You can now join the Baguio Photographers Flickr Group. Kindly add your photos in the pool :)

September 1 marks the 98th Charter Day of Baguio City. I believe the traditional parade was cancelled by the organizers because of the weather. Nevertheless, a variety of activities have been lined up to commemorate the founding of Baguio (kindly click on this link to see the schedule of activities).

The Artist

 

Rudi Tabora’s involvement in photography dates back to the 1970’s. Being his family’s official photographer, he tells the Tabora family’s story in photographs that span more than three generations of pictures including those of his nieces’ and nephews’, as well as their children’s.

 

Rudi’s involvement in the local art scene in the 1990’s was further nourished when he was tasked to manage the much renowned and publicized Baguio Arts Festival; the yearly event put the city in the art and cultural map of the country. His interactions with various artists from different regions and countries fostered a genuine interest and passion for the arts. His exposure and discussions with artist friends, further honed his knowledge and skills as a photographer.

 

His earliest influences in photography were Baguio photographers Wig Tysman, Boy Yniguez and Tommy Hafalla. His latest inspiration, however, came from the works of young artist Fifi Perez, who exhibited her works at the Café by the Ruins earlier this year.

 

Inevitably, Rudi Tabora brings into his photography his ways of being and seeing as a Zen practitioner. He continuously nourishes his art and practice through discipline and study. Photographer & Zen Master Daido Loori is among his greatest influence in Zen photography.

 

Rudi Tabora is one of the members of the Baguio Zen Center for Oriental Spirituality affiliated with the Sanbo Kyodan Association - a contemporary lay Zen organization based in Japan.

 

SOULITUDE

 

Soulitude is a collection of black and white photographs that honor soul work of both viewer and artist. Stripped down to their barest essences, these ‘no color’ pictures take us to levels that evoke a way of seeing with heart and eye.

 

Varying moods, tones and emotions rise with the celebration of light and praising of shadows—a way of discovering beauty in ordinary scenes, a shift from denying to acknowledging loss, an attempt at capturing the moment while accepting its impermanence.

 

The images take us to the past. They allow us to appreciate our story, honor our fellow humans who have done intricate work with their hands, patiently, day after day. They allow us to find meaning in the ordinary.

 

 

Soulitude reminds us of quietness, of slowing down, of being here. Now. These images remind us to sit down. Have a cup of tea. Contemplate.

  

Soulitude is a celebration of everyday life! Just as it is.

 

 Exhibit ongoing till Aug. 25, '07

Start:	Jul 16, '07 5:00p
End:	Aug 25, '07
Location:	Cafe by the Ruins, Baguio City

First solo exhibit of black and white digital photos by Dr. Rudi Tabora ongoing at the Cafe by the Ruins, Chutug St. Baguio City; runs till Aug 25, 2007