" Castañas "

Fresh "Catanas" for sale outside a market,somewhere along Divisoria.



Not my cup of tea really, but I always love its nutty and roasted aroma especially when the vendor starts to scoop out those hot roasted chestnuts.
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" Feet off "

You might want to think twice before buying some Suha (Pomelo) from this vendor.
I mean talk about hygiene wise, look closely where his preciuos feet were. ^0^




melody: boys with girlfriends - meiko

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" at night..."

How the moon glows silently during the night in the streets of Pedro Gil.



The red and green striped structure on the left is Eurotel,
a local hotel that offers reasonable prices, not your usual 5 star thing, but the good thing is it's literally right infront of a shopping mall.

melody: piano song- meiko

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" Blues and Red "

Anyone craving for some donuts?! ... because I do. ^0^
I think that's what caught my attention, its funky, vibrant colors!.

melody: T- shirt - princess velasco

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" Off the horizon "

I wonder what's the weather like in your neck of the woods ? ^0^

more Skywatch here!

melody: new song- yael naim

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" Palacio del Gobernador "

Along Intramuros (walled city), what was
once the first residence of the Spanish Governor General in
Plaza Roma, is this massive, repetitive structure- Palacio del Gobernador
( House of the Governor )
The former owner of this house was a member of the Real Audencia
(Supreme Court) .



Presently, it's where the COMELEC
office is located.



The bldg. outside overlooks this fountain.

melody: right now na-na-na- princess velasco

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" The first of its kind "

It's good to know that in case of dire need,
we have reliable police speed boats out to the rescue.
The name says it all.

But are they really useful ?
I think it's yet to be proven.



but seriously, baywatch?! ^0^


melody: le toi de moi- carla bruni

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" Pichi- Pichi "

Another traditional Filipino dessert is "Pichi-Pichi".
Its main ingredient is grated cassava or cassava flour, pandan water and sugar.
It's steamed, cooled then cut into pieces that are rolled in Niyog (grated coconut).
An easy dessert that's quite delectable.
Try it if you happen to visit Manila or if it's available in your local market. ^0^

melody: i'm yours- princess velasco

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" A shot at life "

I'm sure you see them on the streets every now and then, pretending they're not there when actually are.
It can be disturbing but the people don't seem to care.

melody: relator -pete yorn and scarlett johansson

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" The things that people do "

Relaxing and chilling on a quiet and cozy night...



Thank goodness it didn't rain... almost! ^0^

melody: mushaboom- feist


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" Read between the lines "

Somewhere along Quezon city...

An ordinary sunset catch,
I like how the rays of the sun shines directly and look closely,
two guys were actually changing tires,
seems like their car broke down.



Have a great friday to all! ^0^
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" Passerelle "

The things I do when I'm passing through the footbridge along Sta. Mesa.

Bending down to get this shot, lucky there's noone else around. ^0^


Now that's the railway transit on the left, some fancy signage and the route back to Manila.


That's looking up to the sky, on the left is a new high rise condominium,
the SM residences called the Mezza, owned by tycoon Henry Sy.



and this is looking down at its main intersection road.


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" Capitol Theatre "

In 1935, a grand cinema was erected in the midst of Escolta,
the legendary Capitol Theatre.
Looking at its facade, one can appreciate the styles of art deco,
designed by architect Juan Nakpil.



History tells us that the theatre was shaped like a man's head.
But upon observation, I don't know where he took his inspiration.
It looks pretty dilapidated now, after leaving this place abandoned
and deserted for decades.
Last 2008, the rest of the theatre which was being used as a restaurant
has been demolished.
Alas, this is what's left, nothing but a single chinese character.



I wish I could show you an up close look of this place especially the
intricate bas relief.
But the sun was against me during that time, not to mention the heat and
since it's a weekday, traffic was bad and cars were everywhere.

Here's one last look on this once historic building.




melody: Almost lover - A fine frenzy

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" a store called Besa's "

Ask every shoe expert if they know " Besa's " and I'm sure they've heard it already.

Though its exterior doesn't do justice, uninviting and perhaps a bit outdated.
It's been around quite a while, since 1935.
The first shop opened in Escolta (I posted last week), back then,
it was the "In" hub of Manila.

