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5 Online Jobs You Can Try During Lockdown

When the Government announced last week that the Philippines will be placed under Community Quarantine (Lockdown) due to the coronavirus pandemic, my first thought – “How can we earn?

Some might say that it was too early to worry but when you\’re a mom, you always worry about everything. I know that this is the same question others have right now. With the postponement / cancellations of events, our main source of income is on hold as of the moment.

So to help out bread winners and fellow moms like me, I have compiled 5 Online Jobs which you can try to add an extra cash flow. I will also give you top sites where you can apply. And as a bonus, I have also listed different Online Schools who now offers their program for FREE!

Read on.

5 Online Jobs You Can Try This Quarantine / Lockdown Period

  1. Article Writing / Copywriting

When I started my online journey back in 2011, the first job that I got via Freelancer.com was as an Article Writer for hotels. I was earning $1 USD for a 300 word article and to be honest I was miserable! HAHA! But fast forward to today, the offers for starters definitely increased! I even have friends who earns about 1000 USD just to write a page.

Apart from earning extra, this can definitely help you improve your blogging for your page / website as well. A win – win  I must say!

 

2. Online Teaching / Tutoring

If you have great english skills and have a knack and patience in teaching then this might be for you. Through the years, online teaching became one of the fastest growing online niche for Filipinos. As an instructor, you are in charge of teaching your students how to read, write and converse in English. If you know another foreign language, more opportunities (and higher salary) will open up for you!

 

3. Graphic Design

Do you have the eye and hand for design? If yes, then I recommend that you also try your luck as a Graphic Artist / Designer. You can offer services ranging from a quick facebook banner commision to a full branding project depending on your skills.

 

4. Photo Editing

This might be the perfect option for photographers! You can help out other studios or companies with their photo editing requirements. You can encounter small projects such as removing backgrounds on photos. And you can also apply for bigger projects such as 3D rendering or composites.

 

5. Video Editing

Surprisingly, the need for video editor nowadays really surged! You can take projects like editing video vlogs, social media videos, wedding highlights, corporate videos and even 3D animation. 

 

These are just 5 of the hundreds of ONLINE JOBS that you can try and the best part about this is that nowadays, we have a great community of freelance workers who are more than willing to help us in our freelancing journey!

 

FREELANCING / ONLINE JOBS FACEBOOK GROUPS:

 

And if you are interested to learn a new skill or upgrade your current knowledge, I have compiled some Online Universities who are now offering their access during the quarantine period for FREE! So I suggest that you grab it while you still can. You can even avail certification courses and be certified!

 

Hope this helps! Let me know in the comments which online work you are considering to try or if you have any other suggestions!

Resiliency in times of Uncertainty

2020 has been so challenging for the wedding industry. So far it has been a series of trying events for us all which started from the Taal erruption and now the outbreak of this Coronavirus pandemic. 

These are uncertain times indeed as no one knows when we can contain the coronavirus nor how we can create a vaccine for COVID-19. This uncertainty is giving me anxiety to be honest but if there’s one unique trait that I’ve learned as a Wedding Supplier, that is we are always resilient.

It’s so heartwarming to see campaigns and actions here and there encouraging everyone that we will get through this. I’ve viewed posts from top photography / videography equipment brands offering webinars, live uplifting songs from known wedding singers and even upcoming FREE workshops from hosts, make-up artists, coordinators and stylists. I even just ended co-hosting a live webinar consisted of top people from our industry such as Jake Olaso, Benjie Tiongco, Oly Ruiz and Debris Panlapus.

Everyone is doing their part. Everyone is giving value. Everyone is reaching out a hand to help.

This type of camaraderie makes me proud that I am a Philippine Wedding Supplier.

Friend, I know just like me you are scared but always remember that you are not alone, after some time we will be able to stand up again.

We can overcome this. We will overcome this.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

8 Prenup Pegs for Your Shoot

8 Pegs for your Prenup Shoot

 

Prenup pegs. Whenever I meet with clients, one of the session that they really look forward to (apart from the wedding of course!) is planning their prenup shoot or what we photographers often refer to engagement session.

The prenup shoot is a good way to add some little fun to your couple photos. And if you are not convinced at this point whether or not a prenup shoot is right for you, check out this previous post on why you shouldn’t ditch your esession.

With the “social media era” that we are currently in, some couple feel pressured on choosing the right theme for them.

“Would I want something dramatic?”

“Do we want something fun?”

“Should we do it locally?”

“Or should we plan for it overseas?”

To take these worries off your chest, we have compiled our Top 8 Pegs for Prenup shoots.

 

1. Chill Afternoon Session

Not being biased, but this is definitely our top favorite when it comes to prenup pegs. There\’s something about the simplicity and intimacy of indoor sessions that we just love documenting.

No heavy makeup needed. No luxurious place preferred. No intricate clothing details. No poses. Just love.

 

2. A Trip to the Beach

Who wouldn\’t fall in love deeper at the sight of gushing waves and white sands? This is why beach sessions are our top 2 favorite from this list!

