Patrick Caldito

@thatguynamedpatrick

Debbie Fortes

@debbiefortes

Geny Baluyot

@genyvb

Gelo Santos

@iamdocgelo

Jay Jackson

@jonathanjackson

For more inspiring content like this check out Illustrado.

The post Illustrado Scrapbook: Travel Photos – A Different Take appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make? Feel free to include your personal story.

I’m a fashion photographer, but I started off as an oil painter when I was a teenager. I’ve had a strong art history background, and my paintings were exhibited across competitions in Manila, as well as sold to art aficionados when I was in college (where I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Fine Arts).

Throughout my photography career, I was commissioned by many magazines and personalities, including the House of Dior – where I’ve had my pieces exhibited alongside famous photography personalities. As a fashion photographer, I had the rare opportunity to be in several continents for decades – from North and South America, to Asia and Europe. I was born and raised in the east, but grew up in the west.

How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you?

When I was in college, I obsessed over print magazines. I collected many of them as a teenager, and I remember bringing home issues of Interview Magazine, Details, and Detour (all of which are defunct, and now collectibles). I would  memorize celebrity portraits and fashion magazine cover I had.

Light inspires me, as well as beauty and symmetry – the even-ness of well lit things. I get inspired by even the most mundane things. I believe there’s no such thing as a boring day, boring city, or a boring people. It may feel like being a shark in a fishbowl, but mundane situations challenge me to become more of an artist.

Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc. Tell us about your accolades.

I’m the first Filipino fashion photographer that shot for L’Officiel Hommes Magazine, Esquire and Lady Dior – all of which were my biggest paychecks too. Although money is a tool, it also serves as validation, especially working in the Luxury Industry.

‘Carnaval de Cores’ was the title of the piece commissioned by Lady Dior. It world-premiered at Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in Sao Paulo in 2013. It was then curated in the next few years across events across Taipei, Art Basel Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Berlin this year. My work was displayed among the works of other top notch photographers, including Peter Lindburgh, Bruce Weber, Nan Goldin, and even David Lynch.

What can you say about the fashion community? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)?

The good part of fashion is that I’m surrounded with a ‘fountain of youth’. I was always in the cool company of like-minded and beautiful people. Though, it can be a double edged sword, as there are also many egotistic and vain personalities. Then again, fashion is also about thinking of yourself, otherwise it wouldn’t work.

What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?

The most difficult day in the life of a photographer, especially when you work in fashion, is when you are trying to balance message versus sheer aesthetic.

I ask myself, “Am I taking this photograph because I want to be a political activist? A staunch environmentalist? Or am I a photographer because I want to simply appreciate raw unadulterated beauty in all its simplicity?”

“In the end, I believe that the most effective fashion photographs are the ones with a clear fashion voice. Sometimes, you have to choose between beauty and brains, because it can’t always be both unfortunately.”

What’s your message to artists around the world? Especially with a younger generation of artists on the rise.

There are more fashion photographers now more than ever. Social media has exploded, and now there are thousands of hopefuls who dream of being on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Being privileged to have lived and worked worldwide, I’ve experienced many things. My takeout: the good days bring you happiness, and the bad ones give you experience.

Follow Lope on: 

FB – Lope Navo
IG – @lopenavo

Related Articles:

Artist spotlight – Garry Cortez

Ateneo student connects Filipino and Arab Culture through curating Online art exhibit 

The post Artist Spotlight – Lope Navo, International Fashion Photographer appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

See the world through Filipino lens! Illustrado Scrapbook features the works of Filipino photographers living across the world. October 2020 edition featuring Aye Dela Cruz, Christopher Edralin, Alex Galicinao and Oliver Camacho.

Aye Dela Cruz

Aye Dela Cruz

Manila, Philippines

IG: @aye.dela.cruz

#TheWheneverPhotographer

#WheneverTravels

#AyeDelaCruzImages

Christopher Edralin

Christopher Edralin

Dubai, UAE

Alex Galicinao

Alex Galicinao

Manama, Bahrain

IG: @avgalicinaophotography

Oliver Camacho

Oliver Camacho

Manila, Philippines

IG: @olivercamachophotography

The post Filipino Photograhers across the World: Illustrado Scrapbook – October 2020 appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Fashion Photographer & Entrepreneur

Rozen Antonio’s combination of photography mastery as well as a natural flair for entrepreneurship has allowed him to gain a most fulfilling career.  As a fashion photographer trusted by Dubai’s couture industry elite including Michael Cinco among others, and the owner of Houz of Zen, a boutique Events Management Company specializing in creative, bespoke flower designs catering to luxury hotels and brands, Rozen’s days are filled with beauty and the presentation of it.

