Issuu

practice of perception

spotlight

The Way of Raven A heartfelt grace

new photos

insight in sight color impressions days 32-57/365

Issue : march 2021 - 94 pp

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Dedicated to those who seek the meaning and beauty of life through the grace of seeing.

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A photography magazine that builds on the The March issue is a collection of February's concept of seeing the world with enlivened images, particularly days 32 through 57, and are eyes! part of project 365 for 2021. The Contemplative Maniniyot (“Maniniyot” is It's a stark contrast to the February issue that a Bisaya word for “Photographer”) is my focused on vivid colors. These photographs are photographer’s moniker and Facebook page more quiet, reflective, and contemplative. title. As a contemplative photographer, I strive to I shot these photos in a Japanese restaurant, and reflect and respond to each moment a Thai branded hotel in Davao City, Philippines. I presented. To achieve this, I practice made use of my waiting or leisure time to practice awareness through regular brain exercises, seeing. meditation, mindfulness leading to insights left by walking Life’s meandering path. The In this issue, I am excited to focus a spotlight on a result of this is the creation of compelling fellow minimalist and contemplative images. This magazine, therefore, is all about p h o t o g r a p h e r, seeing the profound in the mundane and Raven "Ven" sometimes profane. Dahonog. I am I encourage you, dear viewer, to appreciate introducing him the presented images. SEE it as a conceptual and sharing his heartfelt story expression from my initial color perception. with you about how he coped about the march issue with daily March is the stresses through a n n i v e r s a r y photography. It month of when describes it as his the COVID-19 "saving grace." p a n d e m i c affected the world! We are still practicing the health and safety protocols. We avoid going out unnecessarily, but if we do, we are even more careful.

Lastly, I will share some new contemplative photographs while doing the laundry and doing some errands. I hope you enjoy seeing them as they are. ~OtO~

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day 32 p 11

day 33 p 12

day 34 p 13

day 35 p 14

day 39 p 24

day 40 p 25

day 41 p 23

day 42 p 26

pp. 58 - 71

day 47 p 60

day 48 p 61

day 49 p 63

day 54 p 66

day 55 p 68

day 56 p 68

day 57 p 69 © jose miguel lisbona 2021

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day 36 p 17

pp 18 - 31

day 37 p 21

day 38 p 22

day 43 p 28

day 44 p 29

day 45 p 30

day 46 p 31

day 50 p 64

day 51 p 65

day 52 p 66

day 53 p 66

pp 32 - 57 © jose miguel lisbona 2021

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Mellowing out month. Last concepts, now perception. February the first! 32/365 01 Feb 2021

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So interesting. A way to insight is in sight. Light and Shadow too.

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Wanting to sit down. It does standout when it pops. Coming from somewhere.

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Not so clear sometimes. Strolling and SEEing along. Not to clean sometimes. 35/365 04 Feb 2021

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Just colors behind. Diffusing light everywhere. Clear colors appear. 36/365 05 Feb 2021

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Opportunities. Waiting for my take away. Good time to practice. 37/365 06 Feb 2021

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Let my eyes wander. Perpetual さくら (Cherry blossoms) Blooming perceptions.

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Common daily sight. The reality that is. A new status quo.

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Waitresses waiting. はい, いらっしゃいませ! (Yes, Welcome!)

Arrows to follow. 42/365 11 Feb 2021

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Caught my eye, this one. Still waiting for the order. Guided to my seat.

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"X" marks my seat now. The plastic sheet in between. Expressive symbols!

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Guided to a booth. Settled down then I looked up. アハそです! (Aha, that’s it!)

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A flow state of mind From above to down below. はい, さよなら! (Yes. Goodbye!)

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Potential revealed Raven Mercher "Ven" Dahonog is one of those below-the-radar photographers who shoot differently from his peers. Being one of the Philippine Minimalists (PHm) administrators, an online minimalist photography Facebook group, I am honored to look at the images submitted to the group, appreciate and learn from them. Raven's early submissions to the PHm showed a lot of potentials. He is someone whose "eye" I am keeping an "eye" on. On one January day this year, I had one of those gut feelings that Ven's photographs are ready to be highlighted. I wanted to know more about him and why he shoots. After featuring Makki Lozano in the last issue of p.o.p phOtOs, I requested that he suggest my next feature photographer. As soon as I finished asking, he had at the ready, two names, and Raven was one of the two. It was an encouragement and confirmation for me to go ahead. So I contacted him to ask if I could write an article about him to which he happily agreed. It was a quick chat, and we scheduled on his day-off to have more time to have a conversation away from his work as a Merchandiser and service crew in Bacoor City, Cavite. He started photography as a matter of curiosity and began trying out abstractions and minimalism. As he practiced, he started enjoying it and soon it became more than a hobby; it became a lifestyle.

