YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES (YOPHO) : 2nd anniversary

I have already featured my photography group several times here in my blog and you can still search about those articles simply by googling it in search bar of my page. The last one was during our Christmas Party which was a turning point for YOPHO and the lives of its members. Simply put, something went wrong and the events that happened thereafter shaped and reshaped the group as it is today.

To date, YOPHO stands for YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS CLUB of the PHILIPPINES. The remaining members decided to re-brand it a bit so as to erase bitter memories of the past. Yes, the group was divided and was almost dissolved if not for some concerned people who stood their ground to keep it alive. 

I have not talked about it here before as it was humiliating to admit, that some of the best skilled photographers of the old group had to go and form a new one. I am talking about it now because the members who adhered to our cause have already accepted that. We have already come into terms with the reality that we tried to stop people from clashing but to no avail. The line was drawn and we found ourselves on opposite sides. That long standing conflict still rages from time to time as some people simply find it difficult to move on with their lives and let others be.

Mel Lavadia--YOPHO and PROUD!!!!

I know that in a long standing quarrel, both are to be blamed. I am not throwing all the mud to other people. I had my share of the mistakes and therefore the burden. But we in Young Photograpahers Club of the Philippines, the new yopho, hold no grudge to people who have decided to break away from the group. It's just annoying sometimes that some old members go on offensive as we have no choice but to occasionally defend our line. To the former members, you just don't know how some of us felt that day, how we mourned for the death of our friendships, and how we wished things could go back to normal....


I am no pioneer of the group but I heard countless stories and have come to know some of the people in YOPHO, old and new. I have seen how it has evolved and how it continuous to evolve. It should be the case. We are happy with the fact that the other group is doing well. They are successful and we take no offense in that. It's just our hope that they also let us be.......

At any rate, this article is about the 2nd year anniversary of the group. As a tradition, members took the time to get together and socialize with each other. We booked a suite in ASTORIA PLAZA Ortigas last May 27-28 and enjoyed each others company.

This is one thing I like about this group. (the present group that is) Despite our differences, we learn how to respect each other. We dont let ambition and being too competitive get in the way.

This was prevalent in the feel-good moments we had together. The night was about watching movies, chatting, playing games, eating, drinking, taking photos and simply enjoying the company of one another. The following pics were taken during the ""pinoy henyo"" charade that we had. fun fun fun.....

photo credits : Lance Aquino

We are also happy for the arrival of new faces in the group. Young ones literally. A new member whose name is also Anton is only 15 years old. Wow, that's half my age!!!!Actually, my age also became a laughing stock among the members. We joke about it. The group is after all about young photographers but I have turned 30 last January. That makes me the oldest in the group. Works on my advantage though as it means the members  occasionally seek my opinion on important matters.

One of the most memorable part of the night was when some of us went out of the kitchen window into the edge of the unit in the 18th floor. There's no veranda in Astoria Plaza and its not really advisable to do that but since I was looking for a perfect place to smoke, I found the edge where the a/c is located fit for it. Open air. And nice view. The others joined me later on and we stayed there for almost an hour.

photo credits : Lance Aquino

I went to sleep at around 6am while some didn't sleep at all. Some had to leave early due to work and appointments while others like Gj, our president and Anton-- my katukayo joined us in the morning. In time for the group pic and short meeting with Gj. The words that he said during the short talk gave reassurance to the group.

I know that Young Photographers Club of the Philippines has suffered serious blows as the past 12 months has been a roller coaster ride, but we are slowly mending and gaining our ground again.

Yes, YOPHO has turned 2!!! To the new members, welcome to the group. To my batchmates, I love you all. It is my wish that we continue to create opportunities for us to bond and grow together. I believe that we entered this group not just to enhance our photography skills but also to improve our ability to relate to other people.....

It is now clear to me that YOPHO is not just about photography, it's about the bonds we have created and our constant effort to keep those bonds intact as we go along mastering our craft to be the next generation of photographers.......

I AM YOPHO...and PROUD!!!!!

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PS: I don't see why this post was taken in a bad light by some of those who left the group.Let this be my published account of what happened the way I saw it. people will eventually learn the truth. this is my way of saying I've moved on. pls. do the same.leave all the bitterness behind. live and let live.