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

Julie & Jerry Prenup

Julie, one of my colleagues will be trying the knot on 08-08-08 with his lovely husband Jerry. Last March, Julie asked me If I can shoot her wedding. I gladly accepted the offer the same as her request to shoot her a prenup.

The place was in La Mesa Eco Park. We are blessed with a sunny weather that day. The only drawback is the place is hot and humid. Good things we found a shelter from the trees which stood high from the grounds. We did several takes. They are fun to shoot with and they have lots of ideas. They are the couple that every photographers want to shoot.  You can see some of their pics in my Multiply which I will be posting at the end of my blog.

The shoot lasted for aroung 4 or 5 hours (i think). It was exhausting but at the same time, rewarding for all of us. I’m glad they like my shots.

Aren’t they cute?

Will be looking forward to shoot their wedding day. (That will be four days from now)

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More pics this lovely couple in my Multiply page.

Please also visit my Flickr page.

US Girls @ Trinoma

I was informed by my colleague in the office that there will be a fashion show in Trinoma presented by US Girls. During that time, I was like desperate to shoot. I feel like I’m losing my artistic side. (!)

The show started around 7pm and I came there as early as 6:00. Damn “filipino time”. I woke up early and travel all the way from south to north then this is what I get. Anyways, another problem I’ve encountered that my colleague did not mentioned that it is a cocktail event. Only invitied guest are allowed. The shooter in my tried to find ways to get in or to get past the security guard who happens to be from ABS (familiar). Learning that the show is from studio 23 which is from ABS, I texted my friend from ABS if by any chance he will drop by on the event. Lucky me since he’ll be dropping by at Trinoma to check on an outlet.

With him I was able to get in and guess what’s the first thing I did? EAT! haha Gatecrasher na Looter pa. After eating I immeadiately took shots of Angel Aquino, Iya Villania and Cheska Garcia. Then the rest of the models. The show didn’t even last 45 minutes. It was short but all thanks to my friend for letting me in on the event.

Here is the shots of our lovely US Girl Hosts:

For more shots from the event, please check my Multiply page.

Please also visit my Flickr page.

Sarah: not your ordinary Persian girl

I was invited by my friend from ABS to shoot Sarah, a persian model mainstay here in the Phil. Sarah did a couple of billboard ads here in just three months!

The shoot went out well even though there are some communication problems (she’s having problems with her English but it’s somewhat tolerable).

Here’s Sarah:

Hope to see more of here gracing the streets of EDSA

More pics of Sarah in my Multiply page.

Please also visit my Flickr page.

Nikonians going North

I had a shoot with the nikonians last February. It was something different so I decided to try it out. We will be travelling to NLEX to shoot in the SCTEX (on-going construction) that time. SCTEX stands for Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

We had at least four (or five models) with us to shoot along with the sceneries. Travelling on this highway feels like we’re in a different country. Something like the highways in the US (although I haven’t been there) I was able to picture it out from the movies.

One cool things is that a lot of sports cars are doing their test drives on this road. While we are shooting, a guys in a ferrari stops in front of us and asks “Is this for a magazine?” We just stand their and nod our heads as we are rendered speechless.

Anyway, we had a blast and it took us half a day to complete our shoot. We ended up contented (but still wanting for more). A pansit luglog in Razons satisfied our crave to shoot more.

Here is one of my fave shot during the shoot.

Darlene

More pics of Darlene and Thess in my Multiply page.

Please also visit my Flickr page.

Studio 8: Joyce and Arriane

A friend in the office asks me if we can have a shoot. We have been planning this for a couple of times now. Glad that this time, we are able to pull it out.

Here’ Joyce

Thanks to our gracious host, Chris Bañez for letting me shoot in his studio. During that time they are also having a shoot with Arianne (a good model friend).

Here’s Arianne

So it’s a + + for me. Shooting two models in a same day

More pics of Joyce and Arianne in my Multiply page.

Please also visit my Flickr page.

I almost forgot….

Yikes! I almost forgot that I had a blog. Dang. I should reorganize myself or i’ll keep forgetting things that I should not.

So what’s up with me?

