What I like most in street photography is the fact that it gives me the excuse to wander aimlessly in Metro Manila. I just love to walk for hours in its streets and eventually get lost. I like to discover new neighbourhoods and people. The pictures you will see in following series are the results of such walks. Unlike previous series there will be no storyline. I will post them randomly and they were taken in different parts of Metro Manila. They were not taken in especially poor or dangerous neighbourhoods and I hope they are a good reflection of what you can see in the streets of Manila. Of course I took pictures of people with “character” and who are a little bit different from the average Juan de la Cruz. 

I want to thank all the people who let me took their pictures, who let me enter, for a short moment, into their private lives with a smile. Most of the people you will see in my pictures live in very difficult conditions. Some of them live on the streets, with no jobs and well below the poverty line of 2 USD a day. Although they are very poor, I was always greeted with a smile.
This is Filipino hospitality at its best. I also want to acknowledge the fact that I always felt welcome and that I never felt threatened. 

I also want to thank fellow photo blogger Rock at [ http://www.rskphotography.com/photoblog/index.php ] who gave me a lot of tips and tricks to improve my pictures in Photoshop. Rock is a great example of the friendly and helpful people you can find in our blogging community.

 

Comments

[Alicia]

The color of the chair pops out at you and leads your eye to the expression of the child. I looked at it a long time trying to imagine what the kid was thinking or feeling.

[mushsis]

*gasp* gorgeous.

[erisac]

The picture of the little girl is simply powerful; it just forces you to think. She seems immersed in some private musing reserved for grown-ups. What immediately comes to mind is Cat Steven's song, "Where Do The Children Play" (it was one of the songs featured as soundtrack for the movie, Harold and Maude). Great shot, Sidney!

[erisac]

The picture of the little girl is simply powerful; it just forces you to think. She seems immersed in some private musing reserved for grown-ups. What immediately comes to mind is Cat Steven's song, "Where Do The Children Play" (it was one of the songs featured as soundtrack for the movie, Harold and Maude). Great shot, Sidney!

[JAMIE]

Gorgeous baby here. Makes me want to give it a laugh and tickle.

[Ed]

Keep up the good work. This is another good shot. The pose and expression on the child shows dispair yet I'm not sure whether he would understand.

[Blogger in Switzerland]

I love this photo. One can write a lot of stories to go with it.

On a sidenote, I'm glad that the Halloween theme is over. :-)

[cool daddio]

Wow that expression and gesture with hand on head make her look so grown up. VERY memorable photo.

[Kristyn]

A very sad subject but brilliant capture. Yes, this is so Philippines. Nothing like it.

[outdoorexposure]

emotional shot...the kid look so sad....maybe crying:-) great capture

[Paul]

I'm looking forward to this series. I love street photography, but I'm not very good at it myself.

[Kad]

just like you I like walking in the streets with no real aim.

Beautiful portrait, peaceful and tender.

[bcw]

It's good to know you are enjoying your stay in the Philippines. I have been away for so long that I've forgotten the everyday scenes of the places. Visiting your blog always makes me smile and remember home. :)

[Ronalyn]

She is adorable.. look at her so tired! And so relaxed.. I cannot wait to see more! And here, here to Rock! He is an amazing person!

[Bob]

I am looking forward to this series as well...very compelling start to... this child looks wise to the ways of her world already

[Rock]

She's a little darling!

Thanks for the kind words my friend. I was glad to be of any help that I could give.

I'm really looking forward to this series. I know that from your prior work that we are in for a real treat, and also some real challenging and powerful images.

[jibe]

A very colorful picture, I like it a lot. I'm not very used to street photography, since I tend to favor nature photography, but I enjoy yours. Please don't stop !

[Jean]

Veiled a photograph as I like them!!!! Life, very simple, the Truth.

[Keith]

Kicking off your shoes after a tiring day of....This sort of shot is always tricky to comment on. You know the setting and a bit of the circumstance, we dont. Has the child had the best day ever and is all worn out, or is weary from a hard routine where fun is a rare commodity. I can comment on the picture ie colour framing light etc but have no idea of the subjects circumstance. This is not a negative comment. It is compelling and thought provoking and is a moment in a life I can only wonder about. Great stuff keep em coming.

[Ariela]

Aw, she looks tired! What a fanatastic capture, I love the colors and the expression on her face.

[Chris V.]

Sidney, this shot is fantastic. The chair is both colorful and dilapitated, plus the diaper appears to be full. There is a lot to see in this shot: one of my favorite of yours.

[Legabal]

Photo with feeling.The brightness of the good feelings is of that way in the middle of people sides.

[eD]

Great shot ... great timing too. I specially like the expression on her face. A photo of a little girl captured in a moment of ponder ... almost felt like she worries too much already, hehe.

We sure train them young in the Philippines :).

Great site. Great shots. 'Am an instant big fan, for sure.

Keep 'em coming Sidney.

eD

[ana]

She looks like she's lived a hundred lives. Great shot.

[NoelG]

An old folding chair with its multi-colored seat faded and torn. A child with her hand on her brow, her eyes seemingly in a blank stare. A very poignant image.