Regal Shocker [2006-07]

UNTITLED

2007-09-24T19:07:00.000+08:00

UNTITLED

2007-09-23T12:52:00.000+08:00

DONE

2007-09-10T19:07:00.001+08:00

I'm done with this blog. In a month or two, maybe... Right now, I don't think I can continue salvaging old travel photos and passing them off as something new or interesting. Photography as a whole really bores me these days. So no more feasting on scraps.

OTHER SIDE

2007-09-08T13:25:00.000+08:00

SIDE

2007-09-04T02:42:00.000+08:00

BUILDING BLOCKS

2007-08-31T13:17:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

CUT

2007-08-26T04:53:00.000+08:00

This is a detail shot of a really big (and black) sculpture I saw outside the same cultural center in HK. It turned out a bit more moody and graphic-y after I tweaked it in Raw.

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

STRAIGHT LINES

2007-08-24T04:38:00.000+08:00

Just got back from HK where I spent about 90 minutes taking photographs (and countless hours shopping, eating, and sleeping). So, get ready to see a whole lot of this cultural center complex thingie for the next couple of weeks (or months, if I don't feel like shooting again anytime soon).

DREAMY

2007-08-13T17:55:00.000+08:00

This image has been processed heavily in Photoshop. Now, I don't really like overmanipulating images but I was just so damned bored. Anyway, I kinda like how this turned out. Enjoy!

SNOWY TOPS

2007-08-10T10:33:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

ALMOST WONDER

2007-08-09T13:38:00.000+08:00

*Click on the second image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

LAMPPOST

2007-08-09T12:26:00.000+08:00

RED ALERT

2007-08-08T00:33:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

UNTITLED

2007-08-07T05:03:00.000+08:00

Processed in Camera Raw 4.1. Gave the shadows a cool (cyan-ish) touch and just tweaked the tone to make the drama more intense.

Anyway, to sum up, I love this photo. I love, love, love it.

SKY HIGH

2007-08-03T21:30:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

RETAIL BUBBLE

2007-08-03T00:16:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

SHINE ON

2007-08-01T15:44:00.000+08:00

FROST

2007-07-31T03:37:00.000+08:00

MIDNIGHT

2007-07-30T04:12:00.000+08:00

CONTRAST

2007-07-29T10:21:00.000+08:00

*Click on an image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

SWIRLY

2007-07-22T15:35:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

UNTITLED

2007-07-19T01:26:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

CALL OF THE WILD

2007-07-17T19:17:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

THE BACK ROOM

2007-07-17T19:12:00.000+08:00

*Click on the image for a 16:10 wallpaper-sized jpeg.

PAIRS

2007-03-25T20:02:00.000+08:00

BLUE B.

2007-03-22T22:16:00.000+08:00

COME 'N GO

2007-03-21T17:10:00.000+08:00

HIGH KEY

2007-03-13T00:34:00.000+08:00

HELLO SUNSHINE

2007-03-10T23:40:00.000+08:00

This post is my tribute to The O.C., a show that kept me
entertained and amused 'til the very end.

COOL!

2007-03-04T18:47:00.000+08:00

I've been very fortunate in the past couple of months to have been able to work with some incredible people and projects. So, allow me to show my appreciation by pimping out some of the publications involved.

First up, Mega Magazine. Be sure to buy the February 07 issue with the always-gorgeous Georgina Wilson on the cover. One of the cover features was written by yours truly, and they even gave a bit of space to me in their contributor's page. Cool, indeed. Thank you Annie and Carla!

Next, Sunday Inquirer. A travel feature on Coron, Palawan is currently in newsstands, so make sure to get a copy. Article by Genea Padilla; Photos by HV. Make sure to check out the Friday issues also as they feature the works of some undeniable industry luminaries who I truly admire and am grateful for. Thank you. We will always have Isla Banana.

Last but definitely not the least, SME Insight. The third issue with HIT Productions' Vic Icasas on the cover is now out (finally!). Make sure to get your copy. The fourth issue will be out shortly, so save up for that also. Thanks to my wonderful editorial colleagues who share in the joy and pain in making this killer business mag. You're all cool.

*Click on the image for a wallpaper-sized jpeg.

SHADOWS

2007-02-07T20:28:00.000+08:00

CARS

2007-02-06T15:29:00.000+08:00

These remind me a lot of the Matchbox cars I used to play around with when I was a kid. (sigh)

FACES

2007-01-31T00:46:00.000+08:00

Here are some more pictures from Tollwood! :-)

CUTE CRAP

2007-01-27T21:32:00.000+08:00

KERAMIK

2007-01-25T20:20:00.000+08:00

In Munich, there was this amazing Christmas bazaar held in the Oktoberfest grounds. It's called Tollwood, and it was one of the best non-tourist sites I've ever been to. Yummy radler, cool junk, fantastic food, enchanting atmosphere...

