 | mY aBaNdoneD tHougHts | Sep 8, 2006 |
ABANDONED THOUGHTS - A friend once told me that I have the eyes for abstraction... A word for colors to paint the world... A rhythm to produce music... A voice to call the muses..... Like him, I dream to create my own world... This is my world where I work through my hand...I listen to the beat of my heart... I dream with my soul... And I create through my ABANDONED THOUGHTS...
  
Models: Jay Allen Arrosas & Kristelle Anne Covarrubias MUA: Kristelle Anne Covarrubias Photographers: Mary Francoise Abdulaup & Honeylette Teclere
Meet Jody Marie, daughter of Doc Jake Valeroso and Bam Cansino.. I had a chance to make her baptismal invitation, sponsored by her lovely Auntie Jane.
In conceptualizing her invitation, I first thought of a theme that would suit her. Then in just a minute or so, one thing came out from my abandoned thoughts -BUTTERFLY!
So, the butterfly theme started from the invitation to the give aways, to the balloons, to the interior set up of the reception venue and even Jody's dress that day.
I will always be thankful to the Valeroso family for always trusting in me with this so called talent I have... Once again, Thank you for making me part of this.
You have been my joy... my life... my strength..You make me smile... you give me air to breath... you give me eyes to see the beauty of love..
From this day forward, I will walk with you.. Dream with you... From this day forward, I will be you better half... Your team.. Your companion... From this day forward, I will love you for better or for worst, for richer or for poorer... till death do we part... 
Designing their wedding invitation was exciting cause their motif was one of my favorites. Their wedding invitation is the first invitation I designed and printed my self. The theme was a garden wedding so this invitation was designed with floral and tree.
 This is the invitation cover I made for the Department of Surgery 2009 Graduation Ceremony. It has always been a great feeling to working with the big bosses of Surgery cause working with them means pampering yourself with food and privileges.
This is my second design for them. The first one was in the year 2008 when Doc Jake asked me to work with the organizing team for their department graduation.
In deed, this event help me exercise my thoughts and use my so call crazy imagination for me to believe that I can design and I can be a full time artist in heart.
 I was alone in this journey once… I kept on search what is missing.. I felt that there was certain emptiness inside… As I walk along, I crossed path with you… We exchanged hellos and thoughts… Then, I know what’s missing in my journey… It’s you… 
One busy morning in the ward, Doc Nessy Alim approached me and said “Coi, can you do my wedding invitation?”… I smiled (cause I was surprise!)... In my mind I thought “Wow, people like my works…” Then immediately I said yes. The couple didn’t really have a theme, unlike others so when I sat down with her to discuss my idea, I suggest them to have a collaboration of two worlds. Since Doc Nessy works as a resident physician and her husband to be is a seaman, I told her to have a boarding pass invitation with a ship wheel and a stethoscope logo as the design. So went home and exercised my thoughts… Think… Think… Think… Then I was ready to put my design in Adobe Photoshop… And here it is! I wanna thank ARJ Printshop for making and putting my design into a real thing. The couple liked it, as well as I. It was much fun making this invitation since it has its uniqueness of its own.
|  | Cebu is known to be the Queen City of South... Being the first place to be discovered by the Spaniards, Cebu offers loads of historical things and places such as the Bacilica of Sto. Nino.
On my first holiday since I worked in HK, I decided to stop by Cebu before really going home to Davao... To relax and unwind... To smell the fresh air and feel the heat of the sun... I heard a place called "Bantayan Island" and believed that it's better to see it.
Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is commonly known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, construct a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks safe haven on the splendid island paradise. Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it's long stretch of powdery white sand. The stunning sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach.
Going to Bantayan takes you almost a day by bus. From Cebu City, you take the 4 hours bus ride to Hagnaya and from Hagnaya, take the ferry to the pier of Sta. Fe. Being in Bantayan makes you feel the simplicity of life. Having only tricycle and single motorcycle for transportation will allow you to tour the whole Island.
