I was invited to a pre-launch party for the 1st Model & Fashion Congress event that will be held in one of the malls in Alabang.

At first I thought it was just a gathering of photographers, models, MUA, designers and everyone from the same industry but little do I know that the registration that I signed up is for a photo contest. I’m not so sure about the price though. From what I understand, the winners (10 winners) will be privileged to have their own photo booth during the main event. Aspiring applicants will drop by to have their pictures taken on one of the photo booths.

The contest is all about shooting models. We will be paired with a model guest and will have a photo session. For the arrangement of participants, I am number 16th. Good, lot’s of time for me to think of a good lighting setup. I saw that there where two lights and I saw someone using triggers.

I am paired with a model. We talked about her poses and what would my setup be… Then, our turn came. I went inside the room and was greeted by few people who turn out to be our judges. I did test the strobes to check if they are working. I was surprised when one of the judges said that I will not be using strobes and will work on available equipment that I have. Dang, I did not brought my softbox with me. All I have is my trusty sb800 and my camera. One thing that stunned me for a second is that I only have 5 minutes to work with the model.

Okay…. fine… I did what I have to do. I setup my camera to manual mode and set my shutter speed and aperture. Made sure that I had enough ISO since the room is dimly lit. Setup my flash in TTL mode and adjust some settings. Then I shoot with the model until the timer runs out. Thanked the judges afterwards and check on my shots. It was nothing that I have envisioned a few hours before the shoot but I’m glad that I finally get correct exposures (at least!)

Then came the announcement for the 10 winners. My name was called and I am not expecting that. I wondered what are their criteria for judging? Anyways, I felt happy and proud that I won along with the other photographers. I met skilled photographers and we were able to exhange ideas and opinion about what we do best.

Overall, I did enjoyed the event. I’m looking forward on the actual event next week

My shot with ‘Kia’ posted below

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If you need to hire me as your photographer, you can contact me on the link provided below.

I have opened some social networking accounts. Add me up and spread the love.

Facebook: mac_ssnake@yahoo.com
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/maxiadrian
Twitter: maxiadrian

Cheers!

Haven’t been on this kind of event for a while and renewing my interest turns out to be a rewarding experience.

This time, the organizers covered 2 Megatrade Halls unlike before which they only had 1. But even though 2 halls are unfolded, still, lots and lots of cosplayers from different parts of the metro have gathered to be part of the event. Not just the cosplayers but the anime fanatics as well.

To make the event more interesting, the organizers have come up with an idea to use your entrance ticket as a raffle entry. But it’s not just that. To gain raffle entry, you need to visit booths, participate on online games and many more. I find the “Costrip Fighter: Extreme Battle” a good source of merriment.

And of course, a cosplay event is not complete with cosplayers who took their time and effort in creating costumes and portraying our favorite anime characters. Congratulations!

Well, nuff said. Here are some of the pics. Enjoy!

^kawaii

^cloud! idol!

^maaaask rideeeeer change!

^i need starcraft 2. now!

^one of the best cosplay that i’ve seen this year. Edea of Final Fantasy VIII

Of course a souvenir shot won’t hurt.

^me & mai

^me & aya

More photos are posted in my Multiply gallery.

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If you need to hire me as your photographer, you can contact me on the link provided below.

I have opened some social networking accounts. Add me up and spread the love.

Facebook: mac_ssnake@yahoo.com
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/maxiadrian
Twitter: maxiadrian

Cheers!

I can still remember Sassa Jimenez Show during Fashion week last May of 2009. Perhaps this is the best show that I saw during the entire week. I based that on the days that I have attended (Day 1, 2 4 and 6), The collections are well applauded and cheered. Even I can’t help myself to be amazed from the audience response. The collections seems to have a touch of the 40’s combined with modern day outfit fit for a modern woman.

Check out some of the photos.

To my surprise, Sassa was just in her early twenties (like me! hehe) and she is already producing world class outfits! I’m proud on my kababayan.

For more pictures from the Sassa Jimenez Collection of Fashion Week Holiday 2009, kindly visit my gallery at http://maxiadrian.multiply.com

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If you need to hire me as your photographer, you can contact me on the link provided below.

I have opened some social networking accounts. Add me up and spread the love.

