How Filipino Photographers are Breaking Barriers One Image at a Time
WRITTEN BY: FRANCESA JANA SANTIAGO
Image from Jose Riza'l’s execution by firing squad.
Did you know that when the Spaniards introduced photography in the Philippines, a Filipino used it to rebel against them instead? That’s right: when the leader of the Philippine Revolution Emilio Aguinaldo was exiled, a photographer named Manuel Arias Rodriguez captured him in his dignified general uniform. That photograph then served as an inspiration for many Filipinos of the time. Manuel then went on to capture Jose Rizal’s execution as well and those images too fueled the rebellion against the Spanish colonizers. Photography has come a long way since and it has evolved even more not just as a political tool but an avenue for various creative expressions that further helped Filipinos to break boundaries.
Before immigrating to California as a teenager, Enrico Dungca was born and raised in Angeles City… There he received his first camera at the age of 10. Enrico is prominently known for his exhibit on “The Forgotten Americans”, which was presented at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. This was a compilation of photographs he took of Ameriasians in the Philippines, all whom he intended to fight their rights for to the U.S. congress. Another note-worthy talent is Rozette Rago, the only Filipino honoree in America’s 2020 list of “Top 30 Photographers”. The Bulacan-born shutterbug went from taking pictures of bands for free to having her works featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone and The Wallstreet Journal. The late Irah Sok, who unfortunately passed away after a home invasion incident, left a legacy in the field of maternity and newborn photography. The Filipina excelled so much in her craft that it garnered her an AFNS Award.
Enrico Dungca’s “The Forgotten Americans”.
Enrico Dungca’s “The Forgotten Americans”.
BJ Pascual was once an up-and-coming artist in Manila’s fashion scene but before he himself knew it, he was taking shots of international figures like Troye Sivan and Coco Rocha! He is also responsible for some of the most iconic photography for H&M’s advertising and Preview Magazine’s editorials and even recently served as a recurring judge on Drag Race Philippines! Others like Darrell Ann capture the action that occurs in basketball. The visual artist, who is also known as Graydient Visuals, works as an official photographer for the LA Lakers and even renowned player Lebron James has also made use of his images! And when it comes to photography, we mustn't leave out the acclaimed documentarist from Oakland who quit his corporate job to become a lensman: Rick Rocamora. Rick was behind the lens for the various historical moments in Filipino culture, such as “Dark Memories”, a compilation of photographs taken during the Philippines’ Martial Law era and “God Bless America”, one about the 1993 naturalization ceremony in San Francisco for Filipino war veterans.
Filipino American War Veterans Photographed by Rick Rocamora.
While the world of photography is filled with countless Filipinos, most still go unnoticed despite their tremendous achievements. And even though it’s an in-demand profession today, photography was not originally a part of the Filipino heritage hence it still lacks extra empowerment from the community. But these don’t mean our very own contributions and creations didn’t help shape the industry into what it is today. Whether one is a photojournalist like W. Eugene Smith winner Kimberly dela Cruz or a snapper of wildlife like the multi-awarded Jophel Botero Ybiosa, Filipinos prove time and time again that they not only possess a natural instinct for creative perspectives, but this said creativity is also capable of competing globally.