Portait Photography by Ryan Macalandag
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
My grandma is old and quite sick too. Old age has weakened her body leaving her episodes of rheumatic pains. But despite her illness, she is still quite sharp and witty. I've always been fascinated with her stories of yore - of how my grandpa caught two wild pigs in their corn farm in one night or of how she and her sisters would go to the barrio dances when they were still young. Or how they escaped from the Japanese when Davao was besieged during the war.
These stories seem to keep her cheery and young-faced again. She just lightens up with excitement and euphoria. She talks longer than I would have wanted her to. I wish I could record these stories and compile them for later when we got grandkids of our own already.
Sometimes, I cut her short of her story telling (I've heard of some of them!) and try to come up with a reason to leave. Often, she asks me what the name of my wife is. She sometimes forget. I say, "Regina, Lola, uy! Sige man ka kalimot." (Here name's Regina, Lola. You always forget.) She smiles and says, "Kanus-a man mo manganak kay para makakita na ko's imong liwat?" (When are you guys having a child?)
If and when we do have a baby girl, I should probably name her, Maxima. In honour of my dear lola.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
People: My Lola in B/W
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wedding: Antonio & Pressia, Waterfront Davao
Wedding Photography by Ryan Macalandag
Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City, Philippines
Antonio and Pressia were already married in Spain right after the Christmas of 2007. But since most of their friends were in the Philippines (and couldn't go to Spain for the wedding), the couple decided to hold a wedding party here in the Philippines.
Which was really good. I had always wanted to go to Davao for so long a time. Antonio invited me to go and be the official wedding/party photographer. I grabbed the invitation, of course.
The party was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. It's one of the bigger hotels there.
After more than half a day of travel (from Bohol to Davao, via Butuan), we arrived in Davao City around lunch time. After a super heavy lunch in SM City Davao, we dropped by downtown to grab some stuff and went ahead to the hotel after. So I really didn't have time to rest. By 3pm, I started preparing for the shoot, scouting for locations, casing the joint..the beach wasn't that nice, I noticed. By 4pm I proceeded to the couple's room to start shooting preps.
The venue was in an open-air bar at the end of a narrow walkway just off the hotel's beachfront. The couple marched the walkway and were greeted with percussionists beating the drums and chanting.
As soon as they reached the throng of guests, a simple ceremony was started. Again, as they were already married in Spain, a prayer for the couple was made and greetings were said. It was short but sweet.
The party which followed the buffet dinner was a blast. It really helps that guests are close friends. Everyone stayed on 'til late and had a helluva great time.
Party music was provided by - none other than - (the great) DJ Bodo himself.
No wonder "YMCA" was such a great hit.
And the people were out and proud with their 80's dance moves.
Even Antonio who was never a dancer (he claims), burned the dance floor away.
All in all, we had a great time and tons of fun...especially the couple. Of course, especially the couple!
For the rest of the photos in this set,
Flickr Album.
Picassa Web Album
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friday, December 07, 2007
Wedding: Kim and Cindy Prenuptial Photos
Kim & Cindy are a couple from Tacloban who both chose Bohol as the venue for their wedding. Why not! Bohol has beautiful churches, wonderful sceneries and great photographers!hehehe
The couple will tie the knot tomorrow at the magnificent Dauis Church. Reception to follow at Panglao Island Nature Resort. :)
This photo was shot at one of Bohol's more iconic churches, the Baclayon Church,built in the 1600's. Really old. One of the oldest in the Philippines. Here, Kim seems to be jubilant that he's finally getting married. Well, he should be.
This scene is in Loay, at the end of the river cruise. A group of Ati tribesmen welcome visitors here with a display of drumming, dancing and fire eating. Lovely.
I just can't resist. We had to do the jumping shot at the top of the world famous Chocolate Hills. As you can see, Kim was a varsity volleyball player before.
Cindy had always loved the sun in tropical Bohol. All day long we were praying for a good sunset. Lo and behold! A majestic sunset. Just perfect!
Trips like these make me happy I am a wedding photographer in Bohol. This way I get to tour around and have fun capturing beautiful shots at the same time.
It was a pretty exhausting day though. Janet, the couple's wedding coordinator was helpful though. She just doesn't seem to run out of fun things to say and do all in the name of good fun! Thanks Kim & Cindy! Thanks Janet! And to my cousin Francis who was assistant, too.
(For more photos from this set, click here.)
_________________________________
Photo by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600
Copyright �2007 All rights reserved.
