This piece reflects on an individual's experience photographing the Philippines, initially seeking picturesque street scenes for a portfolio but discovering something far more profound. Through using both classic film cameras like a Hasselblad and a Leica, the writer explores the unique sense of time and chaotic energy in urban areas like Manila and Quiapo, contrasting it with the slow pace found in rural regions. The narrative highlights unexpected interactions, practical tips for photographers navigating the country, and a shift from pursuing technically perfect "shots" to embracing the authentic, messy, and often imperfect moments of daily life, ultimately suggesting that the experience offered a deeper understanding of both the place and the self.

A reflection on a four-year experience photographing the Philippines, exploring themes of time, photography, and personal growth.

Key Themes:

• The Fluid and Unpredictable Nature of Time: The author highlights the non-linear experience of time in the Philippines, contrasting it with a conventional Western perspective. Time is described as a "loop, a vibe, a suggestion," particularly in urban environments like Manila. This unpredictability is a central element of the author's experience.

• Photography as a Means of Engagement and Disappearance: The author uses their cameras (Hasselblad and Leica) as tools for both capturing moments and navigating social interactions. The cameras facilitate engagement with people (being asked about equipment) but also allow for a degree of anonymity and observation, particularly with the discreet Leica.

• The Tension Between Chaos and Stillness: The narrative shifts between descriptions of chaotic urban environments (Quiapo, Manila) and peaceful provincial settings (Benguet, Ilocos, Visayas). This contrast informs the author's photographic approach, seeking both high-energy moments and quiet truths.

• The Pursuit of "Truth" over "Drama" in Photography: The author evolves from seeking dramatic, magazine-cover-worthy shots to valuing honest, unfiltered moments. The focus shifts from technical perfection and spectacle to capturing the everyday reality of life.

• Personal Growth and "Enlightenment": The four years in the Philippines are framed as a period of "accidental enlightenment." This enlightenment comes not from finding definitive answers but from being confronted with reality and imperfection, leading to a changed perspective on both photography and life.

• The Challenge and Rewards of Shooting Film in the Philippines: The author shares practical tips and anecdotes related to using film cameras, highlighting the unique challenges (local film availability, explaining film to a digital generation, gear safety) and the satisfaction of capturing honest moments on analog.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

• Time is not a linear concept in the Philippines, but rather a fluid and unpredictable force. "Time in the Philippines, I quickly learned, is not a line—it’s a loop, a vibe, a suggestion."

• Manila, particularly Quiapo, is characterized by intense energy and a collision of past and present. "Quiapo, of course, was where everything became a bit too real. It’s where time collides with itself in every direction."

• The author used both a Hasselblad 500 C/M (for its romantic quality and weight) and a Leica M6 (for discretion and speed).

• Despite efforts to be discreet, cameras, especially high-end ones, are noticed and often spark conversation. "Photographer’s Tip #1: In the Philippines, people will see your Leica. And they will ask you what it is."

• Safety and situational awareness are crucial when photographing in certain areas, like Quiapo. "Travel + Photographer’s Tip #2: If you’re shooting in Quiapo in the evening, keep your gear tight and your eyes tighter."

• The provinces offer a contrasting experience of slow, peaceful time. "In these places, time moved like molasses. There were no rush hours—only rustling leaves and the occasional goat with a stare that judged your lens choices."

• The author's photographic approach evolved from seeking dramatic "shots" to valuing honest, everyday moments. "I stopped treating photographs like trophies and started treating them like borrowed moments."

• The idea of capturing time through photography proved elusive. "And the irony? Despite my cameras—my precious light meters and split-image prisms—time was never captured. It always slipped out of frame, just beyond focus..."

• Embracing imperfection is a key lesson learned. "Photographer’s Tip #4: Accept imperfection. Embrace blur. The Philippines will humble your compositions and overexpose your ego."

• The experience in the Philippines provided a sense of self-discovery rather than definitive answers. "Because the Philippines didn’t hand me answers. It handed me a mirror. Covered in dust, sure—but it showed me something true."

• The author encountered various individuals who offered unique perspectives, including a "barber-philosopher" and a child with impressive photographic skills on a mobile phone.