Ben Madilynn
I’ve always been in the province of Pampanga but I never stepped foot in Guagua. I never planned on visiting it; not even in the near future.
But that all changed when Fujifilm brought us there for an assignment. With a couple of friends and fellow photographers, we explored Guagua, armed with the Fujifilm X-T50 and our excitement to explore every nook and cranny of the town’s rich history.
Flavors of home
The first order of business is to be welcomed by Guagua’s flavors that feels like a warm embrace. We stopped over at Apag Marangle, a restaurant famed for its authentic Kapampangan cuisine, where we enjoyed dishes that were more than just meals.
In photo: Vikka Francisco and I posing in front of Apag Marangle’s two-way mirror.
Every bite carried a memory of history; and it felt like those stories were told through taste—old recipes passed down through generations.
Using the Fujifilm X-T50, we captured the richness of the meals’ flavors with its exceptional color reproduction. Every dish looked lively with its vibrant hues; as colorful as the tradition filled with love and history.
Carved with care
In the quiet side of Guagua, the art of woodcraft bustles. It’s home to Santeros—artisans who create Spanish-style religious sculptures. Statues of saints emerge from blocks of wood, every piece carved with reverence and artistry.
I was in awe while I watch how these artisans work. Their hands breathe life into every piece, continuing a tradition that are centuries old. They were steady and skillful, with each statue reflecting their patience and passion.
As I photographed their craftsmanship, I get to focus on the intricate details of their work. At one point, I accidentally adjusted the ISO that I ended up capturing blurred imagery. Surprisingly, they looked like art in itself—smudged with the same passion that the artisans poured into their carvings.
A masterpiece of faith
Right off the bat, we went to Guagua’s crown jewel dubbed as Betis Church. It is also known as St. James the Apostle Parish, known for its pink facade.
Stepping inside felt like entering another era—its Baroque architecture invited me to pause and reflect, not on faith, but on the history woven into its walls.
I took out the Fujifilm X-T50 and set the film simulation to Velvia, so I can capture the vivid colors of the church’s interiors and murals.
During my tour of the Pink church, I had the impression that it was radiating solemnity. While walking down the aisle, I marveled at the brilliant hues; looking at them with a sense of awe as if it spoke to me with faith and dedication.
Molded with meaning
Another stop is a facility that showcases how pottery is alive and thriving in the town of Guagua. We got to photograph the pottery process, watching the ceramists at work in dimly lit workstations.
We started to perspire as the heat inside the warehouse increased due to the earth oven being used to turn the earthly clays into beautiful, useful vessels.
Nevertheless, we were drawn in by the exquisite details that gleamed, despite our discomfort. Thanks to the Fujifilm X-T50’s high ISO sensitivity, I succeeded in capturing the intricate details, feel, and creative intention that each expertly carved piece possessed.
Where nature whispers
We took a stroll across an overlooking vista in the hopes of seeing the sunset before returning to Manila. Unfortunately, we missed it by half an hour, but we still got to see the skies bloom with delicate pink hues.
As the daring member of the party, I ascended to a greater altitude before the others arrived. I saw it as the ideal opportunity to stop, breathe it all in, and acknowledge the beauty unraveling before me.
I was able to capture the small moments using the Fujifilm X-T50’s dynamic range, like the softly waving shrubs on the undulating fields cast with pink accents from the blushing sky.
As I stood there, it occurred to me that perhaps the simplest things—a shared meal, a glimpse into someone else’s life, a calm moment in nature—are the ones worth cherishing the most.
Although it’s not on my bucket list, Guagua is definitely worth a trip. Sometimes, we all need to take a detour, armed with a camera like the Fujifilm X-T50 to record every memorable moment.
All photos are taken using the Fujifilm X-T50.
