Alex Felipe

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[Journal Entry: 07.11.07 (boat to Rapu-rapu Island, approx 2p, Mayon Volcano in the background.)It all reminds me of my days on a Palawan ferry banca (boat): the rhythmic sound of the water going over the pontoons, the slight clamminess of the skin because of the saltwater, the flying fish jumping out to avoid the boat. One thing I don’t remember, and that’s not to say I didn’t experience it, is the wooziness, slight headache, and general sleepiness that I’m feeling right now. I haven’t been on the water for years though, so my sea legs have had little practice.Back to the flying fish, there aren’t nearly as many (smaller here too) than in those days in 2001 in Palawan. I haven’t seen any other kinds of marine creatures either (again in Palawan I couldn’t help but see life everywhere, from various varieties of fish and jellyfish, to dolphins). Could this be because of the reported massive fish-kill on the island? I’m still quite a ways away (I can almost cover the island with my hand with my arm extended out), could the possible toxic spill from the Australian owned Lafayette mine have affected the marine life out so far? These are apparently life-rich waters, the massive whale shark being one. [note: Things didn’t get any better as I got closer to the island—and I never saw a whale shark.]And I don’t think I had such a generally grey day back then either, and it looks worse over Rapu-rapu—but that’s part of the season, at least the waters are calm.I’m not sure what to expect on this trip. My seasickness has almost passed and I’m starting to think clearly again. I’ve got just a couple days on the island [upon landing and talking to people about the problems there we ended up staying four], what will I learn, see, photograph?©2007 alex felipe / All Rights Reserved.Rapu-rapu island possible fish-kill caused by Lafayette mining assessment. Travelled with Dr. Regis and team from Ateneo/INECAR, and with Januar from CEC. 7-10 Nov 07.]
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[Migrante-Int'l and SMRM held a rally at Plaza Miranda with members of Marilou Ranario's family.Marilou faces first day of oral arguments before Kuwaiti SC or Court of Cassation for allegedly killing her employer after prolonged abuse (11 Jan 05). She surrendered herself to the authorities.She was sentenced to death by hanging on 28 Sept 05 and has been imprisoned ever since.]
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This is where I tell you stuff about myself...
I did some wandering during and after uni. I worked in a coffee shop in Holland, taught English in Ecuador, Indonesia, and Thailand. And just drifted around a dozen other countries in some ridiculous attempt to figure out what to do with myself.
Somewhere along the way I picked up a camera for the first time. Good thing too, cuz I think I'm pretty good with it.
These days, I'm trying to make a go at making a living with photography. I want to eventually be a full-time editorial photographer capturing images of how people live, struggle, and find happiness around the world.
I believe the most interesting stories are the everyday ones. Wars, elections, stock markets, Hollywood--blah! Those are all the results of collective actions. We created this mess of a world, focusing on the symbols is simply an easy way for us to pass on our personal responsibility.
For editorial I freelance for a few small and medium sized publications in Toronto. I also do some portraiture, commercial, private work to help make ends meet, and I still keep a part-time job to make sure that I have money to eat and pay rent!
If you're interested in getting work done get in touch and we'll work something out!
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[above: Rain showers in Manila.]
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[28.10.07National Women's Day of Protest: Gabriela organised rally calling for GMA to step down.The rally attempted to go to Mendiola but was stopped by police metres after it began (at St. St Anthony's near Legarda LRT2 Sta.).The rally took place where they were stopped.The Nat'l Day of Women's Protest began on 28 Oct 1983 calling for the end of the Marco's dictatorship.]
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