The Shades of Grey

En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

2012-09-13T03:32:00.022-07:00

The other boat going to the island
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

Going to Great Sta. Cruz Island started with load and loads of waiting at the mini pier of Paseo del Mar, one sunny morning in Zamboanga. It was around 8am when we arrived at Paseo del Mar, and we waited for our boat since several passengers got there ahead of us and were scheduled to leave first, obviously. The fare was Php 1000 per boat. Luckily, since there were only three of us going to the island, we were able to share it with six other people we met at the pier.

Click here for more details about how to get to Sta. Cruz Island.

Taking some pictures while waiting for our boat with a new found friend
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

The mini pier to Sta Cruz
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

Waiting for our boat, we decided to take photos in Paseo. After all, it was a very lovely day and the scenery of the beach, some coconut trees and a very bright sun made it all perfect.

Greeted with a beautiful day in Paseo del Mar
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

At around 9am, we were finally in our boat to to Sta. Cruz Island. It was quite small, that I thought a little imbalance would turn it upside down. The nine of us in there with the boat man and our military escorts were all set and ready for a beautiful day.

Now, was I exaggerating how calm the water was?
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

Passing through the calm waters of Celebes Sea, it was quite amazing. I have done several island hopping and this was quite different. The water was so blue, calm, and part of the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands were covered with fog that it felt like there’s a mystery of the place waiting for you to discover. I just couldn’t stop taking photos even if my camera wasn’t protected from the salt water. Haha

Foggy view from the boat of The Little Sta Cruz Island
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

Finally, a glimpse of the Great Sta. Cruz Island was in our view and I thought that the wait was really worth it.

Sta Cruz, at last :)
En Route : The Great Sta Cruz Island

Note: Boat reservations to to Sta. Cruz can be made in Zamboanga's tourism office weekdays.

Check out more about Zamboanga here.

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

2012-09-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

Last but not the least of our island hopping in Mindoro, and the nearest to San Jose is Manadi Island also known as White Island. Manadi is a small island and can be toured in just 5 minutes and is a 15-minute boat ride from San Jose's Caminawit Port.

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

Manadi means “sudden apperance” which was the name given to the island when it suddenly appeared in the middle of Mindoro Strait many years back. Aside from the white sand beach and beautiful beach it offers, it is also known as sanctuary where turtle’s bury their eggs.

When we arrived there the sun is much brighter than when we were departing from San Jose and we savoured the last beach where we stayed the longest since it is just near San Jose.

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

In the island, there’s a caretaker in the beach where you can also pay for the beach entrance fee (I already forgot how much) and you can rent a hut if you would like to stay longer with friends and family.

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

Click here to know more about San Jose.

For the whole island hopping trip, we rented a boat good for two (which can accommodate up to four) people for Php 1500. Kuya Allan, who drove us around the municipality, contacted the boat man. For contact details of Kuya Allan, leave your e-mail address in the comment box section.

Manadi aka White Island | Occidental Mindoro

Las Piñas | The Big Sale at SM SouthMall

2012-09-01T08:16:00.026-07:00

Happy kids during the big sale!

The three-day "The Big Sale" of SM South Mall in Las Pinas started Last August 31 until tomorrow, September 2. From its ad name, "The Big Sale", it is indeed one of the highlights for a sale of upto 70% discount can be found on several items of great choices like fashion, apparel, shoes, bag, gadgets, computers and many others in SM South Mall. Aside from that, many exciting prices awaits for you! For one, you can join the raffle draw and win 1 of the 24 ASUS Eee PC X101H netbooks. To get a coupon you simply need a single reciept of Php 500 or 3 additional coupons when you show them your SM Supermalls Global Pinoy Card. Another way to win other exciting prices is by tweeting @sm_southmall about your shopping experience with an instagram photo and a hashtag, #thebigsale.

Our set of GCs which is good as cash while shopping :)

"The Big Sale" at SM SouthMall, Las Pinas

My friends, Chino, Ca, and Joan, arrived at around lunch in SM SouthMall and ate before starting to look around. We actually wanted to see a horror movie from one of our many topics in our chit chat but decided to do it some other time because, after all, it is the "Big Sale". We went to shop on the second day of their "The Big Sale" and, indeed, we have loads of fun choosing the items of our choices while sharing and catching up about our travel plans and experiences. Chino got some snacks with freebies and headware, Joanne bought some cosmetics, while Ca and I bought some garments. Seeing the raffle of the ASUS laptop in one of their big flyers inside the mall, we ultimately registered and joined while tweeting about our shopping experience.

While choosing for my reversible pants.

