mono-logues

Gino's story

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:48:00 +0000

[Author's note: for this article, I deviate from the usual one (1) photo per article, thus the mono-logue, concept.]

As soon as the door of the van used to transport the books from Mandaluyong, Quezon City and Malabon, this boy whom I have known later as Gino, came from nowhere and was so eager to help and started carrying the bundled books. The bundles of thick and hard-bound books even looked heavier than his frail body. I was worried because we might be charged with child labor or child abuse! (Smile!). He did not mind, but eventually gave in to my prodding. Perhaps he was just as excited like us in bringing the books to their small community.

From the look in his eyes, I could sense it was his first time to see so many books with colorful pictures and illustrations. He had that sheepish smile you would want to capture in photos. He seemed so excited that he could not help but peep into some loose copies, which he held along the way--with that sense of pride. I could not help but smile while following him. I was also like that when I was a kid when I have a new book!

While we tried to balance ourselves, he walked so fast and knew the muddy and slippery path by heart. From time to time, he would even stop to caution me that the trail I would be treading is slippery. When I was able to catch up with him, I engaged him into a pep talk. After all, it would have been very boring walking behind the rest of Flikristasindios members who already went ahead.

Although he is street-smart by their standards, he has that sense of inferiority when talking to a stranger like me. He had some reservations when answering questions, but after some time he finally loosened up.

Gino is 11 years old and currently in Grade 1. They had no money that is why he was not able to go to school at an earlier age, but he wants to study to become "somebody." He told me, at his young age, realizes that it is hard to be poor that is why he wants to finish schooling so he can find a better job. I told him that is a good attitude.

When asked about "what he wants to become" when he grows up--you know, the usual questions we ask children.

He simply reiterated: "Makahanap po ng magandang trabaho." [To find a good job.]

Perhaps, he had no idea what else to become later in his adult life. I did not probe further because he might realize that there is a bigger gap between the world of the "haves" and the "have nots," than what is known to him, which may stop him from dreaming further. So I stopped there and just assured myself that he will soon realize when he grows up a little bit more. I took his word at its face value, and just encourage him to study hard, and he replied :"Opo." [Yes, sir.].

When asked about his parents' means of living, he told me, "Mag-uuling lang po." [They’re only charcoal-makers.]

"Huwag ganun, dapat ang sagot mo, mag-uuling po." I corrected him. [You should say "charcoal-maker" not "only" charcoal-maker.]

"Opo," he replied. [Yes]

"Ilan ba kayong magkakapatid?" I asked. [How many siblings do you have?]

"Dalawa po." [We’re two.]

"Ilang taon na ang kapatid mo?" [How old is your sibling?]

He clammed up a bit.

"Babae ba siya o lalaki?" I followed up. [Is your sibling a boy or a girl?]

"Babae daw po. Hindi ko nga po alam kung anong hitsura nya, at kung ilang taon na po sya," he finally replied. [They told me it’s a girl. In fact, I do not have any idea how she looks like and how old she is.]

"Bakit?" I probed. [Why is that?]

"Nasa tatay ko po kasi sya." [She is with my father.]

"Kala ko ba mag-uuling tatay mo?" I clarified. [I thought your father is a charcoal-maker?]

"Iniwan po kami ng tatay ko. Nang mamatay ang nanay ko, natakot daw po sya. Dinala ang kapatid kong babae. Hindi na ako binalikan. Natatakot na syang magpakita. Gusto ko nga po makilala ang kapatid ko eh." he answered straightforwardly. [My father left me. When my mother dies, he got scared and ran away. He brought my sister with him. He is already afraid to show up. I want to meet my sister.]

Apparently, he considers his grandparents (on his mother’s side), his immediate family, and his parents.

I was a bit stunned by the revelation. This time, it was me who could not talk nor ask a question. This boy has so much ambition but he also has so much angst that is pulling him back. He longs for his sister and that parental care that his grandparents try to fill in.

Gino is just one of the kids in Isla Pulo who are living in poverty. Just like the other kids, he epitomizes a poor kid who dreams—to finish their studies and later on to find a better job other than what they know in Isla Pulo—as charcoal-makers, fisherfolks or fishpond workers.

I just hope Gino meets his father in the days to come. I wish him well that he may be able to finish his studies so that he can realize his dreams--find a better job.

