Debuts

Glynmae Turns Eighteen

One of the most beautiful transformations of a female person is when the time comes that she morphs from adolescence to adulthood; it is the beginning of true womanhood, entering a wonderful new chapter of her life… a chapter full of surprises, of careful decisions and discoveries. I am no woman, but I can certainly attest in the experience of turning to an adult and I really feel that this shoot certainly has a story to tell. An aspect of human existence is what we will see beyond the pictures. This unique point-of-view will give us a reflection and a magnificent glance of how each of us has a take at life: of how we were, how we are and how we will be. This feature shares Glynmae’s beautiful 18th birthday celebration. Doing this shoot made me feel nostalgic being a child again. Capturing these shots made me remember that there were hands that guided me as I began walking until the day I walked on my own. It showed me the difference of the “then” and the life we are tackling now. The overlays of the violin and Glynmae’s sandals reminded me of hobbies when we were kids and how those interests shaped the destiny we are in today and how we share this destiny with each other to come up with a true story worth telling and how it would eventually mold what is ahead of us. Even with the group and family portraits, it somehow warped me […]

Alyanna’s Harry Potter – Themed Debut

I will admit it, I really thought that I’ve see it all. More than 10 years of shooting events of all kinds, I didn’t think I would be this amazed. It is like being a kid again and visiting a brand new theme park, only here you didn’t expect it to be this grand, this beautiful and this well-thought of. How many times have we heard or seen a Harry Potter themed event right? And that is what makes this debut celebration of Alyanna even more incredible – the concept is not unique but somehow we were all still got blown away. You’ll see features of this event all over the internet now as it has become a sensation – deservingly so. Kudos to all the people who were involved here – to say that every one of them stepped-up is an understatement and I feel humbled to be a part of such a team. I also can’t stress enough the impact of Alanna’s mom in conceptualising and executing ideas – she keeps telling us that she is a lucky person but I think it is because she make things happen that why things always turn out great for her. I have been to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London and have seen the theme parks multiple times, and let me just say that the work that Larry Natividad did here is just jaw-dropping. Consider all the constraint of time, of space, and of other resources and you can […]

Corrine Conquers 18 | A Makati Shangri-la Debut

It’s amazing how debut celebrations have exploded in terms of production and size in the last few years. Themes have become more elaborate and lofty and the resources to execute them seem to never run out. But if there is something that’s always limited, it is taste. One can spend as much as they like on the grandest of set-ups and locations but if the photos to show for them are just the same old template that doesn’t say much, then what’s the point right? Corrine’s celebration is one of the best we’ve seen. It’s astutely conceptualized and impeccably executed. And we have amazing photos, those that show the beauty and those that elevate, to show for it. From the captivating candids to well-excited family photos, and very distinct portraits, it is a set that shows depth and relevance. Taste knows taste and we are very relieved and grateful to Corrine and her parents, Tina and Ron, that they are perfectionists and that they are aware of what and who it takes to achieve the celebration of their dreams. Enjoy the photos. ___________ Suppliers: Photo: Oly Ruiz Make-up: Gela Laurel Stehmeier Hairstylist: RJ Dela Cruz Wardrobe Stylist: Eldzs Mejia Video: Notion in Motion | Leo Nicolas Main Gown: Boom Sason Event Styling: Gideon Hermosa Coordination: Jen Sanchez Lim Emcee: Sam YG Venue: Makati Shangri-La Staging: LX Events Pro Lights: High Impact Events

Think of Meg | A Shangri-la Fort Debut

I love beautiful things. That’s true for any form of creation – art or not, living or otherwise. One of my favorites are musicals – be it Broadway, the West End or here in Solaire. I have been a fan ever since I slept my way through half of Les Miserables in NY in 2007. Despite missing a part of it, a certain magic have stayed with me long after watching it. I guess this magic is the reason the classics remain in theatres even after so many decades of non-stop performances. One can just imagine my surprise and excitement when Meg and her family told me that the theme of her 18th birthday celebration was the Phantom of the Opera. With the way things are done in events nowadays, how more capable set-ups are becoming, I knew it’s something to look forward to. And worthy to look forward to it was. In fact, if it’s just me, I’d say it is worthy of a Tony Award. The moment you enter the ballroom, gold statues, red roses, and glistening chandeliers in the ceiling will meet you. It’s as if you entered Her Majesty’s Theatre in London where the beautifully acclaimed broadway musical is performed. From the music to the intricate details, every corner of the room sang Phantom of the Opera. It was a gala night that spelled out who Meg is as well – talented, beautiful and pleasing in every way. Just like Christine of the play, who was […]

Aubrey | A Special Pre-debut Shoot

The pandemic has been a very complicated time for a lot of people. And I’m sure different people are affected differently. It’s hard to imagine how it is for Aubrey, she’s only turning 18, and just when everyone expects her to start adulting, the world gave her a curveball and made it extra difficult. But I admire this girl’s tenacity. While Aubrey understands she cannot do everything she had hoped for for her debut celebration, she knew that there were things that she can still experience fully. And this is today’s feature – Aubrey and her beautiful pre-debut photos, a feat considering the times we are in, especially during the weeks we planned and shot this. Aubrey was a go with any concept we had in mind. She knew that Metrophoto was the photographer for her. She proved it by seamlessly executing every shot we wanted. Yes, including those acrobatic shots that she only tried that very same day. I admire everyone who had endured and continue to endure the hard times we are in, but I have a soft spot for those who had to take more and continue to fight it through. Enjoy the photos. ____________ Supplier: Photo: Oly Ruiz Makeup: Terence Buenaventura Styling: Cathleen Sobrevega Planning: Events Embassy Video: Sweet Flicks Wedding Films