# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo taken at Juan Café in Caloocan City

# data[].attributes.body
When we hear the phrases, “Tara labas tayo.” or “Tara kape?”, we would often think that it is merely a simple gesture or invitation to eat outside or grab some beverage. However, now that I am a college student and as I go through daily life struggles, I realize how that phrase lies a deeper meaning to it. Sometimes, whenever we get overwhelmed with the pressure of life, we need a breather outside the corners of our homes in which we get to spend time with our family, friends, and even just by ourselves. The photograph was recently taken on the 16th of February of this year when my senior high school friends and I decided to have a get-together after weeks of not seeing each other because of our clashing schedules in different universities. We all met at a small cafe just right in front of our former school where we have been able to connect, catch up with each other, and listen to each others’ life struggles. Those mundane moments with my loved ones are what I value the most.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo taken at The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan

# data[].attributes.body
Architecture Photography aims to showcase the interior and exterior structures of buildings and other architectural structures. This shot captures the interiors of The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag, a church located in Manaoag, Pangasinan which is one of the most visited churches in the Philippines. This photo was taken when my family and I went to the Manaoag Church on the 29th of December last year because it was one of the requests of our cousin’s grandmother who is currently a cancer patient. As a Roman Catholic, after not being able to attend masses for months, we felt spiritually cleansed to be able to see the image of Our Lady of Manaoag and to offer a few moments of silence for our prayers and devotion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo taken in Cielito Homes, Caloocan City

# data[].attributes.body
Street Photography features the stories, everyday lives of people, and random incidents in public places. This photo shows one of the unresolved issues in our community and portrays the sad reality of society which is the mistreatment of the environment. Despite being informed and knowing the root causes of the main impacts of calamities and disasters, some people are still ignorant about caring for their environment. One of the problems of humans is that they often take nature for granted and will only realize their wrongdoings once they experience the extensive damage that calamities and disasters bring to the human race as a response to their negligence. Just as the famous saying goes, “Nature can exist without humans, but humans cannot exist without nature”.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo taken at National University Fairview campus

# data[].attributes.body
National University serves as one of the substantial universities in the Philippines that provide excellent and quality education among their students. The photo was taken outside the National University Fairview campus, where my groupmates and I were tasked to capture a photo wherein we could showcase one of the legacies of the National University for the Nationalian Course. Photojournalism is a type of photography that aims to capture a visual representation of a story about real-life situations in the community. In our photo story, we aim to highlight National University’s relevant roles as the “bridge to education” by connecting people through providing high-quality education, offering scholarships to underprivileged individuals who aspire to pursue higher education, and overall fostering knowledge, growth, and opportunities among its students. The visual representation shows a Nationalian student pointing towards the National University Fairview building as a way of directing the child towards an avenue of endless opportunities through education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo taken at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City

# data[].attributes.body
Sports Photography aims to capture a sports event including the actual gameplay as well as the behind-the-scenes stories of the athletes. The photo was captured during one of the UAAP basketball matches between De La Salle University and National University last October 15, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena. It was my first time watching a live UAAP game and was in awe to see how the athletes take their games seriously as a way to represent their respective universities. One of the photos I took during the event shows the starting point of the basketball game wherein the team captains from both teams try to gain possession of the ball. This is one of the highlights of the game as it represents the players’ strong will to fight for the crown and to gain pride in their university.

# data[].attributes.body
The goal of Landscape Photography is to capture scenic views and subjects of nature such as the sky, landscapes, and waters. This photo was captured last May 2023, when my family and I went on a short vacation in Morong, Bataan after years of being isolated around the corners of our home due to the pandemic. I have taken this picture from the seashore just as the sun was setting and from then on, I started to appreciate the beauty of the colorful skies wherever I go. Witnessing the vibrant colors of the sunset whilst hearing the sound of the waves made me feel serene and restful, and through that, I was able to clear my mind from the academic stress and pressure I had been feeling right after our “hell week” as graduating students of high school.