Frame One Photography 2013

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF P HILIPPINE PH OTOGRAPHERS FOU NDATION, INC. PHILIPPINE FOUNDATION,

Bob Razon

VOLUME 6, 2013, ISSUE 1

Now a centenarian, the king of Philippine photography

Feature

CONTENTS 03

Editorial: The Photography Fever

04-05 Zamboanga: Tausogs, The Sardines Festival by CSAngeles 06

The Traditional Pahiyas by CSAngeles

07

Photo Summit Asia 2013-Cebu

by Icky Salazar

08

A Journey to Talim Island

by Joseph Agcaoili

10-14 Photo Gallery: It Has t be Red, Off the Wall, Palm Sunday, Long Exposure, Woman at Work

by CSAngeles 15

Editorial ©Kerwin Baldovino

©Elmer S. Jabagat

Resilient Faith by Raneil Antonio Ibay

16

The Opulencia Antique Gallery by CSA

17

Pamana.ph – a 360 Heritage Project

by Fung Yu

18

Bob Razon, the King of Photography

by Cecilia S. Angeles

19

Through the lens clearly by Aliwan 2013

20

The Luneta Photographers by Kalito

21

Ten Photos to Shake the World by Kalito

22

“I have to leave Intramuros.”

by CSAngeles

23

Wild Birds Flock Altro del Mundo

by CSAngeles

The Photography Fever When the temperature of a child becomes unusually high, the mother gets worried, for it is a sign that something is wrong with his condition.

This might cause complications in his health. Similarly, a kind of fever now creeps into the senses of many. . . young or old, rich or poor, professional or not. So contagious is the condition that it contaminates all ages and people of all economic and social status.

24-25 The Secret of SLR Success

by Gina C. Meneses

It starts with looking at a subject through the camera viewfinder. The viewer gets hooked to the image. . . its colors, shapes, tones, forms, lines.

The index finger presses the shutter repeatedly. Beautiful. The heart wants more shots to see, more images to capture, more pictures to view. Then the fever creeps into his system. The photographer then becomes a slave to this activity. It's called Photography.

36-27 Passing Shots by Kalito 28

SEO by Carmel B. Yoder

29

FPPF Conducts Banaue Photo Workshop by CSAngeles

30

Vietnam Adventure of FPPF Camera Clubs

by Maria Myla S. Orden

31

A Bug's Life by Ernesto Narciso Jr., Crossing Bridges 10 by CSAngeles

32

BENRO The Tripod by Rolly Magpayo

33

DOT Expresses Support for FPPF Projects by Chris Malinao

I have yet to hear someone claiming he does not enjoy photography, for everybody. . . whatever age. . . enjoys this craft. Cameras displayed on commercial shelves disappear fast. They are now slaves of the creative hands of the photographer. He cannot understand how the picture of a dirty fly or cockroach can already make him excitingly happy.

34-35 Indelible images by Johanna Poblete 36

Dozen Don't's in Shooting, Photographer's Right to Shoot by Atty. Bert P. Krages II condensed by CSAngeles

37

What They Say, Two New Courses at FPPF

by Chris Malinao

38

PWU Honors Frame One Editor, FPPF Grads Capture Shutter Game Top Prize by CSAngeles, Tae Kwon Do Instructor Wins Grand Slam in Basic by Chris Malinao

Whatever he captures in his camera brings him fine enjoyment. The end result is the unexplained joy experienced by the photographer.

If there is unexplained enjoyment in simply viewing the images, can't there be a better enjoyment when receiving compensation from this enjoyable activity? Photographers are at par with academic professionals in monetary compensation. Sometimes the professional photographer receives more especially if he has built his name already.

(CSA)

FPPF PUBLISHERS Eduviges Y. Huang, Chairperson Dr. Amado A. Castro, Finance Officer Lito N. Beltran, Project Director EDITOR-in-CHIEF Cecilia S. Angeles, csa_palay1@yahoo.com

©Roger Tingle

©Rolando Pascua

©Roland Orbeta

CONTRIBUTORS Icky Salazar, Joseph Agcaoili, Chris Malinao, Johanna Poblete, Carmel B. Yoder, Raneil Ibay, Ka Lito, Ernesto Narciso, Jr., Maria Myla S. Orden PHOTOGRAPHERS Edi Y. Huang, Elmer S. Jabagat, Roger Tingle, Chris Malinao, Irene Serviano, Rolando Pascua, Roland Orbeta, Fung Yu, Kerwin Baldobino, Angelica Valdez, WBPP Photographers, Raneil Ibay, Rolie Magpayo, Ernesto Narciso, Jr., Joseph Agcaoili, Kim Lorenzo Salvador, Ruwen Verdaguer, FPPF Staff SECRETARIAT Jobelle E. Gabilan LAYOUT & DESIGN Frando M. Culata • Foto@Work Creative Group

Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 Tels: (632)524 7576; 524 4175; Telefax: (632)528 0371 E-mail: pablobeltran39@gmail.com; fotoatwork@gmail.com www.photoworldmanila.com

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Feature

Tausogs

The place is very photogenic. Very unique. An artist's delight. To capture its location and culture either on canvas or sd card can awaken even a long retired artist. Their houses are on stilts because the whole area of the village is covered with water. A house is equipped with an open area without walls, neither roof. And children play here without the fear of falling into the water. They run, jump, hop. Part of this open space is principally used as a drying or storage space for seaweeds, the raw material for gelatin. A section or corner is used as laundry area. The space is equipped with clothes line, and they simply look like curtains from afar. They have electricity, all right. I wonder where they get water for bath or the kitchen. We bought soft drinks and bottled water from a banca store. In fact, his ware wasn't enough for all of us, so he maneuvered his banca to get some more soft drinks.

We were on two deep yellow bancas, Pagasa 1 Taiwan and Pagasa 2 Taiwan. Our military guides told us that the two boats were donated

by Taiwan. We didn't have the opportunity to be invited inside a

04

Zambo Text by Cecilia S. Angeles, photos by FPPF staff

Tausog home. Despite this, I felt the peace prevailing in the place.

There is a day care school, the proud Philippine flag waving on its rooftop. How do these nursery kids go there? By boat, I suppose, or carried or accompanied by elder family members. These small children are not safe to walk on knee-deep seawater. I wanted to analyze further the Tausog way of life, but I felt shy. The main source of income here is gathering seaweeds and catching fish. One fisherman was balancing on his shoulder about a dozen meter-long swordfish.

This Zamboanga Village is very unique. Unfortunately, I have not visited other similar places especially in the south. It reminds me of the Cambodia Floating Village where all structures float. . . houses, churches, sari-sari stores, basketball courts, department stores, but they are not on stilts. They really float.

Despite the 7,107 islands that we have and the varied cultures each place has, Filipinos have something in common. . . our feelings, our appreciation, our love for fellow men.

oanga

The Sardines Festival

One kilometer and a half along the bay walk of R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City, were set hundreds and hundreds of one foot wide by twelve feet long slender tables lined with fresh banana husks (not leaves) containing mouth watering sardines. No rice, no bread, nothing more except sardines. The first week of October 2012 was this year's celebration of the traditional annual Sardines Festival, one among the various exciting features of the week-long Zamboanga City fiesta in honor of patron saint Virgen dela Maria Pilar.

Above these tables were colorful bantings heralding excitements and waving to welcome residents, visitors, tourists, bystanders or simply oglers. City Mayor Ceasar Lobregat also witnessed the affair.

Participants were very much aware of us FPPF photographers and those of the Zamboanga City Camera Club, our very friendly host.

Yes, they exhibited to us all sorts of finger signs. . . from V to L to U to poker faces to extending tongues or grotesque facial expressions in solo or group. They enjoyed the canned fish minus the staple rice or sliced bread or pan de sal which usually goes with sardines. Age of eaters ranged from very young children who could scoop by themselves the sardines into their mouths to bent centenarians who

equally enjoyed eating sardines. But practical mothers enjoyed most the Sardines Festival. They had plastic bags which they seemed to hide below the table. They simply pushed the sardines down into their plastic bags, so this was certainly a free viand for a sumptuous dinner for family members who could not take part in the festival.

Nine sardine companies participated in this year's annual celebration: Fortune Sardines, Youngstown Sardines, Gold Star Sardines, Permex Corp, Aquatic- Marico Sardines, Columbus Sardines, Seacos Fresco Co., Universal Sardines, Family Sardines. In fact, the manufacturer of Miko sardines gave me 2 cans of Miko sardines plus two packs of crackers and bottled water. Incidentally, I did not open them because they bore the exciting memories of the Sardines Festival which I brought home to Manila.

Empty sardine cans of Ligo, Century, 555, Youngstown, Goldstar, Miko, Mega, and other brands filled trash boxes. A sardine company donated 30 cases of sardines. The others could have donated more.

Earlier, there were intermittent drizzles due to the impending typhoon in the northern part of Luzon, but a few minutes before the sardines eating started, the rain stopped totally.

05

The Traditional

Pahiyas

By CSAngeles

Some FPPF photographers led by Lito Beltran, FPPF president, and Chairperson Edi Huang toured to Lucban, Quezon on May 15, 2013 to witness once again the traditional Pahiyas celebration. Very unique, this is the feast dedicated to the town patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, believed to be responsible for the bountible harvest of the Lucban farmlands. The image of San Isidro Labrador together with some uniquely dressed floats is paraded around the major streets of Lucban.

Houses, buildings, streets, sheds, stores, fences or even bushes and trees are covered with uniquely designed farm products.

A major decoration is kiping converted into lanterns or floral arrangements. All sorts of fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, sayote, eggplants, string beans, okras, papayas, bananas, coconuts, etc. hung like curtains on windows, doors, fences and walls. Some are made into intricate sculptured designs. The amazing volume of these farm products is a proof indeed of Lucban's bountiful harvest.

Also very popular in Lucban is the habhab, a locally produced noodle

06

served on a banana leaf as big as the palm. It costs P10.00 per serving.

A sprinkle of very hot and spicy vinegar is sprinkled on the habhab before devouring it without using a spoon or pork. One serving of habhab is really not enough, for after consuming one, you like to gulf another and another.

This unique thanksgiving dates back in the 16th century. People believed that patron saint San Isidro Labrador often left the church after the rain to plow the fields, a preparation for the plantation. This story originated from Mexico and passed on to the Philippines by the Spaniards. Ever since, Pahiyas Festival in Quezon particularly in the town of Lucban, has been celebrated by the residents. Today, it has become a local and international tourist attraction. Residents convert their farm products into all sorts of decorative designs lining the walls, doors, windows, sheds, fences, trees, bushes and all other trinkets. San Isidro Salvador, I am sure, simply keeps a sweet smile of contentment for his constituents.

Biggest Photography Event in Cebu

FPPF Secretariat tel. nos: 524 7576; 528 0371; 524 4175 CEBU: Joanna Salazar 0917-322 5688; 0922-862 8303; joanna@cebuphotoworks.com

Frederick “Ick y” Salazar

Chairman Photo Summit Asia-Cebu 2013

The recent years have seen a surge in photography enthusiasts coming from the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. Responding to the demand for photography-related activities, the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. (FPPF) has organized, “Photo Summit Asia-Cebu”-a regional photo summit targeted for the Visayas and Mindanao market.

