Sunset at Manila Bay

Manila Bay is popular for its sunset. But besides how it was conceived in my elementary textbooks, I have never actually spent time to appreciate its beauty. Not until last week. Well I was lucky to have my camera while dining along Manila Bay during the long weekend.

There were several photographers waiting for their chance. But clouds are too low and the sun went down so quickly. So we all settled to this usual blue-orange-red color spectrum.

Maybe next time I should plan to shoot on a clear sky be in better location and wait for that perfect sunset…

By the way, the security guards at the American Embassy have the tendency to overact. Standing inside the railing of embassy (boundary fence), I was framing the bay walk area when two uniformed guards came by asking if it is my first time shooting in that place. I said yes, and they told me not to do it again... otherwise they can have all my personal information to their security log and may even confiscate my camera. Hehe...

In fairness they spoke kindly and showed some sympathy in trying to explain their rules.

Well, i guess security guards think of or associate espionage with these sophisticated-looking cameras. What they should know is that camera, regardless of its type (camera phone, cheap digicam, film camera etc.) can do the job to capture the same image if thats the intention.

People Power Anniversary

I have been watching too much TV lately. And here are some opinions, aired on shows commemorating EDSA anniversary, which I would totally agree.

“EDSA 2 just happened a little too fast. It was a mistake which the people is afraid to commit again” – Winnie Monsod

“Darating ang pagbabago kung ang mga tao sa ating gobyerno (opisyal at emplyado).... ay hindi anak ni ganito, asawa ni ganito, kapatid ni ganito…. Maaaring hindi ko na aabutin yun ng buhay pero umaasa akong ito ay darating.” – Freddie Aguilar

Bayan Ko

This has been the most notable song on Filipino patriotism, probably one of the most popular songs of EDSA 1. The lyrics are outdated but indeed it still has a rousing tone and perfect musical notes... and it's getting popular again. Here's a version by Kuh Ledesma.

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka Nasadlak sa dusa

CHORUS
Ibon mang may layang lumipad Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika Makita kang sakdal laya

Makati Rally - February 15, 2008

Let me share some pictures of the rally at Ayala Avenue last Friday. It started past 2 pm with this group of farmers (i guess) as the first batch of protesters.

There’s complete media coverage with GMA and ABS-CBN holding grounds as early as 11am. There were numbers of free lance photographers and I have seen some foreign press.

Looking at the backstage, you can tell this rally was not organized by the political oppositions (no VIPs at the backstage). Except for the left wing organizations, which have joined our political system, I haven’t seen or heard the usual attendants from the United Opposition.

The crowd is mainly of church groups and civic groups; I can tell many Makati workers also joined the rally.

At the side of HSBC building were familiar business people, probably observing..

I remember previous political rallies with accusations that some people were paid just to join the crowd. Those were mostly pro-Erap rallies, and Erap’s “masa” appeal obviously gives reason why most of the crowds are from the poor communities (I would say squatter areas around the city). This time, there were still small groups which came obviously lacking the “spirit” of a protester. They came in t-shirts and shorts and just walking around.

Those real protesters would stand still, listen, shout when asked to react and raise their hands to show support.

It was also a big day for those Ayala/Makati avenue street vendors and some "intruders" like these Selecta/Magnolia ice cream vendors. I have seen many of these carts.

And the quote of the day goes – “moderate your greed”.

Photoworld Asia 2008

At the Glorietta activity center from Feb. 2 up to 5 (that is today!). I bought one cheap black tripod and claimed my free 128MB SD card.

Lots of pretty models to shoot but I was able to catch just one (overexposed) shot.. before the last model declared "..sorry guys i need to go". As usual, there were bunch of photographers and a swarm of onlookers enjoying those sexy poses (..i should have taken whole body shot hehe..).

And again I saw those expensive Noritsu photo developing machines. The cost of putting up "real" photo developing business is easily seven digits.