Promdi-Ilocos phlog

Favorite photos from Halloween 2010

2010-11-13T22:32:00.003+08:00

Last Halloween, the Provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the City Government of Laoag combined forces to come up with a Halloween party. Here are my favorite photos from that night. Captured using a Nikon D3000.

DSLR pop-up flash hs some good after all. Makes your Halloween-costumed  subjects look more horrifying, which is a good thing, right?

--more photos after the jump...

Low angle shots are usually unflattering to your portrait subjects. But, in this case, ya don't need to flatter them...

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Marching bands are fun to shoot!

2010-08-11T00:13:00.002+08:00

These guys are fun to photograph! You see them at parades, fiestas, other special occasions and processions-- like during Santa Cruzan and funerals (yikes!).

You'd be amaze with their endurance and their uniform (or should we say "costumes"?).

During Santa Cruzan, these guys play inside the church.

More photos after the jump 

Always neat and disciplined. They are ideal portrait subjects.

and then there are the ladies... :-)

While these guys from the Philippine Marines Drum and Bugle Corps ooze with talent and showmanship!

This one soldier had his cap blown by the wind.

I ran ahead of the Corps towards their seating area to take this vantage point.

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I shoot events! Please do contact me if you're interested with my services: alaricxyz[at]yahoo[dot]com; 0916-488-8710

favorite photos from Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk - Currimao

2010-07-31T23:16:00.014+08:00

At the company of my favorite local photographers, in one of the province’s most distinct shorelines, with the support of the municipal government, and some good bad weather to heighten the photographic mood-- this wasthe recipe for success at the recently concluded Scott Kelby 3rd Annual Worldwide Photowalk – Currimao held last July 24.

Twenty-six photographers showed up that day. It rained hard earlier which is probably why the other 20+ shutterbugs couldn’t make it to our rendezvous at the Municipal Hall of Currimao, Ilocos Norte. Thanks to Mayor Gladys Cue, the group was allowed to photograph the tabacalera ruins near the seawall. We then pointed our lenses to the many fishing boats in this coastal town. Since it was afternoon, fishermen and divers walked with us as they head to their boats and dive spots. The rest of our walk had us gazing at the magnificent coral formations of barangay Pangil. At the end of the walk, my fellow photographers were very satisfied and felt they made plenty good photos. Here are my own favorite photographs.

The Tabacalera (tobacco warehouse) ruins

more photos after the jump

view from the Pantalan (fishing dock)

walking along Pangil's shore ("Pangil" actually means "fangs" in English. I dunno why the village is named so, but it's cool!)

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If you're looking to publish these photos, please do get in touch with me via email: alaricxyz[at]yahoo[dot]com; or text me at 0916-488-8710. ;-)

scenes from "We Have Jesus" exhibit of paintings by Joey Velasco

2010-07-29T23:59:00.001+08:00

Former Philippine First Lady, now Congresswoman, Imelda Marcos visits the late painter Joey Velasco’s one-man exhibit in Laoag City, northern Philippines. Velasco, who passed away July 20, was known for his paintings that portray Christ in everyday Filipino life. He has had more than 30 solo exhibits around the country in the last three years. His exhibit in Laoag was organized by the Sanctuary of Hope and Love Foundation in order to raise people’s awareness on the plight of the poverty-stricken Filipinos.

more photos after the jump

Unlike the large, exhibited paintings, poster versions of Velasco’s work are up for sale in the venue.

Mrs. Marcos unveils Velasco's "Hapag ng Pag-asa"-- Christ sharing a meal with street children, an interesting homage to "The Last Super". The children in the painting were personally known by Velasco and featured in an inspiring documentary short film also made by the painter, and screened at the exhibit venue.

Mr. Orly De La Cuesta, the founder of Sanctuary of Hope and Love Foundation, claims this is the most successful exhibit of Velasco’s paintings which he has organized, as evidenced by the visitors’ inspiring remarks and actions when viewing the exhibit.

Diocese of Laoag Bishop Sergio Utleg revisits the exhibit.

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As a photographer, I found some inspiration for photo concepts when I first viewed the exhibit. I had an intense experience viewing the documentary short film though during this visit. I am reminded to make more sacrifices to help those in need. And, I am frightened that more and more people are becoming desensitized from the state of poverty in this society.

scenes from the Inauguration Ceremony - Ilocos Norte

2010-06-30T14:55:00.002+08:00

Elected officials in the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte took their oath of office during the Inauguration Ceremonies held at the Capitol, June 30. Along with the Mayors, Vice-Mayors and Board Members, all the elected members of the Marcos Family also attended: newly-elected Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.; his mother, former First Lady of the Philippines, now the new Congresswoman of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte, Imelda Romualdez-Marcos; and Maria Imelda "Imee" R. Marcos who today took her oath as Governor, before a huge crowd of well-wishers. It is Imee Marcos' first time to be Governor, after having been a Congresswoman for the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte for three consecutive terms (1998-2007).

