Corazon, a veteran broadcast journalist for GMA7 TV Network and co-publisher of an online news platform for overseas Filipinos, has made a significant mark in the field of social documentary with her extensive reportage video and photography works on migrants and ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong that started in early 2000s through her pioneering works commissioned by esteemed institutions such as the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB), the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). These projects have resulted in a series of photos spanning nearly a decade, capturing the lives of Filipino professionals in Hong Kong, the profound impact of Filipino domestic workers on the city, and the diverse cultural customs of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority populations.
Corazon’s photographs have been exhibited at prestigious venues, including solo and group exhibitions in Hong Kong. Her works have also graced major art venues in Europe and China, notably at the Guangzhou Art Triennial.
In addition to her seminal documentary work, Corazon is also an award-winning poet whose poems have been showcased at the US Library of Congress, alongside other expatriate Filipino women writers. Her literary accomplishments are evident in her twice winning the coveted Amado V. Hernandes National Literature Award for her collections of poetry. An anthology of her poems, titled “Kalayaan Ng Migrante,” has been published and is available in libraries across the United States and online bookshops in Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. She has also authored a children’s book titled “Maraming Nanay sa Hong Kong”. Both books are also available in printed format in Hong Kong.
Artist Statement:
Immersing myself in Hong Kong’s rich tapestry of ethnic minorities has been a profound artistic and personal journey. Through my photography, I have sought to unveil the extraordinary narratives woven into the fabric of daily life in these vibrant communities. The three photographs below is part of an extensive pioneering series of documentary photographs on the main ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong.
The grand Sikh temples stand as monumental emblems of spirituality and inclusivity. My lens has captured the reverential ambiance within their halls, where devotees gather for prayer and langar, the ceremonial vegetarian meal. The elaborate symbols and traditions provide a vivid portal into the Sikh principles of equality and service.
Through this body of work, I aim to honor the ethnic minority communities that have woven their vibrant threads into Hong Kong’s cultural identity. My photographs serve as a bridge, allowing viewers to cross the thresholds of these diverse worlds and gain profound insight into the resilience, dignity, and pride that transcends geographic boundaries.
It is my ardent hope that these images will resonate not just locally but globally, sparking a renewed appreciation for the rich heritage that surges through Hong Kong’s arteries, reminding us of the unparalleled beauty that can blossom amidst adversity when we embrace our shared humanity.
