Lofoten Islands, Nordland, Norway. This is the northernmost place that I've ever been to. [Arctic Circle First-timer: Achievement unlocked.] And yes, the Midnight Sun calls for a Led Zeppelin soundtrack. Go rent a car, take the insanely scenic drive - or arduously long bike ride - from either Leknes or Svolvær all the way down to Sørvågen. Go forth and flood your Instagram feed.

Moody travel photos of the Lofoten Islands, in Norway x @redsheepphotocinema featuring location photos of Ramberg and Hamnoy Fishing Village in Moskenes, Norway. July 2016. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 800M++ April 2020 .

Geysers, black sand beaches, a surreal plane crash site that’s worth a 4km trek, street names that could be any given track from a Sigur Rós record, and Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur - Anthony Bourdain and Bill Clinton's favorite hotdog*. 

That one… (if you only have time for one...)

…place to shop/concept store: Geysir
…bookstore: Ida Zimzen
…bookstore where you’ll actually buy something: Eymundsson
…breakfast spot: Cafe Loki
…fast food guilty pleasure: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (literal translation: “best hot dogs in town”)

*Recommended by Anthony Bourdain and Bill Clinton. Tony’s taste has always been a hit-or-miss for me, but when it comes to hotdogs, Bill definitely knows his stuff.

…fancy meal: SNAPS
…forgivable tourist trap: Church of Hallgrimur (Hallgrímskirkja)
…place for Dudes: Lebowski Bar. Seriously.

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Reykjavik x @redsheepphotocinema. Leica M240. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ and redsheep Luminoir 800M- April 2020

Just six hours. 'em ridiculously photogenic Swedes. Followed by a quick trip to Norway. …and another six hours. Sorry, no travel tips. Except for three things:

1. Go visit "Papercut AB". It's the 2nd best Indie Magazine store in the world, next to Hong Kong's Kubrick IMHO.

2. If, in your lifetime, you only have one chance to visit Stockholm, do it when you're about to move into your brand new house (and you haven't bought anything yet). No, I'm not talking about stuff from IKEA.

3. Södermannagatan corner Skånegatan. Perfect spot for street photography and people watching.

Reportage travel and candid street photography of Stockholm Sweden x @redsheepphotocinema. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ and redsheep Luminoir 800M- April 2020.

Vienna is perhaps my most frequently visited European city, but ironically, until this recent trip, I've always been too busy to see the real Wien. Thanks to Airbnb, I was "forced" to see what's beyond Innere Stadt, and, believe me, there are plenty of cool things to do there if you're not fond of museums and opera houses. Vienna is a hip city - with Monocle and CitiX60 having travel guides for it, then it must be hip indeed.

Airport to Downtown Train: Yes.
Free Wifi: Almost everywhere.
Can I drink from the tap? Yes. Best tap water in Europe if I'm not mistaken. 
Metro system: As straightforward as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Playmobil is relatively cheaper here. Than Paris and Italy for example.

Where to Eat
Käsekrainer: Bitzinger (near Albertina). It's a notch better than the ubiquitously generic Würstelstands in the city. If you want a more local feel (and if you're really, really, really - really - adventurous), take the U1 U-Bahn to Reumannplatz and try Würstelstand Alles Walzer Alles Wurst.

Sachertorte: almost everyone would say Hotel Sacher. There's irony in this but Anthony Bourdain warned about eating in places where they flaunt "The Original" of something. Tony had Sachertorte there. It's not bad, but there are other places that you can also consider, such as Cafe Demel.

Sachertorte Hack: I'm not fond of apricot jam. Which is like saying I'm not fond of raw fish when talking about sushi. Try this instead: Truffle Torte (with whipped cream, of course), in Cafe Demel.

Wiener Schnitzel: Figlmüller or (Figlmüller Lugeck). But, unlike steak or sushi, the difference between a EUR 10 schnitzel and a EUR 20++ schnitzel isn't as noticeable - except perhaps, in terms of its serving size. Go try Amerling Beisl or Hopferl as well.

Highly-raved resto: Ulrich. Wild boar schnitzel and baked veal cheeks.

Coffee: phil and J. Hornig Kaffeebar (if you're working as well), CoffeePirates and, as legit as it can get: Wiener Rösthaus. Kleines Cafe is just for people watching.

Good and cheap in Innere Stadt: Tramezinni Bar
Apple strudel/Apfelstrudel: Cafe Korb, hands down.
Dessert: Ital Eis Salon de Pellegrin, Strudls

Where to Shop
Books & Comics: Bilderbox and Buchhandlung Walther König GmbH & Co KG (MuseumQuartier)
Clothing & Concept Stores: Qwstion, Arnold, Wall, Sole Box, Brother's Barbers (for men's supplies). Zapateria. Go get lost in the Schottenfeld/Neubau area. Steffl Department Store actually has an impressive collection of limtied edition New Balance sneakers.

