Ironwulf.net Ver 6: En Route - Philippines, Travel, Photography

Christmas starts early in the Philippines. At the onset of the ‘ber’ months, I won’t be surprised to hear Christmas Carols playing at some establishments, even local radio stations. With Halloween ending, I noticed yesterday that the Halloween displays were quickly being put down to be replaced by the bright and sparkling Christmas decors. Yes the season has started already and the distinct Filipino Icon of Parols will be hanging again.

There are characters that just stand out in the crowd. As we cut through the narrow streets of Ongpin one fair Saturday afternoon, this colorful character caught our sights as we exit through the Ongpin arch towards the fountain. It’s just hard to resist seeing this middle aged lady enwrapped on her own private world, sipping coffee, eating snacks in the middle of the bustling street of Manila. I guess it’s her seeming carefree character that drew us to converse and get to know her better.

There had been a number of queries and searches here regarding the new airport. In particular the NAIA terminal 3. This posts is for the benefit of those who are quite new in air travel here in Manila and for those are looking for directions going to the airports. Believe me there are still a lot of Filipinos who have just started taking the benefit of cheap air travel lately. It would also be useful especially this coming holidays where we can expect lots of traffic in these terminals.

By this time, there may already be a number of impressions posted about the NAIA Terminal 3, the not-so-new spanking airport to open in Manila. Last week, I finally got to see the new terminal when my friends Oggie and Eric were headed to Bacolod for the long weekend. For many travelers, this is a welcome development since the old domestic airport and the NAIA Terminal 1 is already aging. So what do I think of the new airport?

You know what I else I like aside from shooting travel photos? It’s Food! Those baked goodies just melt in your eyes. I was recently able to try some cakes at Classic Confections in Greenbelt 5. Pastries is one of my food weaknesses, especially those colorful and mouth watering ones like from this cake shop. I try to stay away eating much of these, if fact I’m already contented eating bits of one of each since some I found really sweet. So let me just indulge a bit with some yummy photos instead. I really like the colors of these goodies.

The much awaited World Pyro Olympics 2008 has finally came to a close last night. After much delays in actually starting it, some cancellations and back-outs the event did fairly well to cap it off. Oddly enough, we weren’t able to hear who the winner was. My bet’s with Italy but will update this post when I hear word. Not only was this special ending, was able to meet some other photographers at the event as well.

This year’s World Pyro Olympics is as unpredictable as the rains. It’s not such a good idea to have it held at the onset of the rainy season. Last week was supposed to be Venezuela and Italy’s fireworks display. But because of the rains, strong winds and waves, the show didn’t push through on both days of the weekends. Last Saturday, seeing the weather more favorable, we headed down Mall of Asia and was positively waiting for the show to start. Fortunately it did.