In Transit

Catching Up

2009-10-24T11:08:00.001+08:00

After weeks of postponed travel plans due to the bad weather conditions, I finally caught up with the Balangay Expedition Team while they made a stop in Bacolod City in time for the Maskara Festival. It was impossible to find accommodations, but I was fortunate to find a room in new hotel at the center of town, right in the middle of all the action. It was just a block away from a concert stage, and trying to sleep after having my fifth cup of double espresso two hours earlier was quite a challenge.

I was actually planning to ride on the Balangay on the leg to Manapla, but the light was just good that morning that I decided to stay at the pier to take long shoots as it departed from Bacolod. I rode with the advance party later that afternoon and waited in the Manapla pier until the crew completed the 11 hour journey.

The Balangay leaves Bacolod...

and arrives in Manapla 11 hours later.

Typhoon Tale

2009-10-16T11:16:00.006+08:00

Everyone has a typhoon story but mine is'nt really worth telling. When Typhoon Ondoy hit Manila, I was safe, dry and even in a condition of luxury. I went home late that night, unprepared for what I would find via Facebook. A big part of Metro Manila was submerged in flood water. Almost everyone on my feed where either calling for help, soliciting supply donations, or coordinating rescue and relief operations. Someone from work had to be rescued while she floated in a kiddie pool. People I personally knew where missing and could not be reached. There are countless other stories, some of it we already know, and most would remain untold. As I write this, some flooded areas of Metro Manila have not yet subsided, Northern Luzon was ravaged by another typhoon, and there are still people out there without adequate food supply and shelter. Find out how you can help.

Stranded

2009-09-12T10:42:00.002+08:00

My plan was to meet the Balangay Expedition Team in Nasugbo last Saturday and follow the journey until they reach Puerto Gallera. I have not been on the road lately, so the prospect of drifting with the crew for four days was making me loose sleep from anticipation. Three days before I was supposed to leave, the Facebook fan page announced that Diwata ng Lahi was temporarily sheltered in Ternate because of the strong winds and waves induced by an incoming typhoon. The following day I was informed via text message that the leg to Nasugbo was postponed due to the weather condition. By next morning the expedition was officially put on hold and a new expedition schedule was sent via email. It was clear that I was not going anywhere for at least another week.

Not knowing what to do for the next four days, I tried to be productive. I went shopping in Greenhills, bought a pair of knock-off Crocs flip-flops and back-issue magazines. I also took the opportunity to watch District 9 ( which I was expecting to miss because I would be away following the expedition). I was also glued to the TV and the Web to monitor the news on the ferry that sank due to the ongoing typhoon. I had some commitments in Manila during the later part of the week, and based on the new expedition schedule, I can only rendezvous with the team when they reach Puerto Gallera the following Sunday. The new plan was to ride with the crew and shoot from inside the boat during the leg to Calapan. After that, I would head back to Manila and meet them in Boracay the following weekend.

If the whole plan worked out, I would have been writing this entry from Puerto Gallera. Earlier this week, I learned that the continuing typhoon overflowed a damn in Cavite. The strong currents along Ternate river pushed Diwata ng Lahi out into open sea. The remaining watch crew had to sail back to Sangley Point Naval at 12:00 MM. It wasconfirmed that "the boat is still in good condition and the crew is ok". As I write this at home in Manila, I see dark clouds and heavy rain blown by strong winds outside my window.

Maiden Voyage

2009-09-02T22:35:00.010+08:00

The Balangay Expedition Team left Manila yesterday for the first leg of their journey that will take them from Manila to Puerto Gallera, stopping by five waypoints along the coastline of Cavite and Batangas. As soon as they left, I rode with the advance party to the first waypoint at Sangley Naval Base in Cavite City. The team arrived four hours later and was welcomed by a full brass band, officers of the Philippine Navy and children from the local school.

The team stayed for an hour before they continued sailing to the next waypoint in Ternate, Cavite. I headed back to Manila after I saw them leave Sangley. I will meet up with them in Calatagan on Saturday and follow the journey to Puerto Gallera.

Final Prep

2009-08-31T21:02:00.009+08:00

It was the morning of the day before their maiden voyage. I visited the Balangay Expedition Team, expecting that they would be busy packing, checking, preparing or doing whatever an expedition team would do prior to an expedition. I was surprised to find the HQ in a very festive ambiance with a crowd of visitors chatting, laughing, and taking pictures. It actually felt like I arrived late for a party. I found out that the frenzy started early when the crew from a morning TV show arrived at 5 AM to shoot a live segment. Later in the morning, members of the Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club, and another another TV crew from ANC, came to join the team on their last practice sail around Manila Bay.

