Artu Nepomuceno Shares His Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala Photo Diary

When you’re a creative, one of the most rewarding experiences is finding your community that transcends call times and egress. One such photographer who constantly shares gratitude for his circles is Artu Nepomuceno.

Nepomuceno is the photographer behind three of 2023’s Vogue Philippines covers: the April cover that went viral, featuring tattoo artist and the oldest person to grace a Vogue cover Apo Whang-Od; the July cover that told the story of escapism and one of the country’s most beautiful identity markers; and the August cover, “Ladies Who Launch,” putting National Scientist Dr. Dolores Ramirez in the spotlight.

As a constant collaborator of the magazine, and a photographer working tirelessly in editorial, commercial, and advocacy, Nepomuceno’s invitation to the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala was a natural gesture. Nepomuceno attended with his wife, the stylist and creative director Meg Manzano, and the two found intersection upon intersection in their many creative circles. Here, the Nepumocenos share their night out with their community.

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Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Starting things off from Luzon, the sinigang soup was a very rich broth accompanied by tender pork.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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First encounter with friend and photographer Ralph Mendoza, a welcoming feeling to the Gala.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Dinner seat mate Vania Romoff, allowing me to get some practice shots inside the ballroom.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Across the table was a sweet reunion with Olivia d’Aboville, who I photographed years ago.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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A stolen snap of designer Ito Kish, who recently has become a new good friend.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Bea Valdez, Ito Kish, Len Cabili, and my wife Meg. Last Independence Day, Len hosted a talk where Ito and I were given the opportunity to share our understanding of what it means to be Filipino.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Conversations with Suki Salvador tend to always end with a question of who we could possibly photograph next.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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A quick hello to our busy editor-in-chief, as she reunites with a piece she designed that Meg had used on our wedding day.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Glances of a well traveled menu
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Chismis and south life hacks with Vania.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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An almost lost but almost perfect snap of Pam Quinones, as she graced our guests in a beautiful gown of pearls.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Conversations with Joyce Orena, as we celebrated the August cover we did together.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Introducing Meg to Ms. Glenda Barreto, with promises of having a get together to celebrate our shoot with her.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Ms. Glenda as the next meal was served.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Reunited with fellow south boy LA Aguinaldo, a nod to all his success.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Next destination: Visayas
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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A reunion of Daryl Chang, Vince Uy, and my wife Meg; the “Previous Girls”
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Moments before the September cover reveal—Marga and Bea Valdes true to their sisterly likeness.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Age of social media, the end of lighters.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Quick moments with the young and sweet Pangilinan sisters.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Stolen details of Colin Dancel’s dress.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Stage lights and smoke machines will always be an opportunity for some portraits
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Surprise attack from a favorite model by the name of Mika Reins
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Surprise attack from a favorite model by the name of Mika Reins
Photo by Meg Manzano

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2/4 members of my core team, Sela Gonzales and JV Rabano, who took portraits for Lazada throughout the night.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Industry changers, not noticing me as I hid my face behind the camera.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Dolly De Leon, in all her glory.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Paparazzi moments with Rhoda Campos-Aldanese, who discreetly took out her heels and swapped them with more comfortable footwear.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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The Orena sisters, Clint Ramos, and conversations with Meg about Baguio beginnings.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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The foundation of my life that I have the honor of calling my wife, wearing the armor in which she walked down the aisle with.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Surprise night cap with the one and only Mong Amado.
Photo by Meg Manzano

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Soul sister and friend forever Shaira Luna.
Photo by Artu Nepomuceno

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Shaira with a portrait of her displayed in the background.