Malate Church

a few steps from one of manila's vibrant bar district is the Malate Church. built in the 16th century, the baroque-styled church sits facing the fabulous sunset of Manila bay. my youngest brother was christened at this very church in 1985. 

Finding Their Way Out

I found this group of tourists seriously trying to figure their way out of Temple Street in Hong Kong. After taking this shot, i took pity and helped them find their way back to Nathan Road.

Big Time

i recently went on a two-day photo tour of hongkong. this is the Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower. originally built in 1915, the old monument is now surrounded by modern buildings and bustling crowds that flock to the Harbour City Mall or the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront for a spectacular view of Hongkong Island.

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Winding Down

At the end of a work day in Ortigas, the other business district in metro manila.

Of Streetlamps and Old Cameras

Dragon Skies

Public Transport

It may not get you to your destination as fast, but it promises you'll enjoy the ride!

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Roadtrip

Bubbles!

Merienda

Sweet Tooth

i have more than one sweet tooth it seems. i'd gladly trade decent food for dessert and am quite known to be susceptible to bribes of cake from friends in exchange for favors and errands. shown here are variations of sweet rice cakes native to the Philippines. of course i walked away with more than just one kind.

Not so Secret Garden

 

this was taken at Casa Manila in Intramuros, Manila.

Sneaking in a Bite

Every Sunday, a tiny market is put up at the Philippine Lung Center, a government owned hospital. the market is known to sell everything from clothes, to food, to plants. it is open only in the morning and attracts a huge crowd because of the low prices offered by the sellers. because of the huge crowd and the early start, i guess you're left with only a few minutes to spare in between customers for a quick bite.

The Future is Analog

i'm a huge fan of vintage. i like the music and clothes of years gone by. the love for vintage extends to photography as well. along with my almost state-of-the-art digital cameras, i have about four or five film cameras that i still use from time to time. there are my holgas and my trusty rollei rangefinder that i got off ebay for about 50 usd.

Lomography Embassy Manila is a local dealer of toy cameras. although i did not get my holgas from them (i'm a die hard ebay fanatic), i still browse their shops for awesome toy cams. as the lomo enthusiasts would say, Plastic Fantastic!

Milflores

Locally known as Milflores, hydrangeas are my favorite flowers. The variety of colors never fail to cheer me up. I was lucky enough to catch some in an awesome shade of blue when I went to the local market with my mum early Sunday morning.

Unsung Heroes

i pass by this little-known monument everyday on my way home from work. it is dedicated to the unsung heroes of philippine modern democracy, those who tirelessly fought against authoritarian rule.

my parents and those of my friends were among those who fought against the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos. the monument is testament to their bravery and the valiance of their fallen comrades. it is because of them that i continue to enjoy the fruits of a free nation.

Time Warp

Hard to believe i took this photo just last weekend. it gave me a glimpse of what life must have been like in my Manila centuries ago.

Street Art

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Favorite Coffee Shop

i am a coffee junkie. cannot live without the stuff. sure i've tried to wean myself away from caffeine but somehow, i always find myself reaching for a fresh cup. this particular Starbucks is my all-time favorite, followed closely by the one on Caine Road in Central, Hongkong. it tickles me no end to see a gigantic espresso machine amidst the ruins of Intramuros. and no, i don't find anything wrong with a starbucks within the walls of intramuros the same way i am offended by the idea of a starbucks inside the forbidden city in beijing. but that just might be the coffee addict talking.

Standout

Nightlight

This was taken at the UP-Ayala Technohub, a budding IT Center of sorts here in Quezon City. it's becoming a popular weekend hangout for families as well because of the reasonably priced restaurants around the area.

Got Txt?

Child's Play

Cloudy Lunch

The weather has been extra fickle these past few days. I took this on my way back to the office from lunch. When i left the office it was clear skies all the way. Things sure can change in a heartbeat.

Serenity

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change those I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Beauty in Small Things

even under close scrutiny, some things are far too beautiful to take for granted.

