Category: My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Photographing different subjects;Landscapes,Garden insects,Farm animals,people,Wildlife and my own adventure,travel and interesting subject of science.

My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Ilocos Tour Guide 2018

By on July 16, 2018

Going to the northern part of the country is basically a long drive that takes 7-8 hours to get there. There’s much more to explore and lot more notable features to catch your attention aside from the scenic routes in between stops. To those who are willing to explore the fun and exciting adventure, nothing can give you more pleasure and surprises than a great tour to Ilocos. Gaining more popularity, it offers everything one would expect of a beautiful destination.

For those seeking to just refresh for a few days to cool down from the noise of the city or for those adventure seekers looking for all points of interests with a full swing of thrilling escapades to experience sandboarding and the amazing 4×4 ride then, Ilocos is the best place to go! They are bound to thrill adventurers. Another important feature, there are other tourists spots where people visit to take picturesque photos of Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud.

This would be your reliable guide if you are interested to join a group tour, this blog will help you plan for your next destination. I joined this tour, Ilocos Tour package for only 3,300 PHP (except meals, sport/personal activity fees) 3 days and 2 nights where trips leave at 10:00 pm, it’s a group tour with other 8 participants. I’ve been to Ilocos many times but it’s over 3 years since my last visit, I didn’t have that many expectations until this scheduled group tour with complete itineraries. Ilocos today, they have completed so much more of it.

Ilocos Tour Package Itinerary

Day 00

We all meet at Centris station parking lot at around 9 pm, that’s the scheduled assembly place and pick-up time. We were a group of nine and my group was the last to arrive so we occupied the back seat. Traveled by van, we left Manila at around 9:30 pm. It was a worry-free tour, we just sit back and relax listening to music, it was a very peaceful moment inside the van. Everyone else was sleeping, others were snoring, I can hear different tunes but it’s still music to my ears,  it’s ok as they are now my family. When you are on a tour away from home, people and friends become your family members, a home!

We had several stops at least 5 x  for necessity and hot coffee. I can just recall the last stop-over we had at Marsha’s Delicacies, I bought a box of Sweet Royal Bibingka. I can’t wait but to take a few morning bites, it’s so sweet and delicious!  Our driver was rushing to catch up Calle Crisologo before the sun shines, the best time to take photos there when it’s still dark. We arrived in Vigan at exactly 4:30 in the morning.

Join me as I travel around Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, my adventure starts here

Day 1

The first stop on our tour is the Casual landmark of Vigan where visitors can roam around the fountain area to take a few photos around Plaza Salcedo. A few walks away from here is Calle Crisologo, a street filled with Spanish inspired structures, they have maintained and fully restored the historical point of interest. Around Vigan, you can see here the earliest example of Spanish Architecture, the impressive remains carefully preserved antique culture up to the present. After Calle Crisologo we head to St Augustine church widely known as Paoay church and commonly known as ‘’earthquake Baroque’’ a roman catholic church in the Philippines. Beside the Paoay church is a bell tower dating from 1793, you can go upstairs to see the aerial view of the whole ground but first, look for the caretaker to assist you. Just beside St Augustine church and behind the Belltower is a beautiful San Augustine garden. I’m enjoying the views of the surrounding appreciating everything.

It’s almost 6:00 am, I need hot coffee! All restaurants and outlets are still closed at this time, no other options but a nearby nipa hut carinderia ‘’Park and Shop Resto’’ that serves Ilocano foods, we had our first meal of the day here. We ordered a few varieties of our chosen favorites; Pancit Canton, Vigan Longganisa with egg and fried rice, Beef tapa among others.. We did enjoy our first breakfast, it’s simple but tasty.

