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)


Thursday 30 July 2020

Ermita



Hello, and welcome to the latest thrilling installment in my travel blog.
This time we look at Ermita, a location that is quite special for me, as it is where my 20 year 
Philippine story begun.
A usual accommodation of choice is the Mabini Mansion, which is located on, not surprisingly really, Mabini Street. It is located quite close to transport, the lovely Luneta Park (often called Rizal Park) and many places to stuff your face with food.


Above: Luneta Park from Mabini Mansion.
Behind the park is the somewhat fancy Manila Hotel and, to the left of that, can be seen the funnel of the former MS PHILIPPINES floating hotel and restaurant (see below). Beyond that is the port of Manila. 


A closer view of the ship (not the asawa) MS PHILIPPINES.
Built in 1951 as a luxury ship for 'Italian Line' where she was used between Italy and the USA. She wwas later sold to Hong Kong, where it operated under a number of names before again being sold to the Manila Hotel in 1999.
Again being renamed, MS PHILIPPINES, she became a floating hotel and restaurant.
In 2011 she was sold for scrapping, this being carried out in India during 2012. Today nothing exists of her.



One of the hundreds of families that enjoy the lovely Luneta Park.



Rizal Monument, built to commemorate the executed Filipino nationalist, José Rizal.
Rizal's remains are interred in the stone base, the monument being located around 100 metres from where he was executed.


Many a vendor can be found around Luneta Park.


A jeepney can be seen driving down a strangely quiet Mabini Street.
Taken from level 9 of the Mabini Mansion.



A statue of someone whom the identity of 
escapes me right now.


Apolinario Mabini - First President of the Philippines.
Wikipedia has his fascinating story.


A curious local kid wanting to know what the big guy with the camera was doing :-)
One of those split second photograph decisions that become one of your favourites.


Another example :-)


People doing something. That's about the best I can do with this caption.

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Ermita is (well, was, should the government get their way and remove them) paradise for the jeepney fan like myself. 
Many hours were spent photographing the 




Someone selling her wares to people awaiting their respective jeepneys.




Thats it for Ermita - Luneta Park.
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Other recent articles:



Was playing Monopoly yesterday on a U2 themed board.

It was really hard as ‘The Streets Have No Name’ 🙂 



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