A failed coverage at Aliwan Festival ‘09

I can say that my coverage for today’s festival is unsuccessful.

I came off from work at around 3pm and arrived 5 mins before 4 at Aliw Theater (where the judging was held). Since I’m already a bit late (the show starts at 4), I ended up finding a suitable area for me to shoot. The press area at the front of the stage was covered with photographers (who obviously came earlier). I walked a few kms to reach the front of CCP theater in which I was informed that the dancers will pass through.

After a few hours of waiting, the program started and the dancers (after their performance at stage) graced in the streets. I was surprised that the once empty street immediately turned lively. Lively in the sense that almost all people with cameras started blocking the dancers way. We are being advised to clear out the way but still, others are still persistent (I overheard na merong nagagalit pa). It was fun to watch, yeah, but it is ruining the spirit of the festival. Since I’ve realized that I will not be able to take some pics on my position, I hurriedly look for an opening where I could take a few good shots on the performers (good thing I had a few).

It’s just a sad sight to see as I remember the days when photographers are more “disciplined”.

Well, that is one of my comments. The other one is about the festival. I think they started too late. (Starting at 5pm with almost 20 contingents?). I’ve been to several festivals and based from my experience, they usually start early in the morning.

How can we take good photographs at night? (this is just from a photographers point of view). I understand that they might be doing this because shooting at daylight with the sun right above your head could easily drain the performers energy. But would it be hard to cover the event (video or photo) if it was held this way? I would rather watch than shoot.

Around 6:30, as darkness covers the city. I don’t feel like shooting anymore. Besides, I can sense that there will be a rainfall. (It did rain. Good thing I was already in my car.)

I ended up having less than a hundred shots. I hope next year, there will be few changes.

BTW, congratulations to “Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte” for bagging the crown. As for the Ilonggos, don’t worry guys we have the 2nd and 3rd seat

Below are the list of the winner for this year’s event:

[Festival Dance Competition]

Champion: Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte
2nd Place: Tribu Kasag from Banate, Iloilo (Kasadyahan Festival)
3rd Place: Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National HIgh School, iloilo (Dinagyang Festival)

Runner Up Honors:
Siloy sa Alcoy
Karatong
Ibon-Ebon
Kalilangan
Kadayawan
Lapay Bantigue

[Float Design Competition]

Champion: “Abel Iloko” of Laoag City
2nd Place: “Lemba” of Cotabato
3rd Place: Tribu Paghidaet of Dinagyang

Runner up Honors:
Limbonan
Panagbenga
Ibon-Ebon
Pakaradyan
Lambanugan
Kaguinakit Ta :aya
Aeta

[Festival Queen]

Champion: Sian Elizabeth Maynard (Sinulog, Cebu City)
2nd Place: Romarie Ivy Cunanan (General Santos City)

Runner-up Honors:
Aliah Heitz (Kadayawan, Davao City)
Parul Framil Shah (Panagbenga, Baguio City)
Kate Lao (Pamulinawen, Laoag City)

Congratulations to all winners.

Cheers!

—

view my official gallery at my Multiply site.

Breakfast has never been so good…. at BAG OF BEANS

I remember last year when me and my girl went to Tagaytay to spend the weekend. We woke up next day morning not knowing what to do and where to eat. We get into the car and drive away when I suddenly remembered a place where we could get good breakfast (that is according to what I’ve read on the web). ‘Bag of Beans‘, that’s what they say. I drove a few miles and I can’t see any BOB shop. Funny thing is, when I asked one of the locals, they told me that I was way too far already from the shop (boy, this shop has given me a hard time). Finally, we saw the shop at the left side of the road and we hesitantly went inside. I thought it was just a regular bakery shop (where’s the dining place? can’t see any table nor chairs?)

The place outside looks something like this:

I was surprised when I asked the clerk on where we can find their dine-in and she told me that it was just beneath the place and the entrance was just on the side of the shop.

