tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19492035226017492912024-02-19T23:58:06.308-08:00DINO DE LEONFather...Photographer...TravellerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-41138423491516536882013-02-09T20:18:00.001-08:002013-02-09T20:19:48.445-08:00FOOD - La Maison Rose<br />
I have heard of La Maison Rose for quite a while but given my lack of interest on French cuisine (first hand experience here), I have always shrugged it off. This changed though when I drove one of my bosses here. Sure looks like a good place to have a date so a week after, I surprised my wife with a lunch date...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV73bjzxnT3ZAKOQRz1jYsMbSyrO5TVMqOk342cfzjAcOhlikcSKVDbqKL99E-71w1cy-e9PRJ36vcgYkl-wiDPFlsueQewEmx9N6P9VuU6XMDHmzOr8Ewc90GeiOCVKa6g4R9GgKAbcE/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV73bjzxnT3ZAKOQRz1jYsMbSyrO5TVMqOk342cfzjAcOhlikcSKVDbqKL99E-71w1cy-e9PRJ36vcgYkl-wiDPFlsueQewEmx9N6P9VuU6XMDHmzOr8Ewc90GeiOCVKa6g4R9GgKAbcE/s640/IMG_3402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
La Maison Rose is a tough place to miss given its pink exterior. It's just along Gorordo Avenue right beside the Mormon temple. <br />
<br />
This building used to be a residence of the Velez family until Alliance Frances de Cebu rented it in 2012. Ground floor was turned to a restaurant while the 2nd floor, a culinary school. What's really impressive is they managed to maintain the "classic" feel of the area despite these changes.<br />
<br />
Now for the food...which you can order/ choose from using iPads...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU4UA4AEwB02SmGleV4hneGyFUVT2eJdaq1-VKKu2XTs2O5YL1FUU1SeISOUckLFNe6LW5zGeXlpst2DZCgKgq4ZqS4OZ3eHZtlwDwGp73C7nx7MMRcIH8Kye6waEFeZL_Itz3xGW63s/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU4UA4AEwB02SmGleV4hneGyFUVT2eJdaq1-VKKu2XTs2O5YL1FUU1SeISOUckLFNe6LW5zGeXlpst2DZCgKgq4ZqS4OZ3eHZtlwDwGp73C7nx7MMRcIH8Kye6waEFeZL_Itz3xGW63s/s400/IMG_3405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For starters, they offer the usual baguette slices but to our pleasant surprise, they gave a complimentary sampling of this dish. It's a combination of truffle paste, smoked salmon and my favorite, bread puff with cheese (which justifies how cheap my taste bud is).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMxTUGK91jNpB18TrTySvWjGB8SMY5pb2GDsaRG1E2YAJJ0q68KqomGHYtSqY041TilBL7FD9VsWYdLGxGlRD2hOMjRwMabfa6khzwtSoBmYvO9nyZhslDXF3EANpIU5dafInisHttfE/s1600/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMxTUGK91jNpB18TrTySvWjGB8SMY5pb2GDsaRG1E2YAJJ0q68KqomGHYtSqY041TilBL7FD9VsWYdLGxGlRD2hOMjRwMabfa6khzwtSoBmYvO9nyZhslDXF3EANpIU5dafInisHttfE/s400/IMG_3407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For our main appetizer, we ordered the goat cheese salad. The combination of bacon and goat cheese together with their signature vinaigrette sauce is a sure way to build up your appetite. My only caveat here is the goat cheese inside the crust is mixed with flour of some sort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykogb9yozRcCrVElhvB23V9lrXiECHPgcFDP5KKfrvKv3h9mPDqGs_mWs3kRy4joiSKg7DNMyBaCjXn3QxMJIl4bXyGfYVoyByBnIVZRjwmDwtGK2STNmFGV9-1OFNQNFQKL8eLMKuA8/s1600/IMG_3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykogb9yozRcCrVElhvB23V9lrXiECHPgcFDP5KKfrvKv3h9mPDqGs_mWs3kRy4joiSKg7DNMyBaCjXn3QxMJIl4bXyGfYVoyByBnIVZRjwmDwtGK2STNmFGV9-1OFNQNFQKL8eLMKuA8/s400/IMG_3406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For our refreshments, we just ordered their lemonade. There's nothing really special about it other than the hint of mint and cucumber which is more than enough to satisfy our taste. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAcHP5heviijeP5CKlQOOikhh-3htJYGYb3qOTG7WhE0I70XfvpChsTb03_rvZC0W-lNc34buzRMmN9xZQ5Oq-kS7U63mx6lDNF9FmIxv86KpYzG-wLheAzczlJuNvofoCum9IBrim-Y/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAcHP5heviijeP5CKlQOOikhh-3htJYGYb3qOTG7WhE0I70XfvpChsTb03_rvZC0W-lNc34buzRMmN9xZQ5Oq-kS7U63mx6lDNF9FmIxv86KpYzG-wLheAzczlJuNvofoCum9IBrim-Y/s400/IMG_3408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
For the main course I had the black pepper steak. I mistakenly ordered it as medium well so the texture is quite hard for me but nonetheless, it packs a lot of flavor which more than compensates it. If there was a disappointment it's the gravy that came with it as it doesn't really complement how the steak was cooked. A steak sauce would've been a better option.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWORM-dKUvbtqeieQMCV46y72ZBNIjvBK11NgUdhCa3gF7gOO-USUfLo0EOcoxKkqH9NUpV5ZUu3VO3xnam1u-OuBKgtSE1lKYR1tR1S5ONvW4XLsLJ0yU6up3TG_6ArzkCsTQ3VvcQw/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWORM-dKUvbtqeieQMCV46y72ZBNIjvBK11NgUdhCa3gF7gOO-USUfLo0EOcoxKkqH9NUpV5ZUu3VO3xnam1u-OuBKgtSE1lKYR1tR1S5ONvW4XLsLJ0yU6up3TG_6ArzkCsTQ3VvcQw/s400/IMG_3409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My wife in the meantime ordered their fish papillote. In contrast to the sauce of my black pepper steak, the one that came with this dish was great. It's a ginger cream sauce which complemented even the potato wedges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-TzwUsAtwPyen1iuYUAdTgtXPmY1gNVlqLAtVA96-KCgDVqdWG4PUL6HlN7Hhq3-57osag9m8sVN2Ghsi9B5qDFlQwpwOCDRw0-yZj3DDZ43DVONueNRsKuMs-5XHBd6B0kJx1hywSQ/s1600/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-TzwUsAtwPyen1iuYUAdTgtXPmY1gNVlqLAtVA96-KCgDVqdWG4PUL6HlN7Hhq3-57osag9m8sVN2Ghsi9B5qDFlQwpwOCDRw0-yZj3DDZ43DVONueNRsKuMs-5XHBd6B0kJx1hywSQ/s400/IMG_3410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Aaaaaaah...dessert...no date with my wife would be complete without one. We had the very safe chocolate coulant which is very simple but baked to perfection. Crunchy on the outside yet the inside is really moist.<br />
<br />
Note though that La Maison Rose change their menu on a daily basis. They also offer set meals (appetizer, main course, dessert) for ony P500. <br />
<br />
If you plan on dining here, it is recommended that you make a reservation as seats are limited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCdegX7dHr5jn52bLtNGXYznz7tTVUOEo_OBPCdALCAEYMz_Z1o0gt52oQH5Cfz5ROTgjFdw9YNv6LqHFcG_dNkVAHe_fYVhK0p6tMzaEshD0Xyu-mdaHf2XemK7yBCU7-U6z25l_fUg/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCdegX7dHr5jn52bLtNGXYznz7tTVUOEo_OBPCdALCAEYMz_Z1o0gt52oQH5Cfz5ROTgjFdw9YNv6LqHFcG_dNkVAHe_fYVhK0p6tMzaEshD0Xyu-mdaHf2XemK7yBCU7-U6z25l_fUg/s400/IMG_3387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So that's it, another culinary treasure in our Cebu restaurant checklist. Really loving life in Cebu!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">La Maison Rose</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">info@lamaisonrose.ph</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">632 2685411</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-32207509681151164852013-01-18T00:31:00.000-08:002013-01-18T00:38:15.433-08:00FOOD - La Lagrima Taqueria<br />
I have always been a fan of Mexican food but the lack of options remain to be one of my frustrations staying in Cebu...until NOW. There are actually options in Mooon and Maya but the former is too "commercialized" (can't even consider it being Mexican food) while the latter "ultra expensive" (albeit quite good). Then we came across this Mexican restaurant thanks to our new friends Chiqui and Luna.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxAZEk_f1mF0K6n1E4EIHpFVCyKPCi3Hlu7YY9ukKMcoGHPvCe4QeWthdmrtN4n6bKRAnAjQaW_4G6Fps2ZMjJHFlW3vbAftZWNDbykE_IZfS75ygZXmsGobNR07HN3qTmzyYeuyDszA/s1600/IMG_3283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxAZEk_f1mF0K6n1E4EIHpFVCyKPCi3Hlu7YY9ukKMcoGHPvCe4QeWthdmrtN4n6bKRAnAjQaW_4G6Fps2ZMjJHFlW3vbAftZWNDbykE_IZfS75ygZXmsGobNR07HN3qTmzyYeuyDszA/s640/IMG_3283.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Name of the restaurant is actually La Lagrima Taqueria. But don't look for any signage showing this as it's nowhere to be seen. Mexican food is all you need to look for.<br />
<br />
I actually had friends who have seen this (me including) but opted not to check it out. The missing signage might be a factor but I think the bigger issue is it being always empty. Which is both good and bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfQeW3fmDLKI0BdmyEcXKQ5soKsQZGrFKIl9M2JxXKV7GJz-pEeP3uhxrDnCPYy4YrLPoiz5OvSeXcc68tFlDqGYlSq7epB3Jx-w4BgYy6nKP9nny_ImzpWuW6CtwbGTmecxmCe3omJY/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfQeW3fmDLKI0BdmyEcXKQ5soKsQZGrFKIl9M2JxXKV7GJz-pEeP3uhxrDnCPYy4YrLPoiz5OvSeXcc68tFlDqGYlSq7epB3Jx-w4BgYy6nKP9nny_ImzpWuW6CtwbGTmecxmCe3omJY/s640/IMG_3284.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On a supposedly busy afternoon, we were the only customers (albeit 2 just left). It actually doesn't look like a taqueria at all as even the cashier table, wherein all the ingredients, etc should be on display to entice our taste buds, is very bare. And the chairs...not comfy at all. <br />
<br />
BUT all these issues doesn't matter...let's dwell into their menu...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4gIxk21xthlK95B9wItk6p56V_wluqRMX2KuKivWXLeJ_R4H0IE1Wyx57gwi6_Z7-FrR0r4yOC3SmOhx3YiEb5q9EGGmQSDsXpeRgFBwHXHblyoQr1GTEQ5rEDpWqrENYHXigz4X00M/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4gIxk21xthlK95B9wItk6p56V_wluqRMX2KuKivWXLeJ_R4H0IE1Wyx57gwi6_Z7-FrR0r4yOC3SmOhx3YiEb5q9EGGmQSDsXpeRgFBwHXHblyoQr1GTEQ5rEDpWqrENYHXigz4X00M/s640/IMG_3287.JPG" width="502" /></a></div>
<br />
For starters, we had their Super Nachos. What can I say...if you're a fan of Man vs. Food and is craving for the Nachos Adam Richman is munching on...look no further! You actually have the choice of what kind of meat to put and we settled for beef...which unfortunately for some parts, takes a lot of effort to chew.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnF0ln4Nn1xzAuwK70OZIqWdcmOeuX4OacSvQ6IF0lbodEN_wBYqznGqJXH67EEHFIqJFfl7KBhLYr59pu3Oqqkuzafp9_EtF5BvYsjBad5MsJ2XtXzY4af3WUyrU3CeIerMVVsljg_o/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnF0ln4Nn1xzAuwK70OZIqWdcmOeuX4OacSvQ6IF0lbodEN_wBYqznGqJXH67EEHFIqJFfl7KBhLYr59pu3Oqqkuzafp9_EtF5BvYsjBad5MsJ2XtXzY4af3WUyrU3CeIerMVVsljg_o/s640/IMG_3288.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Juvvy in the meantime, sticking to her so-called "diet", just had a soft taco (she almost single handedly finished the Super Nachos though). Nothing special but the salsa, beans and beef are really authentic in flavor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3cHeJuqbWSCfr8lQPAL1KhNJWrzeMVtExvHd5E7OUttMgbajCPuPYb1x4_3CPyxvB9bQ4GfzoS8hMQfS_jNXfrMpu7AKiNIuyIXCb2VRCyeSXmOPhUWFq7g4Bu3krble7w5QNlWdjDA/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3cHeJuqbWSCfr8lQPAL1KhNJWrzeMVtExvHd5E7OUttMgbajCPuPYb1x4_3CPyxvB9bQ4GfzoS8hMQfS_jNXfrMpu7AKiNIuyIXCb2VRCyeSXmOPhUWFq7g4Bu3krble7w5QNlWdjDA/s640/IMG_3289.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ordered the regular burritto and I was not disappointed at all. Nothing special as it's just rice, grilled chicken and salsa but it packs a lot of flavor and is way way more authentic in taste compared to that of Mexicali. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM8HYuF-1ZcBnIbDD3cel5DvwPCc9m8N_vH5pPKUpPOjar3xGmMKr7ZfcKee_Eh2D4bBXj4AfwSHdG0ZOYAqAu7NbAC-2jBNCCD8sRVdtiKX9ACQ-tnd0wcFde_zwEHiiMTNVkbpBy6o/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM8HYuF-1ZcBnIbDD3cel5DvwPCc9m8N_vH5pPKUpPOjar3xGmMKr7ZfcKee_Eh2D4bBXj4AfwSHdG0ZOYAqAu7NbAC-2jBNCCD8sRVdtiKX9ACQ-tnd0wcFde_zwEHiiMTNVkbpBy6o/s640/IMG_3286.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Drink choices are very much common except for this. Make sure to order their Aguas Frescas. It's a "rice" juice of some sort with a twist of vanilla. It's a little rough in the throat so make sure to drink it while cold.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvcsBkyP75fe_-9qp4dqRbQX_oKiXP0pvvKgWX0W54Z7ztjMkGhbMOvui_KoZx9Sp7UtUqID67Ivzzif-sOnweSIvD1IYnABcm9Mhsy0UUNbbjvfbY5ik_41UEhKzdoNCj5y_lbO_6o/s1600/IMG_3290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvcsBkyP75fe_-9qp4dqRbQX_oKiXP0pvvKgWX0W54Z7ztjMkGhbMOvui_KoZx9Sp7UtUqID67Ivzzif-sOnweSIvD1IYnABcm9Mhsy0UUNbbjvfbY5ik_41UEhKzdoNCj5y_lbO_6o/s640/IMG_3290.JPG" width="586" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our companions ordered the Flautas (photo above) and Quesadillas (no photo...but just think of the usual Quesadillas in steroids). Flatuas are just like Juvvy's soft tacos with the main difference of this being deep fried. Wasn't able to test it but they finished it easily so it should be good also.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYWNvSrM3NSbQyDMRXSaszGYdJS8vZQ090xPSJaoDlpHxFlrvR9disn2SSz1nS3so9Xh7ecIE20mTFtg9FYOXMWzyUpwmYI6NICHfdrh5w1cUXhCZS2brXAKucsRC1zOQsQLj679I_Hc/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYWNvSrM3NSbQyDMRXSaszGYdJS8vZQ090xPSJaoDlpHxFlrvR9disn2SSz1nS3so9Xh7ecIE20mTFtg9FYOXMWzyUpwmYI6NICHfdrh5w1cUXhCZS2brXAKucsRC1zOQsQLj679I_Hc/s640/IMG_3291.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Doesn't look like much but these two are the difference maker. Hands down best sauces I tasted...EVER!!! The beige colored sauce is the hot sauce while the green one their mild sauce. I hope I can decifer the ingredients but it was so good, I opted just to enjoy as much of it as possible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So there you go. Price wise, it's not cheap but to which I can consider good value for your money. Authenticity is it's main selling point together with that amazing sauce (can't really get over it).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As an added tidbit, the owner/ chef has his own chain of taquerias in California. He fell in love with Cebu and decided to put up one here as well. Life is good isn't it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">La lagrima Taqueria is located at the GF of RCDC Building, located along Banilad, Cebu (right beside Banilad Town Centre).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-38495188618631180122012-12-07T02:27:00.002-08:002012-12-07T16:25:29.144-08:00TRAVEL - Yogyakarta Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We left Jogja around 5am and arrived at the temple grounds of Borobodur around 6am. By this time, there's already a cue for foreign tourists. I think foreigners can come in earlier as the cue for locals have yet to open at this time...probably a trade off for the exuberant entrance fee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
USD 20 per head in my opinion is just too steep. Knowing locals just need to pay USD 3 doesn't help the cause either. But what the heck, I came here to enjoy the experience of Borobodur. Upon seeing Borobodur though, my immediate reaction was not WOW but WTF!!!<br />
<br />
It's being renovated!? While a good thing in terms of its preservation, couldn't they have scheduled it after my visit!? I think this is already a curse as the same thing happened during our visit in Angkor Wat.<br />
<br />
But a photographer makes no excuses!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIQvVt3IfRPk7NdNIQuT-DjYzDztKLpe9euDWDy8GMwWtoCDnKHf58bjH-6KqvVwO2oBJtW-Q_8O5lI48_i7kHwzNGtkm0EDE2_AhZIfDp5nkkzSrhRYtEOp5vYqt9Q84Vb4GV3sz9Y/s1600/indonesia+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIQvVt3IfRPk7NdNIQuT-DjYzDztKLpe9euDWDy8GMwWtoCDnKHf58bjH-6KqvVwO2oBJtW-Q_8O5lI48_i7kHwzNGtkm0EDE2_AhZIfDp5nkkzSrhRYtEOp5vYqt9Q84Vb4GV3sz9Y/s640/indonesia+005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with a Canon 5D Classic, 17-40 4L, ND400 and .9 GND</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcG0SNHdgfkpVm9I_lfPxxl7Urg_9wn9TDGfUJY3bnB3vjtgK-quAWPEPI34eEBq45Fo4XDwTNq5_JWHgd2PTX6tXyZx6hfEAw7NLNxtQvriwxC-KtRrR5r8F3rU__MyixmFCeUXTBKs/s1600/indonesia+canon+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcG0SNHdgfkpVm9I_lfPxxl7Urg_9wn9TDGfUJY3bnB3vjtgK-quAWPEPI34eEBq45Fo4XDwTNq5_JWHgd2PTX6tXyZx6hfEAw7NLNxtQvriwxC-KtRrR5r8F3rU__MyixmFCeUXTBKs/s400/indonesia+canon+019.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself in action...photo courtesy of my friend Robby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was really tough taking photos of the temple not just because of the tourists, but the security personnel who are all wearing ultra bright reflective yellow vests. I actually have a wider shot of the temple but unfortunately they are all in the way.<br />
<br />
