MANILA, Philippines – In today’s age of hand held cameras, digital camerawork and artistic expression, an increasing number of people have become more fascinated in the world of photography. Apart from the number of likes and shares one gets from uploading his work of art, other reasons for enrolling in a photography course are to validate one’s skills and hopefully build credibility in the craft that only the gifted few can truly pursue.

The great news for the budding photographer living in the Philippines is that he can always start in his own backyard. To produce a great photo, he must first have the right tools such as a camera, good lighting, a meaningful backdrop and the right subject. Luckily, the Philippines hosts a long list of breathtaking natural resources that serve as raw photography locations. The country also boasts a meaningful culture and history that reflect in the eyes of its people, making them one of the best choices for a subject in a photo. Lastly, local municipalities and barangays are filled with beautifully constructed edifices and landscapes that instantly provide picture-worthy backdrops.

There are plenty of breathtaking natural settings and resources to choose from.

The Philippines has long been attracting both locals and foreigners to its list of natural tourist destinations in all of its 7,107 islands. In Luzon alone, there are hundreds of beaches, mountains and cities that serve as a perfect venue for practicing photography.

A good example would be Vigan, a World Heritage Site and voted one of the New7Wonders Cities in Ilocos Sur, which is eight to ten hours from Metro Manila. Vigan is known for having a colorful history pressed in the numerous museums that lay alongside its busy streets. The place, especially along Calle Crisologo, serves as a backdrop that reflects the Hispanic times – complete with its cobblestone streets and Caritela (horse-drawn carriages) that sends off a rustic feel to one’s photos.

Another example of a renowned photo-worthy attraction is found in the pristine islands of El Nido, Palawan – popular for its aquamarine waters, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, hidden caves and crystal clear lagoons. With sceneries as beautiful as El Nido’s, every promising photographer could instantly take professional-looking photos from any angle.

The Philippines’ own people make the best subject in a photo.

What happens when a stunning rocky terrain combines with the faces of local children in one’s photos? The result would be a picture worth a thousand words. Such is the product of the images that may be captured along the rock-strewn trails to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales.

Members of the Aeta tribe, who have long inhabited the area, will line up along the path ready to smile at any photo opportunity thrown their way. Yet, despite their innocent eyes and bright smiles, their story is revealed. That more than 20 years after the eruption of the volcano, which caused about a thousand casualties and billions worth of lost properties, the tribe has not yet fully recovered. The Aetas still need help in health care and in finding better shelter. As an aspiring photographer, one may be inspired to take on the role of spreading the news about these stark realities through taking a series of photos on the matter or what is called photojournalism.

The country is filled with incredibly designed buildings and landscape.

In Metro Manila alone, malls and township developments have been rising rampantly from every corner. Mostly, offering not only stalls and resturants but also, picture-perfect features such as Gateway mall’s indoor garden or Greenbelt’s wooden trellises where busy lifestyle or yuppy shots could be done.

Real estate developments such as Empire East’s Kasara Urban Resort Residences in Pasig City banks on a water themed park concept filled mostly with plush water amenities such as a lake-inspired pool at the center, waterfalls that flow in between two towers, koi ponds and fountains. All charmingly designed and photo-ready.

The same developer recently opened a beautifully landscaped garden called The Mango Tree Residences in San Juan City. Its Italian-inspired design has made the space more attractive to passersby who often take to social media their expression of delight at the sight of the garden day or night. It is for this reason that many of the country’s aspiring photographers have been flocking the place ever since – happy with their newfound discovery of a place that can give them a kick in their creative shots.

Even newly engaged couples have been expressing their desire to set prenup photo and videoshoot at the place where a picnic or nature theme is fitting. True enough, the results are stunning as most have perfectly captured the old world charm of the place without the cost of traveling to other picturesque locations outside the metro.

Truly, there are endless reasons to why the Philippines is very favorable to the aspiring photographer. One must only be determined enough to pursue his passions which may be done by research and self-motivation. Take out-of-town trips, walk around the neighborhood or simply take seminars or workshops in order to fully develop a talent.

Empire East and Mango Tree Residences have recently announced a Basic Photography Workshop to be held on Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Mango Tree Residences garden along M. Paterno corner Ledesma St. in San Juan City. All aspiring photographers are encouraged to come. Bring your cameras and learn from the experts! Professional photographers Amir Alba and Ador Paminutuan shall be conducting the workshop for FREE! For details call 810-0396 or like fb.com/empireeastofficial. ADVT