EXPOSING ANA: DIGITAL DIARIES

END OF THE LINE

FINAL THOUGHTS

While I was setting up the physical exhibition of the series on campus, I still couldn’t believe everything that was happening. After nearly a year, it feels surreal that it started with such a rough idea— with a disconnection from folklore— and evolving the manananggal into an allegory that resonates deeply with the present time.

I am still not big on using social media, hence I hope this thesis can stand the test of time. I also hope it serves as a reminder—to myself, and perhaps to anyone reading— for online etiquette— spoken and unspoken. 

Through the development of this project, I’ve learned so much—as a person, photographer, and artist. This capstone has pushed me further than anything I’ve ever worked on creatively. And I know this is just the beginning.

To anyone— especially students— who may be working on their respective projects just like mine: Know that I did all this scared. Even now, I am still scared writing this, because I’ve never written a blog in my entire life. I’m sure I’ve missed errors, I overthink if I missed anything important to say, and I wonder if anything I’m saying even makes sense. But of course, there's a first time for everything.

Some obstacles blocked my path, and so many times I felt I reached a dead-end, but I took them as challenges and found my way around. When things weren’t going my way or not coming out as I expected, I took them as reasons for something better planned for me and as learning experiences. 

I hope, in some way, sharing my process will help you learn from the mistakes I made and appreciate this series more. The road will be hard, but what you need in the end is faith in yourself and your ideas. 

I’ve heard that any long-term personal projects will make you feel different than the person you were once you started it— and now I could probably attest to that. ANA_NANGGAL was created with (fake, sometimes dark red lip tint) blood, sweat, and (Alot, alot, A LOT) of tears. With how this whole thing turned out in the end, I can genuinely say I’m happy that I found my voice here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To anyone reading this, thank you for checking out ANA_NANGGAL. It makes me happy to see everyone’s comments and the support for the series.

This is it, for now.