The lecture series will feature the following renown speakers: G-Nie Arambolo, Lemuel Arrogante, Nicolo Cosme, Raymond Cruz, Boboy Librodo, Erwin Lim, Ted Madamba and Niko Villegas. The Photo Summit will also feature Singapore's Liew Tong Leng and Malaysia's Ar thur Teng.

According to the Photo Summit Asia-Cebu Chair, Frederick “Icky” Salazar, the event will consist of a lecture series for the registered delegates and a trade show for the general public. He adds, “the lecture series will be set on September 6 to 8, 2013 at Cebu Parklane Hotel and September 5 to 8 at Ayala Center Cebu Exhibit Area for the trade show.”

Chairman Icky, as he is fondly called, has been a serious hobbyist for about five years. He is the co-founder of Cebu Photo Works, the outfit that organizes photography workshops (including FPPF workshops) and photo contests in Cebu. He has bagged several awards in photo contests. Icky is also the president of Focal 7 Photography Club.

07

Feature A Journey to

Talim Island Text and Photos: Joseph Agcaoili

The journey to Talim Island starts at the town of Binangonan, Rizal. It is more or less an hour's drive from Manila depending on the traffic situation to reach the terminal where motorized passenger boats take you to the island.

From there, it takes 30 minutes to two hours to reach the island composed of 17 barangays that fall under the jurisdiction of Binangonan. I went to one of the barangays called Janosa. The place made me feel something different.

There's a sense of calmness and peace.

The people get their food from the lake which is abundant with fish. The lake is also their main source of livelihood.

Some residents make bamboo “papag”.

They sell this “papag” to nearby towns in Binangonan and Manila. There are some who still go to the city to work on a regular job, most of whom are the younger ones who were able to finish school, while the rest have blue collar jobs. They always travel on motorized boats everyday to go to work.

Families know their neighbors, and they share all kinds of stories. Kids play outside in the sun and enjoy real outdoor games. I enjoyed going around with my camera and given the two days that I was there, I felt that I didn't see much yet with the photographs that I took.

The beauty of a place, indeed can only be found in the hearts of the people. I have realized this in Talim.

08

AD

05

Photo Gallery ©Jon Aguirre_2nd Place

PHOTOWORLD CUP 2013

©Jun Tulao_1st Place ©Cris Cleofas_3rd Place ©Tropang Artistiko_9th Place

©Mark Kishnani_5th Place

Not pink. It has to be red. This is the command of the February photo contest. So. . .very prominent is the red element in all the entries this month. First place picture of Jun Tulas of Cavite Camera Club shows two red balloons, one big, the other small covering the faces of two half naked boys holding them, perhaps to match their sizes. A red handwoven g-string captur ed at ex treme close up is the second place red entry of Jon Aguirre of Framed Shots. Dominant in Cris Cleofas’ third placer is the por trait of a red-painted male model.

Four th place winner of Sam Asia (Framed Shots) captures a diagonal line accented with a red element.

Mark Kishnani of Imahe wins fif th

©Enrico Gutierrez_6th Place

It has to be red

©Sam Asia_4th Place

©Carlo Zamora_7th Place ©Precy Sison _8th Place

©Tropang Artistiko_10th Place

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place for his red curve line. Floating amid a dark landscape is Framed Shot member, Enrico Gutierrez’ subject, a lovely model in red gown. This lands on the si x th place. Three red teaspoons apparently moving toward a red plate set against a white background give Carlos Zamora of Framed Shots the seventh place.

Precy Sison of Oro Beyond Lenti captures a window accented with a glass containing red liquid. This picture captures the eighth place.

Ninth place depicts a bloody penitent whose torso is bound with a red band.

A Tropang Ar tistiko member keeps lashing his bloody self with a big red rope. The tenth place is the club entry of Tropang Artistiko. It depicts the image of a child, its skin showing a strong red reflection. Yes, February has to be red! (CSA)

©Artur Ang _1st Place

©RJ Cabagnot_3rd Place

©Roland Orbeta_2nd Place

©My Camera Club_5th Place

©Richie_4th Place

PHOTOWORLD CUP 2013

©Anthony Cruz_8th Place

©Mayko Gatchailan_7th Place

©Ruth David_6th Place

©Joel Forte_10th Place

So. . . it is not on the wall but Off the Wall. Yes, this is the FPPF inter club photo contest theme for March. It puzzled me a lit tle until I saw the entries of the members of more than 50 camera clubs. . . Wow!!! Photo elements were really off the wall. The club photographers personally interpreted the theme based on their

Off the Wall

©Ruben Ranin_9th Place

creativity, understanding, visual perception, camera techniques or whatever. I was intrigued by the composition of JP Enriquez showing a group of coffins hanging up high on a rugged mountain wall.

Arthur Ang of the Camera Club of Negros (CCN) grabbed the first prize. His photo showed a blue wall with nine small frames hanging on the upper lef t side, a small red square on the lower right area, a dark shadow of a stool off center.

The stool creating the dark shadow was really off the wall. Roland Orbita of NAMRIA Camera Club placed second.

His composition captured two very happy children on a bicycle though their feet could not touch the pedal.

Apparently a mirror on easel reflecting a still life arrangement, this entry of RJ Cabagnot of SLR won third place.

Richie Tulipat of My Camera Club got four th place for his neatly arranged linear set ting of flowering plants apparently fronting a wall. A multi-story box-type apar tment ar tistically painted in dominant blue got fif th place.

This is the club entry of My Camera Club. Another member of My Camera Club, Ruth David, was the six th placer. A silhouet te of a man etched on a shell-like object off the wall gave Mayko Gatchalian of PPC the seventh place. Very unique was this wall with violet and black ver tical stripes, a man in black suit carrying a plastic glass and a wrapped sandwich was walking alongside.

Some elements are on the wall, but the lad in red was apparently off the wall. Anthony Cruz of Montalban Camera Club won eighth place for this composition. Soon, these jeepney sign boards would be off the wall when drivers actually buy them. This gave Ruben Ranin of iFocus the ninth place. Completing the top ten was Jo Forte's color ful picture showing a pair of bamboo walls captured at a front view perspective, a heap of dried leaves its foreground.

(CSAngeles).

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Photo Gallery

Palm Sunday

©Rico_2nd Place

©Henry Yu_1st Place

©Johans Lucena_3rd Place

©Elmer S. Jabagat_5th Place ©Rey Cerezo_9th Place

©Noemi Garcia_6th Place ©Jun Tulao_4th Place ©Cathy Aguirre_8th Place

©Carlito So_7th Place

March 31, 2013 was Palm Sunday. This was the theme of the FPPF OTS photo contest. As expected, club members submit ted different entries taken at equally different venues because the photographers had their OTS shooting right where they heard mass.

Henry Yu of Focal 7 captured first place with his composition of a parish priest blessing the palm leaves at the church patio.

Apparently the Sunday mass was held outdoor and Rico of Tropang Ar tistiko won second place for his bird's eye view composition.

Johans Lucena of Makati Camera Club got third place. His entry displayed shallow depth of field. The foreground was blurred, but the altar with palm leaves was sharp. A scene from an outdoor mass gave Jun Tulao of Cavite Camera Club the four th place. Elmer S. Jabagat, another member of Cebu City Images Camera Club,

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©Giovanni Naval_10th Place

PHOTOWORLD CUP 2013 Inc., won fif th place. A formal balance composition of Palm Sunday taken at a fairly high bird's eye view perspective gave Lakbay Klik Kamera Klub member, Noemi Garcia, six th place. Like an abstract pat tern of blue and green was the picture of Carlito So of Cebu Images Camera Club. It placed seventh in the top ranking. Cathy Aguirre of Framed Shots Camera Club grabbed the eighth place for her Palm Sunday picture. Ninth place went to the picture of Rey Cerezo of Makati Camera club. Completing the magic ten was the entry of Giovanni (Jovie) Naval of PLDT Camera Club. (CSAngeles)

Long Exposure ©Antonio Vasquez _1st Place

PHOTOWORLD CUP 2013

©Kerwin Baldovino_2nd Place

©Argyle Camacho_4th Place

©Nick Olayao_3rd Place

©Jonathan Cayaon_6th Place

©Edwin Loyola_5th Place

©Mandy Javillonar_7th Place

©Teddy Pelaez_8th Place

The FPPF inter club photo contest for April challenged par ticipating clubs with its monthly theme: Long Exposure. This means that photographers used slow shut ter speed. These photographers did not display shots violating the theme. Instead they seemed to enjoy the technique as evidenced in their shots. First placer Dr. Antonio Vasquez (CCN) captured a tricycle overloaded with passengers. Some were literally on the hood or the top and hind par ts of the vehicle. Only the front knee of a passenger was shown sharp, all the rest became streaks of light showing the directional movement of the lens. Second place went to Kerwin Baldovino of Zamboanga City Camera Club. His registered slow movement came in radial pat tern of fine thread-like streaks of light. Nick Olayao (Frame Shots) registered sharp images of cultural dancers for the third place, yet the props the dancers have been waving showed rotary movement. The four th place picture of Argyle Camacho (Prima Camera Club) captured a pair of white hands playing the lyre, three capiz windows in the background. Edwin Loyola's (FS) long exposure featured a panning shot of a scene in the city which won for him the fif th place. No movement was evidenced in the long exposure picture of Jonathan Cayaon (Alpha) which probably captured only the correct exposure of a dusky af ternoon.

©Roger Tingle_9th Place

©Mark Kishnani_10th Place

The contrast between the motion of a parked cariton vendor and a speeding jeepney made Mandy Javillonar (SLR) merit the seventh place. Eighth place went to Teddy Pelaez (SLR). His long exposure appears to be that of a model mimicking Jesus on the cross. Roger Tingle (Likha) placed ninth for his por trait of a young boy sit ting on a huge rock, the wide area of the falls captured in slow motion his background. The tenth placer belonging to Mark Kishnani (IMAHE) displayed a beach house, its foreground water apparently captured in long exposure. (Cecilia S. Angeles)

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Photo Gallery PHOTOWORLD CUP 2013

Woman at Work ©Noel Ubaldo_1st Place

©Lea Ricolcol_6th Place ©Joel Forte_7th Place

©Elmer Lim_4th Place

©Rolando Pascua_3rd Place ©Hipolito Busgano_9th Place

©Kenneth Tan_2nd Place

©Dewey Sergio_5th Place

Noel Ubaldo (Pangasinan Photographers Club) topped the May FPPF interclub photo contest whose theme was woman at work. His first place winning picture shows a very old woman, hair white, a cigaret te between her lips, scooping her ware into a container. Another very old working woman captured by Kenneth Tan (Cebu CC) is concentrated in her work... chopping firewood. This gave him the second honor. A native old woman with white smoke oozing from her lips and nose, face wrinkled, a huge vegetable basket hanging from her head gave Rolando Pascua (CICC) third place for this lovely composition. Cebu City Images Camera Club seemed to have monopolized the top places of the May photo contest, for Elmer Lim of the same club got the four th place for his picture of an old woman

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©Lea Ricolcol_10th Place

©James Singlador_8th Place

selling root vegetables. Dewey Sergio (Alpha Camera Club) placed fif th.

