Mana Davao (Celebrating Christmas in Davao City)

Surrounded by huge Christmas trees with unique theme and design.

Right in the middle of the street haha caused traffic for a minute or 2. Hope that this wont cause us any trouble haha =)

Bright Christmas Lights at Mana Davao

It has been a tradition among many of us during the Christmas season to lighten up our homes with colorful and bright lights and fill it with unique decors as well. Here in Davao, during this time of year, if there is a place somewhere in J.P. Laurel Avenue that would caught your eye and make you stop and stare, Mana Davao (it is known as one of the largest antique store in Davao City) is not an exemption to this tradition. Since 2008, the establishment has been showcasing a display of lights in gigantic Christmas Trees, this is one of the most sought after attractions here in Davao. It has become a landmark during Christmas here in the city and has been visited by thousands of foreign and local tourists. Christmas has a magic on its own. When you see bright lights or hear Carols and Christmas Songs, it would somehow make you forget all your worries and would never fail to bring out the child in you. There are also mascots of different cartoon characters that would entertain visitors. There is no admission fee whatsoever, so everyone is welcome to come and visit.

This is just a picture of the crowd in Mana. People from all walks of life come here to witness the beautiful lights display. Everyone has been very busy taking pictures all over the place.

Angry Birds Balloons are all over the place. Vendors and also keeping their way with the crowd. 

With Hannah, Chel and Sheng (our all around PA-joke lang LOL)

Our Happy Feet!! The sisters are back... Together again! We still have our crazy moments together just like the old days :)

Girls reunited.... overlooking the entire Mana Display :)

The aftermath, had a t-ice session afterwards at a nearby parking lot.. sorry sherwin I have to this post your photo...hehehe hubog na ka,  kaya go home na...just kidding hehehe

A Photo of me in Mana @ 2008. Di obvious that I have been visiting their place since then. yay!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WELCOME 2012 

with smiles and cheers! =)

ADDU GS '97 and HS '01 Reunion: A Time with the "Awesomest" Batch =)

One Big Knight Affair at the Summit Bar of the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City

About 2 years ago, if not mistaken, last 2009 there were hear says or probably an initial plan to organize a batch reunion, unfortunately it wasn't materialized maybe perhaps due to some reasons. Nevertheless, two years later, last December 23, 2011 everything was made possible. Many thanks to our batch's organizing committee who placed their time and effort, for some financially just to make this happen namely Louel Zambrano and Karlo Tesoro. Personally, I had lots of fond memories way back in High School, I'm just an average kid way back . Like a normal kid does, we just wanted to pass our exams, laugh, cry, for some fell in love, be with friends, do crazy things and makes the most out of everything.

Ateneo before, it was torn down right after my Grade School Graduation in '97.

So much for everything, for those who haven't made it that night, the event was held at the Summit Bar of the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. Almost everyone came with their different hues of blue outfit, which reminds me so much of Ateneo. The background music being played was so 90's, the likes of Alanis Morissette, Back Street Boys, Third Eye Blind, Semisonic, The Creed, etc. Flashback photos collected from batchmates we're also flashed as well as our high school year book. As we await for the program to begin, there's also a photo booth prepared for us to take our pictures and the beers and drinks were starting to flow while waiting.

Some of the activities during the night.

The hosts/emcees for the night were Diva Zamora and Vincent Oliver Te. There were sets of games and activities for everyone. An awesome AVP/Flashback video was also being played. Cool prizes were also given away, unfortunately I wasn't able to win any huhu Souvenir items were given away, a goodie bag with a customized mug and t-shirt. Thanks to Print-to-Go (Cecille Cayetano-Inventor and husband) for the sponsorship. But the best prize among all, is to see your old time friends come to life and not just seeing them on Facebook or in other social networking sites. It's beyond priceless, because 10 years comes only once in a lifetime. I'm so glad to be part of it! Was an "EPIC" night indeed! =D 'Til next time.....

Ivan - the "night's" Social Butterfly! =)

With Cha, Dimps, and Kimmy

Representatives from 4 Pignatelli! (L-R: Louel, Davil, Floyd, Shiela, Mary Anne, Rico, Paula, Gemma, Me (Mel), Jinggo)

Customized Baller ID =)

More Photos.... I wish my solid HS barkada was here as well.... nice to see everyone! Weeeeee

Photo wall by Red Lens Studio =)...

