I got a call from Katsy Borromeo, the Managing Editor of Zee Lifestyle , asking me to do the Style Issue cover of the magazine.

Wow. This is big. So big in many levels. For one, I was told this was one if not the biggest production shoot of the magazine as it would feature six prominent women in society. Secondly, and probably the most important one, this happens to be my very first cover shoot.

This took weeks of preparation. From reviewing layouts, location angles, getting the dresses and gowns ready for the day of the shoot and synchronizing everybody’s schedule. It was nerve wrecking and exciting.

On the day of the shoot, the newly opened Radisson Blu Cebu where the shoot was going to take place, was ready to accommodate us for the day. The hair and make-up artists were set, the clothes were sorted out on a rack by the stylists, the magazine editors and the owner were there checking on all the details. For a first time cover shoot photographer, all this can be overwhelming. I probably was, but I felt calm, composed, focused and ready.

Then the six ladies walked up to the set: Bernadette Aboitiz, Rochelle del Rosario, Andrea Aldeguer, Kristy Tesoro, Kryz Uy, and June Alegrado.  They all exude beauty and stature. Throughout the day, they were elegantly dressed in the designs of OJ Hofer, Edgar Buyan of Chardin, Chiaroscuro, Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Mango, Mia Arcenas and Vania Rommof. While their feet were comfortably fitted with sandals by Grendha.

At the end of the day, I was still on adrenalin rush, but I felt a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. There was something about this day that I truly enjoyed. This probably is a turning point.