WELCOME TO THE SECRET GARDEN.....

The Colors Of The Secret Garden.....

I received a text message from my good friend and fellow photographer John about the schedule of the photo shoot for Repertory Philippines Christmas presentation, "The Secret Garden". It was scheduled on the third weekend of November. But the 14th and 15th came and I didn't hear from John so I asked him about it. Finally, he said that Rep had a scheduled rehearsal on the 16th but the costumes were not yet finished nor was the lighting plan set up. I reasoned I won't be going to shoot since I anticipated the difficulty of using public transport because of the closure of the entire stretch of Roxas Boulevard because of the APEC meeting being held here and the unfinished costumes and lighting. John, Boboy, Boyet, Lian and I provide the photos that Repertory uses in their souvenir programs. So to shoot the actors without their costumes and the lighting pattern rather defeats the purpose of the pictures.

Thank you God! I made the right call! Traffic was terrible and unbearable during that day. I went to Alabang Town Center in the afternoon and a 15 to 30 minute ride became an hour because of the traffic. Some public utility vehicles even cut their trips, stopping their trips at Casimiro while those that travel to Zapote had to contend with the traffic at the RFC area. I guess I have to stay at home for the duration of the APEC Summit since I can't basically get out of Las Pinas. Having your own car may get you out of the city but be prepared to have a full tank of gas. The worse that can happen to a car owner is to be stuck in traffic for hours and with the car running out of gas in the process.

Last Wednesday, the 18th was declared a nonworking holiday. And John informed me of the shoot for Repertory on that night. So even if I vowed not to leave the house during this week, I took a chance and decided to go. I went to Alabang, rode on a bus headed for the north but instead of passing through the normal route of Edsa, it plied the C5 road instead. The whole stretch of Magallanes was closed too. I ended up at Rockwell and then took a cab going to Greenbelt 1. The rehearsal went ahead as scheduled and I was 45 minutes late. No worries though, I was able to get some pictures.

I have no idea what "The Secret Garden" is all about. From the moment I raised my camera to my eye and started to shoot, I noticed the slightly bizarre lighting pattern and the direction of the play. I can't decipher it since I wasn't able to watch the first 45 minutes. The lights were so dark but colorful hues were predominant. These initially caused me problems with my exposures but then I realized the colors were intentional. If I photographed a man in blue light, he was meant to be washed in blue tones. So I had to work with it rather than against it.

"The Secret Garden" will be staged from November 20 to December 20, 2015 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. It is based on the novel of Frances Hodgson Burnett and adapted as a musical production by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon and directed by Anton Juan. For ticket reservations and schedule of performances can be seen here.

REVIVING A FAMILY TRADITION.....

Even before my family transferred to our present residence here in Las Pinas, I am no stranger to this area. My cousin, Manong Kelly and his family was one of the early settlers during the time when going to Las Pinas was such a tedious journey. The coastal road did not exist at that time, the main road in Baclaran ended at MIA Road and the area of Pulang Lupa actually smelled of the sea because of the sea salt being laid out in front of the houses to dry and be sold as table salt. My cousin would actually pick my family up in our rented apartment in Sampaloc and we would stay in his new (at that time) house to usher in the New Year. My aunt who used to sell meat and meat products in Central Market would be the one who would cook the food for the media noche. It was a tradition that my paternal relatives observed until everyone grew up and led their own lives and my aunt stopped selling and passed the business to one of my cousins.

A lot has happened since then. My father's siblings have been succumbing to illness, particularly to different cancers one by one. From a brood of six, only three remain. Majority of my cousins are now based in the U.S. And even my nephews and nieces who I used to carry or even play with are now grown up and have kids of their own.

I guess the recent death of one my father's sisters prompted my cousin and my remaining living aunt to revive the family tradition of spending New Year at their place. So right after observing mass for New Year's eve, my brother and I went to their place. Now, the gathering is not about the food and merrymaking anymore. It has evolved into a coming together and keeping in touch with one another.

Just as the clock struck 12 midnight, I went to the second floor and took pictures of exploding fireworks. This proved to be more challenging for me. Unlike the fireworks during an organized show like the pyro olympics where in I can actually see the barge from which the fireworks are set off, I had to anticipate for the area where the next explosion would be. Not all firecrackers are created equal. The ones that actually form glorious light patterns in the sky are more expensive than the ones that just produce a blasting sound. And it is these expensive ones that I looked out for and tried to photograph.

Here are samples of the photos I took. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome 2012!

VIGAN AT CHRISTMAS TIME.....

Vigan Cathedral At Christmas.....






With The Belfry.....






The Bellfry.....






A Closer View.....






Shopping For Souvenirs.....






Hoping For A Calesa Ride.....






Hagdanan Na Walang Tahanan.....






When I bade my relatives goodbye during my last trip, I went to Vigan to buy some Vigan longganisa to take home to eat. I also decided to buy a whole box of special bibingka as well. I do not have a photo of the longganisa since it was wrap frozen and the bibingka was polished off as soon as I arrived home. Obviously, this is where I boarded the bus heading for Manila.