There are two other Marcoses who hold office in the Provincial Government, they are: Angelo Marcos-Barba, new Vice-Governor; and Mariano "Nonong" Marcos II, who is a reelected Board Member. Both gentlemen are cousins of Imee and Bongbong.

more photos after the jump

Journalists take it to the streets; denounce media killings

2010-06-24T22:39:00.004+08:00

Journalists in Ilocos Norte took to the streets of Laoag City last June 23 to denounce media killings, the most recent of which was a ruthless ambush of DZJC - Laoag radio commentator Lito Agustin. Two others from the province have also been slain because of their profession. Roger Mariano and Andy Acosta, both radio broadcasters, were murdered in 2004 and 2006 respectively.

The protesters also hit hard the Philippine Red Cross office in Laoag City. Their blood bank was inconveniently closed when Agustin was in need of a blood transfusion that could have saved his life. He died several hours later, after being shot while on his way home to Bacarra on the evening of June 15.

more photos after the jump

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All photos are Copyright 2010 © Alaric Yanos. Please don't use without my permission. Email me: alaricxyz[at]yahoo[dot]com.

5 Reasons to shoot in bad weather

2010-06-19T18:55:00.006+08:00

A lot of us find the bad weather to be a perfect excuse to stay indoors and cozy up. This rainy season, it is not uncommon for students to skip classes. You would hear adults groaning all day about the dreaded commute to the workplace. Most photography enthusiasts will even keep their cameras in storage for a long period of time because the sun ain’t shining on their favorite shooting spots. If you don’t have a weather-sealed camera and lens, purchasing a camera rain coat this season is a wise investment. Out of budget? Make your own camera rain coat from plastic bags, old rain coat pants, or even a condom (non-lubricated, unused please), or use a really, really wide umbrella when you go out. With that, all you need now is a little motivation to shoot. Here are five reasons to go out and shoot in bad weather.

1. The mood makes everything look new.

Everyone with a basic understanding of photographic composition knows that when you place your subject against a great background, you can add more umph! to the photo. The rainy season brings with it a massive arsenal of great backdrop for those over-photographed spots to look new again and for the unnoticed spots to be interesting. Check your favorite shooting location again before the rain to get some nice, or not so nice, mean-looking clouds in the background. Wait for dusk and you’ll make those clouds burst with colors. Dare to go out during a lighting storm and try to catch a lighting strike or two on your camera. After the rain, see your subject in a whole new angle using ground reflections made by rain puddles. You should also try to visit the coast on a stormy day to capture gigantic waves.

Four more reasons to shoot in bad weather... continued after the jump

2. Outdoor colors are more vibrant.

Have you noticed that outdoor sceneries appear more colorful during overcast conditions? This is because there is no sunlight that causes glares on surfaces. It is also ideal to shoot waterfalls when there is little or no sunlight so that you can make silk-looking water whilst balancing the overall exposure of the scene.

3. Great outdoor portraits can easily be made.

Chance on making outdoor portraits during overcast conditions and you might consider leaving everything but your camera at home. There could be no need for fancy light modifiers since an overcast sky diffuses light effectively, thereby removing most shadows and reflections on your portrait subject.

4. The street is teeming with life.

It’s hard to believe rain puts some people in a melancholic mood. Whenever I go out to shoot in the streets during a downpour, people are all smiles, kids and adults alike. And then there are some interesting street scenes too like kids playing in floodwaters, kids gathering frogs for food, kids killing snakes... ah, crazy kids!

5. Document history.

The camera can be a tool for change. If and when Mother Nature will show her fierce side again this rainy season, you, the photographer, can wield your camera to document the effects of climate change in your area in order to raise people’s consciousness. You could document the repeated flooding in your neighborhood so that you can get the authorities’ attention when you send them those photos together with a complaint letter for their inaction in improving the drainage system. Also, be sure to document relief efforts in your place and try to make inspiring photos that will highlight the Filipino’s kind-heartedness, thus effectively encouraging others to help, and make it easier for those affected to bounce back into normal living.

scenes from Independence Day celebration, Laoag

2010-06-12T13:14:00.002+08:00

I can't remember the last time there was a parade to celebrate Philippine Independence Day in Laoag City. Today's celebration in both the Provincial Capitol and City Hall was highlighted with speeches and wreath laying. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte however also doled out seedlings and fingerlings, and is also holding a medical mission today at the Provincial Auditorium. I forgot to ask City Hall what other activities they have today though. 

more photos and stories after the jump

The Northwestern University in Laoag sent their marching band to enliven the crowd at the Capitol.

Outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Marcos Keon gave a heartfelt speech during the  Philippine Independence Day celebration of the Provincial Government of  Ilocos Norte. He said he'll continue to serve the people and still  reside in the province even after his term.

Honorable  Chevylle Fariñas, Barangay 16 Chairwoman and better half of the Mayor of  Laoag, addressed the crowd in behalf of her husband during the  Philippine Independence Day celebration of the City Government of Laoag.

Part of the traditional Independence Day celebration in the country is the wreath laying at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the first recognized National Hero of the country.

Photo Tip:

Photojournalists are known for getting to their assignments/location early. When searching for a story though, they are already out and about at the crack of dawn, before most people get to work so that they can beat traffic, get interviews, and scout the shooting locations.

I love to photograph people-- whether for the sake of social-documentary or a celebration of life. Hence, I also shoot shows, festivals, events, and even weddings. Do contact me if you need a professional photographer. ;-)

Santa Cruzan in Bacarra

2010-06-02T01:06:00.002+08:00

While some Santa Cruzan celebrations are known for its lavish flair and beautiful young ladies participating as Sagala, attending one in a quaint town will make the experience a more pleasant one. Last Sunday in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Andie and I had the pleasure of documenting several clients' young sons and daughters as they portrayed Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena. We were also fortunate enough to witness both celebrations at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente church and at St. Andrew the Apostle's church.

More about this and additional photos after the jump.

Minus the extravagance and bonafide beauty Queens in the Santa Cruzan coronation program we witnessed, the people of Bacarra had more important things to offer that day. One venue was able to maintain throughout the program a warm ambiance brought about by the closely-knit families attending mass there. While the other was brimming with earnest hope as parents intently watched their beautifully-dressed children march in the aisle and take stage in front of the altar.

There were some pleasant surprises as well as a marching band played inside the Bacarra church. The drizzle during the evening procession also didn't dampen the spirit of the churchgoers who still continued their walk in the street around the church.

Andie and I definitely enjoyed covering the event here. We had plenty of fun moments getting the kids to pose right and watching them do their kiddie things in their adorable costumes and dresses. Add to that the excitement brought by the colorful atmosphere of the Santa Cruzan and Mayflower festival which makes it a must-see event for photographers.

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All photos are owned by their respective photographers: Alaric A. Yanos & Joseph Andie R. Lamug.
For professional photo coverage service to your wedding or events, please get in touch with us! ;-)

Trial Courts Fire

2010-05-29T15:32:00.000+08:00

Fire broke out from the second floor of the Marcos Hall of Justice in Laoag City on the evening of May 13. Two of the seven trial courts in the building were destroyed while the others in the second floor were ruined in the firefighting process. The firefighters declared fire out at around 11:30 in the evening. The cause of fire in this four-decade old building was not immediately determined. (2010 © Alaric A. Yanos)

I wish I was there earlier to get some actual firefighting action but I just couldn't. I hope you like these still. (More photos after the jump.)

Firemen were able to enter the burned courtroom after more than an hour of firefighting.

Employees went back to their offices after work and scrambled to salvage files and other important materials.

Even the city fire station chief can't have complete fire protection gear due to the lack of funds from the government.

A fireman pours some drinking water on himself to get some relief.

A set of floodlights powered by generators were setup to illuminate the inside of the building while the fire was being dealt with.

The firefighters have to thoroughly inspect the ceiling for any more traces of fire.

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Click here to view more photos from the set.

Adams Exposure [Part 2 of 2]

2010-04-12T16:26:00.005+08:00

A feast with the indigenous peoples

After an exhilarating four-hour hike to Maligligay falls, I hit the road again to the town proper of Adams, Ilocos Norte. From Sitio Maligligay to the town proper is another 15-minute motorcycle ride. My next destination was a river cottage where a small feast was waiting for us.

My companions from The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS), except Dr. Antonio, haven’t returned from their hike yet. So, while waiting, I took the chance to set up the food for photography. On the table were the most amazing dishes that the people of Adams had to offer.

