All these happened back when I was doing a 6 month program with photography.

When you go see a movie, a music video, or anything of the like, you won’t really think of how they made it look like that, how long it took them, etc. Unless you’re a very technical person. But when I got there, it amazed me because the set was really small and it took a big team to make just one music video. I’m not sure how long it took them that day to shoot, but most likely it took them the whole day and maybe add a couple more days to finish the whole shooting. Then you add a couple more days or weeks I guess to post process everything. Then if you need some reshoots, there’s a couple more days you need to work.

But I guess, if you really love what you’re doing, these won’t matter. Looking at these people, they work everyday. They don’t get that much sleep, and the thing you’ll see them with is a happy face. Even if they’re tired because of not having enough sleep, you can see that they’re still having fun.

One thing that I regret though, is not getting any photos from these guys. I know I’m not really a big fan of them, but still it’s an opportunity that was given to me and I didn’t take it.

Seeing this guy though, who I knew back when I was still a little kid, because he was part of a famous boy band. For sure, you know this guy: Howie Dorough from the Backstreet Boys.

The rest of the artists there, I never knew they were those people. I always hear some of their songs on the radio, or people playing them, but I never had an idea until after we left that they are those guys. The band called Neverest, a Canadian band. You can check more about them on their official website.

The time we were given that day to watch and observe actually helped me. I didn’t only learn about how a production for video making works, but actually I was able use this to improve with my photography. It helped me looked at my work differently, and taught me that I should be more confident with my work. Also another thing that I learned is working with different people. With this kind of work, you’ll get to work with different people with different backgrounds, personalities, etc. With this kind of environment, you’ll get to help yourself improve with your communication skills by socializing, and of course improve your thinking skills – coming up with ideas on how to make a set look better. Also of course, the greatest thing with this kind of work is once it’s out there, and you know a lot of people appreciate your work, it’s a big achievement in your part. If some people don’t like it, it’s not a bad thing, but a learning experience. Learn from there and improve.

One of my favorite shots from that day is this one. I couldn’t see it that clearly on camera after I took it, but when I uploaded it on my laptop, it looked really nice and I was actually happy with how I got it.

All in all, I really liked that I was given the chance to go there and observe, and learn a lot. I’m not sure if I’ll be going in to music video making, but if given the chance, why not right?

Here are some of the other photos I took that day. For the official music video, you can check it out here.

I’ve been doing food photography for a while now, so this is something that is not really new to me but still challenged me a lot because of the lighting. But nevertheless, I was able to capture some nice shots and it’s one of my favorites.

Below are some of the dishes they had on their menu during Summerlicious:

Salade d’asperges et melon, lard croustillant

Green asparagus and cantaloupe salad with crispy cured pork belly

Salade Marcel’s avec tomate, concombre, romaine, radis et crémeux à la mayonnaise

Marcel’s salad with romaine, cucumber, tomato, radish and creamy house dressing

Pavé de bœuf grillé avec échalotes confites, pommes Pont Neuf

Grilled top sirloin with shallot confit, served with Pont Neuf potatoes

Filet de truite arc-en-ciel poêlé, trio de couscous et légumes de saison

Seared filet of rainbow trout with a trio of couscous and seasonal vegetables

Suprême de volaille aux poivrons rouges et fêves, servi avec pommes vapeurs

Chicken supreme with red peppers and fava beans, served with steamed potatoes

Crémets de Touraine et coulis de pèche

Soft cheese and red berry mousse with peach coulis

Granité de bleuets et sablé Nantais

Blueberry granité with shortbread cookies

Just a note, I always make sure I have my camera with me whenever I go out, or at least I try to bring it with me wherever I’ll go. Of course, it always depends on what I’ll do. Anyway, when we got there, we got to sit outside on the patio. It felt really nice with the weather that day – wasn’t too hot and it even rained a little bit. But with the nice weather, it was nice to eat outside. I guess the only problem we had that time was when it got a little bit cloudy and it poured a little, and the little bee that’s going around our table.

Our brother has been bringing home food when he comes from work, so we tried new dishes this time. But before we got to order, we were taught on how to mix the spices, on how we prefer it. So there’s the White Vinegar (clear), Soy Souce (black), and the Chili Sauce (red). So we just mix it on how we prefer it, if we like it really spicy, or just enough to add flavor to our food.

