of Assisi in San Jose California, where we had our very first destination wedding in the US last year. =)

Check out some of the preparation shots below, where part of this Chinese wedding tradition is when the groom and the groomsmen had to engage in a series of games and activities before he can get to see his bride. =)

This is one of my favorites. Here you see both the Groom Party and the bride. Outside, everyone is enjoying the games while inside the room, Vivian anxiously awaits her groom =)

Singapore Engagement Photo Sessions Part 3 | Vernes and Sheryl

2009-08-17T17:32:00.007+08:00

This is probably one of my most long-overdue post =) Yes, we're still talking about my Singapore trip from a couple of months back. But you know what they say, "huli man daw at magaling, magaling parin" hahaha.

Shot on location in the Singapore National Museum and the Esplanade, we had tons of fun despite being checked regularly for temperature because of the swine flu scare then. But Im so proud of Vernes for not only following all my suggested poses but also for lasting the entire day shooting - his love for Sheryl is undeniable. hahaha. =)

Enjoy the photos =)

Thanks again to my best wingman Micmic for the behind-the-scenes capture =)

W@W Primer | The Veluz Bride Ad | Cruise Photoshoot

2009-08-14T01:54:00.012+08:00

If you think my first editorial photoshoot for Metro Weddings Magazine got me so stoked, well, that's right on the money. But what if just after a day of getting a copy of Metro Wedding's July 2009 issue, I got a hold of Weddings @ Work's 2009 wedding primer issue AND see one of today's most sought-after designer use my photo for its ad? Heck I'd do a cartwheel even if I can't. So yeah, I was kiddng. I didnt do the cartwheel but I had a smile to last me the whole of this monsoon season.

Here is how the bride-must-have W@W wedding primer looks like:

The Veluz Bride ad in the w@w primer featured a photograph that we shot last May aboard the 7,107 island cruise. The shoot was for the marketing effort being done to promote weddings onboard the Philippines' only cruise ship. The bridal gowns and all the wonderful looks that we used were all masterpieces of the remarkable Veluz Reyes and her team. Not only that, assistant designer Niko Hernandez and ate Lempot were with us the entire week making sure that every detail and fit are fabulous =) And To make sure that none of those are compromised, with us were Madella de Leon and Steve Pagsanjan of the Make-up Studio prettifying our bride Faith the entire time =)

And here is that ad complete with my credits of course =)

Here are some of the actual photos and some behind-the-scenes shots =)

Exactly how I shot the photo above =)

Here is the entire crew... konti namin no? hahaha
For more photos of us click here.

Trash the Dress | John and Heidi

2009-08-11T19:57:00.011+08:00

It's not easy to forget this shoot with John and Heidi. It was the tailend of such a hectic week for everyone. It's just the day after their wedding (which Mimi and Karl wonderfully covered) and it was my 7th shoot in 11 days which included a stint in Singapore. Orginally it was planned to be shot in Hacienda Isabella in Tagaytay, then to everyone's relief and luck, we shot in Thunderbird Resort in Rizal instead - thanks to Ernest for the wonderful idea. Not only did we save 4 hours of travel time, we were also treated such awesome sceneries - both nature at its full blossom and nature at its destruction. hahaha!

In the end, it was the combination of the super lively and nice personality of the couple that made shooting a lot more fun and easy. =) Together with Steve and Madella of the make-up studio (and Ernest of course) we had the honor of trashing the gorgeous gown made by Veluz Reyes =)

Enjoy the photos =)

here are some behind-the-scenes photos =)

QC Trial Court Engagement Session | JR and Rachelle

2009-08-06T19:21:00.005+08:00

What happens when things that you plan and hope for turn out to be different come gametime?

Yes, you cry. hahaha. OR you pray that the laziness and grubbiness of the human race, at its best, will show-up.

Well, I didn't pray but when I discovered that the Quezon City trial courtroom where we were suppose to shoot, turned out to be unpicturable and very unsalvagable, I was happy to see the city's, where I also happen to live in, decades worth of files and ballot boxes (in all their rubbish glory) scattered all over the building.

Add to that, a really hot couple (wherein my bride gives a good resemblance of Ann Curtis) and I'm a happy camper - even with the icky feeling of putting on lotion made of sweat and dirt! ew!