MUNICH

2007-01-22T07:45:00.000+08:00

VIEW FROM THE ARC

2007-01-17T02:12:00.000+08:00

I love the Arc de Triomphe. It's breathtaking. The last time I saw it, however, I nearly froze to death. It was nighttime and the wind was blowing hard. Even my camera gave up on me at some point (the battery gets easily drained in extremely cold conditions). Anyway, enough complaining. At the end of the day, I was able to get some pretty cool images. Enjoy!

PS. This is my 50th post. (And on the newly proclaimed Hit FM, I hear Chumbawamba...)

EIFFEL

2007-01-15T01:01:00.000+08:00

It was another one of those cold, rainy and wretched nights in wintery Paris when these pictures were taken. My mom and sister and I didn't want to eat "tour food" and go on a boring cruise along the Seine, so we decided to be left behind near the Eiffel Tower. Sad part is, the restaurants were full or closed already at that time. We ended up eating really bad sandwiches. Yuck!

CHURCH

2007-01-12T01:19:00.000+08:00

These pictures were taken in a church in Paris (see "Drama").

DRAMA

2007-01-08T01:39:00.000+08:00

Exactly a month ago, I went to this big church in Paris, the name of which I can no longer recall (no, it wasn't Notre Dame). Anyway, we had mass there and, after fulfilling my obligation, I went on to take a bunch of pictures of the statues inside. It was the first real photo opportunity I had in that city, so I did my best to make the most of it.

BLOOD

2007-01-05T03:33:00.000+08:00

This wicked city just drags you down
You're with the red lights, your side of town

Don't say it's easy to follow a process
There's nothing harder than keeping a promise

There's nothing believable in being honest
So cover your lies up with another promise

Blood runs through your veins, that's where our similarity ends
Blood runs through our veins

Artist: Editors
Album: The Back Room
Song Title: Blood

LIT

2007-01-03T17:08:00.000+08:00

I wasn't able to take a lot of photos of Paris during the day because of the bad weather.

Anyway, here are some images I was able to capture during one of my strolls at night.

GO-GO

2007-01-02T14:09:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I last posted my travel stuff, or posted anything for that matter. This will change, however, as I'll be posting non-stop pictures from my latest trips (to Paris, Munich and Boracay) in the next few weeks. I hope you like them.

To start, here are some regal shockers from a cool window display in Paris.

Happy new year everybody!

:-)

2006-12-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

I've been keeping this to myself and some friends for about a month now, and it's time to reveal my semi-sorta-secret plans.

I'm going to Paris!

Pictures coming soon.

CRAZY CUPCAKES

2006-10-29T02:32:00.000+08:00

LOOK LEFT

2006-10-05T20:00:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, we also shot a bunch of soap-opera-publicity-type photos of Carlo looking to the left for dramatic effect. They're just really simple portraits with a little twist.

GLAM ROCK

2006-10-01T18:34:00.000+08:00

These were shot last Saturday using my new one-month-old lights.

For this first layout, because of Cathy's rusty make-up skills, Carlo unexpectedly got some sort of goth edge. Although it wasn't really what we intended, the "rock look" gave us an opportunity to use bold poses and even bolder lights.

I think the shoot was a success. These pictures are unique, powerful and a lot of fun. Speaking of fun, wouldn't it be great if Carlo started a new band called Green Gay?

SUCCESS

2006-09-17T20:51:00.000+08:00

SME Insight's first issue with Dustin Andaya of IslandRose.net on the cover

Cover Photography by yours truly
Art Direction by Louis Fojas
Grooming by John Pagaduan of Shu Uemura

Just to share, I worked really hard on this new business magazine. There was passion in every f**king page. And, considering my very high standards, I can honestly say that this is a good product, for its price and for its content. The cover doesn't hurt either (hehe). So, don't forget to get your copy when it hits newsstands sometime next week.

PS. A special thank-you goes out to Louis and Meg who helped me during the test shoot for this. This is our success.

TESSA!

2006-09-04T20:00:00.000+08:00

This photo depicts my newly appointed Social Cheerleader, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, in all her glory.

RHETT

2006-09-02T17:38:00.000+08:00

These are photos of Rhett's all-white collection. Because of Bench, I actually know the names of three of the models above. There's Jeng Cuyugan, Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Nicolette Bell. I'm still unaware of the name of the stick-figured one.