More photos

You can check a real-time location update of Balangay Expedition via Spot Beacon.

Sundrenched Weekend

2009-08-26T21:39:00.016+08:00

Last Friday, I rode with the Balangay Expedition Team during their training sail around Manila Bay. It was quite busy on deck with the crew focused on the getting their moves together with the trainers from the Manila Yacht Club. This also gave me a chance to learn how to go around the boat and shoot without being a nuisance to the ones who are trying to sail it.

After getting sunburned from several hours under the Manila Bay sunshine, I ended up spending a scorching Sunday morning shooting the Women Invitational Inter-Collegiate Beach Volleyball Tournament at the Cantada Sports Center.

Testing Waters

2009-08-03T14:24:00.005+08:00

The past weeks were mostly spent battling with the flu that has been going around Manila recently. After what seemed to be an endless sequence of recovery and relapse, I finally made it just in time to hitch a ride with the Balangay expedition cre w during a test sail around Manila Bay. I posted a report on Demotix and also included a few frames here.

As I write this, thousands of Filipinos packed the streets of Metro Manila to catch a glimpse of the late President Corazon Aguino's funeral convoy transferring her body from La Salle Greenhils to the Manila Cathedral. I am conflicted. I feel an equal obligation to be out there taking shots, as well as here in front of my notebook catching up on deadlines.

Voyage Of The Balangay

2009-06-28T15:30:00.005+08:00

Most of my last two weeks was spent sweating out in this humid weather in a makeshift dry dock at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I was shooting the construction of a replica of the Balanga, an ancient wooden boat used by early Filipinos. Members of the Everest Expedition Team, lead by Art Valdez, will sail this boat and attempt to go around the Philippines, through South East Asia, and eventually all the way to Africa. I will try and follow, and shoot photos of the journey, as much as my time and resource would allow. Check my story in Demotix for details.

Back On The Grid

2009-06-28T15:28:00.002+08:00

I won't even bother to explain my absence, not just from this blog, but also from my typical life. Except for some professional engagements, I have not really been traveling or doing a lot of photography. It can be called a lot of things: getting some space to gather myself, a major time management crisis, or just plain lethargy. In any case, it's time to get off the bed and step outside again.

Desperately Seeking Mongolian

2008-11-28T11:29:00.013+08:00

I visited Ulaan Bataar for two nights early this week, a trip that was too short to even have a general impression of an otherwise interesting place. I was not there for a shoot, but some other business that was mostly spent inside the Resident Mission office of the Asian Development Bank.

Often served as an eat-all-you-can buffet, Mongolian barbecue is a popular fare in Manila. With only a few hours of free time to spare exploring the city, I was determined to try authentic local food. I walked a few blocks around the main business district looking for a place to eat around lunch time. After a few minutes, I started to get the impression that it's difficult to find a Mongolian restaurant in the capital of Mongolia. My search only yielded a large proliferation of places for European, Korean and Japanese food . I was cold and hungry so I settled for the Genghis Kahn Irish Pub. I ordered pasta with meatballs and washed it down with a bottle of Heineken.

Later that evening, my travel companion suggested that we head out for dinner at the Modern Nomads, an authentic Mongolian restaurant according to a tip given by an expat. When we arrived, I noticed that we were the only foreigners, and non-smokers. It was inspiring. We ordered roasted lamb chops, a plate of assorted dumplings, paired with milk tea. The lamb was awesome, done with nothing else but salt and roasted slowly until it was cooked in its own melted fat. The dumplings were larger than the Chinese Dim Sum, with more meat packed into it. The milk tea helps cut the taste of lamb fat that solidifies around your lips as you eat. After going through whole menu, I could not find the Mongolian Barbecue that they served in Manila. Something tells me that one isn't really Mongolian.

The following morning, I had 4 hours before I had to leave for the airport, so I went out hoping for a quick shoot. The temperature was -10 degrees Celsius, and there was ice on the side walk. I walked a block, snap a few shots, and decided to just head back to the hotel. It was just too cold for my Pinoy blood.

Jaunt Ilocos

2008-10-09T11:13:00.012+08:00

I only had two weeks to prepare for the exhibit in Laoag. Somehow, in the middle of an already hectic schedule, I was able to find time to frantically select the images that was printed and mounted. After getting everything ready and packed for the plane ride, a Signal 3 typhoon made a stop over Manila on the day of my departure. I called the airport to check if the flights have been canceled but the person who answered seem unaware that there was even a storm. There is really nothing much that a disappointed photographer can do, except to sit in Starbucks, sip a double short mocha, and toy around with Dreamweaver. Fortunately, the storm died down by mid-day and headed off for Taiwan. I flew on a very rough flight with the "fasten seat belts" sign staying on the whole time. The cabin crew never had the chance to do their work, but they were kind enough to distribute small packs of wafers a few minutes before we landed.

(From top to bottom) Paoay Lake; The Cathedral of St. William;
Calesa in Vigan.

I did not really get to see much of Laoag, but then again, according to popular opinion, there is really nothing much to see in Laoag. After mounting my prints along the walls of the conference hall, I spent the rest of the day listening to several speakers evangelizing about the benefits of sports tourism to the local economy, and talked about the fine art of hosting sports events. I met tour operators and local government staff from various provinces, and even had quick reunions with several people that I met during my travels. It was very interesting day, and despite getting only three hours of sleep the the night before, I was able to remain energetic the rest of the day, with the help of several cups of strong local coffee.

The next day, all the delegates were given a tour of the neighboring towns of Batac, Paoay, and Vigan. It was a typical whirlwind trip with 10-20 minute stops on relevant locations. The best part of the journey was our compelling and energetic tour guide, Pepito Alvarez, a prominent figure in local business and politics, who kept us entertained with history, gossip, anecdotes, song numbers and a load of dirty jokes. If you ever come to Ilocos, I really suggest you look him up. I don't think my trip would have been so memorable without him. (Sorry, I was not able to take his phone number, but everyone in Laoag seems to know this fellow, so it won't be hard to find him.)

(From top to bottom) Night market; empanada stand in Laoag.

There may not be a lot of things do in Laoag, but there are certainly a lot of things to eat. This region is known for salty dishes, such as pinakbet and binagongan, that are among the staples on the dining tables of most Filipino households. Among the specialties is the empanada, a mixture of papaya shavings, longanisa and eggs, wrapped in a sheet of flour, and deep fried until it becomes a crispy shell. One piece is large enough for a meal, but I think I ate more than a dozen during the four days that I was there. It's definitely one of the reasons why I would go back to Laoag again.

The Emapanada that's worth going back for.

It's Showtime!

2008-09-27T18:04:00.007+08:00

A selection of images that I took while covering action sports around the Philippines will be displayed during the Sports Tourism Conference in Laoag on October 2 and 3. Drop by the booth if you are around. I am trying to avoid alcohol, but you all know that I can easily be tempted.

For those who can't make it there, you can view the images here

Off Season

2008-09-06T17:16:00.004+08:00

I have often worked on assignments covering guided media trips, and I find these gigs pleasant and relaxing. I just go along with the ride and shoot whatever is on the program. So when I was putting together a story about the Coffee Farm Tour offered by the Philippine Coffee Board, I did not really bother to prepare. I should have considered it an omen when the tour was canceled because there wasn't enough participants. Apparently, the writer and myself were the only ones who signed up for it. Being persistent journalists, we were still able to hustle a private tour. On our way to the farm, we learned that it was not yet the harvest season. Aside from coffee plants, surrounded by shrubs, and bearing fruits that were not ripe enough, there wasn't really anything worth a picture.

The only ripe fruit the I saw during the tour.

On the bright side, our guide took us to a market side eatery and we were able to pull off a quick story for Table for Three.

Preparing Bulalo at Len's Kitchenette in Tagaytay.

It Happens

2008-08-15T11:18:00.002+08:00

While I was on assignment in Agusan a few months ago, my Nikon D70, a trusted workhorse that has served me for years, finally broke down. It refused to focus the lens, just I was trying to shoot a group portrait, under a natural light that was changing fast from sunny to overcast. Like any human faced with the prospect of screwing-up, I immediately felt cold and gripped with panic. I had enough instinct left to walk calmly to my gear bag, pretending that some spontaneous creative impulse made me decide that the image would look better if I use my D40 back-up body. The photos from this assignment are featured in the August issue of Marie Claire Philippines, including the group portrait in question.

Caraga Kids: A World Vision Foundation sponsored group of talented
children from the Caraga region of the Philippines. They have done
theater performances in Germany, Netherlands and Singapore.

