The Michelle Villas Experience......

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our 1st photo on the day we 1st met

My mind has been so cluttered with so many worthless negative thoughts for the past weeks now, that I realized I've forgotten to count my blessings lately. So now, instead of obsessing with those worthless thoughts, I've decided  to once again fight and stand up by being thankful for the many blessings which I have. Forget about material things... my treasures are the people around me who make my life complete.

Today, I'd like to feature one of my treasured friends. I’d like to write about her for the simple reason that I’m proud to have her in my life. My life is not just about the things I do or how I feel…. My life is mostly about sharing it with others and I am honored to be surrounded by genuine people like this special girl.

I remember one night around March 2010, when buddy Frank told me about her bestestfriend Michelle Villas. I remember him telling me he knows we’d get along well. He said she was also a bit intimidating like me hehehehe.  I was really excited to meet her!  And as predicted by Frank, we did gel… pretty much like soul sisters!  We both love eating, cooking, chocolates, cheese and a whole lot more!  She has a sweet tooth like me however, I feel worried whenever there’s cola nearby. Hehehehe

goofing around somewhere at the Fort

I love her a lot! I love everything about her! No wonder many people love and consider her a bestfriend. Kindhearted, generous, sensitive and responsible… she’s one of those people whom I never wanna see crying because only a foolish person would make her do so. I do have a lot of friends and she’s one of those few whom I wanna protect. 

Whenever we would have our “girl talks,” I feel we both relate to each other a lot. Like me, it ain’t difficult for her to express her mind.  I feel relieved whenever I confide to her.

girl talk moments! hihihi

Each opportunity to bond with her is a gift indeed. She’s always game to goof around! I treasure our photos a lot, not to mention our hilarious videos! How nice it is to be with people whom you feel at home with. We may have our own different taste on a lot of things but I guess like in all lasting relationships… the bond which you share is strengthened by love and respect which you have for one another.  I may say she has this way of making people feel comfortable.. making you feel “YOU!”

the beauty queens

She’s indeed blessed to have such a loving family, and I also feel honored to be friends with all of them. I appreciate the fact that they treat me as a part of their family. I have spent very memorable weekends with them. Sometimes I wish I had a family that is as ideal as theirs. All of them are very kind and caring. What I like most about them is that they always manage to stick together and spend time together… something which only very few families enjoy.

meet the Villas!!!

having a fun time with the Villas sisters!

the Bestest of Friends

With a person as genuine as her, I’m certain that she’s gonna have a great future ahead.  I’m actually excited on how successful she’s gonna be. I believe in her because I believe you can never let a good person down. She may have her own set of insecurities (like everyone) but I know she’ll overcome them in time. Anyway, if in case she’d feel down, I’d like to be there to give her a reassuring hug to let her know that everything will be ok. I know I may not be beside her sometimes but I do would like to assure her that my love and support will always be there and that she’s always included in my thoughts and prayers. 

I love my Mareng!!

Mich, you are perfect and very beautiful! You are a gift to mankind! Always believe that! Thank you for the laughter, tears and great memories together! I treasure you a lot. You have made my existence worthwhile.  My wish for you aside from having a healthy body is that may you have confidence in yourself more for many people believe in your potentials. Thank you very much for being very very supportive to me and to everyone. I look forward in making more great memories with you!

=)

When It Feels So Right...

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It sure feels great to see how you've progressed over time especially when you really worked hard on it.

and the journey goes on..

I am someone who believes in hard work, determination and discipline. This is what my mom taught me at an early age when she started exposing me into arts and music. Dad (being an architecture major) taught me calligraphy (the art of writing characters) and exposed me into drawings. Mom on the other hand allowed me to freely explore my world and exposed me to learn music as early as 9yrs old. Different art forms, different disciplines. I learned the value of patience, how practice really makes perfect and never give up! I have learned how having proper discipline can make you really stand out among others. I learned on how to be meticulous and analyze every detail and know the things I need to know.These are the valuable lessons I've learned due to my exposure to the arts so I don't agree when others say that art and music are useless subjects. In fact, I would advice you all to expose your kids to these activities not just for the exposure but for their character's development as well.

