The idea came from a website that I used to frequent and the suggestion was to go out of the house once a week and photograph things, places and even strangers along the way.
Sad to say that I failed, I was only able to complete 43 weeks of this 52 week project.
I won't be posting 43 photos for all the weeks that I've been out (this would make the post waaaaaaaaaay too long, LOL), so I'll just post two of my favorite photos per month and I hope that you like them, as much as I enjoyed the adventure of discovering new places and taking photos of them.
Let me start from January 2010:
One of my favorite shots for that month was this
A homeless family which allowed me to take photos of them. I always wanted to be a photojournalist and this is my inspiration, giving voice to those who are not heard. It's not to seek pity, but to show the reality of life. I wish that those in power would be able to see this and do something to help them. I know that we all need to do something to help ourselves and this family was doing just that. They sell small things to get by and I wish that their lives would be better this 2011.
The photo was taken along P. Tuazon Avenue, Quezon City. The family welcomed me into their hearts and their home. The matriarch of the family even asked me to share their lunch with them. I saw what they were having and it was not because I don't eat the kind of food on their plate that I didn't join them, it was because I knew that what ever they had was only enough for them. I am a lucky woman, I have a home, a husband to come home to, a dog and I can eat what I want, so I guess it was just prudent for me to decline and apologize sincerely for not sharing their meal. It was a great eye opener for me, since I used to fear these homeless people, thinking that I'll be robbed but this family proved to me that honor and a good heart are still valued even by those who live out on the streets.
Another photo that that I love is this
January, some friends of mine and I went out on a hunt for Church Architecture. I love this shot because it's one of the photos that I processed experimenting with Photoshop. The original photo was taken in monochrome and the blue skies were added in Photoshop7.
The photo is of the Binondo Church also known as San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish. It was named after the first Filipino saint and is located in Binondo, Manila.
February 2010 photos
Not one of my better photos, but I love this.
It's a photo of the neighborhood where I spent the first 18 years of my life.
I grew up in this small neighborhood in the city of Manila. Those were the best days of my single life. I spent the first seven years of it wrapped in my grandmother's arms. I also met my real friends there, friends that I've had since I was little who up to this day are still my best friends. How can I forget the best gifts that this life has given to me?
This is not also one of my better shots. This is the doorway of a spa where hubby and I had the luxury of getting a massage.
The name of the spa is Relaksasi, located on the top floor of Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
March 2010
My first formal invitation to a photoshoot. This group of youngsters invited me to be one of their photographers during their fun shoot, when they did their interpretation of the popular Japanese Anime, Getbackers.
The shoot was done within the campus of the University of the Philippines, Manila Campus. It was great being with this group. They had passion for what they were doing and it showed in their every pose, every action without relying heavily on their costumes.
House hunting was another one of my favorite days out. It was an experience looking for a new home. We have a home that we love dearly, but we are still looking for something better. Seeing these houses gave us an idea of what to look for when choosing an investment that would last us our lifetime.
The house is located at Villa San Mateo, San Mateo, Rizal.
April 2010
April heralded Holy Week and one of the places that I went to was this beautiful church in Concepcion, Marikina City. The name of the church is Immaculation Conception Parish Church. This area was severely flooded when the typhoon Ondoy hit the country, but a few months after the storm, this church looked as if it was never hit by the raging rains and waters of Ondoy.
This month was also the time for the annual Aliwan Festival. I love this festival not because of the beautiful faces of the muses, but because it showcased the culture and traditions of the different provinces of the country.
Last year's Aliwan Festival's assembly point was at the Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
May 2010
I didn't know then, but it was the last time I'll be celebrating Mother's Day with my mom last year.
November, she and my dad flew towards a new home in the Western part of the world. I was and still am happy that we were able to take her out on a date that time.
We went to KKK Food Revolution Restaurant, located at the ground floor of SM City Cubao, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Aside from being able to take her out on a date, we were also happy with the food and the service of the restaurant. A wonderful day to be remembered.
