Nomadic Photographs

Sri Lankan Sean Penn

2014-09-23T21:19:00.002-07:00

His bicycle with a bunch of coconuts dangling on the side caught my attention from a distance, I zoomed in my camera and the man stared at my direction. He was selling coconut juice to the visitors of Galle fort. His gaze brings forth an appearance of a storied life. I wonder if he fought during the civil war or what hardships has he seen in his life. None of that are excess baggage anymore as he seem to be enjoying the quiet solitude of his current trade. After I saw the image the first thing that comes to my mind was that of actor Sean Penn. Maybe he is the personification of Penn's character in films like "21 Grams", "The Assassination of Richard Nixon" or maybe he is a goofy man after all like Penn in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". Either way he makes up for an awesome photograph subject.

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The Rock of Sigiriya

2014-09-22T23:14:00.002-07:00

The ruins of an ancient palace located at the top of a 200 meter high rock column which stands dominantly over the plains of Central Matale district near the town of Dambulla in Sri Lanka. King Kasyapa who ruled between 477 - 495 selected this site to be his dynasty's capital. The 'Lion Rock' was eventually abandoned until it became a Buddhist monastery lasting until the 14th century. I could go on with the rich history of this place, but I would like to remember the exact moment when I stared at it while feeling the same wind which has blown the faces of the ancient citizens many hundred-years ago. Then a few huffing and puffing later, I achieved a finality of climbing over a thousand steps when i reached the top. Definitely one of the highlights of my 2014, travel-wise.

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Crossing the Streets in Kandy

2014-09-22T03:01:00.002-07:00

Same with India, heritage conservation is very much alive in Sri Lanka. Walking on the streets of Kandy I was introduced to rows of pre-war and post colonial buildings, crossing from one to another I would always pass by women in traditional garbs. The colors so vibrant makes the street scenes not only in Kandy, but in the many places I visited in Sri Lanka, look more lively and interesting to watch.

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Upside Down Reflection of the Taj

2014-08-28T19:23:00.002-07:00

At Taj Mahal, you can even shoot from an impaled position, kidding. Seriously, every angle provides a postcard-like image that you need to exert more effort in producing a unique photograph. I didn't bothered to do so as I spent most of the time just staring at this palatial white marble mausoleum. However, upon reviewing my images, I stumbled unto this and by simply rotating it upside down, I got this interesting perspective of the Taj Mahal showing the other visitors of that day as reflected on the small pool's waters.

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Chasing Colors

2014-05-07T07:43:00.002-07:00

While resting at the steps, I spotted a family in the distant in the garden playing chase. Wearing their colorful traditional sari clothes, these beautiful Indian women meshes perfectly with the uneven but pleasing bright colors of the lawn and different types of flowers. It was indeed a perfect day for bonding with a cheerful perspective and a bit of playful musings. I finished my bottle of water afterward and directed my thoughts to the Taj Mahal, whose magical and romantic presence awaits me the next day. Oh India! I can't wait to go back.

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The Taj Kids

2014-03-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

ISO: 100% innocence and pure joy

Aperture Speed: Steady Morning

Shutter: Wide-eyed wonder foregrounding a symbol of love

#Agra #TajMahal #India

We were viewing the Taj Mahal from a spot where according to local myth, was the place where the Black Taj was supposed to be built, when these kids eagerly posed and asked us to take some photographs of them. In a heartwarming display of child-like wonder and innocence came a very humbling image of these kids, while living within simple means, could still convey such happiness amidst the background of the ultimate symbol of love - the Taj Mahal.

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The Flight at Qutb Minar

2014-03-11T08:20:00.001-07:00

Birds fly over a ruin tower in the vicinity of Qutb Minar. #NewDelhi #India

ISO: No definite number of birds. Maybe 800

Shutter Speed: 80kph

Aperture: Wide-spread wings.

It will take me some time to write about this India trip as I will let it simmer in my memory first. I won't sacrifice quality just for the sake of putting it on my travel blog ASAP. It deserves to be written when all my creative juices are flowing steadily and impressively as my experience here so far.

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Sunset over the Grassland of Batanes

2014-02-19T00:51:00.000-08:00

Everywhere you direct your eyes you can catch a memorable scene. Staring at the slopes of the rolling hills forming outlines of a lover's embrace, while you feel the wind traveling at rapid pace as it brushes off your skin. It was cold alright, but as the last echoes of light give way to the luminous lighting of the moon rising up from the opposite direction, the setting sun becomes the center of attention. As if signaling the end of day, the herded cows prepare to leave the grassland by slowly walking away into their resting place for the night. I catch a last glimpse of the rounded sun before it kisses the edge of the vast ocean.

