Wish you were here

Sunday, April 29, 2007

ALIWAN FESTIVAL - THE STREET DANCING

Labels: Aliwan Festival, manila events

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:40 PM | 31 comments

ALIWAN FESTIVAL - THE ENCHANTMENT

Labels: Aliwan Festival, manila events

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:45 AM | 28 comments

Friday, April 27, 2007

DAY BEFORE THE FESTIVAL

Labels: Aliwan Festival, manila events

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:41 PM | 12 comments

GOT FRAMED

Your favorite photographs, when printed and framed, could make wonderful gifts to friends and family, as well as add life to the otherwise staid walls in your house. However, finding a good place to get your pictures framed in Manila can be a hassle.

I had only disappointing experiences with unreliable and unscrupulous picture framers in Quiapo until a fellow photography enthusiast, Noel, hooked me up with Tupe. The guy knows his craft and his prices are negotiable and reasonable. No wonder Noel only entrusts his treasured photographs with this guy.

His shop, Tupe Arts & Frames, is located in the newly-refurbished Grand Central Market along Quezon Boulevard near corner Fugoso Street (a few meters from the pedestrian overpass); across the street from the Music Warehouse building.

Tupe's contact number is 0918-231-4462.

Labels: Picture Framer

posted by Señor Enrique at 5:52 AM | 30 comments

Thursday, April 26, 2007

RED CANDLES

I have to stop by Quiapo Church and light a couple of candles so as to spiritually breathe life and energy to my online photo storage system's main servers which, according to their announcements, are now dying and must be replaced. Thus, for now, some of the pictures with my previous posts cannot be viewed until these servers have been replaced. I apologize to my readers for this great inconvenience.

It is also with great sadness to learn yesterday that my cousin's wife's cancer had made a turn for the very worse. She now has to be confined in the hospital, which supposedly costs the family about a million pesos a month. Besides the grave concern for the mother's deteriorating condition, the entire family is also coping with the family's fast depleting liquid assets.

This incident reminded me of an architect I had become friendly with a couple of years ago. As if suddenly, two of her aunts suffered major illnesses and had to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, he was the only one in the clan that these two relatives could run to for financial assistance. In his frantic attempt to raise the much-needed cash, he coordinated the rush sale of certain pieces of land that they owned down south.

This guy badgered me to buy a piece without acknowledging the fact that I had no interest to set up residence in that particular region of the country; neither would he realize that I don't have that kind of money to begin with. Even if I did, I still had to give it much thought because that area is a hotbed for skirmishes between the military and the local rebels.

Eventually, this man maxed out all his credit cards with cash advances, as well as found himself applying for additional personal bank loans. But worse of all, the incident turned him into one deeply angry middle-aged man. I do understand the dire situation he was dealing with at that time, but it was wrong of him to fault those who didn't buy any piece of land that he was hawking.

Unfortunately, I wasn't spared his wrath, which only reminded me of the old adage, "Circumstances don't make a man; they reveal him."

So, light some red candles I will for health, love and abundance for all.

Today is another scorcher in Manila at 35 degrees Celsius. Keep cool everyone!

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:35 AM | 22 comments

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

With Manila's temperature recently hovering in the mid-30s Celcius or mid-90s Fahrenheit, these kids surely know how to cool themselves, though doing it in the waters of Manila Bay may not be all that good an idea.

The bay still needs major rehabilitation to make it a truly safe swimming spot as it once was.

When I was these kids' age, I was fortunate enough to have a charming river right next to my aunt's house in Subic. Every afternoon at around three in the afternoon, practically most of the kids in the barrio could be found there. Its flowing water was clean that if in case during horseplay you accidentally swallowed some, there was no need to worry, for it was disease-free at that time.

However, since we shared the more popular swimming spot with some carabaos and a group of women doing their laundry, it was always a good idea to remain upstream. But, the barrio carabaos were so docile they didn't mind us using them as diving boards so, we'd end up swimming near them anyway. The only thing we abhorred were the leeches, though they weren't really plentiful.

