Do you know? The speed at which cherry blossoms fall… 5 centimeters per
second. At what speed must I live... to be able to see you again? ~Tono Tamaki from the movie 5 cm per second
Photos by: AC Dimatatac
Photos by: AC Dimatatac
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Friday, April 19, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Ang Pagtatapos
A parent's joy and pride is to see their beloved sons and daughters finished their studies. This is the time of their lives in which they see the fruits of all their hard work and sacrifices. As for the graduates this is their chance to finally spread their wings and make their dreams come true...
For my dearest little bro God bless on your next journey :)
For my dearest little bro God bless on your next journey :)
Monday, December 31, 2012
The Art of Pangud
The best way of passing down one's culture is by engraving it in the body. This is what the last traditional mambabatok (tattoo artist) in Kalinga does. Tattoing is an extremely old art form that has existed among many different cultures around the world. Over the centuries some cultures maintained the practice while others abandoned it.
In a small town in Buscalan lives the 92 year old lady mambabatok namely Maria "Pangud" Oggay who has been practicing the traditional art of tattooing for almost 77 years now. She learned this craft from the male mambabatoks during the early times by watching them. The tools that she used are pine soot for the ink, pomelo torn for the needle and a bamboo stick to hold the needle and a hammering stick. At first, Pangud prepares the ink by scraping the soot from under the pot and mix it with a little water then readies the bamboo stick in which she will insert the pomelo thorn or gisi (kisi). Before she starts puncturing the skin she first put a stencil of the design which usually started with two lines to indicate the length and position of the tattoo. Now she is ready to do her masterpiece.
After dipping the needle to the ink, Pangud holds the stick with the needle on one hand so that when it struck with the hammer stick the needle would be driven into the epidermis and then spring back to its position above the skin. The tapping sound is called "tek-tek" or "to hit slowly" hence form the word "batek". After she finishes one part she rubs the wound with the ink.Pangud finishes the work depends on the size of the tattoo but on the average it takes about one and a half hour.
Why do people choose to suffer the pain and possible illness from this kind of art? What do they gain from this? During the early times the people of Kalinga consider tattoo as a form of beauty for the women and a sign of courageousness for men. They start tatooing themselves at the tender age of puberty and for them tattoos are essential form of art that reflects their roles in the society, status in life, tribal identity, eligibility for marriage and of course beauty. For women if they don't have a tattoo it means that they are less attractive to men. For men its a symbol that they have entered their manhood and for the warriors it serves as a trophy after their successful hunt or fight.
The usual intricate designs of Kalinga tattoos are centipede (ginay-gayaman), python (chila or urog) and honeycomb (ufog). They have different meanings from fertility, long life, protection and relationship to their ancestors and spiritual world.
Pangud lives a very ordinary life, whenever she's not tattooing she busied herself from her wild pigs and ricefield but as the only mambabatok who lives she is proud of her choosen profession.Even though that she has been suffering headaches and fatigue she still plans to continue this unique art and lifestyle that has been passed down to her in order for their culture to remain alive not only for the people of Kalinga but mostly for those who she mark.
a lot of first as the year ends...
...I reflect on some photos that made an impact in my 2012
Hala Bira!!
My first time in attending this colorful festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Ang saya maki sadsad hehe party all day and night in the streets is a good way to begin the year
A miner's life
I was given an opportunity to do a story on the small scale gold mining in Camarines Norte under the NGO Ban Toxic. Its a eye opener story about the dangers of the mines and their health risk in being exposed to mercury. This inspired me to do a long term story on this issue.
City of dancing lights
My lola and cousin travel Hongkong for 5 days its a tiring trip but worth it :)
Like a miniature city
Riyadh on top view my last photo of Saudi
Caramoan!!
Its like little Coron hehe its good to swim again :)
Sustainable mining
The second part of the mining story is a small mining town called Gaang in Kalinga. Here the miners have been practicing mercury free mining for a year now. I really admire the effort of the Banao people in their high regards to health safety and protecting the environment. Hope to be back on this place next year even though the climb up there is sooooo harddd!!! hehe its worth it especially if I'm able to take home something that is more than gold.
New hairdo ^_^
What can I say hehe got myself a new haircut and i love it!!
Wedding vows
The first wedding I've ever attended and its in India weeh!! Congrats my dear friend Nishant :)
Run for your lives!!
