Monday, July 02, 2007
A WALK WITH FELLOW ENTHUSIASTS
Aperture: F6.3, Shutter: 10/6400 sec
Focal Length: 135mm, ISO: 400
I spent Sunday with a group of about thirty fellow photography enthusiasts. We got together at seven in the morning in front of Quiapo Church, and right after the usual greetings and discussions about things photography, we were assigned a group and walking map. Although, every group had a respective route, everyone's final destination was the same -- the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex at Roxas Boulevard.
It was a bright, sunny day; perfect for an outdoor photo shoot with both new and old friends. Along the way, there were plenty of time to exchange updates on myriad subjects, but mostly about photography events, products and seminars. Before realizing it, we arrived at CCP, and although everyone appeared exhausted, each face revealed a smile -- an indication of a joyful experience.
After lunch, a few laughs were shared, as well as plans for future reunions. Later on, most opted to stay and wait for the glorious sunset, while I, unfortunately, had to leave to attend a family commitment. However, I left confident that we'll all get together again in the very near future.
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:35 AM
29 Comments:
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said... This is such a grand walk among colleagues. Somehow I can feel how wonderful it would feel, having such a peotic and romantic scent to it, like having of one mind and of one aim, and one purpose.
Somehow it reminds me that very dramatic scene in one of my most favorite movie of all time 'Dead Poets Society', where the group of protagonists---Robin William's students---escaped one night from their boarding room and went hooded into the night, with flames in their hands, and run and trekked as one into the dark woods, in order to have a poetry reading session that is most one of a kind.-
said...
Senor,
Thank you too for visitng my page. Nice to know you too. Can I join in some of your activities? Maybe we can have a photo show or something worth while for the group. Maybe we can organize something for our advocacies to propagate. I'm vacant on Saturdays and Sundays. I usually go to Quaipo on Sundays. Maybe we can have a shoot and I'll introduce you to friends who owns photo stores and frame makers there. One of my friend there has a Gallery at Greenhills matagal na kaming nag iisip ng project for a cause. Maybe with your group, we can come up with something worthwhile.-
Kyels said... It's just awesome to gather with your fellow photography enthusiasts. We don't have it here often but sometimes we all do go out for drinks and exchange views on photography too.
(:
I miss those times but due to commitments I cannot attend any for the time being.-
said...
What is that man in the first picture pushing? Does it carry passengers or maybe just goods?
It must be nice to have that kind of meetings with your fellow photography enthusiasts.-
said...
are these your peers in your camera club? nice to have a get toegether once in a while...
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Photo Cache said...
activity more made more fun with colleagues. glad you have a "support group". wish i have one here.
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NOYPETES said...
I like that semi_sillhoutte-back lit anonymous image of a man pushing a cart. It protrays some kind of a blood-sweat and tears struggle for a daily earning.
Group pix in front of the Quiapo Church looks like a bunch of eager kodakeros! I think that is one way of enjoying the same craft with your friends. The more the merrier!
You folks should pick out a coffe shop type hangout where you could also display your photographs! Do you remember "Los Indios Bravos"? and that coffee shop along Roxas Blvd. most frequented by writers and photojournalists? Do you know the owners of La Soladeradad Book Store? I know the son of F. Sionil Jose, Tonette, just wondering if he is still around in Manila.-
Francesca said...
that trysikad reminds me when I was in Taguig, our only available vehicle we can afford and riders ko , 3 bulilit ko non, haha.
Ah those were the days...-
Señor Enrique said...
I remember that scene quite distinctly, Major Tom; a wonderful film, I think.
What's even more interesting about this affair is how a group of young people thought about doing this, and in about a week, they had this thing going. They're an admirable group of young talents. Come to think of it, I was the oldest in the group ... hehehe. Thank God, my feet didn't fail me :)-
Señor Enrique said...
I'd be delighted and honored to have you come along, Roy. Is your email listed on your site? If not, please send it to me at snorenrique@gmail.com.
It would also be nice to meet with you one Sunday in Quiapo to do a mini street photo session in the area and then grab some merienda afterwards :)
Hmmm ... maybe I'll ask Daniel to join us as well so we can head over to Carvajal Street.-
Señor Enrique said...
These are fellow members of an online photography forum, Kyels. What a bunch of fine young people passionate about photography.
Hope you find time to join a similar outing where you are even once a month :)-
Señor Enrique said...
That is more like a utility cart attached to a bike, Irene.
Yes, it was indeed fun to be in a company of passionate photographers. Very creative at walang yabangan. Very nice group of young people they were. Ako nga pinaka-matanda, eh ... hehehe.-
Señor Enrique said...
