2nd wave of TIPS membership application approaches

As the second year of TIPS' existence approaches, we are opening our doors to welcome new membership applicants. We will hold a meet and greet for those interested. It will be on April 5 at 6pm, in Saramsam Restaurant, Rizal Street, Laoag City.

Who are we looking for?
Ilocos-based photography enthusiasts who have their own camera and know his/her way around all the dizzying camera menus and commands. The applicant should have the eagerness to continually learn about photography, and be willing to share his/her existing knowledge to the group.

During the meet and greet, kindly bring 12-20 jpgs or printed photos which show your photography skill and passion. Be prepared to say a little something about the photos. Those who make a good first impression will undergo a three-month screening which involves shooting alongside official members on various photo opportunities as well as participating in photo contests exclusive to the new applicants only.

Please confirm your attendance to the meeting by commenting on this blog post or by sending an email to: ilocandiaphotographic[at]yahoo[dot]com. Don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions.

TIPS membership opening happens only twice a year, so, grab this opportunity now! :-D

TIPS captures scenes from martial arts tournament

After attending the Gamet Festival in the town of Burgos, Alaric Yanos and Dr. Edwin Antonio rushed to Laoag to witness the first ever mixed martial arts tournament entitled Suntukan sa Laoag upon the invitation of Luis Tugas, one of the organizers of this event. This was the very first time that a contact sport like this was held in Ilocos.

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is a full combat contact sport employing a wide array of fighting techniques and skills. It allows the use of striking and grappling techniques in standing and in the ground. This event is also called shooto, freestyle fighting, no holds barred (NHB) and Ultimate Fighting Championships was founded from this.



It was conceptualized and organized by the officers and members of Sangguniang Kabataan headed SK Federation President Rudys Caesar Farinas. It was a big success since it had 16 pairs who matched and fought in this event. Prior to that, weighing of each competitor and face off was done. This was mostly participated in by local amateurs and some professional fighters from Benguet, Manila, US and Egypt. It was a thrilling event and a great suspense. Backbreaking and some were bloody matches but competitors were pitted against one another with the observance of maximum rules for safety.

This was a new photographic experience for TIPS particularly in the area of sports.

TIPS documents Guling-guling, Pamulinawen, and Ragrag-o Festivals

February is the busiest month in the province of Ilocos Norte. Several events are usually held in celebration of various festivals. The Ilocandia Photographic Society (TIPS) members went to cover most of these events.

Ragrag-o Festival was the first one on the line. It was held on February 2, 2010. It was the 192nd founding anniversary of the province of Ilocos Norte where all the municipalities were invited to perform and compete with each other. Tribal groups from the towns of Adams, Dumalneg, Carasi and Nueva Era joined this event. There was a float parade followed by dance showdown where the towns of Vintar, San Nicolas and Batac emerged as winners placing as 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place respectively.

It was followed by Pamulinawen Festival held on February 10, 2010. Again, the different municipalities of Ilocos Norte, different institutions in Laoag City and including guest competing groups such as Santa Maria from Ilocos Sur competed with each other for the much coveted plum prize of Php100,000. After the showdown, the board of judges composed of people from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts were convinced that Ilocos Norte National High School should take home the grand prize. Second place went with La Paz School of Fisheries and the third place was given to San Nicolas group.

Guling-guling festival is an event close to the hearts of the TIPS members. This is because majority of them met here a year ago. So again majority of the members went to cover this event on February 16, 2010. Most of the barangays in town participated in the street pageantry displaying their beautiful abel costumes with their ever graceful dance choreography. Guling-guling is the last day of celebrations and merrymaking before the Lenten Season. Later on that day, the group proceeded to celebrate the birthday of member Ronald Macatulad at his home in the same town of Paoay.