The first ever zombie run in the Philippines! Its exhilarating and full of thrills :) I'm planning to join next year as a runner hopefully I can survive it
Tour of the Firelies- Bike for Sustainable Energy!
My first time to bike around Metro Manila hehe so fun!!!
Goddesses No More
I thank the Lord for giving me an opportunity to be part of the 8th Angkor Wat Photo Workshop. I was able to do a story of culture and to meet this beautiful and talented dancers. Kudos to the art of dancing!!
The Last Mambabatok
What good way to welcome the end of the world by making a story about the last mambabatok or traditional tattoo artist in Kalinga. More power to you and your art master Pangud!
As the year closes to an end I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for giving me the gift of photography without it I won't be able to meet this amazing people :) Domo arigatou gozaimasu ^_^
Hala Bira!!
My first time in attending this colorful festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Ang saya maki sadsad hehe party all day and night in the streets is a good way to begin the year
A miner's life
I was given an opportunity to do a story on the small scale gold mining in Camarines Norte under the NGO Ban Toxic. Its a eye opener story about the dangers of the mines and their health risk in being exposed to mercury. This inspired me to do a long term story on this issue.
City of dancing lights
My lola and cousin travel Hongkong for 5 days its a tiring trip but worth it :)
Riyadh on top view my last photo of Saudi
Its like little Coron hehe its good to swim again :)
The second part of the mining story is a small mining town called Gaang in Kalinga. Here the miners have been practicing mercury free mining for a year now. I really admire the effort of the Banao people in their high regards to health safety and protecting the environment. Hope to be back on this place next year even though the climb up there is sooooo harddd!!! hehe its worth it especially if I'm able to take home something that is more than gold.
What can I say hehe got myself a new haircut and i love it!!
Wedding vows
The first wedding I've ever attended and its in India weeh!! Congrats my dear friend Nishant :)
The first ever zombie run in the Philippines! Its exhilarating and full of thrills :) I'm planning to join next year as a runner hopefully I can survive it
Tour of the Firelies- Bike for Sustainable Energy!
My first time to bike around Metro Manila hehe so fun!!!
I thank the Lord for giving me an opportunity to be part of the 8th Angkor Wat Photo Workshop. I was able to do a story of culture and to meet this beautiful and talented dancers. Kudos to the art of dancing!!
The Last Mambabatok
What good way to welcome the end of the world by making a story about the last mambabatok or traditional tattoo artist in Kalinga. More power to you and your art master Pangud!
As the year closes to an end I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for giving me the gift of photography without it I won't be able to meet this amazing people :) Domo arigatou gozaimasu ^_^
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Pedal for Sustainability
I survived last Sunday the 35km Tour of the Fireflies bike ride! Its an annual event wherein thousands of bikers all over the country gather to ride the streets of Metro Manila and to promote its environmental awareness campaign on clean air.
The theme of this year is "Pedal for Sustainability" a call for the government to promote biking as part of the solution in fighting climate change. The group is also asking for more bike lanes in the major streets of the city.
Bikers wearing costumes and propping their bikes are one of the unique factors of Tour of the Firefly bikeride
The theme of this year is "Pedal for Sustainability" a call for the government to promote biking as part of the solution in fighting climate change. The group is also asking for more bike lanes in the major streets of the city.
Bikers wearing costumes and propping their bikes are one of the unique factors of Tour of the Firefly bikeride
Even young kids join the bikeride
This is the bike that my office mate lend me :)
"Pedal for Sustainability"
Bike all the more!!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Unwind
During the long weekend I decided to unwind in the northern mountains of Kalinga. I visited my miner friend in her hometown in Balbalasang. Its a 18-20 hours trip from Manila, it is tiring but so worth it :)
Top load.Heavy duty jeepneys are used as the main transportation going to Balbalasang
Chico River. Its rapids is famous for white water kayaks
Balbalasang town proper
The whole town consists pf 177 households, they are all from the tribe of Banao and Ilocano is their native language. They're main source of livelihood is farming and some of them participates in small-scale mining in some areas in Kalinga. The town is powered by micro hydro power plant from the Tupang River. Another river that flows within the area is called the Saltan River, consider as the cleanest river in the whole Region I.
