Restoring Hidalgo?

Folks!, i heard Hidalgo will be transformed back to its former glory being the photographer's haven...what will happen "kaya" with the "tiangges".
By the way, those tiangges are in a way supporting my buying sprees of gadgets at Hidalgo. Whenever i want to buy something at Hidalgo (which most of the time were out of the budget)...my punch line to my wife is "gusto mong mag hidalgo?" twing! that's music to her ear coz she loves buying tiangge stuff like fruits, vegetables, maning sungsong, dvd, hopiang munggo, etc...for me i will have my free reign between photo gadget stores, from Wilson ,then to Letty, to mayers, whew...and when i buy stuffs, no questions from my wife:D
I hope they don't kick out the tiangges "kung hindi tapos na maliligayang araw ko!:Grin: :Grin:
Please, Honorable Manila Mayor please:)

I think their relocation is being planned too. :D

Yes, this is John "MagicEye" Chua's dream project, he is the main man having conceptualized the project from the very beginning and the proponent in having the store owners come together (cos i heard - walang pansinan mga camera shops dun)

As for the vendors, last time i heard is that a portion of the project will include their relocation area within the vicinity of R Hidalgo, so hopefully its a win-win situation. We get a photographer's haven and tiange's get a new store front/area

[QUOTE=lenard_po]Yes, this is John "MagicEye" Chua's dream project, he is the main man having conceptualized the project from the very beginning and the proponent in having the store owners come together (cos i heard - walang pansinan mga camera shops dun)


....ooops walang pansinan? hmm bakit kaya tanong ni boy abunda?
:Evil:
:)

Well i think its because of pricing and normal sa business yun "competitive" is-snob-an - hehehe specially they are in close proximity, selling the same stuff, within the same price range more or less that's the reason - i think..

Spoke with Wilson of Ave Photo 2 weeks ago regarding this matter, they are hoping that the vendors cooperate with the plans. They really are the bottom line since they can't be moved out by force...for obvious reasons. I wish them well with their plans. Hopefully it does push through. those vendors are multiplying by the day.:D

Goodluck on this :) My dad used to tell me stories when he was a photographer that he'd always go there to buy his nikon stuff :)

He took me there to get me my first dslr :D

And great news for nikon user. I've heard that nikon agrees to put up a service center there. Not the columbia service. :)

i hope that this pushes thru. to restore hidalgo will just be a pain in the arse. it might end up to a big conflict. hoping that it wont. but relocation sounds so much better for everyone.

wow! is this nikon service story true? then it's an additional reason for us nikonians to rejoice.

:D

And great news for nikon user. I've heard that nikon agrees to put up a service center there. Not the columbia service. :)

i sure hope this happens soon!! :)


And great news for nikon user. I've heard that nikon agrees to put up a service center there. Not the columbia service. :)

And great news for nikon user. I've heard that nikon agrees to put up a service center there. Not the columbia service. :)

Is this true? Hope so for the sake of Nikon users. :)

I hope they put it up (nikon shop) in Katipunan:Grin:

Heard it personally from John Chua, the man behind the Hidalgo Project. :)

Is this true? Hope so for the sake of Nikon users. :)

Heard it personally from John Chua, the man behind the Hidalgo Project. :)

Wow! Something to look forward to... :Grin:

Wow! Something to look forward to... :Grin:

Amen :Grin:

Not only that, plan even includes: a performing stage, boardwalk-like flooring, photo galleries, etc.

Hoping the group gets to accomplish their December '06 target.

Hidalgo is my Mentor's Dream project. For update who wants to know - it is still under process. Let's just all hope that this pushes thru.

I guess Hidalgo brings back many memories for the veteran photographers. Honestly, I don't understand why it has to be the center of photography in the Philippines. Maybe because it just evolved that way. Why don't the vendors get together and just block out a floor in say Megamall, Glorietta, the Fort, or Greenhills? Yeah Greenhills would be ideal; central to everyone, cleaner, while still providing that "tiangge" feel. If the computer vendors can have their own areas in the Malls, I believe the camera vendors should also.

