Calling from a Wooden Horse (木馬)

I just felt really crapped by my condo-mates (due to little misunderstanding) and disappointed with how our pitch in the agency turned out - it was a total mess, I guess. From Makati, I went home in Batangas even it was planned then that I would be going to ChinaTown the next day (a holiday) to welcome the Chinese New Year. My original buddies also backed out lately, and so it was cancelled then and kind of depressed me.

Early the holiday itself, I was all feeling hopeless. I woke up quite late in the morning by the loud sounds coming from the speakers of the TV in the living room. It was the noise of firecrackers and drums for the dragon dances that had been starting, in a place that's totally miles away from my bed. The broadcaster was also interviewing feng shui experts about lucky charms, omens and other traditional beliefs. I said to myself while wiping morning mess on my eyes, "no, I can't let this pass and regret soon that I didn't pursue on things I truly wish to do while young." And so I got up.

My breakfast was the pleasing I made to my friend Karen to push through Bindondo Street Getaway with me - lucky I perfectly have a friend who's just one text away, a friend who possess same wavelength and mantra (she's a Metal Sheep though). Met up quite late in the afternoon, we rode the train as the sun goes down on us, though I wasn't actually losing my drive and hype. I was feeling blissful inside as the sound of hushing train runs through my eardrums and as we sliced through history-spiced Manila, oh Manila.

Holiday-goers beside Carried train station. © Mon Umali

Truly delighted with these lanterns. © Mon Umali

And the rest is a story. The unstoppable fire-cracking and dancing of dragons and lions in every corner of Ongpin Street. As the dragon glided through the crowd and pass through us, all the bitterness and sorts of load that we're carrying were driven away. I felt renewed and firm, piled up, fixed. I felt a healing of my long-searching soul, gratification and a sense of direction.

I would have been superb if I didn't forget to bring my camera, and if there was a lot more space on my phone to capture the colors and vibe of the moment, a perfect chance to practice my true passion - street photography. But I still believe it was a good start. Sometimes, I just have to run it through and feel it.

So cheers for a new year, a lucky year I wish for a Water Rooster like me. Happy Chinese New Year of the Wooden Horse! Kung Hei Fat Choi! ;)

Along Ongpin Street in one of the historical towns in Manila. © Karen Adiova.

My Lomo Perspective of Japan 2013 Gallery

This is my 2013 collection of analog-looking photos of Japan (taken digitally during my trip last spring 2013 in Tokyo and Tohoku Region) processed in the famous filters of Instagram, Kelvin & Hudson. I took each photo using my Canon point-and-shoot camera with lomography preset, achieving more green and blue hues and accenting vignette, then each was transferred to Instagram and instantly applied a more intriguing feel and visual appeal to the photographs. Subjects are mainly streets, places, people and culture.

The view of the highest tower in Japan, Tokyo Sky tree. I was on my way checking in to hotel.

Tokyo Dome Hotel. Very famous for its great architecture, I so dream of checking in this hotel for it offers amusement and different forms of leisure and entertainment.

Amusing to see a ferry's wheel from the streets.

A highway in Akihabara, center of Japan pop culture and anime.

Mitten and boots. I had to wear these because I see lots of snow from the window of the bullet train. 

Snowy mountains of Iwate prefecture, sort of what you see on ancient Japanese paintings.

Through the trees and melting snow.

Spring is coming up in Tohoku region.

Miyuki outside. These are the pretty houses of Hiraniwa village (Kuji City) in which we stayed in for a week.

Snow sleigh. One of the best activities I did on snow.

The pretty staff of Kuji Retro Hall restaurant posing the "kawaii" way with me and my anime northern fisherwoman friend.

Wide collection of retro toys in Kuji City.

At Morioka Station, waiting for the bullet train to arrive and I'm going back to Tokyo.

A Japanese lady waiting for train during in one of our stops.

One of my best authentic Japanese dinner. Fresh from the hotpot are delicious seafoods.

The complex yet excellent railway lines of Tokyo. I am going to Shibuya. What is its ticket code?

The very busy crossing of Shibuya. Tokyo's capital of fashion and pop culture.

I am waiting for the Yamanote train to arrive. I am going back from Shibuya to hotel in Iidabashi.

En route to the Asakusa temple. From this bridge we see the buds and blossoms of cherry trees on the other side.

The path not taken. This is an easier access/way of Asakusa shopping street (which was on the other left side). Along this are shops of exquisite kimonos.

This is an art gallery we passed along Ueno, home of famous art university and museums.

Afar, from the Asakusa bridge is the Tokyo Sky tree.

Tokyo streets are very ideal and friendly for bikers.

Streetview of Tokyo Sky Tree.

Common Japanese and tourists flocking at the Thunder Gate in Asakusa.

Whispering my little prayer at the Asakusa temple. There are many foreign tourists here.

These kawaii Japanese kids strolling around the Thunder gate have the same bright yellow shoes.

A view of Tokyo Bay.

My stroll buddy, Sarah-san. We are wearing those Kanji characters on our head - Shofuku, meaning "coming happiness."