Mark Demayo: Of Presence and Seeing the World Through New Eyes

The visual journalist has spent years documenting history. Today, fatherhood gives his work—and life—a deeper meaning

Mark Demayo has stood behind the camera, documenting some of the country’s defining moments in his more than a decade of work as a visual journalist. His photographs have captured politics, disasters, protests, fires, and even the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But no assignment has transformed the way he sees the world quite like becoming a father.

Today, when Mark looks through a lens, he does so not only as a journalist committed to telling the truth, but also as a parent thinking about the future of his daughter, Somi.

“During my wife’s pregnancy, I was often working graveyard shifts and taking out-of-town assignments,” he recalls. “Media work can be all-consuming.”

Fortunately, he and his wife, Loj, shared an understanding of the demands of each other’s careers. Working in communications herself, she was no stranger to frequent travel and unpredictable schedules.

Still, when their daughter arrived, priorities naturally shifted.

“I wanted to come home as soon as my work was done, help with chores, make my wife and baby comfortable, and simply spend time with them,” he says.

Like many new parents, Mark is still learning as he goes. But one thing became clear almost immediately: presence matters.

Visual Journalist Mark Demayo, his wife Loj, and daughter Somi. Photos courtesy of Mark Demayo

When Familiar Stories Take on New Meaning

Over the years, Mark has photographed countless families navigating difficult circumstances. Before becoming a parent, he admired their resilience. Now, he understands it in a deeply personal way.

One memory stands out.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses, Mark documented farmers in Isabela who immediately returned to planting despite uncertainty about future weather conditions.

“They told me, ‘Nagtanim kami agad kasi para may makuha na pang-allowance ng bata at pang-kain.‘”

At the time, it was another powerful story about perseverance.

Today, it feels much closer to home.

“My sense of responsibility skyrocketed,” he says. “The desire to provide for my family really hit hard.”

The same determination he witnessed in those farmers now resonates differently.

“Just like them, I want to keep planting and sowing even amidst uncertainty so my family can grow and thrive.”

Mark Demayo at work

Learning to Navigate Parenthood Together

Since welcoming Somi, Mark and Loj have embraced the joys and adjustments that come with raising a child.

Their daughter holds a special place in both families.

“We are blessed that little Somi is spoiled with so much love and affection,” Mark shares. “She’s the first apo on both sides of the family, and since my three siblings are all boys, she’s also the first girl in our family line.”

Like many modern parents balancing careers and caregiving, Mark and Loj have learned the value of having a strong support system.

“It takes a village to raise a child” is more than just a saying in their household. When Mark is assigned to fieldwork, his in-laws step in to support Loj and Somi. During weekends and days off, the couple intentionally creates space for family time. His own family is equally present when needed.

“Shoutout to my mom for her extensive experience raising four boys,” he says with a laugh.

The support around them has allowed both parents to continue pursuing meaningful careers while remaining present for their daughter.

Still, becoming a father also prompted Mark to make a significant professional decision.

Recently, he transitioned to a new media company where he now takes on editorial desk work instead of regular field assignments.

“This allows me to continue doing journalism while being present with my family much more,” he shares. “It’s an exciting chapter.”

Mark and Loj, with their daughter Somi

The Joys of Being a Girl Dad

As the only daughter among a family of boys, Somi has introduced Mark to an entirely new experience—being a girl dad.

And it’s a role he treasures.

“I really look forward to having Somi in my arms at the end of the day,” he says.

Whether it’s singing to her, dancing around the room, or simply rocking her to sleep, these everyday moments have become some of his most cherished.

“As long as she’s not hungry or in need of a diaper change, she usually settles down when I carry her,” he shares. “My heart wells up with joy and tenderness when I’m with her.”

Even the smallest milestones—a smile, a coo, a moment of eye contact—feel significant.

“I’ll always cherish these moments. She’ll only be this little once.”

Mark and his daughter Somi

Becoming More Hopeful—and More Vigilant

Fatherhood has also sharpened Mark’s perspective as a journalist and citizen.

As someone who spends his days observing the realities shaping the nation, becoming a parent has made those realities feel more personal.

“I’m even more watchful of what’s happening in our country and government now,” he says.

The concerns can feel overwhelming at times, but they have also deepened his faith and sense of responsibility.

“It leads my wife and me to be more prayerful for the future of Somi and her generation.”

Why Truth Still Matters

Having worked in media for more than a decade, Mark has witnessed both the triumphs and challenges facing journalism.

In an era increasingly shaped by misinformation and AI-generated content, he remains committed to the core values that first drew him to the profession.

“We are firsthand witnesses and truth tellers,” he says. “We share what is verified, accurate, and real.”

For Mark, journalism is still about showing up, asking questions, verifying facts, and documenting stories with integrity.

“It takes time. It’s difficult. Sometimes it’s dangerous. But it’s worth it.”

He hopes future journalists understand both the realities and rewards of the profession.

While opportunities may be limited and sacrifices inevitable, he believes journalism remains one of the most meaningful careers a person can pursue.

“You get front-row seats to history,” he says. “You meet all kinds of people, and through your work, you can help spark important conversations.”

Mark with his camera during an event

Building the Kind of Family He Wants His Daughter to Remember

For every decision Mark makes today, there’s one simple goal: creating a loving and stable home for his family.

Watching societal shifts and hearing stories of fractured relationships has only strengthened that commitment.

“I want to do my best for Somi to have a complete, loving family,” he says.

Thankfully, he has an example close to home.

His parents have been together for 37 years, raising him and his brothers with consistency, love, and commitment.

“I hope Loj and I can show Somi that same kind of love,” he says. “I hope she grows up secure in her identity and knows her worth.”

For Mark, stepping away from regular fieldwork wasn’t about leaving journalism behind. It was about choosing a version of success that includes both meaningful work and meaningful presence.

The photographs he has taken over the years will always tell stories about the country and its people.

But now, every image carries another layer of meaning. Because behind the camera is a father building a future for the little girl waiting for him at home.

More stories of dads

Nico Antonio: On Passing the Bar, Fatherhood, and Why It’s Never Too Late to Chase Your Dreams
Cedrick Juan: The Role That Changed Everything
Anchored By Love: Diego Castro On Fatherhood, Legacy, And The News