Issa Irasga : I Am What I See

Weekend in BUDA

2013-07-09T15:49:00.001+08:00

My Blog has fallen asleep for a few months now, I admit that I really missed posting some of my photos here in my blog. I had a few local travels for the past few months that really made summer worth remembering. I was browsing my blog and was inspired to do some little posting once again.

One of my recent trip was just nearby home, the family stayed at Alice Log House, located in Baganihan, Marilog District, still in Davao City. Just along the road before reaching Seagull Mountain Resort. For a weekend my world stopped, just in time for my needed breather.
Me and family time... period.

It was not all for pleasure though, since we had our location shoot for my brothers engagement session. But that doesn't mean that I haven't been able to enjoy the beautiful sight beneath me. See that top photo? That's the sight you see upon waking up. How I wish to get lost there for sometime and never come back (chos lang hehe) . And yes, I did took time to steal some photos of what mother nature can best offer me and my eye. I must say the locals/ neighborhood are very friendly too.

Here are some of the photos that I took.

Who wouldn't not visit the BUDA (Bukidnon-Davao Road) without taking their very own road shot. I just got myself one. :)

And here's everyone before heading back home, taken at the Log House's frontage.

Anastacia Shoes

2013-03-06T01:12:00.000+08:00

Anastacia Shoes is the brainchild of Stacy Venus, who happened to be a colleague and friend. When she asked me if I could collaborate with her shoe line, I said why not, I am a shoe lover myself and nothing is more fun to do a shoot with a group of young and talented girls.

Credits to the ff. people who made this shoot possible:

Model: Bib Jayme

HMUA: Dotty Ibanez

Stylist: Paola Lagrimas

Photography: Melissa Irasga

If you wanted to avail these fashionable flats and sexy heels can make any outfit look of-the-moment click the Anastacia logo to like their page

SERENA OXFORDS

MADISON FLATS

CARINE WEDGE

Swagger Jaggers

2013-02-13T11:18:00.000+08:00

Competing during a dance competition in the hospital was one of our highlight events last December, this however would be my last participation in the said activity, I am not really that of a good dancer (haha), so I will take credit to the group and for being so talented. Although it painstakingly took us a lot of effort to build up the group, we however have been able to put up our swagger despite the "lack of everything" including hope.

I really love our creative outfits inspired by Cher Lloyd from her music video "Swagger Jagger", well we're just resourceful in our means to put everything together. All that matters is the spirit of Christmas and teamwork. I miss these fun times, the friendship, the bonding moments and hanging out with the younger ones.

Make up Credits to Suzette Cachuela

The whole Swagger Group

Vintage 70's Shoot

2013-02-12T23:55:00.001+08:00

This is my first official blog entry this 2013 (hehe), and I admit that I miss doing blog posts to some of the works that I did the past months. Well, this doesn't mean that I quit doing photography because that would never happen. How I wish that I was able to do some posts on food (Davao has a lot of new places to dine) , holiday inspirations and my local travels last year (I had great sunset shots in Boracay). Instead of filling this entry with regrets, I'd rather put up some optimism to share my works in my blog this year. Hopefully, I'll be able to post them here soon.

Anyway, here are some of the photos that I did with my good friend Joanne, and I am loving our vintage inspired shoot. For our look we incorporated vintage pieces from her moms closet and Dotz, our stylish friend's vintage collection. It is a breather as we have immortalize the 70's look to this modern times plus Joanne's timeless beauty made everything in this set elegantly CLASSIC.

Photography: Melissa Irasga

Model: Joanne Quitain

HMUA: Suzette Cachuela

Air Supply - Live in Davao Videos

2012-11-23T10:03:00.000+08:00

For those who have missed the Air Supply show last Tuesday, I uploaded 2 video clips taken during the concert. This one goes out to my tatay, who is miles away from home, and wishes he was there to watch it live. Our sincere apologies for the loud screaming and singing. Finally we were able to sing a long with them, because I thought hanggang videoke lang. hehe The videos were taken with my ever realible Lumix LX5! =)

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Making Love Out of Nothing at All

Lost in Love

Air Supply Live in Davao

2012-11-22T23:35:00.004+08:00

If you are a 90's kid and grew up together with your dad by your side, well in more ways than one, you'd definitely be introduced to the beautiful ballads of Air Supply. Looking back during my school days, I'd remember my tatay playing their tracks in the morning and at times during Sundays. Since, internet downloads are not yet available during that time to play my favorite artists' music, I have no choice but to play what my father listens. True enough as he what he always tells us, that the music of yesterday never fades, because up until now they still have a great number of following. Walang binatbat ang mga current artists, well I guess, you know who they are. hehe

