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Saturday, December 3, 2011 weekend@sunstar.com.phfeature 3

4moviesHappy FeetPart: Two

A ‘world-class’ Beauty

Full of GraceClint Holton P. Potestas introduces us to the Queens of Cebu.

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 20112CCHERRY ANN LIM Managing Editor, Special Pages and Features

JIGS ARQUIZA Editor

RALPH RHODDEN C. CAVERO Graphic Designer

cover story

The talks have not dwindled at Cary Santiago’s atelier about the shenanigan of the stars—the jitters, the bustle, the rumors?—that has stirred curiosity even among society hawks, rocketing five of Cebu’s “of-the-moment” to instant celebrity status with whatever digital pedagogy: Twit, post, poke, Podcast, upload.

If diplomatic cables ever get leaked and reveal in large part what insiders already know, then an early disclosure will be that Queen is fashion’s newest pageant.

“This is the most prestigious pageant in the Philippines. I’ve already claimed it,” laughs Cary, the famous fashion designer to the stars, as the five victors of the third year of Queen are priming at the dressing room of his atelier for a television interview.

Three years later, Queen—Cebu’s pageant for transvestites—can now pull together the country’s elite. Twitting live from the event at the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, real estate heir Divine Lee and boyfriend, actor Victor Basa, initiated the online trend.

Leading the glam gang, Ms. Spain Bee Urgello, the third Queen Universe installed, sits on the edge of the couch where the RCTV crew angles the interview; his court queues next, roll called in their female alias and their country assignment.

Ms. Greece Irina Glucksberg (Queen International) is rumored to have given out Hermes belts to his fellow candidates. Ms. Russia Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova (Queen World) is a graceful mover. Ms. Thailand Honey Lee (first runner-up) takes pride in dressing-up for the pageant while Ms. Japan Inday Sita Saita, who’s an entertainer in the same country, gleefully bustles about his “getting stronger” romantic relationship of 11 years.

How appropriate! “To protect its beauty,” answered Bee when The Buzz host Boy Abunda asked why the rose has thorns during the pageant night last Nov. 4, Saturday. True enough, it is a tongue-and-cheek phrase that seemingly sums up his real life drama I discover when I share a seat with him. Like vintage, silver screen catfights—Cherrie Gil slapping Sharon Cuneta or the Vilma Santos-Claudine Barreto’s mother-daughter hair-pulling—Bee draws from his very own pain of the past.

“It was a drama you see happening in movies,” he begins, recalling the time when he confronted his family and packed his bag. “I ran away from home because my family did not accept me. I mean, being gay was, at least, OK for them, but to dress like a woman is something they never accepted. When I left, my mom did not even allow me to use her luggage, so I packed my things in a Balikbayan box.”

Bee, the 25-year-old registered nurse who graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Cebu-Banilad, is the only son of a business tycoon. He turned his back on the comfortable life: a house with a helipad in an all-elite neighborhood, an SUV, and designer frocks. In fact, he settled for a two-peso meal.

“I wasn’t happy. The comfortable life was nothing to me,” he goes on. “I did my own laundry, rented a small space, rode a jeepney, and prepared my own meal. I worked in a call center to support myself. There were times when I wanted to go back home, but then again, it goes back to the same question: would I be happy there?”

“There were really times when I wanted to surrender. I was laid off from the company, and I only have a hundred peso in my pocket. I budgeted it to last a week. For one meal, I had a two-peso bread at Anita’s.

‘You can go back, but you have to stop dressing up like a woman,’ my mom told me when I called her. But I gave myself a chance. I searched for a job, and there

was a massive hiring in a call center company I read in Sun.Star. I was again employed and decided not to return home.”

And like screen drama, everything ends well. For almost a year now, Bee has reunited with his mother, father, and sister. “It’s a blessing. No matter what happens, we would always be a family. We reconciled during Christmas of 2010. We’ve healed the wounds. I regret running away

from home. I’ve recognized my fault. I was too proud that I thought I could do it without them. If only we had a dialogue about the situation, the rift would not have happened.”

True enough, on the pageant night, his mother and sister were in attendance. His parents covered all the expenses for his preparation: the one-on-one catwalk training with beauty titlist Anna Maris Igpit and the flashy designer wardrobe. “I was very nervous. When I came out for the first time on stage in full costume, I immediately searched for them in the audience. I was relieved; nothing compares to the love and support of my family,” he beams.

