Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipino photographers

  • Illustrado Scrapbook: Roy Francis Manalang, Harry Cruz & Benny De Guzman

    Illustrado Scrapbook: Roy Francis Manalang, Harry Cruz & Benny De Guzman

    Illustrado Scrapbook

    Roy Francis Manalang

    A lover of the exotic places, vivid hues and diverse cultures, Roy Francis Manalang thrives in the colorful cultural melting pot which the United Arab Emirates amply represents. An On-Air Channel Controller in a Broadcasting and Multimedia Company in the emirates, his scope of work include portraiture, events and landscape photography. Being away from home, Roy says he has developed keen enthusiasm, appreciation and respect for photography which he considers more than just a pastime.  According to him, it is a language translated into pixels which has helped him broaden his perspective, not only on the way he looks at things, buy has also given him a more in-depth understanding of life. See more of Roy’s photography at www.royfrancismanalang.com

    Harry Cruz

    Harry has been living in Dubai for the past eight years, and is currently working with SAP.  Three years ago, he stumbled into photography via his involvement with car clubs – a hobby he ventured into to relieve his homesickness.  He received his preliminary training at Lightform, and he has since grown his skills by attending other workshops, as well as organizing a few, to feed his need for more knowledge. A freelance photographer for POSE magazine, Harry is into wedding photography as well as fashion and editorial types of commercial assignments.  He also loves to travel, shoot landscapes and street portraits for his own enjoyment. As a photographer, one of the best moments for Harry was bagging 3rd place at the Nikon “The Empowered Filipina” Photo Competition at Illustrado’s Woman of Substance 2011 event.  Of equal highlight was having the opportunity to work with world class talented designers like Michael Cinco, Ruben Santos, Mel Maria, Rocky Gathercole and J-Lo Aldwin Ornopia.

    Benny De Guzman

    Benny is currently working as Creative Designer in an exhibition company in Dubai. Despite the demands of his day job and the many deadlines he has to meet, Benny manages to make time for photography.  Benny’s expertise lies in capturing portraits and landscapes. Recently, he has dabbled into food and fashion photography as well. Benny is a member of photography aficionados group Lightcatchers, which was founded in 2008.  Last November, the group organized the Desert Radiance Workshop and it was here that Benny met internationally acclaimed photographer, Manny Librodo, who has inspired his work tremendously. When not looking through the lens of his camera, Benny loves to work while listening to good music.

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  • Illustrado Scrapbook: Dennis Dionisio & Sheryl Juan

    Illustrado Scrapbook: Dennis Dionisio & Sheryl Juan

     

    Illustrado Scrapbook

    Dennis Dionisio

    Dennis Dionisio is a Financial Analyst who works for the pharmaceutical company, Merck Serono. During his younger years, he loved visual arts but ironically took an Accountancy degree in college. In 2010, he revived his interest in arts by enrolling in a Basic Photography course. Having re-discovered his love for capturing visuals and images, Dennis later became one of the founders of Camera Club of Dubai (CCD). His definition of a good photographer is someone who shares not only photography, but also good values.

    Sheryl Juan

    A graduate of the Philippine School of Business Administration – Manila, Sheryl is a Certified Public Accountant and is one of the Founding Members of Camera Club of Dubai (CCD). Fascinated by the beauty of photography, Sheryl has been passionate in capturing stories through images and sees it as an art form, rather than merely photos.“I’ve had a fascination for the arts since my childhood; unfortunately my desire to be an artist never materialized because I didn’t know how to draw. I had a lot of concepts playing in my mind, but I wasn’t able to express it until I found photography. Every snap and click of the shutter is like a creative outlet for me. I want to take photographs to preserve precious memories and to share them with generations to come,” Says Sheryl.   Save
  • Illustrado Scrapbook: Alexander Yee, Gabby Yap & Wilfredo “Jon” Guzman Jr.

    Illustrado Scrapbook: Alexander Yee, Gabby Yap & Wilfredo “Jon” Guzman Jr.

