Lakbay

  Boracay Revisited, a quick getaway and an escape to reality. The not-so-usual set-up and plan for an out-of-town trip and the last notice before departure joining the team, my officemates to visit Boracay, the first timers of themselves. I was asked by my Boss if I wanted to join and at first, I was hesitant and agreed not because I wanted to but because I needed to relax and see the island after it was closed to the public to give way to its rehabilitation.   September 2 – Saturday, our flight is at 11.50 AM, it’s raining here in the city, straight ahead to the pick-up point with my colleagues going to the airport, an estimated 45-minute drive to the airport. We dropped by Park n’ Fly to leave the car before going to the airport, A van arrived shortly, and we drove off to the airport. I am wondering what the weather will be like in Boracay, hoping for a sunny day where I can capture the beauty of the island through the lens of my camera. It has been years since I visi...

  Kafénaman   Coffee and Friendship, Brewing to Perfection. We all do love coffee from Brewed to Americano to iced coffee, Ice caramel macchiato, and the whole nine yards about coffee with or without sugar and creamer. Coffee lovers have their reason why coffee and what coffee is all about, it is how they cope with long days at work, for some, it is as simple as relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Traditionally, coffee serves the purpose of enjoying the day and life itself, coffee means love and the definition of love itself. Coffee shops exist on every corner of the street, from simple coffee vending machines at 7-11 stores across the country and everyone loves it including myself, and nothing beats the smell of rich aroma freshly brewed by the barista. Every reason why an individual loves coffee goes back to the time coffee was introduced to humanity, back in the day coffee was not as popular as today’s time. Total coffee consumption in the Philipp...

    I  was invited to the opening of a coffee shop in San Jose Batangas by no other than my best friend, the one and only Reyna  Batangueña – Queenee   Mercado. A brief story, I commented on her post and I thought it was their new house that is under construction, and to my surprise, it is a building being constructed to be their family business- a coffee shop. I am happy and excited at the same time and cannot wait for the opening of their business. Weeks later, I received an invitation to open the coffee shop on May 28, 2023- the date I marked the calendar. I wake up before sunrise and prepare the things I need including my camera, and drink coffee to awaken my sleeping senses - time check it is 3.30 AM. I took a bath, then dress and set foot in Batangas. While on the bus, I can see clearly what the opening of business looks like, I arrived at the place 15 minutes before the blessing and ribbon cutting, was greeted by the family members of Mercado and handov...

  It was the summer of April 2013 it was a quick trip to Lipa Batangas and see what the place has to offer in terms of landscape photography. Backtrack, I met the owner and founder of the modeling school- PHILIPPINE FASHION MODELO ACADEMY(PFMA)  where Queenee was one of the students back then, it was supposed to be a meet and greet and leave the place but I was hooked to stay.   Why and how did our friendship start? And how do we keep it until this day? These are the questions most people ask me and my answer is always the same and consistent. Let me share this brief story of how it all started, It was after lunch in April 2013 and everyone is busy and waiting for the practice to start, a glimpse in my eyes caught my attention, yes it was a glimpse of her smile, friendly as she is, a bubble of happiness, a reflection of her personality and character. I remember she used to call me “idol” to which I   asked, why not “best friend”? and from that day onwards it is ...

  Regarding fashion events, photographers will be the main meat of events to capture and highlight the entire show until the last minute. Lights, music, models, and cameras were ready to roll and spectators cheered and clapped their hands while watching the show. The glitz and glamour of the ramp show boosted the confidence of each participant and designer who participated in the event. We cannot deny that everyone is excited as models ramp and showcase the creations from respective designers, how it was delivered is the way to go for the next event.   Photographers are getting ready as the event is about to start. ********************************************************************** A group of models poses before the event starts. Beautiful faces, sturdy pose, captivating aura, and enjoying as the camera roll.        Each designer’s entry was carefully selected to ensure quality versus quantity, as models walk in the runaway, I felt the gust of exciteme...