Sunday, December 30, 2007

manigong bagong taon



2007 has been a good year for me... and this is the year i've created this photoblog which received an overwhelming response and helped me gained new friends all over the world and made me realized how much OFWs missed our country. Started the blog for personal reasons of preserving the beauty of manila the way i remembered it and change the way how people look at manila hoping to make a little difference... now the blog means more than showing off manila but it has also become my means of reaching out to all the pinoy across the globe.

Wishing for all the best this coming new year... May all our dreams come true! =)

Saturday, December 29, 2007

happy new year




sorry if i have been a slacker in posting photos lately... to make up for it let me share with you i heart manila 2008 calendar that i made. Please click here to see all the months and feel free to download the calendar if you like.

May this new year adorn your life with many beautiful things and sweet memories to cherish forever. Wishing you life's best this 2008!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

the cathedral


If you're in the Philippines and someone says i'm going to hear mass or my wedding is at the Cathedral, it means they are referring to the Manila Cathedral. Btw, Manila Cathedral has been and still is a favorite wedding venue, i've heard if you want to get married here, you have to book a year in advance! Here's the facade of this magnificent church, you may want to take a look of my old posts of bits and pieces of this church here and here

Monday, December 24, 2007

merry christmas


here's wishing everyone a mErRy ChRiStMaS!!!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

6 days before christmas


whew... christmas is so near and yet i still cant feel the christmas spirit :(
i have to post more christmas stuff from today, maybe it'll help.

how about you? do you feel the christmas spirit or you're feeling a bit like Mr. Scrooge?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

letran


Colegio de San Juan de Letran emerged from the fusion of two similar institutions both located in Intramuros.

The first was founded in 1620 by Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero, a retired Spanish Officer, who transformed his hermitage home into an orphanage called the Colegio de Niños Huerfanos de San Juan de Letran. Its purpose was to educate and mold orphans into good Christian citizens.

At about the same time, another institution by the name of Colegio de Huerfanos de San Pedro y San Pablo was established by the Dominican brother Diego de Santa Maria at the Convent of Santo Domingo.

The founders of these two institutions with identical origin and purpose did not only share a common concern for the children of Intramuros but they were also linked by strong bonds of friendship. It was not surprising therefore that their institutions were merged into one even in their lifetime in 1630 and became known simply as the Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

The name San Juan de Letran was inspired from the major basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, mother of all Christian churches. Early in the history of the College, its chapel was granted many of the privileges enjoyed by the major Basilica. Saint John the Baptist for whom the Basilica is named, is also the patron saint of the College.

In 1690, Letran was declared as an ecclesiastical college. In 1738, six scholarships were granted by the King of Spain for Chinese, Japanese, and Tongkinese (Vietnamese) students. St. Vicente Liem de la Paz was among the students who enjoyed this scholarship.

A royal decree of May 1865 pronounced Letran as a College of the First Class. The school’s curriculum was reviewed and revised according to European and American patterns in 1886. Further expansion took place in 1894 and adjustments were made with the arrival of the Americans in 1900.

In 1937, a three-storey building replaced the old structure. The growth of the Colegio was temporarily arrested when the building was bombed in 1941 and then turned into a garrison by the Japanese army in 1944. The Colegio was temporarily housed in the Dominican church and convent of San Juan del Monte. After the war in 1946, Letran returned to its home in Intramuros.

Monday, December 17, 2007

manila meets norwich


Myself and Joy of Norwich Daily Photo. Finally after months of communicating through our blogs we met! Joy also known as the love coach is spending the holiday season here in the Philippines. What a great night meeting up with her and other bloggers last night at the ATC (will post about it in my personal blog later)... it feels like we've known each other for a long time, such a very nice pretty lady and she really look young!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

lyceum


The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) is an institute of higher education located in Intramuros, Manila. It was founded by Dr. Jose P. Laurel, who became the third president of the Philippines and is the only university founded by a president of the republic. The university is named after lykeion, the grove in ancient Athens where Aristotle taught his pupils.

Friday, December 14, 2007

serenity


"There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul" ~ Victor Hugo

Thursday, December 13, 2007

museo ng maynila


Museo ng Maynila is a living entity for the cultural enhancement of the Manileños, inagurated on June 20, 1997 through the efforts of Mayor Alfredo Lim... Museo ng Maynila reopens its doors to the public again with the “Maynila Noon: The Curt Teich Postcard Collection, 1922-1949,”

The enlarged postcards donated by the Curt Teich Company to the Museo ng Maynila shows rare and unpublished images of Manila during the American colonial period that transports us to an earlier era and shows the changes through time. Great to see landmarks such as Fort Santiago, Escolta, Avenida, and Luneta images during those period and glad to note that some of those classic American colonial buildings still survive today.

