THIS IS WHAT EVERYBODY MISSED.....

Suko Na!

Kiss No. 2.....

Sya, Try Ulit Natin Ito.....

Kiss No. 1....

Time To Give Me A Kiss.....

Aunty, Nakuha Ko Na.....

O, Bitawan Mo Na Kasi.....

Hijo, Pakibaba Ng Siko.....

Just when everybody had left the wedding reception venue of my niece Tonette and her husband Neil, a handful of the groom's relatives stayed over since they lived just across the newlywed couple. And because I didn't have any bed to sleep on at the ancestral house in Sta. Lucia, Manang Petty asked the newlyweds in my behalf if I could stay the night in their house. The cowboy that I am, I was glad I get to sleep on the divan at the living room. I really didn't mind though. I reckoned I would stay for a night or 2 nights at the most because by that time, some people would have eventually left the house with Monday being a day of work. Give me a bed with a tv, I'm okay. I have insomnia and the tv helps me relax so I can get some sleep. The problem is when I do find something entertaining to watch, bye bye sleep.

As I cleaned my camera, inspected my lenses and about to place them back to their cases, my niece called me out to join them in their merriment. I went out and talked to them a bit, played with my granddaughters when my niece blurted out something.

"Aunty, kunan mo kami ng picture ni Neil na umiinom. Wala yun sa reception kanina pagkatapos na mahiwa yung cake dahil walang baso at alak na binigay yung caterer."

I smacked my forehead and realized that indeed that scene didn't happen. Then I replied, "Naku, sana kahit anong baso na lang na may lamang beer ang ibinigay sa inyo para lang makunan lang kayo ng picture ng umiinom after nyo magsubuan ng cake!"

She further went on that they have talked to the caterer and expressed their displeasure when it came to that supplier's service. I also mentioned, "Sorry nakong, hindi ko na napansin na wala yun kasi naman expected ko yung coordinator mo ang magsasabi at magdi-direct.

Although I love taking pictures of events of my relatives, I came here as a guest and I started to notice that the wedding coordinator was not assertive enough in his duties. It came to a point where I had to give suggestions to Tonette for her to be the one to give the orders to the coordinator since he wasted so much time. I assume that anyone who did not know me at the reception may have mistaken me as part of the crew. And I do not want to do that. I wish suppliers will realize that a single bad recommendation can spell doom to one's business. There were just too many lapses and faults. I'm sure Neil knows how to deal with them.

So, I went back to the house and took my camera and acceded to my niece's request. I didn't really know what to do. But I saw bottles of San Mig Light and some pulutan. I have no idea what they were munching on the side but I asked them to get the plate and two bottles of beer. I ordered them to reenact the whole scene. I didn't get my "cinematic kiss". But I knew they enjoyed themselves from this exercise. And that is more important for me to capture as a photographer, the happiness on their faces.

 Hala! Magpakalasing kayong dalawa dahil kahit papaano, nairaos nyo na ang kasal nyo. Kampai! As to those who might perceive my presence at their house would spoil their honeymoon, they already have two kids! Need I say more? c",)

Thanks for letting me stay at your abode Neil and Tonette, Until next time..... Wait..... There is a next time?

RIA AND AD'S DATE AT THE ALTAR.....

A Set Of Shots Of The Bride.....





The Groom.....






Dr. Ada Soriano With Her Husband And The Couple.....




There is something about shooting weddings that I find uplifting. I think it's the concept of romance, of two individual people about to be joined in marriage because of their love. And to be part of the team chosen by the couple to cover the event is an added bonus.

Ria and AD were a pleasure to take pictures of. They were married at the Archbishop's Palace in Mandaluyong. Reception then followed at Richmonde Hotel. I noticed the groom was not comfortable in posing for their formal portraits hence I asked if he was more comfortable doing informal poses. The shoot then sailed smoothly from there on.

An incident happened when I went to the groom's room to shoot his preparations. I was surprised when I entered the groom's bedroom. I saw a familiar face from my past. As I shot the groom's preparation, I tried to recall the name of this person. I was sure though that she was one of the doctors that I have worked with at the Philippine General Hospital. Then when I was finished doing so, I remembered her name. It was nice seeing you again, Dr. Ada Soriano! She happens to be AD's older sister. Cool!

GOTIDOC-KINTANAR NUPTIALS.....

The Happy Couple!






















This was the time when I shot a wedding and had the most enjoyment doing so! I found it such a breeze working with the families of the bride and groom; working with Boyet, Neil and John was such a blast; I went to Lipa City, Batangas to shoot the couple's prenuptial! What more can I ask for?

The minute I met Miko and KC, there was no room for boredom. Perhaps the reason why I was at ease especially with KC's parents is because their daughter and I are in the same profession, that of being a nurse. And we also share the common experience of working at PGH sometime in the past, but not exactly the same years. She didn't last long though, as the back breaking schedule of the hospital can be extremely difficult at times that even our health can be compromised. But I did tell her though that comparing the workload that I have in PGH and the NHS in London, the latter proved to be more difficult as I didn't have utility workers and nursing aides to help in our tasks, even if I took care of 1 patient in ICU.

I came late at the Kintanar residence, but not of my undoing. John picked up Boyet and Neil from Edsa first then went straight to their residence to begin shooting. It was after John had dropped off the others did he eventually picked me up to proceed to the house. Apparently, the subdivision where John's clients live has a very strict policy when it came to private vehicles entering without the required stickers as proof of home ownership inside it. So John, as he was secured a pass by his clients, opted to pick me up at Las Pinas instead. So, by the time I was brought in, they now where in the flow. I found it difficult to get into the groove of shooting when most have started before me. I had to observe them first, take some test shots before joining in.

