Intimacy or “talamitam” in the Filipino language is a profound word that means close and intermingling relationships with others. As a culture, Filipinos are very blessed to enjoy intimacy in their lives. However, due to the influence of Western culture and romanticism, intimacy has become solely associated with having a romantic and sexual relationship to fulfil intimate needs. Four Filipino photographers, namely, Raul Policarpio and Zairene Yeoh who both live in Melbourne; and Miguel de Quiros and Dansk Santos who live in Manila and Cebu respectively, captured the images to interpret what “talamitam” in Filipino culture means as opposed to the Western meaning of intimacy that people were made to understand. These artists capture photos to cross the barriers and enlighten everyone that there is a much deeper meaning about intimacy than what is normally defined by society. That being “intimate” is not something frightening or shameful, but something beautiful when we really open our hearts and minds to it. TALAMITAM In the Philippines, “intimacy” about romance is a delicate topic that is often taboo. This is due to Spanish colonialism’s heteronormative beliefs, religiosity, and shyness. Whilst several cultural factors influence the way many Filipinos, especially how the older generations view love lives and relationships. There are also underlying social attitudes that create a sense of discomfort when talking openly about sex and desire. Thus, the word “intimacy” about romanticism and sexuality is locked inside a box because there are certain rules that say Filipinos must “behave” in order to be accepted by others and are therefore frightened of being judged negatively as well as having relationships tainted by others. At a young age, children are taught to be respectful by saying “po and opo” and doing the “pagmamano” wherein they raise the back of the older person’s hand and place it on their foreheads. These are forms of respect when responding to older people. But these traditions are slowly being forgotten in the modern era, especially among millennials. Yet despite these changes, it is still relevant that any form of reasoning and angry retaliation against the elders is considered disrespectful and rebellious. Thus, self-expression and emotions must be hidden and even the normal thoughts about having a crush or falling in love can be unorthodox to some people when you’re at a young age. Many traditional Filipinos still shy away from the notion of being intimate because they think it’s something extremely personal, exclusive, and difficult to explain – particularly in an Asian context. Intimacy can be tricky to go about in an orthodox, and religious Filipino family where dating has become more complicated over time. For conservative families and because of unchanging religious beliefs, women are expected to marry and have children at a certain age, at least before 30 years old. And old traditions dictate that a woman must remain a virgin before getting married, while men must be circumcised before they become teenagers. There is a strong tradition to value the opinions and advice of elders because they have more experience in life. Nevertheless, for the new generation especially the millennials, being older does not necessarily mean being wiser. New beliefs emerge, especially with the evolution of social media and the digital world, replacing the usual norms and the old ways. Though times are changing, still, close family ties and close friendships abound. Family always comes first, whether you belong to the next of kin or up to the 3rd or 4th generation, you are considered part of the family. Kin-like closeness is part of the culture because even close friends and neighbours are treated like family. It is quite normal for neighbours to share simple gestures like exchanging food and snacks, sending out invitations for special occasions, celebrating special feasts or “fiestas” together, and welcoming visitors and new neighbours. This is what “talamitam” is all about. On our journey in search of the true meaning of “talamitam” as reflected in our photo gallery, our photographers captured the images to shed light on different things that define intimacy. The photos portray the images of “talamitam” and intimacy in its pragmatic and purest sense. Intimacy is the most natural form of human need. Intimacy is not equal only to sex, nor is it just a romantic attachment. Intimacy between friends, lovers and partners, husbands and wives, between a parent and child, self-intimacy (body and self), and even familiarity with living in a new city or finding happiness in everyday tasks are all forms of intimacy. Moments of intimacy in different forms are captured in the photos of Raul Policarpio. The photos are candid shots of the everyday lives of people being intimate in the actual moment of what they are doing. Whether being alone thinking and doing some self-reflection, walking down the street, sitting on public transport or being with friends and strangers in random places. There is wisdom that intimacy is something universal because it can mean even the simplest things we do in our everyday lives. Being intimate in the exact moment transcends the beauty of enjoying what life has to offer day by day in the limited time that we have. Snapshots of husband and wife, parent and child are how Zairene Yeoh portrayed the meaning of intimacy. The precious moments of making love and being a parent, and spending time with our children can be neglected in the busy rhythm of our lives. Our multitude of distractions and responsibilities steal our attention away from the people who matter most, even ourselves, and then we become strangers. Time is not something that can be rewound, and children grow up, while spouses can grow apart. Intimacy is love nurtured to continue thriving, to be whole and unbroken. Dansk Santos captures intimacy in the discovery of human desires, to make us realise that nothing is wrong with loving yourself and loving someone, even when society dictates that we shouldn’t ever do so because there are rules to be followed. Intimacy is as prevalent in this world as pornography, we just don’t talk about it. It’s almost as though if we bring it up, people will think we’re dirty and there’s something wrong with us. Behind the dark façade shows that there is a part of us that wants to be seen and be accepted. The fear of being naked and vulnerable drives a lot of us to try to keep ourselves hidden or “secure.” If we all look beyond the images and the emotions that they convey, we will understand that we all yearn for love, and find comfort in our sexuality despite our imperfections. Self-intimacy (body and self) is captured by the photos of Miguel de Quiros to show that every person is uniquely beautiful in their own nakedness. While one person may think that it means giving up a piece of who they are, another may think of it as embracing every part of them. How do we see ourselves when we look in the mirror? Can we see past our imperfections and still love ourselves? The photos allow us to have a broader understanding to be kinder, to ourselves and to other people. Intimacy just like love starts from within. This is our solace and our peace.