A coffee chat over filmmaking, island life, and the constant pursuit of creativity
An interview by Cheryl Fuerte
I’ve known Terence Ver Angsioco since our school days at St. Joseph’s Academy in Las Piñas, Metro Manila (in the Philippines). We also happened to grow up in the same barangay (village) .
The Terence Ver I knew (we fondly called him “Bamsy” back then) was a friendly, chatty, and outgoing kid in the school block who always wore a genuine smile.
Little did many know that this outgoing kid in the block was also someone brewing with abundant passion for photography, design, filmmaking, and creativity in general.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and raised in Manila, Philippines, Terence Ver eventually left the city behind for the untamed beauty of El Nido, in Palawan, where he has lived for several years now. What began as a move to simplify life turned into a creative awakening — the island became both his home and muse.
Today, Terence is a filmmaker and photographer whose works have traveled farther than most of us ever will. From being featured in international magazines to shooting Paris Fashion Week, his journey is a testament to persistence, self-learning, and passion. A turning point came in 2020, when he documented the Tagbanua people of Palawan — a project that gained global attention through Vice News, Sidetracked Magazine, CNN Philippines, and Grid Magazine.
Q&A with Terence Ver Angsioco
Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first creative job?
Terence Ver: My first job was as a Web Designer and Graphic Designer during the early internet boom in the Philippines. (laughs) This was when Cheryl Fuerte (haha that’s you!) was winning the Philippine Web Awards every year! That period really opened my eyes to visual design and digital storytelling. But over time, I found myself drawn to photography, capturing moments instead of creating web and graphic layouts.
How did that transition happen?
Terence Ver: It all started with a 1.3-megapixel camera and a sense of adventure. I began shooting the streets of Manila, experimenting with light, people, and movement. Photography became a form of freedom and expression for me, a way to tell stories visually without saying a word.
One of my favorite projects that you have was for Sidetracked Magazine called “Survival in Paradise,” where you featured the Tagbanua people of Palawan. I saw it on my IG feed and immediately ordered myself a copy. Terence, could you tell us more about it?
Terence Ver: This was one of my most important projects. I documented the Tagbanua people of Palawan, capturing both the beauty, simplicity, yet the challenges of the people living there. This project that not only gained global attention through Vice News, Sidetracked Magazine, CNN Philippines, and Grid Magazine, but also was able to reach more people around the globe and they got to know the story behind the Tagbanuas.
I am so happy that this story has reached people in various walks of life, around the globe. I’m grateful how these little moments captured in a photograph has still connected me to beautiful souls all over the globe.
Viitasaari, Itä-Suomen Lääni, Finland
Bicester, Oxfordshire
Colorado River, AZ
Bryant Park, NY
And from photography, you eventually moved into filmmaking. Was that self-taught?
Terence Ver: Yes, completely self-taught. I learned through practice, curiosity, and a lot of trial and error. I’ve always believed that if you’re passionate enough, you’ll find your own teachers in the process.
“I am completely self-taught. I learned through practice, curiosity, and a lot of trial and error. I’ve always believed that if you’re passionate enough, you’ll find your own teachers in the process.”
What are some of your favorite works so far?
Terence Ver: My ultimate favorite project would be the short music documentary for JKJ’s album — watch it here.This was special, because we shot this during the extended (pandemic) lockdown in the Philippines. I shot this with the artist FKJ and with only one shooter. Then there’s the music video for FJK’s “Wayout” (YouTube link) and my first one-man-shot documentary, “All Hands. All Hearts.” (YouTube link). In both projects I’ve learned a lot about working solo and being resourceful.
One look at his instagram account portfolio would give you an idea of how absolutely creative and talented he is. Who are your main influences in film and photography?
Terence Ver: (smiles) There are a lot! But if I had to name one, it would be Roger Deakins, the English cinematographer. His work and lighting approach are just incredible. He did Bladerunner 2049, James Bond Skyfall, Sicario and 1917!
I live on one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines (El Nido, Palawan), so when I’m not shooting, I bike, swim, surf, dive, or just explore.
True enough, Terence’s work sounds like everyone’s vacation . But I did ask him what he does outside work (if that’s something that he calls work!). So what do you do outside work?
Terence Ver: (laughs) I’m in constant motion. I live on one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines (El Nido, Palawan), so when I’m not shooting, I bike, swim, surf, dive, or just explore. There’s always something new to do here. My studio is at the foot of a mountain, just five minutes from a secluded beach. When I’m not out, I chill there — edit, write, or just breathe.
Your work demands social interaction. Would you call yourself an introvert or extrovert?
Terence Ver: I think I’m an extrovert. I used to party a lot when I was based in Manila. In El nido, I’m more tamed haha. I do more outdoor activities now.
“I used to party a lot when I was based in Manila. In El Nido, I’m more tamed haha. I do more outdoor activities now.“
If you weren’t a filmmaker or photographer, what do you think you’d be doing?
Terence Ver: Probably a chef or cook, or maybe a production manager for film or events. I like bringing things and people together!
If I’m not a filmmaker or a photographer, I’ll probably be a chef or cook, or maybe a production manager for film or events. I like bringing things and people together!
– Terence Ver Angsioco
FINAL THOUGHTS
There’s a calm yet very exciting energy that surrounds Terence Ver Angsioco when you talk to him, the kind that comes from knowing who you are and what you love doing. From the busy streets of Metro Manila to the calm lush coasts, caves, and rainforests of El Nido, to bustling streets around the world, he has carved a creative path defined by an obvious eye for design and style, and authenticity. I’m very proud and happy for all that he has accomplished (and no doubt there will be more accolades in the future).
Terence’s story is a reminder that the best journeys aren’t always linear. Sometimes it can involve moving places or a total pivot from city life, to discover and pursue one’s creative dreams to the fullest.
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