G.A. Viray
Xyza Cruz Bacani is not just an extraordinary Filipina, and she’s not just an extraordinary domestic helper too. When you see her pages in Facebook and her blogsite, you’ll understand why she deserves to become one of the Magnum fellows to receive a scholarship at New York University.
With the proliferation of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, a lot of people have been calling themselves “photographer”, but really, only a few really deserve to be called one — and Xyza is one of the few.
Now with over 12,000 followers in Facebook and counting, her works will now be showcased worldwide, and her skill will be further upgraded as she will be coming to New York in a six-week scholarship program under Magnum Foundation to explore strategies for creating effective visual stories.
Xyza started out a few years after she started as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. A native of Nueva Viscaya, Xyza moved to Hong Kong nine years ago, as her mother’s employer needed a live-in helper. The said employer was also the one who loaned money to Xyza in order for her to have her first DSLR camera, a Nikon D90. Her posts on Facebook were then noticed by Rick Rocamora, an internationally renowned award-winning documentary photographer, who helped her hone her skills through workshops, and the rest was history!
All dreams are valid!
Xyza’s passion which turned into a dream is now going to be a reality as she prepares for the scholarship this summer of 2015.
Once just roaming the streets of Hong Kong to capture moments that “live”, Xyza will now have a chance to publish her works internationally and have a chance to receive the Prince Clause Award for exemplary photo-activist like the previous Magnum fellows.
Well wishes for Xyza. Her valid dream truly inspires many Filipinos!
