I SPENT SOME TIME IN JAIL.....

Vigan Provincial Jail.....

Election Campaign Poster.....

The Prisoner And The Jail Guards.....

Students From UNP As Tour Guides.....

Jump Shot Daw.....

Relax!!!!! I did spend some time in the Vigan Provincial Jail, which has been renamed Gregoria M. Rivera Memorial Library. This former provincial jail was renamed in honor of the sixth President of the Philippines, Elpidio R. Quirino's mother. Rivera gave birth to the young Quirino on November 16, 1890 in one of the rooms on the second floor since his father, Mariano Quirino was the jail warden. The jail, located behind the provincial capitol and beside the Burgos Museum, still served its purpose until last year when it began its transformation as the new art center of Ilocos Sur.

I was impressed with this new museum because it was air conditioned and had thermostat controls. In one of its chambers, the 14 paintings of Esteban Pichay Villanueva which depicted the 1807 Basi Revolt were showcased. The paintings were originally displayed at the National Museum before it was returned to the provincial government when the art center was finally operational. Other exhibits being displayed were artifacts of tools used for basi making and some woven fabrics. On the second floor, some paintings of the former president Elpidio Quirino and his wife, Alicia Syquia which were all done by Fernando Amorsolo can be seen.

I think more exhibits are in the planning stage at the moment but I am so glad that such a repository of our heritage exists here in Vigan. Don't forget to check out this museum when you find yourself strolling around Vigan City in the future!

ART IN THE CITY.....

Inspecting The Display.....

Guess! How Much?

Amazing Brushstrokes.....

Calligraphy, Anyone?

Almost Done.....

A few days ago, I went to the Padre Pio chapel in Libis, Quezon City to hear mass since it was the 23rd, a day when healing masses are offered monthly. A friend invited me to meet up at that location afterwards also as he had to attend a meeting of Lego enthusiasts. We initially planned to go somewhere else to shoot after meeting up (Antipolo was the first place that came to mind) but because of the heat, decided to just stroll Eastwood Mall.

It has been ages since I last visited the place. It is quite far from where I live that is why I rarely set foot on this area of the metropolis. My friend is a bricks (all things Lego) collector and I was amused when he saw a store selling alternative bricks (bricks not named "Lego"). He found some pieces that he liked and bought it. The next stop was to search for computer stores that sell printers.

I saw an advert about an ongoing art exhibit posted beside the store where he brought his bricks and reminded him that we should check it out as with strolled leisurely around the mall.The surprising thing about this exercise is how we seemed to enjoy ourselves. Perhaps it is because only a few people can be seen walking around the mall too.

Part of the reason why I got into photography is because I am not good in drawing. I had a good art teacher when I was in sixth grade but once I graduated, I wasn't able to take up any formal lessons in sketching/drawing afterwards. The principles are the same, anyway. A still life painting is actually a study of lighting and form. It is the same with photography which is all about shape and texture, of light and shadow. A painted portrait is a character study of a subject which is also the same with photography. To appreciate other mediums of art broadens one's photography instincts. It helps me to hone my craft without clicking the shutter. So art exhibits are a must see for me.

We finally exited the mall and found the green space where the art exhibit was held. And we found interesting pieces of art, from paintings, to wire sculptures, to doodles and calligraphy. There were ongoing group painting and drawing sessions too. I do admit that I felt a tinge of envy, of wishing that I could do something with art brushes, paints, oils and canvas. My friend and I discussed that modern technology has lessened the value of a photograph, that while it took us long hours to master photography during the years when film reigned supreme, it is now an everyday past time where a photography novice takes a selfie. We discussed just how can photography be elevated back to a medium that involves skill. I do agree though for as long as the everyday phone/tablet shooter is still unable to take a picture of a back lighted subject resulting to an underexposed subject (totally black sometimes) and perfectly exposed background, there is hope for us skilled photographers! c",)

As the sun started to set, more people filled the space, with call center agents and condo residents who walked their dogs mingling within. But my friend and I decided to call it a night as tiredness slowly began to crept in our bones,

I wasn't able to take photos of the Padre Pio chapel though. That will be for another time.

REVIVING A FAMILY TRADITION.....

Even before my family transferred to our present residence here in Las Pinas, I am no stranger to this area. My cousin, Manong Kelly and his family was one of the early settlers during the time when going to Las Pinas was such a tedious journey. The coastal road did not exist at that time, the main road in Baclaran ended at MIA Road and the area of Pulang Lupa actually smelled of the sea because of the sea salt being laid out in front of the houses to dry and be sold as table salt. My cousin would actually pick my family up in our rented apartment in Sampaloc and we would stay in his new (at that time) house to usher in the New Year. My aunt who used to sell meat and meat products in Central Market would be the one who would cook the food for the media noche. It was a tradition that my paternal relatives observed until everyone grew up and led their own lives and my aunt stopped selling and passed the business to one of my cousins.

