For the sunset lovers out there! Ever wonder which sunset photos made it to the fullest scene lately? With too many sunset photos that was published ? I think, this is one best of mine. There were too many beautiful places for sunset photography but the best choice is the Sunset Drive Tali Beach Subdivision, Nasugbu, Batangas, it’s relatively cool around here, sunset can easily be photographed while sitting on the ground. That’s more relaxing!
It looks so pretty, pleasant and peaceful inside the Tali Subdivision, Island outing this time has gone far better. I was talking about our latest adventure last December, this was pretty darn cool! With just a two and a half drive away from the south capital of Manila in the province of Batangas is a small town of Nasugbu facing the waters of South China Sea. From all levels, Nasugbu as one of the several diving sites in the Philippines has plenty to offer not only to divers but also to tourists and water sport fanatics as well. Best enough to enjoy lingering around, cliff diving, scuba, snorkeling, speed boating and the beaches are enough interesting sites considering the calm pristine waters, abundance of flying fishes, beautiful shells and white corals, sea stars and some exotic species to name a few.. Once you get there, there’s a lot more to surprise you and a lot more to be discovered. Nasugbu is blessed with endless coastlines stretching in all directions, many beautiful scenes to behold, great diving destination and swimming areas.
Inside the private and friendly community, these are the things to try while on vacation: Personal gadgets seems to be very useful to this point, ready! focus! and click! Just a bit review…
Along Sunset Drive recognized as one of the best places to watch the sunset. Closer distance, we spotted the flying fishes and migratory birds atop cliff side. With a peaceful and serene atmosphere, sun ray’s sparkling off the gentle waves turned into a sparking multi-colored diamonds. Sunset drive is a welcome sight to watch the sunset.
The scenery is breathtaking from atop. Glancing towards us, sun still drifting along with trailing pink red and blue and orange ribbons of light. It feels like I’m so close to nature, it was a Magnificent sunset!
You can enjoy sipping a cold drinks while watching the sunset with romantic tune playing on your phone, we’ve all been here the whole afternoon till day ends, the thrill of watching the sunset as it descends in the horizon is a memorable experience especially if you are with your loved ones.
For scuba, a lush of underwater world attractions that features; coral reefs, cauliflower-shaped and pink corals, sea shells, abundance of lion fishes, scorpion fishes stingrays and sharks.
Soft corals washed ashore by strong waves and currents.
For water Sports- Jet skis, Speed boats, Luxury yachts, Banana boats
An amazing brownstone arising dramatically intended for cliff jumping, the large brown rock formation created by nature.
A favorite way to begin a day around Cliff jump site park. The sun rose bright and full warm as the favorable wind refreshes our mood. Overlooking the coastlines below, the quiet greenery of palm trees and mountains, flying fishes jumping over the water, speed boats and jet skis crossing around ships.
Top view of the island is the highest peak, nevermind climbing steeply up and down, the steep hillside that leads to the panoramic view of the sunset, you can view the heavy slopes but with a well-manicured landscape and a gentle refreshing breeze to cool your photography mood.
At a distance, we spotted a beautiful vacation house with a fascinating landscape, it’s a seaside paradise, the sun greeted me with a full bright sunshine smile to see it.
Seaside architecture and an extraordinary home by the sea. Breathtakingly beautiful setting!
A privately owned island, two large rocks jutting up out of the sea. Overlooking the two coastal rock formations, it was a twin island arising in the middle of the sea.
Beautiful formation of the cave and it’s also a popular site.
The big boat can accommodate 16 people but with only 5 aboard heading to Munting Buhangin carrying members of the family from Tali beach experiencing full force of wind and heavy waves but was replaced by excitement when we passed by Fortune island and Twin Islands. After some safety instructions, the boat provides safety life jacket, all very necessary.
The 45 minutes riding was a pleasurable one as we sees the passing speed boats,luxury yachts, colorful sailboats, and other passing watercrafts. What a relaxing expression from our faces to see 50 yards ahead of us, I could see the pristine white beach, this could be the place,”Munting Buhangin”
Walking around the island, I was pretty scared to see all these particular species, they’re supposed to be incredibly rare in most places. This is real interesting, I haven’t seen one like this before. I think, this is water centipede, it was huge and incredibly long crawling near the rocky bit of corals.
