Through Filipino Eyes: A Year of Light, Friendship, and Stories in Focus

By Yasmin Echenique

When Mary Joahnna-Carmelle Cruz, a theatre nurse in Reading, decided to pursue her interest in photography, she wasn’t just chasing a new hobby — she was searching for connection.

After joining several photography photo walks across the UK, she realized what she longed for was something more local, more relaxed, and more familiar — a space where Filipinos could gather, walk, talk, share stories about photography, discover new sceneries, and, of course, enjoy food together.

At the time, there was no group specifically for Filipino photographers in the UK. So, she made a bold move — and created one.

What began as a simple idea — a Filipino photography group in the UK — has, in just one year, blossomed into a vibrant community of over 330 members. New colleagues and old friends alike have joined, united by one love: photography.

The First Steps

The early days weren’t easy. For the first couple of months, only about forty members joined — mostly the same faces sharing photos.

But with the help of an old colleague and former college classmate, Rogie Delos Santos, also an artist and photographer, Mary pushed through with the group’s first photo walk.

It was a simple event, but it became something special — laughter, stories, and the joy of finally meeting the faces behind the photos online. That day, Mary found what she had been searching for: the warmth of a shared culture, the familiar rhythm of the language, and the instant bond that comes from seeing through the same lens of creativity and roots.

Soon after came the first masterclass on Macrophotography, led by Mr. Gerry Caracas, where members learned techniques to make subjects pop and bring the smallest details to life. Then came more events — collaborations, casual photo walks, and the start of a rhythm: gathering, learning, and creating together.

It quickly became clear that street photography was the heartbeat of the group.From puddle reflections to fleeting expressions, members captured the poetry of everyday life across London — and soon, beyond. Filipino photographers from Sunderland, Wales, and Scotland joined in, sharing glimpses of their towns and cities.

Even those who had never met in person found connection through shared images — each photo a reflection of light, place, and perspective.

Beyond the Streets

As creativity flourished, playful rivalries emerged — whose city had the most picturesque views? Then, another passion took root: wildlife photography. Photos of elusive foxes, majestic birds, and deer with mighty antlers began to fill the group’s feed.

From there, diversity only grew — lifestyle, food, mobile snapshots, and more. Members began organizing mini photo walks in national parks and cities across the UK, sometimes just a few friends meeting at sunrise to shoot and share.

The group had become diverse, vibrant, and alive.

Building Cohesion

To bring everyone together, the admins launched a Weekly Challenge, where a theme is posted and members share their interpretations. The results were beautiful and deeply personal — one theme, a dozen perspectives.

By October, the tradition evolved into a Photo of the Week voted by members. It wasn’t about competition but recognition — celebrating effort, creativity, and the courage to share one’s story through the lens.

Defining Moments

Then came an unexpected but defining opportunity. Manong George and his team invited the Filipino UK Photographers to cover the 2025 Sama-Summer Get-Together in East London.

The day overflowed with energy — the aroma of Filipino food, laughter from games, and the warmth of community. For the photographers, it was paradise: everywhere they turned, a moment waited to be captured — smiles, children playing, families reconnecting.

That event gave the group a sense of identity and purpose. It showed that they weren’t just hobbyists sharing pictures online — they were a creative entity, trusted to document the life and spirit of their community.

Since then, invitations have continued to come — each one a chance to grow, connect, and create. Members have proven that this group isn’t about profit or prestige — it’s about creativity, camaraderie, and storytelling.

A Year Marked by Creativity

As the group celebrated its first anniversary, it wasn’t just a look back — it was a step forward.

It began with the first-ever Photo Competition, in collaboration with Manong George and the Filipino UK Nurses Community entitled “Malayo na, Malayo pa,” the competition explores the journeys of life — whether grand adventures or simple daily walks. It challenges photographers to capture these journeys through still images, creatively and powerfully.

🔗 Check out the full competition mechanics here:

 https://www.filipinouknurse.com/photo-competition

👥 Join our Facebook group: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/892245646213713/?ref=share

Prizes are at stake, but the real reward lies in the shared artistry and passion. The competition is still open, welcoming all members — whether shooting with a DSLR or a mobile phone — to tell their stories through their lens.

Next comes the first Professional Workshop on Lighting and Studio Photography, scheduled for December 7, 2025, to be followed by a Christmas Market Photowalk in London — a celebration of lights, streets, and the season’s festive buzz.

And that’s only the beginning. Several collaborations with other Filipino creative groups are already lined up for 2026, promising new ways to learn, connect, and create.