    Alexander Yee Alexander Yee found his niche beyond his university double-degree and professional expertise. His chosen medium for his works, appeals to even the most scrutinizing eye. His camera has flashed on numerous personalities and events in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but even most importantly, he has contributed significantly to the recognition of Filipino artists in the country. Alexander, who photographs events, portfolios, fashion, glamour, and landscape, is a pioneering member of Fashionaires Middle East – a UK based group that provides stimulating events focused around fashion and lifestyle.  He has also had several successful photo exhibits, the most recent of which is a solo event – Art Uncorked at Vintage, Gulf Hotel. Gabby Yap Gabby Yap refers to photography as his high school sweetheart.  It was in his junior year in high school in his Elective class – he claims, that he wasn’t even sure what ‘elective’ meant that he discovered photography. “Back then I was already dreaming of becoming a serious photographer; constantly exploring new subjects and scenery constantly learning new techniques. I even stalked my photography professor for awhile,” he confessed. In 2003, family problems threatened his college dream, but at the same destiny took its rightful place. Gabby got a chance to work alongside other artists and photographers in Lito Sy Photography and turned from amateur to pro. He worked with Lito Sy Photography for six years and then in 2009, left for the UAE where he is currently working as a supervisor and photographer for a new photography studio in Abu Dhabi. Gabby claims that he doesn’t talk much about his high school sweetheart, this art of capturing images and telling stories with a camera. “We could talk about my passion for photography, but I’d rather have my pictures show it,” he says.

    Wilfredo “Jon” Guzman Jr. Art has always been a major part of Wilfredo “Jon” Guzman Jr’s life. He studied it in school, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from the Far Eastern University. Now based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Jon is still mixing colors and creating images as a graphic designer for a dairy and juice company – a job that he has had for the last seven years. His insatiable enchantment with art has led him to explore its different forms like photography.  He joined the International Shutters Organization (ISO) and continues to improve his craft, this time holding a camera. Describing himself as a simple man, Jon says he’s thankful for Facebook. “It allows me to share my talents with friends and loved ones, even if they are half way across the globe.”

  • Illustrado Scrapbook: Neil Generoso & Earl Dominic Lerio

    Neil Generoso

    Cavite native Neil Generoso loves to travel to scenic locations, souqs and shopping malls, or simple chill out in the streets of Dubai with his camera always ready to capture interesting scenes.  The 33 year old shutterbug got into the hobby in 2008 when he joined OPPPS and joined various photography workshops.  But it wasn’t until he was given the opportunity to collaborate with photography production group 77th Street Productions, that he became serious in pursuing his passion for the art. Neil calls his photographic style – comprehensive, romantic, stylish and most of all, modern. More than anything, Neil enjoys photographing fashion, architecture, landscape and events.

    Earl Dominic Lerio

    Earl Dominic Lerio is a Project Coordinator in a prestigious consulting firm – Dimensions Engineering Consultancy, based in Dubai. He is new into the field of photography – his first foray was in 2011 when joined Batch 22 of the Basic Photography course at OPPPS. Since then, Earl has developed a passion for capturing the images of different people – their expressions and the diversity of culture around him has served as strong inspirations for all his works. Earl also believes that beauty does not only reside in smooth skin, fairy eyes and a well-shaped nose, but exists in all different faces in the society.

    In April 2011, Earl, together with friends Sharfy Daligdigan and Yollanda Garcia founded photography group TUBAW RETRATISTA (Tubong-Dabaw Retratista) to encourage amateur photographers like them to indulge in the art of creating beautiful images.

  • Globetrotter’s Blog: Destination – Tuscany

    Globetrotter’s Blog: Destination – Tuscany

    Globetrotter:  Cesar Parroco

    Photography by Cesar Parroco

    What the place is known for

    Tuscany is a region in Central Italy known for its picturesque landscape, famous wines and architectural wonders.  It is the center of art, science and culture during the Renaissance period. It is the birthplace of many a notable people – such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo and modern day fashion geniuses likes Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo.

    How to get there

    There are many reasonably priced flights to Italy, generally to the larger international airports of Milan or Rome. From there you can take the train or rent a car to get to Tuscany.  In our case, we landed in Venice and took a train to Florence, the region’s capital.  We booked our car through a website. Italy has a good system of highways and roads that are generally good throughout Tuscany and easier to navigate than most of the countries we previously travelled to.  An International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany non-European licenses is necessary.

