Chasing Akari

The Red Feet

2011-12-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this huge statue along the side of the street

in Yogyakarta, Indonesia while touring the city.

So far Yogyakarta is the only place I consider

a hub for artists, I feel that artsy-fartsy kind of vibe

every where in the city.

Taken last Nov. 25, 2011 at Maliaboro Street

Blue Sky and White Puffy Clouds

2011-11-09T23:16:00.001-08:00

Just got back from Sagada last weekend.

The view of rice terraces and green mountains

surely are breath taking, but

the blue sky and puffy clouds are the ones

that reminds me of Sagada

Taken at Sagada Town, Mountain Province while waiting

for Begnas Ritual

Life is a Race Track

2011-10-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Life is a race track.

You may start slow but certainly

you'll see each other at the finish line.

This entry is in support of Bulakbolero photo contest.

Of bridges and canals

2011-10-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

On our last day in China, my request to visit a place

just outside of Shanghai came true.

They called it Venice of Asia, 'cause like in Venice

they have boats and canals that serve as a transportation

as well as tourist attraction.

They also have beautiful bridges that has an aura of

being romantic and dream like.

This is Zhuojijao, an hour bus ride from Shanghai.

Taken last March 2011, Zhujijao, China

Shanghai Surprise

2011-09-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

I remember, we went out of the Shanghai Airport

and it was too early and too dark to even see the surroundings.

After checking in and signing all the papers

for our stay at Captain's Hostel, I immediately went straight to

my room and rest.

The next morning I saw this view from

my room. Hello Shanghai!

Taken last March 2011

Beijing Sunset

2011-09-23T23:11:00.001-07:00

We were about to explore the market place in Beijing.

We just got out of the super crowded train of the city.

Seeing the sunset for the first time in Beijing is like

a breathe of fresh air, though is it just me

or am I seeing Smog?

Taken March 2011, Beijing, China

Who's that Girl?

2011-09-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm always outdoors, travelling and mostly

my subjects are either seascape or landscape.

So when my colleagues invited me to

check out a village/"gimik" place somewhere south.

I asked one of them to model for me, since

I want to practice shooting people as subject.

Here's one that I thought the best from the set.

Taken last May 2010

One Memorable Balloon

2011-09-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

It was a Saturday morning when I found

myself driving through SCTEX heading to the

Hot Air Balloon Festival with two of my

travel addict officemates.

I was super excited for that year's festival

because of the entrance pass we have so we can

shoot inside the area where they prepare and fix the balloons.

This was also a memorable photo because it was my first

photo contest entry and it's for DPP.

I remember feeling awkward as I saw other people's entry.

But with a push from my friends I did gave 2 photos for the contest.

And then weeks passed and I almost forgot about this contest.

I received a text from DPP and Caltex saying that I was

qualified and inviting me for the awarding ceremony one

uneventful work day afternoon.

I didn't won the contest but seeing my photo alongside

the best photos of that year's festival was one hell

of an experience. Felt really good.

Taken last February, 2010 at Clark, Pampanga

Let's Play Before the Light Dies

2011-09-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sunset on this island never fails to amaze me.

I saw a group of kids rushing to play near

the shore before the sun completely sunset.

Taken last June 2010 at Boracay Island, Aklan

My 50 Php Sunset

2011-09-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

This was one of my first photos and still considered it

a lucky shot up to now. I was just lucky

that I was on the right time and right place

when mother nature decided to

color the sky with hues of yellow and grey.

Even though the fee to enter the island is a bit expensive

for my taste, considering that we will only

stay there for a good 45 minutes, I still went

home undefeated. All thanks to my 50 Php sunset.

Taken last September 2008

Kipping the Pahiyas Festival Alive

2011-08-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-16T02:19:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-11T02:28:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-10T00:33:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

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