About this project

Pasalubong is Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines) for the gift you bring back to family and friends from a distant place. A special token signifying the act of meeting again. 

Because of the meaning, I chose this word to represent the first photo series of my personal uncovering of the Philippines. I was born a first-generation Filipino American, in Southern California. My father is from Luzon, and my mother, the Visayas. This  informed me as a child and inspires my artwork as an adult. This book is the culmination of those experiences, as well as my pursuit to better understand where I came from.

My first step into the Philippines was in 2002. In addition to 16 hour bus rides north in Luzon, these fantasy-like images are my initial reactions to the country. I created them by first shooting with a small video camera. Then, to get closer to what I was experiencing, I would take stills with my twinlens Yashica and  Hasselblad.  On my journey, I performed this simultaneous, dual way of shooting as you see in the video: with overwhelming light, saturated with rich emotion and curiosity. I instantly knew that this intimacy I felt, is something I would want to share through my art. 

My carry-on luggage:

Images from solo bus trips - some included in the book;

With your support,  this special book will be produced with the quality it deserves. It will first help in finishing the scans from the negatives, necessary for hi-caliber printing. It will then contribute to the cost of distribution: i.e. the detailed production, shipping of the first edition, etc. My goal is to achieve the most compelling presentation for this project: foil stamped and hardbound with an original Ripsculpture I created  as the inset cover image. This image alludes to the ripping open of a Diksiyunaryong Ingles-Pilipino (English-Filipino Dictionary).

My approach to the culmination of these images does not end here! Rather than self-publishing a single book, I found it more meaningful to create a publishing house called, Gold Drum. With Gold Drum, I aim to continue sharing my work, as well as publish the work of other artists who have a distinct sensibility to understanding and sharing their culture. Pasalubong  represents the first of many hopeful endeavors created under this name. I envision Gold Drum as a creative platform where artists of different generations (originating from one country and living in another),  can inform others of their existence, and their paths. All of this through beautiful, quality, art publications of course.  

Pasalubong  and Gold Drum are projects I most strongly believe in and am very excited to share with you!  Please visit my website to familiarize more with my work.  Feel free to contact me with any inquiries, or simply to say hello and to acquaint ourselves. Kickstarter is an inspiring place for creative projects to fruition, but also a great way to connect with other artists. Twitter: @ViaGracia

Finally, Thank You very much for your time & interest in my project, both morally and monetarily. Salamat!

**A rewards example of the special types of packaging I do & of the limited edition Memory Game!