Facebook: mac_ssnake@yahoo.com
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/maxiadrian
Twitter: maxiadrian

Cheers!

I received a text message from a friend asking if I could cover Tita Cory’s last wake in Manila Cathedral. I immediately replied and said, “Sure!”. It has a TF by the way but I didn’t think about it that much. I am honored to be part of the team that will cover the entire event.

Call time was 9pm. I left home around 8. I arrived 15 minutes earlier. I can already see lot’s of people flocking on the streets. Lining up. Patiently waiting for their turn to catch a glimpse of Tita Cory.

Since I know the place, I was able to find a parking space. Then I’m off with my gear. It was pretty far from the church so I had to bring all my stuff. (which is pretty heavy). I decided to have dinner first before proceeding at the cathedral. Besides, my contact who have my pass has not arrived on the venue yet.

After dinner on one of the carinderias. I walks a few kms then stopped at the perimeter where lots of policemen are stationed. Still, my contact has not yet arrived so I take a few shots around the area.

Suddenly, it rained. It poured hard and almost (well not almost) washed my gear. I was fortunate enough to bring my umbrella and my bag having some kind of a rain protection.

Around 10:30. I was notified that my contact has arrived and asked me to meet at the left side of the church. I stormed the rain and hurriedly went to the meeting place only to find out that lots of people are blocking the gates and it seems that they are protesting to get in. With all the ruckus and chaos, I was able to get in as my contact handed out the media pass. whoo! thank God I’m in.

I was introduced to the team and was briefed on what to do and what not to do. Inside the church there is a perimeter in which we are not allowed to cross. We are not allowed to use flash and as much as possible we should be invinsible. In other words our shooting style should be in “Paparazzi mode” (good thing I have brought my zoom lens).

After briefing, I went inside to scout the area. Checked in possible places to where to shoot. And look for celebrities that we need to shoot. Then, I started to take few shots. Honestly, I don’t know the names of some who I am shooting at. They may be political figures, may be artist but what’s important is to have their shots taken.

It went for at least five hours. I recognized lots of political figures and famous artists like Dindong Dantes and Marian Rivera. Gov. Vilma Santos was there along with her husband and son. I remember seeing Aiai delas Alas, Boy Abunda, Sitti, Angelica Jones. ABS-CBN news anchors like Karen Davila, Bernadette Sembrano, Gretchen Fulido and many more. Of course, the immediate family members were present as well.

Around 3:00, We overheard from a media relations person that the president will arrive at the cathedral around 4. They will be securing the perimeter and will stop the public viewing temporarily. News stations are already stationed and they have assigned photographers to take still shots.

I was informed that I can go home I wanted to but I insisted that I will stay to see the president and is possible take a still shot of her.

She came around 4 and stayed for at least 10 minutes on the venue. I wasn’t able to take shots since she was covered by media men and with all those cameras. Security guards were around her and there’s no chance that I could take a good shot. I tried though but failed.

After the president’s visit, I’ve decided to go home. It was still raining but I am already tired and I feel sleepy. But come to think of it. It was nothing compared to all those people who stayed in line ignoring the heat and heavy rain. I’ve seen people in different walks of life. I’ve seen managers, beggars, pregnant woman, employees, children, disabled. All of them showed and paid their final respects to the woman who has and will always be, the Mother of Philippine Republic.

Paalam Tita Cory… you will always be in our hearts.

Well, it’s been a while since my last post. Again, I wasn’t able to fulfill my promise to update my wordpress as often as possible.

So here’s the latest happenings. I resigned from my current job and now looking for a ‘new’ one. For now, I’m rendering photo services full time (woot!) for events, occasions, model shoot etc.

If you wish to hire me as your photographer, you can contact me on the following below:

Email: maxi.adrian@gmail.com
Mobile Numbers: 0921 470 4416 / 0915 860 3881
Yahoo Messenger: mac_ssnake

I have opened some social networking account. If you wish to add me you may do so.

Facebook: mac_ssnake@yahoo.com
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/maxiadrian
Twitter: maxiadrian

I will be posting my recent shoots/projects on my Multiply gallery. If you want to check my gallery, you can visit it at http://maxiadrian.multiply.com

Cheers!

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!

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view my official gallery at my Multiply site.

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!

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!

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!

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!