In celebration of 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, 70 Years of the Leica M, and 10 Years of Leica Store Philippines

Media Exhibit: May 26, 2025 | Auction Day: July 4-6, 2025

Leica Store Philippines (LSP) proudly announces its participation in the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila Waves for Hope Art Charity Fundraiser, showcasing the photographic works of Angela Panlilio and Jonathan Hodder. This JCI event serves as a charitable initiative that brings together artists, collectors, and patrons to support local community development projects. Moreover, the platform meaningfully coincides with LSP’s celebration of several historic milestones: 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, 70 Years of the Leica M, and 10 Years of Leica Store Philippines.

Composed of four photographs in total—two from each artist—Panlilio and Hodder’s works demonstrate the versatility of the Leica system and its capacity to empower visual storytellers coming from different artistic tendencies and traditions, and in this case, across Fine Art, Street, and Documentary genres. Both Panlilio and Hodder are no strangers to Leica audiences. Their works have previously been exhibited at the Leica Store Philippines Gallery, one of only two dedicated photography galleries in the country. Their return for this fundraiser marks a continuation of their artistic dialogue and shared commitment to Leica’s vision of photography as both art and documentation.

Panlilio’s works are elegant images of her meanderings—introspective, multidimensional, and layered into luminous reconstructions of impressions left in her psyche from her travels. A proper counterpoint to Panlilio’s beautifully ambiguous and transient images, Hodder offers clarity and vibrancy, captured with decisive precision. His images are textured, and alive, whether taken in a small town in Myanmar or the rain-drenched streets of Manila. All photos on show were taken with the Leica M11. 

Despite having distinctive sensibilities which are clearly pronounced in the selection, both artists offer works that are dynamic and radiant, forming a fitting dialogue between practices, perspectives, and particularities. Their contributions to the fundraiser embody the soul of Leica photography: honest, human, and enduring.

“This is a landmark year for Leica globally and locally,” says Antonni Cuesta, Business Head for Leica Store Philippines. “To celebrate through the work of two artists who have helped us grow as a brand and expand as a business, in a setting that directly benefits community development, is a perfect expression of what we stand for.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Leica Store Philippines for this fundraiser,” shares Mr. Edward Cheng, Project Chairman, Waves for Hope. “The intersection of art and service allows us to connect with a broader community and amplify our mission. Through this collaboration, we’re not only supporting our initiatives, we’re also celebrating the power of images to move people to action.”

The JCI Art Fundraiser, scheduled to open on May 26 at Centro de Turismo, Intramuros, will raise funds for JCI Manila’s social impact projects, including education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood programs. Art lovers, collectors, and Leica enthusiasts are invited to witness and support this special initiative.

This collaboration underscores Leica Store Philippines’ continued commitment to both the arts and community engagement. By supporting this fundraiser, Leica not only highlights Filipino photographic talent but also contributes to JCI’s mission of creating sustainable impact through civic involvement.

Online Catalogue: Of Bypaths and Wonder by Angela Panlilio

Know more about JCI Manila

About the Artist - Angela Panlilio

Angela Panlilio is a photographer whose artistic journey began as a hobby while living in Hong Kong in the early 2000s. Initially drawn to travel and street photography, she gravitated toward a veiled approach to image-making—often shooting through glass, windows, and other textured in-betweens—embracing obscurity, ambiguity, and layered redactions as a way of capturing the wispiness of a moment and the impalpable.

The limitations of the pandemic prompted an inward turn, leading her to revisit and rework past photographs. This period of titration, experimentation, and exploration marked a transition—toward a more interpretative, nuanced approach to visual storytelling.

Her work has been featured in several group exhibitions. Her first solo show, Into Light, was held in November 2024 at Artinformal Gallery. Of Bypaths and Wonder is her second solo exhibition which opened at Leica Store Philippines Gallery on March 14, 2025.

 

About the Artist - Jonathan Hodder

Jonathan Hodder is a Filipino-British street and documentary photographer whose work explores the everyday realities of life across Asia and the Pacific. His images—marked by clarity, texture, and quiet intensity—capture the human condition with a strong sense of place and narrative.

With a background in governance and development through the United Nations, Hodder’s practice is grounded in real-world experience. He has worked in diverse environments, from urban centers like Manila and Yangon to climate-affected communities in Nauru and Fiji. These engagements inform his documentary approach—focused not on spectacle, but on honest and respectful representation.

Hodder’s work is shaped by his interest in the social and cultural dynamics that define his subjects. Whether capturing candid moments on the street or structured scenes in remote areas, his photographs reflect a consistent commitment to authenticity and observation.

Through his work, Jonathan Hodder continues to contribute to the tradition of documentary photography as a tool for understanding, reflection, and dialogue.

 

About Leica Store Philippines

Leica Store Philippines is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant community of photographers and image-makers. Through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations, it provides a platform for artistic expression, fostering a deeper appreciation for photography as creative labor.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in November 2024, the store marks a decade of supporting the local photography scene. More than just a retail space, it serves as a hub where both seasoned professionals and passionate enthusiasts can engage in meaningful dialogue about the power of visual storytelling.

Coinciding with this milestone, 2025 is a historic moment for Leica Camera AG, which commemorates 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century. Since the revolutionary Leica I was first unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, Leica has continuously redefined the way the world captures and experiences photography.

As part of this tradition, Leica Store Philippines remains committed to upholding the Leica legacy—championing the art of seeing, promoting craftsmanship, and continuing to be a witness to history through the lens.