tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117477682024-03-13T23:11:24.889-07:00SUPERPASYALPASTILLAS, BROOMS, AND GIANT SPOONS AND FORKS: ADVENTURES IN METRO MANILA AND THE PHILIPPINESCitizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-13896672350744473112009-07-03T23:05:00.000-07:002009-07-03T23:06:08.472-07:00BORAKAY 2009Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-40007669930934010422009-04-24T05:18:00.001-07:002009-04-24T06:24:13.109-07:00<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SfGt4r2B0eI/AAAAAAAABCc/i8kgWrmS6Jc/s1600-h/Tangy.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328231023509623266" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SfGt4r2B0eI/AAAAAAAABCc/i8kgWrmS6Jc/s400/Tangy.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Meet <strong>TANGY</strong>, my new <strong>Mr. P </strong>desk lamp at the office. Yes, by the looks of him, he's going to get more fondling than I do.</span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-1112008055910278032009-03-28T04:01:00.000-07:002009-01-28T22:22:52.320-08:00MABUHAY! BIENVENIDO! WELCOME!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoztkahWoI/AAAAAAAACgA/J7mqn2miQAg/s1600-h/cover-photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245061573988407938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoztkahWoI/AAAAAAAACgA/J7mqn2miQAg/s400/cover-photo.jpg" border="0" /></a>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-56381061873697025382009-01-28T22:20:00.001-08:002009-01-28T22:22:10.549-08:00BART GUINGONA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SYFK21pMswI/AAAAAAAADzU/oNw1jlb5kzA/s1600-h/bart+guingona+solo.jpeg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296596942737683202" style="WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SYFK21pMswI/AAAAAAAADzU/oNw1jlb5kzA/s400/bart+guingona+solo.jpeg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Click on image to enlarge.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#663300;"><strong>SUPERPASYAL </strong>is a supporter of the Ayala Musem. </span>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-84197752878103061212008-12-23T06:48:00.001-08:002008-12-23T06:56:26.451-08:00MALIGAYANG PASKO!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SVD6altUvDI/AAAAAAAABAo/znFEVLjKSlE/s1600-h/Christmas-2008.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282997697611349042" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SVD6altUvDI/AAAAAAAABAo/znFEVLjKSlE/s400/Christmas-2008.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Jesus </strong>is the reason for the Season.</span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-36485933145553386662008-12-03T01:31:00.000-08:002008-12-03T01:37:06.610-08:00ATENEO DE MANILA TURNS 149<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/STZS697dO_I/AAAAAAAABAA/gXqKQtNhs6E/s1600-h/Sesqui+Concert+Posterfinal2X_email.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275495186520947698" style="WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/STZS697dO_I/AAAAAAAABAA/gXqKQtNhs6E/s400/Sesqui+Concert+Posterfinal2X_email.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">In celebration of the University’s second Sesquicentennial theme, Deepening Spirituality, the Ateneo community is warmly invited to </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>TAKE AND RECEIVE: THE FIRST FESTIVAL OF ATENEO MUSIC<br /></strong><br />Sunday, 7 December 2008, 6:30PM<br />Church of the Gesù<br /><br />FEATURING:<br /><br />Ateneo Boys Choir (Daisy Marasigan, Conductor)<br />Ateneo Chamber Singers (Jonathan Velasco, Conductor)<br />Ateneo College Glee Club (Ma. Lourdes Hermo, Conductor)<br />Ateneo High School Glee Club (Jose Emmanuel Aquino, Conductor)<br />Dulaang Sibol (Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan, Managing Director)<br />Jesuit Music Ministry (Fr. JBoy Gonzales, SJ, Director): Blue Symphony, Bukas<br />Palad, Himig Heswita & Musica Chiesa<br /><br />AND<br /><br />the premiere "Take and Receive” medley arrangement of RYAN CAYABYAB<br /><br />**<br />Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music<br />Ateneo choirs to stage free thanksgiving concert for the community<br /><br />On Sunday, 7 December 2008, 6:30PM, Ateneo’s singing groups will treat the community to an evening of sacred, liturgical, and inspirational music through the concert, Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music, at the Church of the Gesù, Ateneo Loyola Heights campus.<br /><br />The concert gathers Ateneo’s home grown and award-winning groups, the Ateneo Boys Choir, Ateneo High School Glee Club, Dulaang Sibol, Ateneo College Glee Club, and Ateneo Chamber Singers. They will perform with the Jesuit Music Ministry artists, Blue Symphony, Bukas Palad, Himig Heswita and Musica Chiesa.<br /><br />Distinguished Filipino musician and composer Ryan Cayabyab’s medley arrangement of the different “Take and Receive” compositions by the Filipino Jesuits will be one of the highlights of the concert.<br /><br />Fans and supporters of these Ateneo singing groups can expect to be regaled by the songs that have made these groups both distinct and popular,resonating Ateneo’s fine musical legacy and the unique spirituality that inspires its music.<br /><br />Dulaang Sibol is the Ateneo High School theater club founded and directed by Onofre Pagsanghan. Bukas Palad, meanwhile, was co-founded by Fr. Manoling Francisco,SJ 20 years ago. The Ateneo College Glee Club, the oldest university chorale in the country and winner in the 2006 Miltenberg (Germany) Choral Competition and Ateneo Chamber Singers, winner in the 2006 Tolosa (Spain) Choral Contest,will showcase their world-class talent in polyphony and classical music.<br /><br />Another highlight of the concert is a tribute by the Jesuit Music Ministry artists to Fr. Eddie Hontiveros, SJ, or “Fr. Honti,” the acknowledged Father of Philippine Liturgical Music, who passed away in January 2008. The Mass hymns that Fr. Honti composed in the 1970s, after the Second Vatican Council called for inculturation of the liturgy, continue to be sung in every parish to this day, an enduring testament to the intimacy of his music with the heart of the Filipino and the message of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Take and Receive: The First Festival of Ateneo Music marks the Ateneo’s 149th anniversary, the year of “Deepening Spirituality,” the second theme of a three-year<br />countdown to Ateneo’s 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial. Ateneo de Manila<br />University will celebrate its sesquicentennial on December 10, 2009 with the theme “Building the Nation."<br /><br />--<br />Mimi D. Agbay<br />Project Coordinator - Ateneo Sesquicentennial<br />Phone No.: +632 426.6001 loc. 4083<br />Mobile No.: +63 917.8933379<br /><a href="http://150.ateneo.edu/">http://150.ateneo.edu</a> </span></span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-2895389588581617172008-11-26T23:20:00.000-08:002008-11-29T22:18:32.541-08:00HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/STIouhpXNUI/AAAAAAAADyY/YLd2qTfXIHk/s1600-h/spelled-as-heard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274322893375223106" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/STIouhpXNUI/AAAAAAAADyY/YLd2qTfXIHk/s400/spelled-as-heard.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">There are veritable<br />familiar surprises<br />in every<br />nook<br />and cranny<br />of this<br />everlasting<br />and<br />mysterious<br />city -<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>steamed dimsum<br />horse-drawn carriages<br />ambulant peddlers<br />sampaguita girls.</em><br /><br />There are<br />good memories<br />to bring<br />home<br />from<br /><em>esteros </em><br />(of all places!)<br /><br />and<br />old restaurants<br />guarded by<br />wild pigs<br />(not for dinner!)<br /><br />There is<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>family<br />kindred<br />self</em><br /><br />in<br />Manila’s<br />every<br />corner.</span>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-15228227121681090702008-11-21T20:23:00.001-08:002008-11-21T20:25:53.033-08:00KOMIKERA, 5th EditionThe 5th Edition of <strong>KOMIKERA </strong>opened last November 18 at the Ishmael Bernal Gallery of the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI). <strong>KOMIKERA</strong> is a triumvirate of talented women namely Teta Tulay, Lea Lim and Vivian Limpin.<br /><br />Photos to follow.GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-20017296454782174202008-10-31T00:48:00.001-07:002008-11-13T21:28:31.745-08:00THE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS: NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0HJ4CRXuI/AAAAAAAADyQ/wrvtNdzXGro/s1600-h/Orchid-46.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268375005335477986" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0HJ4CRXuI/AAAAAAAADyQ/wrvtNdzXGro/s400/Orchid-46.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Founded in 1859 in its present site, the <strong>Singapore Botanic Gardens </strong>epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens showcases many outstanding plant collections. Some highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life. Love orchids? The present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Or head on down to Symphony Lake where outdoor concerts provide entertainment amidst a lush milieu. (<strong>Source</strong>: Singapore Tourism Board & <a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/">The Singapore Botanic Gardens</a>)<br /><br />In comparison however, the <strong>Jardin Botanico </strong>of Manila was established during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The garden was resurrected by the Americans under the supervision of John C. Mehan, who was in charge of sanitation and cemeteries. It was the place of choice for weekend outings with its mini-zoo, decorative ponds, and diverse flora (<strong>Source</strong>: The Heritage Conservation Society). It is now more known as the Mehan Gardens and is nowhere near what it originally was. In 2002, the NHI declared the area a National Historical Landmark because it was the site of the Parian and the city's first botanical garden. But I digress.<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GwNuCGfI/AAAAAAAADyI/pggP0xKAGa4/s1600-h/Orchid-45.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268374564479572466" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GwNuCGfI/AAAAAAAADyI/pggP0xKAGa4/s400/Orchid-45.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The main entrance where you get a copy of the map and other brochures.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GnjWuHkI/AAAAAAAADyA/0O4l99XN8IE/s1600-h/Orchid-44.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268374415668551234" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GnjWuHkI/AAAAAAAADyA/0O4l99XN8IE/s400/Orchid-44.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0Gf_isuUI/AAAAAAAADx4/ZGtasSEgxYQ/s1600-h/Orchid-43.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268374285796030786" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0Gf_isuUI/AAAAAAAADx4/ZGtasSEgxYQ/s400/Orchid-43.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">If you visit early in the morning, the park is already full of people jogging.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GGhCfTMI/AAAAAAAADxw/mt5krUp0-sc/s1600-h/Orchid-42.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268373848111140034" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SR0GGhCfTMI/AAAAAAAADxw/mt5krUp0-sc/s400/Orchid-42.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrCLFLf0xI/AAAAAAAADxo/v0zRHk2lZd4/s1600-h/Orchid-41.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263232610160595730" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrCLFLf0xI/AAAAAAAADxo/v0zRHk2lZd4/s400/Orchid-41.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrBta-LyMI/AAAAAAAADxg/6rYh4zCYljY/s1600-h/Orchid-40.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263232100614260930" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrBta-LyMI/AAAAAAAADxg/6rYh4zCYljY/s400/Orchid-40.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrBgVXdL5I/AAAAAAAADxY/O9Qdifdlcq8/s1600-h/Orchid-39.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263231875771346834" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrBgVXdL5I/AAAAAAAADxY/O9Qdifdlcq8/s400/Orchid-39.