A Jade Pond's Shimmering Splendour

At the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, there is a small garden inside its fence and a pond that is jade green in color.

Green water, according to pond experts, is due to growth of large numbers of algae. The Embassy's green pond is not really an eyesore because it looks refreshing especially during summer.

Here are some photos that Kablogs took during a visit at the Embassy some weeks back.
















Want to read more about the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and its history? Click the link.

► Read previous Roundtrip articles here.

The Barossa and Clare Valleys: Uncorked

by RJ Pagoto

My date and her food and wine in Saltram Restaurant; Barossa Gourmet Weekend 2010.

Melbourne has been claiming to be the food capital of Australia, but a great dining experience is never complete without wines. So if you want food, wine and cultural experience, South Australia is the best place to visit!

A vineyard in Barossa Valley, autumn 2008

From any city around the world, Adelaide City, S.A. can be easily accessed through its convenient international and domestic airports. From there, your food and wine journey begins.

Jacob’s Creek demonstration vineyard, late winter 2010

The vineyards in Krondorf Rd., Tanunda, S.A.

The Adelaide Central Market must be your first stop; then discover the fresh produce of South Australia from meat, milk, fish and plant products. Witness the product and cooking demonstrations, and take advantage of the ‘free tasting’ stalls featuring the savoury products of every shop. Don’t forget to take your camera with you, so you could bring home, at least, the memories of the other colourful, fresh and flavourful harvest that you may possibly miss to taste.

Sevenhill’s underground cellar, established by the Jesuit priests in 1848.

The wine products of Sevenhill Cellars in St. Aloysius Church, the source of sacramental wine of their neighbouring towns, and possibly across South Australia.

From Adelaide city take a tour to the Barossa and Clare Valleys (1hr 15min to 2hrs)—Australia’s most famous, multi-awarded regions for their vintage and great-tasting wines! Barossa covers 7 towns, and Clare has 2 towns and 5 villages that have been growing vines and processing wines for almost two centuries. It started from the settling of the German and British immigrants in the mid-1900, where heritage, cultures and traditions are still evident up to these days. The regions have been very famous not only for its wine and historic trails but for its cafes and conservation parks, as well.

The wine barrels and visitor centre and restaurant in Saltram Estate, Angaston, S.A.

I consider myself very lucky. My place is only 45 minutes and an hour drive to Clare and Barossa Valleys, respectively—the reason why I didn’t miss the Barossa Gourmet Weekend last August 21-22, 2010.

Sparkling Battered Mulloway with chips and aioli (Au$ 15); Jacob’s Creek Restaurant, Tanunda, S.A.

Margueritta (vegetarian) Pizza (Au$15); Jacobs Creek Restaurant, Tanunda, S.A.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: The Home of Jacob’s Creek

So what are you waiting for, book your ticket now, and visit South Australia—the Festival State. I can give a free lift and accommodation to KaBlog members who will be visiting Barossa and Clare Valleys. Contact me at pagotoruelp@yahoo.com.

► RJ blogs at Chook-minder's Quill. He also write for KBJ on a regular basis via his Pacific Breeze column. You can read his previous column articles here.

Island hopping at Zambales

by Deth Vergara



Anawangin Cove is a 30 minute boat ride from Pundaquit, one of the main attraction of the island are the numerous pine trees w/c is an unlikely scene in Philippine beaches. It is one of the most visited among the four island, the place is too crowded, its hard to get a clear shot.



Capones island have this pretty old lighthouse. At the top you'll see a breathtaking view of the horizon, but to witness it you need to have enough will to survive the long climb up the lighthouse. I assure you it's worth the climb.





Nagsasa Island is my favorite among the islands that we visited in zambales, quiet and less crowd... the water is so clear, the view of mountains encircling the island is so beautiful, you just can't help but thank God, it was indeed a paradise.



Happy Campers - jump shots with my friends and cousin (Deth in yellow).

► Deth is our Issue's featured blogger. She blogs at Dodeth Alvarez Vergara Photography.

► Read our previous issues' Roundtrip Ticket articles.

Scenic photos from a well-travelled blogger

Reynaldo Ramos (aka Reymos, online) hails from Sibuyan Island in Romblon and is currently residing in Northern Ireland (UK) since 2005 pursuing his postgraduate studies. He loves to collect beer mats, read books and take photographs during his travels in the Philippines and abroad. As a blogger, he also maintains several sites that show his passion in reading and travel photography.

