University Fun Shoot Series: University of the Philippines

This is the national university of the Philippines founded in 1908.
     
TRIVIA: Every year, on commencement day, graduating U.P. students must have their pictures taken with the sunflowers (which are planted before their graduation day for pictorial purposes on commencement day), otherwise, their graduation is not complete. Of course, it's not taken seriously, but it's a tradition already! I thought it was nice, I saw the sunflowers myself--- very beautiful, all lined up in full bloom, facing the sun! What a shame, I wasn't able to take pictures of it--- :(

When I was still a student at another university, I often came here to visit my sister who at that time was the university's in-house lawyer. And later on, I came here as a student for a Basic Web course, UPITTC.

     Fun shoots in universities always gave me some problems. I am always uneasy doing shoots in school areas because security guards will reprimand you. But I guess, I am such a deviant----because I have a lot of shoots in Universities and schools in my archive =).

 Wendell sporting a viking helmet: Can he train a dragon already?

 Wendell lost in his reverie

 Caught unawares and a photobomb attack!

 School of Engineering in U.P.

 A pathway--- how I love trees!

Me---lackluster and tired :D

     I love the atmosphere of the campus--- fresh air, vast, and green. This is the university of outspoken students who are 'freethinkers'. They voice out their opinions fearlessly, and are active participants of rallies in the country.

     Although I got reprimanded for shooting in the campus, I can say that the rules here are not as strict as in other universities. :)

Peter Pan and the Magic of Happy Thoughts!

     I had been so dead tired recently, when to my agitation, my friend who loves theater acting, texted me and told me that we take a themed shoot the next day.

     I was like, 'Good luck to me, I don't know if I could really pull it off---', I mean I wasn't conditioned to think of a concept at that time. My brain was used up, I was not in the mood to take pictures!

     But my friend Phillip was so enthusiastic! Believe me, he could move mountains with his passionate pleas--- I couldn't do anything but give in. And so I did.

     Last December 29, 2011, we headed to U.P., we didn't have much problems on our way. I was with my nephew, Wendell, and sister Carmel. I was skeptic about the whole thing. I didn't know if I'd get to take good pictures.... But I kept quiet, I didn't want anyone to be bugged down.

     And so, the shoot took place---- I was surprised that my nephew came with us. And since Phillip wanted a Peter Pan theme--- I styled my nephew as a lost boy. Not bad--- and slowly, we had smiles on our faces.

The whole idea suddenly began to draw me in!

Wendell scared of doppelgangers.

     I like Peter Pan! Yes--- with his happy thoughts and carefree spirit--- i began to imagine what he'd be in real life! I wanted to capture him! Yes--- I want those pixie dusts and happy thoughts to come to life!

     And before I knew it--- I was able to capture some good scenes! How did I ever forget to have fun? In the end--- the session gave me something to be happy about. I loved the sunset, the bonding moments, and the productive day we had. I saw the golden painting of the sun rays--- the fresh air that wafted in the air.

     I learned a valuable lesson--- never let an opportunity pass you by. It may come in a package you never expected, but it will come without you knowing how much the effect it will have on your life.

Happy Thoughts--- Believe it to see it coming true!

Check out these awesome pair of shoes made by: John Phillip Gatpayat

Photo by: Diana Grace Vilchez

Make-Up: Carmel Vilchez

Costume Designer and Model: John Phillip Gatpayat

Child Model: John Wendell Vilchez