tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60510004781831146642024-03-14T01:58:30.638+08:00a lonely planet it is not<center>random.pictures.from.my.past.present.and.future.travels</center>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-44550537529684222232013-05-18T13:21:00.000+08:002013-05-18T13:21:39.487+08:00PhotoHunt: GLASS<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeUA7Pvg724/UZcLaYMrb8I/AAAAAAAAFfI/1Ofnc3VxSbA/s1600/WP_20130518_001%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeUA7Pvg724/UZcLaYMrb8I/AAAAAAAAFfI/1Ofnc3VxSbA/s320/WP_20130518_001%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
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The <a href="http://zuelligbuilding.com/">Zuellig Building</a> in Makati City is a 33-story edifice, mixing sleek aesthetics and sound environmental design, a sight for sore eyes amidst gaudy structures and urban blight.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Makati City, May, 2013, using a phone camera.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-18047539131472280782013-03-09T16:39:00.001+08:002013-03-09T16:55:33.833+08:00PhotoHunt: MONOCHROME<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xF10N7VSim0/UTrp8h7_BsI/AAAAAAAAFXk/6nnwjDn6doY/s1600/DSCN5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xF10N7VSim0/UTrp8h7_BsI/AAAAAAAAFXk/6nnwjDn6doY/s320/DSCN5458.JPG" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a></center>The twists and turns of the lives of The Beatles were succinctly captured in the <a href="http://www.beatlesstory.com/">The Beatles Story</a> at the Albert Dock near the city center of the Fab Four's hometown of Liverpool, England. The exhibition featured details from their early days as struggling musicians, to their rise as global icons, to their eventual parting of ways and treading parallel but inextricably linked paths. <br />
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Amidst the cacophony of decades of memorabilia, the very last section of the exhibit stood out for me- a shrine of sorts for arguably the world's favorite Beatle, John Lennon: just a piano, a guitar, and images of John, stripped of all star power, enduring.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Liverpool, England, Decmber 2012, using a digicam.</span> <br />
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Appreciate if you can spare a moment to vote for our social entrepreneurship project called CareersForHealth.ph where we aim to create an online portal that will help match health professionals with great career opportunities, including work in lower income communities in the Philippines. Pls vote for our team AIHO here: <a href=http://www.projectpagsulong.ph/top-10/careersforhealthph>http://www.projectpagsulong.ph/top-10/careersforhealthph</a>. Thank you for your time!ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-27638451511510764692013-03-02T06:12:00.001+08:002013-03-02T06:12:44.374+08:00PhotoHunt: STEEL<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTkDUUCFqzk/UTEf5-NOMWI/AAAAAAAAFXU/YlLNRsnEtU0/s1600/DSCN4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTkDUUCFqzk/UTEf5-NOMWI/AAAAAAAAFXU/YlLNRsnEtU0/s320/DSCN4187.JPG" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a></center><br />
In areas of the country where public utility vehicles are few and far between, passengers in a hurry to get home or have their produce brought to the market resort to "top loading" or riding on the roofs of vehicles, such as these men sitting atop this jeepney in the photo above. Some local government units have issued ordinances making top loading illegal due to obvious health and safety reasons but the practice still persists. <br />
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I've traveled via the method in one trip between two municipalities in Mountain Province north of Manila. I must say I understand why people opt for this unconventional seating arrangement: it was relatively less cramped on top, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding vistas, fresh air, cool breeze, plus an unwitting affirmation of one's masculinity as I have 'endured' the perils of top loading. And at the end of the day, it sure beats walking dozens of kilometers or waiting for hours for the next jeepney that will take me from Point A to Point B.<br />
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Have nerves of steel. Will travel.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cagayan De Oro City, 2012, using a digicam.</span> ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-23822621880407172262013-02-23T15:26:00.000+08:002013-02-23T15:26:36.092+08:00PhotoHunt: UPPER<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2G93dBe_OI/UShocBl7qjI/AAAAAAAAFXA/6PtH-_HqL0I/s1600/Photo0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2G93dBe_OI/UShocBl7qjI/AAAAAAAAFXA/6PtH-_HqL0I/s320/Photo0165.jpg" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a></center>One of the roads I drive on en route to the office runs parallel to the approach of our international airport. I was (un)fortunate enough to get this photo because of the intermittent standstill of the morning rush. <br />
