Baluarte Ti Vigan

Baluarte Ti Vigan: A Photo Adventure
Text and photos by Ingrid Samson

The air was rife with anticipation as early as 6:00 p.m. on April 3, 2009 at the Partas Bus Station, Aurora Ave., Cubao. The two 49-seater buses reserved for the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (SPPP) weren't scheduled to depart until 8:00 p.m., but a number of early birds were already there, awaiting the rest of the participants. After more than two hours of eager chatter in the waiting area, the wheels started rolling north towards the heritage city of Vigan. Despite prior strict reminders that departure would be at 8:00 sharp, we left at 8:15, giving some consideration to those who were stuck in heavy traffic. At 8:30 though, SPPP President Boy Samson's phone rang, the voice on the other end of the line belonging to a Marvin Benny Saluta, saying he just arrived at the bus station. Unfortunately, we were already cruising NLEX. The poor guy had to pay extra and get on the next bus to Vigan to catch up. But he still turned out to be lucky (read on and you'll find out why).

We arrived earlier than expected at 4:00 a.m. at the Church of Santa Maria. The huge group of participants were divided into several groups, then we waited for about an hour for some light so we can start shooting. The early morning rays shining on the cathedral and the glorious ruins surrounding it made for excellent photos. Not to mention our beautiful models --- Jana, Charmaine, and Via --- donning stunning gowns by Dita Sandico Ong. The heat of the sun grew more intense as we approached midday, but they maintained their poise and smiled for the cameras despite the sweat trickling down their faces.

It was time to head to Baluarte for some rest and nourishment. Delicious breakfast was served by the friendly staff, then we went to our respective room assignments. After lunch, everyone was all set for the first lecture: Wedding Photography. SPPP PRO Leah Taas and member Orly Mercado shed some light on tried and tested, as well as new techniques in covering a wedding. Meanwhile, our models were being transformed by make-up artists Marrissa Buenaventura and Jeng Flores. Jasmine Tecson, another artist, acted as model this time. Avant Garde was up next, so our artists had fun putting their creative ideas in display, with the models as their canvass. Jasmine was joined by Jana, Marjorie, and Paul, who originally only agreed to entertain the crowd with his guitar playing prowess along with the rest of his band members. He gamely ventured into a different avenue, though, and I'm sure it wasn't too much of a burden being surrounded by the ladies. This lecture was facilitated by guest Dail Deri, who is the daughter of SPPP past president and now adviser, Ibarra Deri.

Night came and after dinner, we were treated to Tanduay mixes while being serenaded by the acoustic band Sidhi members Paul, Miggy, Joel and Guillen. Guest Randy Buenaventura also performed a very unique dance with lights.

Day two's schedule proved to be very hectic. Wasting no time after breakfast, we went right into Child Photography with Dail. Guest child models Ma. Catherine Joy Racho, Jericko Jireh Racho, Helaina Sales, and Maria Ann San Andres brought a refreshing atmosphere to the table. A quick meal, then we were off to the historic streets of Vigan, lined with old houses and buzzing with tourists. Models Jana, Veronica, Marjorie, Irish, Jack, Abi, Jhen, and Pam of Nikon scattered along Calle Crisologo with cameras (even those of passers-by) clicking away all around them. Onlookers were probably wracking their brains, trying to figure out which celebrities these elegant looking women were.

Everyone was pretty spent after strolling around the streets under the intense Ilocos Sur sun, but no one wanted to miss the much awaited Photoshop lecture by I-Mag photography magazine Managing Director Ed Yap and Adobe certified instructor Jun Miranda. People oohed an ahhed during the presentation as Ed showed us how to sharpen images correctly and Jun taught us how to merge various visuals into a single panoramic image. This among several other techniques useful in correcting images or creating other impressive effects.

Though it was already pretty late (I told you this day's schedule was packed), there was still one topic to be discussed. Ibarra, fondly called Deri, tackled the different lighting techniques in Studio Portrait. A portrait taken by Deri was also presented by SPPP to Governor Chavit Singson as a token of appreciation for hosting this event. Plaques were given to the speakers, and certificates to the participants.

Think we're done by this time? Well think again. With lots of prizes to be given away in the raffle draw, no one wanted to retire to their rooms just yet. Everybody was a winner as they took home calendars, planners, pens, notebooks, Tanduay gift packs, photo albums, a tripod, a Power Stone, an external memory drive, a quality point and shoot digital camera, and Mac notebook carrying cases (Marvin was one of the lucky winners of a Mac case. Remember our late comer?). We wrapped the night up with more music from Sidhi, and this time a fire dance by Randy Buenaventura.

It was past midnight when the participants went to bed, but they did their best to get up early the next day. It was time to go to the beach! Everyone donned their beach attires and headed to the Sinait Beach Resort. The view was breathtaking. The ocean went from a light turquoise to a deeper shade of blue that blended perfectly with the morning sky. And with the white sand, we didn't even need reflectors. The models showed off their curves, this time in their colorful swim wear. The heat was fierce (I wasn't kidding about the sand being a reflector) and we all envied the models who happily splashed around in their swimsuits. Too soon, though, it was time to leave this beautiful haven, and there wasn't any time to put our cameras away and join them. Let's save that for another journey, shall we?