Maybe, Maybe

 Photos of Lola Amour from their Tagpo set last February 18 in Power Mac Center Spotlight. I shot the band again as part of my project for one of my majors but I had too much fun in the gig than I expected. I really can't wait to see these boys perform during Wanderland!

No Role Modelz

A perk of being in the Communication Arts program in my school is being able to utilize the studio as much as we can for practice. With super minimal knowledge on studio lighting, my friends and I took on a challenge of shooting with a limited set up. On that day, Mar and Nigel just wanted photos for their portfolio... I simply didn't want to go to class, hence the impromptu shoot. (Read on for more photos!)

Community Service Photo Diary

Last February 27, my classmates and I headed to Paco, Manila to render community service in St. Anthony School. For these photos, we used a Pentax camera and heavy filtering on Lightroom. Apparently, we used 30mm prime lens older than we are so, it was just fitting to give these photos that vintage feel. (I'm really amused by the VSCO filters on Lightroom. They do wonders!) Again, I'm heavily inspired by Daido who made me appreciate blur and out of focus shots except most of these photos are in color unlike his work. More photos under the cut!

My Story v.2

My Story (February - April 2015) from Allana Aldea on Vimeo.

I've made a habit of saving my snapchats because I had so much fun making the first one. This one ranges from babysitting to a trip to Cebu to ending my first year in La Salle. With my Frosh year coming to a close, it was very timely that I got asked if I had any tips for an incoming frosh. Since my LPEP was exactly a year ago, it gave me a good chance to reminisce and think about what I would’ve told my pre-college self. I'd probably tell her that those black pants made her hips look huge… But kidding aside, there are some things to remember as you go through your first year in college.

Your academics should be at the top of everything. My mom booked a flight to Cebu in the midst of finals week. Upon arrival, I had to film myself delivering a speech because I was going to miss an important presentation. I also had to think of a way to submit a hard copy of my final paper (while I was at the beach) because my professor didn’t accept online submissions. As much as I wanted to swim right away, I just couldn't put my academics off. I wouldn't risk my grades for something that can wait. 

Surround yourself with good people. During my LPEP, the first person who talked to me was a nerdy guy who asked if he could sleep on one of the benches in the lobby. Little did I know that the same guy would be the first to show up at my party and become one of my closest college buddies. I’m just grateful I went through my frosh year with good company and that I spent the year with people I wish I’d met sooner. In college, you're going to meet different kinds of people and it's up to you to decide which ones you're going to keep.

Be active. During my first term, I solely focused on my academics as I was just getting introduced to the system. I just wanted to get a feel of a chill college life. Come second term, I applied to become an executive under my batch government and on my third term, I landed a spot in The LaSallian as one of their layout editors. It would help if you applied in orgs which are relevant to your chosen profession as these orgs allowed me to experience a professional setting despite being a freshman. (plus, they’d look good on your resume!) If you're worried about the workload, the 4th tip will be helpful.

Balance your time well.  Time management is key! My planner has these hourly markers that help me track my tasks and finish it at a designated time. But in between tasks, don't forget to allow yourself to have little breaks when your workload gets too heavy.

Anecdote time! I once saw a photo on Facebook that said “Pick two: sleep, social life, academics.” I once spent an all-nighter on a documentary while I constantly updated my Twitter. I live by the saying “Ang tulog, nababawi. Ang grades, hindi.”

Be open to change. After spending over 10 years in the same school, going to La Salle was such a breather due to its liberated environment compared the shackles of an all-girl Catholic school. You’re going to be in classes WAY different from the usual high school setting (I once had a class where 1 point was equal to 1% of your grade) and deal with professors who have varying teaching styles. The transition won’t be as smooth but you’ll pretty much enjoy the ride.

To cap it all off, college isn’t always what you expect it to be. I always had the notion that college would equate to independence. For years, I was driven to and from school by my parents so the thought of commuting on my own was so thrilling. The thrill ended when I found out my phone was stolen at the MRT station on my second day of school. Suddenly, the independence wasn’t as great but it was a good learning experience. I’m glad to be walking away from the year with a handful of knowledge and memories that go beyond the walls of a classroom.

She a Fashion Killa

My friend asked me to do a photo shoot for our batch's fund raising activity. Despite a big setback (which was the shirt itself), we promoted and sold the shirt really well! Here's the product of three different shoots and really heavy (mass) editing!

Arrows, lines were falling

My second term in college has been particularly busy. It got to the point where I've gone to school without any sleep. Times like those, I'm grateful to have coffee first thing in the morning. I'm just glad I get to have these breaks in between my academics. 

I started October with a DLSU vs FEU game and zero knowledge on basketball. Mela and I just clapped along with the crowd so we don't look as oblivious HAHA.

My kind of Happy Thursday with Dani. We decided to finish schoolwork in Gelatissimo only because we had free coupons. 

Chasing the Sun

My groupmates and I spent half a day in front of St. La Salle Hall's facade for a documentary shoot. We were rushing to get ample sunlight but we continuously prayed for rain because our topic required us to talk about the effects of flood to pedicab drivers. Despite the tiresome environment, my groupmates found a source of enjoyment after being under the sun for  hours.

VIVA LA SENOR1T4!

After winning last year's title of Overall Champs, we're vying for a back-to-back victory! It dawned to me that this being my last intrams, I've been in the pep squad for 4 straight years. But hey, at least I got to make tarps and banners for the batch!

Conquer the Dance Floor

Conversation of the day

A Xaverian's mom beside me: Do you dance too?

Me: ...um, I'm in the school paper po.

My first time to watch the Skechers Street Dance Battle. This made me realize how much I missed during high school. These competitions have been ongoing for a few years yet I never managed to attend one until now. If only I knew how fun these were, I would've totally pushed to go! I'm really glad to know that this wouldn't be the last time seeing my school's team compete since WE MADE IT TO THE FINALS C'MON NOW.

Burning Red

I've been taking Digital Art classes for quite some time now and because of that, I gained rights to tag along with the Photography class whenever I felt like it. Today's shoot was about close-up face shots. My friend and I had no clue what to do so we turned the model into a living sugar skull. (I painted a face today!)

I understand how the sugar skull fad can come off as racist (search: Cultural Appropriation) but we did this project with no intentions of discrimination. I apologize beforehand if you have been offended by my actions.

Place less travelled

Intrams Day 2 - We went all the way to ULTRA (ang layo?) to watch our Track team run towards the gold. I got to put my lens to the test today! I just cheered "KAIBIGAN KO YAN!" while they all ran and took photos along the way. It was fun being the team's photographer for the day!

#DUGONGBUGHAW

Here's my photo diary of the first day of our school's annual Intrams! The entire St. Paul Community comes together to witness different batches go head to head to compete for the coveted title of Overall Champions. Based on what I've heard, St. Paul's intrams is different from other schools because ours is a total bloodbath. The batch rivalry even goes to the extent of wrecking drum sets and endless bashing on social media. However, once the week is over, all is forgiven (but never forgotten *cue evil laugh*) 

The rivalry is solely founded on batch spirit. We nurture this spirit by rehearsing cheers, making banners, and beautifying our muse together all for the title. This year, my batch will surely rock and row our way to the top!