Whatever that job is, only God knows.

Nanang Maria

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:08:00 +0000

Sitting on a wheelchair donated by www.freewheelchair.org, and with the lovely overcast sky giving the right lighting needed, I was drawn to photography Nanang Maria of Brgy. San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet. She temporarily borrowed the wheelchair though since she just came from the hospital for pulmonary problems and is hard up in walking because she can be easily exhausted.

She was a bit wary at the start, but when I talked to her in Ilocano, she smiled back at me, which was a signal for me to work with her. Since then, she was very cooperative when I directed her to do some poses. I thought I could not make her do some simple poses for me like looking at the window. The angle was mine and had to squat and move around, for she would not comprehend "the degrees" if I tell her so.

Yes, this is a staged photo, and why shouldn't it be? I do not want to be pretentious that it was candid, lest I want to draw some criticisms with this one.

For these types of photos, I love old women looking pensive with their facial lines defined by available light. But do not get me wrong. I love old people smiling. And, yes, I did manage to take some photos where she is smiled infront of my camera. I promised to have her smiling photo and send it to her. She even giggled at her image in my camera LCD when I showed it to her.

Lessons:

Establish rapport with your subject
For older subjects, work fast since their patience and attention span are short (just like children), and they easily get tired.
Fulfill your promises to old people.

Now, I have to fulfill that promise. And this reminds me to take a photo of my ageing aunts as well, before they leave us.

Street photography, anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:54:00 +0000

When you are shooting in the streets, you think you are already a "street photographer." Am I right?

I, too, was lured into this thinking. Why not? I shoot people in the streets (photographing them, I mean). I have joined a lot of photowalks. I have taken more than a thousand photos of street scenes and people in the streets. Does that give me the license to be called a true-blue street photographer?

I thought so.

A discussion on this genre dominated the Philippine photography scene for the past weeks. Two Facebook groups with conflicting opinions on what street photography is all about came to the fore. Among others, there were issues primarily on post-processing of photos, as well as what is becoming more popular photography term: poverty porn and poorism. This 'conflict' of opinion even led to the banning from the group of one of the pioneers in street photography and photojournalism.

One thing led to another and this gave birth to a more liberal and open-minded Facebook group on street photography, which claims to create a "movement" on street photography, rather than carve on stone what street photography is. The group adheres to the notion that street photography in the Philippines is still an evolving genre, so a free and democratic and intelligent discussion on this matter must have a level playing field--where anybody can voice his/her opinion in the hope of establishing some "guidelines" that can guide wannabe street photographers or make the practice of street photography in the Philippines more palatable--without being censured (also read as: Banned) .

Owing to the masters, street photography as a genre in the Philippines is still in the process of establishing some "rules of thumb." This includes the basic tenet of "blending with the crowd" thus the preference for wide angle lenses and prime lenses as opposed to telephoto lenses. Among other things, it seeks to refine composition techniques to make one's photo more convincing and evocative. However, while it seeks to discuss technical concerns in photography, there are also issues that grip street photography.

Among other things, the practice of street photography in the Philippines has to face some issues akin to the practice of photojournalism. Granting one has already mastered the craft of street photography, can he now call himself as a street photographer? Not so.

One's photos are not only viewed based on its technical merits. It has to go beyond basic composition or digital and old darkroom techniques. It is very easy to photograph anything in public, and one can easily label it as "street photography."

However, street photography is not just any craft or any genre that one can learn with his eyes closed. A street photographer, must not only deal with the technical merits of the photos he shoots. Equally, if not more important, are the ethical, legal, and Philippine's commitment to international treaties and agreements. These include: gender sensitivity and gender equality, ethics and morality, poorism, poverty porn, basic human rights, right to privacy, architectural copyright, and even national security.

Street photography, Philippines-style, is not a piece of cake, after all!

So, street photography, anyone?

Boy and girl, uninterrupted

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000

I had several shots of this scene at the side of NCCA building at Calle General Luna in Intramuros. They were oblivious of the 20 or so photography hobbyists that pass by them. Even if I clicked away, they did not mind me photographing them. I found this particular shot somewhat intriguing. Their hand signals appear amusing, but no. Good thing, I am writing about it, or else, it would be misinterpreted just like Poleteismo.

