For the longest time, I’ve been wanting to take photos at the grungiest carnivals that you find in many corners of the Philippines at certain times of the year. Locally known as perya, these carnivals are filled with sketchy looking rides, games, and some gambling booths. They’re usually put up for the public a month before a town fiesta. Not the safest place to be found wandering around solo as it’s known for pretty suspicious crowds sometimes (pickpockets are known to be wandering around these carnivals, I have been told), it’s still a unique experience. There’s something quite refreshing about the energy of the locals having fun on a cool, breezy, December night.
I’ve always been a sucker for vintage looking places. Add up the grungy feel to that and I’m completely sold. I wanted to explore the area with a bit more freedom, considering that I can’t wander around freely during its operating hours at night, not only because it’s usually packed, but apparently many Filipinos are totally okay making anyone feel uncomfortable as they blatantly stare in an almost malicious manner. So one afternoon, me and my beautiful friend Maggie dragged Derick (my husband, but boyfriend at the time) to come take photos of us at the nearest perya in the cuddies of Dasmarinas, Cavite.
Obviously, this wasn’t really a spontaneous trip because we did get dressed up for the occasion. We love, love playing dress up and we just couldn’t resist taking advantage of the setting. I hate to make this look like a fashion blog entry, but yes, we meant to incorporate a theme and we’re not ashamed of it. Going for a bit of modest pin-up with her rockabilly style and my sweet romantic vintage vibe, we found ourselves traveling back in time again.
Making our import model dreams come true
Thinking we were only going to be only in the sidelines, we were surprised that people who works there actually built their shelter in the very area. Luckily for us, the boys were very accommodating and brought us in to take photos up close with the rides.
As much as we tried to avoid being watched, obviously that did not happen. We had about a dozen kids watching us, together with the workers in their improvised shelter staring out at us.
We still ended up having a grand time. We were literally just there to take pictures. I meant to take photos of the area as well, but I suppose we had a little too much fun “modeling”. We were also trying to chase the light because the sun was almost setting by the time we got there.
A year before this, me and a couple of girlfriends stopped by this very same carnival to check it out. Buzzing from cheap, local alcohol, we felt safe because our driver, who happens to know the area and the people well enough, offered to keep an eye on us. Feeling brave, we rode this thing called The Octopus, and let’s just say I thought I was going to die. I don’t know exactly how old this ride is, but it wasn’t even just the lack of seatbelt that got me screaming on top of my lungs. It looks like nothing, but this was insane. The seats swing freely as the entire thing spins around. Probably the most hazardous thing I’ve ridden my entire life.
Stumbling upon these photos, I realize how photogenic these carnivals are. I might revisit another one this year, and this time, I’m taking actual photos of the place. Perhaps I’ll brave the nighttime and share with you the local experience. Now that sound like a plan.
girlunspotted.com 
Y’all are gorgeous!! I love the vintage theme (I AM a vintage and thrift style blogger haha, so it appeals to me!). And just FYI, sketchy fairs like that happen in small towns in America, too. You’re not alone lol.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! And I’m definitely looking forward to seeing those sketchy fairs when I go back home, hehe.
LikeLike
Super cute photos!! This carnival reminds me a lot of the carnivals in Mexico! Haha Such fun times! Super shady rides, but we still ride them. And yes this carnival was very photogenic! Lol Thanks for sharing with us!
LikeLike
Haha oh I could just imagine what a treat Mexican carnivals are!!
LikeLike
I need those fishnets in my life. What a fun shoot!
LikeLike
Thanks Rae!
LikeLike
The pictures are so cute!
LikeLike
Thank you girl!
LikeLike
This is such a cute idea!! I love the outfits and the theme, I can imagine how fun it must have been 😀 Those socks are so awesome
LikeLike
It was. My socks were from the kids department 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that! I juuuusttt might borrow that idea ;P I’m going to a fair on thursday!
LikeLike
Do itttttt and post photos 😍
LikeLike
You guys are too freaking cute!
