Photography: "The Sun, the Clouds and Paoay Church"

Ang Simbahan ng Paoay ay marahil isa sa simbahang nakunan nang napakaraming litrato sa Pilipinas.  Noong pumunta ako noong 2008, medyo nag-aalanganin dahil ako ang pinakahuli sa aking mga kaibigang na nakabisita na sa lugar.  Gaano ba kaiba ang aking magiging litrato kumpara sa mga libo-libong litrato ng mga ibang manlalakbay?  Hindi ko naman basta basta gayahin na lamang ang kuha ng iba.

Ika-8 ng umaga nang natuntun ko ang lugar sakay ng dyipni.  Nang nasilayan ko na ang nakamamanghang tanawin, aking natanto na ang iglesia pala ay isa lamang entablado, ang araw at ang mga ulap ang sabik na makuhanan ng litrato.

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Paoay Church is probably one of the most photographed churches in the Philippines.  When I came to see the old church in 2008, I was a bit wary being one of the last of my friends who got to visit the place.  How could my photographs be any different from all countless travelers out there?  I could not just photograph Paoay Church the way others had photographed her.

It was around 8 in the morning when I reached the place via jeepney.  Once I got there and finally viewed the majestic sight, I realized that the church was just the stage, the sun and the clouds were the ones eager for a photo shoot.  (By Rob San Miguel)

Sample pictures from the Paoay Church Photo Series
Click image to enlarge

I combined two different shots of the church. The cloud moved a bit on the second shot and the sun dimmed a little. Well, what do you expect from models!