Though the way to Bantayan was a bit frustrating since it takes a day for travelling, seeing the nice and relaxing scenery will always and for sure compensate your mind. |
| | They met in an unexpected acquaintance yet on a familiar circumstance. They met in a wedding of their common friend... Exchanged hi's and hellos... Talk a little and days passed by they just realized that their souls seems to know each other for a long time...
Lojed is working as a seaman while Nessy was a resident in Southern Philippines Medical Center where I had worked before. Meeting them in person together gave me goose bumps all over my body... Their story is one of the sweetest ones I have heard. One month after their first meeting, Lojed proposed to Nessy and so this wedding came.
The wedding was set at General Santos City, 3 hours away from my City. I traveled to Gen San with my two pretty friends Jam (who organized with Doc Nessy) and Egay (the designer of the bride's gown). |
You are the reason why I love to wake up each day…. You are the light that gives meaning to my life… You are the strength I have when something goes wrong… You are the happiness that fills my heart… You are the life I have always wanted to have… 
When Doc Che asked me to do their invitation after seeing the invitation I have made for couples Doc Jake and Doc Bam, I was excited and touched. I have always believed that my works are only for my own eyes and it never came into my thought that some people might like it. One rainy night, I sketch some designs then finalized them into adobe photoshop. The next day I went to IM office to meet her and I was happy that she liked them. I wanna thank Cortess Printshop for making this design possible…. This is one of the major invitations I made and I hope there will be more to go. I always and will always love weddings and I am so grateful to Doc Che for allowing me and my friend Jam to take part of hers. We helped her with everything.. from gowns to give aways to invitations to programs to photographers to reservations to cakes until the day her own wedding came. It was truly an experience we will always treasure.
| | Who would ever thought that behind the small municipal of Sta Cruz lies a majestic Islet??
Hidden away from the clamoring sound of the Big City, a secret Islet kept by many from the crowd so hungry for beach escape was the recent beach destination I discovered last Sunday. The secret little islet is called PASSIG ISLET.
Passig Islet used to be a very tiny islet open to the public. It used to be a favorite beach hang-out of the local beach goers in the area. Soon after, the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur saw its eco-tourism potential that resulted to the allocation of funds in developing the Islet turning it into a stunning and relaxing resort with an astonishing ambience of tropical leisure.
Get your rest... Slow down... Relax and be free.... |
| | Despite the fact that not all of us are into this thing, surprisingly almost everyone in the group was on the GO GO GO spirit when we said "Let's go to Sta. Cruz!!!"...
With our backpacks and make up kits (for Norma, Ivy and Nacis..;-0), we headed our way to Digos-Kapatgan-Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur....
The photos may tell you that it was so much fun but the fun, I tell you, was just part of what we had... FUN that day was about the hardship in our 1 hour climb, the heat of the sun that tends to penetrate into the skin, the rocks, mud and the slippery trail we have to go through, the heartbeats we could clearly hear in our ears, the fast breath we took, the adrenaline we need to have, the fear we need to conquer, the emotional feelings we gained after seeing the tallest waterfalls in the Mt. Apo (150 meters) and the leg pains, bruises and wounds we brought back home... But above it all, the FUN was about being with friends, doing this one crazy adventure (that some of us are not willing to do again!!)... |
Canibad Beach Resort at Aundanao, Samal Island is located at the other side of Samal Island facing Davao Oriental a 20km drive from Babak proper. Another place to relax and unwind at Samal Island. My friends and I call this resort as a secret paradise since not everyone from Davao knew about this place. It is hidden inside Samal Island and is not so popular among locals. It is through my research and initiative that brought us there for one crazy adventure. In getting there, there are three way. 1. Take the Island bus from Magsaysay Park that would bring you to Babak, Samal Island. Then you can hire a motorcycle or a jeep to take you to Canibad. 2. If you know the way, you can bring your own car with you and head straight to the Resort. 3. You can also take the mini ferry boat from Sasa Wharf Pier going to Babak, Samal Island. Then again, you can hire a motorcycle or a jeep to take you to Canibad. 
