A successful 11.11.11 Photowalk

Current mood: Too tired that I skipped 4 events today XD

Bakit bawal akong mag-shoot sa bansa ko?

My legs are still killing me after attending the first photowalk/silent protest organized by "Bawal Mag-Shoot Dito", one of the facebook group pages that I am a part of. I got to the meeting point at around 10:00am as most of the photographers there were already wearing their BMSD shirt. I was able to get one as I have mine reserved a few days ago. After changing costumes, we started walking from Jollibee in Kalaw to the Rizal Monument at the Luneta Park.

Mr Berns Mejias

On the way to Luneta

I was not surprised to see a lot of photographers (amateurs and professionals) waiting for the walk to start. I saw some of the well known photographers in the industry like Berns Mejias, Edwin Tuyay, Lito Sy among others. Once the walk started, I took some snapshots enroute to Luneta Park. Once we got there, security guards tried to stop us but we were able to convey our message. They even tried to call the head of security to lead them in a conversation. When one of the photographers asked "Bakit Bawal?" he couldn't give out a straight answer. 

Mr. Mel Cortez being interviewed by the media

Luneta's cheif of security having a day

There were media to cover the event as well which means our voices will be heard and our actions will be seen. As the conversation progresses, Mr Mel Cortez (a well-known photojournalist and cheif photographer of Decisive Moments) came and was being interviewed by the media. Some would probably say that we are staging a protest. We didn't! But rather its a walk moving forward to raise the question "Bakit Bawal Magshoot Dito" here in our country. For me, its disheartening to see our fellow Filipino photographers being reprimanded by our fellow Filipinos while foreigners can take pictures without being asked. 

Group Hug

Security Guards

After Luneta, we head off to Fort Santiago as it is also historic as well as it is the place where Dr Jose Rizal was imprisoned. Though we weren't able to get inside, what matters is that our voices were heard and I hope the government (DOT in particular) would do something about this.

Sir Mel with Mr Edwin Tuyay

The man behind the movement

Here are some of the photos that I took during that monumental day.

Ms Rida Reyes of GMA-7

Want to see more pictures? Join us on facebook.

My first visit to Fort Santiago (FPPF's 18th Anniversary)

Going inside FPPF's turf

I just got here in the office after attending FPPF-Canon Photowalk at Fort Santiago early this morning. I got this notice from a friend of mine in facebook where he posted it on our facebook page. I was apprehensive at first but after convincing myself, why not. The fact that it was the only place in Intramuros that I haven't been before plus it's only 15 minutes away from our place gave me enough reason to lose a few hours of sleep.

 

I got there at around 7:15am and began setting-up my camera as well as familiarizing myself with the place. I was just by my lonesome as most photographers who came there represent their respective camera clubs affiliated by PFFP (Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation Inc). I didn't matter much as I was able to focus on taking some pictures from there that I haven't took before.

Getting started

The road to Fort Santiago

Almost there

By 8:00am, we have started taking pictures within Intramuros. For me, I had to focus on Fort Santiago as this would be the only chance I'll be getting. I don't know when will I be able to shoot there again but all I have to do is take as much opportunity as I can. When Canon announced their free camera (body and lens) cleaning, I had to stop for a while and go to Canon's booth. They told me to go to this room to register. Good thing when I got there, I was the fourth in line as the third camera was being cleaned.

When it was my turn, one of the technicians told me that my camera got a fungus which they were able to clean. Could this be the sign I need to save-up for a second camera body XD? Anyway, I continued shooting once my camera and lens were cleaned.

As I went inside Fort Bonifacio itself, I felt like a stepped into a time machine. To my delight, I enjoyed the place before composing on what to shoot. I got inside at least two museums that showcase the rich history of Dr. Jose Rizal. I got sidetracked as I took some pictures of them as it would be probably my last. Then, I got to another room full of Jose Rizal's artifacts (furniture, paintings etc.) and didn't waste a second on taking their photograph.

I forgot that I should have submitted my entry by 10:00am but anyway, I took my time and take more pictures while going back to the activity area. There were food and drinks to participants of the event (there was a fee of 250 which covers the entrance fee, food and an event shirt) and I made sure to grab some to nourish me. Within a few more minutes, most photographers trooped to the parked Miata Cars as models gamely posed for them. I took some shots along with the crowd before reporting for work.

I hope I could go back next time and make sure I get more than enough sleep so I could cover all that I need. 

Happy 18th Anniversary FPPF!!! Here are some more pictures to share. ^_^