Instax photos from today. The black and white Instax is fucking cool. #instaxgratification #instax #instant #mountains #snowy #nsw #australia (at Jindabyne, New South Wales)
It's that time of the year again for me where I introspect on the year that was.
As I sit here on the airport lounge, I remember what Joao and I talked about during the dying moments of a very tiring 24th year: "We have lots of stuff to do. It is going to be a daunting year".
And indeed it was.
Never have I thought I would have the sexiest profession ever. Whenever someone asks what I do and I respond with "I'm a writer" an air of confidence comes to me. With that I thank Jon (who doesn't exist on the internet) for being a great boss, mentor, and friend. Overmind taught me what love for one's job really means.
Speaking of a person who loves their Job, Eric. I'm astounded as to how a person who I tweet and email from years ago actually has now visited the country and found a bunch of new friends here as well. All for the love of street photography! Mate, your achievements has always been an inspiration. I'm eternally thankful for it.
As for photography, Special thanks Sikap Collective. After years upon years of shooting, it is only this year that I found a style I am comfortable in. Although being heavy, the diarist style that you guys told me to pursue lead me to something photographically beautiful. Let's put out volume 2 before the summer hits!
Special shout out to Sonny, his constant push for me to improve and show off my work is a always appreciated.
Because of those photographic improvements, it lead me that seminar grant for IPA wherein I met a bunch of people gifted in photography. Kevin, thank you for believing in my skill. Bea, Thank you for being my biggest critic and of course the mentors of that class for arming me with the knowledge on creating something beautiful. Give me a few more months and I will have my portfolio website up--- I will not waste the time and effort that was spent on teaching me.
It would be injustice if I didn't thank the cause of all that beauty. We already said a lot to each other. Thank you for everything that ever happened to us. I hope you are having a good life.
Perhaps the biggest moment of my 25th year is when I entered fashion photography school. Never in my 6 years of photography have thought that I will actually go ahead and enjoy it. I guess I'm going to thank my sister for egging me on to take it. I have to thank Tsong Bador (a.k.a. Madame Rxandy) and everyone I met in the industry who has treated me well and showed me the ins and outs. Fashion is something wholly different that what I am used to but I found out now that passion can take on many forms. I have never smiled and laughed so much in my life. There is never a dull moment. (Na-tegi lahat ng kemerot at pagka-fragile ng life ko mga tur!)
I can't talk about passion if didn't talk about Channel Fourteen. Joao and I finally did it. We were talking about recording ourselves talking for a couple of times now and we finally have it. It's chugging along smoothly. I'm still astounded at the fact that we can actually put time and effort in it. Thank you to the bodega boys as usual whose antics and shenanigans makes the podcast enjoyable as f**k!
Have to say a special mention to the C*nt and Dragon lovers aka Skulls boys. The fatigue that was brought by a long and tiring day disappears when I check in the groups and laugh my ass off as we all show our love to Cholo. Shao, I will always be yo Nigga, and for James *Mwah!
This is also the year where I took a stand against clubbing. I guess it’s not really my thing and seeing as I can’t have alcohol in my system, I really have to move away from it. The only exception is if my dear Julz asks me to go. But personally ya’ll should go to #HashtagSaturdays at Club Haze :D Also, I need to hang out with you again Ms. Espina! I know schedules are bitchin but hey, I maybe we can get our crazy trio for some adventures this year.
Apologies to mother Ninja, Nicole. I missed a lot of gigs and whatnot but I try to make do and catch up whenever :) Hopefully I get to go to more for the 26th year. It is still a dream of mine to go to and document a red ninja roadtrip.
Can't think of any ideas on how to segue into it but yeah. Thank you Hanna. Let's keep doing things together. Life has been sweeter knowing that there is someone who likes doing the same things I do. We still have a long road ahead of us and I can't wait to continue treading it.
Last but not the least, my family. All of you have been very supportive and patient with me. Pops, Ma--- I wouldn't get to where I am without the selfless support you have given me. I don't know how you could do it but I guess one day when I become a father, I will do the same for my child. Sis, you suck! Hahah but I kid, you are awesome and I will always thank you for not murdering me that day :) You've made up for it already :D
The story of last year was that I was tired, this year at least, I found my stride and how I would live for the rest of my life.
Live with Faith, live with Love, and never stop doing because #ForLove
In a few hours, i'll be 26. All that is in my head is a future that I can't wait live in.
But for now, I have to board my flight. I'm going to drink with my best friends.
- A.g.
P.S. To everyone who was part of my 25th year, thank you! Those who read/like/reblog my blogs, twitter followers, faithful fourteen, folks on the streets with random conversation, family here in the country and abroad, each and everyone who was there and who recognized my existence-- Thank you :)
