TEODORO, Calvin Kaiser V.

3JRN3 April 18, 2017

Reaction Paper: Larawan sa Ulap (Documentary)

The short film featured in GMAs iWitness program focused on an issue that may seem
light at first glance. It was shot at the countrys highest known school in the mountains of
Benguet in the north. There, several volunteers such as photographers and artists took their time
to give the schoolchildren of Barangay Bashoy something they have never owned that people in
the urban merely take as something of less significance than others a school ID.
The documentary was able to discuss something less given attention in the field of
photography as it is not the same as landscapes and/or prized possessions hidden in ones
culture these are simple 1x1 pictures that serve their purpose: ones identity. It is both
overwhelming and unfortunate to find out that kids residing near Mt. Pulag have never owned
identification cards that we have tons of. As we get our school ID year by year during our
childhood, these primary students from indigenous groups do not even know what it is. This
reflects to the kind of system we have in our society, where those in the farthest ends of our lands
are the most neglected by those who should notice them and give them what they need.
An ID allows one solid identity. In the documentary, the children were seen looking
excited, or scared, or even both, as it was a pioneer work for them, to be able to see people from
the far-lengths of their place coming to them out of their own volition to give them something
they could treasure for a long time. An instance where one of the elders of the community even
came with all modesty to ask for a simple picture, for otherwise it would be an expensive trip to
Baguio for a simple picture that is needed for a required application to have electricity in their
organization. This heartwarming moment proved how vital photography is to our lives. It may
cost us most of the important things in life that we sometimes take for granted.
Pictures can also entitle one to all they have worked hard for in their lives. A simple ID
can mean evidence of ones achievements at one time in their lives. It can be the difference
between being a professional and one who isnt. Ergo, photography can even become the very
material that will define who we are in the world.
Howie Severinos feature highlighted the importance we should give not only to
photography but also to our fellowmen in the far-flung regions of the Philippines. The
indigenous peoples deserve the same attention and consideration given to everyone in the
metropolitan. Photography is a field that can unlock doors to other possibilities. It may be a
simple hobby for one, but can mean entirely different to another. Like the lingo of taking
pictures, it is all a matter of perspective in how society runs its course.
One of the volunteers described photography as a document, a proof of life and that it
even extends to serve as evidence that what has been taken exists. This is solid proof that shows
how we should value photography amidst other aspects of life. It must not be taken for granted as
it can even go longer than human life itself.