Wish you were here

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

BARANGAY MEETING WITH STREET VENDORS IN QUIAPO

There was a public meeting going on outside the Barangay Zone 306 hall yesterday, across the street from Kim Chong Tin Hopia Factory on Carlos Palanca Street in Quiapo. So right after I got the mini hopia that my mother had asked me to get for her, I crossed the street to check out what the meeting was all about.

It turned out to be the barangay officials' meeting with some of the street vendors of Palanca Street (formerly Echague).

Barangay Chairman Josie Dee was showing the vendors the new yellow-painted cart that all the vendors are encouraged to use beginning this coming June. There will be a stainless steel version of it for the seafood vendors. In addition, it was also mentioned that all vendors may be required to wear identical clothing like a T-shirt so as to identify them as authorized vendors in the area.

Although there wasn't any price set on the cart as of yet, the chairman assured the vendors that they may all borrow one in the beginning. Later on, they may arrange with the barangay treasurer to pay for them on installment basis -- 20 pesos a day.

In accordance to Mayor Lim's program, the barangay officials are encouraging the street vendors to adhere to all regulations, including remaining in designated areas and not to occupy the sidewalks. The barangay office has been receiving numerous complaints from many people for their inability to walk on the sidewalks, especially on rainy days. Furthermore, the chairwoman mentioned reported incidents in which some pedestrians who had taken to walking on the streets were hit by tricycles and pedicabs.

Many other significant points were raised by the barangay officials to improve the conditions on Carlos Palanca Street. And if such improvements were maintained, they argued, many more people will come to visit and shop at the area, which could result to an increase in business.

I wish the barangay officials and street vendors the best. With full cooperation from everyone involved, I'm sure they're bound to succeed. I will go back to Palanca Street from time to time to check out the developments.

For now, good luck, folks!

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:16 AM | 15 comments

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

STILL AT A COOL TEN PESOS A CONE

With the prices of many of our basic consumer goods and foodstuffs having gone up, it's good to know that the "dirty ice cream" peddled by our sorbeteros remain at a cool ten pesos per cone.

The "dirty ice cream," commonly called as such not because it's actually dirty, but on account of some anti-homemade ice cream campaign instigated by a major local ice cream producer many years ago. Hoping to dominate the local market, it bashed the process of homemade ice cream; pointing it out as unsanitary.

Ironically, although the misnomer "dirty ice cream" stuck to the locals' consciousness and has eventually become its generic name, it remains popular to the masses, especially during the hot and humid summer months .

Anyway, since ice cream is basically comprised of milk and other ingredients -- prices of which had already gone up -- I was curious to know how the sorbeteros are able to keep selling them at its usual ten pesos a cone. So the other day, as I enjoyed a cone of this homemade ice cream, I posed my query to a sorbetero, Mang Danny (photo above).

Mang Danny hailed from Iloilo and worked in construction since migrating to Manila. However, with age catching up on him, he has since switched to a less strenuous line of work. For the past two years, he has been peddling "dirty ice cream" in the streets of Manila's Malate district.

Every working day, Mang Danny wakes up at a little past midnight to head on over to the public market to buy grated coconut, fruits, nuts, legumes, and whatever else he may need as ingredients for making the ice cream that he will sell for that day.

As for the milk, sugar, cones and ice, those he must purchase from the ice cream factory where he is alloted the space for making the ice cream himself. The pushcart that he uses for peddling is rented from the same factory at 30 pesos a day.

The ice cream factory's prices that Mang Danny has to pay for such items (milk, sugar, cones, ice, and etc.), are much higher than those found at the public market, but the steep markup is how the factory generally makes its money.

Mang Danny's daily capital amounts to about P1,600. However, on a good day, he could pocket a net profit of up to a thousand pesos. He averages about P20,000 a month income during the dry and hot summer season. Once can only imagine how much more Mang Danny used to make before the widespread price increase.

A taxi driver, Cris Ilagan, on his afternoon break and enjoying a cone of dirty ice cream as he listened to our conversation, couldn't help but chime in, "You make out better than us taxi drivers, Manong!"

Be that as it may, we'll leave Cris' story for another day. For now, please enjoy these other photos from my "dirty ice cream" collection.

Have a cool day!

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:17 AM | 48 comments

Monday, April 28, 2008

THE WAITING GAME: FISHING AT BAYWALK

Fishing the water of Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard is nothing more than a game that tests one's patience. According to some of these Baywalk fishermen I've spoken to, the fish that takes the bait comes too far in between, and nothing much to be proud of.

