Easter Of Our Lives

Fr. Matt Garcia of St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri Parish

Sunday, the Easter that was welcomed in the stillness of our own homes.  Thankful for technology in bringing the Christian world together amidst this new norm of isolation, celebrating the Risen Lord.  This Covid-19 pandemic is the equalizer irregardless of your status in life.  Manila, in its fourth week of enhanced community quarantine as in elsewhere, has been quiet with no economic activity.  Forced to stay home as to avoid its spread, breathing an atmosphere of uncertainty.  

No work, no pay and mostly running on fumes, not to mention the ones infected, we are brought down to our knees for divine providence.  As Pope Francis mentioned in his Easter homily, "That the message of hope should not be confined to our sacred places, but should be brought to everyone. For everyone is in need of reassurance, and if we, who have touched “the Word of life” (1 Jn 1:1) do not give it, who will? “.  

So, I immediately grabbed my camera and pounced on the opportunity when our parish priest requested a few of us to assist him in bringing the Blessed Sacrament around the community but of course, following the strict rules of social distancing and wearing protective masks.  As we were traversing the neighborhood streets, you could see the longing and prayerful gaze of the residents, short of saying how they missed the Eucharist.  

This new normal has taught us to reflect on what we retain and discard, rearranging our priorities, deleting what should not be on the list.  I have no idea how long this containment will be, how work will be when this is all over, and the general mindset during this lockdown.  Just keeping the Faith with a pocket full of hope and cheerfulness.

Beyond the Blinder

Almost like a thief in the night, the Covid-19  stealthily disrupts global order and infects not only health but peace of mind.  It seemed like the earth stopped spinning suddenly and its inhabitants caught in the inertia. Enhanced community quarantine, Social distancing, PUIs and PUMs are the new buzzwords and the air tainted with uncertainty.

Doctors, nurses, health caregivers, and everyone manning the frontlines have further earned dignity and respect.  Big stakeholders of industry have joined hands in service and generosity.  Private groups and individuals mobilized swift assistance to the affected.  All turned to prayers.

This present situation brings us back to basics.  Limiting us within the confines of our living space, realizing the value of true connection against that of the internet. We have been too busy with our work and day to day matters, filling our lives with clutter. Our sights obstructed with intertwined anxieties, distractions, consumerism, and anger.  We had forgotten what really matters  such as critical thinking, empathy, contemplativeness and kindness.

All things happen for a reason.  With abundant time in our hands, let us take stock of what is of real value.  Family, relationships,  and being of service to others.  Always look at the bigger picture, setting our sights skyward beyond the obstruction.

The Leica M-P Typ240

“I don’t get bored with the basics..”   

   - Kobe Bryant

My first encounter with photography was Christmas of ‘71, when I was gifted with a Diana-F film camera.  Little did I know that I was already shooting in medium format since the Diana- F uses 120 film.  Always having a camera by my side made me the designated paparazzi during family life events.  I even developed my own film and printed my images without formal instruction and by just reading up. As photography took a back seat while pursuing a career in entrepreneurship, the changing times brought me back to my passion. On the onset of digital photography and the economics of it, I shifted and explored the world of freelance work. Years and gears went by but I still was in search of that film feel in my images as compared to the clinical ones churned by my cameras.  

I guess the stars were aligned when an opportunity to try the Leica M-P type240 fell on my lap, and the rest was history.  The M-240 when paired with older pre-aspherical M-glass gives you that pastel, cinematic look, not to mention the 3D like separation of subject from background that Leica romanticists talk about.  I would describe the whole experience similar to that of shooting film without the cost and the extensive workflow, definitely bridging film to digital and brings one back to the basics.  For commissioned work and assignments, the M240 is such a joy to use. Aside from its robust design and basic retro look, it surely delivers superb images when paired with aspherical M-glass. 

So, if you’re planning to tread the digital waters but want the romance of shooting film and still be involved in the creative process capturing the moment, then pick up the *M typ 240.

*available at Leica Store Philippines Greenbelt5 Makati and BGC Central Taguig with body and lens bundle discounts.

art of a slow dance

The Japanese are known to be really organised in their way of life.  They have a certain way of doing things from the minutest task of folding a napkin to the grandest  building of a well designed and engineered structure. Simple and functional, as experienced upon entering a Muji store.  A zen approach to almost everything, their dignity of work, the act of bowing to show respect and courtesy.  Such a fortunate situation for me to be invited to a tea ceremony to experience a glimpse of this way of life.  

Traditional sweet creations out of rice paper and sugar fondant were served and to be consumed before sipping the green tea  to give balance to the mild bitter taste.

Then followed by the ceremony proper wherein the tea is carefully prepared by adding the powdered tea leaves to an intricate tea cup filled with water heated to the right temperature.  Mixing the tea, carefully diluting it  and then served with utmost respect and courtesy.  Turning the cup clockwise twice before sipping, I began to taste an age old tradition.  Wiping the brim slightly with my fingers, I was asked to turn the cup counter clockwise twice again and was told to appreciate the intricacy of what I was drinking from.  Mine had a crane on it.    

Our gracious hosts took to detail and served us a filling meal after, which I would say "the world in a bento".

To me, it was an art of a slow dance.

business as usual

Going to Quiapo to accompany my wife on  her monthly devotion to the Nazarene and a side trip to vendors nearby for some household needs is such a breeze on a Saturday.  It is such a hopeful and inspiring sight to see  so many people having their personal conversation with God and expressing their faith through the daily masses every hour, on the hour and finally accompanied by touching the feet and mantle of Jesus the Nazarene while in short fervent prayer.  

To and from the Quiapo church are a mix of vendors, from vegetables to cookware, food to hardware.  We will always end up bringing home a bag of goodies each time we go.  Even on Sundays, for Quiapo, it is business as usual.

Kyoto in mono

Artist painters are good photographers. Being trained visually to see  forms and shapes and not how the subject or object is perceived.  Mincing contrast and shades of grey.  A discipline which I would want to learn to be able to better my craft.  

Capturing the beauty of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto was quite a challenge without the cherry blossoms.  Thus, my take on this national heritage.