Photography, with its ability to unravel stories, captivates me. Beyond mere images, they serve as catalysts for conversation, gateways to shared experiences, and bridges to understanding.

 

My immigration journey has been both challenging and deeply meaningful. Moving from a vastly different culture and climate felt like being uprooted and transplanted onto unfamiliar soil. Documenting diverse immigrant stories helps me process the complex emotions of leaving one's home—it's enlightening yet bittersweet. As an aspiring filmmaker and photographer, I'm drawn to shedding light on this story.

 

I purposefully craft narratives from mundane moments, reshuffling my possessions to revive memories and weave intimate tales. Building upon my past project 'Ugnayan,' which explored the Filipino immigrant experience, 'Daluyan' aims to broaden the conversation around immigrant journeys. It seeks to foster empathy, connection, and a deeper understanding of the diverse, interconnected experiences that shape our collective human story.

 

These photos are my visual journal, capturing snippets of my daily life and expressing my relationship with both objects and my inner self. Translating others' stories into images is a challenging yet exciting endeavor. It goes beyond composition, requiring attentive listening and genuine presence.