Let’s start on the PRESENT

* oh I’m a year older.
* im enrolled in MAPUA for a CISCO certification which means I will most likely cancel my shoots every Saturday
* just had an event shoot for Ms. Real Estate Agent ‘08.
* i missed the Bench Blackout Fashion Show.
* still watching One Piece episodes everyday (it’s been going for 3 months)
* The Dark Knight is one the interesting movies that I have seen in the last 2 years.
* had a model shoot with the Nikonians.
* my sis just passed the PRC Nursing Exams. yey!

how about the PAST?

I’ve done some model shoots in the past. You can check my multiply account for…

Model shoots of Mary Joyce, Arriane, Darlene & Thess, Sarah, Olivia, Ann and Dianne

What about the events that I’ve worked or shoot in?

Check out my pics on some certain events

Fashion Shows:

US Girls Fashion Show
Summer Nights Bikini Fashion Show
Hot Summer Nights Fashion Show
Philippine Fashion Week ‘08

Car Shows/Trade Shows/Other Events:

Manila Auto Show
Transport Show 2008
MAXIM Hot 100 Party ‘08
Mangaholix 2008
Philippine Toy Convention 2008

Festivals:

Aliwan Festival 2008

Pageants:

Ms. Philippines-Earth 2008

Good thing I was able to process the photos and currently I only have a couple of backlogs on my “Temp” folder.

So what’s up for the next months?

hmmm… (checking calendar)

* I’ll be the main photog in my colleagues wedding shoot in 8-8-08
* Already booked in for a flight in Davao this Aug 23 for the Kadayawan Festival
* My mom will com home this August and we have plans on going to HK. (actually I asked If we could go to palawan instead. I’ll just be miserable in HK with all the cameras on sale there)
* Looking forward on more event shoots this Aug for a popular swimwear brand.

That’s it for now.

*sigh, I should check my blog more often

It’s been awhile…

Oh my, it’s really been a while since I visit my blog. I’ve been really swamped lately. Juggling work, photography, family and love one. So what i have been up to lately?

Work:

Not really that much improvement. Still doing 8 hours a day and 5 days a week of work. Good thing is, I was able to take a leave during fridays of April

Photography:

This is what really takes my time. I’m not saying that I like it, I enjoyed it. A lot. So far, i’ve done several model shoots, event shoots, fashion shows and wedding. Talk about wedding. Yeah this took almost 70% of my photography time. From shooting whole day up to post processing part et al. Yeah pretty tiring but it’s all worth it.

Family:

My mom just got home from overseas so I need to keep her in company on all the weekends of April up to mid May. My sister had her graduation and of course I’m her photographer. I enjoyed shooting at their school (lots of pretty nurses… ooops) BTW. my sister is a nurse graduate. Hope she can pass the board this June. Go sis! My bro also did graduate from High School. Unfortunately, I was at work during that time. Also had lots of family reunions. This is the best time I think since it’s summer and most of my cousins are in vacation.

Love one:

In spite of my busy sched, I make sure that I spend some time to the love of my life. It’s very relaxing to be with her after a long week of working. I’m just very lucky that I have a very understanding girlfriend (who loves to eat. hehe. actually we both are).

Personal:

Hmm… so after all the hard work. What do i get for myself? Nothing much really. I’m not in shopping here, there and everywhere. I just buy what I need. Luckily, a friend had a vacation in HK and requested him to buy me some photography equipment. on my list are

1.) Tamron Lens 17-50 2.8
2.) Nikon Sb-800
3.) 4gb Sandisk Extreme SD
4.) Battery Grip
5.) Sandisk Memory Stick Pro Duo

I’ll be posting about this on my “Flashback(s)”

Also got myself a camera bag (as last) Lower Pro Slingshot 200aw and an external HD (which I really needed since Im running out of space in my PC) Western Digital MyBook Home Edition 500gb.

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Well that’s what happened in the past few months. Whew, i’ll just try to post some flashbacks and share my experiences… in life.

Saturday Madness Part 2: UP Fair’s Last Day Concert

After an afternoon shoot, here I am preparing to immerse my shutter for a concert shoot. Can’t wait to shoot the bands. I’m also interested in concert photography. Here’s another chance for me to get it right. Besides, some of my fave bands will perform on that evening. Rock on!

UP is kinda big and If you’re that dumb, you’ll get lost. Fortunately, I’ve been here a couple of times so finding the venue is not that hard for me. The problem is where to find the entrance of the gate. Lots of people are roaming around. If you’re not that patient then you’ll just leave the place for good.

