Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Look what the stork brought in
"Look what the stork brought in"
Sun.Star Davao, July 25, 2009
Over a year ago, two good friends and photographers Sofia Genato and Stan Ong invited a few close friends with children to a rented studio and shot all day.
“I remember the nervousness, the excitement and laughs we had that day. Stan and I were new to the whole experience and just had basic lights. We were feeling our way through each shoot and family but were so lucky to have had such great models. In the end, we came out with several pretty awesome shots--some of which still take our breath away today”, fondly recalls Sofia.
That evening, Sofia and Stan had no idea where their love for photography would lead them. However, they were willing to take a chance and just pursue their dream. Thus, the zealous shutterbugs opened The Stork Studio—masterfully capturing “photographs that transcend time”.
Look what the stork brought in
The Stork Studio offers custom child photography which goes beyond the “usual posed and costumed baby photo”.
“We decided to take our passion for photography, art and kids further and are specializing in newborn, baby, child, maternity and family moments photography”, shares Stan who is married to a Dabawenya lawyer and breastfeeding advocate, Jennifer Ong.
Stan assures that The Stork Studio is “not the typical chain store or studio that you can find in malls or department stores. We are real photographers who have trained, studied and have special skills in handling and picturing babies and children”.
Whether shooting from their home-based studio in Makati or private home visits and location shoots, the camera-clicking duo want the atmosphere to be relaxed and enjoyable. They even offer pre-consultation sessions with the parents prior to the shoot, if requested.
After only a year in the business, look what the stork brought in--more than a hundred satisfied and happy clients who appreciate the studio’s distinct style of professional and personalized photography!
Celebration of life
Sofia and Stan know that the best shots come from the most unexpected moments and need to be caught in the blink of an eye. Hence, they usually shoot with at least 2 photographers, in order to make sure that they do not miss out on that moment.
“We take photos that capture your children's life moments, show their personality and your unique relationship with each other. These are the giddy giggles, peals of laughter and magical discoveries that bring about wonder and simple joys - even those that are filled with tears. We want people to look at our photos and be moved by them”, explains Sofia.
Sofia discloses that she enjoys picturing babies and children because of their innocence and peace. She takes time in working with the family so that the photos will “express the true spirit of the children, the love between the parents and kids, and the wonder of new beginnings”. “I would say that my style of photography is a celebration of life”, she adds.
Hit me with your best shot
“Babies photograph best at newborn, 3, 6, 9 months and 12 months then at 18 months and again at 2 years. We also photograph children of any age”, Stan says.
“Newborns are ideally photographed before they are 10 days old, so let us know once the baby is born so we can schedule a session. We are very competent in handling newborns and babies, so you need not worry. The newborn sessions are very professional, hygienic, relaxing and tender. We also do home service sessions”, Stan shares.
“For booking sessions, The Stork Studio encourages you to plan your day. We adjust to the child's 'best time' of the day so this may entail some clearing of schedules on the parent's part. It is important for us not to rush the one-hour session”, the father of one continues.
“On the other hand, we encourage moms-to-be to book their sessions at least 2 months (35 weeks) before their due date. Bellies are at their best shape and size at this time”, he advises.
The stork is coming to town
This coming December 2009, Stan will be in Davao City for the Christmas holidays. His supportive wife and greatest fan, Jenny, convinced him to take this chance to book interested Dabawenyos for The Stork Studio shoots.
In the past, Stan has photographed adorable Davao babies like Chelsea (daughter of Caca Limso-Go), Liam (son of Charyl Martin-Haw) and Micah (daughter of Dr. Rachelle Chua-Descallar).
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Dabawenyos to get those Stork Studio shots, without having to travel to Manila”, invites Stan.
Stan will be accepting bookings for December 27 and 28, 2009. For bookings, you may email jenny@mamababylove.com (subject: The Stork Studio) or text 0922-8982713. Log on to www.thestorkstudio.com or www.thestorkstudio.multiply.com for more information.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com./
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Trisha's 7th 'HSM' heaven
"Trisha’s 7th ‘HSM’ heaven"
Sun.Star Davao, July 18, 2009
Ask any hip and happenin’ child, tween or teen what their top three favorite Disney movies are and for sure, you’ll get the smash hit High School Musical (HSM) as one of the most popular answers.