Located at the Army and Navy Club Building, South Boulevard, Luneta... near the Quirino Grandstand. Open between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, until Dec. 31, admission is free.

Note: To see more photos, please drop by at Señor Enrique's blog and say that i sent you.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

starfish


The Starfish Story

adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

Everything in life happens because of passion... everything right in life happens because of compassion.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

quirino grandstand


Quirino Grandstand is where Presidents of the Philippines traditionally take their oath of office and deliver their first address to the nation. Many important political, cultural and religious events have been held here, including:

- the 1995 World Youth Day, it became the Papal Altar, where Pope John Paul II gave mass to a huge crowd (I was there, right at the foot of the stage.. one of the lucky to be near the blessed Pope, it was a humbling experience)
- the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebration, marking a hundred years since the declaration of independence from Spain
- the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, the opening and closing ceremony was held here, a first in the history of SEAG where the usual ceremonies are held inside a stadium
- the 400th anniversary of the Black Nazarene (Jan. 9, 2007), the procession took place here in commemorating the transfer of the image from Intramuros where it was first housed on Jan. 9, 1767

Monday, December 10, 2007

thank you


Wheeeee! Today is my 200th post and i would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of you who joined me in rediscovering the beauty of Manila. I thought i was going to stop at my 100th post but you guys kept me going, and i will continue this journey for as long as i can.

I've received this thank you badge from my blogging friends and it's my turn now to say my thanks and appreciation to you guys. I didnt realized that blogging can give you lots of friends! I'm so happy that i've met you: Reyna Elena, Malen, Ambo, and Ruthie, thanks for the friendship, hope to see y'all again soon :)

Thank you for taking your time and leaving some comments here, for the friendship that you guys willingly gave me, and i hope to meet all of you too. Jake, Ely, Det, Poli, Edong, Diwa, Chuva, Bluep, Minnie, Ibyang, Fruityoaty, Elay, Joy, Thess, Pmonchet, Dodong, Rino, Cheh, Carlotta, Jojitah, Maru, Kitty, Kristine, Tutubi, Purnell, Dhez, Melai, Kiko, Dhon, Photowalker, Aura, Paul, John

Thank you my idols, you really are my inspiration: Sidney, Señor Enrique, Abraham, Reyna Elena, Corey

Thank you to my DP Community especially to Eric, Olivier, Abraham, Elaine, Alice, Annie, Carlos, Clueless in Boston, Chris & Deb, Curly, Denton, Fabrizio, Fenix, Isabella, Jilly, Joy, Kate, Lv2scpbk, Maria Elisa, Ming, Nathalie, Neva, Northbay, PaB, R&R, Rambling Round, Ro Pumpkin, Sally, Tanty

To those who frequent my blog who doesnt own a blog but leave their marks as well, thank you ArtL, BertN, toni, kenneth, and to the anonymous lurkers here.

Sorry if i forgot anyone, you know that i love you all from the bottom of my heart! (insert Ms. Universe wave here) =)

Sunday, December 09, 2007

manila ocean park


A glimpse at the ongoing construction of the Manila Ocean Park... the Philippine's first state of the art Oceanarium, open water marine habitat, boutique mall, restaurant row and function facilities all located in one complex at the back of the Quirino Grandstand. It would be really great if the opening push through this December because i'm already excited since the announcement of the oceanarium's construction. It was scheduled to open this December but from what i've seen on the construction and at the rate it is going most probably they'll open on January.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

pastel

Friday, December 07, 2007

nature's art


“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they're still beautiful.”

Thursday, December 06, 2007

port area , manila


The port area, manila... as seen aboard MV Doulos. Seen afar is the Bureau of Customs beautiful building, but what really prompted me to snap this photo is the beautiful blue sky, it provided a really good painting like background to the building, dont ya think so too?

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

mv doulos


MV Doulos is back in Manila! This visit is particularly significant because it is uncertain whether the ship will stop in Manila again, hence i am calling all the book lovers out there to visit the ship and find a bargain in the onboard book fair.

Doulos (greek word which means servant) is owned and operated by Gute Bücher für Alle e.V. (Good Books for All) – a charitable trust, registered in Germany. Doulos is recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship and has received more than 20 million visitors.

Doulos visits port cities throughout the world... bringing knowledge, help, and hope.