Inside SM SouthMall

It was a wonderful shopping experience that you surely woudn't want to miss! So hurry and bring your family and friends to SM Southmall's "The Big Sale." :)

Happy that this SM branch is implementing their eco-friendly brown bag :)

My travel friends Chino, Joanna and Ca.

Philippine Holidays for 2013

2012-08-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

Finally, you can plan your trips and book some tickets for 2013! Malacanang already announced the holidays schedule, which includes 4 long weekends, for 2013 according to Proclamation 459 signed by President Aquino.

Philippine Holidays for 2013
(Photo taken from the FB Page of President Aquino)

See the schedule of the Philippine regular holidays, special non-working holidays and special holiday for 2013 below (or the picture above):

Regular Holidays

New Year's Day - January 1 (Tuesday)
Maundy Thursday - March 28
Good Friday - March 29
Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Tuesday)
Labor Day - May 1 (Wednesday)
Independence Day - June 12 (Wednesday)
National Heroes Day - August 26 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Saturday)
Christmas Day - December 25 (Wednesday)
Rizal Day - December 30 (Monday)

Special (Non-working) Days

Black Saturday - March 30
Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Wednesday)
All Saints Day - November 1 (Friday)
Additional special (non-working) days - November 2 (Saturday) and December 24 (Tuesday)
Last Day of the Year - December 31 (Tuesday)

Special Holiday (All Schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Monday)

Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

2012-08-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

Cansubong Resort, Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

The third island we saw during the Mindoro island hopping tour is one of the largest islands, Ilin. Abundant with shells and coral reefs, the villagers in the islands are mostly shell divers and fishermen. One of the attractions in the island is the Cansubong Cave Resort, which has a pathway of limestone rocks that leads to Cansubong Cave, hand built and developed by former San Jose Mayor Javarata. Aside from Cansubong Cave, it is known that there are also other ancient burial caves of early Chinese traders.

Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

After visiting Grace and Ambulong, we thought we saw it all until Ilin where we were amazed by the clear waters in Ilin where we can see the fishes and corals while we were on the boat.

Cansubong Resort, Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

The ethnic feel of the island seems to me is due to its history or the serenity of the place and simple kind of living you can see as you pass by people fishing, fisheries of all sizes and shapes, and never-ending vie of land and sea-scapes.

Click here to know more about San Jose.

Cansubong Resort, Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

For the whole island hopping trip, we rented a boat good for two (which can accommodate up to four) people for Php 1500. Kuya Allan, who drove us around the municipality contacted the boat man. For contact details of Kuya Allan, leave your e-mail address in the comment box section.

Cansubong Resort, Ilin Island | Occidental Mindoro

Baguio | Carlo's Pizza

2012-08-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

Spaghetti at Carlo's Pizza
Baguio City

It was the last Sunday, our second day during our trip, of January this year when I went to Baguio for the first time. We bought tickets going back to Manila to reserve our seats and less hassle. It was drizzling when we decided to take our lunch at around 1:00 pm. We went to SM Mall and decided to try Carlo's Pizza just near to where there is a view of Baguio City. I am quite sad because most probably my planned itinerary would not be followed but I immediately recovered as I refocused on the food served to us. Haha

At the bus terminal
Baguio City

Carlo's Pizza
Baguio City

As we refocused, we, my friends and I, realized that I don't have cash left and my ATM cards were left in my bag back where we stayed! Good thing our friend used his credit card so we could eat to our supposedly "late-lunch-and-early-dinner" food. But if you dig more on about this Baguio trip of ours, you'll know that we totally did not follow to this early dinner idea of ours. :)

Pizza at Carlo's Pizza
Baguio City

Chicken at Carlo's Pizza
Baguio City

It is my first time to try Carlo's Pizza, and, well what can I say, the service was good and the food washed our famished faces off. I am bias here because what was served to us are all my fave. Pasta, pizza and fried chicken, you can find it all at Carlo's Pizza Baguio! :)

See more posts about Baguio here.

Baby Kiana's Baptism

2012-08-15T08:07:00.006-07:00

Godmother of my cousin's baby girl held at Parish of St James, Alabang...

Baby Kiana with her Mom Anavi

Family candid picture during the baptism

Kiana during the baptism

Reception of Baby Kiana's Baptism in Alabang

Baby Kiana's Baptism in Alabang

Family portrait

Ambulong Island | Occidental Mindoro

2012-08-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

Ambulong Island | Occidental Mindoro

The second stop of the island hopping trip in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro was Ambulong Island found very near to its islet, Grace. From San Jose's Caminawit Port, it will take for about an hour to reach this place.

After the sightseeing at Grace Island, we went directly to a shore in Ambulong and enjoyed the place despite the uninviting skies.