Jefty, a member of the Caraga Kids, singing a song with his father.

Beach Not

2008-08-06T17:11:00.004+08:00

I've always wanted to shoot a beach volleyball game. Just like surfing, the game is part of the laid-back beach bum lifestyle that I very much appreciate. A few weeks ago, I was finally invited to cover an inter-collegiate game at the Cantada Sports Center. Even if it was played on a huge and elaborate sandbox instead of a real seaside location, I was still hoping that I could get images of sun-tanned female athletic bodies glistening under the sunny blue sky. Unfortunately, a tropical typhoon was approaching Manila on that day, and it was overcast with occasional rain showers.

Beach volleyball action at the Cantada Sports Stadium

Back On Feet

2008-08-05T13:46:00.008+08:00

I was getting restless from my extended break, so when my friend over at Table for Three called to ask if I wanted to do a quick shoot, I immediately agreed. As part of our ongoing effort to sneak and peak inside the kitchens around Manila, he brought me over to Purple Feet to shoot Chef Marco Legato and his team at work. Located inside Wine Depot at Reposo St. in Makati, Purple Feet is known for Freestyle Cooking: instead of a fixed menu, dishes are created based on the preferences of the guests.

Searing Tuna at the Purple Feet kitchen

We hang around the kitchen and I took photos of the Chef Marco and his crew as they prepared three dishes for the blog feature. The action around the stove was intense, and I actually felt rusty after being sedentary for quite some time, but it was good to be taking pictures again.

Check-out the story at Table for Three.

Missing In Action

2008-07-07T19:31:00.010+08:00

It's been a long time since I have posted anything here and it's not because the past two months have been uneventful. I was actually drafting an entry after I returned from Singapore last April, but I caught a bad strain of flu that hindered my, already impaired, ability to write. I was also preparing for a trip to Perth during the same week, but it got postponed due to my state of health and some logistical problem. I bought a ticket without realizing that my VISA for Australia has expired. Normally, it takes two days to have it renewed, but in this case, the embassy returned my passport a week after the departure date on my ticket. I was too sick to get stressed out, so I just rescheduled my flight and spent the next several days watching CSI re-runs while trying to recover.

On the day of my departure, I was informed at the check-in counter that I was prohibited from traveling because my passport expires in less than six months. I was required to fill-out an Irregular Travel Certificate. which is actually a waiver absolving the airline of any liability, should I get deported, or even detained at my destination. I decided to see things positively and considered it another opportunity for adventure, so I filled out the form and continued my trip. I checked the flights from Perth during my stop-over in Singapore and the earliest plane back to Manila was 7:30 AM the following day. If things turned bad, I would only need to spend a night at the airport. I just hoped that they would have a bed wherever they would detain me, although I am not really new to sleeping at airports. When I finally arrived, I was somewhat disappointed that it took less than two minutes for the duty officer to glance at my passport, punch in the number on her computer, gave it a stamp, and shouted next.

I was planning to get myself back in shape by doing some running and biking while I was in Perth. Unfortunately it rained the whole time that I was there. I was stuck inside the house, which would have been a perfect time to catch up on some work. Of course, my luck was not about to take a good turn. First, I could not connect to the home wifi, even if two other laptops in the house, with the same exact settings, didn't have any problems. Before I even started working, I accidentally dropped my laptop and smashed the LCD Monitor. I finally gave up, and just spent the rest of the time either reading, listening to my iPod, or watching Australian daytime soap.

On my return flight to Manila, I had a 4 hour stop-over in Singapore, and I wanted to do a quick trip to the city, have a Biryani in Little India, and perhaps have a cup of coffee with one of my friends who might happen to be free. I was still unlucky. I was told by the immigration officers that I could not enter Singapore due to the discrepancy in my passport. So I spent four hours pretending I was Tom Hanks in Terminal. I eventually ended up buying new earphones for my iPod (in-ear with enhanced bass) just to stave off my attention span deficiency.

A few days after I arrived in Manila, I had to cover the Off-Road Duathlon Challenge organized by the Ayala Mountaineers, and leave for Mindanao to do an assignment for Marie Claire Philippines. I was completely exhausted when I returned, so decided to take a break and stay in Manila for a bit. It's was also the 2008 Euro Cup season. For several weeks, I stayed awake from 12:00 MM until 5 AM fto catch the live coverage of the games at the bikers bar in front of my building.