The book fair will be open to the public until December 23, 2007. Tue – Sat 10am- 9pm, Sun - Mon 2pm – 9pm. (closed on Dec 10, only)

An entrance fee of Php 10 is requested and children under 16 are free of charge, but need to be accompanied by parents or guardians.

The ship is docked at Pier 15. Please visit http://www.mvdoulos.org for more information.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

golden shark and carps


The golden shark at the malabon zoo, am not sure if the glass is tinted or the water is just too dirty hence its so dark to really see the fishes clearly, good thing this fish is iridescent in color.


Different aquarium housing big carps (and they're really big... around 4 feet long or longer). Notice how their eyes glow like cats eye in the dark?

Monday, December 03, 2007

meet "pacquiao"


The five year old orangutan at the Malabon Zoo which was named after the famous filipino boxer. Dont worry, Pacquiao is well trained and well behaved, he knows how to play with the audience and he can be wacky if he's in the mood... just like in the photo with my nephew. He didnt mind having his picture taken with the hairy monkey, how about you? Can you hug a monkey?

Sunday, December 02, 2007

bleh


"Bleh!" said the tiger, mocking this little cat peeking from behind the glass cage.


As if not yet contented the tiger continued taunting this cat and licked his nose as if daring the cat to do the same... or was he sending a sign that the cat would be nice for dinner?

Photo: one of the many tigers inside the Malabon Zoo.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

jones bridge


This is the Jones Bridge at night (note: photo is from my archive, i've already posted here a different view of this bridge). This bridge was once hailed as the queen of the bridges crossing the Pasig River. Jones Bridge was named after William Atkinson Jones, a member of the U.S. Congress and chairman of the Insular Affairs Committee who sponsored the Philippine Autonomy Act in 1916.

Oh how time flies, it's December already and as always the 1st of the month is celebrated in the DP community and today's theme is about bridges. Please check out the 125 bloggers who participated and get to see different bridges around the world.

Boston (MA), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Stayton (OR), USA - New York City (NY), USA - Portland (OR), USA - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Inverness (IL), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Stockholm, Sweden - Setúbal, Portugal - Brussels, Belgium - Phoenix (AZ), USA - Seattle (WA), USA - Hyde, UK - Manila, Philippines - Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA - London, England - Austin (TX), USA - Toulouse, France - Weston (FL), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Selma (AL), USA - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - Cleveland (OH), USA - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Seoul, South Korea - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - North Bay (ON), Canada - Arradon, France - Paderborn, Germany - Durban, South Africa - Philadelphia (PA), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Portland (OR), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Wichita (Ks), USA - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Petaling Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Grenoble, France - New York City (NY), USA - Nottingham, UK - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Arlington (VA), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Miami (FL), USA - Cheltenham, UK - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Saratoga Spgs. (NY), USA - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Nashville (TN), USA - Toruń, Poland - New Orleans (LA), USA - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Melbourne, Australia - Moscow, Russia - Trujillo, Peru - Château-Gontier, France - Quincy (MA), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Joplin (MO), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Brookville (OH), USAChateaubriant, France - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stavanger, Norway - Baziège, France - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Detroit (MI), USA - Riga, Latvia - Nelson, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Cape Town, South Africa - Sydney, Australia - Dunedin (FL), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Radonvilliers, France - Turin, Italy - Montpellier, France - Kansas City (MO), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Wailea (HI), USA - Lubbock (TX), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Terrell (TX), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Budapest, Hungary - Montréal (QC), Canada - Sharon (CT), USA - Le Guilvinec, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - London, UK - Crepy-en-Valois, France - Orlando (FL), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Paris, France - Mainz, Germany - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Darmstadt, Germany - Naples (FL), USA - Torino, Italy - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Bogor, Indonesia - The Hague, Netherlands - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Anderson (SC), USA -

Friday, November 30, 2007

apples


care to have one of these crunchy and delicious apples?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

keep on smiling


even if the future looks bleak and uncertain at times ... just keep on smiling

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

urdaneta

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

pinay scandal


Last night on my way home i found the perfect pinay scandal photo. I just can't resist taking a picture of these girls (wearing red uniform), all five of them were eating ice cream and giggling like schoolgirls, not sure if you can see the ice creams though (photo taken using my camera phone).

So, where's the pinay scandal? None!!! Not unless they saw me taking their pictures and made a scene then sued me, that would be a scandal indeed! Anyways i just wrote pinay scandal here to help Marhgil Macuha’s SEO experiment and to help remove the nasty porn sites on top of the list of search engines. Thanks Ambo for bringing this project to my attention.

