Andres Bonifacio, without doubt, was a hero of the masses, one who had come to understand his people not with an elitist perspective of a colonially educated leader or cacique. While he championed freedom through an armed struggle, he fell not to colonial hands but to politics and betrayal of his own men he considered brothers.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Buildings, like this one, used to be grand structures of a business district in old-time Manila. Now they are dilapidated and neglected, almost condemned. The ground area is teeming with roadside vendors; above, hints of artistry remain as silent witnesses of the change of the times. The figure is probably Hermes (Mercury) holding a caduceus but curiously not on his left arm.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
The glimmering sea on an afternoon may look magical, but imagine how the scorching sun burns anyone at sea.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Arguably the highest makeshift store in Cebu, this shanty is built to serve the residents and tourists climbing Osmeña Peak. The store sells easy refreshments and, surprisingly, squashes.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
This detail from sculptor Eduardo Castrillo’s Katuparan ng Pangarap ng Lahi (literally “Attainment of the aspiration of the people”) shows the child – the offspring – as an equally important figure in society. The young are protected and nurtured; they are the recipient of the fruits of all the hard work of the present.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
This scene of yachts harboring in a bay, with masts set against the glowing sunset sky, looks like a graveyard of some sort because of its stillness.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
High school students frequent this local park and loiter the day away – with friends and cell phones. Maybe this is better than being cramped in an online dimension.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
A dairy worker ends the day by cleaning the milking machines and later leading the cows to their cage.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Down the river, the children seem to enjoy this daily mode of transportation, plying the emerald green river.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Visual Tales 