Dapitan, Mindanao, Philippines, 2008
The first post. Sigh. Why should that feel a little nerve-wracking? Is there a niggling fear that this first one sets the tone for posts to follow? No, why should it; I shan't let it! Let's decide now that on this page you will find a continuous work in progress, a constant reinvention; hey, just like me. Let's just go with the flow and see where that takes us.
So what is this man and his rooster about? Of my 1000s of photos, this is the one that came to mind today. I'm in no way a fan of cockfighting, yet I'm certainly not about to start a furious diatribe. I am in the Philippines and sabong, if not the national sport, is certainly one of the most popular (along with basketball and boxing) and a favored form of gambling. These roosters, although fated to a tragic end, when raised and groomed for the fight, are pampered as much as any pet poodle.
Today was the first day on the job for the 15th president of the Philippines. The people solidly voted for Noynoy Aquino, son of the popular slain political leader Ninoy Aquino and his widow Cory, the first president after People Power drove out dictator Marcos in 1986.
The color yellow was always the campaign motif for the beloved Cory who died recently, and it was naturally adopted by her son to continue the thread of good feelings.
So this yellow rooster is posted in honor of the new hope of the nation. I hope P.Noy (the president's new nickname) has a deep well of fight in him, as he will badly need it to deliver on the promise of real change and good governance. The Filipino people are certainly worth the fight. Thumbs up to you, P.Noy!