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!

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posted by Señor Enrique at 10:08 AM | 16 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

Monday, February 18, 2008

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:45 AM | 18 comments

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

Fotothing.com has been experiencing problems with its servers; thus, many photographs attached to some of my blog articles and photo essays may not load up at this time.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

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posted by Señor Enrique at 6:28 AM | 2 comments

Saturday, February 16, 2008

A PEACEFUL MASS RALLY IN MAKATI

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posted by Señor Enrique at 7:48 AM | 38 comments

Thursday, February 14, 2008

VALENTINE CONCERT AT THE LRT STATION

While New York City subways may have solo or duet classical and jazz artists performing live music to soothe high-strung commuters for some loose change, Metro Manila, on the other hand, offers an entire chorale along with an art exhibit for free, though during this month of February only -- Arts Festival Month.

Continuing with its Pasakalye theme -- presenting free exhibits and performances in public places -- the NCCA (National Commission on Culture and the Arts) in collaboration with the University of the East College of Fine Arts dazzled the LRT commuters at Doroteo Jose Station with a fine art exhibit and an enchanting musical performance by the Ramon Magsaysay Chorale. All these on a lovely Valentine's Day afternoon.

This was the NCCA's fourth Fiesta sa LRT at MRT presentation. The next one will be on February 20 at the LRT2 Recto Station. The award-winning UE Chorale will perform, while UE College of Fine Arts will once again present the art exhibit. The performance will begin at 4:00 pm.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:55 PM | 14 comments

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

ON RESPONSIBLE MOTORCYCLING

With unpredictable spikes in gasoline prices, including easy-term payments offered by dealers, many local folks find motorcycles easier to own and more economical to maintain. Thus, the motorcycle industry has been enjoying continued sales growth.

Based on figures from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), 2.6 million of the 5.5 million total motor vehicles registered in 2007 were motorcycles.

However, with the proliferation of these two-wheeled vehicles on our streets, comes some bad news as well. According to the Metropolitan Road Safety Unit of the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), from January to December of 2006 alone, motorcycles had the highest fatality accident rate with 23.60 percent of the total fatal accidents involved motorcycles, followed by cars with 21.86.

Therefore, the MMDA as headed by Fernando Bayani is now seriously studying the possibility of requiring motorcycle drivers to attend driver training programs prior to being issued licenses. This is, unarguably, a program worth implementing.

As other motor vehicle drivers would attest, many motorcyclists tend to ignore even the most basic traffic rules and regulations. In Manila alone, it is a common sight for a motorcycle driver to disregard light turn signals of a car ahead of him; even racing to pass it on the side it intends to make a turn.

Many motorcyclists are also notorious to weave in and out of lanes, unexpectedly overtake on the right side, drive against the designated flow of one-way streets., and use pedestrian lanes when the street becomes too snarled in traffic -- even arrogantly pressing their horns on pedestrians who hinder their passage.

Worst of all, many motorcycle drivers allow small children to ride with them without wearing any protective head gear as required by law. And if caught and given a ticket, most drivers would simply shrug off, if not laugh off altogether, the measly 100 peso fine.

Sadly, despite the almost daily reports of fatal accidents involving motorcycles, careless drivers remain unaffected and continue to defy traffic rules and regulations; seemingly more absorbed with the idea of upholding the macho image linked with motorcycling.

Undoubtedly, mandatory motorcycle training and certification programs could help make responsible drivers out of our Manila motorcycle enthusiasts.

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Related links:

WHO concerned by ‘motorcycle epidemic’ deaths, injuries - Philippine Daily Inquirer

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posted by Señor Enrique at 6:18 AM | 30 comments

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

THE PRO-ADMINISTRATION CONTINGENT

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:02 AM | 24 comments

Monday, February 11, 2008

PROTEST AT THE SENATE'S GATE

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:13 PM | 8 comments

ON LIONS AND DRAGONS

Traditionally practiced in various Asian countries with a style distinctly of their own, the Lion Dance originated in China about a thousand years ago.

A typical Chinese Lion Dance troupe pursues one of two styles -- Northern and Southern. The former is more acrobatic and usually performed as entertainment for the royal court, while the latter is more symbolic, which is performed to exorcise evil spirits and to summon good fortune and luck. But generally speaking, the Chinese Lion Dance represents the myth of the lunar new year.

