Zambales 2011

Browsing on my friend’s blog site and seeing their photos gave me a bit of frustration for not giving an extra care to my Helena [hE.lei.nAh: a friend of mine, Lorie gave this name to my 50D]. The sensor of my camera has something on it making a hair-like image on my photos. I have no choice but to crop a portion of the picture even it would mean discarding a good perspective. It can be fixed though, by a software. Problem is, I don’t have one, and I don’t have the luxury of time. (reasons – LOLZ).

Month of November 2011 was my first long trip in the Northern part of the Philippines – Zambales! I considered it as my debriefing time ‘coz that was my few remaining days with my employer. Needless to mention the name of the company, but the term debriefing would just fit for the stressful workplace that I once had. It sounded like leaving a war from a hostile environment.

Anyway, let’s go back to my travel story. Early morning bus ride, from Manila, for more than four hours earned me an extra energy for the travel to unfamiliar destination. Like any other night travels, some bus passengers spent their time watching TV. But me, I was in a deep sleep. After a day of tiresome time-killing strides in MOA, I guess I deserved this rest. Barely four hours of sleeping seemed to be a power nap to me, but power-boost ended when we arrived at San Antonio, Zambales. The place was serene compared to my usual busy life back in Cebu city. Perhaps because it was still early in the morning.

We stopped in one of their bus stops, which happened to be just in front of the municipal hall. Few steps away from that government hall is their public market. There we took our breakfast. Eating local food/delicacy is one of the things that excites me when going to other places. Going to fastfoods (foodchains) is totally a NO-NO for me. I always believe that you can have a better understanding of the place when you’ll get to know their necessities, and food is one of these (obviously). I am not a food critique but the taste of the food told me how simple the lives of the locals are. The food tasted good! No strong tastes, not even spicy. It was simple but delicious. Well, not to mention, we paid less.

After completing our breakfast, we took a ride on a tricycle going to a fishermen village, Pundaquit Village, and there, our adventure started.

CAMARA ISLAND

This was the next stop after Pundaquit Village. It took us around 30-minute boat-ride to reach the island. Part of the island has a rock formation resembling an elephant (that’s how I saw it), and the another part is another rock formation. The two islands are connected by a sandbar. They will start to connect once the tide ebbs. This perhaps a good example if asked by a question - how many islands the Philippines is made of? Islands disappear, and re-appear on changing tides. 

Photo by: Bee Chavez

 But too bad, I was not able to take photos using my Helena because I was saving my shots to Nagsasa and Anawangin coves. Sounds like I was using a filmed-type camera. But the good thing was Lorie/Mike let me use their digital cam. I was able to take some shots of the place. I missed my digicam. Believe me, you cannot underestimate its usefulness even if you have a DSLR.

CAPONES ISLAND

Photo by: Bee Chavez

The island was so pristine as if we’re the first people to reach the place. One side of the island seems a fortress that blocks the great waves attempting to conquer the land. I think it’s a good place for extreme sports like wall climbing. Another side of the island is a long stretch of white-sand shore. It was a blessing in a tiresome disguise that we were able to walk the entire stretch of the shore. It happened when we were looking for Bee who searched for the light house. Lucky for her, she was able to reach it. And lucky for us too, we were able to reach the other side of the island. Roughly we walked more than 2 kilometers to search for what we thought was lost. At that point, I began to realize how freak’n freaks my friends are in terms of Photography. Hahhhahaha. (peace!).

Capones Light House. Photo by Bee Chavez

NAGSASA COVE

We reached the place past lunch time. FAMISHED was the exact picture I saw in everyone’s faces. The group seemed to have well coordinated efforts that we were able to finish cooking so fast. We were able to start exploring the area after our lunch. What is so unusual with this beach is that instead mangrove or coconut trees, pine trees covered the place. Just imagine white sand plus pine trees. We almost spent the afternoon ‘til sunset chillaxing and taking pictures. A well deserved rest from a long day of travel and fun.