The first 2 dishes we ordered for appetizers were:

1) Chicken Lettuce Wrap – So it’s actually what it’s called. Basically like a sandwich lettuce. There’s a chicken mix and you use the lettuce to wrap around it.

2) Ahi Tuna Salad – I’ve been eating any salad ever since we got here, so I actually enjoyed this one. It’s a really good salad. The same as the first one, the name speaks for itself.

Then we got to ordering the main dishes:

1) Crispy Honey Chicken – I really enjoyed eating this one. It kind of tasted like one of my favorite dishes – lemon chicken – but of course it’s a different dish. But it had that taste. It goes with rice sticks which match perfectly with it.

2) Dandan Noodles – I’m not a big fan of noodle dishes, but this one is really good. I wasn’t able to get a nice photo of the dish, but this looks better when it’s already being mixed.

Considering there were 5 of us, we only ordered 2 dishes of appetizers, and 2 dishes for the main dishes. Dishes here come in big sizes, and are really worth the price.

Of course, we ordered a dish of dessert: The Great Wall of Chocolate. It’s one of the desserts that I’m always looking for, because I really like how it was prepared on the dish, and how it tasted of course. It’s this big chocolate slice of cake, with strawberries and blueberries on the side, and raspberry on the bottom to add flavor to the dessert, and I guess to add contrast so as to not make the dessert too sweet.

I remember what my cousins told me, when it comes to desserts, it’s like there’s another area for that one. If you’re full with the other dishes, there’s always space for dessert.

Before leaving, we were also given these fortune cookies. I always end up keeping these little notes, but I have yet to find where I placed the others I got before.

To check out the other photos, you can visit my Facebook Page or click here for the album.

With the help of the internet, I was able to search for volunteer work. Thankfully, I was able to find this event that’s looking for a photographer as well. It was one of my first photography opportunities in Toronto, so it was a big challenge for me – considering I still haven’t met the people behind the event.

The event is called The Running Date, which was held last October 15, 2011. I learned that it’s like an amazing race for couples who will go around the area with only clues given to them. It’s up to them to figure out which places to go to, where to go to first for the fastest route, etc.

I remember waking up really early that cold morning, and getting prepared for this event. It was the first time for me to go out on my own that early in Toronto, and whenever I go out, I always wish that I won’t get lost because I really don’t have any sense of direction. I can’t remember exactly what time the event started, but I got there really early and I even slept for a while. I wasn’t even sure where the place exactly was, until I saw the “Running Date” papers on the window.

For preparations, us volunteers got shirts designed by Lucy and Joseph.  Everyone had to prepare the place as well – decorations like signs, baloons – to welcome all the participants for the event. Everyone was going around, making sure the set-up was okay and the plans for the stations will go well.

Once the participants got in, opening ceremonies were made. The participants we welcomed in that really early day for the event, and the rules were given out. After a while, everyone went out and did their thing to win the race.

The participants were only given these papers as clues, and it’s up to them to figure out where the stations are, which station to go to first to have the fastest route, etc. It’s all about planning and strategy on how to win the whole race. It wasn’t really easy if you’re not that familiar with the place. I myself was given the place of the stations and I still wasn’t able to go to the last 3 stations because I got lost. It was my first time to go around the area on my own, and I don’t really have the best sense of direction, hahaha.

Here are some of the stations that I was able to go to. In the first station, I was able to bond with Joseph – one of the people who came up with the idea of this event. In this station, I really can’t exactly remember what the task was, but I think it was like guessing, or charades, where one is acting with no words used, and the other one is guessing. In the second station, they had to guess what was in those bowls (I think..?) And in the third station, the couple is going to make a sushi roll, where one is blindfolded (the one making the sushi) and the other is in front, just giving out instructions.

I got really tired from going around, carrying my heavy bag with my camera, jacket, and other stuff, and it got warmer later in the day. So I decided to go back. Once I got there, some of the participants were already there way ahead of me, and some just got there, and some were still on the way back. Good thing I went back already, or else I would’ve been the last and I’m not even part of the race.

