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ON THE
STREET...
CHECK OUT XYZA’S PORTFOLIO
AT
TEXT AND INTERVIEW BY CHARMAINE BAYLON
Clockwise, from below: Xyza;
winter on the streets of Hong
Kong; Xyza taking a groufie
with Robin Moyer, Steve Porte
and Jonathan Van Smit at her
solo exhibit at the Philippine
Consulate in Hong Kong; a
little girl in Sabang Beach in
Aurora province
Xyza's a
rock star
indeed!
Were you surprised by the
attention that arose from
The New York Times
blog
feature? What are your
memories of that time?
Yes. I was very surprised and
overwhelmed. I’m a lone
wolf, a very simple girl, so
I didn’t know that it was a
huge deal. All I remember
is the love I received from
overseas Filipino workers the
world over. It’s very inspiring
and somehow it gave me a
new purpose in life. I never
thought I would be an
inspiration to anyone.
So, for you, what makes an
incredible street photo?
I always favor content over
form when it comes to
identifying a good street shot.
For me, if you like your image
then it’s good enough.
Your Occupy HK photos
are especially good
examples. How do you
prepare for these kinds
of situations and get the
photo you’re after?
I’m the type of person who
gives my best when I do
something. It’s always go
big or go home. So when I
shoot I’m mentally prepared.
I’m always in the front line
during the protest, aiming for
human emotions.
Your photos also give you
and other people a voice.
Photography is a powerful
tool. I want to plant a seed
of awareness by using
photography as a medium.
Awareness brings change
and with my images, I want
to give a voice to those who
are unheard, tell stories of
ordinary people, immortalize
moments. I also like it when
my photography inspires
people to see that all dreams
are valid.
What else are you looking
forward to?
I plan to do some projects in
Macau, I’ll have a new solo
exhibition here in Hong Kong
in April and a TEDx Talk. I’m
also learning how to shoot
video.
You’re known for always
taking your camera along
wherever you go. What
else can’t you leave home
without?
[Laughs] This is the first
time someone has asked
me that. I always have a
backpack containing my
wallet, lighter, extra shirt,
umbrella, medicine, keys and
a bar of chocolate.
What could we expect if
we tagged along with you
on one of your walks?
I walk with a headset on, so
we’d probably separate and
just meet later for coffee.
