Saturday, October 15

My first visit to Fort Santiago (FPPF's 18th Anniversary)


Going inside FPPF's turf


I just got here in the office after attending FPPF-Canon Photowalk at Fort Santiago early this morning. I got this notice from a friend of mine in facebook where he posted it on our facebook page. I was apprehensive at first but after convincing myself, why not. The fact that it was the only place in Intramuros that I haven't been before plus it's only 15 minutes away from our place gave me enough reason to lose a few hours of sleep.





 

I got there at around 7:15am and began setting-up my camera as well as familiarizing myself with the place. I was just by my lonesome as most photographers who came there represent their respective camera clubs affiliated by PFFP (Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation Inc). I didn't matter much as I was able to focus on taking some pictures from there that I haven't took before.


Getting started


The road to Fort Santiago


Almost there


By 8:00am, we have started taking pictures within Intramuros. For me, I had to focus on Fort Santiago as this would be the only chance I'll be getting. I don't know when will I be able to shoot there again but all I have to do is take as much opportunity as I can. When Canon announced their free camera (body and lens) cleaning, I had to stop for a while and go to Canon's booth. They told me to go to this room to register. Good thing when I got there, I was the fourth in line as the third camera was being cleaned.





When it was my turn, one of the technicians told me that my camera got a fungus which they were able to clean. Could this be the sign I need to save-up for a second camera body XD? Anyway, I continued shooting once my camera and lens were cleaned.










As I went inside Fort Bonifacio itself, I felt like a stepped into a time machine. To my delight, I enjoyed the place before composing on what to shoot. I got inside at least two museums that showcase the rich history of Dr. Jose Rizal. I got sidetracked as I took some pictures of them as it would be probably my last. Then, I got to another room full of Jose Rizal's artifacts (furniture, paintings etc.) and didn't waste a second on taking their photograph.


























I forgot that I should have submitted my entry by 10:00am but anyway, I took my time and take more pictures while going back to the activity area. There were food and drinks to participants of the event (there was a fee of 250 which covers the entrance fee, food and an event shirt) and I made sure to grab some to nourish me. Within a few more minutes, most photographers trooped to the parked Miata Cars as models gamely posed for them. I took some shots along with the crowd before reporting for work.














I hope I could go back next time and make sure I get more than enough sleep so I could cover all that I need. 

Happy 18th Anniversary FPPF!!! Here are some more pictures to share. ^_^









32 comments:

  1. Nice shots! i have never been to Fort Santiago, i wish my first will be before yearend.. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I hope you were able to visit Fort Santiago already.

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  2. I usually stay in Intramuros at a friends house everytime I'm in Manila but sadly haven't been to Fort Bonifacio yet, though it was just walking distance from their house. Guess I will try by that place next time I'm around Manila =)

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    Replies
    1. Please do. Don't be like me that I've studied for 5 years in Intramuros only to visit Fort Santiago 10 years after.

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  3. I've been to Fort Santiago in our Field Trip in College. I think I need to come back to this area and spend more time for better appreciation.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah. We could go back and have some pictures. ^_^

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  4. I've never been to this place and haven't attended any photography activity in the Philippines. Hopefully one day I could attend also any photography activity.

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  5. Nice shots there. Really love to visit Fort Santiago. ^_^

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  6. Nice photos you got! Ganda talaga ng Pilipinas no? Very rich talaga ng culture lalo na ang Hispanic influence/culture

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    Replies
    1. Yeah. Sa dami ng magagandang subjects, kulang ang isang araw.

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  7. How long have you had your lens na may fungus na agad sya?

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    Replies
    1. Uhmmm. I got my lens on September 2011. Probably because of poor storage at home siguro.

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  8. Wow!! I still have to visit Fort Santiago too.

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  9. I would love to come back at Fort Santiago again even if it means shelling out some peso. It is so nice to do photo walk there :) Enjoyed most of your shots! Idol!

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    Replies
    1. Idol ka dyan =P

      Its not expensive to go there and take pictures. :D

      Delete
  10. I've never taken a photowalk in this place..
    haist! I feel like I'm missing a lot.

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    1. Well its not too late to do a photowalk there. :D

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  11. The good thing about taking pictures within the walls of Fort Santiago is that they allow it. The last time I was there, my boyfriend and I also went on a photowalk. Although I've been to Fort Santiago countless times, the historical place still never fails to impress me. Anyway, your shots are always as crisp and lovely. Oh, and good thing there was a free cleanUp at Canon. :)

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    Replies
    1. Yup. but honestly, taking pictures there is prohibited and I don't know why...

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  12. wow! i would love to have that canon shirt too! haha and the photos looks amazing! and i love how sharp they are! xx

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    1. Thanks MJ. I'm sure the Canon guys there at Malaysia would have one.

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  13. Fort Santiago is a historic landmark and we were able to set feet on its ground years back. I remember my husband was shocked when suddenly saw the statue of Rizal inside the cell.

    Such good captures you have here. I super like the picture the red luxury car. :)

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    Replies
    1. Ah. Its good to know you were able to set foot inside too.

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  14. Great place, and any true Filipino needs to visit this place at least once. My first visit was from a Carlos Celdran tour. It was partly entertainment and partly soul-searching history which made me love my country even more.

    - jsncruz

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    Replies
    1. Yeah. I hope I could try one of his tours soon.

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  15. good contrast bro, with the historic fort santiago as background for the beautiful vibrant young ladies... nice shots. Yahweh bless.

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    1. Thanks bro. They (ladies) complemented the historic view.

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  16. Nice shots! Parang ang hirap mgshoot with a pro-cam. Daming settings...hihihihi

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    Replies
    1. Well, sanayan lang talaga yan actually. :D

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