    Where to stay

    The best way to enjoy your destination is to engage with the people and immerse yourself in their culture, instead of staying in the usual hotel, we stayed in an agriturismo – a hotel-like farmhouse managed by a warm Italian family.  There they cultivate their own produce in adjacent fields.  These are then carried directly to the table, giving you the priceless experience of savoring the authentic tastes and scents of the place.

    Spending your vacation in an agriturismo in the province of Siena means visiting an infinite landscaped, historical and artistic legacy with vast tourist resources. It is one of the best things that happened to us while in Tuscany. All guests were treated like family friends and we all had our sumptuous dinner together at a specific time and had some fun activity.  The air is fresh, the rooms are beautiful, the rooster wakes us up in the morning and the views are exhilarating.

    Must do and see

    The territory is very varied and richly colored, with endless rolling greens and fertile hills like those of Chianti, famous for its wine. Florence alone would be enough to promote this region as one of the most-loved destinations by tourists throughout the world with its rich history in art and culture.

    However, Tuscany also means Siena with its Piazza del Campo and Pisa with her Leaning Tower. Also extremely fascinating is the so-called Minor Tuscany, scattered with little villages imbued with a medieval atmosphere: San Gimignano, and Montepulciano.

    The region’s best kept secret

    Forty miles south of Siena you will find Pienza, often known as the Pearl of the Renaissance. Few towns give a better idea of what life was like in 15th century Tuscany. Just down the road is Montepulciano. When you are there, be sure to do three things: look up to see the colorful Pulcinella who strikes the hours at the church of Sant’Agostino; visit the Contucci Wineries, which occupy ancient catacombs beneath the city. You may also want to visit Cortona, a town and commune in the province of Arezzo. It is the setting for the film Under the Tuscan Sun, starring Diane Lane.

    Do it like the natives

    Exploring the hills and villages is one the exciting things to do in Tuscany, you can spend the entire morning learning about wines, joining the harvest and watching the locals tending to their sheep.  You can also spend the entire afternoon gathering produce for the kitchen and learning a few Tuscan recipes.

    Trip Budget

    Tuscany is a tourist destination in a rural setting.  So unlike big cities where you have to spend a lot, here Euro 50 a day for accommodation and few more for gas and souvenirs is already enough.

    How to dress

    Italians love their clothes and dressing well is second nature to them. After all, this is the land of Versace, Gucci and Prada but in rural Tuscany you can wear what you want as long as you are comfortable.  Just have make sure to check the weather when you visit. Comfortable walking shoes are a must to enjoy hilltop villages.

    What to bring

    Being serious photo enthusiast, I brought more photo gears than clothes.  My GPS equipped mobile phone was very helpful especially in navigating to find the perfect spot for picture taking. I also brought along a magnetic compass with me to help predict where the sun will rise and set – again, an essential photography gear.


    What to avoid

    Don’t believe everything that they say on the website especially on choosing your agriturismo.  There are thousands of them scattered all over Italy.  Some might be very cheap but don’t necessarily offer real value for money.

    Ultimate travel tip

    It always pays to do your research before the trip and looking for a local friend online who shares the same interest can be very helpful. We were so fortunate to find an online friend who recommended a great agriturismo to us.

  • Nikon Photo Competition in Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2011

    1st March 2011 – Dubai, UAE – Following last year’s success, Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2011 is bringing back the Nikon Photography Competition with a new theme – “The Empowered Filipina.” Finalists’ works will be showcased at the Nikon Photo Exhibit during the annual elegant coffee-afternoon event which honors exemplary Filipinas and promotes female empowerment.

    Spearheaded by Illustrado, the Dubai-based Filipino lifestyle publication, the Nikon Photography Competition is calling for photo enthusiasts around the Gulf to submit their entries essentially portraying the different facets of the empowered Filipina. According to Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Illustrado, “The amount of interest that we gathered from last year’s photo exhibit during Women of Substance 2010 has inspired us to continue contributing to the upliftment of the Filipina international image, as captured by the lenses of photography aficionados in the region.”

