  Charles Schultz Philosophy
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The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthie st people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant..
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
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How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
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Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of fiv e people you enjoy spending time with.
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Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
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Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow inAustralia "(Charles Schultz)
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  This is a very good article.
Those who are still single may learn something from here....
Those who are already married may take it as a guideline to improve your
marriage....
DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?
During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question.
She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?"
I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said,
"It depends. Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How
do you know?"
Let me answer this question because the chances are
good that it's weighing on your mind.
Here's the answer.
EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with
your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked
their idiosyncrasies.
Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a
completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO
anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love...
Because it's happening TO YOU.
People in love sometimes say, "I was swept off my feet." Think about the
imagery of that __expression. It implies that you were just standing
there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU.
Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience.
But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the
natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls
become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it
happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive
you nuts.
The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you
think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between
the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry
subsequent stage.
At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry
the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of
the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with
someone else. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame their
spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for
fulfillment.
Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is
the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a
friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.
But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage.
It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with
someone else. You could.
And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few
years later. Because (listen carefully to this):
THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S
LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.
SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER
just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it
day in and day out. That's why we have the __expression "the labor of
love."
Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes
WISDOM . You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.
Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific
things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your
marriage.
Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there
are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise
program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your
relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and
effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable...you
can "make" love.
Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"... Not just a feeling...
Thanks rrr
 We had fun sa overnite photo camp kuno. Its a five hour ride from manila but its worth it.Dun sa mga di nakaalam sorry kasi talagang walang time ipaalam sa whole wide world op da pinas.hehehe. Sa mga gusto mag-attend wait lang kayo kasi inaayos pa and sched.Baka may part II. Beautifull place and very photogenic unfortunately di pa pwede mag-upload ng photos kasi my contest baka maging issue pa. So pano Kitakits mga repapips. Thanks mrs Elmer!!! .Hehehe
Nasa Ucc kami ng wppp barkada kagabi when the news came in na nasa ICU si paolo and then after ilang saglit lang tuluyan na ngang binawian ng buhay si Pao. So sad!. napakabata pa nya pero yun ang gusto ng Dyos. Wala tayong magawa dahil ano mang oras ay talagang puede ka nyang kunin. Marami ang di nakakaalam na si pao ay dating member ng sikat na TUX group. Madalas kaming magkasabay sa mga gigs nung akoy musikero pa. Naalala ko pa na mahaba ang buhok ni pao (pareho kaming hanggang dibdib and haba) at payat pa sya nun. Makisig tingnan.Gandang lalaki ika nga.Tapos di na kami nagkita dahil nag abroad ako. Makalipas ang ilang taon, nung nasa wedding industry at nagphotographer na ako ay laking gulat ko kasi nakita ko sya bilang emcee at coordinator na . Madalas ko na naman syang makasama sa mga wedding. Kung matatandaan nyo, sya din ang "suki na EMCEE" ng WPPP Photo congress. At nitong nakaraang congress nuong October nag usap kami sa lobby ng club pilipino at tinanong nya ako kung paano ako pumayat. Sinabihan ko sya na magbawas ka lang ng kanin at tigilan mo na ang pagsisigarilyo. Tapos di na kami ulit nagkita at kagabi nga ay pumanaw na sya. Anyway ganun talaga ang buhay. Kaya Pao,Paalam sa iyo kaibigan. Marami kang pinasaya at natulungan. "Youre the life and death of a party"
Here at last.the most awaited workshop. A 3-day event to be held at a hotel in Subic Zambales. Four of the country's leading photographers namely Mr.Jorge Maniquis, Richel Mascarinas , Edwin Tuyay and yours truly Bern Mejias will be conducting an inter-active seminar-workshop in destination wedding photography. There will be a mock-up wedding complete with bride and groom. From preparation to pictorials and post productions. From details to portraits. See how the pros do it and learn while watching and photographing as the event unfolds.They will be giving tips and tricks of the trade. Package includes aircon bus transpo from Manila to Subic, food and drinks ,hotel accommodation , seminar, hand-outs and photo contest to be judged before closing date. Anyone can join. Just bring your camera. Guaranteed to be a fun-filled learning experience. Join now!!!! limited slots only.....
   
Thanx Madge and Lorraine
Being an overseas bride
Feb 8, '08 11:15 AM
for everyone
I just got married last month, 18 January 2008. I started preparing for my wedding as early as March 2007 and I realized (o talagang tinamad lang ako! O di ako nag-se-search sa tamang sites) na there’s not much I could find on blogs nor on articles about overseas brides --- more specifically the DOs and DON’Ts that Pinay overseas brides need to take note of before and during the wedding.
On my way back to Geneva (as in sa plane), I wrote these ideas down. I would like to share what I went through. If this blog could give insights to one or 2 future brides, then this would have already served its purpose. Brace yourself, it’s loooooonnnnnngggggg.
PLANNING
1. If at all possible, PAY FOR YOUR OWN WEDDING. It is so much more liberating, I tell you! Nothing beats having full control over this event and making your own decisions. ‘Nuff said.
2. Decide if you want a stress-free or a stressful wedding before you even begin thinking of your planning. You owe it to yourself not to be so stressed and anxious during your big day. This mindset allows you to plan accordingly. Planning and managing is my profession. So it’s natural for me to be controlling. But I realized I cannot plan every minute detail from abroad. So I made a conscious decision not to be the OC bride … some things needed to be let go and this worked well for me.
3. Preparing from abroad is not easy. Acknowledge that there is difficulty in getting your wedding preps done. If it is within your budget, opt for a very good coordinator. Unless your relative/friend is a professional event planner, choose someone who is not. If you can’t help it, make sure they are not part of the entourage so they could concentrate on the event. At sana hindi sila ang unang kakain, noh!
