Pahiyas 2010 in Lucban, Quezon: the feast of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of harvest and it's celebrated annually in May 15. Go early, preferably a day, so you are assured of a place to stay as the whole town will be closed to traffic. If you have relatives, the better. I am glad we have relatives there (they're posing infront of the building).

I've seen Pahiyas twice and it's beautiful! It's been featured on public television here in the U.S.

October moon

Call it lunacy. Call it whatever, but not very many people are truly fascinated with the moon and its ever-changing phases. I have always enjoyed watching the moon when it's full. As little kids, we always went out to play albeit for a short period of time--before going to bed. Now that I am much older and more mature I have tried now and again to capture its beauty--during the dark hours. It's tricky to do but after many tries, one should be able to pin a good shot! Here's one I took Oct. 11, 2011 in Oxnard, California.

My moon, your moon...

It has fascinated people for eons. It has guided travelers. It has aided lovers' wishes. And it has posed for me now and again. When there's a moonlit night chances are I go out and set up my camera for several shots, hoping that I'd capture it my way.

Here's one.

U.S. GOATS

I herded my high school classmates to Oxnard for a mini-reunion last January 2010. We hoped that it's the start of get-togethers, at least for those who are here in the United States. And we did have two others after this.

Now we're in the process of organizing a Philippine-based reunion that we hope would include local "goats" (that's what we called ourselves after the first meeting!). Well, we're in our 60s now and a reunion should be in order. Thing is, it's taking us a little bit too long to come up with plans. Or approval of it. We can't seem to get to the same "pasture" probably because we're slower now. But I hope we get to where we planned. In picture are (L-R: Alvin, Mike, Alex, Larry, Camilo, Art, and Alan).

Geez

Nice day at the beach. Not very many people. We took photographs of pelicans diving into the water for food. An old man was on the rocks trying to catch fish for lunch. Then we strolled on the beach towards some people. And we met folks from Bakersfield--just "dropping by." Funny how you meet people and then they're gone. Hope she gets in touch so I could show the photos that I took of her and her family. And yes, the email she gave was probably erroneous--it came back!

The sunset would have been a 'bleh' had this weed proposed to be excluded in the picture. Just like the Roman god Janus: most often he is depicted as having two heads, facing in the opposite directions: one head looks eastward and the other westward. Symbolically they look simultaneously into the future and into the past, back at the last year and forward at the new. Maybe it also applies to the one you really love: to love the good as well as the bad side.

Abandoned

the motionless blur will soon disappear beyond expectations. the music slowly fades, no more tunes or lyrics. the stem crumbles to the ground, losing its substance, its life. so abundant was the sunshine that shone on once bright petals of a forsaken flower--once a delight now trash. will there be another one like it? no one knows, no one knows. 3/30/2011

Friends

They can be difficult to find. Searching for them could take years. Yet they're practically everywhere, watching you. When your world collides with theirs, you can simply think of things you would ask them. Or have them do something for you and in return, they would either ask you the same thing. Or nothing at all. Gratis. Find them if you can, but I believe they are there when you least expect it. That's the good part. The best part is when you feel that you're not alone anymore. And so do they. Friends in need are friends indeed!

PAOAY

In baroque style, this church in Paoay (Ilocos Norte) stands like a cadet at attention, facing westward as if watching for invaders. The sun was on its way out when we passed by this grand church so I didn't waste time. I took several shots while ambient light gives a soothing orange hue. Someday I might go back to take close-up photos of the front... and maybe inside.

I am sure it can wait. The buttresses of this church are so huge it can withstand the fiercest of winds and typhoons and earthquakes. Stay put, Paoay!

MAYON

The year was 2007. We were flying to Cagayan de Oro City and as usual, I took the window seat. With camera in hand, I patiently waited for a good cloud formation to take a picture when upon a distance I saw this. So I casually took a couple shots not realizing that it was a famous mountain that seemed like coming out of the ashes. It was Mayon Volcano in Albay.

Eventually, three years later in 2010 I was able to drive to this beautiful mountain that buried a whole town in the 1800s.

From the top

The blue ocean hugs the shore with undying caresses. Unending. Watching the waves embrace the waiting shore is enough for someone to realize how unconditional that "love" is.

You look down there and see the beauty of questioned laughter. And sorrow. Let the love for life flow and live in your veins. Make the children's laughter be the heartbeat that gives you life in return. I know of people who dedicate their lives doing this work. And I truly admire them more than they deserve. Just like the sea and shore--they live in harmony. And peace.

Floral eclipse

There is a God. Wilted plants soon wither and die. Where do they go after they disappear from view? Do they come back as another "thing" or they have seen their best?

The afterlife overlooks the perishable fruit. And the love that was nurtured could only last very long. But who's counting days, months? You are here, and I wish you talk to me with words that are comforting to a mortal just like me. I never wondered why one clings to the raft of life when there isn't even a light that shines. Blinded. Only tactile stimulation could bring back the you in you. Would you let me in and savor the ravishing life that a floral eclipse could bring? Stay, please.

Full moon, Jan. 19, 2011

I checked the calendar and the moon will be full. So I grabbed my camera and set it up for a timed exposure. This is one of several photos I took that night.

There is a feeling that one can't seem to comprehend when you concentrate at the moon and its movement. And how fast it morphs itself with a movement that is indiscernible.

Thought I'd share...

SPRING 2009

We said goodbye to winter. We turned our clocks forward to signify spring's final approach and eventually came to embrace it. It's spring--one of my favorite of the four seasons. Why? Because it usually signifies "parting" with rainy days and cold temperatures. But guess what--we had rain and foggy mornings when spring kicked in three days ago. Went out to feed the fish in the pond this morning and I was greeted by a wintery gush cold breeze that I normally didn't feel in a while.

But still, I love to welcome this season of birds and flowers... and spring cleaning! Yes, in order to be ready for summer--my all-time favorite season!