They are nursing students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, I think, who were discussing physiology and anatomy, as I have heard them talking about some heart and lung conditions. The guy was demonstrating, I think how the blood get's trapped in the artery that causes some heart ailments [inaudible] that affects the lungs, etc., etc.... But that was the gist.

Reflecting on it, I admired these two students who for their determination to learn, by hook and by crook--in any nook, had to discuss their lesson. Likewise, this reminds me of my college days when we had to do study groups in our major subjects just so we could comprehend those alien psychological, psychometric, and statistical theories, and even the "war room" at work discussing about poverty alleviation.

Good old days!

Ugliness is in the eye of the beholder

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:27:00 +0000

Cables crisscrossing around the metro are definitely an eye sore. This chaotic image smack right into the city planners' lack of sense of aesthetics and order. This photo was taken in the historic and turn-of the century architecture-rich Juan Luna Street in Binondo. Likewise, Manila's Chinatown and its historic walled city of Intramuros are replete with frenzied and messy electrical and telephone cables--which, I should say, do not augur well for aesthetics (photographically speaking), not to mention the danger it poses whenever there are typhoons.

Manila has a treasure in its architectural landmarks, but the latter's beauty become barely noticed due to these untidy cables. Admittedly, it has always been my concern when photographing a very beautiful architecture and when these cables get in the way. It would have been picture perfect when Manila and the rest of the country would just have underground cables. Save for more modern business districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City where the planners and architects put aesthetics in these communities. The last time I heard, Ortigas Center will start with its underground cabling system.

Nonetheless, ugly as it appears to me, I still found these cables worthy to photograph--specifically to describe chaos. I should say I was always wanting to capture these cables, "aesthetically", when I found this above my head. However, this does not mean I am retracting my earlier concern. Perhaps, it is not only me who complains about these cables. I just hope that city planning offices would pass a policy on this matter. Likewise, electric companies and cooperatives, and telephone companies would also comply and invest in safer and aesthetically pleasing cabling system.

Changing viewpoints

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:11:00 +0000

One of the techniques in photography I always keep in mind is changing viewpoints. Why? Viewpoint gives a different slant to your photographic work. By looking through, up, down the subject or within the action will create different impressions of even the most mundane and simple subject like an architecture above.

Likewise, your choice of viewpoint will communicate subtle messages that say as much about you as they do your subject. By capturing the image of the Quezon Memorial Circle monument through its reflection on the eye of my fellow photographer tells me about wanting to covey a message in a different way, and it gives, as well, the impression that I consider how others look at the subject too. Thus, it gives more than one meaning to the photo.

I would say, changing viewpoints is not an easy thing to consider as one is limited by physical space. It is often hard to find the best spot where to take the photo. Sometimes, your search for an unusual camera viewpoint attracts unwanted attention from the people around you--this includes crouching on the ground, climbing up a wall, or shooting through, for example, a group of people, looking through a puddle.

Time has also a bearing on taking a photo from different viewpoints. If you have plenty of time to compose, you can explore almost any possible viewpoint. That is why it is always best to be alone or with a small group of people rather than a big group like in a timed tour. If the subject you want to shoot, like the QMC monument, is just accessible and which you can frequently go to, it is more favorable for you, but not when the subject is located in another province or country.

Thus, it is always to keep in mind that you have several options to shoot a single subject. It just takes some creativity and sometimes, even making a fool of yourself while trying to capture the photo from a different viewpoint.

Learning curve

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Training one's eye for shots that go beyond convention is the hardest thing to do in photography. A hobbyist like me, should learn to go beyond the comforts of photography rules and become more aware of the elements that are presented right before my very eyes. More often, too, scenes like this does not come very often. One needs to be quick on the trigger to be able to capture unique shots that one can call my own--when no one else has done it.

