Cinematica in CDO

Parc Cruz… Ku Manahan.. If either of these names ring a bell, then you must have been bitten by the photography bug. These are  two of the Philippines’ most respected photography giants who will be coming to CDO for a one day workshop. Dubbed as Cinematica Cagayan de Oro, Parc Cruz and Ku Manahan will be teaching Kagay-anons the essentials of lighting, photography, and post-processing, on September 12, 2010 at the Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza conference room.

When I saw the event’s poster tagged on facebook, I immediately contacted the person who posted it, who turned out to be our resident in Obstetrics during senior clerkship in med school, Dr. Carl Tan. An obstetrician and photo enthusiast in Cagayan de Oro, Dr. Tan is co-sponsoring the event with Hundred One Events & Exhibits.

About the Mentors

Ku Manahan took the musical route to photography by shooting concerts, band profiles, and singers. He’s done press photos, website photos, and album inserts for various local musicians. Capturing rock star enigma, the drama of fan hysteria, and human interactions in events that he covers are his melodious ways of expressing the beauty of music through the still and silent nature of excellent photos.

Parc Cruz has come a long way from experimenting and exploration, and defying conventions in photography. A self-taught master lensman, his inclination to the arts and movies earned himself a distinct brand of emotionally powerful and cinematic photos. Each shot reflects his visions of the movies playing in his genius head.

Music and movies soulfully translated into beautiful images.. what more can a photography student ask for? When these two are offering the rare chance to teach you the tricks of the trade, grab it! Even CDO gurus like Dustein Sibug are recommending  this workshop to everyone interested in photography.

Here are the details :

A Lighting, Photography: Post Processing Workshop
by Ku Manahan & Parc Cruz

DATE: Sept. 12, 2010
TIME: 9 am to 5 pm
FEE: Php 4,000.00 (includes Lunch & Snacks)
VENUE: Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza Conference Room,
Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro city

COURSE OUTLINE:

- hands-on workshop on basic ambient and controlled lighting
- basic guide on production shoots and model shoots
- tips on selection and output of best work
- post processing techniques

Workshop includes a photoshoot with a guest model from Manila, Ms. Maffy Soler.

WHAT TO BRING:
camera with full manual controls (DSLR)
laptop with at least photoshop CS3
extra shirt

For reservations, please call/text Dr Carl Tan 09228631998 09177181998

sat prep courses

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Wedding Supplier Spotlight: Flower Matters

In the recent events where I was the make up artist for fabulous people, I had the opportunity to work alongside talented photographers and videographers, awesome couturiers, and efficient coordinators. It was noteworthy that in almost all of the events, one supplier was a consistent favorite among clients- Flower Matters.

The exceptional events styling capabilities of Flower Matters can bring to life concepts that used to be just a dream. Truly, attending an event handled by Flower Matters can be a surreal experience. I was pleased to learn that a fellow doctor is one of the key personalities behind the successful venture, an eloquent one at that. I was happy to find a colleague doing well in the wedding business, but even more delighted to know that he is very accommodating and witty articulating his thoughts.

Dr. Don Avila Duero is an internist from Cagayan de oro who is also one of the creative minds behind Flower Matters. He says that doing business on the side provides him a larger canvas to explore and a more adventurous career path. At the same time, he credits it to his medicine degree the abilities to understand people better and approach them properly. With his crazy schedule, I was fortunate enough to be given this chance to interview him for this blog feature. People are landing on my blog searching for Flower Matters, so I feel I have a duty to provide you with more information about their services.

Here is our little chitchat with Dr. Don Duero:

Who are the people behind Flower Matters?

The people behind FM (Flower Matters) are a team of talented and creative individuals; sensitive and insightful to the needs of our clients. Mr. Erbie Misa with several years in floral arrangement executes my conceptual ideas, which are based on the needs and stipulations of the client. Our creative team of men and women are adept at creative applications and design execution.

How did you end up in event styling? Were you always this creative?

I would like to think that every individual can be creative; but my getting into event styling stems from a keen eye for detail and harmonious use of materials to come up with a style unique for each and every client FM cater to.

Who or what are your inspirations for coming up with grandiose designs?

Every project that is undertaken by FM for clients is looked upon as a challenge of not only pleasing the wishes of the client but making certain that the event, and execution of the design pertinent to the event, is wonderfully memorable for the client.

Do you still practice as a physician? Given the choice between being a doctor and an event stylist, which would you prefer?

I have been practicing as an internal medicine specialist in CDO for the past 8 years. My stint as creative guru of Flower Matters some 4 years back was a pleasant surprise not only to myself but came about as a relief valve of some sorts from the rigors of medical practice. Most of the time we are interacting with patients. We have little social life. The hospital/clinic atmosphere is filled with depression and agony where we spend most of our time. On the other hand, a business atmosphere is lively and dynamic. One is constantly interacting with large number of individuals and with every communication, he is learning new things.