Canibad is also known not only as a good place to have a nice relaxation but also known as a nice place to shoot a pre-nuptial photos and other beach themed photos since the view and scenery is real great infront the lens. Canibad , for me is not really a resort since it is not yet developed and there are no rooms to rent and restaurant to order food from. If you are planning to visit this place make sure you bring some ties, food to cook and a tent to sleep on. And ready your legs and feet to climb up and down the hills in order to get to get inside this hidden place. Yet, even with the lack of amenities, Canibad for me is the best place in Samal Island. It will truly give you much adventure, amazing scenery and a good place to chill and relax.
| | At least 60 kilometers away from the heart of Davao City is a part of the city which is pollution-free, noise-free and fuss-free. Marilog District is part of Davao City’s Third District. It is about 2-3 hour away from downtown. It is essentially a forest which a few resorts and rest houses here and there. It is perfect for rest and relaxation. The air the refreshing and the view is breath-taking.
My father once told me..."Treasure each place... each time... each moment... each person... each thing... for all of these are just passer by in our lives... One day, you'll wake up and realize that they are just part of this so called 'journey'... and those exact things will not exactly be redone.... That's how life is...."
I believe we won't be staying together for long (well, at least in my part I know that I won't be...)... This kind of bond and friendship will one day be part of good old memories of the past... At the end of this day, I just realized one thing - Life is short to stay for so long.... I will forever feel bless to cross pathes with these people.... |
Like his arrival, everyone was excited for his baptism. Doy and Jane's little one was blessed by the sacrament of baptism last November 23, 2009 at Immaculate ConceptionParish, Butuan City.
It was fun designing his invitation since it was one of those unique type of invitations... Inspired by chocolate wrapper, I made Democrito Miguel's own and personalize chocolate. Everyone liked the idea.. But honestly, it was not my main excitement... The inside is the most awaited thing - HERSHEY's chocolate... I bet everyone was excited to open the wrapper like me.
| | This was definitely a perfect getaway. With the company of good friends, booze and pristine beach, I could not ask for more. Although it was a tough ride getting to Mati, a city in the province of Davao Oriental, which is about a 5-hour drive from Davao City, and due to some unpaved roads to the beach, still, I had so much fun and mostly because I needed this break to get relaxed and refreshed from the hectic life of Davao City.
After meeting the group at SM Bus terminal, we headed to Mati City. The 5 hours drive going to the City wasn't long for us since we enjoyed every single second of it through chatting, eating and doing some stop over for some gas, personal necessity and of course pictorials.
When we reached the City of Mati, we decided to have our late lunch at my college friend's restaurant. After filling our tummies with food, we went to the Kaindoy's residence to say hi to Mia's family.
Before the sun finally set off, we journey to Mia's beach resort where all of us became speechless because of the beautiful scenery.. Big wave, loud ocean sound, nice fine sand, great weather... Everything was perfect!!
When we woke up the next morning, the scenery was even better as the sun is rising from the horizon... The perfect view to start a day.. Visiting Mati was worth doing (Especially if you have a great group to go along with... ).. This trip is one of the most memorable one for me... Looking for a best gateway in the south?!?!?! Then Mati City is the right place for you! |
On this day, I will marry my best friend, the one I cried with and laughed with for the past decade. From this day on, We will have each other to lean on, to dream with and to share life with...
Jake and Bam
 I have met Doc Jake Valeroso through his sister and my friend, Jane. He is currently having his training as Surgeon at Davao Medical Center. Meeting his bride, Doc Bam, who is a Pediatric Resident of the same hospital, was fun. One that we will forever remember. Her innocent face matches her gentle personality. Their love story is one of the rare ones, I have to say. As the words on their invitation says - "The one I cried with and laughed with for the past decade..". True, for one decade they became and stayed as a couple before they finally tied the kn ot last June 28, 2008 at Sacred Heart Parish.