As for appearances, the northern lion is shaggy with colors of red, orange, yellow, and its head gold. The female lion is sometimes peppered with the color green. The southern lion, on the other hand, is created with a wider variety of colors. It has a distinctive head with large eyes, while its forehead is adorned with a mirror and a single horn.

The Lion Dance which is consisted of two people is also performed at other festive Chinese occasions such as business openings and weddings.

And then there is the Dragon Dance ...







The Dragon Dance is performed by a team of ten or more dancers. Oftentimes, only large organizations can afford to sustain a dragon dance team because of the greater expenses involved.The usual length and size recommended for the dragon is 112 feet, which is divided into nine significant sections. The distance of each minor (rib-like) section is 14 inches apart; therefore, the body has 81 rings.

A dragon used in Dragon Dances may be created in various ways, types and colors. Green is the most popular color because it represents a plentiful harvest. The other favored colors include: yellow for a solemn empire; gold or silver for prosperity; and red for excitement. A dragon's scales and tail are mostly created with shimmering silver material so as to invoke a joyous atmosphere.

Dragon Dances usher in the new year, as well as scare away evil spirits. Dancers hold poles used to raise and lower the dragon's body. Usually, it is led by a man holding a pole with a ball on top that symbolizes a Pearl of Wisdom, which entices the dragon to follow it to the beat of a drum, as if searching for wisdom and knowledge.

The wave-like pattern of a Dragon Dance is caused by the choreographed swinging of each section of its body. The even more complex patterns and tricks are achieved by running into spiraled formations; hence, causing the dragon's body to turn and twist on itself. More advanced maneuvers include various corkscrew-like rotating tricks, including certain acrobatic moves in which the performers stand on each others legs and shoulders to heighten the dragon’s stance and movements.

Although dragons are mythical creatures, the Chinese regard them as friendly and helpful; harbingers of good luck, long life, and great wisdom. Furthermore, the Chinese associate dragons with storm clouds and life-giving rain which assure bountiful harvests.

posted by Señor Enrique at 5:44 AM | 11 comments

Sunday, February 10, 2008

GOING VEGGIE AT QUAN YIN CHAY

I've been hearing about this vegetarian restaurant from various people who rave about its tasty dishes and affordable prices.

Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian is located on Masangkay Street. At first I was reluctant to look for it; concerned that it might be on the part of Masangkay north of Recto Avenue which I'm not all that familiar with. But as it turns out, this restaurant is towards where the end of Masangkay on Recto's south side -- at the corner of Salazar Street. And as we all know, Salazar is only a short stretch in which the other end is Ongpin. In other words, Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian is merely a stone's throw away from President's Tea House.

I've made previous attempts since then to have lunch at this restaurant, but unfortunately for me, it was always crowded. But lo and behold! On the day of the beginning of the lunar new year, when I walked in just to check out my luck, there was an empty table. Perhaps, an auspicious omen for me for the Chinese New Year, thought I.

Anyway, a light merienda fare was what I had in mind instead of a hearty lunch since I had the whole afternoon planned for lots of walking around and capturing the street scenes with my camera. Hence, I just ordered four pieces of lumpia Shanghai and a small plate of sweet and sour with soy bean strips (instead of the usual pork or fish).

Everything was fine, except for the lumpia Shanghai -- it was the size of a spring roll. I thought they would be similar to the tiny ones as served at Chow King. And since holding a take out bag while taking some pictures would be too cumbersome, I gobbled all four pieces at the frenetic beat of the drum created by the lion dance troupe outside.

It was, unarguably, a delicious lunch that came with a free pot of hot tea. And best of all, the entire meal only cost me 65 pesos. The only setback was, with such a full stomach, I struggled a bit when I resumed my walk right afterwards.

Nevertheless, now I understand why many friends, including Ang Kuwago, enjoy going to this vegetarian restaurant.

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:34 AM | 15 comments

Saturday, February 09, 2008

ON SIOMAI, DUMPLINGS AND SIOPAO

President's Tea House on Salazar Street and Ongpin remains to be a personal favorite when it comes to dimsun. Its variety of offerings is one of the finest and most scrumptious. There are times I'd go there for lunch and order pork siomai, Japanese siomai and shrimp dumplings -- 170 pesos for these three orders.

President's Tea House has a branch in SM Megamall. There was once a Tutuban branch also, but it closed much to my disappointment.



