“I’d sooner be stranded on this island with you for all eternity than to be without you for even the merest moment.” The air was filled with a certain mystique that no words could elucidate as we shot Vernice and Pierreson’s prenup on the richly raw island of Grande. This seemingly unmapped and mystical island was truly remarkable; its rough terrain and abandoned structures made for a beautiful contrast against Vernice and Pierreson as they leisurely strolled (sometimes even traipsed, ran, and climbed) hearts intertwined and hand-in-hand, excitedly exploring what visions of untouched or detached nature awaited. Shooting Vernice and Pierreson with Grande Island as the landscape gave way for some distinctly sublime shots that one only usually sees on the big screen; but to actually be there in the flesh to witness the magnificence of this unworldly nature and the history behind it felt similar to walking in a state of inebriating trance. It’s hard to imagine we were only a few hours away from Manila. The beautiful day ended with the couple wallowing in the salt air and warm sun rays that the island had to offer. Vernice and Pierreson were ecstatic that this island, their island, gifted all of us with the ethereal prenup shoot which perfectly captured the awe-inspiring love between them. Enjoy the photos. Suppliers: Make-up: Effie Go Iñigo Styling: Cathleen Sobrevega Hairstyling: Rebecca Brizuela

No matter how many times I have shot in Siargao, the place would always reveal a side of it that’s less seen. Sometimes, I think its beauty is also just inexhaustible; that’s why there is always something new to behold every time we visit. For this shoot of Kim and Tim, we went to the signature Siargao prenup spots – Sugba Lagoon, Cloud 9, and the Magpupungko Rock Pools. We have scoured these places before, but still, we found interesting perspectives that gave the photos of Kim and Tim distinction on top of, of course, being beautiful. Many thanks to Kim and Tim (and their entire crew) for pursuing and pushing our vision for this shoot as much as I did. We encountered challenge after challenge, but each time, we broke through. The photos and the memories left in our hearts tell us that everything was worth it. Enjoy

Batanes is one of the best places to get away from it all. Even in these times when most of us are required to isolate, there is nothing that compares to the magic of how the winds of Batanes engulfs you in, embraces your soul, and takes you away. It is maddening as it is invigorating. So let us, for a little while, transport you again to this ‘other world’ with the photos of Zab and Calvin that we took just a couple of days before the entire world locked itself up. Let’s look at love at its height and its purest. Let’s look at how, where, and who isolation should be. Let’s simply look and get lost. Coming back is optional. _______ Suppliers: Photo: Oly Ruiz

Boracay has been the Philippines’ most popular paradise. While in the last few years it has been somewhat embattled, the one thing that remains true is how amazing of a place it is. A few months back I was reminded of this and much much more when I shot here again after its reopening. From the famed White Beach and its Paraws to Puka, and up to an abandoned amusement park, there is always beauty to discover and to behold. Thanks to Enruth and Hamilton for taking us back here and making us remember the inexhaustible paradise that is Boracay. ____________ Suppliers: Photo: Oly Ruiz Make-up: Gery Penaso

We’re risk-takers here in Metrophoto. But let’s be clear that the risks we take are very calculated and are worth the effort. These are always evident in our photographs and the actual accounts of our very satisfied clients. But sometimes, the universe teases this bold character of ours and gives us something we don’t know if we’ll be excited about or scared of. Last October, in the height of the protests and unrest in Hong Kong (it is still on the sustained high, I guess), we decided to push through with our planned pre-wedding shoot there with Jeanie and Jansen. Yes, we were a little concerned but the excitement of getting something really unique intrigued us too. Based on our many experiences shooting with all sorts of risk, we were confident we can come up with something cool without offering our lives in exchange. Surprisingly, the city was so usual almost the entire time. The protests were always in a different place and they were mostly organized. Not that this dismayed us, but we also realize how exaggerated some things are. But you know what’s not exaggerated? That you can have one of the best meals of your life in Yat Lok and that Jeanie and Jansen are awesome people. The meal, you have to take my word for it. As for Jeanie and Jansen, I have amazing photos (and a BTS video) below to show for it. So please, Enjoy. ___________ Suppliers: Photo: Oly Ruiz Make-up: Mark Qua Styling: […]