SHUTTER SNAPS | Mt.Pulag: I Played With The Gods, A Photoblog

The sea is hollering whilst my playground, the mountains, keeps calling. My recent Mt. Pulag climb was still a red letter day and surreal. As if the gods have agreed to give us great weather prior and during our climb. A blanket of starry sky on the night before of trek and a cool dainty surroundings on the day of ascend.

Reasons Why I Consider Antipolo a Relocation for Home

View from Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa

The first recall I had about Antipolo was on the folkloric music I used to listen during my childhood. My father has a cassette tape with playlist of Filipino Folk Music, among the list was "Tayo Na Sa Antipolo" by Mabuhay Singers . Later on, I see Antipolo as capital city of Rizal Province, just a plain and sprouting suburbia outside the Metropolis, we usually overlook, but not until our Tayo Na Sa Antipolo Tour 2017. The event totally changed my perceptions about the city. Certainly, a liveable and striving city. Here are the reasons why I consider Antipolo City a relocation for home.

Photography Milestones | ASEAN Photo Exhibition 2017

Photography Milestones | International Photography Awards - Philippines 2016

Photography Milestones | Boardwalk T-Shirt Design Competition 2016, Photo Category

Photography Milestones | International Photography Awards - Family of Man 2016

SHUTTER SNAPS | Bakun Duo Hike: A True Wanderer, A Photoblog

A True Wanderer has a persistent heart and don't easily give up even if it takes a long trek through the ardous trails because he knows at the end of this trek is a beautiful scene that only few priviledged could ever witness. 

SHUTTER SNAPS | Change the Way You See Adventure

SOUTHERN TAGALOG'S SEA GYPSIES

“Ate, kuya?!”, loud pleading yells echoed inside the monstrous sea vessel. Those voices in chorus has awaken me from a deep slumber, 'was dead tired and fell fast asleep after the six-hour bus ride from Manila to Lucena City which on regular days should take three hours only. Heck, it was holy week season, that's why. It was an exodus of commuters on their way to provinces to enjoy the only long vacation of the year. So, I too, took advantage of the long break--away from monotonous corporate job for five years already. I chose my hometown, Marinduque for some adventures together with my travel buddies.

SHUTTER SNAPS | Old Manila on B&W

INTRAMUROS, Manila City -- No matter how frequent I do photowalk in Manila, it never dissapppoint me to capture nice pictures. Just yesterday, I did my first all B&W shots around the "Walled City" before I attended my first Photoworld Cup participation along with Team Juan Makasining Photographers. Seeing my shots seems like street photography must be my thing. I'm loving photography even more. Thanks to TJM for sharing your time and knowledge with me.

SHUTTER SNAPS | PASINAYA 2015, Celebration for the Love of Art

PASAY CITY, Philippines -- The month of February is not only synonymous to love month but also a celebration of arts in the country. Exhibits and events showcasing local arts in various discipline (music, visual, performing, and cultural arts) is being showcased across the country. PASINAYA Festival is just among those festivities to promote local arts in the country. 

Team Juan Makasining (TJM), my newly found art club, photography specifically joined this red letter event held in CCP Complex in Pasay City. We've joined photo contest, my first ever competition. Geeezz!! ;-) The photos below are my favorites and some of those were my entries in the said contest.

SHUTTER SNAPS | Islas de Gigantes and Roxas City Panoramic Shots

Enroute to Gigantes Group of Island. At Estancia Port.

I only see those postcard perfect shots of Gigantes Group Islands on travel blogs, online search engines and tourism posters of DOT when I had my Iloilo Trip last year prior to Dinagyang Festival. So when, a travel blogger Sir Mike of Travelling Panda posted an invitation going to Gigantes, with no doubt at all, I joined the event and searched right away a flight bound to Panay Island. It was month of June when I got a sure slot to the event as I already booked a flight to Kalibo International Airport. Yes, you read it right. My flight is bound to Kalibo. Me too was also wondering why I chose that route. It might have due to excitement that I forgot to check the easiest route. 

Time fly so fast and after the quick 8 months, this dream destination finally materialized. This must be a good start up to welcome my summer. And what I saw with my very eyes was just an amazing piece of nature and seems surreal. Here's the collection of panoramic photos I captured in that entire travel escapes. Mabubusog ang inyong mga mata tiyak! 

