Thursday, March 22, 2007
FRUITS OF MY LABOR
This has been an incredibly wondrous week for me so far. Last Sunday, the accumulated scores garnered by my three submissions to my photography workshop, much to my astonishment, earned me the third place trophy!
I honestly didn’t expect it, because as I had mentioned in my previous entry, the class was full of very talented photographers. Hence, one can only imagine how ecstatic I was as Ed Santiago handed me this glass trophy.
And as if that weren't enough excitement, the other day, I received word that my blog site, was selected as among the five finalists for the Philippine Blog Awards’ Photo Blog category. I almost fell off my seat.
I first learned about my having been nominated for a PBA award about a week or so ago when in checking my Sitemeter traffic report, I noticed an unusual string of visitors coming from a particular site. When I clicked on this referring site, I was very much surprised to discover that I was nominated under the Photo Blog category.
I didn’t know who submitted the nomination; until yesterday, that is, when Corsarius admitted it was him. His friend Ia's technology site, Stellify, also made it to the finals. Both Corsarius and Ia graduated last year from the University of the Philippines. They are among a select group of brilliant young minds that I admire in the blogosphere. Jhay of de la Salle, Dave of Ateneo, and the budding photojournalist, Akira, are the other three.
At first I didn’t pay that much attention to this inclusion. It wasn’t due to any disrespect for the Philippine Blog Awards; rather, there were many talented photo bloggers nominated as well. I didn’t want to raise my hopes up only to be disappointed later on. So I downplayed the entire matter from the start.
However, being selected as a finalist totally altered my perspective. This community-wide recognition was a good enough reason for me to feel like a true winner!Of course, winning the PBA plaque will heighten the euphoria, but being a finalist is great enough as it is. You see, this gives me added credibility and confidence to formally pursue the special project I had been discussing with the executives of Nikon Philippines.
The idea is for Nikon to provide a free camera to a couple of public high schools in Manila whose students will form a photography and blogging club. Nikon will also pay for the creation of a customized blog template emblazoned with a sponsored by Nikon logo. As for the computer unit and online access, a friend will help present it to the Ayala Foundation to apply for funding. There are other resources to consider and approach should the Ayala Foundation decline.
Some of my camera club co-members whom I had shared this vision with, expressed great interest to participate by conducting basic photography classes and photo shoots for these high school students. I'm actually hoping that my camera club, Infinity Camera Club, will officially adopt this endeavor as its main community outreach project.
We will also be needing mentors to conduct after school or weekend English writing clinics to help these students hone their writing skills. I’m confident I can approach Corsarius, Jhay and Dave in this regard. Be that as it may, this photo blogging club will remain under the fulltime guidance and supervision of the participating schools' English teachers.
The goal here is to provide these youths a window, so to speak, to share their world with other high school students in Asia, America, Europe and anywhere else in the world through photography and blogging. I had already asked Sidney's assistance in connecting the participating local high schools with those in Europe; as always, he was enthusiastic to help out. I'm certain our fellow bloggers in the States and Canada will lend a hand as well in this regard.
I will also approach the administrators of FPPF and Fuji/YKL for additional sponsorship.
As per my recent email with Nikon Philippines, they remain interested to fully explore this project. I plan to meet with them after the Holy Week. I am also hoping that those behind the Philippine Blog Awards might also hear of this program and provide their support as well. What a wonderful world it will be for these kids!
Finally, I am very much honored for the accolades and kind words that Rey, Ipanema and Major Tom had recently afforded me.
For my response for their having tagged me, if I may be allowed, I would like to invite everyone’s attention to our young and talented bloggers — Corsarius, Ia, Jhay, Dave and Akira. Gutfeel tells me these young people are destined to excel in their respective field of endeavor and will someday make remarkable contributions toward the advancement of our local culture for the better.
Mabuhay!
Labels: Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Fuji/YKL, Nikon Philippines, Philippine Blog Awards
posted by Señor Enrique at 5:22 AM
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