EFFIGY...by MR. OSG

For the month of May, our resident psychic (hehe) and photographer, Mr. OSG will be celebrating his nth birthday (--secret daw ang age sorry). As a treat to photography enthusiasts especially to the members of GCC (Gensan Camera Club) who supported him during his term, he is giving a Portraiture Workshop dubbed as [drumroll...] "Effigy". This will be held on  May 14th, with the venue to be announced soon. 

Effigy is a one day workshop inclusive of lunch for a minimal fee of five hundred pesosesoses. Strictly limited to 15 slots so don't be surprised if they don't hold a slot for you for more than a day. The first ones to pay at Montage will be assured of a slot. So what are you waiting for? As I am writing this blog, slots are quickly disappearing. (Who wouldn't want to attend since the registration fee is actually a steal, right?) 

As pre-requisite participants should have attended basic photography workshop/seminar and knowledge in Adobe Photoshop CS3 or higher. Bring your laptops with you for the post processing sessions (of course, in your hurry, don't forget your DSLR cams as well).

For Reservation: Pls Contact Prexy Ramil Chio Blah, GCC President.
For Payment: Look for Nante or Cris at Montage Gaisano Mall.

For more of Mr. OSG's works, visit (and "like") his page at facebook here.

Being "Librodized" - The Manny Librodo Experience

photo courtesy of Mr Manny Librodo, taken at San Francisco

To some of my readers who are not photography enthusiasts, I could understand if you have no idea who Mr. Manny Librodo is. But in the world of photography hobbyists and professionals, Mr. Manuel Libres Librodo, Jr. is making waves not only in his native Philippines but around the globe as well. He is  a world renowned photographer and instructor whose works have been featured in the glossy and prestigious pages of  National Geographic. His photo of a Burmese boy graced the cover of UNICEF's wall calendar 2009. A three-time Grand Prize winner of www.betterphoto.com and Digital Camera Magazine's (UK) Photographer of the Year. Manny is a highly sought-after speaker who had conducted sold out workshops in US, Canada, Australia, Holland, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines. He was even named by Scott Kelby as one of the FIVE BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS of the world in 2009. 

So just this April 2011,  he graced the halls of Kalsangi, Polomolok for his Gensan leg of nationwide workshops. A number of photo enthusiasts attended his workshop dubbed as "Landscape of Emotions - Gensan Workshop2".  For the photoshoot, he was accompanied by model, hair and make-up artist, stylist and designer Ms. Kharunisia Jazmin whose fascinating creativity is very evident in the different concepts and looks which never fails to leave the participant/photographers in awe. 

The two day workshop consists of a photoshoot and a brief lecture on the first day and a comprehensive post processing session and Mr. Librodo's workflow orientation on the second day. 

This is the second year that Mr. Librodo conducted a workshop in Gensan. But it was an added treat being featured in the local news special thanks to Ms. Anne Santos of ABS-CBN Gensan. (click on the link to watch the video)

Below are some of the photos of the participants in this workshop, you can also view their photos/output here.

So what is the essence of being "Librodized"? It is not in so much as learning the technicalities of photography, it is in getting in touch with your creative juices and learning to frame an artistic photo. It is "taking a photo from the heart" as I quote from Mr. Librodo himself.  For him, taking a good photo is not over-thinking it, but catching the moment before it passes. It is framing life in its simplest form.

If you want to be "Librodized" you can check out schedules of his workshops worldwide here. Also, check out Mr. Librodo's works at pbase. 

For upcoming Gensan workshops, contact organizer Mr. OSG or Prism Events for information and details. 

Piyesta KTV and RestoBar...Filipino food at its finest

Piyesta KTV and RestoBar first struck me as a quirky restaurant. And I was not mistaken, its  strikingly unconventional facade spelled out fun and merriment. As its name implies, the food they serve are fit for feasts and gatherings. Fiesta food and fanfare!

Piyesta serves some of the yummiest Filipino delicacies in Gensan. One of my personal favorites is the sweet and sour pork. Sure you would say that this is one of the usual and ordinary dishes in most restaurants serving Filipino food. But theirs is the perfect mix of the sour and tangy with the perfect touch of sweetness that leaves you craving for more. 

My first taste of their Crispy Tuna Buntot was really mouth watering. Grilled (or fried) just right, you can just savor it like  any pork dish. Excuse me for being a meat lover but I am happy to say that their Tuna dishes sometimes make me forget that I am actually nom-noming seafood.  :) Other must try dishes are the Kura stick, Sinuglaw and Binusog na Pusit.

The Kura Stick @ only P85 per order

They have the yummiest floats: Durian, Mango and Avocado

For parties of four or more, be sure to try the set Piyesta Meals. A combination of two or three dishes so you can taste a little of everything they have. There are about eight variations to choose from, so you are never left confused on what to order if it is your first time to dine there. Price ranges from P550-P800, quite cheap considering the feast that they will serve you. We never fail to satisfy guests we constantly bring here by ordering any of their set meals.

They also have KTV rooms for the avid singer wanna-bes. You can order your food and take it inside the rooms at consumable rates of P300 per hour for 5persons or P500 per hour for 10 persons.

Piyesta KTV and RestoBar is located conveniently at the al fresco dining area at Robinson's Place Gensan. For reservations or inquiries, you can call them at 083 500-2139.

Special thanks to Mr. Brian Congson for the pictures featured in this entry.