“After three years, I can see that Queen has really changed society’s view on transvestites. People have become more open to the idea that transvestites can participate in nation building and that, like what this organization hopes to achieve, we can help the less fortunate. It sounds cliché, but I really feel good about visiting charity houses. I don’t know how far this goes, but I want to inspire people with my story—straight, transvestite, kids, or everybody who has been through ups and downs,” Bee goes on.

In the coming months, together with the Clothes for Life Foundation, he will be reaching out to the pageant’s beneficiaries: Little Lambs Children’s Center, Seven Sisters House of Mercy: Home for the Elderly, Sto. Nino Children’s Center, and the Our Lady of Divine Grace Orphanage.

Bee’s involved with a good cause, all right, so I move my question to a more personal conversation—gender reassignment and breast augmentation. “It’s not happening next year or in the next two years, but I’ve never closed my doors for it. I’m yet to think about it,” he explains.

Those men who thrive best in a bustier are no less different or greater than anybody else. Like every human God made, they, too, tell stories and write their own destiny. Bee, whose beauty stood out that night and who’s blessed with humble beginnings, is above all, very easy to love. But somebody has already taken his heart.

“I am married to my crown,” he smiles, taking it off from his head, and then kissing it like it’s the most adorable child in the room.

MS. THAILAND HONEY LEE

MS. RUSSIA ALEXANDRA ROMANOVA (QUEEN WORLD)

MS. JAPAN INDAY SITA SAITA (SECOND RUNNER-UP)

Full of grace

MS. GREECE IRINA GLUCKSBERG (QUEEN UNIVERSE INTERNATIONAL)

3CSun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 2011

feature

SHE describes herself as someone who’s “not very smiley,” which is odd, as this Cebuana is a title-holder of one of the “younger” (read: “newer”) beauty pageants in the country,

the Miss Resorts World Manila. “Suplada ra ko og nawng (People say I don’t look very friendly), pero (but) I’m very approachable,” she clarifies, flashing that beauty queen smile.

It’s not surprising that this twenty-three-year-old took home the crown – she exudes an aura of grace and confidence, added with a very bubbly personality. Princess Angela Abella was hailed as Miss Resorts World Manila 2011 on August 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. She is the second to be hailed as such.

“I actually applied for a job there,” Princess recalls, “Plan ko talaga dun mag work, pero ininvite nila ako (It was my plan to work there, but they invited me) for the pageant.” At first, Princess was hesitant to join, saying that she wanted a job, not a crown. “Then I thought, why not? I’m always at Resorts World naman (anyway).”

Resorts World is a Manila-based lifestyle destination, with various tourism amenities such as hotels, malls, gaming facilities, and state-of-the-art theaters.

Princess shares that the road leading her to the crown was tough. “Marming (a lot of) events, challenges,” she says, ”Nag gym ako noon, pinag-aaralan ko ang Resorts World, nag-tatanong ako sa staff, mga boss kinakausap ko. At syempre, (I went to the gym there, I studied all aspects of Resorts World, I asked questions of the staff, I talked to my bosses, and of course) prayers.”

“Marami naman kaming deserving, pero confident ako na mananalo ako. Hindi naman ako sasali pag hindi ko kaya (There were a lot of us who deserved the title, but I was confident that I was going to win. I never would have joined if I thought I couldn’t make it),” she adds confidently.

The spotlight is not new to Princess who had been part of Ozar Models in her college years when she was still in Cebu. Back then she would do ramp modeling and several fashion shoots for local establishments. She was also crowned Miss Bikini Philippines of 2010.

Princess finished with a Nursing degree from Velez College. However, she never got around to taking the board examinations because exactly a week after graduation, she flew to Manila to join the Miss Bikini Philippines contest. “Mas gusto ko nito kaysa mag work sa hospital (I like this better than working at a hospital),” she admits, “mas na use ko ang talents ko (I was able to use my talents more).”

Among the talents she is referring to is hosting, which she does a lot now that she is Miss Resorts World. “I host events in Resort World and I really enjoy it because I’m very madaldal (talkative).”

Along with the crown, Princess also won a Viva Talent contract. “That’s my plan after this one,” she shares. She is also now affiliated with Mercator Modeling Agency.

