Neil Chua

In two places at once.

Lychees seem to be in season.

Thank you, Bicol.

The Space Between (Nuvali, Laguna)

Main Building detail; University of Santo Tomas

Palawan: a mobile photography series A few weeks ago, I had the chance to visit Palawan (Puerto Princesa & El Nido) for 6 days, thanks to a college blockmate who lived there. As usual, I had my trust Canon 7D + 10-22 combo slung on my shoulder, but I felt that some moments were better off captured with my iPhone. There's something very liberating & fundamental in documenting places or experiences with a relatively-small resolution and a fixed focal length. This goes perfect with my growing fondness for photographing textures, lines, & juxtapositions. Maybe it's the long dormancy from photography because of school, but I've never been more inspired to shoot using my phone. This summer break however, I haven't been daring enough to travel out of town with just my phone to use as a camera. Maybe in time, I will. *** The first photo is of Dexter, a young boat tour guide in El Nido. Watching him and his buddy skillfully guide our boat through shallow, clear teal waters amazed me. Their mastery of the waves as well as the location of the hidden spots was mind-blowing. "We used to need maps & markers to find these hidden beaches & caves. But after years as boat tour guides, we know these islands/waters by heart", he proudly told me as he slowly steered the boat in front of a small cave opening. The second photo is a study on textures & contrasts. Islands made of rock are scattered across the pristine waters of El Nido, while the rock formations themselves are topped with resilient flora and fauna. The third photo is a minimalist take on El Nido's sunset. It's sights like these that made me, for a moment, question why I enjoy living in the city so much. By the sea, life proceeds at a more relaxed pace. There is time to savor the taste of a freshly-caught-and-cooked-fish or a freshly-harvested mango; to breathe in the salty smell of the waves as they repeatedly crash onto the shore; to marvel at the the sinking sun as it sets the skies above ablaze with color. The fourth photo is the view from the small hotel where we stayed in El Nido. With the receding light, and small batches of tourists walking to/from the beachfront, it just had to be captured. I chose a black and white filter to place emphasis on the lines and how the shadows fall in the frame.

Back in Black Now that summer break is here, I have the chance again to shoot whenever, wherever. This was a nice way to start the summer streak! Model: Mish MUA: Krisha Nishka Payong Styling: Jasmin Seale Shot at Terra Lux Studio, Makati.

Stars UST has begun taking down its Christmas lights & decorations (such as these illuminated stars) today. It'll be 12 months again before my walks home will be extra cheerful.  It's been a while since my last blog post, and such posts are becoming less and less frequent. Law school, y'know. But the passion is still alive. Hope all is well with you people. Have a blessed 2014. :)

Night Reflections (Pico de Loro, Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas)

Technically, I'm on hiatus from photography at least until the next sembreak or summer break. For the record however, I don't see myself giving up photography anytime soon. I'll continue to maintain/update this site, and photos will be uploaded whenever I have new projects. God bless everyone!

Summer Love

Wishing everyone a blessed Holy Week. Photo taken during the Procession of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila last October 14, 2012. It took such a long time for me to post this photo because it was part of the "La Naval: Mother of Faith" photo exhibit at Sto. Domingo Church, QC. full story here: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/80281/photos-capture-facets-of-a-religious-shrine-and-national-cultural-treasure

The Transfiguration Chapel (Nasugbu, Batangas)

The night before, I said that I will refuse to be a photographer during my long-awaited Baccalaureate Mass. Then this happened. I guess I just can't resist when a moment like this arises. (ISO 12800) Congratulations to UST batch 2013!!!!

Receding Gloom This was taken during the senior's three-day retreat at Caleruega, Batangas. I think I'm going through a dark-themed/monochrome phase again.

Bitna Park, pianist Piano graduation recital at the UST Conservatory of Music. Tocatta in E Minor BWV 914 (Johann Sebastian Bach) Grand Sonata in C Major Hob.XVI:50 (Franz Joseph Haydn) La Plus Que Lente L.121 (Claude Debussy) Six Preludes Op. 13 (Sergei Bortkiewicz)

Gong Xi Fa Cai From time immemorial, people have mistaken me for being pure Chinese. I guess my father's blood runs true. Nonetheless, I am only 25% Chinese (if that's a valid statement at all), since my father is half Chinese. Also, as far as I could remember, classmates have asked me for tikoy on this special occasion. 9 Chinese New Years have passed since I came to Manila, and I only had the opportunity to witness it firsthand a few days ago. In previous years, I would never have gone to Binondo for Chinese New Year, or for any other reason at all - simply because I enjoy the comforts of city living too well. But this time, photography pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone in pursuit of the elusive street photo. I will admit that street photography is still not my forte, but I enjoyed this experience a lot. Photography, friends and good food - this is what the good life is all about. Gong Xi Fa Cai, Chinese friends!