Archive for 2010

California Lifestyle Portraits: G-ography

December 31st, 2010

I got to spend some time with my sister when I went to the US last October. Graciel or Grache to her friends is a witty, stylish, feisty, independent and lovely woman that’s a rare gem to find. She’s been living in the US for more than four years now and used to live in [...]

 

I got to spend some time with my sister when I went to the US last October. Graciel or Grache to her friends is a witty, stylish, feisty, independent and lovely woman that’s a rare gem to find. She’s been living in the US for more than four years now and used to live in LA but is now corporate head hunter for Provide commerce, the owner of proflowers.com and a few other online retail novelty gift sites, in San Diego. Also, she’s an avid blogger, her blog is gography.blogspot.com and she was hand picked by sparkah.com to be ” LA’s Top 100 non-celebrity bloggers you should take to lunch.” Our family is really proud of the things she has accomplished.

Imagine Nation LIfestyle Photography

We went to Las Vegas and visited a few places nearby such as Red Rock Canyon . The place was refreshing and a welcome break from urban life. When I see places like this one, I feel that I am experiencing God’s greatness…that he is the only one capable of creating such awesome landscapes. Grache is a natural in front of the camera and lives for having her pictures taken and I took this opportunity to have fun shooting her.

Imagine Nation Travel Photography

Imagine Nation Lifestyle Photography

Imagine Nation Lifestyle Photography

Imagine Nation Travel Photography

Imagine Nation Lifestyle Photography

Imagine Nation Lifestyle Photography

Imagine Nation Photography Travel Photography

Imagine Nation Lifestyle Photography

Grache is also good photographer. In fact, she was the first one to take up photography in our family and mostly shoots her travel adventures. I would not let this opportunity slip by and have my own shoot haha!


Imagine Nation Photography Travel Photography

I had a great time with you Grache and hope to travel more with you soon!

Imagine Nation Photography Travel Photography

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New York Lifestyle Portraits: Mademoissele Chini

November 25th, 2010

When I went to New York last  month, I met up Chini, my friend from SFC Makati who is now taking up her masters in education there. I asked her if she’d like to have a lifestyle photo shoot around some of her favorite places in NY.  Knowing her,  she’d grab the opportunity. I’ll let [...]

 

When I went to New York last  month, I met up Chini, my friend from SFC Makati who is now taking up her masters in education there. I asked her if she’d like to have a lifestyle photo shoot around some of her favorite places in NY.  Knowing her,  she’d grab the opportunity. I’ll let the pictures do the talkin’ and  show how natural she is in front of the camera.

Walkin’ around Soho, Gotta love those boots!

Chini Salonga @ Soho, NYC

In the subways…

chini salonga @ NYC subways

Meat-packing district…

chini salonga NYC

chini salonga NYC

chini salonga NYC

I just love lens flares!

chini salonga NYC

chini salonga, NYC subways

The signature pout…fierce!

chini salonga nyc

Thanks again Mademoissele Chini for hangin’ out with Rommel and me, till next time!

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Wedding Season has Arrived!

November 24th, 2010

It’s that time of the year again. During the months of October to January, things get crazy for us wedding photographer since it’s the height of our shoots. Straight days of shooting, sleepless nights, equipment fail, missing Christmas dinners/reunions, no more social life to name a few. However, we also witness so many  heart-warming, magical [...]

 

It’s that time of the year again. During the months of October to January, things get crazy for us wedding photographer since it’s the height of our shoots. Straight days of shooting, sleepless nights, equipment fail, missing Christmas dinners/reunions, no more social life to name a few. However, we also witness so many  heart-warming, magical and blessed moments from couples and their families. I really believe its a calling to be wedding photographer and those who last are the one’s  who love everything about shooting weddings…the good, the bad and the ugly at times. For us at Imagine Nation, we realize that passion can only take one so far and eventually one can have a burn-out from all the demands of shooting weddings. But when you have a purpose to glorify God and honor him through serving our couples with great love and care…we will never get tired of shooting for God.

Here’s a preview of my shoots ever since I got back from my U.S. adventure….more to come, enjoy!

