About Us

Memory Visuals is a repository of general images of people, places and events in Negros Oriental and the cities and municipalities that comprise the province. The idea that gave birth to the website is the inevitable longing for the homeland that its natives fiercely experience, especially in the first few years of searching for better fortunes in other far-away countries. The experience is by no means exclusively a Negrense experience, but of all those who are abroad. However, this website is dedicated only to preserving life in Negros Oriental, in photographs.

Each individual, when uprooted, will always bring along memories of their home—the people and places that hold significant milestones in their life. But, quite sadly, even the most vivid visions do fade away after some time. If ever it happened so gradually, it will most assuredly seem abrupt when one is trying to reminisce old memories in a struggle to counter the pangs of homesickness. Photographs augment our memories. They keep them fresh. They are some of the most inspiring visual reminders of why, where, what, and with whom we are doing what we are doing today. For that reason, our website will keep those images, and therefore, your memories, as vivid and fresh as the day your eyes saw them.

Homesick Negrense in New York looking at photos of Alma Mater.

Memory Visuals

At Memory Visuals, we understand the power of nostalgia—a feeling that is both elusive and profound. It’s an emotion that stirs within us when we recall the people, places, and events that have shaped our lives. This site is a dedicated space for Negrenses and Dumagueteños, offering a digital gallery where memories of home are just a click away.

Central to Memory Visuals is The Maniniyot Patrol, led by JGUmbac, a native of Dumaguete City. After venturing abroad for work, JGUmbac returned with a passion for capturing the essence of his hometown. He is also the author of Sins Unforgiven, a gripping crime thriller available on Amazon and various other online bookstores.

Memory Visuals showcases JGUmbac’s personal collection of photographs, each image a testament to his deep connection with the community. Through his lens, we journey into the heart of Dumaguete City, preserving its vibrant stories and landscapes.

As Memory Visuals evolves, we look forward to welcoming contributions from other photographers. These submissions will be curated based on a set of criteria to ensure they resonate with the spirit and quality of our gallery.

Together, Memory Visuals and The Maniniyot Patrol celebrate the art of storytelling through images. We invite you to explore this unique collection and join us in honoring the cultural tapestry of Dumaguete City. Let these photographs take you on a journey through time, reconnecting you with the memories that define who you are as a Negrense.

An old camera similar to what once used by the 'maniniyot' in city parks.

The Maniniyot Patrol

The term "maniniyot" harkens back to a bygone era, referring to the roving photographers who once graced the city parks of Dumaguete City and in various gathering places across the province. These photographers wandered through the bustling public spaces, offering their services to capture moments for anyone willing to pay a small fee. Their presence was a staple of the local culture, as they skillfully documented the lives of families, friends, and individuals who sought to preserve memories in tangible form.

In the modern age, the advent of mobile phones equipped with high-quality cameras has dramatically changed the landscape of photography. Today, anyone can quickly snap a picture of virtually anything at any time. This technological shift has led to the decline of the traditional "maniniyot," leaving only a few professional photographers who are now primarily engaged for special occasions like weddings and other significant events.

The Maniniyot Patrol is a heartfelt tribute to these photographers of the past. It celebrates the legacy of those who dedicated their craft to capturing the essence of life and preserving cherished memories. These photographers were instrumental in creating keepsakes that not only served as reminders of special moments but also connected people to their roots and histories. By honoring the "maniniyot," we remember the art of storytelling through images and the unique role these photographers played in the cultural tapestry of Dumaguete City.

MemoryVisuals.com is not a site designed for tourists seeking to explore Dumaguete City or Negros Oriental. It isn't a travel guide or a platform for discovering popular attractions. Instead, it’s a special space dedicated to those who have roots in this region—Negrenses who have a deep connection to the land, the people, and the everyday experiences that define life here. The images on this site capture scenes from daily life, familiar places, and moments that resonate with those who have called this place home. They are photographs taken from the perspective of someone walking the streets of the cities and municipalities of Negros Oriental or, as we would prefer to say, their cherished hometowns.

For Negrenses, these images go beyond mere photographs. They evoke powerful memories and emotions, allowing visitors to relive the essence of their homeland. Whether it's a bustling market, a quiet street, or a traditional event, each picture serves as a portal to the past. MemoryVisuals.com offers a comforting reminder of home, creating a sense of belonging and connection for those who may be far away. This site provides a unique opportunity for viewers to momentarily experience the warmth and familiarity of being "home" again, even if just through the lens of memory.

Something wonderful this way comes...