So we hurriedly went outside and check the entrance and found a long pathway down to their dine-in. I felt the country ambiance after I have entered the place. Along the path are different types of plantae, mid-size statues and a myna(or parrot?) talking and welcoming visitors.

We found a spot were we could sit comfortably. The waitress gave the menu and I chose to have a country style breakfast (choco chip pancakes yum yum!). My girlfriend choose a filipino style dish (chicken and pork adobo). We also tried their hot chocolate and I could say that it’s the 2nd time that I’ve got to taste a good one (one was a dine in Camp John Hay, Baguio)

Here are some pics for your craving.

Check more of their menu at http://bagofbeanstagaytay.com

Don’t forget to visit my official gallery at my Multiply.

Cheers!

Different faces of Katz Saga

I had an opportunity to have a shoot with this lovely lady. Got a call from a good photographer friend to have a shoot at ‘The Regency’ in Makati.

Along with the shoot is stylist ‘Carol Guillen’ and make-up artist ‘Leah Asino’. (Such talented artists!)

Below is the output from the shoot. You would realize what I meant by different faces of Katz Saga.

Know more about Katz Saga. Visit her page @ http://www.katzsaga.com/

More pics of her in my Multiply Gallery.

Cheers!

Quickie shoot at MIAS ‘09

In lieu of the event Manila International Auto Show, I came across a mutual friend who is stationed at Yokohama booth. We both chat for a while and she said ‘let’s shoot’.

Me, as a photographer, would not refuse that offer. Then we had our shoot at one of the cars stationed there. Other photographers had their share of shoot with her and that’s ok. As long as I got the shots I need I would not be bothered about it.

It’s good that everything went well during that shoot. Kudos to our great model, Kaiyir.

More photos of Kaiyir and the model of the event at Multiply gallery.

Cheers!

A fresh start

Hey guys, It’s been a while seen I lasted posted on my blog. (My last post was dated January 15, 2009. I don’t know what hinders me to share my photo adventures. (work? or I’m just plain lazy.)

I know there are still lots of photo adventure stories to share from last year up to this month, but I guess I’ll be starting all over again from this day onwards (what? not again.) Okay… i’ll share some post from my last shoot (feeling better now?)

You can track my shoots in my multiply page @

http://maxiadrian.multiply.com for my official gallery and http://maxisnapshots.multiply.com for my everyday snapshots.

and i’ve got a facebook (finally…) add me up!  (mac_ssnake@yahoo.com)

Cheers!

Playboy playmate made my day..

It was the 3rd anniversary of Pinoy Photography forum which was held in Tiendesitas last June 28, 2008. It was a blast since the org was able to get some sponsors from different products that are related to photography. One thing that really caught my attention is the Playboy booth. There is a freebie mag which can also be signed by playmate billie. Woohoo! That made my day! Everyting seems to be fun after that. Shooting with the models, dinner, raffle prizes and getting-to-know-each-other with the photogs. It’s also fun seeing old friends that share the same passion in photography.

Oh.. she’s smiling. What did I said to her?

It isn’t complete without a souvenir shot. Thanks Vane.

For more pictures from PiPHO’s 3rd Anniversary shootout, feel free to visit my Multiply gallery.

Sykes Summer Outing 2008

It’s my 3rd year in Sykes and this would be the 3rd time for me to join the annual outing. Just like last year, It was held in Subic Bay (again?!) Hmmm… nothing new since we stayed in the same hotel and almost the same room that we had before. The party was in Marina Bay. Somehow I enjoyed it. If it didn’t rain that time I would surely enjoy it.

They had a competition. Sykes Beach Body. In which we are required to shoot. It was pretty tough that night as we tried to take a couple of shots while shielding our camera from rainshowers. I was relieved when I checked out that I have some few good shots.

After the program was the performance of Brownman Revival. Reggae party all night long! But the night was still early when I decided to go back at the hotel and rest.