I'll have the deepest respect for John Chua if he can pull this one off. Its a tall order.

i wish they move the camera mecca to someplace a lil more accessible. middle of everything so to speak, maybe greenhills (no not the mall place but somewhere around the general vicinity of san juan). of course its still far from alabang where i stay but i think it will be generally safer than where it is now.

and if that nikon thing is true then things will get a lil toasty for canon here in the phils. but with the amount of lens you guys already have invested i think the "lock in" concept is such a powerful business strategy in this industry.

Wow! Something to look forward to... :Grin:

I cant agree more!!:)

Im pretty sure that this would happen... John Chua has been at it for a couple of months now and has made great progress. Big kudos to him!!:)

If ever there are God's gift in photography world, John Chua is one of them:) i think "sya lang ang" credible to handle this project because he is not a "politician in photography world":) you know what i mean :Evil: let's support him:)

... he is not a "politician in photography world":)

i totally agree.

he doesnt have to prove anything anymore... he's just paying it forward:)

i totally agree.

he doesnt have to prove anything anymore... he's just paying it forward:)

yeah... he just wanted to accomplish sumthing for the future of young photographers lilke us...:Grin:

he would stop his shoot/job for this - any calls / meetings that regards about this project he would stop and set aside anything for he believes so much for Hidalgo.

that's the right word.. he is paying it forward...

i was a victim of his generosity last May :) since he saw a lot of new photogs wanted to try shooting some models ;)

that's the right word.. he is paying it forward...

i was a victim of his generosity last May :) since he saw a lot of new photogs wanted to try shooting some models ;)

tell me more about the models:) i want to be a victim of his generosity too plsss:D :Grin:

Thanks Ross for putting R Hidalgo Thread... just pass thru. thank for friends for your kind words too. Let me recap about R Hidalgo project for the new comers. This is the first time I will post in this forum.

A recap for the newbie on R Hidalgo Project "Photographer's Haven...

1. A No Vehicle Zone - Hidalgo for pedestrians only
2. It can even be a covered street, like the covered courtyard of Alabang Town Center. so that it can be easily converted as venue for lectures, seminars,product demos, product launches and exhibits. A portable stage can be provided at one end of the street.
3. Internet and Outdoor cafes where photographers can hang out and mingle with each other.
4. Photo galleries can be established where one can exhibits and sell fine art photography, posters, and other applications
5. Bookstores and magazines stands for photography would be welcome.
6. Canon, Nikon, FujiFilm and other leading brands will be encouraged to set up their authorized service centers in this area.
7. Different photo organizations or photo shop owners can organize weekly or monthly photo exhibits.
8. Develop like Baywalk, it can become a tourist spot where foreigners and Filipinos from the provinces will come to buy equipment, learn photography and meet new friends.
9. Fashion shows, photo shoots and other events of interest o photographers can be held in the area.
10. Photo store owners will be encouraged to improve their window display.
11. Many other suggestions will come as this project gains support.

This dream started April 12,2006. so far this things we have done:

1. The Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation has made R Hidalgo Project its major project of the year.
2. Columbia Global Photo Sale has pledge Photo exhibit/Gallery for Professional Photographers, Photo seminars for Amateur photographers, Product launching and presentation and Nikon Camera Service center.
3. Canon Mktg Phil has pledge Camera service center, sponsorships of events, photo contests and seminars product displays and more...
4. YKl has pledge Product launch, Conduct lectures and demo, organize Photo shoot fest, photography exhibition and special month photo festival.
5. Island Photo has pledge bringing prized and famous foreign photographers, product demo. upgrade all product display in Hidalgo.
6. All shopowners have pledge all out support in this project. ( we have 18 written pledges from them)
7. We had our first meeting on June 10, 2006 at the CityState Cafe. 37 people attended representing 22 shops. They actively participated in the discussion and selected a core group headed by Mr. Ogie Almonina and Mr. Wilson Yu to work with the FPPF committee. We had a happy group picture to show.
8. I had a meeting with Mr. Kim Atienza and he review the entire proposal and even visited Hidalgo personally and gave his 100% support for this project.
9. We have a win win approach to the problem, we did our research and came up with a better alternative site for the relocation of the vendors affected.
10. Mayor Lito Atienza has publicly announce during the celebration of "Arwa ng Manila" at Plaza Soliman in fron of Malate Church that he is in favor of rehabilitation of R Hidalgo and instructed the city engineers on the project.
11. as per Kim instruction, we are waiting for a meeting with Mayor Atienza anytime soon.
12. This afternoon, I meet with Metro Editor Ester Dipasupil of Philippine Inquirer and Picture Perfect editor Ronald Jayme regarding the press articles on R hidalgo. I will meet other media people who can help us.. we expect this press articles to come out end of the month.