Climbing the steps of Borobodur Temple and going around its walls, I just can't help but be in awe of all the stone carvings along its walls...and the way the colors pop when hit by the sun...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOL2ov3RyxKKQe4DU5kNAolgliM059KlFuC7VDE8nnXOyF6UUYC5LXySEqirJmP7PyPUBjBt94qdBrAHVEFMhe4WB_Bs3JgWlFuQ3Jsm-nAmWR-CjxjNxrhpV3CwbTI-aFkISmvX5_XU/s1600/indonesia+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOL2ov3RyxKKQe4DU5kNAolgliM059KlFuC7VDE8nnXOyF6UUYC5LXySEqirJmP7PyPUBjBt94qdBrAHVEFMhe4WB_Bs3JgWlFuQ3Jsm-nAmWR-CjxjNxrhpV3CwbTI-aFkISmvX5_XU/s640/indonesia+009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a glance all walls may look the same but they are distinct in every way...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk-xMshlsdjtYRK7J3MSk3eOdktppeA4LSzimL1YIsIrT9rNZN9tJtX0Dhgs5tumVJCc6gvJF2M8WSsSOzWs5nZyHXqUHBNNYeJg82yrmOE6zLL9gQJVDL-wJEkIUmxtDtTL53hCoNUU/s1600/indonesia+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk-xMshlsdjtYRK7J3MSk3eOdktppeA4LSzimL1YIsIrT9rNZN9tJtX0Dhgs5tumVJCc6gvJF2M8WSsSOzWs5nZyHXqUHBNNYeJg82yrmOE6zLL9gQJVDL-wJEkIUmxtDtTL53hCoNUU/s640/indonesia+008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls are filled with impressive stone carvings such as this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately, I only have so much time wondering around these walls. Tourists are starting to arrive in droves and I can't afford not to take my desired photos of Borobudur's famed <i>stupas.</i> So I blazed my way to the upper platform and managed to get these photos...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV05WABHrMQGhQxZyrI-tetyFgTlHDoxMjeF3iNGOsRdb3v8uDleolxQWCcubO3ZaCddyEjv3qm60W_Illxs6bxf5mYZIQayI1LuLTLhwbvaalzL83isSJQSlzuAe8zLTAzgCNCyAE8I/s1600/indonesia+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV05WABHrMQGhQxZyrI-tetyFgTlHDoxMjeF3iNGOsRdb3v8uDleolxQWCcubO3ZaCddyEjv3qm60W_Illxs6bxf5mYZIQayI1LuLTLhwbvaalzL83isSJQSlzuAe8zLTAzgCNCyAE8I/s640/indonesia+011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achieved this shot via HDR...combining 5 photos in 1 stop increments. Taken with a Canon 5D Classic, 17-40 4L, ND8 and CPL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VWBCNU2GrYSz3QJJr_QoyO-mf97jwfMqxWlBy1ekoTFNzjNUd2SinaNPASyE_3hxH_NCCSrmBbJMmVq-Aw3bzWNPdhqteXvdrNv1HU9OdSNWyJnuN__WgdhfMreIWMN0pWQ-K0aJsKg/s1600/indonesia+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VWBCNU2GrYSz3QJJr_QoyO-mf97jwfMqxWlBy1ekoTFNzjNUd2SinaNPASyE_3hxH_NCCSrmBbJMmVq-Aw3bzWNPdhqteXvdrNv1HU9OdSNWyJnuN__WgdhfMreIWMN0pWQ-K0aJsKg/s640/indonesia+014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with a Canon 5D Classic, 17-40 4L, Hoya ND8 and .9 GND</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdTDtGpSaqWxAFj2Y2Sal7ZnRTu4nDw415cQNR4Tus9-pjI0RLpEVuEoT3Dxe18V9Ee3b3sL3PJiAr1-FAJUxWrZLcRf0R9oV3MG_DiW-4ntX43-ZH_40iY_MqfjlX9HJ43giDW4T7D0/s1600/indonesia+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdTDtGpSaqWxAFj2Y2Sal7ZnRTu4nDw415cQNR4Tus9-pjI0RLpEVuEoT3Dxe18V9Ee3b3sL3PJiAr1-FAJUxWrZLcRf0R9oV3MG_DiW-4ntX43-ZH_40iY_MqfjlX9HJ43giDW4T7D0/s640/indonesia+017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underexposed my shot to show a silhouette of the 2 mountains. Taken with a 5D Classic and 24-105 4L</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />A few minutes later, place is already jam-packed both by local and foreign tourists. Locals are composed mainly of students probably on their field trip. I would've wanted to take more photos but there's just no way I can get the shots I want. <br />
<br />
I just enjoyed roaming around the temple as a tourist and just took these snapshots on my way back...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTVB3K7DPVXskuaH2lFCellhlym8q_OdZc0686EVhyx-JPidfWWzrxPtHJP5W5zZrubmNCtPAOmK4V_7v8cuo3NDXbPSeehZ07BnptMPr5OtGL5I3Ych6PRhHcg7rKDJwXtZASFziavI/s1600/indonesia+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTVB3K7DPVXskuaH2lFCellhlym8q_OdZc0686EVhyx-JPidfWWzrxPtHJP5W5zZrubmNCtPAOmK4V_7v8cuo3NDXbPSeehZ07BnptMPr5OtGL5I3Ych6PRhHcg7rKDJwXtZASFziavI/s640/indonesia+018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't get enough of these stone carvings...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEXo7wivqv0csJB_vqz7xjOcBHKxiqIuDEc-S_p8uz52cz1_LhGX-GprufZ2F4qSqJqzJvcKQpOP7ggKMXSBFv0wgkWil26i826kLGA5ogtYznloPg_12UmEkJXlkqTOl20sMX_9vU3c/s1600/indonesia+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEXo7wivqv0csJB_vqz7xjOcBHKxiqIuDEc-S_p8uz52cz1_LhGX-GprufZ2F4qSqJqzJvcKQpOP7ggKMXSBFv0wgkWil26i826kLGA5ogtYznloPg_12UmEkJXlkqTOl20sMX_9vU3c/s640/indonesia+019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />For some reason I'm still not that satisfied of my shot of the temple. After going around looking for a better angle, I ended up with this. Nothing really original but at least I got my shot...<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiskSVTu1nQ8J99KfoNMZs0PUzFumYxBZ9FhyphenhyphenFLTRD5EM9AO-2nxZtAsTvz0-xazhvB0f5hYuRlcQc56th843qNtcRhBFAdgySaaPOraovihfRXAmnIUawdIBAlMhFNoADl8d9oisOLXM/s1600/indonesia+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiskSVTu1nQ8J99KfoNMZs0PUzFumYxBZ9FhyphenhyphenFLTRD5EM9AO-2nxZtAsTvz0-xazhvB0f5hYuRlcQc56th843qNtcRhBFAdgySaaPOraovihfRXAmnIUawdIBAlMhFNoADl8d9oisOLXM/s640/indonesia+021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solution for tourists ruining your photo? Blur them out! Taken with a Canon 5D Classic, 17-40 4L, ND400 and .9 GND</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />With more time to spare, we went to tour the foothills of Mt. Merapi. An active volcano that erupted last October 25, 2010 and caused major damage to the city of Jogja. Unfortunately, rain has started to fall and there was nothing but gloomy skies to show. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are the photos I managed to scrape up...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lfZioLcF9sVUH1ntcr8lBvI619BUwAW5V4g4q2IkuJoh2UHKNMu2jiFOCcNzXmkPsPWCOfDcfc4Hfwz9qHF_ENIfnjpGAXsGkkd2vQf0DiSmF3oJsKqH7EU-ITpbOPFCkPZuuMfKKZ0/s1600/indonesia+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lfZioLcF9sVUH1ntcr8lBvI619BUwAW5V4g4q2IkuJoh2UHKNMu2jiFOCcNzXmkPsPWCOfDcfc4Hfwz9qHF_ENIfnjpGAXsGkkd2vQf0DiSmF3oJsKqH7EU-ITpbOPFCkPZuuMfKKZ0/s640/indonesia+023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDmwsnQ_rIGQPb1-fBdeP8uznpbe77ZNRDF4IECHGYf8z0RI3tO-4PErIRORkFniAPSMTbpUo-uooUGM4-PymEUQuj_4iTFHk1plMsrfZGAnKDceZ8n4JrN2JUPgDjk9qiSIkvT7rH00/s1600/indonesia+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDmwsnQ_rIGQPb1-fBdeP8uznpbe77ZNRDF4IECHGYf8z0RI3tO-4PErIRORkFniAPSMTbpUo-uooUGM4-PymEUQuj_4iTFHk1plMsrfZGAnKDceZ8n4JrN2JUPgDjk9qiSIkvT7rH00/s640/indonesia+024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge boulder was spew out kilometers away from Mt. Merapi's crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7NCcw_1cp0LzYpd0DIa1NTEegrzC8lh75I7y40aUG5v9Ur56_pX3SNSVgdxa2V5eHkDYbma92ylkSCNngU3F-R3q6-Y20i5Q0orao8Kx8SiRFJlfY2-ffJ6kgPgeDaWDgdaJvbjMLDk/s1600/indonesia+canon+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7NCcw_1cp0LzYpd0DIa1NTEegrzC8lh75I7y40aUG5v9Ur56_pX3SNSVgdxa2V5eHkDYbma92ylkSCNngU3F-R3q6-Y20i5Q0orao8Kx8SiRFJlfY2-ffJ6kgPgeDaWDgdaJvbjMLDk/s640/indonesia+canon+023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself enjoying the surroundings of Mt. Merapi...now only if the damn helmet didn't smell so bad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhtZGteHLtFOLOcQEHYGLxDCabfcJOWB7arydgWITxKCts39rp3TdFM9TIAYwu_kN_Yzdx8QIbhWTcEzhstPgXpkqweGw82tE9pmHEcFjzdJUiHdN2uDN8iyy7jlcNXK5dNQ56F48Y8o/s1600/indonesia+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhtZGteHLtFOLOcQEHYGLxDCabfcJOWB7arydgWITxKCts39rp3TdFM9TIAYwu_kN_Yzdx8QIbhWTcEzhstPgXpkqweGw82tE9pmHEcFjzdJUiHdN2uDN8iyy7jlcNXK5dNQ56F48Y8o/s640/indonesia+026.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of the vehicles of Mt. Merapi's spiritual guardian Mbah Maridjan. He stayed at his home during the exlposion and was found dead in a praying position.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVUaBivIU_C2v14GS6j7uuJy5w1CATqIpIRVPEVYLHFMoyxRuyPsvspeWAymZrWSS3OkTenVD5AVNehytPLz1iimZtEb18XLaOsOuqtqsLTAUHscYzSQxJqJRTG1rOb6dpBJzj30bxnw/s1600/indonesia+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVUaBivIU_C2v14GS6j7uuJy5w1CATqIpIRVPEVYLHFMoyxRuyPsvspeWAymZrWSS3OkTenVD5AVNehytPLz1iimZtEb18XLaOsOuqtqsLTAUHscYzSQxJqJRTG1rOb6dpBJzj30bxnw/s640/indonesia+029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local dessert...which name I forgot but will update as soon as I get to know it :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><div>
This was my first time to experience the adventure lifestyle of Indonesia and I was not disappointed. Never have I been this excited to go back to this country. Good sites, good vibes, good views and a good travel buddy...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How can you not love life? :)<br /><div>
<br /><br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-47536142262490724172012-12-01T19:42:00.002-08:002012-12-07T16:25:29.146-08:00TRAVEL - Yogyakarta Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Finally...another destination crossed out from my bucket list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnaIJpxl2AB3QNM_fNVdq1m6OStWs7VSU-T_Gcb2Z9ntM9_9rFFpCaJxtnee4beF1s-8ynLUq0dX9hRzlwm6kzzy6AYrg8Lgr2AdZSbxAeGXXB7xYiZxqNXe5B7LGYV-hPpuixiKiG0M/s1600/indonesia+iP4+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnaIJpxl2AB3QNM_fNVdq1m6OStWs7VSU-T_Gcb2Z9ntM9_9rFFpCaJxtnee4beF1s-8ynLUq0dX9hRzlwm6kzzy6AYrg8Lgr2AdZSbxAeGXXB7xYiZxqNXe5B7LGYV-hPpuixiKiG0M/s400/indonesia+iP4+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Borobodur Temple has always been a target destination of mine ever since I first went to Indonesia 5 years ago. Time and company (I just don't want to be a lone traveller) has always been an issue so when the opportunity came, I didn't dare pass it up.<br />
<br />
Our adventure started when we rode a <a href="http://www.kereta-api.co.id/">Kereta Api</a> train from Jakarta to Yogyakara (IDR 335,000 for the Exclusive seat). My local companion, Robby, was actually surprised that I opted this mean of transportation when we can simply board a plane paying just 30% more. I countered that I want to authenticate our adventure so here we go...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux5VSKqKOLCLMp1jNVObssdSR2JmDCegZsspeayA292W1l4nhOm9gJicw-ahOEZNobJ0Mjz-1zMl58aUBkU8jl1g-ydXq6wwUx0VT3VdROHEpoevJs67iR1r0-iJxzrhBmpOvc8tK5LQ/s1600/indonesia+iP4+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux5VSKqKOLCLMp1jNVObssdSR2JmDCegZsspeayA292W1l4nhOm9gJicw-ahOEZNobJ0Mjz-1zMl58aUBkU8jl1g-ydXq6wwUx0VT3VdROHEpoevJs67iR1r0-iJxzrhBmpOvc8tK5LQ/s400/indonesia+iP4+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a bad traveller in a way that I don't get much sleep while on the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx_m8ZaKZPVRpl2G9PPWLGwIFP7ikb6a7-2LEPDOFRPy53NC-0hJB1pV5-8ySVXSucwLfpVFyOFtgRBozxv7JirD9Zq3NVZYLWyYVzZ9T1OLN322Bfxwj749P5uWGd6Jv0_mi33GIzW0/s1600/indonesia+iP4+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIx_m8ZaKZPVRpl2G9PPWLGwIFP7ikb6a7-2LEPDOFRPy53NC-0hJB1pV5-8ySVXSucwLfpVFyOFtgRBozxv7JirD9Zq3NVZYLWyYVzZ9T1OLN322Bfxwj749P5uWGd6Jv0_mi33GIzW0/s400/indonesia+iP4+042.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of our train carriage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We left Jakarta 2030 and arrived in Yogyakarta 0830...3 freaking hours OFF our ETA of 0530! I was told that since it was raining hard in Yogyakarta the past couple of days, some railways were damaged. The delayed travel time I can live with...but RAINING!?<br />
<br />
As it was too late to go to Borobodur, we went around Yogyakarata. First stop is the hotspot Malioboro street...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lKRdNkg1o9coRUgaOulBuMZzt3idO-U9iDhnvUHEdHqylGufaXPqKNpcu0nbz9zaTTmI527ipLyLLCZtK7r_kx0LrtoVKRWnTMLlkqd8U58gwjYMhXLZiJt_JhlZf5C1VHNH0EoVklc/s1600/indonesia+canon+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lKRdNkg1o9coRUgaOulBuMZzt3idO-U9iDhnvUHEdHqylGufaXPqKNpcu0nbz9zaTTmI527ipLyLLCZtK7r_kx0LrtoVKRWnTMLlkqd8U58gwjYMhXLZiJt_JhlZf5C1VHNH0EoVklc/s400/indonesia+canon+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself strolling around the busy...though not at this time...street of Malioboro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqWdGSUd9sOUUpPoeYqZaqdBOxM4KD2vy0J5EpUZa_cz8hgIRdfiF0CdrNz1L90TYY4McGpAyelDC-asUOmkdCgxUlXpiLgSHXCpmPrF8J4SOOvoH6u0vSe844DlbKohpN_WdmJscyE/s1600/indonesia+iP4+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuqWdGSUd9sOUUpPoeYqZaqdBOxM4KD2vy0J5EpUZa_cz8hgIRdfiF0CdrNz1L90TYY4McGpAyelDC-asUOmkdCgxUlXpiLgSHXCpmPrF8J4SOOvoH6u0vSe844DlbKohpN_WdmJscyE/s400/indonesia+iP4+043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel in style with Jogja's local tricycle <i>Becak</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bbvC_EkAZ-At1680UUsRldXKtfFh-sQ700tLuxOjH7pHQ1YH9RD7oXVHZhq9F-sxCUMCN0Zh5uGAT3Pik3wLLE9D6ywrIwMnjyFRB5C1wzSN2H9J4LFdCeN9ArSc94d2x344l_vMEpg/s1600/indonesia+iP4+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bbvC_EkAZ-At1680UUsRldXKtfFh-sQ700tLuxOjH7pHQ1YH9RD7oXVHZhq9F-sxCUMCN0Zh5uGAT3Pik3wLLE9D6ywrIwMnjyFRB5C1wzSN2H9J4LFdCeN9ArSc94d2x344l_vMEpg/s400/indonesia+iP4+046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something to cool the nerves...a bowl of sugar cane like juice with jellies and scraped melon for a measly IDR 6,000</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmj-eJkW82aqb2eN8rRC5ixlt4zwxyDisIHaMz1mgHxKGFAvOaZyID7IgEWSc5VEmhat7RJZLVkntKf_Y7rIemuCHMABUgCoPApSS6jLqyvgZbcuk8t2WXg4uZcHdUEFVzRXFSjTwYM8/s1600/indonesia+canon+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmj-eJkW82aqb2eN8rRC5ixlt4zwxyDisIHaMz1mgHxKGFAvOaZyID7IgEWSc5VEmhat7RJZLVkntKf_Y7rIemuCHMABUgCoPApSS6jLqyvgZbcuk8t2WXg4uZcHdUEFVzRXFSjTwYM8/s400/indonesia+canon+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we're at it, had some traditional meals as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMvSj9zWA7cuVSkCIePq-Zcn5McZwjYTko7Zizf8N7xHcwjXhU4LEtNEfZVzgrA7E1NXQ6d-dlKUrDWCXups54BcV1gFSS8jk-3XVm4E6Kj7AfK4gGyxI7w9e2TfGm3lgEA0ypCjYqJg/s1600/indonesia+iP4+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMvSj9zWA7cuVSkCIePq-Zcn5McZwjYTko7Zizf8N7xHcwjXhU4LEtNEfZVzgrA7E1NXQ6d-dlKUrDWCXups54BcV1gFSS8jk-3XVm4E6Kj7AfK4gGyxI7w9e2TfGm3lgEA0ypCjYqJg/s400/indonesia+iP4+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I opted for this mixed green veggies smothered in sweet peanut sauce...and it ain't bad at all! And it only cost IDR 6,000<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Along the way, we saw a bulding calleded Vredeburg. We entered it for the sake of curiosity and was surprised that it was a museum of some sort. This is where I got to appreciate more of Yogyakarta and its relevance in the history of Indonesia's independence (not sure if the photo below has a relevance to it...but I consider it a shout for joy).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsT49STo_kjXmiEV6eFCS8CvGHczwhAQQDGLmkvdEu52NmsALzQujh6QJRy9E5NtDGawlYM_J4PME62gcO-izTOJ6A0w3PRKMckmRWfGm06NwG4r-xqVDGKvXQRJklRWCz-_yueIWEAE/s1600/indonesia+canon+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsT49STo_kjXmiEV6eFCS8CvGHczwhAQQDGLmkvdEu52NmsALzQujh6QJRy9E5NtDGawlYM_J4PME62gcO-izTOJ6A0w3PRKMckmRWfGm06NwG4r-xqVDGKvXQRJklRWCz-_yueIWEAE/s400/indonesia+canon+010.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With more time to spare, we rented a becak to go around Yogyakarta...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-paJhrG2-s4wKMcpqdsG4LOtR0_zCFRzNKqe8_A6OaRt-NDXJF49w_ve1O6jEtM8SGHlQyPARRH_TjzaB47uhO4eawWNbPT4GCHjgxs-kXOBZzxICSRJDbyK7fL7Z5VUtGYJ_tsmJU4/s1600/indonesia+canon+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-paJhrG2-s4wKMcpqdsG4LOtR0_zCFRzNKqe8_A6OaRt-NDXJF49w_ve1O6jEtM8SGHlQyPARRH_TjzaB47uhO4eawWNbPT4GCHjgxs-kXOBZzxICSRJDbyK7fL7Z5VUtGYJ_tsmJU4/s400/indonesia+canon+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I can say is riding this is a lot harder than it looks...specially maneuvering the bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First stop was a spot wherein you have to cross in between two huge trees...BLINDFOLDED! The gap between the trees was huge (probably 10 meters or more) but surprsisingly, the success rate of doing so was really low...even despite directions from the locals or your friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is said that when you're successful in accomplishing this task, you have a good spirit and you can make a wish. The former was the one that made me really confident...OR NOT ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPjysj5QIUIf0QAfMq-Ni8otODlWt-lceAhP9KalQsL-norETk_auq8jy86jQ0R1wB2rsbKiT861PPFBnxfUBPmbHZ_-eCtH1NDnFv1PQc5fitHMAgIoUzJz14bQCaQwb1hxlwkN78M0/s1600/indonesia+iP4+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPjysj5QIUIf0QAfMq-Ni8otODlWt-lceAhP9KalQsL-norETk_auq8jy86jQ0R1wB2rsbKiT861PPFBnxfUBPmbHZ_-eCtH1NDnFv1PQc5fitHMAgIoUzJz14bQCaQwb1hxlwkN78M0/s400/indonesia+iP4+054.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my start point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kdvqTmJZGdPOOEz6XiRKohnVQSXkV8mNcjYOt966Xg9b9QpSHZoKDCYcrTbJqwdMBSj8x-_Wl_k2zJJy4BE1VqgNJjnl5tYGnWy9BIzwkDw4a7x6vMXrkQVI3Kxdq8OhKA11uAYpaYY/s1600/indonesia+canon+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kdvqTmJZGdPOOEz6XiRKohnVQSXkV8mNcjYOt966Xg9b9QpSHZoKDCYcrTbJqwdMBSj8x-_Wl_k2zJJy4BE1VqgNJjnl5tYGnWy9BIzwkDw4a7x6vMXrkQVI3Kxdq8OhKA11uAYpaYY/s400/indonesia+canon+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm well on my way!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I actually failed in my first attempt but managed to do it in my second :) While finding your way is a challenge, the toughest part for me was ignoring the smell of the blind fold they used.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Second stop was a couple of mosques/ temples. It was a good "teaser" for our trip to Borobodur the next day. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera but thank goodness there's alway my iPhone.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SFG0qIXtGYOMmZmxD7gHkYodFLTqjpaBRA852xJnYYOsSJ_CbwwIhj6193dFpyeQ6JQ5p_WKJvCK-I9yt_ux8yCRz1OOQXpPJwaONWA2NshofuhnElf1FarOT7POCu962Lk99ynl-Y8/s1600/indonesia+iP4+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SFG0qIXtGYOMmZmxD7gHkYodFLTqjpaBRA852xJnYYOsSJ_CbwwIhj6193dFpyeQ6JQ5p_WKJvCK-I9yt_ux8yCRz1OOQXpPJwaONWA2NshofuhnElf1FarOT7POCu962Lk99ynl-Y8/s400/indonesia+iP4+056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't no larger than life structure but still impressive nonetheless</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPI6OeyOwq2pMlZXZ-b9HTAmZ2-fQH0ZWPP6uHppx2Tx9rU51ZaoUOhAbYb5edzGSPiSYln160rXlZF0xHn6nP1e6DePARAdRiB247X_S8Cbm5cjV7hw5yiW4Jud68iZGLFi9_PUdZ4/s1600/indonesia+iP4+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPI6OeyOwq2pMlZXZ-b9HTAmZ2-fQH0ZWPP6uHppx2Tx9rU51ZaoUOhAbYb5edzGSPiSYln160rXlZF0xHn6nP1e6DePARAdRiB247X_S8Cbm5cjV7hw5yiW4Jud68iZGLFi9_PUdZ4/s400/indonesia+iP4+061.