Last Sunday was spent with fellow 3diers as we listened to Mr. Gil Nartea and Mr. Luis Liwanag, both acclaimed photojournalists, talk about photojournalism and street photography.

Tata Gil, the rock and roll photographer of the Philippines teaches photojournalism at UP and shoots for the ABS-CBN publications group. He is formerly the chairman of Philippine Center for Photojournalism and is currently into street photography.

Identifying and exposing "organized chaos" in everything he sees, Luis Liwanag works for Newsbreak Magazine and is working for national daily broadsheets and numerous International photo wire agencies like AFP, AP and World Press Photo, among others.

It was truly an honor that they, despite hectic schedules, took time to be with the club for half a day, telling us stories and sharing their tips on this field. Mr. Nartea and Mr. Liwanag showed us some of their reportages as well. A critique of the 3diers' photos was done after the forum. This part took some time but both were so patient and enthisiastic in giving their comments. We were in high spirits during the small salo-salo simply because it was truly inspiring to hear from these pioneer photographers.

It was an important event for me, personally, as I am currently trying to explore my options in photography. Aside from travel photography, I am also drawn to taking newsworthy photos and taking photos on the streets. When I was younger, I used to want to be a journalist but that dream got sidetracked. My family discourgaed me because of the low pay and long sometimes dangerous hours that went with the profession. Also, I am always on the streets. My work and my very nature just can't seem to put me in one place. I am always on the go, riding and walking around the metro. Every "lakad" is a feast for the eyes as I am drawn to a lot of elements around. Even before I started to know about photography, I was always trying to frame things in my mind. On occassions, I even used my fingers as viewfinders. The photo sthat Mr. Nartea and Mr. Liwanag showed were tugs to my heart. They spoke to me more than photos of product or sports activities do. They spoke to me in ways I cannot explain or even comprehend at this point.

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We also had the privilege to meet Akira Liwanag, Mr. Luis Liwanag's son, on the event. Akira, only 15 years old, takes great photos and is already a budding photojournalist himself. View his photoblog and be amazed by clicking this.