Monday, November 26, 2007

lrt morning ride


early morning ride at the LRT (around 8:30AM), approaching a curvy station


starting to get crowded in here


my view of the driver got totally blocked off after four stations

N.B. photos taken using my camera phone

Sunday, November 25, 2007

you're my inspiration


I got tagged, well sort of an award from HRH Reyna Elena, Elay and Diwata.... I'm really touched for they think that this blog is worth something. This tag have different rules but as with all other meme's i have to pass this on and share with you the bloggers that inspired me.

Here's the list of blogs that i frequent on a daily basis, more than thrice a day actually (that's how i love their blogs).... and when i grow up i wanna be all of them! =)

Sidney of My Sari Sari Store. He's not Filipino but he's more Pinoy than most people I know. His photos are magnificent (coffeetable book and magazine quality) and i love his portraits (he can capture the subject's soul in his photos). He knows and has attended almost all the festivals in the Philippines, some festivals i didnt even heard nor read till i come saw his blog. And he loves Quiapo, the place you shouldn't forget to visit while in Manila.

Señor Enrique of Wish You Were Here
. Has lived in New York but preferred to go back and live in Manila, shares my passion and love for this city. His photos are superb (he's the winner of the 2007 Philippine Blog Awards - Photoblog of the Year) and the stories he tell are simply amazing. He knows Manila and shares it with his readers with a passion and if you thought you know Manila that well, think again... this man knows more stuff about manila than any manilenyo put together.

Abraham Lincoln of Brookville Daily Photo. His passion and dedication to wildlife and photography is simply admirable. His photos are spectacular (ala national geographic quality), and he knows his birds and wildlife that frequent his yard. This 70+ year old man has the patience i can never have or learn.

Eric of Paris Daily Photo. The man who started it all, the one responsible for the daily photo community. He never fail to post beautiful photo of Paris everyday, bringing us a glimpse of how it is to live in the city of light.

HRH Reyna Elena. I dont know what is so addicting with her blog... if its her wit, her charm, her passion with OFWs... maybe all of that and a lot more. She writes in a funny way that makes me laugh out loud. Her stories doesnt only bring you laughter but also gives you "in your face insight" on issues that matter. She gives you stories that doesn't seem to make sense but somehow you find yourself nodding with what she's saying. And i loved her more when i met her royal highness!

Corey of Tongue in Cheek. I love the way she weaves her stories and share it with the world... oh how she can create beautiful words around a photo. She loves antique and anything old (i guess that's what attracted me to her blog at first... our affinity to old things). If you're feeling down or just need to lighten up your feelings, just go to her blog and you'll find peace in her words of wisdom... that's how i feel whenever i visit her blog!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

flower fan


Beautiful ceiling fan inside Gumbo at Robinsons Place Manila Midtown.

Friday, November 23, 2007

lovebirds


"If you love someone you say it, you say it right then, out loud. Otherwise the moment just...passes you by..."


EDIT: A lot were asking if the lovebirds knew that i took their photo, the answer is YES. They just move their heads away from the camera but not once did they move away from each other! awwww i think they are really in love with each other and wants the world to know =)

Thursday, November 22, 2007

want some turkey?


Happy thanksgiving day to my American visitors. Hope this duck/goose will pass as a turkey! :)
Check out this cute pumpkin pie card.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

travelin' soldiers

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

seafarer's center



These mini job booths lined up Kalaw street in front of the seafarer's center. Seafarer's center was constructed as part of the "Buhayin ang Maynila" program of the city government of Manila in order to serve as a one-stop facility for the needs of the Filipino seafarers.

Monday, November 19, 2007

cats


This cat played hide and seek with me then totally ignored me when i caught her. tsk tsk cats! what do you do with them?

Photo taken in front of the Seafarer's Center along Kalaw.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

nativity scene

Saturday, November 17, 2007

its christmas time


Christmas is just around the corner and it's inevitable for me to post christmas theme photos... i know that the seasons spirit is being commercialized that is why my first christmas photo for you is the nativity scene (belen), a traditional Filipino Christmas symbol, lest we forget the reason why we are celebrating.

Photo taken last year in front of the Philipine Stock Exchange building at Makati, tomorrow i'll show you the new nativity scene decor, still at the same location.

N.B. i'm out of stocked photos and don't have the time to go out and shoot, also my brother who serves as my julalay cum bodyguard whenever i go out to take photos got a job already so it'll be a while before i have some fresh photos for you.

Friday, November 16, 2007

wanna ride?

Thursday, November 15, 2007

luneta theater

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

am just tired


I had a long day today and i need to relax and i just have to post this photo because fountains never fail to soothe my nerves. Do you like fountains as well? Hope y'all having a good day.
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