Sampaloc is no place for a mahogany tree. Attorney Rafael Cortes knew this so well he surrendered his sapling to me one day in 2004. There’s just no spot for it in his space in Dos Castillas street. To Tanza, I took the young tree. Where the ground shreds traces of a once farmland. Very … Continue reading MOMENTS OF SILENCE
IRIGA CITY — The Cereal Killer has just finished elementary school. On Palaspas Day, he walked up the stage, bashful in his shiny toga. I remember the first time he went schooling, everyday was Agony in the Garden. In good time, seasons change. The Holy Week followed and more togas appeared on the street. The … Continue reading DAYS OF TOGA
The landscape photographer turns to the Taal Volcano. The portrait photographer throws himself into the frame. I went for something else. Continue reading THREE PHOTOGRAPHERS
My Teenage Señorita was teenage no more about a couple of years ago. Last month, she gave birth to an amazing baby boy. Making me a Lolo already even before I reach the golden age of 50. Time is so much like a dream. A lot of events unfold in just one slumber. Is it … Continue reading TEN YEARS IS NOTHING BUT A BLOG TITLE
Who says twenty pesos won’t get you anywhere? The ferry ride from Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu City cost only fourteen pesos. Plus a terminal fee of one peso. Where would I be if traveling is for free.. They call it River Bus. A flatboat. Small and cramped. Everyone turns to see at every “shtrak!” of … Continue reading PHOTOWALK OPON: WALK TILL YOU CAN’T WALK NO MORE
Iriga city would only be one hour away. I can have my coffee break there, snack on a sinapot slowly, and back. If we have a bullet train to Bicol, Manila dialect would replace Rinconada. Faster. If we take a bullet train to Bicol, would we enjoy the view at the speed? Continue reading IF WE ONLY HAVE A BULLET TRAIN TO BICOL
We have photographers starved of photo competition. On October 21st, an unusually large horde of Canonistas showed up at the 2017 Canon Photomarathon. In spite of the five-hundred-peso registration fee (where there used to be none). Five hundred PHP is dizzying, my dear. This year’s turnout — considering we Pinoys would always opt for anything … Continue reading I HAVE MY CANON WHEN I HAVE NONE
Sick in bed with no visitors. On the bright side, I won’t have to report for work today. On the downside, another leave credit spent. On the upside, I get to be served like a king. With the chow of my choice. On the downside, everything tastes dull. On the upside, I don’t get to … Continue reading DELIRIUM
Puerto Princesa city is all about beaches and zipline and farms and ecoparks and underground river and dolphins and whales. Not my thing anymore. The best show is on the street now. Continue reading PHOTOWALK PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
This burger house — the one on Taft corner Kalaw — closed its comfort room doors to the public last September 21, protest day. The security guard points to management prerogative. Management points to the surge of non-paying customer at the time: the rallyists. Is it constitutional to be refused access to a toilet? In … Continue reading RIZAL LOOKS THE OTHER WAY
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
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
