Sunday, March 23, 2008
PEOPLE-WATCHING: BINONDO
Hanging out with balikbayan friends and relatives from the States often spur fond memories to arise.
One of which was during the warm weather months in New York when I'd buy a slice of pizza and a can of soda, and then head on over to the little park over at Herald Square. And in the midst of midtown Manhattan's hustle and bustle, I would find myself an empty bench where I could comfortably enjoy my food while people-watching.
Usually, I'd also conduct an inner dialog: curious about these peoples' lives -- their unique experiences; the people they have loved; the things they treasured, and the places where they've traveled. And just like a benevolent mystic, I would search their faces for some traces of the dreams they've tenaciously held on to, as well as for those they've reluctantly let go.
The peoples' facial features, peculiar mannerisms, modes of dress, and animated gestures would later become the images of the characters in the novels and short stories that I'd devour during the chilly winter evenings.
There were also the occasions, as relief from making sense out of personal conundrums, when I would simply go out people-watching. And although such activity does not necessarily inspire effective solutions, it certainly is a relaxing diversion.
Other than in Manhattan, I've done lots of people-watching in all the places I've visited. As a New York Times article proclaimed, "People-watching in New York is what vista-gazing is to the Grand Canyon: You haven’t really been if you haven’t done it."
Interestingly, the same may be said here in Manila where I've been people-watching as of late.
posted by Señor Enrique at 9:07 PM
18 Comments:
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said... I people watch too but, unlike you, I think differently...I worry if they are going to mug me or beat me up for sheer fun. I guess that's the difference between a "romantic" and a hopeless paranoid LOL. Just being silly.
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Photowalker said... Another Binondo post.
One of these days, we're bound to bump in to each other.-
Photo Cache said...
hope you had a good easter.
from one people watcher to another, i totally dig this post. i hope there is more to come.-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks much for sharing with us these tips, Romy!
I consider myself always a student of photography and will always enjoying reading such materials. Ah, so much to learn and explore :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Not to worry, bertN. I guess, I 'd feel the same way if I have a penchant for people-wacthing after dark ... hehehe.
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Señor Enrique said...
And come to think of it, Photowalker, we might have already bumped into each other without realizing it. I'm alway gallivanting in the Binondo area.
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Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Photo Cache! I will try to keep posting more people pics :)
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said...
"it certainly is a relaxing diversion" -- i agree. people-watching at the airport takes my mind off things (it's my favourite spot aside from t. alonzo street in chinatown).
many times i've been asked for directions by foreigners visiting manila for the first time. after i tell them which bus to take, i often think, oh i hope they'll be okay, knowing that our public transportation system isn't so easy to comprehend!-
nutart said...
Capturing that moment is quite a hit or miss :-). The last picture is like a scene where people freeze and there you see all their individual nuances.
I also reflect on the thought that we are all part and parcel of God. There is even that "radical" thought that God experiences through each of His creations---be it from the simplest amoeba to the most sophisticated galaxy that ever exists! But then just to make it more comprehensible, I go to thinking about how God experiences Life through ALL of US! This is why i also like to watch people/Nature and go places and imagine how they all feel and think and love...! I actually do not need to watch the soap operas on tv! ;-)-
JayAshKal said...
Another fine set of photographs!Lucky are those who have the time, patience and opportunity to watch people; and "smell the roses".
Mario-
Señor Enrique said...
Yes, Danii, the airport is another place to enjoy people-watching, especially during earlier times when you're able to sit around the arrival sections. Nowadays, you have to wait at a designated central waiting area.
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Señor Enrique said...
That's quite an insightful thought.
I read once, Bernadette, that we are, in effect, God's hands and feet here on earth; hence, we are co-creators :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Hi Mario,
Thanks! But I think we ought to take a break from the daily grind and just watch and appreciate things that are around us :)-
nutart said...
can't help but comment once more...:-)
yes, Eric! My husband and I live our lives by that adage of being co-creators of God. It can be misinterpreted in so many ways but then if one believes in being a co-creator, then the meaning of being responsible to everything around makes sense. I often hear people say "but what can we do? we are nothing to the powers that be!" And i counter, your sincere prayers are enough! That is the power that we have but something about being "emasculated" has been imbedded in us by the "powers that be" :-) and this is the inner struggle each of us is going through. This is the enlightenment that is being described by all the mystics and spiritual teachers. Human drama can be transcended.
Thanks, Eric.-
carlotta1924 said...
i enjoy people watching too especially when i'm waiting (too long) for some friends at a meeting place hehe.
so you went on another binondo food wok with ivan?-
Señor Enrique said...
No, just ran into Ivan and his group at Plaza Cervantes on that day, Carlotta :)
Thank God for people-watching; otherwise, those tardy friends/relatives wouldn't hear the end of it from me ... hehehe.-
Señor Enrique said...
That is indeed an admirable attitude, Bernadette, for how can one be swayed by negative decisions in his endeavors if he firmly believes that he is God's ongoing partner.
Actually, I am one of those, before going out on a photo shoot, who acknowledges God's presence and asks for divine guidance :)-
said...
People watching, I do too. I found a very nice spot for this "hobby" (lol!) whenever I go to Baguio. It's a steak house along Session Road in Baguio City. I always occupy the table by the window to give me a good view of people coming and going.
Guys love to girl watch, of course. I remember in college, boys would sit by the lobby and RATE the girls passing by. Imagine how a girl would feel hearing them rate her at 2 o 3! Ay, naku, I'm not Bo Derek, but I wouldn't settle for less than 10. Hahaha.
