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.
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
To finish off this selection another random shot taken just south of Naga.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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Nhing Nhings, MrX, Paul Hornby, and whoever else was with me each time.
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Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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