Film is not dead

Inday,

My trusted camera crashed Friday night. I don’t know why. All I can remember was that I was playing with its settings, found something interesting that would create “artsy-fartsy” photos then when I tried using it again, it won’t turn on. As a result, I was not able to capture incriminating moments of my colleagues like I always do. How unfortunate.

I brought my daily companion camera to the service center this afternoon. Since I am used to having a camera with me always, I took my old bulky and heavy camera that was handed down from my grandfather to my dad, then from my dad to me when I was in grade 5. Imagine how old this cam is? Despite of its age, it still takes good photos. The only downside is it is costly because I have to buy film and have it developed. Also, I have to finish a roll, actually five rolls, before have it developed so that it will be cheaper. But the wait and anticipation on how the photo would turn out is fun, exciting and rewarding if it turns out great.

I also love looking at photographs that were taken on film. There is a unique sensation or feeling that it brings me. The colors are also very different from photos taken from a digital camera. I don’t know if I am sad that I won’t be able to use my daily pocket digital camera or excited that I would again be able to use my old film camera, I find it bittersweet. Was looking at some of my photos that I took on film while I was writing this and I feel inspired, which is good. May start shooting on film again… need to save up again Dodong.

This is my nephew during the funeral of my grandmother. It was raining that afternoon which explains his rain coat.

This photo was taken in Davao City. I forgot where exactly but I know it’s on the side of Ateneo de Davao facing the Marco Polo Hotel. It just so happened that the three of us were in Davao, I was attending a family function while they just got down from Mt. Apo. We decided to meet up and have a drink at a place behind Ateneo.

There is a restaurant in Baguio City called “Oh My Gulay” that serves vegetarian food. It is owned by the national artist Kidlat Tahimik. I like going to this place because of the delicious food and “artistic environment”. Dapat lang because it is owned by a national artist. I took this photo after I finished my salad and pasta.

My friend has a tattoo on his back that he kept from his parents for quite a while. When he decided to show it to his parents, the reaction of his mom upon seeing his tattoo was “Ang laki!” (It’s big!)

Went to Atok, Benguet to volunteer helping coffee farmers and be immersed on how they live. I was there several friends and met interesting people like Redg (the guy in the middle). He is a CoffeeAider, he organizes trips similar to what I joined to.

I like what I am seeing here, I think I really need to start shooting in film again. Surprisingly, despite the presence of digital cameras there are a lot of film enthusiasts coming out, maybe it’s time for me to join this group again. Film is not dead!

Ayo! Ayo!