Of course, any race/contest should always have a price. The 3rd Price is a Dinner for 2 at 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower. The 2nd Price is a Helicopter Ride over Niagara Falls for 2. And the 1st Price is an iPad. I even remember someone asking them, who will get the iPad? Hahaha.

All in all, it was a great opportunity for me. Got to meet new people, helped me grow my network. Gained experience and was able to practice my photography skills. I was able to go around the area and find my way around. I got lost, but at least I got familiar with the place. Little by little, I was able to gain my confidence with myself, with interacting with people and with how I work. It was actually a great day before my birthday.

I’m looking forward to having more of these in the future, getting to work with these people again.

Around this time last year, I’ve been going around looking for photography opportunities. I haven’t been given that chance, until months later. One of my first few opportunities was with this organization running an event called “Give the Gift of Life Walk” I actually got in this event with the help of my brother. Luckily, they needed someone who could cover/take photos for the event.

What I like about going to places like this early in the morning, is the cold morning feeling with how the places looks like: green trees with red leaves all around. It really looked beautiful at that time, with not much sunshine yet. Though, it got warmer later in the day.

Anyway, it was a fun experience as I got to learn how to take better photos for such events, socializing with people, and to play with my cam and practice with my editing skills.

Here are some of the other photos (to view all other photos you can find them here.)

Back in November, I was looking for places to go to. I went through websites, asked for information (if I have to pay a certain amount or it’s free, etc..) So on the 30th, I decided to go to the Toronto Botanical Garden and see for myself what I can take photos of. It was actually the perfect day to go to, since it was also the first day it snowed that year (2011). I didn’t really have any idea it will snow that day. So I took off, and went to the place.

I went my way to the garden, and aside from the leafless trees, you’ll find different kinds of plants around. It really looked nice with all the snow on them. Some of my favorite photos are these ones. I’m really not sure but I think they’re berries.

It’s a really nice place to go, so you really have to go around and explore because there’s more to see in this place. You have to go inside, further down the area. You’ll find more plants and other trees there. Even if the trees didn’t have any leaves on them, it still looked really nice with all the snow on them. And aside from plants, this is a place you should really check out. You’ll find some benches down there and you can just stay there and relax. It’s a really nice place to spend time to relax, read a book, or just go around.

This is my favorite place in the area, where you can just walk around, relax and empty your mind. It took a while before I left this place. It was really the perfect timing for me to go to that place, because by the time I was done taking photos, there’s still snow on the plants, but some area already melting since the snow stopped already.

I enjoyed going to this place, that I decided to go back again in a different season. It was already Spring. So just last April 17, I went back thinking I’ll see more plants. It was another perfect day to go, because it wasn’t raining, it wasn’t that cold nor hot that day, and the plants and trees looked perfect for the photos.

Aside from the plants you’ll see in their garden, you’ll actually see other interesting plants outside, by the side walk, parking area, outside their office, etc.

Summing up everything, Toronto Botanical Garden is a place you must visit, especially if you love flowers, plants, nature and you just want to walk around and relax. I’m really not a plant person, but I actually enjoyed going around the place. It’s one of those places where you’ll really get to appreciate everything around you more. It’s one of those places where you’ll get to appreciate God’s gifts to us, and realize that these are not just plants but in a way they bring happiness to people as well. And, not to be crazy, but aside from the people there who are very welcoming to visitors, I’m sure that the plants/trees and whatever you see there feel the same way.

So if ever you’re around Toronto, take time to visit this place, walk around and take photos. I’m sure you’ll enjoy because there’s more to see here other than the photos I took.

For more information and photos, you can visit their website here, like their Facebook Page, follow them on Twitter or click here to check out the photos I took. I’ll be uploading the photos I took last November soon. Don’t forget to check it out!!

As I said with my previous post – How It All Started, this all started back when my brother recommended me to go to AYCE (Alternative Youth Centre for Employment) for a possibility that I might be able to figure out what I want and need to do, how to look for the work that I want, or if I should go back to school. True enough, in that very day, I was given these papers to fill out, to submit in just a few days before the deadline. At that moment, I didn’t have any idea that this very thing was the exact same thing that’s going to change my life: learn more about myself, what I can do, get to know other people who are also in the same situation as I am.