The small sapsap (ponyfish) is what's usually caught in this water, while the bigger kanduli takes the bait mostly during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

Kanduli is a relative of the hito (catfish), and traditionally associated with the popular local dish sinigang sa miso. The biggest kanduli caught in this area measured no more than six inches. Nonetheless, it's considered a prized catch.

Some of these Baywalk fishermen also admit to releasing the fish they've caught because of the polluted water where they come from. The others, on the other hand, take home their catch of the day -- to clean and grill as pulutan (hor d'oerves) for their evening's drinking bout with friends.

Despite the less than auspicious fishing condition in this Baywalk area, still many come fishing in this part of the city -- for the relaxing aspect of it, as well as for the enchanting sunset that awaits them later that evening.

Please note:
I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.
Thank you!

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:51 AM | 25 comments

Sunday, April 27, 2008

CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

The rice retailers of Metro Manila's Suki Market are laughing off the notion of a rice supply crisis in the country. They unanimously attest that the rice millers where they get their supplies from are abundant with rice inventory.

Hence, the common lament among these rice sellers is not about the dwindling supply of rice, but the sharp decline in the retail end of the rice business since the price of rice started going up.

Meanwhile, after the recent raids in some rice warehouses conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), some rice millers are crying foul. They resent being unfairly called "hoarders."

During a recent meeting with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, some rice millers suggested that the nation ought to be rejoicing instead. They argue that the availability of large volumes of palays and rice proves that there is ample supply and milling capacity for the upcoming rice lean months of July, August and September.

Nevertheless, the NBI intends to continue its unannounced inspections of various rice warehouses. It is also reminding all warehouse owners to secure the appropriate licenses if they want to continue storing large inventories of rice.

Back in Suki Market, in an attempt to stay within their usual budget, many customers have been opting for a lower grade of rice. According to the rice sellers, the Sinandomeng has become the most sought after variety.

Previously retailing at about 25-to-26 pesos per kilo, the Sinandomeng has gone up to as high as 33 pesos during the initial days of the price increase. It has since leveled off at 30 pesos per kilo.

As for the less fortunate segment of the population, there is the government-subsidized commercial variety of rice. However, the government has recently pulled out this cheap NFA (National Food Authority) rice from the public markets.

Its distribution has been assigned by the government to certain local government units (LGUs) and military contingents -- believed better able to identify the indigent members of the population.

posted by Señor Enrique at 11:50 AM | 26 comments

ON SERVICE CREW TEMPING

Jayson, a member of Chow King's service crew at a branch I frequent in Quiapo told me that next week would be his last. His 4-month contract with this franchised restaurant has come to an end. He said this as he served me the halo-halo I had ordered one hot afternoon last week after getting some photos printed.

Since I've noticed that he has always been an efficient worker with a pleasing personality, told him that I was expecting that he would be hired as a regular employee anytime soon. At some companies in the States, most kids sign on as temporary or part-time employees. And in most cases, once they've proven they're worth their salt, so to speak, they'd usually end up being asked to come on board as full time staff members.

Unfortunately, it is not the same here. Jayson told me that the best he could hope for is for his manager to recommend him for a 4-month contract but at another branch of Chow King. In essence, he could spend the next few years of his young life moving from one Chow King branch to another without ever enjoying the basic benefits and perks given to regular employees.

When I mentioned this to my sister, she said that SM also engages in similar unfair employment practices. It's a way for a company to cut operating costs, she added.

As for Jayson, he has one more year to go with his studies at a maritime college in Manila. He said with a tinge of sadness that as soon as he graduates and receives his degree, he will immediately apply for a job abroad as a merchant marine. This he considers a viable option to enable him to help his mother (a single mom) defray the costs of his two younger siblings' schooling.

I bear no resentment towards Chow King or SM Department Stores, for their quarterly earnings must meet the expectations and demands of their investors. But nonetheless, with their continued successes in their respective industry, I wish someday soon they will strive to improve their employee benefit programs as well.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:22 AM | 20 comments

Saturday, April 26, 2008

THE PINEAPPLE VENDOR OF QUIAPO

She might have been named after the doyen of Filipino cinema -- now ageing though still working -- but this Gloria Romero is not in the glamor business. She is, in fact, a pushcart vendor and quite adept at her tasks. It takes her no longer than ten minutes to peel off the skin and carve out the eyes of a regular-sized pineapple.

A whole one (peeled and all) she sells for 50 pesos, while a slice, slightly salted, for ten pesos a piece. She makes a profit of about 30 pesos from each pineapple. Only recently, Gloria's selling prices were literally half of what they are now. The recent surge in the price of pineapples forced her to raise her prices.

