* Edsa Shrine Quick Shoot

Since 2009 I wanted to take photos of the historical Edsa Shrine but I don't have company and there is no time and finally I was able to do it alone this time. There was an FHM event at Robinsons Galeria from 6pm to 8pm so I planned that I would take photos of the Edsa Shrine afterwards so I bring my tripod with me. I felt bad because when I reached Magalanes area it was raining, I attended the FHM event and had dinner with my friends and I thank God because it was not raining anymore so I was able to find a location and take photos of the Edsa Shrine.

* SM Mall of Asia Solo Walk

January 13, 2011

One of my New Year's resoulution is to be more serious and active with Photography and since it's my off I told myself to take photos and stroll around SM Mall of Asia. I went tehre around 4pm and arrived around 5:30pm from Laguna. Since it's early I stroll around and eat first. Around 7pm and since it was already dark I walked around and took photos, I started at the San Mig at the Bay area, the fountain, the mall itself and my last stop was the big Globe in front of the mall. I'm happy and glad with the photos that I took that day. Tiring but it's worth it, I got home around 9:30pm.

* Baguio Trip 2010

Since I do travel and enjoys it, I wanted to do it and experience it with my family. I'm already planning and thinking about this way back but because of our schedules and of course budget I wasn't able to do my plans. Finally I told myself that December (2010) would be the best month for us to go. Around November I already filed my vacation leave for our Baguio trip which is our first family bonding outside the Metro. We left Manila Thursday morning around 12:30am and arrived around 6am at Baguio riding a Victory Liner bus.

It was really cold when we arrive at Baguio and one of our concerns is the hotel reservation. Since it's morning we have decided to walk around and we saw this unique Barrio Fiesta with statues of known persons like former presidents (GMA, FVR and Cory) so we didn't waste our time and took photos there with the statues.

Former President GMA :)

Next was we visit Baguio Cathedral, we prayed for a while. We felt hungry and decided to have breakfast at Zola Cafe located at Session Road, food are great and I've noticed that there's a lot of people drinking beer during that time and they are all working in the nearby call centers. Food was great but it's a Smoking area so that's what's bothering, another good thing is Zola has free WIFI access as well. My Mom and my brother (next to me) stayed at Zola for a bit while me and my youngest brother looked for a hotel. Most of the hotels are full and would cost us 4k-5k for an overnight stay for the family so I decided to check the hotel where I stayed in during the last time I visited Baguio, the hotel's name is Belfrant I guess and it's near University of Baguio and is a little bit far from SM and tourist spots. The room are okay and cost for staying is around 2.3k which is not bad plus free breakfast, so I called my Mom and told her we could stay in that hotel so we went back to Zola picked our stuff and walked to the said hotel but on our way to Bellfrant we saw this hotel at Session Road named "Prime Hotel" and we have decided to check it out and it's better than the one that we found accessible, quality and price wise plus the view was awesome because Session Road can be viewed in the balcony of our room. Good thing about Prime Hotel is we can stay right away and not wait for the check in time which is usually 12nn - 2pm so we are able to rest for a few hours and sleep.

Our first spot for the day was "The Mansion" next was "Wright Park" where there's a lot of vendors of sweet Orange from Sagada.

Mansion

Wright Park

after Wright Park we went to Minesview Park and checked out the view, foods and pasalubongs. We are able to have a photo with a Saint Bernard dog and of course it's not free. I missed the "Inihaw na Pusit" that were sold in Minesview. Our day ended having dinner at SM Baguio and it was so cold during that time. We also checked the night market near our hotel where the items are very cheap.

Day 2 (12.17.10)

We woke up early in the morning and had our breakfast, I can say that the food in the hotel is not that good but anyways our first destination is the Lourdes Grotto. As always it was a very tiring to go up but the view is worth it.

Next stop was Burnham Park where I took photos and we rented a boat. There's a lot of people in park and ukay ukay as well. After the boat ride we went to SM Baguio to have lunch.

Next destination is PMA. We had a lot of photos here and a lot of walking, We saw the new Cadettes who are running around the academy, the old tanks, helicopters and jet planes as well. There's a lot of pine trees and the Academy was really big and it's open for the public.

