"Low Key" in-club photo contest winners

The entries in the third in-club photo contest of The Ilocandia Photographic Society were exhibited at Saramsam Cafe in Laoag City and the contest has recently been concluded. Here are all the entries and winners of this "Low Key" photo competition.


"Low key portrait"

1. Ronald Macatulad, 2. Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad, 3. Joseph Andie Lamug, 4. Joseph Reginaldo, 5. Michael Ong, 6. Neil Ratuita, 7. Dr. robert Francis G. Luzod7, 8. Alaric Yanos, 9. Edwin Antonio, 10. Jose B. Orosa III, 11. Bryan Rapadas, 12. Mawie Chan



"Low Key Landscape"

1. Michael Ong, 2. Jose B. Orosa III, 3. Mawie Chan, 4. Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad, 5. Ronald Macatulad, 6. Neil Ratuita, 7. Joseph Reginaldo, 8. Bryan Rapadas, 9. Joseph Andie Lamug/a>, 10. Alaric Yanos, 11. Edwin Antonio



"Low key still life"

1. Mawie Chan, 2. Alaric Yanos, 3. Bryan Rapadas, 4. Neil Ratuita, 5. Edwin Antonio, 6. Michael Ong, 7. Joseph Reginaldo, 8. Jose B. Orosa III, 9. Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad, 10. Ronald Macatulad


AND the winners are!


1. Ronald T. Macatulad, 2. Michael C. Ong, 3. Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad, 4. Joseph Andie R. Lamug, 5. Mawie Chan




1. Michael C. Ong, 2. Joseph Andie R. Lamug, 3. Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, 4. Mawie Chan, 5. Neil G. Ratuita



1. Alaric Yanos, 2. Mawie Chan, 3. Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, 4. Michael C. Ong, 5. Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad

Huge thanks to Mr. Neil Garcia, Editor-in-chief of the best photography magazine out there: I-Mag Photography Magazine, for selecting the top photos in each category Agyaman kami unay, apo!!! ^_^

Incidentally, we also organized a photo contest for the TIPS newcomers to participate in. And the best three photos from the 18 photos submitted by the nine TIPS applicants are:

by Godwinn Vicente

by Raffy Pasalo

by Edward Bulusan


Congratulations to all of us! :-D

TIPS covers Bac-bacarra Festival

As a tribute to the extinct local fish called bac-baccara which the name of the town Bacarra was derived from, a festival celebration is being held annually. The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) went to document the said event on November 30.

Tipsters Alaric Yanos, Bryan Rapadas, Michael Ong, Dr. Edwin Antonio, Archi. Joseph Reginaldo and Andie Lamug went to experience the said festival. The highlight of the festival was the street dancing parade. There were only nine groups who participated in the parade.

Prior to the dance parade, when some of the tipsters who went to shoot dance parade participants on their preparation, they shy away from the cameras. It was learned that locals were aloof of photographers because of their experience that an old time photographer based there shoot people and let them pay for the photos.

After the event, they went on a photo op at the historical landmark of the town that is the Bacarra Domeless Tower.

TIPS receives certificates from Hawaii

On November 19, Dr. Jose Orosa III, TIPS president called a general assembly meeting with the main agendum of evaluation of the Gameng Photo Exhibit in Hawaii, USA.

Dr. Edwin Antonio who represented TIPS in the said photo exhibit at the University of Hawaii at Manoa described to the group the rigors as well as the excitement of putting up an exhibit in an international level. He presented the photos and video documentation of the exhibit.

Dr Antonio turned over to TIPS president the certificate of appreciation given by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He remitted the sales in US dollars to each exhibitor who sold their photos. One by one, he awarded the certificates to every exhibitor.


Lastly, TIPS president Dr. Orosa gave a speech in a happy reaction to the success of the photo exhibit.

TIPS conquers Hawaii thru its Gameng Exhibit

The photo exhibit entitled Gameng: Ilocos Treasure Goes to Hawaii presented by The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, USA during the 4th Nakem International Conference was a resounding success.

According to Dr. Edwin Antonio who represented TIPS in the said conference in Hawaii, most of the people praised the photography works of the exhibitors. Right from the opening ceremony on November 11, 2009 where Dr. Antonio presented to the delegation the video sneak preview of the Gameng Photo Exhibit, they were amazed by the visual impact and the fantastic composition of the photographic collection that truly represents the Iloku culture.

On November 12, with the help of the student volunteers, the photos were mounted, displayed and formally opened for public viewing. Participants and student volunteers especially those born in Hawaii with Ilocano lineage admired the photos. As if they traveled to Ilocos seeing these photos. They began to reserve some photos to buy.


