Tuesday, December 3, 2013

ILIGAN STUDIO


Photography is quite an interesting hobby especially at the present times.  Many would opt a picture to be taken as a souvenir of an event in one's life.

In Iligan City, photography starts from the idea of my grandfather, Mr.  Carlos B. Castro Sr.  It came to mind after the war and after his occupation by a military man named Sgt Roland. 

It was during the late of 1940's that my grandfather came in Iligan City and exactly in the year 1947, he establish  a photography shop, named it ILIGAN STUDIO.  Then in 1950 in the place called Dansalan, he establish NATIONAL STUDIO which muslims mostly are the customers.  

Papang as was fondly called by family and friends was given by Sgt. Roland, a ranked official of American Army, camera box type 2x2 & 5x7, rolls of films, paper portraits, stainless basin gallons of chemicals of 3 kinds, & of course money for capital of the business. All the methods, actions, techniques were learned from Sgt. Roland. Through the help of Berry Vidal and Eulalio Mayol, establishing the studio was successful.

Photography that time became popular since military men send letters/pictures to their family.  Leo Mayol started his own Leo Photo Arts in Cagayan de oro. 

National Studio was located in bangolo St. in front of Bato Ali bldg. owned by Chief of Police Diron Tubacan.  Near camp keithly (now Amai pakpak), primero Hosp, Public Market Ma. Cristina bus terminal, Ramain Movie Theatre and Bangolo bridge.  Salvador Lluch was the governor of Dansalan, capital of Lanao province.  Magazines from New York were a lot helpful.  Then 8x10 camera was send for quality portrait photography.

In 1978, what was named Iligan Studio was then changed to Castro Photography.  Through hardwork, sacrifice, patience, humility and perseverance Papang had reached his goals in life.  Papang's children are now respected Professionals each having their own family, and only one who is a full-pledged nun.  Papang said, "  having a good diet and prayers to God as well as good deeds can make you live long and strong in faith.  Have a great life!"

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