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrADVYGhJI/AAAAAAAADxQ/MHghSjuPW84/s1600-h/Orchid-38.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263230278046221458" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQrADVYGhJI/AAAAAAAADxQ/MHghSjuPW84/s400/Orchid-38.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq_rewO16I/AAAAAAAADxI/6M8hFyHq7e8/s1600-h/Orchid-37.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263229868246488994" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq_rewO16I/AAAAAAAADxI/6M8hFyHq7e8/s400/Orchid-37.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq-4MdDcjI/AAAAAAAADxA/clXfRXJlBH8/s1600-h/Orchid-36.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263228987160883762" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq-4MdDcjI/AAAAAAAADxA/clXfRXJlBH8/s400/Orchid-36.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq-LixGhyI/AAAAAAAADw4/yj1p-sLZiHc/s1600-h/Orchid-35.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263228220056438562" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq-LixGhyI/AAAAAAAADw4/yj1p-sLZiHc/s400/Orchid-35.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq9pcEM38I/AAAAAAAADww/WOSniDJYreE/s1600-h/Orchid-34.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263227634141945794" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq9pcEM38I/AAAAAAAADww/WOSniDJYreE/s400/Orchid-34.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq8c5inM-I/AAAAAAAADwo/Reh94UPev-A/s1600-h/Orchid-33.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263226319204201442" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq8c5inM-I/AAAAAAAADwo/Reh94UPev-A/s400/Orchid-33.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq8BodSdDI/AAAAAAAADwg/yoxuw3d3rHo/s1600-h/Orchid-32.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263225850761999410" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq8BodSdDI/AAAAAAAADwg/yoxuw3d3rHo/s400/Orchid-32.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq7BiKQ9bI/AAAAAAAADwY/_OLGaNLOiuE/s1600-h/Orchid-31.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263224749559969202" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq7BiKQ9bI/AAAAAAAADwY/_OLGaNLOiuE/s400/Orchid-31.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6xkaSYWI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IvGFaOoTx-c/s1600-h/Orchid-30.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263224475286135138" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6xkaSYWI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IvGFaOoTx-c/s400/Orchid-30.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6cOxy9RI/AAAAAAAADwI/b_oHusjQaRE/s1600-h/Orchid-29.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263224108701906194" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6cOxy9RI/AAAAAAAADwI/b_oHusjQaRE/s400/Orchid-29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6NNPnAtI/AAAAAAAADwA/jw_s52d4CFw/s1600-h/Orchid-28.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263223850592043730" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq6NNPnAtI/AAAAAAAADwA/jw_s52d4CFw/s400/Orchid-28.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq53Dl8asI/AAAAAAAADv4/Lq28uUM-jSw/s1600-h/Orchid-27.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263223470044244674" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq53Dl8asI/AAAAAAAADv4/Lq28uUM-jSw/s400/Orchid-27.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq5oT-mvWI/AAAAAAAADvw/nrqPXb3crLA/s1600-h/Orchid-26.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263223216744611170" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq5oT-mvWI/AAAAAAAADvw/nrqPXb3crLA/s400/Orchid-26.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq5T-Ok2_I/AAAAAAAADvo/rs_LAKO_UQM/s1600-h/Orchid-25.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263222867308633074" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQq5T-Ok2_I/AAAAAAAADvo/rs_LAKO_UQM/s400/Orchid-25.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-37356332008780022282008-10-29T23:58:00.000-07:002008-10-31T00:48:17.445-07:00THE NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN: BURKILL HALL<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqyx0fNrxI/AAAAAAAADvg/7X7noYr0v0Y/s1600-h/Orchid-23.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263215683508743954" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqyx0fNrxI/AAAAAAAADvg/7X7noYr0v0Y/s400/Orchid-23.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Built in 1866, <strong>Burkill Hall</strong> is a fine example of an early colonial bungalow. Burkill Hall used to be the Director’s House, and its current name commemorates the only father and son pair, Isaac and Humphrey Burkill, to hold the post of Director of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Weddings and receptions are also held here.At the back of the Burkill Hall is the VIP Orchid Garden and here the real hybrids of some of the VIP orchids are on display.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqyae4_LXI/AAAAAAAADvY/rx172vv6FuY/s1600-h/Orchid-24.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263215282574273906" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqyae4_LXI/AAAAAAAADvY/rx172vv6FuY/s400/Orchid-24.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqxZ17b_JI/AAAAAAAADvQ/oNXm1QbgMT8/s1600-h/Orchid-22.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263214172067069074" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqxZ17b_JI/AAAAAAAADvQ/oNXm1QbgMT8/s400/Orchid-22.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqwazDy7DI/AAAAAAAADvI/GNcCsd7L18s/s1600-h/Orchid-21.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263213088965061682" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqwazDy7DI/AAAAAAAADvI/GNcCsd7L18s/s400/Orchid-21.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqtSwpKCKI/AAAAAAAADvA/gNf7Rie75pk/s1600-h/Orchid-20.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263209652342622370" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqtSwpKCKI/AAAAAAAADvA/gNf7Rie75pk/s400/Orchid-20.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqsvSSSYfI/AAAAAAAADu4/rNadNmNuLfE/s1600-h/Orchid-19.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263209042898215410" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqsvSSSYfI/AAAAAAAADu4/rNadNmNuLfE/s400/Orchid-19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Isn't this so amazing? This is the <em>Dendrobium Michael Jeffrey </em>named after the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia during his visit in 2004.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqrQMYcXEI/AAAAAAAADuw/Oet5k7IpYvI/s1600-h/Orchid-18.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263207409225849922" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqrQMYcXEI/AAAAAAAADuw/Oet5k7IpYvI/s400/Orchid-18.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">And of course, one which is named after our President - the Aranthera Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It wasn't in bloom during my visit. Too bad. :-(<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqqmBnAzhI/AAAAAAAADuo/CPnVJVBkSP4/s1600-h/Orchid-17.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263206684779662866" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqqmBnAzhI/AAAAAAAADuo/CPnVJVBkSP4/s400/Orchid-17.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqp2lIKbDI/AAAAAAAADug/_O_PznA85iA/s1600-h/Orchid-16.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263205869680225330" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqp2lIKbDI/AAAAAAAADug/_O_PznA85iA/s400/Orchid-16.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">This is GMA's <em>Aranthera</em>. They are taller than the President herself.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqpS3XFuuI/AAAAAAAADuY/JBUEH8r82fE/s1600-h/Orchid-15.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263205256099379938" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqpS3XFuuI/AAAAAAAADuY/JBUEH8r82fE/s400/Orchid-15.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqoqfNklSI/AAAAAAAADuI/U4gYR4VULno/s1600-h/Orchid-14.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263204562422240546" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqoqfNklSI/AAAAAAAADuI/U4gYR4VULno/s400/Orchid-14.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Singapore's national flower, the <em>Vanda Miss Joaquin</em>. Our sampaguita, on the other hand, was adopted as the Philippines' national flower in 1934 by Governor Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqmgTevm3I/AAAAAAAADuA/bBsT5moTXB0/s1600-h/Orchid-13.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263202188451093362" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqmgTevm3I/AAAAAAAADuA/bBsT5moTXB0/s400/Orchid-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">White dendrobium sprays line the pathways. So, so beautiful. We have this kind of variety in Davao and is very expensive at Php 250/dozen. The Bangkok dendrobiums are cheaper at Php 320/3 dozens. Tsk, tsk.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQql1UdH_zI/AAAAAAAADt4/peImgDC2xV0/s1600-h/Orchid-12.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263201449978363698" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQql1UdH_zI/AAAAAAAADt4/peImgDC2xV0/s400/Orchid-12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqj-sttn9I/AAAAAAAADtw/Dhn9olY0tgk/s1600-h/Orchid-11.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263199412085956562" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqj-sttn9I/AAAAAAAADtw/Dhn9olY0tgk/s400/Orchid-11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The <strong>Tan Hoon Siang </strong>Mist House is home to several more rare orchid varieties. Misters are all over and sprays the plants on a regular basis. Tan Hoon Siang is Chinese of Perenakan descent, a descendant of a philantropist who is widely respected in Singapore.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqhhnIdcjI/AAAAAAAADto/TgbXMwg-1U0/s1600-h/Orchid-10.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263196713348067890" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqhhnIdcjI/AAAAAAAADto/TgbXMwg-1U0/s400/Orchid-10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqhFtQk6TI/AAAAAAAADtg/Lo2JqbeLnTk/s1600-h/Orchid-9.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263196233956387122" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqhFtQk6TI/AAAAAAAADtg/Lo2JqbeLnTk/s400/Orchid-9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />My favorite orchid, the <em>Phalaenopsis amabilis</em>. Nothing can compare to the graceful elegance of pure white <em>Phalaenopsis </em>in full bloom. Their popularity helped increase the worldwide demand for orchids. The good thing is, they are among the easiest plants to grow indoors thus making them a very popular choice as indoor ornamentals in Asian homes and hotels around the globe. Whenever I am hospitalized (which is rare), some friends would send me pots of white <em>Phalaenopsis</em>. Sweet! In Manila's flower markets, a long stem of 10-15 flowers sell for Php 500.</div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqf5YBKNYI/AAAAAAAADtY/MBBX7_lZSGg/s1600-h/Orchid-7.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263194922584520066" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqf5YBKNYI/AAAAAAAADtY/MBBX7_lZSGg/s400/Orchid-7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The beautiful <em>Cattleya</em>, my mother's personal favorite. In Manila, this sells for Php 250-350 per flower.</div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqfV2Oad9I/AAAAAAAADtQ/bKS0XgOTnvM/s1600-h/Orchid-6.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263194312217884626" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqfV2Oad9I/AAAAAAAADtQ/bKS0XgOTnvM/s400/Orchid-6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqethjk1uI/AAAAAAAADtI/Y5D2Bu_iBI4/s1600-h/Orchid-8.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263193619474732770" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqethjk1uI/AAAAAAAADtI/Y5D2Bu_iBI4/s400/Orchid-8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqeKbYxuFI/AAAAAAAADtA/yYS5ddi-72o/s1600-h/Orchid-4.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263193016523405394" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqeKbYxuFI/AAAAAAAADtA/yYS5ddi-72o/s400/Orchid-4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqdeCUaUrI/AAAAAAAADs4/cGEgVrIhc20/s1600-h/Orchid-5.