On my interview day, I guess it was the longest trip I had for a long time, and not because the place is really far from our house. To be honest, I always get nervous whenever it comes to doing interviews, not having any idea what questions will be asked, if I am good enough for the spot. I even remember what I was wearing that day: a long sleeved polo, khaki pants, leather shoes. Clothes that I don’t usually wear, but thought of wearing since it’s an interview and I want to look as presentable as possible. Once I entered the building, the girl who called me (I forgot her name, I’m sorry.) came minutes later, talked to me for a while. I even remember her saying “Don’t worry about it too much, I’m sure you’ll do well.”

During my waiting time, I was trying to think of the possible questions to be asked, how I will answer them, and all those. And at that moment, I also realized, even if I went through the website, I still don’t know exactly how all of this will work. I still didn’t have that much idea about this program, which just made me more nervous.

Around 20-30 minutes (I think?) later, I was called, and I thought the interview was on the same room. So I was asked to go upstairs to the other room. And there sat the two people who interviewed me. The first thing that entered my mind was “Okay, so I’m really here now. I can do this.” But, my attention kind of shifted for a while to the guy because his hair was really awesome. But other than that, other thing that bothered me that day was the eye problem I had. For the first few minutes of the interview, I think I did pretty well. And later on, when they were explaining what the program is about, what we will do, and all those stuff, I looked like I was crying because of the problem I had with my left eye. So they told me to go wash up first. When I got back, my eye still hurt a bit, and I saw them going through my Tumblr page. The one thing that I remember from that moment was when they saw this photo I took, and I was labeled as Bruno Mars:

Then there came the orientation day, when we introduced ourselves, and we were introduced to the staff. Then we were grouped according to our programs, and we got to know more about the people we will see and get to work with in the future. Some of the topics that I remember we talked about other than photography was I think favorite music (?) and I even mentioned me going to the Maroon 5 and Train concert. Other than that, we were also asked what kind of photography we wanted to do, where I ended up doing both sports and food photography.

We had a one on one session where we will talk more about our goals for the program, what we want to achieve by the end of the program. What actually really challenged me is not knowing where to go to get these photos and how I will be able to take these photos properly (not having experience in the exact field).

Having to do a lot of research, I just played with my camera for the first opportunities that came my way – shooting sports photography for The University of Toronto and Centennial College. At some point, I decided that maybe I could do some food photography too so I’ll have choices. My first shoot was with McEwan Foods, and I tried to apply what I researched when it comes to food photography. As more and more opportunities came, my shots and editing got better, with the help of the people I got to work with doing food photography, asking opinion from my mentors and friends about my shots.

All throughout my journey, I was able to build my network, get more opportunities, make new friends. And just last week, April 4, 2012, was The Remix Project Batch 8 Graduation.

It’s one of those moments when you enter and you’ll tell yourself  “I’m really here. I made it. Hardwork really pays off.”

In the far end of the corner is where the photography works are displayed:

It was actually an amazing night, seeing all these artists get recognized for their success, and for the start of the real journey. And seeing all the other people I haven’t seen a long time.

At almost 7:30pm the program started, and participants from this batch are called one by one to be recognized by everyone and to give them the certificates and rewards.

There were also performances that night. On the left is June Ballentyne, and on the right is Marie Coyles. Should’ve taken more pictures.

I was called back up to the stage again and with another friend of mine. We didn’t have any idea what was up, but there we see Jalani and Ruthie up there smiling at us. From the stage I couldn’t really see anyone in front of us because the light was going straight to us. And, at the same moment (also when I was called for my certificate) nothing was going in my mind. Goes in one ear, out the other. According to my brother, it was the next in line effect. Good thing my brother was to record the video, and you can watch it here. Anyway, at that moment, we were given 1 full year scholarship for Humber College.

This photo was taken after I got the scholarship for Humber College. I’m not facing the camera, but this is one moment I will never forget. I had to thank both my mentors for helping me with all of this, and just to see how happy they are, I can say that I’ve done what I needed to do and I didn’t fail them.

The program finished, but I had to go around and thank everyone who has been a big part of this adventure, who has been there all the time, helped me grow and be who I am now. Of course, I have to thank The Remix Project team for making all of this possible. But most of all, I have to thank these two mentors who have been the reason why each of us is out there doing what we’re good at and making a change. I have to hand it to them, they’re awesome!!

