Oldest Camera Club in Asia Captures an Intimate Philippines
With a spirit sculpted singularlyby sunlight and shade
As a melting pot of cultures, the Philippines undergoes cycles of transformation as it molds a unique heritage of diversity. Beyond beautiful landscapes and portraits are beguiling and endearing traditional traits. They allow the Philippines and the Filipinos to be seen in a different light.
For its 87th anniversary, the Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP) presents the book INTIMATE IMAGES, a collection of over 200 photographs showing the Philippines as a nation in cultural metamorphosis. The images were taken by some of the country’s most talented photographers and prominent personalities from business and government. Sales of the book benefit Philippine Cancer Society thereby upholding the Club’s philanthropic goals.
“Our Club has evolved from purely pursuing the arts to raising social consciousness. Art is about touching the hearts of the beholder, but it becomes more relevant when it is used to help change the lives of those who are most in need,” espoused CCP President, Fred Yuson. The Club has raised funds for medical, educational and social beneficiaries through photo exhibitions in the Philippines and overseas, as well as by sale of its publications like Philippine Yearbook 2004.
Capturing Intimacy
INTIMATE IMAGES shares alluring natural beauty and engaging local cultures. Warm smiles. Colorful festivities. Slices of daily life. Seascapes at sunset. Handsome mountains. Skies connecting heart and soul. They visualize the Filipino in a deeply profound and enlightening manner.
“A challenge in photography is to catch in one fleeting moment the excellence and the nobleness of the human spirit. In that one instant, the photographer initiates an intimate image of understanding. It is that process of deep fathoming that this collection of photographs present,” said Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, project adviser, in describing the commemorative book that explores the value of affection.
INTIMATE IMAGES is an ode to cultural accommodation, translation, transition, and innovation. The photographs were taken using a variety of equipment including large format cameras, rangefinders and DLSRs.
Giving Relevance
Spanning a history of world wars and a peaceful revolution, the Camera Club of the Philippines bears witness to the changing fortunes of Filipinos. Bonds of friendship and a passion for photography serve as the Club’s main anchors. Today a sevice-oriented perspective strengthens the Club. Its charitable roots are growing through partnerships with charitable institutions.
From as far back as the 1920s and 1930s, members have been winning accolades in competitions such as the Kodak International contests, CCP mounted exhibitions, folios and workshops. In the 1970s, members modified the Club’s direction to become outward-looking. Since then, photo contests and exhibitions for the public have been supporting advocacies in tourism, education, heritage appreciation and civics.
“Art gains more value when it becomes relevant to society. By lending our talent and zeal for photography, we want to help organizations whose values align with ours. It is our hope that by giving back, we can interest more Filipinos in the craft of photography,” affirmed Book Committee Chair, Armand G. Apuya.
For information about INTIMATE IMAGES and the Camera Club of the Philippines projec to benefit Philippine Cancer Society, contact:
Karen Pamandanan at 0917 429 3857 and 894 2987 at CCP Center at 5th floor, Waltermart, Pasong Tamo, Makati City
CCP Website : cameraclubph.com
Camera Club of the Philippines: A Snapshot History
August 19, 1928 – Camera Club of the Philippines is founded by eight gentlemen from various occupations but united by their passion for photography
1929 – Celebrated its first anniversary at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel
1936 – Adopted a set of rules to govern its annual competition for Photographer of the Year
1950 – Added “Best Picture of the Year Award”
1954 – Added “Color Transparency Award”
1965 – Published its first folio called Annual 1965
1975 – Instituted three divisions under Best Picture of the Year: black-and-white print, color transparency, and color print.- Published the first issue of its magazine called Viewfinder.
1976 – Sponsorship for annual awards started with the Wrigley Cup.
1983 – Mounted a major exhibit titled “Vintage and Classic Camera Exhibit” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines
1987 – Undertook a major educational effort “Photo Lessons from the Masters” at the Asian Institute of Management
1988 – Partnered with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila for “Filipinas Nating Mahal” which teaches the principles of aesthetic and composition
1997 – Contributed photographs for a calendar that raised funds to help children with cancer and for Hands on Manila foundation
2003 – For its 75th year, mounted a three-month-long exhibit at the National Museum of the Filipino People, the first ever by a camera club in the said location. – Donated more than a hundred books on photography to the Filipinas Heritage Library
2006 – First “On the Spot” competition outside the country was held (in Saigon)
2007 – Exhibited “Elements” at the Ayala Museum with standing photo installations that toured Manila and Cebu
2008 – Inaugurated the Camera Club of the Philippines Center at Waltermart Mall in Makati City where various works of its members are showcased- Mounted an exhibit in the King Juan Carlos Center in New York University called “22/44: Dimensions of Hope”- “Faces of Light” toured various malls to help the Department of Energy promote energy conservation- “Visions in Red” helped the Red Cross
2009 – Began partnership with Philippine Cancer Society through the annual “Best Dressed Women of the Philippines” fundraising event – Exhibited with the Philippine Heritage Society at Malacañang Museum- For its 81st year, mounted an outdoor exhibit entitled “81/81” at Eastwood Mall
2011 – On its 83rd year, the 1st CCP Golf Tournament was held at The Manila Southwoods
2013 – Mounted “Wallables” at Now Gallery, a collection of photos selected by visual artist, Lao Lianben
2015 – Major outdoor exhibit of large photos promoting tourism in Bangkok
