I’ve always liked shooting what goes on behind the finished product of a styled and posed photograph, most people don’t see the amount of effort and meticulous detail it takes to get “the” shot.
Of course light moments are aplenty and jokes are exchanged with co-celebrities.
Striking their poses, but relaxing between shots make way for laughter and camaraderie.
Makeup artist Leo Posadas knows a thing or two about striking a pose as well.
Analog in this age of digital always makes for an interesting sight.
The RED Charity Gala happened at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, with the expected attendance dressed to the nines enjoying themselves and bidding generously during the auction part for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross. Most guests came on time -or at the most fashionably “late” which made for a quick paced program which I appreciated.
After the scrumptious full-course dinner prepared for us, it was then time for the fashion show. Cary Santiago showcased his collection which impressed many while countless flashbulbs ignited incessantly on all sides of the stage, perhaps for documentary purposes or maybe to catalog order choices.
For a more complete photo set of the collection click here [Cary Santiago Collection 2012]
Support the Philippines National Red Cross and save lives. To donate, click here.
Chef Laudico hosted a very select group of people wherein I was included, and overwhelmed us with Filipino culinary delights that were amazingly inventive and experimental. I never thought that I’d be wowed by Filipino food again, well not since I tried sinigang na bagnet in Vigan. It’s really hard to describe food, so I’ve taken the liberty of taking photos of the courses I enjoyed that night (which you can find down below)
But first, here are the people who made the night’s cuisine even more enjoyable.
Chef Laudico, such a standup guy. No matter how busy he was that night, moment I walk into his restaurant he offers me a drink or a fruit shake. Divine of course, which is self-explanatory. Ginger Conejero, who always has a sunny disposition whenever I see her out.
I usually visit his restaurant during the day, so seeing it setup like this really changed the mood of the place and set the stage for the rest of the evening.
Divine was really excited for the food while I kept looking at the menu trying to imagine how the dishes would turn out.
That’s a smile of excited anticipation (note: rubbing hands together)
Patty Laurel and Divine looking great.
Billy and Nikki were also there, it’s been such a long time since I’ve seen them!
I love candid moments.
Mantle photo?
Chef Laudico explaining how excruciating having sensitive teeth can be and how he had to suffer from it until he started using Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief.
Another photo of Divine (and little bit of me in the mirror)
Trixie, Ria Barretto (Nuffnang), Ninoy Gonzales (MEC), and Pam (Colgate)
First dish was Lumpiang Ubod Cones with Frozen Spicy Vinegar!
Carla Abellana and the well-suited Arnold Vegafria
Chef Laudico hanging loose with JP Anglo
The discerning bloggers’ table
Adobo Mushroom Cappuccino! This tasted great, especially with the shiitake mushrooms! 
Three kinds of Mango Salad with Dijon Bagoong Vinaigrette
Chef Lau took some time to chat us up, explaining his passion for cooking -and eating which inevitably led him to where he is today. One of the Philippine’s most sought after chefs and purveyor of modern Filipino cuisine.
This I loved. Kitayama Wagyu Beef in Sampalok Glaze served with Taro puff and Oven-Roasted Tomatoes. It was like an extremely flavorful, deconstructed sinigang.
And finally the pièce de résistance! Banana cue tart flambe, with langka ice cream and caramel crunch! Chef Lau you’ve truly outdone yourself!
Thanks Chef Lau for the hospitality and the amazing food, and of course to Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief for throwing such a delicious way to tell us about your new product!
Check out http://www.chefsdinnerparty.com/ too!
Last night I arrived a little later than I usually would, but it proved to be a good move since I was right in the thick of things by the time I stepped through the door. Tuxedos, risque evening dresses, designers, musicians, writers, artists, celebrities, and some political figures all intermingling made for a pretty unique experience in style and substance. Drinks kept flowing well after midnight, live music, a hundred photographers present snapping and strobing away, and copies of the first year anniversary October issue of Esquire (marking it’s second year) were available at the door on the way out.
Esquire Philippines has indeed outdone themselves with yet another awesome party that people will be talking about for days. Here’s a few of the guests that attended, you may recognize some of them.
While walking decidedly aimlessly looking for a place to gather refreshments for an impromptu sunday picnic overlooking the Eiffel Tower, our group ran into a rather well suited JR Isaac relaxing in a cafe with his brother Raymund et al. It was fancy running into them, even if we’d already made some plans with them in passing weeks prior. Still wonderful surprise, and the weather was great.
I, being the motivated photographer lately figured I should make use of this opportunity and snap a few shots for the good ol’ blog. I liked the color palette JR used, nothing outrageous or paint by numbers style but classily accentuated and mindful of subtleties such as matching his pocket square with his shirt, his cherry hued shorts, the peaked lapel and the relaxed fit of his jacket (but with correct sleeve length) as opposed to a form fitting one that could’ve made him look uptight, and I also strongly noticed his foldable Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Very cool.
Pap’d by yours truly,
-V
