On BNW Series: Mr. Ahmad Tanji

Yours truly.

Photo of the Day: Together on One Stage

 

Amy Millan (Stars), Emily Haines (Metric) and Leslie Feist.

Looking at this picture makes me wish to be on that same emotional state. Featuring my all-time favorite vocalists, reunited in one stage for Broken Social Scene's happy reunion at V-Fest last 2006. This is something to look forward to. I'm sure it would be the greatest!

Credit to Carrie Musgrave who shot this awesome moment. 

September to Remember

This photo was taken in our apartment we now christened "Colored Blanket Studio".

If you’re curious what’s behind the name, book a photo session with us and you’ll experience the story first hand. (hard sell agad. haha..)

A little bit of history: It all started with a goal. Barely a year ago, my sister and I planned to rent a big enough space near our offices that will serve two purposes: our home away from home and as a temporary hub for my long-term project – a photo studio.

I am blessed enough to have family and friends who support and believes in my craft, and a special someone who gave me my first lighting equipment. To put it in vernacular, they are the "promotor" that pushes me to take my hobby seriously.

Everyone deserves to be photographed in their best form, so I am taking the challenge and announcing it officially: WE ARE OPEN!

Thanks to that someone who told me that I look like a yaya here, it gave me the idea of the exact attitude I want to project in this business venture: always happy to serve! :)

***Schedules are strict during weekends only.

The Red in My Painting

You wipe every tear

You heard what I felt

I never said a word

I am tamed by your warm embrace

Smarter you are

Braver you are

I never said anything right

I am not exquisite, but with you I am.

That piece was filled

But only its surface

It was dug deep

It haunts me when I'm sunken under my sheets

Quietness surrounds fears

Stillness earns faith

Whatever we choose

There's always something you have to lose

Keep going

Keep going

Keep going

Regret makes you stupid

Keep going

Keep going

Keep going

To where your heart exactly rest.

photo by: Thomas Hawk

ANOTHER FIRST: The XX Live in Manila

Intense. Sensual. Captivating: Feelings that kept me pumped-up while watching the XX live up-close and personal. The haunting guitar delays of Romy's subtle voice, heart skipping beat mixes by (the very-busy-like-preparing-something-in-the-kitchen) Jamie, and Oliver's sexy dance moves and hypnotic stares, were some of the highlights that moved me that night. 

Opening bands were Taken By Cars and Up Dharma Down. Good choices!

After 30 more minutes..  The XX is finally is up on stage!

"Kamusta?" was the first word we heard from Oliver.

"Here I saw something I couldn't over look. I am yours now, so now I don't ever have to leave. I've been found out, so now I'll never explore." - Islands

You applied the pressure to have me crystalized. And you've got the faith that I could bring paradise.." - Crystalized

"Maybe I had said something that was wrong. Can I make it better with the lights turned on.." - Shelter

"We watched things on VCR's. With me you talked about big love. I think we're superstars, you say you think we are the best thing. " - VCR

"And everyday I'm learning about you. The things that no one else sees. Being as in love with you as I am." - Angels

The show run smoothly. It could be mistaken as a high-end fashion show because of their fierce, full-character performance matched with fabulous blinding strobe lights that swayed perfectly with their hip music. Ok, whatever.. They wrapped the night with their encore, Intro and Angels. And, finally graced us with their sweet smiles -looking overwhelmed. I would love to watch more great foreign bands play live here in Manila. I heard The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club are up next this year. Gawd! Hope tickets will not kill our savings. *cross fingers

*left-right. Me and Ahmad tamad-tamadan pose, Elaine and Mano from Fred Perry Manila with concert buddies Ems and Eric.

We watched the XX Live for FREE. How? My gifted friends showcased their talent on a Fred Perry Karaoke contest and they won Gold tickets. We're not just lucky, we are blessed. Aside from this concert, we were also given free tickets for Katy! The Musical courtesy of muni.ph. It was indeed a good birthday month.

See more photos

DESIGN INSPIRATION: Truth and Lies

We always have reasons in every situations we face everyday. Like for certain scenarios that involves you hiding what actually happened or what it really is.
To name a few, here are some of the top reasons you normally say without hesitations that are actually lies. And, the true meaning behind it.

Hello, guilty pleasure!


See more of these series on Justin Barber's portfolio page.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Baby You're Going To Hell by Your Imaginary Friends

How to sing a song of revenge without the bitterness? That's what Your Imaginary Friends did. With their second single titled "Baby You're Going to Hell",

this sweet-looking fun video matches the catchy melody while putting a visual twist on the song’s actual lyrics. I think this is something worth watching and
listening to–so lighten up your rants and learn how to heap coals of fire on your enemy’s lovely head. Watch!

And yes, I am one of those minions who passed by.

Don't judge me. :p

Listen to Your Imaginary Friends full EP.

INSPIRATION: The Sandwich Book

Yes, take it literally. Now I'm craving.

Made by the brilliant Pawel Piotrowski