4. Too much information does not help. I only bought 5 wedding magazines the whole time I was preparing. I also went through blogs. Then I stopped. Vhaket??? Information overload. It wasn’t doing me any good and to think I only did that for less than a couple of months. Heller??? Get past the excitement! Get preliminary ideas but don’t let society dictate what should and should not happen on your wedding (it’s pure marketing, honey). Good thing also is to ask one supplier who s/he would recommend so you can narrow your choices down.
MONEY MATTERS
5. Most people, articles, sites and blogs (ang dami) would say “Stick to your budget.” Gasgas na itech. What I would ask you is: “Do you even know what your budget is?” You need to rationalize and identify what your priorities are. Parang, ganito: “Hindi ba matutuloy ang kasal pag walang souvenir (a.k.a. dust collector)” OR “Isasanla ko ba ang singsing ko, kung hindi o eh ba’t kailangan may bato?” OR "dapat bang i-shoulder ang second round ng drinks?" Doing this BEFORE lets you set a reasonable and achievable budget. It follows then that you can stick to it.
6. Set up a separate account for wedding expenses. Do not ever ever mix your hard-earned money with the wedding fund. In this way, you can easily keep track if you’re spending more than you should. Having all your money in one pot gives you a false impression that you still have a lot to dig into.
7. I didn’t need to give my coordinator my budget since I knew I could manage and control it well. You don' t really have to. If your coordinator is good, s/he does not need to know, s/he will just sense it. S/He should be able to tell if you’re having too much expenses and tell you that some things are not really needed. That’s the mark of a professional supplier.
8. If you are an overseas bride, people automatically think you have all the money in the world and that your wedding should be BONGGACIOUS! Nah-ah. Even rich people, do budgeting. Best advice I can give you? Don’t tell anyone how much you’ve set aside. Keep them guessing! At the same time, walang mangungutang!!!! hahahaha
9. Still not leaving the issue of budget --- even phone calls or phone cards should be part of your budget. Don’t need to explain further.
10. Have a reality check if you are the type of person going gaga over a Claudine-Raymart type of wedding but does not have the budget for it. Heller, sponsored kaya sila? If there is one thing I can say, you pay for Quality. Kung tinipid (and TIPID has a relative definition) mo ang suppliers, then do not compare their work with someone who is more pricey.
11. If you do not have a personal account in the Philippines, then you need to plan how you are going to transfer your money and convert them into pesos. ATMs nowadays are ready to access international accounts but note that most, if not all, local machines only allow 20,000php withdrawal A DAY. So plan when you need to have that money taken out of the bank. You don’t want to reach your wedding day with nothing to pay some of your suppliers because YOUR DAILY AMOUNT HAS BEEN EXCEEDED. Ganon?
12. If you have budgeted on USD (or other currency), keep track how the exchange rate goes with Philippine Pesos. I started budgeting at 47php to the dollar. By the time I started making my first downpayments, the exchange rate was already 44 to the dollar. Surprise surprise, come the month of my wedding, the rate was 40 to the dollar. Kaloka di ba, bakit di na lang ako lagyan ng pacemaker sa puso. So be mindful of how the rates are going.
SUPPLIERS
13. Choose a supplier that you are comfortable with, who has experience, you TRUST, you respect and most of all (which is a very good checkpoint) someone whom you think would be your good friend after. Yun bang sa susunod na uwi mo eh gusto mo silang makita at hindi yung "sana di ko siya masalubong sa MOA!" You want your wedding to be fun, full of love and more importantly less stressful. You want good memories of that day at hindi yung nagmamadali kang i-blog ang supplier mo the next day dahil sa inis, de vah? Note that suppliers need to WORK WITH YOU and NOT CONTROL YOU. Go and do due diligence checks with your friends and colleagues if that helps you at all.
14. If you have doubts that they can deliver what you want, then don’t go ahead with the signing yet. Ask for a portfolio or a demo tape or something … Kung di ka lang naman sure.
15. There are a few people who would be out there whose only concern is to discredit some suppliers because of their experience with them (and not mindful of their own shortcomings). But be rationale, do not believe every single detail you hear or read in blogs especially if you do not know the person telling the story. Ang logic ko diyan, the very good suppliers will not put their name on the line without regard for anything. There is always 2 sides to the story: the supplier's and the couple's. So, exercise proper judgment. It also does not help you at all in reading a disgusting blog about your supplier AFTER you have just booked him/her. I suggest stop reading blogs about them after signing that contract. You should have done that before.
16. It would be good if your suppliers have already worked with each other. Fortunately for me, they have even if I booked them separately. I bet you, it makes all your preps run smoothly and hassle-free.
17. Focus first on those suppliers who can only do ONE wedding a day (especially if you do not want to resort to their 2nd team) like make-up, photography, coordinator, event stylist, band. The very good ones get booked easily so don’t be too complacent kahit kasing yaman ka pa ni Bill Gates. No amount of money will not make them drop their booked clients because it’s their name and credibility on the line.
18. As your backup plan, try your suppliers’ 2nd team. Most of them are trained by your supplier to his/her standards. If for some reason, the main supplier got sick, at least it would be less stressful for you to find someone else (who may even perform less than the 2nd team) at the last minute.
19. As an overseas bride, CHECK and MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Overseas bride ka ha!!! So don’t ever pretend you have full control over suppliers and over the littlest of things. Pag hindi ka naman nabaliw, girl! For example, your coordinator cannot and will not report to you everyday or every week especially if you still have more than a couple of months to go and if your suppliers are already booked. What do you want them to report on? May bagong camera lens ang photographer mo? Or may bagong MAC powder ang makeup artist mo? Does that help you at all? If you are so OC, then check with your supplier what you expect even before signing with them.