The people who made this event possible!!!

'Til next Reunion!!!

All I want for X-mas!

Christmas nowadays is very overrated, sometimes we give ourselves an excuse to spend a bit more than the usual, blame it on the season of sharing and giving. haha Well, it doesn't really hurt your pocket that much, if you reward yourselves something that you have been eyeing on for the past few months. Well for me, I am not saving up for any gadget or something, not even shoes. But these cute little camera bags are to die for! I happen to get to know of Hellolulu products in the mall while passing by a camera store. It's really pricey for a compact camera bag, (Lisang much kaayo ang presyo!! grrr!!!) but it's really nice because it has compartments for your extra memory card and batteries. It looks like a sling bag, the thing that attracts me to this one is because it doesn't really look like a camera bag. It really speaks for itself "carry happiness" hehe. The quality is good, and it could really serve as a good protection for your camera. Refer to the photo above and check on the interiors, sweet! Santa??!?! I have been good this year! LOL

-XOXO

A Sweet Grassland Escape (Edsel + Mildred)

This was our second E-session with Mildred + Edsel. Actually, this is my favorite set among the pre-nuptials shoot that I had by far. This was taken along diversion road in Davao. We were literally all by ourselves this time, no friends or light assistants, just the 3 of us and the light stand. Mildred had her test make up that is picture worthy, she was very lovely, no wonder my friend Baki never fails to fall in love with her over again. Her hair and make-up was by Joveth Pichon, a seasoned make-up artist in Davao City. She was equally lovely during the the wedding itself as well.

Since we are time-bounded because we started out late, all I asked was a little of their patience. The grass was very uncomfortable, yes, it caused some itching to the 3 of us, but I need them to trust me so that we can achieve a certain shot. I'd rather say, it was all worth it. Who would think that we would be able to capture beautiful photos in the grassland/"kasagbutan". Take note, it's not a landmark/tourist spot, its a vacant lot (*wink). 

Lessons and notes for this shoot. You need not to waste too much money or effort to be in a certain location for a shoot (considering the entrance fees/packages for pre-nup footage including the travel expenses that the couple would invest). Even if you have the most expensive equipment and the most beautiful location in the world, but if you don't have the vision, then your expectations would gone unmet. Just trust your photographer, be open-minded and be willing to take risks and chances. Just let loose and enjoy the whole experience, because as you look back, you'll say it's all worth the dirt on your hands. Enjoy :)

 

The brick road reminds me of wizard of oz, except that it is colored red rather than yellow...haha

Pretty Lashes

Beautiful make-up done by Davao's seasoned make-up artist. :)

 

The warmness of the light made the bride glow undeniably. :)

It's almost sunset, I love the light during this time of day. We were actually chasing lights because sun comes down sOo fast!

For the Finale.... Bagay ba?!?!?! hahaha This is one of my favorite as well :)

Island in the Sun (Jayson+Margaret)

Now, this is what I call "sensual". Great job guys! :D

Another E-session teaser for Jayson+Margaret @ Hof Gorei Beach Resort located at Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal.  The Australian-based couple will soon be wedded later this month. The weather haven't been that nice to us, one moment it's gloomy then sunny, the next thing you know it's raining. I was glad that the weather was fair overall, because this usually concerns me during an outdoor shoot. From Davao City, we took a motorized bangka in Sta. Ana Pier just beside Magsaysay Park, it took us about 45-50 minutes to reach our destination. Just so you know, it's just few private beach fronts away from Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

As we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staffs as well as the resort owner Madame April, who happened to be a good family friend of the couple. I'd rather say that this is not your typical resort, services are personalized, and it's a great place for an island escapade. A total retreat from the busy "city" life indeed.

At the Hillside Round Huts

Everyone was challenged by it's terrain, most specially when we decided to go up to the Villa located on top of the hill, as they say would take us 200+ steps. But nonetheless, it was all worth it as we witnessed one of the most breath-taking views in Samal Island. But time was ticking fast and we need to go back to the city before the sun goes down. Sad =( A Big thanks to the couple who beared their trust and patience with the team, it was a pleasure to shoot you once more =)

The couple: Jay and Margaret

At the beach.... It's the grooms preference to have their shoot @ the beach =)

Buckley + Naylor

SAVE THE DATE

December 20, 2011