What he likes most about his job, he shares, is seeing the joy of his clients.  Commenting on his rise from modest roots, he says, “I feel great enjoyment in seeing the progression of my career and take pride in knowing that my achievements stemmed entirely from my own efforts. For many, carving a place in the profession requires being your own boss, and with it, your own motivator.”

In an era where a sense of entitlement is the order of the day, Rozen knows that success should always come with being grounded and grateful.  He says, “Yes, you may have worked very hard and intelligently to get to where you are, but everything is still a blessing. It could all be gone tomorrow; it could all be gone today.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Rozen Antonio

Photographer

Fashion photographer Rozen Antonio knows how to capture the essence of beauty and translate it into stunning photos. Currently running his own company that specializes in boutique event management and fashion & beauty photography, Houz of Zen, Rozen on several occasions has had the opportunity to produce work for big clients here in the UAE and back home. He has done ad campaigns for Bench, and is the go-to lensman of celebrated designers such as Furne One and Michael Cinco. Understanding how competitive the photography industry in the region can be, Rozen operates with the philosophy that his true competition is himself, believing that in order for him to be continuously successful, he should always strive to surpass his own achievements.

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

The post Rozen Antonio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Photographer & Entrepreneur

One of the Filipino pioneers in the photography industry, Chris Calumberan has earned respect in the field, not only for the quality of his work but also his level of professionalism and his long-standing good reputation in the market.

Providing stills and film production for a variety of clients from various industries including automotive, industrial, beauty, retail, corporate and food and beverage, he has worked for many prestigious brands including Audi, Saks Fifth Avenue, Philips, McDonalds, Hermes, Homes R Us, Paul, Bateel, Wafi Mall, Fifa, including designers Michael Cinco, Souhad Acouri, Adam Couture and many others.

A well-known advocate for the community for many years, Chris has always shared his art, not only to teach other aspiring photographers but also to utilize it in pursuit of advocacies he is passionate about.  He has facilitated photography workshops and courses and he has also been a featured speaker in several photography events including the Phototalks ExeLens event held at Queen Elizabeth 2 by Toshiba. He has mounted a solo exhibition – “Kumer Solo” the first photo/art exhibition held at the Philippine Consulate General – Dubai and the Northern Emirates – kicking off a series of creative events.  In recent years, he has also participated in an Alzheimer’s Awareness project and has initiated his own single plastic awareness initiative, utilizing his photography skills for even greater causes.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Chris Calumberan

Photographer

Being a photographer means having a deep connection with one’s surroundings and knowing how to make it come alive. Nowhere is this clearer than in the work of Chris Calumberan. Chris started working in Advertising in 2003. From there his career progressed to encompass other facets of media communications such as model booking and talent coordination. In 2008, he decided to pursue photography seriously. Now, he stands as one of the most accomplished Filipino commercial photographers in the Gulf.

Chris works closely with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai in transforming the Consulate office in Dubai into a true hub for Filipino arts and culture. Marking the 118th Philippine Independence Day, Chris launched his ‘Kumer-Solo’ exhibit on the 12th of June. With a strong collection of compelling photographs, he used these images as representation of the never dying Filipino spirit – portraying that we are still talented and resilient in the face of adversity.

Bolstered by the success of his exhibitions and commercial work, Chris helped establish a non-profit organization called  4get Me Not – an advocacy group that aims to raise awareness on Alzheimer’s disease in the U.A.E.  This testifies of Chris strong moral philosophy: “Awareness and being now-centered helps advance the society.”