I have joined Flickristasindios photowalks to Quiapo and Binondo several times, and from my first photowalk expereince, I always wanted to get a different take of what we all see. It is that personal urge to be different by going beyond norms and the flow, and these are the following lessons I have learned over time, which I am happy to share:

Aim for uniqueness. Avoid aiming your camera to the same subject your fellow photographers are photographing. In short, strive to be unique;
Take it from a different perspective. If ever you cannot resist the temptation, get a different perspective or angle like making an environmental portrait instead of a close up;
Take the other side of the road. If everyone else is lined up on the more comfortable side (read: shady and feeling of security with other photographers), take the opposite lane. If you have been to a place like Binondo, more or less, you would know what to expect the next time you return. Take a mental note of where you have walked through the last time, and next time, take the other side of the road. There are always interesting subjects from a different perspective.
Review your past photos of the same place. Quiapo and Binondo are places teeming with photographic subjects and opportunities. It is a street photographer's mecca! By studying your past photos, you keep in mind what you need to shoot the next time around, and most of all, learn from your mistakes. This is how I found out I have not taken a picture of amulets being sold in Quiapo yet. So this time, I made it sure I would photograph amulets. Am I happy with my shots? Not yet. I still need to do more and experiment more on some angles and perspectives the next time I would visit Quiapo;
Be the leader of the pack or stay behind. When you go in droves, it is more likely that you would have similar subjects, and worse, even have the same framing. It is best to walk ahead so you can have the "fresh" scene worthy to be photographed, or you may choose to walk slowly and stay behind for you to better appreciate the scenes presented right before your very eyes;
Have a story in mind. I read somewhere that story-tellers are better photographers. I am not saying that I am very good at story-telling (because I am a work in progress in my blogging), but this time around, I had several purposes in mind: (1) Complete my Quiapo documentary which has been in the pipeline for so long, and (2) To tell a story about street food intended for my travel blog, and (3) to get photos that are unique from the rest of the 30 or so photographers. So this would help if you are working on a certain documentary project or a blog like I do.
Lastly, be open to all possibilities. Scenes are presented right before our very eyes. You just need to aim your camera and shoot any possible scene you think will look good on the big screen. As we, the Flickristasindios always say: Shoot from the gut. Capture and share. Have fun along the way!

Quiapo irony

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Quiapo is synonymous to faith, religiosity and fanaticism or as what my nephew blogger, Leonard G. Reyes, calls it: indomitable faith. It is also identical to street hawkers selling cheap wares, food, and religious icons.

It is disappointing, that vagrancy and occasional petty crimes--and even conflicting Catholic practices on folk religion and Christianity, as aptly described by Prof. Jaime Bulatao as split-level Christianity, outshines the real essence of Chritianity, Quiapo's rich cultural and religious heritage on Roman Catholicism, tolerance and understanding between Islam and Christianity, as well as its historical significance during the First Quarter Storm (FQS).

A clean-up was organized by the priests of Quiapo. Selling of "herbal" medicines--one of them is makabuhay vine, which is known to have abortifacient qualities--are no longer allowed infront of the church. However, occasionally, some of these wares are still being sold along Quezon Boulevard at the side of the church and other wares sold on the sidewalks at the back of the church--away from the watchful eyes of the priests.

If we were to describe Filipino's faith, one can simply observe Quiapo. An interesting mix of Christian teachings, animism and quack healing, fetish for "personal power" using amulets, endless search for instant miracles, and folk religiosity, shape the Filipino's complex religious practices, which is already and deeply embedded in the Filipino psyche.

Goodyear

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:57:00 +0000

This is probably my last post for this month. Aside from this blog, I still need to work on "Explored!" that badly needs updating. I have accumulated so many travel stories that need to be shared. The month of May has offered me many photographic opportunities. I should say this is a "Goodmonth". [smile!].

This is one is from one of my field visits in Marikina.This man owns a vulcanizing shop and his wife tends a store. After the typhoon Ondoy, life for them, like a wheel, has to roll and move on.

Life has many challenges, and I am just thankful for every little things that it offers every day. And so I say, I am moving on.

A photowalk with Nicole

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 17 May 2011 08:20:00 +0000

Admittedly, even with my work, which exposes me to poverty, I have never been to a slum area for so long a time. The first one I did was when I was in college and with a group of PSBA students who had an exposure to then Smokey Mountain. The second one was a weekend tryst near a community in Pasay-Rotonda together with my SDWFP batch mates. It was some sort of community immersion which we did on our own, sans the knowledge of our trainers from PBSP. Needless to say, the two visits were professionally rewarding as it gave us a real picture of poverty in the urban setting. Also, my exposure in Smokey Mountain has started all the social development blood in me.

Forward to present, I could say I am no longer a stranger to a slum area. And I could confidently talk about it--the issues, development initiatives, as well as their aspirations. However, I am not blessed to handle a project that has something to do with urban poor. It was always about the fisherfolks of Quezon, rural women in the Dumaguete, upland farmers in the Cordillera, and indigenous peoples, upland and lowland farmers in Mindanao, etc.