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After passing through a couple of awnings we were greeted with this view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgXhIfMSYk9is9vgGgBJln2HLtrkUXwXkVQsaaYqqHtGZuwN1gpHoEkR3F9RxdDYx68fui2lUM1zLOYAELJ4ErjiQmFEzFWmcOilnhqeJxOYle-KDHZ4NvS8vocm4jJXRsm77nz10ZRA/s1600/indonesia+iP4+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgXhIfMSYk9is9vgGgBJln2HLtrkUXwXkVQsaaYqqHtGZuwN1gpHoEkR3F9RxdDYx68fui2lUM1zLOYAELJ4ErjiQmFEzFWmcOilnhqeJxOYle-KDHZ4NvS8vocm4jJXRsm77nz10ZRA/s400/indonesia+iP4+069.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from atop...had to insert my hands and phone out the window bars to take this shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Kmyw_J-duitKvc9EhD3jucDs554lrTGmdltCTk5FrW9r__WraoVeA6nC5vFfPof6am81NOgnVZjGJPmr2xZtJi58MbYwXzlIxxLZWq7Uk_Yy6gCZhk-MMoVwJu2MutDkYyYNOa1WaE/s1600/indonesia+iP4+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Kmyw_J-duitKvc9EhD3jucDs554lrTGmdltCTk5FrW9r__WraoVeA6nC5vFfPof6am81NOgnVZjGJPmr2xZtJi58MbYwXzlIxxLZWq7Uk_Yy6gCZhk-MMoVwJu2MutDkYyYNOa1WaE/s400/indonesia+iP4+072.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some local handicrafts...hammer head at the bottom is from a bull's horn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeysaXXlTIHCshu2HI1wKyknJuqTN3CT8CEi82B_QcYyedydk5CeqPDT8-pVnABQVPNFZ69GtVEBvmy_enNtMIs_2Sfqss9lgTbjkj_RHK7RfWEMe2Xgqm5mkboqWzeZol_DZVh5ItiWg/s1600/indonesia+iP4+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeysaXXlTIHCshu2HI1wKyknJuqTN3CT8CEi82B_QcYyedydk5CeqPDT8-pVnABQVPNFZ69GtVEBvmy_enNtMIs_2Sfqss9lgTbjkj_RHK7RfWEMe2Xgqm5mkboqWzeZol_DZVh5ItiWg/s400/indonesia+iP4+076.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another mosque we visited...I swear I will clone that arm at the right with Photoshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f6gpKp7pBH4xLQlXGPsisw6UXEyOsBSVrdjAEm-KRM0xauu-RCAGV8YMKnXCzM09m6OcsGthT7LihynMTDEnyh92UWydPqG-IhQURy_fGUbjWiWtrfpA8ONmdnFndH-RjdIxxABIN8Q/s1600/indonesia+iP4+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f6gpKp7pBH4xLQlXGPsisw6UXEyOsBSVrdjAEm-KRM0xauu-RCAGV8YMKnXCzM09m6OcsGthT7LihynMTDEnyh92UWydPqG-IhQURy_fGUbjWiWtrfpA8ONmdnFndH-RjdIxxABIN8Q/s400/indonesia+iP4+077.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As to my friend Robby, a similar setting from the Immortals movie...unfortunately I was not able to get photos without tourists as it was jampacked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So that's it. Day 1 is a wrap. It was still quite early but had to catch up with WORK so we called it a day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay tuned for Day 2 :)<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-48271600256253472792012-11-30T19:35:00.003-08:002012-11-30T19:36:09.805-08:00FOOD - Turning Japanese in Cebu<br />
<br />
Given the huge number of Japan tourists in Cebu, it follows that there is an abundance of Japanese restaurants to cater to their longing of Japanese cuisine. The more famous ones are Nonki/ Kagura (along AS Fortuna) and Yakiniku Tajimaya/ Banri (along Crossroads Banilad). There are of course the so-called "underground or really authentic"...and one of the is <b>Ofuku-San.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IOzqmVz2s6fQnYSK1LurKFNoP5F6Nu-yfyNQV26omdo1vFOgC-LR8l5-3idoZCzXIWzFOcK0nNv-wR9-2leoI5nMK6aKvhY-IR2FeW5cXd5rsSL2Am2zwxn1BM16x71-IVbswKBu3yE/s1600/photo+50000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IOzqmVz2s6fQnYSK1LurKFNoP5F6Nu-yfyNQV26omdo1vFOgC-LR8l5-3idoZCzXIWzFOcK0nNv-wR9-2leoI5nMK6aKvhY-IR2FeW5cXd5rsSL2Am2zwxn1BM16x71-IVbswKBu3yE/s400/photo+50000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have actually ignored this restaurant for almost 3 years due to its location and rusty look. The fact that it's been there for more than a decade with minimal (if not no) renovations is a testament to that! But in our search for better Japanese restos, we gave this a try and man, where we in for a big surprise...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntnHOZMvgSOu9bwCJhhyphenhyphen54h52nKzln8Ywy0AIl8K3XxRsfzp329n6R4jyejQ17n8mtgrJTvWGcUWl9bGUHq658aIv3Y0Ervx-zSj1AIFoXLZGhxM0hWzKqu_VOd16FrN2aJEbK5gUOjg/s1600/photo+20000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntnHOZMvgSOu9bwCJhhyphenhyphen54h52nKzln8Ywy0AIl8K3XxRsfzp329n6R4jyejQ17n8mtgrJTvWGcUWl9bGUHq658aIv3Y0Ervx-zSj1AIFoXLZGhxM0hWzKqu_VOd16FrN2aJEbK5gUOjg/s400/photo+20000.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Interior very much reflects its exterior. It is old and rusty which in a way that it reflects its authenticity. This is actually a good selling point but doesn't really spell premium which is how its products are priced. But these are all aesthetics...now for the food...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBZM1wHeVXQQP0qr4T-vNWjkMzR2MvEuSsqUe1G3-9LVapr-Maszp4RTZbVcYQJIJ0Cj-SJrM2I3fifBP3I9-7uVdzL3GwlZvw96JibJgoMfEFJwlARFnKLiMtASZdQiTiZAcVIe9pqI/s1600/photo+30000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBZM1wHeVXQQP0qr4T-vNWjkMzR2MvEuSsqUe1G3-9LVapr-Maszp4RTZbVcYQJIJ0Cj-SJrM2I3fifBP3I9-7uVdzL3GwlZvw96JibJgoMfEFJwlARFnKLiMtASZdQiTiZAcVIe9pqI/s400/photo+30000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As mentioned, price is on the high side but the serving size and taste justifies the cost. I had the Inaka Barasushi and Hot Inaniwa Udon set which is priced at P370. As you can see, serving is generous and the taste...really authentic and good. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKmOcHzDvEfRd2Gp8UFyOp30aOHAJZBeg9JaWqWEacYgKCfYJXjnxwIqzGah9wODWqcoSle1Gdcom1pVakmlWPmkhCyNiEkXnYT27ZcoVN8vXXygt4EZ4IdxkWfLnhkrxAG7v5wdfHIs/s1600/photo+40000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKmOcHzDvEfRd2Gp8UFyOp30aOHAJZBeg9JaWqWEacYgKCfYJXjnxwIqzGah9wODWqcoSle1Gdcom1pVakmlWPmkhCyNiEkXnYT27ZcoVN8vXXygt4EZ4IdxkWfLnhkrxAG7v5wdfHIs/s400/photo+40000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My wife in the meantime had the Ebi Furai Bentoh. A combination of Breaded Tiger Prawns, Chicken Teriyaki, Age Deshi Tofu and Rice. All priced at P360.<br />
<br />
If there was a letdown, it's their Japanese rice. I wouldn't even go to the level of considering it as one.<br />
<br />
All in all, this is one Japanese resto we would eat over and over again and which I would highly recommend. But stick to their noodles as this is their specialty. Not sure of their sashimis though...but I would guess they are good also.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ofuku-San is located along the chain of restaurants of Gaisano Country Mall at the GF.</span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-47669962483056765322012-11-12T23:02:00.000-08:002012-11-13T17:06:04.790-08:00FOOD - Portland<br />
One thing I love about Portland, other than shopping tax free, is the chance to enjoy good local food. I have been to the famous and expensive restaurants such as the likes of <a href="http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/locations/portland-oregon/portland-oregon/sw12thave/menus.aspx">Jack's Crawfish</a>, <a href="http://www.ruthschris.com/Restaurant-Locations/portland">Ruth's Chris Steak House</a>, <a href="http://picnichousepdx.com/">Picnic House</a> and <a href="http://www.23hoyt.com/">23 Hoyt</a> among others but for some reason, it doesn't satisfy my craving for local food. So I made it a point to go where majority of the locals go...<br />
<br />
<b>BURGERS...<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/259/1588609/restaurant/Five-Guys-Burgers-and-Fries-Portland">FIVE GUYS</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC8tUT_BEqMjq5Ouolu9YhpeJ5QNBq5sMCtGVvjc701k_0q7AjAF60Pb1tmmAGgMdedz4lFndB4OKlrzwlke4JymTFtndzhLs4d5-NtkvCZQE0DvkiqQnpj08mGkBGUVOXBC_pk15Ofg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC8tUT_BEqMjq5Ouolu9YhpeJ5QNBq5sMCtGVvjc701k_0q7AjAF60Pb1tmmAGgMdedz4lFndB4OKlrzwlke4JymTFtndzhLs4d5-NtkvCZQE0DvkiqQnpj08mGkBGUVOXBC_pk15Ofg/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
Whenever I think of US food, first thing that comes to my mind is "Burgers". So when I asked a friend of mine where the best burger in Portland is, without hesitation his response was Five Guys. I was like huh?<br />
<br />
I was told that the establishment name was derived on the history of its owners. Just five guys who thought about opening a joint that offers the best burgers in town. Hmmmm...now only if putting up a business is this simple.<br />
<br />
Don't let its name fool you though. This establishment has won numerous awards as the best burger in town and for good reason. If their perfectly grilled burgers is not enough, you have the option to choose as many toppings as you wish. And free peanuts!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGwQf_3Ppo2b7yRG-6UcdltdIWn3xdZ1yp6-oqeW3-VWEE11XxB_pbCJtMaAmwjHPOUoqicNwQa4G4LTnymuAFAdBnm48GnVLmsmbDj3EN84wObU9Spc0pmTmbrHOdCedOlpC3lnBAPA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGwQf_3Ppo2b7yRG-6UcdltdIWn3xdZ1yp6-oqeW3-VWEE11XxB_pbCJtMaAmwjHPOUoqicNwQa4G4LTnymuAFAdBnm48GnVLmsmbDj3EN84wObU9Spc0pmTmbrHOdCedOlpC3lnBAPA/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing I found weird (no surprise here...it's Portland!) was the choice of a single or double patty...at the same price. But heck, I sure am hungry so a double patty for me please! And oh, they claim to offer less calories than other burgers...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>FOOD CART...<a href="http://www.khaomangai.com/">NONG'S KHAO MAN GAI</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzcgvcgHa3_87yNcwkzsal9iwtCZ2SaYC0BTH8xFrzBuwF53_UNol9a-_ubanwJxr5POlBi2tZ75i0QmKRENhgaGR3Nrya2bOWC3XYwGo3YGRp1amk0TUozzPIkJ80fe1XII-lEmImEk/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzcgvcgHa3_87yNcwkzsal9iwtCZ2SaYC0BTH8xFrzBuwF53_UNol9a-_ubanwJxr5POlBi2tZ75i0QmKRENhgaGR3Nrya2bOWC3XYwGo3YGRp1amk0TUozzPIkJ80fe1XII-lEmImEk/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
Another staple part of Portland's food industry is its food carts. You have a plethora of choices ranging from Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, etc. But one food cart stands above them all...Nong's Khao Man Gai.<br />
<br />
<br />
Food cart is headed by Nong Poonsukwattana who not only is the boss, but order taker as well. Her cart has won Portland's best food cart and continue to be one of the more if not most lined up carts in the city.<br />
<br />
<br />
Best and most popular dish is obviously the name of her store. Khao Man Gai chicken. I was surprised that for something so simple, it just packs a lot of flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptM_SNa918K11JJI_o1DREvwMdL14Oo9_TUZfvOXIH7YYI9jtJqNUhIM2g2-UqRyVap1JghlrKwQK_MiYV_CPGevIytrPoF7swhz8Fgq_NknjWvuazokXkTZH6kq3LPmQs753jiohuKU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptM_SNa918K11JJI_o1DREvwMdL14Oo9_TUZfvOXIH7YYI9jtJqNUhIM2g2-UqRyVap1JghlrKwQK_MiYV_CPGevIytrPoF7swhz8Fgq_NknjWvuazokXkTZH6kq3LPmQs753jiohuKU/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You know it's good Thai food when Thai people love it...and my Thai friends just can't get enough of this dish.<br />
<br />
There are actually a lot more like Voodoo donuts but unfortunately, I had the tonsils back then so no sweets for me. Oh well, probably next year again if I get the chance :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-70149709413124149182012-10-17T23:04:00.000-07:002012-10-17T23:04:57.311-07:00FOOD - Best Burger in Cebu<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Looking for the best burger in Cebu? We finally found it in <b>BIG TOM'S</b>!!!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXfWl7Npjl8qFddEQaHaVZPdP48wTzg4pVOUMJ-jO1ktR_X-2D4uXEw6cde4LblODKiwgx68bCMppEnCwkkNJaA_VUNFtb9-75821eZqyShsGlH39uoYc4urjejBhncdkci_G6OJDRQs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSGiMJ-qnvyI2DpMEnx2OzowefWLJV9CLRLt-MHXauqOGvahJMynTd3AmmWNg-HlflIWOsBxr3kPX8gQA05OtspasR4jkUFGWQTOBvRpJxnJexdFP1LB5z_6eW0ut_J_rIkpRr1vVHFc/s1600/564532_252518128199303_1498081475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSGiMJ-qnvyI2DpMEnx2OzowefWLJV9CLRLt-MHXauqOGvahJMynTd3AmmWNg-HlflIWOsBxr3kPX8gQA05OtspasR4jkUFGWQTOBvRpJxnJexdFP1LB5z_6eW0ut_J_rIkpRr1vVHFc/s200/564532_252518128199303_1498081475_n.jpg" width="93" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just how good is it? It's tagline alone speaks for itself...Freshly Ground, Never Frozen, Handmade Daily! Still not sold? Juvvy just finished a 4oz burger, on a diet and she still grabbed my last bite!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After tasting their burger, we vowed never to go back eating at Army Navy, Burger Joint, Jollibee...uhm...wait, this is too much to ask...let's just leave it to those serving charbroiled burgers!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big Tom's is located along Juan Osmena St., Cebu City. Note that it's not really a formal restaurant/ joint. You need to call if you plan to dine in as it's really a residential place which garden was transformed to an outdoor dining area. Having your burgers delivered or picked up may prove to be the best way to enjoy their burgers.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXfWl7Npjl8qFddEQaHaVZPdP48wTzg4pVOUMJ-jO1ktR_X-2D4uXEw6cde4LblODKiwgx68bCMppEnCwkkNJaA_VUNFtb9-75821eZqyShsGlH39uoYc4urjejBhncdkci_G6OJDRQs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXfWl7Npjl8qFddEQaHaVZPdP48wTzg4pVOUMJ-jO1ktR_X-2D4uXEw6cde4LblODKiwgx68bCMppEnCwkkNJaA_VUNFtb9-75821eZqyShsGlH39uoYc4urjejBhncdkci_G6OJDRQs/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXfWl7Npjl8qFddEQaHaVZPdP48wTzg4pVOUMJ-jO1ktR_X-2D4uXEw6cde4LblODKiwgx68bCMppEnCwkkNJaA_VUNFtb9-75821eZqyShsGlH39uoYc4urjejBhncdkci_G6OJDRQs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are planning to build a restaurant by December. I can't wait as surely, we will be a regular visitor once it's up and running. And I expect others to do the same so don't wait...grabe one now and enjoy this hidden treasure of Cebu.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For deliveries/ inquiries, just call 032 5147007.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-62556376249263193622012-10-17T02:23:00.002-07:002012-10-17T20:19:54.861-07:00FOOD - Gusteau's GenSan<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
When talking about GenSan, only one word comes to mind...and no it's not Pacquiao, Tuna, etc. It's Gusteau's! Gus-what you might say? <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gusteau's is one of the best and probably most famous seafood restaurant in GenSan. . Restaurant is not much to look at but once you see all those eating inside, you know you're in the right place. Staff are very courteous as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Their must haves are as follows...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>GARLIC TUNA BELLY</b>...it's crazy how perfect they cook this dish. It's crispy on the outside yet the inside is so fresh and chewy. Serving is actually good for 2-4 persons but it's so damn good, I can finish the whole thing!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSC6l5tjnIrmDMaQqlZuOxKM5-ygFNPuOb1qhvZ0Mj3Hh1snoJdbKtL27aPA0p4-6zYPXMs88E8nPlqRNDr2-yna3FID1uO9o43TgjoE-cMGl5w0Xbi4Jz0Q89Q3GqATj6ZojV11HXTU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSC6l5tjnIrmDMaQqlZuOxKM5-ygFNPuOb1qhvZ0Mj3Hh1snoJdbKtL27aPA0p4-6zYPXMs88E8nPlqRNDr2-yna3FID1uO9o43TgjoE-cMGl5w0Xbi4Jz0Q89Q3GqATj6ZojV11HXTU/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>SPICY PRAWN</b>...I would actually like to change it to sweet and spicy prawn but you know what, it doesn't matte as it's so good as well! Deciphering its ingredients, they used olive oil, tons of garlic, pepper (too much though based on my last meal), and sugar. I'm sure there's a lot more but these are the ones that pop out. You have the option to order specific sizes and quantities as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYdDLE9Nv2Ny9TFXIW8AsAziWO3OvjY-3hIzEZsubw1lu2fPeMRQ4rgBVoAc3M5Y0cJ-iJAGSlYDB43pmz1o1X-cCEiuNFNoQXpoOfbVpf0fvLWR6VreuHAlS3L7Bm_vzxLfgREosuww/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYdDLE9Nv2Ny9TFXIW8AsAziWO3OvjY-3hIzEZsubw1lu2fPeMRQ4rgBVoAc3M5Y0cJ-iJAGSlYDB43pmz1o1X-cCEiuNFNoQXpoOfbVpf0fvLWR6VreuHAlS3L7Bm_vzxLfgREosuww/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>OCEAN KING CRAB</b>...oh man...let me just put it this way. I hate eating with my hands...EXCEPT when I'm eating this! Only the tons of garlic standout but there should be a lot more herb and spices as it is so tasty! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2RePZHzO1x_U2nr-zLQ9VvKUwzpNJ1MK8LMSV2LUok4cEBSOtTvxqLBdBZQLzzWAxwSN1IxhcRHxx4Xw9KTzKu9XGW7niXrmtJ7HobzJA1W7K9XmgjoxCRcPi9-1NMxY_hY-Qr4atEA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2RePZHzO1x_U2nr-zLQ9VvKUwzpNJ1MK8LMSV2LUok4cEBSOtTvxqLBdBZQLzzWAxwSN1IxhcRHxx4Xw9KTzKu9XGW7niXrmtJ7HobzJA1W7K9XmgjoxCRcPi9-1NMxY_hY-Qr4atEA/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When in GenSan, make sure to stop by the place. It's located at the 2F of Sun City Complex which is along the National Highway. Note that cooking usually takes time and the place gets filled-up easy so it's best to pre-order. Their number is 083 3048682. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-18491432426303738042012-10-13T19:09:00.003-07:002012-10-13T19:09:48.891-07:00FAMILY - Liam's Report Card<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u_pzULYc6tOgs9iMyRoUtIMwefFPJ0jXu7HrCU4WdNrWKhD1M4fIQk_5XgSScoUorbP0OnY64dmgwleByWiXhtcNNZytzZIxBXRjWwy6l-vqNDs-eV4gOqEje_64BxRHaZsJynWaidY/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u_pzULYc6tOgs9iMyRoUtIMwefFPJ0jXu7HrCU4WdNrWKhD1M4fIQk_5XgSScoUorbP0OnY64dmgwleByWiXhtcNNZytzZIxBXRjWwy6l-vqNDs-eV4gOqEje_64BxRHaZsJynWaidY/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was something I really didn't expect doing until Liam is 5 yrs. old or something. That is meeting with a teacher to discuss my son's report card. Yup you heard it right. A report card for a less than 2 yr. old toddler!<br />