It’s a plane. No! it’s a bird!” NO, it was Mike and his infamous snore. Despite of that, I still managed to get a good sleep. It didn’t bother me at all. Light’s off please.

We got up early on the next day. After taking our breakfast, we hiked almost 1.5 kilometers to reach one of my favorite spots of this entire travel, The Nagsasa Falls. The way going there was not easy but it was worth it! Casaroro Falls of Dumaguete was breathtakingly majestic, but Nagsasa Falls is simply amazing!

We left the falls and tried to trace back the track. For unknown reason, some of us (including myself) was separated to the rest of the group. I forgot if we were the one who left them, or the other way around. One thing for sure, one group was missing. Every path looked familiar, and every crossroads were confusing! At some crossroads, we unanimously agreed on what path to take. But there was one that the team has a different judgment. We argued over it. Some insisted on what their instinct was telling them. Others relied on the “looked-like”. Nevertheless, we made a decision. We followed the “looked-liked” path. But the funny thing was, we “looked-like” lost. HAHAHA. Oh yes, I have to admit, I was the one who pushed on the “looked-like” idea. We continued trekking the unfamiliar path, and finally reached the beach. The other beach adjacent to ours. It took us another 500-meter walk to finally reach it. Lesson learned: do not rely on anything else, except instinct, once lost. Hunger and/or thirst impaired your senses. Lolz!

ANAWANGIN COVE

This is the last stop of our Zambales travel. Unlike Nagsasa Cove, the place was jam-packed with people - campers, hikers and other adventurers. The place is known to be the trekkers’ camping site. I have heard that trekkers coming from Subic would cross the mountain to Anawangin and spend their night on this cove. It was my first time to see that big number of campers along the beach.

We arrived almost sunset. We were able to catch some photos of its beauty at the top of the mountain of the cove. I was able to exploit my Helena on that time. Changing perspective, recomposing different shots, and alter various shutter speeds. I was ecstatic after viewing some shots on my camera. It was so satisfying that I was able to capture exactly what I had in mind. I went down from the mountain and I learned from Lorie that Mike was still taking pictures at the top, and was alone. Worst part was, it was getting dark. And judging from the way going up, it was more dangerous going down. Worsen by the idea that Mike has no flashlight with him, we were extremely worried! I don’t have to tell more of what happened up there and how he managed to get down safely. The important thing is, he was OK. Again, I blame it all to freak’n photography. (hehehehe - peace)

We hit the tent, and fell asleep almost immediately.

Like most of our photo sessions, I failed to get a shot of morning sunrise. Nevertheless, I was able to experience the early morning breeze of place. Cool fog hovered over a shallow creek that divides the camping site and the forest. A must see for photographers. Not really that stunning site but there are some angles that do not appear as common. A wide-angled lens are highly recommended!

We spent the whole morning with our cameras. Exhausting our last battery powers, and card memories. We took our lunch, and packed up for our way back to the Manila. It was seemed a long travel from Nagsasa Cove to Pundaquit Village. It felt like I was not able to exploit the place with my camera. I guess even if I will return there several times, I would still have this feeling of discontentment. What can I say, the place is simply amazing. Indeed, it is more fun here in the Philippines.

November 2011

Half Full

This is for real. Few weeks from now, I will be transferring to my own house. I have to say, it wasn’t an easy decision. I have to consider even the time of travel from home to office, accessibility to market and department stores, and most especially, my finances. Everyone is thinking that I have a fat paycheck that I can afford to get my own house. They didn’t realize that I have given-up some of my life’s perks like travels, camera upgrading, badminton, and even luxury of going to new restaurants. Well, I didn’t zero out everything. But it was something that requires much for discipline.

I have to give credit to most of my Lear’s friend who influenced me to get one. Most of them have their families of their own, and getting an own house is one of their “should-have-beenS”. For me, their wisdom is far more reliable that my usual spur-of-the-moment impulse. I won’t deny it, some of my decision are based on such. I can’t help it, my sanguine personality sometimes freaks! My co-saguine would refer this as “spontaneity”, but others would say – lack of vision! LOLz.