20. If it is part of your budget (which I made sure it was in mine) and if really feasible, go home at least months before for a few days or weeks. I am not referring to your final uwi before the wedding. No!!! This is the meet-and-greet part way way before the wedding takes place. I had to meet my suppliers and look them in the eye. Emails and phone chats will not/cannot give you that “feel ko sila” moment. And it makes the whole discussion easier because the dynamics are just different.
21. Your suppliers are not your slaves. Yeah, bayad mo sila. Yes, naka-kontrata sila sa yo, pero so? That's why for me, it was good that they matched my and Arvin's personalities. You need your suppliers to be happy with what they do for you so they could bring out the best in themselves consequently bringing out the best wedding for you. You don’t want to feel that they are just dragging themselves to do it (how pathetic is that!). Imagine if your make-up artist just does the make-up kasi “trabaho lang” or “yamot itong couple na ito” instead of having a mindset of “I need to make this bride beautiful … not pretty … but beautiful.” So keep your “feeling boss” personality in check. Kung di makatiis, let your coordinator handle your other suppliers.
22. Communicate with your suppliers. Do not expect them to GUESS what you are thinking!!! Hindi ata sila si Manang Bola, noh! Ano, Batibot moment? Give them some of your ideas and give them time to process it. If they are not sure, they will come back and ask your decision. But do your end of the deal, tell them what you think.
23. Most, if not all, wedding suppliers are artists (make-up, photography, designer, florist, music, and even coordinator). Let them be creative and give them space to do their work but still within your blessings. It has to be a passion for them and not just mere work putting food on their table.
24. Do not be lazy, compare supplier packages and pricing thoroughly! AS IN EVERY ITEM. I had 4 proposals from 4 hotels. I was very tempted to choose Hotel A because it’s known at the same time the package is less pricey. But when I sat down and compared it with Hotel D (which almost gave me a heart attack after seeing the price but so totally my choice) including add-ons, the difference was only 20,000php (or 500USD). So gow ako with Hotel D!
25. Once you get proposals and packages, step back and think. As in THINK of OTHER QUESTIONS you can possibly come up with. Some suppliers (especially hotels) will not volunteer information. Your hidden costs can be brought to light depending on how detailed your questions are. Ask help from your coordinator. If you want to have a look at my questions, just holler in my multiply site. I would be very glad to share them.
26. If you can avoid it, do not abuse your friends. If you want them to do something for you and it is their profession, by all means PAY them (kahit siguro ex-deal, puwede) .. and yes I did do this. Basta, respect their work. Huwag mang molestiya! In this way, you can directly talk business and you’re sure that the friendship is saved should problems occur. Wala ring sumbatan! Paano kung di siya maka-deliver? Sisigawan mo ba siya, kikimkimin mo ang sama ng loob mo, o sisiraan mo siya sa iba?
INVITATIONS
27. It so helped us a lot when we went to see the printer and having shown her our own design. I don’t have the patience to sit down and go through past invitations. For one, it’s already an existing design. No longer unique. So I went and asked my friend (professional graphics designer) to design something for me. That made all the difference.
28. Bridal Registry or Money? If you’re leaving the country after the wedding, do you seriously and honestly want people to give you electric fans, plates, glasses, cooking pots, etc.? So choose wisely for your registry. If money naman, madadala mo ba sa ibang bansa ang pesos? Exchange Rate loss lang yan. To manage that, we decided not to put anything on the invite. Nothing dictated upon guests. For one, Arvin and I do not like registries. Second, it’s unsettling to ask for money (and how much?). Third, it is much sincere (from the guest) to give the couple what they want to give at the budget that they have. Walang pilitan.
29. If you really want your wedding to be for Adults only, put ADULT RECEPTION. Kebs ng printer mo kahit sabihin pang di ethical o wala sa book of etiquette yan.
30. Do you seriously need that many PRINICIPAL SPONSORS? Go and ask yourself. Go and ask your parents. If you don’t know them, do not respect them, or are not close to them why should they be your second parents? What advice can they give you that you will heed? Additionally, it crowds your invite …
31. Before choosing members of the entourage, ask yourself … 10 years after the wedding and if you were looking at your photos, would you regret having Maria or Jack as your secondary sponsors? Magkakaroon ka ba ng “Sana di na lang sila ang kinuha ko” drama? Medyo late na ata yon. So choose wisely and choose those who mean to you. And note, you don’t have to get your cousins or any other relatives if you don't really like to. Heller, kamaganak mo na nga sila, entourage mo pa? Double booking na yon!
32. Pinoys, unfortunately and honestly, still need to learn RSVPs. Believe me!!! I’ve been told so many times how stubborn people can get but I refused to believe it until it happened to me. So either wag ka nang maglagay sa invite ng RSVP (sayang lang ang bayad sa extra card) or ask your coordinator to call them one by one. Better yet do it yourself. If they are really your friends, they will not mind a note or text from you or your coordinator that you need them to CONFIRM. I went to the extreme and told them that if I don’t get confirmation by a certain date, their SEAT RESERVATIONS are cancelled. Ang taray!!! Aminado naman ako doon. This is also the best way to control your costs during reception. Less surprises because no additional heads.
OTHERS
33. Some grooms-to-be are hands-off kasi daw it’s a girl thing. I beg to disagree!!! AS IN!!! I bet, those couples who planned their wedding together would attest that such a “girly-thing” is SO NOT. The guy needs to understand the effort, the time and the money spent on this. I am so fortunate that Arvin went through with it ALL THE WAY. And as the event is nearing (pressure!!!), you need someone to discuss things with and put you into perspective.
