The Small Boat of Balicasag Island

 Like his old and small boat, this meek and aged man speaks a lot of how life is in Balicasag island.  Similar to every person in this place, people here make a hard earned living through eco-tourism.  Some of  them sell delicacies, pearls and shell key chains. Others, like this man use their small boats to bring tourist in the snorkeling area.
  
I asked Mr. Claudio how long has he been living in Bohol and said that since he was a little boy.   He uses the rich marine life of this place to acquire his daily bread.   I never asked him if he was a fisherman once but from his skin color and physique, one can easily tell how much he knows the definition of hard labor.

Seeing him reminded me how blessed I am in my life and how the things I experience were not as hard as it was for him.  I never failed to ask for his picture having in mind that this is the only way I can help him and his family to have a constant income through tourist referral.   As I continue Project Rembrandt, I hope to meet more people like him, trying my best to express them through pictures and short stories.

An Encounter with a Legend

It was this year's Chinese New Year that me and my wife celebrated the festivities at Ongpin.   The place is filled with people expecting the dragon dances and fire crackers.  It was a very nice day to shoot and we were very happy when we finished our little adventure.  We got the chance to experience the Chinese New Year and met new friends.

The most significant person that we've met that time was a photographer.   We were in the front of Shopper's Mart when we saw this guy wearing a NatGeo bonnet.  He was wandering around caring his cameras as if he is looking for a great shot.  I immediately told my wife that he is a famous person and that we should  take the opportunity to ask him for a picture.

My wife approached him and asked if its alright;   he said no with a grin and I was left shocked thinking why.  After a quick second, he smiled and said of course it is alright.  I immediately hurried and with shaky hands took the picture.  I'm glad with what I have captured but what is more important is the moment that he shared his simple wisdom to us.   My wife's lens cap fell and he said "Honey, never cover your lenses when you're shooting and don't turn it off, you'll never know what's going to happen."   It was then that I realize that he is Val Rodriguez, the chief photographer of Philippine Star and the Presidential photographer of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos.

The picture that I took is a snapshot but the moment that Sir Val shared his wisdom was something to treasure.   Sir Val, if you ever come across this blogsite, me and my wife will forever be grateful for that short time.  Thank you for being a part of my Project Rembrandt!