<br />
Liam, despite being the youngest in his class, turned out to be one of the fastest developers. He knows quite a number of shapes and colors already and his attention to his teachers is top notch...even if he's just going around the room doing his own thing. And he loves to sing and dance.<br />
<br />
Only issue: He has the social skills of his father ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-55185249715133669342012-10-13T00:53:00.001-07:002012-10-13T01:03:25.614-07:00FOOD - Mr. India Restaurant<br />
<br />
When you talk about the best eats in Cebu, the usual restos pop-up: Casa Verde, CNT, AA's, etc. But now being a long term resident, these establishments have lost their glamour among our taste buds. Thus the urge to look for other varieties...heck, we now appreciate Shakey's more than ever...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnCP2uO_LHNZwihjXPLjlQ7F9gwR6EXRNe5TR-OEI-h76SNAUhCqoWFrDciim3fyhXwcPQyv7oelKdduGS7_QKe7WjOeUNBVN_wZ_rjVtnB6EjGnszIedlgf4qpMO1MopSvk75t-LQU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubnCP2uO_LHNZwihjXPLjlQ7F9gwR6EXRNe5TR-OEI-h76SNAUhCqoWFrDciim3fyhXwcPQyv7oelKdduGS7_QKe7WjOeUNBVN_wZ_rjVtnB6EjGnszIedlgf4qpMO1MopSvk75t-LQU/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then we came upon Mr. India.<br />
<br />
This establishment is situated along the chain of restos of Gaisano Country Mall. It's a small and simple place butyou can feel its authenticity. Disclaimer: I haven't been to India so this is very much a personal view.<br />
<br />
One thing that really caught my attention, which honestly is not much of a surprise, is the abundance of foreigners and their "local" partners. If you are sensitive about this then this might not be the place for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
But it's all about the food and in this regard, they did not disappoint. Their servers stress that what they serve is authentic. Since I haven't been to India, my educated guess is they are 70-80% accurate. Bottom line though is it's surprisingly tasty...and CHEAP! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQS1DWPHeCwYSbQzNH46qrSGej-a1OGH4UfBzrTb4w7zqnqAsDU6PjctzOFADBV5AINOPWnx0yOwBX5ZV0msq-euIXGQ0LVhnudx-1jUw9p_8xO4c0S6x-SZs84_wFDAYe8u595VWbOM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQS1DWPHeCwYSbQzNH46qrSGej-a1OGH4UfBzrTb4w7zqnqAsDU6PjctzOFADBV5AINOPWnx0yOwBX5ZV0msq-euIXGQ0LVhnudx-1jUw9p_8xO4c0S6x-SZs84_wFDAYe8u595VWbOM/s200/photo+3.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
I ordered their Chicken Biryani meal which set me back just P109. For this price, you get a big plate of Basmati rice and underneath it is a quarter sized chicken. Size of the chicken is not big nor small but it's tasty enough that you will have the urge to eat more than your usual serving of rice.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2w9sclZSgZE2newxiEIcirmMdkoP-mUDFJG627hsPNrGVfrpdPapc3M4yow4qXWrgJw9iGOdZkIM2lCZcQOCpZarxY3V429ge8B4E7kqqfFtceId3kVhW44h6-p6BH9PXh-nTUk-cF0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2w9sclZSgZE2newxiEIcirmMdkoP-mUDFJG627hsPNrGVfrpdPapc3M4yow4qXWrgJw9iGOdZkIM2lCZcQOCpZarxY3V429ge8B4E7kqqfFtceId3kVhW44h6-p6BH9PXh-nTUk-cF0/s200/photo+4.JPG" width="149" /></a>It also came along with a freshly served Papadum (ala fish cracker).<br />
<br />
As for Juvvy, she ordered their Non Veggie Thali meal. It's a combination of 1 Dal (Lentil soup), Non veggie dish (which varies daily), 1 Rice (which Juvvy changed to another Papadum), 1 Naan Paratha (tortilla), 1 Papadum and 1 Desert (milky syrup with mini tapiocas). All these served on a "prison" like plate. It won't win any award in terms of presentation nor will make you appreciate it more but once you start eating it, it's also surprisingly good. And oh, all of these just cost P99!<br />
<br />
It's only now that I'm blogging about this place but we've actually eaten here multiple times already. I'm sure there are better and more authentic Indian restuarants within Cebu but if you just want a no frills value for money place, look no further.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-PA09KOD2Pzh1VdsZ_MEPpDatUTE1AhaNGyy8Kq1fjEDOzajUVrRISLISXp_hrYqt9yIr7Qm66bAgOHKligng2mQVAy4Rin577EJhP2qzt9M_jKkDOOw84ydCR8R7ZO77Cf5J1OkBKg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-PA09KOD2Pzh1VdsZ_MEPpDatUTE1AhaNGyy8Kq1fjEDOzajUVrRISLISXp_hrYqt9yIr7Qm66bAgOHKligng2mQVAy4Rin577EJhP2qzt9M_jKkDOOw84ydCR8R7ZO77Cf5J1OkBKg/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-13929098537693585442012-10-12T00:49:00.001-07:002012-10-12T00:49:48.949-07:00GEAR REVIEW - Mt. Amuyao Gear List <div>
<br />
<br /></div>
It's been a while since I last packed for a multi-day hiking trip so I was like a newbie scrounging what to bring or not. I actually did the usual packing disciplines like bringing shirts equal to the number of days I will be travelling + 1, footwear for camp and extra hiking sandals, etc. These were all housed in my MHW Expedition Duffle since I don't have my hiking pack yet at that time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a good thing I had to repack. In doing so, I was able to reassess why I spend on quality outdoor stuff. These were meant to be abused and reused! What's the point of getting a lightweight pack, leightweight gear, etc. if I won't be utilizing their benefits?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I streamlined my stuff to less than half of what I'm supposed to bring and survived just fine. With that, I would like to share the gears I used...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>APPAREL/ FOOTWEAR</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtZp1iquN7_ozT-uOCKXQ_HjN2F3gP671saaI49QYVJ5Q1Uk9v-a5d-Ov-I3ieNJjPPRnIUEIsQebyOZrB3v5YOG8cxO0r7KgiRIk0E_AvY12FoT-DjKvYusSL-iSPn0PYCerzTpQFUE/s1600/4093.48503_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtZp1iquN7_ozT-uOCKXQ_HjN2F3gP671saaI49QYVJ5Q1Uk9v-a5d-Ov-I3ieNJjPPRnIUEIsQebyOZrB3v5YOG8cxO0r7KgiRIk0E_AvY12FoT-DjKvYusSL-iSPn0PYCerzTpQFUE/s200/4093.48503_e.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from mountainhardware.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men's-Wicked-Lite%E2%84%A2-Short-Sleeve-Tee/OM3013,default,pd.html">Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite Tee</a></div>
<div>
- I had this crazy idea to put this shirt to the absolute test...wear it for the whole duration of our trip...although I wore a long sleeved baselayer during the 4th day.</div>
<div>
- This tee shirt performed way better than I expected. It was really light, comfortable next to the skin and I see myself dry after my pace slows down or already in the camp site. There was no odor even when I used it again on our 5th day!</div>
<div>
- My only nitpick is with the fit. It was too loose for my lean frame. I actually brought and should've worn my <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Double-Wicked-Lite%E2%84%A2-S/S-T/OM3015,default,pd.html">MHW Double Wicked Lite Tee</a> but I was too stubborn to replace it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.columbia.com/Men%27s-Silver-Ridge%E2%84%A2-Convertible-Pant/AM8004,default,pd.html">Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants (2009)</a></div>
<div>
- As with my MHW tee, I planned to use this for the duration of our trip...I had to give it a rest during the last day though.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuWTAWf5GxoeuRbyiLuu86a9N363CLxbYCYaATPfrnIfpeEE106MKHHsEp5mQ8ufMFCxWqs8A0eCXHuqBWjvtngKdHS5Of7ot_q2lULOUG7SocZDGmrYvRc02nbn_5baxK7D6JzPBH0U/s1600/courtesy+of+columbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuWTAWf5GxoeuRbyiLuu86a9N363CLxbYCYaATPfrnIfpeEE106MKHHsEp5mQ8ufMFCxWqs8A0eCXHuqBWjvtngKdHS5Of7ot_q2lULOUG7SocZDGmrYvRc02nbn_5baxK7D6JzPBH0U/s200/courtesy+of+columbia.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from columbia.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
- It took some time for my pants to dry out but this is due mainly to being drench in water due to the terrain and weather. Left overnight though, it's dry and ready to use. I'm sure if I'm wearing cottons or those heavy duty nylon's, it won't be as comfortable.</div>
<div>
- Sizing is loose due to a US fit. It is actually quite ok when worn casually but during my hike, once wet and my pack pushing it downwards, I can feel it close to falling off. It was a major nuisance specially when I had to crouch really low to pass through the fallen logs along the trail</div>
<div>
- Durability wise, no complaints. Scratches/ frays were minimal despite the abuse...and I do mean abuse! After our trip, my pants can almost stand by itself with all the mud and dirt that covered it.</div>
<div>
- The 2012 version of this model actually addressed the fitting issue (if you have a lean figure like me). Durability wise, it is more susceptible to scratch/ fray due to a thinner albeit more comfortable fabric. It still has the rip stop construction though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9XVJgpr5h-08-kNLr8jPsJj9rLyF4DbcvRWQAwU9O9zhb97L7-8LJhhj7ssNfKW7VZaJ591a03xbrkbUZyu_LdzMOwqci7MeB-JlYoSeiUWHxsCktDdFGXepKw5L1diRCeCYh4dUuEs/s1600/62906.99655_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9XVJgpr5h-08-kNLr8jPsJj9rLyF4DbcvRWQAwU9O9zhb97L7-8LJhhj7ssNfKW7VZaJ591a03xbrkbUZyu_LdzMOwqci7MeB-JlYoSeiUWHxsCktDdFGXepKw5L1diRCeCYh4dUuEs/s200/62906.99655_e.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from mountainhardwear.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Epic%E2%84%A2-Jacket/OM3879,default,pd.html">Mountain Hardwear Epic Jacket</a></div>
<div>
- It didn't really rain that hard for me to comment on <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MountainHardwear_US-Site/default/Page-IncludeModalContent?cid=DryQ_Core_pdp">DryQ Core's</a> waterproofing but what I can say is it has one of the best "next to skin" feel of a membrane in the market. Compared to its past WPB membrane that is Conduit which feels sticky and clammy, this one is a vast improvement.</div>
<div>
- If you want the best though and have the cash to burn, wait for their EVAP (exclusive to Mountain Hardwear and Columbia Sportwear) line. I am fortunate to have one and tested it and man...you'll have a whole new appreciation on WPB technology.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men%27s-Mountain-Masochist%E2%84%A2-II/GM2141,default,pd.html">Montrail Mountain Masochist II</a></div>
<div>
- First off, this is a trail running shoe. While it can double as a hiking shoe, it's not really meant for long walks with heavy loads</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa4JB9JhbR45xR2opxA15ImDJTFUd58KUpGz-8LS5WaQ8MRYEFsoMuknPV75jn1IwF0cJcbQhRP_t6h4KqtMjDE2x3byak2M_kIflZkr88IfRtG85dKvgrXMiKwXjhZAQgzi26eZvYTs/s1600/81ETfr-bU6L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa4JB9JhbR45xR2opxA15ImDJTFUd58KUpGz-8LS5WaQ8MRYEFsoMuknPV75jn1IwF0cJcbQhRP_t6h4KqtMjDE2x3byak2M_kIflZkr88IfRtG85dKvgrXMiKwXjhZAQgzi26eZvYTs/s200/81ETfr-bU6L._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
- First day of our hike served as it's break-in period...2nd and 3rd day was when I put it to hell...loose and slippery rocks, eroding soil, ankle deep mud and water, falling in ravines...I was hell bent in breaking it but it came out unscathed</div>
<div>
- My feet never felt sore during and after our trip...and only have one dead toe nail to show...which I really wouldn't blame on the shoe.</div>
<div>
- This model has been a staple part of Montrail's trail running line-up and an award winner the past 3 years...I didn't really utilize any of its trail running features and will not probably use it again on multi-day hikes like this but for overnighters? No doubt yes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>EQUIPMENT</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://reviews.mountainhardwear.com/7018/OU4074/mountain-hardwear-fluid-48-reviews/reviews.htm">Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48</a></div>
<div>
- This pack is far from perfect but good enough for me to consider using it in the long run</div>
<div>
- Weight is not ultralight but lighter than the typical 50L packs out there</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMm_bk2_5oKxiiIjnv8QBfZnc447-4jlghupKyErdQflXAcMTMhyphenhyphenRj64wva296HekVlBB2akMRVd12NyBWPVvCI1n8__94IiP-ts5HpcLEs1Pkmt5ZLb7skrp9skOb4hYmf85C8Cmqys/s1600/FLA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMm_bk2_5oKxiiIjnv8QBfZnc447-4jlghupKyErdQflXAcMTMhyphenhyphenRj64wva296HekVlBB2akMRVd12NyBWPVvCI1n8__94IiP-ts5HpcLEs1Pkmt5ZLb7skrp9skOb4hYmf85C8Cmqys/s200/FLA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from mountainhardwear.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
- Using it is a breeze...there's a lot going on specially the straps but each has its purpose and proves to be very effective. It may irritate some though specially if they don't know what it's for.</div>
<div>
- As for its suspension, it was a pleasant surprise. Very comfortable despite my lean frame (not as comfortable as my Granite Gear Vapor Trail though). I didn't have sore shoulders after the trip which is a testament to how effective its loading system works (although I'm only carrying around 20-25 lbs).</div>
<div>
- Durability wise, multiple times I scraped it on logs/ branches without a pack cover and just have dirt stains to show for it. It went through some light rain as well but interior remained dry (as with all DWRs though, expect it to wear off after repeated use)</div>
<div>
- What I love is how the bottom compartment can be opened really wide by releasing the side buckles which doubles as a compression strap...really really cool idea and execution.</div>
<div>
- My nitpicks are how hard it is to access my water bottle at the side pocket and I can hear some random "squeaking" sound around the shoulder straps when I walk.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Hammerhead%E2%84%A2-2/OU9671,default,pd.html">Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 2</a></div>
<div>
- This is one of the staple models in MHW's backpacking tents line and is known to be one of the best and bombproof tents in the market.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAm0jHgT4H6fcW7zCK5ZB3RSnwZtNUkvI3zNSeHMNrsaobtaFUMlBnNumxfIIn7Za8DOsi-erJ_8eo6mg-QKocsCvv8QJoMUzLxboEkkvz7qFU1qYVFm8ti3W-fnVIAIwdv9FdsRrekM/s1600/19313.136701_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAm0jHgT4H6fcW7zCK5ZB3RSnwZtNUkvI3zNSeHMNrsaobtaFUMlBnNumxfIIn7Za8DOsi-erJ_8eo6mg-QKocsCvv8QJoMUzLxboEkkvz7qFU1qYVFm8ti3W-fnVIAIwdv9FdsRrekM/s200/19313.136701_e.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from altrec.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
- We experienced some winds at the peak of Mt. Amuyao and this tent didn't budge despite not being staked securely due to the cemented flooring.</div>
<div>
- Interior was spacious for 2 and each vestibule provided ample space to store our pack, boots and other stuff that we can't put in the tent.</div>
<div>
- Canopy provided a lot of features and one thing I really loved was the removable roof panel. </div>
<div>
- Surprisingly, it wasn't warm at all inside the tent despite closing all the mesh panels of the canopy...there is a pro and con to this but given our weather, I would consider it a pro.</div>
<div>
- This is no lightweight tent but will not consider it heavy either given the floor space of both the canopy and the vestibules.</div>
<div>
- My only nitpick is the lack of loops inside the tent to create a mini-clothes line to hang our clothes...though this is because of the extra ceiling design.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMO_8geryg3KS6egWg9UVYaYleaQBai1mJ7S8QIL1NUAnbH6IOE46M8Q8NMTwWqPnrfZGqoBnTuQ1g9cZv8TP4DIxZ10eiSz2m4ZY76yzuyJuHHKAdGX1Q0YWvtqYpOv-dpEHakyxiKI/s1600/product_103410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMO_8geryg3KS6egWg9UVYaYleaQBai1mJ7S8QIL1NUAnbH6IOE46M8Q8NMTwWqPnrfZGqoBnTuQ1g9cZv8TP4DIxZ10eiSz2m4ZY76yzuyJuHHKAdGX1Q0YWvtqYpOv-dpEHakyxiKI/s1600/product_103410.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from outdoorreview.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/product-archives/outdoor-equipment/backpacking-camping-hiking/sleeping-pads/therm-a-rest/guidelite-long/prd_103410_3010crx.aspx">Therm-a-Rest GuideLite</a></div>
<div>
- This has been with me for almost 10 years and shows no sign of slowing down. Hands down one of the best luxuries (if not necessity) sleeping in the outdoors.</div>
<div>
- I actually prefer to use my <a href="http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/product-archives/outdoor-equipment/backpacking-camping-hiking/sleeping-pads/therm-a-rest/z-rest-mattress-regular/prd_103432_3010crx.aspx">Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest</a> due to its ease of use and easy maintenance but had to donate it to my grand mother.<br />
