Cecilia “Iya” Forbes is a narrative-driven freelance photographer and video journalist 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 primarily freelances for the Associated Press Television News (Manila Bureau).

Her work has appeared on a number of local and international publications and has done work for NGOs such as UNICEF Philippines and Habitat For Humanity International. She is also part of Diversify Photo’s “Up Next” photographers since 2020 and a member of Women Photograph since 2021.

Aside from media, she also consumes a ton of coffee. She has her own coffee passion project and she’d gladly brew you a cup and bring it on assignment. :)

For assignments, projects, or inquiries: hello@iyaforbes.com