Fernando Afable’s photography school in Tanauan, Batangas, brings the Filipino soul back to its artistic roots
By TRINA DELA RAMA

Journey home...

In 1989, Fernando moved to New York with a dream in his heart. He started as a security guard and maintenance staff member at the International Center of Photography. Even at that time, the ICP was renowned for its commitment to celebrating photographers and the “living significance of their work.” The Center was founded in 1974 by Cornell Capa, a former LIFE magazine staff photographer and brother to Robert Capa, one of the century’s most important photojournalists.

Finding himself at the epicenter of photographic art, he embraced the great opportunity for learning that lay before him. Fernando would ‘sit in’ at photography classes and absorb everything he could from the creative environment. His infectious spirit and ardent dedication led him to form deep friendships with international photographers, and it was through their encouragement and support that he would later pursue his dream. His sincere desire for mastery of the art opened another door for him: this time, straight into the heart of the matter, the darkroom.

Fernando has held the post of darkroom manager at the ICP for 10 years now, after having held the position of Operations Manager. He remains as steadfast in his work as in his desire to share the Philippines, its rich culture and hospitality, with his friends in photography. For 15 years, he nurtured his dream of building a photography school in the Philippines. Finding that the art form revolutionized his way of seeing and feeling – his entire life – Fernando wished to reach others and allow the magic of photography to change their lives as well.

The grain of a dream

The past 5 years have found Fernando finally building his school part by part using 15 years’ worth of effort and hard earned savings. “The ICP changes equipment every year, and seeing all the equipment being discarded, I thought I’d put them to good use,” says Fernando. From 1 set up in his studio apartment, his collection of equipment grew as the years went by, as did the urge to bring home photography to the Philippines.

He then stored the materials in Batangas, while a library of books found their way to temporary homes in friends’ bookshelves. The actual structure of the school began taking shape last year, designed by Fernando’s cousin, constructed on a family lot, and built from the very same wood from his demolished childhood home.


Building from the ground up, reaching from inside, out

The charm of the school lies primarily in its location. While Tanauan, Batangas is located just an hour and a half away from Metro Manila, its provincial charm captures the senses and serves as an eclectic backdrop for art. Like most places in the Philippines, it welcomes newcomers with same hospitality as one would family. The locals are warm and friendly, while the area is experiencing positive amounts of growth – both conducive to artists and their work.

The structure is divided into 3 areas on a single floor. The darkroom contains at least 10 workspaces and enlargers, an aluminum sink, and other materials integral to the printing process. It is separated from the drying area by a revolving door. The drying area sits comfortably beneath a tiny loft, built for the occasional guest (although accommodations are available in neighboring houses). The discussion area, on the other hand, houses Fernando’s expansive collection of books, as well as his collection of vintage cameras. Photographs by students are posted on the wall, and a large table at the center witnesses sharing, cooperation, and dialogue among peers. Large windows filter natural light into the room, setting every object aglow. The balance of light and darkness in this space mirrors the subtlety of tensions in photography, and the energy that stems from it.

Art at Home

The aptness of the name ‘Foto Baryo’ caps the realization of Fernando’s dream. The name is all at once Italian and Filipino, signifying the fusion of cultures and perspectives, the sharing of experiences in this home of art. ‘Baryo’ refers to the community, the home which one builds with people who work towards the same ideal and serve to live its purpose. Here, Fernando has built his home and he opens its doors to celebrate diversity and the power of photography to change the world in one’s eyes.

The heart of Fernando’s dream lies in the ability to share photography with Filipinos (with the same inspiring energy and sense of community as found at the ICP), and to use the school as a venue for positive cross-cultural and cross-class relations. Through the expert and wholehearted assistance of local and international instructors, the school intends to offer a range of black and white photography courses, from basic photography to advanced classes in large format and photojournalism. More significantly, these photographers will share their diverse perspectives on photography, exposing students to a variety of people, cultures, and worldviews. There are no restrictions with age, background, or skill level, as the school welcomes all who carry within them a genuine desire to learn and the lightness of spirit necessary in fostering the love of craft.

Since its inauguration in February 2006, several classes have set the pace for even more successful projects. The first was a continuation of their project in March of 2004. They addressed young adults and adults in the mountain province of Sagada, where Fernando and fellow photographer Pinky Urmaza set up a small darkroom with one enlarger. These students are documenting the disappearance of the indigenous culture of the region. They eagerly spent a week printing their work at Fernando’s school, following a formal printing class this time at Tanauan where 10 of the enlargers are installed.

The second course targeted a community of children aged 8-18 years old, from Paranaque, Metro Manila, who live in the remains of a resort that was destroyed by fire. Instructors on site in the students’ community encouraged the children to document their lives using Polaroid film and point and shoot cameras. The children later on learned to develop and print their photographs at the school, with the dedicated assistance of fellow photographer, Emily Schiffer.



The third course thus far was offered to children aged 8-15 from Tanauan, Batangas. The course, comprised of children from different social classes, encouraged artistic expression while allowing students to form natural friendships across class boundaries. The lesson and activities on basic black and white photography touched the children so deeply, that one of them cried with joy. A young boy, moved with emotion, shared his amazement at how photography changed the way he viewed the things around him; of how, by looking through the viewfinder, he was able to discover beauty in the ordinary.

While follow up classes are being organized to enhance these first three sessions, the school is looking into sharing photography with other communities. Lessons for a community of teenagers from a school for the deaf and mute are in the planning board, aiming to introduce students to the visual language of photography. The course is also intended to provide the students an additional means of expression. Another community is that of autistic children from Paranaque, Metro Manila. In this course, photography will be emphasized as a means of visual communication. It is hoped that an exhibit or a book of images can be compiled at the commencement of the course.

“The reactions of the people are overwhelming. I never quite expected the school to be this big,” shares Fernando. “But I am very happy with the warm reception, and the outpouring of excitement and support. Right now, I’m enjoying the entire experience; I just want to help other struggling photographers. I want to share my experiences and the equipment, while I’d like others to share their photos, their images, their energy, their experience.”

Fund raising for the continuous projects is ongoing. Assistance of any form to help sustain the school and its programs is most welcome. Contact: Amor Rodriguez (0917) 5453605 (Tanauan); email fotobaryo@gmail.com

Foto Baryo's Old Magic in Manila Bulletin

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