Caught Between Two Worlds

So, things have been a bit quite busy lately. I've been switching between my love of photography and music. I have two possible upcoming music gigs in Jacksonville. One gig will be this Friday at Maggiano's at the Town Center, thanks to Mhikaella! Thanks for getting us the show! I will be singing two songs, "In My Life" and "Maging Sino Ka Man." If choosen, my other gig would be with American Idol Finalist, Ramiele Malubay on August 15 at Ridgeview High School. I'm really hoping that I am able to book that gig because that would just be awesome, plus it's paid!

Other than that, I was in Orlando last weekend with some friends for another attempt at American Idol. My attempt was failed, but Idol is always a fun experience. I love meeting new people who share the love of music, as I do. My judge said that, "I had a good voice, but it wasn't fit for this season." Oh well...I say it's better to try and fail, then to not try at all and regret on what could have happened.

Lastly, I've been focusing more on the job search while doing my photography on the side. This job market is pretty tough, isn't it? Oh well, I know when the time is right I'll get a pretty awesome job. Suprisingly, the photography stuff has worked out really well and I pray that it continues to grow and get more exposure in Jacksonville. I'd love to have my own business in the future, but right now I'm looking for a stable job while continuing doing the photography. It's also been fun collaborating with local photographers, Wendel Garcia and Anthony Rosales a.k.a. ftw! productions. We collaborated for my first wedding shoot and we hope to do more weddings together in the future. They do amazing photo and video work, you should definitely check them out on Youtube and Facebook!

My most recent shoot was with Anastasia Haney. She was a former classmate of mine at UNF. She's a Delta Gamma and she has a great personality. We had a really fun time shooting in San Marco! We we're going for more of a colorful glamour oriented photoshoot. Well, here are some of my favorite images from that shoot:

Julia Bennet

I had a fun shoot last week with Julia Bennet. Julia is a student from the University of Florida. She has just started pursuing modeling, but she's been doing a great job so far. I think she has a great future ahead of her in the industry. She was really fun to shoot! We played around with the concepts of doing natural themed shots and vintage looking ones. I had a great time and look forward to working with her again. We discussed possibly doing some shots in the Fall with horses. How cool would that be?

To view more images from her photoshoot, visit:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2144518&id=25100484&l=9f87b856db

Become a fan of redner.salonga photography:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacksonville-FL/rednersalonga-photography/100297879847?ref=ts

Is it my turn?

“Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don't look back at it too long. Mistakes are life's way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come.”

Here Comes The Sun

So, how has your world been lately? If your world is in Jacksonville, your world has probably been fairly wet. But, I am hoping that the sun will come out tommorow. No pun intended. Anyway, life has been fairly busy this week...from interviews and working. I had two interviews this week. One interview was with a local photography company. The other was with a company that creates and advertises their product for a hotel. I totally turned down the later company. They seemed like a totally bogus company. I mean seriously, what kind of company would make you pay for your airfare and make you trade business in order to feed yourself and give yourself accomodations? Can I call BS? Anyway, I have been busy interviewing this week for the photography company. Tommorow will be my third and final interview, so we'll see how that goes. I have also been "working" the streets. You know? I've been going around town to local oriental stores and other establishments hanging up posters to promote Filipino Pride Day. Filipino Pride Day is on June 20th at the Jacksonville Landing. I better see you there, because for one...it's free...and two, because everyone has a little Filipino inside of them. Haha. I've also been helping with the photography aspects of my Uncle's upcoming wedding. On the topic of photography., I went to an amazng seminar led by celebrity photographer, Dennis Reggie. Can I say amazing? I learned so much! So anyway life in a nutshell has been work, interview, work, photography, and getting wet through it all. So, here's to the sun...please come back!

Irregular

I really should try to update this on a regular basis, but time hasn't been really on my side. The next month is filled with exciting events and I am already knee-deep in preparation for some upcoming events. Sometimes, I feel like I don't even know where to begin. It's funny actually, I'm not employed by a company right now but I feel like I'm working a full-time job. Anyway, I hope to update more regularly. This was the point of this blog. I've been irregular.

