Tag: Outdoor photography

Over the Rainbow

By livelifeandlove on October 11, 2023

A rainbow crosses a section of a lovely farm in Solana Cagayan. On the way from Tuguegarao back to Piat I took this photo. This hand-held photo captures the splendor of nature from a greater distance. Rare spectacles like this do not happen every day.

After the rain, a rainbow appears. It is a multicolored arc generated by sunlight striking over waterdroplets in the atmosphere. Simply breathtaking natural phenomena with a beautiful spectrum of diverse colors that offers optimism and vibrancy to nature.

According to the legend, a pot of gold can be found at the end of the rainbow, this appears to be extremely unthinkable. To check, you must visit the spot where the end of the rainbow touches the ground to verify the truth, although doing this seems like an impossible and difficult task. You’ve most likely been there before without even noticing it.

When I was younger, I was in my prime. I believed in this mythology that appeared to be true, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it’s simply a fairytale, a captivating story for the kids to enjoy. When you see a rainbow,given the opportunity to capture it, you should do so…

Thanks for reading my blog! Goodnight!

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Magnificent Sunset of Piat

By livelifeandlove on June 7, 2023

With the coming of summer comes the best time of year for taking images of sunsets, I had never given Piat much thought in terms of sunsets, but I was mistaken that my hometown is likewise capable of producing stunning sunsets.

Here are photos of my hometown’s breathtaking sunset as seen from the quarry site of Maguilling, Piat Cagayan. The hues of the sunset reflect on the water, adding beauty and a sense of tranquility. It’s a lovely way to end the day.

When I return to my hometown, I make it a point to capture the sunset since it is the moment that reminds me most of being there. This is the most authentic way for me to take a piece of home with me, I mean, the finest way to bring back memories.

Photo credit: Thanks Mik

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

Clearwing Hummingbird Moth

By livelifeandlove on October 17, 2022

Clearwing Hummingbird Olive green in color with a dark reddish-purple coloration on the back of the moth. A day-flying moth that is also one of the most fascinating guests that frequents the garden. A beautiful sunny day brings out the best in this helpful moth’s pollinating abilities. In addition to neither biting or stinging, they are regarded as being beneficial insects. The name denotes that it has clearwings, and the quick movement of its wings, often known as wingbeats, generates a humming sound.

Clearwing Hummingbird The moth tail has the appearance of a lobster’s tail because it extends out in the shape of a fan and is separated into two equal portions.

The Clearwing Hummingbird Moth, depicted in all of the photographs in this article, was hard at work pollinating flowers on the same day and at the same time.

Macro photography presents unique technical challenges, but by getting in close, you’ll see details you would have overlooked before. In a nutshell, these moths are works of art. I first mistook it for a baby hummingbird due to its ability to hover and its erratic flight pattern (backwards and sideways). It was challenging to find a secure footing in which to take photographs.

I was hesitant to photograph insects in direct sunlight due to contrast issues, and since they vanish in a matter of seconds, I had to work very rapidly to get even a handful of usable shots. In addition, I find that the light in the early morning or late afternoon is the softest and most pleasant for photography. These moths are only active during the midday hours, therefore this doesn’t work for them.

Insects like colorful butterflies, dragonflies, and honeybees are just some of the many that can be seen on my website. The vast majority of my photographs are unique or extremely unusual examples. It was pure luck that I was there at the correct time. There are many of nectar-producing flowers in our garden, making it a great site to catch butterflies and bees.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Beautiful Sunrise Over the Clouds

By livelifeandlove on November 30, 2018

With every sunset, there is also sunrise, top 5 among the world’s most photographed subjects of photography. Up close and personal, I have managed to capture the sunrise over the clouds from an airplane window while heading to Bali, Indonesia. Early morning flight schedule gave me the opportunity to capture the beautiful sunrise. At such a fast rate of speed, so quickly to rush, only just a moment to enjoy the sunrise.

My first experience to capture the early morning light that signals the beginning of the day. Up high looking down from an airplane window, it seems the trees and mountains looks so very small but I’m enjoying the stunning valley floor most splendid when the fog fills the meadows and drapes the surrounding cliffs and sentinel peaks.

The incoming sunrise

Blanket of clouds at sunrise, it’s a worthy wonders of nature.

