76-year old Noe “nonoy” Salvador ,president of Basilica Union of Vendors and Photographers Association continues to work for his passion for almost 50 years now. (USJ-R Masscom Intern/Maeine R. Mosquite)
A CALL from his wife and daughters who are abroad would be enough to make today, Father’s Day, meaningful.
Tatay Noe “Nonoy” Salvador, a 76-year-old photographer, said he doesn’t need lavish celebrations on this day, but greetings from his loved ones would make him happy and content.
Salvador’s wife lives in the United States with one of their daughters. His other daughter lives in Canada.
Salvador earns his keep as a photographer at the Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu. He is the president of the Basilica Union of Vendors and Photographers Association.
He has been a photographer since the 1960s and proudly tells everybody that his camera sent his children to school.
Salvador has become a daily fixture at the Basilica.
“I am already here in Basilca del Sto. Niño early morning, just roaming around and looking for people who want to have their picture taken,” he said.
Salvador was born and raised in Iloilo.
He first learned photography via a correspondence course when he was 17.
His new skills made him land a job as a photographer for big companies in Mindanao.
He moved to Cebu City in 1965 and continued working as a photographer.
Salvador usually sits under the shade, wearing his red vest.
He lugs his Canon EOS Rebel T3i and a bag which contains sample photographs of children with angelic smiles and happy families.
Salvador doesn’t mind the seemingly low earnings of a photographer.
He said what is important is it makes him happy seeing children and families smile as he takes their picture.
This is one reason why he prefers to stay in Cebu and not join his family abroad.
With him in Cebu is his son who lives in barangay Labangon, Cebu City.
As the interview progressed, a teary-eyed Salvador pulled out another photo album from his bag. The album contains pictures of his family.
He said the times when they were still together were the great moments in his life.
He then said that it is really true that a father is someone who carries pictures of the family in his wallet rather than place his money there.
He also recalls how he started his job as a photographer.
“Remember to say thank you, to your papa, tatay, tatang, daddy, because without them there is no you. Thank them not just on Father’s day celebration, but rather learn to thank them each and every day for all the things that they have given and for their support and love as you grow.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to be too busy worrying how you will live your life as you grow up, learn and reflect that your parents get old too,” he said. /USJ-R Intern Maeine R. Mosquite