    She furthers, “We are returning this year with a more challenging concept ‘The Empowered Filipina,’ which we believe will be a vehicle to highlight not only the outer, but also the inner beauty of the Filipina, her strength of character, resilience and will to succeed and contribute not only to the Filipino community, but to society as a whole.”’

    Aside from the said photo exhibit that gained participation from the sizeable Filipino photo hobbyist community in the Gulf, Women of Substance is back on its fourth consecutive edition with amazing array of segments – from the talk show featuring Filipina achievers and a renowned guest speaker from the Philippines, the make-over runway show, to the bazaar slated to delight the over selected 600 guests, the event promises to be both meaningful and momentous.

    The event will also witness the screening of a mini-documentary, a sequel to “The Empowered Filipina,” by Dubai-based award-winning filmmaker Kamil Roxas.

    Interested photography aficionados can submit three images of Filipinas from all walks of life which embody ‘female empowerment.’ Images should be at least 300dpi and should be emailed to illustrado@inbox.com. The contest is open to all nationalities from all photography levels, strictly based in the Gulf.  Furthermore, heavy digital layering and editing are prohibited. Only the twenty best entries will make it to the Nikon Photo Exhibit during the event which will be viewed by over 600 attendees from the Filipino and international expat community.  Finalists’ photos will be published in Illustrado’s April 2011 issue.  The top winners will receive prizes from Nikon. Deadline for submissions is on the 17th March 2011.

    Women of Substance event is celebrated in the Gulf in conjunction with International Women’s Day. For more information, please contact Illustrado at 04-3654547 / 04-3654543.

    -Ends-

    About Women of Substance

    Illustrado’s Women of Substance is an advocacy in conjunction with International Women’s Day. It is a celebration of Filipina empowerment, achievement and contribution aiming to provide inspiration to boost the morale of the Filipino community, and to be a reflection of the positive and balanced international image of the Filipina.

    Every year, Illustrado presents Filipina honorees from the Gulf who exemplify achievement, societal contribution and exceptional character.

    For inquiries on the Women of Substance Event, please contact Johanna Dalocanog at +971 4 365 4543 or 365 4547, or e-mail johannadalocanog@illustrado.net

    For general inquiries on Illustrado contact the above numbers or e-mail us at: admin@illustrado.net

  • Scrapbook: Chris Calumberan

    Scrapbook: Chris Calumberan

    Chris Calumberan Professional photographer Chris Calumberan started his career working for production companies in Dubai. He began by updating databases of model profiles for agencies. While understanding how the system works, he involved himself in model booking, location scouting and management as well as production assisting for TV commercials and print ads.   As a self-taught photographer, he started assisting mentors specializing in Portraits, Interiors and Food which molded him to become a general photographer. He found his niche and started specializing in portraits and fashion where he established his recognizable style in his works. Group hobbyists and semi-professionals consider him an inspiration for his willingness to share his talent by offering apprenticeship and mini-workshops. “It is all about visualization. As I shoot, it’s very important that I have the concept in my head. Before the actual shooting, I scout the location and get my measurements done (light source, compass readings, shoot timings). Everything has to be coordinated; from the subject, wardrobe, make-up, up to the last detail in post- production.  I learned this discipline while working with different photographers. For me, this is the ideal way to work.”   Check out his works on:  http://chriscalumberan.com/
  • Scrapbook – Pinoy Digital Photographers Kuwait (PINDOT)

    Scrapbook – Pinoy Digital Photographers Kuwait (PINDOT)

    Pinoy Digital Photographers in Kuwait (PINDOT) Avid Filipino amateur photographers in Kuwait, Pinoy Digital Photographers (PINDOT), adhere to the motto “Share, Learn and Respect.”   Together, the group’s 60 members enjoy photo walks, lectures and contests designed to pique interest and to polish their shooting skills.  PINDOT is involved not only in creative pursuits, but also participates in socially-relevant endeavors particularly focused on the Filipino community in the country. Girl in the Ruins by Mizpah Reyes Abandoned by Love by Chris Sanan Beware! by Ivy Laughton Crawl by Ramil Sunga Diva by Neil Ocampo Emotionally Yours by Aldrin Marin Indian Goddess by Al P. Manlangit Ivy by Anna Rose de la Flor Mysterious by Najwa Marafie Noora by Leonel Pura Princess by Eduardo Romero Priya by Ricky Laguda Trio by William Martinez Waiting in Vain by Rico Canosa B&W by Bong Cruz
  • Scrapbook – Jeff Vergara & Marc Guittap

