In last weekend’s edition of the Inquirer, wedding photographer Patrick Uy was featured in an article which retold his experience when he was invited to photograph the coronation of the king of Bhutan in words and pictures. 

Here’s an excerpt:

Patrick Uy is a name synonymous with weddings. Since the early ’90s when Patrick began a photography career, his services have been in high demand.

He has photographed many celebrity weddings, including those of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, Jackie Ejercito and Beaver Lopez, and those of Mikey and Dato Arroyo, sons President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In November 2008, Patrick added yet another feather to his cap when he was invited to photograph the Bhutan king’s coronation. With wife Evelyn and colleagues John Tronco and Philip Santos, he went to Bhutan to document the festivities.

Patrick said that the journey to Bhutan actually began in a wedding in Boracay. Fellow photographer John Tronco shot photographs for the Vietnamese groom who, it turned out, was a good friend of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. In time came the invitation to “shoot” the enthronement ceremony.

“It was part of our karma that our weekend was free – that same weekend of the coronation. So off we went, for the shoot of a lifetime!” said Patrick. [READ MORE…]

(PRESS RELEASE) Looking for an ideal location in Makati for a prenuptial photo shoot? Why not consider the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL)?

FHL occupies the historic Nielson Tower, the country’s first international airport. The building is the only remaining pre–World War II structure in the Makati business district. In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Awards recognized the library for its outstanding conservation and adaptive reuse of this elegant building.

(Col. Andres Soriano with PAL officials and crew | photo courtesy of FHL)

The old airport’s waiting area and control tower have now been transformed into function rooms, where soon-to-weds may have their prenuptial pictorial. Some of the notable features inside the building are the spiral staircase, which is set against glass window panels and winds elegantly up to the Tower Room; the alcove, which features hardwood panels and serves as a photo gallery; and the hallway, which showcases polished wooden arches.

If soon-to-weds are considering the outdoors, the main entrance is an excellent location, with its understated façade and circular canopy. The courtyard, where planes used to take off and touch down, is also a beautiful location. From the courtyard, one can see the refurbished Manila International Air Terminal inscription.

As an added perk, FHL can provide assistance in prenuptial or wedding photography requirements. Interested soon-to-weds may also bring in their own photographer. And if couples are looking for the perfect venue to hold their wedding ceremony and reception, FHL is also an excellent choice for their big day.

Book now and be part of history! To reserve or get more details, please call 892-1801/759-3371, send an SMS to 0917-5594417, e-mail events@filipinaslibrary.org.ph, or visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph.

(from the Department of Tourism) If the global trend in weddings and honeymoons is to go “Destination,” then North American couples should go to the Philippines– an emerging hub for romantic and extraordinary dream weddings and honeymoons.

There are as many reasons to go for a wedding or a honeymoon as there are islands in the Philippines. With 7,107 islands, a culture that is a blend of the best of the East and West, and a wedding industry that has been recognized and has received numerous accolades from different parts of the globe, the Philippines is the perfect place to start a lifetime of wedded bliss.

Read the checklist of the reasons why the Philippines is one of the best places in the world to say “I Do.”

(via Phil. News Agency | by Lily O. Ramos) The Department of Tourism will project the Philippines as a truly beautiful country with multi-racial and multi-cultural people living in a mixture of the old and yet most modern, international environment fit for romance.

This is what Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said on Thursday as he discussed how DOT will promote the country in the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong, where the Philippines expects to sustain an upward trend for its tourism market.

The Hong Kong market has continued to post encouraging number in terms of arrivals to the country for the past three years.

A total of 96,296 Hong Kong visitors in 2006; 111,948 in 2007; and 116,653 in 2008 reflect a significant 14 percent growth rate.

What’s more, the ITE on its 23rd year has chosen the Philippines as a finalist for the ‘New Travel Route’ competition, where chosen countries will be put to popular vote as the most preferred destinations for avid travelers.

Joining the Philippines among the finalists are Switzerland, Greece, Peru, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan.

The theme “Romantic Philippines” is set to captivate Asian couples, featuring unique getaways and exhilarating thrills.

The country’s more than 36,000 kilometers of unspoiled coastlines, breathtaking scenic landscapes, and a myriad of natural wonders, make the Philippines as a perfect spot for weddings, honeymoon, and romantic hideaways.

“Our stunning landscapes truly make it a sought-after wedding destination. Couples would choose only the best for life’s most memorable events, and we are certain they would never run out of exciting discoveries in our many islands,” Durano said.

The Philippine campaign in Hong Kong will provide a booth which promises unique performances such as costumes, native dances, rendition of favorite “kundimans” plus old and modern Filipino love songs.

Clothes designed by leading fashion designer Renee Salud will also be showcased.

Led by DOT, the Philippine delegation will be joined by renowned and respected industry leaders Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, The Manila Hotel, El Nido Resort, Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Le Soleil de Boracay, Hotel Seraph Boracay, Waterfront Hotels and Casino, and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Trusted travel operators Shroff International Travel Care Inc., Castro Travel Solutions Agency, Le Soleil de Boracay, Happy Sun Travel and Tours, and Planet Holiday, as well as leading carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air will also be represented.

(excerpt from inquirer.net) The Philippines as a wedding venue paradise? With the country’s scenic spots and the Filipinos’ thing for romance, it’s a pitch that holds a lot of potential, according to the Department of Tourism.

The DOT is positioning the Philippines as the newest destination for Japanese couples to get married.  Yearly, over 450,000 couples choose to hold their wedding ceremonies outside Japan, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

He also said that the market represented a huge opportunity for the Philippine wedding, food and travel industries. Durano urged Filipino travel wholesalers, tourist establishments, wedding and event planners and other industry players to integrate their services and develop specialized programs. “Weddings are a major part of the Filipino culture and we have the capability to provide the best celebrations set in the most romantic locations with a variety of preferences,” he said. [READ MORE…]