So when they ask me why do some doctors leave the scalpel for corporate boardrooms? Personally, the business world where i am in now helps me remove my mental blocks and gives me wider perspective, making me receptive to change. Before, I had a very tubular vision, but the new atmosphere altered it. So far, I have managed to thrive in both endeavors quite adequately. And happily…I am a Physician by profession but perhaps an event stylist by design (pun intended).

What’s the best part about running Flower Matters?

The best part of the business is not only being able to satisfy the needs of our clients but seeing that the concept agreed upon by us and the client satisfies the event, making an excellent mark on their guests. This translates on a job well done for us at FLOWER MATTERS.

What’s the most challenging part? How do you deal with demanding clients?

Every project undertaken by Flower Matters  is a challenge we at FM deem necessary if only to satisfy the creative needs of our clientele. It is our delight to please and try to address demands made by our clients – this is paramount in our business philosophy of not only catering to the needs of the clients but also to be able to meet his or her demands within the scope of his budgetary parameters.

If a client wants to avail of your services, does he/she have to be wealthy to afford it?

We welcome EVERYONE who are discerning in their creative and event needs – and those who demand the best that FLOWER MATTERS can offer. They may reach us at telephone number 0919-835-2479 or email us at Flower_Matters@yahoo.com, or message me at my facebook account drdonduero@yahoo.com, or perhaps visit our shop at the following areas:

Cagayan de Oro:
Ground Floor of Maternity Hospital, infront of Gaston Park, J.Gaerlan St, Cagayan de Oro City

Butuan:
M.Calo St., fronting United Bookstore, Butuan City.

Below are some pictures of the events that they handled. These might convince you to have your wedding in Cagayan de Oro even if you’re from some place else because it’s in CDO  where the rates are lower but the quality of services rendered are world-class:

City-dwelling hipster theme for Carrot and Hadj Wedding. Photos by Bon Aserios:

Nautical setting for Aikaye Bollozos’ Debut. Photos from Dr. Duero:

Nikka and Jeremy Heavenly Wedding. Photos from Dr. Duero:

Pretty sight for débutante Camille Montesines. Photos from Dr. Duero:

lead test kit

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Jiva Jimenez Fashion Photography Workshop

It cannot be stressed enough how photography and makeup artistry compliment each other. Like an obstetrician working hand in hand with a pediatrician when delivering a neonate, poetry in pictures cannot be brought forth in perfection without a skilled photographer capturing the work rendered by the makeup artist on the subject.

I have always wanted to learn digital photography to document my works  but the potential addiction to the the craft is scary, knowing the costs of the gadgets. On second thought, it amazes me how some people can use cheaper alternatives yet come up with excellent shots. Perhaps I can work something out to be good at it without breaking the bank.

When photographer Jiva Jimenez announced that he had an upcoming  photography workshop, I volunteered to do the models’ makeup on the premise that he’d allow me to sit in at the seminar. Luckily, he took me in as his student.

I have done fun shoots with Jiva in the past and he is now one of the most sought after wedding  photographers here in Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao. He and his wife Julie Nabong Jimenez own the Lakshmi Photography Studio, named after their adorable daughter.  Lakshmi refers to the Hindu Goddess of wealth and beauty.

Jiva Jimenez comes from a family of photographers in Manila ,whose work in one of the leading newspapers brought him to Mindanao. Julie Nabong-Jimenez, on the other hand, is a nurse who was into photography since her college years. Together, they make a powerful husband and wife team capturing precious images for keeps, while sharing their knowledge to fellow photo enthusiasts.

The Jiva Jimenez Fashion and Creative Lighting Photography Workshop was successfully held last July 24 and 25, 2010 at the Basamanggas Resort in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. It was an event that I was proud to be a part of.  Our models were very professional and easy to get along with. Tina Mende, a football varsity player who catwalks for Pepsi Herrera in the Philippine Fashion Week, is a stunning beauty inside and out. Vence Mae Bacus, a professional ramp model with super fair, flawless skin matched with blonde hair  reminiscent of the Volturi,  and the gorgeous physique of a human Barbie Doll, has power poses and flexibility of the “Incredibles”  superheroes.

Glamour was boosted by stylists and creative directors Zoe Botwin and Pol Nabong, who fabulously assembled top designer Benjie Manuel’s collections and coached the models on their poses. Acknowledgments are also in order for Allan Alejandrino of MVP Digital Video for his support to the event.

I couldn’t thank Jiva and Julie enough for allowing me to join the seminar.  I’m sure the other participants are happy with their decisions to sign up.  Students got their money’s worth because the mentors constantly checked on each one if the lessons were understood, and the outputs tell so. For only Php4000 for the 2-day workshop, we were stuffed not only with amazing tricks on photography and editing, but also on the yummy  food served in between. The ride to the venue was free . Simply put, the experience was priceless.  If you want to learn how to make the most of your camera, be sure to enlist yourself for future wokshops.

patio furniture

The following are professional shots by Jiva Jimenez during the event :

Some behind the scenes shots:

For more photos, please visit the Lakshmi Photography Site.