Ambulong Island | Occidental Mindoro

Ambulong is second of the largest islands near San Jose with an area of 30 km squared consisting of fine white sand beaches, coral formations and cliffs. There is a fisherman’s village located in the populated side of the island mainly because its abundance to marine life. It can also be the jump off point of the nearby diving sites in the area such as Ambulong Bank, Iling Point, Apo Reef, Manadi Island, among others.

Ambulong Island | Occidental Mindoro

We took some pictures at the mini cove we found which for me a sweet little paradise and off we went to our next stop, Ilin Island.

For more about San Jose click here.

Ambulong Island | Occidental Mindoro

Grace Island Resort | Occ Mindoro

2012-08-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

The first stop of the island hopping trip in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro was Grace Island which can be found southernmost tip of its mother island, Ambulong.

Ilin Island - On the way to Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

Ambulong Island - On the way to Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

On the way to Grace, you’ll be passing through the 2 giant islands, Ilin and Ambulong, where the waters are calmer than those before reaching Ilin. And the peaceful, beautiful scenery and natural resources you can see along the way would definitely melt your hearts out.

Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

After 1.5 hours of boat ride from San Jose's Caminawit Port, you then can find that very small white sand beach island turned into a resort few years back.

Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

When in the island, recreational activities like zip-line, visiting the zoo, eating at the floating huts, snorkelling, swimming, among others are available.

Click here to know more about San Jose.

Grace Island Resort, Occidental Mindoro

Parish of St. James the Great | Alabang, Metro Manila

2012-08-02T04:42:00.001-07:00

Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

Parish of St. James the Great can be found inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City. It was constructed way back 1991 until it is fully built in 1993. Despite its enormous size, it didn’t take away that solemn feel inside the church and, of course, I didn’t miss to pray and make a wish, as what I always do whenever I visit a church for the first time.

Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

Altar
Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

The structure of the church outside was really catchy and grand. And its inside tells you how elegant the altar was designed and built. The beautiful view right outside the church is one of the few things I love about the place.

Outside View
Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

Two decades has passed but it has already stand with elegance and beauty.

Parish of St. James the Great | Metro Manila

Baguio | Baguio Cathedral, Laperal White House and Melvin Jones Grand Stand

2012-07-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Before going to Burnham Park, we passed through the infamous Laperal White House in Baguio, made a wish because it is my first time at the Baguio Cathedral, and tried to take a jump shot photo at the Melvin Jones Grand Stand but failed!

Laperal White House in Baguio

This old white house in Baguio is rumored to be haunted according to our taxi driver. So I went down from the taxi and took a shot. What do you think? It looks normal here but creepy in real life. I swear.

Infamous White House
Baguio City

Baguio Cathedral

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, more popularly known as the Baguio Cathedral. One of the attractions when you visit Baguio.

Founded: 1907
Location: Mount St Mary Hill (aka Cathedral Hill)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 55m Baguio City, Philippines
Telephone: (6374) 442-4256

Baguio Cathedral
Baguio City

Melvin Jones Grand Stand

We passed by this grand stand upon paving our way to Burnham Park and I saw loads of people practicing different sports in the grounds. This place also serves as a venue for concerts or fireworks display.

Melvin Jones Grand Stand
Baguio City

Epic Fail Jump Shot
Melvin Jones Grand Stand
Baguio City

After all the strolling and passing by these places. I excitedly hurried to go to the street and Burnham Park to take some shots during twilight :)

More posts about Baguio here.

Baguio City's Mines View Park

2012-07-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

Baguio City's Mines View Park

Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city of Baguio. It contains the breathtaking view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the mountains that you can see from the deck. We immediately went here after visiting The Mansion (right across the Wright Park) via taxi again. Fare costs around 40 pesos.

Baguio City's Mines View Park

Upon arriving at the entrance, loads of "pasalubongs" can be bought from the place, may it be those cute key chains to various sweets and delicacies of the place. At the entrance to the park are stalls selling native handicraft such as wood carvings, locally made silver products and jewelry, baskets, brooms, sweaters, blankets, and a variety of other items. There are also canteens, snack stores, and street vendors selling food and beverages.

Baguio City's Mines View Park

You have choices of things to do there like picture with some very cute but enormous at size dogs, wearing the Igorot costume, riding the pink horse, renting some binoculars to a closer look at the view, among others.

Baguio City's Mines View Park

See more posts about Baguio here.

Best of Travel Photos | My 7 Super Shots

2012-07-03T02:03:00.002-07:00

When one of the finest travel photographer, Christian of Lakad Pilipinas, I have always looked up to tag me for the 7 super shots it was like OMG. Haha Kidding aside, I am really one of his readers ever since I started blogging, so you could just imagine the happiness and pressure I had when I received the invitation. It took me about two months to finally do it and scanning through thousands of pictures to look for 7 photos, well that was pretty hard.

