Here is the first sketch I did with Urban Sketchers QC on the “Banaag Sketching Heritage Tour” in Taal. A friend kindly drove a group of us and we arrived just in time to register, get a goody bag and for the opening talks. We then went to straight to breakfast at @GalleriaTaal (where there is also a camera museum though we didn’t go and see that).
Sat-21-Feb-2026
Here are the sketches I did in Binondo on Chinese New Year with Urban Sketchers Manila. I first met my friend Reuel in SM Manila and walked into Binondo. On the way we stopped for breakfast at Jollibee on Quintin Parades Road and met this group of people who said that they gather every Tuesday. This would turn out to be the enduring memory of the day. They were so friendly and happy to be sketched. We took group photos and they gave us rice cakes and crackers. Fr. Joaquin (who is from Goa and appears in my first sketch) said we were breaking down barriers by sketching – it was such a heartwarming start to the day.
My second sketch was of the fibreglass horses hitched up to the a streetcar in the Chinese Museum next to Lucky Chinatown Mall. The Tranvía was a streetcar system that served Manila during the late 19th century. The horse-drawn tranvías (or tranvía de sangre—literally “blood tram”) were an animal powered version of the system.
My third sketch was done in a rush on the bridge overlooking Lucky Chinatown Walk – I think that’s a multi-storey car park in the background. I had to rush as it rained – you can see splashes on the paper.
Finally I sketched the receptionist or concierge in the museum, standing behind a desk shaped like a junk (a Chinese sailing ship). On the wall there were lots of phrases in English and Chinese (and maybe Tagalog?) – in relief. That was difficult to sketch and I am not sure if I captured that very well.
Tue-17-Feb-2026
The day I sketched this I was baking my dinner and got all these metal pans out of the oven…so I thought why not sketch them?
Mon-16-Feb-2026
Here are the figure drawings I did with Kyusi Sunday Sketchers a few weeks ago. According to Google Pagsibol means sprouting, germination, growth, blooming, or emergence…I guess it’s been a while since the group had a session!? I sketched using ink and watercolour as usual.
The group had arranged for some guidance from Joji Vidal (@jojividalart) and he gave us some detailed instructions on proportions. I drew him and one of the other sketchers while he talked.
Sun-15-Feb-2026
Here is another sketch of my mum done while we were having a video call. I did one before (see sketch No.3381) that she didn’t like…at least she didn’t complain about this attempt.
Sat-14-Feb-2026
I finally got outside to sketch…around this time I was busy with work and had been doing too many evening/indoor sketches. Many of the trees in the communal garden look like they are about to fall over with their roots lifting out of the ground. I am dreading the next big typhoon to hit Metro Manila.
Fri-13-Feb-2026
Sketching my art materials is always a good subject to fall back on. This is not actually a pencil case, but a giveaway toiletry pouch from Philippine airlines…it must be old as they don’t seem to give these away anymore!
Thu-12-Feb-2026
Recently I have been drinking hot fresh ginger, calamansi and honey to keep my itchy throat and allergy induced sneezing at bay. This cup (which I’ve sketched before of course – see No.2929), keeps it nice and hot for hours.
Wed-11-Feb-2026
