Archive for December, 2009

Portrait studies #13: At the Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros, Manila

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Portrait test at the open grounds just outside Fort Santiago

Portrait tests at the open grounds just outside Fort Santiago

These ladies were accommodating enough to pose infront of their church's marian images

These ladies were accommodating enough to pose infront of their church's marian images

Nuns and a sacristan pose before these marian images

Nuns and a sacristan pose before these marian images

The Grand Marian Procession is an annual religious event held in Intramuros, Manila where several carrozas bearing the image of the Virgin Mary meanders along the cobbled streets of the walled former citadel. This year, there were more than 80 such images from around the country and I was there to capture some images.

At first, I didn’t have much idea what to do but eventually decided to do a series of portraits of devotees infront of their marian image. I did encounter some problems since I was using an 80mm lens equivalent. Because of this focal length, most of the time, I didn’t have much space to go further at the back because of the crowds in an area where these images were waiting for their turn to move.

Well, not so many images but above are some of the portrait studies I did.

My Balaanong Bahandi speech featured in Cebu Daily News

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

The Cebu Daily News column of Trizer Mansueto, one of the writers of the book where he featured my speech

The Cebu Daily News column of Trizer Mansueto, one of the writers of the book where he featured my speech

To my surprise, Trizer Mansueto, one of the writers of our book, Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu, included the full text of my speech which I delivered in behalf of the photographers during the book launch last 26 November. It was published in the 5 December issue of the Cebu Daily News, the regional sister publication of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

This is the second time that I’ve been featured. The first was last 17 May in the Lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It was an interview done by Angge Goloy about my transition from a telecoms engineer to a freelance photographer.

While it makes me beam with pride, I am also humbled.

Firecracker maker in Babag 2

Sunday, December 13th, 2009
A man mixing chemicals used for the firecrackers. There are serious lapses in observing safety measures like protecting himself from the deadly fumes as well as airborne particles.

A man mixing chemicals used in making firecrackers. There are serious lapses in observing personal safety measures like protecting himself from the deadly fumes as well as airborne particles.

During the weekend, I was in Babag 2, Lapulapu City to document the firecracker makers there for a submission to Demotix. Typically, during late November and on to the waning days of the year, people converge at this barangay to make one of the most popular and in-demand items for Christmas and, especially, the New Year’s celebration. Traditionally, there is this belief handed from the Chinese that lighting these will drive away bad luck for the coming year!

Babag 2 has always been the traditional firecracker capital of Cebu and one 57 year old man I interviewed, claimed that he started making these since he was 13. Unfortunately, these people do not observe personal protection from inhalation of the harmful chemicals and dust while making these firecrackers. When I pointed this out, I was just told that they haven’t suffered any side effects!

Other than this, unlicensed makers usually play cat and mouse from inspecting teams of policemen.

I made a multimedia slideshow consisting of 22 images last year and it is posted at my travel blog.

Portrait study #12: A jeepney driver

Friday, December 11th, 2009
A Danao jeepney driver at the north terminal near White Gold.

A Danao jeepney driver at the north terminal near White Gold.

I’m just amazed at the jeepney art here in Cebu! Very contemporary, bold and whimsical. During a research shoot for an article that I submitted, I saw this jeepney parked at the north terminal near White Gold. Of all the jeepneys stationed there, this one just stands out from the rest. I was told by the driver that this is just one of four in the same color but the tiger decoration varies.

These vehicles are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines, and have become an iconic symbol of Filipino culture. It’s not unusual to see tourists taking photos of them with their mobile phone cameras, and when some of the designs are as stunning as this, it’s easy to see why. The vibrant and detailed artwork is certainly eye-catching.

If I will finally have my own 4×5 camera, this is top priority work.

Photographer's cost of doing business calculator

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

This cost of doing business calculator is very important for working professional photographers or for those aspiring to be one. Useful to have an idea how much to charge for a particular assignment considering one’s investment and photography as a source of income. No more guesswork needed.

Eisen Job Alquiza provided me the file for sharing and was initially available at binarysilver.com with 469 downloads. While the currency is in Philippine Peso, this calculator is still useful for other nationalities/countries. Just replace it with your preferred currency.

Photographer's Cost of Doing Business Calculator (1006)