When Princess is not busy with work, she says that she enjoys spending time with her sisters who are living with her in Manila, her friends, and her boyfriend. “If wala akong work, nakatambay pa rin ako sa (If I’m not working, I still hang out at Resorts World) Resorts World kasi may (because there is a) mall dun at cinema…” she explains.

Princess confides that throughout everything she has accomplished, what keeps her going had always been to “Follow the advice of my parents,” she says, “Lagi ako pinapagalitan, at sa huli nag-sisi ako (They always scold me when I don’t, and in the end, I regret the things I’ve done to make them mad).”

The young beauty queen was in Cebu the previous month to promote the ongoing activities in Resorts World such as their Grand Fiesta Manila and their production of the Sound of Music. “Those are basically my tasks; I attend press conferences, all of Resorts World’s events. I’m also the face of Resorts World in magazines and commercials.”

With this charming Cebuana showing the way, it certainly won’t be long before you find yourself booking a ticket to visit this all-in-one glittery and world-class tourism hub.

PHOTOS BY AMPER CAMPAÑA

‘World-Class’A

eautyB

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 20114C

movies

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

THE penguins are as adorable as ever in “Happy Feet Two.” Yet a couple of shrimp-like krill at the

bottom of the food chain almost steal the show in this animated sequel that sticks to the formula of the original while adding enough variety to give it a life of its own.

It helps to have Brad Pitt and Matt Damon voicing the krill with great energy and companionability as they join a vocal cast that includes returning stars Elijah Wood and Robin Williams.

Director and co-writer George Miller, who handled the same chores on the 2006 Academy Award-winning first film, keeps the focus on penguins in peril while adding an interesting nature-in-perspective angle with the side journey of those tiny krill trying to find their place in a world of bigger, hungrier things.

The sequel delivers the key ingredients that made its predecessor such a hit: lovable characters that audiences young and old will want to follow. A rich blend of pop tunes employed in show-stopping song-and-dance numbers. Remarkable photo-realistic Antarctic landscapes whose bleak beauty pops off the screen even more than in the original, thanks to some of the finest use of 3-D animation since the digital

age brought an extra dimension to the screen.

The snowy crags and peaks seemed tactile in “Happy Feet.” In “Happy Feet Two,” you feel you could reach up and touch them, while the deep blue skies, with their billowy clouds, look real and right outside the window, rather than computer creations projected on a movie screen.

With co-stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman out of the picture, “Happy Feet Two” is a next-generation story that follows the misfits-finding-their-place pattern of part one.

Once a freak for his tap-dancing skills in a colony where singing was the supreme talent, emperor penguin Mumble (Wood) is part of the establishment now that hoofing has joined crooning as a prized gift.

Mumble and his mate, Gloria (pop star Pink, subbing for the late Brittany Murphy, who voiced the character in the original) have a tyke of their own, whose identity issues seem too pat a repetition of those his dad once faced.

Young Erik (adorably voiced by Ava Acres) hasn’t got rhythm, you see, an embarrassment for the son of the local lord of the dance. Running away with a couple of friends as they chase after Mumble’s buddy Ramon (Williams) on the return to his own penguin colony, Erik meets

the amazing “flying penguin” Sven (Hank Azaria), whose can-do attitude makes him the idol of the youngster, to Mumble’s detriment.

Miller again shovels on an eco message as a colossal iceberg cast adrift by climate change endangers the entire colony of emperor penguins. Once the crisis arrives, the action bogs down a bit, the movie lingering a long while on its penguins-on-the-precipice menace without a whole lot happening.

But with its interspecies collaboration, as birds, elephant seals and even the little krill contribute to a happy ending, the movie is a stirring, if kind of sappy, endorsement for the good that can result when everyone rows together.

The best addition of “Happy Feet Two” are Pitt’s Will the Krill and Damon’s Bill the Krill, who are so engaging they deserve their own buddy-comedy spinoff.

When Will decides to swim out on his own to see the world beyond the teeming krill swarm, skittish Bill tags along. They discover to their horror that krill are just munchies for other aquatic life, sending Will on a comic quest to move up the food chain and become a predator himself.

The krill interludes are delightful, and the dark, quiet depths through

which they swim make a lovely contrast to the bright world of the penguins above.

The camaraderie of Pitt and Damon, co-stars in the “Ocean’s Eleven” movies, comes through loudly in their goofy banter, making them highlights of an already stellar voice cast.