The sea breeze would definitely set the mood for a fun shoot top it off with the kiss of the sun leaving you with a rosy skin and gorgeous tan. If you are the type of couple that enjoys basking in these type of goodness, I suggest that you consider doing a beach session.

 

3. Editorial

For couples who are not too comfortable being too intimate in front of the camera, another go to option that we usually suggest is an editorial styled shoot. 

A fashion inspired shoot is commonly marked by a long gown which adds drama and flair to your stance and poses. It often requires a glam team to take care of your clothes styling, set design, hair and makeup so expect a big group if you plan on doing the editorial style.

 

4. Pajama Party

I love it when couples become experimental when it comes to planning their prenup peg hence I introduce to you the Pajama party.

As easy as it may sound, this type of shoot is actually quite tricky. I usually recommend this set for soon-to-be\’s that are comfortable in showing affection. This would definitely involve a lot of tickling, giggling and pillow fighting.

 

5. Local Destination Shoot

If you both love travelling, a destination shoot is something that you should definitely consider. With 7,107 islands in the Philippines to choose from, you\’ll never run out of choices.

 

6. International Destination Shoot

If you plan to do a little more adventure, you can always consider exploring new places overseas.

Mostly for clients, they try to set their prenup shoot during their planned out of the country vacation. Places like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bali are the top 5 prenup spots here in Asia.

 

7. Cooking Session

When brainstorming for pegs, I would always tell my client to choose the best prenup peg that best describes them and we\’ll make the most out of it. 

If you and your partner loves spending time in the kitchen, why not make it as a part of your prenup peg! You\’ll definitely feel comfortable being in your happy place with that special person you loved the most!

 

8. Romantic Country Inspired Shoot 

If you\’re into something with a \”Rustic feel\” to it then you should consider doing a Romantic Country Inspired shoot.

Those dirty boots and messy hair would definitely add some fun to your engagement leaving you nothing but sweet memories to keep.

How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer

With the dawn of the digital age, websites like Facebook and Instagram have definitely played a major role in our loving relationship with images. Be it still or moving, we are always attracted to the beauty and story behind every picture.

As soon as your significant other finally popped the question, most of the time, the first question would be “Who will be our Photographer / Videographer?” I guess there will always be a sudden gush of excitement once you know that it will be your turn to be in front of that camera doing the things that you’ve always imagined as you scroll through your newsfeed and stalking the wall of your friends who recently got married.

Choosing a photo and video team is not an easy task I know. Because choosing your suppliers is like selecting a partner that you are confident will never fail you and that is why every detail is crucial. And as soon as you decide to book that Wedding Photographer and Videographer, you are not just giving them your time and money but most importantly you are entrusting them with documenting one of the greatest days of your lives.

As soon as you open your Facebook, you might feel overwhelmed with the thousands of photographers and videographers to choose from. And to somehow help you with your decision, I have compiled 5 things that you should consider in choosing your wedding photographer and videographer.

1. Style

I tried to google “wedding photographer Philippines” and got about 13.5 Million results! Imagine going through those leads one by one, you’ll be spending a lifetime before you can find your perfect photographer. So instead of searching for a general type of photographer why not choose them by style?

Every studio has their own style to offer which they’ve mastered for years. This is what separates them from every other studio so it’s best to start from here.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES:

  • Traditional / Classic Wedding Photography
  • Fine Art / Light and Bright
  • Artistic / Dark and Moody
  • Photojournalistic / Documentary
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion / Editorial

WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY STYLES:

  • Cinematic
  • Storytelling
  • Journalistic
  • Artistic
  • Fashion / Editorial

I’ll dive into this further on my next blog so don’t forget to sign up! 😉

2. Quality of Work

As soon as you’ve determined what style you want, it’s time to do a little more digging and check the studio’s quality of work. You can visit their websites or pages for samples or even drop by during Bridal fairs to get a glimpse of the wedding albums that they offer.

This way you can see if they have executed their style well and if the quality of pictures and videos meets your standard. You can also ask if they have already been to one of the places/ churches that you’re eyeing to see better samples of how they documented the wedding in that place.

3. Attention to Details

Another great thing to review is the studio’s attention to small details. Check out their detail shots of the rings, the gown, suit, flowers, table set up etc. if they are styled and well presented – as my brides would call “pinterest-ready.”

You’ve allocated your time, money and effort in preparing and choosing your wedding details so it’s just about right that they also get their own spotlight during your wedding day. This is also perfect for DIY couples, make sure that the PV team that you will choose can do your crafts some justice.

 

4. Budget

You might be wondering why I placed this important detail second to the last and I will tell you why.

The moment you set your budget is the moment that you are closing your doors to options. So before you have a firm discussion of how much your budget for Photo and Video services is, it’s best to know the price of your “ideal photo and video team.”

