PROJECT BRIEF:

TAN-AW MINDANAO: JOURNEY ACROSS TIME (Collection of Photographs of Mindanao 1900 - 2003)

TAN-AW MINDANAW is a project of the Philippine Center for Photojournalism (PCP), a group of working professional photographers from various newspapers and publications founded in 1997.

TAN-AW MINDANAW is a collection of photographs culled from various sources. The collection aims to depict Mindanao as an island full of bounty, her people rich in cultural heritage, stand steadfast in their achievements despite decades of marginalization.

TAN-AW MINDANAW believes that war and constant political and economic conflicting interests have turned Mindanao into an arena for intense human aspirations and suffering. Yet, Mindanaoans have refused to be pounded into submission. Their struggle as a people to survive is a truly remarkable story.

The PCP thru TAN-AW MINDANAW aspires to exhibit the story of these people and the land, which they are willing to die for. The PCP believes that the public should view Mindanao from a wider, larger perspective rather than the sensationalist depictions of war and kidnappings that gives Mindanao a frightening image. The PCP wishes to present a face of Mindanao that is human, proud, industrious, ancient and strong.

TAN-AW MINDANAW was conceptualized with the following specific objectives:

1. To help promote greater awareness about Mindanao and her people;

2. To create a unique visual educational tool for educators and other interested government and non-government organizations about Mindanao.

3. To help instigate critical, scholarly and practical popular inquiries through discussions that may be generated from the exhibition, the lecture series and the book.

4. To promote photography as a medium / tool for change in society; and as a legitimate art form.

TAN-AW MINDANAW is now a travelling Photo Exhibit

The photo collection, printed in 3 feet by 6 feet photo papers and mounted on self-standing metal frames has accompanying text presenting a historical timeline of the events that have shaped the land of Mindanao intersperse with major themes of the exhibit -- the Environment, the Community and Deity. Against the backdrop of these themes are selected photographs showing the multiplicity of relationships among the Christians, Muslims and the Lumads living together in Mindanao; how the natives have dealth with outside forces such as colonialization, multinational corporations, migration, rebellion, etc.

Watch out for the coffee table book and VCD/DVD versions.

For particulars, contact us at:

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR PHOTOJOURNALISM
c/o REAPS Foundation
12-C Bayanihan Street, West Triangle Homes
Quezon City
Tel: 411-6060
Fax: 926-6240

Mr. Alex Baluyut
PCP Board Member and concurrent Project Director for Tan-an Mindanaw

Mr. Jimmy A. Domingo
PCP Chairman


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