Hopefully next summer outing we would be in a different place. Somewhat different than the past 2 years.

Sykes Beach Body 2008 Competition Winners

(June 21-22, 2008)

For more shots from the event, feel free to visit my multiply site.

Philippine Fashion Week (May 2008)

I have been invited to shoot for one of the designers last May 2008 for Philippine Fashion Week. This will be my first to shoot for fashion week. I had a hard time since I was only using a mid range lens. Good thing I was able to get a handful of good shots.

More pics from Philippines Fashion Week at my Multiply and Flickr Gallery.

Graduation… at last!

My sis who is studying in Southville International School finally graduated last April 4, 2008.

Good thing my mom went home from abroad to witness the once in a lifetime event. Of course I had to take my leave to capture the moment.

On the venue, I noticed that they only had one photographer to capture the entire ceremony. I asked my sis If I can talk to the organizers and cover the event as well. My sis told me that the photographer is their resident photog and won’t allow to have someone aside from him. (ahhh okaaaaay)

Anyway, I enjoyed taking pictures. Even if it’s not my sis. You might know the reason but I’ll just show you why.

I have no further comments….

For more of my shots from the ceremony, please visit http://maxisnapshots.multiply.com

Angelo Josh Galvez Baptism

“The ninangs“

I have my first baptism shoot last 23rd of March 2008. On top of that, Angelo is my first godson (did I said the right term?)

The event took place in Immaculate Conception Church. Just a few walks away from our place. To be honest, I forgot the last time that I have attended a baptism so I don’t have any idea on how or who to shoot. Good thing my instincts dictate me well during the event. I was able to get a couple of good shots from the ‘ninongs’ and ‘ninangs’. We had a sumptuous meal after that.

hmmm… December is coming. I’d better be prepared. hehehe

More photos posted in http://maxisnapshots.multiply.com

DSL Team Building @ Kabayan Beach Resort

We had a team building at last March 16, 2008 in Kabayan Beach Resort, Batangas.
Probably one of the best team building that i’ve ever joined. Lot’s of food, Fun games and of course… Party!

I miss my DSL family… *sigh

My First Wedding Shoot

March 2008

My friend in the office wanted me to take their pictures on their wedding day. I was caught off guard when they told me that I will be capturing their once-in-a-life time moment in a few days. To top it all, this would be my first wedding shoot ever and my first to be the main photog. First wedding and main photog? Good luck to me.

Then it came. Saturday the day of the wedding. I ready all of my equips for shoot. I even bought a new monopod for this shoot. I arrived on my friends house early in the morning from work. They live in Valenzuela and we work in QC

Took some shots of what I did know was worth capturing. I never had any experience in wedding so I relied on my instinct and some few photographs that I browsed on top photographers website.

After the preperation. We headed to the church located in QC. It’s somewhere near Ateneo and unfortunately, I forgot that church’s name (poor me)

I met with my fellow photo Manny and Larry. Briefed them on what they should shoot and our position during the wedding.

The wedding went smoothly. Some bloopers but it’s ok. (The couples did a little practice on it anyway). After the tiring shoot, We then proceed to the reception.

The first thing that went in my mind is to eat. I’m so hungry at that moment and I’ve been shooting since 6:00am! It is already 3:00pm. Good thing we were allowed to eat before the program starts. (We should since there’s nothing to shoot and it’s a no-no shooting people while eating).

After the heartwarming reception, I bid a kiss goodbye to the bride and a handshake to the groom as I’ve said to myself. Mission Accomplished!

More pics will be posted in my Multiply and Flicker Gallery.

Mangaholix and Toycon 2008

Mangaholix was held last May of 2008 in SMX, Mall of Asia while Toycon was held the next month in Megatrade Center.

One thing is very much in common for these two events
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.
.
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cosplay.

The only difference is Mangaholix mainly focuses on anime whil Toycon is for toy collectors, hobbyist etc.

Some shots from Managholix.