There were days it would be so humid that my cousin and I would go with my aunt's maid when she did the laundry at around ten in the morning. While she did the wash and enjoyed gossiping with the other women, my cousin and I would be busy swimming and catching some fish with our homemade spear slingshots.

We also played tricks on my aunt's maid at times like slipping some rocks at the bottom of the pail covered by the freshly-laundered clothes on top. We'd roll over laughing as we watched her struggle to lift it.

But the best time and most fun at the river was during the afternoon when it was filled with many kids. Besides swimming, there were various games going on that we'd lose track of time. There was always a long line to get a chance to swing from a rope tied to a tree branch and drop while screaming with joy into the cool water below. Some would swing and jump two or three at a time. It was so much fun!

Eventually, by the late afternoon, some irate mothers would come marching to the riverbank looking for their kids. And in their attempt to avoid getting scolded in front of their playmates, some kids would frantically grab their clothes and run home butt naked.

And almost always, by the time we were all leaving, there were the older kids who would show up after having gathered some guava leaves. They've come to the river to wash their wounds fresh from having been circumcised that summer. And supposedly, right after dinner time, I heard the riverbank took on a quieter and more romantic ambiance; becoming an idyllic haunt for older teens and young adults to meet with their lovers.

When I returned to that river after many years of having lived in New York, I was saddened to find that it was no longer a thriving wonderful river it once was. Mt. Pinatubo was to blame.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:15 AM | 41 comments

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

PLANT & FLOWER PHOTO CONTEST

What a wonderful way for avid photographers to continue celebrating Earth Day; that is, by joining this international photo contest.

Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to submit single images or themed portfolios in the following categories:

• My Garden
• Plant Portraits
• People and Animals in the Garden
• Trees (annual changing category for 2008)

There will be a new special award for Young Garden Photographer of The Year for teens under 16.

• Closing date for submissions is January 2008.

• Online entry at www.gpoty.org - this website is due to be accepting entries from May 2007.

Further information about the venue and prizes will be announced shortly. For updates, visit the Garden Photographers Association Website.

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Labels: International Photo Contest

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:28 AM | 22 comments

Monday, April 23, 2007

ON COLLECTING

These shells are from my collection of about a dozen or so pieces of various shapes but mostly of small to medium sizes. I don't have any of those huge conch shells that can be used as door stops. I acquired these shells rather uneventfully; not while strolling along a deserted beach under the golden hue of a glorious sunset on the horizon. I simply bought them from an arts and crafts vendor at SM Megamall during some native handicraft trade fair.

That's how unromantic I've acquired my shell collection, but I appreciate it just as much and, in fact, polish every piece once in a while. And while doing so, I am always reminded of the other items or objects that some old friends collect.

In New York, books, vinyl records or CDs, and concert ticket stubs were always the most popular. But as we got older, some branched out into collecting rare watches, original paintings by unknown artists, hats, objets d'art, and garments. Some would even drive long distances to out of town garage sales or estate auctions with the sole intention of finding the missing pieces to complete their collection.

As usual, the more disposable income one has, the more exotic or rare his or her objects of fancy are. However, there are those just as intensely fixated on what regular folks may regard as seemingly mundane items (such as those drinking glasses and bottles from the Depression era). Nevertheless, as with almost anything in New York, the thrill lies in paying a minimal amount for something that will, hopefully, become incredibly valuable someday. But for some, it's simply the matter of acquiring the desired pieces and to someday pass them on to one of their children.

Many lazy weekend afternoons I've spent with friends -- learning about obscure historical bits of information through the objects in their collections, as well as listening to their fascinating tales of acquisitions as if involved in some large scale arbitrage. To this day, they love to talk endlessly about their personal collections.

But then again, their freshly-brewed coffee and home-baked pies were always just as good; hence, making an avid repeat audience out of me.