Moving to a new place always excites me. But it isn’t all that. I have to prepare myself also to the uncertainties. Some may think that risk of uncertainties can be mitigated by preparing oneself financially. But what is more uncertain than living with new neighbors of unknown background or personality? At this point, I have to rely on optimism. Looking on things half full.

Step down

“Hey megalomaniac…
Yeah, you're no fucking Elvis
Wash your hands clean of yourself baby
Maniac, step down, step down” 
-incubus-

Look around and you will surely find one! And every time I feel its presence, I just simply sing/say the line, “hey megalomaniacs… step down, step down”. Let me tell you this, I can feel it NOW, right now. That is why I can’t help but to make this instant blog. Sometimes this keyboards comfort me on this unusual way.

A totally self-made with extreme self-esteem. If you will ask Mr. Wiki, this is a psycho-pathological condition. No need to say or write down the rest of its definition. The first line is enough for me to understand, and to graciously extend my patience towards them. Can you tell me what is a psycho-killer is? I want to interprete this as someone who loves to kills a “psycho”. Hahahaha.

One

Woke up this Sunday morning with lots of anticipations in mind. My bedroom was filled with happy thoughts, and it felt good. Can’t help but smile for the things I had looked forward on that day. As a usual morning routine, and while still on my bed, I turned on the TV. The tremble of the speaker echoed in every corner of my room giving a jolt to everything it touches. Few clicks on TV remote control and there! This is what I need, I told myself. I love food and watching TV cooking series excites me much. Suddenly, I felt the urge to go to the market to complete the things that I need – for my cooking. And so I did, after taking a quick bath, I headed to the market. Everything seemed so quick, I got all the things I needed, and rushed back to my house (boardinghouse, btw).

Got limited space and utensils in my little kitchen but it didn’t bother me. I had every sense of me in focus! I believe I was smiling the entire time that I was preparing the ingredients, and it continued as I was starting to stir, flip, smell, and taste the food that I was cooking. The verdict: PERFECT! Just exactly I wanted it to be. I can’t wait to put my dish in its rightful place – plate and palate. I didn’t waste any time as rush of adrenaline and excitement filled me. Alas! Every food is served on the table. As I watched the neatly arranged table, I realized that there was something amiss. There is something really missing! Slowly, the excitement ebbed out of the room. Seemed like a spotlight slowly dimming the once happy orchestra overcome by a deafening silence. Indeed, there is something missing - You.

ZERO Travel for Holy Week!

TEMPTING! The best way to describe these invitations I received for the upcoming holiday. This is difficult for me to resist, knowing ME (Laagan!).Travel has been one of my interests, and it’s killing me to turn-down a good travel offers. Here is the list:

1. Bantayan Island

Never been to this place! And most of the people would say that this place would transform into Cebu version of Boracay during Holy Week. Quite contrary to the usual “holy” atmosphere during Lenten season, the place offers parties and parties along the beach. I cannot agree or disagree more on what I’ve heard, but this is the usual remarks I got. Perhaps, I can give you a better picture of the place and the happenings if I will pay a visit to Bantayan myself. Anyway, what is so tempting about going there on this holiday is that I will have a free ride! How did I turn it down? I just said, “I need a more relaxing and quiet place… “

2. Dumaguete & Siquijor

If I didn’t turn down the offer; this will be my second time to visit Siquijor and 4th time to Dumaguete. I definitely love the place and people. I find the place of Dumaguete so relaxing, and one of the best places I always recommends to couch potato! I have to mention also that this is the hometown of my two friends, Mike & Lorie. This, I think, the reason why I feel so at ease going to this place. Siquijor! This is known, to almost everyone, as a place of enchantments, witchcraft, and other spooky-eerie not-one-of-us stuffs. Not really sure if this gives a positive impression to others. But for me, this adds to the thrill in exploring the place. I even wished to see the human-figured paper dancing while someone is tapping a stick. Though nothing is touching the paper, the stick seems in a perfect control over its movement. Like every tap and beat correspond to a certain movement.

