Semi Retired Foamer

For over four decades I have been a rail and bus photographer.

However, during this time I have aimed the lens at other subjects, be they different transportation, scenery, buildings and other bollocks.

Given these do not really fit the scope of my other sites, I felt compelled to set up a new site so as to inflict my other photographic garbage upon the world.
While primarily Philippine and Australian content, there will be the occasional forays into Fiji and Hong Kong. Perhaps other locations should the current pandemic ever allow it.

So sit back and enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent. That choice is purely up to you.

Official Home Of the 'Brad N Virls Adventure Series' - Images are copyright, so contact us if you would like to use any photos on your site/video! (We don't bite)

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

KING OF THE ROAD - JEEPNEYS - PT4

Howdee one and all.

Yes you guessed it, another selection of photos covering the Philippines iconic, and beautiful, traditional jeepney.

Actually, I am going to set myself a goal.

I want to see if it is possible to get at least 3000 traditional jeepney photos on this blog.

By traditional, I include not only the usual design we all love, but also the varying provincial designs that are also gradually being replaced by the modern fakeneys..

I've been going crazy getting photos while visiting in recent years, but even I don't know if I can achieve this monumental jeepney goal :-)

Lets give it a good try.

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NFY-164 on EDSA up around Monumento - Balintawak area.

Photo: Brad Peadon

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The Philippine jeepney originated after World War II when surplus American military jeeps were repurposed by Filipinos into public transport vehicles. These jeeps were modified to fit more passengers, with benches added along the sides. In the 1950s and 1960s, jeepneys became a popular and affordable way to travel, especially in urban and rural areas. Their vibrant, artistic designs became a cultural symbol of Filipino ingenuity.

In recent years, jeepneys have faced challenges like aging fleets and environmental concerns. The Philippine government has pushed for modernization, replacing older jeepneys with more eco-friendly models, though this has met resistance. Despite these issues, the jeepney remains an iconic and integral part of Filipino life and culture.

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AAV-666 on Pedro Gill opposite the former Paco railway station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

NXU-739 'Sacred Heart' passing over the former 'Philippine National Railways' crossing at Paco station. This railway was closed (supposedly temporarily) last year for construction of an elevated line.

Photo: Brad Peadon

NXM-647 'Crew Saver' at the same location.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYF-582 'Sophia' also crossing thee tracks at Paco.

I was taking advantage of the great light and classic jeepney action.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYY-584 at a front of a jeepney lineup at the former Sucat railway station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYP-816 passing the former Sucat railway station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

DKY-650 passing the former Sucat railway station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

TYL-617 'Christian Lhia Anne Arianne' back at the Paco crossing again.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYR-848.

Photo: Brad Peadon

DET-867 Pedro Gil at Paco.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYU-762 Pedro Gil at Paco.

Photo: Brad Peadon

TVT-356 at Monumento.

Photo: Brad Peadon

TVT-356 'Princess Jenny' at Monumento.

Photo: Brad Peadon

TWJ-824 at Monumento.

Photo: Brad Peadon

PWK-877 heading down a much different Commonwealth (Quezon City) to how it appears today.

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVL-382 passing through Guinobatan in the beautiful Bicol region.

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVC-176 'Mariel' (above) and EVV-704 'Charles' (below) leaving the Municipality of Guinobatan'.

Photo: Brad Peadon

DTF-716 in Caloocan.

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVE-118 'Shyems' passing by the 'Philippine National Railways' railway station at Legaspi.

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVR-353 'From Essay' in Legaspi (Bicol Region).

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVB-143 'Baby Sophiya' in Legaspi (Bicol Region).

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVH-984 'Vikings' in Legaspi (Bicol Region).

Photo: Brad Peadon

EVS-971 'Amalaz' in Legaspi (Bicol Region).

Photo: Brad Peadon

DLG-728 'Arwin' near Del Gallego in Bicol.

Photo: Brad Peadon

NYE-252 'Lord Save Us' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

DFY-663 'Clarita' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

PYU-755 'Carlo Justin Clarisse Alyssa Corinne' NYE-835 'Jelsa' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

TVX-445 'Lady Anne' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

TXF-476 'Ervie Brugge' Makati (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

NXN-474 Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

NYA-700 'Melanie' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

PWA-409 'God's Economy' Mabini Street in Ermita (Manila).

