Things I’m sad about this Christmas: not using a higher ISO (pictures could be sharper), inevitable holiday weight gain, and missing the past 11 Christmases with my family in the Philippines.
Things that turned out pleasantly well: select candid shots of relatives, INCREDIBLE FOOD, and SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN MANILA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 YEARS.
Living away from my extended family in the Philippines is especially hard during the holidays. I’ve familiarized myself with the family traditions and usual events through the posed family portraits my uncle takes and promptly posts on Facebook. Clicking through the photos half a world away is bittersweet, I’m always happy to see the pictures but incredibly sad I’m not in them. BUT NOT THIS YEAR!
My family and I made an appearance this holiday season! I took the opportunity to take candid shots of the relos, to accompany the traditional family photos I see every year. Here’s an assorted selection of candids from both sides of my family.
The Romulos (dad’s side):
The Grandes (mom’s side):
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These could probably be composed and edited better (not my best work, I’ll admit) but I’m so happy I took these photos. I don’t know when the next time I’ll be home for Christmas is… but in the case I don’t return for another 11 years, I’ll have the moments that go on between the traditional portraits and posed smiles.
Until (hopefully) the next Christmas, fam!
(jk I’ll see yall for new years)
Victoria Gets Lost 