Amazing how these locals just went on with their respective businesses as Edralin photographed them.   They didn't seem to mind the cameras.   They didn't seem to be bothered by the presence of tourists (of strangers).

These photos from our trip to Nagsasa Cove in Zambales are as raw as you can imagine.  No forced smiles or choreographed poses, just kids doing the usual stuff they do whether or not cameras are focusing.  For someone (um, a Manileña) who's quite used to kids throwing grins and peace signs when you point a camera towards them, these locals' behavior is both surprising and enigmatic.

More here:  Saltwater Cheer  |  Small-scale Sailor


Photos 1 to 6 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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The kids of Nagsasa Cove are fond of their pristine water.  Their bronzed skin seemed like a testament of their love for the sea.  It was a joy to photograph them while they have fun.  

More here:  Innocent Faces of the Cove  |  Small-scale Sailor


Photos 1 to 4 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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This kid is sure to grow-up knowledgeable about boats, islands, waves and winds -- about a life lived near the open sea.

Photos 1 to 4 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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At the MRT.

Sleeping soundly under the stars.

Photo 1 (2011)  |  Photo 2 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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Kids from the good old days played and swam in the Tullahan River to their hearts' content.  Kids from the present days still do, except the earlier batches enjoyed a waaay cleaner version of the river!  I heard this story firsthand from a not so old folk who lives within the nearby area.  He's one of the kids from those "good old days."

Photos 1 to 3 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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Cute kitty!

Cute, cute kitty!

Meet Kitten.

Kitten, again!

Meet Chokopi.

The best sight in a tapsilogan.  She's a regular.  And she's not pregnant (busog lang).

Meet Pickles.  His eyes were clawed by Engelbert.  Thank heavens they're ok now.

Meet Engelbert.  By the way, she's female.

Photos 1 to 5 (2011)  |  Photos 6 to 8 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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While he waits.

Edralin took this shot while I bought merienda from the nearby 7-Eleven.  Bicycles are common means of transport among the working strangers here in Valenzuela.  You can see them in eskinitas, and even along MacArthur Highway -- dodging (at times overtaking) cars, jeepneys, buses and trucks!  It's really crazy!

(That's me, the one with the helmet on, yes, the tiny one!)


Photo (2012)
Photo by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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Resilience (in quite a disgusting form).

Sweetness (that only flies are able to taste).

The first photo was taken in front of our home after the barangay's "anti-dengue" fumigation (which was awful, by the way).  Strange how several pedicabs passed by and not one hit the dizzied cockroach!

The second photo was taken in Edralin's family home after a ripe mango fell from a tree (sayang).  They have a huge indian mango tree in front of their house that is seen from blocks away, it's practically a landmark.  It bears the sweetest indian mangoes we all enjoy for free.

Photos 1 & 2 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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Oh, look!  That penguin's trying to get away!

Run away little penguin.  Be free!

Maybe they're toys, maybe they're not.  I'm not really sure what purpose these inflatable penguins serve,  but they're certainly cute!  I can imagine kids not looking anywhere else but towards these colorful cuteness when they pass by.

Photos 1 & 2 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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Edralin jumping on the levitation photography badwagon, literally!

This is Edralin's take on the levitation concept craze.  It's a particular hit especially among the youngsters (e.g. his sisters, nieces and nephews).  I remember how they're like all "w-o-w" the first time they saw it.

Levitation is a pretty interesting concept that almost never fails to amaze especially when done well.  To those who are wondering, no, he's not copy-pasted on the background.  He literally jumped as high as he could to achieve this shot!  No props, no cheats, no editing, just him (jumping over and over again 'til he gets the shot), the background, the camera, and some tripods and flash units.

You can also use props and editing tools like Photoshop to achieve this kind of photo -- or a more dramatic-slash-surreal one if you wish.  There's a lot of impressive examples and tutorials on the web, so Google away!

Photo (2011)
Photo by Edralin Manila

Words by Violet Manila

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What this umbrella can do.

The crazy cat lady.

Her "dangkal" legs.

These represent Edralin's love for flash photography.  He almost always uses flash units when he shoots (he owns three).  It's really amazing how strobes dramatically enhance photos.  They put "wonder" in wonderland!

Photos 1 & 2 (2011)  |  Photo 3 (2012)
Photos by Edralin Manila
Words by Violet Manila

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More here:  Around Manila Curbs


Photos 1 to 14 (2011)
Photos by Edralin Manila

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