Ilocandia: A Visual Experience of Ilocos Sur

About the Collection

In celebration of the Filipino-American History Month in October 2013, the University of Hawai‘i at Hamilton Library, Office of Councilmember Joey Manahan and Center for Philippine Studies presented "Ilocandia," a photo exhibition by David Chan Leprozo, Jr. and Kristian Leprozo. The photo exhibit were on display at the Hamilton Library from October 22 to 31, 2013.

Fifteen of those photographs in print and digital formats were donated to our library by David Chan Leprozo, Jr., a multi-awarded Filipino photojournalist. These photographic works depict the current lifestyles of the Ilocos and Cordillera Regions in the northern part of the Philippines. These are areas where most of the Filipino immigrants to Hawai‘i originated. They first came to the state at the turn of the last century.

Born and raised in Baguio City, David started learning the art of photography at the tender age of twelve. His skill was further honed as he befriended the local masters of photojournalism when he was a junior in high school. They taught him the ropes of the trade.

It did not take long before his hometown began to notice his talent. His photographs were published in the local weekly paper, the Midland Courier, when he was 14 and 15.

He continues to be a contributing photographer at various national and local broadcast newspapers. He also does stringer work for foreign wire agencies, such as Reuters and European Press Agency. Hence, he has mounted photo exhibits in different parts of the world.

His son, Kristian Leprozo, joins him in this photo exhibit, featuring landscape images. Kristian was also raised in Baguio City, and has four years in digital photography. A self-taught photographer, he is now on his way from professional portrait, weddings and stills, to landscape photography.