Labels: collection, shells

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:01 AM | 26 comments

Sunday, April 22, 2007

HELPING THE MOTHERS OF ALBAY

Their goal is to help the women in the towns of Daraga and Guinobatan, Albay, who to this day languish in evacuation centers, caring for their children while living under appalling conditions and suffering from various women’s illnesses.

To alleviate their plight, Cathy and a group of her friends, intend to bring 500 bags containing toiletries and underwear to the women in these centers. Five hundred may not be much, but providing care and kindness to even one soul can sometimes spell the difference between hope and despair in the life of a woman who toils day and night for her family.

Each bag is worth P200, and contains the following items—one toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, bath soap, three pieces of underwear, a wash towel, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of laundry soap. The items will be placed in a re-usable katsa bag to be sewn by a community of indigent women here in Manila. Their target is to raise 500 bags by May 13, Mother’s Day, so that they can bring the bags to the Bicol mothers the week after.

Please visit Cathy's site for more information on how you can help.

Thank you!

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:17 AM | 9 comments

Friday, April 20, 2007

KIDS & TECHNOLOGY

Lucky are those with kids in the house. Whenever daunted by the task of reading the manual that comes, say, with a recently-purchased high tech cell phone, just hand it over to one of your kids and he’ll have it figured out in no time at all. That’s what I did when I got a new Nokia a couple of years ago. With my nephew’s coaching, I began enjoying its features sooner than had I studied the manual on my own.

It was another nephew who taught me how to put an end to those unsolicited messages, which were nothing more than marketing messages from my carrier that also eat up my load. There were times I had to quickly find a spot on a busy roadway to park my car (thinking I had just received an urgent SMS message) but only to discover it was merely Smart hawking a new service or product. Oh, well, certainly with convenience comes nuisance as well.

The ease of communication nowadays is really staggering, especially when compared during my youth. It used to be when PLDT took ages to hook up a household with a regular telephone line. These days, the demand for a landline has slipped drastically because of the availability and affordability of cell phones.

I am not one to upgrade to a newer model of cell phone every year, but if I ever needed to get a new one anytime soon, rest assured, I'll be asking the kids in the family first for their opinion. Darn, when I was a kid, the most high tech gadget I had was a Sony transistor radio with a leather case and strap. But that's altogether another story for another day.

Have a good weekend!

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:17 AM | 34 comments

Thursday, April 19, 2007

PHOTOJOURNALISM'S ADRENALIN RUSH

It was sheer madness, if you asked me. Because in my desire to get as close as possible for a good shot, I suffered from a momentary lapse of reason — I risked getting my toes run over by the escort motorcycles who didn’t have that much space to maneuver to begin with. Nonetheless, these escorts must keep the motorcade moving even at a snail’s pace. There was also the main truck driver who kept blowing his horn at me for my having blocked his path as I kept taking pictures of the group of men on the flatbed his truck.

It was insane! I was seriously more intent on getting well-focused and -composed shots than worry about getting hurt.

There was also the throng of well-wishers and spectators, who crossed the designated police lines just to catch some candies, baller IDs, and T-shirts being hurled by those personalities from the truck. I often found myself sandwiched between this wave of people and the police escorts, but I had to wedge myself right through and make my way towards the next spot up ahead and secure an ideal position for the next series of shots.

Ed Santiago, my photojournalism mentor, (left photo) believes that this area of photography sharpens the photographer’s gutfeel; thus, urges all his students to often practice photojournalism.

Documenting the scene as it happens is the core of which; hence, on that particular day, despite the respective politics, philosophy, track record and integrity of the group of men up on that truck, my intention was merely to document the event with my camera. I wasn't there to create history or provide a personal dissertation on these personalities' respective school of thought or achievement (or lack thereof).

Anyway, being quite savvy with the streets of Santa Cruz, Manila, instinctively, I knew which position would best give me a certain structure as backdrop, or where I could climb a bit to get my camera as near within eye-level with my subjects who were up higher aboard the truck.