His entry showed an Ifugao woman harvesting rice in the famous Banaue rice terraces. Six th place was captured by Lea E. Ricolcol (Framed Shots Camera Cub). Her subject was busy filling bamboo baskets with newly harvested red tomatoes. The seventh placer of Joel Forte (SLR) shows a woman fixing some dolls. James Singlador (SLR) captured 8th place for his woman pounding rice, her son by her side. A wrinkled old woman carrying her ware on her head gave Hipolito S. Busgano (Oro Photographic Society) the 9th place. Completing the top ten was the picture of Lea E. Ricolcol (FS). Her subject is a typical lavandera washing clothes in the river. (CSAngeles)

With more than 50,000 people fleeing the town, lahar, a kind of mudflow composed of pyroclastic materials, rocky debris and water flow from Mt. Pinatubo's craters and almost wiped out one of the Philippines' oldest towns.

An hour's drive north of Manila is a church in Bacolor, Pampanga that was years ago half-buried in lahar. The age-old San Guillermo Parish Church now stands just half of its original height of 12 meters.

The Agustinian friars built it in 1576 and named it after San Guillermo, the town patron saint. Fr. Diego De Ochoa became its first parish priest. In 1880 it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt by Fr. Eugenio Alvarez in 1886.

Fast forward to the future, Mt. Pinatubo's 1991 rampage initiated threats of lahar flow around the neighboring towns of Pampanga whenever the area experiences heavy rains until it finally succumbed in Sept. 3, 1995. Bacolor was nearly buried in mud along with the San Guillermo Parish Church and sent residents packing to retreat to safer grounds.

Trying to regain back their town and church, residents then excavated the altar and restored it. A couple of years back, this was also where the TV soap opera “May Bukas Pa” was shot. Its main character, Santino, is a boy who sees and talks to Jesus and calls Him “Bro”.

San Guillermo Parish Church now stands as a grim reminder of the power of nature and as a symbol of a town's resiliency and faith.

Resilient Faith

By Raneil Antonio Ibay

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Feature

The Opulencia Antique Gallery

By Cecilia S. Angeles

Along the busy Pres. JP Laurel Highway in Tanauan, Batangas is an old house, not exactly dilapidated. It bears its postal number, 60. This belongs to the family of Dr. Alejo P. Opulencia, an eye, ear, nose, throat specialist married to Alpha R. Opulencia, a nurse by profession. One of his children, Richard Opulencia is our student at the PWU Fine Arts Department. He fetched all of us, officers, professors and staff of the Fine Arts Department after our twoday academic planning at the Malarayat Country Golf Club nearby.

House no. 60 is actually a museum. All sorts of antique items, local and imported, are displayed here. They are a result of about 70 years of continuous collection of local artifacts and those brought home from around the world.

Some items are tiny, others are actual furniture, farm tools or household appliances. As we entered the gallery, Dr. Opulencia loaded a black disc of Julio Iglesias recorded songs on a manual turn table. Its sound does not differ even a bit from the sophisticated electronic record players today.

Cameras of all sizes and styles are displayed on glass shelves, so are radios, television sets, books, bottles, cans, boxes, and many more items strange to me. I was amused by his enormous collection of flat irons. . . some are made of solid metal, others can accommodate only a little piece of live ember. I could not imagine how long it would take to finish ironing one shirt with this gadget. And another amusing type did not have any provision for heating. It simply displays the usual shape of a common flat iron.

Could this be a toy?

Actually, antique wooden panels welcome visitors even at the entrance of the Opulencia Museum, their rough veins and deep crevices attest to the age of the wood. The century old styles of many items tickle not only the eyes, but much more, the imagination.

Many of these antique treasures have been gathered not only in the Philippines but also from the travels of the family abroad. Wherever the family goes, their travel is not complete without visiting antique shops or garage sales and taking home some treasured artifacts. They consider these items more precious than diamonds. The Opulencia Museum is certainly a good source of information for Art History.

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PAMANA.ph -a 360 Heritage Project

By Fung Yu

This project aims to document in 360 immersive technology all heritage structures within the Philippines, such as churches, lighthouses, museums, WWII sites, shrines, ancestral houses, forts and other historical locations both natural and man-made with particular emphasis to those declared under the National Cultural Treasure, National Historical Landmark, National Shrine, National Historical Site, National Monument and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This website will be a 2 to 3-year non-commercial project and the first of its kind in the Philippines; it already has the support from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Museum, Department of Tourism (DOT) through its attached agencies: The Intramuros Administration, National Parks Development Committee and the Corregidor Foundation.

Apart from being a digital preservation project, it is also a geographical information system (GIS) and we envisioned this to be educational, so viewers, particularly students from far-flung provinces, can visit these sites virtually and learn their historical and cultural significance.

The people behind PAMANA.ph pioneered full-resolution 360 panorama in the Philippines and have been shooting for over 8 years now. Our work has been contributed to news/media websites of inquirer.net, abs-cbnnews.com, newsbreak.ph, spot.ph, theasiamag.com and rappler.com. Magazine contributions include Mabuhay, BluPrint, Travel, BalikBayan and of course, FrameOne. The writer was a speaker during the Photoworld Asia 2009. He took-up his basic and advance photography under FPPF. Currently an IT consultant, a commercial 360VR photographer, and a freelance journalist. His commercial website is: www.firefly.ph and blogs at www.virtualjournals.net.

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Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos and Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos Dawn Zulueta

Filipino Actors & Actresses

Doña Aurora Quezon

Bob Razon, the King of Photography

By Cecilia S. Angeles Now a centenarian having been born on January 25, 1912, Bob Razon undoubtedly has remained the king of photography and the dean of Philippine portraiture. He is the only photographer who has captured in his powerful lens Philippine presidents and their ladies, high government officials, lovely carnival queens, beautiful movie stars, kings and queens and luminaries of society.

Time has forcibly retired him from his art, and he now enjoys the luxury of being with his family at his home on Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila. All his past life seemed to have focused on photography. No doubt he has enjoyed every bit of his time peeping through his viewfinder and pressing his shutter always at the right moment to imprison forever powerful political figures, top ranking government and business leaders, glamorous names sparkling on the silver screen, scions of Philippine society, beauty queens and many more private figures.

All pictures bearing the famous Bob's watermark are precious treasures to keep, for they are the compositions of Bob's fine art . . . carefully planned and polished by his artistry. His lighting patterns chisel aesthetically the natural features of his subjects.

He knows both by heart and intuition how and what to highlight in his model.

Very meticulous, he would not only retouch the sitter's make up even if done by professionals. His sharp eyes simply can distinguish which areas of the face need darker or lighter make up tones. Even his finished prints are scrutinized and retouched personally before delivery. Yes, this is how meticulous he has been with his portraits. Each of these portraits, whatever size, is a virtual masterpiece not just captured by his powerful camera, but composed and made perfect by his eyes and his creativity Incidentally, not even a name of people he has photographed has been mentioned here because Frame One cannot accommodate the names of all Philippine Presidents, government officials and their first ladies starting with Doña Aurora Quezon, beauty queens and their escorts, movie stars, newly weds, ordinary sitters like me. Maybe, just turn over the pages of a book authored by Floy Quintos and with a foreword from Renato Constantino which shows his major collection of portraits.

“To Virginia Warne, muse of the light, the mother of my children and the love of my life.”

An initial page bears this dedication to his wife, another beauty, and her lovely portrait appears in full on the opposite page.

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Pres. Cory C. Aquino

Virginia Warne

©Ramoncito Ching_3rd place

©Dewey Sergio_1st place

©Joselito C. Areta_2nd place

©Luisiti Cleofas_4th place

©Renato I. Bontoc_5th place

©James Tagara_6th place

©Espiridion Enriquez_9th place

©Manuel D. Andres, Jr._8th place

©Pepito D. Frias_10th place

Through the lens clearly Filipinos are well known for their exhuberant festivals. While derived in par t from ritual observances of the Catholic church, Philippine fiestas now comingle indigenous and western elements in their intense expressions of identity and ethnicity, while celebrating historical and religious events, a display of popular aesthetics, or simply releasing social energy. The fiesta, as we Pinoys define it, is at the most basic, time off and time out from everyday behavior.

Par ticipants in the annual Aliwan Fiesta cover the entire gamut of regional festivities throughout our island nation. To view these spectacular displays is to gain insights into the way our fellow Filipinos live. Seeing their dance movements, costumes, and theatricality provides us with socio-historical contex tual knowledge not found in books nor taught in schools.

Experiencing the Aliwan Fiesta encapsulates the color, pomp, and pageantry of Philippine culture while giving us a greater appreciation of differences that somehow add up to a unified whole. From an ethnographic perspective, we see how communal activity can also contribute to national identity.

The annual Aliwan Fiesta photo competition captures more fully the dynamism and creativity of the communities that have taken par t in the mammoth cultural ex travaganza - bringing to life the visual and kinetic flavors of the myriad festivals that take par t.

This year, Dewey Sergio's “Flying Fish” won first prize in the photo competition mounted by Manila Broadcasting Company. Using a digitalbased SLR camera, Segio captured a young dance soloist of the Kalilangan

The elite judging panel for 2013 was comprised of Wig Tysmans, Monique Villonco and George Tapan .

Aliwan Festival 2013

©Jose Castaneda_7th place

festival proudly holding up a giant tuna symbolic of Gen San as they seemed to emerge out of the deep. .

Second prize went to Joselito Arceta's “Beauty Beyond Burst,” with Ramoncito Ching's entry “Broken Paint” coming in third.

Rounding up the rest of the top 10 winning photographers were Luisito Cleofas, Renato Bondoc, James Tagara, Raniel Castañeda, Manuel Andres, Espiridion Enriquez, and Pepito Frias. They received cash prizes and Manfrot to products from Columbia Digital.

Winners of the Aliwan Fiesta photo competition are featured in a traveling exhibition which was launched at SM Manila, and will be available to tour schools and galleries nationwide. Even ordinary viewers will get a remarkable appreciation of the Pinoy's yen for merry-making as recorded in vivid detail by master lensmen, both amateurs and professionals alike. Indeed, the spirit, atmosphere, and purpose of each festive celebration captured by their cameras, convey the rich sensory experience that is the Aliwan Fiesta.

For inquiries, email siouxstar@gmail.com or log onto www.aliwanfiesta.com.ph

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Feature

The Luneta Photographers

©Kim Lorenzo Salvador

Rizal Park now has become a popular choice for spending Sundays and leisure hours.

Unlike before, Rizal Park was a place very few people dared to go... dark spots, rugby boys, snatchers and smoochers were all over the partk. Executive Director Ms. Jet Villegas decided to change the picture. She has done a herculean job to transform the park to what it is today. Now, the park is a safe place to spend the day. Rizal Park is becoming slowly a top spot in Manila where tourists can go and enjoy the Japanese and Chinese gardens, the dancing lights, the rides, Rizal's execution garden and many more. It has become a poor man's haven to relax and enjoy a bonding moment with the family. Rizal park has organized mega shows that put the park in the map of tourists and park goers.

Strolling around the park, you will meet photographers offering their services, shoot and print photos of you and friends. They are the Luneta photographers. They have been in the park for so long, more than four decades of hard work. They were there when cameras were still using film to be processed in chemical smelling darkrooms.

