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It was in the year 1986 that a small group of photo enthusiasts gathered together at the Fuji-YKL, at the P. Gomez branch in Hidalgo, Quiapo, Manila. Quiapo was then the hub of photography, as it still is today. Tony Raval, Lito Beltran, Budji, Nilo, Ms. Candaba and a few others got together to share their two cents worth on photography. According to Ka Lito, as he is fondly called, it was Ka Tony Raval who served as their mentor, as he patiently educated the others on the ins and outs of photography. It was their common love for the craft that made them come to a decision to put up a camera club. Initially, they thought of the name ‘Palpak Camera Club’ as most of the shots they took then were rejects. A board director of Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF), Mr. Joe Sarmiento, suggested that they think of another name as it might have a negative connotation later on when they become a success in the trade. From the word palpak, they were able to coin ALPHA. Thus, twenty years ago, ALPHA Camera Club was born. ALPHA stands for Association of Lovers of Photography and Arts. The initial thrust was to have a forum where the photographers can share their ideas in camera matters, in the belief that mentoring is the easiest way to learn photography; and to be able to sustain each member’s interest in photography. The pioneer group of ALPHA recalled their adventures way back when they covered the Edsa Revolution in February 1986. Some of them were even incarcerated at Camp Crame for four days, which turned out to be a blessing as they covered the historic revolt. They were fond of taking pictures of rallies, photojournalism type. They also ventured into travel shoots every now and then. In the mid eighties, ALPHA at one time had a maximum of ninety members. Meetings were held at the Fort Santiago, in an orphanage canteen. Photo contests were also held at Dreamhaus in Malate. In the late eighties, membership dwindled to a smaller group, yet the love for photography never diminished. In 1987, ALPHA was already a member of the Association of Philippine Camera Clubs, an arm of the FPPF. At present, ALPHA is still affiliated with the FPPF. ALPHA Camera Club’s best years were in 1995, 1996 and 1997 when it bagged the Photoworld Cup Championship Title. It was an unbeaten record in the Photoworld as ALPHA got the grand slam for three consecutive years. In the mid nineties up to the present, several members of ALPHA Camera Club consistently won in competitions, both in the national and international level. In the millennium year, ALPHA Camera Club has successfully mounted its first photo exhibit entitled ’Exhibit One’ held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The exhibit featured award winning shots of the club’s top photographers and the best of ALPHA’s folio, promoting awareness and conservation of our environment in the new millennium. It was sponsored by Fuji-YKL, FPPF, the Local Tourism of Baler, Quezon, Cactus Grill and Bar, and Nestle Philippines, Inc. Currently, ALPHA Camera Club consists of about forty active and inactive members who share the same passion in photography, as the pioneers did eighteen years ago. Members are an interesting mix of professional, serious amateurs and amateurs photographers, all of whom continue to strive for excellence in the craft. Monthly meetings and photo contests are held at the Fort Santiago, FPPF Chamber every last Sunday of the month. Out of town shoots are scheduled approximately four times a year in an ALPHA calendar year, as travel photography is one of ALPHA‘s charisma. ALPHA has been part of minor and major exhibits in the Manila, whether individual or as a group participation. A most recent realization of the camera club’s activity is having our second major group exhibit, entitled: NOSTALGIA: Laguna, Images of the Past, Captured at Present. It was put on show at The Alcove, Filipinas Heritage Library last April 1 up to April 28, 2004. It showcased twenty photographs in black and white, illustrating century-old and historical churches and houses in the province of Laguna. |