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. ^_^

My First World Wide Photo Walk by Scott Kelby

Every year for the past two years, Scott Kelby is holding a world wide photo walk for all photographers to share images and build camaraderie. I have been anticipating this event since the last week of May. With the excitement I had that time, I signed-up right away on the first walk that I saw in Manila. It was the Sta Cruz leg. As days go by, more and more walks from the Philippine's came up. But they do get easily filled-up by photographers (hobbyists, amateurs and professionals alike).

Early this morning,  I make sure I got up early and prepare myself for my first photo walk. As I leave home, I went to Intramuros first to have breakfast at manang's. but their Fried Chicken is not yet available so I settled for their Lechon Kawali. After that hearty breakfast, I went to Sta Cruz to join the others who will be at the Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk. Our meeting place was at Plaza Arsenio H. Lacson in front of Plaza Fair. Since I got there early, I went to Sta Cruz Church first to give thanks and seek guidance from our Creator. Then I noticed some guys with cameras taking snaps. One approached me and asked me if I am also a part of the Sta. Cruz group. I said yes and the guy told me to join us. We waited for the rest to arrive before we had our pre-walk group hug photo.

I was able to meet new faces. But I noticed that some of them were quite young. Another thing is that some people I know online who were supposed to attend didn't show up. That made me think why. As the walk progresses. one thing I find odd was the route that we went through going to Binondo Church. Instead of going there via Ongpin, we went there via Escolta-Yuchengco. Still I was able to take pictures of the street itself as well as some people who live there. Good thing I had a shooting partner that time. She was also an alumna of MIT and just finished her Basic Photography Course at FPPF in Intramuros.

As we reached Binondo Church, I was surprised to see some of my supposed to be groupmates at the photowalk as well as our photowalk leader. Then I approach my photowalk leader to congratulate him for the successful walk. I saw the puzzled look in his face and then he asked me if I am with his group. I said yes then to my surprise, he asked my why I wasn't able to join him. Little did I know, I joined the wrong route as he told me that there is another group for that. I was in total shock and a little bit embarrassed at the same time but anyway, its all been done already. I was able to join the group hug of my original group and the group that I joined as well.

After the walk, my photo buddy and I had our lunch at one of the restaurants in Ongpin. Then we walked back to Sta Cruz Church via Escolta to take pictures of other parts that we have missed. Then we went inside an old museum. Even if its closed, the security guards opened it for us and we were able to take pictures of old memorabilia. I really enjoyed that day and I got really tired.

Here are some more pictures from the Wrong Walk. XD