Saltan River consider as the cleanest river in whole Region 1
It's a very relaxing break being surrounded with all the greenery scenes of the mountains and being able to feel its cool breeze during the early mornings and evenings. I had a great time with the family of my friend and feel so welcome even though that's the first time I met them :)
The cool mountains that covers the whole town of Balbalasang
My friend takes her sister son for a quick dip in Saltan River
A regular day in the mountains
Fooling around the top of the world :)
I hope its beauty will be preserved for the next generation.
The whole town consists pf 177 households, they are all from the tribe of Banao and Ilocano is their native language. They're main source of livelihood is farming and some of them participates in small-scale mining in some areas in Kalinga. The town is powered by micro hydro power plant from the Tupang River. Another river that flows within the area is called the Saltan River, consider as the cleanest river in the whole Region I.
It's a very relaxing break being surrounded with all the greenery scenes of the mountains and being able to feel its cool breeze during the early mornings and evenings. I had a great time with the family of my friend and feel so welcome even though that's the first time I met them :)
The cool mountains that covers the whole town of Balbalasang
A regular day in the mountains
Fooling around the top of the world :)
I hope its beauty will be preserved for the next generation.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
whirlwind september
My September was just full of "adventure time" especially at work...
We trek the head waters of Montalban Rizal to document stories of people living near the Tayabasan river. We learned from them that their so-called "tubig linaw" (clear water) is not so clean and pure anymore. It was already a victim of pollution due to a certain industry up stream. They only hope that there will come a time where they can enjoy the crystal clear water just like how it used to be.
On the second week, is the start of the water patrol expedition of Greenpeace a 3 week long trip along the waters of Marikina to Laguna Lake. Its a joint effort together with the local groups of San Mateo and Marikina to investigate possible polluters of the river.
After that I found myself riding a 13km bike ride from Taguig-Sucat. It was not in the original plan to take the ride but it was fun :) Despite of wearing jeans and a polo I still managed to reach the finish line :)
Then on the third leg of the expedition I volunteered myself to be a zombie in a peaceful and creative protest inside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Straight from the airport, I was immediately transformed into a punk zombie hehe its like we all just emerged from a scene in the famous zombie series "walking dead"
Lastly, we wrap up the expedition with a serenade night of talents and thanks giving for all the hard efforts of everyone in making the trip a successful event :)
Weeh! So lucky to be part of this crazy organization from trekking,to water boats, to biking, to zombie and then to serenade hehe so much adventure in a span of 3 weeks :) Sa uulitin mga katoto!!
more stories on this site
We trek the head waters of Montalban Rizal to document stories of people living near the Tayabasan river. We learned from them that their so-called "tubig linaw" (clear water) is not so clean and pure anymore. It was already a victim of pollution due to a certain industry up stream. They only hope that there will come a time where they can enjoy the crystal clear water just like how it used to be.
On the second week, is the start of the water patrol expedition of Greenpeace a 3 week long trip along the waters of Marikina to Laguna Lake. Its a joint effort together with the local groups of San Mateo and Marikina to investigate possible polluters of the river.
After that I found myself riding a 13km bike ride from Taguig-Sucat. It was not in the original plan to take the ride but it was fun :) Despite of wearing jeans and a polo I still managed to reach the finish line :)
Then on the third leg of the expedition I volunteered myself to be a zombie in a peaceful and creative protest inside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Straight from the airport, I was immediately transformed into a punk zombie hehe its like we all just emerged from a scene in the famous zombie series "walking dead"
Lastly, we wrap up the expedition with a serenade night of talents and thanks giving for all the hard efforts of everyone in making the trip a successful event :)
Weeh! So lucky to be part of this crazy organization from trekking,to water boats, to biking, to zombie and then to serenade hehe so much adventure in a span of 3 weeks :) Sa uulitin mga katoto!!
more stories on this site
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Day 215-213: Birthday Song
Yesterday is our Nanay's 86 birthday and almost everyone in the neighborhood attended her party. Chicken, fish, pancit and lots and lots of cake we're served and of course our dear lola is excited in entertaining them. Its good to see that she's healthy and drinking beer again hehe.