The FPPF thought that the photographers would need some technical education on the use of digital cameras. And so with the support of SONY, the FPPF conducted three workshops for them. This April, as part of the practicum, the photographers were asked to shoot the “Aliwan” last April 13 and these photos were then shown to FPPF instructors and a short critique was held. FPPF Professor Ador Pamintuan and Director Lito Beltran shared useful techniques on how to shoot festivals. From among the submitted photos ten (10) photos were selected and given T-shirts as prizes. (Kalito)

20

As one of ASSIST's social initiatives, the second run of the Ten Photos to Shake the World Photo Competition was launched on August 6, 2012. It looked for images that chronicle the stages of economic, political and cultural development and ef for t towards enabling possible social change, under the overarching theme, “Challenges and Triumphs in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development”. The competition was closed with an awarding ceremony last December 10, 2012 at the Ayala Museum, Philippines.

Ten Photos to Shake the World

By Kalito

Suppor ted by Ayala Foundation, Globe, BPI Foundation, TUV Rheinland, Calata Corporation, Asian Institute of Management, Nestle, Mondelez International (previously Kraf t), Bank of Commerce.

• Strategic Par tnership with Business World, Digital Photographer Philippines, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation • 304 Photos + submit ted (deadline November 15, 2012) • Facebook page 2,000+ active fans. A project of ASSIST(Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation). www.assistasia.org

Top 1_©Danilo Victoriano

Top 2_©Nikki Victoriano

Top 3_©Annelyn Lacson

Top 4_©Joel Forte-Romy

Top 5_©Carlo

Top 6_©James Singlador

Top 8_©Victor Gamosa Ursabia

Top 9_©Robert John Cabagnot

Top 7_©Ateneo Teni Sta Ines

Top 10_©George Cabig

21

©Kim Lorenzo Salvador

“I have to leave Intramuros.”

By Cecilia S. Angeles

“I have to leave this place. I am sick. I like to have no stress,” casually Intramuros Administrator Jose A. Capistrano, Jr. told FPPF Chairperson Edi Huang and Pres. Pablo Beltran when the two FPPF photographers visited him at his office at Fort Santiago, Intramuros. Mr. Capistrano did not seem to be bothered at all, for he added, “If Sec. Jimenez still needs me, I will stay.” That is how much he trusts God and how much he wants to be a part still of the current restoration and improvement of Intramuros. Since the time of President Marcos, there have been a number of planned projects to rebuild the grandeur of Intramuros or better known as the Walled City.

Since the beginning, Mr. Capistrano has been a part of this restoration. There are pending projects: a hotel with stars, a modern parking area, some recreational and business establishments and without him telling us, he also wants to be a part of the realization of these projects. The Ayumentado Building along Soriano Avenue is now finished and ready for occupancy. And how he wants to see the upcoming projects, for he was a part of the initial plans together with some business magnates of the Ayala group, Robinsons, Megaworld and others. Also included in these plans are the construction of a stage for cultural presentations, schools, a library, movie theaters, canteens, playgrounds.

Intramuros occupies 87.6 hectares on the north western side of Manila. This is a favorite place among local and foreign tourists who may go around either on foot or riding on the traditional horse-drawn calesa. There are canteens and restaurants around and stores selling all sorts of items particularly souvenirs and art pieces, but the Intramuros Administration plans to establish bigger and more sophisticated business establishments.

As early as 1980, there have been plans to rebuild Intramuros. Some of them still remain plans. The informal settlers in many areas pose a big problem, for they hate to vacate where they presently live. Mr. Capistrano's interest is focused on them. He is bent to relocate them on residential lots which they can own later.

Eliminating these settlers from Intramuros will certainly give the Intramuros Administration a bright hope for the planned improvement of this precious heritage. With Mr. Capistrano's partnership with Bahay Kalinga, we can finally look forward to a tourist-friendly Intramuros.

22

©Anthony Into

FPPF Silver Anniversary winner A call center agent, Anthony Into, won the Silver Cup in the silver anniversary photo contest of the FPPF. His entry is a close up photo of a smiling young man showing a tooth with a silver coating. The trophy was presented by Axis Global executive Ms Lady Prado. The FPPF conducts contests regularly as part of honing the skills of 52 camera clubs all over the country. Members join the monthly competitions known as Photo Cup where clubs are required to submit a maximum of 20 entries.

Learn photography the FPPF way! www.photoworldmanila.com

©Alain del Pascua

©Neon Rosell ©Jimmy Javier

Wild Birds Flock Altro del Mundo ©Ben Rojas

©Ben Rojas

©Alain Del Pascua ©Tirso Paris

©Rey Sta Ana

©Ramon Quisumbing

A difficult subject to shoot is birds. Not the poor birds imprisoned in a cage or whose legs are tied on poles. Birds usually thrive on swampy areas or in thick forests.

Occasionally they come out in flock during a particular season although there are species that appear everywhere, anytime of the year. You see them commonly atop branches of trees, on carabao's back, on bayside and river banks either alone or in group.

I salute the Wild Birds Photographers of the Philippines (WBPP) led by its president, Rey Sta. Ana, for putting up an exhibit on wild birds which they themselves captured in their lenses. I am just wondering how long or short their ©Jimmy Javier lenses are, for these exhibited birds look

simply a pinch away. They are wild, so these photographers captured them in the wild. Yes, from the mountains in the north to the hinder lands of the south. I can't imagine how many days and months they have gathered the entire collection of endemic Avian Wildlife displayed recently at Altro Mundo, its sponsor together with Canon, on the 3rd Level of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati. Let's bow our heads to these bird photographers: Rey Sta. Ana, Alain Pascua, Ramon Quisimbing, Tirso Paris, Jimmy Java, Earl Cano Yulo, Ven Roxas, Neon Rosell II, Carlo Benitez Gomez, Keith Sundiang, Arnel Ceciolo, Rowel Aguila, Nio Cabigas, and Steve Albano. These 14 wild bird photographers must have experienced a different thrill in their lives capturing these wild birds in their sd cards. Definitely, I bet, more thrilling than photographing insects or flowers or fashion models.

I wonder what seasons of the year did our avian photographers have their secret appointments with these wild models. I can feel their deep passion in their unique photography together with their sincere desire to spread their common message. . . for people to be aware of preserving our biodiversity treasures to maintain the balance of nature in our world.

The exhibit. . . beautiful wild birds in their natural habitat, all captured in frames by avian photographers. Let us understand their message. . . awareness of our natural environment. (CSAngeles)

23

Feature

The Secret of SLR Success

By Gina C. Meneses

Meneses SLR (Samahang mga LitratistaBy saGina Rizal)C. Camera Club closed 2012 with 115 awards won in 89 international and national photo contests. That number includes FPPF monthly PhotoWorld Cup where SLR placed second in the Camera Club of the Year race, and one of its members bagged the equally much-coveted Photographer of the Year Award.

Photo No. 01

Since 2010, SLR members have been hauling an average of 100 awards every year, in international and national photo contests. How does SLR do it?

Sharing within the Club “The secret formula to SLR's winning streak is the spirit of sharing," said Jundio Salvador, SLR co-president in 2012. “Sharing of talents, sharing time with the newbies, sharing the winnings with charitable entities, and sharing of resources,” he added.

“Another is the sense of looking after one another. He continued, “We monitor the progress of new members by (a) encouraging them to post their views and suggestions to a cer tain image topic in a closed group Facebook page; (b) set ting up pocket lectures and mini adventures; and (c) forming small groups and assigning a set of concepts they will execute as entries to a contest,“ Jundio explained.

Sharing outside the Club The charity initiatives reached its peak in 2012, but they actually dated way back, gaining momentum in 2010 when SLR had been winning contests with unprecedented frequency. This was the year when Danny “Danvic” Victoriano was president.

photo no.2 Photo No. 02

“I thought it was time for SLR to share its skills and resources with newbies, and to share its winnings with the less for tunate. I wanted to give back to the masses who have been the inspiration to my winning entries” explained Danvic.

SLR has been blessed with several firsts: Mon Castillo, SLR founding president, was the first Filipino to win in the Asia Pacific Productivity Photo Contest in 1998.

Nex t - a Club first in 2002 - SLR won both Camera Club of the Year and Photographer of the Year (POTY) awards. In 2011, Jundio Salvador was the first in FPPF to win the POTY back to back with the Rookie of the Year award.

The Club also now counts five POTYs – Mon Castillo (2002), Gina Meneses (2007), Lemuel Ragasa (2010), Jundio Salvador (2011) and Danny Victoriano (2012). That's three POTYs in a row. And, among the 53 clubs of FPPF, SLR shares the distinction of having five or more POTYs with only one other club – Framed Shots Camera Club. SLR has also earned five Aning Dangal Awards for Visual Ar ts from the Office of the President and the National Commission for Culture and the Ar ts. Aning Dangal (Harvest of Honors) is given to Filipinos who have won top honors in international contests. SLR Aning Dangal awardees are Mon Castillo, Nikki Victoriano, Danny Victoriano, Joel Forte and James Singlador.

About 20 members have also been featured in Manila Bulletin's Picture Per fect section.

The club has ex tended help to build a home for the blind in Quezon City. Likewise it has ex tended help to typhoon-devastated communities in Cagayan de Oro, Bicol, Quezon, and Zambales, using a por tion of the prizes from photo contests, and voluntary contributions from members and SLR friends.

This year SLR celebrates its 20th year. Let's show a higher level of maturity, similar to the challenge that Mon threw about five years ago,” Danvic added.

Photography for Social Impact SLR's practice of giving back to communities they visit for their location shoots.

24

Photo No. 03 Photo No. 04

The tokens include items for livelihood, and sometimes, framed photos of folks who helped in the shoot.

“Corporation System” Mon pioneered what he calls the “corporation system” when it comes to shooting for photo contests. This means that the output of the shoot belongs to the group that produces the images. This means that everyone shares in the prize, regardless of contribution in conceptualization or execution. The “corporation system” has encouraged teamwork and helped improve the output of the shoots.

Photo No. 05

Shooting Time Is Bonding Time The corporation system, and every practice that SLR does of course, does not guarantee award-winning shots all the time. Borrowing from Joe McNally, SLR shoots more bad pictures than good. But even those bad pictures bring about something good. Both the making of those bad pictures, and the bad pictures themselves provide bonding oppor tunities. We have become so comfor table with everybody that the "asaran" and "yabangan" have become norms – both in face to face or online conversations – and par t of the glue that holds us together. “ SLR definitely shoots for photo contests, but it never forgets to shoot for fun. In fact, it has star ted an annual “Shooting the Shooter” contest. Every last meeting of the year, members submit their funniest photos of other members, and the points earned from this additional contest are added to credits for the Club Photographer of the Year.

Photo No. 06 Photo No. 07

Charity Begins at Home Membership dues in other clubs are typically in the thousands of pesos to cover the venue, meal and tokens for judges for the whole year. SLR meeting venue, for almost 20 years now, has always been sponsored by the founding president who believes that the joy of photography is a gift to be shared. “And that is why the membership fee should never be increased. We don't really need additional funds because the rest of the expenses or projects we come up with find its own funding,” asser ts Mon. There are rare occasions when the club meetings are held outside the usual venue, but these are also sponsored. For so many years now, the snacks served in the monthly meetings are free - cour tesy of members who have won in a photo contest. Winning members host meetings. Bir thday celebrants fill the gap when there are no winners to sponsor the snacks.