Following breakfast as it was already planned earlier, proceed directly to Culili Point- the extreme 4×4 ride and Sandboarding at Culili Point Sand Dunes, two of the most popular activities here in Ilocos.  After the desert adventure, we stopped for a quick lunch along the way at Ilocano restaurant and again, it was simple and delicious. After lunch, we head to Malacanang of the North named after the presidential palace in Manila and the last place visited is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

We arrived at the hotel before five in the afternoon. We were all exhausted after a long day, ending the day with a relaxing warm bath. We spent our first night at 3’s Place Resort. The first day was full of energy and excitement, lots of surprises throughout the day, the first day was truly remarkable.

Day 2

After our breakfast, we head to the spectacular Kapurpurawan Rock Formation followed by Pagudpud Windmills. Chasing more excitement to the forest above mountains of Kabigan Falls. Around 4.6 km and 6 mins drive to reach Paraiso ni Anton. Nearby, 6 mins to reach the beautiful Patapat Viaduct and the enchanting Bantay-Abot Cave. We spent the whole afternoon swimming at Blue Lagoon beach. We had dinner at Fine Dining Resto around Saud, given the opportunity to drop by Saud beach to chase the sunset.

Tonight would be our last, hopefully, we can get on the road earlier tomorrow, we would be leaving in the afternoon. We’ve seen 10 beautiful attractions today, we were never in one place for a day. For 2 days, we found ways to genuinely bond with my tour mates and trying the best we could for the last day. Going on tour can be grueling, there’s not much time except for sightseeing, walking, sleeping, and eating. This is what tour is all about…

Day 3

It was an early wake-up call, 5:30 am. We head directly to the first and oldest Bangui Windmill followed by the impressive Sinking Bell tower of Laoag. After the close encounter with the animals at Baluarte ni Chavit and Safari Gallery. We had timely breakfast at Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang restaurant in Vigan. From there, a chance to witness a part of history to visit the Bantay Belltower, Pagburnayan Jar Factory, and National Museum. We had a quick lunch at a food chain around Plaza Salcedo. Departing Vigan at 3:00 pm and we arrived Manila 9:30 pm. I had a great time as the tour was well-planned and organized. Everything’s fine to surpass all my expectations. We have visited more than 25 beautiful sites, more places to go, so little time…

It’s more exciting to join Ilocos tour, Ilocos is generally safe and package tour relatively affordable. When my Ilocos tour was about to end, I was reluctant to bid goodbye but I cannot go beyond as some responsibilities waiting for me back home. I’ve seen over 25 beautiful attractions, I’ve experienced a bit of Ilocano life and a chance to bond with the locals and tour mates with no language barrier.

Just after my Ilocos tour, I’ve been singing praises after my adventure. Ilocos allows you to explore a variety of historical and architectural attractions, it is only among many destinations options here in Northern Luzon. It was easy for me to communicate with the locals here, I can speak Ilocano. I’m from the Northern part of the country, ”Cagayan Valley” which is only a few hours drive to Ilocos but I’m now based here in Manila and that makes a journey of 7 hours going there. It’s not a hassle considering the new development of wide expressways that cut across. It’s now easier than before, the good navigation system to guide motorist to all routes, it helps spur economic development, tourists is greatly increased in the north.

The hotel ”3’s Place Hotel” where we stayed in during our Ilocos Tour.

Top 25 Attractions we visited in Ilocos Region

Vigan Ilocos Sur Landmark

Calle Crisologo Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Calle Crisologo Vigan, Ilocos Sur

St. Augustine Church  Paoay, Ilocos Norte

St. Augustine Garden, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Sandboarding Culili Point Paoay Sand Dunes Ilocos Norte

4×4 Ride Culili Point Paoay Sand Dunes Ilocos Norte

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse  Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Saud Sunset Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

  Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills Ilocos Norte

Kabigan Falls Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Abot Cave Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Patapat Bridge Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Paraiso Ni Anton Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Malacañang of the North Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Sinking Bell Tower Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Bantay Abot Cave Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

 Bantay Watchtower Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Vigan Cathedral Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Hidden Garden Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Baluarte Zoo Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Saint Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Elpidio Quirino National Museum  Burgos St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Pagburnayan Jar Factory Vigan, Ilocos Sur

