Filipino by choice

CEBU, Philippines - Daniel Carpentier, a Frenchman by birth,considered himself a Filipino by choice. Hewas, in fact, more Filipino than most of our countrymen, who were born, raised, and

have been living in our islands all their lives.

He explored more locations in the Philippines than most Filipinos. He took part in more rituals and traditions, attended more fiestas and festivals, tasted more local dishes, and engaged in more outdoor activities than the average Pinoy.

An adventurer by heart, he was a prolific photographer with a camera always slung around his body like an extension of his spirit. In his career, he amassed more than half a million images of life, capturing anything and everything beautiful.

In pursuit of a photo, the lensman crossed every road or highway on whatever mode of transportation. He even walked miles, under the most cruel weather conditions, to reach what seemed to be inaccessible places. For him, no place was unimportant to visit and photograph.

Born in Canteleu in Normandy, Daniel's love affair with travel and photography started with his own family trips around France. Back then, the curious young boy carried a Kodak 66, his first camera that featured a fold-out lens. At 17, he joined the French Navy and crossed the seas. He conquered each new port-of-call with his camera, his ever present companion.

In 1977, he left his childhood home for exotic Thailand, where he settled for 17 years as a manpower manager. Then, his interest about the Philippines was piqued through the amazing stories of many of his friends. In 1996, he made his way to our shores, and felt more than welcome.

The photos that he took of his very first vacation urged him to come back again and again. After several visits, Daniel became an investor in the country. Finally, with his Filipino ties growing stronger, he decided to stay on. Years later, in 2000, he surrendered to his first love, photography, and established PDP Digital, Inc. in Cebu. Aside from indulging his passion, he hoped to attract more foreigners through the new projects he would undertake in the photography and printing services company.

In this new act of his life, he captured the beauty of the country from the eye of a foreigner. Apart from vivid richness, this has lent his images with a sense of wonder. It's as if, through his work, you are discovering places for the first time-a secret cave, an old house, or a thick forest canopy.

Daniel produced several materials that starred the sights of the archipelago. There is the Your Guide book series, which featured destination hot spots. There are also the folded street maps and atlases of cities and islands.

He did two coffee table books, Central Philippines and Ladies of Cebu, a collection of portraits, as well. There are likewise the popular Philippine calendars and postcards, featuring stunning shots of the country's attractions and activities, flora and fauna.

Daniel just took every opportunity to share fabulous photographs with everyone. He even produced bookmarks and key chains with tiny images of grand cathedrals and majestic terraces.

Earlier this year, on January 30, 2012, Daniel passed on in a vehicular accident in Samar. The photographer, always with his camera, was taking pictures for his image bank on the way Bicol, where he was set to update a new guide for the region.

As a final celebration of the life of the happy wanderer, his ashes were scattered into the waters of Cebu, his favorite island of all. A large gathering of family, relatives, friends, and colleagues aboard several yachts and boats, witnessed as he became a part of the waters, earth, and sky of the country he cherished so much.

Daniel may have passed on, but his legacy continues in the immortal images of his beloved Philippines.

Pulp Digital is at Unit 3D, JL Building, Don Gil Garcia corner Don Jose Avila Sreets, Capitol Site, Cebu City. Call +6332 412 42 69 or +6332 412 41 61. (FREEMAN)