Met with my friends. One of them is associated with an organization so we are able to get inside for free and with all-acces pass(I’m getting used to this). For me all-access is power! I used it wisely so I advised to go backstage and take pictures of band members flocking there. Lucky me, since most of the bands are already there. Tuesday and her band. Sandwich, Up Dharma Down, ChicoSci, SugarFree. Our shutter just keep on working.

This is also the first time when I was able to shoot at the stage. I mean on the actual stage. Not in the front not on the side but on the ACTUAL stage. You can feel the intensity especially when Slapshock did their thing. You can see the crowd get wild. Mosh pits have been created resulting to audience having fights. Whew! what a pleasant view.

Unfortunately, I have to leave early co’z I’m my body is about to give up. The show will approximately end around 6 or 7 in the morning so I can’t stand that long. I decided to go home along with my EON buds.

Again, Dead tired. zzzzZZZZZ

Here are some of my takes from the event

Mores photos in my Multiply Gallery and Flickr Gallery.

Fashion Sense @ Blue Wave

 

This is definitely the longest Fashion Show that I’ve shot so far. I came to the venue @ 6pm and started shooting around 7. Would you believe that the show ended @ around 2 - 2:30 am?

Oh well, that’s the short side of the story. Didn’t have any details to share since I’ve only been shooting from the start till the end of the show. With a quick 5 minutes break.

I’m with the DPPer’s this time and some of them decided to go home at the middle of the show.

Over 75+ models showcased designs created by Fashion Designer Vekart S. Adrao.

The show was managed & directed by: Zen Wayne

For more of my captures, feel free to visit my Flickr Gallery and Multiply Page.

Saturday Madness Part 1: Nikonians @ La Mesa Eco Park

 

It’s Saturday, a shoot was scheduled later in the evening at UP. But I still joined the leader of the Nikon pack (Kuya Ron) in his shoot at La Mesa Eco Park in Q.C

Together with Richard, Orion, Tito Ron and one other photog we invaded La Mesa along with 5 models and one good Make-Up Artist.

It took a while for King(MUA) to finish all their make-Up but it doesn’t matter co’z we already started shooting one of our models.

The shoot lasted till at least 5pm. Good. I need some time since I’ll be attending the UP fair with EON buddies at arounf 7pm.

I dropped King and her friends (models) @ Mcdo and we had dinner. (already starving) Before they  bid their farewell.

Im off to UP Fair now. (Oh, I bought an energy drink in 711. I really need that).

Good Luck.

Princess Jasmine

No, it’s not Jasmine from Aladdin. But she is treated as a princess while we, The knights are intructing her for a few poses.

Got a message from Chris, one of our EON bud asking me If I could join them for a shoot at his studio in Cubao. It was monday and I have work @ night but I can still go since start of my work is 10pm. I arrived at the studio around 5:30pm. Had dinner at Jollibee with my photo colleagues and after that we started the shoot.

Thanks Chris for the opportunity. This is marked as my D’s first studio shoot.

EON Photography Group 1st Year Anniversary

 

In lieu of our exhibit. We also celebrated our first anniversary as a group. A first big major event for us. There are about 50 eonites joined the celebration @ Banio Creek in Silang Cavite (few kilometers away from tagaytay).

We’ve got good location, good food, good company and good model & MUA. Everything went well inspite of internal problems that we have encountered. In short, the celebration is a blast!

Hope next year it will even be bigger.

*should be bigger than this….

For more pictures from the event, feel free to visit my Multiply Gallery.

Natalie @ the Ruins

I signed up in FPC event to join the model shoot that was held at BF Tropical Ruins. Location for me is a breeze since it is just minutes away from where I live.

Arrived at the venue around 4pm. There are actually 3 models. 2 female and 1 male. But I spend more shutter actuations on Natalie than everyone else.

Natalie Trevis is a british professional model. I did nothing but capture her ever changing moods and emotion which for me, a great quality of a model. So glad to had some good shots with her even though it’s my first time shooting using Nikon CLS.

Here’s Natalie:

For more of her pics. You can visit my Flickr Gallery.

