GR Meet I
Ricoh GR Community Gathering GR Meet I at Bricks and Brew Cafe
Held at Bricks and Brew Cafe in Sta. Mesa on March 8, 2025, GR Meet I brought together GR users and fans for an intimate afternoon of learning, stories, and shooting.
GR Meet I was created with one simple goal, to gather GRists in the Philippines in one space, offline, surrounded by coffee, conversations, and cameras. No contest, no pressure, just a relaxed environment where everyone could share their love for the Ricoh GR.
The event started with registration and free camera cleaning, giving attendees a chance to refresh their gear and warm up before the talks and activities that followed. Around 3:00 p.m., the program officially began inside Bricks and Brew Cafe.
Registration and Warm Welcome
As guests arrived at Bricks and Brew Cafe, they were welcomed at the registration area and offered complimentary camera cleaning for their GR units. It set a relaxed and friendly tone for the event, with people getting to know each other while their cameras were being checked and cleaned.
GR Meet I aimed to keep things simple and personal, focusing more on interaction and community instead of a formal program or competition.
Opening Remarks by Robenson Ong-Lo
Once everyone had settled in, the event officially opened with remarks from Robenson Ong-Lo. His message welcomed both long time GR users and new owners and highlighted why the GR has such a unique place in street and everyday photography.
He also spoke about the vision for GR Meet I as the start of something regular for the community, a way to keep GR photographers connected, inspired, and visible.
Mini Workshops from Top GR Photographers
One of the main highlights of GR Meet I was a series of mini workshops conducted by top GR photographers. These sessions focused on practical, real world tips for making the most out of the Ricoh GR, such as using its compact size for candid shots, building confidence in shooting on the street, and refining composition with a fixed focal length.
Attendees were able to ask questions directly, learn from real experiences, and hear how others use the GR as their everyday camera, travel companion, or primary street photography tool.
Launching the Official GR Community Pages
GR Meet I also served as the launch platform for the community’s official Facebook Page and Instagram accounts. These channels were created so that GR users in the Philippines can stay connected, share work, and learn about upcoming meets, photowalks, and announcements.
The launch marked the beginning of a more organized GR community presence online, giving new and existing members a place to follow, tag, and interact between physical events.
No Contest, Just GR Talks
Unlike other photography events that revolve around competitions, GR Meet I intentionally skipped any formal contest. Instead, the focus was on short talks about the Ricoh GR, where users and guests discussed what they love about the camera, how they use it, and the type of images they like to create with it.
This format kept the atmosphere relaxed and open, and encouraged people to share, listen, and learn without worrying about scores or judging.
Night Photowalk in the Streets of Sta. Mesa
As the sun went down, GR Meet I transitioned from indoor discussions to an outdoor experience. The group headed out for a night photowalk around Sta. Mesa, a perfect opportunity to show what the GR can do in low light and real life situations.
The walk showcased the strengths of the GR’s APS-C sensor and in-body image stabilization, allowing participants to shoot confidently at night while keeping their setup light and unobtrusive.
A New Tradition for GRists in the Philippines
GR Meet I may not have had a contest or grand stage, but it succeeded in something more important, it became a starting point for a new tradition for GR users in the Philippines.
With mini workshops, community talks, the launch of online pages, and a night photowalk through Sta. Mesa, the event showed how much potential there is for more GR focused gatherings in the future.