34. Most people who work abroad were able to put up an investment or 2 back home. Pinoys need to mature and consider prenup as something they may need --- hindi dahil mayaman ka (so narrow minded ). But to keep something you own for yourself and/or for your family. Arvin and I wanted both our families to be secured with the fact that whatever we owned and put up for the family remains with the families. Prenup is not something very difficult to do.
35. Before coming home, make sure you have a checklist of what you need to pack. You do not want to forget an important piece of your wedding like your ring. Blood Pressure rises!!!
36. And before going home, plan how you would spend your days and weeks wisely. Set aside 2 to 3 days before the wedding as NOTHING-TO-DO days. You need to rest physically and mentally.
CHECKPOINT DAY(S) BEFORE THE WEDDING
37. If you are stressed during your wedding preps, then it is a reflection of how disorganized you are. I mean, seriously (aminin!!!). This is a big event involving big bucks and a lot of people. Don’t be surprised that there will be pressure points. As in kailangan bang nakakalat ang mga souvenirs sa kwarto? Kailangan bang makalimutan ang anik-anik sa house? Kailangan bang tumaas ang boses? Hindi naman di ba? Remember, pag stressed ka na, stressed na rin ang mga tao sa paligid mo.
38. If you and your spouse-to-be are not comfortable writing vows, then DON’T. Again, ask yourselves. Not because USO means bagay sa inyo.
39. I had an alone time with myself night before the wedding (kung organized na lahat, you can do/will have this.) I had no last minute stuff to do, so I stayed and slept alone in my bridal suite. I was thinking and preparing myself for the next day, I was staring at my gown, I was praying and asking for guidance on my new life ahead. Put it this way - YOU NEED TO SHUT OFF from other cares of the world. You have to wake up on your big day with a clear head.
40. Take Care of yourself. I had 4 weeks leave before the big day. In my first 3 weeks in Manila, I got sick 3 times (fever, colds, cough – combination of weather change and fatigue). Biogesic, Tuseran and Decolgen to the max. Puwede na akong product endorser!!! It was not a pleasant thing to go through. You would want to be in tip top shape for your wedding.
I am very fortunate that the event took place as planned and very successful at that… last pieces of advice,
KNOW WHO YOU ARE and DECIDE accordingly. Things will then fit into place.
If you can help it, DO NOT DIVULGE details of your wedding. It makes the whole thing a surprise not just to your family but to friends and other guests. There is quite a satisfaction when you hear them say “Awwwwwhhhh” or “Ang ganda!!!”
 This is all about my personal views and experiences with regards to Canon and Nikon cameras. I used to be a nikon user. I had the F serries body,FM10 F2,F3,F90 and Nikor lenses. Oops I almost forgot I also have Canon A1, AE1, EOS10, EOS5. When digital came along I started with Fuji S1. Then I bought the D1x D100 and even the point and shoot cool pix. Then canon came complete with fanfare and parade. It took me so much convincing to shift but I did. I sold my nikon prime lenses for bagsak presyo just so I can have the money to buy the new system. My point is this. Some photographers tend to brag about the brand of their cameras that they forget that no matter what brand you use you can still take good pictures if you are a good photographer." Wala kasi sa taho 'yan kundi sa gumagawa ng taho"Hehehe. This is where experience comes. Ok, dont be easily fooled by these endorsers (as so many of them are now giving talks in photo clubs). Most of them did not even have the chance to use both brands. You must ask yourself first what conforms with your needs and budget. In my opinion and based on my experience with both cameras, -No.1 canon has a warm tone color bias which is the color of asian people where I live and earn my living. Whereas Nikon is a bit biased in magenta-reddish (whatever) which is good for caucasian subjects. -No.2 canon is user friendly and fast to shoot. While with Nikon you have to know the control knobs well . -No.3 Canon Lenses are great and they have also the widest selection. However I find nikon sharper. -No.4 Though I always shoot with kelvin, Auto WB with canon in case you find it too warm, it is easy to fix with photoshop. With nikon the auto WB is not suitable in all situations and so not constant. Namimili ng lighting situations unless you are using flash and studio lights. -No.5 There is a canon service center that will attend to your camera and now nikon has also put up its own service center. -No.6 Maganda ang LCD monitor ng nikon but it's a bit confusing kasi pag download sa computer ay same lang naman with any DSLR. I find nikon's Lcd a bit exaggerated in colors kaya pag nag shoot ang kaibigan mo at pinakita sa 'yo ang play back talagang mapapabilib ka kaso pag-view mo sa computer ang layo na sa kulay... -No.7 Very affordable ang price ng Nikon compared sa Canon kaya talagang marami ang nikon users. hehehe Tama na nga at baka marami magalit.My Advice to the photographers reading this is get both cameras and test it yourself. May mga features na wala sa nikon pero meron ang Canon and vice versa kaya dapat talaga na I-test muna bago makipag-bangayan sa forum.'wag agad-agad maniwala sa mga sabi-sabi. Makakatulong sila pero and bottom line ay kung saan ka masaya ay duon ka. So pano mga tsong. Bato-bato sa langit ang tamaan ay mag Leica!!! hehehe
A Pleasant day sir... first i want to introduce myself, I'm Anderson of Anderson Digital Photography here in Tarlac. and i just want you to know that i am one of your admirers when it comes to photography... it really boost my passion specially when i met you personally, maybe you wouldn't remember me anymore, but that's not a big cause. what i want is to established rapport with elite professional photographers like you and among wppp members, which i've been a delegate also at the congress. i'm very much willing to be under your wing in as much as you like...be my mentor if possible... as for my profile...i started learning photography as photojournalist using analog cameras for our school papers and became a hobby which became my profession and business now. by the way i'm an electrical engineer who made a great shift to photography than my real field. i shoot weddings as my forte and portraitures. also i'm the one who does the lay-out for each digital album. i'm using nikonD70s, nikonD80, and canon 350D which is my first camera. i'm open for corrections and suggestions in which my mind is optimistic of. and soliciting some techniques , ideas and advice regarding how to excel in our digital photography industry, in which i don't want to be left out. attached here is my sample shot and lay-out, open for you to criticise. thank you for your time and effort. more power to you.!! God bless! i remain, anderson http://bmejias.blogspot.com/2008/01/email-from-fellow-photographer.html
A Pleasant day sir...
