Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workshop. Show all posts

Old City, New Passion - A Manny Librodo Workshop in Manila

For more than a year of being a professional model, specifically in Malaysia, I've had my share of good and bad experiences with different people I've worked with on most shoots. But one photographer I enjoy working with - no matter what - is one of the top 5 photographers in the world according to Scott Kelby and who my husband Marl looks up to, Mr. Manuel "Manny" Librodo, Jr..

I have worked with him in Kuala Lumpur for 2 workshops and have had some fun shoot with him after those workshops. Fun shoots are usually done just for fun - it's not work - but still carefully planned and conceptualized. And this time, we did it again in my hometown... MANILA!

OLD CITY, NEW PASSION

When I worked with Manny during his second workshop in Kuala Lumpur this year last July, he mentioned to us that he'd be doing a workshop in Manila and is looking for models. Since I knew that we'd be coming back to the Philippines by then, I volunteered to be one - who wouldn't want to be his model? So after weeks of communicating with the organizers and the stylists, the day had finally come.

August 21 (Saturday) was the day I was so looking forward to. I think my Twitter friends would have agreed on that because I've been tweeting about that and even underwent to a very strict diet and workout just for the workshop.

Days before the shoot, I would send SMS to Sir Manny because I'm worried about the gloomy weather. It had been raining on & off for days and we heard that there was a typhoon coming. But with a full determination, he replied to me a day before the workshop with a quote worth writing about:

"Makikisabay ang panahon sa atin bukas. Kung hindi.... tayo ang makikisabay sa panahon. :)" - Manny Librodo

The day started very early at 6AM. And with the bright blue sky & the morning sun shining bright, I knew that Sir Manny was right. We all met up at Orchidarium in Luneta Park. The other makeup artists, stylists and models followed and we all started to glam up for the shoot. I am my own makeup artist - and boy, was I soooo thrilled!
Behind the scenes (click to view)
THE FIRE PRINCESS

The stylists and their muses (1st set)
My first set was a Fire concept. My stylist, Tiffany Cheung of Lifestyle by Feliz, gave me pegs of the look she wanted me to have. I did my makeup for an hour because I had to hide my eyebrows with an eyebrow sealer. The fun started when I wore the red wig and the gown created by Jearson Demavivas. It fit me just great like it was really made for me... and yes, I love how my cleavage looked in his creation! Hahaha! But panic started when I tried the red contact lenses, it just hurt! But after a few attempts and shedding real tears for that, I managed to pull it off just fine. Jearson also painted some fire thingy on my shoulder and chest. Loved it!

We then went to Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros, a short drive from Orchidarium, where the photographers were waiting for us as they finished Kharunisia Jazmin's first set. Along with me were the other concepts: Fire and Indian. We were assigned by Manny to different locations in the garden as he divided the group of participating photographers into 3 - one group per model at a given time. I love the dress but since it's a corset dress, I couldn't bend my midsection so much thus limiting me with some of the poses I've conceptualized before the shoot. But it all went well. Thanks to my stylist, Tiffany, who was always there to assist me from my tangled wig to carrying my sandals for me. Love you, Tiff!

THE SAFARI PRINCESS

We were then asked to change into the second set... mine was the Safari theme. My stylist this time was Rica De Leon of Lifestyle by Feliz with a dress created by Jerome Salaya Ang. I super love this concept because I love earth colors and I feel good in them. Doing a brownish tinge of makeup is my forte as I've always loved to be tanned. I backcombed my hair and sprayed it with an extreme hold hairspray and a gold color hairspray. The dress was a bit too tight on my thighs, but as the other stylist named Lia said, "Tight is good!".

The Safari theme on me was cut into two sets, a quick photoshoot at the Baluarte de San Diego where I was photographed with a carriage and after lunch at Orchidarium itself. The lunch at Orchidarium was a great bonding time with everyone. Food was great but I couldn't eat - I was still in an adrenalin rush. Afterwards, we sang a birthday song to Kharu as Sir Manny presented a birthday cake for her. Then we went for a short retouch time. Feliz Diestro, the head stylist and a known prenup stylist, lent me more props and more accessories to wear. Weeeeee!

I was so much in my element at this time even though it drizzled on and off. Working with Manny in the past has made me feel at ease during this workshop that I even craved for more difficulty and challenge. Manny even had me lying on the pavement in my designer dress! I trust Manny in everything he wanted me to do because I know how he visualizes each shot. Soon enough, we were called for a group shot and Manny did a simple thank you speech to all of us. It was indeed a great workshop with lots of energy from everyone! :)

Manny Librodo with the models, participants, stylists, MUAs, organizers
Thank you "major major" to the effort of our hardworking stylists, especially to Tiffany Cheung and Rica De Leon. Thanks to my husband Marl who assisted me and for being my fashion and beauty consultant all the time. Thanks to the Image Nation for organizing the workshop. To all the participants who have tried their best to capture the best shots, galing nyo! And to the master, Manny Librodo, thank you so much for the opportunity again!

