6/22/2013

"The City That Never Sleeps"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ CCP Complex
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Roxas Blvd.

Formerly known as Dewey Boulevard is a boulevard in Metro Manila in the Philippines. The boulevard, which runs along the shores of Manila Bay, is well known for its sunsets and stretch of coconut trees. The divided roadway has become a trademark of Philippine tourism, famed for its yacht club, hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings and parks. Originally called Cavite Boulevard, it was renamed Dewey Boulevard in honor of the American Admiral George Dewey, who under his command defeated the Spanish navy in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. The boulevard was again renamed to “Heiwa Boulevard” in late 1941 during Japanese Home Rule and Roxas Boulevard in the 1960s to honor President Manuel Roxas, the fifth president of the Republic of Philippines.

6/06/2013

Night Life @ Intramuros ManilaI

"Intramuros @ Night"Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion IntalanTaken @ Intramuros Manila PhilippinesCanon EF50mm f/1.8 II
S-1/80
A-f/1.8
iso-800
Barbara de los Reyes was brought up with a taste for elegance and good food. Her family pioneered the fine dining and catering industry in Olonggapo City. She brought this fondness for gourmet cuisint to Manila in the early 1970's. Starting out as a small cafe in Malate, the business soon expanded its operations to catering as well as canteen management. Today, Barbara's is located at the Plaza San Luis complex in Intramuros, Manila. The restaurant's main entrees celebrate traditional Filipino and Spanish recipes but house specialties also include other European-inspired dishes. Barbara's cater to people who enjoy good food served in a grand manner.

6/05/2013

Calubcub Sunrise

"Twilight"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Calubcub Batangas Philippines
Sunrise 5:20 am
(My Early Days in Photography)

"Reason to Wake up Early"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Calubcub Batangas Philippines
Sunrise @ 6:00+
(My Early Days in Photography)

"Missed The Boat!"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Calubcub Batangas Philippines
Sunrise @ 6:00+
(My Early Days in Photography)


Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The province has many beaches and is famous for excellent diving spots including Anilao in Mabini, Sombrero Island in Tingloy, Ligpo Island in Bauan, these areas more popularly known as Anilao. Matabungkay in Lian, Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Calatagan and Laiya in San Juan.
Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located. It is also where the Taal Heritage town lies, a small picturesque town that has ancestral houses and structures dating back to the 19th century.

The Pasig City Museum

Pasig City Museum
Photo by: Clara Dela Croce
Taken @ The Pasig City Museum, Pasig City Philippines
"The Mansion"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ The Pasig City Museum, Pasig City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-1/125
A-f/4.5
iso-100
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ The Pasig City Museum, Pasig City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-1/125
A-f/4.5
iso-100
The Pasig City Museum, formerly known as the Concepcion Mansion, is located at one end of the Plaza Rizal in barangay San Jose. It was built in 1937 by Don Fortunato Concepcion, a successful business tycoon and the former mayor of Pasig (1918-1921). During World War II, the Japanese used it as their headquarters and detention center. On 19 February 1945, the American flag was hoisted atop the tower of this mansion, symbolizing the end of the Japanese occupation of Pasig – the Liberation Day of Pasig.
The Concepcion Mansion was acquired by the City of Pasig in 1980 from the heirs of Dr. Jose Concepcion, a son of Don Fortunato. For two decades, it housed the Pasig Library and Museum. In October 2000 the building was renovated; and in 2001, it was fully devoted to museum use. This marked the beginning of the thrust of the city of Pasig in the promotion of its arts, culture, and history.
In February 2008 the museum had undergone major rehabilitation and restoration works. This picture was shot after its renovation. The picture was already edited to eliminate the wires that cross the building. Then in June 6, 2008, it opened with a world class presentation of the city’s history and heritage. Today, it is one of the best local historical museums housing a Timeline History of Pasig, Comparative Sites and Landmarks Photo Exhibit, Natural Science Hall and some of the original furniture of the mansion among others.
Today, the Pasig City Museum is not merely history preserved in stands and display cases but an effective tool of the Local Government of Pasig in the promotion of arts, history and culture as well as tourism for the city.

Sky Flowers

"Sky Flowers"(as you can see at the background)
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ The SM Mall od Asia Pasay City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-2sec.
A-22
iso-800
"Eye Candies"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ The SM Mall od Asia Pasay City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-2sec.
A-22
iso-800
"The Big One"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ The SM Mall od Asia Pasay City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-2sec.
A-22
iso-800
The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition opens at the SM Mall of Asia, the country’s top lifestyle mall by the scenic Manila Bay. This annual event will put on a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts.This competition will not only paint the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid color, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology. The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audiences from all over the region.

