Wednesday, March 14, 2007
ANTI-PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
During most of last year, there were many similar scenes of construction or restoration works around Manila on account of the mayor's revitalization program. I am one to appreciate these beautification projects, and I'm certain many fellow Manilans do so as well.
Had a chance to talk to a couple of these construction crew members one afternoon. They proudly confided that although they sometimes get burnt by the sun, they still prefer doing this kind of work rather than as security guards at the malls. Furthermore, they claim that their accumulated skills might even lead them to higher paying jobs as master carpenters or general construction team members abroad. On the other hand, security guards merely stand on their feet the whole day while putting their lives on the line for meager salaries.
I'm truly happy for these young men, for they are creating a brighter future for themselves and their families. And as they hone their skills, there will be less grumpy security guards out there to accost avid photographers; stopping them from taking pictures.
Believe it or not, Metro Manila has indeed become unfriendly to anyone with a camera, especially those professional-looking digital SLRs. I was told that no one can take a picture of the sunset at Manila Bay nowadays without a permit. Same deal in Intramuros; you must have a permit. Makati City is even more notorious. A guard stopped me once for taking a picture of a very old balete tree near Ayala Avenue. Yet, the buildings along Ayala Avenue make a perfect subject for nighttime photography.
But what irks fellow photographers the most is that foreign tourists are allowed to take whatever pictures they desire in and around the city; whereas the locals are required to apply for permits to do the very same thing. This is supposedly more apparent over at SM's Mall of Asia.
Not sure where such prohibition is all leading to. I know Saudi Arabia has recently lifted its ban on taking pictures of its public places. Obviously, the government has finally realized that its "no picture policy" only adversely affected its tourism prospects.
What's it like where you are? Are you able to freely take pictures of city and park sceneries?
Labels: unfriendly to photographers
posted by Señor Enrique at 6:43 AM
| 48 comments