And every time I captured the desired scene, the adrenalin rush that came with it fueled a greater desire to run towards the next ideal spot. Right there and then, I experienced a moment of epiphany — realizing that this has got to be, more than anything else, what most photojournalists live for — the adrenalin rush. No wonder some of the seasoned war correspondents would find themselves standing in the line of fire, so to speak. What matters most to them is no longer their safety, but the perfect shot or footage to share with their readers or viewers back home. That’s how crazily diligent they can be.

I was drenched with sweat as I took my final shot while standing on the base of a street lamp at T. Mapua Street. It was a narrow street and I was only a few meters from the motorcade so, when I yelled for the mayor to throw me a T-shirt, with a smile on his face — probably appreciating all that effort I’ve exerted in photographing his entourage — threw one towards my direction.

The mayor must have played baseball when young because the T-shirt landed exactly on my right hand without my over-reaching for it. But suddenly, someone grabbed the T-shirt from my hand — spraining my ring finger as he forcefully pulled it away from me. The mayor saw it and with a simple gesture, a couple of his security men grabbed the teenager, retrieved the T-shirt, and handed it back to me. I yelled, “Thank you, mayor!”

Most public officials might have a love-hate relationship with the media, but here in Manila, the mayor, at least, appreciates their presence.

Labels: photojournalism

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:54 AM | 16 comments

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

HERO'S WELCOME FOR MANNY PAQUIAO

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Labels: manila events

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:38 AM | 16 comments

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

DRAGON BOAT RACE - Part 2

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:33 AM | 16 comments

Monday, April 16, 2007

DRAGON BOAT RACE - Part 1

Labels: Dragon Boat Race, manila events

posted by Señor Enrique at 11:05 AM | 16 comments

Sunday, April 15, 2007

TOUR OF THE FIREFLIES 2007

Coincided with the worldwide celebration of Earth Day, the 9th Tour of the Fireflies was a 50-kilometer bicycling event -- geared to promote a clean environment -- that took about 4-to-5 hours to complete; starting and ending at Tiendesitas, Ortigas Avenue corner E. Rodriguez Jr. at Pasig City.

The pace was relaxed and well-controlled at 13-15 kph to enable riders of all ages to ride their bikes en masse safely and comfortably. There were several photo opportunity locations -- Ayala Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Quirino Grandstand and Welcome Rotonda. My friends and I caught the one over at Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard.

It was a pleasant surprise to have run into a friend, Doy, who participated in the event with his girlfriend (4th photo from above). There was also the TV and movie personality, Dominick Ochoa, who took a break to have his photo taken and to give us an appraisal of the ride up to that point (last photo).

It was obviously a successful event enjoyed by all.


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posted by Señor Enrique at 7:06 PM | 22 comments

Friday, April 13, 2007

SERENITY

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Labels: Manila Bay

posted by Señor Enrique at 4:23 PM | 29 comments

AUTHENTIC SPANISH CUISINE IN MANILA

Wise men say to be careful with what we wish for, because most likely we'd get it.

And so it was for an authentic but casual Spanish restaurant right in the midst of Manila that I fervently wished for ever since moving back here. Not a fancy restaurant in tony Greenbelt or Rockwell, mind you. Just a simple and accessible eatery like those Chinese restaurants in Binondo.

Well, guess what? There is one. Los Ambos Mundos on Florentino Torres Street near corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue. I read about it at Carlos Celdran's site yesterday morning, and by lunchtime I was enjoying a plate of delicious lengua estofado.

I'm not going to say more about this great find, for Carlos' entry says it all.

Now, you may wonder what the above photograph is all about. You see, besides four fish tanks, the restaurant's owner also keeps two pet pigs for good luck. It's sister Chinese restaurant right across the street, Wah Sun Cantonese Cuisine, also has two huge pigs and a monkey. How about that, folks?

posted by Señor Enrique at 4:22 AM | 35 comments

Thursday, April 12, 2007

TAKING THE LRT

This is a view of Plaza Goiti from the platform of LRT’s Carriedo Station. I took this shot while waiting for a train on my way to Padre Faura the other day. I parked my car where I often do at the university belt area and decided to take the train and compare the experience from a few years back when I first arrived in Manila.

