Sa ngalan ng payapang pampang (In honor of tranquil shores)
Featuring works by Victoria Perote (The Philippines)
Recipient of the Objectifs Documentary Award, Emerging Category
Mentored by Ezra Acayan
Sa ngalan ng payapang pampang tells the stories of five women who were either incarcerated or forced into hiding during the period of Martial Law in the Philippines for being associated with activist activities. Despite their experiences, these women continue to advocate for civil and workers rights as activists, educators and historians. The title for the exhibition is inspired by a line in Dekada ‘70, a book by writer Lualhati Bautista: “Ang payapang pampang ay para lang sa mga pangahas na sasalunga sa alimpuyo ng mga alon sa panahon ng unos.” (Tranquil shores are only for those who boldly oppose raging waves during storms.)”
Martial law was in place in the Philippines from 1972 to 1986, under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. This period of history is acknowledged by historians and political scientists as a time of widespread human rights abuse, with extra-judicial killings, torture, forced disappearances and imprisonment inflicted on individuals who resisted the regime. Currently, 11,103 victims of martial law have officially been granted reparations by the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, but many other claims remain unaddressed.
In an effort to learn more about Martial Law and its impact, Victoria Perote spent time with these women to learn about their life experiences and their motivations, assembling portraits of strength, tenacity, and an unyielding sense of social justice and commitment to equality. Their stories are an acknowledgement of the crucial role that women play in effecting social change, and a reminder that individuals have the power to champion critical issues and challenge oppression.
Presented by Objectifs
Supported by the Truth Seeker Foundation
Exhibition
Objectifs Lower Gallery 1
Related Events
Navigating Documentary: Victoria Perote and Husna, in conversation with Ezra Acayan
Objectifs Annexe
Sat 11/4/2026, 3pm
Free Admission
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About the artist
Victoria Perote, also known as Bam, is a multimedia artist based in Manila. Since discovering a love for photography in college, she strives to use photography to tell stories of regular Filipinos. Through her work, she hopes to inspire more people to call for justice.
About the Mentor
Ezra Acayan (b. 1993) is a photojournalist based in the Philippines with over a decade of experience covering politics, climate change, and social injustice. Driven by a deep commitment to bearing witness, he strives to document images that stand as both evidence and a reflection of society’s conscience.
He is a two-time World Press Photo awardee, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and was named Photographer of the Year at the inaugural Pictures of the Year Asia. He is also an alumnus of the Ian Parry Scholarship and a recipient of multiple honors from POYi, the National Press Photographers Association, the Society of Publishers Asia, and the Human Rights Press Awards.
He has done work for Getty Images, The New York Times, TIME, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse, and his work has appeared in every major publication worldwide. Locally, his work is regularly exhibited in galleries, churches, and universities.
About the truth seeker foundation
The Truth Seeker Foundation believes that education and enlightenment are the best ways to address many of the social issues we face today. Amongst the many causes the Foundation supports, it advocates for raising awareness of social and environmental issues through photography.