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I wonder what it would be like to fly to the office everyday...<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">West Service Road of the South Superhighway, Taguig City, October 2012, using a phone camera.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-5774319343018534792013-02-16T11:44:00.001+08:002013-02-16T11:44:15.261+08:00PhotoHunt: MINISCULE<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTDjWcpNTg/UR7EpVfA-5I/AAAAAAAAFWs/FYHfJ2ZdIfg/s1600/DSCN6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTDjWcpNTg/UR7EpVfA-5I/AAAAAAAAFWs/FYHfJ2ZdIfg/s320/DSCN6075.JPG" /></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a></center>While standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, with its rich history, massive structure, and dazzling persona, I was cloaked with sheer awe. It is such a blessing to be beside a world icon, immortalized by artists, dissected by scientists, loved by many.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Paris, January 2013, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-3533381847230661782012-12-01T12:18:00.002+08:002012-12-01T12:20:08.733+08:00PhotoHunt: STELLAR<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QDYeChkjEE/ULmAYOStjlI/AAAAAAAAFVw/hGWT98M0Sxw/s1600/Photo0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_QDYeChkjEE/ULmAYOStjlI/AAAAAAAAFVw/hGWT98M0Sxw/s400/Photo0276.jpg" /></a></center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
The Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines is decked with star-shaped lanterns, all ready to celebrate Christmas. At the center of the plaza in front of the main administration building is the <a href="http://safarisogood.blogspot.com/2010/07/photohunt-public.html">Oblation</a>, symbol of the university, and ultimate aim and aspiration of the institution for its graduates, who number in the thousands yearly. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, November 2012 using a phone cam.</span> ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-62828751525308436572012-11-03T06:47:00.000+08:002012-11-03T06:47:11.196+08:00PhotoHunt: SEASONAL<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0nwNHPM7P8/UJRIz_8h9aI/AAAAAAAAFVI/Eg9t8D0CLck/s1600/Photo0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0nwNHPM7P8/UJRIz_8h9aI/AAAAAAAAFVI/Eg9t8D0CLck/s400/Photo0190.jpg" /></a></center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day give us the timely, and not often ignored, reminder of our own mortality, death's inevitability, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Until we reach our final destination.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Heritage Park, Taguig City, November 2012, using a phonecam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-34715609403974004312012-10-13T10:08:00.000+08:002012-10-13T10:09:46.370+08:00PhotoHunt: EMPTY<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoSYPnsNtN4/UHjJxrcIypI/AAAAAAAAFUY/PIFTxZuVYlU/s1600/DSCN2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoSYPnsNtN4/UHjJxrcIypI/AAAAAAAAFUY/PIFTxZuVYlU/s400/DSCN2324.JPG" /></a></center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
The Surigao Strait and the rising sun painted a fantastic visual treat, devoid of human intervention and interference, so beautiful that even a non-morning person like myself couldn't help but get out of the bed to be privy to such majesty.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">off Almont Beach Resort, Surigao City, April 2011.</span> ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-46135513432411617072012-07-14T12:01:00.000+08:002012-07-14T12:01:23.208+08:00PhotoHunt: DANCE<center><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZIuYA4rVU/UADrKKOsm6I/AAAAAAAAFT0/khKIF-X0E7I/s1600/DSCN4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDZIuYA4rVU/UADrKKOsm6I/AAAAAAAAFT0/khKIF-X0E7I/s400/DSCN4140.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga surely knows how to make a 10,000-plus-strong crowd sing and sway with her.<br />
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<CENTER><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">SM Mall of Asia Arena, May 2012, using a digicam.</span></CENTER>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-49575255506124301042012-06-23T07:33:00.000+08:002012-06-23T07:33:36.826+08:00PhotoHunt: HOT<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkqbPeFnf8k/T-T27sPfPyI/AAAAAAAAFKY/xZIzATh6ju0/s1600/DSCN1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkqbPeFnf8k/T-T27sPfPyI/AAAAAAAAFKY/xZIzATh6ju0/s400/DSCN1718.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
In order to beat the hordes of madding tourist, and take advantage of the "first-buyer discount," we were in this pearl market at around 7am. These necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are proud products of communities in and around the Sulu Sea, engaged in the trade for decades. The market is located at the wharf behind a landmark hotel which has changed hands through the years; but the pearl sellers, like the beauty of their wares, have consistently endured life's scrapes and scuffles.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">back of Lantaka Hotel, Zamboanga City, January 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-63414784371336455852012-06-16T13:44:00.000+08:002012-06-16T13:44:45.239+08:00PhotoHunt: RIPPLE<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgLkWtAIPg/T9wb6iKOwiI/AAAAAAAAFI0/UNMvTwIjCRs/s1600/DSCN3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgLkWtAIPg/T9wb6iKOwiI/AAAAAAAAFI0/UNMvTwIjCRs/s400/DSCN3454.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a> <br />
