#JMagWillWorkforFree: Going Back to Basics

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Last January, Jason Magbanua, award-winning and sought-after videographer, came to WeddingsAtWork with an awesome idea he named Will Work for Free. He initially offered this service anonymously to the WaWies simply because the community was very close to his heart.

The premise was simple. Having acquired a new piece of equipment, he wanted to go back to his roots and shoot alone. Likewise, it was a creative exercise as well as a practical way for him to train for his upcoming shoots in Europe.

To enter, couples had to simply send him the details of their wedding, including the venue and list of suppliers, and take care of transportation costs, meals and music licensing. It was, therefore, not a surprise that 7000 entries were accumulated at the end of the promo after it was publicly posted and was picked up all over the social media.

Due to a strict schedule of availability though, Jason could only choose a handful of winners and the first lucky one was Stacy Munar, who was then set to marry Niel Riddle. Stacy’s email caught Jason’s attention and lucky for her, he was available on the date of the wedding.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/JMagWillWorkforFree1-e1463202073647.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Last May 5, 2016, Stacy and Niel’s wedding finally took place at San Antonio de Padua with a reception at Summit Ridge Tagaytay. According to Jason, it was definitely a learning experience for him. Although his partner, Madge (Lejano), accompanied him, he learned it was tremendously hard to shoot alone now.

Jason said, “After years of having your crew around you.  Driving you. Carrying stuff for you.  Setting up everything for you.  Getting water for you.  Packing up for you. Then you’re by yourself. The physical strain was immense. Plus, the mental strain of coming up with something beautiful and meaningful.”[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://weddingsatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/JMagWillWorkforFree2.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]”I learned to bring only the essentials. To plan ahead. To pack light. In recent memory, I’m terribly isolated and misinterpreted as aloof on the wedding day. I’m totally gregarious on the meetings.  I’m the best friend. But on a regular shoot, I’m super quiet and tucked in a corner. Listening. Thinking. Planning. Last Thursday, I was front and center. Talking to the bride, the entourage, making them feel comfortable. Totally out of my comfort zone.”

Now what everyone wants to know is, will there be any more winners and when will they be announced? After how tired Jason was at this wedding, we’re just going to have to wait and see if he’s going to pick another one. Haha![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]