NEXT UP... CEBU!


And I'm fortunate enough to work with Manny Librodo again in his Cebu workshop on September 12, 2010. See you there, Cebuanos! :)

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO BELOW TO SEE MY UPDATE PORTFOLIO


Follow saritaonline on Twitter





Related Links

Landscape of Emotions - A Manny Librodo Workshop in Kuala Lumpur

FLASHBACK
I was very fortunate enough that my husband Marl attended Manny Librodo's workshop in Cebu. He wasn't supposed to go as he wasn't sure if we'd still be in Cebu during that 3rd week of January. But seems like the gravitational force of the universe really wanted him to attend the workshop, as of all the ones in the waiting list, he was the one who was called by the organizer when they knew that one slot was left open by another participant who backed out during the last minute. Marl was meant to be part of the workshop for sure. Before Marl left for the workshop that day, I told him to tell Manny that I would love to meet him personally. And I was so thankful that he did because Manny, who's been my contact in a modeling site, asked me to join them for dinner after their 1-day workshop. Boy, was I glad even though I was sick at that time. I was able to meet all the top photographers in Cebu who participated in the said workshop, and was fortunate enough to meet the very beautiful Kharunisia "Kharu" Jazmin and of course, the world renowned Filipino photographer, Mr. Manuel "Manny" Librodo.

A DREAM COME TRUE
Having known Manny Librodo's work for years now and having him regarded as one of Marl's inspiration in his photography, I have turned myself into a stalking fan of Librodo who would always check out his Pbase gallery and his Facebook page for his recently posted works. And there was this question in my mind, "When can I be photographed by this talented person?". And not long after that, we got a message from him few months ago that he would be having a workshop in KL. I was so excited and even suggested Marl to attend the workshop again. But it just got better. Manny asked me if I'd be willing to be one of the models for the workshop along with the Thai model cum actress Krystal Vee as the main model. And I said, "WHAAAAAAT?!?!?!?! OMG! That's insane!!! OMG! I'd definitely do it. OMG! I must do it. In this lifetime!!!". LOL.

I mean, who wouldn't want to pose for Manny Librodo? He's like the Filipino king of portraiture in ambient lighting! He's like... he's like... a dream photographer whom most models would want to shoot with. OH MY GAWWWWD! I kept staring at his message on our Facebook wall for hours in disbelief - most of my Twitter followers know that. LOL. And he asked for Marl's assistance to be his VA aka "reflectorer" which Marl was so glad to do because he'd be part of the photo session, too, and having some chance to steal some shots. :)

THE WORKSHOP
I've been looking forward to that day and was wishing nothing but for me to not fall sick when he came to KL for the workshop on June 5th. And my wish was granted as I was in my most top shape when I arrived in the workshop - except for the nasty mosquito bite under my eye right before the shoot.

There were 15 participants, a makeup artist, Manny's assistant Marl, Krystal Vee, a local model named Sofea and myself. The workshop was organized by Dr. Ban Hup Teh. They provided a costume for me which perfectly fit the Chinese Opera theme complete with the headdress. I was my own makeup artist so I matched my makeup with the costume. The photos came out outstanding!
I was supposed to only have a single set while Krystal was changing for her 2nd set, so I was so thrilled when Manny asked me if it's okay if they continue shooting me using some of the props that were available there (I also brought some). BUT OF COURSE!!! So instead of having just a set, I ended up having a scarfed look with a fake fringe for my 2nd set and a middle eastern look for the last set. It was all good and I had so much fun posing for the participants and of course, for Manny and Dr. Teh.

Marl, on the other hand, did a great job on being the VA or the 'reflectorer'. He had his chance to take some stolen shots, too. Clever guy. :) But towards the end of the workshop when I wasn't busy anymore, I replaced him as the 'reflectorer' for him to take better shots of Krystal's last set in sexy costume.

After the workshop, Dr. Teh, Krystal, Manny, Marl, and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at a Thai restaurant near Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, where they stayed during the weekend. It was great to get to know them well. They also went to the Pub to watch our show. We're soooo humbled. :)
Dr. Ban Hup Teh, Marl, Krystal Vee, Manny Librodo, and Sarita
at The Pub of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

FUN INDEED
I really had fun throughout the workshop. It was a great experience and the participants were fun to work with. Dr. Teh, the organizer, was so helpful in most ways and made sure that I got everything that I needed. Sofea, the local model, was so sweet. The beautiful Krystal was unbelievably easy-going and down-to-earth. Manny, of course, is THE man. :)

CLICK ANY OF THE PICS BELOW TO BE FORWARDED TO MY PORTFOLIO!

Chinese Opera Theme

Veiled Temptress

Behind the scenes by Dr. Ban Hup Teh, Jonathan Khee, and BadeeDadee

The participants with the models and Manny Librodo


PS: Dr. Ban Hup Teh is organizing another workshop of Manny Librodo in July 31 and August 1. Visit his website for more details and to reserve a slot (if there's an available one).