The pineapples that she peddles come from the farms of the nearby Cavite province, which are trucked to Divisoria -- the central drop off point for many goods traded in the metropolitan area. Gloria buys them in bulk and loads up her cart in the morning. By noon, she is at her usual spot in Quiapo busily peeling and selling these pineapples. She usually sells out her day's inventory by the late evening, and would then head back home -- pushing her cart back to Tondo where she lives.

Gloria is proud to admit that she comes from a family of street vendors. She started selling shopping bags in Tutuban during the Martial Law years back in the '70s, and has peddled many other items since then. And for about a decade now, she has been selling only pineapples.

She has four children; the eldest is already married with children, while the other three are in high school. The money she earns from her work makes a substantial contribution to her husband's income; enabling them to afford the usual expenses involved in raising a family. Her prayers, she admits, is for her children to continue doing well in high school so they would someday make it to Pamanatasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, one of the Philippines' most prestigious universities that is tuition-free.

A jovial and hard-working mother, I couldn't help but wish that Gloria Romero's every prayer gets answered.

posted by Señor Enrique at 11:00 AM | 22 comments

Friday, April 25, 2008

A COOL SIESTA

The sudden summer rain that came this morning brought along with it some cool air. Indeed, a welcomed respite for many Manileños. They have endured the sweltering temperatures in the metropolitan area during the past weeks, as well as the extended brownout the other day that shut down all air-conditioners and electric fans.

The rain also washed out the heat off the pavements which made taking a nap a favored lunchtime activity or inactivity by some lucky folks like this fruit vendor and her daughter.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:49 PM | 6 comments

Thursday, April 24, 2008

BEST FOODSTUFF PRICES IN TOWN

Besides Divisoria, I notice that Quiapo offers truly affordable prices, especially with certain produce and fruits.

The imported red apples, for example, costs ten pesos each at Hidalgo Street in Quiapo, while the fruit vendors of Salazar Street in Binondo price them at 20 pesos. The seedless grapes sold by Plaza Miranda vendors for 60 pesos a kilo can at times go for as much as twice that price at leading supermarkets in the city.

A favorite of mine, the yellow kamote, sells for 60-to-80 pesos a kilo at Suki Market at Mayon Steet in Quezon City; whereas, in Binondo, it sells for about 40-to-60 pesos. In Quiapo, it sells for only 25-to-30 pesos a kilo.

I'm not an expert bargain-hunter, but with the current widespread increases in food prices, it pays to keep abreast of where to find certain foodstuffs with lower prices than those at nearby public markets.

And for those who may argue that the extra effort and costs to commute to Quiapo may diminish the potential savings one would make, I suggest doing what most Quiapo die-hard shoppers do -- do your marketing tasks right after attending mass in Quiapo Church.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:23 AM | 22 comments

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

BLACK CAT

Undoubtedly, the staggering number of commonly-held superstitious beliefs here in Manila may fill an entire book. And it would be maddening for any one to even think of trying to adhere to each one.

Out of this entire volume of astonishing insight for the excessively credulous, one that gives me the creeps to this day is the sight of a black cat. And at the risk of embarrassing myself, I have to admit that I oftentimes recoil from the sight of one about to cross my path. Perhaps, such trepidation is rooted in a long-held superstitious belief in the family, or it could just very well be a simple dislike for anything deemed as harbingers of bad luck.

Be that as it may, I must also admit that black cats make an interesting subject for my camera, and I considered it a lucky day when I saw this one lounging around.

Incidentally, unlike in the United States and several European countries, in Britain and Japan, having a black cat cross your path is considered good luck.

Here are a few cat superstitions from other countries (source: Pet Love Shack):

Scotland: A strange black cat on your porch brings prosperity.
Italy: - A cat sneezing is a good omen for everyone who hears it.
USA - It is bad luck to see a white cat at night.
Ireland - To kill a cat brings seventeen years of bad luck.
The Netherlands - Cats are not allowed in rooms where sensitive
private family discussions are being held.

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:02 AM | 15 comments

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

TWO FOR EARTH DAY

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:43 PM | 9 comments

Monday, April 21, 2008

BAYWALK CULTURAL SHOW

Entitled "Sining at Kalinangan sa Baywalk," it's a presentation of cultural performances by various local groups. A wonderful production made even more enchanting by a backdrop of a gorgeous setting sun at Manila Bay.

Last Saturday's feature was the Philippine Normal University chorale and rondalla groups. Mayor Lim gave the opening remarks, while PNU President Lutgardo Barbo conducted the welcome address.