For starters, all the trains appear to be air-conditioned and come more frequently nowadays. Although most folks still crowd the doorways, there’s enough room inside; however, finding a seat even during the non-rush period remains futile. Nonetheless, taking the LRT is a more comfortable experience these days than before when everyone would be packed like sardines at any time of the day. I’m certainly glad of these noticeable improvements.

I am yet to take the MRT train that runs from Claro M. Recto Station mainly because I have no special need to go to the newly-refurbished Araneta shopping complex in Cubao. So far, most of the things I need can be readily purchased at my usual haunts. But then again, I was given two free PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) upperbox tickets which is good until this Sunday at Araneta Coliseum. Alas! The seats would be too high up to take any decent shots of the game. So, if anyone is interested, just send me an email and you can have them.

Speaking of pro basketball, my cousin Leo used to play for the PBA. However, I was already in New York during his heyday; hence, never got a chance to see him play. Jaworzki I did, but it was before he turned pro -- during the NCAA games.

And speaking of PBA -- this time, Philippine Blog Awards -- does anyone know where Bangkal, Makati is exactly? I have to pick-up my PBA trophy at P. Santos Street and not really sure where that is. Thanks!

It's a hot and humid day in Manila today. Keep cool, everybody!


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posted by Señor Enrique at 11:25 AM | 33 comments

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

RAZON'S HALO-HALO

I finally got to taste what everyone was raving about at my previous post, Manila’s Ice Age. And they’re right. This halo-halo from Razon is simply marvelous.

I actually tried to get a taste of it last week at Robinson’s in Malate, but the place was just too jam-packed; there was even a queue for those waiting for a table. So, I left and returned early today. And much to my delight, there were a few empty tables.

Anyway, what sets this halo-halo apart from the rest, foremost, is the texture of its shaved ice. It’s undeniably as soft and as pure as the driven snow; unlike the shaved ice of Chow King’s which is often brittle and tend to coagulate and harden rather quickly. I'd like to attribute the quality of Razon's shaved ice to those imported ice shavers -- similar to the machines used at Jolibee’s for its iced fruit salad and mais con yelo. At any rate, with the Razon's halo-halo, the spoon cuts through the ice and reaches the bottom easily without much of a struggle.

As for the cream, I’m not sure the kind used, but it’s good and not at all heavy. And the ingredients, although the variety isn't as numerous as that of Chow King’s Fiesta halo-halo, Razon’s are definitely softer and tastier.

So, what else can I say? Go and enjoy at least one this summer!

By the way, a serving of Razon’s halo-halo is 65 pesos.


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Labels: halo-halo

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:25 PM | 36 comments

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

MANILA STREET FOODS

When I was a kid, the woman who sold banana-cue and kamote-cue in the middle of our block would also be selling halo-halo at this time since it’s now summer. During the afternoons, besides this woman, there was also Mang Fermin who sold dirty ice cream or sorbetes, as well as the weekend kakanin vendors comprised mostly of neighborhood kids. There was also the kernel corn or binatog vendor.

The freshly-baked pandesal and machakaw were available from our neighborhood baker, Perfection Bakery, in the early morning and again at around three o’clock in the afternoon. The taho, puto, kutchinta, and bicho were peddled only in the morning by Chinese vendors, while at night was the usual Pinoy balut and chicharon vendor.

Right in front of Cine Noli on Avenida Rizal near Blumentritt, was the street vendor who roasted corn on the cub right there on the sidewalk and the vendor who sold fried peanuts with garlic. It was the former that my Tiyang Inez would bribe me with so I would accompany her to see the latest Lepoldo Salcedo or Rosa Mia tear-jerker flick inside that surot-infested movie house.