A lot has happened since then. My father's siblings have been succumbing to illness, particularly to different cancers one by one. From a brood of six, only three remain. Majority of my cousins are now based in the U.S. And even my nephews and nieces who I used to carry or even play with are now grown up and have kids of their own.

I guess the recent death of one my father's sisters prompted my cousin and my remaining living aunt to revive the family tradition of spending New Year at their place. So right after observing mass for New Year's eve, my brother and I went to their place. Now, the gathering is not about the food and merrymaking anymore. It has evolved into a coming together and keeping in touch with one another.

Just as the clock struck 12 midnight, I went to the second floor and took pictures of exploding fireworks. This proved to be more challenging for me. Unlike the fireworks during an organized show like the pyro olympics where in I can actually see the barge from which the fireworks are set off, I had to anticipate for the area where the next explosion would be. Not all firecrackers are created equal. The ones that actually form glorious light patterns in the sky are more expensive than the ones that just produce a blasting sound. And it is these expensive ones that I looked out for and tried to photograph.

Here are samples of the photos I took. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome 2012!

HARBOR VIEW AT NIGHT.....

Across Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila And Mall Of Asia.....




Row Of Buildings Along Roxas Boulevard.....




The Cultural Center of The Philippines complex has been a favorite practice ground of people who are into photography. This is because it offers a scenic view of the buildings that stand tall along nearby Roxas Boulevard and it is also the best place to capture a stunning sunset. This is despite of the fact that photography is basically prohibited in this area. But what can the guards do? They just can not reprimand people all the time. I did notice though that the guards seem to be on the look out for groups who are doing engagement shoots rather than the novice photographer, carrying a tripod and shooting.

So one day, I went to CCP during the afternoon and decided to wait until dusk to start shooting. As for the reason why it took me this long to take pictures of the harbor area during the night is totally beyond me. I guess I just felt that it was time to do so.

Oh, by the way, in case one asks me, the row of lights that can be seen at the bottom of the photograph comes from those horrendous lighting fixtures that the city government of Manila decided to install. Talking about an overkill.....

AS THE DAY MOVES ON.....

This Is The Way NOT To Take A Picture.....






Stained Glass Window.....





Chandelier.....





Zooming In.....





In Christ's Presence.....






Is That The Eiffel Tower?






Breakfast for the group was at Jollibee in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. We had our fill of McDonald's the night we set off for the trip that is why we switched fast food chains. Besides, Jollibee offered more rice meals in their breakfast menu. Otherwise it's McDonalds for me. I can't believe this has turned into a discourse about fast food restaurants, I better cut it and proceed with the storytelling.

The church of Candon sits in the middle of the town plaza which is directly across the main road and a stone's throw away from Jollibee. I have never seen the interior of this church. And from what I recall, the interior has recently been fixed and renovated.

Well, the team went right away to shoot the church after eating breakfast. The funny thing was we all started to feel sleepy after the meal. Taking pictures of the church fortunately woke us up and started the creative juice to flow. We were concerned about the time though. Our primary target was to shoot the church at Sta. Maria, the one included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. We did not want to arrive there by noon time.

What struck me with this church was the way how light illuminates the church. Even if the lights from the chandeliers were switched off, there was enough ambient light to take photos of the interior. The color palate used inside the church which was made up of pastel shades of blue and yellow made the sunlight entering the windows to bounce off the walls providing the illumination.

The altar was being prepared for I guess, a wedding ceremony. To my surprise, I saw the husband of one of my nieces. It turns out that he is a close relative to one of the parties getting married.

We didn't stay long. In fact, the shot of the exterior of the church was taken with me inside the van, hence the partial blockage of the top of the bell tower. But since this is the only shot of the facade of this church, I posted the photo. I guess I just have to bring my camera the next time I pass by Candon and get a better photo of this view. Now onwards to Sta. Maria we go.....

THE CHURCH OF STA. LUCIA, ILOCOS SUR

The Facade Of The Church.....




Statue Of The Risen Christ.....




Church Interiors.....





Centuries Old Bricks.....





From The Choir Loft....




The Altar.....




I Wish I Have An UWA Lens.....




Baptismal Chamber.....




The Big Dome.....




The Bell Tower.....




Pana-panahon.....