Here are some of his wonderfully photographed subjects from his various travel.



The Antrim Coast situated in the north of Northern Ireland is regarded one of the most scenic of Britian and Ireland coastlines.



There may not be much elephants in Ko Chang in Thailand (Ko Chang loosely translates to 'elephant island' because it's shaped like an elephant's head) but it surely has wondeful beaches.



Sibuyan's pride is the majestic Cantingas River claimed as one of the cleanest inland waters in the world. Voted in 2003 as the cleanest river in Region IV-B and second cleanest river in the Philippines (it clinced the title as the cleanest in 2005). Sibuyan is located in Romblon, Philippines.



A paradise indeed! A small island in one of the regions of the Philippines. Crista de Gallo is an hour away from the mainland, Sibuyan Island (where Mt Guiting-guiting is also found) where the sun, sand and crystal blue water meet every day.

Rey's other photos:



Niagara Falls in black and white.



A buko dealer. Midsea?



Hand feeding fishes.

► Aside from his original homepage My world is getting smaller everyday, some of Reymos' photos can be seen in Your World in Images, flickr and also in Trivago (UK). His dream? To set-up a mini-library in his hometown and to publish a travel photo book showcasing the various interesting places that he has visited.

► Read our previous issues' Lens and Light articles.

The Ways of Thais

Did you know that Thailand has almost 3,500 mosques around the country? Most of them are located in Southern Thailand. Bangkok itself has more than 170 mosques that tourists frequent all year round.

The following photos were taken by Jose Santiago Tan, an OFW residing in Thailand.



Took this shot of " Yai Chai Mon Kon Temple " last Sunday at the Ancient City of Ayuthaya, Thailand.

Ayutthaya had consecutively been a prosperous kingdom for 417 years. There had been 33 kings who reigned the kingdom over that period, beginning with King Uthong in 1893 B.E.



This was taken at Damnoern Saduak, Floating Market, Ratchaburi, Thailand.

If there's a place in Thailand which is most-photographed by tourists, it's the floating markets. Says www.thailand.com: The river and 'klong' markets give a realistic glance of how daily life must have been in earlier times.

In venturing Thailand's floating markets, one could buy a variety of tropical fruits, flowers, vegetables and fresh produce. It's just sad that with the mushrooming of modern stores and malls, the traditional floating markets of Thailand are slowly disappearing.

► Visit Jose Santiago Tan's other fab photo about Thailand in flickr. Admire his other photos at SiamPinoy site.

► Read our previous Lens and Light articles.

Sampung Di Malilimutang Karanasan Sa Aking Bakasyon sa Pinas

Nagbakasyon ako noong December 2009 sa Pilipinas. Ito na ang aking ika-apat na pagbabakasyon sa Pilipinas magmula ng pumunta ako sa Saudi Arabia. Subalit, ito naman ang aking unang pagkakataong magpapasko ako sa ‘Pinas bilang isang balikbayan. Narito ang " Sampung Di Malilimutang Karanasan sa Aking Bakasyon sa Pinas".

Just sit back and relax, kunin na ang popcorn…………ready………. heto na!

10. Sa wakas, ‘Pinas na!
Lumapag ang eroplano naming Cathay Pacific ng 5:45PM sa NAIA. Syempre, sayang naman 'yung kumot na pasunod sa eroplano kaya pinasok ko ‘yun sa aking bag. Kung puwede nga lang bang iuwi ‘yung headphone baka inuwi ko na rin iyon, kaso masungit si Ateng Stewardess kasi hindi daw inuuwi 'yun (sabay taas ng kilay). 'Yung medyas lang daw at saka 'yung toothpaste ang libre.

Sinubukan kong gamitin ang “charm” ko kay Ateng Stewardness kaso wa epek pa din. Hindi sya nakyutan sa akin, kasi hindi ko pa rin nai-uwi yung headphone. Kaya nakipag-agawan na lang ako sa kanya, pero dahil eroplano nila iyon, nagwagi s’ya sabay takbo malapit sa piloto (Sunget!!! Mukhang nagsumbong pa yata si ate). Pero nakaganti naman ako sa kanya kasi kinuha ko yung sabon saka yung hand sanitizer doon sa loob ng toilet ng eroplano. Utakan lang yan! Akala nya ha!