This month also saw us continuing with our house hunt. We went on a road trip and we were able to visit three far places in one day. We looked at houses in Morong, Rizal, the location of the subdivision which had that wonderful looking swimming pool and a view of the Laguna Lake. After which, we ate a late lunch in Antipolo City in one of the road side restaurants there. Lastly, we found ourselves in Quezon City for dinner and some dessert. It was tiring, but it was also fun.
June 2010
My first nude shoot was last June and I greatly appreciated the fact that the model trusted us enough to allow us to take photos of her. It was an experience that I would never forget.
The shoot was done in Eurotel, Araneta Center branch, Cubao, Quezon City. We booked a room and the shoot was done in about four hours.
It was also the month for new discoveries. I went around Marikina City again and I ended up at the Shoe Museum. The museum houses more than 800 original pairs of shoes from the more than 2,000 pairs that the previous first lady Imelda Marcos owned.
The shoe museum charges a Php50.00 entrance fee. A small price to pay for those who would like to learn more about the shoe making industry of the Philippines.
July 2010
Another new discovery. Pan de Amerikana, Marikina City. I loved this place because of the old feel of the place, the smell of freshly baked bread and the tree house feel of the restaurant. It was marvelous!
What I liked the most, the food that they served! We paid less than Php500.00 for a meal that consisted of grilled food, a pitcher of ice tea and about three cups of rice. I also got to see the giant chessboard and chess pieces of the restaurant that day.
A photo of the major thorough fare of the country, EDSA. This main road does not see light traffic at almost any hour. This stretch of road connects so many cities that one would always see cars and even public transportation at almost any hour of the day.
August 2010
Was a month of opportunities for me.
My first wedding coverage was done that month. My friend asked me if I could record this special event. I was honored to be their photographer, to record and share in their happiness and of course, be able to capture the emotions when those two lives were bound as one.
The second opportunity came in the form of an invitation for a model shoot. I enjoyed working with the models and it was a great experience for me too.
The shoot was held in Votre Bar, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City.
September 2010
Was a month of nature's beauty.
The photo is titled Takipsilim - the vernacular term for dusk. The photo was taken when my friend and I went to the Quezon Memorial Circle for a photowalk.
Welcome to Santa Barbara Villas 2, my place of residence. The village gate overlooks the cities of Pasig, Quezon City, Marikina and Ortigas, Pasig. The best view on a clear day is the sunset at the city of Pasay. I may not see the sun kiss the waters of Manila Bay, but the colors and hues of the sunset is more than enough for me.
October 2010
A month of enjoying activities with my hubby.
I was able to go with hubby to one of his airsoft games. I greatly enjoyed the day because I was able to watch grown men play cowboys and indians with their toy guns. I was also able to take a photo of this wonderful looking garden set at the place where they play.
Before All Hallow's Eve, hubby and I went to the mall and decided to goof around with the costumes and masks.
And that's me having fun with one of the pointy witch's hats. It was a great day to just goof around and play like little kids.
November 2010
A bittersweet month for me.
That's the grounds of the Centennial Airport. November 21st, the last day I was with my parents, at 10PM, they were on a plane bound for another country. No, I didn't shed any tears seeing them off, I know they're better off there and all I ever wanted was for them to be in a place that would be best for them. I was happy for them, yet some selfish part of me wanted to ask them to stay so that I wouldn't miss them. But, I'm a big girl now, I should learn how to let go. Anyway, I heard from them a couple of times already and they seem to be happy where they are.
This month was also sweet because I got my first tattoo
The tattoo was done by Lennie, an artist over at Octopush Ink Studio, owned by Tatay Nero Nievo, founder of the Philippine Tattoo Artist Guild (PHILTAG).
I was in good hands. Update on the tattoo, I got my second ink, also from the same artist and studio. Octopush Ink is located at the ground floor of Hansel's Arcade, Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City. The minimum rate of Tatay Nero is Php1,000 (roughly USD25.00).
December 2010
A great year ender for me and hubby.
Going to the Mall of Asia to watch Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows 1, with some bonuses like the float parade, the fireworks display and of course the wonderful sunset.
My second tattoo which hubby designed.
And of course
The trip to Manila Ocean Park last December 26th.
Overall, I would say that my 2010 was a year of happiness, memories and discoveries. I can't wait to see and discover what 2011 has in store for me.
