PhotoHunt: STEEL

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.

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.

Have nerves of steel. Will travel.

Cagayan De Oro City, 2012, 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.

Litratong Pinoy: SALAMIN SA MATA (Eyeglasses)

Pagbenta ng shades sa night market. *bow* =]

SALAMIN SA MATA = EYEGLASSES

Shades being sold at the night market. 'nuf said =]

Night Market along Divisoria, March 2009, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: COLORFUL

Tucked in one of the smaller rooms of the Museo De Oro is a collection of ceremonial garb donned by our indigenous lumad communities in the southern part of the Philippines. This is a most precious collection considering that 21st century life is encroaching into their way of life fast and unrelenting.

Xavier University campus, Cagayan De Oro City, March 2009, using a digicam.

Litratong Pinoy: HIBLA (Fiber)

Isang malapitang pagtingin sa nawawala nang industriya ng paglalala ng mga Subanon. Ang produkto ng kanilang mga kamay ay hindi lamang mga tela para sa damit o kumot kundi habi ng ating sama-samang kalinangan at kasaysayan.

HIBLA = FIBER

This is a closer look at the dying weaving industry of the Subanon tribe. Their looms not only produce fabric for clothes and blankets but they also form part of the fibers that holds our common culture and history together.

Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, May 2009, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: Creamy

This globe of chocolate-y ice cream goodness is the signature Tartufo from Candy's, a hip food haunt near Limketkai Center in Cagayan De Oro City. There were three of us out to devour this decadent dessert but we just couldn't risk death by chocolate. It is such a rich experience, the perfect cap to a long day at work.

Litratong Pinoy: SAPATOS (Shoes)

Kakaibang karanasan ang Night Cafe sa Divisoria ng Cagayan De Oro. Dalawang araw- Biyernes at Sabado- linggu-linggo, isinasara sa sasakyan ang isang pangunahing kalye ng lunsod upang maging isang higanteng pasyalan kung saan mahahanap ang pinakamasasarap na pagkain, pinakamahuhusay na musikero, at pinakamalawak na pagpipilian ng mga bilihin- lahat sa pinakasulit na halaga. Kabilang na rito ang mga sapatos na may iba't ibang tatak para sa iba't ibang pagsusuotan. Mukhang patok naman ang mga paninda, isa marahil na positibong kabahagi ng nararanasang krisis pinansiyal sa buong mundo...


SAPATOS = SHOES The Night Cafe of Divisoria is a wonderful experience unique to Cagayan De Oro City. Twice a week- Friday and Saturday- of every week, a major city thoroughfare is closed to vehicular traffic and gets converted into this massive marketplace where the most delicious food, most talented musicians, and widest selection of wares- all at the lowest cost- can be found. Included in the for sale items are shoes that will fit every need of any feet. Sales seem to be brisk, one of the positive impact perhaps of the global financial crisis...

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