The Road is Life

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Indonesia | Saturday, October 16, 2010 | flickr photos

Each one of us has a trip to tell, a place to visit, a picture to show. And for each one, we find ways of best capturing what makes that voyage special. Perhaps whats often ignored is that its not about the destination but how you get there. We all have a destination in mind but life on the road is what makes it a lot more interesting.
These photos seek to document how the everyday people of my Indonesian trip find their way around the world and within each others everyday lives. Taken during a trip for my cousin's wedding, it was my first time to visit Indonesia. Having to drive to the province of Sukabumi allowed me to see not only the busy streets of Jakarta but also of the simple living of these people. Old culture and values remain despite the modern developments that time has brought.
As for me, my name is Derek. I am a 25 year old weekend warrior trying to squeeze what life has to offer through the people and places I meet and go to. As a member of the Loyola Mountaineers, I've explored not only the mountain peaks of the Philippines, but also of its infinite tropical islands and rain forests. Photography has always been a natural venue to capture my experiences and inspire others as emphasized in our thrust as environmentalists. "Leave nothing but footsteps; Kill nothing but time; Take nothing but pictures."
Already, I try to do my part in inspiring people of the beauty of the world around us. We give people a venue, not only to travel in remote locations. but also interact with people and environment in positive ways through Reforestation programs with Indigenous Peoples, and Rescue & Aid during local natural calamities.
I hope that being exposed to this scholarship will allow me to inspire more people to care for our environment, our people, and our culture.