Tristan and Gen

Adrian and Ericka

Brick and Dianne

Ton and Terri

Archie and Karen

Lino and Cassie

Chryz and Jilly

Read the rest of this entry »

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California Family Portrait Session : Everybody loves Jaenna!

November 18th, 2010

When I was in the U.S. last October, I got to hang out with my friends Dave and Fran in Pasadena. I spent a day with Jeanna, their daughter. The last time I saw her was I think 2 years ago when they visited the Philippines. I was surprised how big she has grown since [...]

 

When I was in the U.S. last October, I got to hang out with my friends Dave and Fran in Pasadena. I spent a day with Jeanna, their daughter. The last time I saw her was I think 2 years ago when they visited the Philippines. I was surprised how big she has grown since then and cuter than ever. She’s so charming and endearing and had so much fun playing with her and that’s why I can see everybody loves her. She’s got my vote as one the cutest kids in the planet!

Here’s Jaenna and me hanging out in her room. She’s reading me stories from her favorite book

Then Dave arrived from work and I wanted to shoot dad and daughter. Jaenna was up for a change of wardrobe, super cute!

Play time with dad.

Thanks again Dave, Fran and Jaenna for showing me around Pasadena and always checking on me during my stay in the U.S.  See you next year here in the Philippines!

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Al Hearts Gi! A Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

November 15th, 2010

Well here it is! My first international wedding in the U.S. I feel really blessed and honored that Alex Ruperto and Regina Sagana chose me to shoot their wedding. I’d describe their special day as intimate, no frills and out-of-the-box, which is a total representation of who they are. Alex is a Chef and Regina [...]

 

Well here it is! My first international wedding in the U.S. I feel really blessed and honored that Alex Ruperto and Regina Sagana chose me to shoot their wedding. I’d describe their special day as intimate, no frills and out-of-the-box, which is a total representation of who they are. Alex is a Chef and Regina is a graphic artist and their personalities and preferences were reflected in many aspects of their wedding and I wanted that to be seen in how I shot their wedding. Lately, I’ve been shooting in a more photojournalistic style, wherein I focus more on capturing natural moments…more of a curious observer rather than orchestrating things, which is my usual style.  So when Regina told me that they were not the posing type of couple, I was presented with a great opportunity to do something different from what I normally do, but of course I will always still incorporate my editorial/fashion look in shooting weddings.

When I saw  Around the corner is…, their wedding website. I really loved how Regina wittily told their love story and so I added it to complement the images…enjoy!

“Before Kobe & Shaq won their first ring
Before Diana & Jason, or Mark & Steph were ever a “thing”
Before all the break ups, weddings, and babies occurred

There was a boy from New Jersey, and a California girl”


Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 11, 10.15.10

Can I just say that this is the most unique wedding ring I’ve encountered so far. It’s made of concrete and iron. According to Regina – their love is tough as concrete!

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 10, 10.15.10

The year was 2000, the spring was bitterly cold
Regina’s friend Eleanor, was turning 40 years old
So she took a trip to New Jersey, not knowing she’d find
The man of her dreams at that moment in time

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana , Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.14.10

It wasn’t love at first sight, not second, nor third
She smelled like wet dog, and he didn’t say a word
But with the help of the internet, the two became friends
And it became a little more, every time they hit send

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 2, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 4, 10.14.10

Then weeks turned to months, and those months to a year
They couldn’t turn back, it was abundantly clear
That this long distance fling, was a gift from above
The cold hearted robot, has finally fallen in love

Regina Sagana & Alex Ruperto, Los Angeles Wedding 7, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 13, 10.15.10

First glance, first dance, first kiss at night
First everything was great, even their first fight
From Boston to San Fran to New York in the spring
From rock shrimp at Nobu, to fries at Burger King


Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

Two poor college students with nothing but love
This was the stuff that dreams were made of
Patience was key in growing with each other
And hoping that the other one doesn’t have another lover

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 6, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 8, 10.15.10

