Hello! I can't even begin to describe how my experience has been so far in the Philippines. Its sooo overwhelming seeing all this, and trying to take it all in. Here are some shots that I have had the time to go through. Just know that these are mostly photos of what I've experienced thus far. With the few exceptions, these aren't 'artistically composed' shots. I have just been shooting what I experience.


These little girls were playing hide and seek with me in the market. It was my turn to hide. I will treasure this moment forever.



This little guy... Will probably be somebody's dinner.


Broken down jeepnie!


Baguio. City of Cliffs.


Humor. If you were in my shoes, you would laugh at this. This was the only other white person in the market. As you can see he is trying to take it all in as well.


Jeepnies! The form of public transportation here in the Philippines. 7 pesos per ride. They fill up, and when they do, the ride is free when you hang on to the back or sides. Its funny to see.


Morning in Manila. This is the view outside the hotel window the morning after arrival.


Here are some flowers I snapped while on a walk. Didn't have my macro on me at the time. Will go back with it though, for sure.




And... This is my little brother's eye. Took it at the hotel with my macro just cause I could.



Well, internet is a luxury here, so I cannot know when I will be on next. I will try to be on within the next few days with some more shots. Anyway, hope you enjoyed me sharing some of my experience.

Glad you're having fun there. I too love the first photo. After looking at those pics there. It does make me feel lucky living in the US with all the amenities that we're accustomed too.

And i dunno what it is about the 3rd pic.. the one with the jeep.. i just keep looking back at it.

Anyway, I look forward to the next part in this series. Have fun!

Great pictures, thank you for sharing your experiences and let us take part in it.

There are so many contrasts between tradition and technology, rich and poor, nature and city....
Especially when looking at the skyscrapers and hotels on the one picture and then see the slums on the other.
Its beautiful to look at, but at the same time makes us realize that we shouldnt take things for granted.

Btw, did the recent earthquake in South America and the following tsunamis have any effect on you?

HAha wow! What's with the dog, what is the story behind it? It looks so ... odd... but it's beautiful. I like these pictures, they show a lot! I had to laugh at the bus's and how when it's full they can just hang off of it for a free ride here you'd get the police called and there would be all kinds of trouble. Such an interesting place, thanks for sharing it! I am looking forward to more photos like these!

I can only say from my experience in Thailand, but presumably it's the same in the Phillipines, the dog is most likely just a stray, you see them a lot, just sitting in the shade, getting out of the sun.

Ohh okay, I figured so. Poor dog! I would take him home in a heartbeat if I could.

And to think that just the photos had that effect on you... I had seen the photos from my parents before my visit. I knew what to expect. But then when I got here I was blown away. It really is overwhelming. Seeing these things first hand just adds to that feeling. We all really are so lucky for what we have. I don't care what anyone on this forum will say, life does not suck for anyone. The photos I've posted haven't really depicted the true amount of poverty in the city. You see these and can some what imagine the rest. Getting to the point, it amazes me how little these people have yet they are truly happy. Yesterday I saw a little boy playing around in a pale of water and you could see the happiness in his face. So much happiness generated from a pale of water. Strangely at that point I envied that little boy. I honestly cannot remember when it was that I last felt that happy. And over a pale of water! Its amazing. And it really disgusts me at how truly lucky and fortunate I am. Anyway /rant. Hahaha.



No they did not. Not where we are at least. Although I cannot speak for other regions of the Philippines because I honestly do not know.



I have been trying to get a shot of a whole bunch of people piled onto one. My dad has told me stories that he has seen the inside filled with people, and goats/ pigs thrown on top. I have yet to see such a thing though, although I do believe him.



Yes it is a stray, I believe. BUT you don't see many strays here. People here tend to eat strays for dinner. Its somewhat rare to come across dogs here. I've seen several, but no where near the amount I would see back home.

Anyway, so today I haven't honestly done much. I've stayed around the house mostly so I haven't had much of a photo op. I did go outside in the yard to play around with my macro lens though. Sadly it is windy today. I'll tell you handheld + 1:1 focusing + wind = bad results. But I managed to get three acceptable shots. Enjoy. Guess there is always tomorrow for more shooting!

Very nice pictures, looks like you are having a great time

The first one is probably my favorite as well