9. Pagsundo
Dahil masyadong excited na excited ang aking mga kapatid na makita akong muli, hayun…..…..LATE sila! Nag-intay pa ako ng dalawampung minuto bago sila dumating kaya halos tinubuan na ako ng ugat at namunga na ako ng bayabas at kaymito bago sila dumating (pero alam ko namang lab na lab naman nila ako pero hindi nga lang nila pinapahalata sa akin). Kaya naman, pagkakita sa akin, dali-dali silang nagtatakbo at niyakap ang aking…….….dyaran………..… balikbayan box! Halatang-halata ang pag-aalala nila sa balikbayan box ko kaysa sa akin. Pero okay lang dahil pagkatapos makita ang balikbayan box ko, saka naman nila ako niyakap at kinamusta. Ang sweet sweet talaga nila, sarap pagbabatukan sa panga!

8. Ang balikbayan box
Syempre hindi ka OFW kung wala kang uwi-uwing balikbayan box. Pagbukas ng balikbayan box ko mistula silang nakakita ng multo “Kuya. sabon na naman?! Eh taon-taon na lang, puro sabon ang inuuwi mo!” Syempre sinagot ko sila, “Okay na yan kaysa naman sa chocolate, mahal kaya ‘yun ngayon saka mas matagal ang buhay ng sabon. Ayaw n'yo' yun habang nagkukuskos sila ng libag sa katawan, eh ako pa rin ang naalala nila?” (sabay beautiful eyes). Pagkasabi ko n'yan, umalis na 'yung kapatid ko sabay bulong ng “...mabango pa nga ang Safeguard d'yan eh!” Damuhong 'yun pakainin ko kaya s’ya ng sabon!

7. Si Santa Claus
Dahil Pasko noon, ang akala yata ng mga kamag-anak namin ay nag-migrate na si Santa Claus sa Saudi Arabia. Bakit kamo? Eh kasi kahit saan ako mapunta laging “Pengeng aguinaldo!” ang maririnig mo sa aking mga kamag-anak. Yung iba hindi ko naman talaga kamag-anak pero nakikihingi rin (kay titigas ng mukha). Akala yata nila ay umuutot ako ng pera sa Saudi? Pero dahil Pasko naman binigyan ko pa rin sila ng tig-bebente (aba malutong naman yun) pero 'yun nga lang, masamang-masama ang loob nila sabay parinig ng “Parang hindi nag-abroad… kay kuri-kuripot!” (Salamat naman sa papuri n’yo! Gusto n’yong sipain ko kayo sa gilagid?!)

6. Masikip na Mall
Dahil Pasko noon, halos hindi mahulugang kulangot este karayom ang loob ng mga malls sa Pilipinas. Kaya paano ka naman maniniwala sa mga survey na maraming mahihirap sa Pilipinas? Parang hindi naman halata! T’yak din tuwang-tuwa ang mga holdaper, snatcher at Salisi Gang dahil tiba-tiba sila noong Kapaskuhan.

Halos lahat din ng kainan eh punong-puno. Ang Jollibee mistulang may Palarong Pambansa sa dami ng tao sa loob (nagbabalyahan pa nga mauna lang sa pila). Pati sosyaling mga restaurant punong-puno din! Kaya naman bumili na lang ako ng mamon sa tindahan saka samalamig na lasang tubig lang na may asukal. Sabi ni ateng tindera, pineapple juice daw yun! Ano yun imagination lang?!

5. Sa enkantong kaharian (Enchanted Kingdom)
Dahil medyo nag-iisip bata ang mga kapatid at kabarkada ko, nagpadesisyunan nilang mag-fieldtrip sa Enchanted Kingdom. Sa dami ng tao sa loob ng theme park, halos isang oras kang pipila sa mga dyaskeng rides na yan. Hindi ko naman makita ang sense kasi mukhang hihiluhin ka lang at hahalukayin ang sikmura mo ng mga “rides” na ‘yan. At ang masakit pa n’yan matapos mong pumila nang kay haba-haba at kay tagal-tagal, aabutin lang ang rides ng tatlong minuto (di sulit). Kaya n'ung niyaya ako ng mga kapatid kong sumakay pang muli sa ibang rides, hindi na ako sumama. Iikot na lang ako ng tatlong minuto saka kakain ng chippy. Same effect lang din naman.