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

Beautiful Monarch Butterfly Landed On Flower

By livelifeandlove on November 27, 2018

I adore being able to go outside and enjoy the perfect weather. This morning has started off very kind! Both the presence of beautiful garden delights and the value of this feature as a visual element contribute to the overall aesthetic value of the garden and the beauty of flowers with the surprising variety of butterflies. A burst of color can be provided by your garden’s ornamental components if it has been thoughtfully designed. This month, there has been an abundance of butterflies of many different species; they provide a pleasant source of joy in the morning.

Lantanas possesses an inherent beauty all its own, with cascading colors that open to the most exquisite flowers in pink, yellow, and fuschia.

A monarch butterfly alighting on a flower for a moment before taking flight…

A monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of lantana flowers in a cluster. They perform the same function of pollination as bees.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Nipple Hill of Piat

By livelifeandlove on November 22, 2018

Nature trails as starting locations for investigating new territories. The abundance of roadside sites allows for independent sightseeing. I can get to Nipple hill, which is near the road, by following a nice track. These gracefully shaped hills were given the moniker “Nipple hill” by yours truly.

Feather White Pampass Grass Farm / Piat Cagayan

By livelifeandlove on November 19, 2018

We passed by Feather White Pampass Grass Farm on our way back to Piat from Tuguegarao. I was amazed to see the feathery grasses, I can’t pass without taking a few shots, it’s just so great not to miss these gorgeous shots for a simple souvenir.

From the attractive edge on a bright sunny day, what a dramatic backdrop by the view of the orange-purple glow of the sun above, I’m enjoying hiking trails into the areas set amidst a roadside under laid with beds of ornamental grasses.
Gorgeous photos taken on a bright sunny day, it’s particularly unique and full of life. I don’t see the same kind of ornamental grasses everyday.

The Piat Hill-Itawes Landmark

By livelifeandlove on November 9, 2018

It was once covered with vast dense of forest, Challenges abound steep and slope hikes, it was so remote that wildlife often strolls through. The people of Piat before consider this hill to be a mountain because of range does consider to be a combination of both.

Growing up in Piat, the hills, mountains and nature have always been a part of my life. In my childhood, I spent great time playing outdoors, climbing mountains accessible nearby, our house itself sits on top of the mountain and from our house window overlooking from a distance with a great level of clarity, the hilltop looks like within reach.

Looking back into the past, this hill is not new to me, it was year 1972 when we first explored it, it was the beginning of my childhood adventure and first climb. Despite its beautiful view, this hill has earned its reputation as typical threat because of the presence of monkeys and snakes around and strong winds can literally blow climbers away but just like any other kids our age, we were carefree and innocent to ignore the danger side. Me with fellow classmates climbed this rugged hill before. Our group is composed of grade school classmates; Maritess, May, Librada, myself, Stella and Divina. From an early age of 11, we were the youngest mountain explorers in Piat, we went there to gather, ”Bat Ayong”(monkey fruit) I don’t know, it was curiosity that drives us there. way up was so tiring that involves hiking and trekking through. It took us 45 minutes to reach the summit and while there, we stayed for an hour to enjoy mountain fruits. There’s one thing we learned here aside from breaking parent rules, we all learned how to conquer our fears as we all had fun. Climbing the hills and mountains before was even worth it, you’ll be rewarded by the sweetness of wild fruits full of nutrients. Believe it or not, the ”Bat Ayong” tastes is heavenly. I don’t know the scientific name of this fruit, it is oval in form, soft and red in color. Bat Ayong is just an edible fruit for wild monkeys and birds. After my childhood adventure, that’s exactly why I started to love hills and mountains.

Happy days happened during childhood. We only get to be young once. Reminiscing the past, it feels I’m mentally 10 years old in energy and suddenly…. it brings tears to my eyes.

It had been nearly a year since my last visit in Piat, that was October of 2018. I was amazed at how Piat progressed. With the arrival of new developments, you’ll be energized by its variety of offerings and new attractions. Today, the dangerous hill has transformed into a beautiful landmark in the sky, ”The Piat Hill” It is now a prominent Itawes landmark that offers a scenic view of the town. The awe-inspiring scenery above the hill attracts many visitors, the view on top is truly spectacular!

