PhotoHunt: TOGETHER

Its reputation precedes it the world over. To watch a Cirque Du Soleil performance is arguably a mainstay in many people's bucket list, what with their much-publicized death-defying stunts, intricate costumes, and overall jaw-dropping productions. That's why when the Cirque came to Manila, no doubt we really had to go.

Cirque did not disappoint. The 2.5-hour show was a huge cauldron of music and humor, a visual feast that often caused by heart to almost jump out of my chest and/or my jaw to drop to the floor. Some sections were more spectacular than the others, but each minute of the show had its stamp of Cirque hard work and artistry on it.

An amazing experience it was, to be front and center when the Cirque came to town =]

lobby of the Cirque's Grand Chapiteau, Quirino Grandstand, Manila, July 2011, using a digicam.

Wordless Wednesday: EARLY

These fisherfolk have started their day soon after sunrise. Or are they just returning from an overnight sojourn to the Pacific?

But these past few days, the waters off Bicol Region, practically the entire eastern seaboard of the Philippines, have been rough because of Tropical Storm JUANING. Hoping for the safety of all those who harvest from the bounty of the sea-

off the Port of Legazpi, January 2011, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: PATCH

Original designs and intricate patterns mark the handiwork of the T'boli tribe in the southern part of the Philippines. Their culture, slowly being eased out by the influences of the 21st century, are carefully being cradled at the Museo De Oro inside Xavier University - Ateneo De Cagayan. These ceremonial attires can arguably be more precious than gold, considering the time, effort, passion, and heritage embedded in each square inch of material. Truly irreplaceable.

Museo De Oro, Cagayan De Oro City, March 2009, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: BACKWARDS

LEGO bricks are toys for kids. In the age of Harry Potter, Star Wars is a relic well past its prime. But when these two icons are merged in one exciting presentation, the geek in me cannot help but do a little dance for glee. These guys stand proudly at attention- and, too bad, behind locked glass cases!- at the lobby of the Golden Pine Hotel we recently stayed in for a week-long training.

The Force is definitely in that building.

Baguio City, May 2011, using a digicam.

Litratong Pinoy: MAPANGLAW (Melancholic)

Nang makita ko ang larawan nito sa hotel na aming tinuluyan sa isang training sa Laoag City, sinabi ko talaga sa aking sarili na kailangan ko itong makita. Mayroon akong kakaibang interes sa mga parola. Sinikap naming isingit sa paspas naming pananatili sa Ilocos ang pagsaglit rito.

Sa malayo pa lamang, mapapansin na agad ang tikas ng parola ng Cape Bojeador sa Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Nang mapuntahan namin ang parola at nakita nang malapitan, higit na maganda ito kaysa larawan. Yun nga lang, may lambong ng lungkot sa lugar. Marahil dahil sa ang ilang bahagi nito ay hindi na singlinis o sing-kaaya-aya tingnan. Marahil dahil sa mga malulungkot na kuwento ng ikatlong henerasyon nang tagapangasiwa ng parola, hinggil sa pulitika na kumakalawang rito. Hindi rin nakatutulong ang pagdaplis ng bagyong Chedeng nang panahong iyon sa hilagang Luzon. Basta.

Sa harap nito, patuloy na nagsisilbing gabay ang parola sa mga bumabaybay sa karagatang dumadampi sa baybayin ng Ilocos. May liwanag na maaaninag sa gitna ng kakaibang kapanglawan ng kapalaran ng parola.

MAPANGLAW = MELANCHOLIC

When I saw its picture hanging along the corridor of the hotel I was staying in for a training in Laoag City, I told myself that through whatever means, I HAVE to visit that lighthouse. I did manage to slip the visit into my schedule for which I was thrilled tremendously.

From afar, the majesty of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos town, Ilocos Norte province is beyond noticeable. It is so much more beautiful up close versus the framed photos in the hotel. However, I can't quite put my finger on this... cloak... of heaviness that surrounds the area. Perhaps it's because the lighthouse and its surrounding environs are not in the pink of health, so to speak, having fallen into some disrepair as of late. Perhaps it's because of the not-so-nice stories the third generation lighthouse keeper couldn't help divulge to us as regards the intrusion of politics in the operation of the lighthouse. Or perhaps the gray clouds are just brought into the area by the tropical cyclone which was passing nearby. Perhaps...

But in the face of all this, the lighthouse continues to be a beacon of safety, guiding ships as they skim the shores off Ilocos. The light continues to shine through the haze and muck of life.

Lighthouse at Cape Bojeador, municipality of Burgos, May 2011, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: NEAR

I have been to the City of Legazpi a couple of times and its most iconic feature just has to be the Mayon Volcano. From afar, it really is the Philippines' answer to Japan's Mt. Fuji- what with its perfect cone, towering height, and truly commanding presence.

On my latest flight to Legazpi from Manila, I was on the seat by the window on the "ABC" side of the plane. As we approached Legazpi, I had a fantastic view of Mayon on my left, welcoming me into the city. On the flight back to Manila, I rummaged through my brain to figure out which seat to take in order to have the view of Mayon be my parting vista of the city. Luckily, I figured it out, that I had to be on the window seat of the "DEF" side of the plane. The flyby beside the very top of Mayon is just truly breath-taking.



And I guess it was really meant to be for me: my camera's batteries gave up after I took the last photo of the soon-to-be-veiled-in-clouds Mayon as our plane zoomed back to Manila.

over Mt. Mayon, Province of Albay, January 2011, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: BUSY

The repairs being done on this major bridge I use on the way to and from work doubled my daily driving time since May of this year. There's a poster counting down the days until the construction work is finished. As I see a lot of men and equipment focused on the job on hand, I really pray they get to meet the deadline they set for themselves, for the sake of our collective mental health!

along the Buendia Flyover - Osmena Highway, Makati, June 2011, using a digicam.