Consul General Leoncio Cardenas of the Philippine Consulate in Hawaii was one of the guest speakers in the conference who took time to view the photos. He appreciated the photos and reserved two photos for him.

November 13 was the last day of the exhibit and people kept on checking the photos and began paying for the reserved ones. It was a big surprise that 50% of the photos on exhibit were sold.


Dr. Ariel Agcaoili, Executive Director of the Ilokano Language and Literature Program of UH and over-all chairman of Nakem conference commended the group for contributing success to the conference and that he awarded a certificate of appreciation to TIPS and a certificate to each exhibitor.

TIPS goes International

With the initiative of Dr. Edwin Antonio, the photography works of the members of The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) will be showcased in the international scene.

Dr. Antonio will be attending and presenting a paper at the 4th Nakem International Conference to be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 11-14, 2009. He lobbied to the organizers of the said conference the idea of putting up a photo exhibit featuring Ilocano culture and was approved by the conference committee.

He conceptualized the exhibit to showcase Ilocandia's wonderful sights and sceneries and likewise feature the rich Ilocano cultures and traditions. The exhibit is titled Gameng: Ilocos Treasure Goes to Hawaii. Gameng is an Iluko term for treasure.

The photographs of Ferina Albano, Dr. Edwin Antonio, Mawie Chan, Joseph Andie Lamug, Dr. Robert Francis Luzod, Ronald Macatulad, Michael Ong, Dr. Jose Orosa III, Anthony Ramos, Bryan Rapadas, Eng'r. Neil Ratuita, Archi. Joseph Reginaldo, Lorna Tolentino-Macatulad, Carlito Villamarin, and Alaric Yanos will be featured in this exhibit.

Alaric Yanos, made the video preview of the exhibit and was in-charge in the overall screening and preparation of the exhibit photos, Bryan Rapadas and Dr Antonio helped in the screening process and Andie Lamug designed the poster.

TIPS covers Miss Earth 2009 visit to Ilocos

In a very short notice, TIPS members composed of Dr. Edwin Antonio, Alaric Yanos, Michael Ong, and Andie Lamug went to Paoay to cover the visit of the Miss Earth 2009 beauties. The candidates planted trees at the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center then later visited the World Heritage Site Paoay Church.

They took their snacks at Herencia where they enjoyed eating empanada and the pinakbet pizza. Grand pageant coronation will be held on November 22, 2009 at the Boracay Convention Center.

TIPS conducts Seminar-Workshop

In order to update knowledge and skills of the members of The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS), an in-club photography seminar-workshop was held on October 31, 2009 at the residence of Dr. Robert Luzod in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The said event was attended by 13 members.

Basic photography lecture was delivered by Dr. June Orosa with emphasis on aperture, shutter speed and depth of field. It was followed by a lecture about Macro photography by Mawie Chan. He lent his lenses to the members to try and went to the garden to shoot flowers and insects. A photo op for the group was done during one of the breaks.

In the afternoon, a lecture on Strobist and Studio Lighting was delivered by Michael Ong and Ronald Macatulad. They shared the techniques on lighting by identifying and setting up the equipments for the group’s hands on.

To cap the day, they had a fashion photo shoot with some models using the backdrop of the sunset and rock formations of Pangil in the town of Currimao.

TIPS In-Club Photo Contest Winners

Congrats to all the winners and TIPSters who joined the second in-club photo contest of The Ilocandia Photographic Society. The competition was held from August to September and winners were announced last October 2. The judges were:

1. Black Pencil Project's Mon Corpuz
2. SILNAG Artists group President Jennifer Felipe
3. members of the Lightcatchers Camera Club
4. Flickristasindios' Diegong Tabak


And the winners for each element are:

"Earth"

1. Lorna Macatulad, 2. Wilbert Duldulao, 3. Ronald Macatulad-07, 4. Andie Lamug


"Water"

1. Mawie Chan, 2. Dr. June Orosa, 3. Anthony Ramos, 4. Andie Lamug



"Air/Wind"

1. Mawie Chan, 2. Alaric Yanos, 3. Dr. Edwin Antonio, 4. Ronald Macatulad



"Fire"

1. Lorna Macatulad, 2. Dr. Edwin Antonio, 3. Alaric Yanos, 4. Ronald Macatulad, 5. Andie Lamug



Also, view the other equally awesome entries here:

1. Elements_Earth-01, 2. Elements_Earth-02, 3. Elements_Earth-03, 4. Elements_Earth-04, 5. Elements_Earth-05, 6. Elements_Earth-06, 7. Elements_Earth-07, 8. Elements_Earth-08, 9. Elements_Earth-09, 10. Elements_Earth-10, 11. Elements_Earth-11