“ @wayoft

is my way of being i Just like the brave bird R I will venture higher and see ev

Over the past three-plus years, I found out that he developed a keen eye for the contemplative photography genre. He appreciated the "open-mindedness" and the "as-iswhere-is" nature of it. It was easy for him to take snaps because of the versatility and accessibility of the mobile phone camera he uses to capture those moments and scenes. Soon, he joined four local online groups. Two phone camera-centric general photography groups of Eye Snap Mobile Photography and Pinoy Mobile Photographers. Two OtO 32

@wayo @mer

p.o.p phOtOs open camera-specific genre groups of SWPH (Street Photography) and Philippine Minimalists (Minimalism Photography). PHm consistently recognized his photos for their minimalism and contemplative value.

A deeper conversation When I asked him specifically what photography meant to him, it started a more profound sharing. From 2017 to 2018, Ven was experiencing a low in his personal life. So much so that he felt like he was stifled, low-spirited, and unable to express himself well in the things he did. One day, he thought of shooting photos from his mobile phone. He took a liking to it and slowly got out of the blue funk. It lifted his spirits to a better place. "Photography was and still is my saving grace.", he recalls with conviction. "It is my way of expressing my thoughts and emotions.", he continues.

theraven ”

n expressing myself. Raven just like my name: veything what life has to offer.

yoftheraven rchersky

Raven described himself as an introvert, and photography helped to open him up in new ways. He became more open-minded and open-hearted, and when things do not go the way he wanted, he can go with the flow to sort things out to make things better. He embraces the unusual and blends with whatever circumstances the situation brings. The characteristics described are reflected in his photos and personality, as you can see in the following pages' photos. From his point of view, Ven looks for simplicity in photos and how memorable they could be. At this point in our conversation, I had one of my "feelings" again. I intuitively delved into the "Why" he shoots. He expounded that when he can make a good photo or sees one, he feels his "heart-warming up."

"Life must go on!" He told me, "… and to see it always in a fresh way brings a lot of learning and new perspectives." ~ continued on p 56 33 OtO

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“

My first contemplative photo was this picture. I took my first step just outside our

home, and then I saw this scene that fascinated me so much. It was like a “lost masterpiece” that came looking for me and "shouted" at me as if to catch my attention. My curiosity is growing day by day in this particular genre.

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“

I decided to go to Baclaran, particularly to the Redemptorist Church, during my job search after graduating from TESDA. For Catholics, it was a busy, well-known place and full of people. After I prayed inside the church, I felt a lot calmer and I began to practice SEEing and shooting. Just by looking at this photo, I really felt the hard work of people in the community, and it's beautiful.

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Testing our minds now. Going with the flow and glow. Truthfully seeing.

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“

T he haiku on the left was the first haiku I received from Hermano Migs as a comment for the photo. I asked my self “ Why not add a haiku to my pictures?” I found this exercise calming and exciting.

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“

Rainy season comes. Watching leaves fall to the ground. Petrichor hits me.

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Swirling gracefully. Alluring in broad daylight. Relaxing our mind

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“

After last year's class at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Training Center, I did a quick photo walk on my way to catch a jeepney ride. I saw this and it felt wonderful yet puzzling! The corrugated sheets and the back light hitting it. I thought my constant practicing on seeing is paying off.

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Light and shadows seen. Profound play on metal sheet. Such sight in sight! ~Migs Lisbona

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“

Tphotography! here is beauty in contemplative May hidden gems.

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“

I saw the reflection shine from very far away, and as I came closer, I cherished that moment. That is something I have never seen nor felt before. It was a heartwarming experience if I could describe the feeling.

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“

After jogging and on my way home, I also practice my photography. I do not only do

physical exercises but also mental exercises as well. It's a perfect way to train in seeing life differently.

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p.o.p phOtOs ~ continued from p 33

A graceful insight Ven says that he is still starting and continues to develop his "eye" and see things fresher. He is citing Nark Dayak, Joel Larupay, Philip Am Guay, Cel Palanagas, the late Elena Marcelino Taeza, and Micheal Wood, among other photographers, who influenced him to do better. We conversed a bit longer than I promised, but he continued to share. Ven felt the grace every time he could "see" the beauty of Life, and when he remembers those moments, he felt his heart "warmup." At that instance, it suddenly "clicked" for him and me. He connected that from a low point in his life to his photography practice; Ven was able to experience a #hearfeltgrace in what he is doing! Ven was ecstatic with this insight! It made so much sense for him in a profound way that he never felt before. We continued to talk about photography until we completed the interview.

Way of Raven As birds, Ravens are usually associated with loss and ill omens, perhaps because of their black feathers, among other characteristics. Yet, its symbolism is quite intricate. As a talking bird, the raven jointly represents prophecy and deep insight. In Greek mythology, Ravens usually act as psychopomps or the spiritual guide of a living person's soul. With the above, the way of Raven Dahonog's heart is to experience grace through what Life gives him be it the highs and lows. His graceful heart, in a way, guided him to see his soul through his photography.