After hours of scanning, here it is, I present to you what I considered as my 7 errrr…super shots. ;)

Takes My Breath Away

“Sparkling Blue”

Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

I took this shot last January and I was pretty much amazed with the sparkling water of Pundaquit’s Beach overlooking Camara Islands. And I think that left a special mark in my heart because it totally blew me away.

Makes Me Dream

“Sky Glider”

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Clark, Pampanga

It was my first time to attend the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and I was very grateful of Christian because I was able to have a photographer’s pass for the said event. This picture simply made me realize that I haven’t dreamt of something after graduating college. It was like I glided to wherever I can be except where my dream truly is. So, thanks to this, I am now dreaming, again.

Makes Me Think

“Coin Divers”

Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga

When the afternoon comes, you can see these young kids in their boats asking for people at the boulevard of Paseo del Mar to throw some coins that they’ll dive for. It is amazing especially because some still stays and dives even at night, but it makes me think of the what-ifs and possibilities they could have they had a proper education. What do you think?

Makes Me Smile

“123 Jump”

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas, Camarines Norte

We were waiting for the sun to set in Calaguas last May and prepared our cameras, but just when it was about to set the clouds covered the sun’s view. So, we decided to take our “high-fashioned” photo which we failed and resulted to an unexpected silhouette jump shot. I just can’t help but smile at this photo, maybe because I am with my freaky friends, Ivan and Chino, during this trip.

Makes My Mouth Water

“Chicken Mozarella Melt”

Mooon Café, Robinson’s Place, Dumaguete

When I started to love photography, I first owned a digital camera and took this shot in college. It is still mouth-watering, for me, and I feel like I haven’t taken other mouth-watering pictures except from my phone. Haha Imagine, chicken with mozzarella melt is super nomnom! :)

Tells a Story

“Bamboo Rafts”

Island Hopping, Ilin Island, Occidental Mindoro

Passing through the Mindoro Straight during our island hopping trip, we saw some locals in their bamboo rafts harvesting some sea urchins. For me, it tells the story of how life is in a simple kind of way in the rural, where gadgets are not the priority and food can be found for free nearby.

I'm Most Proud of : My Worthy of National Geographic Shot

“Burnham Lights”

Burnham Park, Baguio City, Benguet

My first visit in Baguio last January was truly fulfilling because I have captured something with reflection! Haha I told my workmates on how I wanted to capture anything with reflections, like buildings and their lights reflecting in the water. But when I saw this, even if it is not a group of buildings in the metropolis it was enough because this little hut in Burnham made beautiful colors. Although, it may not be worthy for National Geographic but it still made me so happy and proud.

Let me now tag my friends, Chyng of No Spam No Virus No Kidding , Darius of Shot 'n Roll, Mykz of Through the Eyes of the Viewfinder, Kevin of Kevin Travel Boy, Francis of Pala-lagaw, Ian of Brown Man Trips, Marx of Marxtermind, Joan of The Backpack Chronicles, for their time to share their 7 super shots has come! If you were already tagged, follow the HostelBooker's 5 easy steps on how to do it.

Proposal: Paolo to Leslie

2012-07-02T11:26:00.007-07:00

The surprise proposal of my officemate, Paolo, to her long time girlfriend, Leslie, held at The Old Spaghetti House, UP Ayaland TechnoHub...

Leslie surprised with the people dancing at TOSH

Flowers for the mothers

The ring and the bouquet of roses for Leslie

The Old Spaghetti House

Leslie teary eyed with the surprise

Paolo's Proposal

Pandan Island | Blue Hour by The Beach

2012-07-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

Pandan Island | Blue Hour by The Beach

For me, one of the beautiful moments of each passing day in our lives is when I see that awe-inspiring view when light and darkness are blending at some point. I love sunsets, but how I long to see twilight after the sun sets and prepare my tripod and camera at hand to capture the place at the perfect moment as it comes and, in just a few minutes, goes into darkness.

Pandan Island | Blue Hour by The Beach

At this time, it’s twilight in a little heaven of Pandan Island. As the sky envelopes the island with the color of blue, it gives you a new sight and scenery you want to savor. With a place with not much light at night for its conservation cause, you learn to appreciate these little things in life that you seldom do when you are back at your busy everyday schedule.

Pandan Island | Blue Hour by The Beach

Blue hour, oh how I long to last longer to see and capture your beauty.

How to Get to Pandan Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

2012-06-29T02:53:00.008-07:00