I was invited by my friend Lia to do a photoshoot with her class at the La Salle College International in Salcedo Village. Coming from a hectic month of travelling to Japan and China, and to Cagayan de Oro the week after, I decided to cap the year with a shoot. So I said yes, and we agreed on the timing. One of the concepts that I really liked is Adam & Even, because of the simplicity and sensuality that came with it.
Please click on the photo to view more
Life has a cruel way of pulling you down. I’m at this point in my life where I feel a sense of uncertainty looming over me. I’ve always been in control, but sadly, there are things that are just beyond my grasp right now… This stage I’m in, sucks big time but I know things happen for a reason. I’ve always held on to the fact that God never closes a door without opening a window. I know there’s something out there waiting to happen, and I just have to find it.
This feeling of uncertainty, of falling out… it’s really weighing me down. But I guess somehow, I have to let it go. If only to save my sanity. At some point, I questioned myself. What did I do, or what didn’t I do? But then my rational side kicks in — there’s no point wallowing in self-pity. I know in my heart, I did what I could and that’s all that matters.
I do not wish for pain and vengeance, only closure. I will have it, conversation or no conversation. Money is the root of all evil and lunacy is a cross some people have to carry all their lives. I pity not me. I read somewhere that in this life, some people are used as instruments to inflict so much pain on others because they are destined to experience much worse. I believe in the Karmic Rule although I don’t wish it upon anyone.
Everyone deserves to be happy. I will be. Not out of the circumstances I’m in, but maybe of the things that could come out of this. Happiness is not a consequence. It is from the heart. I have to open up my heart to change to truly experience happiness is it’s purest form.
Come to think of it, God truly puts things in the right place before He hits you with a whip. It hurts like hell, but it keeps me on my toes, ready to conquer the world again after a fall.
Call me!
Finally, I am finding myself settled in my new home… and ready to pickup where I left off with my photography. Today is a busy day for me. I have to meet with a client in Greenhills in about an hour or so to give their wedding album. After that, I’ll meet my model friend Ody and come back to Makati for a shoot. She needs a new modelling folio for some ad agency who’s asking for it. I have a couple of makeup ideas but have yet to find a concept that would suit her.
After the shoot, we’ll probably grab some quick lunch and go to the various events happening at the Fort. Thanks to ShutterBox Philippines for the heads up on this. If time permits, I intend to check out the Experience the World of Shell V-Power and BMW at Bonifacio High. By 4PM, I have to scoot over to the birthday party of my inaanak, Zildjian, who’s turning 2 this year! How time flies so fast! Hopefully I’ll come back with a few decent shots to post here. 
And with that…I bid you adios! I gotta go shopping for a birthday present!
Heads up to all motorists in the community!
In commemoration of Makati’s 337th Foundation Day, a Grand Parade will take place on Monday, May 21, 2007.
There will be a re-routing of some public transpo. Particularly, traffic on Ayala Avenue will be rerouted starting 7am on Monday, May 21, 2007. Malugay from Pasong Tamo to Ayala Avenue will be closed. Take Gil Puyat.
Please check out the traffic advisory I got from a reliable source…
Since the image is too tiny to read, here’s a recap:
Check out Alternative Routes for Public Commute:
Buses : to and from EDSA – via Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ave.)
Jeepneys:
JP RIZAL ROUTE – take Makati Ave and turn left on Paseo de Roxas, left on Gil Puyat
AYALA-WASHINGTON ROUTE – turn right on Amorsolo, take covered canal, left on A. Arnaiz, left on EDSA.
Return Route: Take A. Arnaiz Ave., right Amorsolo, left on VA Rufino, right on Washington
AYALA-MANTRADE ROUTE – right Dela Rosa, right Makati Ave., right A. Arnaiz
AMORSOLO-CRISPA ROUTE – right Amorsolo, left Dela Rosa, right Adelantado
For Private light vehicles to/from:
EDSA - Take Gil Puyat Ave.
MANILA/PASAY - Take Gil Puyat Ave., left on Tordesillas and take the Zuellig Loop.
AYALA AVE/GIL PUYAT TO LEGASPI VILLAGE – right turn Ayala Ave., right turn Amorsolo Street, right turn on covered canal to Arnaiz Ave.