Toys: Carl Hilpert KG near Stephansplatz. Their Playmobil is up to EUR 1,00 cheaper.
Camera stuff (pro-stuff, not for tourists): DIGITALSTORE Vienna in Stiftgasse. They have Zacuto and Blackmagic Design cameras as well. 

Or the Leica Shop at Westbahnstraße.

Where to Shoot
Mariahilf, Neubau, Schottenfeld, Innere Stadt, Nachsmarkt (in the morning!)

Photos taken using
Leica M Typ 240 + VSCO Film
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2
Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm f/1.8
Fujifilm GF670 + Kodak Portra 400

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Wien x @redsheepphotocinema. Leica M240. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ and redsheep Luminoir 800M- April 2020.

Venice is one of the most touristy places in the world - for a reason - a very valid reason at that. It's simply a place like no other. The attractions aren't that much of the churches, campos, art galleries and docks - it's the city itself. And the fun (and challenging) thing about it for a street photographer is this: just how do you photograph a place that's as touristy as this? Is it even possible to "de-touristify" Venice and have an authentic time there? If you're willing to wander around - if you're willing to go "left" when the sign points "right" to Rialto or San Marco - and if you're willing to go beyond, like Dorsoduro, Giudecca or even a bit further - then, I'm sure you will.

Mestre? It's one train station away from Sta. Lucia (Venice). EUR 1,25 per trip. Price of hotels and hostels are significantly lower.

Disclaimer: I've only been to Venice twice. I'm not that discerning when it comes to Italian food (except Pizza!). I don't like gelato. The list below is more of a "Where I Ate", instead of a "Where to Eat".

Where to Eat
Pizza: Antico Forno, Pizza 2000, Da Michele (Mestre).
Coffee: Torrefazione Cannaregio.
Gelato: Suso
Tiramisu: I Tre Mercanti
Pasta: Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go
 

Wander here.
Dorsoduro
Collezione Peggy Guggenheim (modern art!)
DFS (T Fondaco dei Tedeschi) - great free view from the roof deck
 

Leica M Typ 240 + VSCO Film

Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2
Voigtländer Ultron 21mm f/1.8

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Venice Italy x @redsheepphotocinema. Leica M240. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ and redsheep Luminoir 800M- April 2020

Ahhh... street photography. It's all about finding beauty - or anti-beauty - in the mundane. 

There are so many things beyond your control: the weather, lighting, who you're shooting and what that person is doing (unless you're doing a straight-on headshot) dealing with background clutter, shooting with minimal gear, etc. 

Two ways: you can either be super stealthy for candid photos or barge in, guns blazing, with your usual "Can I take your photo?" spiel -- small talk and backstory included.

Oh, wait, Copenhagen. Bikes, concept stores, Scandinavian fashion and design, 'em photogenic Danes, more bikes, hipster havens (or hipsterhavns rather. Not one, but two hipster neighborhoods!), and *that* Michelin-starred resto [closed as of my last visit in July 2017] . Skip the Little Mermaid and lose yourself in Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Where to Eat
Danish/Scandinavian: Restaurant Relæ + Hallernes Smørrebrød + Grød, Manfreds
Market: Torvehallerne
Pizza: Neighbourhood Pizza
Burger: YOBurger
Copenhagen Street Food at Papirøen: Brasa (go for the chorizo!), La Fattoria's Porchetta Sandwich
Coffee: The Coffee Collective, Democratic Coffee
Steak: MASH

Where to Shop
Books: Cinnober (impressive Gestalten collection), ArnoldBusck.dk
Clothing & Concept Stores: Storm, Wood wood, Black, Legend, Street Machine, Han Kjøbenhavn, and all the cool stores along Jægersborggade (Sneakers & Coffee).
Music: 4sound (great synth collection), Accord (Audio CDs - yes, yes, at this day and age, still a resounding yes.)
Lego Store. Because you're in Denmark. Just for the heck of it.
Stuff for your house: Bolia.com, Illums Bolighus

Where to Shoot
Nørrebrograde
Indre By (Gothersgade, before the shops open!)
Nyhavn

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Copenhagen Denmark x @redsheepphotocinema. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ April 2020

Much has been said about Tokyo. I could go on and talk about geek culture, endless Lost in Translation and Babel references, where to buy an Ibanez Prestige guitar, but instead, I'll leave you with this anecdote. No pics. But it did happen:

One Tuesday Morning in Tsukiji Fish Market

Beside this rather popular and touristy sushi joint (think: 2-hour long lines, fanny packs and all, behold: faithful devotees from the Church of TripAdvisor), there's this spot preferred by locals: Edokkos, Tokyoites, and perhaps their foreigner friends who have been with them a year ago *ahem that’s me*.

