“Where is Tañon Strait?” I asked a friend when he told me about the project. I’m sure I share the same sentiments with other Filipinos who have no common knowledge of Tañon Strait which happens to be the largest marine protected area in the Philippines bounded by two islands Negros and Cebu. I was invited to be one of the photographers for the Oceana Photo Safari on Tañon Strait together with underwater photographers Gutsy Tuason and Danny Ocampo, travel photographer Oggie Ramos, chief news photographer of Cebu News Daily Tonee Despojo and chief photographer of the Freeman, Ferdinand Edralin. For six straight days the group captured the beauty and bounty of Tañon Strait above and underwater. And this recent World Oceans Day, June 8, 2015, Oceana Philippines hosted a photographic exhibit showcasing images captured during the photo safari.
Oceana Philippines
The photographic exhibit was curated by Yasmin Arquiza of Oceana Philippines with text captions by Criselda Yabes. I’m sure Yasmin had a challenging time trimming down about 20 photos to be printed and exhibited. These photos should be in the context of showcasing the wonders of this strait. It should effectively capture people’s interest and bring awareness to this protected area which adheres to the goals of Oceana Philippines
Oceana Philippines seeks to restore the health, richness, and abundance of the Philippine oceans. By working closely with civil society, academics, fishers, and government, Oceana Philippines will promote the use of sound science based policies to help ensure sustainable fisheries and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Tañon Strait Exhibit
Before Manila, the photographic exhibit already had exposure in Badian, Cebu last May 27, 2015 where the Tañon Strait headquarters is located. It was also for Tañon Day 17th Anniversary since it was proclaimed a protected seascape. When we got word that it would be brought in Manila for World Oceans Day I naturally got excited. As a photographer, having one’s work printed and put on display for a public exhibit is an accomplishment itself. I was excited to see which ones where chosen and was glad how it turned out. Photos from Virgin Island, Aloguinsan, Bais, Sta Fe and Madridejos Bantayan were there. Photographs really comes to life in print. I was able to clearly see the fine details clearly making them appreciate more. It was also encouraging to people watch and hear what onlookers were saying and how they appreciate the photos to the point that people were asking if they were on sale.
The exhibit was only a one day event but it would move to different locations where Oceana Philippines would have activity and forums. My thanks to Oceana Philippines for the opportunity to work with them on this project and to have my works displayed with alongside esteemed photographers. To learn more about Oceana Philippines and Tañon Strait, do follow their respective Facebook Pages:
Oceana Philippines: /oceana.philippines
Tañon Strait: /tanonstraitPH
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