Shy Guy

Makahiya, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

This is the flower of the makahiya, a plant whose leaves fold when touched. But I wonder why it's shy when it's very pretty?

Taken February 2009 in Cagayan de Oro

Burst

Yellow Orange, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken September 2008

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This week's Macro Day theme: Yellow

Three and then Some

Red, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Took this photo at a local hotel. It was windy so I had to wait in between gusts or to try to shield the flower from the wind.

Taken September 2008

Pepper Power

Pepper Flower, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

This is the flower of the pepper plant that we have at home. You can see how small it is by comparing it to the size of the ant.

Taken August 2008

A Fly Up Close

Bangaw, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

When we see flies, we dismiss them and swat them right away. I thought they were just black and gray. But thanks to the macro function of the camera, I realized how beautiful they are. I wouldn't have known otherwise if I didn't stop to take a picture.

Taken August 2008

Purple Train

Purple, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken June 2008 in Davao

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This week's Tuesday Challenge theme: Purple

Purple Two

Purple Orchids, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken June 2008 in Davao, Philippines.

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This week's Unique's Photo Challenge: Purple

* Awarded #2 by Unique's voting members

Bloom

Bloom, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken June 2008 in Davao City, Philippines

Banig

Banig, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Ang dalawang bagay sa litratong ito ay kapwa likhang Pinoy. Ang nasa gitna ay isang pangtakip sa lamesa na ginawa sa pamamagitan ng sining ng gantsilyo. Napapaligiran ito ng dalawang patungan ng plato na hinabi. Kung papansining maigi, makikita ang paulit-ulit na disenyong apat na kanto.

The two objects in this photograph are both Philippine made. In the center is a tablecloth made using the art of crochet. It is flanked by two woven placemats. If examined closely, the recurring pattern of a square is visible.

Taken April 2008 at Sitio Remedios in Ilocos

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Tema para sa linggong ito ng Litratong Pinoy: Apat na Kanto
Theme for this week's Litratong Pinoy: Four Corners

A Twist of Green

Twist, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

I see this arrangement all the time when I visit plant stores. I don't actually know why the stems are twisted to each other. I wonder if the purpose is biological or decorative. Occasionally, a red ribbon is attached to the plant. That it also something that baffles me. Does it bring good luck or merely placed there to make it look good?

Taken April 2008 at one of the stalls selling plants in Tiendesitas.

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This week's Photo Hunt theme: Twist(ed)

Detalye

Tatsulok, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Maaaring sabihin ng ibang litratista "Asan ang tatsulok?" sa malayuan. Ito ay kuha ng isang lamparang pangsahig ng malapitan. Kung uusisain ang detalye, makikita ang maraming hugis tatsulok na bumubuo sa pangtanglaw na ito. Akma ito para sa Litratong Pinoy dahil sa paggamit ng Capiz shells.

Other photographers may say " Where's the triangle?" from afar. This is a shot of a floor lamp taken in close-up. If details are examined, one may see the many triangular shapes which form this lighting fixture. This is very appropriate for Litratong Pinoy because it features Capiz shells.

Taken April 2008 at one of the stalls selling handicraft and furniture at Greenhills.

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Tema sa linggong ito ng Litratong Pinoy: Tatlo ang Sulok Ko
Theme for this week's Litratong Pinoy: I Have Three Corners

Tabemashou

Temaki, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Tabemashou is a Japanese word which means Let's eat. What do you think we should eat then? Japanese food seems the most appropriate. This is what's called a California temaki, nori wrapped sticky rice, kani, tobiko and mango served with wasabi and soy sauce.

Here are more Japanese to English translations: temaki - hand-rolled sushi; nori - dried seaweed; kani - crabstick; tobiko - flying fish roe and wasabi - Japanese horseradish.

Taken April 2008 at Teriyaki Boy, Greenhills.

Glass Eyed E.T.

Glass Eyed ET, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

I had no idea I captured E.T. on film until I looked at the big picture. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I did.

Lesson learned: Always look closely. Be ready to be surprised.

Taken April 2008 at Rustans, Shangri-La Plaza.

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This week's Photo Hunt theme: Glass

Dinner Tonight

Dimsum, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken March 2008 at Zhuang.

Flower Power

White Orchids, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

The Greenhills shopping center, particularly its tiangge, is a Mecca for the bargain shopper. Foreigners and locals alike who visit Manila make this a requisite stop. Items such as clothes, toys, bags and much more may be found here. A small garden lies in its center and provides respite to the weary shopper. Plants, including this orchid, may be bought here.

Lesson learned: You never know what you're going to come across with. Keep a camera handy.

Taken March 2008 at one of the stalls selling plants in Greenhills Shopping Center.