The highlight of that day? The really life-saving refreshment of ice-cold cans of Mountain Dew and my team and Jesse Alto (who of course did the make-up) drown ourselves in. =)

Metro Weddings Magazine | July 2009 Issue

2009-08-03T10:45:00.003+08:00

If you haven't grabbed a copy of the latest issue of the Metro Weddings, then you're missing in on a lot. The issue is packed with a lot of features and information that will inspire you in planning the ideal wedding. AND not only that, Metrophoto actually contributed a good part in it by shooting one of the fashion editorials particularly the Country Charm wedding theme. =)

Here are some of the pages from Metro Weddings July 2009 Issue. =)

Like the previous 2 issues, the new-look cover is as beautiful. Cover photo is courtesy of Sara Black.

And here is me! hahaha. I could have done a better job of submitting a more stylish photo but this should do for now =) Metrophoto is described as one of the most sought-after destination wedding photographer in the Philippines. hmmm-mmm! =)

Also got a couple of nice features of our photos in Macau and Boracay in Amanda Tirol's article on Planning the Perfect Destination Wedding.

Some of the spreads from the Country Charm editorial that we shot =)

Here are the photos in full resolution. Thanks for visiting =)

San Francisco Pre-nuptial Photography | Earl and Leah

2009-07-28T01:02:00.007+08:00

It was very chilly in Crissy FIeld Beach in San Francisco when we had our engagement session with Earl and Leah last month. But there's nothing better to fend off those strong gusts than a really hot couple looking every bit like rockstars. =) No amount of winds or darting looks from fishermen could ever put them off. =) hahaha In fact they made the streets of Downtown San Francisco look sexier than it really was, from Little Italy to Chinatown, everything was effortless execution.

Go on... see for yourself =)

Test shot! =) Thanks to my lovely wife for coming with me in this shoot and also for taking the nice action shots of me below =)

Contemporary Family Portraits | Keene + Ela + Joseph

2009-07-23T10:47:00.006+08:00

Keene is turning one real soon, and from how he was during this shoot, you'd think that he's more mature and patient than some of my subjects that are so much adults. hahaha =)

Thanks to Ela and Leh for allowing us to capture their family's moments and for Beng and Ann for helping out with the make-up and styling =) it was such a great time despite the unending downpour that day =)

enjoy the photos =)

Bohol Trash the Dress Wedding Photography | Johnwin and Rachelle

2009-07-16T00:09:00.005+08:00

This is part two of our feature on Johnwin and Rachelle's wedding in Bohol. Remember that pleasurgasmic experience we had? Well, this is one of the reasons it was like that. Since we had to fly back first thing the next day after the wedding, and their super awesome e-session already finished, we decided to have a prepostnup instead. Yes, an aftershoot/trash the dress done before the wedding day. =) If of course meant that I had to be careful with Rachelle's lovely gown because she still has to wear it AND there was no cleaning services for such in Amorita.

We went a couple of days early to have this shoot exactly on Rachelle's birthday so we had to make it extra special and nice for her. hahaha. We shot in Baclayon, Loboc, and Bilar - all under the glory of the Bohol monsoon. hahaha =) It was truly a great experience and we owe all of it to this supertrooper couple.

Enjoy the photos. =)

bigfoot? he's real. hahaha

Bohol Modern Wedding Photography | Johnwin and Rachelle

2009-07-13T22:39:00.005+08:00

Destination weddings are always fun and exhausting. But what if instead of exhausting, it turned out to be relaxing? Is this what everyone refer to as workcation? maybe, but I'd like to call it pleasurgasmic - the perfect combination of a fantastic destination wedding coverage complete with the awesome couple, great details, relaxed atmosphere, involved guests, and kickass suppliers all in one roof, or should I say cliff! hahaha

Set in Amorita Resort in Panglao Island in the Province of Bohol, Johnwin and Rachelle's wedding was a sure-fire hit waiting to happen. This despite the weather being very unpredictable although it showed a pattern of pouring hard every afternoon. We did arrive days before the wedding which gave us enough time to prepare, relax, and shoot a pre-postnup.