When SLR goes on a shoot, members share their vehicles, props, equipment, manpower and even venue, thus keeping the cash out per trip at a minimum. The founding president star ted this.

James Singlador, 2012 co-president and 2013 president recognizes the hard work that went into the making of what is SLR now. “I probably have the easiest presidency of all. It would be my second term this year, and I get to harvest the fruits of my predecessors' labors,” he says.

Indeed, SLR's competitive spirit remains as strong as ever, but the spirit of sharing gets the sharper focus it deserves.

The author is a past president of SLR Camera Club. For comments, please email gcmeneses@yahoo.com.

Photo Captions: 1. Grand Prize Winner, Wiki Loves Monuments National Photo Competition 2012.

Photo by James Singlador.

2. “AngHabilin” Grand Prize Winner, Standard Char tered Photo Contest 2012, Heritage Category, Professional Division. Photo by PepeFrias.

3. Grand Prize Winner, Canon PhotoMarathon 2012, DSLR Category. Photo by Brian Enriquez.

4. First Place winner, Asian Development Bank NGO Civil Society Center with Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation Photo Contest 2012. Photo by Joel For te 5.“ Albi Twin Sister of Toulouse” cover photo of DPP April 2013 issue, by Jundio Salvador, Grand Prize Winner of KLM's On Assignment Photo Contest. Prizes include an all-expense-paid trip to Toulouse, France and the oppor tunity to be the featured photographer in Lonely Planet Traveller and DPP magazines.

6. Toulouse Capitole photo by Jundio Salvador on the cover of Lonely Planet Traveller Magazine, December 2012 issue.

7. Agta kids line up for slippers during the outreach activity in General Nakar, Quezon. Photo by James Singlador

25

Feature

Passing Shots

By Kalito

The Malapascua Exotic Dive and Beach Resort and Bantayan Islands, Cebu

©Edi Y. huang

Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can dive with the magnificent thresher sharks every day, so come and see these amazing creatures in action!

One of the enjoyable places we went to this summer is the Malapascua Island located at the northern tip of Cebu. It is a small island with white sand, blue waters fringed with coconut trees. From the Mactan International airport the island is about 5 hours away by boat and road travel.

We stayed at the Malapascua Exotic Dive and Beach Resort owned and managed by Fil-Dutch couple Cora and Dik de Boer. 1n 1996, Cora and Dik went around the Philippines scouting for nice diving sites since they both enjoy diving. They read in a Lonely Planet guide about a paradise island north of Cebu called Malapascua. Cora and Dik visited Malapascua. They discovered the huge potential of the island as a diving destination and decided to venture into resort business. In 1997 Exotic Resort opened with a couple of rooms and staff.

Now, the resort has become a favorite among the ten or more resorts which have opened since then. Over a hundred employees, 50 airconditioned rooms, eight diving boats, spa, a restaurant, wi-fi, an organic garden, and PADI certified diving instructors have made Exotic Resort well known and popular among divers all over the world. They now occupy 8,000 square meters in the island.

The Exotic Resort has been designated as the National Geographic Dive Center and declared a five star PADI Instructor Development Dive Resort. Aside from these, when then President Gloria Macapagal

06 26

went to Cebu, her group chose to stay and dive at the Exotic Resort. Quite an achievement for Cora and Dik. Business in the island has peaked during summer but slows down during rainy months. In summer, there is a continuous flow of divers from many parts of the world because the island has become famous for its abundant Tresher sharks and the rare underwater creatures, including, manta rays, devil rays, whitetip sharks, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, smashing mantis shrimp, pipefish, mandarin fish. (www.malapascua.com) Around the islands are several dive sites where divers find a variety of rarely seen fish species underwater.

About the Thresher Shark: According to the Exotic web www.malapascua.net:“ The Pelagic Thresher Shark spends most of its time in the deep waters of the continental slopes and thus is not often seen by recreational divers. However, Malapascua has Monad Shoal and Kemod Shoal – two underwater islands close to deep water trenches which are cleaning stations for these sharks and other animals.

The Thresher Sharks come up from their normal deep water habitat to get cleaned, and reputadly these shoals are the only known places in the world where Thresher Sharks can be regularly seen at recreational diver depths.”

The Exotic Resort is in a fishing community where most of the people (4,000 pop.) earn from fishing and employed as dive guides and instructors, boat captains and crew, massage attendants and kitchen

employees. Without jeeps or cars, the only means of transportation is the ubiquitous motor bike, called “habal habal” with a maximum of four riders.

Over at the fishing village, everybody is busy putting small fresh fish as baits to thousands of hooks tied to the nets which the men will take to the deep ocean.

Fishing villages always offer excellent images for photographers. These images are capped by a colorful sunset at the horizon. We had a good time shooting the sunset and life at the village, mostly fishing scenes.

With the profitable business in their hands, Cora and Dik have set their eyes in Samar. The pioneering spirit still alive, they have started to build the second Exotic Resort in an island that has yet to see a luxurious diving resort.

Cora is a photographer and a member of the FPPF affiliate, Focal 7 camera club based in Cebu City headed by Icky Salazar. Icky organized the FPPF workshops in Cebu where Cora learned the basics. It is through photography that we came to know and experience a great travel place. . . the Malapascua Island no. 1 resort. Exotic Dive & Beach Resort.

Barangay Ocoy, Sta Fe, Bantayan Islands, Cebu Adjacent to a pricey resort in Sta. Fe, is Barangay Ocoy, a small fishing

village where the residents live on the daily catch of the sea. This is where “danggit” is deboned, cleaned and dried. If you had tasted the crunchy danggit, Barangay Ocoy is one of the fishing grounds where they fish a lot of the expensive delicacy.

When there is a good catch, young girls and boys sit down on the sand with small plastic cans where they spend hours cleaning thousands of small fish. Paid by the number of 2m x 3m framed screens they fill with clean fish, the residents enjoy days of bountiful harvest. But there are days when the fishermen return with empty nets after staying long hours in the middle of the sea.

With no fish to clean and dry you will see the children romp and play on the white sands for which Bantayan Islands is famous for. What a rich trove of shooting scenes for photo buffs like us! We call the place the “fish processing zone”of Bantayan Islands. As we sail out of the islands there is the empty feeling that creeps in our minds because of the lovely place that we are leaving. . . with the only consoling moments that we have photographed the images of the sunrise, the sunset, the people and the white sands. . . the Exotic Resort and the happy people of the Bantayan Islands!

27

Feature An Introduction to SEO for Photographers: Using Internet Technology to Make Money from 2nd Photography Part What is SEO? SEO stands for search engine optimization. Although it is a relatively new field, it has expanded to a completely exciting and continuously evolving industry in just a matter of years. Currently, there are not too many SEO practitioners in the country and because the field itself is quite young, not too many companies are aware of the impact of using SEO on their marketing strategies. But those who do employ SEO techniques know too well how these could help increase their market share and generate more profits.

The main objective of using SEO is to increase the online visibility of a website, so that it lands on the first pages of a search results page. People looking for products or services often use search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing and MSN. They type in a word or a phrase and click on the first few links that show up on search results. Research shows that most people using search sites often do not go beyond the first page of a SERP (search engine result page). SEO strategists always aim for their clients to land on the top 10 results on the first page, for maximum online visibility.

As a photographer who is just trying to find ways to market your skills (fast and cheap!) should you then hire an SEO expert in order to get ahead of your competitors? Fortunately, you don't have to! There are many resources on the Internet that you could use in order to know more about what SEO is all about. It does take time to learn SEO principles, especially if you are not too tech savvy, but everything can be learned with a little bit of determination.

Here are some basic techniques that could get you started: 1. Do your own keyword research.

Identifying the most searched keywords that relate to the products and services that you want to market is crucial. There are some keyword online tools that you can use such as www.wordtracker.com and http://adwords.google.com, but you may have to invest a little to maximize these tools. For a newbie who's hesitating to spend, you can try and put yourself in the shoes of your potential clients. What are the words or phrases that your customer will most likely type on a search page?

In a keyword analysis for photoworldmanila.com, for example, it now ranks no.

1 in Google search results (as of this writing) for the following keywords: • • • • • • • •

photography Manila digital photography seminar Philippines photography seminar Philippines seminar photography Manila digital photography manila seminar digital photography Philippines best photography workshops Manila Philippines photography workshops

Mobile search or search using smart phones, tablets and other Internet connected mobile gadgets is also changing the way people are using search engines. Localized search is becoming more popular as people do their search while they're on the go. Searchers prefer to find results that are geographically closer to where they are. Thus, geo-targeting has gained more ground in recent years.

2. Make your website content relevant.

As all other artists, photographers do have those narcissistic tendencies in them that make them love their art and flaunt the products of their creative pursuits.

But if you're intent on making money at the same time that you're wallowing in self-glorification, you have to make your website not just your own venue for self-expression, but also something that can appeal to your future clients.

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By Carmel B. Yoder In other words, put some text on your site, not just images! A text can be as simple as the location where you took the photo, or it may be a long narrative talking about what inspired you to do the photo shoot, or even a description of the process involved in creating a magnificent image. Remember that images don't rank highly on search engines, as compared with text.

Knowing the words or phrases that your target readers will most likely search for will help you design relevant content that can make your website rank highly on search engines.

3. Build links back to your site.

Google gives a higher rank to a website that has a good number of inbound links pointing to it. Inbound links are also known as back links, incoming links, inward links in SEO jargon. The number of links pointing to your website tells Google who is paying attention to your page.

As of this writing, photoworldmanila.com has 1,040 backlinks (based on web analytics from Alexa.com), which is another reason why it ranks highly on Google. Some of these backlinks come from forums, local newspaper sites that announce FPPF's events, blogs of people who have taken seminars with FPPF, article directory sites where photography articles were submitted and linked to the homepage of FPPF. How can you build links pointing to your site? If you are a wedding photographer, start asking your past clients (choose the happy ones!) who are into blogging to put a link to your site for the text, “manila wedding photographer”. You can also use local business directories that are also linked to G o o g l e m a p s i t e s . Tr y h t t p : / / l i s t i n g s . l o c a l . ya h o o . c o m / a n d http://google/local/add where you can create your profile and list your business for free. You can also use high-ranking local classified ads websites such as www.sulit.com.ph (which has a page rank of 9 among Philippine websites).

4. Use social networking sites to your advantage.

Ready to advertise your talent to the world? Then create your accounts in 4 of the most popular social networking sites today – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest. On your profile page, say something about your craft and post a link back to your website. Again, use keywords that can immediately get your readers' attention.

Start inviting your friends to your social sites and build your own network. Be careful what you post, because remember, you are trying to market yourself as a “brand”. Your online reputation matters, so resist the temptation of posting your recent “wasted” picture when you had one drink too many.

Engagement is the key. You may post articles you found on the web about photography trends and techniques. You can put images that you have experimented on, some play on lights and shadows, some before and after photoshopped images. The possibilities are endless, as long as you stay focused on your goal – expanding your social network and making your name stand out in the industry.