Last Saturday, May 14, I accompanied our visitor from The Netherlands who was on official visit to gather stories about Cordaid-funded projects. They were about to build a website for their resource mobilization. We went to Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City (near Araneta Avenue). This community was flooded during the typhoon Ondoy, and they had to endure more than 15 feet of flood water for 24 hours. The area was like a maze. I could not even remember where we came from and where we ended, and finally exiting in the main street back to the office of the cooperative that is assisting the community.

I always had to be behind the "trail" and Nicole, who was gathering more than enough attention being a Caucasian, was also following the staff from the cooperative. I served as a "body guard," (since she was our guest and we have to protect them from scrupulous individuals who may be lurking at us), a personal assistant (slightly--I was carrying her tripod, which made it difficult for me to shoot, too.), a translator, as well as an interviewer too.

I could have taken more photos. Dark alleys and shanty interiors, and the children loitering and following us, wanting their photos (and videos) to be taken, the hot and humid weather, and limited time, proved to be challenging for both of us. She took care of the video and I took care of some stills. There were many good shots, but I am not very satisfied. I could have taken more. There were too many tasks and distractions for me to properly compose and even take that candid photo, without children surrounding me and getting in the way of my viewpoint.

It was a rewarding day for me, both professionally and personally. I was not the one who developed the project intended for the members of the cooperative, so it was also a learning process for me to know the project a little bit more. At the personal level, I came to know more about the people from the slums. I realized that more than 20 years ago, their issues are still the same, perhaps, even more complex. And the most important thing--they too have their own stories to share--their failures, successes, and dreams.

Definitely, I will be going back there...to shoot more and to gather more stories.

John 3:16

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:03:00 +0000

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

A blessed Good Friday to all.

The beauty of Aliwan Fiesta

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:08:00 +0000

In April 2008, I had my Aliwan shoot debut. I was then still using "P" mode. It was the best decision to make since there was barely enough time to do manual. Besides, I was still a newbie in photography then, and I was still trying to learn how to use my Olympus E-510 dSLR. There were a lot to shoot despite the looming rain. Street dancers were out in the open practicing their dance routines, while beauties roamed around or were on their floats waiting to be photographed.

This is a photo of one of the Reyna ng Aliwan contestants, which I decided to convert into black and white. For a newbie, I was happy with the result.

In 2009, I was late so I was not able to shoot the participants while waiting for the grand parade. In 2010, I just lost track of it or I was out of town, perhaps,--I am not sure. This year, I made it a point to attend again because no one can deny, Aliwan Fiesta is a photographer's event of the year.

This year, however, was too humid. The scorching heat of the sun prevented the dancers to rehearse in the open field. They were huddled up under the shades of the trees lining up the garden of the Quirino grandstand. The garden was jam packed with photographers inching their way into the crowd competing against each other to get a good view of the street dancers while the latter were protecting their make-up and their costumes.

Everything seems to be in disarray. It felt uncomfortable. Shooting under the trees did not augur well for good lighting. The number of photographers, which has increased than the previous years, added to the hullabaloo.

One can no longer get that unique photo opportunity. Imagine one beautiful participant being photographed by scores of photographers. Imagine, too, that as one sets up an individual or a group of participants, other photographers were already aiming at the subjects at his back. This led one photographer to silently complain (which I heard as he moves away from the group of photographers) that it was his idea to set up the shoot but other wannabe and disrespecting photographers have already stolen his idea. He could do nothing but shake his head in exasperation.

I did try to capture some portraits. But I did not find their costumes exciting. Either their colors were drab or was just lacking that "Aliwan spirit" I witnessed in 2008. Signs of lack of funding by their local governments? Maybe. It was noticeable too, that there were few contingents from the Visayas. Understandably, come provinces in the Visayas were badly hit by La Niña.

This is the reason why I aimed for unique action photos instead--which was hard to shoot. The photographers' area infront of the grandstand was too limiting. It was surrounded by a grilled fence taller than me. Save for the wide spaces between bars where you can insert your lenses. Also, some photographers were just so rude that even if you were already in a good spot, they would push and nudge just so they can get the shot they want. Irritated, we decided to just move out and wait for the performers as they exit from the performance grounds and follow them to Rajah Sulayman Park where they would have their short performance. Perhaps the organizers could think of putting up bleachers so that photographers can have a good view of the performances. They are sponsoring a photo contest, anyway.

