salt&bleach

Tag: salt and bleach cebu city

  • A Wedding in Newtown Beach

    A Wedding in Newtown Beach

    I arrived at Manu & Nickle’s wedding preparations around 10 in the morning or something. It was another one of those “no entourage” small gatherings, you know? It could not have been any more relaxed as it was. The videographer was scrambling for clips because it was terribly quiet. As for me, I was happy to click whenever I felt it mattered. In the middle of preparations, I slid out the door, sat with an americano & a turkey sandwich at Starbucks.

    I can’t recall shooting a wedding here even when it was branded as Portofino a long, long while ago. It looks like a really wonderful place to get married despite the usual humidity. Let’s get back to the preparations first.

    Around lunch, I met Manu just outside the lobby of Savoy for a few pictures. We had a long chat during the pre wedding shoot and we both agreed to take lesser but more meaningful pictures.

    It was the usual little chaos when Nickle’s family arrived to dress up as well. Not that we can’t handle that…

    And before we knew it, it was time for some more portraits.

    The Newtown Skyline.

    And it was time to begin.

    I didn’t keep a tab but I think there were less than 80 of us. The forecast said it was going to rain but the weather actually held up. We were blessed with some cloudy skies and an occasional afternoon breeze to balance out the mild humidity.

    Before the reception started, we took a few more pictures.

    And some dusk scenery

    When I left, I was under the impression that the party was just getting started. There were still 4 large coolers full of beer & wine. I can only imagine the fun and laughter. What a wedding it was.

    Thank You Manu & Nickle!

  • Wedding Crashers

    Wedding Crashers

    To Dalaguete & Back

    We almost didn’t make it to this invitation because Kuya’s District Meet Scrabble Game was supposed to happen. Fortunately, it was rescheduled, so I thought we were meant to drive down to Dalaguete.

    The invitation came from Creselda & Kevin. I got to know them years ago, when I help put together the IT ServiceDesk Operations for Aboitiz Equity Ventures. They were On-the-Job Trainees & scholars of Passerelles Numeriques from the University of San Carlos. Kevin worked with the Network Team while Sed worked with me at the Service Desk. 2 years ago, I took wedding photos for Joy, another one of those Trainees.

    • Our usual Argao stop
    • Break time
    • Curious as ever
    • Geese

    We dressed comfortably for the drive but brought along wedding clothes and planned to change when we arrived at Dalaguete.

    I intended to bring a big camera but I knew I couldn’t pull it out with the kids in tow. So back to the mighty, mighty iPhone for some wedding related photos.

    Gone were the days where I could take as many photos as I could, you know? Growing kids meant less time for extracurricular things. Not complaining. I know when all of these will pass, I’m going to miss every second of being able to carry them around with me.

    The reception was towards Alcoy and I was glad it had a sea front because Kuya and Coxon loved it.

    I wanted to wait for the reception but time didn’t allow us. I didn’t want to arrive too late back in the city. So we hand around and left just as the reception was starting. Nevertheless, I was so glad I had the chance to drive and be part of Creselda & Kevin’s day. It was heavy on the heart but terribly beautiful at the same time.

  • 45 Years of Amy & Eugene

    45 Years of Amy & Eugene

    Campo

    I can’t recall the last time I was here for a wedding. I know, however, that I have shot a couple of weddings at this church.

    This was a last minute pitch by Therese Red whose wedding I shot back in 2013. It will be their Mama & Papa’s 45th Year Anniversary. They could have waited for 50, but you know, why not?

    Luckily, our schedules were on our side so here goes.

    Therese’s Mama & Papa didn’t have the slightest idea that their kids planned for this renewal of vows. I arrived in a blue shirt as that was the running motif for the event. I can tell how everyone loved Amy & Eugene judging by the excitement I felt as soon as I entered the church.

    As soon as the church doors opened, Amy was overcome with emotions. It was such a happy day full of happy and fulfilled tears.

    I held my ground. It is not easy witnessing all of these emotions. It, too, reminds me of so many beautiful things. I had to constantly decide when to click and when to just let it all in.

    Ceremony

    When the dust settled and Eugene & Amy were ably seated in front of the altar, the ceremony began.

    While taking the pictures, I thought, “these people looked familiar.” But of course,I must have taken their pictures many years ago.

    For most, taking photos at the church might seem the most boring. To me, however, I think it is the most important and it stretches you creatively because you aren’t as free as during preparations or the reception.