Water centipede
How about this one? A black dead eel washed ashore by strong waves.
Crab cave
It’s so quiet and peaceful with few inhabitants around, it was just five minutes walk from the place where we are staying but the rugged slopes made me tired climbing up and down.
Main Beach
The good setting is is just as also beautiful to spot the sunset. It is accessible to all points.
If you are lucky to catch the annual Tali Beach Concert Festival, your stay would even be more memorable.
Pleasant sea breeze ominously cool. Speedboats are common that can be seen around. Plenty of sea shells, star fishes and eel can be spotted around.
It was a perfect afternoon at Marina beach, water is cold and refreshing.
Beautiful setting of Marina Beach
A kilometer stretch of white sand beach that can suit 5,000 people with choices of exclusive and semi-exclusive accommodation.
Munting Buhangin Beach Camp
Other beaches in Nasugbu; Sumo Bank– suited for professional divers, Canyon Cove Beach Club, Fortune Island Resort these are just a few to mention…
Sumo Bank– it is said to be suited for more professional divers, among other features; cauliflower-shaped corals with sharks roaming around.
Anilao– Favorite dive spots and birthplace of Philippine scuba. The favorite photo spot for photographers is the Cathedral Rock with vibrant colorful reef fish.
Fortune Island – Just like the Twin Island, the most famous dive-sites a privately owned island. Blue holes, one particular area features sweet lips, parrot fishes, angelfishes butterfly-fishes, squid and cattle fishes. You can also spot the remains of the old freighter 20 meters underwater.
Puerto Galera and Verde Island– a common dive spots to see the remains of the keel of Spanish Galleon but was also kept and preserved in National Museum. You can see here large cascading white coral shells, anemones, mantas, eagle rays and white-blacktip sharks.
Sunken Booty– the northern part of Twin island, not so beautiful but hides artefacts from a long time ago sunken galleon, remains of rope and anchor still existing.
Pinnacles and Point, Sombrero Island, PADI Dive Center and Maya-Maya Reef Resort, a popular one is also worth a try..
An ideal choice of ours to fit our needs daily with a very reasonable price, Jo and Johnny’s Beach and Dive Inn inside Tali Subdivision, Nasugbu is a temporary home that will give you the comfort, we occupied the top floor level, it’s a home you’ll call it, mine!
Jo and Johnny’s Beach and Dive Inn
It’s my family’s choice for a comfortable home stay. The two-storey house situated inside an exclusive Tali subdivision that guarantees to a safer community with hospitable people around. It’s fully fitted and furnished that includes; air conditioned bedroom, 2 bathroom with hot and cold water, dining room, living room, tv, lounge, fully equipped kitchen( ref, microwave, toaster, oven, cooking utensils) balcony overlooking the outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck, Wi-fi is only available in the dining area, no wi-fi inside the room. Main beach, Palm beach and Marina is just a 10 minutes walk away.
Contact: Sea Shell Drive Tali Beach Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
(+632) 807-3416
booking.office@tali-beach.com
maryannjdacara@gmail.com
Beach water sports; Speed boats can be rented, Banana boats, Jet skis, Kayaks to mention just a few..
Best Restaurants: Kainan sa Dalampasigan, Pico Sand Restaurant and El Cocinero Restaurant. Try Bulalo as the main specialty of Batangas. Outside Batangas, make a brief stop to try my favorite> Antonio’s Restaurant, serves the best foods in Tagaytay,So far, the best I’ve ever tasted.
Another cravings; make a quick stop at Rowena’s Tagaytay, I love the Blueberry, Mango and Strawberry Tarts, comes a lot of different flavors. Surprising sweets, our favorite purchase, pick up a pack of Sylvanas, Yemas and Pastillas as well.
Nasugbu was a very happy experience for us. Batangas may not be the top of your choice of tourists attractions unlike Baguio, Palawan, Boracay and Cebu but the chance to enjoy leisurely swimming nearby, 7 beaches inside Tali subdivision, the water sports, taste of rural life, good photography spot to snap panoramic photos, deep blue sea, fine white sand, good landscape and clean surroundings. Most of all, you’ll fine true hospitality while dealing with the people around Nasugbu.
