Peace and Tranquility at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife

Guess where this abounding greenery scene was shot? Right in the middle of the thick smug-filled Quezon City! Who would have thought one could still find such fresh and quiet location in the city? Yup, you can get that in Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife.

On the second day of our photography workshop, we drove to that northern side to practice our shooting skills on the park's animals, trees, gazebos, walkways, the lagoon, and people. It was a drizzly Sunday morning but we still managed to get some good shots like this one. Aside from taking photos, you can also jog, sleep under a tree shade, take a date, propose to someone, read a good book, have a picnic, or spend some of your own "moments" here. If you haven't done such in a long time, why not begin it in this park named after Benigno Aquino. :)

Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center

Quezon Avenue,

Diliman, Quezon City

+63 (02) 924 6031

Cubao eXpo Marks the Spot

Somewhere in the midst of urban metro Araneta Center, Quezon City is Cubao eXpo -- a haven for artists and art lovers, vintage collectors, Marikina shoe loyalists, food lovers, indie movie enthusiasts. This was the old Marikina Shoe Expo. To name a few shops, there's Bellini's (an authentic Italian restaurant), Mogwai theater (with underground Hollywood and Pinoy films), The Reading Room (for clothes and accessories). One of my favorite stores there is Heima Store, a lifestyle and home design store, formed by partners Bong Rojales and Rossy Yabut. It's not only an interior design store, but there are also lomography cameras, books, accessories, and music. On the second floor is The Kolektib Shared Space which is a venue for classes and workshops.

I came to this store when I joined a two-day Basic Creative Photography workshop at the 2nd floor conducted by photographer Allan Florendo last August. It was meant to improve our composition of photos and after each topic, we went out the store to shoot subjects inside Cubao X. Here's a by-product photo of that workshop which Allan liked.

Mark your maps 'cause you should visit Cubao X soon!

Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo St.

Araneta Center, Cubao

Quezon City, Philippines