Vogue Philippines‘ fashion associate Renee De Guzman on traveling to some of the country’s most isolated islands in preparation for the maiden issue cover shoot.
It was the end of May. The nascent Vogue Philippines team had high hopes for the cover story—shooting in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In the weeks leading up to it, the dream felt like a long shot, especially since it required traversing through some of the most remote places around the country. It was tough, we learned, but not impossible.
Several conversations later, I found myself on a sunrise flight with my teammate and, immediately after, on a boat to the first of many shoot locations: down south at Bucas Grande, Socorro. It was an ocular, to be sure, but it marked the beginning of a nerve-wracking month-long countdown towards the actual shoot. As an avid traveler who has often celebrated the beauty of the Philippines, I didn’t expect to still be stunned by the location. But as we discovered this untouched gem in the south, the crystal waters and limestone islets were just incredible. We explored every possible location in the area from the Tojoman Lagoon, the deepest lake in the archipelago, to the Sohoton Caves. We even mingled with the stingless jellyfishes.
The fashion stylist in me, however, was all business. I visualized everything and always had lingering questions. Where do I bring the team? Is this a good location for the maiden issue? Which clothes would work best here? Though I tried my best to have fun, my brain was always piecing together which look worked with which backdrop.
Back at the lodging, there was a corner filled with stones of different shapes and sizes. It was a favorite location of mine—overlooking the horizon and the Bucas Grande scenery. Little did I know that a month later, it would become the same backdrop of Vogue Philippines’ debut cover.
A day later, we made our way up to Visayas by land and sea. A 21-hour long journey to be exact. We rode almost every mode of transportation: boat, van, tricycle, ferry, bus, car, and habal-habal.
At around 3 A.M., I recall making a quick stop to have some noodles and warm coffee. Before dawn hit, we were greeted by the Milky Way seen with our naked eye. Seeing shooting stars and being one with nature, I knew for a fact we were on the right path. I felt a sense of comfort knowing that the stars were aligning—both literally and figuratively. I was able to breathe a little bit deeper.
Arriving at our destined location, Biri Island was another visual treat. It felt like I was in a different principality because the landscapes were completely different from what we Filipinos have been used to. Everything was breathtaking—the mangrove forests, varied rock formations, and the hues of the Pacific Ocean glistening in the sun. On the way back, we finally called it a day, grabbed our buko juice, indulged in some filipino food, and basked in our nervous excitement for when we’d return for the cover shoot.
With everything set in stone and the ocular finished, including which areas I thought were best for our cover star Chloe Magno to take photographs at, all that was left was to bring the whole team on this amazing adventure of cuisine, landscapes, the Filipino spirit, and a celebration of fashion—all of these for the maiden issue. Below, my quiet and secret journey in some of the most remote islands of the country in a series of photographs.
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1/13First morning at Bucas Grande. The adventure begins.
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2/13Docked at Tojoman Lake.
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3/13Stingless jellyfish up close.
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4/13Swimming in Tojoman lagoon with the stingless jellyfish.
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5/13Overlooking the horizon and the Bucas Grande scenery. Little did I know that a month later, it would become the backdrop of the maiden cover of Vogue Philippines.
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6/13Paid my favorite spot at Bucas Grande a visit again, just right before the sun sets.
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7/13Ferry ride views by Sogod Bay.
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8/13Catching a breeze on the ferry ride to Liloan.
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9/13A surreal 3 A.M. view of the Milky Way by the side roads of Northern Samar.
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10/13The 700-meter-long bridge to the rock formations of Biri. One for the books and such a scenic site to see.
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11/13A scenic view of the Biri rock formations at low tide.
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12/13A quick hike up the Bel-At Rock formation left me mesmerized by the views of Biri and the Pacific Ocean.
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13/13By the coastals of Biri Island.