Williams again does double duty in two breathlessly manic roles, voicing both Ramon and Lovelace, the colorful penguin who becomes a key disciple of Sven. Azaria, one of the vocal masters behind “The Simpsons,” extends his reputation as one of Hollywood’s top voice stars, giving Sven a gurgling Scandinavian accent that’s an absolute hoot.

Pink belts out pop songs old and new, co-writing one number, too. Williams, Azaria, co-star Common and even Pitt and Damon get in on the singing, the tunes woven cleverly into the themes and action.

You have to applaud a group of filmmakers that can take millions of disparate creatures -- plus songs as different as Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” and the theme from “Rawhide” – and unite them in a rousing, harmonic climax where for one brief Hollywood moment, predators and prey have a common cause.

5CSun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 2011

short reviews

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

audiosyncracy

glee (gimik, laag and everything else)

books

FROM WWW.FULLYBOOKEDONLINE.COM

The MuppetsMore than ever, we need a world where

a pig can be romantically linked to a frog. A world where no one finds it odd that Jason Segel’s little brother is a puppet, and they share a room with twin beds as well as a taste for pastel leisure suits. “The Muppets’’ marks a very welcome return for Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of Jim Henson’s creations after a 12-year big-screen absence. From start to finish, the movie is a healthy, dizzy dose of childlike bliss, the songs campy but catchy, the humor corny but clever, the cast – both human and Muppet – one of the most lovable gangs you’ll ever spend time with at the pictures (another lovable gang, the “Toy Story’’ playthings, star in a short animated charmer that precedes “The Muppets’’). (AP)

Arthur ChristmasA corporate-style monolith corners the

market on holiday retail, cruelly displacing its outmoded workforce and crassly insisting that any individuals that fall through the cracks are part of the cost of business. But 99 percenters don’t need to start an Occupy North Pole movement over “Arthur Christmas,” the animated comedy that shows how Santa Claus manages to deliver all those presents in a modern global market. This pleasant holiday treat from Aardman, the British animation outfit behind “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” has the old-fashioned spirit of Christmas at heart, spinning a snowflake-light tale with warmth, energy and goofy humor. (AP)

If the formula isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Call it the Def Jam way.

Take Mariah Carey: Four years after her “Glitter” flop, she officially bounced back with the label’s “The Emancipation of Mimi,” one of the past decade’s best albums, and she followed that with “E=MC2,” which had the same musical plot.

Rihanna’s latest, “Talk That Talk,” is her version of “E=MC2,” and it’s the follow-up to last year’s “Loud,” a top-notch effort from the pop singer.

“Talk That Talk” is just as good as “Loud,” full of upbeat jams and some slower ones (those, however, are the weaker tracks), all helmed by today’s top hitmakers.

Calvin Harris, a singer and DJ from London, produced the album’s best track and lead single, “We Found Love.” He works with mega-

hitmaker Dr. Luke on the danceable “Where Have You Been”; Dr. Luke also composed the album opener “You Da One,” another hit on the charts. More than the producers, Rihanna’s secret weapon is Ester Dean, one of the best

songwriters in contemporary music. Dean cowrote seven of the 11 tracks.

Rihanna is raunchy throughout the new disc – her sixth effort in six years – and it works. She’s downright nasty and demanding on the addictive “Birthday Cake,” produced by The-Dream and Tricky, and she’s schooling her man in the bedroom on the fun “Watch N’ Learn.” Though sexually charged, she can get away with having these played on radio – and we’re not sure if anyone else could. She did it with “S&M,” and will surely do it again.

Rihanna may have mastered the upbeat sound, but her slower songs need work: “We All Want Love,”

produced by No ID (Kanye West, Common), drags, as does the album closer “Farewell,” helmed by Alex da Kid, who also produced Rihanna’s hit with Eminem, “Love the Way You Lie.” (AP)

Rihanna, “Talk That Talk” (DefJam)

It’s 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They’ve been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh’s family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they’re automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn’t been invented yet. And they’re looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they’re forced to confront what they’re doing right - and wrong - in the present.

The Future of USby Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

KartzoneDOMINATION: RIOT AT THE CIRCUIT. On December 3, catch the biggest year-ender rock event with performances by Sefyla, Dymphna, Pandora, and Powerspoonz, with DJ Gnoe and MC Benson! Event starts at 8PM. Tickets are at P100 with one free drink.