Now your time has come. IF you believe the way I believe that if this project becomes a reality, it would benefit hundreds of photographers nationwide. then all I request if these articles were release. please react to them. Write to the newspaper, email city and national officials seek their endorsement and let us all work together to make this happen in our generation.

Thank you.
John Chua

Friends, I would like to update you on the R Hidalgo project. Here is my letter to Kim Atienza dated July 10.

July 10, 2006

Dear Kim.

I would like to share with you some of my thoughts regarding the R Hidalgo Project. I am very glad that you like this project and have brought this up to your dad.

As you know, I have been a photographer for the last 33 years and have known Hidalgo since I was a hobbyist. The great responsibility given to me to head the FPPF committee has made me commit myself to try all the possible ways to redevelop R. Hidalgo as a Photography Center. The Federation and I hope that you would help us make this dream come true.

Three conditions seem to prevent this dream from coming true right away:

• You had pointed out that photo shop owners in the R. Hidalgo area were not united. This was a very valid concern. We had told the shop owners of your observation that unless they were united, this dream of a Photography Center would not happen. We are proud to say that they have mended fences, set aside family and neighbors’ feuds, and now are one in supporting this project.

• The shops in R. Hidalgo have deteriorated through the years, and if they were to be worthy of the name “Photography Center,” they would have to renovate their shops and offer activities and services to make the place attractive to photographers. We are pleased to say that they have given their written pledges to do so. In fact, some companies not presently located in R. Hidalgo have expressed interest to look for business space on this street.

• The most difficult stumbling block to this plan is the relocation of the vendors affected, and their acceptance of this plan. The Federation is working on livelihood programs and training programs for those who would be affected so that some of them could be given employment opportunities in the envisioned Photography Center. We aware that this project cannot start to be implemented until the physical transfer of the vendors to another location has been accomplished. For this reason, we have identified certain areas for possible relocation such as the space at the corner of Carlos Palanca Street and Quezon Blvd (near the wet market, fronting the Quezon Bridge). We can suggest, but we know that only the office of the Mayor of the City of Manila can implement their actual relocation.

With all due respect, therefore, we would like to suggest the following:

• May we suggest that this is the best time to start the project and to time its completion just before the Christmas season? The rainy months are typically the slow months for businesses – whether for the photo shop owners or the vendors – so there would be less business loss if the relocation were started during this season.

• A physical renovation of the area – such as digging up the old asphalt road, replacing it with pavers (similar to what your dad did at Baywalk), installing street lights and other such improvements – would provide a transition that would help dramatize the need to redevelop the place.

• The time needed to do this – if it could be done in 45 days – would provide enough time for the proper relocation of the vendors as well as for the shop owners to renovate their display windows and shop areas.

We are aware that some people – business shop owners as well as vendors – would suffer economic loss during this renovation and relocation period. There would also be emotional upset and other such negative feelings associated with change, but we also believe that these negative feelings and losses will be temporary, and that in the long run, all parties – business shop owners, vendors, photographers, the general public and even the City – would benefit from this redevelopment project.

We hope for your continued support.

