President’s Viewfinder: October 2022

Bern Wong

Hello friends!

The excitement and energy is in the Zone V Camera Club air as we are a few days away from our major project, the Images of H.O.P.E. 2022!

Larawang Likha, Handog Sa Kapwa, is the tagline you have been reading that accompanies our materials for this year’s Images of H.O.P.E. I am thankful to our members who have generously gifted their work and equally proud to showcase everyone’s exquisite images as ZVCC members have gone above and beyond our art and put our talents to good use by helping our brethren.

Our chosen beneficiary this year is the Educational Research Development Assistance (ERDA), Sanayan ng mga Batang Nananambak (SaBaNa), a foundation whose aim is to help reintegrate impoverished youths (formerly scavengers) back to school. The founder of ERDA, Fr. Pierre Tritz once said, “Education is our greatest asset as individuals – to have access to a brighter future.” This, we truly believe, hence, we at ZVCC, through our Images of H.O.P.E. project, we aim to provide a second Learning Hub that would house 10 desktop computers plus internet connectivity for the marginalized students at the foundation. This project is in partnership with PLDT Home and Strawberry Jam Creative Services.

Above are some of the student beneficiaries at ERDA SaBaNa. Photo credit: Mac Omega

You have seen the themed box sets and photographs in your computer or telephone screens, but let me share with you, it is more beautiful when you see them in the flesh as they are specially printed on premium Ilford cotton archival paper.

Product shot photo credit: Ian Santos

Veering a bit, let me also share that on October 27, we shall have our final Z Academy session for the year and we shall have Noel Casaje as speaker. Aside from the interesting topic on “What Makes An Image Compelling”, there are loads of surprises that await participants. Watch out for this finale!

Again, I look forward to see everyone do their part in spreading the word about our online Print Sale (with each member selling at least 5 boxes each) so that more people can avail of the boxed sets and in return, we realize the promised gift of hope to the youth at ERDA SaBaNa.

Together, we have 60-strong photographs in our Images of H.O.P.E. 2022 collection. Together we showcase our art and together we help brighten someone’s future though our own little way.