Redstone Ville Sunset Shot

Here's another sunset shot from the Redstone Ville. I was browsing my laptop and checked some of my old photos when I saw this. I wonder why I haven't posted this shot earlier. Anyway, I hope you guys will like it. ☺

Higatangan Island

The Rock Formation at the Higatangan Island

I arrived early in the morning at Naval from Cebu when I heard that my Uncle and his basketball team will be going to Higatangan Island. Higatangan Island is one of the tourist destinations in the province of Biliran. It is located in Naval Municipality. Higatangan Island boasts the finest white sand in the province. Since I haven’t visited the island, I decided to go with my Uncle. It was fun during the first time. We arrived at the island noon time and ate our packed foods. We chose to stay at the back part of the island because it is a bit “virgin” yet to tourists. Only locals know this part of the island. Another part of the island that I liked so much is the Shifting Sandbar. I’ll be posting some picture of it some other time because I don’t have a photo of it yet. My camera went lowbat when we arrived there.

Update (05012011): As promised, I'll be posting a picture of the Shifting Sandbar. Last week, my family and I went to the Island to spend the the last days of Holy Week there. For the Shifting Sandbar, you can't expect too much from it because when we went there, its high tide so we weren't able to enjoy the Sandbar that much. Check on this link to view my story of how I saved a doctor's life in that Sandbar.

The Shifting Sandbar during high tide.

Bagasumbol Festival

The fiesta at Naval was an enormous event with lots of events and presentations. Of course, it won't be possible with the help of the local Government of Naval and the Naval Festival 2010 Execom. The highlight of the festival includes parades, band presentations of different schools of Naval, the Matron Queen of Naval, Bagasumbol Festival, Tsinelas Party and so much more.

Since I arrived late at the Festival, I never had a chance of taking pictures of some of the events in the Festival. Last Saturday, I had a chance of having photoshoot at the Bagasumbol Festival. Bagasumbol Festival is one of the highlights of the fiesta in Naval. Bagasumbol is the commemorating of how Biliranons defend the island during the colonization of the Moros. Here are few of the shots I took at the Bagasumbol Festival Parade and Competition 2010. Click here for more photos!

Visit to Taboan, Cebu. The Dried Fish Market

Me and Nanay was asked by Tatay to visit Taboan. Taboan as known for dried fish. A famous place to buy "danggit" for pasalubong. Well, we went there because Tatay will be having a trip to Manila tomorrow and he wants to bring dried fish to his colleagues. I never thought that this items are being sold for about Php400-Php500/kilo. A bit expensive but I think its "sulit" because of the fact that its one of Cebu's specialty. I just thought that maybe this food are being sold twice the price in different places. But one thing is for sure, I am drooling for this one. This one is my favorite meal during breakfast. So, to stop my mouth from watering, I asked my Nanay to give me 1/4 kilo of the "danggit" she bought.

Taoist Temple Cebu City

People who visit Cebu do always take time to visit the Philippine Taoist Temple. Taoist Temple is one of the landmark that Cebu is boasting to its visitor. Its a place where you can just sit and relax and enjoy the panoramic view of Cebu City. Yesterday isn't my first visit to the temple. I already visited the place maybe 2004 or 2005 together with my SK family in our barangay in Davao City. When I went to the place, I thought there's no other visitor around and that made me think that I can shoot well since there's no people walking around. Before entering in, the guard told me that taking pictures of the saints inside the temple is strictly prohibited. The stairs caused me muscle pain but ignored it when I reached the top. Then I realize, we didn't pas through this stairs before, we were on the other side where you can see a replica of the Great Wall of China. Well, I continued walking inside the temple when I saw bunch of Koreans and other nationalities inside it. The place was like swarmed by tourist from all over the world. Stayed in low profile while taking pictures. The place is very well maintained except to some part of it. There are statue of dragons and lions in every corner of the place. Chinese are really mysterious based on their belief and culture. But that's the reason why every nationallity is different, because of their belief and culture. Well, just take a look at some of my shots from the Taoist Temple.

