September 20, 2011

[Our World] Hawking on the Streets

If you've visited this blog regularly, you know my camera has a soft spot for street vendors or small stall vendors. Just click on vendor and you'll see the variety. So looking back, I'm a little surprised I haven't posted a Manila street hawker before... they sure are a ubiquitous sight. 

 Manila, 2011

What I like about them is their spunk. Some may find them a menace on the streets, but I consider them the most entrepreneurial of spirits, something I can relate to. They are ambitious, persistent, constantly testing their markets with new products, and not afraid to ask for the sale. 


They're full of can do and never say die. And, scurrying in and out among the moving traffic, they certainly are risk takers!


I captured the first three fellas last week, all within minutes of each other, unfortunately through the windshield, so the clarity in these images is less than ideal. This last one taken some time last year may be my favorite photo of a Pinoy hawker I have taken.


This is my post for Our World Tuesday and Walk in the Street.

22 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Oh, what a great post and fun look at your world today, Francisca! I, too, love the last shot! They're all so colorful and delightful! Hope you have a lovely week! Enjoy!

Sylvia

mariondejong said...

Great shots, especially the last one.
Best regards, marion

Inger-M said...

Great shots! You have to admire their persistence.

Traveling Hawk said...

I vote for the second photo! An impressive portrait!

Anonymous said...

I'm a boat-girl, so that one is my favorite, but the whole post is fun. ~Mary

Lesley said...

This is definitely a different world! And it looks like a lot more fun,quite frankly.

Arija said...

People have to make a living, no matter how meagre and for that attempt alone, these men need to be honoured. The last one is not only a good entrepreneur
but knows how to set an irresistible scene as well as having great attitude. A wonderful capture indeed.
Thank you for sharing with Our World.

Andrea said...

Lovely collections you got there, i bet these are from very different places. I haven't seen yet that last one, you chose really the best icons of our street hawkers! I've got also some collections from our trip in Butuan-Bislig-Davao route, but i haven't posted them, maybe because they are my countrymen, i have some sense of 'don't know how to say it'!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

True examples of small, independent businessmen! Love that fellow with the hats. I don't know what the red pieces are the first one is selling but they look fun and I want one.

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh yes, that last photo is fabulous, Francisca. And the little lego houses are very cute.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Anonymous said...

I agree - all the photos are great, but that last one is brilliant! So much going on there and I love all those hats!

Jim said...

Interesting subject, great shots.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Andy said...

Do these guys barter?

joo said...

Lovely collection. Nothing like this to be found here!

Unknown said...

Yeah, I like the last one - that really is the best way to carry hats.

Vicki/Jake said...

I work with two ladies from the Philippines and they always talk about a cousin or another family member who sells things on the streets. And they always say how blessed they are to be here. I tell them about you being there.... Keep sharing, this is a fun learning blog:)

eileeninmd said...

Wow, what a great collection of photos. They all look like they have determination on their faces. Thanks for sharing your world. Have a great day!

Veronica said...

Wow lovely captures... of course we also have loads of hawkers here and the sales pitch that you get along with the most prescious humerous quotes are an endless scource of delight for me and far outweighs the irritation element!

Veronica ~ Mother City Magic

Kaori said...

I could never be so bold as to sell these to people driving their cars...how brave of them. Is the guy in the last photo selling the ships or the hats piled on his head? I think I'd buy both ;D

genie said...

This guys are great...I love that they persevere and never give up...if one thing doe not sell then try another. Glad your windshield was clean because I think the shots are fun. You have put a smile on my face. genie

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

I love seeing the world through your eye and your camera lens :o) Especially the ones of the Philippines...since my last memories there, were of when we were stationed there at Clark AFB from 1976-1978.

Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful photos!

Blessings & Aloha!
I am way behind in my return thank you visits! Thank you sooo much for stopping by and for your well wishes. Have a wonderful week!

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Very good reportage photographs.

Regards and best wishes