One year, two years, three years, four
Each goodbye got harder than the one before
Finding their passions and starting their careers
But after seven years the future seemed unclear

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 8, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto and Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 9, 10.15.10

Where do they go? Who moves? Who stays?
Wishing they could go back to the good ol’ days
What happened next, is the best part or the story
But you can stop reading now if you find this really boring

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding 11, 10.14.10

The phone bills were large, and the miles took their toll
Someone had to move, and she lost the dice roll
After all that time, they finally got their wish
She moved to New Jersey, and learned how to pump her fist

They were finally together, after so long
Nothing could ever break a love this strong
Two chins and a couple of love handles later
They were finally ready to have puppies together

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

First Kobe, then Hiro, and as happy as they were
He knew it was time to make an honest woman out of her
To her surprise he put the ring around kobes collar
When he bent down and asked she said “of course, hollllla”

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

Alex Ruperto & Regina Sagana, Los Angeles Wedding, 10.15.10

The next chapter is near, just dont ask us about babies
Two dogs are enough, our only concern is rabies
The day is coming when Ms. becomes Mrs.
Just be on the lookout because AROUND THE CORNER IS…

Thank you again Alex and Regina for allowing me to witness and capture your special day!

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The New Starbucks 2011 Planner is Out!

November 3rd, 2010

Finally! I’m happy to share with you that I was part of the team who created the Starbucks’ 2011 Planner. Last July, Starbucks hired me to shoot images for their upcoming planner. The idea was to showcase some of Starbucks Philippines’ popular and unique stores in Metro Manila and provincial stores namely – Tagaytay, Batangas, [...]

 

Finally! I’m happy to share with you that I was part of the team who created the Starbucks’ 2011 Planner. Last July, Starbucks hired me to shoot images for their upcoming planner. The idea was to showcase some of Starbucks Philippines’ popular and unique stores in Metro Manila and provincial stores namely – Tagaytay, Batangas, Baguio,  Bacolod, Cebu and Boracay. It was a different and challenging experience since I was out of my comfort zone from shooting weddings and primarily shot the storefront and interiors. So what are you waiting for? Start buying your favorite Starbucks drink so you can get your free planner!


starbucks januray 2011 planner

starbucks Feb 2011 planner

starbucks april 2011 planner

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I’m Back!

November 3rd, 2010

So I’ve been kinda quiet lately here on my blog. That’s because the second part of my trip in the U.S. was so crazy-hectic that I haven’t been able to post my adventures. But I’m already back in Manila and now it’s time to post and share the tons of photos I’m sorting through. Here’s [...]

 

So I’ve been kinda quiet lately here on my blog. That’s because the second part of my trip in the U.S. was so crazy-hectic that I haven’t been able to post my adventures. But I’m already back in Manila and now it’s time to post and share the tons of photos I’m sorting through. Here’s a rundown of the places I’ve been to for the past 3 weeks or so, in order…. L.A. – San Francisco – L.A. – San Diego – L.A. – New York – L.A. – Las Vegas – Arizona – L.A…..What a blessed trip ey! Thank you Lord! In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak and try and guess where some of these places are…more to follow!

Venice Beach, California

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Jaenna Sambilay Portrait

USS MIdway Museum

Alex Ruperto and Regina Sagana's Wedding

Times Square and Broadway, New York City

New York City Subway

Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Grand Canyon, Arizona

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Los Angeles Engagement : Mike Dolar and Bambi Umali

October 17th, 2010

After spending  Sunday with my sister since arriving from San Francisco last weekend, I shot Mike and Bambi’s engagement last Monday. I’ll be shooting their wedding next year in January back in the Philippines. We shot in Santa Monica Pier and Downtown L.A. and had a fun time. Here’s a preview of their shoot. Thanks [...]

 

After spending  Sunday with my sister since arriving from San Francisco last weekend, I shot Mike and Bambi’s engagement last Monday. I’ll be shooting their wedding next year in January back in the Philippines. We shot in Santa Monica Pier and Downtown L.A. and had a fun time. Here’s a preview of their shoot. Thanks to my friend David Sambilay for coming along to help out and shoot with me.