Best regards,


John

Today, I have received a call from the Office of Mayor Lito Atienza confiirming our meeting with him on July 13, Thursday at 11 Am. We are inviting all the shop owners of R Hidalgo and FPPF affiliated camera club officers to join us in this formal presentation of the project to the Mayor. May I request the Editor of Digital Photographers Philippines and photographers who shared this vision to join us in this occassion. Thank you John

Good luck John. This is a truly worthwhile effort! Let us know how we can help.

yes! this is getting closer and closer to reality!
after the mayor gives his thumbs up on the project, we will try to help get media (tv) coverage and attention.

gpx4

Today, I have received a call from the Office of Mayor Lito Atienza confiirming our meeting with him on July 13, Thursday at 11 Am. We are inviting all the shop owners of R Hidalgo and FPPF affiliated camera club officers to join us in this formal presentation of the project to the Mayor. May I request the Editor of Digital Photographers Philippines and photographers who shared this vision to join us in this occassion. Thank you John[/QUOTE]

Hi John! thanks for the update...noted the July 13 meet with the Mayor, where's the meeting place?
To all Photographers who would like to support this cause, tara na! bukas nato!:)

Ross, This is it! I just came in from the office of the mayor. I gave an advance copy of the proposal to the Maricar, personal secretary of Mayor Atienza. She told me that the Mayor is looking forward to meeting with us. The Archbishop of Quiapo Church, City Engineer and City Planners are expected to join the meeting. Media people from Manila Bulletin, Phil Inquirer and Press City officials will be present. On our part, the shopowners of Hidalgo, camera club officers affiliated with FPPF will join us. This is it, Ross, the best thing that can happen to make our dream come true. Fujifilm, Canon and Nikon Representatives will be there to assure the Mayor of their commitment. May I request all photographers who believe in this project to stand up and be counted. We need you to come and show Mayor Atienza we are united too.

Meeting Place: Manila City Hall. tomorrow July 13, Thursday at 10:30 am. Office of the Mayor, 2nd floor Bulwagan Area.. Please Join us. Its a press conference too. The Wedding Photographers group has committed to join us...ROSS , kindly spread the words thru other E Group. Thank you. John

yes! this is getting closer and closer to reality!
after the mayor gives his thumbs up on the project, we will try to help get media (tv) coverage and attention.

gpx4
Raffy, its not getting closer... this is it. Now.. its here... we need you and your friends to join us. The media will be there. We need to show Mayor Atienza that there are so many photographers that will benefit from this project. After 3 months, this is it. Join Us. Manila City Hall. Office of the Mayor July 13
Thursday. 10:30 am. Thanks John

Good luck John. This is a truly worthwhile effort! Let us know how we can help.
Tj. bring your friends and Join us... tomorrow. thats it. thanks John:)

Car Owners... Park your car at SM Parking lot 25 pesos whole day . LRT riders get off at LRT Central Station... more details. Call John 09209207184

Today more than 60 people joined us in the meeting with Mayor Atienza. Shop owners headed by Ogie and Wilson, WPP Officers headed by Emil Buencanino, Pipho members headed by Tekgik, Fppf headed by Ms. Edi Huang, Canon by Margie and Tiffany, Nikon by Malou d Guzman, Ykl FujiFilm by Ariel Tresvalles,Camera club members, professionals and hobbyists. Mayor Lito Atienza with his City Admin officer and city planners laid out the Rehabilitation Plan of Quiapo. It was just the right timing, he will start the rehab with R Hidalgo project. Our group were so excited and the Mayor instruct his people to begin the project right away. They have a relocation area for the affected vendors. The dream ends and the R Hidalgo project begins today... Mayor has assure us. this will be finish before Christmas...
Ross, Thank you again for your support. John Chua

Mabuhay ka John Chua!

Galing galing ng Boss ko, Congrats sir john! I better start saving- para i can shop when the new Hidalgo opens.

Congrats Sir John. Your dream project is now a reality. :)

was there at the meeting kanina, and all i can say is that high spirited lahat ng tao dun, and the mayor himself was very supportive of the idea, which he said is very timely with other projects he has lined up in that area. just what the good mayor said, the realization of r. hidalgo project started today. right there in the meeting.

congrats to sir john for his efforts. wala na ko masabi pa, kundi saludo sayo.

The face really did launched a thousand ships... Thanks Sir John Chua.