Masskara Festival

Masskara Festival
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pasig Catholic College (Field Demo)

Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-1/200
A-f/5.6
iso-800
Masskara Festival
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pasig Catholic College (Field Demo)

Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-1/200
A-f/5.6
iso-800
Masskara Festival
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pasig Catholic College (Field Demo)

Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S-1/200
A-f/5.6
iso-800


The word "Masskara" is a portmanteau, coined by the late artist Ely Santiago from mass (a multitude of people), and the Spanish word cara (face), thus forming MassKara (a multitude of faces). The word is also a pun on maskara (Filipino for "mask"), since a prominent feature of the festival are the masks worn by participants, which are always adorned with smiling faces.

The festival first began in 1980 during a period of crisis. The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose corn syrup in the United States. It was also a time of tragedy; on April 22 of that year, the inter-island vessel Don Juan carrying many Negrenses, including those belonging to prominent families in Bacolod City, collided with the tanker Tacloban City and sank. An estimated 700 lives were lost in the tragedy.
In the midst of these tragic events, the city's artists, local government and civic groups decided to hold a festival of smiles, because the city at that time was also known as the City of Smiles. They reasoned that a festival was also a good opportunity to pull the residents out of the pervasive gloomy atmosphere. The initial festival was therefore, a declaration by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, Bacolod City is going to pull through, survive, and in the end, triumph.

6/04/2013

The SM Mall Of Asia

"The City's Demands"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pasay City Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 30 sec.
A- F/22
iso-100
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a shopping mall owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall chain owner and developer in the Philippines. SM Mall of Asia is the 2nd largest mall in the Philippines after SM City North EDSA, 3rd largest shopping mall in Asia and the 4th (Ref. Forbes’ World’s 10 Largest Shopping Malls) largest shopping mall in the world. It has a land area of 42 hectares and has a gross floor area of an approximate 390,193 square metres and 407,101 square metres of total area. The mall is located in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines near the SM Central Business Park, the Manila Bay and the southern end ofEpifanio de los Santos Avenue. The mall attracts a daily average foot traffic of about 200,000 people. SM Mall of Asia’s reign from being the largest shopping mall in the Philippines from 2006 was taken over by SM City North EDSA when it was redeveloped in 2008, relegating Mall of Asia to 2nd place.

Is This Rio?

"I Have Come To Save You"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Tarlac Philippines
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 1/200
A- f/5.6
iso- 100
Is this Rio? actually its a Sculpute of Jesus Christ from the "Monasterio de Tarlac" and yes! it is found in the Philippines!
The Monasterio De Tarlac where the Relic of the True Cross  is located  is at the heart of the 20 hectares portion of the 278 hectares Tarlac Eco-Tourism Park at Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac. Monasterio De Tarlac has an altitude of 308 meters above sea level,  on top, visitors would see  the panoramic view of the western part of the province , the grandeur of natural landscapes. A 30 foot statue of the Risen Christ reminiscent of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer stands at the edge of a hill. The Monasterio De Tarlac has the relic, that the only one in Asia, arrived in the province in 2005. Today the site receives 600 to 800 visitors per week.

This is in Manila

"Manila is a Paradise"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Paco Park Manila Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 2 sec.
A- f/22
iso- 100

Paco Park was originally planned as a municipal cemetery for the well-off and established aristocratic Spanish families who resided in the old Manila, or the city within the walls of Intramuros during the Spanish colonial era. Most of the wealthy families interred the remains of their loved ones inside the municipal cemetery in what was once the district of Dilao (former name for Paco). The cemetery was built in the late 18th century but was completed several decades later and in 1822, the cemetery was used to inter victims of a cholera epidemic that swept across the city.

5/31/2013

Magdalena River



"A Goddess Has Fallen"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Magdalena Laguna Philippines
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
HDR Imaging (3 photos)
Hlight-   S- 1/80
             A- f/4.0
             iso- 100
Mtones-   S- 1/125
              A- f/4.0
              iso- 100
Shadows- S- 1/450
              A- f/4.0
              iso- 100
Magdalena was formerly a barrio of Majayjay, Laguna. A petition from the residents of the barrio for the creation of a new town was presented on September 15, 1819. It was proclaimed a new town by Governor General Don Mariano Fernández de Folgueras on January 18, 1820, and was originally named “Magdalena de Ambling”. The name was derived from its patron saint Maria Magdalena and the barrio of Ambling where it was established. The first Teniente Alcalde or Capitan (the highest political authority in a town) was Don Mauricio San Mateo.