Before retiring to bed, what a good night sleep to hear the sounds of crickets and other night insects. For me, it’s like music to my ears! Of course, all good moments must come to an end, this whole island adventure will really be something to tell everyone back home. Summer is coming and fast approaching, another adventure would take place in weeks time, How cool is that?
Intensely social and inspiring to watch some seagulls, egrets and king fishers, all fish-eating -birds making a dive racing downward and dipping their bills to catch a fish. For the birds eating fish, Manila Bay is a good and wide feeding ground here in the city proper. I’m just wondering, where is their nesting site?
I’m not only a bird watcher, I’m here to take snapshots for the water birds but clouds getting thicker and dark clouds filled the blue sky as afternoon rain is about to come in minutes. I can smell the bay water, the blizzard sound of wave as the wind blew cold. It was almost like a night as thunder roared so load came with the rain. If only I can fly and wheel like a bird, would be joining the group diving and enjoying the rain..
The monument was constructed made of bronze and granite (1912) by Swiss Sculptor Richard Kissling. The Philippine National Hero Monument is the most photographed and visited monument. Taken at Rizal Park, Luneta Manila August 1,2016.
Dr. Jose Rizal Monument 1913
From the best viewpoint must be at frontal view but I’ve spotted something unpleasant upon taking few snapshots, the building behind the monument at the right side (Torre De Manila) is completely ruining the landmark itself. To compare 2 photos taken at the same scene and the same subject. Of course I want it to come out at its best to achieve a good result.
Check the photos from above and below, you can spot the difference . My problem here is on how to hide the building behind it? Nevermind about some amount of controversy about the construction of the building, it was already there. Here’s I’m pointing the best location and convenient position to get a good viewpoint, different position at the same scene.
From the first photo above, thriving on such photography challenge, I’ve avoided to snap it in front, getting to the right side with a bit distance will give a good result even though taken at dusk and you can see the black clouds at the background.
To get the precise effect I’ve been looking for, sooner, I get back to the same location at different time of the day to shoot again. Whew ! Right time of the day simply offers more stunning scenes and photographic opportunities.
Viewing and photographing the scene from the ground, above 4 skyscrapers from the higher viewpoint, the wind speed blowing below upon taking the shots leaving my hair dry and tangled. I took the shot while walking around the Eastwood area last week, just as a nice scene for the day. About hair problems? Next time, gonna try the trendy hair braided style, that would be easier for me to avoid terrible mess!
It was a formal setting, the Puzzle Museum appropriately surrounded by different Jigsaw puzzles, every corner and cubicles displaying all the wonderful, interesting, and educational jigsaw puzzles collected by Gina Gil Lacuna, the present Guinness world record holder for the largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles.
It was 29 of November,2012 when She was recognized as the present world record holder listed in the Guinness book of Records. Originally, the museum was just a summer house for the Lacuna’s but when she got the tittle, it was dramatically converted into a Puzzle Museum.
The museum attracts residential, business people and tourists visiting Tagaytay. Only an hour drive from Manila, the way going to Puzzle Museum led up more curves and turns upward and downward. Overview, you can spot some farm animals, mountain ranges and pineapple field is a sight to behold.
It was a big mansion, the ground floor is a great Puzzle Museum housing all thousands of different kinds with assorted sizes and shapes. Every piece of puzzle is individually numbered with complete details. You can see the complete details on the left corner of the jigsaw puzzle itself. The second floor is a Puzzle store with other assorted items for sale.
During my 3 days vacation in Tagaytay, I’ve made myself busy hiking and touring around the area. Walking and biking around can helped me lose more pounds. How cool is that? But, it was my intention to visit the Puzzle Museum and to meet the Guinness world record holder itself. I’m lucky that we have met personally and with just a quick interview raising few questions, sharing views, experience and a pose for few shots.
Gina Gil Lacuna, shares the pride of being famous, making a good name bringing pride to our own country. Opening the museum for public viewing and for the world to see was a great achievement and life’s work. History marked given to our country.
Gina’s good taste and effort collecting great number of appreciated puzzles with interesting and detailed facts.There are many kinds of Jigsaw puzzles; cardboard, wood and 3 D, three dimension, it was a picture puzzle that has a depth. Some jigsaw puzzles taken from her trip abroad.