Congratulations sir John! And a big "THANK YOU" from all the photogs who will definitely benefit from the realization of your dream :)

Congratulations to all those who initiated the project...youll be doing us and the future generations a great service..

There's no turning back now, we've found a leader in John Chua, folks!...keep the fire burning!:)

Congratulations sir John!
Am sorry i wasn't able to join you earlier (was caught up in a meeting) Anyway according to the friends I invited over - the place was jampacked with store owners and photographers. A truly successful event - specially now that the Mayor himself gave the go signal

Now lets wait for the groundbreaking - hopefully we can make an event out of this memorable day.

in the news paper na siya, he project

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200607176304.htm

I was in R. Hidalgo yesterday chit chatting with Ogie of Acel and wow all the flea vendors are gone transferred already near Quinta market. The street will be replaced by cobblestone type similar to Rizal Ave. and will be a real photographer's haven and bargain hunters. I took a snapshot of the place with a P&S digicam......

http://i2.tinypic.com/23j9107.jpeg

Yup, I was also there lunchtime yesterday and for the first time, I was able to walk in the middle of Hidalgo Street, at ease and with a full view of all the shops in the area. Now we know that this project is on its way already. Cheers to the people who are spearheading this.

R. Hidalgo to reclaim title of RP’s photo haven
By Tina Santos
Inquirer
Last updated 04:41am (Mla time) 08/13/2006
Published on page A17 of the August 13, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


RENOWNED 19th century Filipino painter Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo should be pleased. A street in Manila named after him is about to regain its lost glory.
Three months from now, the stretch of R. Hidalgo Street in Quiapo—particularly the portion stretching from Plaza Miranda to P. Gomez Street—will soon be able to reclaim its decades-old reputation as the country’s photography haven.
For several decades, the area was a lively and flourishing trading place where photographers could get anything they needed to practice their craft, especially secondhand cameras and hard-to-find accessories.
“Every Filipino photographer knows where R. Hidalgo is. Whether greenhorn or professional, student or seasoned hobbyist, almost all photographers have, at one time or another, searched for and found photo equipment or supplies in the photo shops of R. Hidalgo,” according to advertising photographer John Chua.
It all started here
It was also the place where almost all big photo companies had their humble beginnings, he added.
Ambulant vendors, however, have gradually taken over the area over the years, prompting several businesses to consider relocating to other parts of Metro Manila, particularly to big malls. “Sadly, many photographers have shied away from R. Hidalgo. Photo shops in the area have suffered business setbacks because the place had become inaccessible, crowded and unattractive, not to mention unsafe,” Chua stressed.
This prompted Chua, a former photojournalist who once worked for the defunct news magazine Asiaweek, to draw up a plan that would help restore the area’s reputation as a mecca for photographers.
“This is one way to uplift the industry and help photographers nationwide,” he said.
Help from city government
Backed by different photography organizations and several photo shop owners, Chua suggested the restoration idea to the city government, which approved of it heartily.
According to Ali Atienza, the chair of the team tasked to oversee the implementation of the project, the area would be developed into a promenade paved with colorful interlocking concrete blocks, complete with benches lining both sides of the street, landscaping and brightly-lit lamp posts. To beautify the place, electrical wires and cables in the area would be placed underground.
Chua, meanwhile, proposed the establishment of outdoor cafés where photographers could hang out and mingle with one another; a photo gallery where one could hold an exhibit or sell his work; a library showcasing books about photography, old cameras and computers donated by photographers; and a bookstore that exclusively features photography books.
He said photo shop owners have already promised to conduct events like photo shoot festivals, fashion shows and product launchings, among others.
Another Baywalk
“The place could be developed into something like the Baywalk. It could become a tourist spot where locals and foreign visitors would come to buy equipment and learn photography,” he added, saying they intend to conduct lectures and seminars for amateur photographers and enthusiasts alike.
Chua said he also foresees various economic benefits from the rehabilitation of R. Hidalgo.
“It will be like a magnet drawing serious buyers of high-value items such as cameras and lenses. There would be great employment opportunities for people in the area as more stores would experience a higher volume of sales turnovers,” he stressed.
“Business will be brisk and profitable once more. Certainly, this will bring in additional revenues not only for shop owners and Manila residents but also for the city government,” Chua said.
Vendors in the area, meanwhile, have been temporarily relocated to the corner of Quezon Boulevard and Carlos Palanca Street. But the city government said they would be accommodated inside the Quinta Market which is due to undergo a complete renovation.
Training, seminars
Chua said he and other photographers will offer training programs to vendors and their families who may want to make taking pictures their new career.
“We can also train them as photographers’ assistants,” he said. “This would also help create a pool of freelance assistants for photographers in the Metro Manila area.”
According to Chua, he, along with the other prime movers of the project, have more plans for the redevelopment of R. Hidalgo. Hopefully, the project could revive the lost splendor of an era of gentle times and even gentler people.