EON PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: 1st Exhibit

WHO: EON Photography Group
WHAT: 1ST EXHIBIT OF PHOTOGRAPHS
WHERE: 12TH FLOOR FOOD PARK ART & GALLERY, GT TOWER, AYALA AVE. MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES
WHEN: JANUARY - MARCH 2008

We had our opening last third week of January and it was a blast! Before work, I dropped by and celebrated with my photo buddies. 2 of my cousins are there for support. Yay! thanks Bek and Apple.

Kudos to my colleagues who sacrificed their sleep just to finish the frames and pics to be hanged on the walls. And also to those who have been a part of our 1st exhibit (including me). Congratulations to us!

Exhibit will run until the third week of March 08. If you have spare time, feel free to drop by. Have lunch or dinner (it’s a food court actually) and enjoy viewing our photographs. Thanks!

Cebu Adventure Day 5: I Shall Return

Alarm sounded. It’s 2am. ohh, still sleepy. I wish our flight was later on that morning. It’s just too early.

Anyway, we had all of our things packed up and we just need to take a bath or wear our last neat and clean clothes.

Taxi was not a problem since when we checked out from the pension house, lots of taxis are parked near it.

The ride up to the airport is as smooth as driving in NLEX.

Got to Mactan International Airport @ around 4. Still enough time to check-in our baggages and to have some snacks.

Then off we go to our plane. Took off. And we had a smooth flight all the way to Manila (kudos to the pilot).

*definitely bored and sleepy..

We got home @ around 6:30-7:00 am. I’m already sleepy but I just need to unpack my things and pasalubongs. Just I was about to sleep, I had a second thought of checking on my Sinulog pics. Yay! haven’t seen them yet on the big screen. So turned on my PC and did a scan on my shots. I am somewhat satisfied on the results so I did some post processing on my shots.

Time passed by and I realized it is already 4:00pm. So I only have 3 hours to sleep before going to work. Good Luck!

My first Cebu experience was definitely worth it. If I have given the time and money, I’ll be here next year again for the Sinulog Festival. Who knows? I might also be in Bohol on that time

Cebu Adventure Day 4: WHOLE DAY TOUR!

Ok. Good Morning! It’s already 6am and some of the girls are already prepared to go. My legs are still aching from yesterday’s shoot. I just want to sleep….

7am. I finally woke up. They’ve decided not to go to Kawasan falls. They want to go to Mactan Island for a swim. Ok, fine. I just wanna go the falls. Of course, not all will agree with you. Only the adventurous will!

After breakfast and preperation, We got into the taxi @ around 8am. Fortunately, the driver (i think the name’s Manong Joy) was pretty talkative and he became our instant tourist guide. After all the negotiations, we agreed to pay him PHP2300 for a whole day tour in Mactan and Cebu.

Along the way, we passed on the new Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting Mactan and Cebu Island. Not so close to the Golden Gate bridge in Sanfo but still, it’s majestic.

First Stop: Big Foot studios

According to manong, this is where some of the filipino movies are produced. Included in the building is a workshop for artists and a school for inspiring directors.

Second Stop: Lapulapu Shrine

Mactan Shrine

Lapu, Lapu.

Mactan Beach.

According to them, this is where Magellan docked and was confronted by Lapu-lapu. A historic battle was done here which leads to the death of Magellan.

3rd Stop: Hadsan Beach

Ok, they are looking for a cheap but good looking beach and white sand. Manong leaded us to Hadsan beach. Entrance is only PHP40 but you have to pay PHP50 per use shower. Cottage also costs PHP700. So we left our bags on the taxi and we had a swim w/o taking a shower (budget wise!).

We enjoyed the coolness of the water and flour-like sand. Only comment is that sea shore is almost full of seaweeds. Not that harmful but It gives me the creeps everytime I step in.

We left the beach @ around 12pm.

Hungry…

4th Stop: Alegre Guitars

Still at Mactan. I was curious about this coz I keep hearing stories that guitars from Cebu are with good quality. Especially coming from Alegre. So I asked manong to take us there and see what’s in store.

The place is like a factory of guitars. You can see how guitars are made and crafted into perfection. Inside the store, you can see different sizes, colors of guitars. Although they are a bit pricey, they are really of in good quality.

Now im really getting hungry…

I asked them to try the famous CNT lechon. But since I’ve already tried (the girls are not into “lechon” thing) we asked manong where the good dishes (food) are located.

