Text and photos by Raymond Panaligan

MACAU—Walking is the best way to see and experience a place and learn its culture. And this I did while slowly getting the feel of Macau and learn its Yin and Yang, its historical importance in European trade, as well as its significance in ancient China commerce.

I admire the well-maintained Gardens like Camoes, Lo Lim liok and San Francisco whose greenery provides solace to the Macanese city dwellers. People of all ages leisurely spend their time there—from schoolchildren to lovers and old folks playing card games, reading newspapers, practicing tai chi or just having small talk to pass time. No one will bother you even if you opt to sleep in the Gardens.

The Squares of Macau offers a similar respite and it’s right in the heart of the city like Leal Senado Square where tourists and locals alike congregate for sightseeing, hanging around and shopping. But most squares are tucked in some quiet corner where people just go for some peace and quiet moment.

Religion plays an integral part of Chinese life. In Macau, altars abound inside alleys, in front of apartment buildings and stores. Temples of majestic scale like the A-Ma temple are places where people offer prayers, and perhaps ask for guidance.

Rome made Macau its center in the Far East to propagate the Catholic faith and churches big and small abound here.

This is definitive of Macau, a place where the great Buddha is allied with Jesus Christ, were Chinese noodles mix well with Portuguese ham at the dining table.

For five days I was in awe and curious as I strolled down its streets, hang around in the Squares and Gardens, visited its temples and churches, ate Portuguese and Chinese food. My senses tried to photograph what I felt is the heart of Macau: the fine blend of Asia and Europe amidst the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Images of China’s Macau through the lens of Raymond ‘Bogsi’ Panaligan

(Raymond Panaligan, a Manila-based photojournalist from Calapan City, shoots for international wire agencies and national publications and works closely with nongovernment organizations. Some of his works have been featured in books, such as EDSA2: A nation in Revolt, the 2000 Philippines Year Book and Kasaysayan: Philippine Encyclopedia. He worked as staff photographer of the International Rice Research Institute. He’s a recipient of the Ateneo Center for Journalism/World Press Photo Foundation Photojournalism scholarship grant in 2006. In 1999, he was in New York for the Asian Cultural Council Fellowship for Photography.)

More about Raymond Panaligan and his works

Lightstalkers: Raymond ‘BOGSI’ Panaligan
Bulatlat.com: Images from the Margins
Rice photos (International Rice Research Institute)