Kipping the Pahiyas Festival Alive

First festival in the Philippines that

I've attended. One colorful festival that

every Pinoys should see.

Good thing the cool winds of Mt. Banahaw

found its way to Lucban, I remember

it was one hot summer.

Enjoyed the crispy kipping, lambanog taste test,

pancit habhab and free lunch.

Taken last May 2010, Lucban, Quezon Province

Home of the Winds

It was part of every Pinoy traveler's bucket list

I've been dreaming of visiting this province found

on the northernmost part of the country.

I was just fortunate that I've heard

the news about a seat sale from the

only airline who ply the route to Batanes

and instantly booked my flight, no questions ask.

One of the famous landmarks in Batanes is the stone houses

found across the islands but a large number of these houses

can be found in Sabang Island.

Until now I still can't imagine that I had a

chance to visit this amazing province and still want to go back

for more.

Taken last Oct. 2010, Batanes

Bright Lights

Whenever I hear Kuala Lumpur, one thing instantly

pops into mind...Petronas Twin Towers.

But me and KL don't click together as much as

the other cities I've been to.

Too hot, too humid, that's what I remember about KL

but it all changes when I saw the Bright lights of

Petronas twin towers.

It was like a diamond, a true Malaysian symbol of wealth and power.

Taken last Aug. 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Braving the Waves

Surfing is not my thing but on of the

many things I wanted to try.

La Union was the nearest surfing spot from Manila,

so when my friends from office invited me

to their weekend trip I didn't think twice.

Taken last May 2011 at San Juan, La Union

A Chance to dance with the Luna

It was a peaceful night, quietly waiting for that perfect

moment; waiting for the a chance to dance

with Luna.

Armed with my Nikon D40, a 70-300mm lens and a tripod.

I patiently wait.

With the help of some friends, I learn how to catch

her attention.

Taken last April 2011

I saw a Fallen flower

Love is not to be found in someone else,

but in ourselves; we simply awaken it.

But in order to do that, we need the other person.

The universe only makes sense

when we have someone to share our feelings with.

--- Paolo Coellho

taken last Aug. 2009, Singapore

The Red Pagoda at the end of the Road

My first encounter with a Chinese Pagoda.

This is one of the city temple you can find in Chinatown,

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

The atmosphere inside is so solemn you're scared

to make the slightest noise.

The best part was it's just steps away from our hostel

in Singapore.

Taken last Aug. 2010

Sleeping under the Northern Lights

It was the highest mountain I've conquered to date.

Luzon's roof top, Mt. Pulag.

I'm no mountaineer but I have heart for the outdoors and photography.

What motivates me to climb Mt. Pulag?

to shoot the elusive star trails, so after two and a half

hours of non-stop trekking and climbing

we reached the top.

Unfortunately, socials came and I was too drunk to remember

what the settings on my camera was,

so I just clicked the shutter.

Taken last April 2011, Mt. Pulag, Benguet

Silhouette of Island Explorers

Palau Manukan is like Boracay Island to Malaysians in Kota Kinabalu.

The largest among the three islands we've visited.

While everyone is busy sorting things, I step back a little

and saw this beautiful silhouette of travelers.

Taken last Nov. 2009 with Travel Factor friends and Kaladkarins.

Golden Dome

I went out to explore Kota Kinabalu city by foot but

ended up hiring a taxi to tour me around the area. it was too hot that day

I surrender to the sun's heat.

As I saw more of the city, I thought of Manila. They kind of

similar in some ways.

The driver took me to the Masjid Neseri mosque, one of Kota Kinabalu's

main attractions. Adorned with moslem art details and gold, I looked

around for a good angle of the mosque.

I eventually focused my attention at the onion shape dome.

And then I saw it! A golden dome with a blue sky as background.

And I click away.

Went out very happy and contented, I ask my driver to take me back to the

city proper instead.

photo taken: Nov. 2009

When there was You and Me

Ten years ago she was the apple of my eye,

Ten years ago I always wanted to make her smile,

Ten years ago a simple "goto" & "tikoy" dates are worthwhile.

But that was Ten years ago…

photo taken last April 2011

My Shy Smile

The first mountain that I conquered, the first trip I had back in 2009.

I saw her by the river banks with her family. Her mom is washing some clothes,while

her dad is cleaning some kitchen utensils and at the corner near

the boulders of rocks I saw little Iyna/Ina with her puppy.

She was courteous enough to pose before my camera

a bit shy but with her mom's permission she gave me a shy smile.

Her smile reminds me of a Filipino trait known through out the world.

We know how to see the positive side of any situation,

the good side in any condition. Truly we are Asia's happiest bunch.

Thanks for giving me that shy smile.

circa Jan. 2009 Mt. Pinatubo