Get Searched or Get Forgotten Once you have mastered these techniques, it will be easy enough to find new tips on how you can reach online visibility. Your name is your brand, so find ways to make it known in the industry, if you want more clients to find you.

Remember this… if Google can't find you, chances are, clients won't either.

Mel Beltran is a copywriter and an online editor who helps clients with their SEO requirements. She has been in the industry for more than 3 years, mostly engaged in article marketing, content writing, online PR work, link building and social media marketing. Contact her at melbeltran2012@gmail.com if you want to get more advice on Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.

FPPF Conducts

Banaue Photo Workshop

Biting cold crept all over me, as the bus squeaked into a halt.

Barely had the color ful dawn shot its radial rays from the eastern Cordillera ranges toward the vastness of the sky when the bus jolted my hovering imagination to a mundane location. . . the bus station. Lucky or unlucky, we occupied the last seats. . .

George Cabig, Chris Malinao, PJ Enriquez, Irene Serviano and myself. The wild darkness plus the cur tained windows prevented me to enjoy the passing scenes. As we got off the bus, the 2000 year old rice terraces welcomed us with newly planted rice, new leaves gaily sprouting. Early amblers, some carrying bilao of goods on their heads, others balancing baskets on their shoulders, or supporting bulging backpacks. Foreigners seem to have outnumbered the local tourists. They preferred to occupy the roof deck of public or private vehicles which gave them bet ter perspectives of the Banaue landscape.

By CSAngeles,

By CSAngeles photos

by Irene Serviano

Our mission here at Banaue: to conduct a photography seminar for the Ifugao teachers who are somehow connected with the school organs, school publications, are advisers of photography and other student organizations, staff of the various school offices or simply those who are interested in photography.

Through travel photographer, George Cabig, FPPF was invited to extend the basic photography seminar among the mentors or the various schools in Ifugao. This outreach project involved some 70 par ticipants coming from the various schools of Ifugao, some travelling for hours to reach the Banaue Central School in the heart of the busy central district which is the venue of the Basic Photography Workshop sponsored by the Bachang and Varravous Program under the auspices of the local chapter of the Depar tment of Education and the Ifugao Province. This building occupying a sharply elevated por tion is separated from the physical education activities by the public road winding steeply down below. A convenient walk bridge connecting the elementary school building and the gym, a canopy overhead, is an ideal elevation standpoint for photographers like me. The seminar was held at the seminar room adjacent to the huge physical education area featuring a stage, basketball and volleyball cour ts complete with layered seats for the audience on the right side of the PE court. A big sign on the wall: NO SPITTING OF MOMA. I even inquired what moma was. So. . .it is the red sputum from nganga, the habitual chewing mix ture of many Ifugaos.

George Cabig and JP Enriquez discussed the basic par ts of the camera and their functions while Chris Malinao taught the secrets in lighting, posing and of course, correct exposure for por traits. I discussed the elements of composition which the par ticipants applied in an on the spot shooting exercise.

Surprisingly, many submit ted flowers. Just looking through the open space of the basketball court, the teachers could already capture uphill or downhill views to fulfill enough shots for the purpose. Others preferred to explore the place in their private cars or ride on rooftop of public vehicles, the panoramic landscape of Banaue at their shutter's command. We could feel the mute excitement of the teachers as their shots were being evaluated, critiqued and judged. Proudest were five top placers who received the FPPF cer tificates and gif t items.

Seldom do these teachers from all over Banaue convene together, and the workshop was an occasion to mingle together in one common interesting activity. . . photography. Before par ting a teacher announced that the nex t seminar scheduled soon will be in their place. . . yes, outside Banaue.

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Feature

Vietnam adventure of FPPF Camera Clubs

By Maria Myla Rae S. Orden

For eight shot-filled days in Nor th Vietnam, FPPF photographers from Lakbay Klick, Cebu Camera Images, their friends and some family members conquered Nor th Vietnam in their DSLR equipment. Their sd cards swelled with compositions of this beautiful Asian country whose history is as picturesque as its people and scenery.

Based at the Golden Athletic Hotel these Filipino photo adventurers recorded almost completely Nor th Vietnam, its people, scenery and way of life. The photographers enjoyed boating and basking in the noonday heat around the picturesque river. The deeper par t of Nor th Vietnam cradles the famous Halong Bay, Hanoi and the Hanoi markets, the exciting shopping areas of the country.

A bus ride took us to the Golden Authenic Hotel which star ted our photo adventures. Almost all scenes around this modern hotel have been recorded in our memory cards. . . people, culture and way of life much especially the Vietnamese wearing their conical native salakot called non lai. Leaving the hotel premises we visited Ninh Binh and other local temples. . . all crowded with people, so shooting some subjects seemed inconvenient. From the temples we headed to Tan Coc for a boat ride around Boi River whose charm lies in the karst (limestone) formations. We enjoyed boating and basking in the noonday heat around this picturesque river.

In the evening we boarded the Hanoi King Express Trans to go to Lao Cai to explore the two kilometer trek to Cat Cat Village, home of H'mong ethnic tribe, then to Ta Phin Village, home of the Red Dao ethnic group. Here, they posed for pictures. Every shot meant a dollar. Some of us whose dollars were dwindling managed to steal shots. Unfor tunate were those who happened to be spied by the sharp-eyed subject, so another dollar got out of the purse.

Yes, indeed we enjoyed this Asian shooting adventure in Vietnam. Their way of life, their beautiful countryscape, their culture, costumes. . . oh, every thing! Babies are suspended on the mother's or father's back. Though how simple Vietnamese homes are, they display native architectural designs, so are their big buildings and temples.

The group squeezed in a visit to the Hanoi public market. We noticed that Vietnamese women do manly activities like moving, carrying, transpor ting merchandise. On this last day, we were treated to a city tour which included shooting more landscapes, lagoons and the Temple of Literature. Going home on the eighth day our last minute shopping spree swelled the sizes of our baggages, so did our sd cards.

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A BUG’S LIFE Up Close and Personal Shots of Common Insects Text and Photos by Ernesto Narciso Jr. One fine day, I took a simple look at our backyard and saw some crawling insects along the bark of a tree. I read an article about close up photography and I decided to try and take pictures of these little insects using a manual extension tube fitted on my DSLR camera. I don't have an expensive macro lens or a set of close up filters so, an old school equipment has to do the job. At first it was hard to track fast moving insects like the ants, but with patience and timing I captured their activity on my camera. I patiently focused my lens at the nearest focusing distance and shot in continuous mode to capture the tiny insects in their little world. I also used an external flash unit to add light and detail since I was shooting mostly on shaded areas. I saw a solitary mosquito resting on a leaf and took a close up shot, a gadfly on a cotton towel, another on a leaf, a black ant crawling out of its ant-hole, red ants eating their catch of the day and an unfamiliar white tiny insect with large pointed teeth, a little spider and some insects commonly found at the backyard.

There are many tiny subjects you can shoot as long as you have patience to look around and find them.

It was a good photographic experience and a skill building activity. Plus you can add your shots to your portfolio or share them to friends in the on line community and amaze them with your shots. A simple precaution though, once bitten by the love bug, you can't resist shooting them up close. So start now.

Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China and Singapore, the host country.

Crossing Bridges 10 Explores Singapore

This annual project of the Asian photographers uses photography to establish friendly relationship with Asian neighbors and to know and learn their ways of life, their basic products, seasonal conditions, cultural heritage, topography and possibly everything. This has been religiously going on since 2004 when Crossing Bridges was first organized by some photographers from Asia. The photographs are never used for contest, but to preserve the information captured in the picture and relate to the par ticipants' own home place. The Philippines joined the organization in 2008 made memorable by the 7.6 ear thquake which destroyed buildings and structures, including our hotel.

Padang, Indonesia was paralyzed: no restaurants, hotels, offices, schools, transpor tation. We slept on the ground, the yard of a par ticipant in Indonesia.

After the excitement at Malaysia last year, Crossing Bridges 10 hops very

By Cecilia S. Angeles soon into another amazing Asian country, the home place of Merlion. . .

Singapore. This is another melting pot in Asia, a modern country, yet it has preserved its underlying ancient culture, including that of the original ethnic people. Amid the high rise buildings along paved avenues easily reached by the electronic transpor tation and communication systems, Singapore opens wide its arms to welcome some 100 photographers or more from Malaysia,

Singapore expects some 100 par ticipants or a lit tle more from member Asian countries. Again Crossing Bridges 10 anticipates inter-Asian excitement as these photographers explore Amazing Singapore to maintain the warmth of friendship forever glowing among the ten member countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand (tbc) and China PRC (tbc). Photography stands as the bridge connecting the eleven Asian countries, so they remain close to one another via the convenience of cell phones and emails, and once a year Crossing Bridges. Oh, yes, each Asian neighbor is but a bridge away. C'mon, let's cross it.

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Feature

By Rolly Magpayo

The Tripod The camera has ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture as the three basic elements of an exposure. But the camera has its limitations especially when you're shooting with low light, slow shutter speed and great depth of field. You are usually faced with very slow or long exposures that are impossible to hand hold the camera. This is where a tripod comes in.

When choosing a tripod, I always advice my students to buy the best they can afford. I just don't find it reasonable to mount your expensive camera on a cheap support. The things that I look for in a tripod are height, size, weight, stability, easy maintenance and value for money. Tripods that are tall are often very long even when folded. That is why I prefer tripods with four sections to a tripod with just three sections. It offers you the height you want and the compactness you need. The steel tripods are a thing of the past, most tripods now are made of lightweight aluminum, and the higher end models are made of even lighter and equally stronger carbon fiber. A carbon fiber tripod costs more than the aluminum, but it offers better weight to strength ratio than that of aluminum. Carbon fiber tripods are said to eliminate the little wobble or splay that aluminum tripods have and it is also less prone to corrosion.

My tripod choice is a Benro Travel Angel Transfunctional Carbon Fiber Tripod (C2692T1). It has four sections, which I explained earlier, makes it taller but compact when folded. It weighs lighter than the aluminum counterpart and really very stable. Another reason why I prefer this tripod is that it has a twist lock that is very easy to disassemble and clean, something you just can't do with a clip-lock tripod. This tripod is a little expensive compared to the aluminum counterpart, but it is very popular because it costs much less compared to other carbon fiber variant brand.

I prefer Ballheads to pan-tilt heads for shooting landscape. I find it easier to adjust camera position with a ballhead and the long armed knobs on a pan-tilt head makes it more bulky. But this all boils down to personal preference. Some photographers like the accuracy of pan-tilt head, but since most ballheads now come with a dedicated rotating base for panning, I find it overall better than pan-tilt heads.

Getting a good backpack and tripod is the best investment you can make for your expensive camera. A good bag to protect your expensive gear from the elements and a sturdy tripod to support its weight over unpredictable terrain will reward you with peace of mind and longer enjoyment of your precious hobby.

