In December, I had the pleasure to be interviewed by Avia for one of her projects. She posted it on her facebook but I thought I’d share it here as well after receiving messages that could only warm my heart. Here’s what went down.. 

Who are you and what do you do?

    I create photographs and short films from time to time.

Is the artistic life lonely? How do you counteract it?

    I think every life is what one makes it. I can’t speak for other artists but as for me, there’s a good balance of lonely days and those that feel like i own the world. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a community of people who do what they are passionate about and pursue their art. I believe that your art could either heal you or destroy you. It is just a matter of having the right mindset and patience for yourself.

What do you dislike about the art world?

    I despise how art is not given its due credit in the sense that people often disregard its importance. Art students are looked down upon by those who are the first in line to get movie or concert tickets, etc. Inside the art world, however,  i do not like how artists see each other as competition, if that makes sense. There’s a lack of community and I could only hope for this crab mentality to leave us all. 

What do you like about your work?

    I guess it is being able to show the people I shoot the beauty I see in them. Often when I do portraits, they’ll be insecure about a thing or two (i despise it the most when they apologise for it). Once they see their photos, it’s the last thing in their mind. More than their compliments about my talent, what really fills my heart is whenever they compliment themselves saying, “wow, i look good in these!” It makes me feel warm on the inside.

What is your dream project?

    I really believe in jinxing things so… Haha

Name three artists youd like to be compared to.

    There are many artists that Id like to be compared to, not because of our works are similar or that I aspire to have their style, but because I really admire their work ethics and their drive inspires me. 

How can your art work be relevant and helpful to the Philippine society?

    Photos bring about awareness about different issues and stigma surrounding our country. I believe that the stories my photos are going to tell will help my fellow Filipinos be be informed or at least have perception of the situation of others. Words are one thing, but photos make stories more substantial in my opinion. It may be told directly through photojournalism or give people the chance to interpret it themselves through creative photos. Either way, I hope whatever Im doing isnt just in vain. 

What work do you most enjoy doing?

    Portraits. I really enjoy portraits especially when I work with people who knows what they are doing in front of the camera. I’m really not so good at being social but everytime a camera is between me and the other person, it’s like a bonding moment between us. I like moments where I cant help but scream “yaas girl. slaay”. Taking photos of people made me appreciate every detail, every crevice,. Quite frankly, I fall in love with whoever’s infront of my lens.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you

    One of the many things that has inspired me was when I covered the game of La Salle vs Ateneo. It was a very surreal moment for me and I had to go outside every two minutes because I couldnt stop screaming and tearing up, remembering how some years ago, I was just watching them on TV. And then suddenly, I was the one shooting them. LIKE GIRL HOW?! Screw being professional, im gonna scream and tear up right here. At least the camera hides my face!!!!! That day was one of my dreams come true. Although shooting sports wasnt really my forte, it proved to me how amazing things can happen if I only put my mind to it.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

    I still get kilig everytime someone comments on or likes my photos, sometimes it gets to the point where I say “aw thank you” out loud whenever i receive a notification. (thats why i sometimes forget to actually comment back and thank them) But I guess something that surpasses all the compliments on my colours, my composition and style is whenever people tell me that they are proud of me and that I inspire them. I hold it close to my heart whenever they say something deeper than whats superficial and Im very grateful for those that believe in me and my work.

Why art?

    Every now and then, I stop and wonder why dont I dream of being a lawyer, or an engineer. I can be a teacher, or a doctor.. is taking pictures really all I want?

Like hey, they dream of saving lives, of teaching people, of serving others, and then there’s me.. But then I remember Thurman once said, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. Art fuels my entire being. If you told me ten years ago that I would be taking art in college, I probably wouldve laughed at you. Not gonna lie, I still laugh at it now every time I think about how Im an art student who cant draw for shit. But really, every day makes me realise more and more how essential art is not only to me, but for the society as a whole. 

Why do you do what you do?

    It’s my only way to really live.

What is your favorite artwork?

    The ocean.

What work do you most identify with?

    I hate to label myself as some type of photographer, or artist if you will. The moment I say Im a portrait or landscape or fashion or what-have-you photograher is the moment I box myself in, which I can not bear. There’s so much to learn and corners to explore.