Fact: the Philippines is now considered as a major hub of outstanding talents in events & wedding videography much like how our local indie movies are being noticed around the world.

But unlike the media attention our local filmmakers get by winning in International Film Festivals, very little is known about the leaps & bounds made by our local videographers among their international counterparts. This source of national pride is relatively unheard of outside the wedding industry or soon-to-wed market.

This is the story of how a few people made a difference and brought pride to our country. A story of sharing insights and paying it forward. As a people, we call this the bayanihan spirit. In their world, they call themselves Pinoy Videomakers.

Beginnings

Pinoyvideomaker.com (PVM) started as a secondary blog of Jason Magbanua — the only Filipino videographer (so far) named as one of the 25 Most Influential and Hottest Wedding Videographer in the world. Yes, IN THE WORLD! And he’s been at it for the past three years.

PVM became Jason’s personal outlet where he shared some news & tips about wedding videography in general, and outside jasonmagbanua.com which has long been considered as virtual video gallery a world-class Pinoy talent. The move was unprecedented since here was a person who had sincere intentions of sharing information to his colleagues. Not minding the possibility of breeding competition by sharing tips & techniques.

With every helpful blogposts came comments and even more questions from people who eagerly wanted to learn. That was the beginning of what is now known as the PVM forum. First it was an online community of a small sector in the wedding industry. But now, new players and video hobbyists are those who largely make up the group who help hand-in-hand in sharing information to be not just an ordinary videographer, but a Pinoy videomaker.

Last March 11, this online community of videoraphers and video enthusiasts met for the very first time in a grand eyeball gathering. People came from as far as Ilocos Sur, from the north, and Mindanao, down south.

To make the trip worthwhile for attendees, Jason with his lovely wife Pang, sought the assistance of colleagues to help them mount the whole event. Key players in the wedding industry willingly donated various prizes that the videographers could use in their line of work. A Swap Meet was held where noted videographers parted with their old equipment at practically a giveaway price to help those who are just starting in the business.

But more than all those, the main agenda of the day was the free talks given by internationally-recognized Filipino videographers on an SRO crowd.

Winners all

If Jason is considered the “rockstar” among his international colleagues, he’s a “legend” in this part of the world mainly for opening the doors in making the world a medium of showcasing our talents in video making. As always, he willingly shared his knowledge to an audience who’s at awe of all the success of the man.

Mayad Studios, a group of twentysomethings from Iloilo shared their beginnings and how they penetrated Manila, and practically, the rest of the world by winning 2 WEVA-CEA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association International – Creative Excellence Awards) golds on their first try. This group is a testament to the fact that Manila doesn’t have the exclusive advantage. They didn’t have to be in Manila to let the world know of their talent. They took the internet route until their work became a buzzword in the industry.

For his part, Dominic Velasco of Imacron shared a few of his works and gave insights on other styles, treatment and technique in videography. Being the pioneer in the modern and creative approach in local event/wedding coverage, his was a story of longevity and constant innovation. He has won several awards international awards in the past 3 years including a Gold for the Demo Category in 2006 also from WEVA.

Source of national pride

From my point of view, the event was there to inspire. On the business side, it’s like you picked up an issue of Entrepreneur Magazine, only in this case, the audience got to see faces behind the success stories. Technically, I am not a Pinoy videomaker by profession, but I genuinely felt the pride and sense of belongingness experienced by everyone during the event.

In the past three years or so, we Filipinos have proven we are great videographers. The recent PVM event nourished our country’s prospect of discovering more talents in videography from across the country. Yes it’s a business, but we are recognized for it not because of our entrepreneurial skills, but rather by our passion and creativity. That’s saying a lot.

The Philippines is not just a country of great boxers and fine musical talents. We’re a nation of videographers and it’s an added badge we should wear with pride.

Mabuhay ang bayanihan! Mabuhay ang kagalingang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Pinoy videomakers!

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