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DOT Expresses Support for FPPF Projects

By Chris Malinao The FPPF, led by Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang, met last May 14, 2013 with Depar tment of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez to discuss cooperation between the DOT and FPPF on projects that promote tourism and photography such as the upcoming Photo Summit Asia in Cebu, the annual Crossing Bridges event among ASEAN photographers, PhotoWorld Asia 2014, and other joint activities between the DOT and FPPF. During the meeting, Secretary Jimenez especially expressed full suppor t for the upcoming Photo Summit Asia in Cebu on September 5-8, 2013 at the Ayala Center Cebu and made several suggestions to ensure the success of the event.

Following the meeting with the Secretary of Tourism, the FPPF met on July 14, 2013 with Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Chicoy Enerio to hammer out details of cooperation between the Tourism Depar tment and the FPPF.

Photo_03

©FPPF staff

Photo_02

Photo_01

©FPPF staff

Photo_01 - FPPF Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang presents the Foundation's plans for the for thcoming Photo Summit Asia in Cebu to Depar tment of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez, who subsequently expressed his suppor t for the event.

Photo Summit Asia in Cebu will be held on Sep 5-8, 2013 at the Ayala Center Cebu. With Mrs. Huang are FPPF President Lito Beltran, Finance Director Dr. Amado Castro, and FPPF instructors George Cabig, Amir Alba, Chris Malinao, and Ojie Merana. The FPPF delegation was accompanied by Domestic Tourism Director Cynthia Lazo, at right.

Photo_02 - Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang shows copies of the FPPF's Frame One Magazine to DOT Secretary Mon Jimenez. Aside from chronicling FPPF activities in print, Frame One magazines are full of photos taken by camera club members of various beautiful tourism destinations in the Philippines.

Photo_03 - Souvenir photo with DOT Secretary Mon Jimenez, seated. Lef t to right, standing, are FPPF instructors Ojie Meraña, Chris Malinao, FPPF Chair Mrs. Edi Huang, travel photographer George Cabig, Domestic Tourism Director Cynthia Lazo, FPPF Finance Director Dr. Amado Castro, FPPF Presdient Pablo Beltran, and FPPF instructor Amir Alba.

Photo_04 - FPPF Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang points out some details to Tourism Promotions Baord Chief Chicoy Enerio during the meeting with the FPPF and Tourism Promotions Board officials last July 14, 2013 Photo_05 - Tourism Promotions Board Chief Chicoy Enerio reads a copy of Frame ONE magazine, official publication of the FPPF.

Photo_06 Photo_04

Photo_05

Photo_06 - The FPPF met Thursday (July 4, 2013) with Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Chicoy Enerio, seated at center, to discuss joint projects between the Depar tment of Tourism and the photographers group to promote Philippine tourism. Also discussed in the meeting were upcoming FPPF events including Photo Summit Asia in Cebu on Sep 5-8, PhotoWorld Asia 2014 international photographers' conference on Jan 30-Feb 5, and Crossing Bridges among ASEAN photographers.

Seated with COO Enerio are FPPF Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang and FPPF Finance Director Dr. Amado Castro. Also in photo are FPPF President Pablo Beltran, standing at the back, PhotoWorld Asia 2014 Chairman Boyet Guevarra, 3rd from right standing, and Tourism Promotions Board officers and FPPF mentors.

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Feature

Indelible

images

By Johanna Poblete

©Boy Capala

Barbara Bennett, hair and makeup artist and styling savant, creates the perfect illusion for the camera.

Want vintage glamour? All the accessories – down to a Bentley or Rolls Royce – must be authentic (or so close to them, you can't tell the difference).

Want fairy wings or a mermaid tail? She won't be satisfied until the wings are gossamer-thin and the fishtail buoyantly flashing underwater.

Want to impersonate a zombie, complete with maggots and open sores? She has her own recipe for fake blood – syrup blended with coffee and food color.

“I have drying blood, dripping blood, flowing blood, scabbing blood, iba-ibang blood yan (different types of blood)…

Siyempre, mga ilang oras lang, nag-iiba na ang karakter niyan.

So talagang aaralin mo yan (Of course, after time has elapsed, it changes character. So you have to study that),” said Ms. Bennett.

Name it – slit throat, bullet holes, bruises – Ms. Bennett has replicated each via makeup, airbrushing, and/or prosthetics.

Her dedication to realism knows no bounds, to the point that she has even gone running to the scene of an accidental electrocution, for the purposes of research.

“May nakuryente sa tabi naming karpentero, takbo ako (A carpenter, next door to us, got electrocuted so I immediately ran out. I want to see how it looks like! yung itsura ng katawan niya, skin… kung magkaroon ako ng case na kailangan ganyan (The look of his body, skin… If I ever get a case where I'll have to make it look like that), at least I know what it looks like.”

From DIY to pro Ms. Bennett is mostly self-taught, having participated in school productions, and worked as a teenage model. “I had to learn how to make it on my own, kasi ang mahal (because it's too expensive), nobody can do it for me,” she said, indicating that she read books, researched online, and asked professionals for tips.

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What started as a hobby – dressing up her kids for costume competitions, which they inevitably won – became a business when more and more people wanted her magic touch, so she had to buy more makeup and charge a fee. She also took a class in high-definition airbrush makeup with Studio Vida creative director David Willis, who has purportedly worked in films such as Superman Returns and House of Wax, among others.

These days, Ms. Bennett is fully booked helping brides look their absolute best during the pre-nuptial and wedding shoots. Her passion is to go beyond the ordinary to the whimsical, fantastic, and out-of-this-world – avant-garde, special effects and fantasy makeup (both the magical and macabre).

“Illusions, dreams, anything different… your fantasy, I'll turn it into reality. Why not?” beams Ms. Bennett. “It's just like I'm playing, having fun… and I get paid for doing what I love.”

Ms. Bennett often goes over-the-top, such as buying a ton of flowers to fill a pool that “cosplay queen” Alodia Gosiengfiao will emerge from. “Kapag may gusto akong concept, kahit sobrang mahal ang materials, I don't care, as long as I get 100% yung expectation ko (If I like a concept, no matter how expensive the materials, I don't care, as long as I get what I expect 100%),” said Ms. Bennett.

A particular aesthetic It takes a certain kind of person to think outside the box, and you'll often find Ms. Bennett doing off-kilter things such as bringing home trash (she likes a cracked windshield for its texture), or scavenging materials from nature (such as the paypay amour, a type of Philippine fern that she uses for fairy costumes, or dropped feathers from the swans, peacocks or macaws at Fernwood Gardens, where she does most of her shoots).

“If it's a fairy costume… kapag purist ka, ni wala kang makikita na something na nabili sa mundo na ito (If you're a purist, you shouldn't see anything that can be bought from the civilized world),” she pointed out. To achieve the look she wants, she makes everything – from the nail art to the false eyelashes (falsies), the shoes and the natural-looking wings.

No network lends out copyrighted mermaid costumes – and ordering from the States could cost P180,000 – so Ms. Bennett made her own: initially a rubber prototype, then a body-fit silicone version, which costs P100,000. The finished material is soft, fluid, and shimmery; she considers it well worth the investment given its popularity.

model in black body-paint, with gold dust and crushed pebbles artfully arranged on one side – as though someone had doused the model with gold.

“Hindi pupunta ang mga mata mo sa maseselan na bagay, mapupunta yung mata mo sa kabuuhan, sa art (You'll focus your eyes, not on the controversial bits, but on the totality, on the art),” said Ms. Bennett. “I take pride in everything that I do because pinag-iisipan ko yan (I really think on it).”

Her next project – the sky's the limit. She's open to movies. The last time she was involved in an independent production – a church-funded theatrical depiction of hell featuring four demons of her making – was apparently so effective, that baptism went up.

“I used to do a Marie Antoinette, or Casanova, or Victorian [couture] – pero ngayon kasi pinaka-popular mermaid e (right now the most popular is the mermaid). I just found out that all of the girls want to have a mermaid photo shoot; once-in-a-lifetime daw yan, saan sila makakuha ng opportunity to wear a mermaid tail? (They say it's once-in-a-lifetime, when will they ever have an opportunity to wear a mermaid tail?)” said Ms. Bennett.

Photographers' darling Given her talent, Ms. Bennett often collaborates with photographers, including Manny Librodo, Lauren Malcampo, Wendy Capile-Wilkie, MJ Suayan, among others. She also holds “open photo shoots” for 20-25 photographers, for a minimal fee. She notes that certain kinds of makeup are appropriate per style of photography (e.g. only matte for flash photography), but the more exotic the subject, the better.

©Toto Celzo

“They're looking for texture, layer, color…. kapag naglalabas ako ng wow… agawan sila. Naglalakad pa lang yung model, nagkagulo na sila (if I come up with something wow… they're fighting over it. The model's just coming in, they're already making a fuss),” said Ms. Bennett.

The photographer may be taking a tight shot from the neck up, but Ms. Bennett will give him something extra, perhaps tempt him to extend his frame – case in point, her use of latex to make webbed fingernails for the mermaid, or droopy falsies that won't go against the tide.

Her ideas come in a lucid “half-asleep, half-awake” state. On a plane trip to Vigan, she daydreamed over cloud formations, observing aloud that it would look very pretty to have a winged model reclining against a backdrop of puffy clouds and candelabras. Mr. Librodo liked the notion but was skeptical over execution. “Basta ako bahala (Leave it to me),” she assured him. It took 10 kilos of dry ice, and laboring over set of wings that could fold sideways and backwards, but they pulled it off.

Ms. Bennett has done runway and fashion shoots – her favorite being a set of 12 different looks for the outrageous outfits of her idol, Rocky Gathercole – and hopes to do more. She considers it an “accomplishment” to have pleased someone with a “very high taste and definition of beauty.”

She has also done risqué shoots, boudoir and nude shoots, but is conscious of never crossing the line between art and pornography. It was her idea to cover a model in metallic body-paint – adding bits of texture from a destroyed bag – as though the model melted with the ornate frame backdrop. As of press time, she was contemplating covering a model in

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Feature DOZEN DON’T’S IN SHOOTING

By CSAngeles

The negative connotation shouldn't discourage you in photography. Simply reverse the thoughts and we are on the positive side. Okay? l. Don't shoot with the lens directly facing the source of light unless you have a good hood to block unwanted light.

2. Don't allow strange elements to spoil your picture like a blurred twig or leaves in the foreground or a pole passing through the head of the subject.

3. Don't forget to diffuse harsh lights especially on portraits.

4. Don't crop unnecessarily small body parts like head top, an ear, fingers, toes, an arm, etc.

5. Don't forget to crop between joints.

6. Don't crop either on chin line, shoulder joint, bust line or crotch line, knee line.

7. Don't be overly excited when you change your shooting venue as to forget to adjust your white balance according to light source.

