My Grey's Anatomy (Surgery Resident's Shoot)

The General Surgery and Uro Surgery Graduations (Top L-R: Dr. Lobaton, Dr. Borje ;
 Bottom: Dr. Dimalen, Dr. Cosep)

Southern Philippines Medical Center Building (OPD)
Photo courtesy of www.neophytevamp.wordpress.com

I was requested by one of the resident surgeon in SPMC to shoot their graduating residents for their graduation invitation. This would be my first "printed" work so I gave it a shot. The old invites was presented to me and I liked the new concept, more like of Nike's brochure, so since I'm still on the verge of testing my lighting skills go lang ng go!

Since the OPD Building of SPMC is made of bricks, and the main building now is colored red-orange, I  personalized their shoot with a hint of SPMC to make it more relevant =) I made the bricks as their instant back drop for our shoot. It's been a pleasure to have taken photos of them, I have worked with them since I was a nurse trainee =) So after their 5 long years in training (for the surgery residents) and 4 more additional years (for the Uro residents), it has finally come to end but their promising careers are yet to start. Here are some of the memoirs of our a.k.a Grey's Anatomy Shoot.

Cebu City Snapshots

Outside Basilica del Sto. Nino, Cebu City

If I have to cite a favorite city in the Philippines aside from Davao, Cebu is top of my list. I have been visiting Cebu for almost every year. And I thank Cebu Pacific promo flights for this opportunity. Last, Sunday January 15, Cebuanos celebrated the Sinulog Festival .

 I've attended the Sinulog twice already, last 1999 and 2007,  for sure the celebration this year was way bigger and better. The whole experience would not be complete if I won't be able to attend their early morning mass at the Basilica, despite the place being crowded.  Last 2007 was my first time to participate the religious procession, which was graced by many devotees  and pilgrims as they say the holy rosary in the streets of Cebu, which is one of the main events apart form the Grand Sinulog Street Parade.  These two events are to be expected yearly. Being able to participate with these events is something fulfilling, as a Christian myself. Or even not on the religious aspect, since Sto. Nino is very significant in our history as well. Those were just a few of my experiences during Sinulog.

In commemoration of the recent festivity, I have with me some Cebu City snapshots during my trip last year. Better posting late than never. Looking forward to another Cebu adventure this July 2012! Yipee!

The famous Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross

Balloon vendors are all over the place :)

Beautiful altar of the Basilica del Sto. Nino

The original building has been preserved, during our visit, the church was still under renovation.

Devotees, tourists and visitors, from all over the Philippines flock in to visit Sto. Nino, people come here all year round.

Cebu Ferries from Lapu-Lapu City to Cebu City. If you commute, this is a very fast and cheaper alternative to go the heart of Cebu City.

Cebu City at Dawn. At Crown Regency Hotel and Towers.

CEBU at Night

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, the City's tallest structure

At Mountain View, just below the Tops of Cebu

The Terraces at night, Ayala Center Cebu

VIVA PIT SENYOR!

Photo courtesy: www.sinulog.ph

*Photos taken with Lumix LX5

A Trip to Memory Lane

The Finster Building (inside view). This was still under construction when I was in first year college but we were able to utilize the 2nd and 3rd floor.

A Sneak peek at the Ateneo de Davao Campus.

I really forgot, that it has been already years since I graduated in college. Hmm... Maybe I got too busy figuring out my life that's why. It even seems like just yesterday. haha Some of my younger colleagues are now even addressing me "Ma'am" which I am not really used to, some even told me that I was one of that staff that handled them when he was still a student. Gosh, I really must admit that time is just flying by.

Kiboy caught me on the phone while sitting comfortably on the bench haha 

An old time friend that I'll be missing yay! Kiboy was such a good companion since college, training days, tons of exam reviews, during work at SPMC, etc. etc. =D good luck my friend! =D

Anyway, last week I accompanied a friend and classmate to our Alma mater (Ateneo de Davao University) since he needs to process some school documents, good for him, finally he'll be having a good career ahead  =) I really don't want to be emotional, I had a lot of wonderful memories in this place, correct me if you did not consider college as one of the best part of your life. I just wanted to thank Kevin, because I realized that I don't have much photos in the campus, maybe because during our time, we don't pay much attention on taking pictures, there was friendster then that you can only 5 photos in your account. So pathetic. With Kiboy we were able to stroll around the campus and take some photos. I was even quite unprepared we were still even on our scrubs since we went straight ahead right after our duty.

As the dawn breaks...

At left photo,  at the benches at Finster Building. This was our favorite place while waiting for our next class. At right photo, one of the empty classrooms at Canisius Building.

Perhaps one of the reasons that really hit me hard was when we recently had our batch reunion in High School. I just felt that it was just yesterday, so much had change in the physical aspect including myself after a few more pounds later. There are so much that I have learned from this institution, lessons learned in and out of the classroom. I am not leaving Davao anytime soon, but if better opportunity comes to open my door, then I'll be more than willing to embrace it.

4th floor is where most of our classes were held, the mini canteen above is still standing, this has filled our tummies during classes because we are allowed to eat during classes because of ou. 

Kuya Guards fixing the Philippine Flag... 

An empty classroom that we happen to pass by. Being a student is such a tedious job. haha 

Some few reminders posted at the OSA bulletin board that an Atenean should possess.

Huling hirit pose, sige na lang, pagbigyan niyo na. haha =D

Well, this is just another trip down the memory lane. I just wanted to document the significant places in my life. It pays to recollect and look back where you started and came from. It's a humbling experience that leads you to appreciate yourself even better. I'll soon be posting some photos of my photo projects last year. =)

Photos taken entirely with LUMIX LX5 and edited with Photoshop CS4 for a more rustic vintage feel. 

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!!!