Ron's 50th at Industrious | Walnut Creek Photo Booth

A Feast Worth Celebrating

And then there was the food. Oh, the food! The spread was a delicious mix of Bay Area favorites and Filipino classics, and it was just as much a celebration as everything else that night. On one side, there was fresh sushi and briny oysters, the kind of elegant bites that had guests going back for "just one more." Next to them was a beautiful tri-tip, sliced and ready, a true California party staple that never disappoints.

Then came the Filipino dishes that made me feel right at home. The lechon kawali was everything you want it to be: crispy, golden pork belly with that satisfying crackle in every bite. The lumpia disappeared fast, as lumpia always does. I don't think I've ever been to a Filipino party where the lumpia tray stayed full for long! Last but definitely not least, my favorite: turon. If you've never had it, turon is sliced banana (sometimes with a little jackfruit) wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, fried until crisp, and finished with a caramelized brown sugar coating. It's sweet, crunchy, and warm all at once. Every bite takes me back to merienda time in Manila. I may or may not have snuck one between photo sessions. That's the beauty of a Filipino celebration.



Food is how we show love, and Ron's party was full of it.

Absolute Glam in Black and White

For this party, we brought out the Glam Booth with our black and white filter. If you haven't seen it in action, it's that timeless, red-carpet look that makes everyone feel like a movie star. Paired with our clean white backdrop, every shot came out crisp, classic, and full of personality. The barong and the Maria Clara top looked especially stunning in black and white. There's something about that filter that makes traditional pieces feel both elegant and timeless.

This look was all Deanne's vision. Ron's wife loved the idea of simple black and white photos against a clean white backdrop, and she was so right. Sometimes less really is more, and letting the guests and their outfits be the stars made every print feel special. Deanne even went the extra mile and provided photo frames for the prints! Guests could pop their photos right into a frame and take home a finished keepsake from the night. Such a thoughtful touch, and I loved seeing everyone walk away with a little piece of Ron's celebration ready to display at home.

Nonstop Fun Once the Beats Dropped

The booth was busy from start to finish, and once the DJ started spinning, the line never slowed down. Guests would dance, hop into the booth, strike a pose, and head right back to the dance floor. Then came a moment I didn't see coming. The DJ played "Awitin Mo" (You Sing It) by VST & Company, a song from when I was growing up in Manila. I've always thought of VST & Company as the Bee Gees of the Philippines and hearing that disco beat fill the room took me right back. I couldn't stop smiling behind the booth and i think a few of the guests noticed!