2 AM

So here I am awake at 2 am. It's probably due to the much needed afternoon nap. The past week has been great. California was amazing, even if Hollywood wasn't as I pictured it to be. For your information, Hollywood is ghetto and the American Idol studio is small. I guess it's true that everything is smaller and ghetto in real life. Las Vegas was another story. The buildings there were beatuiful and as the saying goes "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." But, did we really even do anything in Vegas? Not really. Haha. I remember we were supposed to go clubbing and ended up playing cards in the hotel because we were too tired. Good times! Anyway, this weekend was photoshoot-filled and this week will continue to be as well. God has been opening more doors and opportunities for me to delve deeper into the photography world and I love it! It's been great doing freelance photography on the side. The past few days I had the opportunity to work with Celia, John and Jadee. They all did an awesome job modeling and they helped me create some great images.

Here's a sneak peek at some of my favorite images from the shoots:

Oh and I am excited that my freelance photographer business cards are coming in the mail soon. So, stay tuned! Have a great week!

Moving Fast Paced

Do you ever get that feeling where it seems like everything is happening at once. It feels like everything is moving fast paced. I suddenly got that feeling today, after I got a phone call to do a photoshoot concerning the theme of "date rape." I can guarantee you that is probably my most interesting photoshoot themes to date. But, it is all for a good cause to promote against "date rape" and to help someone who I haven't even met. I was referred by two friends, which is very nice of them. But, I am not complaining. I am just thanking God for every opportunity that comes my way. I'm excited for everything, but I am definitely going to be busy up until the point of departure to California. So, here is my list of things to do tommorow...

Things to do:
1. Jog at the Park in the Morning
2. Yardwork
3. Photoshoot
4. Continue packing for California
5. Edit pictures from Photoshoot
6. Church
7. Watch my Wednesday Night Shows
8. Sleep, maybe?
9. Eat, maybe?
10. Errands (here, there, and everywhere)

April 20th still lingers in the back of my mind. Oh, TFA!

Sidenote: I am also seriously excited for the photoshoots I have lined up for when I get back to Florida! All I can say is I am definitely trying to push myself more creatively, plus I bought some new camera equipment. It's on its way and I can't wait to play with it! If anyone comes across this and is interested in modeling and doing creative images, comment me.

A Mixed Bag & California

I am headed to California in a few days and am quite excited. I've been to California before, but I was much younger and don't exactly remember where I went. However, I do fondly remember visiting San Francisco. Anyway, I am looking forward to my Aunt's wedding in Los Angeles, visiting the Corpuz's in San Diego and just spending quality time with my cousins. I am determined to have fun. However as I think of my trip, I also have a feeling of anxiousness. Why? I will be receiving a pretty important letter on April 20th during my trip. This is something I've been waiting for and it's felt like a long wait already, so it'll be a relief just to get the letter. I really want this opportunity but I know it's all in the Lord's hands. It's a big opportunity which could be life-changing. So, here is to California...a trip filled with adventure and a mixed bag of emotions.

The Modern-Day Fast

We have been discussing the topic of fasting lately in church and I got to thinking about a modern-day approach to fasting. I don't think it's something revolutionary, but I think it is something worthwhile and difficult to do. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. During this time, you put more of your time into prayer and truly getting connected to God. Sometimes, we get wrapped up in what is around us that we lose focus on God. So, I got to thinking what if we gave up the internet instead of food? I don't think it's a new idea, I've heard of people giving it up during Lent Season. So, it's nothing new. However, I honestly feel that it would be difficult especially with the popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, and more. Everyone is constantly on the Internet and I'll be the first to admit that I'm practically always on the Internet. When I had my iPhone, I had access to the Internet 24/7. It might be embarassing to say, but I would find it easier to give up eating food for a period of time than not using the Internet.

So starting tommorow (Good Friday) until Easter Sunday, I am doing this modern-day fast. Instead of using Internet those days, I am going to spend that time in prayer, reading the Bible, and truly focusing on the meaning behind this Season, the resurrection and life of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Back To Photography

So, I've been getting back into my photography lately and it's been something to do while I'm waiting on the whole employment scene. Over the past months, I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding with Christine (http://www.integrityphotography.net/) and Brandi (http://www.branditphotography.com/). They are wonderful and inspiring photographers. They inspire me to just get better and improve on my photography skills. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Crystal Blanche, a JU student. She was awesome to work with and had a great energy about her. We worked to come with ideas and poses for our shoot and came up with some great ideas. We worked with an "Angelic" and "Modern Native American" theme, which resulted in some pretty interesting images. I'm looking forward to the next photoshoots...