We had a salad of edible fern tops locally known as pako. My favorite was the dinakdakang langka or young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk. They also served a wild variety of eggplant, known as bisula-- it’s small and rounded but has thorns. They cook it like pinakbet-- it has plenty of garlic, onions and vinegar. The meat dishes were fried eel, ground pork with carrots, and sautéed freshwater shrimp. All these go perfectly with red, mountain rice. The dessert they prepared for us were heavenly! In addition to the chilled ube-buko juice, we also had squash cake topped with ube jam and some very creamy tiesa (egg fruit) cake topped with mixed fruits.

Soon enough, fellow TIPSters manong Joseph and Edwin arrived so we took portraits of the exquisitely-dressed Yapayao and Igorot people, who both posed with their delicious food and also performed a dance ritual.

Just before dark, our host Dr. Bielmaju Waley-Bawingan, the Mayor’s better half, led us to manang Anavic's house which she also offers as homestay to tourists, and where we will be staying overnight. Anavic’s house is just beside the Bolo river so the group decided to have night swimming first before before dinner. The water was iced-cold thus relieving our exhaustion. But then I also felt my cuts from this morning’s hike.

Our homestay host Manang Anavic with friends in her living room.

The bolo river is irresistible even to the locals.

A night out in Adams
After a sumptuous dinner which includes deep fried, balled up banana blossom, among others, we headed to Dr. Bawingan’s residence for some bugnay wine and music by the recently reunited string band of Adams. Bugnay wine is made of wild mountain berries also called bugnay. Our finger food to go with the wine was exotic: breaded fried frog! I heard it tastes like chicken (I’m vegetarian). I must say I immensely enjoyed listening to the string band. Their repertoire comprises of beautiful Ilocano songs and they play it masterfully. They are actually seasoned musicians who used to play with famous Ilocano singers.

Manang Anavic and some breaded fried frog during the food festival at the Ilocos Norte Capitol last December 2009.

Day 2 in Adams
A great way to start the day in Adams is to watch the sun rise in Lover’s Peak. It’s only about 5-minutes drive from the town. The view from above is breathtaking, made more dramatic by mist, verdant forest surrounding the mountainsides, and an astonishing view of the townsfolk’s’ rice fields. With the extra time I had at Lover’s peak, I followed a path further up and I chanced upon the same species of spider I saw several times during my hike the day before. This one was much bigger though. But, in fairness, the skinnier one shared the same taste in diet: wild honeybees.

Sampling the Tapuey-- rice wine
On the way back to town for breakfast, we stopped by Lola Ingga’s Tapuey winery. She was already expecting us and she had her traditional Yapayao vest on. She was very accommodating. In fact, she offered us a taste of her Tapuey (rice wine) that came straight from the earthen jar it was being fermented in for two months already at the time. I thought it was rude to decline, even if it was just around 8 o’clock in the morning and we hadn’t even had breakfast yet! This probably helped us artistically though as we began to arrange her place for her portrait, which shows her workplace with the earthen wine jar and the baskets, brooms, mats, and other handicraft she and her fellow townsfolk usually make, which is also what Adams is famous for. I felt so art--tipsy at the time that I didn’t even bother to take out my camera to make a portrait of her. I just helped direct the scene and her poses and let the other TIPSters do the shooting. Lola Ingga is a lovely elder and she was jolly the whole time we were there, especially during her portrait session. :-D

Our trip in Adams was also on the same day as Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Joshua Clottey. Adams wasn’t left behind though. The Mayor had dish cable and he welcomed his neighbors to watch the fight live.

Travel tips

The town has at least four different Department of Tourism-accredited homestays. One of the houses we went to had a tilapia fishpond where guests can catch these by themselves, using a rod or a net, and grill it by the pond. In this small town where hotels or lodging houses aren’t anywhere near, homestays are the best option to spend quality time here. Overnight accommodation is P250 per person. Complete meals are available at P150 per person (breakfast costs cheaper). Mountain/ falls tour guides offer their services for P100-P200 only. My advice for those who wish to experience Adams is to arrive there in the afternoon, after your morning beach bumming in Pagudpud. Chill out at the Bolo river and recover your strength by staying overnight there. By crack of dawn, head out to your first falls tour. In the afternoon, go wine tasting or immerse with the indigenous peoples’ culture. On your third day, take another falls tour (you have four tour choices). Afterwards, travel back to Laoag (two-hour drive) and make it in time for the 7pm flight back to Manila.

Day 2 lunch at Aileen's fishpond where visitors can catch tilapia by net  or by fishing rod and have it cooked right there and then. Aileen also  offers homestay. 

Our final stop for our two-day photo excursion in Adams was at our host Dr. Bielmaju Waley-Bawingan’s winery. Hers is probably the most equipped in all of Adams, which is expected because she really is innovative and enterprising. She is also very generous. Having sponsored the tour, meals, and homestay of the TIPSters, she was also able to spare some parting gifts for the group: brooms, bugnay vinegar and wine!