In addition, Food Offerings, Pasalubong counter and Restaurants

Park and Shop Resto Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The birthplace of Pinakbet Pizza Herencia Restaurant Vigan, Ilocos Sur

My Favorite cold drinks in Ilocos ”Ice Crumble”

Fruits in Ilocos; Mangoes, siniguelas and duhat

Four Stars Native Delicacies counter;  Ilocos native Tinubong, Bagnet, Vigan longganisa, Bagoong and many more…

Ilocos Tour  Package

Interested to Join? Anyone can join as long as you are willing to be together with other groups to fill the desired number of 10 participants in the van. The van will leave earlier if all participants are already complete. For more Ilocos Tour Package details Rates/ Package Inclusions/ Accommodations/ Itinerary/ Terms and Conditions/Transport Unit with Driver /Different rate applies during Holidays and Peak season > Click this Link> Contact> Wayph Tour

Tour package without entrance fees/Not included in the Package are the following; 

Meals, Entrance fee of Bojeador Lighthouse, Blue Lagoon Hut is 1K, Horse riding going Bantay Bell Tower, Shuttle Ride Baluarte, Animal Feeding/Rides, Zip Line, 4 x 4 Ride/Sandboarding 2,500 for 5 persons

Package Inclusions:

  • Accommodations
  • Van Transfers [Manila-Ilocos-Manila][Tour Around Ilocos]
  • Driver’s Meals and Accommodation
  • Government Taxes and Surcharges
  • Guide and Entrance Fees
  • Tour Coordinator

Assembly Time  /Place: Centris Walk Parking Lot Quezon Avenue, MRT Station

Departure Every Thursday Night

Expected Time of Departure Manila to Ilocos 10: 00 pm

Expected Time of Arrival 6:00 am

Reliable and Safe driver

Note: You need to come early to choose the best seats

Continue Reading

14 Comments
My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Roman Catholic Churches/ Bell Tower Ilocos Region

By on July 12, 2018

Ilocos region abounds in handsome churches and beautiful attractions. Out of 12 churches in Ilocos, we visited three; San Agustin church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Vigan Cathedral and San Augustine church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur

San Agustin Church Paoay, Ilocos Norte

St Augustine church widely known as Paoay church and commonly known as ‘’earthquake Baroque’’ a roman catholic church in the Philippines. It is considered as an absolute masterpiece of the old baroque architecture.

Paoay Church Bell Tower

Beside the Paoay church is a bell tower dating from 1793, you can go upstairs to see the aerial view of the whole ground but first, look for the caretaker to assist you.

San Augustine church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur

One of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur, built in 1590 with Fr. Montoya Osa as the parish priest. It was named after the patron saint by the Augustine friars. It was also badly damaged during the World war 11 but was reconstructed in 1950. The richly restored façade carefully preserved with the combination of both; Neo-Gothic and Pseudo-Romanesque design with the fighting scene during uprising of Diego Silang way back in 1763.

According to the early ancestors, the image of Our Lady of Charity was found by fisherman inside a wooden box floating in the river of Bantaoay.  Other people that time cannot move the image as only the people of Bantay were able to carry the miraculous image. Our Lady of Charity as the named given due to many miracles interceeding numerous devotees.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad as the patroness of Ilocandia.

Looking up at the dome-shaped cupola, the clean white curved can be seen up there.

 

Bantay Watchtower

The principal means of defense and a symbol of protection from enemies. It also serves as  the elevated observation point during the Spanish period.

Vigan Cathedral

Built in 1641, became a cathedral when the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred from Lallo Cagayan to Vigan in 1758. It was occupied by the revolutionists in 1896 and American forces in in 1899. It was only a chapel of wood and thatch that time and damaged twice by 2 earthquakes in 1619 and 1627 and by fire in 1739.

 

Vigan Cathedral Bell Tower

Continue Reading

2 Comments
My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Photography Elements and Application

By on May 28, 2018

Even the simplest things in life, we photographed the sunrise and sunset from the beginning of day to the end. Others in between, we also photographed landscape, people, events, site of natural disasters, wildlife, beauty spots, war photos and forensic matters, just to name a few..  

