Category Archives: Photography

Our Manila Ocean Park adventure

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We were finally able to use the complimentary tickets from Ocean Park courtesy of PJI. The tickets are limited to Oceanarium visit. But we’re fine with it because they’re free. 🙂

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Just before we entered the building, I’ve got a little reminder from my daughter to limit taking pictures inside the Oceanarium as I might not enjoy the view. But I couldn’t help it. It’s not everyday that we get to see those beautiful marine creatures.

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We went further to see the aquarium tunnel where we had a full view of various species of fishes in all shapes and sizes. We were awed by the sight of stingrays that swim above our heads and at the sides. We even had photos of them at the background. They are truly a wonderful God’s creation.

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We stayed for a while in the area (I guess it’s the back side of the Ocean Park) where we had our first family selfie with the Manila Bay as backdrop.

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We also checked out a few items at the shopping area. I bought an eco bag as souvenir. We ate dinner at North Park Noodle House (no available picture to show because we were too hungry to take one) before we head home. It was indeed another enjoyable and memorable day for the family.

Our next adventure, hopefully, will be at the Star City. Remember that we still have the ride-all-you-can tickets, still courtesy of PJI. Yay!

Fort Santiago visit

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Going out in the scorching heat of the sun is not advisable health-wise, but two Saturdays ago, we were blessed with partly cloudy skies that we were able to go out and visit Fort Santiago. We’ve been planning to visit this place for the longest time. But it was only realized last April 13.

The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or Manila Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Manila. Have a Kalesa trip via this horse-drawn carriage (right photo) in Intramuros.

We were like tourists visiting the place for the first time. While I was busy taking some pictures on our way to Fort Santiago, hubby was explaining something to the kids about the Manila Cathedral.

Tickets are still affordable.
Mom and Dad alone
Mom and Dad

The kids don’t want their photographs taken with these life-size cardboard standees (left photo), so it’s just hubby and me.

“One of the oldest Hispanic stone fortresses in the country. In pre-colonial times, this was the site of Rajah Soliman’s “kuta” or fort. The Spaniards under the term of Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinaz fortified what was originally stone structures.”(Taken from a flyer handed out at ticket booth.)
The Rizal Shrine.This is where Dr. Jose Rizal spend his last few days after he was convicted for sedition. At present, "Rizal Shrine serves as museum where mementoes of the hero can be viewed."
Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last few days inside this cell before his execution on December 30, 1896. His “last footsteps” were immortalized through these bronze footprints.
"The Rizal Shrine houses a museum where mementoes of the hero can be viewed."
Inside the shrine is a museum where Jose Rizal memorabilia are found.
The memorial cross represents the demise of a total 600 Filipinos inside Forth Santiago during the Second World War. The dungeon served as execution chamber of political prisoners from Spanish to Japanese period.
The memorial cross represents the demise of 600 Filipinos inside Fort Santiago during the Second World War. The dungeon served as an execution chamber of political prisoners from the Spanish to Japanese period.
Bombs and cannon at Fort Santiago. The tranvia is a replica of the pre-war street cars in Manila.
Bombs and cannon at Fort Santiago. The Tranvia is a replica of the pre-war streetcars in Manila.
All tired, but happy.
All tired, but happy.

I would not trade the smile and laughter that the family shared while we were at the park. We went home tired but brought with us an experience that we will always cherish.

Fort Santiago is located at Plaza San Luiz Complex, Cor. Real and General Luna Sts.
For inquiry call: Intramuros Visitors Center at Tel. 5272961; 5271572

Religious feast coverage

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Black Nazarene devotees


It took several hours for my former officemate photographer to cover the recent feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. He had to wait for the procession to slowly move from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo. This is not his first coverage for the same event though, but this one is the longest to finish. According to news report, the procession ended after 22 hours. Good thing he brought extra aaa rechargeable batteries for his photography equipment while shooting and got stuck somewhere in the procession. I borrowed a couple of his photographs to share here.

Photo credit: Ver Noveno of PJI