Weekend Roadtrip to Surigao City

This was an old post from my facebook account almost two years ago. The original file was unfortunately saved in my brothers laptop which happened to be deleted without me knowing. Just a little breather from portraits and fashion, here goes my desperation of being a travel and landscape photographer. This was on our way to Surigao del Norte, which happens to be my mothers hometown. These photos for me are PRICELESS.

It was a very much anticipated weekend, family together with nature = makes u bond closer from one another. :) It's also a blessing to celebrate my Lola's 84th Bday at the same time visit the two places that I've been longing to go since I was a child. Among the list were Lake Mainit and Mabua Beach. Lake Mainit which is known as the country's 4th largest lake and Mabua Beach for its unique pebble shoreline. You need not to travel afar, for you can enjoy the beauty of nature just at the tip of your nose. Some best things in life are indeed free.

LAKE MAINIT, SURIGAO  DEL NORTE

Lake Mainit: Their own version of floating restaurant, more likely the concept of Loboc River. They also have entertainers that serenaded them at while visitors and tourists are having their buffet lunch. 

My Brother with his GF Anne

MABUA BEACH, SURIGAO CITY

If Boracay is known for its fine white sand, Mabua is for pebbles. Yep, round stones of all sorts, sizes and colors. I've been longing to visit this place for years. The long wait is over!

The gushing sound of waves as it hit the pebble shores is simply music to my ears. I just found myself sitting and enjoying under the heat of the noon day sun. Taking photographs at the same time enjoying the view. Take note, It's a bit difficult to walk around, so I prefer walking barefoot and with caution ('coz you might slip and hit the stones yourself). I know I wont able to visit this place again for sometime, so I savored the moment, even if we only stayed for a few hours. Where in Philippines can find this unique beach... only in MABUA.

We only stayed in Surigao City over the weekend then went home afterwards to Davao. I am so glad to have visited these places, as it is one of the sought after attractions here in Mindanao. Nature's beauty at its finest I must say. I do hope that we Filipinos would learn to protect and preserve these remarkable places so that our future generation would still be able to appreciate it not just in photos.

Retro Spring

 

From the very fun and colorful Colors of Summer to Retro Spring, Well...I just can't get enough of vintage. I admit that it is one of my favorite tones and theme as well. The rustic touch that it illustrates through photos, takes us away to a different time and place. This is just a simple set, no gimmicks whatsoever, just relied on natural light, so we had this shots taken at around four in the afternoon, as the light is not as harsh during noon time. Got my warm tones after post processing the photos using my Photoshop CS4. You may also get your instant vintage photos through Instagram (if you're an apple user) and at Picnik (Hurry as picnik shuts down by April 19, 2012).

 Photography by: Melissa Irasga

MUA: Suzette Cachuela

Models:
Erica Biliran

Jennalie Love Tongco

Airesh Joy Beltran

I got to browse some old photography books that my father owned way back in the late 70's. It was printed in black and white, so are the photos. I get to see how photography has evolved, so hopefully I'd get to read those books, it might help me one way or another.

 It is kinda funny how I am trying to create vintage photos over the technologically advanced era, while back those days, developers and creators were busy doing developing a new technology. Film was used then, some others have their very own dark room, while nowadays, we have our digital dark room right in front of our finger tips. Anyhow, I really love this set so much. I hope that I could do more of these in the future.

More Photos of FUN, FREE AND BREEZY RETRO SPRING....

It's a wrap, with our jen and yen, suzette (MUA) in pink and I in green. :)

Satchi Store : Animal Instinct

I came across  SATCHI STORE online and I found their Leopard Flats (Nala 2), and I just can't take my eyes off it. The company was founded just last year (2011) and claims for the comfort their product offers. As they say, they have the "Unbelievable SNEAKER-LIKE comfort" with the looks of the fashionable flats. But of course, I get to read some reviews and blogs for some feedbacks. I was then convinced, so there goes my first purchase. They've got a lot of nice loafers, flats and brogues available as well. Just got my pair 2 days ago, very fast transaction and they are easy to deal with.

I'm not really an animal print fan, because at first I thought it would really take a lot of guts to pull off this kind of fashion. Secondly, it's not just my personal style. But lately, for some reason I really don't know why, I've been slowing embracing it from some of my accessories to my closet, because the "piece" makes a statement by itself without making your outfit too complicated. I hope it's not too late to dig in to this kind of fashion. With the Nala 2 flats, I have many ways in mind on 

how to wear it. May it be a casual everyday look or a chic night out with your friends.

I am fond of buying my shoes online, what's good about it is that they offer designs that mostly are not available at shops or at the malls, especially here in Davao, there are not that many options to choose from. These shoes are proudly Philippine designed and made and most of these flats are comfortable as well. Since I'm a size 9, I get to choose a design with my size available. This is not a sponsored post, I just wanted to share how this pair has given comfort to me. Thanks Satchi Store you brought out the bright and happy child in me! *wink

BABY + POOL

Children/Baby Photography happens to be one of the most challenging subjects (just my opinion LOL) when it comes to portraiture. For it to become successful, it needs a lot of patience and supporting roles amongst parents and guardians, as they are the ones who would make them laugh and smile. Yep, I took continuous shots (sigurista mode) and chose the best ones! So I'm crossing my fingers on this.

 I happen to shoot for my colleague's uberly cute baby boy named Drew, this is intended for his upcoming first birthday next month! This adorable little angel just can't get enough of his beach ball and the pool, he's having so much fun with his Dad. According to Mommy Tin, this was his second swim at the pool, good thing he was neither sleepy nor grumpy.

Here are some of the photos during our Shoot:

The photos were taken at The Deck of Marco Polo Hotel Davao on a late afternoon. I am just inspired with this shoot since this is my first baby photography and I am still having a bit of overdose of  Summer themes lately since my Colors of Summer set.

Some candid captures

Look Mom! I can swim!

Spidey Trunks

I had a great time taking pictures with Baby Drew.

 Hope you guys would love this set as much as I do.

Baby just can't get enough of his ball! :)