The Dessert Museum
Google “Instagram worthy” and you’ll get approximately 7M results within 0.44 seconds.
Synonyms are “insta worthy” and “instagrammable.” It’s been a popular term for years and it simply means it’s a nice photo that’s worth posting on Instagram. So what makes up an Instagram worthy photo?
Vogue says it’s “anything beautiful, awesome, hilarious, or amazing that evokes emotions including but not limited to: laughter, appreciation, jealousy, inspiration.” I agree but I find the “rules” listed in the article as a bit extreme.
In a world full of likes and followers, it’s easy to succumb to the pressure of getting a lot of engagement on your posts. There have been countless comments online about expectations (social media) vs. reality (actual life) with people seemingly leading different lives on social media as compared to real life. I do know some people who “live for the gram,” who’ll do mostly anything to get that perfect shot just to have something to post online — shoutout to that girl who bought that cute pink frappe at Starbucks just to have that cup in hand photo against a really nice wall. Here’s an article from The Slow Traveler who hacked her own Instagram account as a digital experiment evolving around social pressure. This is a must read!
I get a few comments about my own social media posts — how fun my life is because I get to travel often for Get Lost, drive fancy cars thanks to Opus Macchina, be around most of the time for the kids, and just live a life of leisure in general. I keep on telling them that I only post the fun side of my life, that my digital footprint is curated, and that although what I post is authentic, I don’t really post the boring side of things like working in front of the computer almost 24/7 for several days a week, negotiating and closing deals for OTT, being the support for a lot of OTT shoots, etc.
This so called boring side of my life is the reason why I get to have fun and seemingly lead a life of leisure. Get Lost and Opus Macchina are passion projects of OTT which we work on every time we get some downtime from our regular work. A lot of Get Lost content is from business travels abroad or from local shoots for Opus Macchina and OTT. It’s really all about a matter of perspective and being creative enough to maximize an experience to generate content for different platforms and brands.
I got to drive this gorgeous Miata for Opus Macchina. My cousin and colleague, Enzo Teodoro, made sure that this loaner was scheduled on my birthday so that I can use it for a couple of road trips scheduled that particular weekend. What a sweet guy, right?
Nope, I wasn't at Valkyrie to watch a James Reid performance. Our OTT team was there to cover the event and do the live stream on Facebook. In fact, the only time I go to Valkyrie is when we have shoots or live stream projects.
But I digress — so what do I think makes up an Instagram worthy photo? A few of my friends are asking me for tips so here’s my personal guide, in no particular order. DISCLAIMER: I'm no expert, ok? There are a lot of professional and amateur photographers on Instagram who post mind blowing photos waaaaay better than mine.
- Make sure the photo is well lit.
- Alignment of photos is a must for me. It drives me nuts every time I take a photo with the horizon tilted.
- I think a great post is not all about the photo — it’s also about the caption. I find myself drawn to witty titles or stories behind the shot. It’s a struggle though for me because I find it easier to take and edit photos — writing a caption sometimes takes me so damn long that I end up setting aside the photo for another day when I’m more inspired to think of something to write!
- Be authentic.
- Enjoy being in the moment while taking photos. This may come as a struggle for some and my suggestion is set aside a few minutes taking photos, then put down your cameras or phones and let loose!
case in point - the dessert museum
HIT THE PLAY BUTTON ON THE VIDEO ABOVE!
You’ll go crazy with all the rooms with ready props for your photos to up your Instagram game. But it’s not just all about the ‘gram. You also get to actually DO something. Your sweet tooth will be soooo happy with all of the treats that you get to consume (part of the entrance fee). Some of the rooms give you a chance to let go and be a kid again.
Hang on that rope and try to swing your way to the macarons. Bounce up and down on the trampoline and see if you can reach the ceiling. Go inside that weird looking contraption and be overwhelmed with all of the colorful balloons swirling around you. Unleash your inner LeBron and play some hoops with some furry little cake pops.
JUST HAVE FUN!
So who will be happy at this literal eye candy of a place? Social media enthusiasts looking for the next IG post. Little humans. Grown ups who want to take a breather from adulting. I’m a mixture of all (yes, sometimes I still feel like I'm a kid). And since photography is my favorite hobby, and since I am addicted to photo projects for various online communities, I was thrilled that not only was the place a visual treat, it also had props ready for my trigger happy fingers! Insta-content!
“STRESSED is DESSERTS spelled backwards.”
Skip your carb content for the day because of all the free snacks. Make this your cheat day especially if you’re on keto or low carb diet. I came in 118 lbs and I probably left weighing 123 lb. Eeeeeek!
A two-hour tour costs Php 799 (approximately USD 15) per head but they offer discounts if you book via The Dessert Museum website. It comes with 5-6 free desserts so make sure bring some water to wash it all down!
The Dessert Museum is at S Maison Mall, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to know more about this new sweet spot in Manila!
“The Dessert Museum is an interactive eat as you play and learn experience where the sights are just as delicious as the sweets. You will gobble your way through 8 mouthwatering rooms of sugar-filled happiness. There are only two things on the menu - sugar and selfies. Welcome to the Dessert Museum. Please don’t eat the furniture.”
