#258 Arayat in the Distance

The flood plains of Candaba in Pampanga are about the lowest points in Luzon. Excess rainwater from the highlands meander down their rivers and collect here... before they eventually find their way to the sea. And while they're here, these endless pools of water create habitats for all types of native aquatic critters... as well as for the migratory birds who come to feed on them. Unfortunately, shallow water in the plains also make excellent riceland, that's why the Candaba swamps is a much smaller place today. See them before they're gone. Enjoy. 

(Pixel-Peepers: Unusually dreamy light is what you'll find when the sun is still below the horizon. Look for strong elements to anchor your composition, like Mt. Arayat in the distance and/or a dilapidated dike in the foreground. Don't forget to include clouds already in full sunlight, or their muted reflections in the water below.) 

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Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

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For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)

#257 Gotcha!

While wandering the dirt roads through the Candaba swamps in Pampanga, we chanced upon this boy fishing beside a shallow ditch, intent on outsmarting whatever was in its depths. Soon we heard a small splash just as he lunged-forward to retrieve his line. Gotcha! Oops. Not! Whatever it was, like the proverbial cat with nine lives, it will live to bite another day, leaving the boy frustrated, as there can be only one winner in "tugs-of-war of this sort." Strangely familiar? Enjoy.

(Pixel-Peepers: The strong side light in the early mornings help your captures look sharp and crisp, while at the same time can paint dreamy reflections on a calm water's surface. Gotcha! At least one of us caught something that morning!)

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Past postcards at www.PostcardsFromManila.com

Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

But wait, there's more...

For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)

#256 Merry Christmas to All

During the darkest part of the night, we learn to look east for signs of the savior. From a faint and distant glow... to the ensuing majestic light show... we marvel at HIS arrival, with both hands in prayer, our minds in rapturous awe, and our hearts held in quiet reflection. A new day is born. Our savior is born.

Have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy.

Bobby, Birang, Michelle, Melissa, & Monica

(Pixel-Peepers: Looking out towards the swamps in Candaba Pampanga at first light, you wonder what could be worth driving out at 330am for the privelege to be in the middle of nowhere. Soon, assuming you remembered to bring your tripod and filters, you nod in agreement that it could well be the best decision you've made all week. Faith. It's a constant struggle...)

Sign-up to receive new postcards weekly by email 

Past postcards at www.PostcardsFromManila.com

Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

But wait, there's more...

For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)

#255 Country Home

"One day I'm going to own a country home... It will be beside a small lake that reflect the sky above, it will be surrounded by vast open fields with an unobstructed view of the horizon. The air will be clean and fresh, and with each waft, hint of wildflowers and dewdrops just beyond my walls. The loudest sounds will be from birds frolicking nearby, or from chirping insects and the reptiles that stalk them... "

(Ok...ok... that rundown wooden shack may not be exactly what you had in mind, but at least it can be yours today! Enjoy.)

(Pixel-peepers: In wide and open spaces, a composition can fail if it lacks a strong element to anchor the viewer eyes. Gee I sure wished I used a longer lens!)

Sign-up to receive new postcards weekly by email 

Past postcards at www.PostcardsFromManila.com

Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

But wait, there's more...

For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)

#254 A Smile in the Sky

What happens to all those pictures you take?... I've often been asked.

We were on the Buguey coast, having just witnessed an unusually glorious sunset. The sky had changed colors several times... from a fluttering pink to fickle whiffs of violet... and then to varying shades of crimson... before settling on a fiery orange. With a camera in hand, I had recorded pretty much everything. Some will be shared on my Facebook page... a notable few will become musings for PostcardsFromManila.com... and a handful mailed across the miles this holiday season. If just one inspires you to see life in a different light, all those pictures I took would have been worth my while. Enjoy. 

(Pixel-peepers: Keep an eye, and your mind, open for scenes that contain elements of note... like the crescent moon in the form of a human smile.)

Sign-up to receive new postcards weekly by email 

Past postcards at www.PostcardsFromManila.com

Say hello: Bobbyw59@yahoo.com

But wait, there's more...

For those who've inquired about buying prints of my postcards, you may purchase them directly from master printmaker Arnel Murillo (murilloarnel@yahoo.com), one of the country's foremost fine-art printmakers.  Arnel uses archival inks and museum-grade paper to ensure his prints will not fade. You will not be disappointed. (All my images are provided gratis to help showcase the beauty of our country. But if you feel generous, help me uplift the lives of the Children of Payatas.  No donation is too big or too small. Get in touch with Fr. Aldrin Suan at aldrinsuan@yahoo.com of the Vincentian Missionaries in the Philippines. As always, thanks and enjoy.)