No, he is not someone armed with a fancy camera that just points and shoots at whatever that catches his attention. In fact, he is a photographer with a personal mission to capture humanity through his lenses and showcase to a larger audience the resilience and hope of mankind behind each picture.

“Photography is my creative outlet to express myself as an artist. My passion for photography is what keeps me going. It gives me more meaning to life,” Rolan said.

Meet Rolan.

Blessed by God with technical know-how and creativity, Rolan is slowly gaining frame in photojournalism field. Rolan founded the FIickers Photo Society of Asia Pacific College, where he held the President position for almost two years. He subsequently went on to start the Explorer’s Club where likeminded and avid photographers like himself, immersed themselves in the world of photojournalism and share amongst themselves the mini adventures behind each photo taken. Rolan seldom joins competition, however, when he participated in the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Photo Contest 2 years back, he managed to be included in the Top 10 finalist. Most recently, his works had been featured at Manila Bulletin, CNN and BBC.

Being a soft spoken person, Rolan rather lets his works speak for themselves than give an introduction on himself. His works illustrate the thoughts that fill his mind. He holds by the principle of incorporating movements in his images and he feels that it makes it more dynamic, more fluid and providing a more organic flowing feel.

Rolan’s humble roots begin way back in high school when he was already a journalist and campus photographer for the student paper. Rolan is frequently seen armed with his canon camera around his neck, amusingly pre-visualizing what he’s going to be in the field even before he became a professional photojournalist.

Not forgetting his roots, Rolan attributes all of his awards and achievements to all of his mentors and trainers. Mr. Robert E. Regala, a National Geographic Channel Photo Contest Finalist and founder of 100 UP and FPC. He trained and honed the photography skills of Rolan’s to help him become who he is today.

To all aspiring photojournalist, Rolan advises that there is no secret formula and techniques to becoming a good shooter. All it takes is a good balance of technical skills, creative ideas, people skills, good character and business professionalism to make it.

“I believe that different types of photography have different sets of discipline and set of mind. Also, I would like to advise to everyone that the success will not measure on your camera, it is measured on your character and passion for it and always dedicate your success to the Glory of GOD.”