SHUTTER SNAPS | Change the Way You See Adventure

SOUTHERN TAGALOG'S SEA GYPSIES

“Ate, kuya?!”, loud pleading yells echoed inside the monstrous sea vessel. Those voices in chorus has awaken me from a deep slumber, 'was dead tired and fell fast asleep after the six-hour bus ride from Manila to Lucena City which on regular days should take three hours only. Heck, it was holy week season, that's why. It was an exodus of commuters on their way to provinces to enjoy the only long vacation of the year. So, I too, took advantage of the long break--away from monotonous corporate job for five years already. I chose my hometown, Marinduque for some adventures together with my travel buddies.

LOCAL CHILDREN ON PLAY

I saw fellow passengers gathered on the rail portion of the ship, seemingly amused of what they were watching below. I hastily checked what's going on, and found out that a group of sea gypsies were right next to the ship. People were tossing coins on them and others bestowed packs of food.

KIDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PORT

The scene wasn’t new to me at all. It's a usual view on the port during trips in my hometown. While everyone was caught by the show, I knew to myself, it's begging in all sort; a poverty porn: dire and heart breaking. That's when the visual storyteller in me kicked in. The scene was dramatic. I can’t miss this rare opportunity to capture this money-shot as they say--a good story to tell and worth-sharing to my viewers. I hurriedly get my camera, look for good spot, did my set ups and took many pictures as many and fast I could. I delved into the picture!

COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Photography has been my passion for couple of years now. Two serious years, actually. My cameras have been my best companion in all of my adventures. In my lonesome moments, it always made feel that I was never alone. I just look on my photographs then suddenly, everything will go back to my senses. It is a drug that maintain my sanity. It became my outlet, my expressions as a self-declared artist; it is quick, fast and instant. Each scene worth-saving is just one click away. I didn't mind carrying heavier load everyday because of my camera as long as I get good stories.

 "My cameras have been my best companion in all of my adventures.... It is a drug that maintain my sanity."

MT. PALAY PALAY (PICO DE LORO)'S SUMMIT

I ventured into outdoor world a year after college. The adventurous version of me was born on a mountain, Mt. Palay-palay (Pico de Loro). It was surreal, enchanting; felt privileged, proud because only few can see those jaw-dropping sights; it's memorable because of the nicest people I met along the journey.

STAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN, BANAUE RICE TERRACES IN IFUGAO

From my very first summit, it was followed by more mountains around the country. I was totally hooked by this vice. I became a slave of this addicting habit but, I don't want a rehab.

BOMOD-OK FALLS OF SAGADA IN MT. PROVINCE

HULUGAN FALLS OF LUISIANA IN LAGUNA

With all these wanderings, I made sure that I seized every moment, and my cameras did their job. They're my friends yet a save-button of everything my eyes could see and beyond. The oblivious instances had prolong gone, precious memories then became eternal.

Landscape was my first love. As the music say, it is sweet and will never die.

LIFE ON HIGHER ALTITUDE, IMAGE TAKEN AT TARAK RIDGE IN BATAAN

AT THE TRAIL SUMMITS OF MT.  BATULAO

Five years of my restlessness has conquered my full system, I grew up as a wanderer. Climbing mountain wasn't even enough. My former playground got narrower this time, thus, I long for a wider world of nomads. I've always been excited whenever weekend is approaching, squeals like a kid when I booked cheap flights. I traveled as much as I could, and photography is my visual diary.

        

(a) view of Mariveles lowlands from Tarak Ridge; (b) Mt. Pulag: The Playground of the Gods

BLUE MOUNTAINS AS SEEN ON THE SUMMIT OF MT.TAPULAO IN ZAMBALES

The way how I travel has changed through times, and so my photographs as well. From diverse trails, countless peaks, crystal-clear streams, crossing magnanimous rivers and chasing hidden waterfalls, you can see me nowadays in frantic urban realms more often; in chaotic alleys of Quiapo; in old city of Manila, digging deep to see its glorious past. As an architect myself, I tend to like taking photos of collection of Art Deco buildings around the city, historic edifice in different corners of the country that gives me a throwback feels.  I found joy in street of Hidalgo, for all we know a heaven to all photographers.

QUIAPO ON ITS BUSIEST DAY OF THE WEEK

SAN JOAQUIN CEMETERY CHAPEL IN ILO-ILO

THE METROPOLITAN THEATER IN MANILA

STO.TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA CHURCH IN MIAG-AO, ILO-ILO

I'd still go in rural areas occasionally but to visit far-flung tribes to experience authentic cultures; to the Bubut Tribe of Kalinga, to the Agta of Isabela and the Dumagat of Tanay to appreciate their way of life. The portraits of natives has poured me divinity; the smiles of youth are sunlight that brightens the day. 

 

Tattooed old women of Butbut Tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga

ANIMAL CARCASSES IN AN IFUGAO HOUSE

BUTBUT TRIBE IN BUSCALAN, KALINGA AS SEEN FROM THE HIGHER GROUND

My photographic interest has diverted to document real life: street photography, human interests and photojournalism. I started to look at things in new perspective. I become more vigilant, pay attention to details and curious of everything. I see beauty amongst ugliness and evil amongst beauty. It's like a blindfold was removed in my eyes. These genres gave more meaning to this craft; it inspires me; it stirs my blood; it taught me to be selfless; and showed me the meaning of photography in its purest and sincerest form.

MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH

YOUTH OF COASTAL IN PARANAQUE CITY

I can't see my life living without photography. It will be among the witnesses on how my life has done. I will use this tool to record the most memorable moments of my life. From the most exciting travels, exploring new cities up to the photos of strangers I just met on a long bus ride that became life-long friends, and the smiles of my love ones. That makes photography more beautiful.

A BOY FASCINATED BY THE DISPLAY OF HOT AIR BALLOONS IN CLARK, PAMPANGA

All these photos were both captured by my DSLR and mirror-less camera together with my lenses, if combined, is becoming a bit burden to carry during travels. Good thing that advance technologies goes into the picture. Huawei P9, a mobile phone, is a must have with its 12-megapixel dual lens that captures both colored and monochromatic images, slo-mo etc., co-engineered with non-other than Leica Camera and a huge 5.2" screen, would help me capturing photographs anytime and anywhere. Moreover, it has the features of traditional DSLR  camera. It can shoot raw files, long exposure images with its 30 seconds shutter speed. Surely, it will be an addition to my weapons that will help me shoot awe-inspiring images. And I can't wait to have one.

FISHERMEN OF WAWA IN ANGONO, RIZAL

Adventure and photography, I must say, is a perfect mix in making my life into a constant bliss. I hope I would be able to inspire through my photographs, through my life experiences I earned in awesome places I've been and in those I'll be reaching soon.

"Adventure and photography, I must say, is a perfect mix in making my life into a constant bliss."

I never imagine that photography will be this exciting. Mobile phone is definitely a game changer. Images of daily life can now be captured easily with DSLR-like results from a pocket-fit device, whether on the highest mountain, on the blue sea up to the streets of hustle and bustle city life--the way I see adventures will change, certainly. 

Billy Rodriguez Palatino--architect, traveller, adventure-lust and visual storyteller.