Lovable grade one student Trisha Ysabelle Balagtas Tan is no exception. Count her in as one of the millions of avid HSM fans who would never get tired of watching the film from parts one to three countless times over.
“Trisha adores Gabriella that she memorized all her songs while elder brother Andre looks up to Troy Bolton”, say proud parents Janice and Victor Tan.
Even if Janice was busy with her profession as a bank manager and completing her requirements in graduate school, she took time out to personally prepare for her unica hija’s recent High School Musical-themed 7th birthday bash at the Regency Inn Ballroom.
“I chose the red and white color motif with Trisha and the HSM cast in the background for the invitations made by Mr. Adz. I placed the invitation card in a red and white box filled with yummy chocolates, also in red, white and gold”, describes Janice.
The talented Apples Icasas expertly decorated the ballroom with the spectacular HSM theme. At the entrance, an adorable life-size photo standee of Trisha and Andre in their colorful sports attires greeted over 100 guests. Pompoms, basketballs, HSM Mylar balloons and backdrop in bold Wildcats hues served as the main decorations of the party venue.
“Trisha loves to draw and was very hands-on with her attire. She designed her cheerleader costume all by herself and we had it done by Erwin Tan of Kasuotan”, discloses the doting mom. Many kiddie HSM aficionados attended the much-anticipated affair also garbed in their sports and cheerleading outfits.
The three-layer HSM marshmallow fondant cake was especially designed by Emily Lim of Cake Monster. The scrumptious masterpiece was adorned with edible pompoms, microphone, megaphone, stars and basketball.
Guests enjoyed the Kettle Corn popcorn and Nestle ice cream booths while playing at the basketball booth and having their hair makeover at the kiddie salon. Action-packed games included “Pass the ball”, “Group your basketball league”, “Basketball game for moms and yayas” and “Highest pointer for dads”. A fantastic magic show thrilled the guests as well.
Dancing lessons featuring the HSM steps were likewise given by a group of teenage HSM dancers. Jericho Uy and Danielle Domingo were declared as the party’s dancing prince and princess. They both received special trophies for showcasing their awesome talents.
Delightful plastic beauty kits filled with HSM notepads, glitter pens, pins, nail polish and delectable goodies were the party give-aways.
We share photos of Trisha’s 7th ‘HSM’ heaven taken by RyamYap of Chiaw Studio.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Fostering a Child-centered marriage
"Fostering a Christ-centered marriage"
Sun.Star Davao, July 11, 2009
Many married couples usually start their life together with God in the picture but most of them do not fully comprehend His plan for marriage.
Christian marriage is at the very center of God's plan for mankind. Thus, it is imperative that we need to look beyond our own concept of marriage and see what He intends.
A year after successfully completing the Couples for Christ’s (CFC) Christian Life Program, eleven young couples attended the Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) held recently at We R Inn.
The MER is part of a first-year formation program in CFC to foster a better understanding and appreciation of God’s purpose for marriage and family life.
With an overall environment conducive to learning about and living out God’s plan, the two-day MER is designed to cover various elements such as prayer, teachings, couple discussions, action planning, fellowship and the Eucharist.
The enlightening MER talks include “Serving God through Christian Marriage”, “The Christian Couple as a Pastoral Team”, “The Role of a Christian Husband”, “The Role of a Christian Wife”, “Effective Communication in Marriage”, “Healing our
Marriages” and “Building our Homes for God”.
The latest batch of MER participants are Ben and Djoan Edejer, Caloy and Dodot Espregante, Carlo and Mitch Gavira, Earl and Tetet Santos, Erwin and Deng Anonuevo, Jay and Mae Tesoro, Jun and Tina Baclig, Mike and Shay Serapio, Reman and Nerner Fulguerinas, RK and Anna Dagasohan, and Wendell and Dorreen Momville.
Acting as the MER’s service team are CFC members Paul (team leader) and Kathy Ansaldo, Ricky and Monique Villanueva, Dexter and Trina Wong as well as Gary and Janette Teves.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
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