A morning that started before the city did

By around 6:30 AM, the group was already gathered and fully awake, the way birders always are when there is a chance of a great frame. There was extra excitement in the air because Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park is not the kind of place you simply walk into on an ordinary day. Being invited in for a dedicated session felt like a privilege, and everyone treated it that way.

The light was soft, the view was wide, and the energy was calm but buzzing. Add a cup of hot coffee and the easy camaraderie of people who instantly speak the same language (shutter speed, focus modes, and the joy of a bird in flight), and the morning already felt like a win before the first official talk even began.

The workshop that set the tone: shoot responsibly

The session was led by Edwin Karganilla Jr., and it quickly became clear why the event title begins with responsibility. Photographing wild birds is not only about reach and autofocus. It is about doing it right: understanding the habitat, keeping a respectful distance, and capturing the moment without disrupting it.

What we loved most was how engaged everyone was. The room felt focused, not rushed. People asked thoughtful questions, compared experiences, and listened closely, because everyone knew that a protected place like this deserves care as much as it deserves attention.

Then the real fun began: migratory birds in the wild

Before the workshop, people were eager to shoot. After the workshop, people were even more eager, because now everyone had a clearer plan. The wetlands opened up and the group spread out into shooting spots, scanning the waterline and the sky for migratory birds.

Hands-on Nikon Z, with the Z9 as the clear headliner

Nikon Philippines made the experience even better by letting participants try a wide selection of Nikon mirrorless cameras paired with lenses that make sense for birding. The Nikon Z9 quickly became the star of the show, especially when paired with:

• NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
• NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

With that kind of reach, photographers could keep a respectful distance while still capturing sharp, detailed images of the migratory birds in action.

A group that made the morning unforgettable

A surprise on-the-spot photo contest

Nikon users are known for their competitive spirit, and as back-to-back CameraHaus Photolympics grand champions, they were pleasantly surprised when an on-the-spot photo contest was announced. It added one last burst of excitement to an already fulfilling event.

Winners

1. Joy Ganaden – 1st Place
2. Sunny Merindo – 2nd Place
3. Cris Cleofas – 3rd Place
4. Cristine Jane Pacaldo – 4th Place
5. Romz Lopez – 5th Place