So much for justifying how I started to love and appreciate their music, I am still in awe up until now that I was able to witness the group to perform live here in Davao City at the USEP Gym. For those who don't know the men behind the music, Air Supply is a soft rock duo that originated in Australia, Russel Hitchcock as their lead vocalist and Graham Russel as guitarist and singer-song writer, they were also accompanied by various accompanying band members over the years. They started during the late 70's and make it real big during the 80's and even 90's, with so many hits, I just lost my count.

During their concert, they played mostly the best of their ballads. Starting with their opening act, "Even the Nights Are Better" along with their other hits like Here I am, Just as I am, Goodbye, Sweet Dreams and so many more. Well my night wouldn't be complete without them playing one of my favorite karaoke song "Making Love Out of Nothing At All" which was also very popular with the crowd that gained a standing ovation.

Me and my Air Supply-loving colleagues

The certified hit maker duo, has definitely proved not just to the Davaoeno crowd but to the world that their music will forever live on, it has been more than 30 years and they are still here to entertain us giving us quality and relevant music for the present and upcoming generations to enjoy.

More photos from the concert:

Regards na lang ko kay "Papi" hehe

Graham now reaches out to the crowd

Who says the Air Supply concert is for the oldies?!

Serenading one of the lady audience

Graham's solitary moment on the stage

Russel, jamming with their young and talented guitarist

Waving their last goodbyes to the Davao crowd

'Til we meet again!

Publish Yourself

2012-11-06T15:25:00.000+08:00

Time has fly by so fast that you have gone unnoticed that you already got thousands of photo files on your computer archives. I bet most of those jpeg files have got stuck in there for quite sometime, without you knowing what to do with it. I am quite guilty for that as well, and eventually found a solution for that.

As we adapt through the changes of the digital age, we usually no longer practice having our photos printed, instead what most of us do, we are now used to publish our photos on Facebook, or any social media networking. This can save us time, and money for printing as well, but have you thought of how long this will last? You can never tell on when your computer gets corrupted, right? So back to basics, it's better to make a hard copy of those lovely memories for you to enjoy and reminisce, as well as share it with your family and friends.

Gone are those bulky albums, I must say, as it is much more better to publish yourself through Photobook. It's my perfect way to preserve memories, as it is light weight and you can choose your options with regards to size, color, number of pages and material as well. This is perfect for special occasions, weddings, engagements, birthdays, portfolios, travel, and so much more. And I am definitely making more for myself, that's for sure.

Chris + Mae : Highway to Love

2012-10-22T12:58:00.000+08:00

I had another engagement session opportunity, as I was invited by one of the couples to shoot side by side with Mr. Richard Padillo, one of Davao City's known wedding photographer. Most of the photos by the way were taken in Tagum City. It's been awhile since my last engagement shoot, so I was really excited to be part of this. It was my first time to shoot in the middle of a highway (yes, with huge buses and trucks passing by), along the bridge and across a bridge. Needless to say, I enjoyed the company of the couple Mae and Doc Chris and the rest of the photo crew team. Also credits to Jong Paguia, for the stunning hair and make-up of the Bride.

The couple just tied the knot last October 10 and again I was able to witness another beautiful wedding, this is my way of saying congratulations to the couple.

Scroll over to see some of the shots that I really love from this set.

(Very long post ahead)

Here's a simple avp of the beautiful photos that I have captured with the couple.

Jayson + Margaret

2012-09-26T10:32:00.002+08:00

Isn't it such a wonderful feeling to love and be loved by your best friend? Someone you can laugh and share your memories with. That best describes these lovely couple Jayson and Margaret as they were truly and genuinely in love and comfortable with each other's company. These photos are taken at Margaret's hometown, Davao City, where the shoot was randomly done at Matina Town Square, Jacksridge, and People's Park. These places by the way are known landmarks of the city.

This set was taken early last year, way before I started doing blog posts. If not mistaken, we have been rescheduling it due to rain showers, but eventually was able to push through the shoot. Some find engagement sessions too cheesy, but I may say that these best represents the relationship of a couple. Being able to capture these moments is my great pride, because I believe that precious memories lasts a lifetime.

Don't you?

