Light in the Tempest

In Love with Macau

Kas-a

Maldita

The Honest War

Mayor Ruben Guera of Majayjay, Laguna is one of the few exceptions to the sickening reality: all politicians are corrupt.

To Mayor Ruben, may your tribe increase!

Tribute to China

The first time I saw the majestic temples inside the Forbidden city, I quickly remembered Jet Li's movie, Hero and John Lone's Last Emperor.  I was mesmerized by the grandeur of the architecture and design of the buildings and courtyards.  I think these wonders just describe the Chinese as a very artistic people ever since the inception of their nation.

Shooting Saint Paul

Its my 4th visit to Macau and yet I still can't get enough of this marvelous city. During my visits I never miss to go around and shoot its sceneries.  Its a photographer's heaven.  A combination of old china and progressive europe,  Macau offers various sceneries worthy of photographer's attention. I can walk its streets and alleys without worries, shoot at night without being bothered.  I discovered that Macaunese are friendly people who takes pride in their rich culture.  

Reprint Series: First Time Two Nights at the Venetian

"What? Is this for real?", that was my reaction when my host gave me card keys to a Suite at the plush Venetian Macau.  I was billeted for two nights of 5 star pampering at the wonder island's newest mega hotel.  What is fantastic about this experience is that I watched a documentary about how it was constructed on National Geographic channel just a few nights before.  Being able to see and try the various features of the hotel as shown in documentary is  a dream come true.

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

We had a lunch meeting at Macau Fisherman's Wharf.  When it was through, I went shooting around the complex to burn calories. I took lots of pictures and covered almost of all the impressive mixed architecture. I am glad my clients don't mind this strange ritual -  me shooting away with my camera after every meeting. They have accepted that I am the group's ready photographer.

Back at the Venetian

I stayed at this hotel twice for free...hehehehe.   Same big room, same kick-ass amenities...still no gambling for me.

Tito Lyndon a.k.a. "Punggodyel"

I want to believe that Tito Lyndon was named after the American president. Like me, he is a first born child. The first story I heard about Tito Lyndon is about his bold move of impressing a girlfriend. He did this during their high school graduation when he went up the stage to offer his girl a bouquet of flowers.

Well, that's not the stunning fact about my Tito Punggodyel. He is a multi-talented person and was able to finish a library of courses: Aviation then Airplane Mechanics from PATTS, Hotel and Restaurant Management from Perpetual Help, Civil Engineering from Western Institute of Technology, Nautical course from Panay Technical Institute, and a Caregiver course from San Lorenzo College. Whew, thats 6 courses in all!

But why Ponggodyel? Look at his elaborate mole. Now, thats what you call a one sentence explanation.

Against the Wall, Babe

Figure it out...there was no wall at the studio.  Behind the model is the studio's comfort room.

Pot-pot a.k.a Cyndita

Josefina Lucille C. dela Cruz....yeah right....

I would rather call her "Pot-pot"- the monicker I am accustomed to call her when we were young (she was younger!) and just playing around the Dela Cruz compound in Kalibo. Now a college sophomore at UP Visayas, Potpot has blossomed into a fine woman. But from our impromptu photoshoot, I discovered that she's a natural model.

Bench

Taken at our front yard. This bench showcases my mom's love for artistic pieces including those intended for the garden.

The Beach

When we were little, I would hear my father call it his version of the"Hyannis Port". As I did not know what it means, I grew up knowig it as a lay back beach where our family would spend the summer vacation.

Barosbos Beach is a perfect hideaway- a quiet cove and piece of the blue sea that transforms into a myriad of coral formations during hunas (low tide). I remember my brothers and I would tiptoe along the dried up sea bed at sun down and find small fishes, sea urchins and sea horses swimming in hundreds of mini pools. At night we would retire at a cozy bamboo hut safely tucked on top of a rock. From its balcony, we were treated to a spectacular view of the dark sea and thousand of stars that watch over it.

Kathy

Kathy Aban works as a Guest Ambassador at Starworld Hotel Macau. I met her at the hotel lobby and was struck by her friendly smile. Thus, I invited her out for coffee after her shift. She obliged. Watta nice girl!

Young Turk

They call him Achu...that's why his name is easily remembered. Achu is our driver/tour guide/ body guard whenever we are in Macau. I was told that he used to be a kickboxing champion and an Olympic torch bearer for the Beijing Olympics.

Good Son Came Home

My brother Arik is a very smart guy. Now a full-pledged doctor, he decided to work in our home province of Aklan. For a medical board topnotcher (No. 3 in the Medical Board Exams), he can easily find employment in the country's best hospitals or even those abroad. But he chose to serve the Aklanon's first.