Chasing Light...

More fun in the Philippines -DOT's amazing turnaround

2012-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

Without getting into too much detail, the former Secretary of Tourism of our DOT lost his job because of a botched marketing blunder... "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" The attempt at a slogan fell flat on its face for many reasons mainly because it wasn't universal, and the the target audience (visiting tourists) couldn't understand the phrase.

Happy to say that his replacement, Ramon Jimenez and his new outfit have redesigned a clever grassroots approach and has utilized the catch phrase "__________, more fun in the Philippines", wherein the end user fills in the blank with their personal twist.

Quite clever, so much so indeed, it has started a viral firestorm. Here is my contribution. I seldom ever do anything for free, but this campaign was too good not to give my 2 cents...

CEO of Billabong Philippines, Alfredo Razon Gonzalez enjoying some R&R on his Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
at cemento Reef Baler, Aurora Province

Coast thru life's guru of style, Buji Libarnes hanging 5 out at Mona Lisa Point, San Juan La Union

All Images property of Mark Dimalanta Photo and shot using the Pentax K5 with SPL Waterhousings.
If the DOT would like to use my image commercially kindly contact me for further information.

Shade my eyes and I can see you -Silverlens Galleries Jan 5, 2012

2012-01-05T03:18:00.000-08:00

*Below are preview images of the exhibit opening of Zean Cabangis and Nikki Luna this Jan 5, 2011 at Silverlens. I was given an exclusive preview of very compelling work as they set up the day before.

‎
"Shade my eyes and I can see you" Exhibit at Silverlens Galleries Jan 5, 2012 opening Thursday 6pm - Exhibit will run Jan 5 - Feb 4 2012.

Artist Nikki Luna reflects on her work.

"These women matter because they are loved. Their memories live on in ways that they have molded their lives—both as freedom fighters and as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives.

The very act of pulling the drawers one by one to look into the photographs invites the viewers to partake in the maddening search for the missing loved ones.

That they cannot be seen—their faces not in any of the photographs, their bodies missing, their presence enduring—fuse together rage and longing as an unspeakable pain that sears through all ideological identifications/categories." - Adjani Arumpac

The Following images are from opening night...

All Images shot with the Pentax Q post processed for style with Adobe Lightroom

My favorite photo from the UFL Cup Semi Finals. Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs. Kaya Cignal FC

2011-12-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

The following photo utilized the strengths of my Pentax system during a raining low light football match. Weather sealed and rugged, I remained on the pitch while other photographers scrambled for cover or improvised makeshift rain coats out of plastic bags to protect their cameras.

Pentax K5, DA* 300 1/500, f4, ISO 4000

Kaya Cignal Defender Adrien Semblat wards off an attacking Mark Hartmann of Loyola Meralco Sparks

Loyola and National Team Forward Phil Younghusband's shot on goal against Kaya's Saba Garmaroudi

Loyola's come from behind win can be read here: Game Summary

David Beckham in Manila!!

2011-12-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

LA Galaxy's David Beckham and Landon Donovan express much love for Philippine Football. Image shot at the Dream Match Press Conference, Conway's Makati Shangri-La

With the growing popularity of local football spurred on with the escalation of our Azkals National team and the efforts of the UFL Cup, David Beckham has arrived to show his support.

In very succinct words Mr. Beckham expressed the sentiment of many die hard local football fans, which is to "foster the children of the sport."

We are a nation that has the talent to someday build an Asian powerhouse, it all begins at the simplest level. In the humble fields of our local provinces to the best pitches of our top universities. Mentor the children and build Pinoy football from the grassroots.

This is just a teaser, more coverage and more photos published shortly. Stay tuned for the match coverage this December 3, 2011 at Rizal Memorial Complex and the Photo Essay feature for Mabuhay Magazine.