The classic "Bituing Marikit" by Nicanor Abelardo was performed by Dennis Van Grospe along with the PNU Rondalla. It was among the rondalla's eclectic repertoire that included "Fifth of Bethoven" and a transporting medley of local pop music.

The PNU Chorale, besides performing the opening program's doxology, also captivated the audience with its presentation of various classic Filipino songs, as well as popular foreign tunes.

This cultural show is Mayor Lim's concept of a wholesome entertainment for the enjoyment of all visitors to Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard. It has been going on every weekend for quite some time now.

Incidentally, earlier that Saturday afternoon, prior to the performances by the PNU groups, the crowd was entertained by the band from the visiting Indian Navy as coordinated by the Philippine Navy.

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:38 AM | 18 comments

Sunday, April 20, 2008

GONE FISHING AT MANILA BAY

This young man certainly knew how to while away a lazy Saturday afternoon. And although his chances of catching something worth bragging about may be nil in this not so pristine waters of Manila Bay, the stunning sunset that graced the horizon must've have certainly made everything worth his while.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:15 AM | 26 comments

Saturday, April 19, 2008

ALEX IN BABY MAGAZINE

It was confirmed by an editorial staff member a couple of months ago that the photo and accompanying text from my blog entry "A Smile as Bright as Sunshine" was to be published in Baby magazine's March issue. I was to be sent a promotional copy, she added.

March came and went, and haven't received anything; hence, I forgot all about it. That is, until my nephew called to say that he had bought a copy, and offered to bring it over so I could see it. You see, it was his daughter Alexandra's photographs that I've taken and posted in that particular blog entry; one of which was published in Baby magazine.

He bought another copy to be put away for safe keeping. When Alex gets to be old enough, he plans to give it to her as a birthday gift. I shared his excitement. However, in my case, it was because this marked the first time that an entry from my blog was picked-up by a glossy magazine to be published.

It was featured under the heading, "How to take the best shot of babies."

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:35 AM | 27 comments

Friday, April 18, 2008

GREEN LEAVES

In the weeks since Dr. Schaaf’s surprising pronouncement was made public, “The Leaf,” originally thought to have been made around 1839 or later, has become the talk of the photo-historical world. The speculation about its origins became so intense that Sotheby’s and the print’s owners decided earlier this month to postpone its auction, so that researchers could begin delving into whether the image may be, in fact, one of the oldest photographic images in existence, dating to the 1790s.


Excerpt from "An image Is a mystery for photo detectives" - The New York Times

Read complete article here.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:27 AM | 12 comments

Thursday, April 17, 2008

DEAR PEACE, A TRAVELING EXHIBIT

The “Dear Peace” traveling exhibit showcases the outputs of the young people who participated at a summer peace camp held last May 8-12, 2006 at Maryhill, Taytay.

Named “Impressions of Conflict, Expressions of Peace,” the camp activities were created to empower Christians and Muslims to work together for peace, with young people as catalysts. By focusing on their similarities, whether in faith or identity, participants and facilitators alike gained a new perspective in achieving lasting peace.

Communication Foundation for Asia, the proponent of the Children and Peace Project, conducted this summer peace camp project. The participants attended a series of media workshops: the basics of painting, writing, dramatics, photography, video production and music using ethnic instruments, to express their thoughts on peace.

This “Dear Peace” traveling exhibit is currently at the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila; its opening ceremony was held last Monday. Gemma Cruz-Araneta of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, and Adel Tamano, president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Monday's opening event, titled "Tertulia sa Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila" also included a lecture program presided by Monina Santiago of the Museo ng Maynila. It highlighted the local Muslim heritage and its significant contributions to the Philippine culture. Adel Tamano conducted the opening remarks, while Gemma Cruz-Araneta, the open forum and closing remarks.

The main speakers were Dr. Isiri Abubakar of UP-Diliman, Teresita Hermano of Communication Foundation for Asia, and Mayor Lim's consultant on Muslim affairs Bae Bayolan Tamano Marohombsar

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:16 AM | 2 comments

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

BEING A PART OF MANILA'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Many thanks to Manila.gov.ph, the official website of the City of Manila, for having picked my photo essay -- The 63rd Commemoration of the Battle for Manila.

I'm truly honored to see it featured quite prominently on its Historical and Heritage Commission page.

Maraming salamat po!

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:19 AM | 36 comments

BAYAN-UNO JOINT RALLY AT PLAZA MIRANDA

Militant groups Bayan and UNO held a joint rally along with other opposition groups to assert policy reforms and political will, not emergency powers, as means to address the ongoing soaring prices in the country.

