Real Texture

Villa De Castro

2011-04-25T22:54:00.001+08:00

After observing the Good Friday procession in Paete, Laguna, we decided to had our overnight stay in Binangonan, Rizal instead of finding one in Liliw or Nagcarlan as it is on the way to Metro Manila. It was never our plan to visit & try Villa De Castro as previously, it's seems isolated to me if we look at the google map or wikimapia. So prior to the decision, I sent an SMS to John De Castro if the rooms in their resort were fully occupied & luckily there are still some rooms available and offered us a discount we can't resist. And on top of that, he told me that we can extend our stay until the following midnight if we arrived late that Friday night. After squeezing our way out of Paete & Pakil, we arrived at Villa De Castro at around 10:30PM.

To make the story short, the place is somewhat attractive once your inside. Here's our takes for the place.

To be continued & edited...

Magallanes, Sorsogon: Rediscovered

2011-04-16T19:26:00.016+08:00

Magallanes is one of the 15 towns of Sorsogon province and a 4th class municipality. It is located at the southernmost tip of the island of Luzon which is about 48 kilometres from the Sorsogon City, the provincial capital, passing through two towns and a meandering road that snakes around Mounts Juban and Bintacan.

It's never an easy road to reach the place. Unlike other towns of Sorsogon, Magallanes is relatively isolated. "but definitely, going there is a great adventure," said Pinoy Traveler, a blogger who featured the town in one of his articles.

The rest of the journey is just lush tropical rainforest dotted by villages, schools and community churches.

Magallanes is a fishing town, popular for fresh and dried fish.

This is the place where I grew up, so please join me while I rekindle my childhood memories as I revisit some of the places of my little hometown,
....... MAGALLANES

The sun still shines in Magallanes.

To experience full view of sunrise, we need to wake up by 4am and forget the usual breakfast of Sinangag & Kusido (the favorite local version of Sinigang sa kalamansi) as we need to cross a sea to Bagatao Island and has to climb its highest peak.

To reach Bagatao's peak, one must conquer this steep stairway to heaven...

I mean, to Our Lady of Sta. Lourdes Grotto

this place is known to locals for its miracles.

Bagatao Island is also a haven for photogs.

Based on our interview with the locals, the bottom of this boat was made from layers of styrofoam while the outboard engine was converted from a press drill.

Some of our finds while exploring the shores of Bagatao

black pearl

nueve

While on our way to the other side of the island, we met these kids

Midway, we passed this wooden bridge connecting Pansud and Brgy. Behia. The beams were supported by the trunks of mangrove. People used to hike a mountain trail when this was not built then.

A little bit farther, we stopped on this historical site, the REAL ASTILLERO DE BAGATAO.

It is reputed to be the biggest Spanish shipyard in the whole Bicol Region where some of the biggest and most magnificent galleons during the Manila-Acapulco trade were constructed.

It is situated atop of this...

Oh, we almost forgot to take breakfast. We headed to a sari-sari store of a near village to have this simple...

Giniris at Kape

Our next stop should be the Parola, but due to time constraint, we decided to defer and instead holed up in this place while waiting for our banca...

playing like kids

oh, i love the clear waters

After rushing back to town, we had our merienda with these...

Sinapot

And we called it a day.

On the 2nd day, with our dubai-based journalists/friends we decided to roam around the eastern part of Magallanes

The daily catch of the easterners

Once again, we have to skip our fav breakfast with this...

and of course, with coffee.

Here are some more landmarks of the town...

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish

Belfry

Due to shortened vacation and plenty of activities, we weren't able to complete the whole picture of my town.

I hope next time, I'll be able to show more of the beauties MAGALLANES can offer.

Thanks for bearing with me! Dios mabalos sa gabos!!!