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From the first time it reached our shores in 1521, as symbolized by this cross which encases the actual first-ever cross planted on Cebu island by Magellan, Christianity has spread far and wide in the Philippines, making it the predominant religious affiliation among Filipinos. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Magellan's Cross, Cebu City 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-60753792675065656662012-06-09T14:25:00.000+08:002012-06-10T07:27:36.043+08:00PhotoHunt: CLEAN<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VL31YFwcRF4/T9K20YKV2MI/AAAAAAAAFIk/YNBBi7e8oIU/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VL31YFwcRF4/T9K20YKV2MI/AAAAAAAAFIk/YNBBi7e8oIU/s320/DSCN0057.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
Except for the constant whir of our helicopter, the vast Pacific Ocean ahead and skies above, as far as my eyes could see, harbored no other signs of humanity. Arguably the most estranged I have been to my species.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">over the waters along the coast of Aurora Province, October 2011, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-80224634796393041252012-06-03T00:54:00.001+08:002012-06-03T00:54:33.897+08:00PhotoHunt: TASTE<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCU3ZTW2XqI/T8pDNzSoM6I/AAAAAAAAFIU/iuiSQkHRox0/s1600/DSCN2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCU3ZTW2XqI/T8pDNzSoM6I/AAAAAAAAFIU/iuiSQkHRox0/s400/DSCN2572.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
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The breakfast buffet was simple yet delicious. <br />
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The view around us, from our table, however, made it more than sumptuous.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dakak Beach Resort, Zamboanga Del Norte 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-46234699407404594322012-05-26T10:41:00.000+08:002012-05-26T10:41:20.848+08:00Safari Year FiveI quietly celebrated my photoblog’s fifth year online this week. While swimming through some posts through the years, I am grateful for having experienced so many places, so much culture, and myriad events. I am even more grateful that I have began to see anything and everything as “blog-able” – no need to wait for an elusive double rainbow or the perfect symmetry of sun, sea, and sky. The last five years online have helped teach me that I make the so-called Kodak moments, and each is a Kodak moment- if I choose it to be. No scenery is too grand or too murky for beauty and wonder to reside in.<br />
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To celebrate my blogoversary, allow me to re-dedicate this blog with <a href=http://safarisogood.blogspot.com/2007/05/safari-day-one.html>words I have used to launch it five years ago</a>:<br />
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<b><i>This photoblog is inspired by Dan Eldon, a young photojournalist who was killed while on duty in Somalia. Reckoned by many to have been a premature death, he left an extensive set of journals chronicling a life that was short but truly well-lived. Thank you, Dan, for reminding me that each moment is a golden photo opportunity, to be grabbed, savored, captured, framed, and shared…</i></b><br />
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This safari that is my life is still so good.<br />
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I am a firm believer in Dan Eldon’s mission statement that<br />
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"The most important part of vehicle maintenance is clean windows, so if you are broken down, you will enjoy the beauty of the view."<br />
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<center><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LtDPNPBZew/T8BBQXXFYaI/AAAAAAAAD_k/sntrosI2Kuk/s1600/DSCN3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LtDPNPBZew/T8BBQXXFYaI/AAAAAAAAD_k/sntrosI2Kuk/s400/DSCN3185.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
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In a recent road trip, I am glad the owner of the vehicle we were in was of the same thinking, too. The view from Valencia City to Cagayan De Oro City was simply awesome- a 130-kilometer trip punctuated by rolling hills, gorgeous skies, and imposing mountains. Now, I had to be a bit <b><i>creative</i></b> to capture my surroundings since we were cruising at a speed that was meant to enable us to join a meeting without being late.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">on the road in Bukidnon,April 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-62376087324858087452012-05-19T08:39:00.001+08:002012-05-19T08:41:58.367+08:00PhotoHunt: MAGICAL<center><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-sgYAy0fso/T7bWTiKWnUI/AAAAAAAADCE/ch9y_359jjM/s1600/DSCN3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-sgYAy0fso/T7bWTiKWnUI/AAAAAAAADCE/ch9y_359jjM/s400/DSCN3397.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
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This is one of the rare times I really wish I had a real pro's camera because my puny point-and-shoot simply did not do justice to capture the majesty of Tinago Falls.<br />
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The Filipino word for "hidden," Tinago Falls is nestled in a lush forest environment about 45 minutes' drive on rough roads from the national highway. As a person in the worst possible physical shape, it me about 20 minutes to go down some 300-odd steps into the valley that cradles Tinago. (Then thrice as long to go back up.)<br />
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But to say that it is worth the hike is the year's understatement. It is simply amazing. Even magical.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Iligan City, April 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-37732113253821022652012-05-12T12:52:00.000+08:002012-05-12T12:52:59.623+08:00PhotoHunt: SCOOP<center><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6br4wIDaBs/T63oF_2Y_7I/AAAAAAAADAw/ICGONeNnsbo/s1600/DSCN3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6br4wIDaBs/T63oF_2Y_7I/AAAAAAAADAw/ICGONeNnsbo/s320/DSCN3434.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
