The President’s Viewfinder

July 2023

by Angela Panlilio

We’ve breached the 7th month mark. Our transition year is well on its way. It has not been without hiccups. We did need to find our happy medium along the way. Relearning the ropes in a post pandemic time.  Face to face versus online was, for me, our biggest adjustment. Finding the rhythm of it so that everyone would be left smiling was utmost in the Board’s mind and hearts. Lockdown and being at home meant more time to craft for ZVCC, with the lifting of the protocols, came revenge “being out” which made time management tougher as well. I am truly grateful for all who still find and make time in making 2023 a year of substance, of learning and camaraderie.

Yes, yes, this seems to be a report card of sorts. Thinking back and dreaming forward.

It is still our hope, our aim, to make the remaining five months an “ EXHALE, ENGAGE, ENJOY” type of a year.

We concluded the June contest of ‘Home in Triptych’ with a bang. It wasn’t an easy theme but wow, the images and interpretations of home impressed all three judges. Overall, such a strong, powerful showing! Congratulations to all. Special mention to the Contest / Judges Committee. Ian Santos, Tony Rivera, Mike Olivares and Ruben Castor Ranin. They’ve had to pour over not just two images per member but 6 for each! Thank you, guys. We appreciate your work.

July marks two face to face occasions – an impromptu photo walk for the Aliwan Festival on the 15th and our second meeting for the contest theme, ‘Pride.’ In between, we do a Zoom Huddle on the 13th of this month as prep for the walk and this will be led by our very own festival veteran shooters, Arlene Donaire and Mac Omega.

Our meeting will once again be hosted by our generous ex-officio, Bern Wong – again we feast, we potluck. Please mark your calendars for these key ZVCC dates.

We are far from winding down. A workshop, an OTS, four more themes to cover, Images Of HOPE and our year-end celebration are still out there waiting to happen. Many are working behind the scenes to bring these to you. My utmost appreciation to the Board and members who are above and beyond in working tirelessly for our 68 strong active members and our community.

Thank you for all that has been… and here’s to revving up for the remainder of the year!