Ian & Grace

2011-03-15T22:54:00.010+08:00

While am still waiting (read: wanting, lol!) for my first break in wedding photography, a groupmate had asked me if I could be one of his back-ups. Of course, I immediately said YES since it would be a good experience to be shooting alongside Michael Paglalunan of Ruffa & Mike Photography not only because I idolize his style of photography but his PP style as well. Am afraid I've disappointed him since to me, my shots were not that good. To pros, they maybe considered as "basura".

Anyway, here are the shots I took & tried this time a different PP style, of course inspired by Michael's work. Friends, feel free to post CCs.

Thanks to Ruffa & Mike Photography for allowing me to join the team. Hope I could be invited again on their next project. :)

The Bride:

The Preparation:

The Groom:

The Sidelights:

Thanks for viewing.

On the Hunt for Picture Book

2010-10-11T14:04:00.010+08:00

As our youngest daughter Fabienne turns 1 year old this month, we are in a hurry to look for makers of picture/storybook, of course to showcase my talent(kaya? LOL) as I venture into Photography business. One has to have multi-skills today when you want to offer photography services as clients today are aware of the trend on story books. Through searches on the net, we were able to consider some makers recommended by fellow hobbyists. Prices are almost similar to each other which ranges from Php2,000 to Php5,000 depending on the size. We almost consider these pricey packages but by a stroke of luck, someone whispered to me to try Hidalgo stores. As everybody knows, Hidalgo is a haven for photographers, from gears to accessories and also home of the framers. By the way, for those who are not familiar with the place, it's very near Quiapo Church and it's just across SM Carriedo.

We scoured the stalls of framers there until we saw one with a display of picturebooks or coffee table book (whatever you like to call it). The quality of make is quite inferior than the ones offered by printlabs but given the proper exposure, this maker can make a run for the money. The insert (palaman) between pictures is a little bit thick as compared to printlabs and one thing I noticed is that they doesn't seem to care much on the result. An example of this is the border/margin which they cut to align pages without checking the output. Nevertheless, it's acceptable for first-timers like me. With constant practice, I believed they could be at par with the labs.

I have documented the making of my very first picture book / guest book as shown below:

The making of layouts

Finalizing the layout is a bit tedious and requires a lot of patience especially when you are not a born-artist.

The mock picturebook / guestbook

The actual picture book

the box

actual size with the box

the contents.

At last, I was able to complete it. Next project, coffee table book.

Thanks guys!

Asian Cuisine

2010-09-21T10:51:00.007+08:00

This should have been done months months ago but due to tight schedule, just found time to write while watching over my eldest daughter, Beyonce in a hospital. The write-up was supposed to be done after the 10th month of our youngest daughter, Fabienne, so it should have been barely two months ago.

Anyway, let me show you once again through pictures the latest discovery we had (we don't go out that much) while searching for a good place to eat in SM North. After going back & forth at the restaurants on the 3rd floor, we saw this one that seems to offer a different one, at least to our taste. So here they are:

Malayan Beef Rendang : slowly cooked in coconut milk & other spices that includes ginger & tanglad
(lemon grass). Taste great!

Nasi Goreng : it's their version of fried rice topped with sunny side-up egg.

Stir Fried Chinese Kangkong with Sambal Sauce

Phad Thai : large noodles with mixed veggies

Deep Fried Crispy Chicken Malayan Style

Spare Ribs with Coffee Sauce

And what do you expect for foods like these? Washed-out! Lol.

By the way, it taste better if you'll use Banana Leaf ( also, the restaurant's name) as your plate, not to mention that it's environmentally-friendly.

Thanks everyone! Hasta la vista, baby!

Model Photoshoots: Ups & Downs

2010-07-23T21:04:00.001+08:00

Been shooting lately sexy models to hone my photography skills. Last Saturday, we were about to shoot an up & coming model (?) contacted by a fellow hobbyist. Yes, it's a planned shoot. Place, equipment/gears, participants, model & the talent fee were discussed.

