Sizzling in the sun

Photo shoots for a coffee-table book are just as involved and intricate as taping for television or filming for movies. The best of the best teams of photographers, makeup artists, stylists, set designers or location hunters, dressers or undressers in many cases, and talent managers get together for maximum effect, and of course, the subject or model must be prime material!

Two blazing weeks ago, a team composed of first rate photographer Ronnie Salvacion, whose resume briefly reads: From glossies and print ads to billboards all over EDSA and main thoroughfares of southern cities, an American Photo contest winner, is known to be a favorite when it comes to shooting for much envied beauty product campaigns, top retail brands, physic and bodies 'to die for' of celebrities, and stylized fashion magazines, he transforms the sensuality of the male body into poetry; a magician with the brush, creams and colors, master make-up artist to the stars Steven Doloso; master stylist Jaime Samonte; Joey Arvoleras; mega talent manager Joey Diego, tons of lighting and photographic equipment, and most important, GMA 7 Viewers Choice Award for sexiest Male Actor, lead star of TV shows "Encantadia" and "Love to Love", "top of mind fantasy" of hunk actors, the epitome of modern day Filipino, Adonis Alfred Vargas, came to town (Dumaguete) to capture the sensuality and beauty of Alfred Vargas in "sexier than nude" various styles of Walker Briefs amidst the majestic vistas of our city and province.

The two day hectic shoot started at the Antulang Beach Resort which has the Mediterranean feel of "Cote D'Azure" with its semi arid landscape, green trees and different hues of Gumamela blossoms, breath-taking panorama and seascape, that can give any five-star resort in these parts of the world a "run for their money." Coral stone caves, white sand beach, private villa with its very own pool and the large swimming pool were used as background. Charming proprietaire Annabelle Adriano and hospitable manager Anale Aves-Dancel took care of all our needs, including a sumptuous lunch. Running late we moved to the next locale, Escosas Bar and Resort, a unique Caribbean like resort in Amlan, where enchanting alabaster beauty proprietress Weltita Paterson was waiting with fine wines and a hearty dinner. Morning wake-up concept was photographed in the well appointed bamboo room.

Manjuyod White Sand Bar was the highlight of pictorial. Pristine cerulean and indigo shallow waters, spotless white sand and an awe-inspiring splendor of the environs made for many inspiring shots, and a lunch of fresh seafood of sorts (many thanks to Mayor Amor Baldado and Councilor Jo Antonio Abuso) was a big plus. This is one place that will be noted after the most anticipated coffee-table book "W (Wet, Wild, Walker)" comes hot off the press.

Councilor Chiquiting Sagarbarria hosted dinner and a going away party at the still "happeningest" place in Dumaguete. "Adios" and "Vaya Con Dios" was early the next morning where many were still nursing a sweet hangover. Watch for "W" and grab a copy pronto! You won't be sorry!

Have a Holy Week ahead…………………………………….NOUS!*