Now that's something we'd like to read about in the papers! =)

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=14967


Chua said he and other photographers will offer training programs to vendors and their families who may want to make taking pictures their new career.


now you can get your kwek kwek (eggs dipped in an orange colored batter) and get your picture taken at the same time! =) now that's something! =)

i think a better idea is to put up a photography workshop there.. dami magandang subject plus all the photographers ( pro and hobbyist ) go there din.

I was there today and the vendors were gone. The street was sort of dug-up though, but no construction crew in sight.

JP: i was there yesterday as well... i might have seen you already, hehehe =b it was around 4pm na ata, i might have seen construction people there but i didn't see anyone working, baka break nila? i don't know...

At any rate, it's already begun! =) looking forward to future developments! =)

my best regards and deepest gratitude to you Sir John Chua! =) it means alot to all the up and coming photographers of our generation to have a place like such =)

@ Tok: Mga 3-3:30 ako nandun, so baka nga nagkita tayo :)

Sana matapos kaagad, para makatambay muna.

Greetings, fellow photographers: we have made it. Today, the crew just finished putting the blue paved stones in place. We are ready to get the first activity going... A 3 day Super Rummage Sale in R hidalgo...All Old stocks must go... we shall begin a new era. so watch out... Sept 29, 30 and Oct 1 2006. We are meeting this friday for this project. We are moving forward. John Chua

Yup, I was there this morning when I bought my lens. They were halfway through with the laying down of the stones over sand. I just hope it will stand the test of time because the sand was newly laid down and was not compacted and I did not notice any drainage canal on the sides. I understand that everybody is very enthusiastic about this but I hope that quality and durability of the work will not be compromised. Mabuhay kayo.

sir john and digitalphotographer phils.,

mabuhay..thank you and congrats to all the efforts and dreams you have shared with us!

pinoys...we can do it!

Greetings, fellow photographers: we have made it. Today, the crew just finished putting the blue paved stones in place. We are ready to get the first activity going... A 3 day Super Rummage Sale in R hidalgo...All Old stocks must go... we shall begin a new era. so watch out... Sept 29, 30 and Oct 1 2006. We are meeting this friday for this project. We are moving forward. John Chua

Hi John,

Please tease us!
:) what are items are on sale on "3 day Super Rummage Sale @ Hidalgo" scheduled on Sept 29-30-31. Folks, mark your calendar! we're excited to see the beginning of a new era:)
Saludo kami sayo John!:)

i was there at hidalgo earlier. i couldn't believe my eyes. nor can i find my usual haunts.. hehehe. i'm not used to seeing the facades of their shops without the myriads of vendors and hawkers milling about.

the stones were set and i can just imagine how pretty the street will be after the renovation. oh yeah, the shop owners were nicer and more pleasant than usual, even if they were enjoying the same amount of business (?? or visitors)

good vibes. thanks sir John!

