A simple thing can capture a person’s attention enough for them to start advocating for change. This is true for Marielle Racoma, founder of Our Endangered Philippines: Preserve Philippine Wildlife (which will be called Our Endangered from this moment on.)
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Our Endangered started as Marielle’s thesis project during her senior year at the Ateneo de Manila University. She wanted her thesis to involve photography but had no idea how to go about it. Little did she know that inspiration would strike her in the most inconspicuous place: the salon.
One weekend, she accompanied her mother to the salon. While she waited, her mother handed Marielle a copy of Animal Scene. The magazine was already open to an article about the Pangolin. As she browsed the pages, Marielle realized that not a lot of people were aware of Pangolins and their plight.
“It was a [lightbulb] moment for me to create a project about endangered species [while] integrating my passion for photography and advocacy for animal rights,” Marielle said.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!
“I remember going back to the Rizal Library in Ateneo and getting a Post-it note to jot down ideas about how to pursue a project related to animal rights. Until now, I still have that note,” she stated.
Marielle found out in her research that the Pangolins are endemic to Palawan, which led her to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC). “I immediately got in touch with the PWRCC inquiring whether they were rehabilitating the Pangolin and if I could collaborate with them within the duration of my thesis.”
Marielle managed to get approval for her thesis from PWRCC. While taking photos of the animals in the conservation center, she promised to create an initiative once she got back to Manila, which would eventually become Our Endangered.
On how the name came about, she reminisced fondly, “I was staying up, staring at the ceiling, trying to name the project. I thought of how interconnected human rights are to animal rights, which inspired the ‘our’ in Our Endangered.”
CAPTURING ANIMALS IN PHOTOS
For Marielle, being a photographer is about showcasing different perspectives. “You have the power to capture a moment, whether rare or mundane, and through that, this is where our influence comes in. I always try to keep this mindset on the field, ensuring that the stories I show would create a lasting impact.”
THE TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
In the beginning, most of her peers discouraged her from going through with the thesis project, saying that it was “too ambitious.” Some even told her that she was not the best person for the project.
Luckily, Marielle stuck with her decision, and with her mentors’ encouragement, she pushed through with her thesis.
Unfortunately, the pandemic hit during this time. Everything came to a halt. Marielle was given two options: She could get an automatic passing grade in order to graduate or continue fulfilling her requirements. She chose to continue with her thesis requirements instead of taking the easy way out. “I worked on the final chapter of my thesis for seven hours straight,” Marielle said.
WORTH THE WORK
Marielle’s hard work and perseverance paid off when she received the Ateneo Socio-Civic Engagement for National Development Award for creative sustainable advocacy. Her adviser had nominated her for the award the day before the panel started deliberating.
“Until today, it is one of my proudest achievements and [it] taught me that passion, hard work, and perseverance will all be worth it in time.”
Marielle described the #StoriesoftheButanding campaign as different due to the quality of her photos, but she was able to capture her authentic experience with the Whale Sharks.
LIFE AFTER THESIS
Our Endangered continued to thrive even after graduation. Marielle collaborated with different organizations, such as Buhay Ilang Philippines, a group that advocates for the conservation of the critically endangered Isabela Oriole Bird, wherein she created publication materials for the group’s social media platforms.
She also spearheaded a marine-centric campaign called #StoriesoftheButanding that raised awareness about the conservation of the Whale Shark. Marielle describes this as “a volunteer opportunity for individuals interested in animal rights work.”
TRAILBLAZER
Marielle’s goal in life is to amplify the voices of those who struggle to be heard. Her thesis project aims to break the stigma around animals who aren’t domesticated. “Speciesism, or the idea that one animal is more important than another, is a real issue that I try my best to combat . . . by showing everyone that all animals matter. “ Her dream for this project is to provide an atlas that showcases endangered species from the Philippines.
Marielle is also a part-time model. She aims to be a catalyst for plus-size representation, especially for women. Marielle sees this as an opportunity to apply some of the concepts of modeling into Our Endangered. “Modeling has taught me that you are seen, and I want to apply that same concept toward all animals — that they are worthy, deserving of freedom, and deserving of love and respect.”
As a part-time model, Marielle hopes to
increase the representation of plus-size bodies. (Kilo Serrano)
WHEN PHOTOS AREN’T ENOUGH
Not only is Marielle a founder, model, and photographer, but she’s also a singer-songwriter! Marielle performed as the closing act in the fundraiser concert for Buhay Ilang Philippines.
She has released her music through streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music. She currently has plans to release a full-length album.
STAYING “CAPTURED”
For Marielle, her attention staying captured by animals doesn’t have to be complicated, because inspiration can be found everywhere. “I believe it’s so important to appreciate the beauty of the world in its grandeur and simplicity.”
She also encourages everyone to explore. “Just put yourself out there. It’s important to fight for what you want and to persevere. Don’t let other people’s opinions of you get to you. As the saying goes, ‘Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.’”