    Scrapbook – Jeff Vergara & Marc Guittap

    JEFF VERGARA Jeff had no idea he would eventually end up as a serious photographer when he first handled his dad’s Polaroid and Nikon film as a child. This Computer Engineering graduate discovered digital photography in 1999, when he was tasked to take product shots using Sony Mavica, the first commercial electronic camera that stores images on a diskette. He learned the rudimentary basics of photography through self-study and long internet surfing sessions. Although Jeff’s work is more on graphic and web development than photography, he became serious with his passion for taking photos in late 2004. Over the years he has experimented with different techniques; usually mixing graphic design skills and inspiration from the masters of the craft. He has done numerous projects for company events, individual assignments, weddings and exhibits, and won a number of photo competitions. Lately, Jeff has focused more on portraiture, street and landscape photography which are his favorites. In 2007, he co-founded the Mideast Snipers (www.mesnipers.com), an online photography organization with a vast number of members with whom he shares his photography knowledge.  Jeff is also an avid blogger. He writes his online journal, “The Dubai Chronicles” (www.dubaichronicles.com) which features his photographic adventures and stories of daily life in Dubai. MARC GUITTAP Marc says his photography is – “first and foremost, an exploration.” An architect by profession, he dabbled with the camera to study light, views, angles and, most importantly to capture beauty. His love affair with the lens started with the need to put together a decent reconnaissance report as part of design requirements.  From there, he found himself slowly veering towards more creative pursuits. Marc’s collection of photographs runs the gamut of gritty documentary shots to polished architectural snaps to portraiture. All of them, however, are borne out of the necessity to understand beauty and express it without a single utterance. He says, “I believe that the latter are better left to the beholder- beauty is, after all, universally understood though its expressions and interpretations are utterly varied.” Currently, Marc professes that his over active shutter finger is an apprentice to his vivid imagination. He enjoys sharing his work and receiving constructive criticism from his peers in the field.

  • Scrapbook – Arian Marcos, Melissa Guevarra & Randy Ramos Recio

    A platform for budding creative talent – this time featuring Dubai-based photographers Arian Marcos, Randy Ramos Recio and Melissa Guevarra.

    Arian Marcos who has always been an artist since he was a kid, got into photography in 2008 taking classes and immersing himself in the works of his icons.  His persistence to excel in his newfound passion won him awards which include the First Place in the 2nd Annual Scott Kelby Photowalk – Dubai. He has also conducted workshops on Off-Camera Flash Photography and Photo Retouching for a local photo club in Dubai. As a photographer, Arian’s style is contemporary, and he is keen on experimenting with textures and contrasts. He combines this with his expertise in post-processing to further enhance the play of light and intensify the visual appeal and emotional impact of his images.  His works include still and moving images which cover portraiture, fashion and beauty, landscape, interiors, architecture and events. Arian lives in Dubai with his wife Karen, where he works for a railway systems construction company.  He is an avid fan of basketball, good coffee and leche flan.

    Randy Recio is a pure–blooded Batangueño based in Dubai, who works as a company trainer for DHL Express-UAE.  He is a street photographer at heart and much of his best works stem from unexpected moments captured by his trusty camera while enjoying an early morning or late afternoon walk.   Randy’s subjects are mostly landscapes and portraits, composed with a photojournalistic flavor. He is an active member of UAE-based photography association Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers’ Society (OPPPS) and was once featured here in Illustrado Scrapbook with his image of Filipina bossa singer Sitti Navarro.

    Melissa Guevarra’s revolves around three main things – family, painting and photography.  Mentored during her early years by Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) officers Danilo Santiago, an Art Professor at the University of Santo Tomas and Vic Dabao, Melissa has always been interested in the creative field since her childhood.  Being married to artist Darwin “Japat” Guevarra has further inspired Melissa to delve deeper into her art and eventually fall in love with photography.   This full time homemaker and full time artist, works from home creating paintings and miniatures with her husband.