Crossing Bridges tour in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Photographers from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines converged in an extraordinary convention as they cross bridges and share each other’s culture through their lenses.

Photography has now become so popular that it transcends beyond its purpose, becoming a tool in understanding cultures and in tightening bonds among enthusiasts and professionals from diverse races.

The Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation hosted the 7th Crossing Bridges, bringing other Asian photographers to the heart of the Philippines – Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo – from November 19 to November 25 for this year’s Crossing Bridges 7.

Crossing Bridges was started in 2004 in Yogyakarta & Central Java, Indonesia crossing Hong Kong and Macau in 2005; Hanoi & Sapa, Vietnam in 2006;  Tawau & Semporma, Malaysia in 2007; Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2008 and Bukitinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia in 2009.

This year, Philippines took the honor of hosting this grand meeting of Asian photographers, choosing Cebu as their first stop.

At least 80 photographers were welcomed in a dinner hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government during their arrival last November 18. The following day, the Capitol made special arrangements for them to experience Suroy-suroy Sugbo, Explore the Midwest tour.

Cameras started clicking as soon as they saw the Kinsan Festival dancers of Aloguinsan. They were treated to a hearty breakfast feast before heading to Bojo Rock. Lunch was served in Lamac, Pinamungajan, and a tour in Carmen Copper Corporation in Toledo City capped the first day.

The first rays of sunlight greeted photographers as they spent the morning in Gaas, Balamban. Some went exploring the Transcentral Highway, while others went to Mt. Manunggal and a nearby cave in Gaas.

A fiesta-like atmosphere in Tuburan’s Bolocboloc Spring awed and amazed many first-timers, asking if it is always like this in Cebu.

“It is so different here. The people are so charming, they smile at you when they see you photographing them,” said Li Bich, a Vietnamese writer, photographer and a first-timer in the Philippines.

The uncooperative weather didn’t stop the photographers from taking photos along the shores of Maravilla in Tabuelan. It was the last stop of their 2-day tour in Cebu before heading to Bacolod & Iloilo.

The adventure is best said with photos, especially since the ones who took part were photographers. Here are some of the shots during the tour. (FREEMAN)