4. Reunion
Dalawang reunion ang napuntahan ko. Ito ay ang reunion namin ng mga kaklase ko n'ung hayskul at reunion naman ng mga kaklase ko sa college. Nagkainan lang kami ng mga kaklase ko na yan. Kwento-kwentuhan ng mga kagaguhan noong estudyante pa kami. Sariwain kung sino ang mga titser o propesor na talagang nage-epal sa amin noon at balikan ang mga kaklase naming nagkaroon ng tatak sa amin.

Katulad ni Boy Tubol (kasi natae sa iskul), Neneng Kuto (kasi parang hacienda ng mga kuto ang anit nya), si Mimi Nguso (kasi sipsip sya sa mga titser), si Totoy Pigsa (dahil nagka-pigsa s'ya sa kilkili at pumutok 'yun habang recitation), si Karen Dukleng (kasi lagi s'yang binabato ng eraser dahil sa kadaldalan n'ya, nadukleng tuloy), at si Teteng Kabayo (hindi dahil kasing laki ng “ano” n’ya ang “kwan” ng kabayo, kundi dahil ang totoo n’yan, mukha lang talagang kabayo si Teteng! Dahil sa kanya, napahiya si Charles Darwin dahil hindi talaga galing sa unggoy ang mga tao, ang iba galing din sa kabayo! Nagpapatunay d’yan ang existence ni Teteng! Hehehe.).

3. Inuman at galaan
Hindi makukumpleto ang bakasyon ng isang OFW kung walang inuman. Dahil nga bawal ang alak sa Saudi (sabi lang nila) kaya naman ito na ang pagkakataon kong lumaklak nang lumaklak ng galun-galon na beer na walang manghuhuling pulis (sa ‘Pinas naman kasi, pulis pa ang kainuman mo… lakas pang mamulutan! Fiesta?!) Isa pa, tila isang “invisible agreement” na ‘yon na kapag OFW ka, otomatik na magpapainom ka. Inimbita ko lahat ng kumpare, kaibigan, kapitbahay, kapamilya, kapuso at ka…………... kapal ng pagmumukha… may sumama sa inuman ng hindi ko iniimbitahan. KAPAL NG MUKHA N’YO MGA TSONG!!! Pero okay na rin.

Nagpunta rin ako sa mga gimik bars sa may The Fort, Cubao, Quezon Avenue at kung saan-saan pa. Pagkakataon ko na itong ubusin ang aking kapangyarihan sa pagsayaw at ipamalas sa kanila ang aking mga “THE MOVES” na mukhang may epilepsy lang at nakakasinghot ng pinulbos na pakpak ng ipis.

2. Binyag ang aking pamangkin
Sinakto ng kapatid ko ang pag-uwi ko sa Pinas sa binyag ng aking pamangkin. Syempre naman kailangan daw nila ng isang titong guwapo, mabait, matalino, at habulin ng mga chicks…………... at AKO 'yun (wala nang iba pa) para gawing ninong (eh kaswerte-swerteng bata! Huwag kang umepal d'yan, ako bida dito okay!).

Masaya ang naging binyagan ng pamangkin ko dahil kumpleto ang buong angkan namin. Nagmistula tuloy na “family reunion” ang nangyari kaya masayang-masaya naman talaga. At sa wakas nakakain uli ako ng….. drumroll please……….LITSON (bawal kasi sa Saudi eh), kaya naman hindi ko na inaksaya ang pagkakataon. Nilusob ko na at kinain ang tenga ng litson. Masarap at malutong-lutong (may tutuli pa nga ako'ng nakain eh, KORNI). Pagkatapos ay nagpapiktyur-piktyur pa ako sa litson (artista??) para naman takamin ang mga ka-trabaho ko sa Saudi.

1. Ang aking pamilya
Ito ang aking numero uno kasi kahit ano pa ang naranasan ko sa aking bakasyon, ang pagkakataong makasama ko ang aking pamilya sa Pasko at Bagong Taon ang isang bagay na hindi ko makakalimutan. Ito ang unang Pasko at Bagong Taon na magkakasama kami at kumpleto mula nang mag-abroad ako. Lahat ng gastos, pagod at kung anu-ano pa ay napalitan ng saya dahil magkakasama kami sa mahalagang okasyon na ito. Hindi talaga mapapalitan ng kahit ano ang kasiyahan na makasama mo muli ang iyong pamilya.

