STREET OF ONGPIN | ONE

ROOTS OF TA PROHM

These roots of trees in Ta Prohm are unbelievably huge. It is how exactly I imagined them to be when I was still researching for this trip, and I feel lucky to be able to see them, and touch them. Well, I touched every piece of marvelous thing when I was in Siem Reap actually -- the boulders, the carvings on sandstone walls, these roots especially -- because knowing they have stood all this time somehow makes me feel connected to the past that no one gets to get back again. Touching the history.

Seeing the roots sprawled in all directions is INCREDIBLE. Some of them have to be supported and protected by metals. It's really nice how they let nature take over because they would rather let the stones topple over than cut the trees.

Love how my Superheadz UWS did an amazing job here :)

Me, taken by our very kind guide, Kuya Wandy :)

DONG BEI DUMPLING

While waiting for our own serving, I get to watch Ate make pork and chives dumplings straight from the next table :) Glad she didn't mind me this close beside her taking these photos -- or maybe she's just used to people watching her while making these probably-the-most famous dumplings in Binondo.

Hot, soft and light to eat. All of a sudden, I'm craving for these now!

642 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines

CAFE NORITER | ONE

A NIGHT AT THE PUB STREET

It was our last night in Siem Reap, and after two days of non-stop walking, leaping off from boulders to boulders, it felt soo good to freely roam around Pub Street and its outskirts just on our own. This is also the time we discovered Mooglee.

When in Siem Reap, I think it's impossible to miss going to Pub Street. It is where everyone seems to be when not touring; the center of shops and restaurants. And when the night turns in, it's an explosion of colors, lights and races.

Before we got to the end, the path was blocked by a bunch of other foreigners hanging out, dancing, drinking on the street. The scene looked and felt like taken out from a movie. And just like watching a movie, what else could have I done but to people-watch :) 

With the red light blazing, I had no choice but to dial down to a 1/15, f1.4 camera setting. I'd rather have them blurry than underexposed.  Moving subjects are clearly not my comfort zone. But looks like the blur was just fine and apt in this very lively scene :)