Anyway, enough of this rant. But one thing for sure, I miss the 2008 Aliwan when there were more participant-festivals, more colorful costumes and floats, and when participants made use of the open field to rehearse that made photographing easier.

With all these issues, Aliwan is still one of the best festivals that the Philippines has ever staged--gathering all major festivals in the country in one venue. Having been disappointed again with my poor photos, will I still go to 2012 Aliwan Fiesta? Definitely. But I hope there would still be Aliwan Fiesta in 2012.

Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:08:00 +0000

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence."

(Desiderata, max Ehrman, 1927)

In this time and age where "noise" comes from the wires and signals of communication--of internet and cellular phones, "silence" is becoming an obsolete idea. My internet connection was cut due to an inefficient courier services, and the man who was supposed to deliver the bill happened to knock on the wrong gate rather than mine and reported there was no one at home, so it "went back to the sender."

I, too, was not vigilant of the delivery of bills, being too busy with daily chores and the daily humdrum. I have become oblivious of some more important things that need to be done or be concerned about--all because I was too busy with the net.

There is a lot of "noise" here and there--very good topics to be discussed, rant about, blog about, and chat about--online. Now that my DSL is still in process of reconnection after a debate with the CSR, that it was not my fault for my undelivered bill, ergo, not paid on time, I have appreciated "silence" for a short time.

But then, I hanker for the latest buzz, hottest news, latest FB updates, and read my important mails. Indeed, "silence" is no longer an option. Silence becomes a source of un-peace--all because we want to connect or re-connect. Good thing I have my phone to reconnect in the net.

We are a social animal, after all.

Tell me your story

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:40:00 +0000

This is one of my first photos using my Olympus E-510 dSLR. I thought that this scene would elicit many stories from a photographer's point of view or perspective.

How we tell stories is a very personal experience. Nobody can tell the photographer what to say or what not to say. It is beyond comprehension by anyone who merely looks at this picture. No one can interpret his psyche with just a glance. Why? A photographer, I believe, is affected by the flow of his consciousness at the time he captures a certain image. Digging deeper into his conscsiouness would further reveal some feelings, emotions, thoughts and philosophies--the state of his soul and mind.

We can, however, only appreciate at a superficial level. We can only comment on the technical merits of a photo--how badly or excellently exposed it was, how we used lines and shadows, how we took advantage of the rule of thrids, etc., etc., etc....But we can never fully grasp his consciousness.

Like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) I learned from my psychological testing, now, tell me,

"What do you see in this photo? Can you tell me more about it?"

With just one look

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:11:00 +0000

I am a photographer who would always want that certain look in the eye or a kind of unique facial expression without being intrusive to my subject. I love candids, which are taken at the right moment when your subject moves. It takes a lot of patience especially when you are holding more than a kilo of photography gear, under the sun, and without a tripod or monopod to rest on, while aiming at your subject without her knowing, and praying she would look at you and give you that kind of expression.

And when you get what you want, it becomes a priceless work of art! Doesn't it?

This was taken with my 300mm. There were pupils who were listening attentively and watching the book distribution ceremony in their school. They sat and lined up on the ledge of the veranda. I thought that if I aim my camera, there would be at least one who would look at me. Indeed, I was lucky.

By the way, she was not mad at me. That squint in his eyes was caused by the glare of the noontime sun, plus the fact that Igorots have chinito/chinita eyes.

Laban

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:14:00 +0000

This year, the Filipino nation is celebrating the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution. Back in 1986, I was in Baguio then as a college freshman. We did have our own version of the "EDSA Revolution." We held rallies along Session Road, and held vigil on the grounds of Baguio Cathedral on the night of 24th till the ween hours in the 25th of February 1986. We were also jubilant when we heard from Radyo Bandido (the only AM radio station operating at that time) when Marcos flees from Malacañang Palace.

As soon as we heard the announcement, we jubilantly marched (or rather ran) up and down Session Road and were met by a shower of confetti from the residents of Skyworld condominium (which was destroyed by the July 16, 1990 earthquake). Baguio City then was indifferent primarily because it was a "Marcos country". Nonetheless, there were significant groups of students and professionals who led the marches against the dictator.