This was also the first time we worked with Mayad Studios and Mich Lim. =)

So, want to know how Pleasurgasmic feels? Start scrolling down ;)

Sleepless in Seattle

2009-07-11T15:55:00.005+08:00

Yes it was a movie 17 years ago. But who would have thought I'll be able to sensibly use it for blog title? hahaha. Well, last tuesday, I flew to Seattle to spend just the whole day there and then flew back to Oakland the same evening - thus I was Sleepless in Seattle. hahaha.

It was a very exciting trip to plan. I had reasons to fly to a city that have fascinated me for such a long time yet have not had the chance to visit. This time I had important opportunities to. Primarily I would have a meeting with my partners from Blackrapid, those very cool people who make the R-straps, and will be meeting them in person for the first time. Also, I'll be able to see my great old buddy from college, Melai =) Everything seemed perfect, and what I had was more than that.

Check out the photos below to experience Seattle with me. hahaha. I would like to thanks Ron, Tyler, Taylor, Lilian and the rest of the Blackrapid crew for giving me such a warm welcome and for making me part of Studio R for that day. hahaha. Watch out for a lot of awesome things coming-up from Blackrapid, I surely can't wait.

Big thanks also to Melai and her husband Frank for being such wonderful hosts. I miss being in Seattle even though I was there for only such a short amount of time. =( But I do get a feeling that sometime soon, I'll have my first Seattle Wedding! woohoo!

Studio R was rockin! they had everything there. From an upside down bike, up to a full band set-up and a hammock!

Didn't I tell you we had fun? =)

Blackrapid is sexy... ok maybe not us, but blackrapid is! hahaha. L-R: Ron, Tyler, and Oly.

Ron said he'll blow this photo up and put it in one of the walls in the studio.

Of course I made sure I check out the distribution and packing area to make sure that they get my orders out right away. hahaha.

after that, Ron and Taylor helped me cool down by taking me around Freemont (which is such a charmingly bizzare place that is known by many things and one of them is this rocket) and downtown Seattle.

Where can you find a bridge with a huge troll under it? Creepy. hahaha

Mad Pants is one of things to watch out from Ron Henry, I don't think I can say yet but it sure is going to be stellar ;)

Here are some shots of Ron's boat house... I didn't think inventors were cool enough to live in such a place. hahaha. but seriously, Ron is way better than how his Rstrap videos depict him to be. hahaha!

Fremont Bridge

The Space Needle - which I've always thought was Key Arena.

Pike's Place - that place I always see in photos inside Seattle Best Coffee shops.

Of course, I'm a starbucks fan! hahaha. What tells you that it is the very first starbucks? boobs! check out the logo and if you see them, they are the first ones =) hahaha.

For the second time that day, I went to Pike's Place, this time with Melai...

... and this time for some drinks...

... and delicious clam chowder and surf n' turf! yay!

here is us, and out the window is a gorgeous view of the water =)

I must have a photo in front of the very first starbucks and the boobies. hahaha (although some say the store not exactly in this place btu a bit farther)

This was the scene on my flight back... it was calling me back! hahaha.

Chapel on the Hill and Splendido Tagaytay Wedding | Jeff and Barts

2009-07-08T16:27:00.007+08:00

I always loved the rain. I love that damp lazy feeling and the smell that goes along with it. hahaha. I did fear though that too much rain especially during a wedding coverage could prove to be too tough for us to conquer. Well, we're still not certain of that. hahaha

La Nina more than visited Jeff and Barts wedding last month. She arrived early and did not leave. But thanks to everything else, this wedding was inexplicably deligthful... a lot of good things that just came together and entertained all that downpour.

Enjoy the photos below and if these arent enough wetness for you, check out bob nicolas' on-site avp for more moisture =)

Sneak Peek: Oahu Hawaii Wedding Photography | Abe and Jane

2009-07-06T11:57:00.001+08:00

Here's a sample of the amazing aftershoot we had in Hawaii last week of Abe and Jane. This was just days after their wedding in Downtown San Francisco =)

In this shoot, Abe was not feeling too well but they are supertroopers and all they gave me were great moments after great moments. =)

Watch out for the complete post including that of their wedding which I shot with the awesome Ed Pingol. =)

Manila Cathedral and The Manila Peninsula Wedding Photography | Mikey and Micmic

2009-07-02T16:49:00.008+08:00

Mikey and Micmic are doctors. And if all doctors are as nice as they are, no one will try and eat an apple just to keep them away.