first i want to introduce myself, I'm Anderson of Anderson Digital Photography here in Tarlac.
and i just want you to know that i am one of your admirers when it comes to photography...
it really boost my passion specially when i met you personally, maybe you wouldn't remember me anymore, but that's not a big cause.
what i want is to established rapport with elite professional photographers like you and among wppp members, which i've been a delegate also at the congress.
i'm very much willing to be under your wing in as much as you like...be my mentor if possible...
as for my profile...i started learning photography as photojournalist using analog cameras for our school papers and became a
hobby which became my profession and business now.
by the way i'm an electrical engineer who made a great shift to photography than my real field.
i shoot weddings as my forte and portraitures. also i'm the one who does the lay-out for each digital album. i'm using nikonD70s, nikonD80, and canon 350D which is my first camera.
i'm open for corrections and suggestions in which my mind is optimistic of. and soliciting some techniques , ideas and advice regarding how to excel in our digital photography industry, in which i don't want to be left out.
attached here is my sample shot and lay-out, open for you to criticise. thank you for your time and effort. more power to you.!! God bless!
i remain,
anderson
"Thank you so much Mr.Anderson for this very inspiring email."
 sanay mapalitan na ang mga luma na LENS ng bagong f2.8. Dumami sana ang mga SHUTTER clicks at ang mga ISO nyo ay bumilis. Wag masyado umASA sa mga back-up kahit sumasakit na ang mga rayuma sa kaka-buhat ng mga equipment. Hwag patamain ang FLASH sa mga bumbunan para hindi makakalbo ng client. Alagaan ang inyong mga BODY para di agad-agad ma-LOWBATT. Gamitin ng tama ang mga CF CARDS para di ma corrupt ang mga baguhang photographers. Yun lang po at "may the flash be with you all"
Ps: Yung mga naka-Nikon Try nyo mag Canon
at ung naka-Canon try nyo mag Nikon para di na kayo mag-aaway this year hahaha
 I must admit, Photography nowadays is getting more tiresome not because of photography itself but because of post production. From the pre-prods to the scheduling, choosing of clothes,location,shooting, downloading,choosing of photos, ratouching, lay-outing,editing,burning,uploading,and now blogging, whew!!! its really a different story from what photography used to be. I'm not complaining here.I just want to share with you guys what I go thru just to deliver the perfect shots that my client wants. Honestly I'm having a great time doing it. Its like playing. I'm trying to express from my visual mind and make it into reality. This is where research and learning comes handy. My colleagues from the industry like Ariel Javelosa, Jorge Maniquis, Lito sy, Lee llamas, Lito Perez, MG digital video, always meet on a regular basis just to update our technics and styles. We share secrets on the trade and also share it with other photographers.We even conduct seminars for a minimal fee so as to standardized quality. So you see photography has gone a long long way and computers changed the the whole concept and attitude of photography and the photographers. This is why " I MUST BLOG"
 Ilang tulog na lang photo congress na. Pwede pang humabol mga 'Tols . Join na kayo sa video contest ng SONY at photo contest ng CANON,KODAK at NIKON...OK mga Prizes.. May Foreign speaker din na top 10 ang rating sa buong mundo..
You may call WPPP secretariat at 4105561 look for miss BING or LITA...Kita kits!!!! "MAY THE FLASH BE WITH YOU ALL!!!!!"
Almost all photographers look for the subject that's already there.
Why not look for something that's not popular or out of the ordinary and make it beautiful.
Recreate the scene according to what your mind is telling you.
You may go on a self assingment once in a while (like what I do) or on your free time.
Suggestions:
1.) Purpose of your project. Do you want to sell it or you just want to have fun shooting.
Even when you feel down,Go out. you will get good results with your pix.
2.) Research first before going out.(web,books,mags,anything)
3.) Do not be discourage with the first results
4.) Do not be afraid to experiment
5.) Do not hesitate to shoot or stop on anything that catches your eyes
6.) 360 degrees mentality in shooting
7.) Shoot up and shoot down all angles
8.) Visualize the final product. you must pre-concieve your ideas and the final out-come
9.) Do not listen to detractors or discouragements
10.)Be Equipped-Bring the right gear but make do with what you have
11.) Have a goal
12.) Share your enthusiasm/Encourage others by showing your project.
13.) Let other people criticize your work and dont get "pikon" with the bad comments as there will be plenty
14. )If you dont succeed at first,go back and study the flaws and improve it.
15.) Try to meditate.Look for signs and meanings.Look beyond the obvious.
Find the element that is not seen.
16.) Know your target market if you plan to sell it in the future. Do not bargain your work..no!no!no!
17.) Do'nt forget to bring food,drinks, assistant,umbrella,extra t shirts, batteries,CF cards etc.etc...
 
 What is a pre-nup?
A pre-nup is a photography session taken usually months before the wedding date. This photo opportunity captures the couple in a relaxed and personal setting and usually marks as a remembrance of the couple’s dating life – before the wedding bells. The shoot may be taken in a studio or at a certain location as requested by the couple and arranged between their party and the photographer. The photographs taken during pre-nup are usually included in the final prints and/or albums and sometimes, even end up on big screens during wedding receptions while guests enjoy their meals.