Over in Sta. Cruz — more popularly known as “downtown” back then — the only food I remember being sold right on the sidewalk was hopia, but it was always in front of a Chinese bake shop. It was the same scene along the entire stretch of Azcarraga (now known as Claro M. Recto Avenue) by the university belt area. Neither was there a single street food vendor in the vicinity of my high school — whether in Doroteo Jose or Intramuros. For the most part all foodstuffs were only available inside the student canteens or in the restaurants; two of the most popular among the students and the general public back then was Little Quiapo and Ma Mon Luk.

Today is a different story.

Sidney Snoeck has done an exhaustive pictorial series of street foods; whereas, Ivan Henares has come up with a comprehensive listing of which, including those unheard of during the days of my youth. For example, certain ingredients of pancit canton guisado, much to my astonishment, are now merchandized as individual merienda offerings — fish balls, kikiam, and what appear to be boiled eggs breaded with yellow flour. There is also the popular chicken feet and day-old chicks, as well as barbecued pig and chicken innards or lamang loob.

Incidentally, pork barbecue are now commonly found at any densely-populated neighborhoods from the early afternoon until the late evenings. Even lugaw and noodles are sold on roving makeshift bicycle carts.

I don't usually buy any of this new generation of street foods, not because I'm overly concerned about sanitary issues; rather, I find most of these foods extremely salty. I guess having lived in New York for so long made me develop a bland taste; ground pepper is the only condiment I use, salt I can often do without. I've also steered away from lumpia and turon (banana with a strip of jackfruit or langka) from street vendors because the oil they use for frying rarely agrees with my system. The smell alone of the hot oil used to deep-fry fish balls and kikiam would sometimes make me dizzy.

Nonetheless, when I was a kid, I used to look forward to going with my father to the palengke on an early Saturday morning, because almost always, we’d eat palabok for breakfast at one of the market’s food stalls. It was delicious. Whereas, in the afternoons, my mother would give us some change for some banana-cue, kamote-cue or turon.

As for the puto and kutchinta, at present, I only buy the latter from Dolor's Kakanin, while the only kind of puto that I really enjoy these days are those mini puto from Dagupan City that my sister would have delivered to her office. Gone are those really tasty puto, kutchinta and bicho; the ones available now are not as good. Gone, too, are those Chinese vendors who used to peddle them in my old neighborhood.

And be that as it may, believe it or not, I still enjoy an occasional balut.




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Labels: Street foods

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:46 AM | 39 comments

Sunday, April 08, 2007

WAITING FOR THE SUNSET

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Labels: Manila Bay Sunset

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:22 PM | 32 comments

ANG TIBAY NAMAN

Strange. Ever since living in Manila, whenever shopping for footwear, I’d always be drawn to those created by a particular Canadian manufacturer. To date, my collection of sneakers, sandals, and slippers purchased locally bear its trademark.

It used to be when I cared not for any particular brand; I’d buy whatever style fancied me, or whatever was on sale, without adherence to brand loyalty. That applied to both dress and sports shoe purchases. Darn, when I used to play tennis, I’d even favor those lightweight shoes produced by an obscure company, Bata. However, these days, whenever my casual or sports shoes needed to be replaced, first and foremost, I’d be heading over to a shop that carries Merrell.

The only other time I remember being so fixated to a particular shoe brand was when I was a youngster. Although my parents bought me a pair of shoes only twice a year back then — for Christmas and the new school year — I would wear nothing but a pair of Ang Tibay Shoes. I loved them. In fact, I learned how to tie my shoe laces on my own with my pair of Ang Tibay dress shoes. However, by the second or third grade, I began to favor its penny loafers; I would just slip them on and off my feet.

There was only one Ang Tibay Shoe store that I remember — on Avenida Rizal next to the Manila Opera House where the ReyCard Duet regularly held court. However, by the time I reached high school, my taste for shoes changed, but I’d still browse through its window displays whenever passing by (my high school was in the nearby Doroteo Jose).