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It was indeed the way for Raven's newfound courage, strength, and ultimately his saving grace. ~OtO~

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Influences Nark Dayak Joel Larupa Philip Am Guay Cel Palanagas Elena Marcelino Taeza (+) Micheal Wood

Online Photography Groups Eye Snap Mobile Photography (ESMP) Pinoy Mobile Photographers (PMP) Street Walkers Philippines (SWPH) - Street Photography Philippine Minimalists (PHm)

Gear & image processing software used Huawei Nova 7se Huawei Y7 Pro Snapseed Adobe Lightroom mobile 57 OtO

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Japan to Thailand. Eating lunch at Benjarong. สวัสดีกระ, sir/ma'am! (Hello)

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Grabbed my eyes this one. Such a glass filter peeper. Like a bloom in bloom!

48/365 17 Feb 2021 © jose miguel lisbona 2021

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Caught my eye on this. While waiting for some tom yam. Interiors' pleasing sights. 49/365 18 Feb 2021

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My eyes and the wall. Appreciate and then click. By part or its whole.

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A quick glance and it popped. The light is such a delight. The line is sublime.

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Just awesome to see. Early in the morning walk. I stopped and lingered. 52/365 21 Feb 2021 OtO 66

The beauty in SEEk and it wil Mind and e

the mundane. ll find us here. eye are one.

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Like there is nothing. Simple is as SEEmple does. Love there is something. 54/365 23 Feb 2021 67 OtO

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Just gets me, this one. While having coffee, this pops! Be still now, this heart. 55/365 24 Feb 2021 OtO 68

A padded Such is the Perhaps qu

d tan pair e simplicity. uilted beige.

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Such is relaxing. Head slowly turning to it Oh lala then click. 57/365 26 Feb 2021 69 OtO

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Effortless beauty. A glance is all it took for me. First sight of insight. 1/5 30 Jan 2021

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Sunny day for me. First scanning and observing. Shadows give it life. 2/5 30 Jan 2021

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The bigger picture. Found somewhere on earth it seems. My mind’s eye reeling. 3/5 30 Jan 2021

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Rusty orange tones. Seemingly forsaken land. Vast and uncharted. 4/5 30 Jan 2021

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Oh my seeing eye! Driven to explore further. Courage to express!

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Very tall gold grass. Just strolling to an errand. Breeze thru Abreeza! 1/2 30 Jan 2021

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Lov’emall at first. Now, “Awaken Amazing”. Cool, Ayala Malls! 2/2 30 Jan 2021

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A�� M�� For the past twenty-five years, growth and service-oriented Jose Miguel “Migs” Lisbona

worked in the hospitality, academic services, and human development fields.

Migs is a visual artist interested in the street, documentary, panoramic 360°, minimalist, and contemplative photography genres. Photography for him is all about seeing the profound in the mundane and sometimes profane in moments seen. He describes his minimalist / contemplative photography as a “reflective/equivalence” style. He shoots as he sees it (as-is-where-is) using his mostly smartphone camera to create the pictures. Post-processing is also done minimally on a phone app. On occasions (like in this issue), he will conceptualize minimalist shots from experienced perceptions to create something simple, subtle, or loud (yet quiet). He encourages fellow visual artist photographers to shoot what moves them with purpose. Composing poetry is likewise of interest for him. Often linking haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines having five syllables on the first and last lines and the middle line having seven syllables, with photography. Originally from Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, he and his family are now residing in Davao City for the past decade. They consider themselves as “adopted children” of Davao City and Mindanao. Migs is a practicing life coach. A “fire-starter,” if you will, encourages others and groups to express, connect with their purpose and expand their strengths and abilities. Preparing a safe space for his friends and clients to connect, play and practice their expressions formally through one-on-one, group sessions, or informally in his role as an online curator/admin/moderator in various social media online groups. He loves and enjoys being with them through collaboration in their hopeful journey until they shine in whatever passion they follow. He believes in the brilliance that resides within each person. His sincere desire to inspire that spark so each can become centers upon themselves and ultimately inspire others. It is his real purpose to remind and encourage a BRILLIANT LIFE! For consultations or matangbuhay@gmail.com

coaching,

please

connect

with

him

via

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https://www.facebook.com/matangbuhay The Contemplative Maniniyot https://www.facebook.com/enlivenedeye

Contemplative and Minimalism @enlivenedeye Street Photography @seeingstreets 360° Photos @eyesee360 All photographs & texts © Jose Miguel Lisbona 2021 publishing

mvm

Photos from Raven Dahonog were used with permission No part of the e-publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission in writing from the the authors OtO 92

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mvm �� 2021

Contemplative March Issue pOp phOtOs