Last time I rode The Octopus was almost a decade ago at UP Fair. NEVER AGAIN, I thought I was going to die, too lol. I went to EK recently and had fun, but Dodgem was closed for the day and that was the #1 ride I was looking forward to. =/
LikeLike
Aww thanks, Helga. You should try this one random carnival in Subic. They have this weird spinning like a maniac ride and it literally throws you around like a piece of meat. LOLOL Philippines, am I right.
LikeLike
Carnivals are the best places to take photos!!! These came out great and I love the deep/rich colors. What a fun photo adventure!
LikeLike
Thank you Crystal. It was reallyyyy fun.
LikeLike
Aaah, I love those socks 😀 This sounds like an awesome experience though! The light is so beautiful in those pictures and we all need to have our “model” moments sometimes, don’t we? 🙂
LikeLike
Aww thank you!! And yep, thanks to kids department for those socks.
LikeLike
Such cute your photos! I love your outfits! Such a cute idea to dress up and go to a fair like that,
LikeLike
Thank you! And yes how can we NOT dress up.
LikeLike
Hahaha! Looking so fab and posh! I’m sure, naloka sa photo shoot ninyo ‘yung mga nasa perya! Haha!
LikeLike
Haha thank god it was just the workers there!
LikeLike
You guys sure know how to model! I love the photographs!
LikeLike
Haha thanks. We tried!! Lol
LikeLike
Oh wow you two look SO cute!!! I totally love these outfits!
LikeLike
Aww thank you so much!
LikeLike
you both looked lovely. ❤ that carnival gives me the creeps tho.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I love going to perya! But scared to try the rides. So everytime ends up just taking photos and watching people enjoying. Btw, you look great. I love playing dress up too.
LikeLike
Your vintage look is perfectly going with the carnival. Love your dresses and did you try all these rides.
LikeLike
Thank you! No, they weren’t operating when we went during the day…but a year ago I tried one of the rides and it wasn’t very pleasant.
LikeLike
What an interesting idea! One can tell by the photos that you had fun! Oh, and the idea to dress accordingly was a genius one!
LikeLike
Yes Violeta, it was really fun!
LikeLike
This is really one creepy looking photoshoot, for a Halloween theme. The makeup is so ominous as was the whole look of the models. – Fred
LikeLike
Hmmm, I don’t think there’s anything ominous about our makeup…but it’s not like that’s a bad thing either! Haha. All goes well with the theme.
LikeLike
You both look great, I love the vintage theme you chose to sport which not everyone including myself could pull off. It was effortless for the 2 of you!
LikeLike
Aww thank you, Anne, you are too kind with your words!
LikeLike
Looks like both of you had lots of fun and took great photos at the Ghostland Carnival, I wish my country could have that too,
LikeLike
It wasn’t really supposed to be a Ghostland carnival…it’s just a really sketchy kind, hehe
LikeLike
You guys achieved the pin up look really well, bagay sa perya na background! It actually looks better than the usual perya 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! We REALLY tried, obviously HAHA
LikeLike
Carnivals always have an eerie look. It’s enigmatic. You look great here.
LikeLike
Definitely my favorite thing about carnivals, right. ANd thank you so much!
LikeLike
oK, this feels weird. The photos make me kinda scared, as if some stuff might just pop up any time or reveal itself in some sort~ I guess, it fits the Halloween theme…
LikeLike
Haha yay that was the whole point!!
LikeLike
I admire your guts on posing on that carnival place. nobody is in there???
LikeLike
It wasn’t operating since it was during the day. There were workers that were there but they helped us around. Still got stared at but wasn’t too bad 🙂
LikeLike
Cool! You live in Dasmarinas too? I have been wanting to host a shoot there too but was afraid to ask as they might request for large amount of fees! Haha. Nice photo shoot! 🙂 Pedeng pang cover sa mga magazine. 🙂
LikeLike
I lived there for 4 years when I went to college (La Salle). I live in Tagaytay for now 🙂 They were actually really nice and accommodating when we went for photos! Hehe thanks for the compliment 🙂
LikeLike