PMA

Around 5pm we went back to the hotel to eat then rest. Woke up around 8pm and went to SM to shop then had dinner. SM is on sale so there's a lot of people then dropped by to Starbucks and I completed my stickers but didn't redeemed my planner during that time. Went back to the hotel and I took a long exposure shot in the balcony of our hotel room which is the famous road in Baguio "Session Road".

Session Road

Day 13 (12.18.10)

We wake up early because it's our last day in Baguio and we are going home after lunch. We went to the famous strawberry farm and bought some pasalubongs and of course strawberries. Got back in our hotel around 10:30 rest and fixed our stuff then checked out by 12 noon. We had lunch at Chowking then went to the Victory Liner terminal. We are able to ride the bus around 2:30pm and arrived in Cubao around 8pm.

* Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna

A friend of mine asked me to go to Nuvali and he asked me as well to bring my camera maybe I could take photos which I did, it was my first time to be there. I've heard of Nuvali from friends and they say it was a nice place. Went there 7am till 9:30am and I was able to take photos of the place, Saw a Convergys site and a lot of resto (Italliani's, Contis and more).

People can also feed the Coy's and there's a lot of them, a boat ride can also be an activity. Saw a lot of people who are doing their morning routines like biking and jogging during the morning. Anyways here's the link for the photos I took Nuvali

* San Pablo, Laguna Trip

Our next and last stop for our weekend getaway after Cagbalete Quezon. SOme of our fellow friends/photographers went home already and 4 of us went to San Pablo to take photos of two of the seven lakes of the town. We first went to Sampaloc Lake which is the biggest lake in San Pablo and which is near the town we saw some bike rentals and the saw some people fishing in the lake. I can say that the lake is not that clean anymore because of the floating dead fish that we saw in the lake. People are friendly in the area. Good thing the weather is fine and the rain has stopped.

Sampaloc Lake

After Sampaloc Lake we rent a tricycle and went to Pandin Lake. It would be a 10-15mins walk befor reaching the Lake. The view is really nice, a lot of people came to visit, some are washing their laundries in the lake and some are taking a bath. Me and my friend tried to take a bath and I can say it's okay to take a bath in the lake but I don't recommend it and there are no CR's to change as well. I take photos afterwards.

Lake Pandin (Panorama Shot)

It was a nice weekends and people in the area is very nice and friendly. Looking forward for the next trip :)

* Cagbalete Island, Quezon Province

After several months since the Ilocos Trip last May I can say finally me and my friends are able to go out, bring out cameras and take photos. Traveling and taking photos of the places that we have been is really one of the best things to do. Anyways for this month the original plan was supposed to be in Caliraya Lake then San Pablo Laguna and we had a change of plans and one of my friends Alex recommended for us to try Cagbalete in Quezon.

arrival at Cagbalete

walk to resort with the local kids

It was my first time going there, after my work I went straight to the bus terminal in Alabang (Lucena Grand Terminal) Air-conditioned bus is not available during the morning so I have no choice but to take the ordinary bus to Lucena. Left Alabang around 5:45am and I arrived Lucena around 9am *phew*. We took a mini bus from Lucena to Mauban Quezon (50 pesos) but we recommend to take van/fx which is faster (60 pesos). Arrived around 11:30am at Mauban Quezon and we went to Gat Uban (Mauba Port) where the boat to Cagbalete Island is located. Take note that the boat from Mauban to Cagbalete is only twice a day 10am and 4pm (40 pesos one way). It would be around 20 minutes ride from Mauban to Cagbalete and people or visitors from other places are called "Bisita/Visitors" in Cagbalete. A group of kids would come in the boat and ask us that they would they us in the resort and some of them would ask to carry our bags but take note it's not free (20-30 bucks/kid). We arrived at Villa Cleofas around lunch time after a 15 minute walk. Owner is really friendly and the low tide view is awesome. We rest for a bit then we took photos of the beach (low tide) and since it was around 12nn - 1pm it was so hot and at the same time we are starving so we decide to go back to the resort and have lunch first.

low tide

We rest for a bit (siesta time) and around afternoon we went to this part where the beach and lake is connected. Take photos of the place and ourselves and around 5am we noticed that it's high tide already.

lake connected to the sea

jump shot :)

We rented a small cottage which is good for I think 10 people. Room has 1 electric fan, 2 "kulambo for mosquito" and 2 bed. I can say it's kinda hot because electricity is gone by 1am and we are only sharing 1 fan. We woke up around 5am to take a photo of the Sunrise, it was nice we are able to capture it but around 5:40am it rains and the moment is gone haha.