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Hey Oh Snow

2014-01-30T07:30:00.002-08:00

I already felt cold in 10 degree Celsius Hanoi when I took the sleeper train going to Sapa in the northern part of Vietnam. A few days before snow fell on this scenic mountain town and I was just in time to come with the sun. The ice on the streets have since melted but the snow-capped mountain are still to be seen, and the weather further went down to 2 degrees Celsius. It was my first time seeing snow and as we hiked on our first day there, my neck churns from left to right and each time I see the neighboring peaks I mutter to myself 'hey oh snow' and the Peppers' song hums in my mind "come to decide that the things i tried were in my life just to get high on"

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Anabel

2014-01-11T20:44:00.001-08:00

An aunt of mine died last night and I was reminded of the same time five years ago when you left this world. Our budding friendship put to a halt - in the physical world, for I know it goes on through the walls of the afterlife. I wanted to remember you as the Anabel I first met online, yeah when we used to comment on each other's blog post there. When I finally met you in person, it was like I've known you forever. The work-breaks with San Miguel Beer on hand at Greg's lovely house in Paco, which is to date-still the best workplace I've ever worked in. I regret never able to see you perform live, but I had the privilege of listening to you sing while doing work on your laptop. The last time we saw each other, you were a picture of happiness as evidenced by this photograph. I've no idea that Christmas party would be the last I will see you smile because a few days after New Year, you will finally start your great gig in the sky.

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Flowers and Beer

2013-12-20T22:46:00.001-08:00

I caught this snapshot of a group of friends just chilling at the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi during one of my morning walks. It's always great traveling with friends or solo and making new ones along the way, just as I was fortunate to have experienced during my trip there. A winter climate, a cold Hanoi beer on hand, blooming flowers and a tranquil lake to complete the setting makes up for a nice gathering.

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A Lake Sits Still

2013-12-03T17:07:00.002-08:00

You could almost hear yourself think while you stare at the calm waters of Lake Apo. The reflection of the surrounding trees and the floating leaves gives an isolation feeling, almost carrying half the burden amassed from the outside populated world. This capped a wonderful day for the #TravelMindanao team, coming from spelunking and teasing my fear of heights, rappelling down from the 155 feet Pulangui bridge. The habal-habal ride going here, short as it is but the view of the sugar and corn fields bested many wonderful countryside views I've seen. How can you not love traveling to places like this?

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Holy Underneath

2013-11-05T23:42:00.001-08:00

In the 18th century, the Sultanate of Yogyakarta created an underground world connecting small island structures with that of the main Taman Sari Water Castle, one of which is this underground Mosque complete with a nihrab. It was a small mosque one could easily go around it in five minutes, but the formation of the stairs and the oval doorways lighted brightly by the morning sun provides a unique architectural style. I imagine back then even the crystal water of the small pool underneath the stairs also provides a shimmering effect. One could play in their heads the chanting of the faithful reverberating sweetly throughout the small corridors underground.

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Island Crush

2013-10-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

When we went to Capones Island after a night of camping out at nearby Nagsasa Cove, there was a group of models having a photo shoot. One of the girls - the one pictured in particular caught my attention. I want to time travel and channel all my Wolverine charms and ask her name and email for Facebook adding purposes. Then I would sent her some random private messages and things could either blossom into something special or her filing a restraining order against me. Anyway, if someone knows her name, you win a prize from me. (nothing of extravagant value).

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The Belfry of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

2013-10-14T23:11:00.001-07:00

In a matter of seconds the movement emanated from the Earth's core destroyed this towering belfry. I'm not a religious person but I have come witness how these century old churches held the whole community together. How many couples first laid eyes on each other after a mass? near the plaza? during the town fiesta? many blossomed love affairs ended up on the altar of these old Churches, from our grandparent's generation to ours. Tracing each Spanish Colonial Churches' history is also like threading our own. It's part of our heritage and it saddens me, that some - like this belfry of Basilica Minore del Sto Niño crumbled in less than a minute - after standing solidly through hundreds of years.

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A World Where Philip K. Dick's Mind Roams

2013-09-23T22:22:00.001-07:00

The stunning rock formations found in Biri Island presents an out-of-this-world terrain. Walking over uneven steps, my surroundings reminded me of the science fiction novels written by Philip K. Dick. Out of sight from my local guide, I sense an isolation left out of this world, with only the sound of the crashing waves as evidence of being on Earth. I trudged slowly upwards when I saw my local tour guide waving his hands, he was holding my other smaller camera, motioning his intention to take a picture of me against what he says was "an amazing background". In these rock formations, the same kind of background would provide me a visual feast for the rest of the day.