I do not know the name of this take out food shop right in the corner of Ongpin and what appears to be more of an alley since it's really narrow, Bahama Street. Anyway, it simply has a hanging sign that says, "Shanghai Fried Siopao."

I was surprised to see this shop mobbed during the Chinese New Year. I had no idea it's very popular to many people who came to Chinatown to welcome the lunar new year. Besides the tasty fried siopao, this store also offers lumpia Shanghai, kikiam, and many other Chinese foodstuffs. The siopao sells for 14 pesos a piece.



Since it happens to be one of the most blogged about eateries in Binondo, I wouldn't be surprised at all if many folks knew of or had already gone to eat at Dong Bei Dumpling (located in the corner of Yuchengco and Oriente Streets, a few meters right off from Ongpin).

I am one of those who have become a regular patron, and many of those I had brought with me ended up returning on their own with their other friends and relatives. That should prove how delicious its dumplings are; not to mention the affordable prices.


I always order this plateful of kuchay (chives) steamed dumplings which costs 100 pesos. You can also order other fillings such as in combination with pork or other vegetables. And if you're a vegetarian, an all veggie filling is also available for your pleasure.

Dong Bei's dumplings are prepared fresh but there are frozen packaged sets available for take out orders.


Dong Bei Dumpling and the Shanghai Fried Siopao shop I discovered through Ivan Mandy's Chinatown Food Wok walking tour (see photo below).

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:41 AM | 22 comments

Thursday, February 07, 2008

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE RAT

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:37 PM | 22 comments

CHINATOWN ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:30 AM | 12 comments

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

ASH WEDNESDAY IN MANILA

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:20 PM | 5 comments

A RESTAURANT THAT LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

The hurried phase of the staff in this popular eatery seems inconsequential to Manong. He has been a regular patron for the past 14 years and comes here to enjoy some authentic Chinese dishes with his family, or some cold beer and pulutan just by himself.

Although I must have passed by Delicious Restaurant on the corner of Gonzalo Puyat and Florentino Torres Streets a hundred of times (in the Santa Cruz section of Chinatown), I have never actually gone inside. It must have been because it always appears crowded. Nonetheless, it's old world charm or old panciteria appeal beckons me.

Anyway, after reading about it in an article by Angie O. Chui and Sheryl G. Laudato in Manila Bulletin, I just had to try its foods; dragging my nephew as company right after he got out of school yesterday.

This restaurant has been in business since the '30s, though it has relocated three times before moving to its present address. It specializes in typical Chinese food fare -- such as ma-ki, ma-chang, cha mi, and miki bihon -- and retains the same flavor as when it opened its doors to the public in the 1930s. Moreover, according to the article, it has been serving most of the same loyal customers and their relatives after the business has been passed on from father to son.

I must admit, the dishes we had were all tasty and their prices affordable. Its fried chicken and special sauce has got to be one of the best I've tasted, while its miki guisado is, indeed, delicious.

Now, I understand why Manong has been coming to this eatery for many years.

If you don't mind enjoying some old school Chinese dishes in a place with old tables and floors, I suggest that you try this restaurant.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:11 AM | 29 comments

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

GEARING UP FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

This was a common sight in Chinatown earlier today: people lined up to purchase boxes of tikoy for their families and friends in the spirit of the Chinese New Year. Unarguably, Chinatown exudes a festive ambiance with everyone seemingly gearing up for another boisterous celebration beginning tomorrow afternoon.

And as part of the preparations for the Chinese New Year’s celebration in Chinatown on February 7, Mayor Lim had asked those residing or holding office along Paredes, Ongpin, Gandara streets, and its vicinity to repaint their buildings to make them look better.

But what most residents and business proprietors of Binondo may be more excited about on this lunar new year is the plan to restore Chinatown's former glory -- as recently announced by Mayor Lim and the officials of Chinatown Development Authority, including Philippine Ambassador for Trade and Investments to China Francis Chua.

Should these plans materialize, Manila's Chinatown could very well become the best Chinatown in the world.

A Manila Times article cited Francis Chua as saying, “We will restore old houses, make space for parking areas, and clean up and dredge the esteros or creeks that are lined with restaurants and shops.”

Although it may appear to be a daunting task, the Chinatown Development Authority (CDA) officials remain optimistic. They have plans to build four-storey buildings on top of the esteros -- with the first two floors to be devoted to commercial spaces such as restaurants and retail outlets, while the top two floors would be used for parking.