Unfortunately, some people still undervalue the role that we play at weddings. They forget to allocate enough in order to secure a trustworthy team which then later leads to regrets. This is the reason why doing steps one to three is essential so you can learn more about what you really like and know more about the industry prices in order to prepare the right budget that wouldn’t break your bank.

5. Recommendations / Feedbacks

I asked my husband what he can add to my list and this one made me giggle – feedbacks. His analogy is whenever we shop in Lazada / Shopee the first thing that we always check is feedbacks.

Is it a good product? Is the quality nice? Is it worth the price? Etc.

Almost all of those questions are answered in the feedback/recommendations section. These are all raw and unbiased comments from previous clients who gave us a peak of what we can expect working with these suppliers. You can check their recommendations / feedbacks on their websites or facebook pages.

Another great place to see client comments are inside groups like Weddings@Work (W@W) and other Wedding Supplier Forums. Here you can join a community of soon-to-be’s who might share the same worries as yours. They will help you feel empowered as you go through your whole wedding preparations.

I know, choosing your Wedding Photographer / Videographer can be nerve-racking but don’t put too much pressure on it! Imagine, with billions and billions of people in the world, still you were able to find your soulmate – decisions like these should be easy-peasy!

Whenever my clients approach me feeling torn about supplier what I always tell them is to view pictures and watch Same – Day – Edits with a fresh eye and just be in the moment. By the time they feel like they are watching themselves in that screen, picturing their own take on their own engagement or wedding pictures that is the time that they’ll know they found the one.

“You’ll know when you know.”

Congratulations once again on your engagement and may you find the perfect photographer/videographer for your wedding!

Real Bride Magazine Shoot

It was back in 2015 when out of the blue Jawi, Gen-zel and I just suddenly decided to do a portfolio shoot just to update our books. Then we got this idea of organising a big one for a magazine.

So off we went contacting our friends from the industry and it was a success! Hooray!

Happy to share, a long overdue, faves!

© Den Montero Photography | Cavite and Tagaytay Wedding & Events Photographer
denmontero.com
facebook.com/denmonterophotography

MAGAZINE: Real Bride Magazine
DATE: July 26, 2015
LOCATION: Refuge of Angels – Tagaytay

COORDINATOR: JSO weddings
STYLIST:GRASS Events Design

HMUA: Gen-zel x Tina x Joan
VIDEO: Jawi x Thal
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Den x Ced x Jon

MODELS:
Kristelle Ann Perez
Marielle Jhoy Tubig
Arlie Gedaria
Jeany Macalima

FLOWER GIRLS:
Sofia Aeris Reyes
Mayumi Ohashi

DESIGNERS:

Claire Porcadilla

Evelyn G. Guerrero

Randall Solomon

Wedding | Albert + Reese – Sonya’s Garden Tagaytay Photographer

The matrimony of Albert and Reese was a celebration of life, love, and family. It was a simple and intimate wedding witnessed by their closest friends and families. Despite the continuous rains that we experienced during the previous day, God has been so kind to bless us with sunshine.

Email. One day I received an email from a lady who told me she saw me in a bridal directory. So I replied and there began a series of conversation from a faceless email.

I only know one thing: she wants me as her wedding photographer for her Tagaytay wedding.

Right then and there, she booked me… without even seeing me or having any idea whether I’m a boy or a girl (which is common to my clients). We were supposed to do an engagement session in Tagaytay, specifically in Talita Kumi which is a secret paradise for lovers of peace and pasta – definitely a perfect combination. Unfortunately, Reese (my gorgeous bride), was struck with a flu and the engagement photo session in Tagaytay never pushed through.

About a week before the ceremony, we scheduled a quick tour in Talita Kumi to do an ocular. We were so blessed to meet Fr. Giovanni Gentilin, an Italian priest of indeterminate age who has spent two decades in the Philippines with the Canossian Sons of Charity. Father Giovanni has served the poorest families in Tondo, helping administer the scholarship program Una Mano Aiuta L’Altra (One Hand Helps the Other) and through his mission to create a safe place for their scholars, Talita Kumi was established about 5 years ago.

When I finally met Albert and Reese, you can easily notice that they are from a Spanish decent. Their features are a full mestiza and mestizo and we were starstruck! Haha!

Albert is from Makati and Reese from Antipolo, they met through a friend and began dating ever since. About 9 years into the relationship, their hearts just whispered that it’s time to do to the next step.

“Actually if I am to decide I’d be happy to do this (the wedding) in a small restaurant, but of course she is my queen and it’s her day. Just make me look good beside her, she’s already gorgeous to begin with.”

Congratulations Albert and Reese!

 

 

© Den Montero Photography | Cavite and Tagaytay Wedding & Events Photographer

www.denmontero.com

www.facebook.com/denmonterophotography

HMUA: Makeup by Marsie La Sangre

GOWNS: Li-j Eleazar

CHURCH: Talita’ Kumi’ , Brgy Bilog Alfonso, Cavite

RECEPTION: Sonya’s Garden

FLORIST: Il Fiore Flower Boutique