Going Around Binondo

It was a long time plan to do a photowalk in Binondo but since I was not familiar to the place it has not pushed through. Luckily, the photography club in our office set-up a photowalk in Binondo. The photowalk is different because the objective is taking pictures with the use of cellphone camera although you still have an option to bring your DLSR. I’ve decided to also bring my DLSR to have a highly quality of pictures aside from the ones I’ll get from my cellphone. I’m also planning to enter a streetphotography contest so it is really ideal to have my DLSR with me.

Our meeting place was at the Binondo Church. While waiting for our other companions we started to take some pictures around the church. The church itself is a perfect focus for pictures however it is a challenge to take a picture of the whole church without any vehicles passing through. So most of my photos of the church has jeepneys, trucks and tricycle on it.

There are a lot of children outside the church. Some of them are just sitting and talking with their fellow kids while others ask for alms from the passerby.

Our next destination in Binondo is the El Hogar Filipino Building. We were able to capture different street scenes on our route to El Hogar. 

El Hogar Building is an abandoned building however the place is still busy with the jeepney and boat terminal in front of it. It has also become a home for some of our fellow Filipinos. Makeshift house are lined in front of the buildings. Children are also everywhere not minding the danger in living in the streets.

Amidst thepoverty, it still very inspiring on how these people are still able to smile and would be just happy if you take even one picture of them.

After El Hogar Building, we are back at the welcome arch of Binondo. We crossed the streets of Binondo while taking pictures of things that caught our interest. We were able to reach the famous Ongpin Street.

A kalesa was waiting for passenger when we were in Ongpin Street so we were able to get some picture of it. These old form of transportation is still very famous for tourists going around Manila.

Binondo wouldn't be complete without the charms that is believed to bring good luck, protection and prosperity to one's household.

Our photowalk ended in a fountain outside Binondo. It was a bit hard to get a nice shot at that time because it was already the blue hour.