The OutpostBINISAYA FILMFEST 2011. Take part in Binisaya Filmfest’s afterparty tonight! Bands who will be

performing are Tingkagul, Shuffled, Foc Fashion, Silhouette, Short 56, The Philippine Cockroach, Bombo Pluto Ova, and Tig Murder. Event starts at 9PM.

The Penthouse CebuTHE PRIMAL HOUSE SERIES. Party the night away with DJ Elmer Dado tonight! For table reservations, contact 238-0532.

The Veranda (Maria

Luisa)THE PLAYLIST PRO. Get your dose of familiar tunes tonight with DJ Alan and DJ Carlow. For table reservations, call 520-3399.

VuduOPEN BAR. Vudu has decided to extend the Open Bar—it’s now from 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Plus, local beers is now only P40 pesos during Happy Hour. Head on to Vudu tonight! For table reservations, contact 234-0836.

Internationally acclaimed Filipino tenor Sal Malaki delivered an enchanting performance last night for the first leg of the benefit concert series aptly titled ‘Christmas Showers of Grace’ at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Sal performed a variety of well-loved classics such as Bring Him Home, Besame Mucho, Climb Every Mountain; as well as Bisayan tunes like Ako’y Pobreng Alindahaw and Kasadya Ning Taknaa.

Directed by Daisy Ba-ad, and produced by Spring Rain Global Consultancy Inc., proceeds of the Christmas concert are directed to three beneficiary groups: Living the Gospel Community, Liloan Boys Home, and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters.

“I am only an instrument,” shared Sal. Known to be an “artist philanthropist,”

it is one of Sal’s missions to share to his countrymen the “talent that has been entrusted to him.”

Sal’s love for classical music began at an early age. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music with a degree in Flute (Teacher’s Diploma) and Voice (Bachelor of Music). He was also a member and tenor soloist of the UP Madrigal Singers.

Sal is the only Filipino member of the Los Angeles Opera Company under the direction of the world-renowned Maestro Placido Domingo, as well as the Los Angeles Master Choral under Maestro Grant Gershon. Sal is now in his 16th season with the latter.

In an interview prior to the concert, Sal shared his desire in molding the younger generation’s appreciation for

classical music. “There needs to be an intervention sa local programming sa arts,” he said. Sal wished for more local productions to get the involvement of schoolchildren as this can ignite the youngsters’ interest.

When asked about the difference between Christmas season in the Philippines and in other countries, Sal simply replied, “You can really feel the spirit of Christmas here.”

“Everyone is a channel of blessing,” the tenor adds. Sharing the voice that has been bestowed on him is his way of being a blessing to others.

‘Christmas Showers of Grace’ will also be held at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City on December 4; and at the Star Theater in Pasay City on December 11.

Yuletide Tunes with Sal Malakiby Fiona Escandor

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 20116C

Winter wonderland in Cebu. With Waterfront GM Alfred Portenschlager The glow-in-the-dark number by the children of SOS Children’s Village.

lex in the cityAlexis Yap

Invitations for Christmas tree lightings have been pouring in as early as mid-November. I always get so excited because Christmas is my all-time favorite holiday! This year, the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino was the first of Cebu’s biggest hotels to kick off the holidays and since everyone knows that renovations are ongoing at many parts of the hotel (including its enormous lobby) many of us were curious how the Waterfront would fit in the tall, stunning trees they are famous for putting up every year.

One can only be surprised by what the creative team of the Waterfront has dished out! Going through the lobby I could see a gathering by the entrance of the Gourmet Walk. They decorated the entire walkway with silver, white, and glitter. It was beautiful and I could only imagine how perfect it would look once actually lit! I couldn’t wait to see.

A few moments later, the program began with

a couple of speeches, highlighted, of course, by Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s new General Manager, Mr. Alfred Portenschlager who cheerfully exclaimed that he is not very new to Cebu anymore and has already taken a deep fondness of Cebu and its people.

The program was followed by a very unique and heart-warming prayer led by the SOS Children’s Village of Cebu, an institution that takes care of orphaned children. They did an interpretative number on Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s version of The Prayer. The kids wore white gloves with an all black ensemble on a black stage lit only by black lights. All that could be seen were their white gloved hands floating gracefully and forming into nice landscapes and words like love, peace, faith, and hope. It was such a beautiful number that left most of the guests teary-eyed.

