PHOTOS expose scenes that don’t normally fall under the limelight—the stories of the underdogs, the unheard of and unrecognized.
Bergel “Geloy” Concepcion, an advertising alumnus, opts to capture scenes in Philippine streets, which have an endless supply of “underappreciated stories.”
Concepcion never saw himself pursuing a profession other than cartooning or tattooing. He was first introduced to the photography scene when he enrolled at the University’s College of Fine Arts and Design in 2008.
Then 17-year-old Concepcion fell in love with capturing the “split seconds of life” and immortalizing them in photographs.
Concepcion’s love for adventures allowed him to outgrow being a conventional artist and become a striving photographer, using the people he meets during his travels as his subjects.
“The best thing about photography is the people you meet from all walks of life; I’ve captured many personalities from farmers to presidents,” he said in an interview.
With this simple vision, he has immortalized numerous stories of Filipinos—creating his own portfolio of their emotional success and struggles.
One of his favorite albums is his most recent collaboration with the Golden Gays of Manila for his project “Reynas de las Flores.” The queens, all glamorous and dressed up, posed for their portraits with their lavish appearances contrasting against the plain background.
His other photos and exhibits depict the daily activities people, with a romantic vibe that emphasizes the emotions of the subjects while attempting to find the light even in their darkest moments.
Before graduating from the University in 2012, Concepcion made his mark in the industry. In 2011, his honest depictions of real life earned for himself a spot working with the top brands and media companies in the Philippines.
Magazines started noticing his vision through his artistic and unique theme in taking photos. Concepcion was handed down projects from leading companies and began contributing to Esquire, Forbes and Men’s Health, as well as publishing firms and online media outlets Philippine Star, Rappler, Manila Review, Spot.ph, and Coconuts Manila.
“Even when you’re waiting for your big break, never stop producing photos. All you really need is patience and sacrifice for the things you really want to achieve,” he said.
Concepcion continued his pursuit of extraordinary stories in different cities and different streets around the world—from dramatic black and white portraits of economic poverty to festive-colored scenes of the bourgeois lifestyle.
In 2012, he represented the country in the 7th Angkor Photography Festival and Workshop in Cambodia, the longest running photography event in Southeast Asia participated in by photographers with decorated careers.
He also participated in the Month of Photography in Tokyo, exhibiting his original series, “Salamat 2011” where he showcased the devotion of Filipinos to the Black Nazarene.
His other local photography and art shows include the CASA San Miguel Artist in Residency Solo Exhibit in Zambales, Looking for Juan: Revolution in UP Diliman, as well as exhibits in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
“There really is no need for any recognition or fancy award. Taking photos, for me, is the best reward of all time. It’s a very humbling experience,” he said. Mary Grace C. Esmaya and Vianca A. Ocampo