In addition, while Francis Chua's group is also eyeing to turn the Escolta area into a night market, Mayor Lim has intentions to help reinstate the status of Binondo as one of the country's major financial centers as it once was.

Although Makati and Ortigas have already achieved the status of being the financial hubs of the country today, a lot of trade and financial transactions are still being conducted in Manila's Binondo district. About 70 percent of the goods sold in the provinces are directly sourced from wholesalers of Binondo. Thus, this may explain why there are about 25 bank branches lined up the one kilometer-stretch of Quintin Paredes alone; not to mention that Chinatown has the largest concentration of bank branches with over 150 local and foreign banks, including Citibank, Chinatrust, Hong Kong, Shanghai Bank, Dao Heng Bank and Lippo Bank, among others.

What exciting plans, indeed. And although I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to building over our esteros, will remain hopeful that Mayor Lim and the CDA officials will successfully manifest their plans for a gentrified Chinatown.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:48 PM | 16 comments

OLD SOLDIERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS NEVER DIE

I am closing my 52 years of military service. When I joined the Army, even before the turn of the century, it was the fullfillment of all of my boyish hopes and dreams. The world has turned over many times since I took the oath at West Point, and the hopes and dreams have all since vanished, but I still remember the refrain of one of the most popular barracks ballads of that day which proclaimed most proudly that old soldiers never die; they just fade away. And like the old soldier of that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty.

The above is an excerpt from General Douglas MacArthur's address before a joint session of Congress on April 19, 1951. And much like the two shutterbugs in the second picture, much of the American public were amused by the discrepancies on many of the general's arguments. But MacArthur's parting words, nonetheless, became one of the great exit lines in American history.

Read his complete speech here.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:36 AM | 4 comments

Sunday, February 03, 2008

THE 63RD COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE FOR MANILA

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim presided over the 63rd Anniversary of the Battle for Manila today at the Freedom Triangle, City Hall, Manila. National Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro gave the keynote address, while Diosdado Guytingco, who fought during the battle, spoke in behalf of the survivors.

The Diplomatic Corps who participated in the solemn wreath-laying ceremony were Kristie Kenney of the U.S. Embassy, Peter Beckingham of the Embassy of the United Kingdom, David Pine of the Embassy of New Zealand, Robert Desjardins of the Embassy of Canada, Jihao Jun of the Embassy of the Peoples' Republic of China, and Lt. Col. Gary Barnes of the Embassy of Australia.

And as for local luminaries who took part in the floral offerings, there were Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil, Chairperson of the Manila Historical & Heritage Commission; Col. Emmanuel de Ocampo, President of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Mario Ong Chan of the Confederation of Filipino-Chinese Veterans; Commodore Raul Ruivivar of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Dr. Ma. Luisa Quinones, Superintendent, Division of City Schools; and Ludivico Badoy, Executive Director, National Historical Institute, to name a few.

The ceremony included the raising of the Philippine flag at half-mast, calling for a minute of silence, and a gun salute. The band of the Armed Forces of the Philippines played the national anthem and the Manila City Chorale performed the city's traditional song, "Awit ng Maynila."

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:12 PM | 23 comments

Saturday, February 02, 2008

YKL COSPLAY COMPETITION AT GLORIETTA

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:45 PM | 27 comments

Friday, February 01, 2008

2008 PHILIPPINE ARTS FESTIVAL OPENING DAY

The month-long Philippine Arts Festival officially opened today coinciding with Arts Month, February.

This year's theme is Pasakalye - Art in Public Places. Various committees of the NCCA (National Commission on Culture and the Arts) representing Architecture, Cinema, Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts will travel throughout the country during the entire month of February to present free exhibits and performances to the public.

Today's opening day performances were provided by the UE Choral, Ramon Magsaysay High School Choir, Sining Bulakenyo, and the Philippine Ballet. The Manila City Hall Band and the Philippine Navy band provided live festive music. Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez of the NCCA gave the welcome address.

The opening day was capped by an all-night street party featuring at least 20 bands, including FMD, UpDharmaDown, Paramita, Jeepney, Joyride, Malaya and Toyo, to name a few.

For more information on this month-long festival, visit NCCA.

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:49 PM | 21 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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