I recently got myself an interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) in a bid to improve my photography skills and to be familiar with my new gadget in time for my upcoming travel outside the country, I decided to do a photowalk in one of the most picturesque places in the country, the City of Manila. Here are some of the shots that I took, but be forewarned though that this post is a bit heavy on the bandwidth.
Let’s start here: Manila City Hall
These first shots were taken using a 16mm F2.8 lens:
Km 1 marker across the National MuseumThe historic National Museum: too bad it’s a bit difficult to photographLast time I was here, the statue of the late former President Corazon Aquino was not yet aroundRizal Monument with the tallest flag pole in the PhilippinesRizal Monument up frontLuneta Hotel: one of the most beautiful old structures in the city featuring Belle Époque architecture. I am so glad that this was spared from demolition and is now having a restoration.
It was around noon by that time so I went to a nearby mall for lunch.
One of the atria of Robinson’s Place ManilaThe new extension of the mall
Bistro Ravioli
It was my first time eating at Bistro Ravioli and I could say that their food is quite nice, not to mention surprisingly cheap! Their Choco Lava does not look much at first glance, but is actually quite delightful.
Lunch: Bistro RavioliPeach iced teaPlaying with color (red iced tea)Seafood Marinara PastaChoco Lava, before the “eruption”Sodas anyone?
All pictures henceforth were taken with my 16-55mm lens. I was missing zooming. 😀
Yakult Green Tea by SereniteaBreads at Bread Talk
Intramuros
If you are looking for a historic and picturesque location in Manila, Intramuros is a no brainer. It has the oldest standing stone structure in the country and Spanish-era buildings. They don’t make buildings like they used to.
An old door of San Agustin ChurchLook at how detailed this structure isNot just old houses but Spanish-era buildingsSan Agustin Church: the oldest standing stone structure in the PhilippinesI don’t know why but I do find old structures very charmingAnother interesting building within the wallSee the details?
As we walked around Intramuros, we noticed a curious use of some free space. The space was full of graffiti and was being used by skaters. In fairness the space was “clean” although I have mixed feelings about the graffiti.
An interesting use of spaceI do not know if matches the overall look of IntramurosGraffitiSome structures are now just memoriesManila Cathedral from afarMemorare Manila at Plazuela de Sta. IsabelQuite a new addition to the siteManila Cathedral from the backA typical lamp post inside IntramurosThese lamp posts have sponsors engraved on themSome info about Manila CathedralPalacio del GobernadorPalacio del Gobernador up frontIs this supposed to be a fountain?The Manila CathedralZooming in on the intricate detailsKing Carlos IV of SpainThe façade of the CathedralA marker in front of the CathedralThe detailed arch over the main doorInside the CathedralThe AltarThe domeView from the AltarOne of the rooms inside the CathedralNot sure if it is as old as the Cathedral itselfLooking back at the CathedralManila Cathedral is easily one of the most beautiful churches in the PhilippinesThe pipe organPrior to this visit I did not know we have an “Our Lady of the Philippines” Detail of the doorOne of the doors of the CathedralA kid looks outAnother doorOne of the main doorsManila Cathedral at an angle
By the Bay
I was hoping we would be able to catch the sunset as we leave Intramuros but at this time of the year sunset is earlier so I had so settle with the post-sunset orange skies by the bay. Manila Bay still has some of the most picturesque sunset in the world.
Sunset at Manila BayA sculpture in CCP GroundsAnd another sculptureThe sun paints the buildings orangeAt the breakwater. Suddenly the memories of my paddling days were back, however short it was.Another sunset viewThe skyline of the City of ManilaCultural Center of the Philippines (with its Christmas decors)An interesting chandelier inside CCPZooming in on the Angel atop the Christmas tree
Food de Sentosa
The best way to conclude a photowalk is of course with food! For dinner we decided to try Food de Sentosa which claims “authentic Singapore cuisine.” I admit I’m not qualified to verify this claim, but I did like their food. It was new to my taste but not too foreign to be “alien.”
Dinner: Food de Sentosa (quite a peculiar name)Supposedly a Singaporean restaurant but their menu speaks otherwise 🙂Bandung: milk flavored drink with rose cordial syrupLaksa
Walking may be slower than running, but sometimes it’s just as tiring, sometimes even more! I learned quite a lot within this relative short time, and I’m so glad that the current administration of the city of Manila had stopped demolishing those beautiful and historic old buildings which makes photowalks like this one a delight. There will always be that new tall tower but we won’t always have those historic and architecturally interesting structures. There were still a lot of areas I did not cover around the Intramuros area, and while there are buildings being saved there are quite a lot more that desperately needs attention. Hopefully on my next photowalk, I get to cover more, and see more restorations!
I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did doing it and taking pictures. 😀
*Note: Downsizing and watermarking are the only alterations made to all the photos in this set. No additional digital enhancements were made.
Nice set you got here. I admire those historical landmarks sans those powerlines, sana naisaayos man lang nila ‘yun. Did you took those pictures unnoticed? I knew there are places there na restricted ang picture taking. Well done, Dennis.
Salamat! Yun nga ang medyo malungkot sa mga scenic sights natin puro poste, kable ng kuryente, at sa mga simbahan parking sa harap mismo. Di naman ako pinansin kasi di naman daw ako SLR hehe 🙂
nice pics 🙂 super enjoy talaga mag photo walk sa manila at sa intramuros. Maraming beses na ako nakapunta diyan. pero parang each time na pumunta ako, laging may bago.
runningpinoy 
Nice set you got here. I admire those historical landmarks sans those powerlines, sana naisaayos man lang nila ‘yun. Did you took those pictures unnoticed? I knew there are places there na restricted ang picture taking. Well done, Dennis.
LikeLike
Salamat! Yun nga ang medyo malungkot sa mga scenic sights natin puro poste, kable ng kuryente, at sa mga simbahan parking sa harap mismo. Di naman ako pinansin kasi di naman daw ako SLR hehe 🙂
LikeLike
nice pics 🙂 super enjoy talaga mag photo walk sa manila at sa intramuros. Maraming beses na ako nakapunta diyan. pero parang each time na pumunta ako, laging may bago.
LikeLike
Nice shots Dhenz, nakaka-engganyo tuloy na matutong mag-photo shoot, at mamasyal uli ng Manila 🙂
More photowalks 😉
LikeLike
I tried having my own photowalk on the streets of manila, but i could never achieved the perspective you attained from your shots. Keep it up!
LikeLike
These are really nice! What camera do you use?
LikeLike
Thank you! I used a Sony NEX 5N. I already mentioned which lenses I used in the post.
LikeLike