3. Surigao & Siargao

My Ex-colleague told me of their plan of going to Surigao/Siargao, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan. Joyride! That was the exact the term they used. I’ve never been to Siargao, and this I find so inviting! Aside from going with a group of exactly crazy as me, the place is part of bucket list of places I want to travel. I turned it down after they presented it to me. I told them that I am preparing for another travel for the end week of April, and that would mean, I need to save money.

4. Malapascua

A badminton teammate invited me to go with them to Malapascua! The island is located in the northern part of Cebu. The last time I went there was (I think) year 2005, November. We had a good time with my church-mates when we went there. For sure, this travel will be fun too! But sorry, I have to decline for the same reason; I have to save some amount.

Going thru with these invitations, I realized that this is a form of fasting, or abstinence to what you really love doing!!!

Before Holy Week

Few days to Holy Week, and it means planning time for the Long holiday vacation. No definite plans yet on what or where will I spend my vacation. I am looking for a place to go or an activity that definitely won’t hurt my pocket. Here are 5 options I have in mind: (so far)

1. Movie marathon

No particular movie to watch, but I am thinking to complete one TV series. Gotta hit DVD stores on weekend and check for the latest one. This perhaps the cheapest way to spend the holiday. I am just bit worried of pound/s that will be added on my system. This is definitely one good example of couch potato. BTW, what would be the right term? is it couching potato OR couch-potatoing.. LOLz

2. BookWorming

Others may find this boring but for me, this will depend on the book you pick. Any suggestion? My criteria are: Not a court-drama or war story, I am not into sci-fi/futuristic also. Let me check National Bookstore this week. I am thinking though of re-reading the book “a**-hole-ol-o-gy by Steven Green et.al.

3. Photo Marathon

Explore Helena [He-Lei-nah, name of my 50D]. I can set-up a mini studio in my room on the coming days. Subject: anything inside my room. That includes me, of course. Oops! that reminds me of my tripod I left in my hometown. Without my tripod, this Photo-Marathon will be a good breath-control session if you opt for slow-shutter shots.

4. General cleaning

Aim for a squeaky-clean room. Not a difficult task but it won’t eat my 5-day vacation! I will have it on the 2nd day ‘coz I am expecting a lazy ass on the 1st day. So, expect a sign “THOU shall not DISTURB!” at my door.

5. Invite a friend

This sounds very interesting! I can pair this one with movie Marathon or movie marathon. This should fall on the 3rd day. I need to prepare, right?

Well, after running through all the options, this maybe the good plan:

1st day – Sleep like a log, and do nothing (except for eating). Taking a bath is just an option! Hahahah

2nd day – Cleaning time. See item #4.

3rd day – Invite a friend. Please note, I used “a” article in my sentence. Movie marathon is most likely our activity. I can make her a good model too for my Photo Marathon. (damngo rhandz!)

4th day – I need to be alone on this day. I will spend time with my CREATOR.

5th day – Make myself ready for the next day! Work and work… or make another blog.

Disclaimer:

This is definitely not ME. I don’t usually make a detailed plan of my activities especially for a vacation. So, most likely, this plan will not be perfectly followed. Just go with the flow. Sanguine it is!

The Camotes Island

A balanced dose of risk and fun made my February 2012.

A spike of confidence awakened my long dormant years of shunning motorcycle driving. Obviously, I am not into motorcycle. Not that I fear that, but I just don’t find it interesting, or something to look forward into. Pardon me to those who worships bikes or motorcycle, but I don’t find it that interesting the way you see it. I have to say also, that I find it very ironic knowing that I have been working as an engineer in one of the biggest automotive industry for more than 6 years now. Would it be the right time to change gear to this perspective?

