DISCOVERING a new passion can alter the course of one's life, and for SBCA Alumnus Rex Reynaldo Cabugon, holding a camera during his second year in the B.A. Communications and Media Studies (CMS) program sparked his transformation from a budding writer to a passionate photographer. In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Cabugon reflected on his journey from capturing everyday stories through street photography to becoming a professional photographer at the Ayala Museum. 

Shifting to Visual Storytelling 

A borrowed Nikon D40 and a newfound dream was all it took for Sir Rex Cabugon to realize his passion for photography. Cabugon initially took up CMS to become a writer which shifted after he was introduced to a camera during his sophomore year. He was given the impression that a camera was a tool that could help you capture stories, leading to his first interest which was the art of street photography. He explained that this style of photography anchors on finding stories to tell in the mundane activities of day-to-day life. Cabugon elaborated, “You tell the stories of people anywhere — in local jeepney drivers, a resting security guard, people walking down the streets, [and] kids playing. Those are the basic stories that you can see outside.” His interest in street photography grew over time, and his passion for the art only deepened which eventually led to his career now as a professional photographer. 

“I Look For What Makes Me Happy”

Cabugon's passion for the art form is the driving force behind his photography. He recalls an anecdote by his first mentor: “Photography looks glamorous on the outside, but on the inside requires a lot of patience, hard work, and passion.” He mentioned that it makes him happy when he takes photographs, whether in ordinary or glamorous setups. 

As a photographer for the Ayala Museum, he cherishes the opportunity to unveil and share history's hidden treasures to the world. Notably, one significant milestone was his role in revealing Juan Luna's long-lost painting, "Hymen, oh Hyménée!", the holy grail of Philippine art as regarded by many art collectors. He said that being at the forefront of history unfolding is a privilege he cherishes dearly: "We get to see the history firsthand as it unveils.”

Photography Is Endless

Within the walls of Ayala Museum, Cabugon's lens serve as a guardian of Filipino culture, nurturing and promoting its heritage through his evocative images. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that all forms of photography hold inherent value and storytelling potential which is achievable through grasping fundamental art concepts for those who wish to delve deeper into the craft. Through his work, he strives to ignite a rekindled appreciation for photography's storytelling magic.

With almost everyone owning a point-and-shoot camera, particularly their smartphones, photography is increasingly more accessible. He pointed out that with the surge in the younger generation’s interest in photography, storytelling tends to be overlooked which leads to a loss of essence and meaning in photographs.

Just A Matter Of Perspective

For Cabugon, fostering a culture that embraces diverse viewpoints is crucial in appreciating photography.  He expressed, “The people right now tend to comment on what you believe in.” As everyone perceives the world differently, photography is a tool that allows people to share stories from various viewpoints. Because of this, Cabugon emphasized the importance of never losing sight of one’s perspective to use photography to cultivate Filipino art's vibrant nature. To all aspiring photographers, take to heart his wisdom: photography isn't just a medium, but a tool to shed light on the rich narratives that define us all.