5th Stop: Lunch Time @ Triple AAA

He brought us to Triple A, restaurant (or should I say, big carinderia). Their specialty are “Inihaw na sinugba/situkil and Tinolang bariles.”

The food was great! Our hunger is worth the wait! If ever I’d go back to Cebu, I would not want to miss the dishes on this resto. Also I tried a lump of rice which pretty much like “mais”. Not the typical rice that we eat daily.

After the sumptuous meal, Manong told that he will bring us to “TOPS” which is the highest vantage point in Cebu City, Overlooking the whole city and even it’s nearest islands.

6th Stop: TOPS of the world

The road to tops reminds me of baguio and tagaytay. A lot of zig-zags and the air was soooo cold. It took us around 30-45 mins before we reach Tops, which is the highest vantage in Cebu. The scenery is breathtaking. A good place to relax, read a book or just spend a time with your love one.

About 15-30 mins, we decided to have the next stop. It is already around 4 and there are lots of places that we need to cover.

7th Stop: Climbing the Taoist Temple

What I’ve read about the temple is true! It’s like climbing a mountain with those steps. I’ve tried counting our steps and I think It took around 80+ before reaching the top! Not so much to say here since this place is the haven for Taoist. You can see a lot of Buddha Statues and scrolls.

8th Stop: Casa Gorordo

Going down we are! Already at downtown around 5, I remembered Casa Gorordo and manong dropped us there. It has an entrance fee and unfortunately we can’t take pictures so we decided to let it go. Well, this area is a collection of antique and artifact from the Gorordo Clan.

9th Stop: Fort San Pedro

I really want to see Fort San Pedro. Accoring to what I’ve read, this the smallest fort ever built here in the Philippines. It was almost 5:30 when we get there. From the entrance, we can see the earlier pictures of the fort which is pretty much made in bamboo! I came inside and it was just small compared to Fort Santiago in Manila. It was like a triangular shape with a couple of cannons on every side.

10th: Magellan’s Cross & Basilica de Sto. Nino

It was really getting dark when we arrived at downtown Cebu. Unforunately, the gates on the cross are already closed but I was still able to get a picture of it.

Want to know a secret?

The cross erected on the “Magellans Cross” is not the actual cross but just a replica. The actual cross is already buried “underneath” the replica. In this way, It will be preserved for years and years to come. (that explains the surface of the cross shown which is still shiny and almost new assuming that it is more than 500 years old)

After checking the cross, we walked a few meters and arrive at the Basilica. There was a mass on-going so we silently went in. The place was so big and you can easily get lost. I took a few shots of the church and the Sto. Nino. There are lots of people in line just to be able to touch the Sto. Nino. Unfortunately, we don’t have much time so after taking photos we left.

Final Stop: Tabo-an Market

After the long journey, it’s time to buy some pasalubongs for my love ones and of course my colleagues at the office. Lots of danggits and dried fish/squid but at a high price! If I can remember it’s 425 per kilo of boneless danggit. I bought half a kilo of danggit and squid. Some dried mangoes and chorizo is included in my pasalubong box too.

After the tireless shopping. We decided to call it a day and manong drop us home.

Whew, I was too hungry that time I ride a jeepney to Larsian and ordered some food for take home.

After dinner and a little talk. We slept early since we have an AM flight. 4:30am!

Up Next: Cebu Adventure Day 5: I Shall Return

Cebu Adventure Day 3: VIVA PIT SEñOR!

Woke up @ around 8:30. Just tired from yesterday. But I shouldn’t be coz this is the day that i’ve been awaiting for.

Dressed up, took vitamins and prepared my gears.

Open up the television and we can see the dancers we’re already prepared to roam the streets. We hurriedly went down and told them that I will be splitting up. I need to join the other photogs and blend with them since I wasn’ able to get a pass.

I did made some few stops and took some pics along the way. Their dresses are so colorful! I really love to shoot colors. My only problem is the lens that i’m using. I only have 50mm which is only suitable for portraits and one manual 35-70 lens. But I guess I coped up with that.

I was able to position myself in the middle of the streets even without the ID so I just shoot, shoot and shoot.

I stopped and stationed myself in the circle since the area is so wide and I can move back and forth with my prime lens.

I was so happy with the results since the LCD of Nikon cameras produce wonderful colors!