If you want to see more of my photography, please visit: www.myspace.com/rednersalongaphotography

The Melting Pot

I suppose I'll begin using this blog for other purposes besides songwriting...so, welcome to the most random thoughts by me. It'll be a melting pot of this thing we call "life."

Random Thought #1: Life has been absolutely great lately, I've just been doing the things that I love from traveling, music, photography and food. But I must say, it sure does suck waiting for a letter that could determine the next few years of your life.

Exposed

"Exposed"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

This is what I have to say…
Will you please listen and stay?

I want to let you in
But, it’s hard to do
I’ve been hurt before
Time’s passing through
I’ve held it in
Time to let it out
Now, all my thoughts keep pouring out

I’m opening up to you
Exposing all, I’ve been through
No more, hiding away
It’s all coming out today
I know, I’ll be okay

I was afraid
So, long ago
Thank God, I found
Where to go
Do you understand?
To live in fear
Like I have
For all those years

I felt let down
So many times
Like, no one
Didn’t mine
I felt alone
And on my own
But, I never let it show

This is all I had to say
Finally, exposed today.

© Redline Productions 2009

Joy

"Joy"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Is it over now?
This is something they say
But, in the darkest nights
I can still find my way
I see clearer now than ever before
Cause you opened my eyes and opened these doors

But, when the storms come and the clouds appear
Just a simple prayer and they all disappear
Then, the joy comes like the shining sun
It’s not my will, but yours that is done

I feel you
This is something so real
No more worries
No, nothing to fear
For you’re here now
And with you, I’ll stay
Cause your always in my heart
Through it all, day by day

Oh, the sunshine is bright on my life
Got rid of this pain and all of this strife
Just called you here and you drew me near
Now, I’m living for you

© Redline Productions 2009

Renewed

"Renewed"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Everything changes
Things just need to move on
Winter to Summer
Spring into the Fall

And our time is fading fast
How to make each memory last
And the tears that I have cried
Will soon turn to dust

You’re the only one
Who can stop the rain from falling down
Who can overcome
All the things found in this broken heart
Come and take me as I am
Fill my empty life
Let me begin, anew
This is the season
To start my life
Renewed

I was burdened
Needed to find the way
Went down that road
So, lost and astray
Now, the time is ending soon
How to live my life for you
And the pain so deep inside
Please all go away

Renew me
From the inside out
Consume me
Show me what you’re about
I’m desperate
I need you now
Lord, I know

© Redline Productions 2009

Escape

"Escape"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

I just want to be alone
Sick of sitting on the throne
Stop staring at me
Stop blaming what you see
Living isn’t easy

Lord, hide me away
Escape me to your secret place
Where I feel safe
And all my cares just seem to fade
Please take me there
Just take me

And there are some days
Where you want to runaway
But you have no place to go
No one even knows
Living isn’t easy

This is your secret place
I’m here, just you and me
Into the light of love
Where I can be so free
Just hold me close to you
Make me feel brand new
I need you here with me
Cause with you, I’m complete

© Redline Productions 2009

You Deserve This!

"You Deserve This!"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Lies, hurt, pain
It’s driving me insane
These thoughts in my mind
Over and over
It’s creeping back in
All my past sin
I’m letting you go
But, these voices saying no

I’m burning your words
I’m taking you down
You’re going to fall to the ground
Have no peace
Have no rest
You deserve this!

You think you’re so cool
You think you’re so right
I don’t give up, never and ever
So, try me again
You’ll never be a friend
I’m cutting your ties
Enough of the pain, hurt, lies

Each and everyday
You try to get your way
You never will, never and ever
I’ve found someone better
Who’s with me forever
But, you will never
So, goodbye and whatever

Burn, burn, burn
Your words will burn
It’s not my time
But, now’s you’re turn
Fall, fall, fall
To the ground
Don’t want to hear you now
I won’t go down
I will not cry
Enough of lies

© Redline Productions 2009

The Girl in the Mirror

"The Girl in the Mirror"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Look in the mirror
What do you see?
Stop complaining
Why so unhappy?

