Hello once again!

I just got down from cold and wet Baguio to document the G12 Conference. Before the events I photographed pile up in my hdd, let me share to you a few church and G12 conferences I've shot over the past months.

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G12 Pastor's Conference
May 29 08
Faith Fellowship

Ptr. Rich preaching.


Ptr. Rich during worship time.


A session of ministering for the couples.


For more photos of the G12 Pastor's Conference, click HERE.

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DMI Ignite Conference
Aug 25 08
DMI Life Center


Worship time.


Mars leads her group for their cheer during the team building.


For more photos of the Ignite Conference, click HERE.

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G12 Conference, Baguio
Aug 27 08
Baguio Convention Center

A time of worship.


Drummer during worship time.


Honey bees!


Morning view from the Manor hotel.


For more photos of the G12 Conference in Baguio, click HERE.

Aug 03 '08

These are select photos from Dan's last Sunday service with his church (Destiny Ministries) before his departure on the afternoon. Make sure to click on the link below for more photos and find out what a christian church really looks like. I'd have to warn you though, as the album contains a lot of people hugging, crying, and laughing. If this is the kind of church environment you want, leave me a message so I can invite you. =)

The male church leaders serenade Dan with a medley, a long and wacky medley.


Dan laughs at the Jollibee meal given to him in conjunction with a line of the medley sung. The meal contained a 1pc burger steak with half rice. Half rice is the pastor's nutritional (read as "diet") mandate for growing cell leaders. =)


The church's going-away present for Dan - an Apple Ipod Video.


Ate Zha leads the church in praying for Dan.


A lot of the G12 leaders cry during the prayer, including EJ, the worship leader.


Hugs after the prayer.


Kim, one of the church leaders couldn't contain her tears as she hugs Dan. A line of people wait for their turn to say goodbye to Dan (not in photo).


Jill gives Dan a going-away present, to which they laugh at when Dan saw the title - 10 Great Dates Before You Say I Do.


Thanks to Julie Boyonas and Mic Caldo for the taking the rest of the photos. Nikon rocks! =)

For more photos, click HERE.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 27 '08
Amici, Tomas Morato

Dinner of the SOD oldies with Kuya Dan.

For more photos, click HERE.

Thanks to Di, Luanne, and Julie for the photos. For the videos, go to EJ's Multiply Site.





Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 24 08
CBTL, Trinoma

For more photos, click HERE.

Kuya Dan while teaching in the cell.


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You place medicine in front of a sick man
He looks at the meds, and sees it with his bare eyes
He reaches out to touch and feel it and knows it is real by the sensation it produces in his hands
He shakes the bottle to hear the tablets jiggle inside the plastic canister
He opens the lid and smells the distinct scent of what is inside
Undoubtedly, the medicine is before him

Yet after all that, he does not believe that it would cure him
Despite all the lesions on his skin, his bitter heart thinks he is healthy
So he turns away and runs
He runs as far as he can

And when he does
He either signs his last will unknowingly
Or is intent in his own destruction

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I suppose it's time for some personal testimony.

This is the last cell meeting with Kuya Dan. It was a sad day.

Sometimes, I do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell.

I grew up in a cell all my life. From the Sunday school as a child, to the Sunday school for teens, to the bible studies for adults, and finally to the cell when I transferred church. The cell is where I progressed immensely. It is where I was mentored, taught, given responsibilities, encouraged, prayed for, blessed, given the opportunity to bless others, corrected of my character, defended (especially in the spirit), and most of all... humbled.

Pride was the last bastion I had to overcome to fully understand the weight, pain, and joys of becoming a cell leader. It pains the cell leader to experience a disciple who disdains the cell, thinking that he can cure himself alone, or worse, desire his own downfall.

Before joining Destiny Ministries, I was a member of an Alliance church. The Alliance is a member of the CAMACOP (Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines). It has its roots as far back as AB Simpson and AW Tozer. The Alliance group of churches was among the oldest and abundant evangelical denomination in the globe and in this country.

As a youth, I was full of zeal and excitement to serve, and later on I became a leader. I held the highest leadership position a young man could have in our denomination, in the foremost city. I became the youth president of the Metro Manila churches and oversaw more than 60 youth organizations of the Alliance churches in the city. I held that position for its full term, never quitting despite criticisms, despite low attendance, despite little encouragement or support. And best of all, I did my best to bring the fire to the youth.

When I finally decided to transfer church and join Destiny Ministries, I was placed in a cell. Later on, Kuya Dan became my cell leader. I was 5 years the senior of Dan; I had more leadership experience than my cell leader; I was a christian longer than him; and I was taking my post graduate degree in a Seminary at that time; I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was eleven, long before my cell leader, Kuya Dan became a christian in college. And so I battled with submission.