The Euro Cup ended with Spain winning the finals. I've been in Manila for more than a month now, and I am itching go somewhere.

Chasing Bicyles In Paradise

2008-04-12T11:06:00.022+08:00

Just 20 minutes from Iloilo harbor via ferry, the island of Guimaras is famous for the orchards that produce, supposedly, the sweetest mangoes in the world. With clear blue waters, splendid white sand beaches, unspoiled coral reefs and island coves, it is considered among the most pristine island destinations in the Philippines. This rugged coral rock formation is also popular among off-road cyclists for the network of world-class trails that traverse through the island. Last March 27-30, riders and enthusiasts from the Philippines and around the world gathered here for the 3rd Guimaras International Mountain Bike Festival.

Cyclists riding through the 70 km cross-country trail

The organizers invited me to cover the event, and it turned out be one of my most enjoyable gigs. A sports photography novice, I don't have a decent telephoto lens in my kit, save for a 24-200 mm 4 -5.6 that I take along when I need to pack light. Fortunately, one of the event marshals offered to take me on his motorcycle so I could tail the cyclists up close as they rode through the cross-country the trail. He's one crazy fellow who believes that the best way to take photos of fast moving subjects is to go faster.

The view from our fast moving court side seat.

It was a rough and wild ride that gave my equipment, and myself, quite a beating. My camera bodies are not the top-end models from Nikon (D40 and D70), and neither am I a high-performance action figure, but we all got through it in one piece.

Race marshal Pater Eday and myself.

More photos on Flickr.

Info:

For guided bike tours of Guimaras Island contact Daisy Yanson: d_yanson@yahoo.com

Riding Waves

2008-03-07T14:16:00.021+08:00

I was in La Union during the last weekend of February, hoping to shoot some action at the 3rd Manila Surfers Cup. Unfortunately, the waves were not so great on the first day of the event, and I also needed to head back to Manila a day earlier than intended. I was still able to take enough decent images to get me started on my long overdue plan to cover the surfing scene around the Philippines.

Local surfers getting some action at Urbiztondo Beach

The beaches of La Union are good starting points for those who would like to learn surfing. Lessons are available at Urbiztondo beach in San Juan, the most popular surfing beach with a safe sand break that's perfect for beginners. It's a six-hour car drive from manila and public buses travel round-the-clock to San Fernando, the provincial capital. Several hotels and resorts in the area offer accommodations for a wide range of budgets. Swell season is between October to March, so head out now while the waves are still around.

Urbiztondo Beach, La Union, Philippines

More photos on flickr.

Info:

Mayat Ti Daluyon Surfing School
La Union, Philippines
(63) 928-503-6348.

Boxers

2008-02-12T15:37:00.002+08:00

With a long history of world champions, from Pancho Villa during 1920's to Manny Pacquiao today, boxing has long been a significant part of Philippine popular culture. Filipinos are very proud of their boxers and somewhat consider them as modern-day national heroes. All over the country, countless aspiring fighters submit themselves to a life of rigorous training, hoping to eventually win an international title.

Among my projects this year is a photo documentary about boxing in the Philippines. I have always enjoyed watching the fights, and it's my way of participating in the sport without getting myself beaten up. This is a personal self-funded endeavor and I don't have a definite direction at the moment. I will approach magazine editors as I go along, but I am hoping to eventually produce a book.

Slugging it out during the Fistorama Boxing Match at Cantada Sports Center in Manila.

To start things, I covered the Fistorama match at the Cantada Sports Center last December. It was a chance to introduce myself to the fighters, trainers and promoters from several clubs around Metro Manila.

Me with the round girls.

The images from this project can be viewed on Flickr.

Pig Out

2008-01-07T12:42:00.000+08:00

It was supposed to be just another food shoot. My friend took me to La Loma, the lechon capital of Manila, to take photos for a blog feature. A staple during feasts and celebrations in the Philippines, lechon is a whole pig roasted slowly for hours over burning charcoal. What would have been an appetizing experience turned somewhat grim after we went inside the slaughter house. Grim as it may be, it didn't stop us from enjoying a few chunks of the sumptuous crispy skin before we left. My friend even brought some home.

Workers taking the hair off the skin of a dead calf after dunking it in a
tub of boiling water.

Skewered pigs left on the slaughter house floor.