Image shot with Pentax K5, DA* 200 f2.8 handheld and being bumped by jockeying photographers

BJ Penn, The Prodigy in Manila

2011-11-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

Jeff Graham almost choked out by BJ Penn

The Prodigy blocks a kick from childhood friend and sparring partner Fermin Villalon from Team Penn

BJ grapples with his brother JD

Elvin Manuel, 30 of Muntinlupa Alabang was the recipient of BJ's shirt off his back during the product toss

Tem Penn: Jeff Graham, JD Penn, Casey Cruz, and Fermin Villalon

RVCA advocate, "The Prodigy" BJ Penn delighted thousands of MMA fans yesterday at Mall of Asia during an open sparring exhibition.

The 2X UFC Champion and one of the UFC's finest athletes paid gratitude to the thousands in attendance with an awesome display in the ring and an equally more impressive "meet and greet" with the fans. BJ gave endearing words, stating that "It won't be long until there's a Filipino World Champion in the UFC" -making reference to the competitive spirit of the Filipino and the already domineering presence showcased by the legacies of Manny Pacquiao for the sport of boxing.

BJ Closed the exhibition by acknowledging the fans, "I wanna thank the fans for coming out and for the support and for loving the sport."

Special thanks to Studio 23, Balls Network, Mall of Asia and UFC Magazine. The event would not have been possible without the dedication of the sponsors and the enthusiasm of the fans.

UFL CUP Philippines, Pachanga goes out like warriors while Global advances and signals the emergence of local football.

2011-11-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

The UFL Cup is nearing a close this season and the underdog Pachanga FC was recently eliminated from competition by the defending champions, Global FC, with the final score of 1-0.

Congrats to the club from Global. A valiant effort from the boys who wear Pachanga, better luck next season.

Our remainder of the season commences next weekend with the semifinals and the friendly exhibition match between David Beckham and the LA Galaxy vs. the Azkals FC (Philippine National Team).

Stay tuned for more photos. The game summary can be followed here.

Pentax K5 with DA* 300 f4

Pentax K5 with DA* 60-250 f4

Pentax K5 with FA* 600 f4

Guerridon celebrates and kisses his club team's logo after scoring the only goal that elevated Global FC past Pachanga FC to the semifinals.

Billabong Skater Jeff Gonzales deep inside Manila...

2011-11-22T01:15:00.000-08:00

The following are a collection images used for a future editorial about the state of our Manila Skate Scene. Billabong team rider Jeff Gonzales hit the streets and I tagged along to document what he does best.

I used the K5 for the action shots and the Pentax Q was used to document behind the scenes footage so that the viewer can see how and where we are positioned for each shot.

Pentax K5 with Pentax DA 10-17 fisheye, 1/250 f7.1 iso400

Pentax Q + standard prime

Pentax K5 & Pentax DA* 16-50 1/100 f7.1 iso160

On foot to the next spot. Athletes always want a preview.

Pentax K5 & DA* 16-50, 1/320 f2.8 iso1000

Now taking the MRT train. Skating is illegal inside the terminal, so we shoot fast and spontaneous

In the queue for the local bus. Nice thing about my gear is that it is small and lightweight, which makes photojournalism on the fly a pleasure.

In skate image publishing the rider must successfully complete the trick with a proper landing. If he doesn't land correctly, the image isn't published. Hence, sequences are used to show the start to finish. Pentax K5 at 7fps, all images 1/1000 f5.6 iso200

Last find for the day... A 9 step drop located at the University of the Philippines Campus

Yes this is quite a drop with a short landing strip, but the dramatic thing about fisheye lenses is that scenes are always more dramatic and more exaggerated. Hence, the popularity of Fisheye lenses for skate and surf photography.

The following action images are shot with the pint sized Pentax Q...

Shot with the Pentax Q and standard prime (equiv. 47mm) giving a more near normal or straight on view as opposed to the earluer "fisheye" views.

The Havaiana's Art Exhibit unveils this weekend at the Country's First Surf & Music Festival.