More than the remarkable sushi that was highly recommended by a de facto local/Japanese food microblogger/friend (hey Miki!) it was this sign that caught my attention this time around: "No Picture Taking". "撮影禁止". I found this rather counter-culture - a big "up yours" to this social media age that we live in; establishments would actually want people to take photos of their dishes. Pics or it didn't happen. #instagramthatshit. #foodporn.

So after paying the cashier half a wad of Japanese Yen that was well worth it (cash only!), I asked why we weren't allowed to take photos.

"Because we don't want to be famous."

Why?

"Because if we become famous, we wouldn’t be able to give the same quality to our customers. You can't have both. We don’t want to lose our core customers." [paraphrased]

Let that sink in for a moment.

(…now back to our usual Rough Guide)

Coffee: Koffee Mameya, The Roastery by Nozy, Fulgen, Sarutahiko Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee
Sushi: ask me.
Rather cheap but pretty good Japanese Steak: Ikinari
Sleep: 9hours. From backpackers all the way up to start-up CEOs.
Camera Gear: Map Camera, Lucky Camera
Guitars: Ochanomizu (Guitar Street)
Sneakers: Omotesando nr. Harajuku
Don’t forget: BEAMS. And Tokyu Hands.

Photos taken using
Leica M Typ 240 + redsheep Chromavibe 160M+
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2
Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm f/1.8

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Tokyo featuring location photos of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Omotesando and Tsukiji Market Leica M240 + redsheep Chromavibe 160M+. 2015 & 2017. Color remastered April 2020.

Rent your own car, explore southern Iceland, spend the night at Vik, then go to Solheimajokull the following day. And of course, the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site is one that’s not to miss. Just don’t loose your car keys at Black Sand Beach hours before your flight.

True story bro. Read on...

Reynisdrangar, Iceland 

So there I was, ready to go home, after taking this photo of Sam & Brooke (🇺🇸✈️🇮🇸). You know that happy, fulfilled feeling you have after a long, productive trip? Well all of that just got thrown out of the window as I tried to open my car's door. "Hey!?! These are my AirBnB keys... Wait..." I put down my cameras so I could check my other pockets. None. My car keys weren't there. In what was clearly a state of denial, I checked the same pockets again. "Where are my keys?!?" Oh Lord. I did a rough search, first, at the parking lot, then making my way first to the left side of the beach, then to the right side. None. I made my way back to the car to do a more thorough search this time, but still to no avail. "F--k." Not a few F-bombs were uttered during those moments.

Allow me to enumerate the facts related to my predicament:

1. I lost my keys in a place called "Black Sand Beach". Well it wasn't entirely sand. Half of them were small, round black pebbles wherein one careless person could easily lose a small, round black keychain that was roughly the same size as the pebbles. Think "needle in a haystack", but this time, the needle was golden yellow.

2. It was my last day in Iceland and I just had a few hours left before my flight. Black Sand Beach was 2.5 hours from Reykjavik, a total of three from the airport. It was already 9:30PM, and I was scheduled to return the car by 3:00AM. How long would it take me to find the keys (Will I actually find them in the first place?) And how long will it take the Rent-A-Car company to bring a duplicate key? Is that even an option given the time that I have?

3. The keys could have been anywhere. I traversed a good 400 meters of the beach, taking photos from time to time... argh. God knows where I dropped it. Leaving them inside the car would have been a consolation, but no, they weren't inside. 

4. It was a rather desolate beach. It wasn't your typical beach beside a small town. The lone restaurant was already closed, and people were starting to leave as it was already getting dark. Having a locksmith around was quite a longshot.

On with the story. So I decided to do another search, but I had to narrow it down further. Well logically, since I spent more time on the right side of the beach, I did a more thorough, foot-by-foot, inch-by-inch search there. My search area was roughly 300 square meters of black sand and car keychain-like black pebbles. I was in a state of borderline panic and "I got this all figured out". After 10 minutes of searching... none. 15... none. I was already praying (very) audibly. There was no one else there to hear me anyway. Do you know the verse in Hebrews that tells us to "approach the throne of Grace with boldness"? Man, did I really knock on Heaven's doors, barging audaciously into the Holy of Holies. "Father, I know you're good. You care about even the smallest details of our lives. Please lead me to the key because you know where it is. I need a miracle today, Father. You know how much I want to go home." Something like that, but a little bit more desperate. Lol.

I did one more thorough search of the beach's right side. I still wasn't able to find my keys. I then Googled the number of Reykjavik Rent-a-Car (Iceland's Edge is even faster than Manila's 3G!!!) The search results gave me the number, but the store hours already indicated "Closed". Five rings or so, then, surprisingly, someone answered. I told him about my predicament, and, although he was talking to me in a professional-methodological-step-by-step manner, he couldn't hide it in his voice how messed up my situation was. Getting duplicate keys all the way to the Black Sand Beach, apparently, was out of the question. It would have taken several hours to go through the entire process.