I just got back from Hidalgo an hour ago, it's now 12nn. Parking is still a problem (hmm paano kaya mag park sa Sept28-30 rummage sale dun ?). I was there from 8am to have breakfast while observing the place. I'm not sure if the frontage tiangges on Mayers and Fuji will be removed too? yun kasi ang pina ka entrance going inside Hidalgo from Carlos Palanca side. Kahit mahirap pumunta dun sa Hidalgo, basta si Wilson ng Avenue Photo ang pupuntahan, ok lang:)

Congrats to Sir John Chua and to the rest of photographers who extend their effort to make this happen for everybody... Maraming maraming maraming salamat po! adn we will support you guys till the end...

You guys might want to start saving some money so you can enjoy the street-wide (street-long?) rummage sale at R. Hidalgo at the end of the month. The R. Hidalgo photo shop owners have united and are planning simultaneous clearance sales - so they can have room for new items and new displays.

i was in hidalgo yesterday...most of the shops will put the slow moving items on sales but i doubt if they will have sale on all prime lenses . one of the shops around started lowering the price like nikon flash etc... it will be the same price on the grand sale day...and one known shop will not particiate on the sale.. as i have been interacting with the owner..hehehe!

Here's a photo I took of Hidalgo last Wednesday, Sept 6. It really is easier to go from shop to shop, now you can breathe and you don't need to weave your way around anymore.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/rmbphotobucket/DSC_0078.jpg

i was in hidalgo yesterday...most of the shops will put the slow moving items on sales but i doubt if they will have sale on all prime lenses . one of the shops around started lowering the price like nikon flash etc... it will be the same price on the grand sale day...and one known shop will not particiate on the sale.. as i have been interacting with the owner..hehehe!

No promises on big discounts on prime lenses. Neil, as we all know Hidalgo shops offer the best rpice in photo equipment. If you are looking for one, you have missed the chance. Columbia has sold out all the digital bodies and lenses 50 to 70 % discount last week... The reason why we are holding the rummage sale is to show our appreciation to Mayor Atienza for what he has done to R Hidalgo. This is the first time in 15 years that the shopowners have work together as a team. Years of stiff competition has strained their relationship. We cannot guarantee how much discount they will give, but we shall encourage them to get rid of old stocks at give away prices so they have space for new items. For those who have empty showcase, we shall encourage YOU if you have anything to sell, consign your item to them for sale. More about this later...
We cannot wait for big companies to start this kind of activity ( wait and see attitude)
Let the shop owners lead the way, if this is a success, we could see camera companies holding monthy promo activity in this area...
Therefore, This is your Photographer's Haven, may I request spread the word around.. Sept 29,30 and Oct 1,2006. Lets support this first activity and expect more and bigger event to come... at least free Batangas Coffee... Coffee anyone? John:D

Would you join us if we hold the Inauguration of R Hidalgo on Saturday Sept 30,2006 in the morning. Mayor Atienza and Con.Roces with Mr. Ali Atienza as Guests of Honor. We will have fashion shoots and other photo ops organized by the different Camera companies. Raffles Prizes will be done PLUS Free Brunch for all participants...
Would you join us in celebration... Just an idea.... Ross can you do that models part.

@John
Im ok for it John! What time in the morning? 7am? , i will organize the model shoot, just a request, can you ask the store owners to provide a very nice kalesa, colorful jeepney to provide a nice props and backdrop reminiscing the old times of Hidalgo- im conceptualizing a classic old look for models with modern fusion, pls provide a media to cover this para tulong na rin sa mga models...what do you think?


:)
Game na! We had a meeting yesterday... you got request for a Colorful Calesa and a Jeepney for your shoot. Full media coverage will be done for Inauguration. More details to follow. John

Fellow Photographers,
The fruits of our labor: The Photographer's Haven in R Hidalgo. We are inaugurating on Sept 29,2006. We shall have the festive mood in the area. Buntings, AtiAtihan, Dragon Dance. Fashion Shoots and photo contest. Open house by major camera dealers and promo items and raffle prizes.
May we invite all of you to the Inauguration Program to thank Mayor Atienza for making this possible. More details to follow. Joh Chua