In a press statement issued by Renato Reyes, Jr., secretary general of Bayan, he said, "As the Filipino people are forced to cope with escalating prices of rice and other basic food commodities, fuel, utilities, and other basic goods and services, a proposal to declare a state of national emergency has again emerged. The proposal intends to give President Arroyo additional powers to supposedly address the worsening problem of unbridled price increases."

Protest leaders are striving to prevent the Arroyo administration from receiving more powers for effective intervention, citing that existing rules and regulations are already available. They challenged the administration to harness the necessary political will to implement these existing rules and regulations. Such action, they argued, will demonstrate the regime's sincerity to provide relief to the public battered by increasing prices.

The protesters marched from the UST campus to Plaza Miranda where they staged a program to voice out their concerns. The rally, attended by a couple of thousand people, was conducted peacefully.

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:45 AM | 4 comments

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

ONE COOL COP

And I say he is one because of the time he took to interact playfully with the street kids in front of Quiapo Church.

An admirable initiative on his part, indeed, since most children are wary of policemen, or as referred to here as Mamang Pulis. It's not because of the shady images that are sometimes associated with the local cops; rather, most parents enforce good behavior on their incorrigible kids with a threat that they'd be reported to a policeman should they continue to disobey their orders. Thus, some kids grow up fearful or even spiteful of these men in uniform

Police Officer Arellano was the officer in-charged at last Saturday's Bayan-UNO joint rally held at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila. Just before the protesters arrived, he amused the kids with his mastery with a turompo (top). I gawked along with these kids as Officer Arellano did a number of impressive tricks with it.

The best was when he'd pick up the spinning turompo from the ground with the twine, hurl it up in the air, and then catch it with his open palm. With a slight downward tilt of his palm, he'd make the spinning turompo travel down to one of his fingertips. And as it continued its ferocious spin, he would pass it unto the waiting fingertip or palm of an enthusiastic boy.

This he did until each kid got a chance to experience the ticklish sensation of the spinning turompo.











Immediately afterwards, Officer Arellano resumed his duties of the day by reminding all street vendors to stay away from the main part of the plaza as it was reserved for the exclusive use of the incoming protesters who were granted a permit by the city administration office.

He then walked over to Quezon Boulevard to oversee the traffic as the rally marchers approached the plaza.

It should be noted that such political rallies, though a great inconvenience to many motorists, are usually conducted peacefully; hence, Officer Arellano -- the only police presence on that particular day at Plaza Miranda -- managed his duties rather uneventfully.

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:31 AM | 14 comments

Sunday, April 13, 2008

POINT & SHOOT STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

As much as I love using my dSLR, I never leave home without my point & shoot camera. I always have it in my hand, ready to shoot anything at any time whenever walking around the streets of Manila.

Point & shoot cameras are usually about the size of a cell phone, and thus, small and discreet enough which many people find not too intimidating when you take their picture. Moreover, with it, I simply aim and shoot. I don't have to configure a number of settings as I do with a dSLR, which at times can result to my missing the most sought-after "decisive moments."

These are some of the scenes I captured with my Canon IXUS 65 in Quiapo yesterday.

The father and daughter taking a nap right in the midst of Plaza Miranda's hustle and bustle is obviously my favorite, while the shot of the block of ice comes next because of the cool respite that it denotes, especially these days when the sweltering summer heat has been overwhelming Manila. The fortune teller whose getup reminds of the 80s recording artist Cindy Lauper, I must admit, is the most intriguing.

So to all photography newbies: no need to wait until you get a dSLR. Your cell phone's camera or a borrowed point & shoot is good enough to get you started. The most important thing is that you're out there shooting to your heart's delight.

Enjoy!

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:50 AM | 36 comments

Saturday, April 12, 2008

QUIAPO AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF FILIPINO MOVIES

posted by Señor Enrique at 12:25 PM | 20 comments

ANOTHER TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

The photo site that I use to store some of my images online is currently experiencing technical difficulties; thus, many of my photo essays may not load up at this time.

And speaking of technical difficulties, certain parts of Manila suffered a power outage between 9 a.m. and noon yesterday when a construction crane accidentally hit a National Transmission Corp. (Transco) line near Sta. Mesa, Manila.

According to Meralco, the damage affected some of its substations in nearby areas, causing power to go out for as long as three hours.

The brownout paralyzed the light rail transport system which caused thousands of metro commuters stranded and scrambling for alternate means of transport. On the other hand, with every household electric fan and air-conditioner unable to operate, Manileños were subjected to the searing summer temperatures.

