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.

A TRIBUTE TO SOMEONE SPECIAL.....

The Banner That Says It All.....






Aunty Betty And Her Children.....






With Her Sister, Aunty Orang.....









The Birthday Cake.....






"Happy Birthday To You! Blow The Candles!"






"Apo, Ikaw Na Lang Ang Mag-ihip Ng Kandila!"






Table Five Guests From Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur.....









Her Children's Children.....






















Tita Veron And Aunty Betty.....












Thank You Note.....





My Aunty Betty is a very fortunate person. I attended her 87th birthday party held at the Legend Villas in Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong. Her children, who are mostly based in the US, came home with their respective families in tow to celebrate with her. Manang Precy though came alone as her African-American husband did not make the trip with her while Manong Topeng's family came over for a vacation during the Christmas season and thus was not around this time. Aunty Betty has seven children all of whom are successful. Even her older apos are successful too. The guest list was composed of close family friends and relatives only. Even Aunty Orang, who is based abroad (I think in Norway but I'm not sure though) also came home to be with her sister and greet her.

A short program was prepared by my cousins. Manong Topeng sang some songs including his own compositions as he serenaded his mom. He also sang a duet with Manang Miriam's daughter and with his brother Manong Jun. The siblings each gave a short talk as they recounted their lives during their youth, the role of their mother in their lives and how much they were influenced by her. Manang Miriam also showed an audio visual presentation, chronicling Aunty Betty's life up until the present.

Added surprise to me was I got to see my Aunty Veron! The last time I saw her was during my niece Marianne's wedding in 2007. She went with my first degree cousins Manang Petty, Manang Aming and Manong Andy. I came to the party with kuya. It does frustrate me at times when I get to meet relatives who I really am not familiar with! Heck! Some do not even know my mother who is suppose to be the bind that links us as relatives. And because of that, I might start carrying a picture of my mother in my wallet.....if only I start using a wallet! c",)

THE STORY OF FOUR COUPLES.....

Joy Virata And Miguel Faustmann In Action.....








































I had the chance to go, watch and shoot the dress rehearsal of Repertory Philippines' opening salvo for 2010. The play is called "Duets" which was written by Peter Quilter. What is unique about this play is that the four couples whose stories unfold are portrayed only by two thespians who are the pillars of Rep's stable of actors. They are Joy Virata and Miguel Faustmann. Enjoy this romantic comedy and check out how the actors get in to character as they tell the story. Ana Santos-Bitong directs the play. It runs at Greenbelt 1 theater from January 15-31, 2010. Kindly call the theater for the run times of the show.

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.

COMING OVER.....

An Invitation.....





The Original Photo.....





It's the first Sunday of the year 2010. And it's proving to be a very busy week for me ahead. I have a shoot on Tuesday and I need to start post processing my Marian entries for the club meeting this Sunday. In between, I have to run errands for my mother before my dad goes back to the US. Aside from this, my cousin called me up asking me to make a tarpaulin banner for our grandchild who is turning a year old officially this coming Friday but will be celebrated on Saturday which coincides with the Black Nazarene parade in Quiapo which some of the club members may decide to cover and shoot. Whew! Who doesn't want to attend birthday parties? The problem with this one is that I have to go home to Sta. Lucia in Ilocos Sur on Saturday for this party.

I don't know, I think I just have to pass this up. I really do not enjoy traveling for that long. Hmmm, I have to sleep on this.