I definitely want go back to Adams again soon. They have documented at least 14 waterfalls and I’ve only been to two. The community is practically self-reliant, admirably hospitable and peace-loving. It’s hard to get enough of adventure and fun in this quaint mountain town.

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Adams exposure [Part 1 of 2]

2010-04-10T11:14:00.015+08:00

Have you heard of a town that boasts to tourists a challenge to venture into their lush forests and find 14 beautiful waterfalls? Instead of bar hopping in the city, how about trying one winery after another to sample several locally fermented wines from wild berries and rice? Fancy sharing a sumptuous meal and dancing away with fascinating indigenous peoples? How about spending a night or two inside a jail cell, as a pampered guest of the friendliest, most hospitable, industrious and self-reliant community in Ilocos Norte? All these can be experienced in the upland town of Adams here in Ilocos Norte province.

Last March 13 and 14, me and my fellow members of The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) accepted an invitation from Dr. Bielmaju Bawingan, the Municipal Mayor’s better half, to experience the best that Adams has to offer to adventure-seekers, nature lovers, foodies, and admirers of local culture.

Getting there is an adventure itself

The road to Adams begins off the provincial highway in barangay Pancian, Pagudpud. It being a rough mountain side road, the 30-minute trip is already an adventure, especially for commuters who’s only way to get there is by riding at the back of a single motorcycle. Sights abound immediately as soon as your trip starts, zipping by the forested mountainside, dipping on occasional streams, and spotting a few waterfalls and birds. In the old days, you have to cross several, long hanging bridges to reach the town proper. But gazing at them instead and imagining how it’s like to drive through them is enough to give some goosebumps.

Photos of waterfalls and more travel log after the jump

Upper Maligligay falls

The five of us TIPSters had to split up in order to document every falls that the town wishes to showcase for tourists to trek to. I, being the youngest in the group (*ehem.* that’s true), was given liberty by my elder brothers to pick the falls tour I wanted. I chose the “easiest” of the four falls tour since I am a little on the heavy side (half-truth? hehe). So, it’s time to hit the road to find Maligligay falls.

After a 15-minute motorcycle ride, I reached Sitio Maligligay where I met up with my guide Manong Noling. I took a few moments to photograph the hanging bridge there which is some 35 feet long and 10 feet above the stream running underneath. The bridge is made of very thick slab of wood which is now rotting and has termites slowly eating it, or at least trying to. Some of the bridge panels are missing. The path that leads to it is almost unrecognizable, having been unused for years and now covered with tall grass and weeds.

This was my first real hike. The trek to the two other falls I went is a walk in the park compared to this. I’m talking about Kabigan Falls in Pagudpud and Kaangrian Falls in Burgos, both in Ilocos Norte. The hike to upper Maligligay falls was definitely challenging. Most of the path is going up the mountain and you’ll find yourself clinging on foliage and roots along the delicate mountainsides. There were numerous huge spiders on the way and I even passed by a hive of wild bees. As I was studying it to take a photo from about 7 feet apart, the hive started to disperse so we had to split.

Trekking under the forest canopy was an amazing experience! I was in awe the whole time looking up at the tall trees and hearing the sound of insects and birds. When we finally reached upper Maligligay falls after 30 minutes of trekking (20 minutes for locals, supposedly), I forgot how tired I am and I immediately zoned out to photograph it. I was also able to regain my energy by drinking the cool water from the falls and catching the refreshing breeze rushing with the falls.

Upper Maligligay falls has two major parts, each having a height of about 10 feet and have deep, inviting basins that are also about 10-15 feet in width. Pictured here is the first portion of upper Maligligay Falls.

Downward view leading to the lower portion.

I climbed up the upper falls and found this huge fallen tree.

Downward view from above the upper portion. Notice manong Noling in the middle left of the frame.

A fallen tree trunk is stuck directly under the falls in the bottom portion of Maligligay falls. It almost looks like it has limbs raised in joy.

Lower Maligligay falls

After an hour of making photographs, we backtracked in order to find the path to lower Maligligay Falls. The most memorable parts of my trek occurred during this. To think that since we were just backtracking, there wouldn’t be any surprises, but, voila! The soft mountain side path we threaded on earlier must have been too stressed by my weight. I slid down the muddy cliff on my back, nothing to grab on to in order stop my descent! But, what saved me was a small and thorny palm-like shrub which caught me by my inner thigh. Ironic? Not really. Fortunately its thorns didn’t penetrate my pants. Glad it wasn’t my..., you know, that hit the base of the shrub. I was safely pulled back up by my guide, Manong Noling, who was genuinely concerned about my safety and totally focused on getting me to the destinations. He was also kind enough to volunteer to carry my stuff throughout the hike and assist me during the shoot.