1. Elements_Water-01, 2. Elements_Water-02, 3. Elements_Water-03, 4. Elements_Water-05, 5. Elements_Water-06, 6. Elements_Water-07, 7. Elements_Water-08, 8. Elements_Water-09, 9. Elements_Water-10, 10. Elements_Water-11, 11. Gamet NorthernWeed Collectors



1. Elements_Air-Wind-01, 2. Elements_Air-Wind-02, 3. Elements_Air-Wind-03, 4. Elements_Air-Wind-04, 5. Elements_Air-Wind-05, 6. Elements_Air-Wind-06, 7. Elements_Air-Wind-07, 8. Elements_Air-Wind-08, 9. Elements_Air-Wind-09, 10. Elements_Air-Wind-10, 11. Elements_Air-Wind-11




1. Elements_Fire-01, 2. Elements_Fire-02, 3. Elements_Fire-03, 4. Elements_Fire-04, 5. Elements_Fire-05, 6. Elements_Fire-06, 7. Elements_Fire-07, 8. Elements_Fire-08, 9. Elements_Fire-09, 10. Elements_Fire-10, 11. Elements_Fire-11

Ladawan Exhibit on Bannawag

A bulletin about the Ladawan Photo Exhibit and a photo from the opening ceremony of the said exhibit at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte were published in the Bannawag magazine on the issues of October 12, 2009 and October 19, 2009, respectively.

MMSU and TIPS unveil Ladawan Photos

On the occasion of the launching of the Center for Ilocano-Amianan Studies (CIAS) at the Mariano Mariano Marcos State University today, University President Miriam E. Pascua led the cutting of the ribbon of the photo exhibit entitled Ladawan ti Kailokuan assisted by some Ilocano personalities.

With the presence of TIPS officers and members; Dr. Jose Orosa III, Anthony Ramos, Joseph Andie Lamug, Dr. Edwin Antonio, Alaric Yanos, Ronald Macatulad, Ferina Albano, Archi. Joseph Reginaldo, Wilbert Duldulao, and Dr. Robert Luzod, Ladawan photos were formally opened for public viewing. It was attended by administrative staff, faculty and students from the same university with delegation from the Ilocos Norte National High School- School for the Arts, Northern Christian College, Ilocano writers from Gumil and Bannawag and other guests.

The first part of the program was followed by a few Ilocano cultural performances rendered by select students and faculty members and speeches delivered by Dr. Miriam Pascua and Dr. Alegria Visaya, Chief of the CIAS.

At the end of the program, Dr. Miriam Pascua assisted by Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, Vice President for Academic Affairs awarded a certificate of appreciation to TIPS for its invaluable participation to the said occasion. It was accepted by Drs. Orosa and Antonio.

LADAWAN Exhibit Opens at MMSU

TIPS in cooperation with Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte will open its photo exhibit entitled LADAWAN TI KAILUKOAN (Images of Ilocos) on September 29, 2009 at 8:30 in the morning. It will run until October 9, 2009.

This photo exhibit will showcase the beauty of the Iluko culture, history and nature at their best. This is presented during the launch of the Center for Ilocano-Amianan Studies at the University Library.

New TIPSters wanted!

This coming October, The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) is opening its doors to aspiring members. Join us if you share our passion for learning photography and enjoying "cameraderie."

For more info about TIPS, please visit tipsilocos.blogspot.com

Join us also in our unofficial flickr group; www.flickr.com/groups/tips/

If you are interested in joining the club, send an email to ilocandiaphotographic[at]yahoo.com. Tell us why you want to join and point us to where we can see your photos online. It also helps if someone from the local photography community can endorse your membership. Afterwards, we'll get back to you regarding the orientation meeting.

See ya!

Tagnawa Exhibit Featured in Bannawag

A photo taken during the opening of the Tagnawa Photo Exhibit came out in Bannawag magazine on September 14, 2009 issue.

Tagnawa Exhibit on PIA News Reader

This is an article about the Tagnawa Photo Exhibit featured in the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Daily News Reader. (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090807.htm&no=58y)

Photo exhibit honoring Ilocano public servants to raise funds for DOH hospital projects

By Carlo P. Canares

Laoag City (7 August) -- An Ilocano archbishop giving the faithful the great miracle of mercy. A old fisherman hauling his catch for the day. A public nurse washing a baby's feet. Policemen aboard a pick up truck under heavy rains on the way to conduct rescue operations. An "empadana queen" demonstrating how this delicious Ilocano delicacy is made. A farmer planting rice oblivious of the magnificent Bangui windmills in the background.

These are just some of the moving images of Ilocano public servants put up in a photojournalism exhibit in a government hospital in Ilocos Norte.

