Aly Borromeo | Photography + Words + Fritz

These photos might not be the best ones I took for the year, but these are the photos that stood out for me

1. January of 2012, with the goal of sharing my thoughts, words and photos, I decided to launch this blog. One of my first few entries was about the UFL Opening. I don’t know if it was the bevy of beautiful dancers or the presence of the azkals but that particular post garnered 15,150 hits in a day. (I hope Aly returns to form soon. He is one of my favorite azkals)

More photos of the UFL 2012 Opening Ceremonies here: https://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/united-football-league-2012-opening-ceremonies-phil-airforce-fc-vs-kaya-cignal-fc-photos-2/

2. When Sendong hit the country, the Philippine Football Community quickly got into its feet to help those who weren’t so lucky. They organized a charity match between the Azkals and CFIM. One particular photo that stood out for me was the one where various football officials did ceremonial free kicks with one of them had their shoes leaving their feet.

More photos can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.323298517691434.75927.172954179392536&type=3

3. This was my first time to document Tondo’s Self Flagellation event. This particular event really opened my eyes on how other people can take their faith to the next level (Also opened my eyes how unhygienic the process was and how they are exposing themselves to serious diseases by doing so).

More Photos can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.379990008688951.86544.172954179392536&type=3

4. I helped deliver 4 healthy Shi Tzu pups! I actually tried preparing for the delivery by reading online and watching youtube videos. I guessed it worked naman. All the puppies were alive and healthy.

5. This year also marked my entry into the Marathon/Running world. Out of all the marathons I covered, Outbreak Manila stood out because of their unique concept. I am proud to be one of the pioneer photographers to cover this event.

Read more about my Outbreak Experience here https://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/outbreak-manila-from-a-photographers-pov/

6. The LaSallian Teambuilding 2012. Time together with friends on an epic beach getaway! Not to mention, this was my first time to kayak and ride a banana boat!

7. Mount Batulao, the first mountain I ever conquered! (Though I think I was the reason why our group had such a slow pace).

Read more about my Mt. Batulao adventure here: https://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/mt-batulao-my-first-climb/

8. First time to decently cover a basketball game. Believe it or not, This year marked the first time I ever covered a UAAP basketball game. I had covered it in the past but I had to buy patron tickets just to have access to the lower parts of the court. It was quite an experience! Hoping to cover more basketball come 2013!

More Photos here: https://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/uaap-season-75-dlsu-green-archers-routs-ue-red-warriors/

9. The Philippines wins the Long Teng Cup!

10. Became an official AFF Suzuki Cup Photographer! I felt like I was getting closer to one of my dreams, to become one of the best sports photographers in the world.

11. This year also marked the Centennial years of both my alma maters, Paco Catholic School and De La Salle University! This particular photo is the most daring one I ever took. “Buwis Buhay” as some of my colleagues said, because I had to get to the slippery part of the roof with no railings whatsoever just to get this particular shot.

12. I began working as a sports photographer for various TV/Newspaper/Online organizations. Well, it’s not really work when you enjoy doing it, right?

Of course, there were also some moments who did not make it to my list of 12 but I felt the need to include them here anyway. So here are my Honorable Mentions!