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‘Humans of Makati’ captured by photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani
Make It Makati partners with rising street photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani to capture city living in "Humans of Makati."
The exhibit, based on the popular "Humans of New York" blog by Brandon Stanton, is open to the public at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Featured on the photographs are 32 individuals, each sharing something about their experience as a Makati resident.
This is Bacani's first exhibit in the Philippines and also her first foray in color. She says that the project was a challenge, especially in terms of composition: "Hindi ako sanay!"
The Pinay photographer rose to prominence when her photos were picked up by New York Times' Lens Blog and has since been recognized for her struggle as an Overseas Filipino Worker and her skill in street photography. Bacani made it to the BBC 100 Women of the World 2015 list and Photo Boite's 30 Under 30 Women Photographers 2016.
Despite not being used to shooting in color, Bacani says that shooting "Humans of Makati" was important to her, as it promotes her personal belief that if you look hard enough, you'll realize that we're all the same.
"We are fighting different battles in the same war," Bacani said during the launch on Friday, adding that this is the reason why she advocates kindness.
In the exhibit, people share the same vision: better days, which they hope is in the streets of Makati. Some have found it, like young four-time Junior Golf World champion Jed Dy. The young athlete details an idyllic life: no traffic, time for leisure, and, because this is the social media age, fast Internet—he Skypes with his friends and does research on, of all things, wrestling.
On the other side of the spectrum is Alladin Narra. Unlike Dy, who sits composed with a still expression, Narra is out on the streets wearing a toothy smile.
Narra shared that he once dreamed of being a professional baseball player, but, because of his financial situation, he's a "takatak boy" on the streets of Makati instead. He doesn't look any less happy about it, but he there's a hint of disappointment in his words—mostly because he doesn't even get to watch games.
Some familiar faces are in the exhibit, like Mariana Zobel, Thea and Gab of 12/10 in Saguijo, and director Sid Maderazo.
Maderazo told GMA News Online that he was quite overjoyed when Ayala Land contacted him for the project and confessed his fascination for Bacani: "I said yes without any hesitation," he said.
"I'm not used to being in front of the camera, but being shot by Xyza was something else. I got goosebumps—I was so excited," he said. Before the photos were revealed to the public, he took a quick peek at his portrait.
Bacani shot Maderazo in his studio and warehouse on Jupiter Street, using only natural light—which has become a source of praise for Bacani's style.
Meanwhile, Bacani shared that her favorite shot of the series is of Enrico, a taxi driver. She pointed to the rosary hanging from his rear view mirror, flanked by Victoria Court stickers.
"'Di ba, medyo ang galing?" she said, laughing.
— BM, GMA News
"Humans of Makati" is up for viewing from January 29 to February 12, 2016 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