I have been to Cebu several times over the last decade and a half but it was just last week that I got to see its Provincial Capitol in person. I found its U-shaped, recessed facade rather unique- versus the usual "flat" exteriors of government buildings, especially among those built during the American occupation of the Philippines.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cebu City, May 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-69657931257770848292012-05-06T02:43:00.000+08:002012-05-06T02:52:19.358+08:00PhotoHunt: ZAP<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUpAhO3niU/T6Vyur8MQSI/AAAAAAAAC_8/oJzVszwlLLI/s1600/DSCN3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTUpAhO3niU/T6Vyur8MQSI/AAAAAAAAC_8/oJzVszwlLLI/s320/DSCN3519.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
I think the moon is one of the most underrated icons of beauty. Most likely because we fail to fully see its beauty since it peeks around the time we're supposed to be sleeping. It doesn't help that it has also been been infamously associated with werewolves, lunatics, and all the creepy crawlies that go bump in the night.<br />
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I still happen to be awake at this unusual hour (it's 2.36am here in the Philippines as I type this) and while reading my Twitter timeline, someone mentioned about the moon. I looked up and out of the window and- voila- a sight I hardly behold.<br />
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I don't know if this is already the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/saturdays-supermoon-facts-myths-observing-tips-151552521.html">supermoon</a> mentioned frequently as of late, but regardless, the moon will always be super, magical to me =]<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the sky outside my house, Taguig City, May 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-55609244605212228842012-04-21T10:00:00.001+08:002012-04-21T10:06:24.372+08:00PhotoHunt: REFLECT<center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX0UrBVvKhc/T5IQWOEw4iI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/6CcbbV2wFHc/s1600/DSCN3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX0UrBVvKhc/T5IQWOEw4iI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/6CcbbV2wFHc/s320/DSCN3109.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
This is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Zamboanga City, some 1,900 kilometers south of the Philippine capital of Manila. I accidentally found it online when I was looking for the local schedule of masses during a brief stay in the city recently. It caught my eye online; to see it in person was something else. Its 'whiteness' shimmers in the noontime sun, its distinct shape stands out from among the usual box-type buildings in its immediate environs. It's an example of the ever-changing face of our centuries-old faith.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Zamboanga City, March 2011, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-7329367134007734922012-04-14T17:22:00.002+08:002012-06-10T07:39:51.490+08:00PhotoHunt: STURDY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ1Ja2KjhL8/T4k-XPsCzjI/AAAAAAAAC60/D3ecUmEUMPg/s1600/DSCN0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ1Ja2KjhL8/T4k-XPsCzjI/AAAAAAAAC60/D3ecUmEUMPg/s320/DSCN0339.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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This is Stan, arguably the star of <a href="http://www.themindmuseum.org">The Mind Museum</a>, the Philippines' first world-class science museum which formally opened its doors last March 16th in Taguig City. Stan is a forty-foot <i>Tyrannosaurus rex</i> cast made from the most complete <i>T. rex</i> set ever discovered. No wonder he is the touted king of dinosaurs: if I were his prey then, his sheer majestic presence would have made me freeze where I stood. Exactly how I felt when I first got to see him up close at <a href="http://www.themindmuseum.org">The Mind Museum</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.themindmuseum.org">The Mind Museum</a>, Taguig City, December 2011, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-35290937027103573332012-04-07T10:49:00.001+08:002012-04-07T10:49:50.305+08:00PhotoHunt: AWESOME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hw4F5RdVTc/T3-mZ5wmNmI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/2_qF1_OaC_s/s1600/DSCN2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hw4F5RdVTc/T3-mZ5wmNmI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/2_qF1_OaC_s/s320/DSCN2637.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Nestled amidst the greenery of Talisay village in Dapitan City, this towering <i>baluno</i> tree, a relative of the mango, has stood guard for at least one hundred years. By itself, it is already an awe-inspiring entity. But in addition to its imposing presence, this baluno has been a witness to the life of the Philippines' national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, while he lived in exile in this village from March 1893 to July 1896. In silence, it has watched Rizal as he maintained a school that mentored a group of boys into fine young men; developed the area into a model for public works and health and sanitation; found true love; buried a son. <br />