Dr. Maria Lourdes Otayza, Chief of the second-best DOH hospital in the country, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in the town of Batac, said this activity is part of their Hospital Week celebration that is being observed by private and public hospitals nationwide. But instead of the usual photo exhibits on the beautiful Ilocandia landscapes, Dr Otayza wanted something that would honor these "heroes of Ilocandia." Thus, she challenged The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS), a group of amateur and professional photographers to come up with photos showing public servants in action.

And the photos depicting "Ilocano heroes" came out nothing short of amazing. The exhibit called ""Tagnawa" shows some 55 moving photographs of Ilocano men and women going about their work with dedication and humility. Tagnawa is not a popular Ilocano term but denotes public and community service of dedicated men and women of Ilocandia.

Dr Jose Orosa III, chairman of the Head & Neck Surgery department and president of the TIPS said the proceeds from the sale of the photographs will go to the community development projects of the MMMH&MC.

Aside from the photo exhibit, the hospital has lined up other projects for the Hospital Week celebration, including a public health quiz among high school students, Hataw Fitness, among others. (PIA Ilocos Norte)

MMMH and TIPS unveil Tagnawa Photos

The Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital (MMMH) and The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) unveil today the Tagnawa photos for public viewing. This photo exhibit will run August 3-17, 2009.

In a simple opening ceremony held at the Out Patient Department, Dr. June Orosa introduced the group of TIPS and described the photos on display. This exhibit according to him will raise funds to support the indigency programs and other community development projects of MMMH. Meanwhile, Mr Alaric Yanos presented the entries and winners of the in-club photo contest.

Dr. Otayza, Director of MMMH as guest of honor made a response speech to the realization of this project. She and Dr. Magno officially cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled the photos.

Watch the video below to view the top 10 entries to the TIPS in-club photo competition. They were selected by FPPF members and mentors: Victor Sison, George Cabig, Prof. Joey Tañedo, and Frando Culata.


12 TIPSters, 36 photographs (three entries each).
Congrats to:
Doctor June Orosa (2 entries won)
Doctor Bobby Luzod
Archi. Joseph Reginaldo
Ronald Macatulad
Mawie Chan (2 entries won)
Bryan Rapadas (2 entries won)
Joseph Andie Lamug

TIPS opens TAGNAWA photo exhibit

TIPS will be opening its photo exhibit entitled Tagnawa: Dedicated Work and Service in Focus at the Mariano Mariano Memorial Hospital on August 3, 2009 at 1pm and will run until August 17, 2009. This exhibit aims to raise funds for the community development projects of the said hospital. This event will also showcase the TIPS members' entries to the in-club photo contest.

view LARGE
(initial layout/design by Andie Lamug. Exhibit description by Dr. Edwin Antonio. Followup design by Alaric Yanos)

TIPS Joins Black Pencil in an Outreach Project

The Black Pencil Project (BPP), an organization of hobbyist photographers based in Manila conducted an outreach activity at the Dumalneg Elementary School in the town of Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte on July 26, 2009. They donated black pencils and other educational materials to the pupils of the said school.

They were joined in by tipsters Alaric Yanos, Bryan Rapadas, Joseph Andie Lamug and Engr. Neil Ratuita. The BPP group was headed by Mon Corpuz, one of the founders. They were assisted by Kat Alano from MTV and the band Itchy Worms.

Prior to their outreach project they went on a photo shoot to Kaangriaan Falls and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in the town of Burgos Ilocos Norte.

TIPS Photos Featured on I-Mag Photography

Some of the TIPS members’ photo works were featured in the May-June 2009 issue of the I-Mag Photography magazine. The works of the following photographers: Carlito Villamarin, Neil Ratuita, and Alaric Yanos landed in the pages of the magazine. They accompanied Neil Garcia, the publisher of the said magazine during his photo shoot visit to the province.

Neil Garcia also graced the TIPS grand launch and photo exhibit for a cause held at Herencia Paoay Ilocos Norte last April.

Reorganization of TIPS

Based on the need to rekindle the spirit of the members of The Ilocandia Photographic Society, a recommitment meeting was held on May 28, 2009 held at Java Hotel in Laoag City. The main agenda was the election of a new set of officers where the following people were elected into office:

President: Dr. Jose B. Orosa III
Vice-President: Alaric A. Yanos
Secretary: Anthony R. Ramos
Treasurer: Marianne Ferina Albano
Auditor: Engr. Neil G. Ratuita
Public Relations Officer: Dr. Edwin Antonio
Board of Directors:

Carlito R. Villamarin
Mawie Chan
Dr. Robert Francis Luzod

Other agenda tackled were the mission and vision of the organization, the by-laws and photo competitions and exhibits.