salt&bleach

Tag: salt and bleach photographer

  • 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.

  • A Random Sunday

    A Random Sunday

    Canta

    And just like that, we were back at Canta Homestead in Lutopan, Toledo City. The immediate answer was “Yes” when Jao inquired if we would like to visit the Bukid Collective that they were holding over the weekend.

    Coincidentally, we are neighbors which spelled convenience. Jao and his kids (AA, Gab & Chelsea) fetched us at the house and off we drove to Cantabaco via Uling in Naga City.

    Cosmos

    The same familiar flower greeted us at the entrance. I particularly like how the place is surrounded by Cosmos. It wasn’t as plenty as way back in March but undeniably noticeable still.

    There were all sort of things for sale around the homestead. Books, crafts, coffee, food, you name it. When we arrived, there was a candle making workshop happening. Maybe Angeline & Kuya can join in next time.

    On our way, Jao & I picked up coffee from Pick Up Coffee. Hahaha. What?

    Pictures

    I thought I’d bring the large camera for a change, you know? I’ve always relied on the phone for pictures but this drive sounded like a nice time to practice. These were taken by the ever reliable Mark III & 50mm lense.

    We didn’t notice it was time for lunch until Coxon asked for spaghetti. He turned down Jollibee but we ended up driving there anyway.

    It rained quite a bit just before we finished our late lunch. Afraid we’d get soaked, we opted to stay inside Jollibee in Toledo City until the rain wasn’t pouring too much. The kids agreed to hangout at the house when we got to the city but it was actually dark when we got home and tomorrow’s Monday, so Jao and his kids just dropped us off. It looks like there will be part 2 next Sunday.

    If you’ve read until here, Thank You!

  • Renji’s Baptism

    Renji’s Baptism

    6 Years

    I last took photos of Roche & Auden back in 2019. They were one of those who didn’t want too many pictures and asked me to come to their wedding.

    While I was in Dumaguete a couple of weeks ago, Auden messaged to ask if I can take pictures on Renji’s Baptism. I checked the schedule and agreed.

    This year has been more of familiar faces in front of my camera and I could not be any happier.

    Auden told me the baptism was going to be held at San Pedro Calungsod in Jakosalem Street. Somehow, that place is the only place I’m shooting at these days. These two got married at the chapel up ahead, I got married at the same chapel and so many people, whose photos I took when they exchanged I do’s, got married there too. It was bittersweet driving inside the compound.

    6 Years

    I kind of forgot how 6 years is such a long time, you know? When I saw Auden at church, I asked here where her little boy was. When she pointed at him, I was surprised he wasn’t so little anymore. Then I remembered that we grow old and the only little boy now was Renji.

    After the ceremony, we headed to Citadines for a little luncheon. Roche & Auden prepared a brief program and made sure food was abundant. I took more photos, I even joined and won in a song guessing game before we called it a day.

    “I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you”, Auden declared. I told my teammates, that’s Air Supply and then earned 500. Hahaha.

    We didn’t take too long. Before I left, I took a few more photos as this was a rare time where everyone was there. Roche told me to take it easy with the editing, but I thought, I could write about it on the blog so here it is. Thank You Roche & Auden for asking me to come to Renji’s Baptism.

  • 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 in Dumaguete

    A Wedding in Dumaguete

    The last wedding I shot in Dumaguete City was back in July of 2019. It was a small crowd pretty much like the one in the pictures below and the fact of the matter is, it is because of that wedding that Febe & Dylan came across me as I wrote down in the previous post. When I received Febe’s message in Facebook last year, I immediately knew we were going to get along just fine.

    I took the boat from Pier 1 in Cebu City. I planned on sleeping in until 5AM but when it docked in Dumaguete, they turned the air conditioning off. I stayed on one of the boats benches until I could see bits of the sunrise before heading out to meet my cousin for breakfast.

    As always, the boys didn’t want too many pictures so we just obliged and took a few.

    The ladies, on the other hand, were a bit game so I dragged them out of the house but still put them on the shade on their “terno” shades.

    Details

    I was quite surprised when I arrived and was asked to sign something for the details. Luckily, I don’t prioritize details so I managed to squeeze my way out of the situation. I did took some photos of the said details, but I didn’t make an effort to highlight them.

    Casa Bianca and Yucca Villa, the Airbnb places that Febe and Dylan booked were certainly nice. It provided a lot of backdrops which didn’t require too much effort.

    The ceremony was scheduled at 2PM at a church nearby. We quickly finished the preparations and arrived at church an hour early.

    You will need to scroll left or right on the next set of pictures. Otherwise, this is going to en up a bit longer than usual.

    And as always, a kiss to seal the deal.

    The reception followed at The Barn in Valencia. I didn’t drive so I rode with the rest of the guests. Febe & Dylan wrote wedding day letters and read it to each other before the reception started.

    Before we let the entourage enjoy some refreshments, we took them out for a quick all together photo. After which, I told them to leave Febe & Dylan behind for some potraits.

    No Fuss

    The reception party didn’t take too long. We were done before 7:00PM. The longest part of it was the entrance. Of course, the cake was sliced, wine opened and some speeches too!

    And just like how it was back at the church, a longer kiss to signal the end of the wedding day and the beginning of the married life. Thank You Febe & Dylan for allowing me to preserve some of these memories for you.

  • 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.

  • Christmas of 2024

    Christmas of 2024

    It took me a little while to find the time to write about Christmas from last year. I always write about the holidays but lately, time is scarce. If I’m not at work, I usually spend everything with the kids and then insert a little room for bike adventures if only to get that much needed exercise.

    We spent Christmas in Las Piñas and then went home shortly after to spend the new year at the house. I hope, this time, I manage to keep this blog for as long as I can so that the boys can back read when they are all grown up.

    Cousins

    I booked tickets to fly out to Las Piñas for Christmas as soon as I learned that their cousins from Australia were also coming home. Here they are with their Lolo Rudy.

    Airport & airplane things

    • Scroll left & right

    Sadly, I was mostly watching over the kids so I didn’t have too many pictures of them enjoying Christmas Day at their Lola Syv’s house in Tagaytay. The ones below, however, is when their Tita Ayla brought us to Tanay for a little adventure.

    I remember the not too far away drive from Las Piñas while passing by Marikina for breakfast and take out coffee. Scroll left and right for more of our pictures in Tanay.

    • We saw a horse
    • This is Pollie. She wants a cracker but she’s not a cracker.
    • River time.
    • Talahib life.

    When we got back to Manila, we passed by our little family in QC and then headed to BGC for cousin Wolfie’s birthday.

    We also had the time to see their Tita Tanya and her kids. She took the kids to Kinder City in Evia and then had them try the chicken at Fireside in Molito.

    On our last day, I took them to the playground in Almanza. The ground was still wet but Kuya & Coxon had fun nonetheless.

    After lunch we left for the airport to catch our afternoon flight back to Cebu.

    • Scroll left and right

    And before we knew it, we were finally home. It’s not easy traveling with two kids in tow but somehow, I find it terribly beautiful – messy but wonderful. The next travel will be a little different. Kuya will almost be a teenager and Coxon will learn more tricks. I’m writing all of this down so I can remember things that happen on Decembers. I love you Kuya & Coxon.

  • 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.

  • 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.