Finally, Mr. Portenschlager and Cebu City Mayor

Mike Rama officially lit the Gourmet Walk by the wave of a wand. In an instant, the atmosphere transformed from beautiful... to magical! I took my time walking down the hall while a choir sang gleefully in the background. The white, the silver, the glitter, and the nice, cool chill from the AC harmoniously orchestrated the feel of a white Christmas. I zeroed in on a shiny Christmas ball, I closed my eyes, take a deep breath, and whisper softly to myself, “’Tis the season.”

And then I smiled.Don’t forget:Tonight! Start the season right with Elmer Dado,

Boyet, Jan & War for The Primal House Series only at The Penthouse.

Tonight! It’s Acoustic Sing Along at Alejandro’s Filipino Resto, Home of the Best Crispy Pata in Town. Call 253 7921 for table reservations.

Glitter

J Centre Mall openingLast Nov. 11 at exactly 11:00 a.m., the officers

and directors of Everjust Realty Development Corp. officially opened their pioneer project, the JCentre Mall. Located at A.S. Fortuna St., JCentre Mall has various

food and service establishments, with soon to open entertainment amenities.

Drumbeaters and Brazilian dancers welcomed guests during the opening ceremonies, where the mall’s slogan

“Just everything you need…plus more!” was also launched. Cutting the ribbon were Everjust president Justin Uy, with members of his family and business partners, Gov. Gwen Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Ms. World

Brand New Car Winner with VIP’s and SittiJames Uy, Justin Uy, Karen Villanueva and Jonas CortesCarmel Salvador, Justin Uy, Perl Jacalan

Ribbon Cutting by the VIPs. Herbert Sy, Gov. Gwen Garcia and Justin Uy Ramon Fernandez, Karla Kintanar-Fernandez, Pauline Hofer and Jojo Arcenas

7CSun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 2011

49 Gen. Sepulveda Street, CebuTel. No (032) 255-0105 & 412-5551

Fax No. (032) 412-5552Email: palazzo_pensionne@hotmail.com

website: www.palazzopensionne.net

BED & BREAKFAST

Got something to share with us? Sun.Star Weekend invites readers to contribute original, unpublished poems and essays or commentaries about funny or memorable moments in your life. Please email your contributions to:

weekend@sunstar.com.ph

Photo ManiaAlbert Pedrosa

Choosing the right camera for youBEFORE I start breaking down the

specs and functionalities of a camera, I’d like to answer the most popular question of all. Should I get a Nikon or a Canon? My suggestion is for you to ask your friends whom you will be shooting with and get the same brand as they have. Don’t limit yourself to the two brands. There’s the likes of Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic, to name a few. If you’re new to photography, then your friends would be your first teachers and they wouldn’t have difficulties showing you how the camera operates if both of you have similar brands. You can also try out their accessories and lenses before you buy one for yourself.

Okay, now that we have eliminated the question of brands, let’s get down to specs and features to consider in choosing your camera.

Camera CategoriesWhen buying a camera, you have to

note that there are different classes of camera models. We have the pro, semi-pro, entry-level, and bridge or four-thirds classes to choose from. You can actually still break them apart into sub-categories such as pro-sumer under semi-pro but I’ll try to make this as simple as possible.

As the name suggest, pro cameras are for professional photographers who demand a lot from their equipment. These cameras are for those who can afford or at least earn so much from photography that it actually justifies their equipment cost. They not only cost an arm and a leg, but you can also really get lost in the myriad of features that only pro photographers can understand.

These cameras have a sensor that has the same size as the old 35mm film or otherwise known as full frame. They are also built like a tank, with a magnesium alloy body. Pro cameras can shoot more frames per second and have more quick access buttons to boost efficiency. Price range for these cameras starts at P250,000 to P500,000 (body only). Canon pro cameras include the 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark IV and their flagship camera the 1Dx. Nikon has their D3s and the D3x.

The semi-pro or mid-range category is the widest selection of all. Most of the cameras in this category are cropped sensor or APS-C and DX. Cropped sensor means that the sensor used in these cameras is smaller than the full frame. Although the Canon 5D, Nikon D700 and Sony A900 are equipped with a full frame, they are still considered within the semi-pro category.