Meet Lolong the Crocodile

2012-09-19T12:17:00.000+08:00

Saltwater Crocodile "Lolong" measures 20 ft. and 3 inches making him the world's largest

Last weekend, I headed off for a brief road trip, just to say hello to "Lolong" the Crocodile. It was a 4-hour drive coming from Davao City, to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, where the World's Biggest Rescued Crocodile is being housed. I came from a night shift that day, so I literally slept for almost the entire trip. The Ecotourism park has been opened for almost a year now, it's better late than never. This is another rare opportunity that I couldn't miss.

Local visitors who came to see Lolong that day.

I was wondering why they named it Lolong, just so I found out that he was named after a veteran crocodile hunter named Ernesto "Lolong" Goloran Canete, who led the hunt. But unfortunately died of heart attack a few days before Lolong's capture. More details here (thanks Wikepedia!)

The photos were taken by my brother Matt, I couldn't take the photos since my hands are too shaky :( These are taken with Canon EOS 7D using a Tamron 70-200mm lens, with minor post processing by me using Photoshop. I call this set "SWAMP PEOPLE" inspired, if you're watching this show on History Channel, you know what I'm trying to mean.

I was there in the flesh, hope he won't come and find me hahaha

I hope that I have brought you to Lolong up close and personal,

sparing you from a tedious 4-hour trip just to get there. Enjoy! =)

Ninos and Marias in Simala, Cebu

2012-09-08T00:35:00.001+08:00

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

Location: Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Southern Cebu, Philippines

Today is Mama Mary's Birthday, so I thought of doing a Travel post in honor of our blessed virgin mother.

Last July, I went to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist to visit Miraculous Birhen sa Simala in South Cebu. Initially, we were planning to visit Oslob to experience the Whale Sharks. But due to many factors, we weren't able to push through the initial plan. But, to visit Simala one more time, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

I first heard of the Miraculous Virgin Mary from a friend, who asked for guidance and enlightenment before taking the board exams. For those who didn't know about this, the miraculous image was said to shed tears sometime in the late 90's. Last 2011, we went for a quick detour trip with my friends, and that was my first encounter. The experience was very surreal, enchanting and more like heavenly, it was more like a personal spiritual journey towards you and your God. Well, I guess we need to be mature in some ways and have a connection with GOD. I need to emphasize on GOD, because oftentimes, we've gone astray, lost and confused without him.

The monastery has been swarmed with thousands of devotees, believers, religious, desperates, and curious individuals from locals to tourists everyday. Upon entering the premises, you will see thousands of letters, petitions, prayers, requests, thanksgiving etc. whom graced the placed and was able to have a personal experience of Mama Mary's great Miracle. Mind you, there were cabinets filled not with just letters but other stuff like clutches, cellphones, calculators and all sorts of random things that prove it as well.

As a Catholic, and was being brought up with catholic values from school and at home, I was able to appreciate the whole experience. For me it was like a spiritual detox, prioritizing the essential things in life by doing good and keeping the FAITH.

Enough of my raves with "Faith", as I share to you my collection of PHOTOGRAPHS of the Many Faces of Sto. Nino and Mama Mary being devoted around the globe. With my keen eye, I cannot let just anything pass me by. Not in my whole existence did I see with my very own eyes, so many images of them. I guess, there are more than a hundred of them. Each beautiful made and dressed. This is also one of main attractions of the said monastery.

Our Lady of Cavodonga (Not shown in photo) with Sto. Nino

Vigen Rocio

Our Lady of Good Success

Our Lady of the Abandoned

Black Sto. Nino

Mainichi Marian no Kegavenaki (Land of the Rising Sun Japan)

Mary Help of Christians

Our Lady of Incarnation (Soul of Mary)

Baby Mary - Nina Maria

Virgen de la Caridad - Our Lady of Charity

Our Lady of China (Mary not included in the photo) with Sto. Nino

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Lady of Snow with Sto. Nino

Our Lady of La Sallete

Our Lady of the Candles

Our Lady of Good Health

Our Miraculous Mary that Shed Tears last 1998 and 1999.

But, it doesn't mean that every wish and prayer would be granted, I still do believe that in everything we do in life, we have to earn it to deserve it.

Baby Steps - 1st Birthday Shoot

2012-09-05T12:45:00.001+08:00

First birthdays are one of the most celebrated milestone in every human existence. Just like everyone else does it, it is a celebration of thanksgiving for the wonderful year that was. Baby Eishi was no exception, I was able to capture her most precious moments together with her Mom and Dad just few days from her natal day.