Took the chance to photograph the hive and one of the spiders during our backtracking. In shooting the hive, I just passed by it and shot in high speed continuous, for fear that they will attack. But Manong Noling was reassuring that the bees attack only when their hive is threatened.

We reached lower Maligligay falls after some 40 more minutes of trekking in the forest and along a rocky river. The falls has a steeper drop compared to the upper set of falls. I like how it almost seems enclosed with those rock walls in the middle of the forest.

Considering that the sun was already hidden from view from within the forest in order to make a good exposure (it was already 1pm), add to that the scheduled food and portrait photography we had to do in Adams town proper, I decided to head back to the main road even though we still had Nacdor falls and the old Maligligay logging trail to shoot. It also started drizzling on our way back, hence, I won’t be able to use my camera.

I thought I was extra careful this time around but I can’t help falling on my back as I broke this tree trunk we used as a path. I also had a horrific fall forward, hitting my left knee with all my weight on a rock in the river. I had Manong Noling worried big time. At least I didn’t get any obvious fractures, just some abrasions (X-ray results showed no bone abnormality afterwards. But I still have some knee pains until now.). I guess I lost focused on that part of the trek because of my delight from having reached level ground. :-P

Photography tips
Besides the obvious: bring a sturdy tripod, shoot wide, etc., when hiking, watch the time. It get's dark sooner inside the forest. Bring some plastic bags in case it rains. Also, if you are not weather-sealed, watch that sweat from falling on your gears.

Come back to this blog tomorrow for the second and final part of "Adams exposure: enjoying a feast with the indigenous peoples.

(May bilog)(2x) na hugis itlog

2010-03-26T18:57:00.002+08:00

(May bilog)(2x) na hugis itlog
Originally uploaded by alaricxyz

Local elections campaign period starts. Prepare your earplugs or die of last song syndrome (LSS) from the silly jingles. :-D
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Harvested fresh, 5 minutes ago.
Captured using a manual focus screw type (M42) lens: Jupiter-21M 200mm f/4

Balikatan 2010 in Ilocos

2010-03-23T03:43:00.019+08:00

Correct practice makes perfect. This holds true in photography as well. With digital photography, learning the skills is so much easier. But, one must take into consideration the proper use of photographic equipment when practicing. Should one neglect to study his camera and other equipment’s functions and rely on fixing their photo on the computer instead, I dare say they are not advancing in photography. Rather, they are merely getting better at post-processing.

Once you have mastered your equipment, you must not hesitate to make pictures in order to develop your craft. That is why I took on the challenge of documenting the recently concluded RP-US Balikatan. Both United States and Republic of the Philippines Armed Forces were in Ilocos Sur from February to March to conduct humanitarian and civic assistance programs. It was another opportunity for me to learn my camera’s limits as well as to gauge my skills in photojournalism.

The main challenge for this series was to still make interesting photos out of a usually mundane activity. At the onset, I had in mind the words of Pulitzer Prize-winning war photographer Karsten Thielker, who spoke in a photojournalism forum in Ateneo de Manila University last year. He said the best photographers are not necessarily war photographers but those who can “work strong images in peace time.”

I hope you like this slideshow of photographs I made during my visit to three Balikatan 2010 Medical Civic Action Projects (MEDCAP) in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

The slideshow and captions for each photo can be seen after the jump.

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soundtrack: "Never Let You Fall" by Trench Town Oddities
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All photos are Copyright © 2010 Alaric Yanos. Unauthorized use is punishable by law.

CAPTIONS:

(for photos captured March 6 at the MEDCAP in barangay Baracbac, Sinait, Ilocos Sur)
Soldiers from both the US and Philippine Army chat up an elderly woman who had her medical checkup during a Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) held in barangay Baracbac in Sinait, Ilocos Sur as part of R.P.-U.S. Exercise Balikatan 2010.

Patients of the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP get wristbands that go thru a scanner which aids the facilitators in hastening the registration and checkup process of the patients.

TSgt. Constantino de Peralta, (RES) P.A., 102nd CDC assists a school teacher in washing the dishes during a MEDCAP held in barangay Baracbac, Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

U.S. Army 1LT. Janna Gaddy studies a traditional Filipino water well and finds it to be a “clever system.”

