Quiapo

King of Screw
Originally uploaded by wershwie.

That sign was from my side trip to Quiapo after our shoot last Saturday with my boss and the executive producer to go get some photography stuff. We got off at the end of the Avenida strip and made our way to Hidalgo street on foot. For the most part, I felt like I was seeing a new place for the first time. I've been to Quiapo several times before, but every time was for a shoot. This trip, however short, was very enriching for me. I actually felt the same delight I had while touring the local towns of Singapore and Malaysia.

The booming sounds from the different stores along Avenida triggered it for me. Somehow, everything slowed down. Or at the very least, all voices got drowned out. I was no longer paying attention to whatever my boss or the exec producer were saying. I just kept walking, looking, watching, listening, smelling, smiling. :)

Finally got to photograph our version of hawker stalls using my camphone. Would've loved to try out some of the goodies, had I had more time.


It was also amusing to see several ladies offering manicure and pedicure services right by the benches along the "park." Glad they were more than happy to smile for my lens. :)


Heading towards the church, the streets were lined with colorful karts of EVERYTHING - potions, handyman tools, fruits and vegetables, amulets, etc.


By the church were swarms of flower vendors, candle vendors, and then rows and rows of fortune tellers. The place was bustling with colors and life - something not a lot of locals are keen to experience. I wanted to stay and just keep taking pictures, but I didn't want to hold back my companions. We were there to go to the photography places after all.

We did our business, walked back to the van and headed out to our next agendas.

I had thought about doing a Quiapo trip by myself, yes. Just hadn't had the time to head out that way yet. Now I know I really should.