I would like to begin outdoors. Outdoor photography is so much fun, much more to take interesting subjects of life and nature as we observed much about what’s happening around, about people, places and things. Through photographs, it has the power to show us the real images much more to understand life itself.

Following my own photography assignment everyday, I cannot go out without my camera, (Smart phone as one good option) it’s already a part of long time ago up to the present. I’ve captured a handful scenes of summer indoor and outdoor photography, these pictures includes landscape, vacation scenes, wildlife snapshots done in  a bright and foggy condition. The result of each or the outcome depends upon the weather condition  and time of the day.

Of all images, one best memorable shot goes to the bearer, surely this would be the  best advantage to see full transformation. To document yourself as part of your own personal record, you may start it from the beginning of life up to aged and soon.. never to mention the end of time. If you have images from birth up to the present, all photographs serves as a personal history record of your transformation from day one to the end of time. I’m sure the long years of collecting pictures would be your long lived effort as you fade with the time.

Photography is a process in which an image is produced by the action of visible light and it is also a learning process as you go on with it. In the past, I’ve discovered something about insect behavior that wasn’t even written in any book, I can see by myself now the value of what I’m doing, it will give more understanding and information as it also serves as add on to the things I’ve already learned from the past.

Here are the images taken lately, I would like to begin with images done outdoors in a broad daylight followed by nightlight. Other photos, from dawn to dusk.

A wide freedom to choose the best subject to shoot. Whatever the subject, all photographs tends to create a different mood upon seeing it. May it be remarkable, beautiful, romantic, magnificent, lonely setting or a gloomy one. I don’t have gloomy images here but I’m 100% sure astronomer has it. A photo is not always at its best but to admire and appreciate is just a matter of personal taste.

Some photographs here fully done in horizontal format, holding the camera horizontally is much easier than vertical one, I’m sure we all know the basic functions. It all depends, horizontal format is good for landscape photos however, vertical format suggests high rise buildings and a tower.

Sports photography

Flyboarding Jumeirah Dubai ( Hydro water sports) an amazing water show but extremely a dangerous stunt. Picture above and my present featured image are the rarest to capture.

3-D Photography (Three-dimentional) the art and beauty appeared to be natural. Most feared photo but I admired.

Underwater Photography Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro

Meet my model subject: the Snorkelers  HJ and GGG

The most challenging photography because you need to be a good diver and photographer at the same time. It’s very hard to keep camera steady underwater,You can only get successful pictures if the visibility is good. Points to consider;  clear water and sunny day is the most favorable from 10 am to 1 pm

Night Photography

Capturing beautiful fireworks exploding in night sky of Manila Bay. Photo taken during the  Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at SM Mall of Asia Complex.

Photography Above Ground

These 2 photos was actually captured from airplane window during a flight from Sydney Australia. It takes a great deal of luck to photograph from aircraft  as you know photographing through a plastic window degrades the quality. I’m lucky to have both the bright sky clouds and the sunset, cool!

Capturing the sunset through a plastic window of an aircraft. You can clearly see here the beautiful colors of the sun above dark clouds. A very rare chance to capture these 2 photos from above.

Landscape photography

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a wide steel arch bridge. Below Harbour Bridge is the Sydney Opera House and from the left is Luna Park, the 3 most popular Sydney attractions. Photo taken at Sydney, Australia

Beside the West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Famous West Lake is a man-made lake located in the city proper of Hangzhou,

St. Jerome Parish Church of  Morong, Rizal is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Photography to be the old traces of the past is very much alive!

Gigantic Monkey Statue of Isdaan Floating Restaurant Calauan, Laguna

Thailand scene in the Philippines, the Giant Statue of Isdaan Floating Restaurant Calauan, Laguna,

A good example of Chinese temple architecture. Hwa Chong Temple of Buddha is a Buddhist temple place of worship.