Sgt. Rogelio Malasig, P.A. 5th CMO assists in the optometry services of the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP held in Baracbac, Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

U.S. Marines LCpl. Ian Pearson demonstrates to Filipino soldiers how a “Meal, Ready-to-Eat” U.S. Military field ration is prepared

(for photos captured March 9 at the MEDCAP in Teppeng Elementary School, Sinait, Ilocos Sur)
Soldiers from the Balikatan 2010 interview a resident of barangay Teppeng in Sinait, Ilocos Sur on what he thinks of the ongoing MEDCAP and Engineering Civic Action Programs (ENCAP). The man said they also need livelihood training, which the Balikatan doesn’t offer yet.

U.S. Army soldiers chanced upon a group of men slaughtering a goat by the road in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

A U.S. Army soldier finds time while in barangay Teppeng, Sinait, Ilocos Sur to help a fisherman fix an air compressor used in diving.

Soldiers from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE (NMCB1) of the United States Navy are surrounded by residents of barangay Teppeng, Sinait, Ilocos Sur who are waiting to be admitted to the MEDCAP being held there as part of Balikatan 2010. The Teppeng Elementary School is also the beneficiary of a two-room classroom being constructed by NMCB1 and the 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion of the Philippine Navy.

Soldiers from both the United States and Philippine Navy install the ceiling on a two-room classroom being built in Teppeng Elementary School in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Soldiers from both the United States and Philippine Navy put finishing touches on a two-room classroom being built in Teppeng Elementary School in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

(for photos captured March 11 at the MEDCAP in Quimmalogong, Sinait, Ilocos Sur)
A Filipino soldier and a clown pump up the crowd during “Children’s Day” held in conjunction with the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP in barangay Quimmallogong, Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

A US soldier tries to convince a boy to get circumcised at the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP in barangay Quimmallogong, Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Two army officers, from the US and Philippine Armed Forces meet and greet the parents and children waiting for their turn to get a checkup at the Pediatric department during the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP held in barangay Quimmallogong in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

A 95-year-old woman gets a lift from two Philippine Army soldiers as she visits the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP in order to get a health and eye checkup.

A cartload of ice cream was bought by the Philippine Army to share with children during the Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP held in barangay Quimmallogong in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Each child who attended the Children’s Day in Quimallogong, Sinait, Ilocos Sur get free ice cream, courtesy of the AFP.

U.S. Army Capt. Campagna, who is also a pediatrician, gets high fives from children waiting in line for their free ice cream in a cone.

Soldiers from the U.S. Army and Philippine Army Veterinary Corps were also present during the Balikatan 2010. They visited the neighborhood around ongoing MEDCAP in Ilocos Sur and de-wormed and administered vitamins to livestock and household pets.

The Balikatan 2010 MEDCAP’ pharmacy was well stocked and manned, hence, patients kept pouring in even until late in the afternoon.

(location: Teppeng E.S.)
School children of Teppeng Elementary in Sinait, Ilocos Sur don’t mind the parked truck in their school as this is being used by US and Philippine Navy forces who are building a two-room classroom there as part of Balikatan 2010.

U.S. Navy PO1 Edwin Ortiz is greeted by school children of Teppeng Elementary. Both U.S. and Philippine Navy Construction Battalion sent its forces to Ilocos Sur to build classrooms, a health center and flood control facilities as part of the Engineering Civil Action Projects of the Balikatan 2010.

(BK 10 Closing, Teppeng E.S.)
Schoolchildren of Teppeng Elementary in Sinait, Ilocos Sur take a snapshot of U.S. and Philippine Army soldiers who constructed a two-room classroom in their school as part of Balikatan 2010.

Children in Teppeng Elementary School in Sinait, Ilocos Sur play with a U.S. Army soldier on the closing program of the RP-US Exercise Balikatan 2010.

A U.S. Navy soldier takes a break and play with spiders dueling on a stick, a game he learned from children in Teppeng Elementary School in Sinait, Ilocos Sur while he and his fellow U.S. and Philippine Navy construction battalion forces were building a two-room classroom as part of the RP-US Exercise Balikatan 2010 ENCAP.

U.S. Embassy in Manila Charge de Affairs Leslie Bassett was among the distinguished guests at the Balikatan 2010 closing program held in Teppeng Elementary School in Sinait, Ilocos Sur. With her at the stage are (sitted, left to right): U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William Faulkner, U.S. exercise director for Balikatan 10 and Sagip 10; Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur Board Member Orlino Tesoro; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit; and AFP Rear Adm. Ramon P. Espera, R.P. exercise director for Balikatan 10 and Sagip 10.

