Where I have been...plus the Sirilans' family photos

The truth is I feel like I'm in a funk lately. I guess I'm just having what might be my version of a writer's block is. I don't know how or when it started but it came to a point last week when all I wanted to do was shoot but I couldn't focus on and didn't feel like doing my other tasks like editing, blogging, etc. It wasn't easy to admit it because hey, this is my dream job! I'm not supposed to have bad days, right? I tried fighting it but I finally had to decide to take it easy for a few days. I peeled myself away from work and convinced myself that it was ok to take a break. It went on for a few more days and then finally, I had a "light bulb moment" (as Oprah would put it) the other day and realized what was causing all this internal drama. I talked about it with Pete and a couple of friends and now I think I am better equipped to address it.

I'm not back a hundred percent yet, though. I'm still not as productive as I want to be this week, but I'm getting there. Every day, I try to pump up the energy and think happy thoughts. And for today, my happy thoughts are of these photos I shot a few months ago of some of my favorite people in the world.

On a hot summer day in May, Pete, Pie, and I went to Anvaya Cove in Bataan with my sister and her family and some of their friends. Before leaving the resort that afternoon, we did a very short portrait session. The light was PERFECT! And Liam was cute as ever. It's hard for me not to smile whenever I look at these shots.

Liam looks so grown-up in these next two photos.






Pete was making him laugh. He was probably making faces behind me.:P


I love this series. There is nothing that I love more than capturing real laughter.:)

Did I mention the light was PERFECT?

Godric: Baptism

May 17, 2009
Edsa Shrine
The Old Spaghetti House

We started out early at their apartment and Godric was just waking up when we got there. He was the sweetest little angel however, and I don't remember him being fussy at all the entire day.

It was my first time to shoot an event at the Edsa Shrine. In fact, I believe it was my first time ever to enter the church. The baptistry had an interesting structure. It was a bit of a challenge for me to take photos there, but I think we were able to get great shots nevertheless. Also, Mommy Clarck and Daddy Mike and the rest of the family were so nice to work with that the hours went by so quickly.

Here are some of the photos from the event.







Godric seemed to enjoy the attention.

He seemed to love the camera.

A few shots of the family taken at their lovely home.

A photographer in the making.:)


During the ceremony. I was standing right beside the priest the entire time because there was no room to move.

The whole gang trooped down to The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH) and enjoyed a grand buffet. Here are a few details from the reception.



That's Daddy taking his time at the buffet table.


This was Godric towards the end of the reception.

Julianna: 1st birthday party

May 16, 2009
Shakey's Tomas Morato

It always makes me happy to see babies that I've photographed again. It's amazing how much they grow and change in just a few months. I first met Janna when I photographed her baptism last year. At that time, she was just a couple of months old. About 2 and a half months ago, I had the honor of photographing Janna again--this time, it was for her 1st birthday party. Janna has grown into such an adorable little girl.

Here are a few of my favorites from the party.

First off, the invite.


The shoes and the lovely dress.

Here's Janna with Mommy Ann. This was taken before Janna had on her yellow party dress. I loved this dress that she was wearing too though.

Pretty little favors.


We took a few family photos before the party started. Janna wasn't in the mood for photos yet. But I loved the light and background in these photos. And Mommy Ann is so cute in pictures.;)






Some colorful party decorations by Party Boosters led by Jacque.




Janna had just woken up and she couldn't stop looking at the mascots.


Check out the cute little dimples. Just like Mommy!:)






A few more shots after the party.

Jazz: 1st birthday party

May 9, 2009
The Prestige Tower Roofdeck

I almost didn't make it to this event because in the days leading up to it, I was down with the flu. Although I wasn't sick anymore, I still wasn't feeling too well on the day of the party that I actually asked a friend if she could cover for me in case I couldn't make it. I'm so glad I went ahead and did it anyway because Mommy Glenda was such a darling to work with that I went home after the party feeling so much better--both physically and emotionally. It's meeting clients like her that make me love my job even more than I already do.:)

And now for the photos...

This was Jazz' lovely fairy costume.

And what's a fairy without a magic wand?





Party decorations by Party Boosters led by the wonderful Jacque. You couldn't see it in this photo but this centerpiece had little twinkling lights at the bottom. Cool!:)


I loved taking photos of Jazz!


She looks like she's standing on her own but she's actually sitting on a tiny chair. I think she's super cute here!:)


And here's pretty Mommy Glenda with the birthday girl.:)


Pie wasn't officially taking photos but since I wasn't exactly in top shape that day, I gave her one of the cameras to hold and told her to "shoot at will". She took this cool shot of Flooch playing with fire.





Flooch with his favorite pet Spyke.;)



Look at all the colors!

Jazz was getting tired towards the end of the program. Still cute though.


I didn't want to leave before taking a few more portrait shots though.





I love this one.




Oh yeah, Glenda had special giveaways for the suppliers. She gave me and Pie these cute pillows. I asked Pie to take photos of them at home.:)