Photogra.ph holds ‘Kisapmata Para Sa Pag-Asa’ to raise funds for typhoon-affected areas

MANILA, Philippines - It was an extinction-level event only a multi-million dollar Hollywood film could’ve created.

But the cataclysmic images broadcast worldwide are for real. Much more the numbers. More than 5,000 casualties. Over 25,000 injured. Nearly 2,000 still missing. And almost 250,000 left homeless. The most recent estimates pegged the total loss to property and agriculture at P 24.5 billion.

For all those who survived, it was a deeply-traumatizing ordeal they all wished was just a horrible nightmare they could wake up from.  But the catastrophic loss of homes, livelihood, loved ones and, maybe even, hope really happened — all in the blink of an eye.

While most purged their closets, raided supermarket shelves or wrote out checks, and still while others gave their time to sort and repack relief goods, or used their talent to raise funds, Photogra.ph — a camera club composed of avid amateurs and prominent professional photographers — decided, in a snap, to put up “Kisapmata Para Sa Pag-Asa,”  a photo exhibit which opens on Dec. 16, at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall Atrium.

“Kisapmata Para Sa Pag-Asa” features rare photographs from private collections of what appears to be a who’s who in Philippine photography — Ben Nollora, Bien Bautista, Edwin Tuyay, George Tapan, Ibarra Deri, Jun Barrameda, Rene Ner, Romy Vitug, Wig Tysmans, and the late Dick Baldovino, recognized as the dean of Philippine photography.

The exhibit is also dedicated to one of this project’s original prime movers — Bobot Meru — who recently passed away and whose works are also included in the gallery.

“Kisapmata Para Sa Pag-Asa” is also supported by a talented line up of avid amateur photographers, namely Adel Samson, Alex Lichaytoo, Alan Dacanay, Fr. Basil Apostol, Bob Colombo, Boy Rotea, Derick Gamboa, Dominic Velasco, Emy Arcilla, Enchong Formoso, Mario Hernandez, Raul Bautista, Roy del Valle, Tony Alunan and guest photographers Ed de Guzman, Little Wing Luna, Oliver Zapa and Romel Velasco. 

The event is presented by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, in cooperation with Canon Philippines and Duty Free Philippines.

All proceeds will be used to fund rehabilitation projects in typhoon-affected areas.

Although the task of rebuilding from the ruins may be a tall order at the moment, the human spirit will eventually triumph over tragedy.