The Museo ng Maynila

I attended the 3^rd Architectural Conservation Lecture Series on Architectural Photography last June 21, 2008. Sponsored by the Heritage Conservation Society, the lecture featured Prof. Tim Long, landscape and architectural photographer for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and Chicago Historical Foundation. Prof. Tim Long shared insights on the documentary project: “Daniel Burnham’s Enduring Vision for the Philippines: Creating a Photographic Document.” He noted that although Burnham’s vision for the Philippines was “never fully realized, it did exert a powerful influence for decades on building design, street schemes, and zoning codes in various regional capitals.” As I was listening to the lecture, the venue - the old Navy and Army Club which is now home to Heritage Conservation Society, the Museo ng Maynila, intrigued me. Always armed with a camera, I took shots of the building to satisfy my cultural curiosity. To restore the building, by the way, PhP 350 million needs to be raised.

Conservation society features Chicago photographer in lecture

The Heritage Conservation Society featured Prof. Tim Long, landscape and architectural photographer for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and Chicago Historical Foundation in its 3^rd Architectural Conservation Lecture Series on Architectural Photography, June 21, 2008, Museo ng Maynila (Army and Navy Club Building), Manila.

Prof. Tim Long shared insights on the documentary project: “Daniel Burnham’s Enduring Vision for the Philippines: Creating a Photographic Document.” He noted that although Burnham’s vision for the Philippines was “never fully realized, it did exert a powerful influence for decades on building design, street schemes, and zoning codes in various regional capitals.”

According to Long, Manila, despite becoming so dense with building and people, still has the markings of Burnham’s influence – “buildings clustered around Rizal Park and with field houses built for officers’ clubs and the Manila Hotel at the opposite end near the Manila Bay.”

Long also cited Baguio, as another city where Burnham’s influence is clearly manifested. Named after the designer, Burnham Park is situated in a central area with government buildings put up along a central axis of the park. The layout is even reminiscent of the older section of the Chicago Park District.

With the important facets of the Burnham Photography Project imparted to architecture and photography students and other enthusiasts, it is hoped that the project makes an important addition to Burnham’s contribution to architecture and city planning. Burnham, a Chicago architect, gained greater reputation as a city planner. He supervised the lay out and construction of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. In 1909, he also led the drafting of The Plan for Chicago, considered as the first example of a comprehensive planning document in the U.S.A. Burnham also worked on other city plans, including ones for Cleveland, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Manila.

Prof. Long, having a 25-year experience in photography, also gave notes on taking accurate and compelling photos of architecture. He simply zeroed in on perspective or angles- slowing down as one carefully studies the ideal angle for the shoot instead of experimenting on snapshots, learning how to crop, being responsible for every part and corner of the subject, and knowing the value of the structure. Long also emphasized the projection of the subject or landmark as how they are useful to people.

Long, who also teaches photography at Columbia College, is the director of the Portfolio Center. He is currently working on two book projects with the Center for American Places.

The Insomnolent Life in Tamondong's Pajama Party

Tamondong's somewhat dark, provoking, and humorous images are back.

As I sat and listen to him, I realized that he really never ceases to intrigue the restless mind. And one may continue to go on exploring and dig dipper into Tamondong’s fancy as he mounts “Pajama Party”, a look into an insomniac’s gray matter, on July 12 -31, 2008, at blanc, Crown Tower, 107 de la Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. .

Asked on the rationale of “Pajama Party”, Tamondong quipped “as an insomniac, I get the most creative juices at the wee hours of the night. It is when ideas pop and battle in my own consciousness.” It is in this consciousness that the antics of the restless nocturnal are stirred.

“Pajama Party” mirrors that consciousness. To cite an example, “Pillow Fight” is an attribution to throwing ideas and the battle of these thoughts in one’s brain.

His “Truth or Dare” simply reflects the game– a reality where one chooses either to open up or withhold at the mercy of the spinning empty bottle. “Jack & Company”, takes on one’s security blanket – a toy that becomes a witness, a sort of a friend to everyone and company to one’s mood and thus, becomes a source of inspiration.

“Be with friends on a drinking spree” seems to be what “Big Bellied Beer Buddies” says as a way out of a seemingly restless night.

“Bitch”, says Tamondong is a study on life’s bitchiness. One has to go on with the flow of life’s complications. And for the insomnolent life, there is always a stalker in oneself. There seem to be these omnipresent eyes that watch him on every thing he does. The body, no matter how restless, gives in and the mind simply tones down.

“Super Strong” speaks of the gentleness one craves for in the aroma and taste of pure and strong coffee. They simply relieve the tired heart.

It’s a busy life with relentless creation amidst isolation. There is no resentment but the thought of the unadulterated life in "Missing My Once Calm Self", gives Tamondong's hyperactive mind a respite. AA