Mantra's Shoot Staple

I realized I've been talking a lot about my shoots in Mantra but never really stated much about it. Actually, Mantra is Mike's photography group, hence his studio at his house in Bel Air is called Mantra studio. Most of my work is done here and through my work here, I've been both proud and happy to not only have fun while working (due to its relaxed environment) but also I get to know more people.

When I entered Mike's house for the first time, I've noticed how models have been feeling much at home there for the first time and also, the abundance of food. Apparently, Mike has a rule that his co-workers should not get hungry, thirsty, or faint due to crash diet and starvation. I carried on that rule myself (i.e. "You don't eat, I don't do makeup.")

Another thing I've noticed too with the studio is the abundance of Coca Cola cans and litre bottles in his ref... another staple in the house. He orders cases of it, too. :) I guess it's been a classic refresher for all of us, whether it be the red regular kind, the diet kind, the caffeine-free kind, and even the flavored ones (who remembers the sweet taste of Vanilla Coke or Cherry Coke?), whatever situation may be. I remember ordering a can of Vanilla Coke before my Departmental Exam in Clinical Parasitology and chugging it down at the org office while I burry myself on the slides and reviewers. It has been with me with both my work as a scientist and an artist.

Mantra Photography staples: Hakaw and a can of coke per crew.

Okay, as I was checking some of my Mantra behind-the-scenes, look what I found omnipresent in the shots.

Look at what Apy's holding. :)

lunchtime break :)

And even videos show our red can staple :)

I'll be there at the studio again tomorrow for more work. Yep, with this weather, we definitely need something to cool us down. :)

Right now, it's back to work again for me.

Horray For Atelier De Maquillage!

After months of gruelling planning and ironing out details, and a week of practically isolating myself reviewing makeup techniques, Mantra Productions had its first event, Atelier de Maquillage yesterday and right now, with our tarp packed away and finally being able to take a breather, I'm very happy to say that our efforts were worth it and it was a success. BREEAAATTTHEEE!

Just the other night, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. to study my book and to re-pack my stuff. I was supposed to meet Mike, Nix, and Jona at Mike's place at 10:00 a.m. but since I needed an upper, I passed by Starbucks for coffee before passing at Mike's. We got at Greenbelt at 11:00 a.m. where we did the necessary preps, set-ups and dry runs. We met up Faye there and we set up the equipment at the cinema, and kept our tummies full. Of course, makeup artists and models had to look good so we prepped up too. Thanks Gina to my fantabulous curls!

Our first-ever makeup workshop with a bonus of movie showing opened its gates at 12:30 p.m. where people started registering. Rather than staying inside and going zen, I opted to go outside and calm my nerves while talking. It's my first time actually to teach makeup to a huge crowd of 40 people in a movie house. So imagine my nervousness reaching entire heights. Had to clown around and be kooky of course!




After kooky it was time to get serious, and teaching. Nix started off with teaching the basic tools and skin care, and the basic tools covers the question, "Which brush to use?" narrowing brushes for personal use only. After which, I started with the basic daytime look. This look is what I call fresh look, which is perfect for daytime, office, or just going out and you want to look fresh. Nix proceded to teaching an easy smokey eye technique. Here, she stresses that smokey eyes aren't just for large eyes. We specifically chose a model with Oriental features, so we could show that there are smoky eyes for everyone. After the usual tutorial, we were give moments to answer questions from our audience, and this was continued on when we mingled during the intermission before the movie. Basically, knowing the right color for you is a result of experience and experimenting.

That's me on the left with Faye, my model, and Nix with Jona on the right. This was taken after the smoky eyes and during the question and answer. I love Gina for giving me my super long-lasting curls that lasted up to the night. It lasted longer than my feet did on 4-inch high heels. We also raffled out prizes to our participants. Parking for the participants was also free that day.

The event ended with the showing of the blockbuster movie, New Moon, complete with food of course. Since this was held at MyCinema, seats were limited and participants were at a first-come, first-serve basis. We do plan on having more workshops like these in the future, and we're happy how our first one turned out fun and the comments we also received. Of course, we did take note of how we could improve the workshop too. This definitely won't be the last event from Mantra Productions! We were happy too that our participants were able to learn from the workshop, and a friend told me she was inspired to put on makeup after, which is one of our goals. With that, we're inspired to have more of these as well.

These are the faces of happy people - our producer, Mike, me, and Nix. Smiles of sweet success!

Thanks to all our participants who came. To those who couldn't make it, we hope to see you all next time. This blog would keep everyone posted too.

Makeup Workshop, Movie, and Meet-and-Greet

Mantra, my favorite studio takes work to the next level by producing a makeup workshop coupled by a movie. For those who have been inquiring about my makeup tutorial rates, thought you could check this workshop out. At a very affordable price, you get to learn how to do makeup, watch a blockbuster movie, and meet-and-greet also fellow beauty fanatics, a top photographer, and of course... US!

There would be two makeup artists facilitating the event, me and Nix Abaca, a good friend of mine who I have worked with a whole lot of times under Mantra. It's gonna be a whole lot of fun too!

For inquiries, you could send me an email. However, we only have limited slots left so better reserve a slot now.

To participants, we'll see you on the 21st :)