Here are some of my shots.

i looove the colors!

It was 11:00 when the parade stopped for a while. I heard that it’s lunch time so I find some convenience store and had lunch. After a few minutes, I came back on the streets and shoot some dancers and performers. I can also see some actors from ABS CBN and GMA 7 in their majestic floats.

Bad News!

Raindrops keep falling down my head… One sunny afternoon suddenly turned into a not-so-good weather. But fortunately enough, it’s just raindrops, I can still shoot. I just need to improvise a sealant for my camera.

one FPC colleague texted to meet them at Yellow Cab. Ok, I walk straight to the parade then found them preapared all sealed for the rain. Borrowed some plastics to cover up my camera (mabasa na ako wag lang ang camera. hehe)

After the meet-up, shooting time again! I didn’t realized that I’ve already reached 1000+ shutter count on my camera. (remember I just bought it 3 days ago).

Around 5:30pm. Yes 5:30. I started shooting from 9:00am and decided to call it a day @ 5:30, I walked from the circle to the pension. I want to rest. Pretty tired… again.

Arriving at our room, I saw them eating and resting. Damn, I’m so hungry, I immediately grab a pizza and eat to my hearts content. They told me that they wanna see the fireworks in Ayala Cebu and I said “What!? Do you know how far is that from here?” I showed the map and they just said, “Ah malayo nga”.

They still wanna go, it was raining still.. I have no choice but to join them. Imagine we have to walk that far since there is no transpo available on that time? That’s 20 minutes far from our location. Not just 20 minutes walk but 20 minutes jeepney ride.

Ok. so much for my mumbling and grumbling. We arrived @ Ayala in 45 minutes after braving the rain and wet roads.

Fireworks… pretty good but did not meet my expectations. Ever since I saw the fireworks show from World Pyro Olympics, I just craved for quality and majestic presentation. After that, we went inside Ayala and look for a foodstall. We can’t find any since it’s almost closing. Good thing Max’s is stil open (Thank God)

We had some trouble finding transpo on our way home. We’re able to ride a jeepney but still need to walk few kms to the pension.

Got home. No water…. great. Called the frontdesk and after a not-so-good confrontation, water came back. Washed ourselves and talked about our itinerary for tom. They’ve decided to go to Mactan Island for swimming. I want to go to “Kawasan Falls” for nature tripping. Of course, 3-1 so. Mactan Island here we go again!

Sleep… sleeep… sleeeeeep.

More of my photos here in Multiply and Flickr gallery.
Up Next: Cebu Adventure Day 4: WHOLE DAY TOUR!

Cebu Adventure Day 2: Festival Queen

Oh it’s already 7am! We are awaken by a call from 2 of our friends that will come over and share the pension with us. They are at the airport and will be here after 25 min.

Still sleepy…. want to sleep.

Suddenly, we heard a knock and here they come! Now you can call us “Party of 4″.

“Party of 4″

Vanessa and Anna are both sleepy from their flight and Vane decided to sleep first. Anna, Me and Mich had some breakfast somewhere in fuenta circle. As we came back, I received a text from FPC peeps that they will be having a lunch at CNT lechon near SM manila. They also informed me that they were not able to get some passes for the sinulog parade (meaning that I will not be able to shoot at the middle of the street! ~sigh)

I tried my luck and visit the Cebu City sports complex center where the Sinulog office is located. But unfortunately, they told me that tickets are already sold out since yesterday. I’ve got no choice but to accept that fact. Called one FPC colleague and informed the situation. They told me to join them in groups so I won’t be noticed without pass. ok so that’s settled.

After going back to the pension house and took a bath, I asked them (friends) that i’ll be gone for a while. Will be going to CNT Lechon to have a taste of their famous lechon! Took a jeep and it drove into the streets of Colon (which is the oldest street in cebu) and it went right across SM. Joined my FPC colleagues and I finished their leftover lechon (hehehe that’s for free). After the meet-up, it’s time to go home. It rained hard and unfortunately I have no umbrella. I was soaking wet when I rode the jeepney. When I got home, I immediately took a bath and they are already prepared. They want to go to SM cebu… Ok, let’s get it on!