Would you buy a poster if she’ll be the one to sign it?

Did an anime effect on this pic.

Some shots from Toycon

Whew, i should have been collecting these items.

“Welcome to the dark side.”

These are my favorite events of the year so feel free to check my pics on my Multiply and Flickr Gallery.

Julie & Jerry Prenup: MoA Chapter

My dear friends requested to have a prenup while the Pyro Olympics is on-going. Unfortunately, they came late. So we just decided to have a shoot along the premises. Good thing the guards we’re cooperative that moment and they let us continue the shoot

After the shoot, they treat me and my friend photographer a sumptuous dinner.

Thanks Julie and Jerry!

For more of my shots feel free to visit my Multiply and Flickr gallery.

Maxim Hot 100 Party

Maxim celebrated it’s Hot 100 Party last May 29 of 2008 and that time it was held in A-venue events hall in Makati Ave, Makati.

Got lucky that my friend from ABS, Alvin included me in the guest list but unfortunately, he ran out of passes so I spent shooting aroung the area. The sidelines are alreary crowded by hot blooded males waiting for the show to start.

I did enjoy shooting along the sidelines. Chatting with some model friends and watching those guys play the roulette game (each of options have an exciting prize).

Of course, the show would not be complete without Angel Locsin’s appearance. Unfortunately (again!), I was not able to take a shot of her since all of those males overcrowded the sidelines and most of them have their own technological device to capture the moment.

Anyway… here are some of my side shots from the event.

Security is tight…

Better behave or else…

Who says Angel is the only pretty gal out there?

For more pics of this event. Please visit my Multiply and Flickr Gallery.

Olivia: The Golden Girl of Jazz

May 18, 2008

Olivia: The Golder Girl of Jazz

I received an invite from a photographer friend to accompany him for a shoot to the “Golden Girl of Jazz”, Olivia. The shoot was in Q.C specifically “The Heirloom Manila” as it was called by the owner of the house. The house was antique-built. When I came there, I feel like I’m in Intramuros, Manila. The house was built by the father of the owner with perfect artistry and flawless intellect in architecture.

Shoot was done late afternoon. We just did a couple of sets with Olivia as I need to get home early evening. Even the shoot was a bit short, I did established a good friendship with my subject. I can say that she’s down to earth and very friendly. I can see a bright future in “Jazz” for her.

My photographer friend took over on shooting Olivia and I just did a couple of shots with my model friend Ann, who was also there.

Simple yet elegant. An improptu shoot resulting to a timeless classic image.

For more pictures of Olivia and Ann. Please visit my gallery in Multiply and Flickr.

Miss Philippine Earth 2008

Had a shoot last May 11 of 2008 for Miss Philippines Earth 2008. Thanks to my friend from ABS who gave me a special pass (which has backstage access) for the event.

That time, I was with my EON buds. All of us are in a different areas in front of the stage. There was a place for photographers but I don’t think I’ll be able to shoot peacefully with all those gigantic zoom lenses they are handling. (Most are 70-200 lenses by Canon).

I had problems shooting since I am only using a Tamron 28-75 which is only a middle range lenses. I can’t go nearer on the stage since the judges are in front and I might block the camera. An idea came into my mind to use my pass and sneak in backstage. Good thing I was able to take some snapshots of the candidates and even saw a gradeshool friend who is also a candidate for the pageant.

This pic that I took was right after the announcement of winners.

From left to right:

Miss Philippines EcoTourism 2008 – Maria Venus B. Raj (Legazpi City)
Miss Philippines Water 2008 – Marian Michelle T. Oblea (Municipality of Obando)
Miss Philippines Earth 2008 – Karla Paula G. Henry (Cebu City)

Miss PAGCOR International Tourism Ambassadress – Melanie Felix (Filipino communities in East Coast, USA)
Miss Philippines Air 2008 – Marie Razel T. Eguia (Dipolog City)
Miss Philippines Fire 2008 – Ma. Kristelle M. Lazaro (Municipality of Candaba)

I already knew what will happen so I hurriedly positioned myself on the center of the stage and took 3 shots. The other photographers realized what I’m doing and started to roam the stage. I left immediately since I already took a good shot.

