Jihan's Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

I come from a very large family. To give you a better idea of its size, my dad has 12 brothers and sisters and my mom has 9. Each sibling had 2-12 kids. Coming from a big family and being borderline introverted, I generally fade back and quietly observe.

Although, one of the advantages of being a part of a Filipino family is that we tend to love photography and I really feel like it has allowed me to connect with my relatives throughout the years. 

I am honored to have such great opportunities to document the fast-growing Ruelo clan, particularly my cousin's wedding preparations (I snuck in some wedding and post-wedding shots).

From Here

I've been collecting B-roll from my new camera and finally got a chance to make my first film, shot by the Canon 5D MKII. Collaborating with my friend Hannah and a couple others from Faith Church, we created From Here. This is a short film about obedience, which follows three people who somehow encounter and affect each other. We took inspiration from the leaders in our churches and now we want to continue to challenge the movement within the church.

Written and Directed by Hannah Wagle and Kim Ruelo
 Cinematography by Kim Ruelo and Joanna Grabenhofer
 Music by Escape Philosophy
 Featuring Aaron Sangha, Kim Ruelo, and Hannah Wagle

Avatar Avatar Avatar!

Yes...I know...I feel 10 years late, but I finally watched it! Even though I didn't get to see Avatar in 3D, I found myself pleasantly surprised to find that the movie's hype and 2 dimensionality didn't stop me from enjoying it!

Besides the amazing visuals, I think Avatar really captured the essence and beauty that is found in pure reverence...which is something that I feel is often lost in our world, especially in my own schema. The humans' interests seemed so trivial and reckless, trying to obtain the unattainable "Unobtainium" rock...but the Navi Tribe saw the whole picture, placing all their value on their deity and life.

I admire and am blown away by the filmakers' vision to create this new world. The opportunity to expand peoples' realities of what we know is such an amazing responsibility for an artist to have.

Hello Tribune!

Today was my first day at work! I'm so thankful to see how life has been unraveling in the past few months! It's also quite refreshing to be in an environment that challenges me to make good work and go beyond what's expected.
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It's kind of funny how this day started. Feeling unsettled, I started writing on the train ride to Chicago.

As I'm sitting on the train, I find myself thinking about hacking potential zombies. Last night, I had a grueling nightmare, warding off the undead with only a butter knife. It's quiet in here. Man, I hope nobody sits by me. Can't stop flinching at any sudden movement. It's kind of like being stuck in a Shaun of the Dead movie. Ah! Someone just sat across from me and I really hope that she doesn't bite my head off!...and I really hope she doesn't catch a horrible glimpse into my violent mind at the moment.

Someone: "Do you write a lot?"

Me: "Not really."

Someone: "Writing is good. I like to write down the funny things my kids say so I can bring them up when they're older."

Me: "Oh, that's a good idea."


Thank you random lady, for talking to me and hitting me back to reality!

Phillip Bloom: Skywalker Ranch

Skywalker Ranch from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Wow man. This really puts MTV Crib's to shame. I can't believe this was shot with a Canon 5D and 7D. I can't wait to get me one of those!

Kinetic Type

Lately, I've been making a couple videos for my home church. It's been nice getting away from the corporate world and having the chance to brush up on creative freedom!