Wordless Day

On my days off, unable to go home it is usually spent in my red walled dwelling. It would be my impromptu general cleaning day. I try to stay out or up late the night before so I’d wake up later than usual.

One such day, right after getting up and going through my version of breakfast I buckled up do the chores. Alone and armed with cleaning paraphernalia with the radio playing in the background I tie my hair to get it out of my eyes. Suddenly I realized I have not said one word since getting out of bed. It occurred to me to test myself if I could survive the day without uttering an expression not even a giggle or a laugh. Inaudible sighs, coughing and sneezing excluded.

Crazy, the things I do in my solitude.

It was not hard because there was no one to talk to anyway except when and if somebody calls. What do I do then? Right on cue, my mobile phone alerted me of a message. It was one really funny joke and I could have laughed except I remembered what I put myself into. A little challenge is welcome, boring if there were none anyway.

An hour after noon, I faced a cold lunch with a cold shoulder treatment. Not exactly fun but it was amusing. After resting for a while it was time to finish my duty and put things in order.

There. Everything in its proper place. Nothing more to do. Tired and lazy to go out.

So, I decided to watch some DVDs, at least, there would be no need for me to talk. In front of the tv I sat with a blank expression on my face, it helped that it was a documentary about prostitutes and was quite a drag. After that, Amy Tan’s Hundred Secret Senses was in front of me but unfortunately cannot hold my attention long enough. I watched again as it was starting to get dark. It was getting lonely. Not a message in my cellphone inbox either.

With a sigh followed by a smile I dialed Malen’s number. “O! Napatawag ka?” (Why’d you call?) that’s Malen for you. I said, “Wala naman, kailangan ko lang magsalita na at kanina pa ako walang kausap hindi ko na maramdaman yung pisngi ko.” (Nothing much. I just need to talk to someone because my cheeks are already numb.) We were laughing so hard even before I finished what I was saying.

Thank God for friends, for the sounds (especially the laughter) and the silence, for the voice we were given to communicate and express ourselves, for the senses the we were given to enjoy life with.

Visual eloquence

He has one of the most expressive eyes that I have seen and he sees more than anybody can. He captures details -- not only its appearance but most importantly its essence. Tommy Hafalla, Cordilleran photographer extraordinaire' is able to give you a glimpse of the souls of his subjects without stripping them of it.

Our first meeting was at Biscotti and Cocolat, it was a coffee shop cum gallery at Nevada Square where he was exhibiting some of his photos. My first question was, "how were you able to get these pictures?" He replied, "I asked permission from the elders and I stayed in the background, out of their way." And instantly I liked him, he knew what I was talking about. Igorots, especially those in the hinterlands are not keen on having their pictures taken not like those who pose at Botanical Garden. The latter are the exception to the rule.

Next I saw him, he was taking pictures of the first (or second?) Baguio Flower Festival. His hair was long, the tips of which almost reached his waist. We were not able to do our usual coffee, talk and nicotine session because we each had to do our own version of work.

Running into him in Session Road months after the festival I was quite shocked to see only hair stubbles on his head where his mane used to be. He was laughing at my reaction and did not state his reason for the sudden change. Later, he told me it was because all his shots during the flower fest came out blank while he was processing it.

Then Apo Anno (the mummy) came. Or at least we fetched him from the National Museum. Of course it was a very good subject for documentation and I found myself with Tommy and Nonette in one van heading to the Manila Museum to witness the transportation of the remains of Anno. The same party brought the "goods" from Manila to the Benguet Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad for a ritual before proceeding to the site of Anno's burial site in Nabalicong, Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet.

Dave lent me his antique Lyka camera that time. He told me that if I could get one or even two good photos with the thing I could pass for a photographer. Not being able to resist the dare I got the delicate equipment with two rolls of 12 frames of black and white film. Tommy became my instant mentor.

We were resting, on the huge rocks that lined the river. I told Tommy about the dare and he was laughing. "Why?" I asked. He said, "here is one perfect place to take a picture and there you are lying on that rock staring at the sky that you cannot photograph at this time of the day. Take a shot." Classic! The lecture started there and lasted for two days.

This I learned from Tommy; You can never copy how one photographs any subject, a lot of elements are involved in one shot. Composition maybe, placement of accessories and what-have-yous but you will never be able to mimic the imprint of the photographers mind and eye. Our eyes see things in different ways. What you see in photos may not be the same as what others perceive.

Yesterday I read in the Inquirer that he bagged the documentary award in the 2006 International Folklore Photographic Contest. His "Faces of the Cordillera" was recognized with the Humanity Photo Award.

A lot of things have happened since that time in Biscotti but Tommy is still loyal to black and white prints, remains to be a very humble person, kind, generous and a very, very good friend.

Hey, if you are interested to learn from him click the links.
http://www.philphotography.net and http://www.homegrownart.net

Wed 'er or not

I was home yesterday, Malen came by the house right after she got off the van from Lepanto, Mankayan for coffee and talk.

After the local news and grapevine update she asked me if I knew anyone who can conduct the marriage rites, civil, for her friends who wanted and were scheduled to get married today. It was supposed to be officiated by Baguio City Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas since Mayor Peter Ray Bautista was out of the country. Problem was, Farinas cannot officiate because his "authority" as Acting Mayor has lapsed and Bautista was on his way but there was no advise if he would make it on time to be the one to carry out the ceremony.

So we searched our cellphone directories for "authorized" people. I suggested the Mayor of La Trinidad Artemio Galwan we both knew his residence but we didn't have his contact number. Never mind.

The judges, of course.

I called up JSM and asked if he could do it. He said he could but he left his robe in QC where he held office. We learned, they cannot officiate without their vestments outside of their office and a written request is needed etc. etc. After thanking him, I said we'd keep him posted.

Turning to Malen, I asked why her friends were such in a hurry. She herself did not know the reason. Then she asked me, as if I knew a lot of correct answers, if a couple were to be wed by an Imam will they be considered Moslems? "I think not", I replied. Question is, will it be recognized by the religion the couple were affiliated with? Will their contract be considered legal and binding? Who knows?

Then she said, "It's quite complicated actually. They wanted to get legally hitched in civil rites because they are confused with their religion. One is a catholic and the other is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. A conflict from the onset. Uh-oh.

While intently and quietly continuing the search I quipped, "Maybe this is a sign that they should not be getting married...yet. Stop them before it's too late. You are their only hope," I added exaggeratedly.

We nearly fell off our seats laughing at the irony of the situation.

Recovering from the funny episode she said she had to leave for an appointment in town.

Til now, I have not heard if the wedding pushed through or not.

Well...best wishes!