I was left with an option to either drive or just stay in the beach hotel and deprive myself of what other things Camotes Island’s to offer. I came with a half-hearted decision to risk and drive. The first few spans were like riding an untamed horse (at least, not a wild bull). Jolt, halt, and beeps are the “hows” I introduced myself to the roads going to Santiago Beach. Not that far though, but it was long enough to help me regain my memory on driving. I felt again the humming to almost deafening sound of the air as squeeze for more speed. It felt good to hear that again but at the same time, I felt the risks. This is totally unsafe driving. No helmet, no license and no other protection except for the wide-eyed attention of a novice driver.

The Santiago Beach Resort  

We reached the beach! It was a mixed emotion of success for reaching the beach hotel, and was an uneasy feeling of anticipated driving after a short lunch break. As expected, after we checked-in and took our quick lunch, we headed for our 2nd stop, gasoline station. LOlz. Getting a free advice on best route to take, for me, earned him a spot on my blog. But no kidding, people in the place offered not only good advice, but they too, offered a warm welcome to their local tourists.

It took us around two hours of driving to reach our 3rd stop – the Bukilat cave. Stalactite and stalagmites formation, dripping water, and eerie ambience are what I observed as we descended into the cave. This may sound very common on caves. But what seemed to be different were the stalagmites forming an altar-like structure amidst the shallow water, and ray of lights coming from a hole up in the ceiling of the cave. It looked like a center stage alluring someone to perform the grand finale. Indeed, we were captured by its magnificience, and we captured it too! Several slow-stuttered shots we took from the beauty of the place that we took along even after we left the cave! 

Bukilat Cave

The ALTAR

Ang asu og ang adlaw! :)

The Lonely Coco

Danao Lake, Camotes Island

Danao Lake

It was around 5 PM when we started trailing back from the cave to our hotel. We are expecting around two hours of driving, again. But it didn’t happen. Some seemingly simple spots made us hit the brake and started shooting! The subjects: “aso og CR” (Smoke & CR), and Lonely Coco.

Summer 2012

“CF card – Check! Camera batt fully charged – Check! Cam/CP chargers – Check!
Now, I am ready for the North!”

The seemingly never-ending chat made the 3-hour ride shorter than what we expected. The shrimp-flavored chips were the culprit! Bee and Mike had a common nostalgia over this kiddie-junky-food that perked up our conversation, until we reached our destination – Tabuelan.

1. ShakShoukA!
It was my first time to eat Shakshouka. As per master Chefs Mike & Bee, they got the recipe in one of their travels in Luzon. Got curious with one of the ingredients – The Cummin. Strangely, it tasted like a powdered metal, and smelled like you’re in a welding shop. It complements with the powdered turmeric, and gave the dish a not so Philippine-ish flavor. Instead, Jay-HO was the best word to describe it. It tasted great! Thank you M&B.

2. MTV on the Rocks (kabatuhan)Film Director/Camera man/Musical Director/Singer: Mike L.
Best Actress: Bee C.
Best Actor: Rhandy P.
Sound Track: Need you now by Lady A.
Synopsis:
A story of two photographers caught up in the 3rd dimension of the Taboo-well-an. Both were driven by the rules-of-thirds but barely achieved it because they were out-numbered by photo-flares which resulted to overexposure and pixilation. Their lives almost come to an end until CPL accidentally crossed the 3rd dimension and neutralizes the power of flares. The photographers both knew that the photo-flares were not totally vanquished. The question is, why???

3. Photo Loco-Trio. Just check out our photos to understand how loco-loco it was...

The making of MTV venue!

first shot of the place... warm-up time!

chillax time! 

4. Standing Ovation (@ the bus) on our way back Home.
This was the price we paid for not watching closely on our time. But it was worth the standing! LOLz. You may call this as sugar coating but at least, we did maximize our last minute @ the beach, took an almost 8-km motor ride just catch up the next bus, and enjoyed chatting while standing. It was not exactly chatting.

5. Pochero @ ParkMall + One Set for the Road!
It was not perfect, the pochero, but its hot soup was good enough to fill our hungry-tommy. Well, enough to lead us on our next stop - Pier1. One set please.

~ March 24, 2012~