Why is pre-nup important?
A pre-nup is important because of many reasons. Aside from being a remembrance of the couple’s dating life, pre-nups are essential for the preparation of the wedding day shoot. For one, after pre-nup shots are taken and proofs are reviewed by the couple, they will be able to somewhat grasp the capability of their chosen photographer. Both would have the time to discuss ideas and answer questions for the wedding day. Another importance is the comfort level between the couple and their photographer – that will flourish during a relaxed photo-op. Brides and grooms that are anxious about a stranger taking their wedding pictures end up with very stiff and awkward photos. Having a pre-nuptial session with your photographer removes this issue. Also, pre-nup sessions allow the make-up artist and the couple to rehearse how to be made up for the wedding date and therefore be able to make crucial changes.
Things to consider:
1). Pricing and Contracts
.Is it included in your package?
.Are you just shooting only for the pre-nup?
.Can you use their photos for web site?
2). Location of pictorial
.Is it overnight?
.How many locations do you plan to do?
.Will it help you produce good pictures?
.Is it safe for you and your equipment?
.Duration of the shoot
3). Shot list if you have one or will they provide?
4). What albums you’re going to use and what lay-out orientation
5). Audio video presentation
.are they going to hire a separate video outfit to shoot
.time management
.whose going to control and direct the shoot
6). Food , transpo and accommodations if ever
7). Permits
.who should pay and secure
8). Attire or costumes, Accessories, Props
9). Equipment you are going to bring
.Charging batteries
.Compact flash or data storage device
10). Time table of your shoot
.Is it rush or you have time to edit and lay-out
Bern Mejias #1 Calderon St.Project 4 Quezon City bernmejias@yahoo.com
0917-8123981 www.bernmejias.com www.bernmejias.multiply.com
 How to choose your wedding photographer.
Introduction
For a very important event in your life na malamang once lang mangayayari, like debut, wedding, etc. it is as important na you make sure you keep these events preserved. Although it is true na malaking concern din ang price ng ating magiging supplier, we must realize that this price, is a one-time issue lang. What we should keep in mind is that after 10 years of the event, hindi ang price ang maaalala natin kung hindi the pictures itself. Ang quality pa din ang pinaka-importante dahil we shall carry this for a lifetime. This is not to say that we should not give importance to the pricing – but we should understand that the quality of the pictures is not shown by the number of zeros we pay our photographers.
When you choose your wedding photographer, you're not just buying a service, you're investing in memories. That's why you should seek a talented photographer whose style fits your personal vision of the wedding day. Hiring a photographer isn't a simple process as swiping a credit card in a shopping mall but requires careful attention, determination and consideration of many factors such a style, approach, experience and of course budget.
To help you choose your wedding /debut photographer, I have collected a few guidelines so that you end up with perfect pictures.
I. Know where to look
Personal referrals. Start by building a list of several wedding/debut photographers. Asking friends and relatives for recommendations is a great way to begin. People who’ve had positive experiences with photographers are always happy to share their photographers names with you, and when you meet with the photographer, you’ll both have an immediate frame of reference from which to proceed.
Google. Gamitin natin ang tools available in our modern times. A recommendation is the best way to gain confidence in a professional wedding photographer but in the absence of a recommendation you will have to go looking. Review wedding photographers in your town, view comments about their work, and list them down. Some photographers have their own websites. Visit each photographer's website. Carefully review his or her portfolio. Try to concentrate on photos and not on website design. Today anyone can get a beautiful template flash website for a few hundred bucks. Good photographers usually show plenty of their recent work online including full weddings - you will save time by pre-qualifying photographers who have comprehensive online portfolio for possible meeting. Create a list of those photographers. Most important is - see if photographer's work looks appealing to you, if you can feel the "click".
Bridal Fairs. Look out for bridal fairs around town. These kinds of events usually will not only help you look for your photographer but for most of your needs! From souvenirs to couture etc.
II. What to look for
Anong hahanapin natin sa ating photographers? Kung ano ang style na gusto natin. Dito, it is best na you know which style of wedding photography that you want. Are you looking for traditional classic wedding photography, or do you want a more casual candid approach? Have you considered the photojournalistic style of wedding photography? A good professional wedding photographer is capable of offering all styles, but might specialize in one style.
Other things to look for are:
Do the pictures have good color and clarity?
Did he pay attention to detail?
Does he capture the emotions and expressions of the day?
Is he creative with various poses?
Does he use soft lenses and lighting?
Can he do multiple exposures and split framing, which make interesting pictures?
Now that you have a list of photographers that you might consider for your wedding, ganito naman ang mga susunod na dapat gawin:
Phone interview. Call or email each photographer on your list. A quick phone call or short email will give you a number of key pieces of information, such as the photographer’s availability on your wedding day, type of photography specialties (e.g., candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination, film or digital, etc.), and a rough idea as to how much they’ll charge you and what you’ll receive for that fee. It will also tell you a bit about the photographer’s personality. Remember, this person will be an integral part of the most important day of your life, so be sure you choose someone you feel good about.
Make appointments. Make appointments with the photographers who sound promising so you can view their portfolios and discuss details. These meetings should include both the bride and groom as well as the bride's parents, and anyone else who will either be paying for the work or working closely with the photographer. Write down all your questions before you meet, and take notes during the meetings.
Getting specific. The more questions you ask up front, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on and after your wedding day. If in doubt, ask! And remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question!
