Anton Sheker for the 19th Philippine Travel Mart Photo Exhibit

Anton Sheker one of the featured Travel Photographers in the upcoming 19th Philippine Travel Mart Photo Exhibit.

Anton Sheker is obsessed with the Philippines’ numerous festivals—from the most elaborate and popular to the most obscure. His works, which traverse a wide spectrum that includes interiors, food, art, people and scenic landscapes, have seen print here and abroad, including Mabuhay magazine and Islands, a Florida-based magazine that specializes in features of idyllic islands. He is currently working on a personal project, now on its fifth year in the making: a book-form documentation of the most storied Filipino fiestas.

“Iloilo Paraw Regatta ‘08”

Sail Season

Anton Sheker captured the assiduous last-minute preparations before the kickoff of Ilo-ilo festival’s main event, the Regatta. Held every second Sunday of March, the festival is a floating extravaganza of colorful, hand-painted sails and locally crafted paraw, the local outrigger.

“Dinagyang”

High Spirits

Sheker is particularly drawn to the almost electric and unique energy that each festival generates, or what results from a potent mix of the vibrant costumes, the choreography, the spectators, and the history of the festival. At the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, held every fourth Sunday of January, the atmosphere reaches fever pitch with the chanting of “Hala Bira!”