The Empire Strikes Back

We're no Stormtroopers but we braved the heat in order to shoot for Instagram-based store, Empire. The early call time was absolutely unique to me but here's my first take on a collaboration with a brand! Thank you to Micole and Emira for letting us into your home. Don't forget to check out @empireph on Instagram for more of these stylish pieces!

Styling: Micole & Emira Guingon
Models: Bianca Concepcion & Nigel Garcia

Pinto Art Museum

I've heard a lot about Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo but I never found the time to visit it. So, when Joaqui's mom invited me to go with his sister to shoot, I couldn't let the opportunity pass. As soon as you step foot inside Pinto, you'd be welcomed with such lush greenery and a relieving landscape. Mere photos of the landscape wouldn't give justice to how much of a beaut the place is.

Not only is it picturesque on the outside but Pinto houses the some of the most thought-provoking artworks that I've seen as most pieces tackle social reality. The collaborative mural entitled Karnabal is a piece done by 16 artists collectively known as the Salingpusa art group. As the piece dates back to the Post-EDSA Revolution era, it tackles the state of Filipino culture and society then. Interestingly, you could interpret the piece as if it could still be relevant today.

The Hollow Man. As the artist states, the piece is “nothing but a suggestion of probable continuity.” There's this certain contrast about this photo that I really like. It's as if the piece and Joaqui were juxtaposed to mean something more. But then, there's Joaqui who's just 100% game to pose even if I just bicker at him once he's in front of the camera.

We Are The Kids Your Parents Warned You About. It honestly felt like I've seen Pinto Art Museum through my social media platforms. Even if it was my first time visiting the gallery, it was as if I've seen it all already. Still, it's still very different from just plainly viewing it from a screen than seeing it in real life. Upon seeing this popular piece, I seriously thought of what my parents warned me of when I was young(er). I don't know about you but my parents told me never to talk to strangers since they would offer you candy and kidnap you if you took it.

Thread on Silkscreen. One of my favorite pieces. It took me back to the time waaaay back in high school when I tried to sell T-Shirts which I silk-screened myself. Then, you have this piece which turned the simple tool into such beautiful art. Imagine having to embroider such a delicate piece of cloth.

The last gallery was my favorite as it had various social-realist pieces which Tita Anne and I discussed briefly. She told me how cynical certain works were and how people could possibly be disadvantaged from the cynicism.

Since Julia is still learning the basics of Photography, I made her do the A-Z Project that my Photography professor also made me do. We tried looking for the alphabet in the most random of things from the floor to the ceiling (We literally have a photo of a lighting fixture for the letter J). The lighting in Pinto gave us the perfect conditions to shoot from low-light to direct sunlight. The weather even cooperated with us as it started to drizzle right after we finished our drinks at the cafe.

At the end of the day, I was bummed over not taking enough photos but I'm pretty sure this wouldn't be the last time I'll set foot in Pinto. I realized that I didn't take enough photos because I had to balance interpreting pieces and taking photos. I highly recommend that people visit Pinto Art Museum not for the Instagram opportunity but also to appreciate the art (A tour guide would be of great help!) 

Within The Walls

After much nagging from me and my sister, we finally convinced our parents to take us to Intramuros. I just had to bring my camera and sense of nationalism to Manila’s historic core. Some areas of the Walled City were under rehabilitation and we were a bit pressed by time so, we didn't get to go around as much. As corny as it may sound, I hope this trip to Intramuros will be the first of May-ny (GET IT?) Hopefully, I get to learn more facts next time around!

You're the Sun In My Morning, Babe

Despite beings stuck in the middle of a hectic pre-finals week at school, my family managed to convince me to not think about anything academic related while I was in Cebu. Every year, we set out to the Queen City of the South for some needed relaxation. Typically, we go straight to the Virgin Island but this year, we first headed to Oslob and Simala. I was really looking forward to this trip since I had unworn bikinis waiting to be soaked in saltwater. The bikinis were maximized as I lounged for days in my favorite island.