In an absolutely awesome coverage experience, they made us feel more than part of their wedding. And how do they say thank you? =)

"Thank you. Forgot to tell you, Oly, everytime I see Paches she makes me smile, she's always smiling and laughing, and her face is just plain makulit. =) Nakakatuwa sya =) And Rommel! He was so nice and polite the whole time especially during table hopping and that's why we endured and finished it. =) Francis works quietly but covers everything so patiently. And you, pawis na at lahat but unrelenting worker! even tells the bride she's beautiful even if she can't smile. =) Thank you =)"

Now, Peaches really looks funny. hahaha - kidding. =) But seriously, Micmic didn't need to smile to be beautiful... check out the photos =)

Notable people in the Rigodon Ballroom reception aside from Senator Richard Gordon were Martin Reyes of the UP Fighting Maroons and the evening's emcees from Magic 89.9's Boys Night Out. Yeahmen! =)

Singapore Engagement Photo Sessions Part 2 | Evan and Marvie

2009-06-30T16:57:00.004+08:00

I know that I've been behind blogging my recent (or should I still call it that? =P) Singapore series. But hey, some good things are worth the wait... and if an e-session was shot in culture and color rich Little India in Singapore, then that should be good. It gives you a feeling of being on top of the world. But why stop there? why not shoot literally on top of the world aboard the Singapore Flyer yes? by all means of course =) hahaha.

So here are Evan and Marvie's engagement session shoot in Singapore's Little India and Inside the Singapore Flyer (which if you will figure, we rode twice for shot variation). That's the most I remember... hahaha, I think I got too dizzy shooting while inside the flyer for about an hour.

Enjoy the photos =)

here are some behind-the-scenes shots courtesy of Micmic =)

On Location at The Make-up Studio Salon | Jeff and Barts' E-sesion

2009-06-23T15:11:00.008+08:00

It's 3:35pm here in Hongkong. The Hongkong International Airport to be exact. I'm using this pretty decent computer booth that provides free internet connection while boldly a sign right in front of me says "Please limit the duration of Internet Usage to be within 15 minutes". Not exactly grammatically perfect but I get the point. Although I've been here for almost an hour now.

I've recently been getting unlucky when it comes to the things about my gears. Today was no different. I was just plain unlucky (or maybe because I was unprepared. hahaha). I'm scheduled to post another topic but somehow I miss to bring my power adaptor converter. I'm stuck with a borrowed laptop and no battery power. Im thinking, fine... the wifi connection seemed quirky in my Ipod Touch anyway.

So on a brighter note, what I get now is a faster connection (albeit getting stares from some people waiting) and even a more timely post of Jeff and Barts' e-session.

Shot inside the newly-opened Make-up Studio Salon, we were able to play with some of the easles they used from the opening event and of course, the very couture interiors of the salon. We didn't think you can do so much in there. =)

Big thanks of course to Madge Lejano for letting us break-in her new playard. And to Ernest Pascual for the wondefully lazy idea. hahaha.

Enjoy the photos and do watchout for Jeff and Barts wedding photos soon. While I watchout here for the airport police and my connecting flight. ;)

angas! hahaha

What a dress! or should I call it an armor? it's effin heavy I tell you.

Thanks Joel, for that fab idea on Barts' hair =)

Finally! after eluding me for so long, I get to say "I would like to thank Steve Pagsanjan for my hair today" hahaha! =)

Santuario de San Antonio and Blue Leaf Wedding | Archie and Tina

2009-06-20T09:30:00.007+08:00

Archie and Tina is probably the couple that I see the most. Whether it's our formal meet-ups or the fact that I often bump into them either in Trinoma or the street near our house, it's amusing how much these have allowed us to be friends. =)

Featured here are photos from both their e-session in Fontana in Clark and their wedding earlier this month. But before you proceed with viewing them, I just want to say that it's too bad you wont hear Archie's voice from my photos. It was just jaw-droppingly good that me and my team looked at each other with mouths open when we heard him sing. hahaha! maybe bob nicolas got him while he's singing. =)

Enjoy the photos.