Here are some of the pics from the event:

Kristelle Lazaro / Ms. Candaba

Nikki Martin / Miss Candaba

Ow.. did I forget that one of my celebrity crush Anne Curtis is there as one of the judges? *heart beating

For more of the pics from Miss Philippines Earth 2008, please visit my gallery in Multiply and Flickr

Aliwan Festival 2008

May 3, 2008

Aliwan Festival is considered the grandest fiesta in the Philippines as it’s participants from different parts of the country gathered in one exhilarating, thrilling and street stomping event.

It has brought us popular groups that performed on the streets from Quirino Grandstand to CCP Complex.

Here are the list of the Contingents by region:

NCR (National Capital Region)

Pedrista Festival (Quezon City)
Marikina Festival
Pakalog Festival (Pasig)

CAR (Codillera Autonomous Region)

Panagbenga Festival (Baguio City)

Region I

Pamulinawen Festival (Laoag City)
Agdamdamili Festival (San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte)

Region II

Sabutan Festival (Palanan, Isabela)
Pinilisa Festival (Jones, Isabela)
Sambali Cagayana Festival (Baggao, Cagayan);

Region III

Halamanan Festival (Guiguinto, Bulacan)
Sto. NiNo Festival (Malolos, Bulacan)
Angel Festival (San Rafael, Bulacan);

Region IV

Sumakah Festival (Antipolo City)
Boling-Boling Festival (Catanauan, Quezon)

Region V

HimagUlaw Festival (Placer, Masbate)
Pili Festival (Sorsogon City);

Region VI

Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City)
Tultugan Festival (Maasin, Iloilo)
Kahilyawan Festival (Santa Barbara, Iloilo) Pintados de Pasi Festival (Passi City, Iloilo)
Babaylan Festival (Bago City, Negros Occidental)

Region VII

Sinulog Festival (Cebu City)

Region IX

Hermosa Festival (Zamboanga City)
Pasalamat Festival (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur)

Region X

Diyandi Festival (Iligan City);

Region XII

Halad Festival (Pigcawayan, North Cotabato)
Kalilangan Festival (General Santos City);

ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)

Padang-Padang Festival, (Parang,Maguindanao)
Meguyaya Festival (Maguindanao)
Kambulang Festival (Parang, Maguindanao)

- Sinulog Festival of Cebu took the crown this year.
- Watch the 2009 Aliwan Festival next year sometime in late April or early May!

For more pictures from the event, please visit my Multiply and Flickr Gallery. Thank you!

April: (also a) Month of (Hot) Fashion Shows

I have posted earlier that April has been a month of Carshows in the metro. But wait! there’s more! Not just carshows but sizzling Fashion Shows to spice up your summer. And since it’s summer, what would you expect? An evening gown fashion show? nah! I already know what you’re thinking. Here are some photos from the previous events.

Summer Nights Bikini Fashion Show @ Warehouse 135

Hotter Summer Nights Fashion Show

For more pictures from the event. Feel free to visit my Multiply and Flickr site.

April: Month of Carshows

April is summer time in Manila. Amidst the heat are scorching events that will surely spice up your summer, most especially for car (& babes) enthusiasts.

Had two events this month. One held in World Trade Center (not the two towers) in Manila last April 4 and one in Megatrade Center, Ortigas, Pasig.

The one held in April 4 which is the Manila Auto Show is better than the other one since it showcases the lastest of what automobile companies has to offer. New products, new line ups, new cars to drool from! Did i mention the models? Anyway, here are some pics of the cars… ooops the models from the car show. You can check out the cars on my multiply and flickr site.

Now will you care to see the cars?

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I doubt