Sunrise at Cagbalete

We packed our things after taking photos of the Sunrise. I can say that there is a lot of things to be developed in Cagabalete and a lot of things are limited but I can say I did enjoy going to the island and at least I was able to take a few good photos. Even captured a Rainbow because the rain was on and off during the weekends.

Rainbow

What to expect:
- No electricity so charge your batteries (camera/phone)
- Signal is on/off (Smart and Globe) and no signal for Sun
- Generator is on from 6pm-1am in Villa Cleofas not sure with the other resorts.
- A lot of mosquitoes (bring off lotion)
- Bring your own food, the store is far away from the Resort and the resort only offers Paluto (they will cook your the food for you) and Drinks.

* Ilocos Experience June 5 -7, 2010

A friend of mine asked me during the Jennifer Lee shoot if I wanted to come along to their Ilocos Trip, since the Singapore trip was cancelled I told myself that it would be a good idea to join, so i told my friend Alex that I'll join the trip to Ilocos (Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpod). A month before the trip I already filed my vacation leave and swap.

Friday 06.05.10
Went to Farmers Cubao to meet Alex and his officemate Mark who is also going to join the trip around 9pm, dropped by at Mcdo for our dinner and went to Partas Bus Terminal for our first stop which is Vigan. Decided to ride the deluxe bus which is 685 bucks and seats are way better than the regular bus to Vigan. The bus left the terminal 10:30 pm and we arrived at Vigan around 5:20am.

Saturday 06.06.10 *Vigan*

Vigan Church

It was raining and all stores and restaurants are still close so we decided to go to the Church to stay and pray. Saw a group of people who are doing aerobics at the Plaza area and even saw Manong who is at the church at that time dancing in the tune of Poker Face :)

at Calle Crisologo

The rain stopped and the sun showed up fo a bit so we are able to take photos of the church. After taking photos we have decided to have breakfast and since it was only around 6:00am we had goto and mami at the place where they serve empanada during the afternoon. After breakfast we went to Calle Crisologo to take photos there. Around 9am we decided to rent a kalesa (150/hr) and visit the spots in Vigan. First stop is at the Bantayan Bell Church and Tower then to Burgos Musuem and last is stop at Pagburnayan (Pottery Making).

Bantay Bell Tower | Burgos Museum | Pagburnayan

Had lunch at McDonald's *again* and rest for a while. Around 1pm we decide to go to Baluarte and took photos of the place and the animals.

Camel :) (at Baluarte)

Around 4pm we went back to town, rest and ate the famous Vigan Empanada and waited till around 6pm. Then we went to Calle Crisologo to buy some souvenirs and wait took photos of the street at night. After taking photos we left Vigan and went to Laoag where we stayed at Texicano Hotel.

Calle Crisologo at Night :)

Sunday 06.07.10 *Laoag-Pagudpud*
Had breakfast at Laoag then went to Burgos because the original part was for us to take photos of the Windmills and the Lighthouse but the weather is not cooperating so we decided to go Pagudpud.

Around 12:30pm we decided to ride a tricycle (600/tour). Our tour guide (Kuya Melvin) was really friendly he called us "Jump Shot Boys" cause we always took photos of ourselves jumping and that's per spot. First stop was at Kabigan falls and a tour guide will guide us and fee is 100 bucks for the tour guide. To reach the falls it would take a 10-15mins trek. The river and the falls is really beautiful, my first time to see a waterfalls.

Kabigan Falls

After Kabigan next stop was at the Patapat Viaduct where the view is really really good, after taking photos we went to Timmangtang Rock.

(above) Patapat Viaduct | (below) Timmangtang Rock

After taking photos at Timmangtang Rock next stop was at Bantay Abot Cave

*photo by Lex Mempin (left) | Bantay Abot Cave

and our last stop for the day was at Blue Lagoon. We stayed at Bella Azul beach house, the owner was really friendly and the room was clean. We took photos of the beach in the afternoon until around 7pm. The sand is really fine compare to the other beach that I have been and the water is really clear. We swim at night *1st time* because I don't usually swim at the beach during night. Too bad Alex lost the other pair of his brand new slippers.

