Eye Candy

Upon knowing that she will be leaving, I thought about including her in Project Rembrandt. At first I was unsure to ask her and did not know if she will say yes.  I am not good in convincing and talking to people, but I said to myself that I will give it try. 

So, I approached her and started a conversation.  I asked her “When is your last day?”, even if I knew it beforehand. I explained to her my project and asked her if I can take her portrait.  She smiled and said yes.  She also said that she knew about Project Rembrandt because she saw it on my Facebook. It made me happy because someone is looking at your work.

Although we only shared small talks, occasional greetings and smiles, I know that she is someone who can lead and direct people. I know that she can speak Italian and at times I wonder how she learned the language. During company events and parties, our cameras captured her constantly.

I hope this simple picture will remind you of what you did in leading your team and leading us during company events.  God bless you in your new career, Candy!

Two Friendly

On my way to work, I was thinking of who I should approach to have my portrait to keep.  Should I go out during my break and wait for that person in Emerald or Ruby?

When I was about to reach San Miguel Avenue, two young ladies called my attention.  They told me that my bag was open.  I asked them a favor to help me close my bag and they smiled and closed it.  I said thanks and went on my way to work. 

When I was a few meters away from them, I thought that this was an opportunity to ask for a portrait of a total stranger.  So, I went back, called them and explained what I do in Project Rembrandt. Then I popped the question, “Can I take your picture?”  They were nice people and said yes to my request. 

As I started taking shots, they were trying to pose on their best angles and started smiling.  I was a bit nervous and had a terrible camera shake because it was the first time I took pictures of real strangers. I told them not to smile and just to look normal, for me to appreciate their facial features. After the photo shoot, I thanked them and gave them my blogsite’s address.  I told them that I will try to post their photos tonight so that they can view it immediately.

It was a good way to start the working day.  I may not see these two friendly people again.  But I’m glad that for that brief time they have shared their kindness while I shared my captured moment.  I hope you will like Project Rembrandt!

Merienda Lady

Just to keep me pumped up, I chose someone who is not a total stranger to me.  Initially, I thought of getting a portrait of Pip, a manager of one of the restaurants in Ruby Road.   But he was not available yesterday and they said he was borrowed in another branch to relieve for someone.

Then, I saw this lady selling packed lunch and merienda.  I was with a friend that time and he suggested asking her instead.  I approached her and tried to make a short conversation.  After that, I asked if I can take her a picture and explained that I am trying to document people I meet and encounter in my daily life.  Without any hesitation, she said yes to my request.   It was 10:30 am then and we agreed to meet again by noon at Ruby Road. 

By noontime, I went down to see Ann. As I went out of the building, I saw typhoon Falcon gaining its strength.  I looked around and saw people who were having their cigarette breaks; there was no sign of her.  For a while, I thought she wouldn’t show up anymore until somebody called me.  It was Ann; I was relieved and excitedly took pictures.  Her dark brown eyes and hair will make one remember those actors in Boys over Flower, a Korean Teleserye.  Big thanks to Merienda Lady for granting my request and for having the patience to pose despite the wind and the stormy weather.

An Angel @ Down Under

Ric Simbol’s recent picture in his project 365 album inspired me to pursue my first entry here at Project Rembrandt. His picture was also inspired by a Filipino in Singapore (see Danny Santos) doing portraits of people in Orchard Road. I thought it would be a great idea to take pictures of people I encounter in Ruby Road and Emerald Avenue.

Today, I brought my camera and my 50mm hoping that I can have my portrait to keep. I said to my self that I should start easy and not go for a total stranger. So I asked a cigarette vendor, who always sees me pass by at Ruby Road, for his portrait. I failed to convince him and opted for someone else to have his photo taken. I thought of this lady who works in the canteen where we buy food.

I was with a friend when we asked her to take her picture. We approached her like we are going to buy something but instead asked her, “Ate pwede ka ba naming picturan?” (Can we take your picture?). At first, there was this rejection, but while she rejected us she also smiled and asked if we are going to do something bad with her identity. We told her that we were documenting people who we encounter in our daily life, people who affect us and people who share a smile with us whenever we buy food. Finally, we’ve convinced her that we are not going to do anything to harm her. She was not a stand out and she does not have blue eyes that will make your head turn. She is just a simple lady, who works at a canteen that you rely on every time you feel hungry.

Thank you “Ate” for filling our stomachs with your delicious pork chop every Thursday and thank you for being my first entry here at Project Rembrandt!