2011-10-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

We fielded hundreds of entries, and the final 20 were selected for the Havaianas' Art Exhibit. The images will showcase at the Gallery site located at Aliya Surf Resort in Baler, and will be posted virally over Facebook upon completion of the event.

Each entry celebrates the Surfing Culture in one way or another. We congratulate all those that made it and are honored to showcase your work at our Island Nation's very first Surf & Music Festival, brought to you by Aloha Boardsports and Travel Factor.

Image shot with Pentax K5, DA 10-17, AF540FGZ off camera via Microsync RF Triggers on location in

Jakarta, Indonesia for the Billabong City Squared Indonesia Skate Competition

The Havaianas' Art Exhibit at the Surf & Music Festival, brought to you by Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor

2011-10-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Havaianas Art Exhibit –Surf & Music Festival 2011

Are you a photographer or an artist who loves to create work that evokes a feel good vibe? Gain recognition and exposure by participating in this one of a kind exhibit, at the country’s largest Surf & Music Festival.

Think of the beach, its vibe, and all the spin offs that arise from the beach/surfing lifestyle. This may be creatively represented by action imagery, lifestyle imagery, concert photography (because music and surf have always gone hand in hand), landscape, portraiture, or still life, etc.

The theme is broad, but the unifying factor is that the content must tie in with the beach lifestyle. The creative output is dependent on each artist’s individual interpretation of the board riding experience.

Criteria for selection will be based on 30% relevance to the theme, 40% Originality, 30% Technical Merit.

Mechanics:

Submit an your original photograph or 2-dimensional art representation that celebrates the surfing lifestyle.

The artist must attach the following information upon submission of the artwork:

o Full Name

o E-mail Address

o Contact Number

Submission begins on October 10, 2011 and ends on October 20, 2011.

The top 20 artworks to be displayed at the Surf and Music Festival Art Exhibit, on October 29-31, 2011 at Aliya Beach Resort, will be announced on the Aloha Boardsports Facebook page on October 24, 2011. Winners will also receive an e-mail from Aloha Boardsports.

All photographic images must be submitted to havaianas.exhibit@yahoo.com

o For 2-dimensional artworks and paintings, send a high quality image that best displays the work.

o Initial submission may be watermarked and must be scaled at 1000pixels for judging purposes.

o You will be notified if you’ve made the cut by email.

o The top 20 artworks selected must be submitted electronically by October 23, 2011 at its highest resolution, absent of any watermark, a minimum of 250 dpi, and CYMK to be printed on Metallic paper for 16” x 20” displays.

o Alternate forms other than photographs can be any form of paint material (oil/acrylic/watercolor) or Charcoal / pen/or pencil on suitable surfaces but must stay within the size range of 16” x 20”.

o 2-dimensional artworks must fit or approximate roughly within the dimensions of 16”x20” to be displayed on an easel.

All Participants whose artwork will be chosen will be given a prize package from Aloha Boardsports and Havianas. Stay tuned for further announcements about the detailed prize package.

The Exhibit is meant to celebrate the festival and the lifestyle and not meant to be a competition. However, one image will receive a grand prize to be announced soon.

Each artist retains copyright of their work but allows the event organizers: Aloha Boardsports, Travel Factor, or Havaianas the right to display the work on their company websites and social networks.

The images will be printed on 16” x 20” metallic prints with the contest theme matte and logos mounted on Sintra Board. These matted images may be physically displayed outside the exhibit post event to highlight and commemorate the Surf & Music Festival.

Each artist will be properly credited wherever the image is displayed.

Images not selected may be displayed in a organizers’ Facebook page to further commemorate the event.

To claim the prize package, participants must print the e-mail sent by Aloha Boardsports and present a valid ID.

Indoor and available light samples with the Pentax Q

2011-10-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Camera Evolved. From my early roots with the 84' Pentax Program Plus, onto the many cameras used for work and pleasure, the Q has arrived.

