Foto Baryo
A photography school in Tanauan, Batangas brings the Filipino soul back to its artistic roots
By Trina D. Dela Rama The call of one’s home resonates through time and distance to ignite passion in a man. Early in his youth, Fernando Afable found solace in photography. It first captured him while viewing photographs that were on exhibit at the lobby of the old Greenbelt in Makati City. Soon after, printed images of all styles piqued his interest with their stories, and more so, the emotions they evoked. Unbeknownst to him, those early encounters with the art form would turn into a lifelong passion that would only intensify as his experiences increased and deepened. His search for meaning would later bring him full circle to a place that would welcome anyone sharing the same passion.
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| Fernando Afable has realized his dream of building a photography school in the Philippines. Photos of students are posted on the wall behind him |
LEARNING THE ROPES
In 1989, Fernando moved to New York with a dream in his heart. He started as a security guard and maintenance staff member at the International Center of Photography. Even at that time, the ICP was renowned for its commitment to celebrating photographers and the “living significance of their work.” It was founded in 1947 by Cornell Capa, a former LIFE magazine staff photographer and brother of Robert Capa, one of the century’s most important photojournalists. Today, the ICP thrives as a vibrant institution that continuously influences the way the world perceives the human condition through the promotion of photography as an art.
Finding himself at the ICP, the epicenter of photographic art and its dynamic community, Fernando embraced the great opportunity for learning that lay before him. Having had no previous experience in photography, he learned basic techniques from one of the photographers at the center who saw his eagerness and invited him to assist in a community project. Fernando made time to sit in at photography classes and absorb everything he could from the creative environment. While maintaining the darkroom areas, he would ask questions and study how things worked.
Fernando’s infectious spirit and ardent dedication allowed him to form deep friendships with international photographers who encouraged and supported him in the pursuit of his passion. His sincere desire for mastery of the art also opened another door for him: this time, straight into the heart of the matter, the darkroom.
MAN WITH A MISSION
Fernando has held the post of darkroom manager at the ICP for 10 years now, after having held the position of operations manager. Through the years, he nurtured his vision of building a photography school in the Philippines. Finding that the art form revolutionized his way of seeing and feeling—his entire life—Fernando wished to reach others and allow the magic of photography to change their lives as well.
Five years ago, Fernando started building his school part by part, using 15 years’ worth of effort and hard-earned savings. “The ICP changes equipment every year, and seeing all the equipment being discarded, I thought I’d put them to good use,” says Fernando. From one setup in his studio apartment, his collection of equipment grew as the years went by, as did the urge to bring home photography to the Philippines.
“During my days off, preparing for the school was like my part-time job,” he reminisces. “I would rush about, pick up donations, pack some 20 balikbayan boxes of equipment, and fix other things besides.” Fernando collected donated clothing to use as padding for the equipment that was to be shipped to the Philippines. No less than eight container vans of photographic equipment were unloaded and transported to Tanauan, Batangas, where Fernando’s family hails.
THE DREAM TAKES SHAPE
Initially, Fernando’s photography books found temporary homes in friends’ bookshelves, while the equipment slept in his family’s old house until the actual structure of the school began taking shape in 2005. Upon the school’s completion in early 2006, the old house was emptied of the equipment and then demolished. The school, which is constructed on family land and designed by Fernando’s cousin, was built using wood from Fernando’s demolished childhood home.
The charm of the school lies primarily in its location. While Tanauan is located just 90 minutes away from Manila, its provincial charm captures the senses and serves as an eclectic backdrop for art. The school prides itself in being a home to all artists. With its complete and impressive darkroom setup located within relaxed interiors, the school facilitates discussion and exchange between participants, and encourages learning and creativity within and outside its walls.
The school is divided into three areas on a single floor. The darkroom contains at least ten workspaces and enlargers, a large aluminum sink, and other materials integral to the printing process. It is separated from the drying area by a revolving door. The drying area sits comfortably beneath a tiny loft, built for the occasional guest (although accommodations are available in neighboring houses). The discussion area, on the other hand, houses Fernando’s expansive collection of books, as well as his collection of vintage cameras. Photographs by students are posted on the wall, and a large table at the center witnesses sharing, cooperation, and dialogue among peers. Large windows filter natural light into the room, setting every object aglow. The balance of light and darkness in this space mirrors the subtlety of tensions in photography and the energy that stems from it.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY
After building Foto Baryo, Fernando opened its doors to celebrate diversity and the power of photography to change the world in one’s eyes. He was now ready to realize his vision to share photography with Filipinos (with the same inspiring energy and sense of community as found at the ICP) and use the school as a venue for positive cross-cultural and cross-class relations.
Through the expert and wholehearted assistance of local and international instructors, the school intends to offer a range of black-and-white photography courses, from basic photography to advanced classes in large format and photojournalism. More significantly, these photographers will share their diverse perspectives on photography, exposing students to a variety of people, cultures, and worldviews. There are no restrictions regarding age, background, or skill level, as the school welcomes all who carry within them a genuine desire to learn and the lightness of spirit necessary in fostering the love of craft.
Since its inauguration in February 2006, three classes have set the pace for even more successful projects. The first addressed young adults and adults in the mountain town of Sagada, where Fernando set up a small darkroom. These students are documenting the disappearance of the indigenous culture of the region.
The second course targeted a community of children aged 8–18 years old from Parañaque, Metro Manila, who live in the remains of a resort that was destroyed by fire. The children documented their lives using Polaroid film and point-and-shoot cameras. They later on learned to develop and print their photographs at the school.
The third course was offered to children aged 8–15 from Tanauan. The lessons and activities on basic black-and-white photography touched the children so deeply that one of them cried with joy.
While follow-up classes are being organized to enhance these first three sessions, the school is looking into sharing photography with other communities. Barely two months after the official launch of Foto Baryo, the school has already received overwhelming support from local and international photographers, patrons of the arts, individuals from related arts, neighbors, and new friends offering their assistance with the programs or in fund raising for the continuing projects. A group of Fernando’s trusted friends oversees the day-to-day activities at Foto Baryo, assisting Fernando as he gently guides the school towards its purpose.
For more information on Foto Baryo, contact Cres Yulo at 818-9855 or Amor Rodriguez at (917) 545-3605, or email fotobaryo@gmail.com
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