I am always worried every time I do outdoor shoots because of the unpredictable weather we have nowadays. Unfortunately, the rain came in after we started our shoot and start thinking about alternatives. But I did had fun doing this shoot despite the uncooperative weather.

Well, The family that captures memories together, stays together.

(I just made that one up, but makes sense right?)

With Big sister Elle

The Joys of proud parents

Instagram Foodie Photo Dump

2012-08-31T21:15:00.000+08:00

I can't deny my love for food. A part of me wanted to someday experience cuisines of different cultures around the globe, or just explore what we have here in my hometown Davao. I blame all these for watching too much of food shows, maybe Gordon Ramsay influenced me a lot. Not into cooking but eating haha. Just like everyone else who were hooked to Instagram doing their frequent food posts, I am no exception. It's not about the hype, but I do consider Instagram as my virtual diary, where I can capture memories in real time and share it with everyone else. And through hastags, I also learn a lot of things from other cultures as well.

Some of the blogs that I have been following did their very own photo dump, just so I thought since I have already have a number of posts on Instagram, I thought of doing my very own as well. And mine is all about food and some for photography and random daily activities.

So here's a few indulgent activities that I have been doing lately (guilty):

Upper most Photo From Top (Left to Right)

1. Hollywood Burgers: Di Caprio Burger, Italianni's, Yellow Cab

2. Lindt: Cresta, Hanoi, Mediterranean cafe

Upper Photo From the Top (Left to Right)

1. Nestle Vanilla Zero Fat Ice Cream, Claude's : Cheesecake, Claude's : Osso Buco

2. Mcdo : Big N' Tasty, Leylam Shawarma Rice, Coffecat: Smoothie and Pancakes

3. Bigbys': Fish Wraps, Dulcinea: Paella and Eclairs, Coffee Bean: Pasta Salad

4. Cinnabon: Cinnamon Rolls, KFC: Fully Loaded, Krispy Kreme: Doughnuts

Top Photo (From Left-Right)

1. Moon Cafe, Sinuglaw @ Roxas, Gino's Burger

2. Bigby's, Yellow Cab @ work, Coffee bean : Tea Latte and Biscotti

I hope I can always have a dose of good food without gaining a few pounds.

You can follow me on Instagram for more food posts.

@issairasga

Enchanted

2012-08-30T00:49:00.000+08:00

After a few months of not being able to do a themed shoot with my partner-in-crime Suzette Cachuela, the woman behind the transformation of our amateur models a.k.a. friends and colleagues, here we are again with our newest project done last weekend. My hands were itching so I thought I'd give our Canon 7D for a stroll. I've been loving the shots so far, and I am looking forward for to do more photo sessions in the future with my new baby (hehe).

The concept of this shoot was initiated by our self-confessed fashionista model, who really wanted to immortalize the goddess look. Although this is another first for me, I am so hyped up to do this shoot. I just so realized that my interest in portrait photography became now my serious hobby.

My favorite time of the day to shoot with natural light is during the Magic Hour, that is said to be the last sunlight for the day. A perfect time to capture enchanting photographs that in no possible way that these effect can be achieve by any other time of the day. As I said before that I am a sucker for vintage photographs, so capturing this set was something like a walk in the park. So be enchanted as Doting portrays timeless beauty in this bewitching drama.

Photography : Melissa Irasga

MUA: Suzette Cachuela

Model: Doting Neri

BTS with the MUA Suzette :)

To anyone interested to have their very own portrait sessions,

I do freelance photography by appointment.

For inquiries you can message me through my contact page.

BORACAY Snaps 2012

2012-08-28T20:14:00.000+08:00

I do not travel that often, maybe just for once or twice a year, but it is already good enough for someone like me who works regularly 5 days a week. After 2 years, I am back to Philippines top travel destination, Boracay. I know it is already overrated for its hype and commercialism, but for me it never lost its charm regardless of the weather. I will repeatedly fall in love with this place over and over again.

In this post are my favorite snapshots during the entire 4 days and 3 nights stay. We weren't expecting that a portion of the Typhoon Helen would greet us on our first 2 days. Imagine how sad it is not to see Mr. Sun. But with great company and an island filled with endless possibilities, everything for me was worth the trip.

