Here are some pictures of churches in Pampanga taken last Holy Week 2013.
Taking pictures of people is always a challenge for me. Maybe because I am not comfortable with strangers taking my picture. But surely, one only has to break the ice and initiate a conversation. Filipinos can be a snub but are also generally amiable, particularly after some small talk. Quiapo in Manila is a very interesting place. I do wish to go on a photowalk someday and explore the many fascinating places and people here. One day is not enough...but perhaps one day at a time. Here are some pictures I took while waiting for someone at the Quiapo church.
The UP Oblation is the most identifiable symbol of the University of the Philippines. The image of a naked young man offering himself reflects the mission of every UP student, graduate, faculty, and staff, that is, service to the Filipino.
Street photography is one area I would really like to go into. Walking through streets filled with people and taking snapshots can be very challenging. Being the shy person that I am doesn't help much as tons of confidence is needed when doing street photography. What I do is I use a zoom lens so that I can keep my distance. Another technique is to shoot from the hip, e.g., set the camera to shutter priority and select a fast shutter speed, point the camera on a subject without looking at the viewfinder and shoot! Of course, I get mixed result from this technique, some are even interesting shots, but very few keepers. The best way of course is to ask permission...something that I'm working on.
The pictures here were taken in Baguio City. "Not another sunset photo!" was the title of a feature article I read on the paper a few days back. Well, yes, this is another sunset photo, and many more to come. Photography, just like any other activity or hobby out there, is a matter of personal choice. Unless of course you are paid to take photos, people take pictures of what personally interest them. These may be those unfocused macro of a flower, or that blurred shot of a baby, or an overexposed sunset, or your underexposed son playing against the light. But the thing is, the person who shot it liked it and have fond memories of those moments. Who are we to say its ugly? Sure you may take a better, if not the best photo of the subject. BUT would you ever equal the feelings of the person who took the picture? Below are more recent sunset (and a single sunrise) pictures I took at Balisong, Batangas (May 2013). We usually stay by a beachfront hotel called Little Bridge in Botong Batangas as my in-laws ancestral house is often packed with relatives going home for the summer fiesta. Botong has one of the best sunsets I've seen and photographed (don't take my word for it, I'm not well traveled). It is heartbreaking though that I feel that the beach here is in danger of pollution. Many residents and visitors (mostly locals) are not aware that they are spoiling their valuable beach and seascape by leaving their picnic trash on the beach and in the water. I do hope that resort owners and residents would soon realize that taking care of their beach and the sea is to everyone's advantage.
The UP Amphitheater, found at the back of Quezon Hall, is a multi-purpose theater built to host various academic events such as the annual Lantern Parade and University Graduation. It is also known by its very well manicured grounds where students often hang-out as opposed to the more busy Sunken Garden.
Every May, my family would spend one long weekend in Balisong, Batangas for the town Fiesta. Balisong is very near (almost walking distance) to the heritage town of Taal, Batangas. These hundred years old bells from the Taal Basilica have watched over the town for decades, storms and earthquakes notwithstanding. For more than 150 years, the people of Taal and nearby towns looked up to these bells as their beacon of faith. Recently, these bells were brought down and are now on display at the church grounds. A new set of shinier bells now occupy the bell tower.
Blooming sunflowers in the University of the Philippines (Diliman) signal the event all students aim for...graduation!
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This is more of a personal gallery of things that interest me. If you like anything, write me a comment. If you liked it so much that you want to share it, that's OK with me too. And if you liked it so very much that you would like to purchase it, just PM me and I can send you the high resolution picture.
I would also appreciate criticisms particularly tips to improve my photography. Gallery
April 2015
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