Sometimes, there are moments where you don't want to lug around a bulky SLR, but an opportunity may arise where you may need that shot. As a spot journalist, chances come on the fly, and there have been times where a point and shoot or a phone cam leave you un-equipped.

I came across Johnny Rockets in Eastwood Mall, and the American memorabilia left me nostalgic remembering late night burgers on Melrose Ave,, Hollywood California. I wanted to preserve the experience for a possible travel feature. I needed a camera that was discrete, compact, and capable of the job.

The following are available light images shot with the PENTAX Q.

The Standard Prime exhibiting shallow depth of field.

I wanted to preserve the ambiance of the restaurant and its background, so I attempted to shoot the dancing waiters with a delayed shutter speed knowing it may introduce action blur. I found the result far more pleasing than any other camera in this size range.

When shooting people under available light only, the face my present with unflattering shadows. To avoid this I extended the pop up flash (which dramatically reduces Red eye, without the need for the pre flash.

Dramatic wide views using the Fisheye Lens.

Pentax Launches the Pentax Q in Manila, Philippines

2011-10-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Last October 5, 2011 Supereast Asia (Official Pentax Distributor for the Philippines) launched the "Q", the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera for our local market.

Photojournalist Mark Dimalanta shares his thoughts on the Q
(photo courtesy of www.hardwarezone.com.ph)

I was onsite as the guest speaker for the event and was very pleased to share my experiences with the new "Q" for all the media and celebrity guests in attendance.

As a photojournalist for the Travel and Surf Industry, I'm often carrying way too much gear. Far often the weight and excess of gear has stripped the enjoyment of photography. The Q offers a powerful system that can hide in your pocket, or the palm of your hand and has singlehandedly restored the "fun" in photography.

I have always been a fan a small mirror-less cameras for their compact size and non-obtrusive appearance. My experiences with the Olympus Pen have been very satisfying, but the size and weight of the micro 4/3rds camera often had me yearning for an alternative.

My prayers were answered with the Q.

From my oldest camera to my newest camera, Photography has always been about the experience. The Q adds an entirely new chapter...

I wanted to see if the Q and a selection of primes was up to the task of covering one of my travel assignments.

I am also the senior photographer for Billabong, here in the Philippines and I traveled with some of the Billabong team riders to Siargao Island for the recent Billabong Pro Junior. Here are a collection of photos shot with the Q.

RVCA and Billabong team riders checking in and stressing over the board bag fees

RVCA ambassador Okoy Rojo, and Billabong's Jay R Esquivel sending final texts before takeoff

Jerry Deegan, owner of Sagana Resort on Cloud 9, Siragao Island

View of Rock Island from Ocean 101 Resort, Siargao Island

Shemi and Idan, surfers from Israel enjoying a Siargao sunset

Sector 9 rider Nicole Wuthrich in Billabong bikini and shorts

The pier and view tower overlooking world famous Cloud 9

Marama and Oney Anwar

I am seldom in a self portrait, or have my photo taken by others simply because the image never turns out right.

In this case, I was very pleased because I set the camera in "auto-everything" and my non-photographer friend yielded a fairly decent shot in an extremely difficult lighting condition. The ISO performance, the SR mechanism, and the low noise were all very impressive.

Images shot Jpeg because I wanted to emulate how an enthusiast would use this camera. I'm happy to say that I am more than impressed with the results. They far exceeded my expectations. Because the Q is a system and not simply a point and shoot, it proves to be extremely versatile.

More Images to follow with a complete wrap up and summary of my thoughts. These images were scaled down for easy loading and blog purposes, for Higher resolution Samples please visit this gallery for further EXIF info and the ability to download for inspection. If someone really wanted to pixel peep, send me a message and i'll send you the original file.

