Bow the Carabao

After 23 years, I was again able to witness the amazing kneeling carabao of Pulilan.

I tell you folks, it’s a quite a spectacle for me to once again see, this time thru my lens, the crowd excitement and the carabao’s obligatory kneel before farmer’s patron saint San Isidro Labrador. I can’t believe the number of hardworking carabaos I saw. It could be a record-breaking number of carabao participants for this century-old tradition.


Susan, Eva, and I braved and snaked-thru the relentless crowd to get through right in front of the church where the kneeling happens. Susan’s sister managed to score admission tickets to the special viewing deck and stand toe-to-toe with local cinema legend Laurice Guillen.

Like in the past, rain started pouring near the end of the parade, a good sign according to local legend, and much-needed reprieve from a really intense afternoon heat for those loyal beasts and intense crowd.

I was hoping I could have good angle from the viewing deck but because of the over-crowding, I could only manage some decent shots. Some faces in the crowd are even look familiar.

Check them out:

2011 Trip

It was the longest and busiest vacation trip I’ve ever had.

Soon after the plane landed Manila, my family and I enjoyed the sun and the sand at El Nido, Palawan.

I spent my Holy Week alone in Marinduque but met along the way some new friends and morons...err...I mean morions.

The quick visit to hometown for the Dos de Mayo Fiesta was a disappointment attendance-wise. But that didn’t surprise me. It happened before and it will happen again. Unfortunately, it was only Wena, Al, the 2 scholars Patrick and Angelyne, and I were there to feast on Eva’s food. I guessed many were too busy to stop by, or worst, not really interested in seeing me or hearing what I have to say about our scholarship project. That’s fine by me. :-)

The decision was made to add 2 more scholars. Grants will be awarded in similar fashion like the year we first implemented it. Some may question the decision but as long as we all fulfill our end of the bargain when we made those pledges, we will be fine. If not, then we’ll find a way to get by.

My family and I flew to Singapore for a quick 3-day tour.


The Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud) tour was exhausting but exciting and very fulfilling. I got to spend time with scholars Patrick and Angelyne and was able to get to know them better.

I let all the pictures do the talking...if and when I have time to upload them.

Folks, patience is a virtue.

Here are the pics from our Ilocos Tour...it didn't take long did it? I know you are all anxious to see them so here they are...



Please note that all expenses for this trip came from our own pockets and NOT a single cent was used from the scholarship funds.

Just want to make that clear...:-)