Prize Winner Holds Solo Photo Exhibit in HK for Women’s Month

Deputy Consul General Geminia Aguilar-Usudan and Ms. Joan Pabona lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 28 March 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong marked Women’s Month by opening a week-long exhibition of photos taken by an award-winning Filipino amateur photographer, who has been working for more than five years as a household service worker (HSW) in Hong Kong, at the Consulate General Gallery on 10 March 2019.

“Babae, Ipagbunyi (Celebrate Women): Empathy in a Click” is the first solo photo exhibition of National Geographic runner-up Joan Pabona, which was organized together with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Wimler Foundation.

Ms. Pabona won second place in the National Geographic Wheelock Youth Photo Competition in January 2018 for her photograph entitled “Sacrifice”, which depicts a woman construction worker in Hong Kong in a tangle of safety nets. This served as her solo exhibit’s central piece along with a window vinyl of the same series.

The exhibit’s opening ceremony was led by Deputy Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan and Ms. Pabona, with Dr. Ju-chen Chen of CUHK’s Department of Anthropology and Mr. Richard Rispens of Wimler Foundation. Supporting entities included Prime Credit, Philippine National Bank, AFreight, and FAB Photographers.

In her welcome remarks, Deputy Consul General Aguilar-Usudan mentioned how migrant workers in Hong Kong never stop to improve their skills and dream big, not only for themselves but for their family and loved ones as well.

“This is what Joan did. A woman who started small but with big dreams. A woman who continues to improve her skills and be an inspiration to others,” Deputy Consul General Usudan said.

In his speech, Mr. Rispens highlighted the hard work of Filipino migrant workers and how they inspire others and demonstrate how possible it is—regardless of the circumstances and sacrifices—to be successful in pursuit of their dreams.

Dr. Chen noted that she was so inspired with Ms. Pabona’s work and dedication that she had learned a lot about the lives of Filipino HSWs in Hong Kong, and that she no longer sees them just as migrant workers but also people with skills, talents and dreams.

Both Mr. Rispens and Dr. Chen commended the Consulate General for its initiative to celebrate women and their contribution to the community by providing a venue to showcase their talents.

The event culminated with a workshop conducted by Ms. Pabona for her fellow HSWs on 17 March 2019.

A native of La Union, Ms. Pabona is a certified computer technician who developed a passion for photography. She worked in Singapore as a domestic helper for four years before transferring to Hong Kong in 2013.

The Filipina’s photos and triumph, featured in the Chinese-language edition of National Geographic for February 2018, was covered not only by Hong Kong-based Filipino community media like Hong Kong Daily and The Sun, but also established English language publications like South China Morning Post, Asia Times and the Esquire Magazine.

Aside from her National Geographic Award, Ms. Pabona was named 2018 International Photographer of the Year by Gawad America Awards in the United States.

As her way of giving back, Ms. Pabona conducts photography workshops for fellow OFWs. According to her, this is her way of sharing her knowledge and inspiring others. She plans on pursuing photography full-time after completing her contract this June.

The “Babae, Ipagbunyi” exhibit and photography workshop was attended by more than 300 guests the consular corps, civil society, arts and photography practitioners, and members of the Filipino community.

The activity is the Consulate General’s main event for Women’s Month, and was organized under the auspices of its Gender and Development program. END

Featured artist Joan Pabona receives a certificate of appreciation and token from Deputy Consul General Geminia Aguilar-Usudan on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

Consul Roderico C. Atienza lead guests at Ms. Joan Pabona’s work which were displayed for the week-long exhibition. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

Participants listen intently during the photography workshop. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

For more information, visit www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.