Chasing Reflections in the City

It was a hazy morning, and the sunrise was just beginning to break through the clouds. I was on the Metrorail train, headed to Mandaluyong City, when we began to cross the Guadalupe bridge. Below, the reflections of the buildings and the sun shimmered on the surface of the Pasig River.

The soft tone of early morning light combined with the undisturbed surface of the river cast a stable reflection of a picture-perfect sunrise scenario, of which the Makati City skyline, featuring iconic towers from developments like Century City (including The Gramercy Residences and The Knightsbridge Residences) and the prominent billboards, seemed to float on the water's surface. As I captured the alluring cityscape, the unique reflection sparked an idea: to take more reflection shots, both inside the train and after I reached my destination. Thus, my reflection hunt in the city began.

My reflection hunt led me from the bridge to the Magallanes train station, where a new landscape of glass and steel came into view. I found myself beneath the Alphaland Southgate complex, a striking pair of modern buildings. The taller, blue-glass tower, identified as the Alphaland Southgate Tower, seemed to be a perfect mirror for the sky. Yet, its most captivating reflection wasn't of the clouds, but of the parapet—the topmost part of the building found at the adjacent Alphaland Southgate Mall. It was a fascinating study of how one structure could wear the image of another, a new kind of reflection to add to my collection.

Then, as the train moved along, I was able to capture its reflection on the glass panel entrance of the Litton & Co. Building. It was an amazing moment for me, as I had captured my moving vantage point so clearly.

After disembarking from the train, I took a short walk along the vicinity of SM Megamall, as I have enough time to resume my reflection hunt before heading to my destination. I was able to take a few clicks of the SM Mega Fashion Hall Building as it reflected on the glass panel of the Mega Tower, which is adjacent to it, while an MRT train passed by.

Then I resumed my walk and reached the facade of SM Megamall which shows a reflection of partly cloudy sky and partial reflection of the buildings around it.

At the entry and egress point of the mall, further reflection of the cloudy sky can be seen as well as the surrounding buildings, of which the scene is like a moving canvas that is recorded at the glass panel.

Before I end my reflection hunt, I glimpse at the Mega Tower for the last time.

To cut the story short, everything went well when I finally set my foot on my destination, and I am heading for home the following day, and I want to share another golden hour shot aboard the MRT, this time from the opposite direction, where the sunset can be seen as I headed to Taft terminus to catch my ride going to my hometown.

This is my first reflection hunt to be shared in this community via Reflection Hunting Contest hosted by @olgavita and I hope that you enjoy visiting my content. Thanks and have a great day everyone!🤗