But I was full of pride. So I didn't religiously attend Dan's cell. I would attend only when I felt it. I would not respond to his text invites to attend the cell. I got bored at the lessons taught in the meetings, and said to myself that they were milk and were for kids, when what I needed was meat.

I was too proud of my roots as a christian. The same way some disciples would resist the leadership of their cell leader, I did not submit to Kuya Dan. And the more I did, the more I got delayed from reaching my destiny.

Sometimes, I do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell.

I had just begun my own cell when Kuya Dan announced that he had to leave for the US. Before he left, he told the cell that someone from among his disciples would have to replace him. We all felt sad at his announcement. I grew fond of Kuya Dan and learned to value his leadership. We parted ways after that meeting and I walked back to the Destiny center. While walking the Lord asked me what my goal was for my cell. I told Him it was to win more young professionals for the Him. And then He asked me, "What if Dan picks someone else to take his place instead of you?" I told Him, I would feel bad at first, but I would still win more young professionals for You. And then the Lord said, "You would replace Dan in his position."

The Lord had told me even before Kuya Dan or our Pastor (Kuya Carlo) informed me days after. At that moment when I was walking, my eyes were opened to the gravity of the responsibility being handed to me. I was teary-eyed as I prayed for wisdom to lead Kuya Dan's cell.

And then I told God, "Lord, even if I am not chosen to replace Kuya Dan, my heart's desire remains, I would still win men for You." At that point, the position became of no value to me. What remained was the task to be done.

And so from a proud man, God had humbled me. As weeks pass by that I assume the post given to me, all the more I am humbled.

Sometimes, I still do not understand why some people develop an aversion for attending the cell, when all the cell leader desires is for that man to triumph against his sins, advance and become a man with the character of Christ, and reach his God-given destiny.

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Geeky Stuff:
Nikon D70 + Nikkor 60 2.8 AF-D micro
ISO1600, shutter speeds 1/20s - 1/6s =)

Geeky Note:
Bringing only a fixed focal length lens stretches your imagination and hones your photographic skill. The objective is making the pictures look as if they were taken at different focal lengths. The lens' lack of zoom instead of becoming a crutch, becomes a tool for creativity.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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July 26 08
Biak-na-Bato National Park
San Miguel, Bulacan

We had a cell outing for Kuya Dan's despedida and as a bonding activity of the cell before his departure.

For those who are not in my church loop. Kuya Dan is my cell leader of 2+ number of years. He produced a dramatic influence in my christian life, something which I could not have attained from another mentor.

For more photos, click HERE.

Left to Right: Kuya Dan (crouching), Mike, Arjie (adopted cellmate for the day, hehe), Edwin, Manong (from the local community), Val, July, Randy, Mic, and Paynor.


Lessons learned from that day:

• The best chicharon still comes from Bulacan.
• Masarap kumain sa bahay nina Randy.
• Ang kasambahay ni Edwin, puwede na magtayo ng Binalot resto.
  
• Matibay pala ang Canon 350D, lalo na pag nadulas kasama nito. Hehe. Joke lang Val.
• Tandaan ang slippers brand ni Dan. Huwag bilhin yun. Madulas. Hehe.
• Mag-ingat sa flash flood. Pack-up agad at umalis sa ilog pag madilim na ang langit. Hala.
• P30 ang ligo. Yung iba, sinulit. Hehehe. Joke lang. =)
• Make cell bonding a regular part of your cell activity.

Hey Dan, if you ever you get to read this: The cell misses you. May God's glory be reflected in you in your stay there at Maryland. I'll take care of the sheep muna, and work for their progress and multiplication. I can hear the women clamoring for more Godly men in the background. Hehe. Pressure-pressure. =)

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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May 10 08
Windmills & Rainforest, QC
Primary photographer: The Real Studio

I'm skipping another wedding in order to post photos from this wedding. So don't be alarmed when the next wedding post is from an earlier date. =)

Today's post is about encouraging hobbyists to think out of the box, always challenging oneself to do things differently, and being excited with new approaches to photographing the same items. Remember, the key word here is - Out of the box. Think out of the box.

For more photographs click HERE.

I was shooting a wedding this Friday, and someone who saw the photo of the shoe I just did asked why I had so much interest in shoes (almost to a point of fetish). Actually, the average wedding photographer likes to shoot the bride's shoes. So it's nothing extraordinary really. Another reason is because I live in Marikina and have more interest in the built of shoes in general. Since men's shoes seem redundant, women's shoes are more interesting to photograph. Although wedding after wedding, the shoes do change, it takes a great deal of effort to come up with a different shoe shot everytime and prevent oneself from repeating, or re-hashing an old idea. I'm glad this idea is new. =)


Shooting along with the videographer who made the video light pass through the space between the wedding items.


The classic photographic approach to shooting the bouquet, upright with shallow depth of field.