Blue Lagoon beach around 6:30pm

Sunday 06.08.10 *Pagudpud - Burgos and Bangui*

We woke up around 5:30am to catch the Sunrise at Blue Lagoon, even though we are still sleepy waking up early that morning is really worth it :)

jump shot boys :)

beautiful sunrise at Blue Lagoon beach

After taking photos it's time to check out and move to our next destination after having breakfast.

Around 9am we left and next stop was at Bangui Ilocos Norte for the Windmill. Bus usually from Pagudpud to Bangui or Burgos is not air-conditioned and it's damn fast and fare is only 20 or 25 pesos *not sure* . Good thing the weather is okay and it's not raining but it's really really hot.

Rent a tricycle and went to Bangui Windmill, we took photos and it was so hot but it's worth it. The giant windmills really looks cool. Was able to buy a souvenir as well, a mini windmill for 70pesos.

at Bangui Windmill

After Bangui Windmills we had lunch and rest for an hour. Then ride a bus again to Burgos, Ilocos Norte. We rent a tricycle for a trip to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Like what most people says to us, it's really hard to go to the place because of the rough road but the spot is really nice especially the view.

Panoramic Shot of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

one of the best view for me :)

Last stop was at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse located at Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea.

This is one of the famous historical landmark in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines aboce sea level on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan and is located in the town of Burgos.

I can say inside the lighthouse it was really hot but it was a nice place and the entrance is free .

Around 4:30 we decide to go back to Laoag to have dinner, my company went to the airport to catch their flight while the poor me looked for a internet cafe at Laoag to kill time until 9pm then I went to Partas (bus station) and bought a ticket to Manila and I can say it was a long trip from 9:30pm to 7am. It was one of a memorable experience for me because everything is really worth it. The place, the food, the fun, the people we meet and the photos we took. Till next trip :)

* Zambales Trip

This blog is kinda late because it's already July, I was so busy in the past few months and had some problems with my net connection and with my PC. Well we went to Zambales May 1 - 3, I was just asked by a friend/teamate at work to join them and at the same time for me to able to take photos. It's my 1st time in Zambales and we went stayed in Crystal Beach, during that time there are no big waves for surfer peeps but I can say the resort is crowded and the place is nice. I was able to take photos of the place, I felt out of place at first because I was with 4 couples with their kids and I am the only one who doesn't have a party tsk.. Anyways I can say I had fun, I tried surfing at Sitio Liwa Liwa the place was a 15 minute drive from Crystal Beach resort and the waves their are better than the ones in Crystal Beach. I can say I enjoyed surfing and wanted to try it next time. Anyways here's some of the photos I took, hope you liked it.

* KC and The Sunshines Team Building

Day 1:
It's our 3rd team building for the year, we won as the best team for November for our account so we have extra funds to use for our team bulding. The team have decided to spent it in La Iya, Batangas. I'm on leave during the week and we met in the office 8am. I was so hungry that's why I ate in Mc Donald's forst with my friend Rio then meet my teamates in fron of our office building. There are 3 vehicles Fry, Robert and a rented van. I rode with Fry and her wife Nova. It's been a long drive from Alabang to La Iya, Batangas. I think it took us 3-4 hours. We arrived around 12-1 already. Place is ok, it looks calm but the thing is the weather is not that cool. It was raining every now and then so it was so damn cold. Anyways we started taking photos and the others prepares the food, some slept because some still has no sleep from their shift. Food was really good and we all ate together just like one family and after that we walk and explore the place and I took photos. After hanging out in the beach I decided to take a nap and woke up around dinner time and glad dinner is already ready. After eating we had our group activity and discussion about business and personal matters. It was really sad because some of the our teamates has to leave because of some issues. We end up drinking and watching the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya Pre Fight show in GMA 7 and slept around 3am.


Day 2:


We woke up around 8am and ate breakfast then went to the beach. To be honest I didn't swim in the beach because it was so cold and then again took photos. It's still raining in the morning. Around 10am we decided to fixed our things and decided to leave. Hoping to watch the Pacman fight. It was faster on our way home and it was so quiet in the road because of the Pacman fight. I got in Laguna around 12:30pm.