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

Thursday, April 10, 2008

MANGOES GALORE IN QUIAPO

posted by Señor Enrique at 8:55 PM | 28 comments

INNER DANCE WORKSHOP

This is an introduction to Kalipimu to be conducted by Troy Bernardo, one of Inner Dance's traveling teachers. He brought Kalipimu to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, spending most of his time in Andalucia. He is currently bringing the practice to different islands of the Philippines.

It's about getting in touch with the inner Spirit and taking the first steps toward healing through movement, as well as living life through the dance's practical applications for profound change.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:50 AM | 8 comments

TALK ON ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHITECTURE

If you happen to be looking for something to do for tomorrow, you may want to check out this event.

CANVAS, The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Architecture, is inviting everyone to a talk by world-renowned environmental architect James Hubbell, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008 at the UP College of Architecture.

James Hubbell is visiting the Philippines for the first time in connection with CANVAS' Friendship Park Project as part of his Pacific Rim Parks Projects.

Artist James Hubbell has developed projects all over the world for more than 40 years. His method is to explore form, matter, light and shadow at building sites, then incorporate the play of these elements into each unique building and landscape that he creates. He works to develop aesthetically pleasing, ecologically sound building designs that support sustainable ways of living.

Hubbell sculpts unique living environments from nearby materials, providing beautiful shelters for humans to dwell in harmony with nature. Over his distinguished career, he has shared an inspiring vision of the spirit of nature made tangible in glass, wood, metal, concrete, and stone, in homes, schools, gardens, pavilions, nature centers and peace parks around the globe. He is also founder and guiding light of the Ilan Lael Foundation.

The Pacific Rim Park Project, on the other hand, is a nonprofit organization that has as its mission the creation of friendship parks around the Pacific Rim as a means of fostering understanding and goodwill. The Pacific Rim Park organization has built four parks to date and is planning to create the fifth park in the summer of 2009. Over the long-run, we envision the construction of parks in all of the countries that border on the Pacific.

The organization is based in San Diego, CA and works in cooperation with partners in the region, including in Russia, Mexico, China, the United States, and South Korea.

The Pacific Rim Parks act as a way of bridging cultures, establishing new connections, and helping define what it means to be a member of the emergent Pacific Rim community. Each park has a pearl, adding to a string of pearls that will connect our shared region of the world. In contrast to a "ring of fire," the Pacific is envisioned as draped with a "string of pearls" through the Pacific Rim Park Project.

The parks are designed and built by architecture students under the artistic supervision of leading artists, architects and urban planners. The students come from several countries, and transcend their language and cultural differences through a shared vision to design and build the project within a time frame of 30 days. After a new park is completed, it is given as a gift to the citizens of the Pacific and to the sponsoring organization or institution in the host city. All parks are for the public, and are directly connected to the Pacific Ocean.


Visit CANVAS for more information.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:05 AM | 5 comments

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

CARRIEDO WATER FOUNTAIN REPAINTED

I'm not too crazy about the new colors of the Carriedo Water Fountain on Plaza de Santa Cruz. They remind me too much of the trendy colors used in repainting the tombs and edifices -- such as the Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Philippine Revolution -- at Manila's North Cemetery.

As Carlos Celdran quipped, "considering that Mayor Lim has touted himself to be the heritage friendly mayor and that he has some of the finest conservationists and historians aboard his bandwagon, how the hell did this travesty happen under their watch? Ahem. Paging Heritage Conservation Society et al."

The city administrators should have just retained this fountain's more dignified previous color, or at least made it look stately as that of New York's Angel of the Waters Fountain at Central Park.

Nevertheless, kudos to the city, at least, for its continued upkeep of our treasured historical landmarks.


Just to point out once more the significance of this water fountain, (as I've previously posted,) General Francisco Carriedo y Peredo — the Spaniard in which this water fountain and the popular street, Carriedo, was named after (where the original ShoeMart Store once stood) — bequeathed P10,000 in 1743. It was intended as an initial endowment for the creation of the first water system in Manila to provide free water for the poor in perpetuity. Entrusted to the Obras Pias, this sum of money was to accumulate in the Galleon Trade until it should grow by way of profits and interest into a sufficient fund to build a water system.

Unfortunately, in 1762, an iron chest with P250,000 and labeled Fondo de Carriedo was among the spoils carted off by the invading British forces when they looted the city of Manila.

Consequently, buried under tons of governmental archival documents, General Carriedo’s will was forgotten until a Franciscan friar, Fr. Felix Huertas began the search, found the documents and calculated that by 1878, the sum had grown to P177,853.44.