8. Don't forget to use the correct ISO setting for your exposures.

9. Don't clutter composition by including unnecessary elements in your frame.

10. Don't forget to give a breathing space to important elements in the picture.

11. Don't hold the camera when shooting at a slow shutter speed. Use tripod.

12. Don't shoot a crowd, a landscape or seascape or cityscape with a big aperture.

Register Online

2013 WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE * www.photoworl dmanila.com

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY SATURDAYS JUNE 15, 22, 29, JULY 6, 13 JULY 20, 27, AUG 3, 10, 17 AUG 24, 31, SEP 7, 14, 21 SEP 7, 14, 21, 28, OCT 5 SEP 28, OCT 5, 12, 19, 26 OCT 12, 19, 26, NOV 9, 16 NOV 9, 16, 23, 30, DEC 7 Fee: P4,700 SUNDAYS JUN 16, 23, 30, JUL 7, 14 JUL 21, 28, AUG 4, 11, 18 AUG 25, SEP 1, 8, 15, 22 SEP 8, 15, 22, 29, OCT 6 SEP 29, OCT 6, 13, 20, 27 OCT 13, 20, 27, NOV 10, 17 NOV 10, 17, 24, DEC 1, 8 Fee: P4,700 WEEKDAYS JUN 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 JUL 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 AUG 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 SEP 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 OCT 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 NOV 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 DEC 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Fee: P5,000

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AIM Evenings JUN 10, 12, 14, 15 AUG 5, 7, 9, 10 OCT 7, 9, 11, 12 Fee: P5,000 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (SAT-SUN-SAT) JUN 15, 16, 22 JUL 20, 21, 27 AUG 24, 25, 31 SEP 7, 8, 14 OCT 19, 20, 26 NOV 9, 10, 16 NOV 23, 24, 30 DEC 7, 8, 14 Fee: P4,700 FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY Weekend (One Day): JUNE 23 JULY 28 AUG 18 SEPT 1 SEPT 29 OCT 27 NOV 17 DEC 15 Fee: P1,750

WEDDING PHOTOGR APHY Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu JUNE 24, 25, 26, 27 AUG 26, 27, 28, 29 OCT 21, 22, 23, 24 DEC 9, 10, 11, 12 Fee: P7,500 DIGITAL DARKROOM Photoshop & Lightroom Saturdays - Lightroom July 20, 27 August 24, 31 October 12, 19 November 23, 30 Fee: P2,500 Sundays - Photoshop June 2, 9, 16 July 14, 21, 28 August 18, 25, Sep 1 October 6, 13, 20 November 17, 24, Dec 1 Fee: P3,000 STROBIST Fri-Sat JUNE 28-29 JULY 26-27 AUG 30-31 SEPT 27-28 OCT 25-26 NOV 29-30 DEC 6-7 Fee: P2,500

Photographer's Right to Shoot (Condensed by CSAngeles from the book of Bert P. Krages II, Atty.-at-Law) You have experienced being stopped, shouted at or prohibited to shoot. Read this. Analyze. Assert your rights as a photographer.

•You have the right to shoot without permission public places and structures, streets, sidewalks, parks, landscape, seascape, cityscape, nature scenery.

• For reasons of national security the military can prohibit you from taking pictures of sensitive areas.

•The following can be photographed in public places: children, celebrities, accidents, infrastructures, residential, commercial, industrial buildings, public utilities, transportation facilities, airports, crime, law enforcement officers.

•Anyone can be photographed without consent except in places of privacy like comfort rooms, rest rooms, homes, medical facilities, individuals in seclusion.

•Security is rarely a legitimate reason for restricting photography. Photography is not a terrorist act.

•Photographers have no obligation to explain the purpose of their photography nor disclose their identity unless required by the law enforcer.

•Nobody has the right to confiscate your film, memory cards or photography gadgets.

•Report to the police someone who has threatened, intimidated, or detained or harassed you for taking photographs.

•If you prefer to stay in the background, report the matter to his higher officer, the police, the local newspaper, or make the incident public through the Internet.

•Don't allow shooting troubles to escalate into violence.

Mutual respect and understanding can settle the matter peacefully •Above all, enjoy shooting and your rights as a photographer.

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FPPF Basic Photography Workshop www.photoworldmanila.com

Register Online

FPPF Advanced Photography Workshop www.photoworldmanila.com

Register Online

FPPF Digital Darkroom Workshop www.photoworldmanila.com

Register Online

FPPF Wedding Photography Workshop www.photoworldmanila.com

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FPPF Travel Photography Workshop www.photoworldmanila.com

What They Say...

From the participants of the Basic Photography Workshop.

Thank you for the wonderful workshop. I learned a lot. Will definitely come back for the Advance Photo Seminar.

Wala akong masabi kasi madami akong natutunan dito. Kung di dahil sa mga nagturo wala ako dito. Thnx, Madam. Justin Aguilar Limit the number of students. More actual practice.

Great to be part of FPPF Basic Photography Workshop Batch 3.

I have learned a lot. Trainers are highly knowledgeable. Hoping for less crowd, so everyone gets to learn more and quicker.

However, everybody has been nice.

Very professional and knowledgeable instructors.

Easy to approach, unselfish, and with a good sense of humor. To all staff of FPPF: thank you very much.

Mabuhay po kayo. Ang dami kong natutunan. See you in the Advance. Bibo Workshop too crowded. Too many students.

Loaded with knowledge and fun.

There should be more practice than lectures.

Showcase the works of the mentors. (You may not know it, but all pictures in the lecture on Composition were personally taken by the lecturer. Other lecturers also have shown their personal shots. Ed) My photography skills got refreshed and upgraded. Simple lessons. Galing!

Two New Courses at FPPF: Smartphone Photography and DSLR Videography

By Chris Malinao

The FPPF is now offering two new workshops, Smartphone Photography and DSLR Videography, coming in the heels of recent improvements in technology.

Smartphone cameras are very good now, shooting photos that rival those from compact cameras, and video-capable DSLRs are now able to deliver professional quality motion pictures.

The first Smartphone Photography workshop was held last April 28; the second one was last May 26, and the third on June 22, 2013. The one-day Smartphone Photography workshop is being offered free to the public with the sponsorship of memory card maker SanDisk. This workshop aims to teach smartphone users how to take better pictures with their ubiquitous and always available phone cameras.

In the whole day workshop, FPPF instructors explain the latest smartphone camera technologies and how users can take advantage of the smartphone's unique camera features. Filters and post processing applications that can take smartphone photos to creative new levels are also discussed. Basic photography lessons are taught in the lecture, capped with hands-on shooting inside Fort Santiago supervised by FPPF mentors. The aim is to enable participants to take pictures they can be proud of and make them fall in love with photography in the long term.

The DSLR Videography course, on the other hand, teaches photographers how to use the video capability of new digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to shoot professional quality videos and films. The first DSLR Videography workshop was held last May 27 and June 3, 2013 and the second one on July 7 and 14, 2013.

In the two-day workshop, students are taught how to identify the type of videography genre or field for them, and how to choose the appropriate DSLR camera and accessories for shooting their video footages. Aside from shooting video footages, participants are also taught how to edit videos and apply sound, titles, and transitions to produce professional output. The videography course is conducted by professional videographer and CameraGeek TV producer/director Dan Pamintuan.

Detailed lessons in the Basic Photography class and value for money.

Bitin!!!! There's a lot more to learn. See you at the next workshop.

Very informative and nice teaching.

Good workshop. Information overload.

You gave me a clear understanding about taking a good picture.

Our photo skills have improved much. Thanks FPPF. Maraming natutunan. Sulit na sulit talaga.

Nalamang gamitin ang camera nang tama.

Lalong sasakit ang mga daliri ko sa kapipindot ng shutter.

I became more confident to get seriously into the photo business.

I learned a lot. My knowledge and skills have been enhanced nang sobra.

ŠChris Manlinao

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News Feature PWU Honors Frame One Editor

Photos by Angelica Valdez

Photographer. Painter. Writer. Teacher. Recipient of the 2012 Ulirang Ina Award. Alumna and faculty member of PWU School of Fine Ar ts; 8 solo exhibits of her paintings and photography, her seventh being held at the Los Angeles Consulate Gallery, California, USA. Professor Cecilia S. Angeles.

These were the exact words read on stage by Dr. Kristine Benitez, Vice President for Academic Affairs during the recognition ceremonies on the occasion of the 94th foundation anniversary of PWU, February 14, 2013.

Some ten minutes earlier, she also received a cer tificate of recognition for having served her Alma Mater for 25 years. All her life she has been teaching since her graduation in college, first at Adamson University, then at Feati University where she became the head of the English Depar tment, Dean of Student Affairs, adviser of the school organ, the painting and photography clubs of the University and the SPAP, the Student Photographers Association of the Philippines whose student photography members came from various schools, including PWU. Currently she is a regular lecturer at the FPPF Basic Photography Workshop at For t Santiago, Intramuros, Manila and a member of the teaching staff of the PWU School of Fine Ar ts and Design.

©Angelica Valdez

FPPF Grads Capture Shutter Games Top Prize The first prize photo was what appeared to be a candid souvenir shot of street children which the photographer was showing to the subjects and which the team decided on the last moment to submit it as entry to the Shut ter Games organized by the leading photo magazine here, Digital Photographers Philippines, and sponsored by the Depar tment of Tourism (DOT). Venue of the on-the-spot contest was limited inside the wall of Intramuros. It is a sor t of street photography which glorifies the national photography theme of DOT, It's more fun in the Philippines.

©Ruwen Verdaguer

Some 680 photographers grouped by two were actually reduced into 340 teams. The FPPF workshop instructor, Rod Banzon teamed with former FPPF photo student Chanelle Villena, now a freelance graphic ar tist and photographer. They named their team man of sleet.

The whole day on-the-spot photo contest star ted at 6:00 a.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m. It was par ticipated in by 680 photographers. Many photographers looked familiar, for they were par ticipants of the various FPPF photo workshops. The contest revolved around the prescribed theme: the old and the new. Intramuros definitely displays this rich contrast. Its century old walls, churches, and other structures still dated back during the colonization of Manila. There is no bet ter way to illustrate the “new“ than to capture its current scenes. . . dir ty barefooted street children, lazy elders sleeping on sidewalks, young or old begging for alms, local and foreign tourists, some enjoying calesa ride and shooting antiquated walls and venues along the way.

Nick and Pilar Tuazon, publishers of Philippines Digital (DPP), Photographers magazine supervised the whole day contest sponsored by the Depar tment of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of Director Cynthia Lazo.

Bayleaf Hotel nearby served as the submission and depository area for the entries of contestants and also the place where they had their lunch and merienda. (CSA) .

Tae Kwon Do Instructor Wins Grand Slam in Basic

©Anna Dela Cruz

Tae Kwon Do instructor Anna Dela Cruz won the grand slam last June 9, 2013 at the end of workshop for Batch 10 Basic Photography. Anna won first place in both categories – Human Activity and Landscape – in the photo contest for her class. On the spot, FPPF President Pablo Beltran awarded the grand slam winner a free pass to PhotoWorld Asia 2014; she is the first registered delegate to the annual international convention of photographers to be held on Jan 30-Feb 4, 2014 at the Asian Institute

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©Anna Dela Cruz

Anna Dela Cruz, right, shown here with FPPF Chairperson Mrs. Eduviges Y. Huang, beams after winning the Grand Slam – bagging first Place medals in both Human Activity and Landscape categories – in Batch 10 Basic Photography.

of Management in Makati.

Her winning photo in Human Activity was that of a pensive sur fer going out to sea, while her stunning photo in landscape showed that a derelict boat exper tly lighted for a night shot.

Ms. Dela Cruz is a champion Tae Kwon Do exper t and current instructor of the mar tial ar t in Halili-Cruz School of Ballet and at the US Embassy. (Chris Malinao)