    I love the photography work I get to do these days. You know what I mean? They still tire me, especially because I’ve aged but despite the toll it leaves after every assignment, I find myself fulfilled. It’s like I’ve preserved people’s feelings so that when they look back at the images I took, they will remember the exact same feeling they had at the very moment it took place.

    And before we knew it, Amy & Eugene had renewed their vows in front of the people they love and who love them. Towards the end of the mass, the priest told everyone how 45 years ago, it was just Amy & Eugene in front of the altar and that now he really admired seeing their 3 daughters, assist them while the ceremony was under way. It felt a lot like Life.

    I also had the chance to take a picture of both Amy & Eugene surrounded by everybody. It wasn’t too small of a group, but luckily they fit in my camera. And then, of course, with their daughters and family.

    Everyone, Amy & Eugene 45 years and counting.

    Life

    I am not a good planner. When I left work to become a photographer back in 2013, I didn’t have the slightest idea that I was going to be in for a roller coaster ride.

    It was fulfilling most of the time, but there were also times when I felt exhausted and confused. So I stuck to my guns and focused on the people in front of me. Trying hard as I might to make sure who they see in the pictures are they themselves.

    While I can’t deny that photography had its fair share of monetary rewards, to me it wasn’t always about the money. It was always about the people, going through all of these words and deciding in the end that they’d like me to be there on the most important days of their lives.

    Thank You Therese Red for inviting me over to take these pictures for you & your family. I am grateful.

  • A Wedding That I Missed

    A Wedding That I Missed

    Ironic

    I don’t shoot as much as I did back then nowadays. So, it was puzzling to realize that I said “yes” to this wedding and turns out I had a company activity happening. Kind of ironic if you ask me. Luckily for me, I have trusted photographers I can call. On top of that, I have people who ask nothing from me but to capture them as they are. Arthur & Charie, Daghan kaayong Salamat!

    It was raining all morning in Cebu City. While I did worry for my kids, because I took them with me for our annual company Summer Event, I didn’t worry one bit for this wedding. I knew it was going to turn out just fine.

    I had known Tim for quite some time now and while I’ve always been the primary photographer even when he is around, I have no doubt in my mind that he is a better photographer than me. Thank You Tim for taking care of these.

    Click left or right.

    I was kind of excited for the church because it’s one where I haven’t shot a wedding yet. Next time San Isidro. Next time.

    Church pictures always are a challenge because this is the part where you don’t have control over what’s happening. You are only left with the choice to click and hope for the best.

    I’m glad these pictures look like I was there too.

    The reception, happened to be just across the church and the entrance to the banquet hall was the perfect place for some post wedding portraits.

    And then it was off to the reception.

    Thank you Arthur & Charie

    Thank you Florianne

    And thank you Tim & Chris for taking care of this for me.

  • Arthur & Charie

    Arthur & Charie

    I had wanted to take pictures around here since I began passing by CCLex on my way to Mactan. The usually quiet road with grasses that turn brown during the summer looked like the perfect backdrop of pictures I have in my head. Not to mention the sunsets around the area if you’ve ever passed by Pilipog Coastal in the afternoons. Luckily, I’ve had the freedom to suggest the area for the pre wedding pictures of Arthur & Charie. Thank You Mamzer Florianne!

    This Tree

    I’ve always been a fan of this tree in the middle of the road nearing CCLex if you are coming from M.L.Quezon. I’m so glad I finally had the chance to take photos of people with it in the middle.

    I took this photo of Charie while Arthur was getting ready.

    But of course, shoots involve a little bit of walking and talking. I don’t do this to get good pictures but to calm my nerves. Despite taking pictures for more than a decade, the start of every shoot still makes me anxious.

    We took this pictures just in time as these flowers were blooming by the middle of the road.

    And when it started to get dark, we left for Il Corso.

    Night Time

    I used to not like shooting when it gets dark. Maybe it was the age. Nowadays I don’t have any preference for as long as we have a really good time.

    After a few more pictures and a round of drinks, we capped off the day and had grilled goodies somewhere around the area.

    Thank You again Mamzer for leading Arthur & Charie my way and Thank You Arthur and Charie for being yourselves.

  • Duwa-duwa at Canta Homestead

    Duwa-duwa at Canta Homestead

    We were kidding around and joking about how difficult it was trying to carve our own bamboo spoons when I realized that all of these were the typical duwa-duwa growing up. We’d build our own toy trucks with used slippers as wheels, forage for wood in the neighborhood to build a fire, use a tin can to boil ipil-ipil leaves, make swords using worn our bamboo fences and so many other imaginative things we could come up with because that was pretty much the only thing we had back then. We were lucky! Now we have to organize these sorts of things so the these little ones get a taste of what it was like growing up in the 80’s and 90’s.

