The latest issue of Business World’s High Life Magazine has been out. You can still grab a copy!
Photographer: Paco Guerrero
Fashion Stylist: Guada Reyes
Hair and Makeup Artist: Renen Bautista
Model: Luisa Beltran
Dresses by Pinky Magalona
Sculptural jewelry by Helena Alegre
Location: Siquijor Island, Philippines
For this cover and fashion editorial for High Life and together with Solar News Channel’s “What I See” (a travel show hosted by international travel photographer, Francisco “Paco” Guerrero), we embarked on yet another adventure, this time to the mystical island of Siquijor.
Known supposedly for their sorcery and the supernatural, I was a bit hesitant to go to this island of mystery. I’ve heard way too many stories not to be freaked out. And who wouldn’t? A friend returned from Siquijor with “something” riding on her back, a story all too similar to “Shutter”, the remake of that Thai horror flick I have seen starring Joshua Jackson and Rachael Taylor. And the island is supposedly famous for mangkukulam (involving witchery, curses and hexes) and aswangs, which are vampire-like creatures.
But I really love working with this team and I’m sure the producers, the director and Paco have our safety and best interests in mind, right?
To get there from Manila, we took a plane to Dumaguete and then a ferry or “ro-ro” to Siquijor. A ro-ro vessel is a term for roll-on roll-off cargo or a “ship constructed to allow cargo to be driven directly on board with trucks, forklifts and other equipment”.
Upon arriving at the Siquijor port, the shock of my life…
Our home away from home, the Coco Grove Beach Resort. I had a lovely room with a loft!
Our pre-production meeting with the beautiful beach and sunset as our backdrop…
![Siquijor Sunset](https://guadareyes.com/2013/12/photo-4-2.jpg?w=551)
The dining room and dinner is about to be served…
![Ambiance!](https://guadareyes.com/2013/12/photo-28.jpg)
The next day, breakfast by the beach, the perfect way to start off a busy day…
Our shoot took us to 3 different locations that pretty much had us all over the entire island… The first location was an old house that is often used as a temporary roof for some of the local fishermen…
Although old, rickety and small, this location was rich with texture and endless possibilities. I love the desaturated tones and the deconstructed feel. I’m getting an impression of a Scandinavian aesthetic here.
Our brilliant hair and makeup artist, Renen, shows us how it’s done. Watch out, Siquijor! Here’s your next top model…
Our next destination is a UNESCO Heritage Site, a 200-year old convent now a school and a museum…
They are currently in the process of having this heritage site restored. Our last stop, a 400-year old Balete tree. According to Philippine folklore, balete trees are known to house supernatural elements like dwarves. This particular one is so mystical that a freshwater spring is produced from its roots.
![A Siquijor love story.](https://guadareyes.com/2013/12/photo-47.jpg?w=551)
According to the local tales of the town, if you were to swim under and through this tree’s roots, you would emerge in another dimension. I didn’t have it in me to find out.
Our 9-horsepower jeep that took us all over this breathtaking island.
Looking up, you’ll see stars…. Behind the scenes….
For more behind-the-scenes, check out the crazy, comedy and chaos that took place. We can be professional and have fun at the same time! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHMl8lLVhts]
Some of my Instragram photos taken in Siquijor @helloandgoodeye…. Let’s follow each other!
Breakfast by the Beach
Ro ro row your boat!
The Office on a Sunday
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