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If only its leaves and branches can talk, what wondrous stories I'm sure this baluno tree will tell about Rizal's time here in Dapitan, in exile, yes, yet arguably the most free he has ever been...<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte, March 2012, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-31814577003813023382012-02-18T11:32:00.000+08:002012-02-18T11:32:07.968+08:00PhotoHunt: POINT<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOp8wk6VGcE/Tz8ZqgwrnjI/AAAAAAAACz4/oXki1oIOoWg/s1600/DSCN1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOp8wk6VGcE/Tz8ZqgwrnjI/AAAAAAAACz4/oXki1oIOoWg/s320/DSCN1318.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com//"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
I know to many, if not most, drivers in the United States, these freeway signs make sense. But for a newbie traveler like myself, it is almost always a source of confusion. Good thing these actually very informative signages are placed a good distance where, say, the roads fork or the exits are due to appear; else, they would be rendered useless as I would have already missed these supposed turns and ramps.<br />
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But then, there's always the GPS...<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">while on an East Coast road trip, New Year's Eve 2011, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-41717354192997706232011-12-31T08:58:00.001+08:002011-12-31T08:58:14.491+08:00PhotoHunt: GATHER<center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QKP59cY5PE/Tv5b75L7LzI/AAAAAAAACzo/iHSdivyA5IY/s1600/DSCN0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QKP59cY5PE/Tv5b75L7LzI/AAAAAAAACzo/iHSdivyA5IY/s320/DSCN0915.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
At the Smithsonian Castle, its "America's Treasure Chest" exhibition features a display of the footwear created by different Native American tribes. It honors a heritage that continues in the face of gnawing, convenient modernity. <br />
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It also brings to mind an adage attributed to Native Americans, the one that discourages judging another individual until you've walked a day in their shoes- or mocassins...<br />
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May this New Year bring us all a sense of belongingness, and bring us all towards a sense of equity and fairness.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC, December 2011, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-46880680276030573992011-12-03T11:05:00.000+08:002011-12-03T18:53:11.481+08:00PhotoHunt: RIPPED<center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0TgELRjwNY/TtHLLnfUZBI/AAAAAAAACzA/kWYOerB46gY/s1600/IMG_7419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0TgELRjwNY/TtHLLnfUZBI/AAAAAAAACzA/kWYOerB46gY/s320/IMG_7419.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a> <br />
The cruise ship traversing the waters between Stockhom, Sweden and Turku, Finland is a place where one gets <i>ripped</i>, thanks to the duty-free sale of alcohol. The ship was by no means a mere vessel to ferry tourists to and from Stockholm; it was in itself a party place that was a bit too rowdy for comfort at times. I think some passengers were more interested with the cheaper booze than experiencing either Nordic country...<br />
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*** Special thanks to <a href="http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/">TN Chick</a> for having hosted the PhotoHunt for the last five years. It's her last weekend to host this meme so head on over to her site for a proper send off =].***<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Between Stockholm and Turku, September 2007, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-9252220329876246412011-11-27T13:57:00.001+08:002011-11-27T13:59:52.254+08:00PhotoHunt: HANDWRITTEN<center><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCm9YKdFRB8/TtHQ4xhKraI/AAAAAAAACzM/N8hJqsxeycE/s1600/IMG_7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCm9YKdFRB8/TtHQ4xhKraI/AAAAAAAACzM/N8hJqsxeycE/s320/IMG_7326.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
An exhibit on a relatively unknown side of foremost scientist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Linnaeus">Carl von Linne</a> as a prolific letter-writer is one of the highlights of my trip to the Postal Museum in Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town).<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Stockholm, September 2007, using a digicam.</span>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051000478183114664.post-26251744605252122812011-11-20T11:16:00.000+08:002011-11-20T11:16:07.255+08:00PhotoHunt: WET/RAIN<center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28gLEdLyS4/TshtYk4PK_I/AAAAAAAACyw/k_Ctr6C2hWY/s1600/DSCN1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28gLEdLyS4/TshtYk4PK_I/AAAAAAAACyw/k_Ctr6C2hWY/s320/DSCN1213.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tnchicks.wordpress.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_xl3g-kmUpjc/SBHQp0FKV5I/AAAAAAAABHI/VPQcqJM7rok/s400/photohunter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193161262108399506" border="0" /></a><br />
On an almost empty beach. By the warm calm sea. Under an azure sky. You juggle.<br />
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<b><i>Station 2, Boracay island, Aklan, March 2011, using a digicam.</i></b>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06927690500691776966noreply@blogger.com1