| The Camera Club of the Philippines
is an association of photography enthusiasts. It is the oldest continuing
photographic society in the country, perhaps even in Asia. Founded
on August 19, 1928, it existed without a break except for a brief period
in 1942-46 because of the Japanese occupation.
The founders were Miguel
J. Heras (a lawyer in the shipping business), Manuel R. de Cartagena (a
photo dealer), Vicente Mills (a government official in the Bureau of Lands),
Federico Montes (a lithographer or printer), Luis Guzman (a professional
photographer), Jose Mariano Ocampo (a propertybroker), Juan Mencarini (alinguist),
and Bonifacio S. Araullo (a bank executive). They elected the last two
as president and secretary, respectively, beginning an unbroken line of
club officers interrupted only during the Second World
War.
Competitions, photo excursions,
photo sessions and fellowships — these are the main elements characterizing
club activities from the very beginning until today. At present, the club
holds regular meetings and photo contests once a month, and at least four
times a year the members venture out in so-called on-the-spot competitions
which could be as near as Chinatown in Manila and as far as Palawan in
the western-most part of the Philippines. In the last three decades, the
club has added more external and outgoing activities like publications,
seminars, and exhibits in Metro Manila and elsewhere, twice outside of
the country.
The members come from varying
backgrounds, ages, levels and walks of life. . . businessmen, professionals,
executives, employees. . . young, middle-aged, retired . . . hobbyists
and professional photographers. Two bonds have kept them together these
75 years: friendship and a common love for photography.
Stamps and Official First
Day Covers will be available starting 1 December 2003 at the Philatelic
Service, Door 203, Liwasang
Bonifacio, 1000 Manila and
all Regional Offices of the Philippine Postal Corporation. |