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263192253879964338" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqdeCUaUrI/AAAAAAAADs4/cGEgVrIhc20/s400/Orchid-5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">A popular orchid among florists, the <em>Oncidium, </em>it belongs to a large family of 750 epiphytic orchids which grow in select areas around the world.<em> </em>It is commonly known as the Dancing Ladies.<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqaCsmf84I/AAAAAAAADso/8-qtYj0onY4/s1600-h/Orchid-3.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263188485658899330" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqaCsmf84I/AAAAAAAADso/8-qtYj0onY4/s400/Orchid-3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Breathtaking!!!!<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqZoDBcOtI/AAAAAAAADsg/59MBQByBdGY/s1600-h/Orchid-2.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263188027821013714" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqZoDBcOtI/AAAAAAAADsg/59MBQByBdGY/s400/Orchid-2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqZTzX4VEI/AAAAAAAADsY/xt30OSgQ0rQ/s1600-h/Orchid-1.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263187680022778946" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqZTzX4VEI/AAAAAAAADsY/xt30OSgQ0rQ/s400/Orchid-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Now that is a tall durian tree!</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-58409384574682145312008-10-29T23:20:00.000-07:002008-10-30T22:34:20.955-07:00THE NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN: COOL HOUSE<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqOPIDF9MI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ICMTtJ8OZ4s/s1600-h/Bota-35.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263175505045484738" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqOPIDF9MI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ICMTtJ8OZ4s/s400/Bota-35.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Located in the heart of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the <strong>Cool House </strong>houses several species of plants usually found only in rainforests (of the montane kind). It has a collection of several upland orchids as well as very interesting carnivorous (or insectivorous) plants. Some of the plants are quite common in the Philippines and are usually found in places of not very high elevations like Bukidnon or Antipolo.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqN9y5viRI/AAAAAAAADsI/PaaplDHwR2c/s1600-h/Bota-34.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263175207311345938" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqN9y5viRI/AAAAAAAADsI/PaaplDHwR2c/s400/Bota-34.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqN0lUzrEI/AAAAAAAADsA/rro8dk0Uc1c/s1600-h/Bota-33.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263175049047944258" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqN0lUzrEI/AAAAAAAADsA/rro8dk0Uc1c/s400/Bota-33.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">C'mon, let's get in!<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqNgp4lRhI/AAAAAAAADr4/Ej0XqH4s5DY/s1600-h/Bota-32.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263174706674353682" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqNgp4lRhI/AAAAAAAADr4/Ej0XqH4s5DY/s400/Bota-32.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The <strong>Cool House </strong>has a daytime maximum temperature of 25 Celsius and a night time minimum of 15 Celsius, with daily relative humidity of about 90%. It was designed to capture for the public the beauty of canopy landscapes of tropical montane forest with their many interesting epiphytes. It is no wonder that this newly added gem of botanical display has become one of the main attractions for the half a million visitors to the National Orchid Garden each year.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqMzsuounI/AAAAAAAADrw/RnlnEC6XSAA/s1600-h/Bota-31.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173934343830130" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqMzsuounI/AAAAAAAADrw/RnlnEC6XSAA/s400/Bota-31.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqMW7QyP5I/AAAAAAAADro/Nrc-OO56YsA/s1600-h/Bota-30.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173440028950418" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqMW7QyP5I/AAAAAAAADro/Nrc-OO56YsA/s400/Bota-30.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqLr3TIXHI/AAAAAAAADrg/q68c0R_zZmc/s1600-h/Bota-29.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263172700230671474" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqLr3TIXHI/AAAAAAAADrg/q68c0R_zZmc/s400/Bota-29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqLTbxAE1I/AAAAAAAADrY/CKFWykJDS44/s1600-h/Bota-28.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263172280522904402" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqLTbxAE1I/AAAAAAAADrY/CKFWykJDS44/s400/Bota-28.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">A man-made stream which is probably run by a motor pump gushes through this gully. It intends to imitate the streams in the uplands which cut through thick vegetation and provides the much needed moisture for the plants in these areas.</div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqKa3x84nI/AAAAAAAADrQ/iaHaxPkA5js/s1600-h/Bota-27.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263171308790538866" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqKa3x84nI/AAAAAAAADrQ/iaHaxPkA5js/s400/Bota-27.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqIia3XgAI/AAAAAAAADrI/NN-VExBjEu0/s1600-h/Bota-26.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263169239444324354" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqIia3XgAI/AAAAAAAADrI/NN-VExBjEu0/s400/Bota-26.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqHUhz-MdI/AAAAAAAADrA/OsLS88oE9vk/s1600-h/Bota-25.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263167901279334866" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqHUhz-MdI/AAAAAAAADrA/OsLS88oE9vk/s400/Bota-25.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Is this the <a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Darlingtonia_californica_ne8.JPG"></a><em>Darlingtonia californica </em>?<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqDcYRWqNI/AAAAAAAADq4/t2IVz-C4zc0/s1600-h/Bota-24.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263163638110660818" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqDcYRWqNI/AAAAAAAADq4/t2IVz-C4zc0/s400/Bota-24.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">There's the stream behind and beneath this railing. Also, you can see the airconditioning vents which control the temperature inside this facility.<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqC0DIBzoI/AAAAAAAADqw/rN9EGXe3oYI/s1600-h/Bota-23.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263162945239633538" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqC0DIBzoI/AAAAAAAADqw/rN9EGXe3oYI/s400/Bota-23.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqCX1TahVI/AAAAAAAADqo/5pTuzjrVRn0/s1600-h/Bota-22.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263162460492957010" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqCX1TahVI/AAAAAAAADqo/5pTuzjrVRn0/s400/Bota-22.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqB4nkNkAI/AAAAAAAADqg/c2KWfa8WFRM/s1600-h/Bota-21.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263161924229369858" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqB4nkNkAI/AAAAAAAADqg/c2KWfa8WFRM/s400/Bota-21.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">A tree fern (the <em>Dicksonia antartica </em>?) from Australia reaches as high as the glass ceiling.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqBpUTiKmI/AAAAAAAADqY/Tex24tr192Q/s1600-h/Bota-20.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263161661361105506" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqBpUTiKmI/AAAAAAAADqY/Tex24tr192Q/s400/Bota-20.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pitchers, probably the <em>Heliamphora chimantensis</em>.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqBG8Hn83I/AAAAAAAADqQ/KSal7kci3NI/s1600-h/Bota-19.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263161070753149810" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQqBG8Hn83I/AAAAAAAADqQ/KSal7kci3NI/s400/Bota-19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Venus Flytrap (<em>Dionaea muscipula</em>). It's so beautiful to see one up close. You can actually reach out and touch it - that is, if you dare. Just kidding! :-) If you feed a Venus Flytrap something that doesn't move, e.g., a dead insect, it will not close tightly over it. You need to squeeze the trap and move the food around so it imitates the action of a live insect.<br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp_RZozcbI/AAAAAAAADqI/zvrJMuOZKLQ/s1600-h/Bota-18.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263159051452379570" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp_RZozcbI/AAAAAAAADqI/zvrJMuOZKLQ/s400/Bota-18.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">On a regular basis, mist is released by vents from the ceiling. Once outside again, you can complete the tour of the Garden via a pathway. The signages are very helpful so do not fail to read or you'd get lost.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp-1e0q4xI/AAAAAAAADqA/HNhsYfPg54o/s1600-h/Bota-17.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263158571807990546" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp-1e0q4xI/AAAAAAAADqA/HNhsYfPg54o/s400/Bota-17.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp9uDIat2I/AAAAAAAADp4/MuQSczeiKOE/s1600-h/Bota-16.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263157344603912034" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp9uDIat2I/AAAAAAAADp4/MuQSczeiKOE/s400/Bota-16.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp8eMFIacI/AAAAAAAADpw/oJQxBnwhBGY/s1600-h/Bota-15.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263155972616513986" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp8eMFIacI/AAAAAAAADpw/oJQxBnwhBGY/s400/Bota-15.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp8FIbXTsI/AAAAAAAADpo/U17bc1c-sNw/s1600-h/Bota-14.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263155542139293378" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp8FIbXTsI/AAAAAAAADpo/U17bc1c-sNw/s400/Bota-14.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp6sJBHCDI/AAAAAAAADpg/uarFy2pFKrs/s1600-h/Bota-13.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263154013289252914" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp6sJBHCDI/AAAAAAAADpg/uarFy2pFKrs/s400/Bota-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp6OxQgkdI/AAAAAAAADpY/MP3iodW4FL4/s1600-h/Bota-12.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263153508695183826" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp6OxQgkdI/AAAAAAAADpY/MP3iodW4FL4/s400/Bota-12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">After a looong tour of the Botanic Gardens, you'd end up at this gift shop near the entrance which sells orchids dipped in gold. Perfect for framing or as jewelry accents. Other products are also available.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2vJHP6LI/AAAAAAAADpQ/SXpXkJ6V1mQ/s1600-h/Bota-11.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263149666808096946" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2vJHP6LI/AAAAAAAADpQ/SXpXkJ6V1mQ/s400/Bota-11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2iX-DjvI/AAAAAAAADpI/wexeh-Jtgr0/s1600-h/Bota-10.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263149447457771250" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2iX-DjvI/AAAAAAAADpI/wexeh-Jtgr0/s400/Bota-10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I forgot to do the standard pose at the Orchid Garden Gate. When in this humid city, it helps to bring with you a HUGE bottle of water and, well, in my case, a fan. Very helpful. After this, you can exit the Garden via the long <em>paseo </em>as seen below passing by another lake (the Swan Lake). The gate at the end of it exits at Bukit Timah Road, if I'm not mistaken.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2MD1WbKI/AAAAAAAADpA/pM9xkWdND68/s1600-h/Bota-9.