Wish you were here

Thursday, February 28, 2008

JAZZFEST 2008

posted by Señor Enrique at 11:44 AM | 16 comments

MUNING'S LATEST BROOD

These are the two left from Muning's recent offspring. Not that I bag and dump them somewhere in Dasmarinas, Cavite, but Muning does a good job of disposing them on her own. You see, after nursing them for a few weeks, the kittens would disappear one by one until none is left.

As previously mentioned in my initial entry on Muning, I am more of a dog-lover and only had a pet cat once when I was a kid. She was fat and cuddly and looked very much like
Morris the Cat. Unfortunately, she got ran over by a cab. Hence, I don't miss Muning's kittens after they've all disappeared for good.

As for these remaining two kittens from the present batch, though now getting used to their presence and at times amused by their silly antics, I'm convinced they're bound to be distributed by Muning anytime soon. But until then, I might as well enjoy their existence and use them as my prime animal models.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:19 AM | 20 comments

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

HANDS

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:57 PM | 24 comments

Monday, February 25, 2008

EDSA 1 ANNIVERSARY RALLY AT MENDIOLA

Rallyists at the foot of the Mendiola Bridge staged their program peacefully while members of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Navy's anti-riot personnel stood on guard behind razor wire and steel barricades.

Many of the rallyists were members of Youth Act Now, Anak Pawis, The Christian and Muslim Coalition and the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), to name a few. They voiced out their gripes while standing right on the foot of the historic Mendiola bridge.

Due to intermittent rains, both pro- and anti-administration rallies all over Metro Manila peacefully dispersed beginning at around 4 p.m.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:49 PM | 14 comments

AFTER THE RUN

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:06 AM | 10 comments

Sunday, February 24, 2008

THE 2008 INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINE MARATHON

Otherwise known as the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River, it is an annual event but I never would have known about it had I not ran into a fellow photographer at Fuji/YKL who mentioned it in passing. There was no mention of it, either, in any of the local broadsheets. Yet, this event is intended to boost awareness on the continued efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River.

Anyway, this 42-kilometer marathon -- participated by foreign and local marathoners -- was held early this Sunday morning. It started at 4:00 am at the Marikina River Park (Ampitheater) and ended at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park.

There were three separate footraces as well -- 10K, 5K and 3K -- that started on Roxas Boulevard; however, they all converged at the same destination point. Therefore, one can only imagine the somewhat chaotic result of such arrangement.

Besides those little kids who blocked the path of some serious runners, there were also incorrigible bystanders who would nonchalantly cross the lanes, including some members of the catering staff who did the same while struggling with containers of foodstuffs, supplies, and equipment. Luckily, except for a couple of near mishaps, there were no incidents of serious collisions.

Despite these shortcomings, everything turned out just fine, especially for the families and the many groups of friends and co-workers who participated. A wonderful time was definitely had by all.

Also at the event, by the way, were former president Fidel V. Ramos, his wife Amelita "Ming" Ramos (chairman of Clean and Green Foundation), and Secretary Angelo Reyes.

The champion!

*

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:08 AM | 17 comments

Saturday, February 23, 2008

YES, WE HAVE NO BANANAS

It was the title of a major hit song in the '30s, listed by the Recording Industry Association of America as among the top 365 songs of the century. Written by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn, some claimed it was a novelty song inspired by the banana shortage.

Now, whether true or not, I'm quite certain my Tia Inez would never belt out this tune like a seasoned vaudevillian, for her repugnance for bananas was quite legendary. Neither would she be impressed, I'm sure, if told that it was Alexander the Great who brought the banana from India to the Western world.

Be that as it may, when I was a kid, Tia Inez would always have me eat a banana with my breakfast and lunch. Perhaps, she knew about its rich potassium content, making it an important food, especially for children coping with malnutrition.

