Chubibs on Random Shots

16/10/2026

We dropped by our artist friend's solo art exhibit in Quezon City, and it was such a meaningful experience.

The exhibit explores rest in every aspect of being human, something we can all relate to, especially during Mental Health Month.

Every artwork feels like a story stitched together, reflecting struggles, emotions, and experiences that many of us carry but don't always talk about.

It's amazing how art can connect different people through feelings we sometimes can't explain.

Definitely a beautiful reminder that rest is something we all need and deserve.

19/09/2026

Today, we attended the Baguiong Buhay book launch at Baguio City Public Library to support our friends who contributed to the anthology.

18/09/2026

The People Who Make a Place Feel Like Home

Some birthdays become special not because of where you celebrate, but because of who celebrates with you.

This was Mahal's first time celebrating her birthday with other people, and I couldn't be happier that it was with this community.

From the moment we first met them, they welcomed me and Mahal with genuine kindness. And until today, that warmth has never changed.

A community of kind and passionate people who have made us feel that we belong.

Looking at these photos, I see more than a birthday gathering. I see laughter shared around a table, conversations that turn into memories, and people who have slowly become an important part of our lives.

Thank you for making room for us in your community and for making Mahal feel celebrated.

Happy birthday, Mahal. I'm grateful we get to share moments like this with people who make life feel a little more like home.

09/09/2026

Remote work setup: Wi-Fi, laptops, friends, and questionable amounts of caffeine.

Worked outside today with a friend who’s also a remote worker and ended up setting up camp at Tottori Coffee.
On the table: an iced Americano with an extra espresso shot, Spanish Latte, laptops everywhere, and probably too many tabs open.

Then, naturally, the camera came out.
A few candid frames of our workspace turned into shots of the barista preparing drinks and the quiet details happening around the café.

Work first. Coffee always. Random shots in between.

04/09/2026

To live in a place is one thing. To understand its stories is another.

Now that I’m living in the Ilocos Region, I’ve realized how important it is to immerse myself in the culture around me. And perhaps one of the best ways to begin is through language, especially through the literature written, spoken, and passed on by the people of the North.

Day 1 of the Amianan Book Festival 2026 reminded me that this gathering is more than a celebration of books and writers. It is also a celebration of identity.

From the book launches of GUMIL and other Ilocano writers, to Dagiti Nalaga Nga Istoria, the artistry of inabel shared through Luce’s talk, and the story of Gabriela Silang brought to life by Barefoot Theater Collective, each activity offered another way of encountering the culture of Amianan.

Through literature, film, weaving, theater, and conversation, we get to see how stories carry a people’s history, language, creativity, and memory.

My biggest takeaway from Day 1 is that immersing ourselves in a place means going beyond simply being there. It means making the effort to listen to its stories, learn its language, understand its art, and appreciate the people who continue to keep its culture alive.

And maybe that’s where a deeper sense of belonging begins.

25/08/2026

Last time, we tried the Flat White and Angel’s Stain of Ili Coffee. We stayed a little longer and watched the quiet rhythm behind every cup.

From taking orders to working the espresso machine, these are the small scenes that make a neighborhood coffee stop feel alive. Nothing staged, nothing rushed. Just people, coffee, and an ordinary afternoon worth remembering.

Sometimes, candid photography is simply about noticing what’s already there.

21/08/2026

Thursday scenes at Flow Juice Bar.

A little conversation here, a drink being mixed there, and plenty of candid moments in between.

We tried the Hibiscus Iced Tea and Citrus Charge, both soothing, refreshing, and nicely balanced in flavor. The kind of drinks that make you want to stay at the table a little longer.

And naturally, the camera came along.

Good drinks. Warm light. Real moments. Just the kind of afternoon we like to photograph.

19/08/2026

A little practice outside my usual frame.

After days of nonstop rain and staying mostly at home, we finally decided to work somewhere else for a change. We brought the laptop and camera to De Life Specialty Coffee, one of our go-to cafés, especially for their signature drink.

De Life Signature Drink with oat milk, Toci Silog, Tap Silog, then a little photography practice on the side.
Product and food photography are still outside my comfort zone. I’m usually drawn to people, candid expressions, movement, and authentic moments. Here, the challenge was different: slow down, observe the light, work with composition, and make ordinary details feel intentional.

There’s still plenty for me to learn, but I like that.
Photography gets more interesting when you keep finding new things you’re not completely comfortable shooting yet.

15/08/2026