The club decided to go on a photo trip this summer. The obvious choice was to visit the provinces of Northern Luzon. I jumped on the opportunity to go with them, since it is rather difficult, logistics wise to go to a place of interest and shoot without your own ride. Secondly, the fact that we are all shooters is a plus, I don't have to worry of other people getting bored while I take photos. Thirdly, the fact that the people who shall be going to the trip are no strangers to me just increases the level of expectation, of this trip going to be an enjoyable one. I was asked to do the itinerary, being someone whose roots are from Ilocoslovakia.

We left Quezon City at 11 pm of April 9, 2010; as me and members of the club started our journey to explore Northern Luzon.

Personally, I have not been to places extremely up north, particularly in Pagudpud and Cape Bojeador. Nor have I seen the viaduct. Last November, I decided to take a close look of the Bangui Wind Farm on my own, out of curiosity. If ever, this will be my second trip to the wind farm then.

The driver of the van that we rented started to get sleepy after driving all through the night. Apparently, he came straight from work and only had an hours rest before he sat behind the steering wheel of the van. I didn't want to stop in a place that was dark and unfamiliar to me. The Shell gas station which my cousin uses as his stop whenever he drives a private vehicle during night travels for a power nap in Rosario, La Union has been bypassed a few hours ago. I then suggested to park at the parking lot of the church in my hometown of Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur.

The thing about itineraries is that it just acts as a guide for a structured travel. It does not mean that one has to follow it strictly. Rather, one must be flexible enough to alter the guide, as the situation may call for.

Stopping over at Sta. Lucia was NOT in the itinerary itself but the situation called for it. Initially, the plan was to be at the Quirino Bridge in Santa, Ilocos Sur at the break of dawn for that early morning landscape photography. But I started to worry about the driver hence the stopover. It is the place I am most familiar with.

The daily early morning mass had just started when we arrived. I asked the group to be inconspicuous with their movements around the church so us not to disturb those inside.

The group also had a rare chance to meet one of my aunts as she came out of the church after the early morning mass and I asked her about obtaining permission to shoot. Eventually, the parish priest saw our camera wielding team and gave his permission for us to roam freely and shoot after we talked. He even asked someone to open the lights in the altar while we took photographs. My profound gratitude to him for allowing us to shoot as my friends did find the church unique and beautiful.

So we took photographs while the driver slept. It made me realize that there were nooks and crannies of the church that I have never been to. It was my first time to climb the old and dilapidated stairs and shoot from above the choir loft. It was also the first time for me to see the small room were the sacrament of baptism is performed.

We could have stayed longer but the driver had awaken from his nap, ready to drive and to continue our journey. The others agreed to move on as most of us started to feel hunger pangs. Thank God for Jollibee! c",)

IN ADDITION TO MY LAST POST.....

Manila Cathedral In Black And White.....






Procession Of The Faithful.....






Our Lady Of Guadalupe Chapel.....






Tunnel Scenes.....






Random Sightings.....






American Dream.....






Garden Marker.....






Buhay Estudyante....






Past And Present.....






White Brick.....






Holy Week has passed and unlike before where in I went out to shoot the rites being observed during this season, I decided to stay put in the house and continued to inspect past photographs that I took pictures of, particularly of the ones taken during my one day shoot out of Intramuros. This respite also gave me the time necessary to arrange the logistics as I get ready to go on a trip of the Ilocos Region on April 9, 2010. What is so special about this trip is that it will be a great opportunity to shoot until we drop literally! I shall be saving my stories about this trip definitely.

In the meantime, here are additional photos taken at Intramuros.

A WHOLE DAY SHOOT OUT.....

Heads Of States.....





Intramuros Golf Club.....




Parian.....




Servant Of God.....




The Sentinel.....




Calesa Ride.....




A Glimpse Of Life.....




Following my previous street shoot out, I then decided to stroll the grounds of Intramuros to shoot. I started along the walls of Muralla, right in front of Letran College, walked around the walls passing Lyceum and Mapua, over towards DOLE and San Agustin Church, headed towards Fort Santiago and Rizal's holding cell and ended along the plaza in front of Manila Cathedral. I wanted to even go further towards the area where a branch of Starbucks exists and across the Bureau of Immigration building but the light was disappearing fast as the sun started to set and I knew then that my day has ended. My objective was to shoot Intramuros in a day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are parts of the area that I don't mind coming back to shoot in a different time of day. As it is, I crammed a lot in a day, perhaps some scenes are worth photographing some other time. An example would be the graffiti wall where one can see skateboarders practicing their jump techniques and tricks. I'll see if I can catch them in the morning. Posting the scenery that I took.