RP Newsletter on the road - Pt 0: What’s next is only the beginning
Thoughts from an action packed first month of 2025 and before heading out to Siem Reap.
Geloy Concepcion sits anxiously at the corner of Purveyr’s space. One of the many meet-ups and get togethers that he has been a part of for this leg of his return. Present in the audience for this one are practitioners from different genres, styles, and experience level. The emcee, Veejay Villafranca started with the title of the talk itself: “so Geloy, what’s next?”
Geloy’s response: Hindi ko din alam mehn?!
(I have no idea man)
The Fotomoto opening was a huge success. Amazing turnout, lots of friends and colleagues, and lots of press people in the event and in a major museum no less. I’ve spoken in the Ayala Museum before but it’s the first time I will be exhibiting there. It was overwhelming from the crowd to the scale of what it was to how it is now. It’s weird that this event is what officially opened the PH Arts Month/Fair Season. There’s still a lineup of events and a few others here and there. To be honest, I have no idea how to write about this season as the scene is as big as I remember it to be.
I expressed these anxious feelings to Fotomoto curator Stephanie Frondoso in which she replied:
“Isn’t this what we were all working towards?”
She is right.
I can’t remember who asked the question but somebody asked Geloy in the What’s next talk if how much is too much when it comes to sharing yourself. He answered in the typical humorous manner he always does. He imparted that the game now, if you are willing to play, is social media presene. You have to be in places where you want to be seen.
Although the follow up question is the one that I want to stick to you my dear reader. Veejay asked if there are downsides to showing too much of yourself.
“Meron din siyempre pero tanggap naman ni Bea (Geloy’s wife) at inuunti-unti ko na din si Narra (Geloy’s daughter). Sila kasi nagpapakain sa amin eh. Pero kasalanan din natin eh. Sabi natin magpakatotoo ka lang. Oh eh di ayan.”
(There are downsides of course but Bea knows about this already and i’m starting to show it to Narra as well. It’s the audience that gives us this opportunity. Then again, maybe this phenomenon is our fault since we kept on saying “Be yourself”. So this is the result of that.)
Radical acceptance through relentless sincerity. I like that.
The live edition of Raw and untitled critique sessions was anxiety inducing but fun. It is different from the portfolio review format that feels like speed dating. This is somewhat closer to Shark Tank as we give our insights and comments in real time.
For our closing words, Veejay Villafranca reminded the audience the importance of events like these especially to keep conversations going. I went with the selfish route of telling everyone to enjoy everything and trust the process as this time last year, I was nursing a broken collarbone.
Our youngest co-panelist, a young, talented, and award winning Austin Garcia said this (among other things):
“Photography has become my passion and I just want to do this forever.”
Then let’s find ways to make it possible for everyone.
I’m currently on the road on a backpacking trip to Bangkok, Siem Reap and Kuala Lumpur mainly to volunteer for the Angkor Photo Festival 20th edition. I’ll be writing and showing some stuff I see/observe on the road. Follow the reading photographs instagram for updates and subscribe to the newsletter for the latest. Thank you.