Captured Moments

Posted on September 22, 2023

Written By: Josephine Ramos

Flordeliza Taña from Davao City captures other people’s memories through her photography skills.

They say photographs preserve lifelong memories. These captured moments remind us of the people and places that have become a part of us, eventually becoming a priceless treasure that we keep for as long as we can.

Flordeliza Taña, a 53-year-old native of Davao City, likes capturing all kinds of images. As a result, when she met her photographer spouse, her career path was altered. She quit her job as an office secretary and started a business in photography.

She was hesitant at first, but she has grown to love her new journey with the help of her husband. She was able to do what she enjoyed while earning a living and provide for their two kids.

In 2001, they rented a tiny stall in Agdao to enable them to keep operating their business. However, in 2013, the industry’s competition tightened even further, making it difficult for them to attract customers. The rental space was subsequently lost as a result of this.

Starting over was difficult for them. Fortunately, they found a cheaper stall for rent along San Pedro Street and were approved of a loan from CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank. They used the loan to acquire a computer and printer. Additionally, the institution approved an educational loan for their children to support them in college. They graduated and are now employed in their different fields.

“My proudest moment as a mother is that I have been able to send my kids to college, and as a bonus, we are currently renovating our home,” Flordeliza said.

Currently, they are now the official photographers for nine different schools in Davao City. They still cater photography services for wedding and baptism not only in their hometown, but also in Tagum City and General Santos City.

Years from now, she hopes to continue capturing special moments for their customers in a space they can call their own. “With the continued support of our trusted CARD Bank, we believe that we will soon expand our business.”

More than a bank client

Flordeliza is also an active client who participates in the various activities that CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) launches. During the pandemic, when CARD MRI introduced its “Ugnayan at Kwentuhan” program to keep clients and their families productive despite the community lockdowns, Flordeliza encouraged her co-clients to join the different activities.

Their center, Waling-Waling, was hailed as the grand winner for the “Sikat Ang Center Ko” where they performed a speech choir. They also tried their luck in the SineMaya 2022 Community Short Film Fest where they bagged major and minor awards, including the 2nd Best Film and the Founder’s Excellence Award. But for Flordeliza, one award stood out.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think about fulfilling one of my dreams, especially at my age now. CARD MRI has taught me to continue dreaming because there will always be an opportunity for it to come true,” Flordeliza said in a speech after accepting the Best Actress Award.

Aptly titled “Ngiti sa likod ng mga lente,” the short film she directed and starred in captured her personal story of her journey as a photographer.

“At CARD MRI, we are encouraged to discover our endless potentials as individuals. We must always grab the chance whenever we can,” Flordeliza concluded.