There are a lot of reasons this wedding of Christian and Erin is one of my most awaited ones. First off, these two had been very good friends of mine every since we met and they booked me last year, Christian calls me idol when I know that he idolizes Ernest more. hahaha. Second, it will be my first wedding with Madge and Jason since.... last March. Third, I wanted to see what Ernest had been promoting about the details he prepared for this wedding that I had to be reminded that it's something worth promoting. hahaha. And why he had to prepare so much for this wedding that he can't assist me in my Hothouse workshop the weekend before this wedding. Fourth, It's my first time working with Badang although people think we've known each other since our previous lifetimes. Fifth, I had a two-week break before my previous wedding and it's one of those times that I felt I hadn't shoot like forever. hahaha. 

It was a beautiful wedding needless to say, that is what happens when you put together crazy people, crazy awesome and outstanding people together =) enjoy the photos. =)

  How can it be more fun? L-R: Mada, Francis, Metroman, Badang, Christian, Erin, Ernest, Teta, Jason's, Madge's, Karl, Steve, and Teddy (aka Joel). hahaha. =) Our friends from Wedding Essentials, Kitten and Marbee, were there as well =) And of course, Badang again =) Who else would have made that super beautiful gown? =) If you're wondering, jason, Im trying to get a shot and you're in the way. =) This is my blog, so I get a solo outtake =) hehehe Wanna see more, as in MORE outtakes? =) Add me in facebook! hahaha =)

I rarely get to go to Baguio to cover weddings but of the very few times I've done so, it has always been a wonderful and tranquil experience, something only such a place can provide. Of course I also never leave the city without both an awesome set of photos and a Starbukcs city mug. hahaha. 

The wedding of Marlon and Camille is all of those and more. =) It was a fabulous wedding with the hint of calmness that's inherent in the place. We enjoyed each and every moment of it plus of course the fact that I don't get to sweat as profusely as I normally do because of the nice weather. 

Enjoy the photos =)

Right on the heel of the recent success of Hothouse America comes the third installation of the Hothouse Workshop Series, Hothouse Rizal. And this one was the most intense yet - two entire days with the most awesome thirty-five participants (yes, treinta y cinco) with nothing but pure metrofication! yeah! hahaha. 

Set in the elegant and laid back thunderbird hotel and casino resort in Angono Rizal, the workshop not only featured Metrophoto but the other top brands in the Philippine wedding industry as well. Top-notch designer Veluz Reyes provided the wedding gown for the shoot along with Teddy Manuel (wild flower-inspired bouquet) and Madge Lejano (make-up and styling). It was a feast for the eyes. 

Again, I would like to extend my deepest gratification to all those who made the Hothouse workshops not only possible but such a kick-ass success. The outpouring support from both friends, family, and followers (who are now my new found friends) is hugely humbling =) We got participants who flew in from all parts of the country to be Metrofied - from CDO, Davao, Bohol, and Cebu. =)

With such a big hit, it would be easy to assume that it doesn't get any better than this. But like with anything Metrophoto, it always gets better (and more fab!). Hahaha! We're in the middle of redesigning the next edition of Hothouse. It will be something that's unprecedented and unheard of in photography workshops. It will be like Hothouse on steroids! hahaha =) While it won't be happening until at least after several months, please do frequent the site (especially those metrofyees who failed to make the list) for teasers and official announcements. See you in Poro! =)

  This is Jerremy, a metrophoto groom and currently the only hothouse two-timer! =) The boys are out! From Cebu =) Team Davao! Team Metrophoto! =) As a bonus, Madge Lejano provided a short talk on the importance of make-up in creating kick-ass photographs. Tanja Winheim was the beautiful metrophoto bride for the workshop =) Teddy Manuel named his wild and elegant bouquet after me. Oliexotica! love love it! =) Looks like a scene from CSI! CSI Rizal! hahaha. My trusted and talented #2, Francis Yllana, proved further his varying skills by modeling for us. =) Metrofied!

Remember the day I posted a status in facebook when I said I shot the e-session of Kristine Hermosa and Christian Tanglao? Well that can't be true right? After all, Kristine is with Oyo Boy Sotto. hahaha. 

Step aside Kristine because your just an Erin look-alike =) Who together with Christian, totally rocked this e-session.

Christian and Erin is one of my couples that are dearest to me the most. I feel most comfortable when I'm with them and it show in this shoot despite the fact that we had to shoot under the midday glory of the summer - the photos turned out fab, metrofab! 

Thanks to Patrick Galang and Bobbie for the styling and make-up, it sure provided the shoot an awesome boost =) 

Enjoy the photos =)

v - 800

It was exactly 1pm in Tagaytay. The sun was scorching and we're on a standstill for quite a while already in Amadeo road. There was a marathon happening in the main highway at that moment and all traffic were diverted to this narrow alternate route. 

I was inside Mervin Gobaco's vehicle, all cramped with 6 other people including Bea, one of my shooters. For a lack of better things to do, I got my phone and tweeted this exact phrase "stuck in a gridlock in tagaytay including bridal car. Ceremony at 1pm in lourdes. =(" 

So yes, the bridal car was behind us among with the other cars of the suppliers, we were late for the ceremony and there was nothing we can do. Well, I thought there was nothing we can do but Darlene had other plans. After getting a call from her coordinator that she will have to skip the bridal march if she arrive more than 30mins late, my awesome bride, stepped out of her car, and ran, oh yes she RAN carrying and dragging her fabulous Veluz gown with her! She passed by our car and we all looked at each other in disbelief. And after a few seconds of trying to make sense of what we saw, we were already running with Darlene - the whole mile stretch of the road where all the vehicles were stuck. 

It was like a scene from a movie, only this one is real. hahaha. after about 15 mins of running, we came at the intersection where everything was clogged-up and asked, actually forced, a tricycle to take all of us (all seven of us) to the church which was another mile away. 

At exactly 1:30pm we arrived at Lourdes Church in Tagaytay, where Gboy was waiting. We're all burned and beat-up but in such high spirits. We all couldn't believe what just happened. 

Darlene went on to have her bridal march - one of the most awesome I ever experienced as it seemed that she started her march when she decided to run - and everything else was perfect. =) 

This is a blog post you shouldn't miss to see =)

  And there goes my Bride =)

From a vintage Mustang to a yamaha! weehoo! =)

Sorry Manong, I didn't consider you as part of my budget. hahaha =)

Eddie Bruan was with us all the way, and was sitting at the back of the Tricycle beside me. He did an awesome job and looked 20 years younger as he seemed to ran faster than me. hahaha.