It has been and will always be a great pleasure and experience to be part of their story and to be able to design their invitation.
| | I met Doc Cheryl dela Cruz when I was assigned in Medical Surgical Ward. She was one of those few approachable Residents in Medicine.. Bubbly and sweet, she will always have a place in my heart...
Doc Rommel Tan was already a graduate of Orthopedic Residency Program when Doc Che introduced me to him. From first impression, you'll find him strict yet he is also soft inside.
These two couples will always be dear in my heart. And now, after 2 years, they are enjoying their daughter Athena. |
To become a surgeon is not a destiny, but a choice. This choice was made by these four gentlemen who have faced one of the greatest challenges of their lives. The choice that they made was the one thing that bound these men not just to become colleagues but brothers of the same fate. Each person is unique… each person is exceptional … each person is now and will become master of surgery.
"I work exclusively for the Valeroso Family" - that's my line everytime Doc Jake Valeroso approach me for help. Maybe true enough cause all my 'side-line' works are connected with them. This time is the time to pirate me!!!! I was asked to work for the Surgery Department of Davao Medical Center. It was their Graduation Program for their four graduates. I started my work with my design for their Program Invitation.
This is the sample of their Program Invitation. Approved by the heads of the organizing team. I made the design and brought it to Tita Leni Hernandez for printing. Thank God for the her , she's truly a blessing for this event. I was excited to do this project with my dear friend, Jam. Organizing this event was truly self-fulfilling and it also brought me to meet new faces and new friends.
A stranger you were once. Then, with a gentle look you took my hand. As our lives engaged, you lit my life and I held both your hands. Now that decades have passed,ours souls have indeed become one. How fortunate we are that we have found the love so true that everyone dreams about.
  If I could have just one wish, I would wish to wake up everyday to the sound of your breath on my neck,the warmth of your lips on my cheek, the touch of your fingers on my skin, and the feel of your heart beating with mine... Knowing that I could never find that feeling with anyone other than you.
Like what most people say - "There is always a first time.". This is my first time to work on a pre nuptial pictorial and I am so grateful that my first was with this couple. I was excited from the beginning and I was happy at the end.... This couple will forever be dear in my heart because these are one of the few people who truly appreciate my craft and believes that I can do more and for that I will forever be thankful.
Their pre-nuptial pictorial happened one sunday in the Month
of May. It was a rush, I have to say. A day before the said day, everything was final and set. Malagos - the venue. By night, everyone was shock. "The venue was changed...". Doc Jake was from his 24-hours duty that morning, yet still he has the energy to travel to Samal for the pictorial. These photos were taken at Hoff Hoff Gorey Resort, Samal Davao City near the famous Pearl Farm Resort.
| | There are a lot of stories and ideas inside my mind… Well, that’s one thing I knew about myself since I was still a kid. Sometimes, I’ve thought that I was kinda weird or crazy for having all those things puzzling inside my brain… For me, it was easy to create a story, to image a scene, to put a story into a photo and to design and put my creation into visible things… For years, I've locked up these creative thoughts in my mental treasure chest, afraid that someone might steal from me and believing that one day I could make a difference in my small and simple way. And now that I am ready to unlock this treasure chest, I believe I am already too late… Too late to dream once more that I could write, create a story, take as many great photos for an exhibit and design….. for my dream has already passed me by for years…..I have taken a different path in life, a more serious one I have to say, a path that involves saving other people’s lives…. Yet I believe that I still have the capacity to think, write and create until my thoughts will be completely abandoned by this great profession I have chosen. |
I met this couple through my friend JM. Joy is JM's elder sister. Meeting them for the first time was like "it was really supposed to happen"... Then I started to ask about there love story. When Joy asked me "Can you do our prenup photos?".. I was like "Huh? you sure?".. Then I asked one of my closest friend, Honey to go and shoot with me... 
On an early morning, we all woke up early and headed to People's Park in the heart of Davao City and started rolling our films... It was uncomfortable for the couple at first yet as we go along, it became easier for them to smile and do some romantic gestures infront of our lens. And before we knew it, it's time to pack up.
Mon and Joy, truly God's perfect match!!!
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