Clichés are called clichés because whichever angle you look, it has been proven to hold some truth in it. This is exactly what Smart Communications championed when they invited guests to witness the unveiling of a project the’ve long cooked up with renowned digital artists.
Smart showcased the product of the successful fusion of technology and the arts through Internet for All: A Different Kind of Exhibit nestled at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The event crowns the month-long project of Smart Communications, Inc. that envisioned to capture and immortalize stories of how the Internet triumphed in giving positive change to millions of lives in the Philippines.
In its continuing vision to bring connectivity even in the most remote of places in the Philippines, three top photographers—Jake Verzosa, noted fashion photographer; Jo Ann Bitagcol, model turned celebrated photographer; and Apple Tapan-Serrano, known photo-genius from a family of famed photographers—were tapped to bring images of such stories strengthening this advocacy.
“And what could be more dramatic than a great shot?”
The exhibit opening was packed with enthusiasts of the digital arts headed by Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto, who gamely shared the project’s goals. “It is more than just getting people and communities to connect to the Web. We want to dramatize how more Filipinos from all walks of life are discovering benefits of Internet,” he shared. “And what could be more dramatic than a great shot?”
Jake Verzosa of magazine editorials and adventure snapshots fame shared, “I think that photography is the best medium for Smart to express their stories. Smart told us even from the deliberation on how we will go about the project to use photographers of varying styles so these stories can be depicted in a nice and dramatic way.”
The three photographers were compelled to travel to different sites (12 locations) in the country in search for touching stories captured in strong visuals for everyone to see. From Metro Manila to Naga, Camarines Sur to Gingoog, Misamis Oriental and Tagbilaran, Bohol, they sought for images that significantly characterize this advocacy.
Verzosa, making use of dramatic yet unpretentious black and white images, traveled from Coron, Palawan, Barobo, a municipality in Surigao and Pollillo Island in Quezon. His images captured what Smart, as the country’s leading Internet connectivity provider of the country, aimed to achieve in making a significant contribution in the lives of Filipinos.
“The Internet should be for all. Through this project, we hope to show different scenarios of how people are embracing the Internet because of the positive impact it can make on lives and communities.” states Orlando Vea, Smart Chief Wireless Advisor.
When asked how the project impacted her, Bitagcol shared, “It is challenging. At first we were shown photos to give our own interpretation.” Bitagcol’s images traversed varying issues on government health and the success of designer label, Dean & Trent—the common denominator among these, was how the Internet became a medium in carrying out their mission of making significant changes in communities. “It became interesting how we were able to interpret these with our own ideas discussing such a broad topic. But it turned out to be fun because we got to meet all these people—being in their own lives, their own spaces.” she adds.
For Tapan-Serrano, becoming learned of Smart’s advocacy made her to say yes easily. “I believe that there are concepts that when you get there, you get even more inspired that your concept becomes better once you’re already there.” she declares.
Tapan’s perfectly orchestrated images of excellent compositions and superb angles carried stories that even to her, made a significant mark. She traveled from Malapascua, Cebu, Baguio City and Camarines Sur in the pursuit of remarkable stories to shoot.
A stand-out for me was her photograph exposing of a deep narrative on how, even to the new generations of Malapascua (Cebu) residents, Internet has brought hope and improvement. “It was taken in this community where the first solar and wind power cell site was installed. The smiling kids in the photograph are kids of fathers whose life has changed because of this.”
Aside from the visual treat for guests of the event, gadgets were also exhibited to support the campaign “What’s the best broadband for you?” The “experience” zone in the venue banners the Smart’s goal of enabling the access of the Web most fitting to one’s lifestyle. These include the Smart Bro Plug-It, the Smart Bro Pocket Wifi, and the Smart microSIM.
