Maharlika is a personal and visual journey through my ancestral homeland in Tuy, Philippines. Created during a trip that bridges distance and belonging, this magazine weaves together personal photography and quiet observation to explore what it means to return, to witness, and to feel both rooted and in-between. The work moves through moments of stillness and subtle tension, where nature becomes a mirror for emotional and cultural inheritance.

Note from Author:

Maharlika is not just a word tied to status or mythology—it is a personal reclamation for the intense politics of the land. Creating this magazine was a form of meditation, agency and a place where I was able to understand what I witnessed and was a part of. This is a personal project I am happy to share with you all.

Catherine Rodriguez earned a B.A. in Sociology from University of California, Los Angeles in 2022 and an M.F.A. in Photography in 2026 from Pratt Institute. She integrates her background in Sociology into her photographic practice. She is now in pursuit of photojournalistic endeavors.