Intramuros, Manila

D A T E : SEPTEMBER 10, 2011
L O C A T I O N : FORT SANTIAGO, INTRAMUROS, MANILA, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, PHILIPPINES

C A M E R A : NIKON D80
L E N S : TOKINA 11-16MM F/2.8
F I L T E R : NONE
M O U N T : BENRO TRAVEL ANGEL TRIPOD
L I G H T : AMBIENT
S E T T I N G S : MANUAL MODE | ISO 100 | 10 SEC | F/8
P O S T - P R O C E S S I N G N O T E S : CURVES

---

I remember positioning myself at the cornermost part of Jose Rizal’s antechamber inside Fort Santiago to get my desired angle for the photograph I had in mind. I calmly set up my tripod, dialed in my settings and as I pushed the button my remote timer, a lady approached me and said in a not-so-polite-manner, What the hell do you think you’re doing?

I’m trying to photograph Jose Rizal’s monument, I said, trying very hard to answer in a very civilized tone.

That’s not allowed, she curtly said.

Just then, my shutter clicked shut and finished its exposure. I replied, Okay then and quickly exited out of the building.

And oh yeah, it’s our National Hero’s birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Gat Jose Rizal! May you guide these camera-Nazi people to photographic freedom and enlightenment.