Here are some questions you may consider to ask:
How will you show me pictures for selection (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online gallery, etc.)? Will you help me choose the final pictures? How will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints? What are the costs of the various levels of coverage? Are there different degrees of coverage? What is your photography style; photojournalistic, traditional, mixed, etc.,? How much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.,? What’s your time frame for preparing the pictures for my selection? How about engagement session? How long do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many? How long have you been in business? What kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you? What’s your philosophy to photographing weddings? Will you have an assistant? Do you have travel fees? How much is your overtime fee? What do you plan to do at my wedding to make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me? Do you have a backup? Will you be shooting my pictures personally? Will you use film or digital? Who will I be dealing with after the wedding? What's your payment policy? Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs? What is the possibility of the pictures fading? Will he personally be taking the photographs of your wedding? If not, ask to meet the person who will be.
Does he work with an assistant and will he have back-up equipment in the event of a problem?
Is he familiar with your ceremony and reception location?
Can you give him a list of special people with whom you want pictures?
How many hours does his price include?
What’s the charge, if any, if the reception should last longer than planned?
Will he stay through the cake cutting and garter toss?
How much time will you need to allow for the formal wedding photos taken either before or after the ceremony?
What are the photo package prices?
What are the individual picture prices?
What about parents’ albums?
When will the proof pictures be ready?
How long will the prints take, once they have been ordered?
Will he sell the album or negatives?
How many years does he keep the negatives?
What does he normally wear when photographing a wedding?
Will he wear a tuxedo or other specified attire?
Ask if he is a member of Wedding Photographers International. Membership usually reflects a high level of professional competence and ethics.
***There is huge number of possible questions you can ask your photographer. Most professional photographers will provide you with clear explanations about their services prior to any questions even asked. Many of them have full packages that include certain number of prints, digital files, enlargements, etc., so it is very clear what level of service and final products you should expect.
Look at other wedding albums he has done. They may give you ideas for your own. If you are considering taking formal portraits a few weeks before the ceremony, discuss this at the same time. These are generally taken in the wedding photographer’s studio where he has necessary lighting, backdrops and equipment. Wear your hair and accessories the same way you will on your wedding day.
III. What to Expect From Your Wedding Photographer
When the time comes to hire your wedding photographer, there are several things you should take into consideration before making a final choice. In this article, I have highlighted some key points to consider when searching for a professional wedding photographer.
First, make sure that you start the selection process early, as most good wedding photographers book up at least six months to one year in advance. Visit a minimum of three wedding photographers -- this will help you make comparisons and choose the right person for you. Ask for referrals from friends or co-workers who have been through the selection process already, and ask the event staff where you will be getting married -- chances are they will have a few referrals to give you.
Demand Professionalism: Make sure the appointments you set are with reputable professionals. Take note right from the beginning about how you are treated on the phone and how soon you get a call back if you leave a message. The little things make a big difference. Never forget, this is a service business. Also, make sure that wedding photography is at least 50% of the photographer’s business.
Portfolio: Ask to see the wedding photographers work. Make sure that the person whose work you are viewing will be the one actually photographing your wedding. Ask to see work from an entire wedding, preferably an album or a set of proofs from a recent wedding they have photographed. Look for examples of styles that you would like to see in your wedding images, such as photojournalism, black and white, family groups and possibly, special effects. And remember, you must not only like your wedding photographers work, you must also like your wedding photographer.
Ask About Prices And Services: Find out what type of services are offered, such as how many hours of the wedding photographers time are included in the price and what his/her overtime rate is. Ask how many wedding photos you will get back, and if the price will include black and white film as well as color. Does the package price include an engagement sitting and, if not, how much does a sitting cost? The most important thing to know up front is what the package price does and does not include. Also be sure to ask how much reprints, extra albums, wall portraits, frames, etc. will cost. TIP: Often you can negotiate a better deal up front with you wedding photographer, rather than if you wait until after the wedding.
Don’t be pressured by the wedding photographer to commit to a package on the spot. You are not buying a used car; you are investing in your personal wedding photos that will appreciate in sentimental value over time. Make sure you make the right investment.
Schedule An Engagement Session: The engagement session is a casual portrait session done with your wedding photographer months before the wedding. I recommend it to everyone getting married. It’s a great way to get to know your wedding photographer and for them to get to know you. Also, you get to see yourselves on film before the wedding, and if you are happy with your engagement images, you will feel more at ease in front of the camera on your wedding day.
Ask About Backup Equipment: No matter what type of equipment your wedding photographer chooses to use, he/she should have backup equipment available on your wedding day. Cameras do break so your wedding photographer should be prepared for the worst.
The Contract: Make sure that once you agree on price and pertinent details, you put them in writing. A contract is there to protect you and your wedding photographer. Items you should outline in the contract include the name of the wedding photographer you chose to photograph your wedding, the date and exact times of the day’s events, the total price and what that price includes, and any other information you deem necessary. If your wedding photographer doesn’t have a standard contract, insist on one or look elsewhere.
Your Photographer’s Wedding Attire: Make sure to discuss what you expect your wedding photographer to wear. Understanding the appropriate dress code helps your wedding photographer to blend in with the crowd and appear less obtrusive.
The Wedding Day: On the day of the wedding, you should expect your wedding photographer to be punctual and well organized. You wedding photographer should be appropriately dressed to attend your particular wedding and should maintain a pleasant attitude throughout the day. TIP: You might ask the wedding photographer you are thinking of hiring for three to five recent clients to contact for references. If the wedding photographer is confident in his or her work, there should be no problem granting this request.
Turn Around Time For Proofs: You should expect to get your wedding proofs or images back within two to four weeks after your wedding. Two weeks should give enough time to edit and sequence the proofs so they are displayed in the order of the day’s events.
