Tag: Photography

I’m now an addict. And the worst part of it all, it was all due to my dad.

*flashback* Today I ventured to the last day of Photoworld 2007, which is really just another name for “Geeky Casino” as photographers and videographers from all walks of life converge to spend money on camera, camera equipment, accessories and a bunch of other things that I now realize I don’t need but felt like I needed them when I was there.

So I did get stuff – a Gary Fong Lightsphere II with Amberdome and since I suck at Photoshop, filters from Cokin. Oh yes, I’m addicted to these things. It’s the closest thing to digital lomography in my opinion (actually the Lensbaby is much closer to digital lomography but I digress). I am especially fond the Star Filter that produces shots like this:

So I decided to the new stuff to my dad. He did a once over at my new set of toys, cleared his throat and stood up. “Follow me” he said. So I tagged along, outside the door and up the stairs to the library where he keeps most of his past trinkets. He opened a drawer and pulled out a blue tupperware and I gasped when he opened it:

When I bought my camera last year, there was a secondary reason to it than just photography. It was to involve myself with user groups associated with the gadgets that you owned. Owning digital SLRs, Macs, iPods — these are all interesting gadgets but you come to realize that the people who own these things are much more interesting. Not that I’d buy myself into the organization – it isn’t that; no not at all. I really just wanted to immerse myself into this fun world of Filipino geeks.

As part of my new year plans, I promised to travel more and see the countryside. I’m leaving for Cebu tomorrow with friends to shoot the Sinulog Festival (January 19-22 2007) and after that I’m off to Pampanga (January 23-25 2007) to do a food spread for F&B World Magazine.

As I come to reflect on this, I realized that buying my camera last year opened up a whole new line of possibilities. I wouldn’t have gone to Cebu if not for the potential of photography and likewise would not have been invited to shoot in Pampanga if I wasn’t into the hobby.

The camera hasn’t paid for itself yet, but it sure is bringing back a wealth of experiences which cannot be quantified by monetary value. I’d love to hear from you folks — what have your gadgets given back to you?

Two nights ago I was invited to the Bench: Wear Your Conscience Book Launch at the Ayala Museum.

The book launch is a fundraiser project of Bench featuring the who’s who in Philippine society sitting on a traveling Dimensione Chair. Proceeds from the new clothes line and sales of the new coffee table book will help benefit the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation. I actually don’t know how to order the book but I’m assuming you can get this at any Bench outlet. It’s for a good cause! I’m not exactly sure who the photographer was too. Will update when I get info.

Editorial direction by Philip Cu-Unjieng and Raul Manzano.

I was given a press kit and decided to post some of the press images at the gallery.