There you go…. I’m a part of this year’s Creative IT List. I have to admit, my soul jumped out of my body for a bit upon seeing this.

The past several years have been one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride. For some people what I do is similar to being an auto mechanic. Photography is undervalued by the usual impression that a good photo can be achieved by technical perfection.

However, I’ve always seen whatever endeavor I do not as a technical skill that is mastered through countless practice, but as an expression of self, which is what I think how everyone should think of when being a photographer. In my case its a desire to be unseen and merely observe others. Like a shield to mask the emotion of inadequacy as a both a creative and a human being, I am content on being a conduit to relay the star shine of other artists to music fans who needed music to save them.

So, having this kind of recognition, and the powerful words that Grace Velasco has described me in the opening line is extremely overwhelming. It was also very touching that Tammy David was the one who scanned this for us (and is also part of the IT List!!! I’m so honored to be included alongside you) . She has believed in what I did ever since the beginning. Unbeknownst to Tammy, she has given me so much insight to improving what I do and that despite everything, I still have a long way to go.

I have to thank the greats — Eddie Boy Escudero, Regiben Romana, Erik Liongoren who, prior to me, have documented our artists with probably even more love than I am giving it now. They deserve the recognition more than I.

Thank you so much to Kissa Castaneda and Erwin Romulo. Now I’m off to find a copy of PREVIEW’s October issue.

To all the music photographers who have expressed their love and devotion to the music industry and to those who plan on treading this path — We are one. Mabuhay kayo.