It was unfortunate though that I was not able to join the morning "victory rally" at Session road and Melvin Jones grounds due to exhaustion the previous night. Choppers soaring above the city, greeted us in the morning of February 25, apparently in support of the Cory administration. I heard they showered the marching people with flower petals and not just confetti. I was in awe and I could not help but let go of tears from my eyes.

We were free, at last!

In the eyes of a Kankana-ey boy

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:23:00 +0000

It is more than a month late!

I should have celebrated the 1st Anniversary of Mono-logues last January 1, 2011. However, I could not put up even just a short post nor think clearly of how Mono-logues should proceed. I guess, my mind has been muddled up lately. I just could not find the appropriate photo since my last post in October 2010. I also did not have the zest to convert colored photos into black and white. Simply said, I was just too lazy to update my blog.

I did a post in my flickr photostream, here, here and here. These posts express optimism, self-determination and faith in God. I hope it stays that way throughout 2011. Also, these Flickr posts is my personal way of bringing back the glorious days of my Flickr-ing (at least in my own online photo stream). Well, this is what we pay for with having too much of Facebook-ing. You tend to overlook the more important things, and those things that make you happy.

Finally, my trip to Buguias, Benguet a week ago pumped up that energy again. Like cellphone batteries, sometimes, we need to recharge, too, you know. [Smile!].

My adrenalin soared as high as the mountains of Cordilleras. It felt good being back in the bosoms of my wisdom. It felt even greater seeing children being so happy and carefree. It felt good seeing my image (literally) in the eyes of this Kankanaey boy!

Thank you for following me in 2010, and I hope you would still appreciate my monologues this year! And I hope to share more of my thoughts on photography and life and general through Mono-logues!

Sabong [Cockfight]

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:56:00 +0000

Cockfighting is one one the favorite pastimes of a handful Filipinos. The May 2010 Election fever seems not yet over, so, I begin to think that elections and running for a barangay post is also one big manifestation of Filipino concept of "fun." [Pun intended.].

Seeing this bunch of posters for local elections in Pangil, Laguna, and juxtaposed with a white rooster that is conditioned for a Sunday cockfight, makes me think this scene is interesting. Akin to cockfighting, a candidate go through years if not months of preparation before they can be brought to the arena. Some will win, some will lose--and the people put their bets on them.

Barangay Elections in the Philippines is supposed to be the embodiment of people power. However, it has become a breeding ground for corruption and bad governance, instead. What is your opinion on this?

The photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:17:00 +0000

Mula sa mga imaheng likha

hinahabi mo

ang mga

sanaysay

kuwento

awit

at tula.

Malungkot. Masaya.

Pangit. Maganda.

Post script:

This was taken in Binondo's Plaza San Lorenzo (infront of the Binondo Church) in July 2008, during my first photowalk with Flickristasindios.

My "model" happens to share two things with me--Baguio City and photography. Doc Reg, as I call her, produces images like no one else does. Her photos go beyond the cliche. She sees things from an angle, view and perspective quite different from the rest, which earns her the respect of our fellow photographers. She now dabbles in fashion shoots, but still manages to keep it beyond norms and standards of the trade. Like in her earlier work, she interprets fashion in a different light--a breather from the usual glossy counterparts.

She does not know I am featuring her in this blog. [smile!]

Please visit Regina's Photostream in Flickr.

Sweet cakes and milkshakes

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:09:00 +0000

I took this photo in November 2008, while having a coffee in one of the coffee shops in Trinoma. This reminds me of a poem in the 1995 movie Before Sunrise starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

Later on, I found out it was specially composed by poet, David Jewell for the movie. And the poem...

Delusion Angel

Daydream delusion,
limousine eyelash,
oh, baby with your pretty face,
drop a tear in my wineglass,
look at those big eyes,
see what you mean to me,
sweet cakes and milkshakes,
I am a delusioned angel,
I am a fantasy parade,
I want you to know what I think,
dont want you to guess anymore,
you have no idea where I came from,
we have no idea where we're going,
launched in life,
like branches in the river,
flowing downstream,
caught in the current,
I'll carry you, you'll carry me,
that's how it could be,
don't you know me?
don't you know me by now?