The bride in the elevator.


Rochelle's mother cries during her daughter's message to her.


Leander's father, who is out of the country, calls to greet his son and daughter-in-law and cracks a joke, to which the couple give off a hearty laugh.


A portrait to cap off the evening.


Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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Finally, we've reached the end of the Palawan family vacation photos. Today's post shows pictures from the fifth to the last day of our vacation. I'll be posting the landscape photographs from Palawan two weeks from now. So tune in.

For more photos, click HERE for the album in my multiply.

Group photo at Panacan, Narra.


Local color (hehe), Panacan.


Nanay and Tatay at Estrella Falls, Narra.


Sleeping dog. Antipolohan Beach.


Portrait of Jaja at Antipolohan Beach.


Our last tricycle ride in Palawan; coming from breakfast at Jollibee going to the airport. Don't ask me who Dhoy is. Hehe.

Walking to our plane ride back to Manila.


Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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Mar 08 08
Central United Methodist Church, TM Kalaw, Manila
Aberdeen Court, QC
Primary photographer: Bong Escobar

I went out of my regular routine and tried shooting more interesting stuff. Another day in the office. You gotta love this job! =)

For more photographs click HERE.

Peeking through a missing glass.


Believe me, it's not what you think. The guy does look like he's competing for the  flowers during the traditional throwing of the bouquet and the idea is hilarious. But actually, he was just adjusting something in the chandelier.

The church deacon sits on the pews with the primary sponsors, while waiting on the minister.

The couple's first dance and the traditional practice of pinning money on their clothes.


Eppee's father and friends wait for the church door to open.


Woman with only one leg walks across the reception hall in Aberdeen. I'm just kidding about the one leg thing. Hehe.


Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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Welcome back to the Palawan Family Vacation entry! Today's post shows pictures from the fourth day of our vacation.

For more photos, click HERE for the album in my multiply.

Owl, Crocodile Farm Zoo


Crocodile, Crocodile Farm


Gecko (Tuko), Butterfly Farm


Scorpion, Butterfly Farm


How to handle a scorpion. Check out my multiply site for photos of my brother's handling a scorpion.


Butterfly at none other, that at the Crocodile Farm. Just kidding, Butterfly Farm I mean.


Jaja almost gave up getting a photo with a butterfly since they were elusive. But lo and behold, as we were about to exit, a butterfly decides to land on her shoulder. Hehe.


Small turtle, Butterfly Farm


Ezra at the swing, Mitra's Farm


Lovely and Ezra, Baker's Hill


Belle and Em, Baker's Hill


Lovely and Ezra, Baker's Hill


Geeky stuff: Most photos (except for the owl and crocodile) were lit with 1 SB800 flash on CLS remote.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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Dec 18 07
CVJ Marikina
second photographer: Val Valino

I wish all weddings had so many hugs, tears, and show of emotions like this one. For wedding participants and guests, I believe the key is to loosen up and be yourself, not allowing the lights, documentation people, or other guests to constrain you, or cause stiffness. There are no penalties for crying, or laughing, or embracing loved ones.

When there's an immensely, suffocating religious spirit causing the wedding guests to act ceremonial and restrain how they feel, how I hope someone would shout aloud and say, "C'mon guys! This is suppose to be a beautiful moment for the bride and groom. Let's all relax and be ourselves!"

After years of documenting weddings, I observed some factors that affect the emotional atmosphere of the event. In no particular order, they are: priest/pastor, church deacon, church/venue, number of guests, character of guests, emcee, quality of music/audio supplier, and the photographer. That's almost everybody involved in the wedding except the flower girl(s)… and other children, the bride & groom, and their parents. Interesting isn't it?

I'm not sure if future wedding couples reading this are able to see the implication of what I've just noted, but allow me to point out the obvious – all the factors that will affect the emotional atmosphere of your wedding will be present ONLY IF you allow them to (read as – "hire them, choose them, whatever").

That's about the best advice one can find on how to influence your wedding atmosphere. If all else fails, hire a mascot, like Jollibee for your reception. =)

Now for the photos. For more of them, click HERE.

Ray and Racquel embrace after their first kiss.


The bride and her mom embrace after the ceremony.


Racquel's dad cries after giving out his daughter in marriage.


Ray's mom hugs the bride.


The bride cries as she embraces Ray's dad.


A ring shot and how it was done.




The bride's bouquet.


Racquel looking out of her room.


Val showing how hot it was while we were doing some test shots. Haha.


Down the elevator and my fascination for the ceiling design.


Couple's first dance.


What I lug around during the entourage march. I hope photo equipment weighed significantly less than 3-4 kilos. Haha.


For more photographs taken by Val, click HERE.

Do take time to leave a comment by clicking on the "Make a comment" text below this line. =)

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