I = Iguana

This is my brother with the green iguana, one of the many animals in Baluarte - an animal sanctuary in Vigan City (Ilocos Sur). One of the things I like about this place is that most animals can be touched and petted by the visitors. The interaction between the animals and the humans makes people understand what purpose these animals have.

*** Jenn ***

On Board MV Doulos

In December of 2007, my brother and I went to Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor to visit the MV Doulos. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest active ocean fairing passenger ship. Built in 1914, this ship was formerly known as the SS Medina, the SS Roma, and the MV Franca C. It is now owned by a German charity and is touring around the world as a bookstore.

I just checked their website to get some information about the history, and I found out that the ship is currently in the Philippines in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. It will then go to Manila on March 5 and will stay until March 31. The MV Doulos is now making its last world tour as it is planned to be de-commissioned in 2010. When it set its sails here in Manila, I will give her a visit again.

*** Jenn ***

Toothbrush for Rufo

Very busy schedules have hindered me to join Camera Critters for two weeks I guess, and I am happy that I have enough time today to blog about this.

This monkey is my favorite critter in Baluarte. A very gentle monkey, anyone can carry and play with him. I find this monkey very adorable, to the point that brother feels this monkey's already my son. Actually, I already shared a photo of Rufo for Camera Critters before, but it was of him and my brother. This is another shot of him - he went on top of the bench roof trying to eat a dried leaf. The trainor didn't want him to eat the leaf, so he just handed the toothbrush to him.

*** Jenn ***

Karoling (Christmas Carols)

Tuwing magdadaos ng Christmas Party kung saan nagtratrabaho ang aming ina, hindi mawawala ang taunang presentasyon ng bawat dibisyon sa opisina. May kaukulang pa-premyo sa mananalo, kaya kahit hindi talaga sapat ang oras para sila ay mag-ensayo, talaga namang ginagawa nila ang kanilang makakaya upang manalo sa patimpalak.

{Every Christmast Party at our mom's office, there will always be the yearly presentation from the different divisions. There are prizes for this, so even if they don't have much time to practice, all of them gave their best shot to win.}

Noong nakaraang taon, ang gimik ng mga ka-opisina ni nanay ay kumanta ng mga awiting pamasko at pagkatapos ay sumayaw. Medyo nahirapan akong kumuha ng litrato sapagkat idinaos ang programa sa second floor ng opisina at hindi naman talaga inayos ang mga lamesa sapagkat iyon ay isang araw ng pagtratrabaho. Bilang mga kawani ng gobyerno, iniisip pa rin nila ang kapakanan ng mga taong pumunta at pumila. Ang mga presentasyon ay idinaos sa lunch break, para hindi rin maabala ang mga tao.

{Last year, my mom's team presented a song and dance routine. I had a hard time taking pictures because it was held on the second floor of the office, and they didn't really re-arrange the tables because it was a day of work. Being government employees, they still have to serve and think of the welfare of the people who went by the office to ask for any concerns regarding their membership. Their presentation was held during lunch break, so that the people lining outside won't be bothered that much.}

Hindi ko na matandaan kung sila ang nanalo dito, pero halos lahat ng nanood ay natuwa sa kanilang damit - gawa kasi iyon sa garbage bag na tinahian ng papel para magmukhang damit ng choir sa simbahan. Isang magandang damit para sa kanilang presentasyon sapagkat pagkatapos kumanta ng mga makapagbagbag damdaming awiting pamasko, ay pinunit nila ang mga damit upang sumayaw. Ang aming ina ay nasa pinaka-kanang bahagi ng litrato.

{I already forgot who won, but all of them were raving about their costume. It was made of garbage bag stitched with papers to make it look like a choir member outfit. A very appropriate costume for after singing heartfelt Christmas carols, they tore their outfits in time for the dance routine. Our mom is the one on the rightmost part of the photo.}

*** Jenn ***

Coconut Trees

A picture taken last March, in the grounds of Villa Escudero in Laguna. This was part of the last shots I had in the area; we were waiting for some of my mom's office mates so we can all take the carabao ride together back at the main receiving area.

The province is known for its coconuts, and the Villa also has a coconut plantation. This, however wasn't taken in their plantation, even though they have a very big plantation, still lots of coconut trees in several parts of the villa.

*** Jenn ***

Between Coconut and Mango

Last week, although weather was fair, there were times that rains would fall without any warning. I did my laundry one day and hang the clothes outside so nature would dry it for me, and later in the afternoon, my brother called on me to say that there were raindrops already. To get my clothes fast, I used the pole to move all the clothes in one side then climb the ladder to get all the clothes. It's hard for me to go up and down the ladder to get the clothes, so I called on my brother to help me and asked him to get the camera as well.

When he took the clothes on my hands, I stayed in the ladder to get this shot. I liked the view of the sky - it's like a trifle cake. Hehehehe...

Happy weekends from here in La Union!

*** Jenn ***

The Cranky Parrot

Another critter from the Baluarte. We were so happy when we entered the place because the birds were just by the entrance and they're not in cages, which means we can take good pictures with them!

There was a school field trip, and the place was packed with lots of hyper kids in elementary, and you bet they were all over the place! We were happy about that because the place was so happy, but when I wanted to have a picture next to this parrot, the parrot got cranky, and the staff said that this bird's really cranky and doesn't want anything to come near, so I just stood relatively far from it. Just as soon as brother hit the shutter, the bird cried so loud, and it turns out, a kid pinch the parrot! The staff thought it was me because I was the one who wanted to have a picture next to it! The kid ran off in shock, so all the blame was poured in me! Geez...

Anyway, it's nothing for me -- it was a kid, a hyper one at that, so being someone older, I just understood it. But of course, I was so humiliated when the staff scolded me and all people looked at me.

*** Jenn ***