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263149064095427746" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2MD1WbKI/AAAAAAAADpA/pM9xkWdND68/s400/Bota-9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2Avcw6fI/AAAAAAAADo4/VJsgsu7QB04/s1600-h/Bota-8.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263148869645036018" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp2Avcw6fI/AAAAAAAADo4/VJsgsu7QB04/s400/Bota-8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp1TuIYyWI/AAAAAAAADow/OiFfg6_pyEo/s1600-h/Bota-7.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263148096197020002" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQp1TuIYyWI/AAAAAAAADow/OiFfg6_pyEo/s400/Bota-7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpxobC5mpI/AAAAAAAADoo/WEIIlPSruz0/s1600-h/Bota-6.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263144053804472978" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpxobC5mpI/AAAAAAAADoo/WEIIlPSruz0/s400/Bota-6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Swan Lake</strong>. The beautiful sculpture called <em>Flight of Swans </em>(for obvious reasons) was installed in May of 2006.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpxJlRw8iI/AAAAAAAADog/TtDJk1plyxk/s1600-h/Bota-5.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263143523975229986" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpxJlRw8iI/AAAAAAAADog/TtDJk1plyxk/s400/Bota-5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpwYdF-8NI/AAAAAAAADoY/Iiok3X1CyYM/s1600-h/Bota-4.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263142679964741842" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpwYdF-8NI/AAAAAAAADoY/Iiok3X1CyYM/s400/Bota-4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpvGScmwoI/AAAAAAAADoI/yC5cBFZTZm8/s1600-h/Bota-3.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263141268357563010" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpvGScmwoI/AAAAAAAADoI/yC5cBFZTZm8/s400/Bota-3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpuffxN8nI/AAAAAAAADoA/ibrXHKHx7to/s1600-h/Bota-2.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263140601918780018" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQpuffxN8nI/AAAAAAAADoA/ibrXHKHx7to/s400/Bota-2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQptlPtKH7I/AAAAAAAADn4/ZReRNcbPl6k/s1600-h/Bota-1.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263139601174372274" style="WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SQptlPtKH7I/AAAAAAAADn4/ZReRNcbPl6k/s400/Bota-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />And with that we end our tour of the National Orchid Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. :-)</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">For more information, please contact:<br />Visitor Services<br /><strong>Singapore Botanic Gardens</strong><br />1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569<br />Telephone: 6471 7138/6471 7361<br />Fax: 6473 7983<br />Email: NPARKS_SBG_Visitor_Services@NPARKS.GOV.SG</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-22145124719805363332008-10-04T05:04:00.000-07:002008-10-04T05:13:23.770-07:00SUNRISE, SUNSET<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SOddEmUPz2I/AAAAAAAADng/-lOtjhtn2pM/s1600-h/Iris-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253269823937302370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SOddEmUPz2I/AAAAAAAADng/-lOtjhtn2pM/s400/Iris-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SOdcjfr0hBI/AAAAAAAADnY/WCOATJKyHIE/s1600-h/Iris-2.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253269255221445650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SOdcjfr0hBI/AAAAAAAADnY/WCOATJKyHIE/s400/Iris-2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Actually both photos are morning shots of Macajalar Bay as the Cebu Ferry approaches Cagayan de Oro. Taken with a instamatic; Fuji film 100.</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-87341192104580926522008-10-04T04:59:00.000-07:002008-10-04T05:02:47.643-07:00AVENIDA RIZAL + OKTOMAT<strong>Coming up next</strong>: SUPERPASYAL return to Avenida Rizal and sees it in a different light.Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-70286886401484322702008-10-03T01:19:00.000-07:002008-10-03T01:47:22.437-07:00SASHA (SHYLY) PRESENTS<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXVT6O6QoI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Bni7iPsJuKM/s1600-h/Sasha-2.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252839078423577218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXVT6O6QoI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Bni7iPsJuKM/s400/Sasha-2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXVEjtvfDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/SMGMkjSbPX8/s1600-h/Sasha-1.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252838814680841266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXVEjtvfDI/AAAAAAAAA8A/SMGMkjSbPX8/s400/Sasha-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXYQxa3ItI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/WsAIPRsihxE/s1600-h/Sasha-10.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252842323053060818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXYQxa3ItI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/WsAIPRsihxE/s400/Sasha-10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXU2RRU_CI/AAAAAAAAA74/8XMBgmmmq5g/s1600-h/Sasha-4.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252838569211657250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXU2RRU_CI/AAAAAAAAA74/8XMBgmmmq5g/s400/Sasha-4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUsJG3wpI/AAAAAAAAA7w/1AzFQv9vH4g/s1600-h/Sasha-3.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252838395221623442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUsJG3wpI/AAAAAAAAA7w/1AzFQv9vH4g/s400/Sasha-3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUacFKdvI/AAAAAAAAA7o/rywhVcwBjAM/s1600-h/Sasha-5.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252838091077089010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUacFKdvI/AAAAAAAAA7o/rywhVcwBjAM/s400/Sasha-5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUP85TOjI/AAAAAAAAA7g/7yKk7XfSZpY/s1600-h/Sasha-6.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252837910907140658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXUP85TOjI/AAAAAAAAA7g/7yKk7XfSZpY/s400/Sasha-6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXSchIA0zI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/nMk11gkduGQ/s1600-h/Sasha-7.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252835927767700274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXSchIA0zI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/nMk11gkduGQ/s400/Sasha-7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXSLZOs8aI/AAAAAAAAA7I/j-1sto_ffVU/s1600-h/Sasha-8.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252835633590497698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXSLZOs8aI/AAAAAAAAA7I/j-1sto_ffVU/s400/Sasha-8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXRxhcSPyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/CbzJ0hpJYi8/s1600-h/Sasha-9.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252835189118353186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXRxhcSPyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/CbzJ0hpJYi8/s400/Sasha-9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Photos are from <strong>Sasha</strong>'s first roll of Fuji Superia 400. The rest were overexposed or shot in very low light (how idiotique). Well, so much for a greenhorn. I have every intention of getting better pictures in the future.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">After complaining to friends, V.L. texted back, <em>"Ok na yan. Sa photojournalism profession, before the advent of digital, we used to say, you only get the best shot on the 36th frame. :-)" </em> Hmmmm...</span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-33720430510219017782008-09-25T01:29:00.000-07:002008-10-03T01:42:10.651-07:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SNtLfRAxcrI/AAAAAAAAArw/rMrcopXXoj4/s1600-h/Esc3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SNtLfRAxcrI/AAAAAAAAArw/rMrcopXXoj4/s400/Esc3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249872791145116338" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You did not show up on the day<br />we were to meet again.<br />I waited in the rain<br />near an old, abandoned building<br />at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and T.M. Kalaw<br />hoping the rather charming setting would remind you<br />of Wong Kar Wai’s <em>In the Mood for Love.</em><br /><br />In the end, you realized you weren’t in the mood<br /><br />And I, not really in love. </span>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-38743304749132179322008-09-24T06:12:00.000-07:002008-09-24T06:27:24.100-07:00COMING RIGHT UP<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo9NCJEdRI/AAAAAAAACiw/U3yerALsryk/s1600-h/nikon_d60.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249575609776239890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo9NCJEdRI/AAAAAAAACiw/U3yerALsryk/s400/nikon_d60.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I've always known it. For a blog that's been taking you in and around Manila (and even beyond) - 3 years and counting! - things are bound to get serious. I'm looking forward to finally getting an entry level DSLR, the <strong>Nikon D60</strong>. I think it'd be a great tool for a greenhorn. She will be nicknamed <strong>Giek </strong>when she arrives. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo-SfYFOFI/AAAAAAAACi4/O-WJiabgvVI/s1600-h/Sylvia.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249576803034806354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo-SfYFOFI/AAAAAAAACi4/O-WJiabgvVI/s400/Sylvia.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Giek </strong>will be joining <strong>Sylvia </strong>(my Panasonic Lumix point-and-shoot bought from Singapore last year; named after Sylvia Plath) and...</span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo-te9O-LI/AAAAAAAACjA/iG1O8ouSseo/s1600-h/Sasha.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249577266778667186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNo-te9O-LI/AAAAAAAACjA/iG1O8ouSseo/s400/Sasha.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Sasha</strong>, a recent purchase in Hong Kong (thanks, M.S.!) and <strong>Iris</strong>, a plastic instamatic which I've had for so many years now. She takes pictures with a soft halo around the subject. I think I will revive her very soon.</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-17343303968671020642008-09-24T03:16:00.000-07:002008-09-24T06:29:58.774-07:00EXHIBIT: JOEY VELASCO<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogwhxDSeI/AAAAAAAACig/mdrDtGtnvWM/s1600-h/joey-velasco-1.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249544333723650530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogwhxDSeI/AAAAAAAACig/mdrDtGtnvWM/s400/joey-velasco-1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Joselito “Joey” Salvador Alvir Velasco </strong>is a young businessman and "heartist" who has endeared himself to many Filipinos through his numerous works - all heartwarming, moving and oftentimes coming across as a subtle rebuke of Philippine society. I took the liberty of taking photos of his paintings during this exhibit (no flash, mind you) to share to those who may not have the time - or the chance - to go out of their homes or offices. I hope that this feature contributes to the propagation of Joel Velasco's message of hope, deliverance and introspection so that we may all, one way or another, be agents of change or at the very least make a difference in the world we live in. </span></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogYyLOnRI/AAAAAAAACiY/lbp-Sc2RaPQ/s1600-h/joey-velasco-2.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249543925811551506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogYyLOnRI/AAAAAAAACiY/lbp-Sc2RaPQ/s400/joey-velasco-2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The exhibit was alloted a space along the passageway of Glorrietta 3 in Makati. A video, <strong>Sa Kambas ng Lipunan</strong>, was also being shown to a rather large group of passersby. I will update this blog soon to include the texts that accompanied each work. It's going to take some time though, so bear with me. :-) </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogImKKs-I/AAAAAAAACiQ/wR5qESHXd5g/s1600-h/joey-velasco-3.