Malayo Pa, Pero Malayo Na

“A long way to go, but i’ve already come this far”

Lately, this lyric from BINI’s Coke Studio collaboration song, “Blooming,” has been my silent comforter — especially now, as I write this, when life has just been… relentless.

So in between video games, OPM, prayer, and BINI, I’ve found quiet joy in building this website.

And if you’re reading this — welcome!

Welcome to the moments I’ve witnessed, the people I’ve encountered, and the quiet glimpses into my life. When I decided to create this website, I always knew I wanted it to be more than just a portfolio. I wanted it to be a space where many stories converge.

Photography has always been a constant in my life. I still vaguely remember playing with my parents’ digicam at the young and humble age of 10. Then came my Canon era — back when I didn’t mind lugging around a bulky camera. And now, I’ve found my final love: Fuji, where life’s colours truly come alive.

It has been a challenging yet wonderful ten years of learning and shaping my own style of photography. I consider it a true blessing and honour to have witnessed so many meaningful moments in life — and more importantly, to have captured them. From my time in youth ministry to milestones like graduations, proposals, weddings, and even the birthdays of my friends’ firstborns, oh what a joy!

This year, by far, has been the most challenging. There have been many moments of doubt and imposter syndrome — but again, malayo pa, pero malayo na. I know I still have a long way to go. Even with ten years of experience, I’m still growing, still learning, and slowly but surely... getting better.

There are no words that can fully express the gratitude in my heart — but thank you to all who continue to push me, inspire me, and most importantly, believe in me.

This website marks the start of a new chapter — a new journey of being a witness to what has come, and what is still to come.

Life unfolds,

Ruddy