Asian photographers flock for the 16th time in Manila

Sri Lankan deligates

‘Crossing Bridges’ is an Asian travel Photography programme, the 16th edition of which was organised by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation and held in Manila, Philippines last April-May. The event which was managed by Eduviges Y. Huang, the President of F.P.P.F. was participated by around 120 photographers from nine countries. Crossing Bridges programme was the brain child of two photographers from Singapore and Indonesia initiated in 2004, held annually and subsequently Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Korea and Taiwan. This year Australia became the newest member of the group. It is important to state that no membership fee is charged to become a member of the Crossing Bridges programme. Each year the host country will organise a tailor-made tour for the participating photographers to capture places and events of photographic interest. So far this has taken place in Macau, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea,Taiwan, China and Sri Lanka since 2004. This year’s Sri Lankan delegation consisting of eighteen members were led by eminent photographer Bandu Gunaratne who also plays the role of country Leader for Sri Lanka for Crossing Bridges.

The objective of the Crossing Bridges programme is to bridge friendships, creating understanding, sharing knowledge and making awareness of new technology among member countries of South and South East Asia. By bringing the region’s photographers together once a year the group facilitates exchanging of knowledge, sharing experience and to explore new technologies relating to the field of Photography. Nevertheless, the gathering and it’s photo tour influences tourism promotion by means of sharing some exceptional pictures of the host country among more than 200,000 membership of the balance eight countries.   

All participants arrived in Manila by April 25, 2019 and the welcome ceremony and dinner was held at Vikings Restaurant. Following day it was an excursion to Villa Escudero where a customary lunch was served at a unique restaurant while feet of diners were dipped in crystal clear flowing water. A traditional dance performance was on stage to end the day. This display widely exposed personal talents in the Philippines performing art. Fort Santiago, Intramuros, China Town and Quirino Grand Stand were the photo locations of the day three. In the evening, participants witnessed the colourful Aliwan Festival. This year’s program was purposely aligned with this long-established national festival. The day four was a visit to Liliw which was an eco friendly export quality shoe production using banana fibre paet.   

Laguna is a “City of Carvings” which was the next day’s visit. A demonstration of soap carving, vegetable-fruit carving, wood carving and ice carving were on exhibition with the patronage of the Mayor of Paete who gave away a warm welcome to the visiting photographers. Next was a private museum of rare collection of ancient cameras. Manny Inumarable, the founder of the museum explained everything about the exhibits which was a highly valuable session to the visitors. Following day’s stay was at prestigious 107-year old Manila Hotel. Followed by a model photo shoot which included one past Miss Philippine at Fort Santiago. 

The host had organised a vibrant closing ceremony at Manila Hotel. It was unanimously decided at the ceremony to have next year’s Crossing Bridges event in Northern Vietnam. 

“It was a memorable seven-day tour in the Philippines where all the participants behaved like a single family. Irrespective of repeated participants as well as those joining for the first time, everybody strengthened their friendships during the occasion, ending their departures with almost tears,” states Bandu Gunaratne in a press release.