Soldiers wait to lead the crowd in prayer during the Balikatan 2010 closing program for various humanitarian projects in Ilocos Sur.

The new two-room classroom, complete with chairs and school supplies from U.S. Aid, is formally opened and turned-over to the Teppeng Elementary School Administration.

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Keep holding your breath...

2010-03-10T11:25:00.004+08:00

Keep holding your breath... [5 photos]
Originally uploaded by alaricxyz

...coz they just felled another tree...

It's hard to miss this tree-cutting scene in front of Divine Word College of Laoag along the Bacarra-Laoag National Highway. Apparently, the tree was deemed hazardous by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The owners of the lot got the necessary permits, but, looking closer, I am not convinced the tree was beyond repair by tree surgeons (trained foresters who repair damaged tree trunks by cleaning off the decaying parts and filling it with cement. The national project is called "Oplan Sagip Puno".).

Please take a look at the photos and be the judge.

Hmmm... I forgot to ask what'll they do with the timber.

UP Lantern Parade

2009-12-30T22:32:00.009+08:00

Being in the University of the Philippines for the first time last December 18, I felt elated, almost high. Partly because it was my first photo opportunity using my new DSLR and partly because I was surrounded by the brightest young people in the country who made superb efforts to celebrate Christmas in the most colorful and Filipino way-- the annual UP Lantern Parade.

The energy builds up as the various contingents, representing the different colleges, campuses and student organizations, approach the stage behind the UP-Diliman administration building.

My style in shooting a parade is to, as much as possible, view the whole thing before they finish and follow my favorite subjects. Hence, I run from start to end, and vice versa, and wait for my subject to have an interesting background along the parade route.

The trees lining up the streets of the campus helped make an eerie and mystical atmosphere to the parade, thus adding more drama when appreciating the costumes of the parade participants. Meanwhile, the majestic college buildings are complemented when juxtaposed with the lanterns and other creations of the contingents.

As this is a lantern parade, which means it is best shown at night, come equipped with a fast lens (one that has a small-numbered aperture value). I don't like shooting with flash when there are some wonderful ambient night lights. Unfortunately, I don't have a fast lens yet. But, fortunately enough, my new Pentax K-x has superb image quality even at very high ISO.

I had a blast witnessing this colorful, fun-filled event! The costumes and lanterns were all beautiful, while both the participants and spectators were lively and cheery. Even the program hosts were a riot! :-D

The Mommy Dionisia Christmas lantern/float. Notice the kicking foot? ;-)

I do hope to witness this again next year! Happy new year, everyone!

--View the rest of my UP lantern parade photos in my flickr photo set here.
--WARNING: all photos (and video) are owned by yours truly, Alaric Yanos. Unauthorized use is punishable by law.

many firsts

2009-12-21T15:36:00.002+08:00

many firsts
Originally uploaded by alaricxyz

A lot of firsts happened to me in the last five days.

I got my first DSLR, a Pentax K-x, last Thursday. Yipeekayay!!! Got to meet Mr. Bong Manayon for the first time also. Such a cool guy! ;-)

Friday, I saw UP Diliman and their lantern parade for the first time.

Caught my first IMAX film, Avatar, at the SM Mall of Asia last Saturday. It was also the first time I visited MOA. (Thanks to Manong Albert for the treat!)

It was my first time to officially cover a wedding ceremony yesterday, with Andie and Bryan, in Bulacan! My first time there as well.

Finally, I steppped into the famous Bantay church (pictured above), Ilocos Sur, for the first time, as our group from the wedding decided to have their Simbang Gabi there while on our way home.

Whew! Have a Merry Christmas, everyone! ^_^

Copyright 2009 © ALARIC YANOS. Unauthorized use is punishable by law.

What to expect from this blog

2009-09-21T20:53:00.002+08:00

Kablaaw! (Greetings!)

I'd like to give you a glimpse of the provincial life. My name is Alaric and I've been living in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte all my life. Over the past four to six years, I've been actively photographing people, places and events that I find interesting here in Ilocos. It's a hobby of mine that I love to share and talk about thus the motivation to put up this blog.

You'll see here stories and musings on the images I've captured (mostly with my oldy, moldy, rusty but trusty vintage film SLR) as well as travel and photo tips for you Ilocos tourists or locals. I equally enjoy discovering new places and documenting the various traditions and practices of the people here. Thus, you can expect to see landscape photos and photojournalism entries in my blog.

I will try to post an entry at least once a week and I look forward to having you visit and speak your mind regarding my posts. Meanwhile, you can visit my flickr photostream for daily photo uploads.

See you around!

ALARIC