BEHIND THE LENS

Marlon Advincula’s childhood dream of bringing Law and Order into his life as a top litigator is nothing less than a blur now whenever he’s asked about his younger years. Instead of a briefcase, he carries around a luggage of cameras and studio lights. He has developed a more subjective mind, rather than the “I object” attitude.


Being an expert in computer programs, having graduated with a degree in Information Techology, he took his first assignment in photography as a photo “re-toucher” at the Lito Sy studio in 2004. 


Opportunity came a-calling when the studio manager, Roy Oliveros, asked him to take his 1x1 ID photo. The camera, back then, seemed like rocket science for him as he had never used the DSLR before. Roy showed Marlon some basic settings on the camera. After seeing how it sparked his student’s interest, he taught him more than just a brief 101. 

“Then he asked me if I wanted to become a photographer. It was like an instant promotion, right then and there,” Marlon recalls.

“I learned more about photography when I finally got to work side by side with Mr. Lito Sy, shooting for portrait, fashion and weddings. He is a very passionate photographer and a strict teacher. I learned from him the discipline, dedication, and love for photography. Working with him is every photographer’s dream. He’s not just a good teacher, but also a cool friend.”

Marlon stayed on with Lito Sy’s production outfit for almost six years before he decided to branch out his talents and work with other talents. “In 2009, my friend, Vinz Valdellon, introduced me to Paul Borromeo. Even before we were introduced, I was already familiar with his work, which I got to browse through online. I have always been fascinated by his lighting techniques. Soon, I was given the chance to shoot with him at his studio, and that experience added more ideas in my think tank. Whenever we work, we do not only shoot but we also share techniques and pegs. It came to the point that we decided to share our advocacy with the budding breed of shutterbugs by conducting a portraiture workshop. From there, Lyrical Light Workshop was born. It was a creative venue where we put up a whole production for all the photographers to explore with and shoot.”

Early this year, Marlon finally took a brave step to go solo and offer his services to clients as a wedding photographer. It was a career move that showed a lot of promise, especially for this visual artist. Judging from his set of photos online, his trained eye has the capability to foresee magic and bliss in between scenes and moments in a wedding.

“I take on both the traditional and modern approach when it comes to wedding photography. It’s all about the emotion. I call my style Multidimensional. I always try on different techniques, what the clients want, and what my eyes see. I also find harmony and romance with the vintage look.”

When asked for some pointers, especially for those who are learning photography, Marlon shares, “Read, study and practice. Do not limit yourself to one style or what the others are doing. Be bold and try all techniques. Eventually, you will just discover your own style. Train your eye, be open to all possibilities, and the rest will follow. Like what my mentor, Lito Sy, once said, you should shoot with your all your heart.”

Checkout Marlon Advincula’s websites at http://www.marlonadvincula.blogspot.com and http://trunkzamakuza.multiply.com for his portfolio of wedding, fashion, and portrait photos. For inquiries, please call 0920-7916920 or 0923-4411171. You may also visit his studio located at the 2nd floor of Sulit Bldg, across Ateneo de Davao gradeschool campus, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. 
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 167, 24 October 2012.

ON FOOT DOWN THE URBAN JUNGLE

(photos by Lean Daval)

In my cosmopolitan kind of jungle, I’d say everyone has an animal instinct when it comes to fashion. By that I refer to a person’s fierce approach to individuality and style authority amidst various clothing options. A person with eagle eyes can easily single out which shoes would match a certain look or add character to it. Life in four inch heels can command a lot of attention and elevate you inches closer to heaven, but staying “grounded” (meaning walking on flats) always feels like enjoying heaven on earth.

If there’s comfort food, there’s probably something we can call comfort footwear. For instance, comfortable ballet flats add class and sophistication to your feet while sandals give you that sexy and casual feel whether in the sunny tropic or air conditioned malls.

Another fun alternative to sandals are flip flops which has gained much respect and following in this modern time. “Flip flops” is the better version / term of the slippers of the old days. These funky and colorful accessories for the feet have made a mark in the history of fashion. With the colorful variations, chic embellishments, and prints, the society has welcomed the marriage of elegance and flip flops --- Casual elegance, so to speak. One of the many brands of flip flops that have become a status quo on its own is Ipanema.

Exuding the festive and exotic vibe of the beaches of Brazil, Ipanema has long since created a name synonymous to creativity and fun. They never go amiss with their collections of bright hues, bold prints, and vibrant patterns.

Strengthening its positioning as a daring and dynamic brand, the Ipanema’s tree of style sensibilities branched out to Davao City with its Urban Jungle Fashion Show last October 12.

Reflecting its fierce and brave approach to styling, the fashion show proved to be unique on its own with a dance repertoire depicting some exotic creatures. 

In a way, the experience was similar to watching “Lion King” on stage. 

The dance-heavy fashion show displayed the latest collection of “animated” pieces, which are designed to encompass diverse tastes and personalities of every fashion animal.