Here’s to an amazing adventure I had with these people. Hoping to have more adventures in the future, and I will always be proud of what I’ve done, and thankful, happy and proud for being part of this amazing adventure. Thank you, The Remix Project. Like what my brother said, this is just the start. Let’s go!!

Never be ashamed of showing people how good you are, because one day, it’s the very thing that will make you go out there and be who you really are. It’s the very thing that will make people look up to you. Always work hard for what you’re passionate about, where your heart takes you, and one day you’ll reach the top of the mountain.. With no regrets.

I remember starting a 365 project before, but I never got to finish it because I wasn’t that inspired (to be honest..) since I didn’t really know what to take, where to go, and I didn’t have the right program to use for all my photo editing. It took me a long time before the next things I will mention happened.

So I’ve been trying to look for a job, and I’m still trying to explore about where to go, what to do, or if I should go back to school instead to add to my experience. I was referred to this Employment Service known as AYCE, which stands for Alternative Youth Centre for Employment. It was my first day there, I handed out my resume and I was able to talk to one of the counselors there, Dawn Banfield. It was my first time to meet her, and she was able to explain to me what I needed to do, where to go. Basically she gave me direction. On that same day, she handed me out this form and told me to apply for it, since it might be of big help to me just in case I get in.

Once I got home, I was curious as to what this was about. So I searched for it on the internet, and I was actually interested and gave it a try.

I sent out my application to the said website/email, and got a call on August 16, 2011 and told me to go for an interview. So I went, and I even remember that day because of the problem I had with my eye. I was pretty much nervous that day because I’m not really good with interviews, and I haven’t been here in Toronto, Canada for too long. So I met with the two interviewers, got to know a bit about the program and I was able to show them some of my photos. That day went well.

Days later, I got a call telling me I got in the program. I was even jumping and I’m not sure if he had any idea how happy I was. Finally, something good has happened after being a bum for too long.

So here’s how it really all started.

On September 19, 2011, was my first day at The Remix Project.

So this is one of the things you will see first once you enter the room.

So anyway, that’s pretty much the start of my whole adventure. From that day, I can say that I really learned a lot. I’ve been doing photography for a long time now, and I still was able to learn more styles, techniques, and other stuff from photography. I remember what my mentor told me, that you never stop learning. Everyday you learn something new. What you learn in one field you can find ways on how you will be able to apply those in other fields. (e.g. photography to film.)

So going back to the earlier part of this post, I have to thank the two people who got me in this program, the same two people who interviewed me and have always been there to teach you new stuff.

On the left is Ruthie Titus, the assistant for the photography program. I remember one of the first conversations we had. It was about how I will be able to get some shoots since I really didn’t know where to go for my sports and food photography. And on the right is Jalani Morgan, head for the photography program, and who, like Ruthie, has always been supportive of my work. And I also have to thank them for teaching me everything I needed to know, and for giving me a great mentor, Ryan Francoz. Ryan has always given me the best tips on how to get great shots for food, how to edit properly, and I think I’ve done a great job.

But, aside from them, I have other people to thank also.

I’ve always been quiet, and I’ve always considered myself as the “shy one” but these people here have always been friendly. Whenever they’re around, everything just seems better.

On the left is Elle Villamor, who I guess I can relate to because she’s a Filipino as well. In the middle is one of the photography participants, Ashley Meza-Wong. And on the right is Halima Jama, a photography participant as well. These people right here have always inspired me to work hard and be better. They’re just some of the people I get to talk to whenever I’m at Remix, and we talk about just anything.

Something I learned from this experience: NEVER STOP GOING AFTER YOUR DREAMS Because, you’ll never know what’s out there for you. Challenges will always be there, which is one reason why we continue to learn. If nothing happens, at least you know you tried and gave out your best. Like what Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

The program’s about to end, but I’m sure that I’ll be seeing this place again. Maybe not too often, but I will be around Pardee Avenue again.

“Nothing’s easy in life. You have to give out your best, and work your way to reach your desired destination. But once you’re there, everything feels perfect. Just remember: never give up, and one day you’ll be as successful as you dreamed of!”