As the day ends her best friend came along to spend a few days with her. I overheard them talking and laughing over a television show and it makes me think of Tatay. I know she's missing him a lot after all its been 8 years since he passed away but as I look at her I know that she's happy and contended with her life. She's a very strong willed woman who is blessed by a loving husband and a good family. I wish to hear her hearty laughter more in the coming years and continue to be an inspiration for all of us.
As a took this photo of her it makes me think of the "Birthday Song" of Don Mclean. I know that if Tatay is alive he will surely sing this to her. Hehe so 'Nay ako na lang muna ang magdedicate ng kantang eto para sayo....
Birthday Song
If I could say the things I feel, it wouldn't be the same
Some things are not spoken of, some things have no name
Though the words come hard to me, I'll say them just for you
For this is something rare for me this feeling is so new
You see, I love the way you love me
I love the way you smile at me
I love the way we live this life we're in
Long ago I heard the song that lovers sing to me
And through the days with each new phrase I hummed that melody
And all along I loved the song but I never learned it through
But since the day you came along, I've saved it just for you
You see, I love the way you love me
I love the way you smile at me
I love the way we live this life we're in
I don't believe in magic but I do believe in you
And when you say you believe in me there's so much magic I can do
Now you see me, now you don't: watch me dive below
Deep down in your love lake where the sweet fish come and go
And I might sink and I might drown but death don't mean a thing
'Cause life continues right or wrong when I play this birthday song
I learned from you, and you can't even sing
We love you Nanay and happy happy birthday!!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
day 259-247: the best of 2011
Time for some reflections, the following 12 photos are the highlights of my 2011.
January- its good to see my college friends again after so many years.
February- my first try in shooting wedding (thanks for the opportunity Kuya Mel sa uulitin :)
March- spending my birthday in Saigon with my dear friend and classmate Chiloy ^_^
April- taking lighting sessions with Kuya Mel as preparation for my portrait portfolio for ACFJ
May- after one year of studying and 6 months of working for our final portfolios, we're finally done weeh!! Thanks so much for all our mentors and for the good memories and hardships my dear batch mates hehe kudos to all :)
June- Coron!!After our 2 weeks of sleepless nights preparing for the defense its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beach weeh!!
July- its good to be back in our province after 8 years maupay!!
August- ever been inside a control room of a nuclear power plant?hehe this is one heck of an experience!! hoping the government will covert this mothball BNPP into a more productive way as a tourist destination rather than operating it again.
September- again another once in a lifetime experience to enter a cold storage area for fish the temperature is below 8 degrees Celsius brr.....
October- my first solo exhibit, Realities a photo story on Cosplay being shown in SM Mall of Asia during the 2011 Cosplay Mania thanks everyone for making this possible :)
November- travel again hehe this time in Angkor Wat wherein I met new friends and great photographers
December- after 4 years its good to spend Christmas with the whole family in the Philippines :)
2011 is a good year thanks to my family, friends and all the blessings and challenges Lord God for this new year I pray that Your will should be done again Glory be to the Highest!!
January- its good to see my college friends again after so many years.
February- my first try in shooting wedding (thanks for the opportunity Kuya Mel sa uulitin :)
March- spending my birthday in Saigon with my dear friend and classmate Chiloy ^_^
April- taking lighting sessions with Kuya Mel as preparation for my portrait portfolio for ACFJ
May- after one year of studying and 6 months of working for our final portfolios, we're finally done weeh!! Thanks so much for all our mentors and for the good memories and hardships my dear batch mates hehe kudos to all :)
June- Coron!!After our 2 weeks of sleepless nights preparing for the defense its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beach weeh!!
July- its good to be back in our province after 8 years maupay!!
August- ever been inside a control room of a nuclear power plant?hehe this is one heck of an experience!! hoping the government will covert this mothball BNPP into a more productive way as a tourist destination rather than operating it again.
September- again another once in a lifetime experience to enter a cold storage area for fish the temperature is below 8 degrees Celsius brr.....
October- my first solo exhibit, Realities a photo story on Cosplay being shown in SM Mall of Asia during the 2011 Cosplay Mania thanks everyone for making this possible :)
November- travel again hehe this time in Angkor Wat wherein I met new friends and great photographers
December- after 4 years its good to spend Christmas with the whole family in the Philippines :)
2011 is a good year thanks to my family, friends and all the blessings and challenges Lord God for this new year I pray that Your will should be done again Glory be to the Highest!!
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