I forgot the name of the church where the ceremony was held. But I do remember it to be inside a posh village in Alabang. Reception was at The Palms Country Club at Alabang. We posed the couple inside the sporting areas of the club. So we took photos of them while they played billiards, while they played bowling, while they played badminton and while they went SWIMMING? NAHH! That proved to be too much! Although we took the couple's pictures as they posed beside the pool.

We ended the shoot at around 9:30pm. And I was so happy with the outcome. Unlike my previous wedding shoots, I didn't really feel tired.

Congratulations to the married couple!

ANOTHER WEDDING TO SHOOT......

At The Reception.....






The Bride.....






The Groom.....






With Their Families.....






During my post about the World Pyro Olympics, I mentioned about shooting for a wedding that I have agreed to. It was the main reason why I didn't go to Esplanade for 2 consecutive nights, since I had to prepare myself for the shoot. And that means no physical, emotional and yes, even spiritual exertions the night before a wedding shoot. Shooting a wedding can be very draining because of the long hours involved. But nothing beats looking at a very happy and satisfied couple and knowing that me, as a photographer, am one of the reasons why they were happy during this most glorious day of a couple's life.

It's Jonathan and Te-ann's wedding that I shot. Thank God they are not a Chinese couple! I enjoyed my last shoot but I wasn't prepared to last until the wee hours of the night covering the event. Preparations for the wedding were done at The Astoria Plaza Hotel, which is in Escriva Drive in Ortigas. The ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Church which is in Greenhills. Reception was at The Oasis, a condotel where John Mateos Ong's Imagine-nation studio is located in Aurora Boulevard. I didn't know that the place can hold a wedding reception. So, I was surprised when the rest of us saw the venue. It even has a lawn where photographers can take pictures of the couple for formal portraits for the wedding album.

For one thing, I realized that the secret in having good photographs for a wedding album of the couple is a breathtaking venue, if money isn't an issue. I have said enough! Just enjoy the pictures! c",)

BECAUSE THE BABY IS NOW A LADY!

Marianne and Vincent Cabalbag.....





The Bride About to Get Dressed.....








With Mom Helping Her Out.....





With the Rest of Her Relatives.....






It was kinda weird! My niece, Marianne, called me up one time at home to tell me that she was getting married to her boyfriend of so many years (they have been together since their junior or senior year in high school), Vincent. And that she actually prepared everything under her parents' noses in extreme secrecy! Way to go Ian! But that shows just how much my niece has grown over the years. And I am pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

I haven't seen much of her for sometime, simply because she pursued her medical degree, which she actually finished and I was busy with my own career. But she previously finished a degree in Pharmacy as a premedical course. What she actually lacks is to pass the medical board exams which are on hold at the moment, in favor of marital bliss. The last time I actually saw her was when we accompanied my cousin who happens to be my niece's first degree aunt, to the airport for my cousin's trip to Los Angeles. I can't remember any recent encounter.

And what were the chances that my niece scheduled the day of her wedding on the exact same day that one of my best friends in PGH scheduled hers too? I promised Lani as early as a year ago that I shall attend her wedding with Lian but because of Marianne's date, I had to ask my friend for her forgiveness. I can't possibly attend both weddings. Initially, I told Marianne beforehand that I shall not be going to hers since the invitation for my family is for 2 people only. That meant my father and my brother were the ones who were going. But my niece begged me to go; she even spoke to her wedding coordinator to give my family an extra seat for me at the reception which was guaranteed. So how can I ignore that?

As I watched the events unfold during the day, it made me somewhat misty. Her wedding eventually became a time for us, her aunts and uncles to see each other in a joyous time and just enjoy each other's company, even when most of us have reached our 40s when it comes to age. And it also made us cherish each other even more as we now have lost four cousins from our generation due to various illnesses and accidents. Even my Aunt Veron, who rarely mingles with us, her relatives due to her numerous teaching positions in 5 colleges in the field of medicine, was game at that time; enjoying the occasion as well, going as far as dancing with us, her nieces and nephews. Too bad three of my niece's father's siblings were not around, being based in the US, they missed the fun that we had!

I shall miss this day. One of those events that shall be stored in my consciousness for a long time. As much as a lot of flak was received by my niece for her decision, I do thank her for giving us, her immediate relatives, an avenue to enjoy ourselves and just be kids once again. Eventually, I know her parents will come around. Marianne just has to understand that whatever apprehensions that her parents have about her decision to get married is a normal reaction of expressing their love for her. They only want the best for her. And so do I! God bless you Marian and Vincent in your married life.

A WEDDING MIXED UP.....

Exchanging Vows At The Altar.....




Feeling The Heat.....



Sealed With A Kiss.....



When Doves Fly.....





Another Kiss.....




Entrance To The Reception.....





I messed up my schedule! It slipped from my mind that the Christmas party of our photo club was on the 9th of December. What I thought was that the party shall be held on the 10th, a Sunday. So imagine my horror and dazed look when Bless reminded me that the party was actually a day earlier! Oh man! What a mess!

The coverage lasted almost the whole day. We started at 7 am and finished at 11:30 pm. The wedding was between a Chinese couple, Dex and Pin. And thus tradition states that the reception of the wedding has to be around 8 pm, even if the wedding rite was performed much earlier at 1 pm. In between, Ken actually took the couple to a photo schedule, that included Father Blanco's Garden and Roxas Boulevard. It was interesting to observe him, how he worked and executed each shot. It does amaze me that he has 4 cameras that he uses at his disposal, each with a different lens attached to it. How I wished I have even just half of what he has!

Seeing what the demands are on a wedding photographer, it further made me think about whether I should head towards the same path or not. But I love photography and shooting weddings makes no difference! Photographing events is challenging because of the numerous obstacles that the event presents to the photographer. These are just some of the pictures I took during the day. Let me say that I shall continue shooting more!