MANILA, Philippines – It’s phone picture-perfect moments that make life simply worthwhile.

The Philippines, with its alluring charm, breathtaking sights, historical landmarks and awe-inspiring sunsets, serves as the perfect backdrop to capture these captivating memories to last a lifetime. And for the country to be tagged by the prestigious Time Magazine as the Selfie Capital of the World, the Filipinos indeed know just how to preserve the country’s beauty and splendor.

Joining Filipinos through this journey of telling great stories through the lens is renowned property developer Empire East Land Holdings Inc. The firm, famous for its landmark and innovative developments, tapped FPPF to hold a successful free basic photography workshop which was held at the Mango Tree Residences in San Juan City last May 24.

The one-day event featured professional photographers Amir Alba and Ador Paminutuan, who shared their expertise to all budding photographers for free.

“This workshop formed part of Empire East’s initiatives to help nurture its residents by sharing their passion and giving them avenues to live their dreams, thus allowing residents to continuously hone their talent and master their craft,” said Empire East President and CEO Atty. Anthony Charlemagne Yu.

“A competition on portrait category and landscape category was also held, and everyone took home certificates for being part of this workshop. Participants included families, other photographers and aspiring photographers, all of whom were amazed at the landscaped architecture of the Mango Tree Residences,” he added.

Yu noted that the photographers will not run out of subjects in the Philippines, with its wide array of breathtaking natural settings and resources to choose from, and its rich local history and culture.

The Philippines, indeed, has long been attracting locals and foreigners to its list of natural tourist destinations in all of its 7,107 islands. In Luzon, there are already hundreds of beaches, mountains and cities that serve as a perfect venue for practicing photography, while local municipalities and barangays are similarly filled with beautifully constructed edifices and landscape. Metro Manila alone offers high rise structures and skyscrapers that define a stunning city skyline.

Real estate developments such as Empire East’s Kasara Urban Resort Residences in Pasig City meanwhile bank 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.

Recently, Empire East showcased to the public the lush landscaped gardens at The Mango Tree Residences in San Juan City. With its Italian-inspired design, the Mango Tree Residences offers an old-world charm sans the cost of traveling to picturesque locations outside the metro. Social media has also been buzzing of its appreciation of the Mango Tree Residences, attracting passersby and even newly engaged couples, who have expressed their desire to set pre-nuptial photo and video shoots at this prime property development.

An exquisitely premium property development, the Mango Tree Residences is strategically located along Paterno Street corner Ledesma Street, San Juan City. Future homer-owners at Mango Tree Residences can look forward to enjoying a piece of their own eden as it is set amid a lush greenery filled with mango trees.

The Mango Tree Residences is a twotower high rise condominium standing on a five level podium with a luxurious ground-level retail arcade. It features high-end amenities and facilities that would make living at the Mango Tree Residences truly convenient and relaxing. It is likewise perfect for people who value privacy with its low density, having only 10 units per floor.

Empire East currently specializes in the creation of residential communities for the middle-income market segment, and in the sale or lease of commercial and industrial spaces. In 1994, it has branched out as an independent company, and eventually listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Since then, Empire East has introduced new and innovative concepts such as township developments that seek to create a harmonious neighborhood and uplift the quality of living experience for residents. ADVT