Last night I was at the Bonifacio Global City for the TEDx, my second. What I like about this event are the inspiring stories as well as the invaluable learnings that one can get through the various speakers. But my main reason for attending was to hear the multiawarded documentary photographer, Veejay Villafranca who won the Ian Parry last 2008.

It was also interesting to see a few of his Filipino Faith series which, I’m also doing and it’s always good to know other photographer’s works on the same subject. In that way, I can gauge how I’m also doing and learn about that photographer’s approach. You can check mine via my blog and my Pagtu-o subsite.

Just click below for the audio recording that I did via my Nokia 6700 Classic phone. Do note that it’s not of the best quality. To check more his work, visit his website.

Veejay Villafranca’s TEDx Bonifacio speech

A priest preparing for a mass at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City

Today is Ash Wednesday and is the start of the season of Lent. For Catholics around the world, it’s a time of penitence and fasting as they recall the passion and death of Jesus Christ that peaks with Holy Week and culminates on Easter Sunday.

For this photographer, its another opportunity to document the different lenten practices of Filipinos. Where will I be on Holy Week? Will I be in Siquijor or Banahaw for the animist rituals? Leyte for the tais-dupol? Bulacan for the crucifixion? Or in Bantayan for one unique panata by children?

Ida climbing the soft sands in Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

I just like this photo. The utter simplicity of the composition, the two toned colors dominating most of the image and the seeming movement of Ida, the subject, struggling to climb the soft sandy hill just captured my eye.

Catholic mass at the atrium of Shangri-la Plaza Mall

I was waiting for this mass as the one I shot before was held in one of the small floors. This time, the 1100H Sunday mass is held at the cavernous atrium. Like the one in Ayala Center Mall, Cebu, the view is something that reminds one of the massive cathedrals in Europe but a different setting.

Estan Cabigas. Ang Langyaw. Photographer. Blogger. Traveller. Circa 2004. Davao City.

I’m growing a new ring around my trunk today.