My World Tuesday #2

taken at Fort Santiago, Manila

Last week we took a walking tour around Intramuros which used to be the center of Manila back in the day.  The picture above was taken at the entrance of Fort Santiago. Our tour guide was Carlos Celdran and I have to admit, that was the most interesting tour I have been on! He really held our attention by his interesting anecdotes and comical antics. You could really tell that he was passionate about sharing the Philippine history to locals and foreigners alike. The one thing he said that really stuck to me was "we can't change how Manila looks but we can change how people look at Manila."

Taking his tour is definitely a must! Check out his site for his different tours and schedules!

See more of the world here!

Happy Holidays!

taken at my grandmother's house

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! I love our family Christmas traditions. During Christmas Eve, we spend it with my mom's side of the family. We attend Christmas mass together then head to my lola's (grandmother) house for dinner. She always prepares the same yummy meal every year. My little cousin will always ask if she can open her gifts before 12 midnight and my dad will always play his Christmas playlist. On Christmas Day, we head on over to spend Christmas with my dad's side of the family, laughing, eating and catching up on each other's lives. Its the same every year but that's what I love about it. :)

What are your Christmas Traditions? :)

Happy Holidays everyone!

Play That Funky Music

taken at our office Christmas party

One of the things I love about the Christmas season is Christmas parties. It's the perfect time to meet old friends, have fun with new friends and spend some good quality time. In our office party, our theme was High School so we all had to dress up in costumes that had anything to do with that time of our lives. Many went as student stereotypes - jocks, geeks, cheerleaders - but one of my favorite costumes was that of one of our art directors. She is really tall and skinny so she dressed all in gray and had a Philippine flag attached to her head! She was a flagpole. How creative is that??

Lomo tip: Using my Holga at night makes pretty cool effects but only if you take the shot of the subject up close! If you're far, its dark and kind of a waste of film. ;p

My World Tuesday #1

taken at Antulao Resort in Dumaguete, Philippines

This is the view from the Infinity Pool in the resort called Antulao in Dumaguete, Philippines. You can lounge in the pool that overlooks the sea. If you're into snorkeling, you can head down those stairs and get in to the water. Doesn't it make you just want to jump in?

See the world here!

Skywatch Friday #3

taken at Ponte Vecchio, Florence

This is the view from Ponte Vecchio that I mentioned in a previous post. I really love the vibrant colors I get from my Holga. Italy is such a beautiful place. One of the things I will never forget was how the sun always cast a beautiful warm glow over everything. Unlike here in the Philippines, the sun is really hot and glaring during lunch time. In Italy, it always feels like the afternoon sun.

For more skies, go here!

Lovers For Life

taken on Ponte Vecchio, Glorence

Along the Ponte Vecchio, there was this statue with a fence surrounding it and all over the fence were locks! When I took a closer look, there were couples' names written on these locks. Apparently, they say that when you place a lock on the bridge with you and your lover's name on it, this means you will have eternal love. Funny thing is, right beside all these locks is a sign that says placing of locks on the fence is prohibited! Oh well... I guess tourists don't know how to follow rules!

Ponte Vecchio

taken in Florence

Ponte Vecchio literally means "old bridge" in English which is very fitting because its the oldest surviving bridge in Florence that wasn't ruined during World War II! There are shops along this bridge which makes it unique from all other bridges there. The view is quite pretty from the bridge, I'll share my picture of it on another day ;p

I noticed that most of my posts these past months are all photos from Italy! I guess you can say I really made the most of my Italian trip. Who knows when I'll be able to go again! But note to self: must take more pictures of home.

Venice In B&W

taken in Venice

I love how the black and white film makes it look like I went back in time to see Venice in its hay day. :)

Let Me Ride My Bicycle

taken in Florence

I haven't ridden a bike in years! They say that once you know, you don't forget how to but honestly, I'm not so sure about that.

Vespa Love

taken in Florence

One of the iconic things in Italy is the Vespa. These adorable scooters are one of the main forms of transportation in Italy. Roads in Italy are really narrow and parking can be hard so the Vespa is perfect for Italian city living. I regret not trying it out for myself!

Skywatch Friday #2

taken in Dumaguete

I took this picture 2 years ago somewhere in Dumaguete, Philippines. Sunsets are truly one of God's masterpieces. :)

Check out other skies here!

Little Green Door

taken along the Grand Canal, Venice

I love how the green door stands out against the white building. Venice is just full of these old buildings and I love to imagine the history that went on within those walls.