Last February 26, the 11th floor gallery of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus was transformed into a time-machine-like presentation for the opening of Proto Photo Educator—an exhibit on the works of the so-called father of Philippine photography Teodulo Protomartir.



Photos by Enrique Bejar

Protomartir was one of the pioneers responsible for bringing 35mm film photography to the country. He spent much of his life promoting this photography format with his own radio show, as well as his club of young photographers, known as the 35mm Club Manila.

This exhibit, curated by Benilde faculty member Jay Javier, showcased photographs that were almost lost forever. The film negatives were inside a 1930’s Kodak folder camera at an antique shop in Kamuning, where they had been sitting for over 60 years. Eventually, the camera was purchased by renowned director and film photography enthusiast, Uro dela Cruz—who was best known for his work on Bubble Gang and films such as Buko Pandan and Scorpio Nights—in 2007.



Photos by Enrique Bejar

Once developed, the photos proved to be an in-depth look at life in the Philippines as early as the 1930s, depicting portraits, landscapes and scenes of both urban and rural life.

Proto Photo Educator runs until April 24, 2019 from Mondays to Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 11th floor gallery of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus.