An Insight Into The Minds Of Our Newly Inducted Members

Question & Answer: An Insight Into The Minds (and Hearts) Of Our Newly Inducted Members

This April 2022, four new Zone V Camera Club members were inducted after hurdling grueling requirements to be admitted into the hallowed halls of The Club.

We now take a peek as Corinne Blanco grilled them with insightful questions and read their witty, frank, funny and heartfelt answers – plus – see some of their images too!

EMMAN ARAULLO

Please tell us about yourself.

My family moved from Pampanga to Quezon City a few years after Mt. Pinatubo erupted; right when I was about to enter high school. I’m the youngest of 3 children. I’m getting married in June and my fiancée (Aicee) and I were actually introduced by a fellow Zone V member, Keisie Marfil.

I have a background in management and I am also a registered nurse. I started off with a degree in Marketing Management and worked corporate for a few years. Wanting a change, I pursued nursing. Since then, I’ve been shuffling between business and nursing. I went to Chicago in 2015 and earned my MBA. I also worked there as a nurse. I came back in 2019 right before COVID and have been working in the family business since then. Our business is involved in quarrying in Pampanga and some property rentals in Manila.

Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.

“Intimidating”. As a probee, I was greeted by a long list of requirements and I doubted whether I could accomplish all of them within the specified time period. Add to that the first glimpse into the monthly contest where I saw amazing photos taken by the members that got me thinking “what did I get myself into?”

“Challenging”. After a while I realized that the requirements, while not easy, were attainable. Digging through past images and creating new ones to submit took a lot of effort. But the most difficult part was the Probee Christmas party traditions. Initiation? Jk!

“Rewarding”. I can definitely say that I have improved as a photographer. The mentorship process was helpful in that regard. Also, the club’s initiative in making the probees a part of the committees was helpful in making myself acquainted with the more seasoned members of the club.

Share with us three places you’d like to go visit for photography.

Dream photography destinations are Iceland and Yellowstone for their scenic landscapes. Japan too, for the diverse opportunities available: bustling streets, cityscapes, serene countryside.

What type of movies and music do you enjoy?

Music – I listen to everything – old to new; classical to metal. But the bulk of my playlist is made up of 90’s music. mostly hip-hop/rap. I am also currently in a jazz phase so I’ve been listening to a lot of that recently.

Movies – I really just like to be entertained when I watch movies so that involves a lot of comedies.

If you were given a chance to spend one day with a famous personality (living or dead), who would that person be and why?

Top of my head, I’d say Anthony Bourdain. Just seems like a cool guy with a lot of stories to tell. Am actually a fan who followed his show religiously. Fun fact: I have a signed copy of his cook book!

If you could master one skill right now that you don’t currently have, what would it be?

Anything that has to do with music. I’d love to be able to play the saxophone! I started self-studying the piano during the pandemic but was not able to continue once life started to get busy again.

What have you been most proud of learning lately?

I am most proud of learning baking/cooking skills. I never really cooked until I was forced to do it when I was in the US. My mom even ended up stealing some of my recipes and has started claiming them as her own.

Would you rather be a jack-of-all trades or a master of one?

Jack of all trades. I just feel like it’s more practical to have skills in different areas rather than specializing in one.

KEVIN ROI LOPEZ

Please tell us about yourself.

Lumaki ako na walang Tatay at Nanay. My father died when I was 4 years old and my mother left after a month. Lumaki ako sa kapatid ng lola ko at sa tita ko. I have two sisters, my ate kasama na ng lola ko sa ibang bansa and the youngest is living in Pampanga. I’m living by myself today, renting a small place in Muntinlupa and working at the City Tourism Office here as a graphic designer and photographer. I document happenings in Muntinlupa as part of my job.

Wala akong ibang hobby ngayon bukod sa pag shoshoot at pag dedesign ng mga posters. Gusto ko matapos yung college ko ngayon, bagay na hindi ko nagawa o ginawa noon, pero iba din kasi tlaga pag may pinag aralan ka. I’m taking IT in a college school here in Muntinlupa. Gusto kong rin gumaling sa Photography especially to learn the different genres.

Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.

My personal experience sa club… Masaya. Sinasabi ko nga lagi to yung amazed factor nangyare sakin nung first na umattend ako sa Zone V Christmas Party last 2019 lalo nung nakita ko yung top 10 POTY ganun padin nararamdaman ko ngayon na part na ako ng Zone V. Masaya ako dito sa Zone V kasi na chachallenge ako at natututo ako sa photography na lelevel up ko pa sya.

Share with us three places you’d like to go visit for photography.

South Island sa New Zealand: gusto ko makita personal yung Wanaka Tree. Then yung lantern festival sa Thailand and yung colored festival sa India.

What type of movies and music do you enjoy?

Mahilig ako sa mga action movie na in real life naganap; also Sci-Fi movies and horror. Sa music naman I like country music and yung pang Starbucks na music: Jazzy pero with mix ng Hiphop.

If you were given a chance to spend one day with a famous personality (living or dead), who would that person be and why.

Ang gusto ko mameet ay si Jack Ma. Every morning paulit-ulit pinakikingan ko yung motivational speeches nya sa YouTube, ginagamit ko syang motivation ko personally.

What are you most grateful for?

Yung natutunan ko yung photography—dahil nakilala ako ng mga tao dahil dito. Hindi ako sikat pero before hindi pa ako nag shoshoot I’m no one, walang followers, walang gusto makinig. At kung may pasasalamatan akong tao tlaga ay si Nanay Arlene (Donaire) yun, simula nung nagkakilala kami tinuruan nya ako to improve my photography. Nag bago lahat, solid tong taong to kahit ipahiram nya sakin personal gear nya dahil wala akong sariling gamit noon ginagawa nya matututo lang ako. Hanggan ngayon tinuturuan nya padin ako kahit medyo advance nadin learnings ko minimentor nya padin ako hindi lang in my photography, even in life.