Bananas have many other healing effects but I doubt it if Tia Inez were cognizant of which, or even interested to know why monkeys are so happy all the time. The fact that I ate my banana when told, was probably good enough for her. It made her happy, I think.

posted by Señor Enrique at 12:31 PM | 22 comments

Friday, February 22, 2008

ON KIDDY BIKES

This photograph was taken at the bike rental lot within the CCP complex before it was closed down for good about a year ago.

For a kid, riding a bicycle is ultimately the best way to experience freedom on wheels. The first bike I enjoyed was borrowed from a cousin, while the second was a hand me down from my older siblings. It may be old and looked very much like Pee Wee Herman's much beloved bicycle with fat tires, but I treasured it immensely; oiling and cleaning it almost everyday. And on weekends and days without school, I'd practically ride it all day long.

There was also a time that I'd get on my bike when sent on an errand. But come to think of it, it required more effort to get my bike out of the room where I stored it than just walk on over to Manong's sari-sari store.

And then one weekend, at Baguio City's Burnham Park, I learned to ride a Vespa. I loved it. As soon as I got home, I did all I could to talk my father into buying me one. He bought me a scooter all right, but it was one of those you push with one of your legs to get it moving.

Oh, well ...

posted by Señor Enrique at 11:26 AM | 26 comments

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

LRT2 FIESTA AT RECTO STATION

And so it goes. The NCCA's Ani ng Sining: Art in Public Places in collaboration with the University of the East College of Fine Arts wowed commuters today at the Recto Station of LRT2.

At today's presentation, the festive air was ushered in by the students of Manila's Lakandula High School with their exhilarating performance of traditional Filipino dances accompanied by a live rondalla. It was followed by the award-winning University of the East Chorale with a delightful repertoire that included international music. In addition, a prize collection of artworks by the students of UE College of Fine Arts was on exhibit throughout the program.

Indeed, it was another couple of thumbs up for the entire NCCA organization. Its continued efforts to provide the general public with opportunities to enjoy and appreciate art is truly admirable.

Incidentally, the UE Theater will present "Mulan," an original, distinct and theatrical style production of Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino, directed by Dennis Marasigan, to be staged on Thursday, February 21, at 3:00 p.m. Free admission.

Moreover, February 23 is slated as Youth Day. Activities during the day will include the Department of Education's Oratorical Contest/Painting at the NCCA Auditorium. Please contact NCCA for more information.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:38 PM | 23 comments

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

KUYA, PICTURE NAMAN

For those thinking of dabbling into street photography in Manila, be forewarned. Expect to get requests from some folks -- kids and adults alike -- to take their picture.

However, be not alarmed, for such requests are made in jest, though the charming smile and the glimmer in their eyes reveal the hope that you wouldn't mind sparing a shot or two.

Personally, since I use a memory card with a fairly large capacity, I'm almost always glad to oblige. Besides, it's good public relations anyway. Should I ask them for directions afterwards, I'm confident they wouldn't lead me astray.

But what's truly fascinating about this whole thing is that no one would dare ask for a print copy, though on rare occasion, one may ask to see the result of the shot you've just made on the preview screen of your digital camera. Nonetheless, the mere fact that you had given them a moment of your time to heed their request makes their day. That may be because, as Sidney Snoeck had once quipped, "Someone significant such as a photographer had given them special attention even if for a few seconds."

This photo essay depict images of camera-loving people taken during the past two months alone. But the one of the young boy (top photo) deserves the lead photo position. You see, most local folks are shy and would only have the nerve to ask you to take their pictures only if with a group of their peers. This young boy, however, right after a parade in Binondo, actually ran after me to ask if I could take a snapshot of him. Indeed, it was his unusual boldness that charmed me so, before taking his picture, I asked him to stand with Binondo Church as backdrop.

And just like the rest, as soon as I finished, he gave me a warm appreciative smile and ran off without asking for a print of his picture. All that bravado for nothing, I thought.

posted by Señor Enrique at 5:17 AM | 35 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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