PATRICE

2006-09-01T11:05:00.000+08:00

These were published today in the Fashion section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Super cool.

RAJO

2006-08-31T10:13:00.000+08:00

These are photos from the recent Coke Light launch which feature the fashions of Rajo Laurel. Two other designers--Patrice and Rhett--contributed to make it a wonderful show, but I'll post their photos next time.

These may get published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer one of these days. Watch out for that.

COVERS/

2006-08-30T16:15:00.001+08:00

Grab your copy/copies of ALL ACCESS at any Bench store. They have loads of behind-the-scenes photos of the recent ultra-successful Bench Fever show. These came off the press last weekend, so they'll probably be in stores in a week or two.

Cover photography is by yours truly.

PS. To my friends with blogs, feel free to advertise these in your sites. Thanks in advance!

FLAUNT

2006-08-29T09:04:00.000+08:00

SMOKIN'

2006-08-28T12:21:00.000+08:00

I'm back. Here's a shoot from yesterday that I'm quite proud of. Meg was the "smokin'" model. Louis was the art director, graphic designer, lights expert and co-photographer.

Enjoy!

THE GREAT VAN ANG, PT. 3

2006-07-21T08:38:00.000+08:00

This is the last chapter of the Great Van Ang series. Congratulations again to Van and the other graduates. You did a great job!

THE GREAT VAN ANG, PT. 2

2006-07-20T07:58:00.000+08:00

Here's that gown I've been raving about. It was painstakingly spray-painted, but I think it was worth all the work. It was the best dress of the night, no doubt about it.

THE GREAT VAN ANG, PT. 1

2006-07-19T00:02:00.000+08:00

Here is a dress by Vanessa Ang which was premiered in her recent Fashion Institute of the Philippines graduation.

If you think this design is great, wait 'til you see her evening gown. It's amazing, and it's coming up next.

SMOKE

2006-07-18T00:35:00.000+08:00

Scary model, part 2.

RGB

2006-07-17T00:08:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday night (yes, the super-stormy one), I watched my friend Van Ang graduate from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. Naturally, I took lots of photos.

Anyway, here is a model that's truly striking --regardless of whether she is lit by red, green or blue light. (Note: the clothes here are not Van's. Hers are way better, and we'll get to them in due time.)

PS. I decided to forego posting the actual Bench Fever show pictures, as I am already so sick of that silly event. However, if you're feeling extra-perverse and are interested in said images, fret not. I will upload them in my flickr account next month.

ENTRANCE/

2006-07-16T00:35:00.000+08:00

During the event night, I was tasked to cover the red carpet entrances of some "celebrities."

FIX/

2006-07-15T06:41:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures of the models' hair in various states of FIX-ing.

BACKSTAGE/

2006-07-14T00:36:00.000+08:00

Here are some backstage photos during Bench Fever day. The last one is of Ben Chan, the primary perpetrator of this event.

WHITE/

2006-07-13T07:56:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures of the backstage at Araneta in the morning. It's all just plain white, with a touch of Celine Lopez.

Just a bit of trivia: all of the backstage rooms have loads of mosquitoes in them. Gross.

ARANETA/

2006-07-12T07:54:00.000+08:00

This is how Araneta looked like in the morning of the Bench Fever event before the masses turned it upside down with their massiveness and masa-ness.

FACE/

2006-07-11T01:24:00.000+08:00

Get a load of these faces!

SPOTLIGHT/

2006-07-10T07:07:00.000+08:00

Here are some portraits that I took using my flash as a sort of spotlight. I really didn't want to do this initially, because I hate lugging around that heavy flash unit. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how it made the pictures look (pics 2 and 4 almost have that "studio" look to them).

NUTS/

2006-07-09T22:53:00.000+08:00

The rehearsals were so hot, boring, and long. It drove everyone nuts. Here are some pictures of what I'm talking about.

MOVE/

2006-07-08T22:15:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures of the All Stars during the Bench rehearsals.

WALL/

2006-06-30T07:46:00.000+08:00

Today is the big event! Bench Fever is finally here.

Anyway, for now, here are the last pictures from the fitting last June 23.

PREP/

2006-06-29T11:54:00.000+08:00

Here are some more pictures of the models prepping during the Bench fitting.

BLACK/

2006-06-28T18:51:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures from the second Bench fitting just last Friday.

I think the first picture is hilarious, because it seems to be making fun at Richard Gomez. As for the rest, they're awesome.

FEMALE/

2006-06-27T05:41:00.000+08:00

Here are the pictures of the women from the Bench fitting last June 16. The one in pink is Sunshine Ross. She's really nice, she does yoga, and she can do a handstand.