SHUTTER SNAPS: Manila By Night

MANILA, Philippines -- It was my last photo walk for the year 2014. The event was organized by "Powerhouse G5" (PhG5). I was able to shoot decent night scenes around my favorite city through the help of some pro-photographers I was with -- the TROPANG ARTISTIKO. Sir Bert Briones, one of the member gave me some tips and techniques. And here are the fruits of what he taught me. Kudos to these idols! More photography know-how to come! Now I'm aiming for a new lens and upgraded camera model for better captures. 

The METROPOLITAN THEATER

                 

Heritage Cemeteries to Visit in the Philippines.

Sagada's hanging coffins (c) Arnie Iambuchock

The value to our departed love ones have been rooted long before the Philippines was colonized by Spain. It goes back during the pre-hispanic period where the departed members of the family were given great honor because of our ancestor's belief of afterlife.

Thus, the tradition of burying dead varies on different regions. One best example is the hanging coffins of Sagada, for the reason of bringing the bodies higher up closer to their ancestral spirits of gods. This practice continues up to this day but now in smaller scales. Then spanish changed our old tradition steadily that paved ways in creating grave sites.

In early times, the dead Catholic were buried within the church vicinity but not until the dramatic increase of population that requires larger space of internment. That system were the one we were following currently.

PH among the Top 10 Countries to travel in 2015

MAKATI, Philippines -- It is just overwhelming that again our country is included in must visit destination for the coming year 2015 according to Lonely Planet. They come up with the list of top cities, regions and countries. 

Topped on the list are Singapore for countries, Washington DC for cities, Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey for regions. These were on the Lonely Planets latest feature, "Best Travel for 2015" --- these were chosen for its "topicality, unique experience and wow factor". And being ranked 8th for country category is a big achievement for us. As the travel site start up attribute to the country mentioned,

"The Philippines 7100+ islands have dive-tastic coral reefs, sunbathe-ready white sands, swaying palm trees and nipa-palm thatched huts. Plus in 2015 the government is laying on all sorts of special events to raise the profile of the archipelago. And if there’s one thing Filipinos know how to do, it’s party – expect street parades, food festivals, sports tournaments and live music. Now that Philippine Airlines has gained approval for direct flights to Europe, America and Australia, why wait?"

So what could we expect for the next year? Flocks of tourists will definitely come. The authority, DOT, shall prepare for the arrival of tourist and let us show them the the genuine Filipino hospitality and the true sense of our tourism slogan, "IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES' 

Here are the complete list per category.

SHUTTER SNAPS: Manila Bay and CCP Complex

MANILA, Philippines -- I was scheduled to join the sketching session of my newly discovered artist group, Urban Sketchers-Philippines. The event was held in Manila-Pasay area so I knew there would be something good to capture and to click my cam with. It's the country's scenic and historic Manila Bay. Mind not the foul smell of the seawater just focus on the picture of the location. Hehehe! So, here is what my buddy Pent's shutter got snapped. The bay from daylight-to-dusk-to-night. I'm liking the night shots! 

Urban Sketchers | Caught Again By My First Love

(c) Urban Sketchers Philippines

 MANILA, Philippines -- Again, I was back in by beloved Manila City for my involvement  to Urban Sketchers Philippines for the first time. Hahaha! Another network and something to engage with whenever boredom hit me. 

Alibijaban Series [Post 6] : Island Fiesta Night | Galaero Travel Rule, Act Like Local, Party Like a Local

These islanders really know how to party! Here how it went that fiesta night. Party animals! 😁🎵🎶

Alibijaban Series [Post 5] : Around the Island

Sunset in the island

In that afternoon of my first day in the island, I excitedly asked for assistance of somebody to tour me in interesting areas around the island. Two kiddos volunteered to accompany me in what they call "Farm". They are Micheal who is a nephew of Ate Nelly and his friend John Mark. We left right after our lunch. From that first meal that I have in the island, I initially felt my host's generosity. 

Alibijaban Series [Post 3] : Appreciating of What I Have

After parting time with Kuya Goody, it took one more hour of travel from San Narciso then I finally arrived at San Andres. I was in the town proper at 12 midnight. The town was in the deep slumber. There were no locals around except the bus station crew and the driver of the bus. I don't know where to stay over the night. Beside, I ain't prepared for this. I have not researched accommodation place within the town so as I asked the crew, they don't even have the idea. I have no option but to spent the darkness somewhere. 

Alibijaban Series [Post 2] : From Total Stranger to a Life-long Friend

This trip allowed me to meet a life-long friend.....