- This model has been discontinued and is now replaced by the Prolite and Prolite Plus models which are both lighter and more compact than mine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>ACCESSORIES</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YYWc06TUti5Up6KMUIANLA8_XrjSfqqchrmwTREeAGA5_FTgRBx_vAPVpOgfRA-ksQlJ4DYnSBeH5eeisPIMMoNo_VaNMeHI64Ki5gKQ3IpTYpllxXvlVPUFrwnO97-Xp37FwOI7KIQ/s1600/Compressible_Pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YYWc06TUti5Up6KMUIANLA8_XrjSfqqchrmwTREeAGA5_FTgRBx_vAPVpOgfRA-ksQlJ4DYnSBeH5eeisPIMMoNo_VaNMeHI64Ki5gKQ3IpTYpllxXvlVPUFrwnO97-Xp37FwOI7KIQ/s200/Compressible_Pillow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from cascadedesigns.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/en/therm-a-rest/sleep-systems/pillows/compressible-pillow/product">Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow</a></div>
<div>
- If you spent on an inflatable mattress, might as well spend on a pillow!</div>
<div>
- As with an inflatable sleeping pad, this is one of the luxuries sleeping outdoors...one side is plush fleece while the opposite side is nylon for durability/ water resistance.</div>
<div>
- It's compact, but not ultra compact, and expands 3-4x it's collapsed size...be ready for queries on how you managed to fit a pillow of this size in your pack!</div>
<div>
- It's really soft so it takes some getting used to if you use an orthopedic pillow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcApHZdMqJLxhif74IhhAu2TYOyAFK2AWLWj3AJaj_WjUW3wsRxKekSbURnlbFjWlvapuRMnzxFN3SbB19x8Lx-BvMqODZp-tS9tLEBONlZ_5MWxMFCYNRPBfSi2r9yJWH9fwG9GMcrs/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcApHZdMqJLxhif74IhhAu2TYOyAFK2AWLWj3AJaj_WjUW3wsRxKekSbURnlbFjWlvapuRMnzxFN3SbB19x8Lx-BvMqODZp-tS9tLEBONlZ_5MWxMFCYNRPBfSi2r9yJWH9fwG9GMcrs/s200/index.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from princetontec.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://www.princetontec.com/?q=quad">Princeton Tec Quad</a></div>
<div>
- 5 years ago, this was one of the lightest and best performing headlamps out there. </div>
<div>
- What I really like about it compared to its Petzl and Black Diamond counterparts is the battery indicator.</div>
<div>
- I cannot really give praise to its durability as it suffered a crack below the on/ off switch when I stored it inside my luggage. I still have to give it props though as that crack happened the night I bought it...and after 5 years, is still up and running.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPexXiBEPAubDUtl_4hRzXEqfxBaWzSZ8AW2vMrMr155hDXwnhdi42HoQFATs0hn3OX0vz2KNzfANxgMRj8KYpSC67OVMGBkcu3IxU1U7TN6sEO4uDdEt5xUTwQxrG0dv-7EPJDm7eNM/s1600/41f2GgaO4ML._SS400_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPexXiBEPAubDUtl_4hRzXEqfxBaWzSZ8AW2vMrMr155hDXwnhdi42HoQFATs0hn3OX0vz2KNzfANxgMRj8KYpSC67OVMGBkcu3IxU1U7TN6sEO4uDdEt5xUTwQxrG0dv-7EPJDm7eNM/s200/41f2GgaO4ML._SS400_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="http://www.trailspace.com/gear/coleman/exponent-4aa-pack-away-lantern/">Coleman Exponent Pack Away Lantern</a></div>
<div>
- This was a pleasant surprise as I completely forgot that I have one!...good thing I decided to look into my old room.</div>
<div>
- What can I say...bright, compact, durable and runs on 4 AA batteries...and I think I bought it for less than USD 30.</div>
<div>
- My only nitpick, though this is purely my fault, is the rubber tends to get sticky/ flake off if not stored properly (say 3 years!)...but then again, it still works properly so hands off to Coleman for this.</div>
<div>
- Option to hang it is a bonus...specially if you're going to use this for cooking as you need to hang it around waist level.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>About the Blogger:</b><br />
I am related to some of the brands I have listed above. In no means though was I paid nor obligated to write any of these. This is a personal hands on review and sharing my experience/ knowledge is all there is to this blog.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-61698514212305921642012-10-05T17:28:00.001-07:002012-10-17T23:03:48.706-07:00TRAVEL - Wet, Muddy and Nice...My 2nd Mt. Batulao Adventure<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><b>INFO:</b> This was a blog I posted August 2008 in my multiply account...thought of sharing it also here before Mutliply totally dissolves together with my old blogs ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">It was another day at the office for me. 2 months from my attempt of Mt. Hood, here I am again at the great outdoors but taking on a different challenge. I wish I could say it’s another “ice” escapade but that won’t happen again till (crossing my fingers) next year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">This time it’s something us Filipinos can better relate to…a wet and muddy trail. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwbze0bEU3s_Q56pP7WJsBRkjEFAKWR5foC6OUcqCTq5e5MzLJAZUOF3olu9w_c8xY2Gkd8WmziFWxVXgAVPOvPquAdX7UaUadmF6x82cFg6TmZ8oW-09O_Qya-otz42R5RY2VW6wdL0/s1600/batulao_02_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwbze0bEU3s_Q56pP7WJsBRkjEFAKWR5foC6OUcqCTq5e5MzLJAZUOF3olu9w_c8xY2Gkd8WmziFWxVXgAVPOvPquAdX7UaUadmF6x82cFg6TmZ8oW-09O_Qya-otz42R5RY2VW6wdL0/s320/batulao_02_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gail, Raquel, Chuck, Richie and Tin (front and center)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">A day heading to this adventure, question in everyone’s mind was whether to proceed or not. It’s been raining crazy as hell and shows no sign of slowing down. In addition to the bad weather, I just remembered that I left our tent at the office...and the worst one of them all, I was not able to get my ritual haircut! And if all of these wasn't enough, I had to report to work following day for a seminar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">But being the hardheaded adventure seeker that we are, rain or shine…or even a written warning from our HR…we go!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">Such was not the case with the others though. From a group of supposedly 16 climbers, only 6 brave souls stuck it out. The “hard core” team of myself, Tin and Chuck, “recreational” Raqs, “newbie” Gail, and our “guide” Richie. 6 others backed out morning of the climb while the usual absentees lived up to their reputations (I won’t mention that it’s Ken and Betchay). Mau (my pioneer Columbia sales staff turned Operations Assistant) and Bobe in the meantime had to work that Saturday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">But despite the huge attendance setback, the 6 of us were all determined to make this climb something to remember. And boy did we get our share of memories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">The day started with a miscommunication between me and Gail, whom I was supposed to meet in the bus station beside MRT Edsa station. With such an address description I knew there would be trouble. And there sure was one as she was waiting for me a hundred meters away in another bus station. Not to mention both stations have a Jollibee, which was our point of reference, beside it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">As usual Raqs and Tin were late from our original meet up time of 8am. They arrived together with Chuck around 830am and by 9am we all boarded the bus (whose liner I still don’t know by now) going to Tagaytay. At this time the rain has already stopped so you could imagine the sigh of relief for each of us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirYUFf6HQfEGI7zS2LUDhEO9EXyc77-ke2Kzx-JstmIYDjortQNAayLB1Qe7OVuxCuRT6mqA1hYuOtY5wylDDOa8DprMU707pFnoxEzpr3Mm-30sr6Q-rpakLYtAiwo-TMen3mJMV2Cg/s1600/batulao_01_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirYUFf6HQfEGI7zS2LUDhEO9EXyc77-ke2Kzx-JstmIYDjortQNAayLB1Qe7OVuxCuRT6mqA1hYuOtY5wylDDOa8DprMU707pFnoxEzpr3Mm-30sr6Q-rpakLYtAiwo-TMen3mJMV2Cg/s320/batulao_01_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Getting ready...Gail checking out Chuck's legs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">We arrived at the Evercrest entrance around 1130 and stopped over one of the karinderyas to have lunch and do our last minute packing. I had some nilagang baka to wake up my nerves and a pack of squared suman to give me the energy I would need for the climb. A bottle of sparking “Sparkle” soda topped off my meal. All this for about P55!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">By 1245 in the afternoon, with everything packed and our stomachs full, we proceeded to take on the Mt. Batulao challenge. As it was high noon, we took a tricycle (yes it’s not “hard core” like but who said you have to be one to enjoy the outdoors?) to the jump-off which surprisingly only cost us P10 each. It turned out that this fare will only take us 1/3<sup>rd</sup> of the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">To go all the way to the jump-off, we were asked for a fare of P100 per tricycle as the remaining route is all rough road that only a Land Rover or Land Cruiser will love. While we are all open to walk the trail (which would probably take us 30-45 mins), “recreational” Raqs opted to ride it out. Being the team player we all are, we obliged to her request. Personally, I would have just walked not because of the challenge of it, but the damn tricycle was so cramped I had to literally crouch to fit in…with my heavy pack in front of me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">After 15 mins of tricycle off-roading, some splashes of mud and an aching back, we arrived at the jump-off. Richie arranged a horse to carry our packs but Tintin got so engrossed with it that she decided to ride it out instead. What she didn’t realize was riding one would present more of a challenge. An hour and a half later she decided to walk on her 2 size 4 shoes instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm2NwZqyRYTfm-wDX7P1ZRClOujC_wPfbpvDjMq0r0gjCJSjW-1y-IbGazHst7b-fd2LTlYg6Me8RLQJDMDIsIgqpTs-m686-aBXaBznKsZLJQjQRLKOUqxoLQEPr3e_aT8ksVbLoHfY/s1600/batulao_31_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm2NwZqyRYTfm-wDX7P1ZRClOujC_wPfbpvDjMq0r0gjCJSjW-1y-IbGazHst7b-fd2LTlYg6Me8RLQJDMDIsIgqpTs-m686-aBXaBznKsZLJQjQRLKOUqxoLQEPr3e_aT8ksVbLoHfY/s320/batulao_31_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">2nd stop over...Tin wanted to be left here</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">The rest of us proceeded to take the “clean” route starting with a narrow concrete road then passing by houses with dogs barking and snarling their hearts out. 15 mins later there we were zig zagging and doing leg acrobats as we maneuver ourselves along the wet and muddy trail. Almost everyone managed to stay clean (on a certain respect) except for “newbie” Gail whose sparkling white gum-soled rubber shoes dug deep into the muddy trail and turned to chocolate brown. You got to hand it to her for still smiling at her predicament while all of us laugh at her…and welcoming her first baptismal ordeal of the outdoors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">30 mins into our muddy hike we stopped by the 2<sup>nd</sup> stopover to have some fresh buko and for Tintin, shop for some “upo” sized pipinos. Everyone was taking their sweet time when I ordered everyone to proceed as rain clouds are already starting to form...not to mention mosquitoes are making a picnic out of my legs. With heavy hearts, they obliged to my order (they love and hate me for being like this).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">The muddy trail now turned to a narrow trail with waist to shoulder level “cogons” which was a welcome sight. That is if you are fully covered as these leaves can leave small scratches on your arms and legs. I had to endure some slight irritation and scratches though as dumb enough, I converted my pants to shorts during our last stop.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">15 mins later we arrived at the last rest stop where you can see in full view the peak of Mt. Batulao and the “Guiting-Guiting” like hills that surround it. A group of climbers were there as well preparing their lunch. Our jaws dropped and our tongues drooled upon seeing their “inihaw” na baboy. We resisted the temptation when they offered us some as our stomachs are still full and we want to make room for dinner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-9nh2XBx3fKBPC5JOVLzVpV2aI7smFrT34v3oXX47aJwnH1WP_MKzpVeG0dvnRmC6WSkYb1XzJUwxnbRd4JX9HpMXjrabve-NYTZiqrP0WZ1fZ6b8rUCPPOyhlebGISqdTt1qSmSowE/s1600/batulao_06_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-9nh2XBx3fKBPC5JOVLzVpV2aI7smFrT34v3oXX47aJwnH1WP_MKzpVeG0dvnRmC6WSkYb1XzJUwxnbRd4JX9HpMXjrabve-NYTZiqrP0WZ1fZ6b8rUCPPOyhlebGISqdTt1qSmSowE/s320/batulao_06_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Guiting-Guiting like hills of Mt. Batulao</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">Rain started to fall when we started our hike again and this is the time that I usually ask myself why am I enduring all this when I could just be home watching TV. But I look at the picturesque landscape, myself drenched in rain, my co-climbers clawing their way through the steep hills, and I got my answer. With a big smile on my face I proceeded and I presumed everyone had the same mindset as we were all smiles scaling the steep hills and narrow bends going to the campsite. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">A new route was actually set-up 7 months ago leading to the opposite face of the Mt. Batulao peak. Having already taken the old one, we proceeded with this new route as it was said to be “less” muddy and much more easier. I have to agree with the former but the latter I have to disagree. Going to the new campsite were just gradual up and down slopes with established trails. Going to the peak was another story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">By 1530 we arrived in the new campsite. It was still raining albeit not that strong so we decided to set up our tents. It turned out to be a good idea as a downpour came in minutes after. Unfortunately for the girls, they were unsuccessful pitching their tent as it is so complicated to set-up. They had to wait for the rain to stop before they were able to continue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">It proved to be a long wait as the rain didn’t slow down until about 1730. By 1830 the rain stopped and we immediately started to cook dinner. Which was my time to shine, as I was the designated cook for the trip.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8IQBHWFGIsz9-aL5zRGm2mDb4A4pSNU515TUe0TF5iuUe9HWo9oIzPPvYUPnS7XQnik0r5ssuct59D9lBWrHwbxXIYEbWjKsawFIfdxO6705eSdam6G9bLgSNVTicyhSccF2fzUGdzI/s1600/batulao_17_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8IQBHWFGIsz9-aL5zRGm2mDb4A4pSNU515TUe0TF5iuUe9HWo9oIzPPvYUPnS7XQnik0r5ssuct59D9lBWrHwbxXIYEbWjKsawFIfdxO6705eSdam6G9bLgSNVTicyhSccF2fzUGdzI/s320/batulao_17_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Chilling out after a nice dinner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">My menu started with Raquel’s favorite “hot and sour” soup (thanks to Knorr) to warm our cold bodies. For the main entrée, it was my own specialty “Italiano Sea Pasta ala Gearguru”. It was served with Parmessan Batard cut into perfection (when I was the one cutting…Tintin made it into bread crumbs or croutons when it was her cutting). For desert, it was choco-flavored wafers coated in premium and energy providing chocolate (Milo Bar) and chocolate flavored flakes with sugar (Koko Krunch). To complete the whole desert experience, it was Chuck’s specialty sweetened hot tea (Lipton w/ Brown Sugar packs stolen in a Starbucks restaurant).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">With our stomachs getting a good filling, we decided to turn the lights off around 2100. Despite not being able to sleep the whole night, we still a good rest as the weather was really calm and it was neither cold nor hot inside the tent. But just about the time me and Chuck are getting a good sleep, we were woken up prematurely by Tintin (with no reason at all) around 530am. Chuck was really close to throwing Tintin off the cliff but good thing I talked some sense to him. Instead, I got out of the tent, did a little stretching, and then threw Tintin off the cliff myself (nah just joking…I did consider this for a few seconds though).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaAOzOyRofDfcfONwvWFRbXikYBm1aE2AO04vFUGISagAC9nMFZ3NNsyJ1s3mC2LyqoB8imJH2tX1Ae9Iy4-ddYWmGqmZt2wliTg_xUTbwDOCfVThWFcKR9zCfct8HCWd1N_amvEd-Yo/s1600/batulao_24_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaAOzOyRofDfcfONwvWFRbXikYBm1aE2AO04vFUGISagAC9nMFZ3NNsyJ1s3mC2LyqoB8imJH2tX1Ae9Iy4-ddYWmGqmZt2wliTg_xUTbwDOCfVThWFcKR9zCfct8HCWd1N_amvEd-Yo/s320/batulao_24_fltrd.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">View from the highest point of our camp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; font-size: 12px;">As I was already awaken, I started preparing breakfast. The menu is not as special as the one we had for dinner but all meals were still cooked to perfection (sauted sardines for Chuck, fried chicken meat loaf and sauteed corned beef for the rest). It’s a good thing there’s an ample water source in Mt. Batulao (P30 for a gallon) so you can cook and make a mess to your heart’s content. It also helps that you have someone to take care of the dishes (reason why we always invite Raquel to climb with us).