Manila Meet-Up

When I first arrived in the Philippines over two weeks ago, I was looking for things to do in Manila.  Having just completed the incredible photography workshop in Hanoi, I searched for photography groups online.  

Searching for something to shoot (photo by Bien Joshua Corvite)

I came across another site that is new to me (though I think it’s been around for awhile), Meetup.com.  This site connects people of similar interests to meet and do the things they like to do.  There is no fee and no long-term commitment.  There are meetups for every type of interest – running, computers, photography, gardening, food, philosophy, foreign language practice, traveling, everything.  Anyone can create a meetup on the site, and anyone can join one.  

On guard

For example, I saw that there was a photography meetup in Manila during my time there, so I responded to the invitation and went.   There were so many people who showed up that we had to split into groups in order to walk around the neighborhood and shoot some street scenes.  Many people were first-timers, like me, while others knew each other from previous meetups.  Everyone was friendly and welcoming.  Although I didn’t take as many pictures as I’d hoped to, I did meet some friendly and interesting people.  I’ll definitely look into other meetups as I travel and even back at home.

I did see a few other sites in Manila during my time there, though I was also focused on just catching up on the many details of planning my travels.  Here are some shots from my week in Manila.  

Cosplay in the park
Don’t get too close.
There are always some kids around waiting to see if I’ll take their picture.
They run away at first but always come back.
New friend and photographer, BJ, a digital media major.
Crossing the bridge
Photographers at work
Dancing in the park
and jumping
A common site outside of restaurants
Lots of murals in this neighborhood
I also visited Corregidor, an island of many WWII battles
Where General MacArthur made his famous “I shall return” speech
Many US barracks on the island lie in ruins, bombed by the Japanese.
Manila’s old quarter, Intramuros
San Augustin Church, also heavily bombed during WWII
The church has a great museum and a fascinating history.
Many precious artifacts were lost during the war, but some remain.
Meeting Jollibee, from the famous Filipino fast food chain


Coming soon:  My life as a farmer.

Comments (12):

  1. Lori Liguori

    March 3, 2017 at 05:57

    Great pics, Tim!!!!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      March 6, 2017 at 21:46

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. anne

    March 3, 2017 at 07:00

    Fantastic pictures Tim! wow your life as a farmer I can’t wait to see that blog!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      March 6, 2017 at 21:46

      I’ll never match your farming skills.

      Reply
  3. Millie

    March 3, 2017 at 07:18

    Great photos. Did you get Jollibee’s autograph?

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      March 6, 2017 at 21:47

      No, but he gives great hugs.

      Reply
  4. Rosie

    March 3, 2017 at 10:48

    The journey is endless! Seems you are still smiling and that is a good thing. I am enjoying “traveling” with you. Thanks for taking us along.

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      March 6, 2017 at 21:48

      So glad you’re along for the ride. I wish it were endless. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Vicky Ann Deledda

    March 4, 2017 at 10:56

    Amazing how WW II affected so many places and lives. You have shared so much history with all of us.
    So glad the Meetup. com site is working out good in the Philippines-you are truly adventurous…
    I have some land in North Dakota if you want to practice….

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      March 6, 2017 at 21:48

      Who would I meet there?

      Reply
      • Vicky Ann Deledda

        March 9, 2017 at 23:54

        Lol

        Reply
  6. Vicky Ann Deledda

    March 9, 2017 at 23:58

    Indian chief

    Reply

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