Because I use this blog to vent some of my frustrations (about life in general, not just the Philippines) and to do my inadequate best to bring injustices to light, I often feel that I must seem negative. I don’t write enough about the many wonders that are at our feet every single day in the Philippines. I must also admit that, since I moved to Makati a couple of years ago, I have led rather a sheltered life; working long hours and spending much of the rest of the time enjoying the nice condo where I live. I have neither the time nor the energy to attend celebrations of the Black Nazarene or the Grand Marian procession or just to feel the pulse of the street.
Fortunately, I have Sidney Snoek to do that for me! So do you, if you click here.
I can’t speak highly enough of Sidney’s photo blog, My Sari-sari Store. His photos are technically quite brilliant and just get better and better. More than that, My Sari-sari Store is driven by Sidney’s deep love of the Philippines and his intense interest in human beings and their faces (see for example the outstanding series of black and white photos of a classroom that he posted at the end of last year). I feel he “sees” an event so much more clearly than I would if I were there.
Fortunately Sidney’s positive outlook and stunning photos have attracted a loyal following in a short time. He now seems to attract a minimum of 30 comments on every post, which puts him in the very top league of blogs from the Philippines. I think people like Sidney’s stuff, not just because he seems a nice guy who takes beautiful photos, but also because he helps us to see something that is always before us and yet is somehow so easy to ignore.
I have taken the liberty of attaching one of Sidney's photos to give you an idea of what you can find My Sarisari Store. Sidney – I hope you don’t mind, but if you do please let me know and I’ll take it down.
Note: I can’t access My Sarisari Store from my work computer (I think because of the underscores in the url). If you have the same difficulty, try it from your home, I have no problem when I try from here.
The Black Nazarene by Sidney Snoek: not too many blondes in the Philippines
Thank you so much for your nice post about my blog. I don't deserve so much praise but it makes me very happy when people enjoy my pictures!
Yes, underscores are technically illegal and some ISP’s are banning URL’s with underscores.
Posted by: Sidney | January 27, 2007 at 03:53 AM
God, what a great photoblog. I'll be sharing it with my pupils here in London. Thanks for the link.
Posted by: lucy | February 18, 2007 at 06:22 AM
Hi,
I agree with Lucy... You have great photoblog... I have an idea on the black nazarene, and now I know what the festival looks like..
-david
Posted by: makati condo | April 06, 2009 at 06:05 PM
It was long ago since I visit your blog and its mhe again, visiting and reading along..
Deirdre G
Posted by: condo manila | March 01, 2010 at 05:31 PM
A lot of people are at the road to join the parade of the black Nazarene in Quiapo manila,some of them hold on the rope because there is a belief that whoever holds the rope they will receive miracles and their wish are granted by the Nazarene.
Mitch
Posted by: condo for sale Philippines | November 30, 2010 at 09:25 PM