To make the story short, the agreed time is 1:00 PM. Five (5) of us were already at the place beforehand to set up the lights as well as make a concept. Rob called up the model & asked her location, and she said that she's going to take a bath first. After 30 minutes, Rob followed up & told that the model is doing her make-up. More than an hour passed, the model told us that she's on the cab already & on her way. Christian sensed that there is something wrong with what is happening. This shouldn't be happenning if a model wanted to be a pro. Hey, am not saying that we could make her an instant pro or bring her to stardom outright, but who knows! Three hours passed but still no response from her despite several sms. Christian even tried to call her but his calls were ignored. Sensing that we were duped by the "model", Christian immediately called up Ms. Jem Milton & asked if she's free for a shoot. Oh, what a relief when she said she's coming in an hour.

Ah, enough for the sentiments. At least, Ms. Jem Milton saved our day! "Yan ang professional", quipped many of us. Here's the result of a supposed bad day that turned out right:

Oh by the way, the duper model's name in the industry is Hotness Mary. Gosh, she even got the nerve of using a sacred name.

We (Neil, Rob, Christian, Ryan & John) would also like to thank Sir Vince of VC-North.

Thanks for droppin' by peeps!

Honeybaked Cafe & Restaurant

2010-07-11T00:28:00.009+08:00

It's been awhile since the last time I made a blog. Blame it on my sched as a hobbyist. I always keep myself busy with photography chuvaness not to mention the addiction with facebook (as most of us does, hehe).

Well, to keep things goin', I'll try this time food blogging(?) or shall I say picture-taking only as am not a chef, neither pretends to know about cooking. I'll try to relay instead to you dear readers thru very simple "photographical" presentations & I'll leave it to everyone else's imagination how it would taste like. Haha. Honestly, tastes are great and much much worthy of it's price.

Anyway, here it is:

Prices are surpisingly affordable. So next time when you visit Cagayan de Oro, please drop by at Honeybaked Cafe & Restaurant. It is located at the ground floor of Will's Place Hotel along Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City.

CATANAUAN COVE

2010-05-02T15:05:00.022+08:00

I’ve been hearin’ a lot of things about the resort, thus, when a Labor Day holiday was declared, I immediately convinced wifey to go to Catanauan, Quezon, of course in the guise of visiting relatives. Haha! I can never reveal to her that my real plan is to visit Catanauan Cove as she might be slighted. As a photography hobbyist, I always have this rush feeling to take pictures and immediately post it in Facebook or in my Multiply account especially when it comes to landscapes. No, we were not invited by the resort operator for this blog nor plans to check-in to have the feel, the curiousity is more than enough for me to make this one. Catanauan is just a 5-6 hours drive from Manila anyway or just about 260 kilometers away.

Initially, I felt bad when I was informed by my sister-in-law Agnes, that walk-ins are not allowed since it is not yet in full operations or non-members are not allowed, as of the moment. But luck is on my side (again) as my bro-in-law Armand asked me to accompany him for an ocular inspection to the resort for their summer outing. So, with my wife Alma, Agnes & Armand, we proceeded with the inspection, & of course, photoshoot.

Catanauan Cove is about 3.5 kms. away from the highway thru a macadamized road. At first, one will surmise that the development will not attract tourists because of the road, aside of being isolated. Using a sedan going through is not recommended especially on rainy days. But once you're inside, the bad impression would be replaced by fascination.

Phase 1 of the 11 hectare-project is in full swing. Balinese-inspired cottages are ready for occupancy. Oh by the way, the resort had its soft opening already & according to a marketing staff, the restaurant will have its opening soon, but food can be ordered from their kitchen.

Based on the resort's calendar, Catanauan Cove will fully open on September 2010. Can't wait for their opening? Check the pics below.

The welcome sight of the signage upon entering.

The Bali-inspired cottage(s).

The proposed spa shed.

Stairway leading to the restaurant & infinity pool.

The restaurant construction is in full swing.

"Duyan" are aplenty on this part of the resort.