Here's why I love BORACAY:

No, they are not real booze, these cute stuff are refrigerator magnets good for souvenirs.

World Class Hotels are within your reach.

Henna Tattoos or real tatoos anyone? they all have them here.

Boracay Tumblers from Starbucks

I just love Island Hopping - located at the other side of the Island, the Bulabog Beach

The only place where you can find floating Ice Cream Vendors.

The grotto at Willy's Rock

Jonah's Shakes - Need I say more?

Night Life in the Island that never sleeps :)

White sand beach, blue waters and blue skies... just love it! :)

This solitary moment that all you think about is how beautiful nature is.

Sand Castles are really popular here

Being able to enjoy this breath taking view at the view deck! whew!


ATV rides. Really great experience :)

The Highlight of our trip was this amazing flyfish experience, it is definitely worth the try.

But, of course, never leave the Island without writing your name on the sand. hehe


Seafoods Galore. Other restaurants offer seafood buffet by the beach that only costs less than 500 pesos.

The whole experience won't be complete without great company! :p

All photos are captured using Lumix LX5.

For questions and comments you can send it through this link

contact

My Boracay Food Trip - Part 1

2012-08-23T00:16:00.000+08:00

Boracay is best known for its pristine blue waters and powdery white sand. But, when you get to visit the island on a stormy season, better widen your horizons and know your options. Well we can always have our fall back and enjoy what the rest of the island has to offer, aside from their water sports activities, we can always sinfully indulge to different places to eat and hang out 'til the wee hours in the morning .

DECO'S ORIGINAL LA PAZ BATCHOY

After a long trip from Iloilo to Boracay, we deserve to have a warm island welcome despite the strong rain and winds outside and have a taste of an Ilonggo specialty, the La Paz Batchoy.

Located @ Station 2

Regular Batchoy 85 Php
Puto 7php

ASTORIA BORACAY

But of course we're not satisfied with our light La Paz Batchoy snack, so we headed further towards the end of Station 2 and discovered a scrumptious buffet at Astoria Boracay, per head costs around 420 php, we had a tour after wards. The hotel was endorsed by Mr. Abunda, and during the summer season, a lot of events are being held in this resort, one of which was the Century Tuna super bods 2012, and the place as well is being graced by many Philippine Celebrities. sar!

EPIC BAR

Situated at the Heart of Station 2, Epic Bar was said to be one of the hip places to hang out. Thank God it was a Tuesday night (Girl's Night Out), at least we get to have a hint of Boracay night scene. I know it's better during summer days here, but we had fun though and danced the night away!

We just had a few drinks and a serving of Nachos enough for 5. Clean fun. Epic Experience indeed!

The crowd partying inside the bar

Nachos! Yum!

My Top Bodies Top 10 Favorite Shots

2012-08-22T00:09:00.001+08:00

I'm not used to shoot live shows aside from its fast pacing most of the time it's unpredictable, unlike to portraits, you direct your subject to a certain pose to attain the shot and composition you desire. Among the many shots I took during the Mr. and Ms. SPMC, I narrowed it down to 10 of my favorite shots in their sports active and evening wear attire. Don't they all look lovely?!

I regret that I didn't bring along my 70-200 mm lens, so I was not able to take closer shots. *sigh hehe But one thing I've learned from this shooting experience, is to know your unit (guilty), use the appropriate lens and situate yourself to your advantage.

SPMC Top Bodies 2012 in Mardi Gras

2012-08-20T08:53:00.000+08:00

Hospital Week - It's the time of the year where health professionals and hospital workers in Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, come and meet to unite and promote teamwork and camaraderie though different activities. One of the most sought after event is the Mr. and Ms. SPMC Top Bodies (last August 10, 2012), as we showcase the wit, talent, and beauty of different hospital workers, through pageantry, may it be doctors, nurses, orderly or office staffs.

This years theme is Mardi Gras, and I could attest the blood and sweat preparation among the contestants. It was a night of spectacle, each of them looked just simply uh-mazing on their Mardi Gras costume, Sports Active attire and Evening wear. Their overall transformation was overwhelming, from scrubs to glamorous. Go and check the rest of this blog for the photos of this event.

Awardees:

Female Category

Ms. SPMC Top Body - ER, OPD

1st runner up - IM, Derma

2nd runner up - Surgery, Heart Center

3rd runner up - OR, Anesthesia, Ortho, Pay 1&2, Rehab

4th Runner up - Post Graduate Interns

Male Category

Mr. SPMC Top Body - Surgery, Heart Center

1st Runner up - ER, OPD

2nd Runner up - Pedia,ENT

3rd Runner up - IM, Derma

4th Runner up - Post Graduate Interns

In their Mardi Gras Costume...

