Nanny-turned-photographer showcases 'Humans of Makati' in exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - Internationally-acclaimed street photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani brings her unique and vast experience with her own brand of art to the Philippines with "Humans of Makati." 

Humans of Makati, which runs until February 12 at Ayala Triangle Gardens Courtyard, is Xyza’s first exhibit in the Philippines and her first ever in color.  Capturing the raw and honest vibe of Makati through the exhibit, she brings focus to the lives of the many humans who, in their quiet way, define the city. 

Xyza’s life story is as interesting as that of her subjects. Working as a migrant worker for almost a decade, she lived through the pains of her fellow domestic workers and was a witness to the human rights violations that many of them have accepted as a way of life.

Featured in New York Times Lens Blog, CNN and various international media publications not only for her excellence in photography but also for her inspirational story as a migrant worker in Hong Kong, Xyza walked the streets of Makati in search of interesting personalities – from cigarette vendors to business trail blazers – all representatives of the dynamic, melting pot that is Makati.

The exhibit presents a cross-section of the Makati population, and will celebrate the lives and works of the humans that make up this city. 

A human rights advocate, Xyza is included in the distinguished list of BBC 100 Women of the World 2015, Magnum Foundation Human Rights Fellows 2015, 30 Under 30 Women Photographers 2016 and has been acknowledged with other eminent awards worldwide. - Alixandra Caole Vila