Weddings, Fashion, and Glamour (SPPP's July Meeting)

Weddings, Fashion, and Glamour (SPPP's July Meeting)
By Ingrid Samson

It was another monthly meeting for the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines last Monday, July 5, 2010. This month featured a lecture on Wedding Photography by hotshot Richel Mascariñas. This attracted more people to the club’s usual venue, the Philippine Columbian Association, like mold to your lens on a rainy day. We were given an additional treat as well, with former member, serious hobbyist photographer, and famous musical genius Jesse Lasaten gracing the occasion. Needless to say, the Lasaten-penned SPPP theme song was sung during the meeting.


But Richel’s and Jesse’s roles didn’t end there. Together with Ramon Ching, they served as judges and critiques for the monthly photo contest. Congratulations to club president Orly Mercado, Lito Remulla, and Leo Cordova for bagging 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place respectively for “Fashion and Glamour”.

Of course, the meeting wouldn’t be complete without the July birthday celebrants blowing the candles on their cake, and being treated to a very.. ahh… “lively” rendition of the birthday song. Even the first time guests gamely serenaded Jeng Flores, Mark Garcia, and Ed Bañaga.


Special thanks go to guests/observers Clifton Nivera, Roldan Decena, Stan Karl Abainza, Al Abainza, Marcelo Manzano, Jonathan David, and Raymund Marcelo for joining us that night. SPPP also welcomes Joey Tariga, Nancy Lim, Kimberly Poli, and Sonny Kabigting to the group as probationary members.

SPPP Spices Up Graphic/Photo-Video Expo 2010

by Ingrid Samson

Three days of techno goodness for visual graphic and photography buffs of all kinds, ages, shapes, and sizes! Made possible by Fiera de Manila, it was the first time that the Graphic Expo was held back-to-back with a Photo/Video Expo at the SMX Convention Center, on June 17-19, 2010. With a little help from the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI), the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (SPPP), led by President Orly Mercado, was there to bring more flavor to this yearly event.

SPPP Adviser Boy Samson played emcee, and facilitated the photo shoot sessions at the club's booth. Photo enthusiasts, armed with DSLRs and point & shoot cameras alike, clicked their shutters to their hearts' content at SPPP's gorgeous models. Jessica, Valerie, and child model Anna were photographer magnets both onstage and at the SPPP booth, while April Villamayor, Cinderella Ocampo, and Abi Guevarra sizzled the stage during nude body painting photo shoots. The beautiful body painting was courtesy of non other than SPPP's own Adviser Emeritus Ibarra Deri, and his daughter Dail. Special thanks go to Bing Budiao for providing us with continuous lights.

Back at the booth, a little on-the-spot photo contest was held, sparking even more action and excitement at the jam-packed venue (not to mention some controversy as one participant got a little too fired up about the competition). But it wasn't just the models and pictorials that attracted attention here. Hobbyists, amateurs, and even professional photographers were drawn by posters advertising SPPP's latest workshop, and of course, the very catchy and informative video about the club being played on a 32-inch LCD screen provided by Handy To. As many were eager to join this prestigious organization, SPPP is indeed looking at even more members and exciting activities in the months ahead.

SPPP would like to thank Abacus Microcomputer, Aperture Trading, IMag Magazine, PCCI and Ynzal Marketing for supporting the mini OTS.