Fr. Huertas spearheaded the efforts in actualizing the wish of General Carriedo, and within four years the water system was completed at a total cost of P742,509. With 153 hydrants, the system was inaugurated on August 23, 1882.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:28 AM | 23 comments

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

THE EARLY CHINESE RICE TRADERS OF MANILA

As depicted in the above image showcased by Bahay Tsinoy, during the Spanish and American colonial rule of the Philippines, the retail distribution of rice to the general public in Manila -- both hulled and unhulled -- were mostly done through sari-sari stores and at larger establishments solely devoted to selling rice.

The Chinese traders have been active players in the Philippine rice industry since the 1700s. After 1755, when the Chinese retired from the provinces, the mestizos (Filipino-Chinese) of Malabong and Pasig took over the coastwise rice trade and assumed the onerous job of providing Manila with its rice. It was also at this period when the mestizos were either acquiring or leasing rice lands aggressively in the major regions of Central Luzon.

The Chinese once again became coastwise shippers and wholesalers of rice after they moved back into the provinces by the middle of the 1800s. Also, during this period, groups of Chinese speculators began to emerge. They purchased in bulk from rice producers and collectors (wholesalers), and then stockpiled their inventory in warehouses until the conditions of the retail rice market proved even more profitable.

The Chinese traders' stronghold in the local rice industry was not limited to the greater Manila region. The abaca-producing provinces of the Eastern Visayas and Southeastern Luzon needed to import rice, particularly from Panay Island. In addition, other regions of export crop concentration such as in Cagayan and Isabela also had rice shortages that the rice traders had to supply.

Although the Chinese were significant rice traders, they did not monopolize the local rice industry during this period. Neither was there any record that they were engaged in rice milling activities nor owned any rice mills. However, shortly before World War II, records indicated that the Chinese owned an estimated 75 per cent of all the rice mills in the Philippines.

There were also several references that by 1870, the status of the Philippines from a rice exporter changed to that of a rice importer.

By the 1890s, over 2,000,000 pesos worth of rice was being imported annually by the Filipino-Chinese from China. On Juan Luna Street in Binondo, establishments owned by Chinese rice importers were skillfully mixing poor quality Saigon rice with good grades of native varieties and sold at low prices. This type of merchandising reached its peak -- and the Chinese rice traders their greatest success -- during the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1902.

During the revolution, regular coastwise rice trading was interrupted, causing tremendous shortage and demand in certain regions. The Chinese traders endeavored to deliver the rice but under highly inflationary circumstances; on their return trips, they picked up cargoes of abaca, tobacco, and coconut products.

Henceforth, the Chinese traders began to firmly establish their presence as major economic forces in the highly profitable Philippine rice industry.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:13 AM | 12 comments

Monday, April 07, 2008

GEARING UP FOR ALIWAN FIESTA 2008

Get your cameras ready, folks. Manila's largest and most colorful street dance festival -- Aliwan Fiesta 2008 -- is just around the corner.

The grand parade will take place on May 3, Saturday, traversing the length of Roxas Boulevard from the Quirino Grandstand, and culminating in front of Aliw Theatre in Star City at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

And to add spice to this year's festivities, the Manila Broadcasting Company is mounting a photo contest -- “Sayaw, Padyak, Indak” -- which is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using digital or film-based cameras.

However, please note that all entries become the property of MBC, which may not bode well with many photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Nonetheless, the prizes are:

* P50,000 are at stake for the first prize winner.
* P25,000 going to second place.
* P10,000 for the third prize.

All entries -- printed in full color in 8x10 size -- should be submitted to:

Eloi Baltazar
MBC office at Sotto Street
CCP Complex, Pasay City

Deadline for submission of entries is on May 16, 2008 at 5 p.m. Complete details may be found on the MBC website at www.mbcradio.net

posted by Señor Enrique at 7:18 AM | 14 comments

Sunday, April 06, 2008

THE FEU BRASS BAND

posted by Señor Enrique at 12:51 PM | 13 comments

Friday, April 04, 2008

MANILA TEENS' PENCHANT FOR ALCOHOL

With school out for the summer, many students suddenly find themselves with too much time on their hands but without much productive activities to engage in. Regrettably, for some, binge drinking has become the pastime of choice.

What makes such conundrum somewhat insoluble is the local attitude that equates alcohol drinking with masculine pride.

