Mister Sister

In life you will encounter a lot people.  We can find a person that will affect our lives and eventually we can find someone that we can mentor and impart our life.

Last week one of our beloved associate resigned and now will take a brave path on improving his skills and talents in another country.  He not knowing that he shared his life and made a lot of impact to us.   He brought youthfulness and vibrancy in a time that our team needed it the most.  He became a new comic that made our office a more happier place to work.  He taught and reminded us to value our family, love ones and our friends.

Empoy thank you for sharing your life and the work you've accomplished in our team.  I am sure that our team and a lot of our colleagues will miss you.  I know that you will excel in your new career and I hope that everything you've learned you will apply it in your new work place. As always as I end every Project Rembrandt: "Empoy, thank you for being part of our lives."

The Thriller Miller

Thrilling as the title sounds, the person featured in this post of Project Rembrandt won 2 MVP awards in the Philippines' professional basketball league.  

When I saw him passed by us, my eyes lit and I told my friend Dan that we should ask him for a picture.  It was my second time to see him in person.  The first was when I was still a kid,  I was with my schoolmates back then and we were playing at our local barangay basketball tournament.   Never had I thought that I would get another chance to have a brief encounter with him.

I immediately took my camera and approached him.  I called him by his first name and asked him for a picture.   I never felt shy, as compared to other strangers I previously asked for pictures.  Maybe it was because he was a celebrity and we both grew up in the same province, or maybe because I felt that he was very polite and humble.

Dan and I also had small talks with him.  We told him that we were both fans and we even asked him for the team he was rooting for in the NBA Championships.  He said that he would go for the veterans and  that of course was my favorite San Antonio Spurs!

Its a good thing that I started this project. This will help me look back and remember the thrilling encounters that happened in my life.  Thank you Willie Miller for being part of Project Rembrandt!

The Smiling Cameraman

It was a busy day in New York City; people were filling up the streets in commemoration of the 9-11 tragedy.   We are on our way to Central Park and we decided to stop by at the Rockefellar Center to rest, take pictures and enjoy its scenery.    As we were about to take our seats, I noticed a group with a big camera and a microphone.  It was Fox News and it looked like they were getting insights from people who were attending the event in New York City.  This was a rare chance for me so I took my spot and aimed my camera at them.  When I was about to take my picture, I glanced at the camera man and saw that he was smiling.  I took his picture instead  because I know  I won't always get the chance to see an actual interview, but it was even a rarity to get a smiling cameraman.   Two thumbs up for you sir and thank you for being part of Project Rembrandt!

The Small Boat of Balicasag Island

 Like his old and small boat, this meek and aged man speaks a lot of how life is in Balicasag island.  Similar to every person in this place, people here make a hard earned living through eco-tourism.  Some of  them sell delicacies, pearls and shell key chains. Others, like this man use their small boats to bring tourist in the snorkeling area.
  
I asked Mr. Claudio how long has he been living in Bohol and said that since he was a little boy.   He uses the rich marine life of this place to acquire his daily bread.   I never asked him if he was a fisherman once but from his skin color and physique, one can easily tell how much he knows the definition of hard labor.

Seeing him reminded me how blessed I am in my life and how the things I experience were not as hard as it was for him.  I never failed to ask for his picture having in mind that this is the only way I can help him and his family to have a constant income through tourist referral.   As I continue Project Rembrandt, I hope to meet more people like him, trying my best to express them through pictures and short stories.

An Encounter with a Legend

It was this year's Chinese New Year that me and my wife celebrated the festivities at Ongpin.   The place is filled with people expecting the dragon dances and fire crackers.  It was a very nice day to shoot and we were very happy when we finished our little adventure.  We got the chance to experience the Chinese New Year and met new friends.

The most significant person that we've met that time was a photographer.   We were in the front of Shopper's Mart when we saw this guy wearing a NatGeo bonnet.  He was wandering around caring his cameras as if he is looking for a great shot.  I immediately told my wife that he is a famous person and that we should  take the opportunity to ask him for a picture.