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249543647707968482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNogImKKs-I/AAAAAAAACiQ/wR5qESHXd5g/s400/joey-velasco-3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Joe Velasco first came to the national consciousness with this painting entitled <strong>Hapag ng Pagasa </strong>(Oil on Canvas, 48" X 96") done in 2005 which portrays 12 children he has met on the streets of Metro Manila. A huge billboard of this work can be seen along Guadalupe, near the San Carlos Seminary. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNofxnF4erI/AAAAAAAACiI/wRD92kQeiKQ/s1600-h/joey-velasco-5.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249543252821441202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNofxnF4erI/AAAAAAAACiI/wRD92kQeiKQ/s400/joey-velasco-5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Let there be peace of Earth </strong>(2007). A picture of contradiction. Note wall clock at 3 o'clock position. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNofdZ6FsZI/AAAAAAAACiA/1fRGHKfyflQ/s1600-h/joey-velasco-6.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249542905684930962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNofdZ6FsZI/AAAAAAAACiA/1fRGHKfyflQ/s400/joey-velasco-6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Kalakbay </strong>(2007). As Joey was finishing this painting, two of his subjects - farmers - in this work were shot to death reflecting the long battle that Filipino farmers have to fight for the right to till their own land. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoe8mW1Q-I/AAAAAAAACh4/ks1q6Atk2os/s1600-h/joey-velasco-9.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249542342091031522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoe8mW1Q-I/AAAAAAAACh4/ks1q6Atk2os/s400/joey-velasco-9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />This is the work that really touched me, <strong>Hele </strong>(2008). It features three children afflicted by Down's Syndrome, a rather common affliction among children in the Philippines. I have had the chance to live with an adult with this condition and I have seen the love and attention his parents poured over him; their understanding was truly beyond measure. People with Down's may appear detached, but they really are very observant of their surroundings and are often quite intelligent. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoehLYgxNI/AAAAAAAAChw/LCZ8B00ZnBw/s1600-h/joey-velasco-9A.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249541870993851602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoehLYgxNI/AAAAAAAAChw/LCZ8B00ZnBw/s400/joey-velasco-9A.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />In this corner of <strong>Hele </strong>are these words: "<em>DEUS CARITAS EST, et, qui manet in caritate, in Deo manet, et Deus in eo" </em>representing the second half of 1 John 4:16, "<span style="color:#000066;">So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. <strong><u>God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him</u></strong></span>.<span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">"</span> </span>- the opening lines of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, <strong>Deus Caritas Est</strong>, released on Christmas of 2005. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoePjZOUaI/AAAAAAAACho/UgjBq1ZJaHw/s1600-h/joey-velasco-7.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249541568201642402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoePjZOUaI/AAAAAAAACho/UgjBq1ZJaHw/s400/joey-velasco-7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Manunubos </strong>(2008) is a moving work featuring a family - or a Filipinized Holy Family for that matter - holding court in a garbage dump. There is that ethereal soft light that emanates for the main subjects separating them from the darkness and sadness of their surroundings. Note also the children bearing gifts (see details below). </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodnZX_j0I/AAAAAAAAChg/2C3IypHJJo8/s1600-h/joey-velasco-7A.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249540878317358914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodnZX_j0I/AAAAAAAAChg/2C3IypHJJo8/s400/joey-velasco-7A.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />A loaf of bread, which is sold and seen arranged one on top of each other in stalls and bakeries all over these islands during the Holiday season - a common feature on the Filipino Christmas or New Year table. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodW6pnQ3I/AAAAAAAAChY/MBnHVPO-4bc/s1600-h/joey-velasco-7B.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249540595191858034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodW6pnQ3I/AAAAAAAAChY/MBnHVPO-4bc/s400/joey-velasco-7B.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Two cans of 555 sardines being handed over by the boy. </span></div><p align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodB_a0PWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/q0RnmrjUO5o/s1600-h/joey-velasco-8.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249540235694718306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNodB_a0PWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/q0RnmrjUO5o/s400/joey-velasco-8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The subject is a caddie on some golf course and when a community commissioned Velasco to paint them a Mary & Child Jesus scene, he used the girl caddie as his subject to represent Mary. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocwBSYh1I/AAAAAAAAChI/pY201rj5QV0/s1600-h/joey-velasco-11.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249539926958573394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocwBSYh1I/AAAAAAAAChI/pY201rj5QV0/s400/joey-velasco-11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />A rather different way of looking at the Agony in the Garden, this time in a decrepit corner with tired, old wheels and rusty galvanized iron. </span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocTl1sVZI/AAAAAAAAChA/eZVPlnQjapw/s1600-h/joey-velasco-12.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249539438554142098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocTl1sVZI/AAAAAAAAChA/eZVPlnQjapw/s400/joey-velasco-12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocFI9VmpI/AAAAAAAACg4/BGRSaF0ATZ0/s1600-h/joey-velasco-13.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249539190283410066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNocFI9VmpI/AAAAAAAACg4/BGRSaF0ATZ0/s400/joey-velasco-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Mga Munting Simon Sireneo </strong>(2008) </span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNob1V4XviI/AAAAAAAACgw/dLMW7N6E0P4/s1600-h/joey-velasco-14.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249538918874332706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNob1V4XviI/AAAAAAAACgw/dLMW7N6E0P4/s400/joey-velasco-14.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Come Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me </strong>(2007). A haunting image of Christ holding up a tattered Philippine flag, both a scathing and humbling take on how we have come so low in many aspects - in self respect, in human rights, and in upholding and supporting the culture of life in our country. </span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoblq2SgoI/AAAAAAAACgo/wHVWHjBdEfM/s1600-h/joey-velasco-15.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249538649624838786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNoblq2SgoI/AAAAAAAACgo/wHVWHjBdEfM/s400/joey-velasco-15.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNobW2Vq0JI/AAAAAAAACgg/tH8houKm4iM/s1600-h/joey-velasco-16.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249538395011207314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNobW2Vq0JI/AAAAAAAACgg/tH8houKm4iM/s400/joey-velasco-16.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Paleta de Sangre </strong>(2008). A very interesting story accompanied this work. I think you must go to Velasco's exhibits and read it yourself.<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNouxtRokYI/AAAAAAAACio/_DT-qo9CLQw/s1600-h/joey-velasco-10.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249559747155759490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SNouxtRokYI/AAAAAAAACio/_DT-qo9CLQw/s400/joey-velasco-10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><strong>That We May Live </strong>(2007). One of the most powerful images in this exhibit, <em>That We May Live </em>draws you the facial expressions of the children carrying Christ's dead body.<br /><br />Read more about <strong>Joey Velasco </strong></span></span><a href="http://joeyvelasco.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080204-116572/Joey-Velascos-journey-in-art-and-life"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> and </span><a href="http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0803-002"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">. Special thanks to B.C. for inviting me to this exhibit. You are truly heaven sent.</span></p>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-18837090118833690982008-09-17T21:42:00.000-07:002008-10-03T01:40:35.311-07:00BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXZz5RBpAI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/LREcd8jkrOk/s1600-h/Dylan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252844025966339074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SOXZz5RBpAI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/LREcd8jkrOk/s400/Dylan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SN5cwWi3IGI/AAAAAAAAAr4/kL0QQQxdqrw/s1600-h/Dylan.jpg"></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's a short list of the books I got from the recent <em>Manila International Book Fair</em> at the Mall of Asia's SMX.<br /><br /><strong>FROM BOOKMARK: The Filipino Bookstore</strong><br /><br /><em>The Romulo Reader </em>(P50)<br /><em>Coconut Cookery of Bicol </em>by Honesto General (P100)<br /><em>The Philippine Cookbook </em>(2nd Edition) by Virginia Roces de Guzman & Nina Daza Puyat (P250)<br /><em>Cuaresma </em>(P250)<br /><em>Dreamweavers </em>(P250)<br /><br /><strong>FROM ANVIL</strong><br /><br /><em>Songs of Ourselves: Writings by Filipino Women in English </em>(P80)<br /><em>Letters </em>by Bienvenido Santos (P80)<br /><em>Ang Hayop na Ito!</em> ni Rio Alma (P20)<br /><em>A Filipino Werewolf in Quzon City </em>by Tony Perez, Edited by Jessica Zafra (P50)<br /><em>Cubao-Kalaw Kalaw-Cubao</em> by Tony Perez (P225)<br /><em>Cubao Midnight Express </em>by Tony Perez (P160)<br /><em>In The Name of Democracy: Selected Speeches of Corazon C. Aquino </em>(P125)<br /><em>Spiritual Register </em>by T.M. Kalaw (P200)<br /><em>Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food & Culture </em>by Doreen Fernandez (P395)<br /><br /><strong>What I didn't buy but I should have given that I blog about historical places a lot:<br /></strong><br /><em>ENDANGERED: Notes on the 1st International Filipino-Spanish Conference on Architecture </em>(P400) from the Instituto Cervantes. </span></div><br />------------------<br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><strong>Thanks to </strong>Vivian Limpin <strong>for the photo. Ang cute ng baboy. Go figure. :-) </strong></span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-30862369002973540892008-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:002008-09-15T21:20:01.263-07:00TOURS! SUPPORT!<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SM8zgFO9X8I/AAAAAAAAAro/W9iuCr6jC3w/s1600-h/NAP.bmp"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246468717163667394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SM8zgFO9X8I/AAAAAAAAAro/W9iuCr6jC3w/s400/NAP.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />This week, I will be teaching public school teachers how to appreciate the National Museum, thanks to you all. I thank you for all your kind words and letting others know about my tours. I attach my schedules for the rest of September, October and now November. There have been some dates removed for October so please use this schedule as the latest to send to your friends. Starting September 27, our Amorsolo retrospective will be showing and you will have a wonderful experience seeing the best of this National Artist's work in the National<br />Museum. I have included too a tour of the new Jaime Laya and Family gallery of contemporary paintings hanging at the National Gallery of Art. So, more to enjoy and maybe repeat your visit!