An Angel @ Down Under

Ric Simbol’s recent picture in his project 365 album inspired me to pursue my first entry here at Project Rembrandt. His picture was also inspired by a Filipino in Singapore (see Danny Santos) doing portraits of people in Orchard Road. I thought it would be a great idea to take pictures of people I encounter in Ruby Road and Emerald Avenue.

Today, I brought my camera and my 50mm hoping that I can have my portrait to keep. I said to my self that I should start easy and not go for a total stranger. So I asked a cigarette vendor, who always sees me pass by at Ruby Road, for his portrait. I failed to convince him and opted for someone else to have his photo taken. I thought of this lady who works in the canteen where we buy food.

I was with a friend when we asked her to take her picture. We approached her like we are going to buy something but instead asked her, “Ate pwede ka ba naming picturan?” (Can we take your picture?). At first, there was this rejection, but while she rejected us she also smiled and asked if we are going to do something bad with her identity. We told her that we were documenting people who we encounter in our daily life, people who affect us and people who share a smile with us whenever we buy food. Finally, we’ve convinced her that we are not going to do anything to harm her. She was not a stand out and she does not have blue eyes that will make your head turn. She is just a simple lady, who works at a canteen that you rely on every time you feel hungry.

Thank you “Ate” for filling our stomachs with your delicious pork chop every Thursday and thank you for being my first entry here at Project Rembrandt!