Picture Perfect : Through A Lens, Clearly

As a frustrated (professional) photographer, I have dreamed of having a photo taken by me published in a magazine.  This was included  in the list of my "Things To Do Before I Die" which I wrote in 1998 and in 2001, hehehe...

This month, exactly on September 11, 2012.  I had this dream accomplished! Sort of, hehehe...

Some  years ago, I chanced upon a section of the Manila Bulletin.  Picture Perfect.  Where they feature photographers as well as photos by professionals and amateurs/hobbyists send by the readers.  I have collected some issues as I thought of one day seeing my pictures on it. hehehe... Then years, passed. I forgot about it. 

Last year, I again got the yearning to see one of my pictures in Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect.  So, in October 2011, I made an inquiry to Ronald Jayme if a picture taken from a point-and-shoot camera is fine as an entry.  He then replied "Point and shoot is ok for as as long as you have a good capture, wala sa camera na."  I got so excited.  I thought of looking into my photos and check on which ones to send.  Then again, I forgot about it.  Actually, fear has let me forget about it. hehehe.. I was then too scared to even send a picture. 

But in August.  August 21, 2012, I finally got the guts to send not just one but three photos as my entry to Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect.   :-)

My first picture :  Angry Sky 
Taken in November 2010 at Zamboanga City

Second picture :  Pensive Badjao Boy 
Taken in November 2010 in Zamboanga City

Third picture :  Sunset Walk
Taken in October 2011 during the Worldwide Photowalk in Iligan City

After sending my entries, I checked my emails everyday for 1 week for any reply from Picture Perfect.  But didn't get any.  I kind of got disappointed and thought maybe my entries where not good enough.  

But on the 10th day, August 31, 2012.  I unexpectedly got an email from Rafael Paredes.  I got a bit excited when I saw the subject of the email as "Picture Perfect".  :-)

When I opened the email this is what he wrote :

Hi Revilla.

The editor passed on your email to my column, Through A Lens, Clearly. Can you share if you are still a student or already employed? Also, how long have you been enjoying photography?

I will wait for your response.

best regards,

Raffy Paredes

I have to read it over and over again.  I don't know what to do.  I was like, does this mean my entry was accepted?  Even from the email, I still didn't know.  I probably got over excited, hehehe...I forwarded the email to Pat and asked him his comment.  He just told me to send a reply.  So, I replied and gave some information about me. 

Then again, I waited for another email from Raffy Paredes.  But got none for a few days.

And on September 6, 2012, I received one of the greatest news ever.   An email again, from Raffy Paredes.  And this is what it said :

I was reading it in the office.  And I couldn't contain myself.  I wanted to shout and jump for joy.  But I didn't.  I just sat there. Stared at my computer screen and read the email over and over again.  With my head screaming and my heart beating fast.   Then by coincidence, Pat called me.  I planned on surprising him of the good news.  However, due to over excitement, I told him.  hehehe... But then telling him was good as it also got the tension out of my body. hehe.. Pat and I then wondered which photo was selected. 

Since then, I couldn't wait for September 11 to arrive.

September 11, 2012.  At 10:00am I went to the News Stand  to buy the Manila Bulletin issue.  But couldn't find one.  They said it has not yet arrived.  Maybe at around 11:30am.  I went back to the office and asked my officemate to buy 2 copies for me before he returns to the office after lunch.  

At 12:30 pm, Pat called me.  And announced that he has already got a newspaper and seen my entry!  Waaaaaaaaahhhhhh!  Nauna siya nako! (He saw it first!).  He then told me which photo was published and read to me the write-up.  :-)


At around 1:30 in the afternoon, I finally got hold of the copy of Manila Bulletin.  And this is what I saw :

The Pensive Badjao Boy was featured!  Yeheyyyy!

I was so happy!  I immediately scanned the page and made the scanned copy my computer's wallpaper background. :-D


Pat suggested that I reserve a copy of the page and have it framed.  :-)

I know that my dream is to have a picture taken by me published in a magazine.  This is a newspaper.  But I don't mind.  For me, a published photo is a published photo.  And besides, Manila Bulletin is a nationwide newspaper.   And having accomplished this made me realized that :

1.  Conquering one's fear and taking action is the key factor in achieving your dream.  If I didn't submit an entry.  I will never know. Ever.
2.  Since one of my entries was featured, then now I know I have some talent in photography which I will have to further develop.  :-)
3.  This will not be my first and last entry to Picture Perfect.  I definitely will send another.  Next goal is : Photo of the Week.  :-D

4.  I will then submit an entry to a magazine. Starting with a national magazine. Pat suggested the Mabuhay magazine.  :-)


Well, that's it for now.

Another accomplishment for my 38th year here on Earth!  :-)