Condominium Construction Site Engagement Session | Tani + Magee

2009-06-16T09:54:00.005+08:00

Limited access, high risk and unthinkable (maybe). When these describe the location for your e-session shoot, then you're definitely in for an exciting (and problee even life-threatening) one. hahaha... fine, I am exaggerating. It's tough not to especially when Tani told me that there will be no problem shooting all-over one the Avida Condominium towers that is midway its construction. We'd be shooting in a hard-hat haven! =)

And haven it was indeed - my favorite spot? those super sexy industrial elevator! hmmmm! =)

Enjoy Tani and Magee's e-session photos at the Avida Towers in New Manila...

Fernbrook Modern Wedding Photography | Carlo + Pia

2009-06-12T09:50:00.007+08:00

I love mornings! I love the smell of the air and I love the idea that I have so much time ahead of me throughout the day. It's refreshing and it's inspiring =) but it's not all perfect, there is one thing that I dread about mornings and that is waking-up to it. hahaha. In this wedding of Carlo and Pia, we were set to start at 3am, It was tough but it was surely rewarding! The light, the mood, and the energy were all creamy and awesome! =) AWESOMEY!

In this post Im showcasing the portraits from the wedding that we shot after the lunch reception when the not just the sunlight but Pia and her birdcage veil (courtesy of the great Cecilio Abad) were oozing with hotness! =)

Casa de San Pablo Engagement Session | Carlo and Pia

2009-06-08T19:49:00.006+08:00

I didn't think that somewhere in the town of San Pablo Laguna lies a very pretty place where backpackers and vacationers can stay in cute and vibrantly colored rooms and are sevred with deliciously prepared filipino food. Heck I didn't even know where San Pablo was. hahaha. It's like taking tagaytay and baguio and putting them in one small area that is Casa de San Pablo.

This place was Carlo and Pia's destination of choice for their super nice e-session. Honestly, I was a little unsure at first, but when we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. The details are astounding and the colors are dancing. hahaha! The place was really quiet, quite nice for those who wants a quick getaway - that of course changed when we got there. hahaha.

Now since this is a photography blog (although a mix of a travel blog whenever I can), let's get started with the photos.

Singapore Engagement Sessions Part 1 | Bill and Aileen

2009-06-07T08:40:00.009+08:00

Bill is one of my best buddies. We go back years and years ago as officemates, housemates and bedmates. Hahaha, ok maybe not bedmates but our beds were beside each other in that secluded almost-remote part of Cavite. Thus on his wedding day, on July 25th, will mark the first time that I will be part of the entourage while also being the event's official photographer. It's daunting to think that I may not be carrying my camera for a whole 30 seconds while I walk down the aisle at such a crucial time of the event. hahaha. Aileen, incidentally, is nina's (my lovely wife) high school classmate. It's so amusing how such things happen and we can't be more excited for the big day =)

This e-session was shot in Bedok Reservoir, Sentosa, and at the grounds of the Fullerton Hotel. It was so much fun shooting these guys. Check out some behind-the-scenes shots at the bottom of the post =)

Micmok and Pong helped me out in this shoot. Pong did all the running and "painting" in our light-paint shots. He was exhausted! hahaha.

Hacienda Isabella Wedding Photography | Gelo and Ezra

2009-06-02T03:21:00.007+08:00

An unrelenting schedule is never an excuse not to post. Especially when there are such beautiful weddings such as this to let everyone take witness. =) So yes, I'm back blogging and my apologies for the quiet time. =)

Here are Gelo and Ezra's wedding photos from Hacienda Isabella. It was a crazily elaborate and topfull place deep (and I say deep!) in the province of Cavite - an awesome venue for great photographs.

Serendra Contemporary Family Portraits | Policarpio Family

2009-05-19T14:55:00.006+08:00

Since I'm always just at the vicinity of The Fort, I see Serendra all the time but this was the first time I was able to tour the inside grounds of this popular complex. If I were someone from the Greenpeace movement, this will be my haven! EVERYTHING seemed to be green and gray! hahaha...

Honestly, it was a tough place to have a photo session, every side or corner seemed the same, it's hard to choose where to start and where to end. hahaha!

Well great thing, I have such a fun and beautiful family to shoot... not that they made some of the greens disappear but they made the backgrounds seem not that important anymore =) Thanks to Jason and Mariliz, and their adorable daughters Rio and Leila, for letting us capture their family's moments =)