From Empty Courts to Echoes of Joy
In 2020, I found myself on a small island in the Philippines, Siargao.
My idea was to escape from the cold winter in Spain and take the chance to visit the famous Cloud9 wave and surf the reef breaks in the area. But life turns around in unexpected ways, I was caught in the unpredictable grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was meant to be a brief visit turned into a two-month stay, a period marked by uncertainty and isolation.
During this time, I wandered the island with my camera, documenting the eerie silence that had settled over the once vibrant basketball courts. These courts, normally buzzing with energy and laughter, stood empty—a poignant symbol of the world at a standstill. Basketball has long been more than just a sport in the Philippines; it's a beloved national pastime, woven into the fabric of daily life. Introduced by American teachers in 1910, the game quickly captured the hearts of Filipinos. By the 1930s, basketball was being played in schools and communities across the country. The passion only grew with the establishment of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 1975, Asia's first professional basketball league.
Fast forward to 2024, and I returned to the same island, the mind-blowing Siargao, this time greeted by the familiar sounds of bouncing balls and joyous shouts. The once-empty courts were alive again, filled with players of all ages. The scenes I captured this time were a stark contrast to the desolate images from four years prior. Here were the same courts, but now they were vibrant hubs of community and resilience.
This transformation was a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. Basketball had not only survived the pandemic but had thrived, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of Filipino culture. The game had brought people back together, providing a sense of normalcy and joy in the wake of global upheaval. Through my lens, I witnessed more than just a sport. I saw hope, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of community. The empty courts of 2020 had given way to echoes of joy in 2024, a testament to the resilience and passion that define the heart of the Philippines.
