About

Cecilia “Iya” Forbes is a freelance photographer and video journalist currently based in Manila, Philippines.

As a photographer, she likes to document the curiosities of everyday life and the pulsating energy of music, on and off stage.

As a video journalist, she produces work covering news and current affairs, lifestyle, and culture. She regularly contributes to the Associated Press Television News (Manila Bureau).

Her work has appeared on a number of local and international publications (e.g. AP, Bloomberg, New York Times, Monocle, Rappler) and has done work for NGOs (e.g. UNICEF Philippines and Habitat For Humanity International). She is also a member of Women Photograph and Diversify Photo.

When not out in the field, you can find her behind the bar at this coffee shop. So if you work with her on any assignment, expect her to share a lovingly brewed cup ☺

She is available for editorial and NGO assignments globally.

Contact her at hello@iyaforbes.com / forbes.iya@gmail.com