You never thought of anyone but yourself
You said I was the one who needed the help
But now I see…
How it’s supposed to be

The girl in the mirror was so insecure
Didn’t know how to love
So, just loved herself more
I gave her my heart and everything I had
Now, all that’s left of her is just broken glass


Stuck on her image
I didn’t see
Love was blind
It happened to me

She’s all around
I see her faces
She haunts my mind
But, I can’t escape her
She wants me now
And, I won’t take her
She’s looking back
She’s in the mirror

© Redline Productions 2009

Superficiality

"Superficiality"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

There you go talking
Whispers in their ears
Again and again
That’s what you like to hear
Your words spread like life
That’s your inner desire
To fuel on the flames
But, you know it hurts deeper
When you hear it from people
From the outside looking in

So it goes, there you go

Enough of this show
I’m not one to judge or to hold a grudge
I’ve just really had enough of the picture perfect act
Hypocrisy is a sin but, you’ll just smile within
So broken deep inside
Who are you?
You decide

There you go smiling
Gleaming in my face
Laughing and laughing
Wish I could erase
But, you keep on letting
There you go telling every detail
My life’s a new story
Why give me the glory?
Are you that bored?

Superficiality
Enough of that with me
Let’s talk reality
Face to face with me
I’d prefer the truth you know
Not this pretending show
I don’t need actors, no
I get that on TV, so

© Redline Productions 2009

Mistaken

"Mistaken"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

You better watch out
You better not cry
I’ve found out the truth
So, don’t even lie

I know, I’ve been mistaken before
I loved you but, not anymore
So, take my hand
Cause, I’m walking you right out that door

Leave
Never come back again
Broken promises became your other best friend
And, if I have to pass you by
I’ll just say to myself, oh why
What a mistake
Goodbye

You tried me once
You got me twice
I’ve learned love may come with a price

You played me like a violin
Betrayal for you was the sweetest sin
I never thought you would do this to me
But, now my eyes can finally see

© Redline Productions 2009

Goodbye

"Goodbye"

written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

The road is ending soon
But, I don’t know where you’re going
And I don’t know what to do
These days have gone so fast

Lord, I felt it just had started
But, our ways seem to have parted

Sometimes, I wonder why
We have to say goodbye
I know there is an answer
Got to search through the disaster
They say the days go by
Something here is changing
Is it life rearranging?

Goodbye is the hardest word to say
I need you
Please don’t go away
But I understand, it’s time to go
But my questions still lingers, so
Just need to know

Just sit with me, don’t cry
The tears and the laughter
The dreams, we all chased after
Yesterday is now gone

Just need to know
Where you have to go
The world is so cold
Don’t go alone
But, it’s known
Time to try it on our own

© Redline Productions 2009

Slow Down

"Slow Down"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Slow down
This is going to fast for me
Slow down
I just need space to breathe
But, time’s here now
What do we do?
I’ve waited all my life, just for you

And I want to know, this is something real
Not just a longing, I want to feel
Is this a feeling that will fade today?
If it’s true, maybe you’ll stay
After these thoughts, just clear away

Slow down
Let us see face to face
Slow down
Please move my pace
We’re here now
And, it’s up to you
So tell me what do you want to do?
Clear away, oh my dear
Hear my words in your ear
Find your way back to me
Somehow, someway, maybe someday

Clear away, oh my dear
Hear my words in you ear
Find your way back to me
Somehow, someway
Maybe someday

Slow down

© Redline Productions 2009

Snapshots

"Snapshots"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

I took your picture
Then, I hung it up
And, when I’m sad
I just look up
Cause I know you’re there for me
Whatever it may be

I met you just two years ago
I didn’t know love could blossom so
Just yesterday
You said hello to me
Now look at you and me

Snapshots of our memories
Of those times just you and me
More to come, I hope to see
Love and your loyalty to me

Oh baby yes, you are so far
And how I wish I could drive that far
Cruising in my silver car
Just to be, where you are

I took your hand into mine
When I was scared of that movie, right?
I look down, when I’m afraid
But with you, I’ll be brave

Together, we will be
I love you and you love me
Hold my hand and stay close to me
Love and loyalty

© Redline Productions 2009