Tuesday, April 22, 2014

I have always been fascinated with portraiture photography; and as I was luckily appointed as a photographer for the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Meycauayan, I got to snap photos of people during the Holy Week activities in our church. Collectively, it paved way to my first try on this category of art.

Four pictures, four people – I have entitled the set ‘The Different Faces of Faith’. These were ordinary shots, enhanced and well-saturated through Adobe Photoshop, and I bet people won’t even notice the message I’m trying to imply. But my rational self insists on explaining of what I have seen.


El Sacristan
There are always two sides to see in a person. 
As said in The Little Prince, 'what is essential is invisible to the eye.'
Apparently, I have seen it through my camera lens as well.



El Penitente
Barefooted, kneeling on a rough surface before a cross, under the scorching heat of that Good Friday sun, blood trickles down his back from the fresh wounds of penitence he had imposed on himself.
He covers his face in anonymity, they say; but I have long realized that it's a symbol of expression of shame and embarrassment for having sinned.
And somehow, I know we all should feel the equal emotions for being the same.



El Sacerdote
When you keep on doing what you should keep on doing for (sometimes) five times a day,
how would you look like when you do it for the sixth time?



La Chica Nueva
Eyes filled with curiosity over things she did for the first time in her life.
Had anyone had the courtesy to tell her what kind of blessings she's in for?






사진술 디자인 (Facebook Page)




The Different Faces of Faith

Thursday, April 17, 2014

I feel like I’m caught in between. Things are happening and as much as we want it to stop, it wouldn’t. Words spread like fire, based on unjustified impressions, fueling irresponsible and disrespectful actions – all for the sake of reputation and popularity.

I have gone to obscurity, as it’s the only way out. Eleven years and I have finally opened my eyes to see a kind of reality which I hoped didn’t exist. Yet, it does. And there is clearly nothing I could do about it, except to stand on my ground solidly – and wish that living within this principle will earn me even just a piece of the elusive righteousness we all ought to have.

I have made a choice, as did many others who understand, who know. I have chosen to look at the side others refuse to pay attention to. I have decided to see what others won’t look at.

If this decision will create walls between generations and will jeopardize my position as a silent, feather-light sheep… then so be it.

OF ALL THINGS CRUEL

Six months since changes began. I should have known well that nothing is meant to be perfect, and change is a much dreaded reality for some people. The fortification erected around the privileged was shaken, threatening positions established and reputations built. And naturally, violent reactions are in order.

And maybe, that’s what I wasn’t able to prepare myself for.

Sharp words slash through our ears, and our eyes bleed in seeing what we never expected. It wasn’t anything I should personally concern myself about fully. But I guess, if you support what is right and due, you won’t be able to just stand still and silently stare as things transpire.

Changes are inevitable, we always say. But it terribly confuses me how those who have taught us such truth are the first ones to refuse it. How is it fair to constantly compare two polar opposites? How is it alright to just judge without looking at the two sides of the story? How is it okay to demand to receive when people, themselves, seem to not have the intention to give?

Clearly, age doesn’t define maturity. It is not really words that justify characters, but the actions people exhibit when their comfort zones are threatened.

And because of this, I have realized that for all this time, I have put my faith in the wrong set of models.

THE CHOICE I MADE

With all that’s happening, I found my “emotional caretaker” instincts kicking in. Inside me boils that strong desire to defend people who know what they’re doing. Respect begets respect; and through proper ways I’m introduced to, I’m determined to make that known.

The confidence in me stems not from my background. It is rooted from the fact that there are a lot of things I know which others don’t. There are a lot of information we conceal because it’s not the right time yet – plans which people think I’m not supposed to know, simply because I AM JUST A CHILD.

But even without this knowledge, I am pretty certain I wouldn’t give in to the current trend of hating. I am sure that I would still end up supporting what I do now. Because I know how to give the benefit of the doubt; because it is in my personality to give people time to prove themselves, because it does take time to do so.

Once, I was told that changing something that has long been there is impossible. But I say otherwise. Whatever we are today is just a product of changes our forefathers had gone through before. They had gone through changes that resulted to the norms of this generation. If that’s the case, what’s impossible?

Changes are the only constant things in life; so those who refuse to accept that may die now.





The Choice I Made

Monday, April 14, 2014





































The problem is everything feels so fucked up.
Like after all this time, I just find myself slumped in this pool of uncertainties...
...and worse, misery.

There are some things we really can't get no matter how much we wanted it.
And as life's a bitch, it will constantly shove in your face how much it will never give you what you truly desires.

And in the end, you've got no choice...
but to accept the fact that while some people can have anytime the only thing you've always wanted,

you will never be able to hold it for even just five seconds.

Friday, April 11, 2014

As part of my work, I usually go to Stumbleupon for inspirations on which to write next. This morning, I once again delved into its exciting clicking and came across this site. It's like a quiz or survey that helps you determine what you want to be for the year 2014. I know, I know. It's April, but it's never too late!


After answering several questions, I ended up with the dreams above; and it struck me how honest this was. Hah! Everything seems to be really accurate, including that love idea.

We're in the second quarter of the year; and so far, I think I'm doing good. I'm learning how to balance my time and enjoy myself at the same time. I am opening up my doors to new opportunities, even if that requires me to step out of my comfort zone - slowly taking steps to reaching my goals. And yes, I am beginning to dream. I have found the importance of having even at least one thing to believe in and I'm getting by.

And as for love, yes, I'm starting to open up. The idea of not getting married is slowly disappearing, and with luck, I'll find that one man who would be brave enough to break through the walls even I cannot take down.

The year 2014 started right for me, and hopefully it will continue on and on. 



It's April but One Site Just Figured Out What I Really Wanted to Do This Year