Year: 2020

It was the day that Typhoon Rolly roared through Albay that I learned more about the circumstances of the three dogs.

LINEAL is a digital publication underlining creativity from Southeast Asia –faces, fashion design and photography.

A usual 30-minute drive from Legazpi to Guinobatan, Albay took us an hour due to the moderate traffic caused by road mishaps; in one town, a truck caught low hanging wires in the road. These are some of the aftermath of the storm Rolly along with misaligned electric poles in the highway.

Sining Banwa — a theater group from Legazpi, Albay.

Portraits from Albay, Philippines and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The sudden pause in our world has allowed me to slow down and to revisit the photographs from the past.

We met Mommy Tess, a para-santigwar ( folk healer ) who uses oil, plate, and candle in her traditional healing practice. She narrated her story and showed the ritual to us. What I remember most from the conversation is her conviction while she was explaining pagtubod ( faith ). Without absolute faith in the divine power and in santigwar, healing isn’t certain.

Today is World Mental Health Day. How are you, my creative friends?

My everyday view since the lockdown, end of March. Some low moments during this period of uncertainty. Who doesn’t have, anyway? Long-term plans were cancelled bringing forth lost resources and opportunities. Mine included a residency application in Spain and a photographer’s representation in London, which I processed earlier this year. Bummer!

With about 30 years of age difference, here are two of many things I can impart to you :