Palawan Safari Prewedding | Joyce and Rocky

Today’s pre-wedding feature is probably one of the highlight shoots of the year for Metrophoto. The distinctness of the concept and the magnificence of the place combine to what came-up to be a truly captivating set of photographs. Shot just an hour flight from Manila, the team was able to recreate the enchanting safaris of Africa and even the vast grasslands of South America. Unbeknown to many Filipinos, there exist an island in the northern part of Palawan where giraffes, zebras, deers, impalas, and other animals roam freely. This was part of the conservation program before that the Philippines took part in to help save these animals from possibility of extinction caused by wars in Africa.

Armed initially with just the idea, I was able to meet the perfect couple who I could work with to make it all happen. And with the help of the entire team, including our guides and animal trainers (and yes, even a set ‘extra’ who played the role of a tribesman), we are able to put together a shoot that could only be imagined by huge production outfits with extensive budgets and connections. We are proud that we’ve significantly stretched the limitations of how pre-wedding photoshoots are done and we hope that this also paves the way to more people thinking big and outside of the box.

I can’t be more grateful to Joyce and Rocky, who have set a standard so high on how their photoshoot should be that it has allowed me and my team to imagine farther. Creating this showpiece requires many people (and for this one, majestic animals as well) to work prolonged hour and exert extended effort and having clients and a team that help everyone push each others capability is essential. Thank you to Irene Sy-Go, Teddy Manuel, and Jim Guerrero for styling Joyce and Rocky and for all the make-ups including that of Christian ‘the tribesman’ de Leon. Enjoy the photos. :)