With the Internet adding convenience to every aspect of our lives, wedding photography hasn’t been left out -- there are quite a few companies that work with professional wedding photographers to post your wedding photos on a secure web page. You and your family and friends may view proofs and place orders online, making it possible for your friends and relatives all over the world to see your wedding photos. If this is a service you are interested in, ask your wedding photographer if he or she has a company that they work with to provide online proofs.
Your Albums And Prints: The length of time it takes to process your complete order will vary from wedding photographer to wedding photographer. As standard a wedding photographer will tell clients to expect the pictures in 10 to 12 weeks. There are many factors which can affect the length of time you may need to wait for your finished order, including the size of your order, the number of albums in your order, the extent of retouching required, and any desired framing. If you choose to get references for your wedding photographer, you might want to ask the other clients how long it took to get their completed orders and albums.
***Finally, once your wedding day has past and your relationship with your wedding photographer appears to be over, be sure to tell your friends and family if you were happy with his or her services. Wedding photographers work off referrals and they are always greatly appreciated. Also remember that most wedding photographers do other types of photography as well so keep them in mind for your family portraits in the future. Repeat business will be appreciated and may attract you a discounted rate.
Some additional tips:
1. Start looking for a wedding photographer six to nine months before your wedding, since many are booked months in advance.
2. Look through the wedding albums of friends and relatives who live in your area. Personal recommendations are always good.
3. Bridal fairs are a great place to see the work of various wedding photographers; get the names of those whose style you like.
4. Ask for recommendations from caterers, florists, or reception site coordinators.
5. Interview several wedding photographers by making appointments to review their work.
6. Ask to see sample wedding albums or a set of proofs from a recent wedding.
7. Be sure the wedding photographers you contact specialize in weddings. Don’t hire a commercial or part-time wedding photographer who occasionally handles weddings.
Don’t forget: If you’re planning to send an announcement of your wedding to the newspaper, be sure your wedding photographer knows, and takes a black and white portrait of the two of you as husband and wife. Order an 8 x 10 inch
 The Philippine Wedding Summit 2007 offers activities for both soon-to-weds and local wedding suppliers. Being at the forefront of further promoting professionalism and world-class creativity among players of the local wedding industry, Themes & Motifs encourages adherence to good business practices and the philosophy of continuous improvement. As such, the 2 – day event will also feature career enhancement seminars for wedding suppliers to be conducted by experts in their respective fields including Ms. Rita Neri on Weddings & Social Events Management, Bern Mejias (Wedding & Portrait Photographers of the Phils. President) on Photography, Dominic Velasco of Imacron (WEVA, USA Gold medal awardee) on Videography, Tony Rodriguez on Floral Arrangement, Robert Blancaflor on Event Styling, and other illustrious industry personalities. This is the country’s most prestigious gathering of wedding professionals advocating for the improvement of their craft. Interested wedding suppliers may contact Themes & Motifs at (632) 371.9783. Seminar seats are on first-come-first-serve basis.
 Ten Pillars of The Philippine Wedding Industry and Soon-to-weds Manolo Morello & Kim Magtaan of CA, USA (representing brides & grooms of 2007) Cut The Ribbon To Mark The Opening of The 10th Wedding Expo Philippines (L-R) Romina Urra (Editor-In-chief, Metro Weddings), Flower Man Tony Rodriguez, Ms. Rita Neri (The Wedding Store), Ms. Sharon Fabian (Themes & Motifs), Asec. Ma. Theresa I. Martizez (Dept. of Tourism), Soon-to-weds Manolo & Kim, Mark Dy (Metro Weddings), Mrs. Baby Hizon (Hizon's Catering), Robert Blancaflor (1816 Flowers & Event Styling), Karen Marek for Henry Pascual (Henry Pascual Event Styling), Bern Mejias (President, Wedding & Portrait Photographers of the Philippines)
P29.463 Million In Onsite Bookings For 2-days
327 Top Wedding Suppliers Make Local History In
The Grandest Wedding Fair In The Philippines
The country's who's who in weddings participated in the grandest and most prestigious wedding fair ever mounted in the country, THE 10TH WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES. 327 of the Philippines' most creative, most talented, and cream-of-the-crop suppliers of wedding-related products and services celebrated the local wedding industry's most spectacular event and made almost P29.5 Million in onsite bookings. This is the most number of wedding suppliers and biggest amount of business ever booked in a wedding fair in local history.
Special Offer? Sales Talk? No! Acctually, its a new concept which I thought might help me express my artistry with wedding coverage. I've always notice when my clients come back with thier chosen photos, some artistic shots are not included. Example Back shots,silhouette,etc.etc.... sayang naman since some of it were pre-planned.
You know, before a wedding ,I always pre-meditate with the shots i'll be doing.I also research about the place just to make sure that i always get good results. Different couples need different angles. Some characters require good lighting effects. This includes dramatic expressions and mood lighting.. So i'm a little dissapointed if these shots are not included in the final pick, thats why i've incorporated "portrait Album" in my packages. Its a 20 page 8 inch x 10 inch album which all my favorite shots of the day are laid out and retouched and bound into album. This way, the couple can bring this anywhere with-out the husle and weight of the regular album. It comes in Three different colors. Black,maroon and dark Brown. So next time you book me for your wedding ask for this Album and you wont regret having one......
 One of the sweetest couples i've worked with.Though concious at first in front of the camera, (as all couples do) but by the time they had their 2nd change of clothes they were confident already. Actually they're so at ease with each other off cam.I had fun doing their pre-nup at where else - at the La Mesa Eco Park.They were so down to earth. Walang hangin.hehe.They even asked me to join them for lunch but was not able to 'coz of another shoot. I hope i did justice to their pre-nup.Thanx guys
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