Los Angeles Engagement 1 - Mike Dolar and Bambi Umali

Los Angeles Engagement 2 - Mike Dolar and Bambi Umali

Los Angeles Engagement 3 - Mike Dolar and Bambi Umali

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San Francisco Engagement Preview: JT Trinidad & Gucci Estrella

October 15th, 2010

Wheew!  It’s been a crazy week here in L.A. Yesterday I went to visit my sister in San Diego and when I got here in L.A. went to the wedding rehearsal and dinner of Alex and Regina, the couple I’ll be shooting tomorrow. I’m sure its gonna be a great day of shooting. In the [...]

 

Wheew!  It’s been a crazy week here in L.A. Yesterday I went to visit my sister in San Diego and when I got here in L.A. went to the wedding rehearsal and dinner of Alex and Regina, the couple I’ll be shooting tomorrow. I’m sure its gonna be a great day of shooting. In the meantime, here’s a preview of my other San Francisco engagement shoot. After I had lunch with Eric and Fritz, JT and Gucci was up next and they picked me up at Fisherman’s wharf. I’m shooting their wedding this coming November in Manila. The last time I saw them was when we met in Manila early this year and booked me. I must say they were looking great and both of them lost a lot of weight. These two are very athletic and regularly compete in triathlons. I heart the locations they chose especially Land’s End, now I know why you love that place Gucci! See you guys in Manila!

San Francisco Engagement - JT and Gucci 1

San Francisco Engagement - JT and Gucci 2

San Francisco Engagement - JT Trinidad and Gucci Estrella 3

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Be Filled with Gratitude…

October 11th, 2010

Yesterday, I spent the whole day with Graciel, my sister, who used to live in LA but moved to San Diego because she now works for Provide Commerce. It’s an e-commerce company that owns a number sites that generally provides cool on-line gifts like proflowers.com. I was really looking forward to spend time with her [...]

 

Yesterday, I spent the whole day with Graciel, my sister, who used to live in LA but moved to San Diego because she now works for Provide Commerce. It’s an e-commerce company that owns a number sites that generally provides cool on-line gifts like proflowers.com. I was really looking forward to spend time with her because its been two years since I last saw her. We started the day by goin’ to mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in downtown. I wanted to hear mass there because it is also where Alex and Regina’s wedding, the one I’ll be shooting, will take place this coming Friday. I wanted to survey and see how the place is and I can describe it in one word, WOW! The church is huge to say the least and the modern design is very impressive.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels

The Gospel and the priest’s homily struck a chord in me. The story of the Gospel (Luke 17:11-19) was about Jesus healing 10 leapers but only one came back to thank Jesus. The priest reminded us that we also have been healed of our sins and the best way to show our belief and love for Christ is to always show gratitude. I am reminded by God that many times I focus too much on the things that go wrong in my life. Instead, I need to start counting more of the grace and blessings that God has given to me. One of the most important things I am thankful for is family and staying in my Tita Ruby and Uncle Tato’s house and spending time with my sister in L.A. means a lot to me. Also, being able to do what I really love and become a professional wedding photographer and serve Christ at the same time through Single’s for Christ are one of the biggest things I am truly grateful to God.

Another surprise, I saw Mike and Ivy at church. Their wedding was shot by my mentor, John Ong, right at this church.  I helped shoot their engagement when they visited Manila, I shot them when I was just an apprentice. Ivy’s mom (the one I’m beside with) eventually got me to shoot her cousins’ wedding, that was way back when I was just a junior photographer in Imagine Nation. Brings back a lot of nostalgia, so it was really nice to see all of them. I felt God was reminding me that he will always be there beside me and give me wonderful surprises.

Mike and Ivy

Meet Graciel, my sister (but her friends call her Grache). She’s also a blogger, check out G-ogrpahy. I finally get to shoot this California girl around town.

Graciel Cecilio

Graciel @ Griffith Observatory

Graciel @ Griffith Observatory

This whole trip is such a blessing from God and I know this would not have been possible without his will…Till the next post :)

Wild Card Gym