We were in Pagbilao area already (I assumed) when I noticed a seemingly amiable man talking to everyone as if he knows everybody inside the bus. To be honest, it annoys me a bit every time I see a "feeling-close-person". But by observing this man, I knew he is different. I find him just truly friendly and nothing else, just that. I don't know. Maybe I felt his sincerity in every talks he had to all the passengers. So when a chance came, when one of the passengers boarded off, I sat beside him. 

SHUTTER SNAPS: Behind the Scenic Sunset of Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines -- As picturesque as it looks, the truth behind the historic Manila Bay simply define our nation at the present time. It is far from its heyday and now suffering from gradual deterioration. But for Manilenyos, Manila Bay is more than just the astonishing sunset but a home that sheltered dozens of ill-fated souls wrecked on the brim of poverty. It is a source of life and a spring of hope. Congruently similar to an everyday city life -- tiresome, chaotic, muddled in frantic urban realm, right after the sunset, all is promised with another day. 

SHUTTER SNAPS : Night Scenes Within the Wall

Just Saying: Tagalog's Sea Gypsies, Striving for Life

                                         

DALAHICAN PORT OF LUCENA CITY, Quezon Province -- Ate, kuya?!, loud pleading yells echoed inside the ship. I saw people gathered on the rail portion of the vessel. I pondered what was they were looking at. With my great curiosity, I hastily checked what seemingly entertaining them and found out that a group of sea gypsies gathered right on the sea next to the ship. That wasn't the first time I glanced a scene like this. I used to witness them during  trips in our hometown ever since I was young. However, up to this day, it's still a long hanging question to me of which tribe these troops belong. ( If you know them, tell me.)

SHUTTER SNAPS: Looking Through the Eyes of Kids

Daraitan, Tanay, RIZAL --- We can see the basic of life to the kids. They have the hands that take holds of heaven and a life assured by the parent's love. They have those innocent eyes that gives us divine appointment. And also kids could give us a real chance of fun.

HOTEL REVIEW: Azalea Residences | A Definition of Perfect Baguio Hotel Experience

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- Given that the City of Pines is a prime tourist destination in the country most likely during holidays, summer, Panagbenga Festivals even all year-round , chain of hotels, motels, inns and transient houses are abundant up there to accommodate flocks of travelers. They are in varieties from high end up to the budget friendly rates.

[Sponsored Post] Sage | Fusion of Asian and Western Dishes

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet -- Pronounce as "Saj", is an emerging restaurant in the City of Pines and started getting its popularity. Sage offers both western and Asian dishes with modern approach. It is now an addition on the list that would make Baguio City really a haven for relaxation, vacation and yet a food destination. (To be continued...) 

Mt. Batulao | Revisited the 4th Time Around

NASUGBU, Batangas -- The first time I learned 'bout Mt. Batulao was in the website www.pinoymountaineer.com. I was in intense hunger to explore this as it looks like a back of a dinosaur and those multiple ridges is just so inviting. I remember my first time on this mountain was trekked through the old-to-old trail. The new trail was not established yet and the last was in 2011 which was my third. And for the longest time, last month, my 4th time on this mountain materialized. 

SHUTTER SNAPS: Quick Manila Day and Night Tour

MANILA, Philippines -- Oh Manila, My Manila! It is hard to think that soon I'll be changing my address and we'll separate our ways. But one thing for sure, I'll keep coming back to you! Here are some the faces of my beloved city be it on day or night.

"Balangay" Replica on The National Museum's exterior ground.

Mt. Arayat | Back to the Peak

ARAYAT, Pampanga - It always amaze everytime I put glance on this lonely mountain during my trips in Central Luzon and up north. He seems so immovable in the midst of vast plains, sturdy and as if a proud gent chinned-up-standing-tall. I learned stories about it, those mystical experiences by its spectators, legendary folklores told by the locals and historical facts, made me more curious of what it feels like delving around it. 

Lucban Church | On the Shadow of Quaint Fiesta

LUCBAN, Quezon Province - Like most of town in the country, the  Church of Lucban sits on the center and probably on one of the highest point of the town. On front of it is a small plaza and then villages built around it; as patterned on the "Laws of Indies" 

The sun was about to set when I reached the town. There were bunch of locals on the vicinity of the marvelous edifice at that moment. Some, I assumed were tourist/visitors like me visiting the church. Surprisingly, I discovered that the church was dedicated to St. Louis of Toulosse, a catholic bishop and a former cadet of French Royal House of Anjou and not to San Isidro Labrador, the farmers patron; whom the festival have evolved.