The major differences between pro and semi-pro cameras are processing power, weather proofing and sensitivity to low lighting conditions. Pros can shoot more frames per second, are more rigid and render less noise in higher ISO settings. Given the differences between the two categories, you would still see a good number of professional photographers using semi-pro cameras since most shooting scenarios don’t demand for a pro camera . Semi-pro cameras are for advanced amateurs and professionals alike.

Price range for mid-range cameras or semi-pro are from P60,000 to P150,000. Often, these are offered with kit lenses. For Nikon, you can choose from D90, D7000, D700, D300s. Canon has 5D, 7D, 60D. Sony has A900,

For those who’d like to to explore the world of photography but have a limited budget or are unsure if this is the thing for them, an entry-level camera will fit

you well. Just like a pro camera, an entry-level camera has full control over the exposure settings. It can even shoot with qualities almost similar to a pro camera if used with the same expensive lens. These cameras use a cropped sensor or APS-C or DX and the camera body is a lot lighter and smaller compared to pro and semi-pro cameras.

Price range for entry-Level cameras is between P25,000 and P50,000 depending on the lenses that go with the bundle. You can choose from Canon’s 600D and 1100D. Nikon has the D3100 and D5100, and Sony has the SLT A33.

Bridge or four-thirds cameras are very popular nowadays. Just like a DSLR, it has a manual control on exposure and for some models, you can even change the lens. Although there’s a number of reasons why DSLR is still preferred, four-thirds cameras are gaining popularity due to their fully loaded features packed in a small and light body.

They call it bridge since it is positioned in between a point-and-shoot and DSLR. It has the convenience of a compact camera combined with the features of a DSLR. The term “four-thirds” actually came from the ratio of the sensor, which is 4:3. The sensor is a bit smaller than that on the APS-C or DX.

Price range for bridge or four-thirds is between P25,000 and P40,000. You can choose from the following cameras: G12 Canon, Coolpix 7000 Nikon, Finepix X100 Fujifilm, Lumix LX5 Panasonic, NEX-7(APS-C) Sony and EP-3 Olympus.

LensIf you think that there’s too much to consider in

choosing the right camera for you, then brace yourself for more because lens is another integral part of photography.

They say that lenses are an investment because their strength is in the quality of the glass or optics. You may notice some lens with VR (vibration reduction) or IS (image stabilizer) features built in, but actually, the cost of the lenses is greatly dependent on the quality of its optics. A red ring on the lens or a white lens identifies an expensive lens for Canon, while a gold ring signals an expensive Nikon lens. Sony’s expensive lenses are produced by Carl Zeiss.

There are also third party lenses available for your

camera. These are additional options for you to choose from. Often they are much cheaper than your first party lens but some are more expensive. They are the likes of Tamron, Sigma, Tokina and the rest. Typically, wider opening lenses are more expensive than the regular ones whether first party or third party.

Another lens specs you should be deciding is the focal length. Often, entry-level cameras are bundled with an 18-55mm lens. This is a versatile lens, which allows you to shoot a wide angle at 18mm and cover shooting angles for portrait at 50mm. It is important to note that lens’ focal length is chosen based on the genre that interests you.

The general guideline is that landscape photography uses a wide-angle lens from 10-22 to cover more view, while portrait uses 50 and 85mm to minimize image distortion. Sports and wild life will demand longer focal length starting from 100-400mm to get you close to the action. Macro lenses are used in shooting minute

subjects like insects. Lens specs can really be technical and I will not

attempt to simplify it further. I’ll talk more about lenses in my future articles.

You might want to check some camera stores where photo enthusiasts compare prices of cameras and accessories. If uptown, visit Aperture in Raintree Mall or Photo Shop PRG in Baseline. If you’re somewhere near Gorordo, you can also visit F8 near BPI Lahug and iclick in IT Park. In Mandaue, you can drop by Macy’s on A.S. Fortuna and Pixel Pro in Parkmall.

Choosing your camera is just one of the many steps ahead. Every time I teach basic photography, I always tell my students that learning how to operate your camera and understanding exposure is just one-half of photography. The other half is art and love of a certain genre. It takes interest to learn and a strong passion is necessary to succeed.

Choose your camera wisely, and happy shooting, everyone.