Masarap balikan ang magagandang alaala na 'yan. Iyan ang mga bitbit ko sa aking pagbalik dito sa Saudi. Natutuwa ako na ang tatlumpong araw na pagbabakasyon ko sa Pilipinas ay naging masaya at makabuluhan. Aaminin ko, naho-homesick pa rin ako. Kahit na sabihin nating apat na beses ko nang ginagawa ang pagbabalik-bayan at pangingibang-bansa, hindi pa rin yata ako masasanay sa pagsasabi ng “goodbye”. Iba talaga ang bigat nang nagpapaalam at masakit pa ring isipin na iiwan mo ang pamilya at mga kaibigan mo sa Pilipinas.

Pinipilit kong palitan ang aking pangungulila ng mga masasayang alaala ko sa Pilipinas. Okay na ako doon, masaya na ako na balikan na lang sila sa aking ala-ala. Alam kong darating din ang araw na hindi ko na kailangang magbakasyon pa sa Pilipinas dahil sa Pilipinas na ako mananatili habambuhay. Kahit ano pa ang sabihin nilang hindi magagandang bagay tungol sa Pilipinas, para sa akin wala nang mas sasarap pa kundi ang makasama mo ang kapamilya, kaibigan, dating ka-eskwela, at kapwa mo Pilipino sa bansang ating atin. Sa Pilipinas ako isinilang at sa Pilipinas din ako mamamatay! Ganyan ko kamahal ang ating bansa.

Iyon lamang po! Salamat iyong oras at magandang araw.

Basahin ang mas elaborate na kwento ni Drake tungkol sa kanyang bonggang-bonggang bakasyon sa Pilipinas sa kanyang kwarto, este, blog. Eto ang mga eksena: 1, 2, 3 at ang huling hirit. Talaga namang tatawa ka ng malakas at siguradong macu-curious ang katabi mo kung bakit. Iisipin nilang nababaliw ka na.

Eksena 1 │Eksena 2 │ Eksena 3 │Eksena, ang huling hirit

Si DRAKE ay isang blogero na may malikot na utak at malawak na imahinasyon. Naglalayon na sa pamamamagitan ng kanyang mga karanasan, ideya, at kaisipan ay makapagbigay ng aliw at inspirasyon sa iba lalo na ang katulad nyang OFW. S'ya ay kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa bansa ng mga kamelyo at disyerto, ang Saudi Arabia.

Clothes to Pack When Going Abroad

Hi everyone! I just want to share with you a list of clothes that you might need when you go abroad. I think it's better to buy them in the Philippines because they're way cheaper. Also, it's better to be prepared than sorry.

For winter clothes, you may buy them at SM Surplus stores or better yet from the Ukay Ukay (thrift stores). You may also check out the sale in Terranova, Mango, and Zara because they usually slash the price by half during off-season.

For knitwear you could buy them from tiangges (bazaars). If you have friends from Baguio, you can ask them to send you locally-made knitwear.

For accessories, Divisoria and Quiapo are good places to go to .

1. Coats/Jackets

First, you have to consider what seasons does your country of destination has. As you know, in the Philippines we have two seasons: hot and hotter, just kiddin. Seriously, we don't really get to wear jackets as much and it gets a bit mind-boggling which jacket to wear.

The general rule is, if you are wearing a dress or a skirt underneath, wear trench coats or longer coats. If it's just jeans, you could wear a coat up to your waist. Wear longer tops for layering.

Normally black is the basic color but it really is according to your taste. You may wear darker colors for fall and winter and lighter and brighter colors for spring and summer.

I have a bit of a guideline on what to wear according to the temperature:

* 12 to 18 degrees Celsius - Cotton/Twill Trench Coats/Denim Jacket + Top



This temperature is just like our early morning on December. If it is a bit cold for you, you may wear a cardigan underneath. You could also use a light scarf made of cotton (just cut a long strip of fabric for this). Or instead of a trench coat, you could also wear denim jackets.

* 8 to 11 degrees Celsius - Wool Coat + Cardigan + Top + Scarf


This temperature is a bit cold already. Some people find it unbearable the first time so I suggest that you layer your wool coat with a light cardigan. It also helps to wear a scarf (knitted ones) and a pair of cotton knit gloves. Instead of a wool coat you can also wear leather jackets.

Avoid wearing two jackets at the same time because it would be so uncomfortable and you will look bulky. A knitted cardigan will do. If you have to layer some more, you can wear two cardigans on top of each other. I know some people also wear stockings underneath their jeans, although in my case I'm still okay without them. I just use thick socks.