Imagine my delight when a couple of months ago, I came across a book that illustrated the life of the man behind Ang Tibay Shoes. His name was Toribio Teodoro; his life, a true rags-to-riches story.

Born on April 27, 1887 in Grace Park in Caloocan City, he had to quit school at 12 and worked at a cigar factory to help his parents make ends meet. He married Florentina Alcantara when he was barely 16 in 1903. His enthusiasm and diligence soon made him one of the highest wage earners in that factory. However, having had enough of the cigar business, which he realized held no future for him, he quit after eight years of working there and got himself a job at a slipper-making company. He even took a second job in the evening at another slipper factory doing odd tasks, and before too long honed his skills as a slipper craftsman.

Fueled by ambition and determination, in 1910, in partnership with a friend, Juan Katindig, they set up a slipper factory at Calle Cervantes, now Avenida Rizal. He was just 23. They started taking in small jobs but soon was churning out a substantial inventory they called Ang Tibay.

In 1921, by mutual consent, Toribio bought out his partner for P43,000, an equal division of their company’s assets, and went on to establish Ang Tibay Footwear Factory in 1922. Esco and Hike Shoes dominated the local shoe manufacturing industry back then, but Toribio traveled to the United States in 1928 to buy sole-cutting machineries. With the installation of these machines and with a staff fully-trained to operate them, by 1930, Ang Tibay was producing 1,000 pairs of shoes daily and was able to effectively compete against the local shoe industry giants.

The great success of Ang Tibay Shoes also enabled Toribio to branch into other enterprises such as Botica de Sta. Cruz, Central Surety and Insurance Co., Photo Chemical Industries, the Manila Grand Opera House, and six other movie houses. Although his education did not go beyond second grade, he wrote and spoke both Spanish and English proficiently. He was also an excellent writer in Tagalog.

He became a widower, but eventually met someone who was to become his second wife, Marta Teodoro; she gave him six children. His two sons -- Prudencio and Francisco -- helped him rehabilitate Ang Tibay Shoes after the Second World War. By the early 1950s, Ang Tibay’s production rate was up to 3,000 pairs of shoes daily; hence, becoming the country’s leading footwear manufacturer at that time.

Toribio Teodoro died on August 30, 1965, but his life story will forever remain an inspiration for many people.

Happy Easter everybody!

Labels: Ang Tibay Shoes, Merrell Shoes

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:47 AM | 61 comments

Saturday, April 07, 2007

INTERCONTINENTAL INSIGHTS PHOTO CONTEST

Now, here's something to ponder on this glorious day, Sabado de Gloria -- an international photo contest sponsored by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

The grand prize? A National Geographic Expedition to Australia for you and your companion in which a leading expert will act as your personal guide as you venture to an amazing all expenses-paid expedition around Australia!

You will have the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat on Kangaroo Island, hike the mountains of Tasmania, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The trip also includes a stay at the luxurious InterContinental Sydney and an exclusive tour of the city with a National Geographic photojournalist.

The mechanics of this photo contest is quite simple: Submit one color photograph that best captures the sense of a travel destination anywhere in the world. The photograph can be of any subject of your choice -- nature, architecture, cityscape, people, culture, or anything as long as it is compelling enough to entice a viewer to see or experience it.

The contest opened on March 21st and will close on July 1st of this year. For further information about this contest, rules and regulations, and prizes, visit InterContinental Insights Photo Contest.

Good luck!




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Labels: International Photo Contest

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:23 AM | 14 comments

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

IMPROMPTU BISITA IGLESIA

I admit that I'm not at all a religious person although I love visiting churches even briefly. Sta. Cruz Church in Manila is among those that I go to every now and then. I have many fond memories of it. You see, upon entering high school, I stopped going to Espiritu Santo Church in Tayuman Street with my parents and started going with my brothers and cousins to Sta. Cruz Church.

It wasn’t so much that the latter offered a more trendy and hip Sunday service. It was mainly because the church was popular among some girls from my brothers’ and cousins’ universities. So, more than anything else, it was basically the posturing (precipitated by teenage raging hormones) that motivated our going to Sta. Cruz Church at that time.