For comments and suggestion, you may email me at photography@grp.ph

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , December 3, 20118C

SumoSam creators Raymund Magdaluyo and Marvin Agustin and their Cebu partners Shanna Lopez and Glecy Lopez-Go

peeps (people, events and places)

The arrival of SumoSam in Cebu, its first branch in the Visayas region and its 9th and biggest branch to date, was very much awaited. Located at the ground floor of the Ayala Terraces (Beside TGIF), it brings its unique brand of Japanese and Western fusion cuisine to the discerning palates of the Cebuanos with delectable steak, seafood and sushi dishes that put a premium on quality such as Ebi Tempura which uses Tiger Prawns breaded in real Japanese flour, Beef Teppanyaki and Crunchy Tuna among others. It is also the only branch that serves pizza, and the Shrimp Enoki pizza featured a very refreshingly distinct flavor. Flying in for the occasion were Sumosam creators and owners Raymund Magdaluyo and Marvin Agustin who were on hand to warmly welcome guests alongside their Cebu partners Shanna Lopez and Glecy Lopez-Go.

SumoSam opens at the Terraces

Basti and Aina Lacson Carlo Villarica and Steph Senires Justin and Selina Romualdez Sumosam’s Marvin Agustin with Margie and Allan Dino

Bayani Garcia, Consul Armi Garcia, Aya and Larry Schlacter with their son, and Sun.Star chairman Jesus B. Garcia, Jr.

Alfred Portenschlager

Cookie Newman and Chinggay Utzurrum Aya and Larry Schlacter

Aya Schlacter with Sun.Star’s Gina Atienza Daniel Lajoux Alastair Granger

Tabléa Chocolate Café recently opened its newest branch at the J Centre Mall in AS Fortuna, Mandaue City, Cebu – the sixth branch to open in less than 18 months.

With the launching of its first Mandaue location, Tabléa is marking the occasion by rolling out an array of new products, just in time for holiday gift-giving and festive celebrations. Due to customer demand since opening its first outlet, Tabléa will finally introduce its version of the Filipino Christmas classic, Puto Maya, accompanied by fresh mango and Sipping Dark Chocolate. Other new offerings are Hot Chocolate mixes, which will make it easy for one to prepare their favorite Tabléa drinks at home. The mixes will come in five varieties: Sugar-Free Black Chocolate, Mexican Spice, Milk Chocolate, Sipping Dark and Traditional (with Muscovado sugar). The new Tabléa Chocolate Truffles Collection includes delectable tablea-based truffles in Coconut, Chili, Dark Chocolate and Espresso flavors. A special Tabléa bar specially set up for the occasion featured the different concoctions.

In addition to last Christmas’ popular Tabléa Sampler Box, new gift boxes will be available this year including: Tabléa Hot Chocolate Mix Starter Kit, Tabléa Brownie Box and Tabléa Chocolate Chunk Cookie Box. This year, gift-givers can avail of personalized wooden gift boxes with their corporate logo or name etched on the box. Tabléa’s assortment of intense, dark chocolate cakes will make a delightful addition to any party this holiday season.

Tabléa founder Aya Garcia Shlachter enthuses, “We are thrilled to continue our expansion by opening our sixth location in less than 18 months. We are equally excited to open our first Mandaue location and to be a part of the beautiful and modern J Centre Mall.”

Now, more people can enjoy the divine taste of childhood classics like champorado (thick chocolate rice pudding) and sikwate (hot chocolate), along with the cafe’s best sellers such as the Chocolate Con Churros, Tabléa Ensaymada, Tabléa layer cake, silvanas and its signature chocolate-covered cacao beans.

Tabléa Chocolate Café, inspired by tradition and perfected by passion, was created to celebrate and reintroduce a long-standing Filipino pastime of drinking “sikwate” or tablea. Tabléas, or tableyas, are pure cacao beans that are dried, roasted, ground and then formed into tablets traditionally used in the Philippines to make hot chocolate. Tabléa seeks to continue this Filipino tradition, while at the same time bring it to a whole new level by creating and providing inventive and high-quality chocolate drinks and desserts.

The brand also supports the local cacao growing industry by promoting to its patrons that Philippine made products are not only equal to imports but also provide economic and social benefits for the country. It currently sells and uses four varieties of Philippine Tabléa from Argao (Cebu), Jimalalud (Negros Oriental), San Isidro (Davao) and Tagbilaran (Bohol).

Tabléa Chocolate Cafe Opens its 6th Branch at J Centre Mall