Still, it was raining hard. But eventually we arrived safe and sound. On the entrance, there was a souvenir shop and I bought a sinulog shirt. We head to the ground floor and saw some cebu delicacies for sale. Some are cheap and some are at reasonable prices. Bought their bibingka for PHP55.00 and that’s 3 bibingkas! yum yum! Also bought some dried mangoes and otap for pasalubongs.

After a short shopping we headed home via taxi and I asked them if they want to watch the Festival Queen Pageant. It will be held @ the Cebu City Sport Complex which is just few km away from the pension

Agreed.

We arrived @ the Sports Complex at around 7:30pm. There are already lots of people roaming around. Lots of spectators and audience supporting their respective candidates. Photographers are already positioned in the “photographer’s area” armed with their zoom lenses (great, I only have my 50mm and a borrowed manual 35-70 lens)

The contest is not about beauty and it’s not about intelligence. It’s all about their movements and how they dance with the Sto. Niño. I enjoy watching the rather than shooting since this is the first time to see such event and besides, I can’t get near in the front stage. Some “pasaway” photographers are already there.

My favorite contestant won!

After the event, I invited them to have a dinner @ Larsian Fuente. My friend told me that food is cheap there.

So then we arrived at Larsian. Too much smoke from the BBQ grills. The place is like food court but all of the stalls are selling bbq and they have their own grill. So you’ll expect a fog of smoke and be prepared to smell like bbq. haha.

Well, we don’t care about that. We pick our menu and waited for orders. They also gave us one bowl of “puso”. Rice steamed and packaged using banana leaves. And take note that’s PHP2.00 for you. Also, they don’t have spoon and fork in this area. “Kamayan”, is what they do here. You eat with your hands. But since we don’t know that we asked for plastics.

Full! We spent PHP188.00 for 4 persons. Oh yeah!

After dinner we ride jeepney back at the pension..

Whew end of Day 2.

Up Next: Cebu Adventure Day 3: VIVA PIT SEñOR!

Cebu Adventure Day 1: Getaway

January 18, 2008 

I’ve been excited about this since we’ve booked our flight two months ago from Cebu Pacific. I thought of things that we should do, researched where to go and find some ways how to shoot the “Sinulog Festival”.

Me and my GF arrived at the airport 45 mins before our sched flight @ 5:45pm. It will be our first time for a domestic travel and my first time at the domestic terminal (i’ve been to NAIA before). This will also be my GF’s first airline travel.

Welcome aboard!

We board the airplane and left at the exact time of our departure sched. (thank goodness, my friend keeps on telling me that Cebu Pacific always had delayed flights) Taking off is still a different experience for me. I just can’t explain the feeling. Well, even when where steady up there, I can’t keep my eyes on the window enjoying the scene from below (If only I am nearer on the window, I would take pictures to no end!)

We arrived at around 7pm. Hello Cebu! But it seems like it rained coz we noticed that the roads are wet while making our way to Mactan Intl Airport.

Welcome to the “Land of Danggit and Dried Mangoes”. hehehe

After checking out at the airport, we waited for taxi for almost an hour. Suddenly, taxis came in batches. Natives told us that traffic is already heavy in Cebu. So it’s like we waited for eternity and left in a second. Anyways, we need to check out first the condo unit of my gf’s Aunt since they haven’t seen that for ages. We drove around Mactan Island for about 45 mins to an hour to check that condo and after seeing the unit and taking of some pictures, we travelled all the way back and into Cebu City.

Cebu is like a manila replica. We drove to streets in resemblance to Roxas Blvd, Pier area, Recto and Malate. We arrived at the Pacific Pensionne House at around 10. I reserved a room here two months ago since all pension houses and hotels will be fully booked on this day.

After unpacking our things and washing ourselves my gf was decides to sleep when I requested her to have a walk first on the streets. Something like street exploring @ night. I finally got her to agree and we walked our way up to Fuenta Osmeña circle (pretty much like Bonifacio Monument Circle in Caloocan). We ate at Chowking and buy some groceries @ the drugstore nearby.

Natives spoke “bisaya” or “cebuano” to us. Good thing I have a Visayan heritage and I was able to understand some of their words. My gf was being asked by a native and all she can say is “ano po iyon? tagalog po.” hehe

We ride a jeepney on our way back. By the way, Jeepney fare is P6.00!

At the pensionne house, we are both dead tired…

slept…

Up Next: Cebu Adventure Day 2: Festival Queen