* Out Of Town Birthday Celebration

When I was a kid (which is years back) I'm really excited when by birthday is months away because I'm expecting a gift (action figure/toy) from my Mom and of course her birthday treat to me and my bros which is a movie, arcade and food treat at the mall but In the past few years ( starting high school) everything changed , I'm really not excited when my birthday is already near just because I'm already a grown up and my birthday usually became an ordinary day. No more birthday cakes, parties, gifts, etc.. I envy my classmates because during their birthdays, I would see them having new gadgets (latest mobile phone) or gifts I understand because my Mom is the only one who is taking care of us and paying for all of our expenses (for the family). I usually spend my birthday at work and at in school in the past few years but this year is really different cause I really wanted it to be special because If I won't do anything then nothing would happen. So months before October I already filed a vacation leave for almost 1 week and already saved money because I wanted to spend my birthday somewhere which me and my gf decided to be in Baguio.I was really excited so morning of the 9th I went to the gym because I know I would missed it for several days because of the vacation, got home around 1pm and fixed my stuff. I went to Glorietta and meet my girlfriend (Donna) at Burger King area. We grab a bite at Bodhi (Vegetarian fast food) and went to the supermarket of SM to buy something to eat on the bus on the way to our destination. Took the bus to Cubao and bought our tickets in Victory Line for the 10pm trip, we just slept in the bus and arrived so damn early in Baguio which is around 4am (it's my birthday na!), it was very cold and during those times there is not hotel who would accomodate us because it is too early so we just stayed in the bus station for a while a took a nap.

It's 6:30am already so we bought a map first then walked around and went to the church near Session Road, Prayed and thanked God for the blessing in life that he gaved us and wished for more blessing and good health for me and for my loved ones. I took pictures of the church then continued walking to looked for an open resto because we are already starving. Found Chowking so ate there and went to Baguio City hall (took pictures again!) and then went to Strawberry farm. Arrived there around 9am, too bad there are only few strawberry because it's not yet it's season so we just bought some souvenirs (bonnets, etc). We rode a taxi and looked for the Rose farm which is in Camp Dangwa area, too bad we wasn't able to find the rose farm and it was way down the city so even though tired and sad we just went back to the City to find a hotel since it's near 12noon already. Dropped by at the ukayukay 1st then my gf bought a shirt then we looked for a hotel where we can stay and take a rest. Found a hotel near Mabini St. and the price is cheap plus they gave free breakfast (cool) and staff are also friendly (most are students OJT) so there finally we rest and sleep till afternoon.

Weather is really not good during those times, rain keeps on pouring so we canceled our plan for the afternoon which is going to PMA, Minesview and Mansion but instead we just went to Session Road and eat at KFC. After eating our early dinner we went to SM Baguio and took pictures in the balcony area, my gf bought a mini chocolate cake and a candle for me after SM we went to Ibay's Silver Shop and my gf bought a cross earrings. Tired of walking we still went to the ukay ukay area in Session Road and found a Grimace and Hamburglar stuffed toys for only 50 each (not bad) and then dropped by 7-11 and bought 2 bottles of Vodka Mudshake, 1 Heineken canned beer and Water then went back to the hotel to rest. I texted my friends who remembered and greeted me on my special day before the day ends. Ate the cake and after a long time I blew a candle on a cake again. Drink the vodka and beer that we bought while watching the PBA and Discovery Channel in the tube.

Day 2 (October 11) Woke up early because there's a lot of things to do for the day. We started the day by eating our breakfast in the hotel's resto then ride a cab to Lourdes Grotto, I thought weather is going to be fine but still it rains every now and then anyways after Grotto we went to Burnham Park and strolled around the area. We rent a boat for 60 bucks (unlimited) and rest for an hour I think. After boating we went to the public market and bought some pasalubongs (Benquet Coffee and Chocoflakes) then went back to the hotel to check out (12 noon).

After fixing our things we went back to SM Baguio and took our lunch at Greenwich then left our stuff in the package counter and stayed at SM till 3pm. We ride a cab again and went to Minesview, again it is still raining but good thing is we still managed to buy souvenirs and pasalubongs (wine and strawberry jam) and take pictures (with the dog AJ as well and with the horse).

After Minesview we went to Wright Park and Mansion and took pictures again. We are very tired so we decided not to go to Botanical Garden and PMA. We just went back to SM and took our dinner at Paotsin. After dinner we went to the Victory Liner bus station and bought tickets back to Manila. We left Baguio 7:30pm and arrived in Manila 1:30am. This blog was really an epic haha and it's kinda late because I wasn't able to go online in the past few days because I was really tired and there's a lot of things to do. Thanks for reading ^_^