* 5 to 10 degrees - wool coat + heavy knitwear + top + scarf + gloves + hat/bonnet/beret + leather boots



Although you can still manage to use your wool coat, you may want to wear thicker cardigans underneath. If you don’t like the additional bulk, you can wear two layers of light weight cardigans instead.

You may also wear leggings/thermal pants underneath your jeans. I know sometimes I’d even wear stockings underneath if it’s really cold. Also for pants, you can wear corduroy pants because the fabric is warmer.

* 5 degrees and below - Bubble jacket + heavy knitwear + scarf + gloves + ear muffs + ugg boots




I will replace my wool coat with a thicker jacket like that of a bubble jacket or parka in this extreme cold. Or you can wear heavy fur instead (faux please!) Ugg boots will also keep your feet warm. Never mind if they look bulky and ugly.

2. Tops or T-shirts in Knits

Buy solid colors as they are easier to match. You could buy those from Divisoria or Tiangge, as they are quite cheap.

3. Filipiniana Costume and Barong Tagalog

Bring these for those occasions where we get to wear our national costume. You’d never know when you would get the opportunity to showcase them. They are particularly fond of pina or jusi fabrics.

4. Daster/Malong Printed Dresses

You know those daster you wear as pambahay? Just add a belt or accessorize them a bit and they’d be perfect for summer dress. Believe it or not, my friends are crazy about them! They even bugged me to buy whenever I go home. It’s so affordable and yet unique!

5. Bright/Printed clothes


Remember when we shop for clothes, we often say "Ay, ayoko nyan nakaka-itim!"

Well, now is your chance to wear whatever you like. Foreigners love our skin color and they always wonder why we don't accentuate it with bright colors. So don't be shy, add some colors on your wardrobe it makes you look more tanned. Being tanned means you travel a lot and go on vacations, we’re lucky we have this beautiful color naturally.

6. Makeup

It's so hard to buy foundation here in China coz most of them have fair skin. So buy whichever makeup you use in the Philippines and keep stock of them. Also I believe we’re not so “hiyang” with foreign brands. Well, I don’t know about you, but I still prefer Eskinol over any brand.

7. Logo T-shirts

I think when one goes abroad, it’s the time when our nationalistic side shows and it would be cool to express that on logo t-shirts with familiar phrases like: "Astig!" For my birthday, my Pinay friend gave me a shirt that says "Trust Me, I'm a Filipina!" It was so cool!

8. Leggings

Before I used to buy thermal pants from Marks & Spencer but I realized that leggings from SM or other shops are just as warm underneath your jeans. Choose light materials though as it could get uncomfortable when you layer them with your pants.

9. Accessories

Pile up on wooden necklaces, beads, shells etc. During summer, I always see from H&M and Zara accessories that we could buy in our local markets at a fraction of the price.

Also cool things to have would be bayong, pamaypay, bakya etc. Believe me, they would go gaga when they see these stuff coz they don't have them.

10. Handkerchief

Wala lang, I really like our handkerchiefs at home. People here just use tissue eh. :)

Overall, the idea is to be comfortable without losing your sense of style. It is better to anticipate what you might need rather than buy them when you are still getting accustomed to your new home. Also you might want to consider some cultural preference, like some countries prefer women to wear longer skirts or pants.

Images Credits
http://www.polyvore.com (most of the clothes)
http://www.barongsrus.com (filipiniana dress)
http://www.cafepress.com (tshirt)

Maris Manalili is the author of the blog Style Shanghai, winner of the Best Blog Element in the Philippine Expats Blog Awards 2009. She is based in the People's Republic of China.

Children of Tonle Sap Lake in Thailand

All the above photographs were taken by Jose Tan, a freelance Portrait, Travel and Events photographer based in Bangkok Thailand. For years, his passion in photography has lead him to countless photographic opportunities around Asia documenting Prime Ministers, Presidents, Sultans, star athletes, beauty queens, models, international events, less fortunate children, unforgettable places, leading and organizing a Worldwide Photo Walk event, exhibitions and many others.

In one of those unforgettable vacations, he was able to capture these images of Cambodian street children near Tonle Sap Lake, known to be the biggest in Asia. These kids are among the poorest of the poor probably in the world. But in these images, what Jose saw was hope in their eyes.

You can check out several other photography projects and soon photography tutorials by Jose Tan @ http://www.josesantiagotan.com/ or http://www.siampinoy.net/.