5/30/2013

Little China

"China to Manila Town Portal"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon EF50mm f/1.8 II
S- 1/200
A- f/4
iso- 800
"Just Plain Business"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon EF50mm f/1.8 II
S- 1/200
A- f/9
iso- 800
"Financial Heights"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 1/300
A- f/4.0
iso- 800
"Fortune for a Cheap Price"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon EF50mm f/1.8 II
S- 1/300
A- f/2.8
iso- 800
"Work Work Work"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 1/300
A- f/4.0
iso- 800

"Little China"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo Manila Philippines
Monochrome
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 1/200
A- f/9
iso- 800

Binondo is an enclave in Manila primarily populated by ethnic Chinese living in the Philippines. It is the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594.

Are You Man Enough?

"Leap Of Faith no.1"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Nagcarlan Laguna Philippines
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
Sequence Shot 6fps (8 shots)
S- 1/200
A- f/18
iso- 800
In keeping with the richness of Tagalog culture, Bunga Falls is steeped in the tradition of the locals of Nagcarlan. It used to be a ‘test of manliness’ for boys to jump from the falls down the deep basin. Also, local folklore has it that there is a creature that dwells in the pool of Bunga Falls, snatching unsuspecting dayo (outsiders) into the deep waters. Other locals would swear that they have felt the hand tugging their feet down. Perhaps these tales were inspired by the depth of the pool, said to be around 10 meters. As long as you know how to swim, however, there is no reason not take advantage of the large catchbasin of this waterfall. One resident of Nagcarlan explains that the perception of “being pulled” may be explained by the sudden plunge of the catchbasin into a deep pool.

The Manila bay Sunset

"Greatest show that Manila has to Offer"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ SM Mall Of Asia
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
S- 1/500
A- f/4.0
iso- 100




The Manila Bay Sunset is probably the best sunset I've ever seen and the great thing about it is it's free! you can watch it along Roxas Blvd. a.k.a "Baywalk" (for a Better view), at the H20 hotel (Manila Ocean Park) or at the SM Mall Of Asia, this is the place where lovers go and watch for the golden hour (5:30-6:00pm) romantic right? then afterwards go the Luneta and watch one of it's attractions the dancing fountains/lights and sound show that is also absolutely free so if your visiting Manila I would recommend you to go and watch the greatest show that Manila has to offer.

5/29/2013

The Pasig City Hall

"My City's Progress"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pasig City Philippines
Panorama ( stitching 3 images)
s- 2sec.
a- f/22
iso- 100
The Pasig City Hall

As a testament of Pasig City Mayor Robert C. Eusebio’s commitment to continuously innovate and improve the delivery of basic services to Pasiguenos, the city government of Pasig recently inaugurated its modern Pasig City Hall. The refurbished and modernized city hall aims to streamline the different offices and departments with emphasis on ease of access and convenience for the public that they serve. The new city hall floors were redesigned to maximize space to allow public servants to quickly facilitate requests and transactions while providing large open areas where the public can rest and wait in comfort assisted by courteous and ready-to-serve ushers. A new scenic elevator providing a panoramic view of the City Hall Complex overlooking the Pasig Mini Park, the Hall of Justice and the Tanghalang Pasigueno connect all floors. The highlight of the inauguration was the blessing of the new Pasig City Hall Communication, Command and Control Center (C3) which demonstrated its capability to remotely monitor and coordinate disaster response and rescue operations using state-of-the-art technology that provides real-time video streams transmitted from the field directly to the command center. With 165 CCTV cameras installed in critical areas in and around Pasig City and supported by BCEO Mobile Command Vans with CCTV cameras and radio link, Pasig C3 is and will be on top of any situation to provide Mayor Bobby with up to date assessments and actionable information. The new city hall was designed by Architect Jeff Isidro. The Comfac Global Group was tasked to turn the design into a reality, working on this fit-out for all floors, including the design and renovation of the Communication, Command and Control Center. The Comfac Global Group is currently working on the expansion of the City Hall.

