If you've been following me for a bit, you would kind of realize I'm a big lover of quotes. However once in a while I come across a quote or 2 that I just don't simply understand, or can't relate. That is exactly what happened with this quote "Passion is the genesis of genius." - Galileo. Maybe its because I may not seem like the obvious "passionate" type but I was recently schooled on it's meaning by a girl named Xyza Cruz Bacani.
For the past 10 years, 27-year-old Xyza Cruz Bacani has been working as a domestic worker for a wealthy Chinese family in Hong Kong. On her rare days off, she rushes out onto the streets with her camera and captures compelling street photos.

""When I'm wearing my camera I'm not a helper anymore, I'm an ordinary girl." Xyza says.

A self portrait of Xyra Cruz Bacani with a Nikon D90 on loan from her employer

More recently, Xyza used her camera to document a women’s shelter for abused domestic workers. "When I see the girls, I talk to them, I absorb all their emotions and I can't really believe that some people can do that to other human beings," She says.

She posts new images on Facebook daily and caught the attention of a Filipino documentary photographer who introduced her to a community of mentors. Photos from the abused domestic workers project shown here.

Shelter for abused domestic workers in Hong Kong

Soon after, doors began to open -- first, a profile in The New York Times' Lens blog, then a Fuji Film sponsorship, a feature on CNN.com, and an exhibition at the Philippines Consulate General in Hong Kong. With striking story telling from her photos she has raised international awareness on atrocities that would normally go unmentioned or forgotten among many other things on the streets it came from.
But with a passion for street photography on rare days off and a Nikon camera on loan, Xyza was able to have the world feel even just for a bit, how these underground domestic workers have struggled and endured. Truly amazing to me when you stop to think about it. Hmm maybe even Genius perhaps? haha
You are probably be thinking, "So this is your point Charles? bringing back us back to your quote?"
Nah, I guess im over trying to prove points, there's no point haha.
- Charles

Passion is the genesis of genius... say whuuutttt?