santo tomas de villanueva.

Miag-ao, Iloilo.  Built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries, this church was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993.

Boracay Island, Philippines.

ati-atihan.

Kalibo, Philippines. Annual festival held in honour of Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) consisting of tribal dance, music, indigenous costumes and weapons.  Costumed dancers and spectators parade along the street to traditional drum processions.

auto-tuned.

I know auto-tuning is a big thing in the music world right now, but I think its full potential is seen on the internet. For the life of me, I don't know why someone would think that taking videos, already funny with ridiculous or mentally unstable people, and putting the speech into perfect pitch and song would be a good idea...but it turns out it is. Here are some of my favourites.

Of course, there's "Backin Up Lady":

The classic "Charlie Bit Me":

 

 And the list wouldn't be complete without Antoine Dodson:

Comedy genius, and I challenge anyone to say otherwise.

Okay, this is my first shout out ever. I don't know if there are any more of these videos out there, but if there is let me know, tell me your favourites, and I'll post the best one on here.

"one day I'm going to whistle."

Wanted to share this cause we danced to this song at our wedding and I'm a sucker for kids who do covers.  Too cute how she yawns in the middle of singing.



What's your favourite cover done by a kiddo?


via max wanger

My New Year's resolution is to try to write and post on this blog, somewhere between everyday and never, for as long as I can until I get too lazy to do it...so here's the first one, two days late.

Just two pictures from when we went into La Moskitia, one of the coolest places I've ever been. Out of the cloudy sky, in the middle of the jungle, appeared this US military helicopter. It circled us for a bit, and then landed in the middle of this tiny village. As the commandos jumped out, faces painted and rocking M16's, people from all over the jungle came pouring in. The commandos didn't stay very long, just enough to talk to a few people (get directions) and make a statement. Then they disappeared the same way they came.

We found out that they were apparently looking for a different landing strip, where a drug running plane had recently landed or been burned - possibly both - news seems to spread slow and not totally accurately in the jungle. There are several army bases in the region, being on the front line on the war against drugs. Drug planes fly from Columbia to the remote uncontrolled forest of La Moskitia, dropping their cargo, which then makes its way by land through Honduras, Guatemala and then Mexico on the way to the US.

It looked impressive to see these Americans break into town in this loud display of power, however to the local people we talked to, that was all it was - a display of power. It seems to be a common belief that the US military presence here is simply for show, and are either actively involved or passively unconcerned with the drug trade. Judging from our experience, I can see what they mean. As it was pointed out to us, if the military has radar, maps and intelligence - why are they landing blindly in the jungle asking for directions. Surely they should be able to track and intercept the many drug planes coming into the area...or at the very least, know which area to land at.

Whatever you think, La Moskitia is an amazing place. It's a shame that it is being exploited, whoever may be doing it.