In the past, parents disallow their children to climb the hilltop because it is not safe. Nowadays, it is a must-visit, a must-climb and trekking. The Piat hill is now a beautiful climbing site.

Stairs and trails leading to the hilltop. Series of spectacular scenery above far more awe-inspiring.

Taken October of 2018 during my first visit. My trip wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to this beautiful landmark. I’m happy to be back, I feel the same admiration as before.

The viewing deck at the top of Piat hill. I’m here reminiscing the past, the event that took place before to connect with the present. The old part of me is back! How fast time flies! From where I’m standing, my memories of childhood so different from the way it is now. My hometown has changed a lot over the years.

The aerial view of the Black Water Lagoon from the hilltop.

For a dramatic setting, go during twilight hours, the skyline is quiet colorful and vibrant overlooking the Basilica Minore Nuestra Senora De Piat belfry, Chico river and the towering mountains down to the beautiful Black water Lagoon.

The scenic splendor of surrounding landscape, the nearby mountains and farms on one side. This is the current picturesque view of the town.

I would like to extend my thanks to my grade school classmates who invited me to climb with them before. I wish to reconnect with former classmates I haven’t seen in many years.

Transforming vision into reality. Thank you mayor for your consistent efforts and hard work. Municipal Mayor of Piat Atty. Carmelo Villacete.

Note: Itawes or Itawis, Itawit, Tawit is a northern language spoken by Itawes people. (Take note of the endonym or autonym)

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Sunset Beach Nasugbu Batangas

By livelifeandlove on September 28, 2018

A very beautiful beach with both combinations of rocky and sandy, this place is my favorite spot to capture the sunset. The peaceful moment, you can even watch the sun as it sinks completely below the horizon while swimming, that would be quiet memorable.

Previously, I have favored Marina beach to be the best however, sunset beach graceful formation of rocks with the stunning sunset background and waves washing ashore commands a spectacular site, it’s a compelling attraction to take panoramic scenes.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Kabigan Falls Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

By livelifeandlove on September 6, 2018

The hiking trail goes up Kabigan falls would take 45 mins, a tour guide will lead you all the way from the entrance to the waterfall and back. Taking the easier route, we passed by a long stretch of large plantations and vegetation. The hiking path crosses a river, 2 streams and small hanging bridges along the stony land and climbing above mountains of evergreen forest, a rugged stairs will lead you up to the waterfall.

Kabigan Falls (Barangay Balaoi Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte) a cascade of water flowing down a steep rocky slope and situated inside an evergreen forest on top of the mountain. The refreshing pool at the bottom of the falls is quiet perfect for swimming, you’ll enjoy not only swimming but climbing Kabigan mountains with river flows in to the embrace of the plains.

Crossing out rivers and streams with big stones, a mountain surrounded by tropical trees, small waterfalls right in the middle of the jungle but Kabigan falls offers a spectacular view over the entire mountains and farmlands.

Thanks to our tour guide for the first 30 mins. Manang ( friendly tourist guide) who accompanied us all the way to the first station and from there, another one will take over.

Despite the rugged trail on this route goes through… 11:00 am is an unfavorable time to hike. I’m carrying 2 bottles of water and cookies, the extreme heat of the sun as the hot temperature hovering underneath, this is the reason why not to forget to bring all your travel essentials like sunblock, umbrellas, hat, friendly shoes and sunglasses, you’ll really need it as the sun causes problems.

An eagle appeared out of nowhere diving and gliding around in circular flight. What a scenic view but I’ve missed to shoot.

Breathtaking! This would be an ideal place where people could get together in harmony with nature.

A few minutes stop to give time for the animals, seems I’m welcomed. So nice to bond with the cows and other cattle around.

The rugged trek is just a part of mountaineering.

Deep into the forest is quiet dark and bit cold but I feel excited and comfortable over rugged terrain, it is an exciting experience with mother nature.

Exhausting!. Considered as strenuous trek.

Trekking up and down the mountain, A climb upwards is difficult.

We finally reached our destination Kabigan Falls.

It’s a beautiful mother nature. Inside the forest you can hear not only the birds but also the hissing, whistling noise of the bugs, crickets and cicadas in chorus, just like an ultrasonic sound with a full volume.

It’s really worth the effort to visit. It was a rewarding hike!

Photos taken along the way. What a beautiful experience to see the beauty of nature. Hope to be back again soon…

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