If you could master one skill right now that you don’t currently have, what would it be?

Singing!

Use 10 words to describe yourself.

Pogi, Mabait, Masipag, Artistahin, Energetic, Flexible, Hardworking, Honest, Innovative, may Sense of Humor.

Share 5 qualities that you appreciate most in people.

Gusto ko sa tao may sense of humor, matalino pero di mayabang, open minded at di madamot ( di madamot in way na hindi nya pinag dadamot yung alam nya shinishare nya pa).

Would you rather be a jack-of-all trades or a master of one?

I prefer to be a Master of One, but I’m not closing myself to other things na pwede ko pa matutunan.

MANNY DE VERA

Please tell us about yourself.

I’ve been blessed with a small and very close family circle of 3 siblings with no major dramas in life or wealth as there’s only so little to fight over. I’m a professor at the Asian Institute of Management teaching Leadership, Negotiations and Impact Evaluation, and also the Executive Director of the AIM Team Energy for Bridging Leadership where I oversee the leadership development programs of the Institute which caters to both public and private sectors here in the country and in the region. I’ve also done consulting work for international organizations such as ADB, EU, AUSAID, International Alert, Overseas Development Institute, USAID, Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, ILO, ASEAN Interparliamentary Office and the ASEAN Foundation.

I enjoy travel a lot, especially with a good book to read in between the train, bus, boat and plane rides. I also enjoy going to the beach and have always been in search of the best beach spots in the county, especially those that are ‘hidden’ and not usually frequented by tourists. There, again I read that good book.

Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.

I have only been a hobbyist since 2007 when I first bought my SLR but joining ZVCC last year has made me take photography with great enthusiasm by reading up on photography techniques, styles and contribution of the equipment, and in watching various content via YouTube until my eyes give up. With such excellent pieces from members and probees alike in the monthly contests, I’ve had a deeper appreciation of the skill, the amount of energy, the critical eye and the passion to produce magnificent photos from all the participants. Likewise, the camaraderie fostered from both the online sessions and walking tours has also been a source of inspiration, sense of identity and mutual respect for the talent that is so abundant in the group. I know that these are the key elements that would build on towards great bonds and friendships.

Share with us three places you’d like to go visit for photography.

Only 3?! Given my mental state now, it would be Matera, Italy; Granada, Spain; and Lake District, England.

What type of movies and music do you enjoy?

I’m stuck with the songs of the 80s and I enjoy historical movies dealing with conquests, adventures, political scandals and crime.

If you were given a chance to spend one day with a famous personality (living or dead), who would that person be and why?

It would be interesting to spend the whole day discussing with Gandhi on how he sees the future of social movements and non-violent resistance given the current milieu of strongman rule and with the advent of social media.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?

Accomplishing the Phd in the midst of the pandemic! It was a test of mental toughness and perseverance since the lockdowns made that Phd journey more lonely and isolated.

What is the most memorable lesson you learned from your parents?

My parents have always emphasized the values of hard work and humility. I think these have molded me in many ways in the pursuit of my personal and professional goals.

If you could master one skill right now that you don’t currently have, what would it be?

To be a good storyteller with great pictures because who knows, photography can be my next career!

NICO IBAVIOSA

Tell us about yourself

I’m a dad of 2 wonderful kids and the most beautiful golden retriever. Other than photography, I also enjoy surfing; single malt scotch; freshly roasted, ground, and brewed black coffee; sunsets with house music on the beach; and travelling without an itinerary or agenda (or sometimes, a return ticket).

Share with us some thoughts on your ZVCC Probee experience.

I got so much more out of it than I expected. I joined Zone V excited, solely, by the idea of being challenged with different monthly contest themes. I really just wanted ideas on things I can shoot other than my dog and my kids (there are a lot, it turns out). The monthly workshops were a pleasant surprise, considering the caliber of our speakers. The photowalks were an exciting experience I never knew I needed. And of course, the people are all very warm and accommodating. What’s not to love about Zone V?

Share with us three places you’d like to go visit for photography.

New York (for street photography). Tubbataha Reef (for underwater photography). Hawaii (for surf photography).

What type of movies and music do you enjoy?

I would watch movies with the hope of being relaxed. With that said, I only (willingly) watch comedies, musicals adaptations, chick flicks, and documentaries. Action and horror movies aren’t relaxing for me at all.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I’m always open to new ideas and experiences. Through the years, my closest friends have stemmed from the many groups I’ve joined (where I usually don’t know anyone) for my many hobbies and interests (swimming, Church, fraternity, student politics, surf, photography, triathlon, etc.) – just as I did when joining Zone V. My network now is very much a mixed bag of very different kinds of people and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?

Shooting my first professional gig as a photographer – covering the 2022 Ironman in Subic. I shot the bike leg and was tasked to shoot from the middle of the SCTEX from 5am to 5pm (with no trees in sight!). It was terribly hot but also quite fun.

What are you most grateful for?

My wife and kids, of course! In my photography journey so far, Zone V. :)

If you could master one skill right now that you don’t currently have, what would it be?

If I could magically, collectively acquire the “photographic eye” of the master photographers of every field of photography, that would be super. All the other skills are easy to learn on Youtube these days. :)

Share 5 qualities that you appreciate most in people.

I appreciate people who are: Genuine. Sincere. Frank. Open-minded. Funny.

What have you been most proud of learning lately?

Double exposure in Photoshop (or just using Photoshop in general!).