Sunset Driveby

Faith

this was taken last sunday at the church of our lady of manaoag, a four hour drive from manila. Millions flock to her to seek her help and guidance. i go to her for solace. she has always been my refuge.  

School's Out!

being the tourist in boracay, i was mildly surprised to be confronted by the scenes from daily lives of the locals. the boys in their uniforms, to me, felt so out of place among the bikini clad tourists.

but i wouldn't mind their walk from school everyday if i had my way!

Walking billboard

I dont envy theeir jobs at all...
Sent from my Nokia phone

Grabbing Lunch

Tee Biz

a sizable industry has been started by the souvenir shirt business here. you can find all sorts of designs too.

waiting for the light

Campus Patrol

I wonder what SSB stands for-- Step away Sons of B*tches??

Last Minute Goodbye

Boracay!!

as i said in my earlier post, i took a mini-break and headed off to Boracay, a tiny island about 200 miles south of manila. although the rainy season has officially begun here in the Philippines, i took a gamble and prayed for sunny days.

the gamble and the prayers paid off because i was blessed with a little shower early in the morning and more than enough rays in the afternoon. i love walking around this tiny island because of the gorgeous seascape and the white powedry sand that never seems to get too hot. perfect for walking barefoot along the beach, i'd say.

what made the holiday even more fun was the beach side mani/pedi i got from one of the island's resident manicurists. such a luxury that cost me just 7USD! it was blissful and i now have dainty toenails to show for it.

the best part about this holiday was that all i did for four glorious days was wake up to go for a walk around the island, end up at our favorite spot (Zeppelin's, which served the yummiest chicken garden salad!)to lay and soak up the sun until i was red and sore enough to wish i put on more sunblock and then choose among the countless buffets and grilled seafood available by the beach! it was amazing.

oh, and yes, i took home a little souvenir from Boracay. i got a tattoo while i was there!

where's your next holiday?

Flying the Friendly Manila Skies

good weather for flying out and enjoying some time off far from the city. one of the great things i love about my city is that it is only thirty minutes away from great beaches and perfect blue skies... more photos of that tomorrow!

Looking In

Sacrifice

This was a photo I took a few days back when I discovered the one quiet place I could be in the metro. True, I love Intramuros, but one hardly ever gets isolated from city life in THE tourism destination of Manila. This photo was taken at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial along the periphery of Fort Bonifacio in Makati City. I love it there because hardly anyone comes to visit the fallen heroes of our battles past. It is unfortunate I know, that no one seems to remember their valor but for purely selfish reasons, I love having the cemetery all to myself. It affords me some time away from the bustle of my everyday life. And on the day I took this photo, I was thinking of sacrifices. Not just of those made by the valiant soldiers for love of country and freedom, but also of personal sacrifices we all make, be it for growth or otherwise.

Some sacrifices are such a burden, some are worth the pain and tears. There are days when I question the necessity of some I have made, both voluntarily and with hands tied behind my back. Some are more of mistakes than necessary suffering but all in all, I am still hopeful that in the end, they make me wiser and open my eyes just a tad bit wider to the realities of my world. What have you sacrificed lately?

Reflecting History

One of my favorite places in manila is Fort Santiago. the prolific writer, Jose Rizal was incarcerated within its walls when he was accused of treason and ultimately executed for it. today, the place is a must see for all Manila visitors. inside the cell that held Rizal is a beautiful inscription from one of his letters to his relatives and friends. i still get goosebumps every time i see it:

A man ought to die for his duty and his convictions. I hold to all the ideas which I have published concerning the state and future of my country, and I shall die willingly for her, and even more willingly for to procure justice and tranquility for you all.

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Wedding Extravaganza

Weddings are a big deal here in the Philippines. With our rich Catholic tradition, weddings are always fun to watch.

Makati Rain

summer has its glories but the rainy season makes for better skywatch pics because of the moody clouds.

Glorious

one of my favorite places in all the world is tagaytay. i took a drive up there early this morning and was rewarded with the fog just lifting as i took my morning coffee. happy weekend everyone!

Forlorn

Covering all bases

if i had to drive for a living in Manila, I'd be covering all bases, too.