<br /><br />Many thanks again for joining my tour and for helping our public school teachers.<br /><br /><strong>John L. Silva </strong></span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-30940600939397529242008-09-11T23:57:00.000-07:002008-09-12T00:02:19.526-07:00WHAT SASHA WANTS, HE GETS<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoTP_TJ3FI/AAAAAAAACfI/vlvy5TdUfrY/s1600-h/Sasha.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245025881437101138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoTP_TJ3FI/AAAAAAAACfI/vlvy5TdUfrY/s400/Sasha.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I haven't had the time, really, but <strong>Sasha </strong>has been badgering me that he wants to see more of the world. In that case, I'm taking <strong>Sasha </strong>to see the beautiful Manila Bay sunset on Monday, good weather permitting.</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-37935975382257626512008-09-11T21:54:00.000-07:002008-09-11T22:03:54.841-07:00HEAVEN ON EARTH!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn3tC8J74I/AAAAAAAAArg/jjfw3npiutE/s1600-h/book2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244995594305007490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn3tC8J74I/AAAAAAAAArg/jjfw3npiutE/s400/book2.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn3Mzx6-WI/AAAAAAAAArQ/2UHPiV26HII/s1600-h/book7.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244995040479738210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn3Mzx6-WI/AAAAAAAAArQ/2UHPiV26HII/s400/book7.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn1YieGoqI/AAAAAAAAArI/L4l8IbUqCxk/s1600-h/manila.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244993042968388258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xB_OlYETUMk/SMn1YieGoqI/AAAAAAAAArI/L4l8IbUqCxk/s400/manila.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />The <strong>29th Manila International Book Fair </strong>celebrates the power of literature to cross boundaries of time, place and culture, Through books, through language, we can live in a world without borders. In five extraordinary days, we present you with a series of events that expand your horizons, and enrich your ideas, each one carefully crafted and programmed.<br /><br />Our celebration of books and all that it contains is one of the longest-running in Asia. It is also one of the most accessible and affordable, Through the years, we have welcomed millions of Filipinos to the Manila International Book Fair, which is for everyone of all ages, of all tastes and means and dreams. This year, we are happy to announce that the Book Fair becomes ever more international opening up to other cultures while continuing to champion the best of what Philippine publishing has to offer.<br /><br />The world comes to Manila this September for the sharing of stories and the meeting of minds.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663300;">Details</span></strong>:<br />SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City<br />September 12 - 16, 2008 10:00 A.M - 8:00 P.M., Daily</span></div>GENIUS IS JUST ANOTHER MOUSE!http://www.blogger.com/profile/11926496573591741852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-23747745925844517932008-09-10T19:06:00.000-07:002008-09-12T02:52:08.609-07:00EXHIBIT: HIS ART, OUR HEART<div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMh9eRNWYnI/AAAAAAAACfA/VDY45jCO5DQ/s1600-h/mango+harvest.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244579725041885810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMh9eRNWYnI/AAAAAAAACfA/VDY45jCO5DQ/s400/mango+harvest.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>Fruit pickers under the Mango Tree</strong></span> (1937)</span><br /></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2008 will see the coming together of the works of <strong>Fernando Amorsolo</strong>, the Philippines' first National Artist (c. 1975). Entitled <strong>His Art, Our Heart</strong>, different artworks according to genre will be exhibited in the following venues :<br /><br />The <strong>Ayala Museum </strong>exhibition ‘<em>Amorsolo’s Maidens Concealed and Revealed</em>’ will be from Oct. 23 to March 8, 2009. It "will survey Amorsolo’s rendering of women as a means of following his career, and will draw attention to his maidens from the American period and his studies of nudes from the post-war years as a tribute to his brilliance. "<br /><br />The <strong>GSIS Museum</strong>'s ‘<em>Rituals and Amorsolo</em>’, from Oct. 2 to Dec. 20, “underlines how rituals reflect values, beliefs, and shared knowledge, how it brings about interactions among people, places and objects, how it expresses the core of social identity of communities, how it fortifies social structures and institutions, and perpetuates social values. Portrayals include baptisms, praying the Angelus, a family’s walk to Sunday mass.”<br /><br />The <strong>Lopez Memorial Museum</strong>’s ‘<em>Tell Tale: The Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-Author</em>’, from Sept. 24 to April 4, 2009, is illustrative of Amorsolo’s generation of artists, of how Amorsolo became subject to the workings of image-making industries central to the crafting of fictions — about what it was to be a citizen, to be learned/civilized, to be devout, to be Filipino in the transitional junctures of Spanish-American rule. Beyond looking at illustrations as potboilers, the exhibit hopes to look at how artists such as Amorsolo may have brought other layers of meaning upon texts primarily intended as didactic instruments.”<br /><br />The <strong>Metropolitan Museum</strong>’s ‘<em>Philippine Staple: The Land, the Harvest, the Maestro</em>’ will display a harvest field of rice-related pieces and outstanding landscapes.”<br /><br />At the <strong>National Museum</strong>’s ‘<em>Master Copy</em>’ from Sept. 25 to Jan. 15, 2009, the drawings transfigure into portraits that imagine the national self and the imperialist other, the Filipino and the American, a President like Manuel Roxas or a Gov. Gen. like Francis Burton Harrison, an elegant American lady or a nameless Katipunan revolutionary immortalized in oil after their stint in sketches.”<br /><br />The <strong>Jorge B. Vargas Museum</strong>’s ‘<em>Amorsolo: His Contemporaries and Pictures of the War, Capturing Anxieties</em>’, from Sept. 23 to Nov. 16, will feature the works of Amorsolo and his contemporaries spanning the Second World War (1941-1945) until the immediate postwar years (1946-1947), family and official portraits commissioned by Vargas, and genre paintings. Works by peers — Manansala, Saguil, Miranda and Castañeda — will also be showcased.<br /><br />The <strong>Yuchengco Museum</strong>’s ‘<em>Mukang Tsinoy</em>’ will be from Oct. 1 to Jan. 17, 2009. They will exhibit paintings commissioned by Tsinoy families.<br /><br />Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime art event. </span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-29134585320872420462008-08-09T00:09:00.000-07:002008-09-12T04:56:38.991-07:00THE PASIG RIVER FERRY SERVICE: A RIDE DOWN MANILA'S BELOVED RIVER OF LIFE<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoaJkraSfI/AAAAAAAACf4/Pzjhe85-VG0/s1600-h/Ferry58.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245033467793263090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoaJkraSfI/AAAAAAAACf4/Pzjhe85-VG0/s400/Ferry58.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />On the occassion of <strong>Araw ng Maynila </strong>(Manila Day), we first paid a visit to the long-abandoned and dreary <em>Plaza Mexico</em> on the outskirts of Intramuros (near the Bureau of Immigration in case you haven't got a clue where it is) and then took the 45-minute, 27-kilometre, Php 40-ride on the new <strong>Pasig River Ferry </strong>service from <em>Plaza Mexico</em>, Manila to Barangay Kalawaan in Pasig City (Line 1) and ends at Barangay Sta. Elena in the river city of Marikina (Line 2; the Marikina line is not yet operational as of this writing). We, however, hopped off at Guadalupe instead as we had no intention of going much further.<br /><br />Anyway, you have no idea how truly excited I was to finally ride this thing. It's so fascinating to finally be able to traverse the length of the Pasig River - the same river that gave birth to the City of our Affections - and get a feel of its age, its whims and fancy, and its faded (but returning) glory.<br /><br />The current Pasig Ferry service is not the first in these parts. It is antedated by the <strong>Magsaysay Lines </strong>(operated for only a year; Escolta to Guadalupe) and the <strong>Pasig Star Craft </strong>(began in 1997; Escolta to Bambang) by over a decade during the time of the Ramos administration during whose time the revitalization of the river was seriously undertaken under the <em>Clean and Green Foundation </em>headed by then First Lady Amelita Ramos.<br /><br />The current service was inaugurated by the current President, Gloria Arroyo, on February 12, 2007. The project was built at the cost of US$ 176M and was financed by the Asian Development Bank under its <em>Pasig River Environmental Management and Rehabilitation Sector Development Program</em>. The service is expected to serve approximately 28,000 passengers a day.<br /><br />There are fifteen (15) stations (or 14) on the route, each costing P80 million. The service is provided by twin-engined, double-hulled fiberglass catamarans manufactured by the Australia-based Nautical Transport Service, Inc. (NTSI), each costing Php 15 million. These are the same kind used on Sydney Harbour and Brisbane River and were designed by </span><a href="http://www.jsophil.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">JSOPHIL Enterprises</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> in association with Sydney-based Scott Cole (of Sidney Side Cruises) and built in Manila (in Pureza to be exact). Each catamaran has a length of 25 metres, speed of 22 knots and can accomodate 15o passengers.<br /><br />The line is currently being operated by the <strong>Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission</strong>.<br /><br />As <strong>El Cineaste </strong>wrote in <em><span style="color:#333333;">skyscrapercity.com</span></em>, "Help the Pasig River Ferry by taking it frequently. I have promised myself to ply it every weekend. It's really therapeutic; the river may not be like the Seine of France or the Thames of England, but [the] Pasig is as old and as historic as the aforementioned rivers."<br /><br />Indeed. What a lovely way of putting it.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoZqwMYUNI/AAAAAAAACfw/BJrqrZjVGNc/s1600-h/Ferry62.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245032938308391122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoZqwMYUNI/AAAAAAAACfw/BJrqrZjVGNc/s400/Ferry62.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoZSLoDmZI/AAAAAAAACfo/vUVT2L5fZy4/s1600-h/Ferry61.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245032516175501714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoZSLoDmZI/AAAAAAAACfo/vUVT2L5fZy4/s400/Ferry61.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />A beautiful view of the <strong>El Hogar</strong>, site location of many film and video shoots. In English, El Hogar means "the home." No idea if this is the building's original name. It was most recently used as a shoot site for a film entitled <strong>Room 213 </strong>by Keith Sicat. </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoYfSoCZ-I/AAAAAAAACfg/k2uuaPm87bw/s1600-h/Ferry63.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245031641881143266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoYfSoCZ-I/AAAAAAAACfg/k2uuaPm87bw/s400/Ferry63.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoXRN7VJ3I/AAAAAAAACfY/WQnvcHrCM98/s1600-h/Ferry65.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245030300590090098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoXRN7VJ3I/AAAAAAAACfY/WQnvcHrCM98/s400/Ferry65.