My wife approached him and asked if its alright;   he said no with a grin and I was left shocked thinking why.  After a quick second, he smiled and said of course it is alright.  I immediately hurried and with shaky hands took the picture.  I'm glad with what I have captured but what is more important is the moment that he shared his simple wisdom to us.   My wife's lens cap fell and he said "Honey, never cover your lenses when you're shooting and don't turn it off, you'll never know what's going to happen."   It was then that I realize that he is Val Rodriguez, the chief photographer of Philippine Star and the Presidential photographer of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos.

The picture that I took is a snapshot but the moment that Sir Val shared his wisdom was something to treasure.   Sir Val, if you ever come across this blogsite, me and my wife will forever be grateful for that short time.  Thank you for being a part of my Project Rembrandt!

Buko Juice

Sundae Bloody Sundae

We took a break at the Pulitzer Fountain before entering Central Park.  Of course, it did not stop me from capturing a moment that will remind me of this place.  It was September 10 and New York City is preparing for commemorating the 9/11 attacks.  There were a lot of people in the city, but that did not stop this New Yorker to enjoy the weekend and enjoy her sundae.   She was wearing a bright red dress and was eating a red-coated ice scream which reminded me of a popular U2 song.

Amazed

As we continue our trek to Central Park we passed by a crowd of people checking out the sights at St. Patrick's Cathedral.  It was September 10 and NYC is giving honor to their policemen and firemen who served as one of their heroes during the 911 attack.

As we walked our way through the crowd, I saw this woman checking out St. Patrick's Cathedral.  As she looks like she was in awe of the structure of the church, I was in awe of how her tattoos complimented her skin and her dark hair.

Entourage

My second day in New York City involved a lot of walking.  Our agenda for that day was to go to Central Park, take pictures and enjoy its scenery.  We stopped at the Rockefeller Center to take a break from our walk but that did not stop me from taking pictures.

I saw a group of beautiful women walking at the halls of Channel Gardens.  I'm glad that even if we took a break, I had a moment to keep and make this place memorable to me.

Hmmm

"Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of, there is nothing you can't do"

As the song goes, NYC can really be a jungle.  Big streets and huge buildings filled with people can be confusing.  I saw this lady figuring out where she is and if she's in the right way.  I was blessed that she stopped in front of me and captured her moment.

Redhead

The traffic lights and pedestrian lanes are a friend to me. It gives me opportunity to capture pictures of people.  When I saw this lady with her distinct fiery red hair right across the street, I immediately took my spot and waited for her to cross.

It seems that people here are always on the go.  It's either they are carrying their phones answering text messages and emails or carrying a drink to satisfy their thirst and cravings.  This lady was carrying a tumbler that might have a coffee or a tea in it.

I waited for her to come closer, but I waited too long and she noticed me...

Footprints

How often do we see somebody take their own picture with their iPhones, digital cameras, or even SLRs? In this age and time, probably a thousand times.  I did not have the chance to take a picture of myself with the Empire State as my background but it was kind of refreshing to see this girl who was probably doing low cost  backpacking all by herself but did not even think twice about making a footprint at the Rockefeller Center.

Headache

As we turn our way towards 7th avenue,  I saw this lady trying to give her head a massage.  It could have been a hangover from last night's party or she is just having a bad start on her day.  She must have had her breakfast at Bagels & More to ease the pain on her head or just bought a bottle of water to make her feel better.

The Call

She could have been in an argument or confused on the message that she is receiving. She might be experiencing a bad signal, but the picture clearly says that there is something wrong with her call.

See-Break

There is one rule in riding the Grayline bus: “Don’t stand and take pictures!”  This is for the reason that you might get hit by the traffic lights.  There is one exception though, you are allowed to stand and take pictures if there is traffic and when you are on a stop light.

When the bus stopped, I immediately stood up and saw this woman getting ready to start her c-break.   She lit up her cigarette anticipating the wind which will try to blow the flame on her lighter.  Indeed, the stoplight was worth looking forward to.