I was given the following options.

1. Leave the car and start making my way back to Reykjavik. That would entail walking to the main road and taking my chances hitchhiking. There was no public transportation. You either rented your car or you were part of a group tour.

2. This one, I really didn't consider. Spend the night in the area, wait for the duplicate keys the following day, but utterly miss my flight. No way. I wanted to be home by Mother's Day.

3. Call their Emergency Services. They might probably give me a ride back to the capital, or at least, to nearby Vik. My things were inside the car, so I was even considering asking to police to just break the windows so I can get my bag, I'll just pay the rent-a-car whatever the damages were. I just couldn't risk flying out with my laptop and lenses left just there.

So there, we were discussing my options over the phone, with option 3 being the most feasible one. Me being actually able to find my keys was a far-fetched idea, but I told the guy I haven't given up hope yet. I told him I'll do one more round of searching before I call the police.

It was already 10PM, sunset was in 20 minutes and the tide was already rising. You know your tendency to wander around and walk aimlessly as you're talking intently with someone on the phone? Well, that happened. I found myself already waaay outside my search area - I was already on the left side of the beach. Not only did I find myself off track, I also found something else: my keys!!!!!!!! 

Guj: "Oh! Oh thank God!"
Rent-a-Car guy: What!?!"
Guj: "My keys! I found my keys!"
Rent-a-Car guy: "Oh wow! Thank God". 

I could hear the sincerity and relief in his voice.

The keys were there, right there, directly in front of me. It wasn't like, "Oh, there they are" a few meters away. 

Wait wait wait... you mean God answered your prayer even after all those F-bombs? 

Yes. 

The good Lord answers prayers based on His goodness alone, not ours. If for a minute, you're thinking that God answers prayers because you're "good enough" or because God owes you something because you did this for him, then, my dear friend, you're mistaken. The only thing that we can hold on to is Christ's finished work on the cross. That's both the only thing and everything at the same time. (If you talked to me a few year back, I would have given a different answer. That's why I was "churchy" and all.) Another thing that I've learned. My self-effort would have eventually led me to nowhere. The search area that I chose was the right side of the beach. Where did I find the keys? On the left side. The area where I was not searching in. I "found" the keys as I was "aimlessly wandering" while talking on the phone. I was actually passively looking for the keys as I was talking. Then there, right in front of me, way way out of my search area, as if the Lord led me to them. He *did* lead me to them. I don't believe in luck or coincidence. This is Unmerited Favor. This is superabounding Grace.

Moody travel photos of Vik, Dyrhólaey, Solheimasandur and Reynisdrangar Black Sand Beach x @redsheepphotocinema. May 2016. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 800M+++ April 2020.

Shame on me for not having a write-up for New York City. I mean - c’mon man - of all the cities? Or it might be because of my love-hate relationship with it.

Well, I’ll keep it short:

redsheep New York City = Saturdays NYC at Crosby St, Ace Hotel (and Stumptown Coffee), “tito-tier” shopping at Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co 5th Ave Flagship, hip shopping at NoLita and SoHo, business-justifiable gear shopping at B&H, geeking out at Forbidden Planet and visiting the Sanctum Sanctorum at 177 “A” Bleecker Street, MALIN+GOETZ, REI Co-op, Shake Shack with squirrels at Madison Square Park, good ol’ Ray’s and Prince St. Pizza, Russ & Daughters, and Smith & Wollensky for that Miranda Priestly fix or Peter Luger for that annual splurge meal. What else? Crif Dogs? Bao Haus? A Simon and Garfunkel + Beastie Boys + Biggie + The Strokes playlist?

That’s it, I guess.

Oh wait. Now I DO have a write-up.

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Stockholm Sweden x @redsheepphotocinema. Leica M240. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M+ and redsheep Luminoir 800M- April 2020

That one… (if you only have time for one)

…concept store: Colette
…place to buy, errr… stuff: Merci
…bookstore: Shakespeare and Company
…bookstore where you’ll actually buy something: Artazart
…traditional French Bistro: Le Bistrot Paul Bert
…breakfast spot: Frenchie to Go
…hip resto: Au Passage
…coffee shop: Ten Belles
…value Michelin star resto: Septime [or L’Astrance or Bigarrade, I’ve heard.]
…crêperie: Breizh Café
…forgivable tourist trap: [OUTSIDE] the Eiffel Tower

That one movie location or reference from...

Amelie: Cafe des Deux Moulins (or this one: Abbesses Métro Station)
Before Sunset: Shakespeare and Company (or if you’re willing to walk, Le Pure Cafe)
Midnight in Paris: rue Galande
Inception: Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Pulp Fiction: McDonald’s, for a “Royale with Cheese” or “Le Big Mac”.