Part 2: Indoor use (coming soon)

Steve Jobs, Rest in Peace 1955-2011

2011-10-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Apple

From my early adoption of the Apple IIe, floppy discs, and green monitors to my ultra portable Apple IIc, then moving light years ahead to my ipods, and iMacs to Mac Book Pros...

We can happily say, that your time on this green earth increased progress and productivity for the better.

Your life made my life better. Rest in Peace.

Highlights from the Billabong Pro Junior in Cloud 9, Siargao Island

2011-09-23T02:48:00.000-07:00

A few sample shoots while shooting from the reef out on cloud 9. This was the final day before the layover and the surf continued to drop. Sometimes mother nature giveth and taketh away. Nonetheless, the wave when on, is a perfect machine like right hand slice of heaven...

Paul John Alipayo, local surfer from Cloud 9 advances to the round of 16 of the Billabong Pro Junior

2011-09-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Having the presence like that of an enforcer, Paul John is one of the many well respected locals from the Philippines showing that Pinoy surfers can compete against an international field. After taking out several international names and sealing his spot into the prize money level, Paul John was asked what he would do with his guaranteed minimum 600.00 USD prize? (more so, if he wins the entire event)

John Paul simply stated in a soft spoken, gentle tone... "I am happy with my performance, proud of my fellow pinoy surfers, and if I win, I would like to use the money to continue my schooling."

With so much temptation and vices where you can easily blow your hard earned prize, Paul John humbled me with his simple statement of wanting to further improve himself over any short lived pleasures.

On a small island, where the average daily salary earns barely a few hundred pesos per day, Paul John shows giant wisdom for his youth. He makes me proud to be pinoy and extremely proud that he rides under the Freesurf label and Billabong Asia.

Congrats Pare, Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Billabong Team Rider Jay R Esquivel just won the Siargao National Comp Juniors 2011

2011-09-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

He won the Occy Grom Comp in Malaysia in 2010, Won the recent Big Z comp in Zambales and among the many comps under his belt, he also won today's Siargao National Comp Juniors 2011 and qualified to represent the Philippines in the Billabong Pro Jr. this September 21-28. Meet Billabong's youngest team rider... Jay-r Esquivel

The Philippine Surfing representatives to compete in the Cloud 9 National and Billabong Pro Junior

2011-09-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Philippine Team: (L-R: Philmar Alipayo, Okoy Rojo, Nilvie Blancada, Wilmar Melindo, Sadam Faraon, JayR Esquivel, Arkipo Figuron, Pete Pete Alipayo, and Paul John Alipayo)

14-year-old Jay-R Esquivel becomes the youngest Filipino surfer to ever sign with the Premier Surf Label, Billabong.

2011-09-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

(Manila, Philippines September 2011) Recognized for his natural surfing ability, Jay-R Esquivel has been given the honor of representing Billabong, -One of the largest and most influential apparel brands in the action sports industry. He is only the second Filipino athlete in history to be given such acclaim within a niche industry, first being Luke Landrigan in 2009, and both hailing from the small beach town of San Juan, La Union. Although penetrating the surfing culture late in the game, Filipinos are rapidly proving they can compete in the sport and his sponsorship means the world is taking notice.

In a country where basketball is king, despite the Filipino being vertically challenged, enter Jay-R, who demonstrates pure surfing talent in a pint-sized package. Surfing since the age of 7, this 4-ft wonder mastered the wave in front of his home in San Juan, La Union. Possessing “new school” acrobatics and veteran smooth style, Jay-R readily demonstrates that Filipinos have arrived and are being recognized for their natural ability to surf.

As with any other kid lucky enough to live on the beach and skateboard when the surf goes flat, Jay-R admits that he is “always dreaming of surfing epic hollow waves.” When given the chance this shy teen of very few words lets his surfing do the talking by taking top honors and winning the Billabong Occy Grom Comp in 2010.

