Shoot from the gut

Shoot – verb. to capture, to fire (…a camera)
Gut – adj. of, relating to, or arising from one's mental or spiritual being


I’ve previously written an entry about having what it takes to be a photographer. I said in that entry, “Do you have what it takes?”.

What makes a good photographer? Is it the camera one is holding? Or maybe having a beautiful and photogenic subject in front of you?

One photo-hobbyist so aptly put into words… one just needs to “shoot from the gut”.

It’s not in the camera, gadgets or the subjects. It’s in one’s passion, commitment and dedication to capture the soul of a person, place or situation. Sabi nila, wala yan sa pana.

This is exactly what the group, Flickristasindios, have proven. They shoot from the gut, freezing moments and capturing beauty, sorrow, terror, ecstasy or agony.

On December 15, 2008, Flickristasindios will have their very first photo exhibit at the Cinema Level of the Trinoma Mall. Entitled THE INDIOS EXPERIENCE, it will showcase the photos of the group. Ms. Daphne Osena will formally open the exhibit.

These photographers have shot from their gut. In this exhibit, they will bare their souls. Come and celebrate with them life’s beauty, sorrow, terror, ecstasy and agony.

Flickristasindios link:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/flckristasindios/

(The group is looking for establishments who are willing to make x-deals with them for the opening of the exhibit. They are also asking for assistance from media friends to cover the said event.)


6:25 pm
26 November 2008
Wednesday
Fairview

Screening

Someone once told me, "Why do you always hold back?". My answer was, "I do not!".

But that same night, while I lay in bed, I assessed all the situations and relationships I've had. Only to finally realize that I do hold back. I hold out and resist to things, therefore making them non-spontaneous and painfully difficult.

I don't know why, and I can't even fathom when I started doing this. But one thing is for sure, I do hold back.

I screen my calls coming in through my landline. I have caller ID. So unless you tell me that you are calling, or unless I am familiar with the number flashing in the phone monitor, I won't pick up.

I have gazilion of pending invites from acquaintances in various social networking sites -- facebook, flickr, multiply, friendster, and other sites that I don't even bother to open. If I don't feel that you've been part of my life in any way, I don't see any reason for adding you in my network.

I don't give out my first name to guys (and generally to people) I meet in bars or parties. I usually give out my second name, Grace. They can google me all they want, and they will end up with a thousand hits of the name 'Grace'.

The same is true for my mobile number. I usually give out my Globe number to people who have the tendency to become bothersome or demanding. It's easier to ignore text messages and calls. I can always make an excuse that I don't check that line regularly (which is actually true).

I don't usually say 'I love you' to people I love -- whether friends, or lovers or family. My argument is that if they feel the same way, they will know how I feel about them.

I admit... I screen. I hold back. I resist.

I don't know when I'll stop screening, holding back or resisting. The truth is, I'm not even sure if I want to.


10:40 pm
20 November 2008
Thursday
Santiago City

Little Big Man

Today was a very interesting day for me.

A good friend asked me to join her in the launching of a music video of Lupang Hinirang. This very touching music video is about a boy who stumbled upon a small paper flag of the Philippines. The kid starts climbing a flag pole, and towards the end of the anthem, plants the little flag on top of the flag pole.

This slow version of the national anthem was sung by the Loboc Children’s Choir, and was directed by Mae Paner, a well known theater artist.

It was a touching video, accompanied with the angelic voices of the Loboc choir. It actually gave me goose bumps.

But this experience was nothing to the experience of finally meeting, shaking hands and posing for a picture with THE Jun Lozada.

On tv, he looks frail and small. But in person, he is not as tiny and wimpy as he registers on the boob tube. He was very friendly and accommodating. He readily said yes to our request to have our photos taken with him. He even retorted, “Sige, magpa-picture na tayo habang nasa labas pa ako. Baka ipakulong na nila ako eh.”

It’s a great day, to have finally met the BIG MAN. In my book, he belongs to the league of exceptional gentlemen – brave, committed and with integrity.


6:40 pm
10 November 2008
Monday
Mocha Blends (Teachers’ Village)
*free wifi, yehey!*