Ladies

Gents

Ruby Anne + Riel : Travel Inspired

2012-08-02T00:55:00.000+08:00

I recently had a trip in Cebu City to witness the wedding of my niece Ruby Ann and her now other half Riel. Last year, we had an engagement shoot at Eden Nature Park, Davao City. I was so glad that the couple visited Davao and have had squeezed in the shoot during their brief stay here in the city. Since, this was a surprise shoot I wasn't able to post it earlier on my blog.

I made a simple pre-nup AVP, you might want to get inspired, so check it out. (hehe)

I love themed photo sessions, since the couple loves to travel, and that their wedding theme was all about TRAVEL, I incorporated few details to complete the travel theme look for their engagement shoot. Elements such as the beautiful nature backdrop, camera, map, and binoculars.

Congratulations to the wonderful couple, I am so honored to be a part during their very special day.

More travels to come!

Fancy Colleagues

2012-07-02T21:03:00.000+08:00

After almost 3 years in the Operating Room, I was transferred to the recovery room, extreme anxiety was noted but everything was alleviated because I had a great set of colleagues to work with, though there are tough times, everything seems to lighten up with each and everyone's unique personality. We actually came up with a Unit photoshoot. This was my first time to do a shoot with my colleagues inside the famous brick building of the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

PACU Staffs, Auxillary and RN Heals Nurses of summer 2012

Oftentimes, we're seen wearing our scrubs, but this one's a breather as we got all dolled up and getting fancy with our gangster-themed shoot. Pagbigyan na, because we do not get to do this often. How I wish my work is just capturing moments but ironically we're saving lives.

This whole set reminds me of my yearbook, don't we just miss yearbook pictorials after graduation? Although, it's often terrifying because we get to see the result at the end of the school year. It also took me awhile to post these, so I'm terribly sorry guys for the delay. I hope I didn't terrified you guys in such a way. Just like going to school, I'm always looking forward to my graduation. One more month and I will be having my graceful exit from the recovery room, and back to where my heart truly belongs... the Operating Room. Looking forward to close this chapter in my life. Kudos!

My Co-Staff Nurses!

My own MAGIC!

2012-06-23T23:16:00.002+08:00

This is my first time to attempt to shoot something stationary, taking on my baby steps to creative photography. I instantly fell in love with the outcome, need I say pwede na pang poster/magazine ads? Just my wishful thinking, hoping to make it big someday or maybe not. I just enjoy photography, I've been taking a lot of portrait shots lately, so I took a breather and experimented on Light Painting. Thanks to Jhay, a friend who introduced me to this technique.

I know my shots are still newbie-ish, I do hope I can better on my next attempt. Was also thinking of buying new flashlights..hmmm! I never thought this would be easy, but upon doing this you have to extend your patience because of the long-exposure setting and the many attempts you need to do to perfect or attain a certain shot.

I had a previous post on light painting with simple notes on how to do it,

you might want to check it out.

click here

As Heavenly as this scent...

This one is fail... not heavenly looking at all! :

My Blackberry 9360. Blackberry would love this as much as I do! LOL

Bacardi 151 on FIRE!

Outlining a car.. Thanks to kuya, this was a joint effort to make this possible ahaha

That Rocker Chick!

2012-06-22T20:06:00.000+08:00

Photography: Melissa Irasga

Model: Alyssa Villasoto

MUA: Recca Geponia

When you say rocker chick, they are someone easy going, music loving, free-spirited girl yet has an edge and a tough side that hangs out with the "band", though if we wanted to possess a just the image, we can always omit the band (hehe). Girls know how to rock and express their own individuality.

Alyssa, has given a masculine twist of her sweet and feminine side for this shoot. Though the guitar carrying image reminds me a lot of Alanis Morrissette, whom we all or most of us knew rocked in the late 90's and early 2000, my epitome of a rocker chick. Young girls like Alyssa who have great dreams and aspiration will sure go a long way if they will just go for their hearts desire. Need I say more, she has totally pulled off this set!

Painting with Light

2012-06-19T13:26:00.000+08:00

Painting SAMAL on top of us... Cool!