A grommet (young surfer) that used to aspire for greatness by hand drawing the twin wave logo on his boards now takes center stage as one of Billabong’s official team riders. Witness Jay-R elevate his game and wave the Philippine flag as he competes against an international cast of the world’s top young talent, at the Billabong Pro/Junior this September 21-28, 2011 at Cloud 9, Siargao Island.

-the Surf Doc

###

Freesurf, Inc.
Freesurf, Inc. is the sister company of Aloha Boardsports, and is the exclusive distributor of Billabong products in the Philippines. Billabong is the world leader in manufacturing action sports apparel, and specializes on surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding apparel and accessories. Freesurf, Inc. is opening the first Billabong flagship store in Powerplant Mall in Rockwell in April 2011. Freesurf, Inc. is also the distributor of brands such as Nixon watches and apparel, Von Zipper eyewear and apparel, and Sector 9 and Dakine products.

Aloha Boardsports
Aloha Boardsports, Inc. is a dynamic retail company with the commitment to carry brands true to the spirit of the surf and skate culture. As surfers and skateboarders ourselves, we recognize the need for functional as well as fashionable apparel and high performance equipment. With a keen eye, we bring in international surf and skate labels that local consumers would want and would be proud to own. We choose our products wisely, distribute our products strategically and sell them reasonably – all the while keeping our edge, so that Aloha Boardsports remains a breath of fresh air in the retail industry.
Aloha Boardsports is distinguished by its passion and dedication not just to the sports but also to its communities. The pure enjoyment of board-riding, shared experiences among people, and the raw energy of nature inspire Aloha to embrace freedom, vitality, and authenticity not just as an ideal but as a lifestyle.

All Images shot with the Pentax K5 ©2011 Mark Dimalanta Photo for Billabong

Jeff Gonzales, Freesurf Skater for Element takes on Singapore

2011-08-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Keeping with Singapore's discipline, the streets are not bombarded with renegade skaters. Why?? Probably because for such a small island dubbed "the cleanest on earth", they take care of their youth by providing, with what I've experienced... "The best collection of skate parks, anywhere..."

Another reason, why after you get past the high cost of living, Singapore becomes a very attractive place to live.

Happy Skating.

Where concrete jungle meets the urban excellence. Jeff Gonzales Stalefish-ing at the Somerset skatepark along famed Orchard Rd. in Singapore. Click on the image for higher resolution.

Image shot 4-Star JPEG with Pentax K5, Pentax DA 10-17, Pentax AF 540FGZ in HSS mode. 1/800, f6.3, ISO1000 Processed in-camera using Baseline adjustments for contrast, matted and washed with the Retro filter.

©2011 Mark Dimalanta Photo

Pentax K5 and Korn, Live in Manila August 10, 2011

2011-08-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

Things happen swiftly in Asia, things come and go in an instance. A friend of mine gave me a heads up that some of the boys from my hometown of Huntington Beach were coming to Manila for a one day stop on their Asian Tour. Wes Geer the touring guitarist for Korn (and co-founder, guitarist of Hed PE) sent me a msg from Korea wanting to surf the Philippines on their day off. With only a narrow window and lack of swell, we put the surf trip on hold and geared up for the show.

At the last minute, I offered to shoot for the band and we made it happen. All images shot with the Pentax K5 and DA* 16-50 f2.8 and DA* 50-135 f2.8. Iso ranged from 1600-4000

Aloha Media Manager Mark Dimo and Korn's Touring Guitarist Wes Geer (co-founder of Hed PE)

"Fieldy"

"Munky"

Jon Davis

Ray Luzier

Wes Geer

Freesurf photo caption contest.

2011-07-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Lets have fun with some of the B-roll shots. This week, we at Freesurf, Inc offer you the "Best Photo Caption" contest.

All you have to do is visit the Freesurf, Like the page, and then comment with your most clever caption for a chance to win the Billabong VIP card. Each week, one winner will be chosen.