The shoes are mostly made to order, handmade, it's good and detailed craftsmanship, hence, the prices don't come cheap.
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" Indoor vs Outdoor "

I have a confession to make, I have a thing when it comes to roofs.
I can't stop looking at them and who wouldn't?

Normally, they all looked very much alike but not this one.
This is a dome shape, umbrella ceiling seen along a mall in Cubao.
A modern style sans the cupola and all sorts of architectural details.



Wishing my fellow bloggies a great week ahead. ^-^

melody: The Riddle- five for fighting

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" This isn't what it looks like "

One of the interesting edifices when i look outside our balcony.



Both straight out of the camera,
the former was taken in the morning.
the latter, during the late afternoon.
Interesting how the colors change.



melody: Don't give up on me- Daniel Powter

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" A trip to Sofitel then again.. "

The interiors of Hotel Sofitel is as exquisite as its exterior,
Walk outside the pool area and the ambiance is pretty cozy, clearly a place to unwind.
But lately, the weather isn't cooperating, made me wish it's summer all over again. ^-^







melody: mrs. cold - kings of convenience

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" What's in a name? "

They look like block of wood chips and surprisingly, placed outside the street, to absorb heat of the sun.
Well, these are actually local chinese herbs that can only be find in Chinatown specifically at Chinese drugstores where it's readily available.

Now, the name may sound a bit out of the ordinary, but
It's a common herb called Dong Shan (黨參) or とじん in japanese.
No Filipino term for it unfortunately.



It taste sweet and neutral.
It's mostly concocted with other natural herbs that serves as a tonic or
If you're making a homemade soup or broth, you can just easily add a stick or two.

Dong Shan improves digestive and body function,
it's anti-fatigue as it stimulates the nervous and immune system.



Ps: the shadowy figure is my arm holding out the camera. ^0^

Portishead- Numb

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" Natividad Building "

Along Escolta, a street that was once known as Escortar - spanish for escorts,
is this vintage edifice called Natividad building, it is literally located in the corner of Escolta and T. Pinpin.
It used to be the hub of the financial community that included foreign embassies and other financial institutions from Britain and the United States.



Although the cable wires can be a sore, one can't help but admire its design that's inspired by a bit of
beaux-art and Parisian cutout all rolled into one.




Homesick -kings of convenience

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" ...And I said... and He said... "

I suppose laying down on motorbikes isn't faux pas,
They seem unmindful to their surroundings.
Now that's what I call living the life! ^0^

melody: Cayman Island - Kings of Convenience

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" Life "

sometimes, all you need is that euphoria and sudden rush.




any thrill seekers? ^0^
i haven't tried it yet, but would love to.(no kidding!)
the only downside is that once you're up there, everyone's looking at you!

melody: oh life - desree

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" Perspective "

...Minutes before it arrives and while I patiently wait for the train...
I look up and saw these dizzying yellow grid steels and attractive adverts,
one way to set your mind off boredom.



Happy weekend everyone! ^0^

melody: Buses and Trains - Bachelor Girl

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" If "

Innocence in the eyes of a child.






melody: If eyes could speak- devon werkheiser

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" The face that launched a thousand ships "

A mural like this isn't uncommon, you'd often see them in alleyways and side streets.
It's usually filled with inspirational writings or quotable quotes, mostly words, but this one is a bit of iconic, it's the face of our local vice mayor presiding in Manila.

Like some of our politicians, his claim to fame started in a notorious street called Tondo.
His, is a story that goes from rags to riches, uneducated, an orphan and dirt poor when he was a kid.
He was discovered by a kind hearted actor, who adopted and nurtured him.
He then started small roles on tv and films, became a matinée idol and
one day, out of the blue,
he's running for a position in government office.
Needless to say, he's a favorite among the locals.



As for the lone man sitting on the side, i guess he simply needed a break. ^0^

melody: Adele- Daydreamer

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" Open-air Market "

You know you're in an open air market, when you see colorful umbrellas such as these.



Today, we're heading back to the streets of *Ilaya* and *Tabora* in Divisoria, known for its busiest, crowded and mostly boisterous side of the hood.



In a market like this, you're sure to find bargains, trinkets and what nots.



Some of the things you'll find in this market.
Different sizes of Pots and Pans- ranging from small to ultra big.

and prepare yourself to haggle with vendors, bumping elbows with each other
and withstand the heat of the sun.




Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
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