add_action('wp_footer', function () { echo ''; }, 99); James Morales – Zee Lifestyle https://zee.ph Cebu's Premier Lifestyle Bible Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:40:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.7 https://zee.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Z-icon-80x80.png James Morales – Zee Lifestyle https://zee.ph 32 32 James Morales Jr.; Capturing Significant Images Through His Lenses While Nurturing a Lifelong Passion for Vintage Cars https://zee.ph/james-morales-jr-capturing-significant-images-through-his-lenses-while-nurturing-a-lifelong-passion-for-vintage-cars/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:40:13 +0000 https://zee.ph/?p=37200 James Morales is a creative storyteller who uses photography and videography to capture authentic moments through compelling visual narratives. His body of work includes commercials, editorial content, and corporate projects, all of which aim to combine creativity with purpose.

Beyond the world of multimedia, he has a lifelong passion for automobiles. In his spare time, he restores and works on classic vintage cars and is the proud owner of two Mitsubishi Lancers: a 1976 coupe and a 1978 sedan. When he is not behind the camera or under the hood of a car, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and creating meaningful experiences while continuously learning and growing.

What is it that you love about your work?

I don’t really see what I do as work. It’s a dedication. Both photography and videography have always been a joy to me, so every project is an opportunity to share a narrative. Before entering the creative industry, I spent 12 years in the corporate world. That experience taught me discipline, professionalism, and how to work with clients effectively. Combining that experience with visual communication skills allows me to bring both artistic vision and a strong business mindset to every project.

Are you inspired by any creatives?

I draw inspiration from countless writers, photographers, and filmmakers across different genres. Each of them has a unique way of telling stories, and there’s always something to learn from. One of my biggest inspirations is Larry Chen, who sparked my appreciation for car culture. I take bits of inspiration from different artists and use those lessons to develop my own style and creative voice. The goal is to establish my own identity and legitimacy as a creative.

Larry Chen is a globally renowned car culture and automotive photographer

What is your music playlist like?

My playlist is a reflection of how I grew up. It’s filled with the music my dad used to play every Sunday, songs that became part of our family’s traditions and memories. Now I find myself listening to artists like ABBA, Gin Blossoms, Whitney Houston, Rick Astley, and AC/DC almost every day, this time with my own kids around.

Gin Blossoms are an alternative band formed in Arizona known for a hybrid of melodic rock and jangle pop

What was the last piece of art that caught your attention?

I think art can be found anywhere and comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s in a painting or a photograph. It can also be found in nature, architecture, or the places we visit while traveling. One piece that recently caught my attention was the Roman Colosseum-inspired Binaybayon Sports Complex in Baybay, Leyte. Seeing that blend of Filipino cultural identity and Italian classical architecture convinced me that creativity can transform the familiar into something memorable and inspiring.

The Binaybayon Sports Complex features and an imposing yellow colored facade an Olympic size rubberized track

What film or television series are you currently watching?

I’m always on the lookout for a good television series, but recently I’ve been watching The Grand-ish Tour. It’s not a brand-new adventure series like before. Instead, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May look back at some of the peak moments from The Grand Tour. It’s a nostalgic trip filled with incredible footage from their journeys, hilarious mishaps, and memorable cars that made the show iconic.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May travel the world as hosts of this Amazon series

What is your favorite travel destination?

It’s not about the destination; it’s about the people you travel with. Wherever I get to travel with my wife and kids will always be my favorite place. We recently visited Boracay, and it has become one of our favorite family destinations. In fact, we plan to celebrate my eldest child’s birthday there this year, and we’re looking forward to creating more memories together while enjoying uninterrupted quality time.

Boracay is a tropical paradise famous for its stunning sunsets situated in the Western Visayas region of the country

Do you have a treasured object that you cannot part with?

My cameras aren’t just tools. They’ve been with me through many milestones. I also have a classic 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer that I will never sell because it sparked my passion for cars and has become part of who I am. But if I had to choose what I treasure most, it would be my dad’s Ray-Ban sunglasses. It’s a simple object that carries a lifetime of memories, making it truly irreplaceable.

1976 Mitsubishi Lancer, first generation of Mitsubishi’s Lancer nameplate

Is there a song that’s currently on your mind?

One song that has always stayed with me is “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz. Two lines have always resonated with me: “Son, in life you’re gonna go far, if you do it right, you’ll love where you are,” and “Sometimes it may seem dark, but the absence of light is a necessary part.”

Jason Mraz, a celebrated American singer, song writer and guitarist is also a dedicated philanthropist

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Perfect” is a strong word, but if I had to describe it, it would be seeing my children grow up to be responsible, kind, respectful, and God-fearing individuals. More than any career path or material success, that’s the greatest measure of success—and as close to perfect happiness as I can imagine.

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