For the past five years, Cadiz City construction worker Jhundel Baldonaza Asunan has been capturing captivating images using only his mobile phone camera. Initially a way to pass time during the pandemic lockdown in early 2020, Jhundel’s photography journey began while he was stationed as a security guard in Laguna, away from his family in Negros Occidental.
To combat homesickness, Jhundel started experimenting with his phone camera, capturing everything he could find in the large vacant lot he was tasked to guard. “Maraming damo at insekto doon,” he says in a Spot.ph report. These early subjects led him to develop a keen interest in macro photography.
His photos soon caught the attention of the phone brand realme, which featured his work in their calendar and invited him to their Mastershot Mobile Photography event, where he won. This success inspired Jhundel to explore various photography genres, including street, landscape, and astrophotography, learning the basics through online resources.
Jhundel’s work has received multiple accolades, including an award in a realme pandemic-themed photo competition for his artistic shot of a syringe in a Covid-19 vial, which also earned the Photo of the Year title from Photo Nation International.
Now back in Cadiz, Jhundel continues to refine his skills while balancing his construction job. He captures daily life and the natural beauty of his hometown, sharing his work on social media. His minimalist images showcase his talent for capturing symmetry, contrasts, and textures, while his street photography offers rich narratives of ordinary people.
Jhundel’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. He participates in photowalks and workshops, networking with established photographers. “Nakaka-join ako ng photowalks para maka-gather ng ideas, tips, and techniques from other photographers,” he says.
Recently, his astrophotography was critiqued by seasoned photojournalist Veejay Villafranca at an event organized by FotomotoPH. Villafranca praised Jhundel’s unique perspective and encouraged him to continue pursuing his passion.
Photography has also helped Jhundel financially, especially when his wife had to be amputated due to diabetes complications. Selling his photos helped cover rising hospital bills. “Photography ang naging sandalan ko sa oras ng problema imbes na ika-depress ko,” he says.
Jhundel’s perseverance has earned him an all-expense-paid trip to Shenzhen, China, where he will join other top fans of a mobile phone brand. He sees this as an opportunity to gain new perspectives and inspiration. Despite his dream of owning a DSLR, Jhundel remains content with his mobile phone, guided by the mantra: “Pitik lang nang pitik.”