Saint Mary Magdalene Church

"Looking Down at His House"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Magdalena laguna Philippines
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
HDR Imaging
hlight     - s- 1/80
              a- f/22
              iso- 100

mtone    - s- 1/250
              a- 22
              iso- 100

shadow  - s- 1/500
              a- f/22
              iso-100

Saint Mary Magdalene Church

It was built during the Spanish Era, using "Polo" or forced labor. The church of Magdalena houses is an important relic. When Brains of the Katipunan, Emilio Jacinto, was mortally wounded after an encounter with Spanish forces at the Maimpis River on February 1898, he was brought here. The Emilio Jacinto Shrine is located in the Magdalena Church.The stone church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the church was built in 1829. It is made of stones and bricks and has a sandstone facade. The church is located at the town center or plaza, just across the municipal town hall of Magdalena. The shrine of Emilio Jacinto is also located at the Magdalene Church. The old baptistery is at the ground floor of the bell tower and a convent is also attached to the church near the Emilio Jacinto Shrine.

5/16/2013

Pahiyas Festival!

"The Filipina Beauty"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Lucban Quezon Philippines
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
s- 1/100
a- f/4.5
iso- 800







"The Filipina Beauty"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Lucban Quezon Philippines
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
s- 1/100
a- f/4.5
iso- 800




"The Filipina Beauty"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Lucban Quezon Philippines
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
s- 1/100
a- f/4.5
iso- 800




Lucban Quezon:

Legend has it the town derives its name from the lucbán or pomelo tree. Three hunters from neighbouring Majayjay— named Marcos Tigla, Luis Gumba and Lucas Manawa— lost their way following the trail of some wild animals at the foot of Mount Banahaw. Resting under a tree, they saw a crow (uwák) in the tree’s branches, and believing this to be a bad omen, they moved to another place and rested again. Whilst in the shade of a large pomelo (lucbán) tree, the trio were attracted to a couple of kingfishers (salacsác) that were singing. Fascinated by the bird’s beautiful plumage and rhythmic chirps, the superstitious hunters took this a sign of good fortune and thus settled in the place they named “Lucbán.”

4/27/2013

Pila Municipal Hall

"Reflection of Plia"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Pila Laguna Philippines
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
s- 1/80
a- f/4.0
iso- 100


Pila is a third class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 46,534. Pila has a total land area of 31.2 km².

The town of Pila is site for some well-preserved houses dating back to the Spanish period as well as the old SaintAnthony of Padua Parish Church, the first Antonine church in the Philippines.
Don Felizardo Rivera, who donated his lands to the church and municipal government, is the recognized founder of Pila. He is the ancestor of prominent families in Pila surnamed Rivera, Relova, Agra and Álava.

Biyaheros!



"Malapit Na Ba Tayo?" (Are We There Yet?)
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Nagcarlan Laguna Philippines
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
s- 1/100
a- f/18
iso- 800


Bakasiyonistas on their way to Bunga Falls @ Nagcarlan Laguna Philippines 

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are known for their crowded seating and flamboyant decorations, which have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture andart. A Sarao jeepney was exhibited at the Philippine pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a national image for the Filipinos.



Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

"Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Panorama (Photo stitch- 3 images)
Tamron F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical
s- 1/25
a- f/22
iso-100
The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is considered a national historical landmark because its underground crypt was used as a secret meeting place in 1896 by Filipino revolutionaries or Katipuneros, members of the KKK. During the Filipino-American War, Filipino patriots also used the underground cemetery to formulate their battle plans and to seek shelter. It also became a safehouse for Filipino guerillas during World War II. There is no famous hero buried here but perhaps, it is enough that we pay our respects to this place where our nameless heroes and patriots sought sanctuary.

2/11/2013

Chinese New Year 2013




"Eye to Eye With The Dragon"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Binondo, Manila
Canon EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
s- 1/250
a- f/4.0
iso: 800
Awards recived: WAFP Photo of the week

Chinese new year: is an important traditional Chinese holiday. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival, the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally ran from Chinese New Year's Eve, the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month, making the festival the longest in the Chinese calendar. Because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the Chinese New Year is often referred to as the "Lunar New Year".
The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan,Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors.

1/12/2013

Freedom Wall



"Two Worlds Colide"
Photo by: Cyrill Concepcion Intalan
Taken @ Intramuros Manila Philippines
Canon EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
s- 1/100
a- f/9
iso- 800
Freedom wall: Intramuros is the oldest district and historic core of Manila, which means structures and landmarks must be preserved for tourism and historical preservation purposes, but Manila continues growing and one of its problems is vandalism so the local government made a solution and gave street artists a small corner that will serve as their canvas and make their destructive actions to a constructive piece of art.