MMS 173 Assignment 1:
Knowing Where I'm At (Part 1) 

1 | Skyline

Taken with iPhone XR

December 14, 2019 // 11:04 AM

Pasay City, Metro Manila

Among the three photos I have chosen, this one is the oldest, having been taken all the way back in 2019. I remember taking this with my phone on a view out of Mall of Asia’s parking lot during a trip with my friends.

It was late morning when we arrived, and I was just mindlessly taking photos of the place to capture some memories, but it was only until I did this activity where it stood out to me. I particularly picked this photo because of the quality of contrast in the subjects. Against the clear blue sky stood the angular, geometric forms of the buildings in various shapes, textures, and colors. Side-by-side, I think both halves emphasize each other’s visual interest. There’s a symmetry to the attention that each half calls depending on the perspective – one can choose to focus on the skies or on the cityscape. 

Urban sceneries also hold a fascinating quality to me. Seeing sprawling buildings feels like a reminder of how tiny and insignificant everything really is, and I feel like this photo captures that essence. 

2 | Gazebo

Taken with iPhone XR

January 7, 2023 // 2:16 PM

Baguio City, Benguet

This one was taken at Camp John Hay, coincidentally also during a trip with my friends in 2023. Similar to the previous picture, this was taken when we had arrived at the destination after a long walk, and I was just snapping away.

Truth be told, I think this photo doesn’t have much to set it apart from other tourist photos out there. That being said, what I appreciate the most about this picture is its framing and composition. The way that the gazebo is positioned feels more visually interesting than if it were to be centered. Additionally, there was a quality of contrast despite the heavy greenery on the photo, as the sun lit and casted shadows over certain areas. I find that it framed the subject better. Granted, these factors weren’t really in my control as a photographer, but they still contributed to a harmonious and balanced picture. Other people in the area also taking photos are seen in the middle, adding some sense of scale. It puts into perspective how large the area is, and consequently, how small we are. 

Lastly, although this might just be my sentimentality talking, I also value photographs a lot more because of the memories associated with them.

3 | The City is Asleep 

Taken with iPhone XR

February 14, 2025 // 5:43 AM

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija 

The final picture was just taken recently, after having a hard time finding something that I wanted to use for this assignment. This was taken at Cabanatuan City during an early morning walk around the city center. I saw interest in these particular areas during that specific point in time.

It’s a classic hallway or corridor style photo, dimly illuminated by the surrounding streetlights. Compared to the previous two pictures, I think this one is quite different – it’s less of a sweeping, vast view of something, instead more close-up. There are tons of elements and textures that, on paper, might sound messy, but are pulled together by the dark atmosphere and the photo angle.

I have always admired nocturnal scenes, whether in media representation or simply in real life.  I can go on a whole tangent about the enigmatic beauty of nighttime. To put it simply however, I ultimately chose this photo as there’s an almost serene or calm quality to it knowing that a few hours after, this place will return to its usual hustle and bustle. However, at this captured moment, everything is still. This kind of interpretation, one that goes beyond the portrayed elements, elevates a photo’s aesthetic value for me.