CORN
Street photography is not easy. You need to have time. And you need to have timing. You need to think. Think beyond your thoughts. And you need to seek. Seek what the eyes couldn’t see. Now when you find you have everything you need that’s when you realize — what you have is but a … Continue reading CORN
THE FORTUNE SELLER
I was thinking, I should have aimed for more failures in life, instead of fruition. That way, I will never — ever — be in frustrations. “Back off a little!” Suddenly a growl from behind. “You’re blocking my merchandise.” That is a merchandise? I see, the nationwide ban on smoking has taken its toll on … Continue reading THE FORTUNE SELLER
MAY YOUR POCKETS BE HEAVY AND YOUR HEART BE LIGHT
YO! EXCUSE US WHILE WE ROT
Moron..er..more on the President: In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Digong — extraneously, from out of the blue — harped on getting the Balangiga Bells back. Blunt as a thud: “Give us back those Balangiga bells! [applause] They are ours. [applause] They belong to the Philippines. [applause] They are part of our national … Continue reading YO! EXCUSE US WHILE WE ROT
THE SUNSET ON YOUR FACE
After Typhoon Nina’s devastation of Iriga city, Irigueños were faced with an enormous task of clearing the place. Everyday tons of waste have to be dealt with. I watched from atop Ilian Hill this remarkable scene unfolds as everyone starts setting debris on fire: the whole city appears to go up in smoke! The following … Continue reading THE SUNSET ON YOUR FACE
PHOTODRIFT: SEA SENTINELS, TAKLONG ISLAND NATIONAL MARINE RESERVE
A long overdue Thank You note to my friend from way down there in Guimaras, the good prosecutor from Iloilo, Jo Lacson, for arranging us a date with the Bantay Dagat of Nueva Valencia. On her red-letter day. Salamat! Also to my skipper Hannah Gargalicana, for paddling me to the awesome floating bamboo cottage for … Continue reading PHOTODRIFT: SEA SENTINELS, TAKLONG ISLAND NATIONAL MARINE RESERVE
SENDOFF
Silence came upon me hearing my teenage señorita surmise about her late grandfather: “perhaps Lolo is far away now, he is no longer making any signs.” Paramdam is special to us bereaved ones. Sort of a pride and joy. To sense Tatay trying to keep in touch in any way is a consolation. Everybody wants … Continue reading SENDOFF
SUNDOWN IRIGA CITY
Sundowning, in medical terms, refer to a state of confusion, disorientation, and agitation which occurs during late afternoon up to early evening. An inexplicable behaviour with unknown cause. Twilight Zone is for real. This is particularly true in our office. Oras de Peligro. When the clock strikes four, everyone makes a mad, mad, mad dash … Continue reading SUNDOWN IRIGA CITY
REDEMPTION
I recall two occassions when I drove my father crazy. First, when I broke the family’s 18th century crystal damajuana to smithereens. The other — a terrible crime — when I accidentally recorded my voice over his Frank Sinatra’s Greatest Hits cassette tape. All my other sins fell short of these two atrocities. Now there … Continue reading REDEMPTION
PHOTOWALK CARAMOAN
Caramoan is pretty much all the same. White sandy beaches. Crystal clear water. Island-hopping. Survivor Series. The usual. There is more to the peninsula, and the people, not everyone can see. Let me walk you to the Street side of Caramoan: There is no premium gasoline in Caramoan. The next gas station with this combustible … Continue reading PHOTOWALK CARAMOAN
PHOTOWALK BAGUIO CITY
I have never really hugged my father. It’s only now that I’ve put my arms around him. But that’s to help walk him up to the bathroom. The pain has reduced his range to barely a few steps off of hospital bed. We are in the closing days of his final stand vs the big … Continue reading PHOTOWALK BAGUIO CITY
PHOTOWALK ILOILO
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IF YOU HAVE THE TIME
Street Photography is time consuming. One needs to observe. Make out. Spot. Pay attention. My teacher used to say I don’t always pay attention. I never really had the time. Continue reading STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IF YOU HAVE THE TIME
PHOTO STORY: SAVING GRACE
Where are the souls of Millennium Park? Were it not for a men-at-work scene on the strand, the place would be a complete desolation. Screwballs can shit here anytime and not worry of a disruption. And they do. I have put up with the stench of the park today just to pass time; snap a … Continue reading PHOTO STORY: SAVING GRACE
TRIPPING THE LIGHT FEBRUARY
Carving with a 50mm prime lens. Struggling. I’m a stranger to 50mm. As tutus are to firetruck. February is grand. Cool ‘amihan’ winds. The glaze. No picnic. Continue reading TRIPPING THE LIGHT FEBRUARY
