By: Andrea Eleanor Cabaron, Zabrina Hong
A young Mr. Espiritu taking picture. Photo Courtesy: Sonny Espiritu.
Sonny Espiritu's journey into the world of photojournalism wasn’t a matter of chance—it was a calling shaped by both passion and legacy.
Born into a family where the camera was more than just a tool but a storyteller in its own right. His father, a documentary photographer, ignited a lifelong spark during family gatherings in their hometown of Bulacan. Birthdays, reunions, and the seemingly endless summer days became his training ground, where he learned to capture fleeting moments and turn them into lasting memories.
As he speaks of those early days, there’s a certain glimmer in Espiritu's eyes—a spark that reflects both nostalgia and pride. "My love affair with the camera started at the age of six," he recalls, his voice soft but firm, as if each word carries the weight of decades' worth of experience. "I was exposed to photography by my father during family occasions. Summers in Bulacan were my playground, and nature's panorama was my first subject. That love for capturing moments never faded."
Fragments of the Past in Focus
He arrived at the interview with a quiet yet undeniable presence, bringing along a piece of his past — his first-ever camera, a gift from his father. The camera, a film model aged by time, bore the marks of years spent freezing time. The holder, dusty and speckled with rust, seemed to tell its own story—not one of neglect, but of relentless use, of moments seized and immortalized through Espiritu’s lens. His fingers, rough yet delicate, brushed over the worn-out frame as if the very touch could conjure the memories captured within. It wasn’t just a camera; it was a vessel of his youth, a bridge between the boy discovering his craft and the man who had mastered it.
Beside the camera, he carefully unfolded an assortment of his published works—newspapers dating back to the 2000s, their pages yellowed and edges frayed but meticulously preserved. He proudly showed clippings from the news outlets he’s worked for, each photo a testament to his sharp eye for capturing both the rawness of current events and the quiet moments in between. Headlines bold and unapologetic, his photographs framed history—an infected sea plant frozen in time as he captured the moment the oil spill affected the ocean life, politicians immortalized in moments of victory or defeat, and everyday scenes turned extraordinary under the sharp gaze of his lens. It was clear that Espiritu doesn’t just capture history; he collects it. Each clipping, each image, seemed to carry a heartbeat, a silent echo of the past.
Alongside the newspapers, Espiritu laid out his media passes—a tangible timeline of his career. His press IDs told their own story, his once raven-black hair in the early The LANCE pass now silver, a graceful mark of time's passage. The transformation from a young, eager campus photographer to a seasoned photojournalist was evident, each passing another chapter of his life spent chasing stories and immortalizing moments. "Iba pa rin talaga yung trained na photojournalist," he says when asked about the rise of citizen journalism. His voice, though calm, holds a firm conviction. "Professionals have a standard we all learned in school," he says. Explaining the importance of accuracy, representation, and integrity. It’s more than just taking a photo—it’s about telling the truth.
It was at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila where Espiritu’s passion found direction. As the official photographer of The LANCE, Letran's official student publication, he honed his craft—not just in taking photos, but in framing narratives. "During my time, it was all film," he says, a faint smile creeping onto his face. "That opportunity afforded to me by the school made me [to] who I am now."
He fondly remembers how his journey with The LANCE began — a single meeting with the editor, and a bold move that sealed his place on the team. "I brought the complete collection of lenses for my camera," he chuckles softly. "That sealed the deal." It was more than just being prepared—it was a statement of his dedication.
Yet, behind the boldness of his craft lies a softer side—one deeply rooted in sentimentality. As the interview draws on, Espiritu's voice takes on a tender tone. "I'm looking forward to my mom reading this article," he says, a small smile breaking through his face. It’s a simple wish, yet profound. He speaks of his mother with warmth, crediting her for his sense of preservation—how she would carefully tuck away items rich with memories, ensuring their family history remained alive and tangible. He admits that his love for keeping old cameras, rusted and worn yet cherished, stems from her.
But time, like a fleeting photograph, spares no one. Espiritu shares that his mother now suffers from glaucoma, her vision clouded, making it hard for her to see the world as clearly as she once did. Still, there is hope in his voice—hope that, even if she cannot fully see the words printed in the upcoming article, she will feel the pride woven into them, the same pride that guided his hand every time he pressed the shutter.