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">By 830am with everyone finished breaking camp, we decided to make an assault to the summit...well make that the highest point of the new route. As mentioned before, the supposedly easier route turned out to be much harder and further than the old one. Judging by the deep sighs and breathes of those we pass by who made the summit, you can easily judge what the route was like. This dampened the will of my co-climbers to proceed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">But with similar views from the peak, it was fulfilling enough for the team to cut short their ascent. Some may consider this a negative way to approach hiking but for me, summit or not, the most important thing being out there is to have fun and an appreciation of the outdoors. Which is all that we did. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqz4cNanyAAM4nx2JXN01FtCYIGbsvw-qNKOuRuyOlE3lycINm9bYORiOzevp3HdAxoSLiUExbiuyUGKBgUllyjDtdD_FnkbC5BfL9JCMyev6AUyp0MQ1YZr4f3T7OCDDncCzzTa7bg/s1600/batulao_34_fltrd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqz4cNanyAAM4nx2JXN01FtCYIGbsvw-qNKOuRuyOlE3lycINm9bYORiOzevp3HdAxoSLiUExbiuyUGKBgUllyjDtdD_FnkbC5BfL9JCMyev6AUyp0MQ1YZr4f3T7OCDDncCzzTa7bg/s320/batulao_34_fltrd.JPG" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Another purpose of an umbrella</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">After a few, sorry I forgot I’m with Raqs and Tintin so make that “a lot” of photo opps, we proceeded with our descent. The weather this time was scorching hot but still not enough to keep the trail dry. Again it was a challenge of not slipping or digging your foot through the muddy trail. Gail still struggled as the outsole of her shoes peeled off the day before...and I paid for it as well as I was the one assisting her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">With muddy shoes and mud tracks on our pants, we made it back to the P10 jump-off. As the sun is already at its peak; Raqs, Gail and Richie opted to take the tricycle back to the karinderya wherein we will have lunch and freshen up. Myself, Chuck and Tintin (who had no option but to oblige to our demand) decided to walk all the way. That walk turned out to be the highlight of our trip as while doing our action photo opps, I ripped the bottom of my “Puerto Galera” tie-dye pants. This delighted Tintin as it was her way of getting back at me for dragging her to walk with us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">It was one of those moments wherein everyone was just laughing our hearts out and enjoying the moment. At around 1430, with everyone freshened up, we rode the bus bound for the bus station beside MRT Edsa station whose name I still do not know. Heavy rains greeted us when we reached Roxas Boulevard but after what we just went through in Mt. Batulao, we just smiled at each other for another adventure ahead of us. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>GEARGURU’S BACKPACKING TIPS</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">Backpacking in the rain…</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">raining or not always stuff your gears in a big plastic bag...transparent bags ideally</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">have another big plastic bag ready so you can cover your pack if the rain is falling non-stop and there's no shelter to protect your stuff</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">if you will stash your tent in your backpack, make sure it is easy to access and will not require taking out the other stuff inside your pack...ideally you put it in the bottom compartment or place it vertically</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">before setting up your tent, make sure you have a tent floor (tarp, coated nylon, etc) to protect the base of your tent</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">for the OC ones, like me and Chuck, it helps having another layer to lay inside your tent…nylon tafetta, like those used in umbrellas are your best option</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">In buying a tent…</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">most critical feature of a tent, in addition to the quality of materials used, is the ease of set-up</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">you can have the most stable and good looking tent at camp but when you cannot set it up with ease, it just depict the money you paid for it...ask our girls </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">canopies using clips can be set up easier and faster while those using sleeves are known to be much stable…with the design innovations right now the latter is starting to lose it’s edge…so go for the clip ones</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">practice how to set it up multiple times before you use it outdoors</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<i><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">Gong home with a damp tent…</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">air dry your tent and canopy upon getting home…you can either hang it or set it up</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">if you have a really dirty tent, set it up then clean it with a wet sponge (a little dash of soap powder will help and won’t affect much the coating) then hose it off</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">never pack your tent when damp…yes it is a hassle doing all of the above but to make your investment worth it, you have to take care of it</span></li>
</ul>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-28039099133194353422012-10-02T02:33:00.000-07:002012-10-05T19:45:22.614-07:00TRAVEL - There and Back Again to Mt. Amuyao<br />
<br />
A day-by-day recap of our Mt. Amuyao adventure together with one of the top explorers in the world <a href="http://www.mikelibecki.com/">Mike Libecki</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>September 24 (Monday) - Manila to Banawe</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_o3HmBW2VbuJSTdCrXg86pbH9mqU1RbEPAWZ565SD89FiBGIoilT8ZnUoTZkR8EuAPhdqyKjIUjvPHX3u_46_29TLyyLVAOgvXrE_h_ZEiHBeE8dl0TXgZE3Nz8fpmrSGSyxmIW0upQ/s1600/amuyao+5D+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_o3HmBW2VbuJSTdCrXg86pbH9mqU1RbEPAWZ565SD89FiBGIoilT8ZnUoTZkR8EuAPhdqyKjIUjvPHX3u_46_29TLyyLVAOgvXrE_h_ZEiHBeE8dl0TXgZE3Nz8fpmrSGSyxmIW0upQ/s320/amuyao+5D+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manny in awe of all of Mike's stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
With me not being able to get my backpack the day before our hike, I had to do my packing the night before our trip. While the timing is usual for me, doing it at the parking lot of Trinoma is not. It was crazy laying out our stuff at the floor for everyone to see but the adrenaline rush was much better compared to doing it in the confines of my room.<br />
<br />
It doesn't help as well having a security guard stare at us the whole time.<br />
<br />
Best part of the day was us being informed that our assigned driver to Banawe had to back out due to being sick. Same goes for the alternate driver. Finally having a replacement, he was dumbfounded to know that we are going to Banawe, Ifugao...all the while he thought it's just Banawe, Quezon City!<br />
<br />
<b>September 25 (Tuesday) - To the Summit of Mt. Amuyao</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8edjbNUDYaTAuX3KvTEeNq7fT4v-vYWxyhXtXhwcOlnwcEN1gL9w5yJd_1O_dN-_SkFbg8gBMZF8mm-gEBNOnZkGqNG5yqD2r8osDZrF1bzbpf9FVScOA7wmyiHjVTKypq3L_1z94YmA/s1600/amuyao+5D+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8edjbNUDYaTAuX3KvTEeNq7fT4v-vYWxyhXtXhwcOlnwcEN1gL9w5yJd_1O_dN-_SkFbg8gBMZF8mm-gEBNOnZkGqNG5yqD2r8osDZrF1bzbpf9FVScOA7wmyiHjVTKypq3L_1z94YmA/s320/amuyao+5D+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this looks good to eat, I did my job as a photographer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Encountering heavy traffic along Dalton Pass, we arrived in Banawe around 8am. I was quite disappointed that we did not dine in our usual Banawe stopover that is Greenview Lodge...instead we went to Halfway Lodge.<br />
<br />
Food was so-so...and choices bad. After enduring almost 12 hrs. of travel, imagine just having an option of either a Hotsilog or an American breakfast composed of just toasted bread and spam!? When in Banawe, do yourself a favor and go to Greenview instead.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CjPOPY61pFfvuwIVK9ZvkD3zbRfmOp7FzHeuEkE3nsqm0XODruRWeKu5abuxqUA83f8Zk-a2ipJljYmGRSCeA6wBGFO_nehttcUbhjEcppU3ePHK-8Uc0XoeIOSkmEeAd6ahsl0U4Nk/s1600/amuyao+5D+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CjPOPY61pFfvuwIVK9ZvkD3zbRfmOp7FzHeuEkE3nsqm0XODruRWeKu5abuxqUA83f8Zk-a2ipJljYmGRSCeA6wBGFO_nehttcUbhjEcppU3ePHK-8Uc0XoeIOSkmEeAd6ahsl0U4Nk/s320/amuyao+5D+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike, Jan, Bunny and Manny doing a "topload"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a not so pleasing breakfast, we went off our way to Barlig. It was close to a 3 hour ride with majority of it being in rough terrain. But it's not that bad considering the views, not to mention having the spoils of lying down the jeepney seat as my co-climbers decided to get a good sunburn by riding "top load". <br />
<br />
I've done my share of this stunt and given I forgot to bring my wide brimmed hat/ arm sleeves, I opted to pass. My wife will kill me as well if I go home with a burned nape.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCs6S1r4oUKR79ro06e059TLoNm3hfeGrND2906iYPevrcMvhSEKy5ytv7rI7c23lxRRIYjDoQoFfv2w7ohyphenhyphend45Ir5G8jZP79kdJpyCXluieuZhB6DEH4_-R7BM40k_gIwWLIc8jlJoo/s1600/amuyao+5D+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCs6S1r4oUKR79ro06e059TLoNm3hfeGrND2906iYPevrcMvhSEKy5ytv7rI7c23lxRRIYjDoQoFfv2w7ohyphenhyphend45Ir5G8jZP79kdJpyCXluieuZhB6DEH4_-R7BM40k_gIwWLIc8jlJoo/s400/amuyao+5D+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Barlig a few minutes from our hike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived in Barlig close to 12pm wherein two of our co-climbers together with our guide and porters were waiting for us. We took a quick lunch, did our last minute packing and around 130pm, started off our hike to Mt. Amuyao.<br />
<br />
Weather was just perfect when we started our hike. Sky was blue and the clouds added drama to the photos I took. Unfortunately, with us on a tight schedule, I didn't have much time to do some long exposure photos.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWbjufrARvSD3Ex8s77kn5154kNEFnBOehoMG7yyCxuaZJd5DXh6_phiX3ypvdc0rEhr60150xY5inQ4H7Oj5vT800OFBL0Y4ptqgMCFb2Fpxp0P1ToYrwVtN5nB605Q1n7kkimzRoNs/s1600/amuyao+5D+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWbjufrARvSD3Ex8s77kn5154kNEFnBOehoMG7yyCxuaZJd5DXh6_phiX3ypvdc0rEhr60150xY5inQ4H7Oj5vT800OFBL0Y4ptqgMCFb2Fpxp0P1ToYrwVtN5nB605Q1n7kkimzRoNs/s320/amuyao+5D+020.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to look at the first few hours of the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But just like that, less than an hour to our hike, we were greeted by rain showers and all the amazing landscape scenery I intended to take photos of were covered with haze and fog. So much for me bringing all those filters and stuff...good thing though I have a porter carrying this for me :)<br />
<br />
Last time I was in Barlig, it was also from a climb of Mt. Amuyao but we did the more challenging route that is coming from Batad. I expected a gradual ascent with some wooden steps going to the peak but damn...I got more than what I bargained for! Just when I thought I'm near and at the highest point of the trail...another set of steps was right there to greet my aching legs. <br />
<br />
It was close to a 6 hour of full ascent and one of my co-climbers even considered backing out. But work needs to be done and we all sucked it in. We finally arrived at the summit past 6pm.<br />
<br />
While we had some slight rain drizzles at the peak, generally weather was fine which made cooking easier. It was a big help as well that there were water tanks beside the bunker where the caretaker/s of the erected tower is residing. After dinner, with my body getting it's first taste of a major climb after 5 years and paying for it, I opted to snooze early around 8pm.<br />
<br />
<b>September 26 (Wednesday) - Descent to Pat-Yay Village</b><br />
<br />
Like the peak of Mt. Pulag, Mt. Amuyao offers stunning views of the Cordillera mountain ranges. I already have my eyes set how my photos will look like...clouds flowing like water as it pushes it's way in the mountains of the Cordilleras. A warm glow from the sun painting the scenery in yellowish hue. <br />
<br />
So when my alarm clock woke me up, I immediately opened the canopy of our tent and voila! It was raining like crazy and everything was all white. Talk about big time disappointment!<br />
<br />
While the rain managed to stop, haze and fog didn't leave much views for us to admire and take photos. This is actually the best shot I managed to get and even had to extract details using Photoshop. A couple of minutes after this opening, view was all white again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQd-ZNGClWPf2W_KgTA3mrmTmwaxE6t-KxIpFAck7jE3kus22a3L7aIa5OQgtRP_x1nN8Wug_LQf9_Mj2BaFqq3SCiecYdqwcJLr81Ek5ch5E8FHq5BUnjGNdam8MrArto8InWODEhi8/s1600/amuyao+5D+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQd-ZNGClWPf2W_KgTA3mrmTmwaxE6t-KxIpFAck7jE3kus22a3L7aIa5OQgtRP_x1nN8Wug_LQf9_Mj2BaFqq3SCiecYdqwcJLr81Ek5ch5E8FHq5BUnjGNdam8MrArto8InWODEhi8/s640/amuyao+5D+021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountain ranges of Cordillera...just imagine if we had the perfect sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We started our descent around 830am. It was supposed to be an "easy" day with trails being all downhill going to Pat-Yay village. With established trails, we pretty much blazed our way to the first rest stop which is also almost half of the trail already. As it turned out though, this just served as a warm-up.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7vZx3GYI2bUXTgW3K5StTJWODkEaWXX14QYMcjEWLKbYJ0NbZxfHDBXkJkd2yScBwiAqKY1fScomDJUfBso6nlXl4quRn82JoikuyGsQryck2GtuWk8oLSmpEc9mJWdBD3RiA_uUFEM/s1600/amuyao+5D+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7vZx3GYI2bUXTgW3K5StTJWODkEaWXX14QYMcjEWLKbYJ0NbZxfHDBXkJkd2yScBwiAqKY1fScomDJUfBso6nlXl4quRn82JoikuyGsQryck2GtuWk8oLSmpEc9mJWdBD3RiA_uUFEM/s320/amuyao+5D+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise surprise...a crablet at 1,300m ASL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The succeeding trails were composed of a mossy forest infested by limatiks. And if that wasn't enough, we're talking about loose rocks and slippy terrain. I almost fell twice to a ravine and so did majority of our team. To make matters worse, some of our team mates even brushed their skin to some poison ivy (thank goodness I was wearing pants).<br />
<br />
Reaching the terraces part, I thought I found my saving grace. Then out of nowhere, we see ourselves walking blind as trails were covered in waist deep grass. We were slipping and came close to breaking our ankles on slippery rocks hidden underneath. It was fun and hellacious to put it mildly.<br />
<br />
We managed to reach the village of Pat-Yay around 4pm. As with the peak, I expected lush and vibrant terraces but unfortunately, they just finished their harvest and the gloomy skies didn't help adding color to the landscape. My only solace was sunrise provides a much better view of the terraces so I was banking on taking better photos the next day.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I decided to do a panorama shot instead...using my iPhone...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT1fFuJoCpaCw0br9xKtOT4k1X9Ar8W6Iu51IqtH5lj4IfLweSy82VG4ugYgKvBEaWNOv0dX_vgiruJ-ZVY8-V4kb0S9s7OA53y7BI5na9VaiQdr9jyRkf6RDuDMdYjG2D5uas-sev4A/s1600/amuyao+ip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT1fFuJoCpaCw0br9xKtOT4k1X9Ar8W6Iu51IqtH5lj4IfLweSy82VG4ugYgKvBEaWNOv0dX_vgiruJ-ZVY8-V4kb0S9s7OA53y7BI5na9VaiQdr9jyRkf6RDuDMdYjG2D5uas-sev4A/s640/amuyao+ip4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pristine terraces of Pat-Yay village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pretty much spent the afternoon lounging around and appreciating the serenity of Pat-Yay. Other than being a stop over on our way to Batad, we did a mini-humanitarian project by donating a solar powered LED lamp that doubles as an AC power source. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyqet6dCH0_23LAEDD3cniZ1aYq55g9xC1h_noc27_UoQXQhIYF4YsH_KWlw_CfTMEvPzr_6hjI8boVhGeN3kYwg3CjF3c6n60iFRr_f1yKsKBVa0hPgTII5TkM-fZbeXXvUxBElZixA/s1600/amuyao+5D+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyqet6dCH0_23LAEDD3cniZ1aYq55g9xC1h_noc27_UoQXQhIYF4YsH_KWlw_CfTMEvPzr_6hjI8boVhGeN3kYwg3CjF3c6n60iFRr_f1yKsKBVa0hPgTII5TkM-fZbeXXvUxBElZixA/s320/amuyao+5D+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manny and Mike teaching how to operate the solar powered<br />
lamp we donated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pat-Yay is not a household name on tourist brochures and websites and I am actually glad that it's not. Unlike its neighboring villages such as Cambulo and Batad, they have managed to preserve their heritage and environment that really represents what the province of Ifugao is all about. Yes technology has caught up with them with their use of solar panels as electrical supply but this is very much it...and should be.<br />
<br />
We spent the night in one of the native huts which was welcome news as it allowed us to stay dry given it rained the morning the next day. It also gave us the chance to have a much needed rest after 2 nights of almost no sleep.<br />
<br />
<b>September 27 (Thursday) - Hike to Cambulo/ Batad</b><br />
<br />