Meeting Gina Gil Lacuna
The Puzzle Museum
Puzzle Mansion offers a bed and breakfast place to enjoy and relax.
The entrance of the museum will welcome you the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle
Guinness world records certificate of Gina
Seeing the Jigsaw Puzzles
All puzzles displayed expresses unique images, some ancient and contemporary ones, religious articles, the universe, gorgeous landscape, vintage rides, geography, kid’s favorite, architectural digest, music, famous people, insects, water and land animals and wildlife. Every puzzle provides an interesting piece that history again seems alive. I realized that a Jigsaw puzzle pictures can make it as a good photo frame and portraits.
I remember my own Jigsaw puzzle, I have a beautiful jigsaw puzzle that I’ve been keeping for a long time. It was a huge jigsaw puzzle with the beautiful landscape of ”Spring flowers” in London.It was given to me by a former housemaid who’s presently working in the Middle East. I was told, She bought it during her annual vacation in Vienna. ( free travel expense by her employer)
The St. Basil’s Cathedral, Architectural character is a beautiful piece. 176 pieces, Dimension: 42CM x35CMx60CM, Completion Time: 34 hours, Maker/Origin: Cubic Fun China.(Details attached)
Jigsaw Puzzle- Brain Train
You can find some educational puzzles in Gina’s museum that you can give to your child. A puzzle fit for a child? the basis depends on his/her age and the number of pieces with the completion to finish it. It’s good to give what would fit to her own age, young age has a little patience for a large puzzle.
For me, The jigsaw puzzle is just like a story solving problem and your ability to finish it as fast as you can. The trial and error while assembling will give you more patience if you are really determined to finish it. It helps your child to improve decision making skills. Somehow, as you get closer to solve it, the climax is the most exciting part. The best part is the communication to connect your memory directing your hand to work for it.
The Farm animals and wildlife
With too many jigsaw puzzles, I love these pieces. I can specify my favorite puzzles. For more than an hour viewing everything, I took time to appreciate each puzzle.Expressing my fascination for insects, animals and wildlife. I’ve photographed some of them to document the place and for my own experience. I’m an animal lover. The way how it is photographed, the angles to emphasize my subjects, it expresses my own personality. My choices and my personal picks just shows my passion for the animals
The Sedona Gallop
The Overseer
The Cow Parade
Wake up Call
The Kittens Delight
The Wetland Wonders
Parrot in Paradise
The Fantasy and the Waterfall butterflies.
Simply, It’s the world of butterflies here. I took 3 photos of different kinds. I guess, they’re my favorites! Butterflies was back to life.
Fantasy Butterfly
Butterfly Waterfall
Not surprisingly, the best butterfly puzzles I’ve ever seen, the different vibrant colors are expressed in wonderful ways.
Wooden Dinosaur Jigsaw puzzle
Elegant piece
The Brilliance, simple but sophisticated.
Run Aground
The museum is indeed a memorable one. Those puzzles are the unfogettable ones. All Jigsaw puzzles available in the museum for public viewing with an entrance fee of P100- only, It’s worth and good to experience by yourself.
Meralco compound shines again, Knowing what to expect for this year 2013, Meralco bringing the gift of light for everyone.The light as a symbol of hope for good upbringing and a brighter future to behold. Maliwanag ang Pasko is a project to light up city parks in the Philippines, a project that gives a scent of hope and happiness ahead.
The intention of the project shines through.You’ll witness the creation of the night just like in the holy land, the refreshing sound of Christmas carols playing continuously, creating a romantic atmosphere to feel the scent of Christmas spirit.
