Bring out the horns

yep, a full marching band down the halls of Mall of Asia... like the mall-owners say.. we've got it all for you!

Inked

today's photo is courtesy of Brew.

Temperamental Skies

Manila Bay is known for its perfect sunset, but to me, the best skies along Manila Bay is just when the seasons are changing and the winds bring with it the first drops of rain. the sky takes on a different expression, one that is both beautiful and foreboding at the same time that i cannot seem to tear myself away from. i am enthralled.

Solitary Sea

Lone fisherman out on Manila Bay.

funny sign

the sign literally says put your garbage in your pocket :-)

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Last Vestiges of Summer

the first rain has fallen. here in the Philippines, we only get sunny and humid. after an almost unforgiving summer, the rains are finally here. there is something about the first rain that cleanses the soul. everything is reborn.

Ride

the different modes of transportation available in Manila

Light

There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.
~James Thurber

summer reprieve

i got my favorite too... cheese ice cream!

Manila Fishbowl

i spent the day at the auqarium yesterday. being a relatively new feature in manila, it was jampacked. probably the noisiest aquarium i've been to. but it was still nice seeing tons of kids oohing and aahing at the fish. im just glad i had my fisheyes at the fishbowl!

Sunset

nothing is more beautiful than a manila bay sunset seen through fisheyes :-)

Signs

yes, billboard signs. we have them dotting almost all our major highways. this would have been a typical except that the traffic is unusually light... well, it's saturday, so no one's awake yet. happy weekend everyone!

Opening Shop

Filipinos have taken bazaars and flea markets onto a whole new level at Greenhills Shopping Center. here, you can search for great finds in the comforts of an air-conditioned maze-like mall. from knock-offs to original Filipino designs to mass produced chinese goods, greenhills offers a shopping mecca to both local and foreign hard-core shoppers alike. the best time to go is of course right at opening to avoid the huge crowds and to get the special "buena mano" discount-- most shop owners think the first sale of the day brings luck so they offer discounts just to make sure they get the sale.

Golf

This was taken at the Presidential golf course, with a stunning background of the Presidential Palace. on tournaments, tee off for Hole No 1 is right from the Palace grounds, cross the river and onto the green on the other bank. i have never tried it, but i already know i will not make it. i'm not exactly a long hitter.

in a month's time another President will be playing on these greens. I have chosen my President, for Monday i am wearing green. i hope the others will choose based on their convictions and not just on what looks good on tv. Sulong Pilipinas!

P.S. this is an old old photo. we have all lost weight (and for some hair too!) since then. guess the golfing helped!

Worldwide Phenom

McD's is a worldwide phenomenon. i don't think i have been to a city outside of manila that does not have mcdonald's. sad or not, i'll let you be the judge.

in Manila, McD's is a favorite place for birthday parties for kids... until a friend of mine decided to surprise her boyfriend with one. it was fun seeing a roomful of 30-year-old lawyers playing with ronald mcdonald and popping balloons. in our suits.

and what children's party is ever complete without the fried chicken? yes, my friends, McD's in Manila has fried chicken. and we eat it with rice too. enjoy!