Many local boys as young as 13 and 14 are allowed by their parents to participate in drinking sessions during birthday celebrations or anything as mundane as winning a neighborhood basketball game. Unfortunately, most of these parents tend to forget that alcohol consumption by young people exposes them to greater health risks; among which are the adverse effects of alcohol on the brain, liver and kidney.

Only recently, a team from Northumbria and Keele universities told the British Psychological Society that teenagers who engage in binge drinking could result to absent-mindedness and forgetfulness days later.

According to a BBC article, Dr Thomas Heffernan, from the University of Northumbria and who led the study, said: "We found no differences between binge drinkers and non-binge drinkers in the self-reporting questionnaires, but when it came to the video the binge drinkers recalled significantly less than the non-binge drinkers."

And this may be one of the more significant reasons why some high school-age binge drinkers oftentimes fall behind their studies and eventually drop out of school altogether.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:01 AM | 25 comments

Thursday, April 03, 2008

SAVING MAY VECINA

The final death sentence handed by Kuwait's Supreme Court to domestic worker May Vecina is being lamented by an alliance of organizations composed of overseas Filipinos and their families.

The 25-year-old Filipina domestic helper who hails from North Cotabato was convicted of slitting the throat of seven-year-old Salem al-Otaibi with a kitchen knife in January 2007. She was also found guilty of attempted murder of the boy's 11-year-old brother Abdullah and 18-year-old sister Hajar, who both survived.

Vecina reportedly jumped from the second floor of her employer's home after committing the crime. Supposedly, the ongoing violent verbal abuse she received from her employer's family had caused her to snap. And that moments after she was berated and called names by her employer's wife in front of other people, the deadly attack allegedly occurred.

"Less than five months after Marilou Renario was similarly sentenced to death by the same court, we witness yet another Filipina domestic worker on the brink of death. We emphatize with her family and demand that the Arroyo government truly exhausts all mean to save her life. At the same time, this is another grim wake-up call regarding the very exploitative and vulnerable plight of OFWs, particulary of domestic workers," say Connie Bragas-Regaldo, Migrante International Chairperson.

According to Migrante International, an estimated 73,000 OFWs are in Kuwait, with 60,000 of them working as domestic workers earning less than US$200 monthly. In addition, there are more than 25 OFWs on death row around the world; five OFWs have already been beheaded overseas.

posted by Señor Enrique at 10:21 AM | 12 comments

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

RITE OF PASSAGE - PINOY BIG BROTHER STYLE

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:56 PM | 32 comments

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

WHAT'S EATING MANONG?

Why was Manong looking so glum while in the company of these vivacious ladies inside a jeepney? After all, isn't it every man's fantasy to be surrounded by a bunch of robust and fun-loving females?

Perhaps, Manong was just too preoccupied mulling over the recent published study in the scientific journal Particle & Fibre Toxicology which claim that constant exposure to diesel fumes can adversely affect the brain.

According to a study by Dutch researcher Paul Borm of Zuyd University, a stress response in the brain (which may cause adverse longterm effects on the brain function) is triggered by constant inhalation of diesel fumes.

Supposedly, minute particles of soot, or nano particles, travel from the nasal passages and then lodge in the brain. Continued research, however, is needed to further determine the clinical effect of this stress and its impact on verbal and non-verbal intelligence or memory abilities.

"We can only speculate what these effects may mean for the chronic exposure to air pollution encountered in busy cities where the levels of such soot particles can be very high," said Borm.

Meanwhile, to avoid inhaling excessive diesel exhaust during his daily travels in and around the metropolis, it may be a good idea for Manong to always cover his nose and mouth with a handkerchief.

And that being said, there is no reason why he shouldn't continue to fully enjoy the company of women charmed by his Don Juanesque good looks.

posted by Señor Enrique at 9:52 AM | 20 comments

PERILS OF SECONDHAND SMOKE

A reminder to all smokers -- especially family and friends -- about the hazards of secondhand smoke:


* It kills about 3,000 non-smokers each year from lung cancer.

* It causes up to 300,000 lung infections (like pneumonia and bronchitis) in babies and young children each year.

* It causes babies to be at risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

* In a crowded restaurant, smoking can produce six times the pollution of a busy highway.

* Pets suffer too! It can cause leukemia (a type of cancer) in cats and enlarged hearts in dogs.

* It causes 30 times as many lung cancer deaths as all the different kinds of pollution combined.

* It causes wheezing, coughing, colds, earaches and asthma attacks.

* It fills the air with many of the same poisons found in the air around toxic waste dumps.

* It ruins the smell and taste of food.

* It causes reddening, itching, and watering of the eyes.

posted by Señor Enrique at 6:44 AM | 18 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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