Photo: Brad Peadon

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Onyo, Nhing, MrX

The various jeepney drivers encountered. At least the ones that were friendly and realised I was not photographing for nefarious reasons.

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Leonardo S Sarao - Wikipedia

The Jeepney (History) - Atollon

PRHS: Philippine Jeepney

Universal Transportation Group

Love The Philippines?: Check Out All Our Link Tree sites

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Love those colourful Jeepneys?
Come join others like you.

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

2010: PHILIPPINE VIEWS - MIXED COLLECTION - PART 4

Howdee one and all!

The ongoing project of sorting through my collection of photos from my 2010 trip to the Philippines continues, and as with previous updates, I'm excited to share many of them on this blog for others to hopefully derive a little bit of interest out of. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed, but here we are in 2025, and I’m reminded that it’s been a decade and a half since I took these photos. Even more surreal is the fact that it's been over 25 years since my very first visit to the Philippines. Time is flying by in ways that feel almost unreal as I grow older.

While fifteen years might not seem like a huge span in the grand scheme of things, the changes in Manila during that time have been nothing short of monumental. The city’s transformation, especially in terms of transportation—which is my main focus both in photography and research—has been striking.

There’s no specific theme or deep storyline behind these photos; they’re just a random selection of images from 2010, snapshots frozen in time that offer a glimpse into a very different era. It’s fascinating to look back at them now, seeing how far things have come in such a short period.

One of the bigger recent changes has been the unfortunate closure of the national rail operator in Manila for the construction of an elevated line.

Talk is they plan to relay the ground level one in 5 years time following completion, but I guess that remains to be seen.

The line here was covered by an elevated freeway by the time the line closed in 2024. But back in 2010 this was all some way away still.

Espana Railway Station

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

Market exploring time around the popular Baclaran of Manila.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

One of my favourite malls in Manila was that in the old Tutuban railway station. Fascinating to see the surviving parts of the structure itself, plus there was always great people to meet.

The person above was someone I looked forward to catching up with each visit. Sadly there stall, and indeed she, has now disappeared :-(

Photos: Brad Peadon

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Quezon Memorial Circle

The Quezon Memorial Circle is a popular park located in Quezon City, Philippines. It serves as a tribute to Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, and his legacy. The main feature of the park is the towering Quezon Memorial Shrine, a mausoleum where Quezon's remains are interred, topped with three symbolic spires that reach toward the sky.

It has been a preferred location for our family gatherings over the years and, probably more important to me than the others, a great place to spend an afternoon photographing.

The park itself is a large, open space, offering a mix of historical, recreational, and cultural elements. It’s a popular spot for families and visitors to relax, exercise, and enjoy outdoor activities. The park includes bike lanes, gardens, and various monuments, as well as a number of food stalls and eateries around the area.

But most importantly, lots of tradition jeepneys to get photos of.

Above and three below.

Man the Asawa's family was young way back then.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Emily and her friend enjoying the cooler late afternoon temperatures at the park.

Photo: Brad Peadon

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Zeny and Bolinday at the former family fun area at SM Fairview. This has since all been removed during a refurbishment of the mall that they seem to think has made it better.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Dribbler's Sportswear & Tailoring.

AQ fascinating business name in Litex, Quezon City

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

Busy time on Pedro Gil close to the railway crossing at Paco station.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

The few from behind Ligao railway station in Bicol.

We had travelled down from Naga on the commuter train and got to spend a couple of hours there.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Bicol Commuter Train laying over at Ligao Station (Cam Sur, Philippines)

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and two below.

More photos of Mercado Street in Ligao (Cam Sur, Bicol Region) taken behind the station.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Sir, what time does this train leave?

Passenger eagerly awaiting departure from Ligao.

From here it would operate to Naga, then on to Sipocot.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

The Marikina River near the Riverbanks Mall in Marikina (Metro Manila).

Photos: Brad Peadon

Another popular family location in Quezon City is the La Mesa Ecopark.

Post: La Mesa Ecopark.

Photo: Brad Peadon

R.I.P George.

He used to love my visits as he always got spoiled.

My him :-(

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and three below.

Given my somewhat strange sense of humour, seeing ambulances with advertising for a morgue on the side struck me as strangely humourous.

Sort of like they are covering all bases.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Mount Isarog is an active volcano located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, specifically in the province of Camarines Sur. While it has not erupted in recent history, it is considered active.

Photo: Brad Peadon