Some gentlemen who found common ground in photography knew how to take their “cameraderie” to greater heights by making use of their other passions. In the case of Luis Harder who was featured in this section as “Photographer of the Week,” it’s through his involvement as current president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) where he consistently spearheads activities to further bond and uplift the spirits of families.
Lotus Picker - Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
Harpist of Quebec, Canada
Adeline Lois at her freedom wall in the house 
Luis Harder’s daughter Adeline Lois at 10 years old
Neighbors, Rajastan, India 
Luis Martin Harder
On the other hand, multi-faceted talent Noel Sadicon showcased his masterstroke as a painting artist to create images serving as centerpiece to the project dubbed “Warriors of Passion.”
This initiative conceptualized by Harder touches warmly through the ongoing Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. It boasts a series of original paintings done in acrylic ink and watercolor. Sadicon specifically depicted frontliners in the medical field in four separate images, appearing as warrior-like with a striking eye and the Rod of Asclepius in their grip.
“This pandemic ignited our communal spirit of honoring the medical personnel who have always been helpful in addressing our plight and sharing their time and resolve,” said Harder who back in 2008 had his first one-man exhibit called “Unscripted” at One Workshop Group at La Fuerza Plaza II in Makati City.
A few years later, he was featured with high school mate, the mixed media artist Rosscapili, in the limited-edition photography book “Crossroads” that came with a two-man show exhibit.
This “Warriors of Passion” is essentially another two-man display of art and wisdom, with a lot of heart. The idea is for the artworks – each of the four framed, boxed in fine art print and reprinted in 150 renditions – to be marketed and sold to art collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the sacrifices of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff risking, and, in sadder tales, losing their lives in the fight against the invisible enemy. Parts of the proceeds will benefit the DSAPI community that has kept its unity and compassion intact especially for people who have touched their lives.
Encounter 
Sacrifice of Life
Hope of Victory 
Noel Sadicon
Sadicon, an award-winning watercolorist who dabbles in photography from time to time, expressed gratitude in being able to dig into his soul to give tribute to the heroic efforts of frontliners through his art. He shared, “I am one with DSAPI’s advocacy as I feel the selfless sacrifices of these professionals as key to humanity’s survival.”
By profession an industrial designer, Sadicon also taught in a topnotch school before setting up his own studio for his love of art that began way back in 1990. He elaborated on the artworks he drew for people he liked to describe as passionate warriors: “I titled each of the artwork based on the timeline of pandemic. The first is 'Encounter,' which reflects the confusion of the first weeks and the courage of the medical personnel in facing risks posed by a virus we barely knew. The second is 'Sacrifice of Life' where we saw the frontliners giving away their hearts even to the point of death. Next is 'Tears to Heaven' which was the point where fervent prayers asking to take us through this safely were being recited in various parts of the world. The last, 'Hope Of Victory,' shows the continuing efforts of those in the medical field with crucial assistance from scientists, various industries, and governments, which was encouraging thus I encircled the virus with the iconic medicine symbol.”
DSAPI is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded by a pool of committed parents and concerned physicians. Its goal is to offer support to families who have a child with Down Syndrome by way of initiating, developing, promoting, and encouraging programs concerning the matter. “Warriors of Passion” certainly falls in the right direction considering the deep connection between the involved families and the caring individuals in white devoting time, knowledge, and compassion to ensure everyone’s welfare whether there is or no pandemic.
Visual art tightened the bond between friends Luis and Noel. They knew, regardless of the medium, that heartfelt images depicting the heroes of pandemic could capture that friendship with a deeper purpose. (YBL)