Modern Jog

A few blocks away from Banana Mornings Lady, I saw this woman doing her morning jog.  I immediately setup Nonnie and captured the moment. 

For me the picture represents the modern woman, keeping herself up with the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.   In her gear includes an iPod that probably pumps her up in her workout.  She might be taking the opportunity to keep herself healthy or maybe just maximizing summer, knowing that fall is just right around the corner.

Banana Mornings

The morning Gray line bus ride was a treat.  I got the chance to explore the city with a tour guide explaining each land mark of the Big Apple.  But more than the historical information I got from the bus ride, I did get a good seat to take pictures of people and women in the street.  I’m glad that it gave me a different angle and a different perspective.  It gave me the chance to capture candid shots.

While our bus is moving away from the fashion district, I saw this woman eating a banana and holding a cellular phone. It may be her breakfast or her snack.  She may be late or catching up with an appointment and a morning fruit treat is all she needs.

Waiting

See, Hear, Feel is a collection of photographs of women in New York City.   Inspired by Garry Winogrand’s “Women are Beautiful”, I opted to take pictures of people and women during my visit in the Big Apple.

My first post is a picture of a woman waiting for the traffic light to clear while we are waiting for our Gray Line bus ride. 

Initially, the woman was facing away from me.  I waited patiently to get my photograph and I was blessed that she looked at me before she crossed the street.

The wind was blowing swiftly and she almost blinked because of it. Instead, it was my camera that blinked and captured the moment.

A Slice of New York

During my trip to the US, I was preparing my self to do street photography.  I was not concerned on taking shots of the tall sky scrappers of New York or the world renowned landmarks of the city. But I was more interested of the people in it. The people who I have taken pictures of will remind me of the places I’ve gone to in the city.

This special Project Rembrandt was inspired by Garry Winogrand and our very own Danny Santos. 

It was another busy day at the city and there were a lot of people.  These people who consist of tourists and locals are enjoying the last days of summer.   Again, it was hard for me to approach a stranger, specially when I am not on my own turf.

The night was nearing and I still don’t have my picture to keep.  My friends and I opted to look for a pizza place where we will eat dinner.   It was this pizza place in 8 Avenue near the 47^th street that captured the attention of our hungry stomachs.

We ordered two pies and it was devoured by a group of 6.  As we were about to finish our dinner, I saw this cheerful man who bakes the pizza we ate. Without any hesitations I approached him and asked “Is it alright if I take your picture?  I want to remember this place by taking a picture of you."  Ben smiled and said yes. 

I did not take the picture I usually do, but this captured moment shows the glare of the bright lights in the city and the kitchen of the pizza place, which perfect for my taste.

Ben, thank you for being a good sport and allowing me to enjoy your delicious pizza.  Until my next visit!

The Mr. PR Man

He is one of the most colorful persons I have encountered; a good talker, cheerful guy, who usually captivates people with his wit and funny jokes.  Some might find him brash at first, but once you get to know him you will find that he is easy to talk to, one who shares his lessons and experiences about life.

When he passes by our corridors, he never fails to greet his colleagues.  He always shares a smile, a tight shake hand, a wave, a salute, a hello or a big smile.  He is there to give you a small talk, an insight and a good laugh.  I can say he is a people person and sometimes I think if he would run for political office one day, there will be a great chance of winning.

When I asked him to be a part of this project, he immediately said yes without knowing the details of it.  When I said that this was for Project Rembrandt, he already thought of the idea that I will take a photo of him.  He even had a funny way of saying he was busy and told me that he is not wearing his best attire and said if we could do it the next day.  I laughed and said yes.

It was the first time in this project that I took a photo of a person taller than me and it was kind of difficult to frame him in the picture.  The camera was in a slight upward angle and I took several shots just to get the right one.

Thank you Rene for being part of this project and I hope I shared something different from the talks, good laughs and insights you shared with me.