Manila By Night V3.0 : A night with hobbyist photographers

Manila By Night
Written by Mj Gonzales

There were events in your life that’s simply unforgettable. Perhaps, you found enjoyment or great realization in those things. With Manila By Night version 3 last December 30, I found it a worthy photowalk event as I rediscovered Manila’s richness, learned photography 101 for free with friends, and experienced I am part of passionate community.

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

Manila By Night V3.0 Photowalk Challenge

Tickle your art in photography and prepare to immerse in an awesome adventure when the moon clocks in with the 3rd Manila By Night Photowalk this December 29. Gathering of participants and registration will take place at Kasa Boix, Quiapo in Manila at 4:30pm to 5:00pm.

A fun tour for people with penchant in capturing awe-inspiring moments, Manila By Night is a kind of event you should not miss. It aims to make participants experience intimate - not to intimidate – ambiance, collaborative – not interrogative – sharing of ideas, and experimenting – not mere snapping-- photography with a twist. No wonder, even major media outfits are interested to feature Manila By Night.

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

Manila by Night V.2

Are you afraid of the dark? Well, if it happens that you come with people packed with camera and enthusiasm your fear will turn into fun. This is something I experienced when I joined Manila By Night of Powerhouse G5 last 2013 of December 29 that hopefully you’ll try next time.

Manila By Night as in the movie?

No, but you can create audio visual presentation, music video or documentary out of it because it’s a long photowalk in the famous and historical places. Yes, Powerhouse G5 (PhG5) do this after 6 in the evening when you’ll witness the other side of Manila, when you depend on the capabilities of your camera and when all you have to do is to explore.

In my years here on earth, I can’t count how many times I visit Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Sta. Cruz Church, Binondo, Metropolitan Theater, Philippine Post Office and other areas inside or outside Intramuros. But seeing those places at night is like seeing Manila in different dimension. The colourful lights that give life to statuesque buildings, ordinary alleys and neglected infrastructure invite you to take pictures. It’s a great time to challenge your skills in photography while considering also the historical richness of your objects. To tell you, I enjoyed listening to PhG5 founders Stephen Pamorada and Axl Guinto because though they are younger than me, they know so many facts. Okay now, I can’t boast that I’m good in history.

A fun adventure for Owls courtesy of PhG5

Are you sensitive in UV rays or heat of the scorching sun? This friendly and safe adventure of PhG5 is definitely cool for night owls (and early birds too) like me. This is also what’s nice about in photowalk when the moon is up there because you don’t need to bring extra paraphernalia such as fan, cap or umbrella. You’ll enjoy socializing with fellow bloggers, travellers or photographers.

Honestly, there are many things you’ll realize in doing photowalk like your knowledge about Philippine history, the real status of our cultural heritage sites (hello Metropolitan theatre!), and if you’re really into photography. By the way, do you know the famous ice cream parlor along Escolta?

So see you soon in Manila By Night or other photowalks of Powerhouse G5!

More Photos at https://www.facebook.com/PowerhouseG5

Photowalk Location from Binondo to Luneta Park

Written by: hitokirihoshi and Photo by Axlppi

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

Traslación of the Black Nazarene

Traslación
Every 9 January, the Traslación of the Black Nazarene makes its way along the streets of the Quiapo district, with attendees reaching up to 12 million. In recent years, the processional route was altered due to a rise in vehicular and stampede accidents, to afford other neighborhoods off the traditional route a chance to participate, and because of structural deficiencies in bridges along the route.

Here the unbelievable scene in the Traslación of the black Nazarene.

Revival of the Dungaw

On 9 January 2014, an old tradition called Dungaw in Tagalog (a calque of its Spanish name Mirata, "to see" or "to look") was revived and reincorporated into the Traslación after old documents attesting to its practise were re-discovered. The custom involves the Black Nazarene being made to stop briefly at Plaza del Carmen fronting the neo-gothic Basilica Minore de San Sebastián. After the recitation of the rosary by the congregation and while the bells in San Sebastián's twin spires peal, the resident Recollect priests remove the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from its shrine in the retablo mayor (high altar). This image, which was given to the Recollects in 1617 by a Carmelite nunnery in Mexico City, is then brought on a high platform at the side of the church, where it is lifted up to "see" and "meet" the Black Nazarene. The moment is accompanied by relative silence and fervent prayer on the part of devotees, and shortly thereafter the priests slowly turn the Virgin's statue so that it "watches" the Black Nazarene depart the vicinity of Plaza del Carmen.

It is notable how the images are from a similar period and provenance, and that the practise echoes the Fourth Station of the Cross, which commemorates how Christ met his mother, the Virgin Mary, as he was walking to his crucifixion.

