IF YOU have been following my blog recently you might be aware that I have been writing about a trip last winter on a cruise ship in Asia. The goal has been to share the the stops we made. I’m learning that one doesn’t really get to know the country when traveling by cruise ship, instead it is a looksee with some pretty random impressions. I think this is an opportunity to determine where one would want to return to experience more.
That’s the case with MANILLA, the capital of the 7,000 plus island chain in the Pacific Ocean. Let me share some impressions of the this city of just under two million people.
I loved the Jeepneys I saw everywhere out of the tour bus window. Jeepneys are specific to MANILLA because they are constructed of Jeeps left behind after the American military left at the end of World War II. The resourceful Philippines turned them into bus-like vehicles, constructed of the Jeep in the front and a passenger area on the back.
I learned that each one is different, individually owned with its own route. Rates are cheap and the name came from Jeeps, of course, and fact that riders face each other, often with knees touching. My photos are all from a bus window, so a bit random but fun to see.
The influence of Europe and America is very evident here. The Philippines were colonized by the Spanish and ruled for over 300 years before being taken over by the Americans. It was a major base for American military in World War II.
On the tour, we visited the site of the American barracks, never restored after being bombed in WW II. While listening to the tour guide, I took double exposures of the tour guide and the destroyed barracks. Not your typical travel photos.
We saw a most unusual memorial in Rizal Park (also known as Luneta Park). It showed the assassination of Jose Rizal, a national hero, on December 30, 1896, which brought about the Philippine Revolution against Spain and eventually led to the country’s independence. The Sculpture shows him being assassinated, making it all very real.
We also visited a very large cemetery of American soldiers. The striking arrangements of crosses and a marble structure with all the names were a dramatic testament to lives lost. A flag at half mast spoke volumes as did the museum.
I would have loved more time in the old town to explore. Mostly we saw other tourists and a happy wedding. When the wedding party came outside after the service we were able to peek inside to see the gorgeous Catholic Cathedral.
The harbor was huge, filled with all kinds of ships. It certainly is a jumping off point for many places to visit in the area. Stay tuned and I’ll share a few we visited in future blog posts. This image doesn’t begin to communicate the size but I liked the morning light on the buildings and a tug boat heading out to guide a big ship to its docking location. .
Exhibitions
April 26-June 21, 2025
Photograph: Toronto Staircase
Exhibition: U-Create Lowell Arts Members Exhibit
Location: Lowell Arts Center
https://www.lowellarts.org/
June 10-July 6, 2025
Personal Postcards: Messages From Afar
Solo Exhibition
Image City Photography Gallery
Rochester, NY
Artist Reception: June 13 from 5 to 8:30
June 5-August 30, 2026
Photograph: Sunset Reflections
Exhibition: Ode To Festival
Frames Unlimited, Grand Rapids Michigan
Opening Reception: June 5 from 5 to 7 pm.