Earlier this afternoon, I met with three fellow camera club members at Hidalgo Street in Quiapo. We shot some pictures around the church's vicinity; afterwards, we headed over to Sta. Cruz Church wherein I took a picture of its chapel by the front door (see photo below). Everyone enjoyed taking pictures of this church and its grounds, as well as the Carriedo Fountain over at Plaza de Sta. Cruz in front of the church.

I am very happy that through my interest in photography, I am developing many friends as I used to when I was in high school. However, for tomorrow until Easter Sunday, it would be a time reserved for family and visiting relatives.



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Labels: Sta. Cruz Church

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:24 PM | 20 comments

Monday, April 02, 2007

ONCE UPON A HOLY WEEK

When I was a kid, at the start of Holy Week, every radio and TV station would be completely signed off until Easter Sunday, except for one or two stations that broadcast religious programs, but only at certain hours. All movie theaters and entertainment establishments were closed as well.

With going to church in the late afternoon or early evening as the only acceptable activity, the entire city seemed as if in a collective solemn mourning.

Over in our barrio in Subic, it was pretty much the same deal, except on Thursday and Friday when the bartikals and penitensiyas would march barefoot on the sweltering pavement. Both sides of the highway were usually crowded with Americans from the nearby naval base busily taking photographs, or simply watching the entire spectacle as if in awe.

On Good Friday, there were some men carrying giant crosses on their shoulders as they headed towards the hills of the next town. There they would have their hands and feet tied to the cross, not nailed as done in the other provinces. By the late afternoon, it would be over.

Saturday is Sabado de Gloria. At exactly ten o’clock in the morning, the children were often urged to jump as high as they could. The belief was they would grow to be tall adults if they did just that that.

As for Easter Sunday, there wasn't any organized egg-hunting festival back then. There was only an early morning procession in which its highlight was hoisting a child of barely six years of age all the way to the top of a makeshift four-storey tower. It was basically made up of tall bamboo poles tied together like a tripod. Right in the center, a pulley was attached to facilitate the pulling of the rope with the child’s seat at the other end of it.

Almost always, though properly secured in his seat, the child would appear petrified to death; screaming his lungs out as being pulled to the top. However, I’ve always wanted to be an Easter Sunday angel and made no secret of it. I delighted in the thought of being hoisted up in the sky. Unfortunately, my father would never allow it. I gave up all hope when I turned ten. I've become too big.

Right after the Easter Sunday breakfast, all the children were once again allowed to engage in their usual boisterous play, while the teens went back to playing their vinyl 45 rpm rock ‘n roll records. During that time, Easter Sunday ushered in the much awaited fun-filled summer vacation; a perfect reward for having given up so much during the Holy Week.

Nowadays, this time of the year is more often deemed a holiday season in which some families would retreat to a fine resort or travel abroad for a shopping spree. Totally unheard of then and a good enough cause to be excommunicated, I bet.

Oh, well ... times have changed, indeed.


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Labels: Holy Week

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:57 PM | 23 comments

Sunday, April 01, 2007

PALM SUNDAY IN QUIAPO

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Labels: Palm Sunday, Quiapo

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:12 PM | 17 comments

PHOTO BLOG OF THE YEAR

Just learned this morning that I won the Photo Blog of the Year award. This is, unarguably, a prestigous win for me!

I'm at a loss for words right now; not to mention that it's only the break of dawn and haven't had my coffee, yet. However, I promise to post a smarter response later on.

For now, let me just say, thank you all for your support!


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Labels: Philippine Blog Awards, photo blog of the year

posted by Señor Enrique at 4:48 AM | 60 comments

Life in Manila as observed by a former New Yorker who with a laptop and camera has reinvented himself as a storyteller. Winner of the PHILIPPINE BLOG AWARDS: Best Photo Blog in 2007 and three Best Single Post awards in 2008.

 

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