For groups of guests, beach volleyball & soccer are already in placed.

There's only one thing I can say, "it's worth the trip".

LA EMELIA RESORT: The Home of Mutya ng Bahaghari

2010-04-15T22:14:00.007+08:00

I was so lucky that during our stay in La Emelia, the swimwear competition for the 2010 Mutya ng Bahaghari is also to be held the following morning. 'Twas gathered that the resort is home to the annual event.

Below are just some teasers of the activity:

The resort owner, Alex Fesariton posed with the candidates & reigning Mutya ng Bahaghari. Also standing far right is the resort's Marketing Manager, Mark.

Some more:

The reigning 2009 Mutya ng Bahaghari with some of the resort's guests:

Alex while watching (enjoying?) the parade of beauties:

And of course, this blogger with the 2009 Mutya ng Bahaghari:

LA EMELIA RESORT: A Hidden Paradise

2010-04-14T21:05:00.014+08:00

I've been long invited by a friend to visit La Emelia as he always bragged about it. Honestly, I was never impressed at first when I saw some pictures posted in the net & when asked about its location. Brgy. Ranzo nor Pinamalayan are not within our geography of dream vacation(s).

After several proddings, I gave in. I said to myself, why not try it? Anyway, the cost of staying in the resort is not that high. Before I took my vacation leave last Holy Week, I made sure that we'll be booked on a next long weekend as I've heard that while the resort is relatively new, local & foreign tourists are always frequenting.

I tagged along a friend & his family on this trip to combat boredom as I anticipate it. After several hours of travel, we headed to Brgy. Pili, Pinamalayan, where the service boat was waiting for us. The boat is big enough to sail even on rough waters. We were told that it'll take us 30 minutes to reach the place.

Along the shorelines, you'll see wonderful rock formations like on the upper photo. I always loved to look at these creations. The water also is so clear that you can view its bed.

After a couple of minutes, we saw a tower similar to the one in Pearl Farm. "Oh my God!", I quipped. I cannot believe that such kind is existing in this place. My friend is right, it's a wonderful place indeed!

My party were attended to immediately by the resort's courteous staff while I rushed elsewhere to look for angles of the tower. I almost forgot to eat lunch due to amazement. Below are the shots of the tower at different angles.

At our lunch, we were served with the daily catch of the locals as I understand, Ranzo is the only barangay in Pinamalayan with a marine sanctuary.

Kids holding giant squids is just a normal thing on this part of Pinamalayan.

Who said that staying in the resort is boring? Not me! Aside from swimming, you can practice being a belter on their videoke, play billiard, do snorkelling (maybe I need to save for an underwater camera) or just simply watch the waves while sipping a coffee in the terrace.

Lifeguard is always on-duty. Life vests & shoes are also available for a minimal fee.

La Emelia has 5 cottages. The main cottage has 5 big rooms & each room has individual toilet. The other 4 are typically designed just big enough for couples with individual toilets, too.

The main cottage.

The color-coded cottages

For health buffs, you can do hiking to El Sotero via 350 steps and you can have your buko at the top or have a glimpse of the seascape. A lighthouse known as Dumali Point can be seen from above.

For religious ones, a grotto of Our Lady of Guadalupe can be reached thru a hundred-steps concrete stair. It has been provided with steel railings for those that requires one.

The resort never fails me, it has a breathtaking sunrise too.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND LA EMELIA RESORT

La Emelia Resort is owned & operated by a local of Brgy. Ranzo. He envisioned not just to enjoy the fruits of his labor but rather create jobs among his neighbors.

The staff of La Emelia Resort with the owner.

The man behind of it all, Alex Fesariton.

The Support Group of La Emelia

Special thanks to the friend I'm referring to, Dondon a.k.a. "The Demolition Man".

From left to right: Dondon, Henry, Lito, Alex, me & Elmer.

Alex, Lito & Dondon.

In behalf of Nava & Jazul Family, our sincerest thanks!