I feel like it’s been a while since I shot a game in the V-League. I have gotten so used to taking pictures of the games that two weeks off without it seems enough to put me into withdrawal.

Fortunately, I got the time and chance to shoot again at the Arena last Sunday. Coming from a reunion meeting that day, I arrived a bit late for the games. The first match between UST and FEU had already started and was actually almost halfway through. The girls from Espana got to an early start and won the initial set. But the lady Tamaraws fought really hard and took the game by winning the next 3 sets.

It was a big day for the teams in the final 4. The games for this day helps decide which teams move on to the finals and which teams get left behind to fight for third place.

The win by FEU forced a do-or-die game against UST once again.

In almost a similar fashion, the second match was briskly concluded by SSC when they won over the undermanned Adamson squad in straight sets. That victory pushes the lady Stags to the first position for the finals series. Consequently, the result also sent the lady Falcons hunting for third place at best.

Just sharing a few shots I got from both games that day.

FEU vs UST – (16-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23)
SSC vs Adu – (25-14, 25-22, 25-14)

One of the best brands in collector’s toys is officially coming to Manila.

MINDstyle is a global brand recognized for fostering creativity through its line of art toys. Their products are unique and feature works from internationally acclaimed artists like Doktor A, Ron English and Michael Lau among others. 

And they are setting up their pronounced presence locally by opening a store within a store in the concept shop of Bratpack at Greenbelt 5. The event is going to be held this coming Friday (June 12) with the opening ceremonies slated to start at 6pm.

click for a larger image

Yes! You saw the invitation right. The occasion is going to be hosted by our very own Philippine racing Goddess and celebrity Gaby dela Merced.

As it turns out, Gaby is also an avid art toys collector. Her interest for accumulating vinyl figures started out around 7 years ago with one of Michael Lau’s creations.

The products from the “Collectors Toy Box” are basically designer vinyl art toys. And they can literally be toys for collectors since they are available only in really limited numbers. Because of their rarity some have been known to fetch prices from hundreds to thousands of US dollars.

Aside of course from the lovely Ms. dela Merced, I’m also excited to see the initial batch of toys MINDstyle would be releasing and showing during the launch.

It’s now been two months since the site’s maiden post.

I’m so pleased this personal project is still going. I was hoping to sustain the interest. But realistically didn’t expect it would go beyond the first month.

So I actually wanted to do a celebration of sorts when the site reached it’s first month milestone. I even bought cupcakes from Brownies and party candles to go along. But my day job kept me too busy that it just wasn’t possible then.

I currently have around 35 posts. On an average, that’s a little bit more than a post every other day for the last 2 months. Not bad at all for someone who is supposed to be super-duper-busy-to-the-max with work (now, I really hope my boss doesn’t get to read this).

Upon getting to the second month mark today, I did the exact same thing. Well, since I still had the candles from earlier I actually only bought new cupcakes. The previous batch were “effectively taken cared of” long before.

I had a table setup and shot a couple of the cupcakes — before someone made sure they were “effectively taken cared of” again. And now I’m sharing with all of you…  the picture that is. hehehe

Now I’m hoping this project really goes on and the 2 months eventually turn into a year, or who knows… maybe even more!

One of the most awaited event by collectors, gamers, cosplayers, hobbyists, comics and anime fans is coming again in just a few days. 

It’s the 8th Philippine Toy Convention.

Poster by popazrael

Surprise! Surprise! Troy is also into toys for the not-so-big-boys. hehehe

Well, you know what they say… boys will always be boys.

Unlike some friends, my stash isn’t nearly enough to even be called a collection. And just like a typical little jealous boy, I’m often left drooling whenever I see what others have in their stock.

Since I’m also into photography, whenever possible, I love taking pictures of toys as well. So I am hoping to “meet” my newest subject for the next shoot in the convention . hehe

There are far too many possible things to witness and experience in this event. Toy conventions are also usually an opportunity for cosplay practitioners to display their often elaborate and entertaining art.  And did I mention the aesthetically pleasing girls normally posted on the various booths?

According to news, another sweetener for the event is a collectors’ exhibit and merchandising display for both upcoming movies Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and GI JOE: Rise of Cobra. Now, that should be reason enough for any avid fan to go. 

You can just imagine why festivities like these would be short of paradise for me.

I always try to go and visit whenever my schedule permits. But I missed going to last year’s toycon. So this time around, I’m clearing up my calendar for this one. Hopefully, I get to visit for the 2 days it’s going to be on.

See you all on June 13 and 14, at the SM Megatrade Hall!

The A-Zs of Photography are easier to understand when you’ve got a master to guide you.

Get the chance to ask your photography questions to Ibarra Deri later today (June 4, 2009) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Main Stage, Trade Floor of the 14th Graphic Expo, Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Map to the venue…

Click for Larger Image of Map

This is open to all visitors and is free of charge.

Ibarra Deri, a renowned portraitist, is the first photographer to be included in Huwaran Filipino Achievement Awards’ Who’s Who in the Philippines.

Deri (as he prefers to be called) started photography as a simple hobby. He has three college degrees unrelated to photography: a bachelor’s degree biological sciences, a masters degree in teaching in biological sciences, and a degree in dentistry. For love of portraiture, he founded the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines. An avid magician, Deri spices up his photography lectures with magic tricks. He owns and operates three photography studios in both Metro Manila and Bicol.

Deri is also a faculty member at the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI).

See you later at the 14th Graphic Expo!!!