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Between the Cracks of a Church Ruins

2013-09-17T18:39:00.002-07:00

Seeping through the tiny cracks of the San Juan Nepomuceno ruins in Moalboal, are these veins of random plants. Full of life amidst the forgotten state of what was once a church every babies in town were baptized. It's solid facade remains stoic and unmoved, while pigments of surrounding stones ends up flickering to dust and surrendering in time. The only sign of moving forward, are these green life-forms which breathes from the very hard spot, man have been trying to left in ruins for decades.

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The Girl at the Harbor

2013-09-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Hongkong Harbor on a gloomy day still couldn't hide the Hong Kong skyscrapers. The iconic Bank of China building - an architectural marvel, stands out among the crowd of towering structures of steels and cement. A New Order song played inside my head - it tells about a ship at the harbor, while I stare at this girl taking pictures of the scenery around her, a lull in her activity afterwards and she looked at my direction, just as I was about to steal a shot of her. Her companion with a Watsons umbrella, then dragged her and off they walked away.

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SCC Punk

2013-09-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sinulog Cebu City Punk! this Mohawk dude was just one of the many colorful individuals I saw in the streets of Cebu during the 2011 Sinulog Festival. Most people hates festivals because, maybe of their snobby attitude citing "its too crowded" but that's the point of such annual events, to come out in full force, not to sow mayhem but joy, destroying nothing but celebrating out loud, midst the rambling drumming, guitar strumming and the shuffling feet of those following a marching beat. It's something everyone should experience. No whiners allowed!

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Poker Face Not Guaranteed

2013-07-30T19:46:00.002-07:00

Everything is so colorful during Dinagyang Festival. No poker face allowed, except mine. The place is rocking with natural highness, you'd come to bed still reeling from the drum and marching beats. Waking up the next day with a hangover from the overflowing Manila Beer the night before, its an experience I had safely secured in my memory vault. Shout out to my couchsurfing host Joanne - see you again on the road someday.

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The Mosque

2013-07-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

The crescent moon of the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, otherwise known as the Golden Mosque situated in Cotabato City, aligned perfectly with the morning sun as it shine in full force. The wind coming from nearby Timako Hill and Tamontaka River brings forth a cleansing feeling. I could imagine hearing the chants of prayers of our Muslim brothers and sisters every day of assembly. As the birds flew around the towering minarets, one could sense a free flowing spirituality also gracing the vast spaces of the mosque.

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Riptides of Worries No More

2013-07-17T21:48:00.002-07:00

Atop a natural rock steeple at Matinloc Shrine, one can view this wonderful scenery. If it weren't for the sharp edges that could stab my ass if I fall, I would have put down a chair, smoke a pipe and write a book while looking at this muse of an inspiration. The almost never-ending hue colored sea cures instantly, all sorts of blues. It clears your mind with riptides of worries, you just wanna remain there for a desired longer length of time.

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Aliwagwag Falls: On the Road to Regeneration

2013-07-15T18:51:00.001-07:00

They said Aliwagwag falls is prettier before Pablo assaulted her. I never got the chance to see her until the other day. Her surrounding forest have started to regenerate, but signs of beatings are still visible like that giant log toppled over and interrupting her movements a bit. That said, I say she's still is one fine-looking creature of nature, hope she recovers fully and never again both nature and men try to destroy her.

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Jomalig Blues

2013-07-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Dan and the late John Belushi might find this place too blue for their own good. I did so myself while we're riding the boat circling the island of Jomalig. We came there as part of #ProjectJomalig, which aims at immersing traveling along with working with the local community in solving some of its problems, in this case-the alarming levels of undernourishment at Barangay Apad. It's a bittersweet experience when you go on a trip not just to have a vacation, rather you open your eyes and see also the ills of this world. Sometimes you end up powerless and shrug it off, leaving it to the powers that be. However, deep inside our head, we know we could do something, even a tiny blip on the radar or a small riptide from the sea can spell a huge difference.

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Young Monks

2013-07-01T17:38:00.001-07:00

During the height of the Kingdom of Bagan, 12,000 temples, pagodas and monasteries were built covering the vast plains of Bagan. Today, more than 2,000 remains in still magnificent condition. On our way to another temple aboard a horse drawn carriage, we passed by these two young Monks walking ahead at the side of the road. I've encountered mostly older monks at the previous temples we visited, at a mere sight of them you will see the graceful aging of a lifelong faith to their religion-Theravada Buddhism. These two young monks still have a whole lifetime of practicing this peaceful tradition of faith and are not merely walking towards their destination that afternoon. Rather, they are also continuing their path to peace.

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