Capturing vivid colors, reflections, highlights and shadows at Uptown, BGC Manila. #streetphotography #street_photography #streetlife #travelph #manila #streetdocumentary #uptownbgc #streetphotography #chasinglight #shadowhunters #streetcolors #streetphotographer #streetphotographyhub #sonya7rii #lightsandshadows #photowalk #reflection #pandemicart https://www.instagram.com/p/Clc6VyJyd9u/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

After a 2 year haitus it feels good to be back walking along the streets of Quiapo in Manila.

In Praise of Shadows

The Higantes Are Back

Two years after they have hibernated due to the pandemic, the giants of Angono are out again dancing in the streets. Some have grown beards, others have dyed their hair, while others side hustled as mascots for private companies. Not to be outdone, politicians who won from the recent election likewise made their presence felt, like shuffling goliaths in bright vivid costumes, alongside marching bands led by fully made up teenage girls and gay marjorettes, flicking their batons at the sound of the beat.

The Higantes Festival is an annual feast as an expression of gratitude to it’s patron saint - San Clemente. The parade is held on a Sunday 3 days before the town fiesta. Along the streets - children, adults, locals and tourists lined up and march together with the towering 10-12 feet puppets made of paper mache, all the way to the townhall where they assemble infront of a stage watching live entertainers and dance together. A festive celebration every townfolk eagerly awaits every year. A tradition that was started as a protest depicting the abusive hacienderos who owned the thick forests and pasteurland along the mystical mountains of Rizal during the Spanish time. A town rich in folklore and Catholic tradition.

Known as the art capital of the Philippines, Angono is an artist haven where locals are challenged and inspired to express their artistry during festive events. It is the hometown of national artists Botong Francisco and Maestro Lucio San Pedro. A well known cultural hub for philharmonic music, cantatas and art enthusiasts. Creating art is a way of life among the locals here.

#streetdocumentary #streetphotography #travel

Darling, You’ve been so hard on yourself lately. Is it because you feel like you’re behind in life? Is it because you’re not where you want to be? Or is it because you’re still hurting over past scenarios that you swore you let go of? Try being soft on your soul for a change and see what happens. Talk to your internal voice with kindness and adoration. Tell it how proud you are of transcending beyond the obstacles it was once defeated by. Retrace the steps of your journey that have brought you to this very moment and realize that you did everything correctly. Nothing happened that wasn’t meant to be. Every part of your spirit has grown; if you focused more on what you accomplished instead of what you lacked, you would recognize that. You’ve been levelling up all along but your ego has prevented you from seeing your progress. Shift your views on productivity; don’t underestimate the hard work that comes with elevating your spirit. There’s still some magic to be found in this chapter; don’t leave a single drop of it behind. The Universe is far from finished with you. — ESTHER T. @MOONOMENS #beKindToYourself #beSoftOnYourSoul #moonOmens #zenwords #repost https://www.instagram.com/p/ClL20qDuVMl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

While doing my usual morning walk the other day I saw this vibrant colors, lights and shadows. #chasinglight #shadowhunters #streetphotography ##streetart #manila #photowalk #vivid #travelph #streetlife #umbrella #walkwalkwalk #shotoniphone (at Tikling Rotonda, Taytay Riz) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckke2yBy6PW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

If you shift your focus from yourself to others, extend your concern to others, and cultivate thoughts of caring for the well being of others, then this will have the immediate effect of opening up your life and helping you to reach out. It is the most simple of gestures that make the most significant of difference. #lovingkindness #compassion #caring #socialdocumentary #nursinghome #documentaryphotography #documentary #photoessay #blackandwhite #lovingkindness #care (at Home for the Aged, Aruga-Kapatid Foundation Incorporated) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkLQutQyyA2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Waiting for her radiation treatment at the out patient section of PGH. #manila #socialwork #socialissues #documentary #documentaryphotography #children #publichealth #healthcare #compassion #medicalneeds #reportage #documentaryphoto #love #life #kids #shotoniphone #helpothers https://www.instagram.com/p/CjzYCaaS434/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Children from indigenous groups express their grievances against plunderers of their ancestral land and heritage during a world climate strike in Manila. #climatechange #photo #photojournalism #photos #photodocumentary #reportage #climatecrisis #climatestrike #photoessay #indigenous #children #protest #climatechange #actnow #photojournalist #hope #streetprotest #savetheplanet #justice https://www.instagram.com/p/CTcFSYNn5A3/?utm_medium=tumblr

Simple folks, simple lives. Candle vendor with his daughter at a church entrance in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. #streetphotography #streetlife #street #streetvendor #streetwalk #bnw #bnwphotography #bnwmood #bnwphoto #bnw_captures #bnwlife #blackandwhite #blacksndgrey #bnw_greatshots #bnw_drama #photography #photos #monochrome #monochromatic #blackandwhitephotography #photowalk #fatheranddaughter #love #travel #travelph #joy #philippines https://www.instagram.com/p/CS_pAsinBJc/?utm_medium=tumblr

Divisoria Manila #street #streetphotography #streetphotographer #streetlife #streetshot #bnw #bnwphotography #bnwmood #bnwphoto #bnwcaptures #bnw_captures #bnwzone #xpro1 #fujifilm #monochrome #monochromatic #travelph #photos #photodocumentary #church #divisoria #manila #philippines #streetvendors #photography #photo #photowalk #blackandwhite #blackandgrey https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQu8gQH4Vj/?utm_medium=tumblr

Chinese New Year mardigras at Binondo Manila #festival #mardigras #xpro1 #fujifilm #streetphotography #streetlife #streetdocumentry #streetfestival #travelph #bnw #bnwphotography #bnwmood #bnwzone #bnwlife #bnwcaptures #bnw_captures #bnwphoto #monochrome #monochromatic #photowalk #streetadventures #shadowhunters #bnw_zone #streetperformer #manila https://www.instagram.com/p/CRgOBTJDL8U/?utm_medium=tumblr