    Cantabaco

    I was a little familiar with the place as I spent a few years in Elementary at La Salle in Toledo City. Kuya, Coxon and I left Cebu City at 7AM and passed by Manipis on our way to Canta Homestead.

    Cosmos

    Greeting us, as soon as we’d stepped out of the car, were these Cosmos flowers in full bloom.

    There were only a few of us but luckily there were also kids around. Coxon enjoyed playing around with the little ones while Kuya focused on the “life skills” at hand. Hahaha,

    First order of business was to gather wood for the fire.

    And then making the spoons out of bamboo. Right Kuya?

    After lunch, we tried our hands at eco printing our totes with pigments from nearby flowers and leaves. The kids, again, including the adults had the time of their lives.

    We spent the remainder of our free time chatting while doing the finishing touches of our totes and the kids playing like there’s no end in sight.

    And before we knew it, it was time to drive home. But not before a picture of Kuya and Coxon.

    Thank You Forest School and Thank You Canta Homestead! Until next time…

  • Karren & Serge’s Small Wedding

    Karren & Serge’s Small Wedding

    I remember bringing Coxon and Kuya when I met Karren & Serge to talk about their wedding. This was a Saturday afternoon just as they wrapped up their pre-Cana seminar. Luckily, they also have a little girl so having the kids during the discussion was pretty much normal.

    I was on my way to their house but Karren told me their baby was sick and asked if we can just start taking pictures at the church. It was my first time taking pictures at San Isidro Parish in Talamban.

    I wish I took something like this every time.

    Everybody’s always exited about the first kiss.

    Karren told me their little girl had a dress. Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling all too well and chose to wear this instead. With the unicorn, of course.

    A small gathering followed at Kape Tano just nearby. There wasn’t a formal program. Just food, and drinks, and kids running around. Karren and Serge just sliced the cake and drank wine. After that, we all went home.

    Thank You Karren & Serge.

  • Turning 10

    Turning 10

    Back in January I received a call from Gia’s Mom. She was celebrating her 10th birthday and Gie was asking if I’d be willing to take pictures at the Director’s Club in SM Seaside City. I hesitated because I didn’t know you can take pictures inside the cinema but after a little back and forth, we decided I’ll be there.

    Gia

    Would you believe that this little lady just a baby when I first met here? That’s right. I first met Gia when she was baptised back in 2016.

    This bunch are regulars. We see each other multiple times a year. I could not have been any more lucky they trust me more than I trust myself. Maia, the lady holding the powder asked for smiling candid photos. This was one of our attempts. By the way, I took pictures when she got married many years ago too.

    Inside the cinema was dark and there was nothing for the flash to bounce on. I think the iPhone took better pictures but anyway, it’s not always about the perfect technical aspects of a picture. Most of the time it’s about preserving a feeling in a moment that might never happen again. I’ve got Gie, Dave, JV & Gia to thank for allowing me to do just that every time we meet for pictures.

    I casually remembered being the principal sponsors for these two back in 2023. And then I took back what I said, because I didn’t bring pinaskuhan for the kinugos. Hahaha.

    Thank You Canonizados

    There are no words to express how grateful I am that you trust me with all of these memories you’ve made throughout the years.

  • A Little Weekend Getaway

    A Little Weekend Getaway

    Hello again. I thought I could get by without running a blog. Turns out, I can’t. Luckily, WordPress looked like something I could probably keep so here I am.

    When the years pile up, I hope I’d get the chance to restore old posts from the old blog until then, I’ll keep writing.

    Doc, Di & RJ

    I first shot this trio towards the end of 2020. I remember eating lechon right after that shoot in December.

    I trailed their car when I first came here back in 2023 and was happy I still figured my way despite it being hidden in the middle of the mountains. This time, I brought Kuya & Coxon with me. I’ll reserve some of those pictures for later.

    Sunset

    We almost didn’t make it for sunset but I’m glad we still caught a few minutes of the marvelous early evening light.

    I was initially planning to post the pictures that happened after these few photos. It’s looking like that is going to wait a little bit after this is done and I’ve figured my way into this new blog site.

    Dear Di, I’m not judging you 😀 Hahahaha. But if I have to, I’d say wonderful things. You know?

    And I’m just going to end this here. With the silhouette of the of the mountains adding a little bit of enchantment to that weekend that myself and the kids had. How can we ever thank you Doc, Di & Rj. Until the next!