Tacloban Festival

During our last day in Tacloban, we were caught in the middle of a fiesta celebration. I think its a Sto. Nino Fiesta in Tacloban that they celebrate during the 29th day of June. Our scheduled trip to Naval, Biliran is at 12:30p.m. and we woke up early because my parents will have to go to church and I was left in the hotel room to watch over my brother. When my parents came back from the church, I went out and watched the parade being held on the streets of Tacloban. It was a very colorful fiesta celebration. Participants are dressed in different tribal costumes with complete props. I managed to take some shots of the parade. Taking pictures during this kind of event is one my dream. I really like this kind of scenario because you're not gonna have any problem with light conditions and also, colorful costumes will give your image a very fantastic mood. I can say it is a bit hard when you're gonna take pictures of marching people because everybody is moving. Sometimes you're lucky if the presentor will stop in front of you to pose but it rarely happens. When I started taking pictures I noticed that there are a lot of armed photographers waiting in line too. All of them are equipped with high end lenses and other accessories. I was a bit shy because I was only using a "hybrid" camera, not even close to a dSLR. Well anyway, I didn't really care about it because all I was thinking is to shoot and shoot the parade's participants. It was really fun taking pictures under the heat of the sun, I felt like I'm a pro too! Lol. Anyway, just take a look at some of my shots below.

Bird Shot

I really had a hard time taking pictures of a bird and when I was at Dauis Church in Bohol, I saw birds coming in and out of the cottage where we we taking a rest. I took the chance of taking a snapshot of this birds and I think this one here is the most clear and steady one.

Bohol and Siquijor Trip

I just got a few shots in Bohol and Siquijor because I don't have enough time. The boat docked at Bohol port and stayed there for only 4 hours and then we reached Siquijor 11pm. When we were at Bohol, I decided to step off the boat and go to the nearest vintage church that I know, Dauis Church. Inside the church is a fresh water well though the church is residing at the shoreline of Panglao Island. Stayed there for an hour maybe and then went back to the boat. The boat undocked Bohol Port and reached Siquijor late evening that Saturday. The next morning, the rain poured out the town of Larena so there's no chance for me to get out of our room and visit some places. After the rain, I went outside and visited some places in Larena, Siquijor. Here are some of the shots I took in BOhol and Siquijor.

 Back of Dauis Church

 Belltower behind Dauis Church

 Inside the church

Front view of the church

An old boat behind the church

Replica of the Dauis Church Belltower

Boat shot taken from the port of Bohol

An old bell near Larena Municipal Hall

One of the oldest Belltower in Siquijor

60KPH at SRP

Somewhere in SRP, Cebu, there's a place where travellers can take a rest and enjoy the panoramic view of Cebu Gulf. I went to that place after the Fort San Pedro shoot. Took some rest and still trying to play my camera. I don't know if we can consider this as a good urban shot or its just an ordinary picture. Well, anyway, I like this photo and I am sharing it to you.

Nipa Hut

I never really expected that this photo can be great. One of my fried really liked it. Its a very simple shot taken outside Red Stone Ville. We were all sleeping outside the guest room because there's no electricity and its too hot inside. I woke up early and after a few puff of cigs, grabbed my camera and start shooting nothing.

The Wood And The Circle Lightroom Edition

 Here's another version of The Wood And The Circle photo I've posted last May. Edited the photo using Adobe Lightroom 2.0. An online friend just taught me how to use it and gave me some presets for the Lightroom 2.0. Comparing the 2 pictures, I kinda like this photo. :D

Sunset shot at Naval Port Area

 Here's another photo for my Golden Hour collection. I just love to take pictures during this time. The light exposure is so perfect. I hope you'll like this shot.

The Wood and The Circle

We were at a beach one time and I saw this circular design in one of the cottage's stand. I don't really know why it took my attention but I was really interested in taking a snapshot of this part of the wood. So, here it is, one of my favorite.

Red Stone Ville Sunset

This shot was taken after a day of trip in 3 different falls in Biliran Province. Took it at Red Stone Ville or Pulang Bato. Everything seems to be perfect when I took this photo.

