Photo Journalism Philippines

search engine optimization consultant, seo, web designer stereolithography, color 3d printing, rapid prototyping, sla, color prototypes Phyllis Wallbank, educational trust, England dry cleaning, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Reston, VA, Virginia outdoor adventure tours Philippines rural development, agrarian reform, local governance, Philippines bag manufacturing, Philippines birdwatching, birding, sightseeing, Philippines renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, Philippines

Photo Journalism > Journal Excerpts > Coron Expedition

journal excerpts |

Coron Expedition - 12 Days Expedition from May 19 to 30, 2000

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DAY 1: MAY 19, 2000 Friday

NAME: Sue Barling

One could consider the Asian cities of Singapore and Manila in terms of history and ethnicity and wonder that the influential mix of native peoples, Indian, Arabic, Malay, Chinese, European, the U.S. would produce such different results. Manila assaults the sensitivities of an arriving tourist in waves of wonder, confusion, disbelief, horror, hilarity, sadness and humility. The sheer extremes, the poverty and decrepit aspiration of Manila. A neon brand name above a seedy-looking joint, on a filthy street, paving cracked up, dour looking concrete grey blocks of the government buildings -- none of the crisp white colonial touch for the modern future of the Philippines. The faded glory of the Intramuros with hidden courtyards and solid wood carved doors hinting of Spanish style sport and veneer of dilapidation and neglect. "No firearms" signs betray the emotional passion and complex potential of what can seem a lethargic society. The brighter side of the Philippine people's psyche is reflected in the innovative colorful jeepneys, with their aluminum foil exteriors and bizarre slogans.


		Question: In words or in a drawing, picture Manila Bay and Our Lady of Lipa Helen Spiegelberg: "Dirty water cranes, hustle and bustle. Hundreds of people. Organized chaos!"

Traffic is heavy, chaotic and straddles the range from pedal rickshaws to expensive 4 x 4 imports. Children and adults attempt sales of nuts and chips, weaving through the jams with their wares - pain? aggression? desperation? on their faces. On the way to the port, the examples of shanty slums defy the laws of physics and the morality that this can exist prompt a desire to understand how, why and where, what can/is being done, and ugly stench of corruption lurks. It seems ironic that the ADB (Asian Development Bank) has its headquarters in Manila - maybe that is good?

The port was buzzing, as was "Our Lady of Lipa"...karaoke full blast (reasonably tuneful singing actually!), teeming humanity in the deck class bunks, it exuded a party atmosphere, lots of chatter, food and drink, i.e. sharing.

The group met and began the process of getting to know one another a little, and what we are in for - though we will only know that when we've done it! After a memorable meal we settled for the night, rocked into insensibility by the swell.

to day 2 »»