Although, many concluded that this year 2013 was a bad year for us. Many people in the south were effected by Super typhoon” Yolanda” that hit the Philippines months ago. It was the world’s strongest storm on record, the deadliest ever putting the dead count at almost 6,000 according to reports and still counting because others still missing up to this time. It’s so sad to think that majority were children. You can just imagine, the foul odor of dead bodies everywhere, the mass burial on the deep ground seen publicly on television and newspapers nationwide. Many groups have put up donation centers for Yolanda’s victims. Thank you very much for the kind donations.This year, mostly our gifts goes directly to the typhoon victims, sparing some gifts intended for personal friends. I just hope they will understand this cause, the spirit of Christmas works and blessings from above will shower for them. Many typhoon victims was relocated from the South to Manila. Some of them visited Meralco with the nuns, to see the brilliant lights will surely give them a brighter outlook in life. After the tragedy, as I have mentioned in the past posts that we continue to live and hope for a good life, we continue to do what is right and have faith in him, God will always direct the good way for us. I just hope and pray that it will never happen again.
After giving help and support to the typhoon victims, it’s time to start all over again. Christmas time is a gift giving that everyone on this day are happy for the presents they had received especially the children, Christmas toys, food and money are given to the children of typhoon victims.
Of course , I feel the warmth to do this kind of activity to share, not only my thoughts, hopes and dreams but also to capture vivid shots for you. It’s my way of sharing , just a sort of close interaction for my readers.I just hope you’ll enjoy reading my experience as well as my night photography too.
Let’s get started! Here’s some shots taken before the holiday season.
The main entrance,visitors greeted with splendid lights lined along the way. Both sides,sparkling with different colors of light. The whole place was brilliant.
(Click on images to view larger)
Meralco building adorned with big lanterns hanging overhead.
The Meralco logo can be seen at the center.
The bold Christmas greetings,”Maligayang Pasko” means Merry Christmas.
The giant Christmas tree that changes colors of light continuously.
The ”Holy family” Mary,Joseph and Baby Jesus.
A huge space for the ”Holy family.”
The chapel.
In the bible, The 3 kings holding gifts; Gaspar, Melchor and Baldazar brought gold, myrrh and Frankincense to the newborn Jesus.
The first view, looks like a real one. It’s a life sized replica.
The King pointing the direction of the star.
Christmas lights brighten the whole area.
The Tsu Tsu train is a treat for the children.It’s a free ride for the kids.
All corners was decorated with Christmas lights, it was full of bulb that glitters.
The Christmas houses, its just like a Toyland.
I’ve captured this from a distance.
To avoid the crowd,Plenty of options. I keep on moving from far distance to get a good view. But still, It is tough to wait for the people to empty the place. They all took time to appreciate everything. Meralco compound is huge with a beautiful landscape, it was all adorned with Christmas decorations and lights. The night ended after an hour and I was exhausted. I’ll be back to visit Meralco again soon.
New year countdown to 2014, Eastwood Mall Open Park
December 31, 2013, Thousands of spectators waiting for the fireworks show, waving white and purple balloons to celebrate the New Year 2014. Of course, I was one of the crowd to witness how the year ends. We are again facing new challenges and if we know how to handle it the right way,it would be without difficulties. I just hope 2014 is a good year for all of us. ”Happy New Year Everyone!
December 31, 2013, New Year Countdown to 2014 at Eastwood City
People in the Philippines set-off fireworks to mark the end of the year and to welcome the new start. The noisier, the merrier it is. Night sky was alive with the crackling noises of whistles, honking of car horns, ringing of bells, flashing of cellphone lights is done traditionally every year to drive away evil spirits.
Crowd gathered at Eastwood to witness the 2014 countdown. It was a midnight noise to wake up everyone and be merry for the New year 2014. Tourists from all over the world came to celebrate and witness how the year ends. American Idol Jessica Sanchez is back in the city to perform and lead the New year countdown to 2014 with other local performers; Bamboo, Mitoy to name a few. Fireworks display draws thousands of people from different nationalities; Koreans,Indians, Turkish and many more. I was there to document the whole event. With the loud sounds and noises, I’m sure no bad spirit will stay alive, only good would be left around.
Here’s some shots taken during the countdown to 2014
(Click on image to view larger)
Lots of people taking pictures of the delightful and sparkling fireworks display that filled the night sky.
Beautiful hands upward! Full of people taking pictures.
Flying balloons! Clusters of white balloons set off above the sky.
Fireworks showering to brighten the night sky.
It’s year 2015 now and again, looking forward to another loud noises soon to end the existing year. ”Happy New Year Everyone!