Final preparations before roasting

View the complete photo story at Table for Three

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T22:18:00.000+08:00

I will spare you the details of my resolutions. There is still a substantial amount of alcohol in my brain, so I actually don't have the inclination to write anything. I just wanted to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T17:15:00.000+08:00

I started this blog to stay in touch with far away friends, specially those who often take time to write me an email even if they hardly get a reply. I know that there are only about a dozen of them out there, so I was surprised to learn that 50 people have actually visited this blog (according to Google Analytics) and half are repeat visitors. It's not a big number but that's more than what I expected. I would like thank you all for dropping by.

In the spirit of the season, I am giving away a handsome leather-bound 2008 Starbucks Planner. It was earned from all the coffee that I drank during the past few weeks. If you want the planner, just email me the address where you want it sent, and type "I want that planner!" on the subject line. There's only one planner in my possession, so it will be given to the fifth person to email. If there are less than five takers by January 31, it will be given to the first person to email. This is open to anyone in the world with an address reachable via FedEx.

I am going to take some time off to sit around, read a novel, and listen to my iPod. Merry Christmas everyone!

Beyond White Beach

2007-12-23T23:40:00.000+08:00

I usually associate Boracay with days of idylic laziness, drinking parties until dawn, and waking up with a bad hangover around noontime. During a recent assignment to cover a press trip for Cebu Pacific Airlines, I discovered life beyond White Beach and other island activities for those who would rather stay active and remain sober.

Along the road leading to Puka Beach, several operators rent out ATVs that are ideal for exploring the island. A guide took our group up Mt. Lohu, the highest point on the island with the best panoramic view. There are no guided ATV tours being offered (ours was specially arranged) and operators only provide the vehicles. Boracay is a small island, so it should be easy to get around using one of the maps found in the gift shops.

Our ATV convoy heading for Mt. Lohu

For those who want spend time with marine life underwater without the hassle and expenses of a PADI course, JAL Marine Sports offers 'Reef Walking' as a quick and easy alternative. A diving method that goes back as far as the 18th century, you submerge with nothing but a heavy helmet connected to a long umbilical hose that supplies air from a surface-based compressor. The dive master explained that it's based on the same principle as having a cup over your head. It is a daunting idea, but I appreciate the simplicity. No need to bother with classroom lectures, decompression tables, or awkward struggles with buoyancy. You just go down from the boat using a ladder, walk around the seabed (yes, walk!), and watch the fishes swim around you.

Going down for a reef walk.

Water sports, in one form or another, is a staple experience in Boracay. I was not geared up for a water-based shoot, so when the rest of the group went off for para-sailing and wakeboarding, I was able to find time to enjoy my first jet-ski ride. I was suprised by the amount of speed and power that you can get out of these things. Riding at almost 100 mph while surrounded by other equally inexperience riders, all moving at about the same speed or more, was a real thrill.

As much as I wanted to stay sober, I was not able to resist Temptation: the signature cocktail of Boracay Tropics Resort. It's an unassuming yet lethal concoction of fruit juices and five different liquors that I didn't bother to remember. Don't be fooled by the refreshing flavor. Drink it with respect, and preferably while watching a Poi Fire Dance performance.

A Poi Fire Dance performance during a party hosted by Boracay Tropics Resort

Star Struck

2007-12-13T10:51:00.000+08:00

It seems to be my time for meeting sports celebrities. I spent most of last week covering the ING Golf Tournament at the Wack-Wack Golf Club. Well, I did not exactly cover the event. I just sat around Hole #3 and waited for each flight group to have their photo taken with Jennifer Rosales. I don't play golf but I read the sports pages often enough to know that she is the first from the Philippines to win an LPGA tour championship.

Me with Jenifer Rosales

During the weekend, I joined a portofolio review at the Silverlens Gallery, and presented a hastily prepared set of my work to Issa Lorenzo, Derek Soriano, and Romy Vitug. It was a very
insightful session. I learned very valuable things about my work, and I am very thankful for their time and advice. (The photos that I presented can be viewed here)

I met several other photographers who also participated in the portfolio review, and one of them invited me to a photo projection, titled Larawanology, at the North Avenue MRT Station. Focusing on the issue of human rights, it showed an impressive body of work from local photojournalists such as Veejay Villafranca, Paolo Picones, Bahaghari, and my friend Estan Cabigas.

Larwanology Photo Projection at MRT North Edsa

The portfolio review and projection show was a badly needed reminder of why I took up photography. It has nothing to do with meeting celebrities, but I must admit that's one of the job perks that I really appreciate.