The Far East Bank Photo Contest (1997 and 1998)       

If there’s one thing I learned in the photography contest that I’ve joined in the past (some I won, most I lost) is that it’s not your camera or place that wins it. It’s you and how you look at things, people and places. Of course, if your SLR is top-of-the-line it helps a lot. It’s how you handle your tool or the opportunity that places or people give you that takes home the bacon, the cheese, the mayo and the tomatoes.

Case in point is the Photo Contest at Far East Bank. When the bank had a photo contest for the calendar, I really wanted to join for art’s sake and money’s sake. But I did not own an SLR camera. So, I frantically tried to find a Good Samaritan who would wholeheartedly trust me with an SLR.

When my officemate, Ellen Mendoza who was New Accounts Staff at our branch in Bagbaguin, heard about my need, she volunteered her Canon EOS – an answer to my prayers! I was really surprised that she would trust me with a really nice and expensive gadget.

I immediately filed for a time-off from work and immediately went to Manila specifically to Luneta Park, Manila Cathedral, The Chinese Garden, Quiapo Church and to a tannery in Meycauayan.

This was the first I used a Canon EOS. Before that, I only saw it on magazines or in shops. In about 24 hours, I had to familiarize myself with an SLR that was one of the best at that time. Eventually, thanks to God (I attribute everything to Him for the series of miracles that happened in these two contests), two of my entries made it to the bank calendar. This was the first time I won a photography contest.

Later, when the check was given for the winning entries, the official bank photographer (I think he won first place in the contest) called up the branch to inquire on how I took the photos. He asked about the ISO settings, the flash, the type of filter, the shutter speed, type of camera, etc. To be honest, I don’t remember most of the details because I usually use the auto setting for the EOS.

Looking back, it was quite hard to take pictures. For one, you never saw a preview of your shot so you can make adjustments in the settings. Then, you had to wait two to three days (sometimes even a week or two for monotones!) for you to see the prints.

So, what’s my point? I’m getting there. But first, here’s another story.

Due to the success of the first photography contest, the bank decided to have another one. This time, since it was 1998, the theme would be the Philippine Centennial.

Ellen, encouraged by my earnings from the contest, decided to join. This time, however, she would be using her own Canon EOS (the one I borrowed). Thus, I was left with nothing – again. So, I prayed and searched for someone who would again trust me with his or her SLR. A church friend, Bobby Peralta, lent me his old Pentax SLR. It was actually beat-up but still functional. Suffice to say, it was nothing compared to a new EOS, but, at least, I had a camera.

After the branch closed, Ellen and I immediately went to the Manila Cathedral vicinity for some night shooting. Tired from walking around the area and avoiding the guards that chased us away from some sights, we ended the night (actually, it was morning) by eating at Padi’s Point.

The next day, we were back at the scene of the crime. We made our way from Intramuros to Fort Santiago. Several days later, I visited the Malolos Capitol in Bulacan for some more possible entries.

Eventually, when the awards were given, our photos did not win. But the bank published two of my photos and one of Ellen’s entries in the newsletter’s Centennial Edition. However, I still had the last laugh because I also joined the Creative Essay Writing Contest (Second Place) and I still won some cash.

Back at the branch, I gave a treat for all the officers and staff, the guards and our helpers. As for Ellen, well, she was still in shock. She couldn’t believe that my old Pentax SLR beat her new Canon EOS!

The point is this — cameras are just tools. Places, people and events are incidentals. You are your real “weapon”. Use yourself. Say no to drugs (or in some cases, say no to alcohol). Use your God-given talents and make your office, your family, your friends and your Creator proud.        

          

The Nokia MobiFilms Photo Contest (2005)    

Dr. Mark Pierre Dimamay (of Influencers International) e-mailed Vanessa Velasco a contest ad by the Discovery Channel (The Nokia and Discovery Channel MobiFilms Contest 2005).
 
She then hurled the contest mechanics to me. It was hard to resist this contest especially when the finalists got to go to Singapore to attend the mobile films workshop and produce their own movies. Plus, the grand prize was a Nokia N90 (salivates uncontrollably and yet with poise).
 
My problem was that I did not have a camera-phone (never did have my own camera). So, with time running out, I enlisted the help of Fred Tubig and Junior Agustin and rented their camera-phones (a Nokia 6600 and a Sony-Ericsson) for a day. I went mostly to Manila and Quezon City with my Dad as my companion.
 
Unfortunately, I didn’t win. But anyway, you’ll still get to see the entries. All these images were shot with low-res camera-phones so pardon the blur and pixilation.
 
I’ve also included this essay that accompanied my entries:
 
  
MobiFilms 2005 Essay
 
Being the only Christian nation in South East Asia, I’ve chosen a distinctive icon that sets us apart from our neighboring countries and represents our people’s deepest hopes, aspirations and values – religious icons.
 
Filipinos are deeply religious, whether they are Roman Catholics, Evangelical Christians, Muslims or Animists. The church enhances the Filipinos’ native sense of hospitality. Most religious festivals are centered on eating together as manifested in endless fiestas. We are also spirit-oriented as seen in our persistent belief on amulets, talismans and religious idols.
 
The concept of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion appeals to our psyche since Filipinos are also bayani-oriented (hero-oriented). We are natural followers of strong leaders like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, two of our greatest national heroes.
 
Our Marian devotion as a people stems from our being family-oriented. It is in the bosom of the family that matriarchal Filipinos find security, stability and a sense of belonging. Out of the 27 religious shrines in the country, 18 are devoted to Mary worship.

Lastly, religious icons are significant to the Filipinos because we are kundiman-oriented which basically talk of sufferings endured. Our people relate well to others who are in either physical or emotional pain. In this modern age, Filipinos still flock to religious shrines like Quiapo church where the faithful kneel, kiss and wipe the feet of the Nazareno to take away or even share their physical or emotional wounds.
 
But what is the relevance of Filipino spirituality for us and the global village?
 
Through this project, I hope to feature our country and its religious values — the cornerstone of our EDSA People Power uprisings. I believe that the solution to our country’s problems is not an abdication of our traditional values of faith, but in using these to fuel our vision of socio-economic progress.
 
 
  
My inspiration for the MobiFilms Contest?
 
A great number of Filipinos suffer dehumanizing poverty. Criminality, senseless violence, irresponsible politics and other serious ills are now the staple of our daily lives. Many of my countrymen are depressed and have given up on life.
 
I want our people to hope, to aspire and become great again.