day 212-207: Lenten Season in the Philippines

Last Good Friday I brought my colleagues in Kapitangan Paombong Bulacan to witness the annual flagellation and crucifixion of the devotees. As I watched them do all these forms of repentance I can't help myself but feel that everything is just for a show, a photo-op for media.

Is this what repentance or devotion mean?or is this a new form of tourist attraction?

Day 215-213: Birthday Song

Yesterday is our Nanay's 86 birthday and almost everyone in the neighborhood attended her party. Chicken, fish, pancit and lots and lots of cake we're served and of course our dear lola is excited in entertaining them. Its good to see that she's healthy and drinking beer again hehe.















As the day ends her best friend came along to spend a few days with her. I overheard them talking and laughing over a television show and it makes me think of Tatay. I know she's missing him a lot after all its been 8 years since he passed away but as I look at her I know that she's happy and contended with her life. She's a very strong willed woman who is blessed by a loving husband and a good family. I wish to hear her hearty laughter more in the coming years and continue to be an inspiration for all of us.



As a took this photo of her it makes me think of the "Birthday Song" of Don Mclean. I know that if Tatay is alive he will surely sing this to her. Hehe so 'Nay ako na lang muna ang magdedicate ng kantang eto para sayo....


Birthday Song

If I could say the things I feel, it wouldn't be the same
Some things are not spoken of, some things have no name
Though the words come hard to me, I'll say them just for you
For this is something rare for me this feeling is so new

You see, I love the way you love me
I love the way you smile at me
I love the way we live this life we're in

Long ago I heard the song that lovers sing to me
And through the days with each new phrase I hummed that melody
And all along I loved the song but I never learned it through
But since the day you came along, I've saved it just for you

You see, I love the way you love me
I love the way you smile at me
I love the way we live this life we're in

I don't believe in magic but I do believe in you
And when you say you believe in me there's so much magic I can do

Now you see me, now you don't: watch me dive below
Deep down in your love lake where the sweet fish come and go
And I might sink and I might drown but death don't mean a thing
'Cause life continues right or wrong when I play this birthday song

I learned from you, and you can't even sing



We love you Nanay and happy happy birthday!!!

day 219-216: Fun Run!!!

Thousands of advocates from NGOs and community groups join the Anti-Coal Fun Run in Olongapo City organized by Sikad Subic a group that campaigns against the setting-up of coal fired power plants in the city.

day 225-220: year of the dragon

Kung Hei Fat Choi to all :)

day 229-226: a day in the beach

I always love beaches for the following reasons:



its the perfect place to get your perfect tan only if you do it right :)



a good place for relaxation and bonding with family and friends



people watching weeh :)



Lastly, finding a good companion such as these two adorable cats.

day 237-236 : letters

Last December I did a general cleaning in my room and this is what I've found:



Reading old letters from my friends, relatives and my mom is like getting to know myself all over again. Its quite nostalgic and fun



Thanks everyone for these timeless memories :)

day 239-238: murky future?

Do you want your future drinking water to be like this?



If not then start doing something like this..



Our water is not a dumping ground stop polluting it and start protecting it!

*story on this site

day 245-240: Viva Nuestro Senor Padre Jesus Nazareno!!

Its an annual event in the Philippines wherein people all over the country gather in Quiapo Manila to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene. It is a life-sized, dark-colored wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, believed to be miraculous by many devotees.

It first came in the country about 1600 through the galleon from Acapulco Mexico. Its said to be made by an anonymous Mexican carpenter and its color is attributed to a fire on the ship carrying it, charring the image from its original fair tone into its present dark complexion.

This year more than 2 million devotees attended the procession from Quirino Grandstand up to the Quiapo Church. The whole parade lasted for more than 22 hrs and the causalities reach up to 1,000.Nevertheless the faithful will continue to participate on this event every year.

day 246: devotion

what is devotion?it is something that we need to show in public or something that we ponder in private?

day 259-247: the best of 2011

Time for some reflections, the following 12 photos are the highlights of my 2011.


January- its good to see my college friends again after so many years.


February- my first try in shooting wedding (thanks for the opportunity Kuya Mel sa uulitin :)


March- spending my birthday in Saigon with my dear friend and classmate Chiloy ^_^


April- taking lighting sessions with Kuya Mel as preparation for my portrait portfolio for ACFJ


May- after one year of studying and 6 months of working for our final portfolios, we're finally done weeh!! Thanks so much for all our mentors and for the good memories and hardships my dear batch mates hehe kudos to all :)


June- Coron!!After our 2 weeks of sleepless nights preparing for the defense its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beach weeh!!


July- its good to be back in our province after 8 years maupay!!


August- ever been inside a control room of a nuclear power plant?hehe this is one heck of an experience!! hoping the government will covert this mothball BNPP into a more productive way as a tourist destination rather than operating it again.


September- again another once in a lifetime experience to enter a cold storage area for fish the temperature is below 8 degrees Celsius brr.....


October- my first solo exhibit, Realities a photo story on Cosplay being shown in SM Mall of Asia during the 2011 Cosplay Mania thanks everyone for making this possible :)


November- travel again hehe this time in Angkor Wat wherein I met new friends and great photographers


December- after 4 years its good to spend Christmas with the whole family in the Philippines :)

2011 is a good year thanks to my family, friends and all the blessings and challenges Lord God for this new year I pray that Your will should be done again Glory be to the Highest!!

day 260: Merry Christmas!!

Its been 4 years since we spent Christmas in the Philippines with the whole family and here is how we celebrated it...



Merry Christmas to all!!

day 264-261: hanapin nyo kami ni DJ sa Paskuhan :)

My couz and I attended last Dec 16 Paskuhan event in UST, a night of free concert and fireworks display. We had fun playing "lost in the crowd" photo-ops see? ^_^

day 265: traveling feet

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

I never imagine to go back again in Angkor Wat after two weeks but the return trip sure is fun together with my mentors Lea and Grace.Its the lack of planning and pure adventure that really makes the trip memorable and of course its our bonding moments kuno hehe.

Ulitin natin to guys :)

day 276-266: 6 days, 3 countries, new friends, great adventure :)

Where was I a week ago hmm let the photos tell you my tale...



Bus terminal in Bangkok to Siem Riep. I've waited for about 7 hrs before I can board that bus argh!!!



The culmination of AngkorWat Photo Festival 2011. This last night of the festival they showcase the works of 27 young photographers who participated in this year's workshop. I was able to be inspired and to meet new friends and great Asian and Westerner photographers. What a great night of learning, drinking and just having fun hehe :)



Angkor Wat temple!!! Weeh got a tiring and fun tour together with Chiloy's batch mates in the workshop. Too bad were not able to see all the temples but at least we got this nice sunset



After walking in the temple I finally experience a very tickling foot massage :) and its only for 2 dollars with free beer



Phnom Penh a four hour bus trip from Siem Riep, we only stay here for one night just to see the photo festival.



One of the exhibit story in the Phnom Penh photo festival. Its a work of one of Chiloy's batch mate, I just love the lighting in these photos. Good portraits!



Back in the city of motorcycles hehe. Good evening Saigon!!



A pretty cat guarding the bag store ^_^



The greatest ice cream in the world!! Haha why is it that we always have a hard time looking at this place imagine we even go inside a travel agency just to ask for directions ^^;



What a good way to spend our last night in Saigon, eating in our favorite noodle place :)

Great travel, new friends, inspiring photos hehe life is good :)