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

The post Chris Calumberan – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Illustrado Scrapbook: featuring Filipino photographers from across the globe:

 

Cesar Castillo

Dubai cesar.castillo@hotmail.com    

Jay Alonzo

Dubai keylitephotographystudio.com        

Mar Dela Cruz

Dubai @cruzmard    

The post Filipino Photographers: Cesar Castillo, Jay Alonzo, Mar Dela Cruz appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

KENNETH SURAT

TRAVEL BLOGGER

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno

Kenneth has gone for every traveler’s dream scenario – that is, to quit one’s day job and make a living out of seeing the world. Of this transition, he attests: “Some people might not think of it that way, but being a nomadic traveler is challenging. Not knowing if I will be able to afford my next accommodation or if I’ll get some money to survive for the next month can be bitter sweet. But it’s still mostly sweet because you might be thinking about this while you are in an island staring at a majestic sunset.”

Before pursuing a career as a full-time travel blogger, Kenneth worked as a senior interior designer and events production manager for 10 years in Dubai. He also handmakes and markets artisan leather journals called Surat Journals, which are available in the UAE, the Philippines and other parts of the world.   

This year, Kenneth was able to work with different tourism offices from around the world and, and was recognized by Huffington Post as one of the Top South East Asian Influencers to Follow. He says, “I would like to see myself as someone who inspires young Filipinos to see the world out there. Sometimes we feel inferior as a race, and even if we have big dreams, we keep them only as dreams. I know many Filipinos dream of traveling, but are hindered by poverty mentality (and also the strength of our passport), but I hope that I can show them that one doesn’t need to be rich to feel rich in experience.  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Special thanks to Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2016 sponsors – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

…………………

Related Post:

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Bong Guerrero – Trailblazer

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Mercedes Cabral – Trailblazer

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Izhcka Zeta –Tastemaker

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Kenneth Surat – Tastemaker appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

  Eros Goze Photographer   If Barney Almazar is “The People’s Lawyer,” Eros is “The People’s Photographer.” A consistent figure in the UAE’s most important Filipino events, Eros has thoroughly endeared himself in the heart of the Filipino community through his world-class talent, positive attitude, and generosity. His track record as a portraitist is unmatched by any other Filipino photographer in the region, having photographed the Gulf’s most celebrated personalities, from models to dignitaries, community leaders to entrepreneurs. In 2016, Eros also took on the role of educator, in partnership with one the world’s leading imaging companies. He says, “I believe in leadership by collaboration. Creativity and beauty thrive where there is freedom. My job is to guide people into finding their own greatness – whether it’s in front of my camera, or the classroom.” Where people are given guidance and at the same time given freedom to share and impart their creativity. Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Eros Goze – Thoughtleader appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

MARIO CARDENAS Photographer, Architect   One cannot talk about “The Best Photographers In The UAE” without mentioning the name, Mario Cardenas. With over 200 photography awards under his belt, Mario is a leading figure in the Middle East’s immense community of photographers and visual artists. Not only that, he is also a force to be reckoned with in the Design & Construction industry, with over 15 years of experience in Architecture, Design, and Planning – 13 and a half of which were earned in the Gulf region. 2016 has been nothing short of phenomenal for Mario. In addition to bagging several more accolades for his photography, he was also promoted to Deputy BIM Manager/ Architect at KEO International Consultants, one of the leading architectural and engineering companies in GCC. He also had a chance to work closely with Santiago Calatrava – an international award-winning and highly celebrated architect, engineer and artist. His advice to his fellow Filipinos: “Find where you are good at and focus on the things you love to do. Start using your skills and talents to create things that would turn your ideas into something tangible. Work hard, keep learning and hone your talent.”   Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Mario Cardenas – Thoughtleader appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Filipino Photographer:  Melchor Quintos and Brian Carl Campos

MELCHOR QUINTOS – RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

www.facebook.com/maquintos

BRIAN CARL CAMPOS – ABU DHABI, UAE

http://briancarl-campos.wix.com/briancarlcamposphotography

_______________________________________________________________________

Related Post:

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Outstanding Filipino Photographers

Filipino Photographers: Marben Ege Asari and Patrick Arias Castilli

Filipino Photographers: Reginn Palacio & Leogel Lagaras

Save

Save

Save

The post Filipino Photographer: Melchor Quintos and Brian Carl Campos appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.