ZVCC’s Newly Inducted Member:
CHRISTIAN BUSTAMANTE
As Zone V Camera Club celebrated it’s 46th anniversary in March with a face to face meeting at the Ayala Museum, the club also inducted its newest bonafide member, Christian Bustamante,
Here is Christian’s Q&A so we can get to know him better.
1. Please tell us about yourself: your family, your work, your hobbies and other interests:
Hello! My name is Christian Raphael Bustamante. You can call me Tian or Busta. I work in the Aviation Industry as a full time Flight Instructor and Safety Manager.
If one can consider his/her career as a hobby, then aviation would be one of mine. I have always been passionate about the art of flying. I would always describe it as one of the greatest manifestations of science and the human imagination. Apart from flying, I also love working on cars. I am currently restoring a 1997 Mazda MX-5.
I am the type of person who enjoys his “alone time”. If I’m not walking around Metro Manila taking photos, I would go for a drive, sit down in a parking lot of a gas station in SLEX or NLEX while sipping coffee and just enjoying the idle time. “Dolce Far Niente” as they say.
2. Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.
My Probee experience was a huge help in improving my photography. Through the inputs of other members and with the help of the contest judges, it made me rethink my approach to photography. I realized that rather than “looking” for the photograph during a photowalk or a shoot, “seeing” and working the scene was the better way to proceed with the process.
3. Would you rather be a jack-of-all-trades or a master of one?
I would be a jack-of-all trades. Why? Because it will make me more relatable to a wider audience. I am the type of person who enjoys a good conversation therefore if I have a wide range of skills and knowledge, that will pave the way to better exchange of ideas which fuels further growth and learning. Diversity and individuality in one package.
4. What song would you say best sums you up?
That would be “Smooth Operator” by Sade. From flying to driving, I always strive to have finesse in my controls. Same is true with how I live my life. I love how things run smoothly. Who doesn’t, right?
5. What type of movies and music do you enjoy?
Movies about history especially the ones from WWII. As for music, I enjoy the ones from the 70s to 80s. There’s something about songs from that time that makes me feel good. Maybe the depth? That said, I sometimes feel like I was born in a different era.
6. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
A satellite phone, multitool, and a crossbow. Haha!
7. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Two years ago, I encountered engine failure when I was flying a twin engine airplane. Good thing the weather was fine and the plane was capable of maintaining altitude on one engine. I then managed to land safely at a nearby airport.
8. If you were given a chance to spend one day with a famous personality (living or dead), who would that person be and why?
General Chuck Yeager. He’s the first person who flew faster than the speed of sound—he was a flying ace, and a test pilot. I can only imagine the stories he has to tell. And having the opportunity to pick his brain and get some tips and tricks when it comes to flying— oh man, that would be priceless!