Meals to go

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:21:00 +0000

We, Filipinos, are known for our creativity, resiliency, diligence and sense of purpose, which make me believe we are the world's best entrepreneur--given the right opportunities, resources, and education.

Last year, while I was waiting for a cab after a meeting in UP College of Public Administration and Governance, I thought that the UP Diliman waiting shed was really a work of art and is just waiting for me to be photographed. (Smile!). So I positioned myself at the inner side because I wanted to get that curved concrete bench and the lines of the roof, and waited for a jeepney to get that UP Diliman identity (you know, with its Ikot route). Then, a jeep slowed down that made it easier for me to shoot without the blur. Just in time when I pressed the shutter, the man with a plastic bag ran towards it, and appeared inside my frame. He handed the plastic bag , and returned with some pesos in his hands.

I realized he is a food vendor, waiting for jeepney drivers so he can sell meals-to-go complete with rice and viand. I thought it is a cool idea! No kick-ass fast-food company has ever thought of that. Or perhaps I should keep mum about it to keep them from copying this man's selling idea. I think he is already a permanent fixture in the shade because the drivers already know him. What a way to earn money! He just sits there waiting for money to come by.

Contemplation

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:59:00 +0000

If my memory serves me right, I was following my interns who was with the Tourism Officer of the Provincial Capitol in Malolos, Bulacan. I only realized then that my interns were looking for a restroom. Then we ended up in this conference room, which was supposedly off limits to "tourists" like us. Then I saw this window, and commented it was nice to take photos with this one, and then everyone was taking photos.

I immediately thought it was good for a black and white photo--and a dramatic one at that.
So I asked one of my Muslim interns to model for me, and asked to follow some instructions and voila!

Except for the slight burning on the sides to further isolate the subject (although all four sides were already dark), I only converted this in Photoshop CS3, and tweaked on the levels.

My first street shot

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:12:00 +0000

This is the first street shot I made while on a trip to Lagawe, Ifugao doing a commissioned case study I made for a foundation. Earlier on, I entitled it "Rarity" with the caption:

While Filipino women have taken bold steps towards achieving gender equality particularly in their productive roles, some Filipino men do not mind embracing traditional women's roles.

Anyway, not wanting to turn this blog entry into a theoretical discourse on the role of Filipino men and women, or gender and development, I just want to express that it just makes me feel good that I was able to capture this photo in a place where there is very little exposure on or not used to photographers taking photos of strangers in the streets. It was done fast so as not to distract the subject. If my memory serves me right, I was then waiting for a ride back to Solano, Nueva Viscaya then.

In many instances, strangers do wonder why I am taking their photos and I felt that I might get the ire of my subjects. As a precaution, I become choosy in my subjects. It is not just any person I can find on the streets. I have to sense from afar whether or not they are "friendly" subjects. So I use my 150mm or 300mm so as not to distract the subject.

I prefer my street photos in their raw--to get that authentic scene, emotion, behavior and action.

This is what you can get in Vigan

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

If you are not Ilocano-speaking, you will find this vulgar and indecent. But then even if you are an Ilocano, and you think like a Tagalog, you would still let of that naughty smile. I am now. [LOL].

I found this one in one of the curio and souvenir shops in the jar-making community locally known as "Pagburnayan," which is derived from the noun "burnay" or a a big jar used for storing water, fermenting bagoong and wine. Ergo, Pagburnayan is simply a place where they make burnay and other pottery or clay-based products.

I had the chance to drop by Vigan sometime in May, due to work-related trip, which I should be writing about in Explored! [Now I am reminded, once again!]. Lately, I have been very serious in my blog, so I thought that I should present to you something that would make you smile!

Tip: "Puki-Puki "is the best! Better than utong. No kid!

Agyaman ak, Apo! [Thank you!]

Matthew 6:26

noreply@blogger.com (Ding | The Pinoy Explorer) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I was just then capturing the jeepney signboards without any particular intention--just photographing them. Later on did I only notice the phrase:

"My grace is sufficient for you."

All the words in these photo seems to have been planned and fallen into place to come up with a philosophical thought:

"In the journey through life, and in our search meaning, power, fame and recognition, and riches, we all end up with our God, and only God's grace matter, after all."

This is a fitting reminder of a Bible verse I learned when I was teaching pre-school, when we asked our pupils to memorize a Bible verse every week:

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

God Bless!