Upon waking up, I saw what I dreaded the most...grey skies, wet floor and rain drops. And if that wasn't disappointing enough, I felt leg pains I never felt before. But to hell with it, I came to this trip with the main purpose of enjoying the outdoors...and I will embrace the pain doing it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAPW9Jl5ucdfle3qc_W1fgX2eg7By86sGt03t8cH_fEWEOaJjzrxwIbLnqrLbUauQtQthM64nPv2LVkPFX5Re3jBYsJNMNw7nAFA34VZAps-kLPB9v-4KJPAnphk3sJxxev7xlKFeqd4/s1600/amuyao+5D+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAPW9Jl5ucdfle3qc_W1fgX2eg7By86sGt03t8cH_fEWEOaJjzrxwIbLnqrLbUauQtQthM64nPv2LVkPFX5Re3jBYsJNMNw7nAFA34VZAps-kLPB9v-4KJPAnphk3sJxxev7xlKFeqd4/s320/amuyao+5D+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the local kids enjoying the baby sweet corn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These misfortunes were suddenly negated when one of the locals offered us a freshly cooked mountain rice together with baby corns. Partnered with a local SPAM, we were in food heaven.<br />
<br />
Our itinerary for the day was to reach the village of Cambulo, have lunch then hike to Batad. Just when I thought it will be more mellow specially the downhill part, I saw myself taking baby steps due to the terrain's loose rocks and eroding soil. To make matters worse, my knees and legs were so tired, I lost confidence to let gravity assist my descent. This was the time I started to accept the fact that I'm getting old...but I see it more of me being out of the game for so long.<br />
<br />
Reaching the village of Cambulo, I was struck with what I saw. The school ground where we used to pitch our tents is now covered with a steel roof! I actually had mixed emotions about it but I guess this serves more good than harm to the people of Cambulo so I will leave it at that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw5gpvgAW_dOmzmq_8BnWreyyQw8Dnx3dnBeNoTatxKha9FumkD5f87-N1yWzRiqD4jABZm3wd5cEQvQhu5_VfhjHNtwu08yWI4OVZDd1gZV3zKRn71dtWBDY5tLkODrnzcKStwOsue0/s1600/amuyao+5D+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw5gpvgAW_dOmzmq_8BnWreyyQw8Dnx3dnBeNoTatxKha9FumkD5f87-N1yWzRiqD4jABZm3wd5cEQvQhu5_VfhjHNtwu08yWI4OVZDd1gZV3zKRn71dtWBDY5tLkODrnzcKStwOsue0/s320/amuyao+5D+052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike, Manny, Bunny, Joyce and Bobby enjoying the<br />
view of Batad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a hearty lunch of chopseuy and mountain rice, off we went to Batad. At this time, my legs are feeling a lot worse so I took some Ibrupofen to lessen my muscle pain. It proved to be effective as my pace got faster...though it also helped having a flatter terrain.<br />
<br />
Upon reaching Batad, I had a huge sigh of relief. Finally we finished our 3-day ordeal and can now look forward to just chilling out. <br />
<br />
We stayed in one of Ramon's Native Huts. I again felt a slight disappointment as I was really looking forward to spending the night in my favorite inn Hillside Inn. But beggars can't be choosers...and it was Mang Ramon's place that offers native hut home stays which honestly is not that bad, except for the steep price.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGOkUDCkHuqUX1suKd2pLM5pPoREw8JxjYv8o03AT94civCe55y_dY5Nt5e30iwTTK3ktYrDvJEyzDJQLbRlZO9xKiUmhZXgkrgyK12Nuo10HsLZzcFu-TwUpKekpzvR_nDjxuv2eMqI/s1600/amuyao+5D+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGOkUDCkHuqUX1suKd2pLM5pPoREw8JxjYv8o03AT94civCe55y_dY5Nt5e30iwTTK3ktYrDvJEyzDJQLbRlZO9xKiUmhZXgkrgyK12Nuo10HsLZzcFu-TwUpKekpzvR_nDjxuv2eMqI/s320/amuyao+5D+054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Manny getting their groove on with the locals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pretty much spent the day drinking some beers, eating local pizza (Hillside Inn is still the best!), sweet potato fries and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinikpikan">pinikpikan</a>. Given we have a special foreign guest, a cultural presentation was arranged as well.<br />
<br />
With our bodies aching, we decided to have some local massage. This was the first time in my life I had one, though it was more of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilot">hilot</a> as I need to freshen my legs for some more hiking the next day. It was a good way to end the day with everyone having a good time, relaxing and laughing our ass off for every grunt we shout out. One of our co-climbers even fell asleep in the middle of his massage!<br />
<br />
<b>September 28 (Friday) - Bachang and Back</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAjTcYqLF4jA6JsX3-8mtPBPST-xPih9VEmg3clc9Ms0cp8iAQ-Us_nblEqCwFEkZ6IX_vKUIH0Mc_nyIjkR08x433gs7M1lt23_huGb17SEahAdL2qe2hyphenhyphenz6zuYlyTkEE4x0iUVPKM8/s1600/amuyao+5D+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAjTcYqLF4jA6JsX3-8mtPBPST-xPih9VEmg3clc9Ms0cp8iAQ-Us_nblEqCwFEkZ6IX_vKUIH0Mc_nyIjkR08x433gs7M1lt23_huGb17SEahAdL2qe2hyphenhyphenz6zuYlyTkEE4x0iUVPKM8/s320/amuyao+5D+074.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan, Mike and Manny doing their share of Bachang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Feeling refreshed and filling our tummies with heavy breakfast, some of us went our way to do some "Bachang" project. I was supposed to just take photos and document this initiative but the Bachang spirit caught up with me. Just like that, I saw myself sliding my way to one of the terraces and doing my share arranging the rocks and together with the team, help remove huge boulders buried beneath the soil.<br />
<br />
This proved to be the highlight of our trip. Not only was it a great feeling to take part in restoring the rice terraces, we also exemplified teamwork at its best. And we did this like kids on a playground.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NlV4kHbmPugqeNSfUqW0MYQU_vEPdRmABpUAMR_g4a3T4Na73FUPTUCqS_Y0uwPPFEo5UZy9sGAD7pc7CJYZw_cwecQ50ckJBWroNwkj69y-B7Cl3c09Km7b6dp8HJ-vjYNkF3IuD0I/s1600/amuyao+5D+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NlV4kHbmPugqeNSfUqW0MYQU_vEPdRmABpUAMR_g4a3T4Na73FUPTUCqS_Y0uwPPFEo5UZy9sGAD7pc7CJYZw_cwecQ50ckJBWroNwkj69y-B7Cl3c09Km7b6dp8HJ-vjYNkF3IuD0I/s640/amuyao+5D+066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Batad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpQvZcnCbqwu-uwHfk_n0Xc-tuP1KQC4mykkgjhC6gSazibn9C0IK4x8r99TfJnSQeByZK-U5bLP8ipy_02SFwq9PFgei-WQtb_MDpiNxDuj1qxGsIDAE5khI4HlHwo52oQ5Zb85o-TM/s1600/amuyao+5D+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpQvZcnCbqwu-uwHfk_n0Xc-tuP1KQC4mykkgjhC6gSazibn9C0IK4x8r99TfJnSQeByZK-U5bLP8ipy_02SFwq9PFgei-WQtb_MDpiNxDuj1qxGsIDAE5khI4HlHwo52oQ5Zb85o-TM/s320/amuyao+5D+078.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manny with one of the Batad locals hitching a ride with us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting our hands dirty and getting a good sunburn, we called it a day and headed back to our inn for the hike back to the saddle and Banawe. It was a bittersweet moment as our 5-day adventure officially ends but on the other side, I was really looking forward to see my family again. Which as I see it, was the biggest change compared to my younger years.<br />
<br />
I used to dread going back to my so-called reality, but at this point in my life, reality is something I look forward to getting back to. What this trip taught me though was there's no reason for me to limit the things I can do. I used to say I don't have time to go outdoors again and even exercise for crying out loud. This trip changed all of that.<br />
<br />
As to the words of our new friend Mike Libecki, <i>"The time is now...what are you waiting for? No excuses".</i> And now my most favorite...<i>"Loving life!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
With that said, I am now back to doing what I love to do. And this time, I don't have anything to dread going back. How can you not love life?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYp4nFcK1r9BOFp8qWrMruLIhonWCW2raopH-0ujIBITKPhE_7UucQkDfE3qu0gmuF91Bd1_4k69DgL0vN6pMB0Z1_2EuIVxk1Dxuh4g6BEq6oF1vTqCtaPLBWrjS9uX6_MeRi8MBm4s/s1600/amuyao+5D+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYp4nFcK1r9BOFp8qWrMruLIhonWCW2raopH-0ujIBITKPhE_7UucQkDfE3qu0gmuF91Bd1_4k69DgL0vN6pMB0Z1_2EuIVxk1Dxuh4g6BEq6oF1vTqCtaPLBWrjS9uX6_MeRi8MBm4s/s640/amuyao+5D+076.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team: Mike Libecki, Manny Batungbacal, Joyce (Princess of Itogon), Bunny Soriano, Jan Cabanos, Bobby Acosta and myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>GEAR INFO: </b> Photos taken with a Canon 5D with either a 17-40 4L or 24-105 4L IS except for the Pat-Yay Village panorama which was taken using my iPhone 4 and DMD app.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-10710214601758368732012-09-16T17:40:00.001-07:002012-10-08T18:28:30.358-07:00FOOD - Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKW8IilKp_MBvXW36nQJBA9Rfbe1SX47C-Lti8SFY03fP5vNe6FdIImN2txRiUC9s2JWX9gElSHdhAXpglSTT_P7WdHGAZWZTQnzKhTfTOxUPt8jQz9Olz-YG-FNImD-IJ6uEkNb_hdI/s1600/IMG_21510000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKW8IilKp_MBvXW36nQJBA9Rfbe1SX47C-Lti8SFY03fP5vNe6FdIImN2txRiUC9s2JWX9gElSHdhAXpglSTT_P7WdHGAZWZTQnzKhTfTOxUPt8jQz9Olz-YG-FNImD-IJ6uEkNb_hdI/s200/IMG_21510000.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason, after my trip to Jakarta a couple of months ago, I have been longing to eat Ravioli (yeah I know it's weird but this was the one I ate that I enjoyed the most). Sharing this with my wife, she took the initiative of cooking one for me. It was indeed a labor of love as she had to create the dough from scratch which involved mixing, mashing, wrestling and all other muscle building actions you can think of.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to help her thin out the flour using a hardwood rolling pin as her arm muscles are too tired already. And man, I am now regretting why I didn't let her buy a pasta maker! But after all the muscle aches, we were able to successfully create our home made ravioli.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, it was more of a <i>rubber</i>-ioli as the damn dough was still too thick. We vowed to just eat/ buy a cooked dish when we wish to eat this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzElfuIbabq1K2PXGEcti5dknIw_IHmTcxuWDSQaSqz86D0ZmIc6Pc1T-fw2TtCCeuz0_JUU7hJAtozBnT9IWIX_m-DP1RjY6c5L5vWWKAYGyLIEaWwxI2Cy8ZmBnSwICsWtMqk7k49Q/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzElfuIbabq1K2PXGEcti5dknIw_IHmTcxuWDSQaSqz86D0ZmIc6Pc1T-fw2TtCCeuz0_JUU7hJAtozBnT9IWIX_m-DP1RjY6c5L5vWWKAYGyLIEaWwxI2Cy8ZmBnSwICsWtMqk7k49Q/s320/IMG_2276.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I was introduced to Giuseppe Pizzera and Sicilian Roast which is situated along Maria Luisa Road. It's an Italian restaurant which price points are in between the Casa Verde and Anzani type of restos. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parking is quite hard as there's only about 5 slots. It was dinner time the first time I ate here and it was jam packed so we decided to have lunch here instead. And I was right on as we arrived in time for their store opening which is 11:30am.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie64KfCKk_sdTH218ITBuVKLY_dIF_J1i0DLDQ8s9uL2kDt1MVqy8rUZsgxV3ian57gKpfCRUZkyMXP48yII-8nkt8eptPEVUbTpt6X0a69xX8WYFf17AG4EFQa33rW5kkvtOkMPRF6qc/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie64KfCKk_sdTH218ITBuVKLY_dIF_J1i0DLDQ8s9uL2kDt1MVqy8rUZsgxV3ian57gKpfCRUZkyMXP48yII-8nkt8eptPEVUbTpt6X0a69xX8WYFf17AG4EFQa33rW5kkvtOkMPRF6qc/s320/IMG_2283.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our mind was already set to have their spinach Ravioli so it's just a choice of what dishes to complement it with. We decided on a mushroom soup and a four-cheese pizza. Juvvy was actually eyeing some fish or meat but after what we had for dinner the day before, I had to push that we go the vegetarian route.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason I decided on a pizza was this is one of Giuseppe's specialties. They are known to be the first (if not only) restaurant in Cebu that serves pizza cooked inside a brick oven.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-sWHzPpg7Ltn9544BVigsMzi20OOAawCkHCtdH7qp3EQ7DfpfxwyIk8f6N3MYfajEjLPlZ0pw78Vh6gLY3ZxJ4KHZGV2TxZrKJCOq7BhXJa4kusegKhyphenhypheno2PT7PV-Yo73qwp7_yqEmQ/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-sWHzPpg7Ltn9544BVigsMzi20OOAawCkHCtdH7qp3EQ7DfpfxwyIk8f6N3MYfajEjLPlZ0pw78Vh6gLY3ZxJ4KHZGV2TxZrKJCOq7BhXJa4kusegKhyphenhypheno2PT7PV-Yo73qwp7_yqEmQ/s320/IMG_2278.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While waiting for our orders, we were invited by their staff to look at their grocery at the 2nd floor. Man! It was more of a mini-warehouse of italian ingredients and pastas!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They offer champagnes, wines, frozen seafoods, etc. Anything you need to cook up an Italian dish, they have it. But as with their menu, prices are quite high.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preparation of our food was fast with our soup being served first (obviously), followed by the four-cheese pizza and then my long awaited ravioli. In terms of the taste, I have mixed emotions about it. The mushroom soup is quite good and filling as it also has angel noodles mixed into it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s320/IMG_2284.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_VaCmbXnuRkqDySp2cdG2s8WVIHTWn9P-Rw6cKKLttMW9_sKWVipYBRpNruW_elj2dkEOdRVYWUlLYW8f1ZzTwQhQ18424NBvWSTL5HqHGZoDmJ5jYnA3ik2o7Nauj2KwoOQjtySO0/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pizza was a bit of a let down. Our expectations were probably a little too high and with taste buds built for Shakey's and Pizza Hut, it really didn't deliver. The dough was cooked nicely but then again, I was expecting more flavor for a brick oven cooked pizza.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the ravioli, it was pretty much the same. I was expecting a juicy/ rich filling of spinach and cheese but it was quite dry for my taste. The sauce on the other hand was too rich but this is my fault as I didn't look closely and was expecting a cream sauce instead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">But despite our dissatisfaction, it is still a restaurant we would go back to dine-in again. </span>Staff are very courteous and the ambience perfect to enjoy a nice and quiet lunch/ dinner. <span class="Apple-style-span">Next time we will probably forego the pasta/ pizza combo and order their famous Roast Pork with Risotto instead. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additional Photos:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCOpg-qMODSZY6jGc-pJAD9SQPYATeWHzWVigSX-oPpKwONImcebW1VuVSipcosH5g9CPpkTX-RFXh2Bmiqg2oIaqhTOHGGOr7tiPPMQ7po48KEIv1htsAG4EczGGgaMPoZzmASBdKKI/s640/IMG_2285.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="472" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL22WAjX25EVrVY07iRGpyzTG0yQDv7P0azP_Hc0Lhm2tx5gPUYEdrh0dIvvwn9iPkgUi6iZhUe1UXeZgeflOBsb2vBYNwbuMFmyicqoJ8gwXSTWsQ6bt8s7FtFV0ShvW-SoUjEyTRXog/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL22WAjX25EVrVY07iRGpyzTG0yQDv7P0azP_Hc0Lhm2tx5gPUYEdrh0dIvvwn9iPkgUi6iZhUe1UXeZgeflOBsb2vBYNwbuMFmyicqoJ8gwXSTWsQ6bt8s7FtFV0ShvW-SoUjEyTRXog/s640/IMG_2282.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior of Giuseppe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOcq7BKDZzWYQLEv87SjoSM9J4ZcpUjdL4JzLU8sh7YJzP78fo1mD1XARZ2FX9boUP9aadKxFusD4-dCH4ldYhizrVmNm-FNNAEYAOhBSzWNxFSM0-kyq3ymAMiQ_uCQfhPPHKhhYXFs/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOcq7BKDZzWYQLEv87SjoSM9J4ZcpUjdL4JzLU8sh7YJzP78fo1mD1XARZ2FX9boUP9aadKxFusD4-dCH4ldYhizrVmNm-FNNAEYAOhBSzWNxFSM0-kyq3ymAMiQ_uCQfhPPHKhhYXFs/s640/IMG_2280.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stairs leading to the Italian grocery/ warehouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfWP0nnJhfI8ZR9HTDolUcpCKmsaejMpYbWz73fo1WWQ5tQtMyZj1I2Sjy7iG2oJS9xBBek8OuRbzE-NUb9S_eUizx6r0idn5MXjtTWUtK_CJOS6FsvXMRB2r2l60ppVOfGXbfl9ZAb8/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfWP0nnJhfI8ZR9HTDolUcpCKmsaejMpYbWz73fo1WWQ5tQtMyZj1I2Sjy7iG2oJS9xBBek8OuRbzE-NUb9S_eUizx6r0idn5MXjtTWUtK_CJOS6FsvXMRB2r2l60ppVOfGXbfl9ZAb8/s640/IMG_2279.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanging banner design at the 2nd floor...just found it to be quite interesting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEXywWELO_8v-607uHQBcZqoD4sQu0mi6frgTPANDxNOwESx0eZMBHmqhs75DgK5EZoXFBSXL_QyBP1fEKEn4phya9JG3xbkiXD3KB-n1JFPP6sX7YowJFpkC99eKZiSGeoHU-f-E5nc/s640/IMG_2273.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Name it...they should have it</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>GEAR INFO:</b> All photos taken with an iPhone 4 and edited using Snapseed and/ or Instagram</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-46157548465127127982012-09-14T19:22:00.001-07:002012-09-15T02:26:11.087-07:00 BUSINESS - Evil HR?<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">EVIL HR?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Disclaimer: </b> I am not speaking in behalf or against my company/ HR Dept. I am not an HR practitioner as well. Below is a satirical, no frills personal view on HR people and employees having conflicts with each other.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recently attended a talk organized by PMAP (Philippine Management Association of the Philippines) and the lone query, by an HR practitioner at that, was; <i><b>"Our employees regard us as enemies...what should we do to change that?"