Here are some sample pieces that Sheila and I did for the Peninsula Manila last year entitled "Timeless Filipino." These are currently on display in the newly renovated rooms of the hotel.

ARTISTS' STATEMENT

It has always been how we have used our photography—to go into a busy situation and find quiet spots, small details and moments that can hold all the meaning in the world.

We need not go far to find objects that have long since represented the word “Filipino.” We went into our kitchens, out on the streets, and to the local palengke. This is a closer look at these things we often overlook now. One can be surprised that they each have their own niche in our everyday that no modern and imported update can ever fill.

Of course, these are Filipino, even without having to learn them from textbooks in school. These objects have preceded us—existing even before we were thoughts in our parents’ and grandparents’ minds. In this age of globalization, these things still tell of our identities as Filipinos just as they had always done before.

They won’t be relegated to “relic” status anytime soon, being still so embedded in our daily lives. And no matter what we say, these things do matter to us, as Filipinos, no matter at what period we maybe in time.

JOREM CATILO + SHEILA JUAN

(Thanks to Stef for the write up)