MALE/

2006-06-26T00:46:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures from the Bench fitting last June 16. This is the first of two posts regarding this specific shoot. The next one will be estrogen-filled.

ROSE

2006-06-19T20:25:00.000+08:00

Cathy bought some roses as an offering for the Sunday mass when we were in Baguio. Naturally, I wanted to photograph these little flowers with my considerably brand new flash. The first three are the results of some experimentation with said light unit.

Oh, and I used my macro lens for these as well.

This last picture is a behind-the-scenes look on how I produced the ones above.

Btw, I won't be updating this blog for a while. The last shoot I did was during the Bench underwear fitting last Friday, and they're going to be published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I don't think I can "publish" them here before they do this coming Friday/Sunday (even though I wasn't paid a single cent for them). But don't worry, I'll definitely post those here after. Speaking of, I'm kinda worried about the pictures that are going to come out. I submitted about 200 pictures; some were great, others were just o-kay. I'm just hoping they had the good sense to choose the nice ones.

SATURATION

2006-06-16T07:01:00.000+08:00

It's probably obvious by now: Carlo is a camera whore. He can't help himself. This is actually a good thing, considering that I don't have a lot of friends who are willing to do my every photographic bidding.

Here are some photos of us experimenting with one light source (my flash), outside my house in Baguio. I actually got injured for these pictures, so I hope all of you appreciate these final products and the effort that went into making them. I think the first one came out really well. The other two are less special but still good enough to post here.

By the way, special thanks goes out to Glen who assisted by effectively holding both the flash and the reflector.

IN THE TEA HOUSE

2006-06-14T00:17:00.000+08:00

The following are pictures taken in the Tea House along Session Road. There, they serve mediocre entrees and the cheapest, most sinful cakes.

These portraits -- of Carlo, Ag, and Cattan -- are cool because they are so simple (very minimalist) but still interesting and meaningful.

BEAST

2006-06-13T00:02:00.000+08:00

Here is Cathy as beast (styled by crazy Carlo). This was taken in Baguio at Le Souffle.

Weird subject, weird location, weird photo.

SHOT IN THE DARK

2006-06-08T09:42:00.000+08:00

These two pictures, believe it or not, were shot in the dark. Only two SB-800s and a cellphone flashlight were used to facilitate this gruelling and unusual shoot. Thankfully, the results make everything worth it.

I like the first one, because there's a lot of drama going on. It's eerie and kinda sweet/whimsical. The second one, on the other hand, I like because it's fresh and simple without being cheesy or boring.

So, without further adieu...

SWOOSH

2006-06-06T22:11:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures of Sporty Lala.

For the first three pics, we have Louis (check out his photos of Lala also!) to thank for his unbelievably tempting studio lights. For the last one, we have Carlo's styling prowess to thank/blame. For everything else, there was Cattan who assisted throughout the shoot, with Mango Torte as her only fuel.

For this last pic, I applied an aging filter to give it more character.

HELLO LALA

2006-06-05T02:10:00.000+08:00

The first one is undersaturated. The second one is oversaturated. Both are cool. Both were taken in a toilet.

EAST/WEST

2006-05-23T22:54:00.000+08:00

East, west. Cool, warm. Light, dark. Carl, Carlo.

THE GRUDGE

2006-05-22T01:33:00.000+08:00

Here are two pictures of Carlo trying his best to exhibit his inner Sadako.

These were shot with the help of my brand new Nikon flash SB-800. Up to now, I still have no idea how to use it, but out of sheer excitement, I decided to take it out of the box, not look at the manual, and just start shooting.

I also added some grain to give the images an extra kick.

COOL WATER 2

2006-05-17T04:16:00.000+08:00

Here's the last of the Villa Escudero pictures. I escpecially like the last one because the water looks amazing there. It's really cool. (Sorry for the ditsy description.)

SEXY

2006-05-16T00:31:00.000+08:00

As all of you know by now, I went to Villa Escudero recently. There, guests are transported via carabao-powered vehicles. Each animal has a moniker and I was able to take photos of the one they call Sexy.

COOL WATER

2006-05-15T00:11:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Regal Shocker.

I'm so thrilled to finally be sharing some brand new pics with all of you.

I'd just like to say that I especially like this set for three reasons: One, I was able to play with water using long exposures, which I've been longing to do since Pancho Escaler showed a sample in my basic photography class. Two, I was able to have fun in what I expected to be a really dull Villa Escudero visit. Three, the pictures came out brilliantly.

Enjoy!