Reflections of the sunset through my pineapple juice is a very dramatic element at sunset time. Photo taken at Cloud Nine Antipolo city

Basilica de San Martin de Tours is Asia’s largest church and the oldest Church in Taal, Batangas. I took this aerial view of Basilica from the Bell Tower.

The beauty of Boracay, the most photographed beach in the Philippines and was awarded ”Traveler’s Choice 2011”  This photo of beautiful beach as shown with detailed effects, the shadow of the 2 girls from the clear water. Photo taken at Boracay Island, Aklan Philippines

Sunset photography

The beautiful Harbour view sunset Harbor view Roxas Boulevard Manila. Best spot to capture the sunset.

The lone fisherman sitting on a rock is a lonely feature as the background tends to be a gloomy atmosphere. The broad and lonely setting will change your mood.  Photo taken during our Manila Bay Cruise, Sun Cruises, Manila

Gondola ride at Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City. Truly a grand and elegant mall.

The easiest to capture Marvel Super hero. If you are a fan of super heroes from the comic book, you will love this! This is an old parade standby platform. Picture taken during one of my morning visit to the Butterfly Garden of Rainforest Park.

What should I do when I get bored? Well, I will continue to pursue my hobby, I will shoot the carpenter bees, they are the easiest and nearest to home but if I’m busy, admittedly, I will miss the precise schedule of my daily routine.

After hot summer and here comes the rainy days,I’m running out of time to complete all images for publishing, need to maximize more time. My patience is being tested to do all these things. Doing all these things to give justice to all beautiful things in life, I’m recording it to preserve such moments. I’m sure, my efforts is no great deal goes to waste. I wish to show sharp edges and fine details, quality pictures is very important to document reality of life.

Drop a note to brighten my day!
Thank you! 

Continue Reading

4 Comments
My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

White Beach Sunset Puerto Galera

By on May 17, 2018

White Beach Resort Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Another favorite island destination because of its flawless white sand with a crystal blue water, an outstanding dive spot, a gorgeous sunset, beautiful underwater delights and a haven for snorkelers and divers. Sunset attracting too many crowds, a truly memorable sunset scene of White Sand Beach Resort aim to bring everyone closer to his/her loved ones.

GGG standing in front of the beautiful sunset

The overhead cloudiness which is thick and low partly covered the right side of the sky, it’s partly cloudy at this moment but the sunset still remain gorgeous.

Romantic Love Scene

Sunset at dusk turns differently as it fades in the evening, we often see lovers holding hands together as the sun about to disappear in the horizon, details shows in black shadows that will create a warm glow. The location tends to convey a gentle mood in a very romantic setting. This is the best way to end the day…

Continue Reading

5 Comments
Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

8 Beautiful Photos of Blue Banded Bees

By on May 15, 2018

Blue Banded bee is also known as Orchard Mason bee is found throughout Philippines. Just like the native honeybees, it is a common sight in the city. Blue Banded bee is a flying insect with a blue stripes across its black abdomen. I just love capturing interesting subjects inside our own territory. I have a handful photos of Blue Banded bees with the black Carpenter bees and honeybees on my camera, I’m taking too much pictures of these species and my file folder is already full. huh! It’s worth keeping it for educational purposes as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More bees to come next posts..

Continue Reading

Leave a comment
My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Tali Beach Revisited

By on May 10, 2018

Getting to know more what each and every place has to offer, this is another family destination increasing in popularity. With just 2 hours drive away from Manila, one point to consider, Tali beach as it is known as your nearest privacy getaway close to home, you don’t have to book overpriced tickets. In here, you can have wonderful choices with a travel time easier and much faster access to all resorts due to Kaybiang tunnel, a 300 meter tunnel connecting Ternate, Cavite to all resorts of Nasugbu, Batangas.

The source of happiness is always by choosing the best destination but for us, it is more on peaceful relaxation so no need to look further than Batangas, we are back to Tali beach for a 4 days vacation. Did you know that Tali Beach subdivision has 7 beaches? How cool is that!

