Jhay Oh Otamias, photojournalist: Quite the fan of boxing (at iba pa)
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Nov 2020
(L-R: Manny Pacquiao, Jayson “Jhay Oh” Otamias, Dr. Ed de la Vega at the Wildcard Boxing Club, circa July 2019).
Jayson Niño Otamias, PhilBoxing.com and PinoyGreats.com photographer, prefers being behind the scenes. During fight week he, stealthily and almost apologetically, darts in and out of the fray while picking his shots.
In this not-so-exclusive interview translated from Tagalog, the reserved photog shares his thoughts about the sport that caught his eye. A glimpse of his work reminds us of why Pierce Egan and A.J. Liebling called it The Sweet Science. Through his lens we can learn about the best Filipino fighters today and their quest for ring glory.
(Clockwise: With Manny Pacquiao, John Riel Casimero, Pedro Taduran and Jerwin Ancajas).
He has covered all current Filipino world champions —Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao (147 lb), John Riel Casimero (118 lb), Pedro Taduran (105 lb) and Jerwin Ancajas (115 lb).
From the looks of it he has become friends with them.
“For me, the fighters are the stars. The focus should be on them. They are the sports heroes we aspire to be,“ said the lad from Candelaria, Quezon Province located in the southern tip of Luzon.
“These modern-day gladiators tell their story with their fists and their faces. My job is to capture the narrative under varying light conditions, focal lengths and apertures,” the Fil-Am summarized.
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Shooting the Breeze
1.What sparked your interest in sports photography, particularly boxing?
I’ve always enjoyed attending sporting events, especially boxing. But due to steep ticket prices, I was limited. So, I thought of a way to get in for free. Why not be a photographer, I thought. My happiness is very shallow, only skin deep.
2.Tell us a little about your photo supplies.
Good equipment need not be expensive. I had to save up to get workable gear. I asked around, researched and taught myself the rudiments of picture taking through books, classes and learning from the work of others. I ended up with a Canon 7D Mark II. Later, I invested in better long-range lenses. What really matters, I think, is learning how to properly use the gear you can afford.
3. Who inspired you to cover boxing events?
Dr. Ed de la Vega is my role model. In 2011, I attended a card promoted by Senator Manny Pacquiao at San Manuel Casino in Southern California. Interestingly, I saw Doc Ed at ringside taking pictures. I told myself I wanted to learn the craft. I introduced myself and he gave me tips. That was the beginning of my wonderful association with Doc Ed. Ten years have passed and we are still collaborating and covering fight cards all over. We take turns shooting for PhilBoxing.com and some Filipino broad sheets. The best times are when we ride tandem.
As a team, we’re drawn to competitive matches and big fights, spending our own resources, driving together to Los Angeles, Stockton and all over but mainly Las Vegas, Nevada. It is well worth the trip chasing big names like Saul Canelo Alvarez, Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, our very own Manny Pacquiao, and the list goes on. We especially have an affinity for Filipino fighters like Donnie Nietes, Aston Palicte, Jonas Sultan, Genesis Libranza, Brian Viloria, Nonito Donaire, Jr., just to name a few.
Doc Ed taught me that through photography we can support the cause of Filipino fighters.
4. Tell us a little bit about your personal life.
I never dreamed of one day coming to America and luckily I did.
I met my wife Aiko here and she means the world to me. She has been very supportive of my work, hobbies, even helping me with organizing pretty much everything.
I was born on December 20, 1986 in Lucena City and grew up in Candelaria, Quezon Province—a true Tagalog. My parents are Cesar and Malou Otamias. Our family, thanks to my grandfather’s petition, migrated to Gardena, California in 2004.
I am living the American dream. Here you can work hard, earn some at places like McDonald’s. I also work for The Happiest Place On Earth—Disneyland—and my boss Mickey has been kind with my schedule at work these past thirteen years.
Also, I can’t thank my mom enough for giving me constructive criticism on my pictures and my cooking.
So, I work, I save, I have fun and I often visit my homeland Philippines on my vacation.
That sums up my life.
5. How do you feel now that you’ve entered mainstream Philippine media and The Ring---The Bible of Boxing?
It is a dream come true. It literally fell on my lap. I was an avid fan of Senator Manny Pacquiao and I was one of his die-hard followers waiting to get a glimpse of him at Wildcard Boxing Club. My ultimate goal then was to shake his hand and get his autograph. A selfie was still beyond me. I didn’t care if I was yelled at, pushed around and trampled on as long as I got to see the good Senator.
Chino Trinidad of GMA-7 took notice because I was persistent in re-appearing at the parking lot at Wild Card and at other Filipino boxing events. Kuya Chino recommended for me to become a stinger for GMA-7 here in the States. You could say I got lucky because my credentials allow me to cover other sports like basketball.
Ryan Songalia gave me my first break for The Ring. What a writer. I’ve just learned that he got his Masters Degree in Journalism. What an accomplishment!
6. Do you have a favorite moment in the fight game?
Believe it or not, the time I did not get press credentials for The Fight of the Century between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. tops the list. The demand was tremendous and the media passes were rare. Not everyone who applied got the chance to cover. I thought I had what it took to get in but to no avail. The fight was just too hot. It was the super fight and I was going to miss watching a great one. The fight was sold-out hours after it was announced.
So, I was feeling down when suddenly I got the call. My name was on a list and the good Senator’s team had a ticket for me worth $3,500 at face value. I am grateful for Senator Pacquiao’s kind gesture.
7.What are your long-term goals?
I will continue to support and cover boxing, particularly the Filipino up-and-comers and not just the stars. I love helping out a fellow Filipino in some way.
8. Who are your favorite modern Filipino boxers?
That’s a difficult question. For me, all Pinoy fighters are equally deserving of our respect. I find it heartwarming to support a beltless fighter who wants to be champion. I can say I did a bit of exposure for him before he landed on the front page. The Pinoy’s victory carries with it honor and pride for our kababayans (countrymen). So, their win is also ours.
9. What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
I just try different things other photographers haven’t tried. I just experiment with angles to be unique. You be the judge.
10. Any parting shot for anyone interested in photography and Philippine Boxing History?
I’ve made it my goal to help aspiring Filipino fighters through photography. If I could help land their image on boxing websites and broad sheets, then I’m a happy man. Just have fun and out your heart and soul to whatever interests you. Let’s show the we Pinoys can be at par with everyone. I’ve been holding my camera for ten years and it’s been a nice journey. To my editor-in-chief Mr. Dong Secuya, Marami pong Salamat!
“Salamat sa inyo at sa mga kaibigan kong nakapagbigay sa akin ng inspirasiyon.”
Thanks to you, my friends, who give me inspiration.
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Jhay Oh shares his faves (All Untitled)
All photos copyright by Jhay Otamias.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
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