Framing Challenges, Capturing Triumphs
With a solid three decades of experience in photojournalism, Espiritu has had his share of ups and downs in the industry. While it is no secret that working in such a field comes with daily risks, the question of passion and dedication never truly fades.
“It is the extreme passion that fueled me to pursue this path. The intense love is my vessel to go on with my journey in photojournalism” he noted.
He recalled the challenges of entering the field, particularly during the days when film photography was the norm. Developing his own photos was just the beginning of the obstacles he faced—something his father ensured he understood. Knowing the process of photo development, he explained, was crucial in determining whether an image was deliberately sabotaged or simply damaged by accident.
Every day was a competition, racing against other publications to capture the “perfect shot.” Yet, his goal remained unwavering—to capture the right moment at the right time. “Hindi ka puwedeng umihi, uminom, kumain, because in a blink of an eye the scenario can change and it is a mortal sin to fail to capture that moment.”
During the interview, he recounted a memorable assignment in 2004, covering the aftermath of Typhoon Winnie. He vividly recalled taking a photo of a boy covered in mud, standing amidst the ruins of what was once his home. “Imagine, ‘yung photographer sa likod ng picture na ‘yan, punong puno rin ng putik. Tapos ibinagsak lang kami ng chopper dito, na hindi mo alam kung makababalik ka pa ng Manila o hindi,” he shared.
The harsh environment only strengthened his resolve, reinforcing his calling as a photojournalist who not only captures reality but also injects an element of artistry into every shot. Being a photojournalist means that time is both an ally and an enemy—something those in the industry are constantly chasing yet trying to manage. Finding the balance between the two, he believes, eventually leads to recognition.
Espiritu credits his success to consistency—a principle that has earned him local and international accolades, including recognition as a Grandes Figuras Awardee in 2022, naming him among Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s 400 Outstanding Men and Women for his impact and excellence.
“Consistency is key. Daily photos published as banner photos that tell the whole story just by looking at it, period. Significant events or situations that are of national importance are being given (assigned) to me. Then the awards and recognitions follow–a reward for my passion.”
Each assignment has left a lasting impact on his life. Yet, if there was one defining moment in his career that reaffirmed his passion, it was being hired by a newspaper.
“You will not in a single moment think of leaving it. Every time I get to land myself a job in a mainstream outfit - broadsheet. [Dahil] During our time, mabibilang mo lang sa daliri ang mga broadsheets.”
Film to Feeds
As the world evolves and media enters an era of convergence, industries across the board experience significant shifts. With the rise of new technology and the dominance of social media, citizen journalism—an alternative form of news gathering and reporting—has emerged. However, despite its growing presence, a clear distinction remains between citizen journalism and professional photojournalism.
“Nagbago lang ‘yung platform. The big question is still the accuracy. Is it credible, reliable source na which of course requires research and investigation. Dahil nariyan pa rin ‘yung libel case. Kung talagang photojournalist ka, you know how to protect yourself,” Espiritu emphasized.
While the intention of informing others is admirable, citizen journalism carries the risk of spreading misinformation—especially in an era where information spreads rapidly online. This is why he remains committed to his goal of landing the front page every day, knowing that people forget.
“Sa sobrang daming naggagaya ngayon. Gumawa kayo ng mahirap gayahin,” he challenged.
And in the face of challenges to which may would say to the youth who aspire to be in the field, he offers a powerful reminder to the Letranites:
“Don't allow the challenges weaken your passion. That passion will drive you to pass the crossroads.”
For him, photojournalism is more than just a profession—it is a calling, a responsibility, and a relentless pursuit of truth. In a time when many prioritize stability over passion, he remains steadfast in his mission to capture history as it unfolds, one frame at a time. Each image he takes is not just a photograph but a testament to moments that must not be forgotten.
Through his lens, he does not merely document events; he immortalizes emotions, struggles, and victories that define the nation’s story. And as long as there is a story worth telling, a truth worth revealing, and a fleeting moment worth freezing in time, he will continue to press the shutter—because for him, this is not just a job. This is his purpose.
“Ang importante, mayroon kang iiwanang legacy na hindi nabibili ng pera.”