I haven't seen Vigan at Christmas time. I know from past visits that Crisologo Street is a well lighted area. I became curious if the houses on this well known street have the usual Christmas decors just like any other house and shops during this time. And I wanted to see the contrast, old Spanish houses with Christmas lights blinking or even the presence of a lighted parol outside the premises.

I was disappointed that the shops were bare with the said decorations when I got there. In fact, the only sign that it was still Christmas was the presence of a decorated Christmas tree in front of Vigan Cathedral and a parol on the belfry. I guess I expected to much from this trip. Or perhaps the shopkeepers decided to remove their decors after the New Year.

I think the only way to find out is to return to Vigan next Christmas time (December) and scout the place once again.

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING.....

Repertory Talents On Stage.....


Jack Salud.....





Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams.....





View From Above.....





Orchestra Rehearsal.....





Signalling The Start....





In Action.....





Waiting For My Turn.....





Getting Settled.....






On the day that John was able to arrange for some of us to shoot in Rockwell Power Plant Mall last Christmas season, it coincided with a scheduled performance of Repertory Philippines' main talents Michael Williams, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jack Salud with Lea Salonga's younger brother Gerard as musical director and conductor of the Filharmonika Orchestra.

Now I have always loved to watch Michael Williams perform live. But the ongoing shoot prevented me from enjoying and listening to his performance. And its different to see him perform as himself and not dressed in some costume like when I see him during dress rehearsals. But even if he has aged a lot, he still is such a fine performer.

CHRISTMAS 2009 PART 2.....

This is the continuation of the photos I took during the Christmas season. Most of these where taken at Power Plant Mall and the one on top, in the house as a part of the Christmas tree decorations.

CHRISTMAS 2009.....

Rockwell During Christmas.....







Across The Hall.....







Little Christmas Tree.....







Self Portrait.....







Name Tag.....







Christmas Balls.....






An Experimental Shot Of A Christmas Tree Ornament.....






Last Christmas season, I had opportunities to shoot with the theme "Christmas Season" in mind. For one thing, I was able to secure a pass (with John's help) to shoot in Rockwell Power Plant Mall. The pass was good for a day though and it coincided with a planned Christmas show featuring Repertory Philippines' talents Jack Salud, Michael Williams and Menchu-Lauchengco Yulo. Lea Salonga's brother Gerard conducted the orchestra that played for the singers. Though I would have loved to really go out and shoot, I could not do so since Pop is around.

Just like all malls at this time, Rockwell during Christmas is magical. The lights on the trees outside the mall makes the place festive and alive. The Christmas tree outside is also eye catching. And people flock to the mall just to enjoy whatever festivities it offers. So the next batch of photos are dedicated to this pursuit.

During one of the days when I find myself alone in the house, I pick up my camera and shoot the Christmas tree in the living room. I noticed these "Merry Christmas" trinkets which had crystal beads on it. When the tree lights are switched on, the lights reflected of these signs and it reminded me of a marquee sign outside a movie theater.

MANO PO.....THE NAYON WAY.....

The Wacky Group Photo.....




Ito, Tunay na Chinese.....




Ito, May Pagka-Chinese.....




Ito, May Pagka-Chinese Din.....




Ito, Mukha Bang Chinese?.....




Ito, Mas Mukha Bang Chinese?....




Ito, Feeling Chinese.....




Ito, Nagpapanggap na Chinese.....




Ito, Ang Chinese na Best Friend ni Wanda!.....





I don't like to have my picture taken. That is why I became a photographer! But on a sunny day, when my mood tells me otherwise, I relent and this fierce persona gets out of me and decides she's the model of the day and begins to strike a pose! As I said, this happens rarely, okay?

So it's time for the annual Christmas Party once again. And Nayon Christmas Parties are like sleep overs for adult people. It seems that the Penthouse Suite of the Miramar Hotel is the favorite place to have the party and since it is a hotel room, we can stay overnight. And along side the party is the annual photo op. As a tradition, the club agrees on a particular theme during the party and everyone is required to dress according to the theme and have their pictures taken as a requirement to replace the banner photo on the Nayon website. Except for the 1950's scene which was done in Black and White and which was the follow up to the well known montage of 2003, I have not seen any photo at all that is worthy to replace the banner! We do have graphic artists in our midst, they are just so busy with their jobs right now. Until I get to see a decent group photo with me on it, I guess I just have to continue to dream on. Who knows, I might be in the mood and strut my stuff!

This year's theme is Chinese! C'mon people, do I look like one? If you think that's funny how about a pure bred insulares like Betty? Does she look like one? I'd rather eat Chinese Food than be one! A real Chinese bred in our group, Bless isn't around though as she has to be at her sister's wedding. And me be dressed in Cheongsam silk? I bet reed thin people like Kate Moss will look good in it not the curvaceous people like me! Oh well, I just have to suck it up and be a real trooper for this one.