For the adventurous and to those who want to experience a peaceful and enjoyable family vacation inside a prominent community.Take note,Tali beach subdivision is a private seaside community and not public resort. They are more on security, gate  guard house security personnel are strictly implementing policies, rules and regulations.

A walking tour inside the subdivision provides you the opportunity to see scenic view of the beautiful landscape around; Breathtaking cliff site and mountaintops,  amazing coastlines, European style houses and seaside villas, 7 beautiful beaches, magnificent sunset, wonderful singing birds and all stunning view above and below ground.

Sky overhead, clouds rise to great heights appeared like puffs of white cotton and the cool wind blows from the west.So much for this location, got many beautiful photos around. This is to record reality of life and to document places I’ve been to in a very meaningful way.. Now, let’s make a bit review.

List of Beaches inside Tali beachfront Nasugbu, Batangas

There are 7 beaches but only 4 are visited. One thing good about a private resort, less crowded beach, you don’t see any vendors roaming around, no restaurants and food establishments.

  1. Marina beach
  2. Main beach
  3. Sunset beach
  4. Secret beach
  5. Palm beach
  6. Barrier beach
  7. Coral garden beach

 

Marina beach – Sandy beach with a long stretch of sand attracts tourists and locals especially in summer. This is the most popular among all 7 beaches around. You’ll experience here all kinds of water sports; Jet Ski, Banana boat, Speed boat, Kayaking, beach volleyball to name a few..

Main Beach– A sandy beach with waves crashing against the cliff side. Sea arches which is a big rock formation from both sides provides a picturesque view for photography. Currents can be quiet strong late afternoon. Boat tours are available around, Jet Ski, Banana boat etc..

Sunset beach– A sandy and stony beach with a very romantic setting combining both the beauty of the sunset down to the deep blue sea. The presence of the small sized sea arches with birds perched on top is a special attraction. You can see here picture of people taking sunset on a rock just before sundown, this is a very stunning beach to take dramatic pictures and memorable as well.

Secret beach– Seems to be unexplored and isolated with no people around, that makes it very beautiful. With the presence of fan and cabbage corals scattered around definitely, this is a beach for hunting dry sea shells and corals. The water is clear that you can see fishes down there, if you want to enjoy your own privacy with no inhabitants can be seen around, this beach is all yours!

For the Palm, Barrier and Coral garden beach photos from previous visit last December>   { Click Link here..}

Special Attractions

Cliff Jump Site– Famous jumping spot. For the thrill seekers, you’ll witness superlative diving here. It is also the favorite photography spot to capture picturesque photos of the cliff by the sea.

Cliff Beachfront– A lovely spot to witness the most vibrant and dazzling sunset of Nasugbu and it is also a good spot where you can sit down on a cliff overlooking South China Sea.

Seaside cliff park– Astonishing site to view the beautiful coastlines. Down there, the breathtaking view of sunset beach from cliff view point.

Beautiful Sunset

All beaches good for swimming especially Marina, Main and Sunset beach. Snorkeling, cliff jumping, banana boat rides, coastline trails, scuba diving and sunset viewing. If you want to get on the water, there are tours getting around seaside or catch a big boat around Main beach.

Visiting Tali Beach for another experience, it offers something relaxing that will make you come back again and again. Back home, this would be an interesting travel tale to tell and share. Come visit and experience what Tali Beach has to offer, I’m sure you will love it!

Continue Reading

4 Comments
My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Cliff Jump Site Adventure

By on May 4, 2018

The view of the towering rock at the edge of the sea, a young girl sitting on a high rock by a Cliffside with a mobile phone on hand. Is this the perfect rock to sit on? It was windy but it seems freely and comforting sitting there.
Hidden behind is the most stunning beachfront residence within sunset Cliffside located inside Tali beach subdivision (Private resort) The Cliff Jump Site is the most photographed landmark here in Nasugbu. Don’t miss this place, this is the top must-see park here in Batangas.

Continue Reading

Leave a comment