Linggo, Setyembre 25, 2011

Revisiting the Old Congress House

it was a fine Saturday morning, when our group get to see each other again as we conduct our monthly sketchcrawl session. this time, we'll be at the the museum. indoor sketching was our theme then. 

it's a great time that i had the chance to REvisit one of the declared national historical landmarks in Manila [i was in high school since i last visited the place]

the museum was formerly intended to be the home of the National Library of the Philippines [according the famous urban planner, Daniel Burnham], it is currently home of the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines [1997]. Designed by Architects Juan Arellano and Antonio Toledo in 1918, the Neo-Classical structure was damaged during the Word War II but was reconstructed in 1949 to be the home of the National Assembly/Congress of the Philippines [bicameral, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives].

at present, the building is undergoing renovations. we also had the opportunity to see some of the phases of construction, of how renovation is done. i just hope that the Team who's in-charge of the project would make a thorough study so it won't compromise the design and preserve its architectural value.











more of these at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2401719240143.2138668.1165948020&type=1

Huwebes, Setyembre 1, 2011

moments with Coffee

i'm not really a fan of any coffee shops like Starbucks, Figaro, Seattle's Best and the like. but i do love coffee, a huge fan, i must say. i can consume two to three tumblers of coffee in a day. i even drink on a hot afternoon siesta :)

more and more people [nowadays, i think] are getting hooked up staying at coffee shops. tried doing so, and i find out why: free wi-fi access and the warm-serene ambiance they have. for most, they do have this some sort of feeling whenever they stay at coffee shops [i remember BOB ONG's article about that -- I only go to Starbucks [or any coffee shops] when I have lots of cash to burn and whenever I feel like I wanna be sosyal for a day. It brings out the social climber in me.] well, there are some coffee houses where a lot of people stay, noise and the annoying cigarette smoke best describes the area so i guess it's not appropriate to say [at all times] that coffee shops are quiet places where you can stay and relax.

here's some of my sketches during my goofing off moments in one of the coffee shops i visit: