IT WAS our photography group's third photo exhibit. This time, it was held at the Abreeza Mall. The photo exhibit was conceptualized by Abreeza with the aim of putting the spotlight on the noble teaching profession as the opening of the exhibit coincides with World Teachers' Day.
Volunteer photographers from MCOM, our photography group set out to find the teachers that would be featured in the exhibit. We selected our former teachers who are still teaching and who had the greatest influence on their lives, while other photographers chose their friends who are working as teachers. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) pitched in to help by linking us up with some of our subjects.
For example, A.L. Navarro National High School located in Lasang welcomed this writer into their campus, three selected teachers including their principal Nelma Lyn Barnijo who was very accommodating and made our shoot in their school an unforgettable experience.
I also got the chance to meet Randy Halasan who was the only Filipino awardee in the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay Awards. This was for his effort in improving not just the lives of his students but also of the indigenous Matigsalog community in the remote hinterland barangay of Pegalongan in Marilog.
Though, I was not able to go to Pegalongan, I was able to meet and interview Randy when he was the guest-of-honor in an event here in Davao City. It was the only available time he can meet me due to his hectic schedule after being co-awardee of the human development awards known as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The photo exhibit titled "Role Models: A Teachers Day Exhibit" started last October 5 in celebration of World's Teachers' Day. The gallery display was mounted at the Abreeza Activity Center during the first day and was moved to the Abreeza Corporate Center (from October 6 to October 10).
Aside from the photo exhibit, Abreeza provided surprise gifts for the teachers which they can claim at the concierge and free movie passes to the movie "Walking on Sunshine" which was shown at Abreeza Cinema during that day.
MCOM would like to thank the marketing department of Abreeza Mall led by Ruby Ochoa and her talented team Cheekie Albay, Shimea More and Aidx Paredes, and PIA 11 office, led by Regional Director Efren Elbanbuena.
We would like also to thank Patricia Elbanbuena, director of University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Institute of Languages, for the support given during the shoot.