I DO CRAZY things in my life.
When I am bored, I organize projects like a photoshoot.
My photoshoots are events in themselves.
There’s a professional photographer.
There’s a hair and makeup artist; if not a hair stylist, and a makeup artist.
There’s an event organizer.
***
How much I pay them is irrelevant.
It’s vulgar to talk about prices and costs.
But I do pay people.
Sometimes, I get discounts.
Sometimes, I don’t.
But it’s just money.
***
The joys of a photoshoot are many.
I suggest people experience it at least once a year.
Probably around their birthday.
In November last year, I had a photoshoot.
It started indoors, but the real goal then was to shoot in public.
Like the Dumangas Public Market no less.
***
#ThePSN in haute couture vamping in the vegetable section, the fruit section, the meat section.
The images are now iconic.
The event, most talked about.
Everybody spoke of a movie.
Everybody spoke of a star.
***
I’m a different animal in public.
I’m altogether a different beast in a studio.
A week ago, I was in a studio shoot.
It was a simple fashion shoot.
I wanted something red.
My HMU artist has some red tulle cape and high pokpok boots.
I wore them.
***
Of course, I looked like a dominatrix.
Of course, I looked like someone promoting Sogo Hotels.
Oh, but I was sexy.
I was flexible.
I was amazing.
If I looked like an adult trans porn star, that’s in the eye of the beholder.
***
My other attire was a floral print unitard, with added puffed sleeves and cape.
It’s so gay.
But beautifully avant garde.
If someone could pull it off, it would be me.
It was designed by Nalds of RDSJ.
***
Reynaldo Delmo Samiana Jr. is also the designer of my now-famous 2022 Palanca Awards wardrobe.
Which was the third change for my two-hour photoshoot.
I’m mostly happy with the shots.
But what makes me even happier is the pride and glee of my crew.
***
When the photographer assures himself that he has some really good shots, and when even the dressers scream in pleasant surprise, how can I not afford to pay their professional fees? Haha.
But seriously, I enjoy watching people gaining more pride and confidence in their work.
When they’re too excited to post online the product of their efforts, who am I to stop them?
***
I like to be seen as someone who promotes the talents and skills of the young people in my town.
I enjoy the reputation of being someone who is great to work with.
Easy to work with.
Crazy with art and artistic quirks.
Senselessly lavish and generous where art is concerned.
***
A photoshoot is an event.
It is an act. An art.
An act of art creation.
It is collaborative in nature.
But for the subject who conceptualizes, organizes, models, and pays for everything, it is a performance.
***
There is no doubt in my mind that I am a stunt artist.
A performance artist of great caliber.
What I do with my photoshoots starts public discussion and discourse.
Poor people may only see my audacity.
My extravagance. My conceit and vanity.
***
Me? I see Life, Beauty, Inspiration, Art— all in capital letters.
I see that I am ahead of my critics.
And I am not too poor to pay professional photographers, hairstylists, makeup artists, and even fashion designers.
Critics are just critics; I am the artist./PN
