It seems that everywhere I go in Manila, Philippines, there’s a smiling person who wants me to take their photograph.

 

A backpack vendor and his friends at the Baclaran Market - Manila, Philippines
A backpack vendor and his friends at the Baclaran Market – Manila, Philippines

Vendors at the Baclaran Market – Manila, Philippines

Despite being located right next to the Mall of Asia, I got the impression that the locals at the Baclaran Market don’t see too many foreigners walking through. Every few feet, Carrie and I were greeted with a smile, “hello,” and request for a photograph. These are a few of my favorites …

 

He kinda forgot to smile -- a baseball cap vendor at the Baclaran Market - Manila, Philippines
This baseball cap vendor was all smiles until I took this photo

Cooks and Servers at Ninos Tapsi

After wandering around the Barclaran Market and visiting the nearby church, Carrie and I stopped at a local eatery for lunch.

The staff acted as if they had never served a Westerner before; though, I have to imagine they are just as friendly with everyone who sits down. Regardless, after devouring a plate of porkclog, which can only be described as deliciously-flavored and fried pork chops, I asked the Filipino guys behind the counter to smile for a photo.

 

Restaurant workers at Ninos Tapsi next to the Baclaran Market - Manila, Philippines
Restaurant workers at Ninos Tapsi next to the Baclaran Market

A Nighttime Tricycle Ride Around Manila, Philippines

How long can I hold my hand relatively-still while bumping around in a small cart attached to a motorcycle. That’s what I asked myself as I took this photograph at ISO 800 with a shutter speed of .625/s and an aperture of f/3.5. Out of the dozen I shot, this was by far my favorite.

 

Tricycle Motor driver at night with a motion blur in Manila, Philippines
Tricycle Motor driver at night with a motion blur in Manila, Philippines

Security Guard at De La Salle University

I had just finished making a similar photo of this De La Salle University building when Carrie informed me that the security guard to my right had struck a pose when he saw me take the photo. Thank goodness she told me, because the photo became far more interesting when he repeated that pose for my camera.

 

A security guard in front of De La Salle University Manila, Philippines
A security guard in front of De La Salle University Manila, Philippines

Have you ever visited Manila or the Philippines?
I would love to hear about your experiences with the locals.