Sunset at Cebu Expressway

I don't really know what's the name of the place but its the expressway of Cebu going to Talisay City, I think. I'm not really certain. But yeah, that's the place where I took this photo. I was waiting for the sunset but it was hiding of those clouds so got nothing else to do but to just shoot and shoot.

Tree Trunks

It was during the election campaign period when I volunteered myself as the photographer of my Aunt's candidacy. We went to this far far away barrio to do the daily chores of a candidate, the house to house. What they do is they go to every single houses in the barrio and introduce themselves to let the people know that they are running for this certain position. While we were having a rest, I saw this line of trees in front of me and it looks like they are so even. You can actually pass through in the middle of this trees. I like the setup and I like to take a shot. So here it is!

Fort San Pedro Cebu

               Last night I stumbled upon this blog dedicated to Cebu City named Cebu City Photos. I was checking some of his photos and it was cool. I'm here in Cebu for more than 2 weeks now and I'm still on the process of familiarizing the places here. The blog has been a very big help to me specialy in discovering new and exciting places here in Cebu. I saw one of his post about the Fort San Pedro here in Cebu and I was excited about it. When it comes to historical places here in the Philippines, I'm always go with it. So I decided to go to the place and try to check everything about it. When I got there, I immediately went inside but the problem is theres's a wedding reception being held inside. I went back outside and try to observe the people coming in and out. While waiting outside, I was talking to an old man outside selling key chains and offering paid photographs to the tourists. If I'm not mistaken, his name is Mang Victor. Mang Victor has been working in the area for about 15 years now. Mang Victor told me that it is OK to get inside the Fort. I went inside the Fort and asked the receptionist and she let me in but will have to pay 30Php for the entrance fee. The lower ground has been restricted because of the wedding reception and the only place allowed to the tourists are the upper level. It was really nice inside. I tried thinking the history of the place and realized that life before is very simple. People doesn't have cellphones, camera, laptops, electricity and other basic needs that the new civilization is enjoying. I think I can't live their life. I'm so used to the modern world. I had a great experience inside the Fort San Pedro and will discover more exciting places here in Cebu. Next stop? Taoist Temple!

The Real Itchyworm

This shot was taken when I was still at Talustusan, Naval Biliran Province. It was noon time when I decided to go outside and enjoy the fresh air in our backyard. There's this bamboo bed under a tree which is good for relaxation. I brought my camera when I went there. I was sitting on that bed for almost an hour until I saw something crawling on the side bars of the bed. It was a worm and not just an ordinary worm, its an itchyworm. I don't know what's the name of this worm but yeah, this worm's gonna make you itch to death. If you happen to touch the worm then you're dead. Its really itchy and the itch won't be gone easily. The bad thing is its not only one, there's a lot of them. Its like their whole population is swarming the tree and the bamboo bed. It is indeed a beautiful worm but its too dangerous. What I did is I just took a picture of it and leave the tree and promised not to go back to that tree again. I asked my cousin to burn some leaves below the tree to let this worm leave. I'll be back in Talustusan soon and I hope this worms won't be there again. I hate them.

Dead Trees

I got bored in our farm so I decided to go outside and see if there's something interesting outside. While walking in the backyard, I saw this two dead trees that still standing. Global warming might have caused this trees to die. Too bad. I took a shot of it and the result was good. I know its so simple. I'm still a noob in the photography field. I'm not good in angling. Not good in checkig the light conditions. All that I do is to shoot and shoot until I learn some new tricks. I like the simplicity of this shot and I hope ya'll like it too.

Sunset at Talustusan, Naval

My Mothey kept on bragging about this beautiful scenery in our new farm in Naval, Biliran Province. She kept telling me about the view, the air and the sunset. Due to my curiousity, I waited for the sunset there to capture it and tell the world how beautiful it is based on my Mother's opinion. I waited from 4:00pm until the sunset showed up. At first, I was really disappointed because it was a bit cloudy but when 5:30pm came, the sun was so clear and so bright. It took me how many shot to capture it corretly. Tried serveral settings on the focal length and the shutter. I think this one is the best for me.  I like it very much. The sun is hiding now at the back of the Higatangan Island. It is very beautiful. This is my first sunset shot with my FZ30. I hope ya'll like it.