I already knew in advance that the weather is good so I pushed through Tagaytay city.Although it’s a hot summer but, this is the best time to explore beautiful places away from home.Work was so stressful lately and this is the best time to relax. I need to stop the day’s work to make a serious travel. Sometimes, you’ll feel excited that you’ll end up sleepless before the trip.
Not that far,it’s just more than an hour drive away from Manila,Tagaytay, Its not only known for its natural beauty and beautiful scenery but,it’s a cool zone for glimpse moments outdoor fun and adventure. Tagaytay has grown different species of flora; rare orchids, huge sunflowers,fragrant roses, hardy ferns,cacti,as well as fruits and vegetables,ornamental plants,hardy perennials, chrysanthemums,dahlias,lilies, and flowers for water gardens.
The scenery taken around will remind my foreign friends that Philippines is beautiful and rich in cultural heritage.I took shots of beautiful sights that captured my attention.Shots taken around will surely impress my visitors,it was fascinating enough according to my friends who came to visit lately.This is just documenting the natural scenery during my travel to remember my happy summer adventure for this year 2013.
Along the way, I made a quick stop.
I was so tired but to see the lovely scenes around makes me cheerful and lively.
Stop to look and shoot !
Covered with forest which i totally dark inside,it was a resources for the local people living in this area.I think, it’s already enough to sustain their needs once you’ll see the vast vegetation.
Dark forest and mountainous site.
Amidst the hectares of land,bountiful rice fields and tropical vegetation fluorished.
The beautiful wide array of pineapple plantation.Regular harvest of pineapples done every weekends.It become the real benefit to the buyers came from other towns and cities.
Sweet pineapples newly harvested.One pleasure of travelling to Tagaytay is famous for tropical fruits.What’s summer without these fruits? The freshness of fruits cools me down. Name it,they have it.
The giant sunflower fields.The flower was unique. Let me show you the flower itself.(see next pic.)Other varieties of trees,orchids and flowering plants to see around.
This is a giant sunflower, traditionally bigger compared to other varieties.The sunflower plant was even taller than me.Some have finished flowering,I’ve collected some dried seeds to bring it home for the hope to produce our own sunflower garden in our own backyard.Aside from sunflowers,there were a lot more.(Check pictures below)
Leisurely walk around beautiful flowers.Philippines is a home to 70% flora and fauna.
A lot of Philippine flowers and orchids around.The exotic range of Dahlias; Single-flowed dahlia,Paeony dahlia, Large-flowered cactus dahlia,Decorative dahlia, and Small pompon dahlia.
Pink and attractive.
I reached the boarder of the Taal Lake.
The green forest with the crystal lake beyond. At the top, I can still smell the refreshing scent of the flowers.
Lake Taal and Taal volcano in the province of Batangas. Naturally romantic that will touch your heart.
Taal volcano was considered as one of the world’s smallest volcano.
The beautiful landscape of Taal vista park. Over viewing Taal volcano and Lake Taal.I’ve been to this place more than once,you may always want to return once you’l see the romantic view.
We’ve been here camping and vacationing. Some huge trees as the outpost and beneath the trees are different varieties of plants and flowers.
Taal Vista hotel,all conveniences one might expect.Aside from cool atmosphere,It was the best dining site serving your favorites the way you want it.The array of international dishes you can choose. It was cooked into perfection.
Entertainment while having lunch. Beautiful local dancers performed cultural dance shows.
After lunch, We stop-by Grandma’s house for a quick snack and rest for an hour.
I took an hour ride biking around the area. It was cool.
It was already almost 6 pm when we went home. We passed by the same way and stopped along to take a good shot of the greenfield. It was almost sunset.The view was glamorous below. I was watching the sun rapidly sinking beyond horizon. To see the sunset was a calming spirit to change the state of mind.
There were a lot of fruit stalls along the road. I’ve stopped to buy some local fruits to bring home.All summer fruits available here,we got ripe mangoes,bananas and pineapples. The presence of durian as considered the king of fruits,I hate that horrible smell. I never dare to get closer.
Sweet bananas. It took a week for us to consume the whole thing.
Ripe and sweet mangoes.
Mangostan fruit.
Just after the sunset, we’re following the dark skies back home.
My adventure touched my life.It was a beautiful memories to cherish forever.