Benefits of the Billabong VIP card:

Billabong Asia VIP members will enjoy:
- 10% off regular-priced Billabong merchandise
- An exclusive Billabong VIP USB card with 4GB USB storage
- 30% off regular-priced Billabong merchandise during your birthday month
- Be the first to receive updates on Billabong happenings, invitations to events, and competitions.

Additional perks!
VIP members will now enjoy a 10% discount on regular-priced NIXON, VON ZIPPER, ELEMENT, and SECTOR 9 merchandise when you shop at participating outlets in the following countries: The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand

Visit the Freesurf Facebook fan page to add your best comment!

Freesurf, Inc. Photo Hall of Fame

2011-07-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

I am the Senior Photographer for Aloha Boardsports and Freesurf Inc. We handle the local marketing and distribution for Billabong, RVCA, Plan B, Element, Da Kine, Von Zipper, Nixon and the list goes on...

I shoot Pro surfers and skaters, and heaps of freesurfers. Sometimes the photos go unused and for the unsung heroes that may have crossed my lens at some point, their photos have found a home at Freesurf's "Photo Hall of Fame"

Check out this weeks entry:

Check out more photos and vote for your favorite in this Gallery.

Image shot with Pentax K7, Pentax DA 10-17, and SPL waterhousings

Pentax K5 7FPS

2011-07-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Pentax SLR's finally broke the respectable barrier for Sports shooters and the latest K5 can achieve 7FPS. I'm happy to say its sufficient for most everything I need with regards to action shooting.

Freesurf, Inc. Skater Jeff Gonzales. If the image doesn't automatically animate, simply click on the image.

Guess who appears in the June 2011 Issue of Men's Health???

2011-05-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

Clues:
She won "Philippines Female Surfer of the Year 2011"
Combined, She has won more Longboarding and Shortboarding Competitions than any other Manila Surfer.
She rides for Aloha Boardsports and Freesurf, Inc.
Not only does she surf, but she is a pretty darn good Architect...

For more info and to see what unfolds check out the June 2011 of Men's Health :)

Happy Surfing

*The Billabong Floral Denim Cutoffs and Billabong Blouse are part of the Spring 2011 Collection with Nixon "Time Teller" watch. All Items courtesy of Freesurf, Inc.

All Images ©2011 Mark Dimalanta for Aloha Boardsports/Freesurf, Inc.

Nicole Wuthrich locks up the cover of Mezzo Magazine Highlighting women that take Action to the Limit

2011-05-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Every now and then you come across a diamond in the rough. If you looked at her accomplishments, Nicole Wuthrich, Freesurfer for Alohaboardsports and Freesurf, Inc., would already seemed polished.

For this young 25 year old, who happened to finish Cum Laude at the University of the Philippines, and is an accomplished Tae Kwon Do Champion, as well as Longboard Skate Champion, her unassuming disposition catches you off guard when you realize all that this young woman can do. Did I mention that she's also a University Professor specializing in Physical Education at the University of Asia & Pacific. I'll bet none of the student body ever cut her class...

Last year, for our Aloha Christmas Sale, I invited Professor Nicole for a photo shoot at Capones Vista Resort. We shot for about 1/2 hour and it remains as one of my most enjoyable shoots ever. She was flawless, flowed effortlessly and worked with the conditions we had to endure. (lack of swell) After looking at the shots, I knew we nailed some keepers, but never really considered that I had nailed the cover.

Here are samples of the March-April 2011 Print of Mezzo Magazine. All images shot with Pentax K7.

More images can be seen here: Aloha Boardsports

Von Zippers, summer's best sunnies...

2011-05-03T03:04:00.000-07:00

Victoria Balentine in VZ "Skitch"

Nicole Wuthrich in VZ "Telly"

Mona Lisa Rocks her VZ's in Zambales Philippines

VZ "Fulton"

VZ "Bunker"

Von Zipper Eyewear available at all Aloha Boardsports Retailers.

For more info and styles check out Aloha Boardsports