Dear fellow photographers,
Now is the best time to come and enjoy the fruit of our labor. The Inauguration of R Hidalgo Project. On Sept 29,2006 Friday. The program starts at 9 am. Mayor Lito Atienza, Cong. Roces and the rest of the photographic community will be there to celebrate.
YKL-Fuji and 24 K photo will provide the fashion models and studio lights for you to shoot.
A ritual for prosperity Chinese Lion Dance will be perform. AtiAtihan and a Band will be there to spice up the event.
A FPPF sponsored Photo Contest is open to the public.
Each shop are encourage to put up product demo for the public to see.
4 Digital Cameras and 1 Slr, 2 point & Shoot cameras and Printers are at stake in the raffle draw for the 3 day event.
Columbia will host an Open House for Nikon Users....
Big discounts plus hundreds of give away promos awaits you.
A Special day for all photographers. Its our first step in making this a Photographer's haven...john chua

wow!!! congratulations, john!!!

wow!!! congratulations, john!!!
thanks, dindin.
I am planning some of the activity during the 3 day event...I need more interactive event... What if feeling fashion photographer ka... bring your model and shoot sa R Hidalgo, we will help you set it up, lend you the latest model digital camera and lights , cordon the area for you and if you are lucky, you be in TV patrol pa. Plus you can have your prints free. Just an idea... we could make it work you know:D If you got the guts, we can the goods. John Chua

Amazing! :) In for the 29th and the two days afterwards! :)

I am planning some of the activity during the 3 day event...I need more interactive event... What if feeling fashion photographer ka... bring your model and shoot sa R Hidalgo, we will help you set it up, lend you the latest model digital camera and lights , cordon the area for you and if you are lucky, you be in TV patrol pa. Plus you can have your prints free. Just an idea... we could make it work you know:D If you got the guts, we can the goods. John Chua

Wow! This is certainly a very generous offer worth considering... :Grin:

Fellow Photographers:

Proposed Program of Activities

3 Day Rummage Sale Event in R Hidalgo Sept 29,30 and Oct 1,2006

September 29 – Inauguration and Blessing of R Hidalgo Project

8:00am Assembly of Shop Owners and Photographers
8:30am Arrival of Mayor Atienza, Mr.Ali Atienza, Cong. Roces and other distinguished guests
9:00am Ribbon Cutting at Plaza Miranda side.
National Anthem
Welcome remarks by the HBO Committee
Speech by Mr. Ali Atienza
Speech by Cong. Miles Roces
Intermission
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Photographers
Speech of Mayor Atienza
11:00 am Fashion Shoot by Guests of Honor
11:30 am Brunch

1:00pm Fashion Shoot and Product demos by Camera companies

5:00pm

Activities within the street area – cordon off to general public during the morning program.
• Ati Atihan group
• Chinese Lion Dance ( Ritual for Prosperity )
• City Hall band
• Fashion Shoots
• Product demos – camera test
• Top Philippine photographers sharing their techniques

Fppf Sponsored Photo Contest during the 3 day Rummage Sale

Sept 30 and Oct 1, 2006 – continuation of the Rummage Sale

Fashion Shoots and product demonstration
Grand Raffle at 2 pm Sunday Oct 1,2006

wow thanks for the updates john, am sure DPP members will be visible on the opening day.

Wow, I'm truly impressed by the vision, commitment and enthusiastic project of Sir John... All thumbs up...

I've never been to Quiapo at all since the 80's, if I'm bringing my wife and 2yo son there, where are the best places to park and eat there? Don't mind walking a few blocks...

Thanks in advance.

I was there this morning, I had an impromtu meeting with the shop owners and leaders of the vendors. we are all in this together. they are supporting the event. Rest assured they and the volunteers are here to make it safe... John

ps, we have a general meeting today 3 pm at the City Hall for final briefing - security and programs, and activity. I will post the result tonite after the meeting.

Yesterday was a big day for all of us, specially the photographers. A dream come true...
Our next step is create similar activity every month. We shall "try" to do something before the end of October BUT we have something already for November. A photo exhibit of top photographers and their apprentices - A Day in a Life - Quiapo. A black and white photo essay. This will be sponsored by a big camera company. Of Course there will be activity during the exhibition. December will be a Christmas Street party, In january the Quiapo Fiesta... more to come.