Power Mac Center’s ‘Portraits’ fete eco-conservation, Filipino drag culture


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Apple Premium Reseller Power Mac Center (PMC) is no stranger to celebrating communities with unique stories waiting to be shared. This was the inspiration for “Portraits,” a special visual storytelling series created in collaboration with Filipino photographers showcasing the camera prowess of the iPhone.

“Power Mac Center recognizes the power of the platform we are given, using the technology that we have, to put the spotlight on communities with important advocacies. We put this series together not only to lend a face and voice to our subjects, but to inspire our audience to use their talents, pursue their passions, and make their mark, with the help of their favorite Apple devices,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management and Marketing.

The communities

The episodes of Portraits juxtapose two extremes — the quiet calm of Masungi Georeserve’s eco-conservationists against the unapologetically flamboyant drag queens of Butterboy Bakehouse. The contrast deliberately showcases the lengths to which iPhone photography stretches, effectively catering to every subject in between.

Featuring the fabulous drag queens Naia, Drag Race Philippines contestant Precious Paula Nicole, and Pura Luka Vega, the latest episode was shot on iPhone by photographer Cru Camara who has worked with international publications and global brands. It was set against the backdrop of Butterboy Bakehouse, which offers both delectable homemade croissants and entertaining performances during daylight drag or what they call as “drag brunch” and “meriendrag.”

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CELEBRATING IDENTITY, INDIVIDUALITY, AND CREATIVITY. Naia, Precious, and Pura Luka Vega use drag as an avenue to tell their stories and an artistic expression of their statements on issues that matter, especially to the LGBTQIA+ community. Shot on iPhone by Cru Camara.

Earlier, PMC tapped conservation photographer and filmmaker Noel Guevara to take the iPhone on a hike, along with the rangers of Masungi Georeserve and three city-based hikers who find sanctuary in nature. Scaling the verdant trails of the protected forest, they shared stories of their memorable climbs, confessed to what (or who) inspired their first hike, and reflected on the fulfillment they find in hiking.

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GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE SELF. Hiking helps Sarah, Felicia, and John rediscover themselves and reach their goals. Shot on iPhone by Noel Guevara.

Shot on iPhone

Conservation photographer Guevara made sure to capture every significant moment of the climb. Through stunning photos and videos shot on iPhone, he gave justice to the Masungi staff’s decades-long conservation efforts and hard work to achieve a balanced coexistence of man and nature in this little piece of paradise.

In this project, Cru—who is known for their photographs that express creative play of colors, contrast, and shadow—examines identity and the way femininity and masculinity co-exist.Armed with their iPhone, they were able to capture the vibrant drag scene as the queens transformed into larger-than-life characters, aimed at making drag mainstream in Philippine culture.

Both photographers’ expert grasp of the environment and the lenses’ inner workings exuded their visual storytelling talents, highlighting key iPhone camera features. To see the photos and watch the full stories of Portraits unfold, visit https://bit.ly/3S53a3M and subscribe to PMC on YouTube.

iPhone 14 Philippine launch

Portraits is part of Power Mac Center’s iPhone for All campaign, which aims to bring the iPhone closer to more Filipinos. By extending exciting offers, and creating great shopping experiences, PMC makes it easier for all to finally upgrade to an iPhone.

Customers looking to get the much-anticipated iPhone 14 series are encouraged to fill out the survey form at https://bit.ly/3S17ocN to be notified when the devices hit local shores. Meanwhile, other iPhone series are available for purchase at all Power Mac Center or The Loop branches, Viber StoreLazada, and Shopee.

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