AYALA AVE/GIL PUYAT to SALCEDO VILLAGE - take Gil Puyat Ave, right Tordesillas St
EDSA/AYALA AVE TO LEGASPI VILLAGE - take EDSA, right on Arnaiz Ave, right on Paseo de Roxas
EDSA/AYALA AVE TO SALCEDO VILLAGE - take Ayala Ave, right on Apartment Ridge, left in Paseo, right turn on Villar St.
Somnambulant
to the weeping,
broken sobs of
a child lost in
a sea of apathy and
ignorance.
Fill thy cup to the brim
with the blood of vengeance.
Warm thy heart
with a spark of love.
Feed thy hunger
with a taste of knowledge.
Fall to the depths of the earth
Awaken to the shouts of victory
and LIVE!
Like I said, I have not done anything much here but play with the kids! Look what I got – such a weird combo but hey, talk about GIRL POWER – here you will see Piglet toppling over Flash in a wrestling match!
Piglet and Flash having fun!
And some closeups…
Ramram as Flash!
Ressa as Piglet!
I had a pretty long day. Woke up to some important stuff I had to attend to – work-related stuff. Took off quite early, enough time to work on the lot which was waiting for me on outlook. Started training with Chico past 10AM. Had a couple of missed calls to return (Sorry guys, I was doing training so had to put my phone on mute).
Photo shoots and EBs were the most exciting part of my Friday evening. I was lucky to have squeezed into the list of photographers who were granted the opportunity to shoot the Manila Skyline at night on top of the Makati City Hall. Sounds like the coolest idea since Coke Light was invented huh? It was a pretty awesome view up there. Experiencing the sunset wasn’t as good as it is on baywalk, but definitely reveling in the beauty of the city lights, is the most breathtaking things. Indeed, the Makati Skyline in its shining glory, can’t be called a gem for nothing. Perhaps, it is one of the most colorful and amazing display of lights I have ever seen up there. Mr John Chua, we owe you a lot sir. The experience was truly unforgettable!
While we had a pretty good laugh up there (Yo, Jeric!!! You’re the man!!!), time came for us to descend the building and hit the busy streets for the Makati EB. The guys were waiting for us at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Greenbelt. Arrrggh! Traffic!!! Didn’t realize there was going to be a midnight madness that Friday evening! A good number of new folks showed up. Jay Tablante showed his portfolio to the rest of the guys and they were all amazed! Another learning experience and a chance to actually mingle with people. The good thing about EBs is that you get to put a face to the name/handle online. Although I have to admit I’m terrible with names, but more or less the next time we meet, I should recognize you already!
After the EB, I was still in high spirits (probably because of the orange juice?!?). Dave mentioned something about Marikina. Without anything better to do, I asked if I could join him. Yes, all the way from Makati, Renzo, Dave and I drove all the way to the Riverbanks to catch some night spots. I dunno why suddenly my fingers went itchy and shutter-crazy that day but I was really having so much fun. Oh, and I learned panning zoom and light painting – Thanks Dave!
By 2am, we figured it was time to cap the night. We packed our tripods and happily went to the car, hoping that I got decent shots! hahah! On our way back, Renzo and I decided to grab something to eat. Mmmm… Something Fishy in Eastwood! They have this breakfast for 85 or 90 bucks – eat all you can! Would you believe that?!? Yeah at 2am, we were having really heavy breakfast!
By the time we finished, I was already half asleep. Oohh must be the MSG? Or no, my body was really just craving for some sleep. Got up, paid the bill and got into the car. I was a bit woozy then. But hey, I managed to be awake throughout the drive to Makati — yes with Renzo driving in between 3 seconds of power nap… you just gotta keep your eye on the road!
This is perhaps the longest 30-minute break I’ve ever had for a Tuesday night… and my mind is empty…wandering into space. I can’t think straight, even for just one second. When I think of work, my right brain suddenly nudges me with some crazy ideas but my left brain steers me back into track. Then it hits me again. My mind is playing a game of tug of war right this very moment and I feel like I’m in the middle trying to neutralize the situation, hopelessly trying to finish something I deliberately have to deliver. What a nightmare!