Photos by: Jhay de Guzman

I spent my Independence Day at the beach with new friends, apart from the new people that I have met, I also learned how to do light painting. Although, I didn't try it myself, I took some notes so maybe apply it soon to my photo projects. So you think your flashlight is just something that you use during brown outs, well think again, sometimes it creates MAGIC. weeh!hehe

Thanks to Jhay de Guzman, a photo enthusiast like me, for the impromptu light painting shoot, we actually spent most of the night taking these photos. I've been wondering before how they do this technique and it isn't that hard after all. You just need to have the patience and creativity to acquire the photo that you wanted to achieve.

Here are some photos created by Jhay...

Angels and the little devil

Will you marry me daw?!

kabooM!!!!

Lovers in Paradise.... sweet!

The Demonito LOL

Angel... Where's your wings?!?!

These are some tips that I've learned and observed on how to do light painting:

1. Things to use:

A sturdy tripod

flashlight

dim/dark environment

and a DSLR (capable of long exposures)

2. Set your camera:

ISO at lowest setting (100 or 200)

Aperture or f/stop - On a higher number so as to limit the amount of light to enter

Time Exposure - at 30 seconds

3. Keep it simple if you're a starter.

4. Gently trigger the camera shutter, then the photographer slowly steps into the scene and do some magic, remember practice makes it perfect.

5. Then most importantly, share your photos to be appreciated! LOL

PS: I'm not photo guru, I am just sharing what I have learned :)

More photos... Our names painted into light!

The Girls

The whole gang Jhay, Me, Cathy, Elai, Debbie and Chris


Lovely Davao skyline taken miles away from Talikud Island. It takes my breath away. It's More Fun in the Philippines!

Father's Day at Claude's le Cafe de Ville

2012-06-18T11:46:00.002+08:00

Very rustic interior with a hint of Filipino design

We celebrated father's day yesterday without my Tatay (father), it's sad because we're not celebrating it with him, but I am glad that we had a quick chat the day before greeting him advance happy father's day. He may be miles away, but he's always with us in spirit.

We spent a very lovely time at Claude's le Cafe de Ville, located at Rizal Street, Davao City. It used to be an ancestral home of the Oboza Family, a prominent family in the city, that turned into a landmark dining destination here in Davao. It is nice to know that there are several structures such as old homes here that are preserved so as to be appreciated by the new generation at present time. The wooden structure reminds me of my grandparents home in downtown before, though not as nice as this, there's this nostalgic feel because I used to hang out at my Lola's wooden house, unfortunately it was torn down in the early 90's. Old photos of the couple and antique items are decorated the restaurant interiors.

I don't get to eat here often, so I took at lot of photos of their interiors hehe They used to be situated in front of Rizal Promenade, they used to have a small area that can only accomodate a few diners, but their new location is more spacious that they even have exclusive rooms, garden and parking space inside the compound. When I was a kid, I used to wonder what's inside this house, so here it is turned to be a beautiful place to dine.

Me goofing around with the painting, gigutom na. Anyway's I am posting the food we had from appetizers, main entrees to dessert. This has been a great dining experience. The food might take long before it us served, but they are also serving complimentary appetizers while waiting (the first photo below).

APPETIZERS

Main Entrees

and lastly....

DESSERT

Creme Brulee

Claude's Cheesecake

(With blueberry, mango and strawberry topping)

Their serving size is just right and may be shared for two. It may be pricey but it's worth to experience good food and dining at time during special occasions. Here's the whole gang during our father's day celebration. Until next food blog post!

Plethora of Emotions

2012-06-11T00:18:00.002+08:00

Never have I seen such eyes as Dhaneen that registers so well in my camera. Round and wide with naturally elongated lashes, makes a perfect subject for an expressive photograph. I am so proud of my nieces, honestly, I never had a hard time to take photos of them because they are so easy to work with.This set by the way is the first among the three lovely ladies from my Sweet Summer post, for their individual portraits.

A plethora of emotions that speaks for this set, with the deep expressions that she possess at a very young age. She's just like a butterfly that awaits to spread its wings. I admit that I'm never too good in describing my thoughts and feelings in the photographs that I create, so what you see is what you get. You tell your own story with the myriad of thoughts in your imagination.

Photography: Melissa Irasga

Model: Dhaneen Vera Abenis

MUA: Recca Geponia

Vintage tone has always been my favorite and I guess my trademark as a photographer, so I can't get away of it for this set. I just love vintage photos.