Reportage travel and candid street photos of Paris France. Leica M240 + redsheep Chromavibe 160M+. 2015 & 2017. Color remastered April 2020.

Oh will you look at that.

Two city engagement shoot scenarios at polar ends of my bucket list: a sidewalk with a chock-fuller than usual flow of pedestrians (apparently all of them just came out of The Theater at Ace Hotel where an afternoon matinee just concluded), and, just one block away, a totally empty street in Downtown Los Angeles. Three streets actually: W 9th, S Spring and S Main Street. But no POTUS this time - just a routine road re-blocking project from the local department of public works and the city government of Los Angeles.*

So those two instances above, plus the unfairly beautiful Southern California sunlight, plus Dom & Reg, delightfully animated an all, ever-comfortable with each other, totally nullifying the "we're not comfortable in front of the camera" disclaimer that they said earlier.

Ah. Favor. Another one of those "strength in weakness" moments. I was limping like Keyser Söze (don't ask why). And touchdown in LAX was less than 24 hours ago. Totally needed all the Help that I can get.

Prewedding photos from Dom & Reg's engagement session in Downtown Los Angeles. Prewedding photography x engagement photographer @redsheepphotocinema. Featuring location photos of S Broadway and the 1st Street Viaduct, DTLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Color graded with redsheep Chromavibe 160M+. November 2019.

Halfway through the beach wedding ceremony at sunset, followed by the kiss, recessional, and bride & groom portraits during blue hour - all these key events happening - from sundown 'til utter darkness. It wasn't the original plan, but looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. C'mon, sparklers against a pastel blue sky - how could you not? *stoked smiley*

Photos of Renaud and Kat's beach wedding in Club Paradise Palawan: candid and chill destination wedding photography x @redsheepphotocinema in Club Paradise Palawan, Coron, Philippines January 2019. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M, May 2020.

Sydney, Australia Destination Wedding | 03.2015
Em & Van's Sydney, Australia Destination Wedding Video (Same Day Edit) by redsheep Cinema of Manila. Filmed on location: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney - St. Bede's Catholic Church, Pyrmont - Quay the Rocks.

Em & Van's SDE will be available for public viewing starting March 15. Meanwhile, enjoy this sneak peek post.

Engagement Session & Pre-wedding Shoot: Bondi & Tamarama Beach.
Welcome Lunch: Atrium, The Grounds of Alexandria.
Wedding Preparations: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
Church: St. Bede's Catholic Church, Pyrmont
Reception: Quay - The Rocks

Photo: Chestknots (Manila)
Video (and the additional photos below): redsheep Cinema (Manila)
Coordinator: Binta Hellesmans (Sydney)
AV: Bombora Audio Visual (Sydney)
Florist: Susan Avery (Sydney)
Post-wedding Cruise: COAST Harbor Cruises

"Never Wanna Grow Up" performed by Katrina Stone licensed through The Music Bed 
// Streaming, Internal & External Uses  // Single Use | Perpetual © 2015 Katrina Stone Music themusicbed.com

Hong Kong wedding video: Luis & Steph's Hong Kong engagement session & destination wedding x @redsheepphotocinema. The Pottinger & The Verandah, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

Coordinator: Nicole Froelich / BespokenFor Weddings, Hong Kong

Act One:🎶 ...I will be king / And you / you will be queen... / 🎶Act Two:🎶 Though nothing / will drive them away / We can be heroes / just for one day 🎶#DavidBowie, "Heroes"-Editor's note: Luis & Steph are bona fide Bowie fans, not stowaways aboard the David Bowie #hypetrain. Got a flat tire? 🎶 Ch-ch-ch-ch-change it. 🎶 #lxshk

Here's a feel-good wedding that we shot alongside Bloc Memoire: a very intimate solemnization in Hiza & Raquel's pad a stone's throw away from Orchard Road, followed by a wholesomely crazy dinner party at The White Rabbit. That's 300++ visible instances of smiles. Give or take a few. Oh, and yes, those caricature wedding favors were nothing short of amazing.

Singapore wedding videography: Hisamizu and Raquel's wedding highlights film x wedding videographer @redsheepphotocinema. Shot on location: The White Rabbit, Singapore. Sony A7S II. VSCO.

This - Seph & Chris’ destination wedding - would be my testament on how far I could go in shooting a wedding photojournalistically. Some couples would get us because of the travel factor in our photos: those tiny people-big big sky shots or those ethereal Milky Way and night sky shots; some, for the filmic quality, but Seph and Chris, they were drawn to the photojournalistic and reportage aspect. This set might be a bit too street photography-style, gritty and anti-glam for your usual Wedding Pinterest Board - body ink, alcohol, dark shadows and all. I even left out photos of the gown, shoes, bridal bouquet and the other usual wedding details for good measure. All these, because one - to prove a point, that you can be both photojournalistic and picturesque at the same time, and two - because I frickin’ love to shoot this way.