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />A view of the Plaza Mexico station. The airconditioning is not working yet. It is very small. It doesn't look like it will cost P80 million to build it, but whatever. :-) </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoWUuzsvjI/AAAAAAAACfQ/tLdpA_Q4my8/s1600-h/Ferry64.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245029261444431410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMoWUuzsvjI/AAAAAAAACfQ/tLdpA_Q4my8/s400/Ferry64.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The adventure begins in the next entry.</span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-27783590164915592642008-08-08T07:14:00.000-07:002008-09-12T18:39:23.093-07:00ARAW NG MAYNILA FEATURE: THE PASIG FERRY ADVENTURE - FROM PLAZA MEXICO TO GUADALUPE (PART UN)<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxszIrRn0I/AAAAAAAACe4/ACAL07KBgqI/s1600-h/Ferry66.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232176492855795522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxszIrRn0I/AAAAAAAACe4/ACAL07KBgqI/s400/Ferry66.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">This is a nice view from the side of the terminal; there's the Manila Central Post Office, FEATI and SM Carriedo with its characteristic disk roof (not rotatory, I'm afraid). There's a man paddling his small boat behind one of the catamarans. On this day, several milkfishes have been released by the recent typhoon from their pens at the Laguna de Bai hence the riverbanks are full of people hoping to get the chance to catch something for lunch.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxkkYS4eLI/AAAAAAAACew/3NR5KBmPWiU/s1600-h/Ferry59.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232167443257391282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxkkYS4eLI/AAAAAAAACew/3NR5KBmPWiU/s400/Ferry59.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />A ferry, bathed in light, sits beside the terminal awaiting its passengers. The river is very calm today.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxgJhzAA5I/AAAAAAAACeo/UE0LEVZ_uaQ/s1600-h/Ferry57.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232162583905043346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxgJhzAA5I/AAAAAAAACeo/UE0LEVZ_uaQ/s400/Ferry57.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />Another one is slowly perking beside the first ferry.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxf4IJ3VoI/AAAAAAAACeg/VSOyVonc1Jc/s1600-h/Ferry56.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232162284963845762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxf4IJ3VoI/AAAAAAAACeg/VSOyVonc1Jc/s400/Ferry56.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />Now there's two of them side by side. There's only one gangplank. You get to the other ferry <u>through</u> the first one which is right beside the terminal. Amusing, isn't it?<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfoYdOdDI/AAAAAAAACeY/i7m_G_lC2s0/s1600-h/Ferry55.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232162014462112818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfoYdOdDI/AAAAAAAACeY/i7m_G_lC2s0/s400/Ferry55.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />Leaving the terminal now, yipeee! An adventure trip come true! The <em>Plaza Mexico </em>terminal retains the flavor of Spanish-period Filipino architecture. This is in compliance with the rules that govern the Walled City and its environs as enforced by the Intramuros Administration.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfW2SFKhI/AAAAAAAACeQ/7ntmZRy6rFI/s1600-h/Ferry54.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232161713230785042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfW2SFKhI/AAAAAAAACeQ/7ntmZRy6rFI/s400/Ferry54.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The first (or last) station is Plaza Mexico named after the commemorative plaza nearby. The Plaza celebrates 100 years of Philippine-Mexican Friendship.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfEq5zpOI/AAAAAAAACeI/-4nVCiVhxdg/s1600-h/Ferry53.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232161400938538210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxfEq5zpOI/AAAAAAAACeI/-4nVCiVhxdg/s400/Ferry53.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />This hollow shell of a building is the Pacific Commercial. It used to house Citibank. Despite having fallen into disuse, however, it still retains most of its beauty and still exudes strength and power.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxeX0jer7I/AAAAAAAACeA/vkI-QmZJVx0/s1600-h/Ferry52.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232160630435131314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxeX0jer7I/AAAAAAAACeA/vkI-QmZJVx0/s400/Ferry52.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Jones Bridge</span></strong>. This end lies on the side of Binondo, Manila's Chinese old business district. From here you can see the famous fried chicken house, <strong>SAVORY</strong>.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxeIvWdQhI/AAAAAAAACd4/UJu2p87SwYY/s1600-h/Ferry51.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232160371340296722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxeIvWdQhI/AAAAAAAACd4/UJu2p87SwYY/s400/Ferry51.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxd5ZlyW6I/AAAAAAAACdw/u8ESA62sYRk/s1600-h/Ferry50.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232160107800976290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxd5ZlyW6I/AAAAAAAACdw/u8ESA62sYRk/s400/Ferry50.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I am reminded of the brass sculpture of little boys jumping into the river in Singapore which you can also see when you take the river tour from Boat Quay.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpYwOJ4giI/AAAAAAAACgY/52p5mUVNhLA/s1600-h/ferry1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245102301482877474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpYwOJ4giI/AAAAAAAACgY/52p5mUVNhLA/s400/ferry1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpYCnkdhAI/AAAAAAAACgQ/8mXeftScmkw/s1600-h/ferry2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245101518031258626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpYCnkdhAI/AAAAAAAACgQ/8mXeftScmkw/s400/ferry2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our first stop was <strong>Escolta Station</strong>. The station is a delight to watch from the Jones Bridge. It is very clean and compact, standing as it is on the renovated portion of the Muelle del Banco in Escolta, Manila's first financial and business district.<br /></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxdcsPDenI/AAAAAAAACdo/E3sAElyrP_Y/s1600-h/Ferry49.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232159614589696626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxdcsPDenI/AAAAAAAACdo/E3sAElyrP_Y/s400/Ferry49.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxdD1tHZRI/AAAAAAAACdg/o90iWSbaQrE/s1600-h/Ferry48.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232159187634971922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxdD1tHZRI/AAAAAAAACdg/o90iWSbaQrE/s400/Ferry48.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The majestic, neo-classical 82-years old (c. 1926) <strong>Manila Central Post Office </strong>basking in the sun. It was designed by Juan Marcos de Guzman Arellano. The Jones Bridge above was also designed by Arellano, but do note that the Jones Bridge we know now isn't the original as most of these Arellano structures were destroyed during WWII. Anyway, please find below a photo of how the original structure looked like courtesy of The National Archives.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpDoOg8RvI/AAAAAAAACgI/8IUhhIee2h4/s1600-h/Jones+Bridge+and+Manila+Post+Office.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245079074396456690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SMpDoOg8RvI/AAAAAAAACgI/8IUhhIee2h4/s400/Jones+Bridge+and+Manila+Post+Office.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Moving on...<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxcn_gwQII/AAAAAAAACdY/GfC7PnV4czk/s1600-h/Ferry47.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232158709231140994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxcn_gwQII/AAAAAAAACdY/GfC7PnV4czk/s400/Ferry47.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />On your left is the FEATI University, the only university in the country (or probably in the world) with a light rail transit bisecting its campus. For most of us who spent our childhood in Manila (and in these parts of the metro), we remember with fondness the words, <strong>LOOK UP, YOUNG MAN, LOOK UP</strong>.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxcJq1RGuI/AAAAAAAACdQ/iB3z1PciUAY/s1600-h/Ferry46.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232158188283960034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxcJq1RGuI/AAAAAAAACdQ/iB3z1PciUAY/s400/Ferry46.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxZJYHP19I/AAAAAAAACdI/x9A4WynQYPA/s1600-h/Ferry45.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232154884724217810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxZJYHP19I/AAAAAAAACdI/x9A4WynQYPA/s400/Ferry45.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#000066;">QUIAPO STATION</span></strong>. I was very disappointed when we reached the Quiapo Station. I mean, there's no station to speak of as if putting this stop here was just an afterthought. The squalor surrounding this area is just too difficult to comprehend. Here you can also see the Quiapo (Quezon) Bridge with its <em>moderne </em>concrete posts. Beneath is <strong>Quinta Market</strong>, famous for its numerous shops selling Philippine traditional handicrafts.</div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxY5SFNcRI/AAAAAAAACdA/FId9a1HXhQU/s1600-h/Ferry44.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232154608227152146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxY5SFNcRI/AAAAAAAACdA/FId9a1HXhQU/s400/Ferry44.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxYSYiAUqI/AAAAAAAACc4/eoJw_tRVCHc/s1600-h/Ferry43.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232153939943641762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxYSYiAUqI/AAAAAAAACc4/eoJw_tRVCHc/s400/Ferry43.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">No, this isn't the market I was referring to earlier. :-(</span></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxX7kq4L-I/AAAAAAAACcw/2Nq7KVovTe0/s1600-h/Ferry42.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232153548065091554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxX7kq4L-I/AAAAAAAACcw/2Nq7KVovTe0/s400/Ferry42.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxXbQbWT6I/AAAAAAAACco/tM_-gK1FCgg/s1600-h/Ferry41.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232152992875433890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxXbQbWT6I/AAAAAAAACco/tM_-gK1FCgg/s400/Ferry41.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><strong><span style="color:#000066;">AYALA BRIDGE</span></strong>. This bridge, Ayala Bridge, heralds the entrance of the ferry into the territory of the <strong>Hospicio de San Jose</strong>. Located at the <em>Isla de Convalescencia</em>, Hospicio de San Jose is a Catholic Welfare institution and a home of orphans, abandoned and special children and elderly people. Let me post here its history (courtesy of the <strong>Archdiocese of Manila </strong>website):<br /><br /><em>The establishment of Hospicio de San Jose was made possible y the charitable legacy of Don Francisco Gomez Enriquez and his wife Dona Barbara Versoza. In gratitude for having been cured of a fever, Don Francisco donated four thousand pesos (P4,000) in 1778 for the establishment of a Hospicio General for the poor of Manila. It was said that several others followed the first sum during the couple's lifetime.<br /><br />Unfortunately, they did not live long enough to see the actual foundation of this home they envisioned to take care of the city's poor and unwanted children.The initial purpose of the establishment of the institution was mainly to respond to the urgent need of the indigent clientele and the mentally/physically handicapped people during those times.<br /><br />Since its foundation in October 1778, Hospicio de San Jose has continued to meet the needs of the indigent people including the physically handicapped and the elderly people.The institution was first known as Hospicio General and was later changed to its present name Hospicio de San Jose. The newly established welfare institution was then named after St. Joseph, its present saint.