Anyway, it's been almost a year now since I started learning photography. Believe me, never in my wildest dreams have I imagined myself to be into this art. I was always contented with music that I never thought about trying other things. I may say I sort of boxed myself and limited myself to the things which I was comfortable with. Well, the universe really works in mysterious ways. If it's bound to happen, then it really will no matter how you try to twist stories or events.
Now that I'm at my 10th month in photography,  honestly, I am very much proud of the progress I have made. I'm not claiming to be a pro or what 'coz I know that I still have a lot to learn but I do believe I have the right to express my views. Hopefully this will also inspire my other contemporaries as well.

expanding my horizons

Think and Feel---

First of all, I think about my shot, what I want and how I'd like to present it.  Whenever I take still photos, I think ahead and visualize the actual shot in my head. It may sound weird but yes, that's what I do. Probably that's the reason why I'm good at composed shots~~~ it's because of the concept that I have already visualized in advance. An artist is a visionary. We are the ones who paint the future. When it comes to candids, I also have to think ahead and sort of tell my brain to look out for the expressions which I wanna capture.  It really requires a lot of thinking. I've always believed that artists have bionic brains so you really have to have the brains for it, not just the heart.

I'm sure you've heard about "gut feeling" or "instinct." After I've decided what my subject is and how I wanna present it, the next thing is all about waiting for that precise moment.  For some, they call it the pulse, but for me, instinct. Most of the time I shoot by instinct. There are times where I  tell people, "ok don't move!" then I get my cam right away and click! I know it sounds weird but it really happens. I dunno how to explain it! I just know it. It feels soooo right! Every cell of my body tells me so, and when this happens, I respond. For portraits perhaps a sudden change of vibe/aura and for still life, the perfect light, setting and background. I may describe these moments as miraculous I believe for these only happen once and I'm very blessed to have captured them. Beyond the rules and technicalities... I know beauty when I see it. Plain and simple.

Here are some examples...

 I was simply at awe during this time... this is a rare scenery so I had to capture it

 I was drawn to the serenity of this site.. a perfect description of my longing to have peace of mind.

 I got curious with the amount of footprints which I witnessed. I knew I had to capture this before the wind blows.

It may look boring for others but very symbolic for me... how would you interpret this?

 still remains to be one of my all-time favorite photos... I am deeply drawn to the feeling it conveys.

This is just magnificent. I love everything about it. I see it as a work of art.

 When it comes to food, I capture it in a way like how I wanna eat it. I select an angle where I feel the food looks most delectable.... When my tummy starts to growl.. then it's time to click on the shutter! hehehe

Don't you feel you just wanna put it in your mouth now?

an array of cakes.... this site reminds me of my childhood

Don't you just wanna put your finger  in it and lick that icing? I feel like a kid again!

 It just felt so right.. I was at the right place at the right time.

 Paula here had no idea on how to pose until I saw her making this gesture then I told her to freeze

 A candid shot at the airport.. it felt so right again!

 They were just fooling around during this shot when I saw this moment... for me it looks artistic. I love the light which touches her face

 Awwww... this is a very emotional candid shot. Definitely worth a thousand words. A picture of what I want my future to be... a simple happy life beside the one I love.

 I know I was supposed to join them during the prayer but when I saw this site, I just had to capture it. gut feeling again. The result: A solemn genuine moment

I asked them to whisper to ones ear and this is what I got.. a genuine smile, a romantic moment

I'm pretty good at breaking rules. My point here is that, the face is not the only part which tells a story.

The story behind my fondness with half faced portraits... I feel that the person becomes more interesting with this composition. It's like I as the photographer introduces you to her, then it's up to you to make an effort to truly know her. There is this mystery factor which you need to unravel. It reflects a lot about myself. I may look as though my life's an open book, but there are so many things which I don't disclose.

always keeping both feet on the ground...

I'm glad that I'm able to apply my background in art with every picture. I tend to be very emotional with my shots. yeah! I'm an emo photographer! hahaha I have to be.. because I have to use my emotions in order to send the message across to you. I'd like you to feel my shots and see how I view the world around me. My aim is to reveal truth in the most artistic way possible. I'd like to show you how beautiful the world is and how lucky you are to be alive. I'm so thankful for the gifts I have. I'm thankful that God made me an artist. No matter what people say about artists as being just a bunch of penny less mortals, I'd still wouldn't choose any other life. This is who I am and I accept it with all humility. 

Cooking with Madame CEO....

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Let me show you how it's done...

A Message from Yours Truly...

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That's All

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Dear you know who you are....

I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone

That's all
That's all

I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night

That's all
That's all

There are those I am sure who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love even time can't destroy

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all