RoManciNg the CLay

A slideshow of an unfinished picture essay bout the dying culture and industry of pottery in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The photographs are from and copyrighted by a good friend and gracious host during my short stay in this idyllic place. Thanks much indeed, Pie Verzosa. I hope i did justice to your pictures =)

ChaRcoaL PoRtRaits 2

Same old stuff. dif'rent day.

Colors, Concept & Chuva

Form versus content, highlights and shadows, lines and colors, ethics or the Rule of Thirds. Whatever the fuck they may be, i don't care. Just shoot!

ChaRcoaL PoRtRaits

This series of photographs are studies of my ongoing essay on the "dark side" of charcoal making. With the implementation of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act, people in this community northwest of Manila, especially the children, are in the brink extinction.






Hunger is imminent as they now face eviction from their homes. Losing their livelihood comes next. They have live each day breathing with their damaged lungs but, staying alive with an empty stomach is another story.

Cutod

My last blog was dated six months ago. I told myself then that I will do blogging side by side with my photography. No, I haven’t stopped fiddling my camera since then but the photographs I have been taking were not worthy posting, much more write about.

So much for the excuse and I hope you will forgive me for posting another Good Friday photographs.

Via Cruxis or the Way of the Cross was the main activity that day in Barangay San Pedro Cutod, San Fernando, Pampanga (a 2-hour drive from Manila). This cultural tradition dates back from the late 50s and has been a staple for photojournalists, documentary makers, camera clubs (hobbyists) and even cinematographers from all over the planet. The come on of this event is the crucifixion of some flagelants which to my opinion, only crazy people from a crazy country will do this crazy stuff not even sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church.

Devotees flock pilgrims, tourists flock Cutod. The swarms of people did not come from the faithful. They come not to pray but to watch a show. I went there to shoot and to get some sunshine. I got a few snaps and too much of the sun.