<br /><br />Hospicio de San Jose was formerly located at Pandacan, and then transferred to Intramuros, then to Binondo, Nagtahan and Echague. It was only 1810 when Hospicio de San found its permanent home at the Isla de Convalescencia or the Island of Convalescents.On December 27, 1810, a Board of Directors governed Hospicio ded san Jose through a Royal Decree, under the chairmanship of the Archbishop of Manila. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul came to Hospicio de San Jose only on June 1, 1866 as the administrators and were entirely responsible for the whole operation of the institution.<br /><br />One of Manila's prominent ladies, Dona Margarita Rojas who was also one of its benefactors suggested to the Governor General to invite the good sisters of Charity to come to the Philippines to take care of the island's poor, sick, handicapped and abandoned</em>.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxXJtaDkzI/AAAAAAAACcg/wEYHyjdUJHY/s1600-h/Ferry40.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232152691416994610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxXJtaDkzI/AAAAAAAACcg/wEYHyjdUJHY/s400/Ferry40.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxWx4BcA-I/AAAAAAAACcY/WdpZrLWnhvA/s1600-h/Ferry39.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232152281949668322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxWx4BcA-I/AAAAAAAACcY/WdpZrLWnhvA/s400/Ferry39.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxV9GT6BzI/AAAAAAAACcQ/PbC0VwVzMwQ/s1600-h/Ferry38.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232151375252162354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxV9GT6BzI/AAAAAAAACcQ/PbC0VwVzMwQ/s400/Ferry38.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11747768.post-12236259079887552392008-08-08T06:03:00.000-07:002008-09-12T04:13:54.537-07:00ARAW NG MAYNILA FEATURE: THE PASIG FERRY ADVENTURE - FROM PLAZA MEXICO TO GUADALUPE (PART DEUX)<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxS8mYDxKI/AAAAAAAACcI/Num78s5ItP8/s1600-h/Ferry37.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232148068144759970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxS8mYDxKI/AAAAAAAACcI/Num78s5ItP8/s400/Ferry37.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Part Two </strong>of our Pasig River Ferry coverage begins with the Nagtahan Bridge, still in the city of Manila. <strong>Nagtahan Bridge </strong>is the largest among all the bridges which crosses the river Pasig. It is also known as <strong>Mabini Bridge </strong>because it is quite near the Mabini House, which is inside the compound of the Presidential Security Group of the Malacañan Palace complex. This area of Manila is called Pandacan.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">TRIVIA</span></strong>: The Pasig River is crossed by a number of bridges in the city of Manila alone. Eastward, they are the <strong>Roxas Bridge </strong>(commonly referred to as the Del Pan Bridge), <strong>Jones Bridge</strong>, <strong>McArthur Bridge</strong>, <strong>Quezon Bridge</strong>, <strong>Ayala Bridge</strong>, <strong>Nagtahan Bridge </strong>(also known as Mabini Bridge), <strong>Pandacan Bridge</strong>, and the <strong>Lambingan Bridge</strong>.<br /><br /><u>Outside the city of Manila</u>, the following bridges cross the Pasig: <strong>Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge</strong>, <strong>Guadalupe Bridge</strong>, <strong>Carlos P. Garcia-C5 Bridge</strong>, <strong>Sixto Antonio-Bambang Bridge</strong>, <strong>Arsenio Jimenez-Kalawaan Bridge</strong>, and the <strong>C6 Bridge</strong>. Have you lost count already? :-)<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxSaVgR9xI/AAAAAAAACcA/4j4SYkfcHNk/s1600-h/Ferry36.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232147479500289810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxSaVgR9xI/AAAAAAAACcA/4j4SYkfcHNk/s400/Ferry36.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />Established in 1574 by Franciscan missionaries, <strong>Pandacan </strong>is widely known today as the place where major oil depots of the country are found. The name Pandacan came from the local pandan tree (Scientific name: <em>Pandanus fascicularis Lam</em>) grew abundantly along the banks of the river. It was originally designed to be Manila's industrial center hence the presence of refineries and factories in the area. Among notable national figures who hail from Pandacan is <strong>Apoliniario Mabini. </strong>It was home to <strong>Francisco Baltazar </strong>and <strong>Lope K. Santos</strong>. Imelda Marcos considered it her home in Manila pre-Malacañang days. Incidentally, portions of the Presidential Palace are actually in the Pandacan territory so I guess history has a way of playing with our lives and imagination.<br /><br />It is also famous for its Cathlic church which honors the <em>Sto. Niño de Pandacan</em>.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxSJIN8uJI/AAAAAAAACb4/nrcBppBMyoI/s1600-h/Ferry35.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232147183875963026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxSJIN8uJI/AAAAAAAACb4/nrcBppBMyoI/s400/Ferry35.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />A Pasig Ferry being repaired and outfitted along the route.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxR4hAJqvI/AAAAAAAACbw/r-HlPQNbcTM/s1600-h/Ferry34.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232146898471201522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxR4hAJqvI/AAAAAAAACbw/r-HlPQNbcTM/s400/Ferry34.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The <strong>Polytechnic University of the Philippines </strong>(PUP) Station, the only school stop of the ferry service. Hyacinths hug the station from all sides. PUP is a state university located in Sta. Mesa. It was established in 1904 as the Manila Business School as part of the city school system. It was renamed as the Philippine School of Commerce and was merged with the Philippine Normal School from 1933 to 1946. By virtue of Republic Act 779, the PSC was again changed to Philippine College of Commerce in 1952 which subsequently was converted into a chartered state university now known as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines by virtue of Presidential Decree Number 1341 issued by the President of the Philippines on April 1, 1978. Whew! What a lot of name changes!<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQ02qE7vI/AAAAAAAACbo/Gb9SkGyNPUs/s1600-h/Ferry33.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232145736053092082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQ02qE7vI/AAAAAAAACbo/Gb9SkGyNPUs/s400/Ferry33.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />An old, rusty railway bridge. Pandacan was a major terminal stop for the 121-years old <strong>Philippine National Railways </strong>(c. 1887 as Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan; cornerstone laying of the Tutuban station). The line begins at Sta. Mesa and ends at Pandacan (not very long, isn't it?). I might have gotten my data wrong. Will update this portion later.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQT045ihI/AAAAAAAACbg/3_DaaEEUyRo/s1600-h/Ferry32.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232145168642705938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQT045ihI/AAAAAAAACbg/3_DaaEEUyRo/s400/Ferry32.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQBKAPxfI/AAAAAAAACbY/XykqcoXxgbQ/s1600-h/Ferry31.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232144847893153266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxQBKAPxfI/AAAAAAAACbY/XykqcoXxgbQ/s400/Ferry31.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />Oil tanks. Name it, they just might have it!<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxPzRt8VvI/AAAAAAAACbQ/A4eJEo550tE/s1600-h/Ferry30.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232144609445697266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxPzRt8VvI/AAAAAAAACbQ/A4eJEo550tE/s400/Ferry30.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxNMfiqCcI/AAAAAAAACbI/4M53Uo9jmvg/s1600-h/Ferry29.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232141744118303170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxNMfiqCcI/AAAAAAAACbI/4M53Uo9jmvg/s400/Ferry29.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><strong>Residencias Manila</strong>, begun during the term of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza. There are housing projects...<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxM6rn6JtI/AAAAAAAACbA/zERueuk7-lI/s1600-h/Ferry28.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232141438123910866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxM6rn6JtI/AAAAAAAACbA/zERueuk7-lI/s400/Ferry28.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />... and then there are housing projects.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxMpbA6VvI/AAAAAAAACa4/Cj-jhvhmz-A/s1600-h/Ferry27.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232141141607601906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxMpbA6VvI/AAAAAAAACa4/Cj-jhvhmz-A/s400/Ferry27.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />The past several years has seen the demolishment of houses that have been built over the river.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxMU6CVB4I/AAAAAAAACaw/dek6Q8GyAHM/s1600-h/Ferry25.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232140789157791618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxMU6CVB4I/AAAAAAAACaw/dek6Q8GyAHM/s400/Ferry25.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxLW4lBj-I/AAAAAAAACao/1Uck934fcwc/s1600-h/Ferry24.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232139723614556130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxLW4lBj-I/AAAAAAAACao/1Uck934fcwc/s400/Ferry24.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />One of the houses has a streamer that reads, "Bahay mo, Ipaglaban mo!". This pretty much speaks of the continuing fight of the urban poor for a home of their own in this increasingly tight, busy, and dog-eat-dog world of Metro Manila.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxKr_idYvI/AAAAAAAACag/qSSiVZ1JENI/s1600-h/Ferry23.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232138986748470002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxKr_idYvI/AAAAAAAACag/qSSiVZ1JENI/s400/Ferry23.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">The <strong>Lambingan Station </strong>marks the end of the Manila part of the route. Sta. Ana, where Lambingan is, is the border of the city with Makati.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxJ0Lpi7qI/AAAAAAAACaY/3aBNGzj8ajg/s1600-h/Ferry22.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232138027926744738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxJ0Lpi7qI/AAAAAAAACaY/3aBNGzj8ajg/s400/Ferry22.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Lambingan Bridge</strong>.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxJGtkLOYI/AAAAAAAACaQ/0aSNJqBFUx4/s1600-h/Ferry21.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232137246757042562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxJGtkLOYI/AAAAAAAACaQ/0aSNJqBFUx4/s400/Ferry21.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br />It was nice to see thick foliage in this area. I hope more trees are planted along the route. Some of the spots in Pandacan were really depressing.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxIur6PvSI/AAAAAAAACaI/Hz5XmG3JAgo/s1600-h/Ferry20.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232136833995881762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxIur6PvSI/AAAAAAAACaI/Hz5XmG3JAgo/s400/Ferry20.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxIhxHTDZI/AAAAAAAACaA/bi7fwu4TeCQ/s1600-h/Ferry19.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232136612054502802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxIhxHTDZI/AAAAAAAACaA/bi7fwu4TeCQ/s400/Ferry19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232131700043099746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-7nAsSucICg/SJxED2chLmI/AAAAAAAACZ4/3QsySnuPygY/s400/Ferry18.jpg" border="0" /></span></div>Citizen of the Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547551290743093371noreply@blogger.com1