Destination wedding photos of Seph & Chris' beach ceremony in Apulit: candid and chill destination wedding photography x @redsheepphotocinema in Apulit Island El Nido Resorts, Taytay, Palawan, Philippines January 2017. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M and Luminoir 800M++, June 2020. Taytay is one hour south of El Nido, but you’ll still get the same world-class treatment that you can expect from any of the other El Nido Resorts.

El Nido adventure engagement photos: Bryan & Jade’s adventure prenup session in El Nido, Palawan x destination wedding photographer @redsheepphotocinema. Shot on location: Nacpan Beach, Cadlao Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Las Cabanas and Maremegmeg Beach Bar, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Sony A7SII. Leica M. VSCO.

Beach wedding photos and edited video from Mace & Leda's intimate destination wedding in Isla Cabana, Siargao, Philippines. Wedding photography & cinematography x destination wedding photographer & videographer @redsheepphotocinema. Color graded using redsheep Chromavibe 160M. March 2019.

Intimate beach wedding in El Nido. Piotr & Karolina’s intimate beach wedding photos & video x destination wedding photographer & cinematographer @redsheepphotocinema. Shot & filmed on location: Stunning Republic, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Sony A7RII. Leica M. VSCO. Color remastered, June 2018.

This is what I really like about El Nido: throw awfully bad weather at it and it still looks ethereally beautiful. This, and the vibe, the sandbars and sunset bars, a horizon that's never boring, and the pizza, definitely the pizza. El Nido = LOVE.

Update: It’s been more than a year and more than a dozen shoots after and I haven’t seen El Nido as stormy as this, ominous dark clouds and all. If you’re here because you Googled “el nido wedding”, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but this portfolio entry is not the typical bright and sunny tropical beach wedding that you’re expecting. It has “stormy” written all over the fineprint. Still breathtaking nevertheless.

Go*. Just go**. If Batanes is in your destination wedding short list or travel bucket list, don't think twice. It's been weeks already, but I'm still enthralled by the sheer beauty of this place. And to think that it's my third time shoot in Batanes already! I think it might take three more before I reach the "been there - done that" phase. 

And this. The styling. I've seen postcard-worthy locations ruined by event styling that's tastleless and a five-letter "B" word in the vernacular. Definitely, not this one. Go get these guys to do your Batanes wedding. Their sense of aesthetics - *the audience goes oooh* - that's the stuff Pinterest boards are made of.

//

* ** During the summer months, of course. I've seen Batanes' bad side. It's sad, gloomy, ominous, dank, dark, foreboding, etc... you can say goodbye to those Milky Way shots at night.

//

Photos from Mac & Jhunie's destination wedding Batanes, featuring location photos of Fundacion Pacita, Marlboro Hills, Mahatao and Tayid Lighthouse in Batanes, Philippines. March 2016. Photography and videography x @redsheepphotocinema. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M and Luminoir 800M, July 2020.

Makeup: Pia Reyes
Hair: Franchesca Jewel Lopez
Coordinator: Zharmaine Gutierrez of I.B.S Batanes Travel and Tours
Ceremony flowers: Flowers by Party Lovers
Ceremony stylist: Drew Librero
Bridal gown: Mak Tumang
Groom's attire: Ziggy Savella
Bridesmaid gowns: Teena Sabrina Tan
Entourage flowers: Tropical Blooms Florist

Officiant: Pastor Armando Gallardo
Wedding favors: Yaru Gallery
Singers: Lheigh and Jheni Ibanes
Host: Daisy Gabuan
Invites: Craelligraphy
Reception: Cafe du Tukon of Fundacion Pacita

Batanes Engagement Session | 11.2014

Ian x Johanna's Batanes engagement session & wedding save the date film. Filmed on location: Batan and Sabtang, Batanes, Philippines. Featured locations include the Alapad Rock Formation, Valugan Boulder Beach and Nakabuang Beach. Color remastered, August 2021.

Mac & Jhunie's Batanes Engagement Session. Shot on location: Sabtang, Batanes, Philippines.

Makeup: Pia Reyes 
Hair: Franchesca Jewel Lopez
Tour/Logistics/Special Thanks: Batanes IBS Travel & Tours

Singapore Wedding & Solemnizartion | 11.2014
Sean Lee x Dawn Ow's wedding highlights video. Filmed on location: Marina Bay Sands & NOSH Restaurant, Singapore

Photo: Bloc Memoire Photography
Video (and additional photos): redsheep Cinema
Coordinator: Wedrock Weddings
Makeup: Cleo Chang
Florist: Floral Magic x Heaven in a Wild Flower

It's by far the most beautiful sunset that I've ever seen:

The locals and the El Nido Resorts staff agree. If these guys who get to experience this daily say that it the most beautiful sunset, then it IS the most beautiful sunset!