They are from an online forum, Lino. You must join us, too, next time. Masayang kasama sila, Lino. Puros about creativity, walang yabangan!
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Señor Enrique said...
I'm pretty sure you have a similar outfit over where you are Photo Cache. Usually the Y would have seminars and from there mini clubs would emerge. Before you know it, photo shoot outings na! Check around, meron dyan!
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Señor Enrique said...
Many thanks, Pete!
The most popular hang out in town is The Oarhouse in Malate (they even have a website; just google oarhouse). But this is mostly for the pros.
Sana nga may magtayo ng coffee shop cum photo gallery para sa mga photography enthusiasts. That would be nice.
I'm not familiar with Los Indios Bravos or La Soledaridad. Where are they? I'll definitely go check them out.
BTW, I got a couple more sampaguita shots from you which I took in front of Quiapo Church while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Will email it to you later.-
Señor Enrique said...
You had one of these, Francesca? Whoa! The kids must've enjoyed riding it, huh? I would ... hehehe.
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Amadeo said...
So which was the preferred bridge to cross over to the other side?
My memory tells me Quezon bridge would not be a good one, given the traffic and bridge design, unless they have now provided for safe pedestrian walks. Santa Cruz (MacArthur bridge, right?)would be the same.
Thus, I would have chosen Jones, again unless things have changed greatly.
As I recall I have many moons ago walked over all 3 bridges and found the experiences exhilarating, too. And these were walks all the way to Ermita and Malate.-
Señor Enrique said...
The rout we were assigned with, Amadeo, called for Ayala Bridge. This was recently renovated and repainted silver. Very nice.
The other group had to cross Quiapo Bridge or Quezon Bridge (supposedly of Art Deco design) which I wanted. However, I was told later on by those who did that crossing Quezon Bridge turned out to be a revolting experience.
Apparently, some homeless people use the bridge as their toilet; one can only imagine the horrible stench.
Like you, I enjoy crossing Jones Bridge the most.-
Gita Asuncion said...
would by any chance some of you did cross the ayala bridge that morning? my husband and i were on our way to adamson church kasi and saw a group of fotog taking shots at that street sign at the foot of ayala bridge...
must be from your group! haha.. small world ha! couldnt recognize them nga lang from your group shot.. sayang, wala bang girls sa group? :-)-
NOYPETES said...
I think Los Indios Bravos is no longer around but La Solidaridad is somewhere in the Herran strp if i remember right. Thank you for the sampaguita pix.
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Señor Enrique said...
That was us, Gita ... hehehe!
My very first time to see the Adamson Church, but only the facade. Next time I'll go inside and check it out. From there we headed to Paco Park. They have a church there, too :)-
Señor Enrique said...
I will look for La Solidaridad.
You're welcome, Pete! A pleasure to do it :)-
said...
Eric, you went to Paco Park! I've seen that place and the church too - and I love it! I like the "eerie" feeling I had when inside the church.. hehehe. I don't know if you felt it too. Did you take photos?
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said...
wow ang saya naman! may ibang upcoming photo shoot ba kayo? is this open to anybody? coz i'd really love to join! i actually had a photo tripping at quiapo...kakatakot pag mag-isa lang! hehehe!
pde pong pa-inform kung may ibang events? :) i'd really appreciate it if you could email me at jenbaradas@yahoo.com-
Señor Enrique said...
My very first time to visit Paco Park, Rhoda. Can you believe that? Hehehe.
I plan to go back and take more pics. There was a service going on in the church and it was quite crowded so I didn't go in; I will when I return.-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Jengkie,
I'd just sent you an email :)
Not a good idea to gallivant and shoot around Quiapo if you're alone and not comfortable about it. Ingat!-
said...
seems like a big meet, you enjoying each other's company, and learning together. who knows, one of these days, i might try my hand, or eye, in photography.
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Unknown said...
Like your group we also did some photo tour of Manila during the late 70's.But unlike your group there are only two of us-just me and my uncle and we usually walk the length of Roxas blvd. to Rizal park.My uncle I think was using a Canon slr and mine was an Olympus OM1.I remember fondly those photo walking tours. I now live in Toronto.I visited Manila 3 years ago after so many years of absence.I took with me my d70 with the intention of doing the same thing my uncle and I did before.But it never happened.My relatives and friends discouraged me from doing it, they said for safety reasons.But after seeing your blog and others I think that they over reacted.What do you think.
By the way I am visiting Manila again this September.-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Reynaldo,
I love doing street photography and do it whenever possible, but as with anything, I always exercise "common sense" whether I'm in Manhattan or Binondo.
Always follow your instinct and remain cognizant of your environment.
