I didn’t drink that night, even though I gave away towers of beer. But I’m still on the process of letting everything sink in. I’m still hungover from my first exhibit. My first ever, and maybe my last? I hope not.
I went there late, because I ran errands before heading home. I was 30 mins late, Filipino time, I think. When I arrived there, everyone was all so busy talking and they were waiting for the tarpaulin to be removed from the wall where my photos were posted.
I panicked. I was late. I was sweating. It was raining. My parents weren’t there yet. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t because I know nervousness was just a shallow reason. I felt pressure, excitement, nervousness, euphoria… Everything.
But then, Kuya Mark Pidor got the tarpaulin down. I turned the lights on.
Everyone was smiling… at me and my photos. I felt my heart take leaps of faith.
This will be a long post.
I have two crosses, left wrist cross tattoo, and right hand cross connector ring.
30 mins after turning on the lights, I went behind the microphone and I said everything I wrote. I’ve seen people smile, but the most heartwarming smile I have seen are those from my Mama and Daddy.
People listening.
I look dumb. Haha.
I wasn’t crying, okay? Haha. But when I hugged my mom, “I’m proud of you.” Was all I heard.
MY BELOVED MUSE. I haven’t read the line for her in my speech, but here it goes… “I would also thank my muse, LA Subido, for being supportive and cooperative, for being one of the most important reasons why we all should appreciate beauty and turn it into art.”
My SOUL Lifestyle Mom and Dad, and my real Mom and Dad! It was their first meeting!
A few of my classmates who dressed up and promoted my exhibit through texts and statuses and of course, tweets.
My beloved fashion bloggers! Gail Royeca, Farrah Garcia, and Kristine Villano! :)
My fellow SOUL Lifestyle photographer, James Bautista!
The left photo was taken by Haemi Jun. And that is my contact number… :D
My siblings who came from Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro.
Bagane Fiola of STUDIOBUGSY.NET and Rudolph Alama of Sunstar Davao. Thank you Rudolph for the interview! :)
My dumb face.
I can’t write anymore. So, here is what I said when I was talking.
I came here knowing no one, and here you all are supporting me in this kind of art that I have loved and enjoyed through out the years. This is my first exhibit, and those are the pictures I have taken since I started this craft. Having this, having you all here, was just a dream before. A dream that I thought would never be a reality.
This, I, am a proof that age isn’t a factor when it comes to pursuing passion. I am seventeen, I am prone to being wasted. But I choose not to, I choose not to be part of those who are trapped in the teenage wasteland.
We can all make our dreams come true, no matter how old or young we are. As long we have passion, as long as we have our dreams inside our pockets, and as long as we run with our dreams, we can be at the edge, on the verge, of making a difference in a world where everyone tries to fit in.
I am here to tell you that dreamers don’t die. That these dreams will take us to somewhere greater, that the monsters under your pillows will be guides in making your dreams come true. Dream still, even if the nights are long gone, dreamer.
Remember what I always say? Live young. Be wild. Run free. Live young, and don’t be afraid that you’ll age. Be wild and take chances and risks, don’t ever think of regretting anything. Run free, and feel the independence that you long for yourself. This is a free world and remember that you can do anything. Anything that would make it a better place. Inspire yourself, and inspire other people.
The night is young, and so are we. Let’s enjoy the night!
I am Aidx Paredes, and this is the edge of seventeen.
To all those who came, I love you dearly. Thank you for going even if the rain was pouring hard, and thank you to everyone who congratulated me. :”)
Thank you so much. I hope I’ve inspired you all. I wish I could cry…
And if you still want to see the pictures, it will be still posted there at Lions Reggae Bar and Plates, Juan Luna St., Davao City. If you want to tag me along, or want to talk or hang out there, haha, just tell me. My exhibit will be there til February, so you guys should check it out!
Photos by Jose Miguel Santillan. Follow him on Tumblr, okay? Haha.
My outfit was all from Pickled and Peppered (2nd Floor Fashion Walk, Gaisano Mall of Davao). Thank you Pickled and Peppered!
LIVE YOUNG. BE WILD. RUN FREE.
X,
TheAidxParedes
