An Interesting Turn of Events

It's funny how things are playing out. First I watch Band of Brothers. Over the 5 or so days it takes me to finish the series, war is often the setting of my thoughts. I do a post on it, and now we're shooting a military wedding.

My friend's best friend is going to marry a Captain in the Philippine Army. We met the couple along with the wedding planner earlier this afternoon for a quick pre-production, and although I'm more than used to soldiers, it just seemed a bit surreal interacting with the groom and his Malaysian friend (who in turn was a Major in the Malaysian Army) while they were in full uniform. My recent immersion in the exploits of Easy Company during the second World War probably contributed to that.

In other news, a huge congratulations to my 2 buddies Diego and Fonta for getting their shots in Digital Photographer Philippines! They did some great stuff with the DLSU athletes, which has been getting quite a bit of attention lately.

Band of Brothers

Having just recently finished watching the tv miniseries Band of Brothers, I found myself today musing yet again about war and all that it entails. Being one who finds war strangely fascinating, I dream of photographing a war one day - preferably one involving Filipinos.

As much as I value the relative peace our country comfortably offers, as well as the lives of our countrymen, I find a certain...shall I say glory, or shine to war that inexorably attracts me - beyond the glamorous filter that Hollywood places on what is.

I suppose that should we indeed find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend our motherland from invaders, I would want to volunteer to fight. Ika nga, "Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting. Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil." Imagine the thrill of taking national interests in your own hands, fighting for every inch to drive out one who would have your land and life. Imagine your elation when you succeed in doing so, the drum beats of "This is the Hour" resounding through your head.

What a day that would be.

Or perhaps I'm just looking for that adrenaline rush.

SCTEX

I found this photo sitting dormant deep in the recesses of my archives. This was taken last June 10, on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, at approximately 100 kph.

As part of my work back then, I would travel to and from Subic quite a lot. Now what I've experienced in Subic, Olongapo, and the surrounding towns would fill up a whole new book of tales in itself, but one of the real pleasures I've had in travelling to Subic would be the SCTEX.

One of the newest highways in the Philippines, the SCTEX also happens to be (in my opinion) the most scenic. It has three main exits - Subic, Clark, and Tarlac (hence the name) - and the view sharply changes from one point to the other. Going to Subic from Clark, you're left agape as mountain after mountain looms over you, made even more majestic by the sun's highlights. Head the other direction to Tarlac, and you'll find yourself amidst field after field, with nary a man-made structure in sight.

And once in a while, you'll get that eyeful that will make you want to...well, stick your head out of the driver's window at 100kph with a camera in one hand, and wild abandon in the other.

Objects

I found this comic strip through a shared link from my brother. Not that I'm sexist, but I couldn't help but stifle a laugh.


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