And to think that we almost gave up on our sunset cruise: the late afternoon sky, as seen from Big Lagoon Beach, was dark, gloomy and covered with a thick layer of clouds. This, the oh so bland sky, was a stark contrast to what was Bernhard & Joanna's wedding cake: Hotel Sacher Vienna’s Sachertorte!!! A chocolate sponge covered with chocolate icing, and filled with a layer - or two - of apricot jam. (Ohh that was really really really good!!! They said it’s best served with whipped cream).

Now where was I... O yes, the sunset! Going back, we trusted our instincts and still went for the sunset cruise. *voila* This amazing view surprised us! It was grace that - quite literally - was showered on us from above. We are so much grateful for this surreal moment that we all experienced. And thank You also for that striated layer of clouds that filled the sky - like a fluffy carpet unrolled for us by the good Lord himself! [I’m still in awe whenever I see the portrait].

This is what I love about beach weddings - El Nido weddings in particular: the weather is very unpredictable, but it can and it will surprise you, literally adding colors and hues to the story that is your big day! 

'till next time!
Klara
 

Photo: redsheep à Deux (Nouveau!)
Video: good ole' redsheep Cinema

El Nido Destination Wedding | 12.2012
Raphael Bick x Daniela Zheng’s El Nido destination wedding Same Day Edit video, filmed on location: Miniloc, El Nido Resorts, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Raphael and Daniela are seasoned globetrotters. Among all the places that they have been to, they chose our very own El Nido. (Raphael has been to Antarctica! ...and I'm so tempted to use the word "cool". ) Raphael and Daniela's friends are from all over the world (READ: INSEAD - The Business School for the World) and they wanted a place with sheer beauty and charisma that can draw even the busiest investment banker or consultant into a week-long tropical frenzy. In a nutshell, that's 55 guests from 20 different countries. 2 islands, 1 awesome wedding.

The reprise starts at 03:26. Enjoy! 

Editor's choice: "Sunshine" by James Peel (c) 2010 Catapult Records Licensed through The Music Bed (License Type: Wedding & Portrait Photography & Videography // Streaming, Internal & External Uses // Single Use | Perpetual) themusicbed.com

#EverywhereWeWed | 11.2012
Everywhere We Shoot | Ryan x Garovs’ wedding same day edit video. Filmed on location: Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila, St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish, Magallanes Village, Makati and Whitespace Manila, Makati.

Video: redsheep 
Photo: MangoRed 
Styling: RabbitHole Creatives 
Gown: Mich Dulce 
Makeup: Sam Gallardo 
Coordinator: The Best-Case Scenario x 
Invite: Inksurge
Catering: K by Cunanan
Special Thanks: 
Sandwich
The Diegos
Acid House Post
Bleach Catastrophe
Joey Samson

Malibu Destination Wedding | 04.2014
Malibu destination wedding video, filmed on location: Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu, Southern California, USA.

A steadfast love. This love story is the epitome of a lasting long distance relationship. An epic venue with an insanely gorgeous view - heck yeah Malibu Rocky Oaks! (And to add to that, here's a cool backstory: this is Mr. Chow's "Mexican" Villa in The Hangover 3. The one where Marshall [John Goodman]'s gold was kept.) This was indeed one cool wedding to film and we're really glad to have been a part of it.

Singapore Wedding & Solemnizartion | 11.2014
Adrian Reeves x Edna Lim's wedding photos were taken at Blue Bali, Cluny Road, Singapore.

Photo & Video: redsheep Photo x Cinema
Make-up: Cleo Chang

Fundacion Pacita, Batanes Destination Wedding | 12.2014
Anton Abad x Cha Morados' Batanes wedding photos & wedding highlights video

Photo & Video: redsheep Photo x Cinema
Coordinator: Joseph Albert Vila Company of Brides 

Singapore Engagement Session | 11.2014
Adrian Reeves & Edna Lim's engagement Session (prenup) photos were taken at Haji Lane, Singapore.

Capones Island Save the Date Film | 02.2013
David Dulaca & Aby Puzon's save the date film and engagement session (prenup) photos, taken at Anawangin & Capones Island, Zambales, Philippines.

Singapore Engagement Session | 11.2014
Kenneth Estaca & Kristaline Carlos' engagement session (prenup) photos, taken at Tiong Bahru, Singapore.

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu Destination Wedding | 12.2014
Dominic Hernandez x Katrina Chua's destination wedding Same Day Edit Video and wedding photos taken at Cowrie Cove, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines.