Lakshmi Photography Studio is located at 2nd Floor, Lina Building, Capistrano-Abellanosa Sts., Cagayan de Oro City. They can be reached at (8822) 727357 or (88) 2316697. For more information on their services and future workshops, visit their website at http://www.lakshmiphotography.com/

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Charice and Botox

International singing sensation Charice recently went for Thermage and  Botox treatment at the Belo Clinic in preparation for her entry into the hit television series, “Glee”.

Controversies spring regarding her Botox injection at the young age of 18 .  Had it been a Caucasian actress of the same age going for the procedure, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But this was Charice, one of Oprah’s most talented kid discoveries who may be 18 but looks like she just graduated from grade 6. Fans are worried that she may be too young for the treatment commonly performed on older people.

Celebrity doctor Vicky Belo advised the popstar to undergo the said procedure because of Charice’s contant chewing of bubblegums.  The  singer’s representative says she complains of jaw pains. Botox, according to Dr. Belo, blocks the electrical impulses that tell the facial muscles to contract. Now I wonder how the muscle relaxation would affect Charice’s singing.

Let us get acquainted with this popular aesthetic treatment sought after by many celebrities. What does it do and why does it seem to be a standard procedure they have to go through?

What is Botox?

Botox is the registered name of Botulinum toxin, a protein complex derived from a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. There are about 7 strains of the toxin and 4 of them are known to cause disease in humans.  Food poisoning caused by these toxins, called Botulism can lead to paralysis and death.  But  how is a toxin beneficial to beauty?

Botox Background

Taking note of the paralysis side effect of botulinum toxins, scientists diluted it in amounts that could potentially be useful to the health and cosmetic industries. In 1960’s , they used strain A in an experiment to treat crossed eyes. The US Food and Drug Administration approved it 20 years after, as a treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes) and for spasms of the eyelid muscles. Patients who were treated for these conditions were noted to have pleasantly reduced crow’s feet  and wrinkles near the eyes, as a side effect.  To confirm the findings, clinical trials were done, which subsequently lead to the approval in 2002 of Botox A as a temporary relief for facial wrinkles. In 2004, it was also approved as treatment for excessive underarm sweating.

Who Benefits From Botox?

As you may have observed, patients who usually avail of Botox treatments are older people who show signs of aging (read: wrinkles). Lately, individuals suffering from excessive underarm sweating have been shown to benefit from the toxin as well. The uses of Botox are evolving as  newer clinical indications get approved by the FDA. In March of this year,  Botox got the nod as  a treatment for spasticity of the flexor muscles of the elbows, wrists and fingers in adults, usually in those afflicted with stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis.

Other less known cosmetic uses are brow lifting,  facial slimming and contouring of the legs, which is why younger people likewise submit to the treatment. As for Charice, the indication is said to be Bruxism or clenching of the teeth caused by spasticity of the facial muscles.

Microneedles and disposable syringes are used to inject the toxin . Some degree of pain may be present but it’s an outpatient procedure. They can resume normal activities after the trip to the Doctor’s clinic.

How does it work?

Through our nerve endings, the brain tells the facial muscles to contract or relax. This creates facial expressions like laughter or frown. Repeated facial expressions cause wrinkles to be visible over time. Botox treatment works by attaching itself to nerve endings, preventing the release of the neurotransmitter  called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is responsible for triggering the muscles to contract. The signals telling the facial muscles to move are blocked, thereby making the muscles relax for a long period of time. Acetylcholine likewise carries signals from the sympathetic nervous system to the sweat glands to stimulate sweat production. Blockage of the acetylcholine achieves control of hyperhidrosis, at least for the underams.

Are the effects permanent?

No,  because the effects of Botox injection lasts for about 3 to 4 months.  So after around this time, you can smile and frown again like you used to do, or you may set an appointment with your doctor for another session.

Risks

Injecting poison into your face can indeed come with risks. Some of the reported side effects include drooping of the eyelids (if targeted near the eye area), headache with double vision,  twitching of the eyes, flu-like symptoms, stomach upset, and mild swelling and redness at the injection site. Serious side effects include the spread of the toxin to distant sites and breathing difficulties. All of these could be lessened, if not avoided, under the hands of an experienced and competent doctor.

Cost

A vial of Botox costs around $4oo.. It could be used for 4 to 5 treatments  a few hours after opening, after then, it has to be discarded. A session can cost from $200 to $500, depending on your location, the experience of the doctor handling the procedure, and the reputation of the clinic.

medical assisting school

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More Homemade Facials and CAS Scholarship

Ms. Mari Wild of Center for Aesthetic Studies (CAS), shares with Flippish Girl Next Door  Ms. Chrina Cuna, some DIY tips on caring for your skin using ingredients normally found in groceries or your kitchen. They discuss recipes on exfoliants, eye masks, skin lighteners and facial hair reducers that are easy to make, on a video from Flippish.com. Be sure to watch til the end of the clip to get a chance to win a scholarship at the Center of Aesthetic Studies! Visit the video on the Flippish site to watch it and enter your enter your answers to the contest. Good Luck!

personalized gifts

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