Ipanema flip flops’ strong and durable form was able to sustain with the dancers’ movements throughout the show. The production design and balletic approach was a colorful feast for the senses. The formula, choreography, and direction were very original. 

And I guess that is a testament to Ipanema’s brand and character: It always bring something new and original to the community.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 162, 17 October 2012.

CRÉME DE LA CRÉME

In a sea of a billion socialites, these fantabulous females stand out with their wit, arresting charisma, and style acumen.

Seeing them together is like seeing happiness in a bowl of ice cream. They are a refreshing mix of flavors that blend harmoniously with each other, like a match made in heaven.

Each has her own fashion fixation and takes after her own style icon. In this cast of self-proclaimed shopaholics, they have a bag hag, an accessories queen, a shoe gal, a Carrie Bradshaw, and the Serena and Blair.

They are the usual faces seen in various events and society pages. They are this generation’s superheroes --- power moms, to be exact. Well, maybe not all of them. One or two has yet to feel the itch from the wedding bug, and we’re hoping it’ll come soon.

One Sunday afternoon, the fab pack gathered at the Lobby Lounge of Marco Polo Davao to give a proper welcome to the second child of the “Charlotte York” in the group --- my fellow columnist, Nikki Gotianse-Tan.

So, what’s kickin’? “It’s another boy!” Nikki beamed.

The good news ensued a fit of giggles from the girls, without breaking their poise. They each gushed in beautiful recall of Nikki’s pre-Missus days with her beau, Philip. Over glasses of creamy gelato, they shared scoops of happy memories, and, in soft spoken perkiness, they chirped in praises of Nikki’s pleasing personality and friendly appeal.

Prim and proper… No wonder her friends refer to her as the Charlotte York in the group. Even when she’s just a month away to reaching full bloom, Nikki is still able to carry trendy dresses with so much ease, marrying pregnancy with classic elegance. She is Grace and Kelly (Misa), rolled into one. She is effortlessly classy, even without pearls.

Beyond the by-lines, Nikki is a friend anyone can easily count on. She’s the kind who greets people with a genuine and welcoming smile. Just like a sister, she listens without judgements, and enthuses love with every well-thought advice.

Friends agree that it is Nikki’s charms and lovable qualities that won her husband over. They quipped, “He was smitten, right at the moment he first met her.”

As a wife and mother, friends say Nikki is very warm, loving, giving, and protective. She is handling family businesses from left and right, and yet she makes it a point to balance work with family life. If not, she gives more attention and time to her bundles of joy. She dotes on her first born, Duncan, who, apparently, has this unfathomable liking for doughnuts from Dunkin’. She spoils him to his heart’s content, but gives him enough space to make and learn from his little mistakes.

Talking babies again, friends pointed out that if Nikki were to have a little girl in the future, they’d wish for her to name it either Audrey or Charlotte. “Both are sophisticated names which also suits the character of Nikki. I’m sure her daughter would take after mommy’s fashion sense,” says one.

Another friend concluded, “If I were to put it in the context of desserts, I’d say Nikki’s the strawberry flavored gelato. The pink color is so her. It’s pretty to look at and the color never goes out of style. Among the many flavors we see out there, strawberry will always be everyone’s favorite. And that’s how easily lovable and likeable Nikki is to whoever she comes across with.”
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 157, 10 October 2012.

NIKKA'S FAIRYTOPIA

The beautifully pink fairy wonderland party served as the social debut of Katarina Mikaelle “Nikka” Montemayor Nograles, the unica hija in Congressman Karlo and Marga Nograles’s brood of three kids.  

The pastel themed celebration was very fitting for a little girl’s first birthday party, complete with bouquets of pearl balloons, scoops of ice cream and other sweets, and a bag full of magic and pixie dust.

One happy family.

Nikka looked so dainty and pretty in her cotton candy pink gown and fairy wings. Her fairy friends also came in full regalia --- mini tiara, tutu’s, frilly dresses, wings, and all. The boys, on the other hand, looked handsome and dashing in their prince costumes.

Bianca Barretto-Uy with her kids Isshi, Quent, and Zach.

Stephanie Seng-Ong and her Sasha.

Me and my little Tatiana.

Leading the kiddie games were Nikka’s older brothers, Matteo and Massimo. They moved and danced to the beat of their favorite tunes. They also touched hearts with their short but moving birthday wishes for their little sister. Three boys and girls were awarded with the best in costume title, which came with additional toy prizes.

Aside from the delectable buffet spread and party games, parents and kids also enjoyed the treats from the activity booths and food carts. 

The celebration was definitely nothing but spectacular. The attention to detail and extra surprises were trademarks of the party planning skills of Nikka’s mom, Marga, as she’s known for putting together the most exciting family and social events. Knowing how much of a dedicated mom Marga is, she definitely won't settle for anything less than the best when it comes to her family.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 Issue 156, 09 October 2012.