Capture by Jay Ganzon

To see more photos of this event kindly like the official fanpage of Jay at https://www.facebook.com/JayGanzon

Information about the translacion is provide my wikipedia.com.

About Jay Ganzon
He the neophyte member of Powerhouse G5, a freelance event photographer, a photojournalist. He graduate in Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc.(FPPF).

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

Galing Gumaca!

Four to five ours away from the buzzing city of Manila is the Municipality of Gumaca, Quezon. Located at the mouth of what is now known as Pipisik River and nestling at the foot of the Sierra Madre range, it was – as it is now – also the center of local trade and commerce.

A friend had me tag along the ride and experience one of the best week ever.

We arrive at a small Inn with a wonderful sea side view from your window. Though I apologize for forgetting the Inn’s name but the family who owns it welcomes us with a kind heart, not to mention the delicious food they served us.

After a hearty Lunch we head straight to my friend's family clinic and was fascinated with his dad's antique collection (by the way we were heading to Atimonan that afternoon...).

An hour or two travel time is all it takes from Gumaca to Atimonan and the place is like any other typical place though, no one told me if there’s going to be a festival either but the whole experience is great specially for my Macro Lens.

When we had returned, take dinner and rest; I woke up at around 4 in the morning but stayed in bed until quarter to five. I was informed that their is no sunset in Gumaca, Only SUNRISE!. So as the sun rises, clouds form and use your “Imagination”.

Have you seen the whale? Trying to take advantage of the sun’s not so hot rays and lights I come up with this.

So comes Gumaca’s Festival, Araña’t Balwarte, so too shorten things up here’s what I see before, during and after the festival:

Free Taste of Rice Cakes?

To feel the Quezon experience a taste of their Pancit:

After that gut busting meal, its back to the streets.

The very next day and the last day of my Quezon expedition another sunrise and what I think is the best. We will return to Manila but a pit stop to the Municipality of Lucban to see what is left in the Pahiyas Festival.

Nothing really beats a good memory of the place specially when something politely refuses to be taken. But to see this sunrise, a tear in my eye, and a realization that not everything that glitters are gold.

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

An International Event: "The World Bamboo Organ Day"

I still remember the first time I watched an International Event, which revealed my experience in life as a Musician. The concert hall was filled with people I didn't remember, but there existed closeness, the thickness of the blood. Each was a member of the group I joined for several years. I was too sick from the never-ending flight to express the joy.
It was an opportunity to be with a group of Phg5 collaboration with the HCS-Y and Heritage Lakwatseros in St. Joseph Parish (Bamboo Organ), Las Piñas City to watch an International Event entitled World Organ Day last 6th of May 2013. It was a tribute concert in celebration of the 850th anniversary of Norte-Dame de Paris and on the occasion of the Feast of St. Joseph. The featuring organist from Las Piñas and Manila under the tutelage of Maestro Armando Salarza was really made the whole event effective in additional wa with the Manila Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Strings Players and Ferdinand M. Bautista (MCB Liturgical Music Minister)
Musician performed lists of classical pieces from early 18th century during Baroque period composers such as J.S.Bach, G.F.Handel, Padre Antonio Soler, Stanley Goodwin, Simon Stubley, Henry Purcell, Louis-Claude Daquin and composed instrument with the transition of Trumpet, Harpsichord and excerpt Sonatas.
All the pieces were good. But one thing I was touched that one of my most favorite classical pieces was performed by a young lady named Denalene Kyla Encabo who really played perfectly as it is. It was “Air from Suite No. 3 in D” which I have known as “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach. I was crying and emotionally for the whole piece. It was really a great piece for me it is the best. Beautiful story behind the music.
The group really enjoyed the event and amazed how young ages enhance in playing this kind of instrument. The program was dedicated for the Heritage of the Bamboo Organ. As Maestro Armando Salarza said to our group “Buti yan, at mayroong mga kabataang gaya nyo pa ang nakaka-appreciate ng ganitong mga event. Karamihan sa iba bali wala nalang sakanila. Keep on encouraging other people to support our own heritage.” He said.

Article by Alexandra Levantino Remonde and Photos by Axl Guinto

Posted by
Powerhouse G5

Powerhouse G5 invades 7th Digital Photography Philippines Anniversary!

It was a very hot day - all were sweating from the iconic yet very humble photographer idols, enthusiasts, hobbyists, to the beautiful models - but who the heck cares! It was an enjoyable whole day of free photography seminars from fashion and portraiture, visual story telling, live shooting in the field, to wedding videography, and tips on how to use and mix strobes and speed lights. Congrats DPP! (Contributing photographers: Bernard Eirrol Tugade & Axl Guinto)