Photojournalist

One important thing I've learned about being a photojournalist is that curiosity is the best equipment for this job. According to Pulitzer Prize photographer, Cheryl Diaz Meyer, “photojournalism is more about curiosity than courage.” Without curiosity, taking photographs would be meaningless, perhaps, would not even be done. Curiosity propels the photographer to look beyond the ordinary and tell stories through images.

In this blog, you'll see the works included in my final portfolio for the Diploma in Photojournalism course I just finished. This program is given by the Ateneo Asian Center for Journalism in cooperation with the World Press Photo. Under the fiery tutelage of renowned photojournalists, I was able to capture many different aspects of society – news, conflict, leisure, culture, livelihood, relationships, color, and lifestyles. I believe that there will always be a story, no matter how seemingly ordinary, worth telling through photographs.

These are the products of my curious eyes.

Fifteen Single Photos

A child walks on debris of their shanty after the demolition of illegal dwellings under a bridge in the City of Manila.

Activist groups protest the arrest of Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and the detention of Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran.



A member of Gabriela, a women’s activist group, holds on to a mask signifying a protest against the Arroyo administration during the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.



Officers from the Philippine National Police are captured in a relaxed moment during a rally dispersal along the streets of Manila.



Activist groups stage a demonstration to fight against political repression in the Philippines.



Bayan Muna Representative and journalist, Satur Ocampo, join the cry for justice for Philippine journalists and the fight for press freedom.



Hot air balloons are being prepared for flight during the 11th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held at Clark Airfield Pampanga.



Members of the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines parade the classic beauty of their fully restored Volkswagen beetles along North Luzon Express Way.



A father kisses his daughter beside a shark replica along Roxas Boulevard, Manila.



The women of Manila Dragons Rowing Team, paddle in unison during their early morning training along the stretch of Manila Bay.



Award-winning rower and cancer survivor, Sandy Dos Remedios, proves that she’s as strong and as agile as the rest of the Manila Dragons Women’s Team.



A man sunbathes at the middle of Clark Airfield, Pampanga while watching the tanks displayed during the 11th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.



Former President Fidel V. Ramos throws out a copy of his written speech to the audience and decides to speak spontaneously at a symposium on the ASEAN Charter.



Kids and adults take their place in a bus stop shed to watch the Holy Wednesday Lenten procession held at the town of Mendez, Cavite.



A boy makes sure his candle’s flame remains burning during a Lenten procession.

Photo Essay: Pugon

The traditional way of baking bread makes use of wood-fired oven known as the “pugon”. The town of Mendez, Cavite, prides itself in producing delicious bread and biscuits using this old set-up amidst the present modernization of the baking industry.

Photo Essay: Bulungan Fish Port

In the Philippines, a fish port, such as this one located in Parañaque City, is popularly called, “Bulungan,” which means “whispered bidding”. This is the system of market retailers haggling for wholesale purchases of fresh seafood straight from the fishermen’s boats. The place is alive during the very early hours of the morning.

Photo Essay: Colors of Divisoria

Divisoria is among the most popular shopping places in the Philippines. Flocked by locals and tourists from all walks of life, the place boasts of a culture colored by diverse merchandise and rich interactions.

Photo Essay: Flamenco Niños

The Flamenco dance, characterized by emotional sweeping of the arms and rhythmic stomping of the feet, is an embodiment of Hispanic art and culture. With the close historical bond between Spain and the Philippines, the Fundacion Centro Flamenco, based in Makati City, aims to preserve and enhance this heritage by teaching basic Flamenco in a fun manner to young Filipino children.