EMONG'S JOURNALS

Driving on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) is a serious business - it's your supreme responsibility to be cognizant of the rules. In these territories, the NLEX/SCTEX traffic enforcers rule. We’ve all seen them on these expressways, but what exactly is their role and do they have any powers to stop and fine drivers? Here’s what you need to know right here. Are NLEX/SCTEX traffic enforcers part of the Philippine National Police? With big, powerful pick-ups sporting high-visibility decals and flashing lights, it’s easy to see why NLEX/SCTEX traffic enforcers could be confused with police officers. However, they are employed by the Manila North Tollways Corporation and not affiliated with the PNP in any way. What is their job? The primary job of NLEX/SCTEX traffic enforcers is to patrol these expressways and help keep traffic flowing smoothly. Traffic enforcers help the process of managing incidents on these expressway...

Once only popular with professional photographers, the digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are now increasingly common. This is especially in travel photography when people need clear and high quality photos to document their travel. But if you're a beginner in DSLR who just can't figure out how to use all those buttons and wheels, the Auto mode seems to be the best (and only) way. For a novice photographer, being in Auto mode is a good thing, especially when you are not ready to go into full manual mode just yet. But the more you use your camera, the more you will want to get a bit of control. This is where the "P" mode comes in. Not only is the "P" mode easier (and more relaxing) to shoot than in manual, it makes it easy for a beginner photographer to get behind the camera - particularly when he quickly needs to capture a special moment. In this tutorial video, Marius van der Westhuizen of MWest Photography covers the basic fundamental prin...

Navigating Metro Manila is incredibly easy. Commuting around it, as well as its traffic conditions, is predictable as any Asian city. Public transport is relatively affordable, and traffic are always heavy during rush hours. The best thing about Manila? There's always a shopping mall near you, and great food abounds! THE BASICS Make sure you have Google Maps on your smartphone for easy reference. Avoid bringing big physical maps as it will only attract scammers, opportunists and thieves. Get a local SIM card (Smart or Globe network) to support your data needs. Install a Grab or Uber app (Uber is expected to merge with Grab soon, but as of this writing, Uber app is still online). Purchase Beep Cards for your MRT and LRT train fares. Keep lots of loose change for jeepney and bus rides. Always carry your bags or backpacks in your front. Don't wear excessive, flashy, and expensive jewelries. MODES OF TRANSPORT Jeepneys. I was born in Manila and I have ...

Travel photography is the best way to share your experiences via Instagram or Facebook. But with the abundance of social media users who post thousands of images online every minute every day, how would you make your images stand out? The advent of less expensive cameras and low-cost travel destinations has allowed travel photography to become easier and easier. Smartphone cameras have evolved tremendously in the past 5 years, and full-time cameras like point-and-shoots and DSLRs have become affordable for everyone. In retrospective, it has allowed regular consumers to blend with professional photographers -- and they're equally competitive. If you have your hands on these nifty camera equipments and you're out there on location, it's about time to step up your photo game. TIP #1 ANGLES Camera angles is one of the quickest ways to add interest and variety to your photos. Angles are really easy - even if you don’t know how to use your camera very well. All you have ...

Many of the younger millennial generation have heard of locations mentioned in old books, articles and documents relating to the city of Manila that are no longer on the map. This is because several names of streets in Manila had since underwent a name change in the past, following nearly four centuries of colonial occupation. Take for example the Raon Street, that famous road that houses gazillions of electronic gadgets, speakers and TV sets which is now called Gonzalo Puyat Street and Divisoria that is now called Salas Street. Dakota is now Adriatico Street and Herran is now Pedro Gil Street. Find below the list of renamed streets in Manila. Original name New name District Calle Aceiteros M. de Santos Street San Nicolas Calle Aduana/Calle Claveria A. Soriano Avenue Intramuros - Port Area Calle Agno Fidel A. Reyes Street Malate Calle Albuquerque Raja Matanda  Street Tondo Calle Alejandro IV (Calle del Gral. Camba) M. V. Delos Santos Street Sampaloc Calle Alix Le...