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Philippines
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This is an on-line journal of personal
voyages to the land of
my birth. As fate has it,
I began visiting the Philippines after twenty-seven years of absence. |
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Now, subliminal callings keep leading me to
come back to this place again and again, in search of my kin and roots,
of fresh photographic opportunities and of other
serendipitous
adventures. My observations, at times surreal - have been quite
insightful and profound. I find a country that is full of
contrast that somehow just fittingly co-exist. The Yin and the Yang
is well depicted here. Although dichotomies abound,
the warm hospitality and deep down goodness of the people are apparent everywhere I have been.
Its diversity is showcased in vibrant colors, from the Jeepneys to the
various dialects; from the multitude of cuisine to the dynamic state of its politics.
But definitely, the Philippines is a photographer's cornucopia or a
journalist's well. |
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I feel like a child
again whenever I visit. This time more aware and so eager to discover with
much keener
senses, with a much kindred spirit, and a reopened heart.
I never really expected too
much at first. My intent was just to
re-acquaint with time-distant relatives and childhood friends, to visit
touristy destinations, to eat luscious golden sweet mangoes, and to savor a few bites of
crunchy lechon skin. But I
was pleasantly surprised and overtaken by the charm and
the magic that the Philippines offers, with a culture full of color,
of life and a character that fills my soul.
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It is so refreshing to see beauty even from simple objects like
a flower (abundant even within the severely congested and polluted
Metro-Manila area) to people who I found to be well natured, extremely friendly, trusting, humble, and
always full of hope --
despite the never ending struggles, challenges, and the growing pains of change as the
country move forward to the future. At times, I wonder
if I am witnessing the country at the brink of a new renaissance or
perhaps even a
new "people power" driven revolution. I envision the country
poised to emerge as another Asian Dragon
especially if the people and the government can really get their acts
together. Despite the problems and challenges, there are many signs of
improvement moving forward . Only time can validate my hindsight. |
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Until then, more places await to be
discovered, more people to meet, and
more to learn.
I yearn to continue my journeys while documenting my experiences --
perhaps as seen through eyes
of one now foreign --
yet cognizant of his beginnings and his roots, and my reconnections with
the country of my birth, a country that gives
me a very good sense of pride. I have a dream to visit all the 7,000
plus islands that comprised the archipelago. And If I fail,
at least I have cover as much as I can. |
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I hope to entice
you to
personally visit the Philippines. Experience for yourself this beautiful
country and meet one of the warmest and hospitable people you'll even come across with.
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I am very confident that you will have
a similar appreciation that I now have when you view the images on the pages
ahead. Am I just being a bit nostalgic? Perhaps. But you too may
be entranced by the magic. I can guarantee it can lift up your heart and
spirit. You can get captivated to the point that you too will return as
often as I have been doing.
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- Tommy Bombon |
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