Melbourne Cup, Melbourne (November 5-8)

I just had to go back.

After a grueling semester, what better idea (which must be mentioned, was initially imogen's) than to escape back to Melbourne, dress like a rich cat, and partake in Australia's biggest horsing (and also gambling) event--The Melbourne Cup.

Despite losing a total of 15 bucks on bad bets, i came out of the races with a huge smile plastered on my face after having finally seen horses actually galloping faster than 2 km/h.

Staying over at Trish and Tara's, needless to say, was a huge delight. Roaming the city could never have been more perfect with Melbourne's wonderful weather, great people, glorious architecture, blooming culture, and the occasional drunken feller.

Here's to new friends and folly.



city welcome


of fascination and fascinators


(l-r) julius, jemma, imogen, lawrence, geoff


mr. and mrs. we're from the tropics


observing the dress code japanese style


table tennis troupe from the 80's


high expectations


jemma and imogen finally busting the myth of the tikbalang


betting ring


jemma's winning ticket


trish


tara


anthro geeks


by the yarra river


by swanston street (polish clown hoolahooper)


by federation square overlooking st.paul's cathedral and 2 sikhs.

But don't get me wrong, Manila is still home and...(mark, open-ended).