El Nido Destination Wedding | 12.2013
Petras x Daiva Maciulis’ El Nido destination wedding photos and highlights video, filmed on location: Stunning Vistas Resort, Papaya Island and Helicopter Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Meet Petras x Daiva, and their best man Mantas. They took a 14-hour flight from Lithuania to the Philippines for an intimate beach wedding in El Nido, Palawan. (Yup! That's everyone - the bride, the groom and their best man! That's a 1:1 ratio between team Lietuva and Team redsheep.) 

#KasalanSaPinaglabanan | 02.23.2013
Charlie Fernandez x Paula Peralejo’s Filipiniana-themed wedding video (effortlessly cool, socially responsible and übernationalistic). Filmed on location:  Santuario del Santo Cristo and the Fernandez Residence in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Photo: MangoRed 
Video: redsheep cinema 
Makeup: Pia Reyes
Hair: Dave Lopez 
Coordinator: Teena Barretto
Gown: Rosalyn Lagdameo
Details (DIY): Veronica Peralejo

Boracay Destination Wedding | 04.2014
David Dulaca & Aby Puzon’s Asya Premier Suites Boracay destination wedding Same Day Edit video. 

DannySt x Kathleen | 12.2012
Street photographer Danny Santos x Kathleen Caray’s Tagaytay Midlands wedding same day edit video. Filmed on location: Madre de Dios Chapel and The Veranda at Tagaytay Midlands.

Photo: Metrophoto
Video: redsheep Cinema
Styling: Teddy Manuel
Coordinator: Jody Liwanag
Host: Francis Day

If you're from Singapore, chances are, you know Danny Santos. He's a street photographer extraordinaire known for shooting strangers, particularly along Orchard Road. It's an honor indeed to be part of Danny x Kathleen's wedding. We're big fans!

For the Love of Cycling | 02.2013
Colin Pearson x Carmela Serina’s Hacienda Isabela, Chapel on the Hill and Antonio’s Tagaytay wedding video: a 7-minute concoction of adrenaline & endorphins. 

Punta Fuego Destination Wedding | 04.2011
Geronimo Begre x Pamela Ayson’s Tali Beach, Punta Fuego destination wedding highlights video.

Video: redsheep Cinema
Photo: MangoRed x Eddie Boy Escudero
Gown: Rajo Laurel
Makeup: Lourd Ramos
Coordinator: Georgia-Schulze del Rosario
Catering: Margarita Fores
Band: The Bloomfields 

Thunderbird, La Union Destination Wedding | 02.2014
Nathaniel Camat & Aya Tañada's Thunderbird Resorts destination wedding Same Day Edit. Filmed on location: Thunderbird Poro Point, La Union, Philippines.

Bride's selected song: "Home Part 2" by Lights and Motion licensed through The Music Bed (License Type: Wedding & Portrait Photography & Videography // Streaming, Internal & External Uses // Single Use | Perpetual) themusicbed.com

Boracay Destination Wedding | 12.2012
Karl x Han’s Boracay destination wedding photos were taken at Asya Premier Suites, Boracay, Philippines.

01.15.2016 Abaca Boutique Resort, Cebu, Philippines.

Felix & Jasmine: From New York City to Cebu. Welcome to the Philippines!

Photo & Video: redsheep
Coordinator: Tisha Cue
Gown: Vera Wang
Hair & Makeup: Vanessa Gamus
Décor & Styling: Simple Wishes
Sounds & Lighting: Intensity Services
Cake: LMG Pastry Chef
Ceremony & Cocktails Music: Cebu String Quartet
Reception Music: Adlib Band / DJ Allan Raymundo

New York Engagement Session | 04.2014
Jon & Agnes Walker’s "engagement session" or couple shoot (postnup) photos were taken at the Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Radio City Music Hall and Times Square in New York City. 

Bohol Destination Wedding | 01.2014
Sam Eslamieh x Ledh dela Cruz’s Bohol destination wedding photos and highlights video. Filmed on location: Amarela Resort, Bohol, Philippines.

A surprise zombie pseudo-bride, a Zoolander inspired pillow fight, an epic groom dressing up sequence a la Ali G, a "first fight" in lieu of a first dance, wedding vows that are rib-tickling yet still heart-warming, and the island of Bohol, whose charm remains unrelenting in spite of 14 hours of downpour. These are just some of the highlights of Sam and Ledh's Amarela Bohol destination wedding. 

Tagaytay Destination Wedding | 11.2014
Patrick Fromm & Karla Meneses’ Antonio’s Tagaytay wedding photos. 

Pangulasian Island elopement wedding photos: Chris & Sarah’s elopement in Pangulasian Island Palawan x destination wedding photographer @redsheepphotocinema. January 2018. Pangulasian Island Resort and Big Lagoon Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Sony A7RII, VSCO, Voigtlander lenses. Makeup: Janka Ced.

"It took us quite some time to get to the decision to elope, but at the end of the day we wanted what felt true to us and didn't want the wedding to become bigger than us." Exactly Chris & Sarah's words.