</b></i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I looked around and saw a combination of troubled faces and evil smirks (no need for me to specify who's donning these facial expressions). Deep inside, I don't know if I will laugh at her question or pity her for having to ask that. If I'm the owner of a company and my HR person asked this, I would fire her on the spot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a good thing the host of the event gave a very good response. It was a long one but focused on the answer that <i><b>change should come from within</b></i>. Employees should regard HR as a shoulder to cry on, a light among a dark and almost endless tunnel, and other responses with something of that effect. It gained a huge round of applause and support.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I again looked around and saw a combination of sincere, guilty and "to hell with that" faces. Oh man...this is one interesting topic to discuss.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This prompted me to share my thoughts about this topic. Why is HR usually regarded as the enemy? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To better answer this, below are the reasons why I see HR being regarded as such and that of a friend as well...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Enemy</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Reason 1: You never get the response/ action you want to hear/ see</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- If you have a problem against your colleague, boss or even the company, did your HR rep ever told you that yes you're correct? If you say yes, don't ever consult with them again. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reason 2: They never provided you the right person for the job</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Despite not being an HR practitioner, I had my share of hiring/ finding employees and it is hard work...but this is not what I'm paid to do.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Your requirements are tall, fair complexion, sexy, with modeling experience, has analytical skills better than you or a manager...at a minimum wage...go figure!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reason 3: You can't trust them</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- This is actually an after effect of reason no. 1. After a heart to heart talk, how come it feels that instead of feeling good, you end up having more questions. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Did you saying your boss, colleague, etc is an a** done you more harm than good? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Did you sharing all your feelings made you more susceptible/ easy to manipulate?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reason 4: Poker face</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- A follow-up to reason 3. Is that eye contact a sign of sympathy or manipulation?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reason 5: They don't give you all the details</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Them trying to control the information they relay to you is understandable. Saying they know management has this planned out for you but can't say it because it is classified!? People like this should be in the military instead!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reason 6: What in the world do they do?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- If you're just in your desk doing your own thing without a care in the world, I don't blame you. But do yourself a favor, learn more cause they do more than just hire and brainwash people.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Reason 7: You make the money...they spend it</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- This is just nitpicking...concentrate on your marketing efforts instead.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reason 8: No one's perfect</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- There really are Evil HR people...but there are in other departments as well (this might even be you)! But as my saying goes, people like this are what completes a society. Can you imagine working in an environment where everyone are goody goody two shoes!?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Friend</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reason 1: They really are a shoulder you can cry on</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- If you've made a lot of enemies within your office, they're always there to listen to you...even if they don't want to.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reason 2: They will try to make you feel good</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Even if you don't get the response you want/ need, at least they won't say no you're the a**. You will probably hear that you are a hard working individual and an <i>ass</i>-et to the company so work harder and everything will turn out ok. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- And after a month you go through this again...and again...and again...and just like that, you're discussing this issue with another HR person...of a different company!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Reason 3: Exceptions</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Some are evil...but some you can really consider as friends...outside of work that is.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, a 73:27 ratio leaning to HR being more of the enemy...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>My Response to the Question</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the disgruntled employee who thinks the company/ world is against him/ her...<b>YES</b>. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the employee who works hard and and is reaping all the benefits...<b>WHO CARES.</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Should there be a general consensus that your HR Dept. is the enemy...then it probably is the case.<b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop promoting yourself as a friend of the employee because you are not. You are paid to make sure that employees work their a** off for the good of the company...then making it look like it's for their own good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now for the employee, as mentioned, it all boils down for the good of the company. The moment you think you are entitled to something, it will be the start of your downfall. There is always a reason why someone is better/ more favored than you...and it boils down to you finding means in overcoming that...not HR.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-47814298980069624912012-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:002012-10-05T02:09:31.486-07:00TRAVEL - From an Adventurer to a Bird Nut<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"><b>FROM AN ADVENTURER TO A BIRD NUT! </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Note: </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px;">This is actually a blog I posted last 2008. A good way to reminisce one if not the most memorable adventure trip of me and my wife.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSahPpk1feeOXjb2PyozjPs7hhuhtJnQP58p-CbkfIEA7L_vFBtBA1yjV8zeieNHXfEGwTD8sS4j_o76ApUbkCWHE4316LSx9OuspqpUvivGs0L6CML_GyOk4NVhbwyDtYTuYRUirgQQ/s1600/birding_bobe_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSahPpk1feeOXjb2PyozjPs7hhuhtJnQP58p-CbkfIEA7L_vFBtBA1yjV8zeieNHXfEGwTD8sS4j_o76ApUbkCWHE4316LSx9OuspqpUvivGs0L6CML_GyOk4NVhbwyDtYTuYRUirgQQ/s320/birding_bobe_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bags are packed and ready to go...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It’s been the type of vacation we’ve been longing all year; a 6-day adventure that will take us around the best sights of Puerto Princesa. Usually, our kind of activities for such a trip would be scaling the high peaks of the island or sea kayaking from one island to another. But no, not this one…we went bird watching.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Bird watching!? Yes I know naughty thoughts are starting to form in those twisted brain of yours but for the sake of playing along, it’s not that kind! I’m talking about watching wild birds at their natural habitat and roaming around freely to their little hearts’ content. Sounds boring eh? I too had the same impression but boy did this trip change all that!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Our adventure started when me and Juvvy went on to meet Nicky, lead guide of Birding Adventure Philippines (BAP) and his colleagues Trinket, Adri, Arnel and Tere at the Terminal 3 airport. We took the 1430 Cebu Pacific flight and in an hour arrived at Puerto Princesa airport. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42dt6DRfvIXLwyum1st6YP2ifuwLDZqmc1IkCKOcM70Kzm6Ju7octq3FtyZCd0Qp7ctYFCoFgLx8xGsL1X5nhI1o-P7R_lJoLki-3Miy8V50PgDtE26upiryKRSgBesAoywGshRZmnY0/s1600/birding_canon_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42dt6DRfvIXLwyum1st6YP2ifuwLDZqmc1IkCKOcM70Kzm6Ju7octq3FtyZCd0Qp7ctYFCoFgLx8xGsL1X5nhI1o-P7R_lJoLki-3Miy8V50PgDtE26upiryKRSgBesAoywGshRZmnY0/s320/birding_canon_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayor Hagedorn together us and the BAP team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Upon getting our baggages (13pcs all in all), we drove off to our first home Casalinda Inn which is located 15-20 mins away from the airport. It’s a very nice and cozy rest house. I had a good sign that this will be one good birding trip as we immediately saw a couple of <i>Chestnut Munias</i> in their garden.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It was a very relaxing day as no activity was scheduled. We should have known better though that there’s a catch for it being so as nothing could have prepared us for our IT the next day. We had to wake up 4am! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I felt Juvvy pinching my legs as if saying, “Is this your idea of a leisure trip!?”. Smiling at my predicament, we just proceeded with our dinner at one of Puerto Princesa’s famous bar/ restaurant Kabuch’s coupled with a courtesy visit (or gate crash for that matter) to Mayor Hagedorn’s private dinner at the same restaurant. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Day 2 saw us wake up “really” early and go our way to Iwahig National Park. We practically slept through the 2hr ride then upon waking up, were greeted by a strong downpour and a very cranky park guard. "So I woke up 4am for this!? Should we be allowed to enter the premises, how in the world will I see those birds with this kind of weather!?" are questions I started asking myself...and I'm pretty sure so did Juvvy...if she was awake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">With some sweet words and pleas from Nicky, we finally entered the park. The rain slowed down a bit and a pair of <i>Drongos</i> was our first sighting. Hmmm…ok…was my initial reaction. People really get excited about this?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">So upon seeing my first “lifers” (term for the bird specie you saw the first time), we proceeded for a short hike to look for the exotic ones. Rain started to pour down again when all of a sudden something caught Nicky’s attention that caused excitement among the group. Then something popped out…a squirrel. Hmmm…ok…was again my reaction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Walking further, heavy rains started to fall down again thus leaving us no choice but to abandon the trek. So much for my first bird watching experience! I’m soaking wet (stupid enough not to bring my Omni-Tech jacket with me), cold, and only saw a <i>Drango</i> and squirrel! With heavy hearts, we waited in the park cottages for the rain to stop before making our way back to our inn. And if this wasn’t disheartening enough, Nicky had an illness of some sort thus lowering further the morale of the group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78j5ypzqpop6mioulQW7Z02CkljSoHS0XUVQy_9j9dheNtabRcLRlV0o7geLssuxp5d0kxVUAfaL8I3865NB1n8LGGRt-L0wyfmPgbtfYyHZOs0U1273ptcHzn9oACXI5n0TFR-q-pgk/s1600/birding_014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78j5ypzqpop6mioulQW7Z02CkljSoHS0XUVQy_9j9dheNtabRcLRlV0o7geLssuxp5d0kxVUAfaL8I3865NB1n8LGGRt-L0wyfmPgbtfYyHZOs0U1273ptcHzn9oACXI5n0TFR-q-pgk/s320/birding_014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scaly Breasted Munia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">But this turned out to be the turning point of the trip. With the rain making a complete stop, out of nowhere we saw a Stork Billed Kingfisher! All our frustration turned to excitement and I was just in awe! Now this is bird watching! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We left Iwahig with a sense of fulfillment and a big sigh of relief. That sighting made my effort of waking up 4am in the morning now worthwhile. Then just when I was about to take a nap, all of a sudden Nicky shouted “Malcoja!” Everyone just jumped out of the van with their binoculars and there it was, a hundred meters away I saw what was probably the most beautiful bird I ever saw…at that time. A <i>Chestnut-Breasted Malcoja</i>! Sweeet! And to top everything off, <i>Egrets, Barn Swallows, Wood Sand Piper, Palawan Ducks</i> and a <i>Scaly Breasted Munia</i> to name a few greeted us on the way back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtRrDj0Ga3OsVvlEJuq90tv0fjuX1HZs5VWONLV-HXrzaZ3Elch8ImroVmX0rqGw2uWtWaYG3CHdPJwzIyo2mCSssaqevec88KxrSMCDTDxLGbMVLLTUV1qV1btLgPDyUca3NRo4ee00/s1600/birding_019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtRrDj0Ga3OsVvlEJuq90tv0fjuX1HZs5VWONLV-HXrzaZ3Elch8ImroVmX0rqGw2uWtWaYG3CHdPJwzIyo2mCSssaqevec88KxrSMCDTDxLGbMVLLTUV1qV1btLgPDyUca3NRo4ee00/s320/birding_019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lesser Frigate Bird</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">So with all these sightings you’d think we’re done right? Not a chance! Next stop was Honda Bay and on an island hopping tour exploring Starfish Island, Snake Island and Pandan Island. These sites provided a handful of birds namely <i>Pied Fantail, Asian Glossy Starlings, Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Zebra Dove, Sunbirds</i> and <i>Collared Kingfishers</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">But the highlight of them all was the very rare <i>Lesser Frigate Bird</i> that flew just right beside our bangka during one of our transfers. I was so in awe that instead of grabbing my camera taking shots, I grabbed my binoculars instead to marvel at this majestic bird. I was still able to take a photo of it but it doesn’t do justice to how magnificent this bird was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It was indeed an exciting and fulfilling day for everyone specially me and Juvvy. Just imagine the lifers we had just on this day alone! And we’re just starting!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Day 3 of our adventure allowed us to wake up at a much later time as our main IT was to go to Sabang and do some birding at the side in Garceliano. Leaving our tables after breakfast to do our last minute packing, an <i>Olive Backed Sunbird</i> just flew from nowhere causing a commotion between Nicky and me. Grabbing our cameras, we fired away like crazy trying to get a good shot of this dynamic bird. I took almost 50 shots but wasn’t able to get a keeper. Frustrated, I vowed that I would not leave Palawan without a good shot of this bird.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGJd1oyLOtOKu9xpHMNYYAEmxP2xrets-sM8dZ8PsgyUdND8c5i_a7nUnKHkDeFsbOeNo-79NZPiRwg3szE0sExl7sm8lep9PLceKZdkjE-hINBXvsDwvHfSPUrOht3h-5ycLw0f_E0Y/s1600/birding_038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGJd1oyLOtOKu9xpHMNYYAEmxP2xrets-sM8dZ8PsgyUdND8c5i_a7nUnKHkDeFsbOeNo-79NZPiRwg3szE0sExl7sm8lep9PLceKZdkjE-hINBXvsDwvHfSPUrOht3h-5ycLw0f_E0Y/s320/birding_038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stork Billed Kingfisher</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Stacking all our stuff at the van, we proceeded to Garceliano where we saw a <i>Common Kingfisher</i>, <i>Whimbrels</i>, <i>Pacific Swallows</i>, and as bonus a Water Guppy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">After Garceliano, we stopped by Balinsayaw to have lunch where I was advised by Nicky that an <i>Olive Backed Sunbird</i> usually drops by to feed on the flowers. And he was spot on! Again an <i>Olive Backed Sunbird</i>flew from nowhere and I shot like an army soldier with an M16 rifle. This time I managed to keep some keepers. A shot of an <i>Arctic Wobler</i> was a bonus during our short lunch break.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">The ride to Sabang takes about 2 hours but it took us an additional 45 mins as again, heavy rains fell thus making some parts of the road a struggle to drive through. Not to mention Nicky saw another <i>Stork Billed Kingfisher</i> a hundred meters away from our vehicle! This, hands down, solidified Nicky’s statute for me as the premier birding guide in the country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">So despite the hard raindrops, we got off our van to take a peak of this Palawan endemic. I tried to get closer but was advised not to do so, which for now I’m still thinking why. Being the good boy that I really am (yes it’s true!), I obliged with a heavy heart and just took photos of it from far away. I’m not too happy with my photos but this gives me another reason to come back! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yWCk4vSc8zyXFfnP5MQ1HLBbiUlIS6rQj2O2R0eV1TIiPuZsCV_IOnLjYAO0PQzWQ0oTJbAcxYTD7gbm5i-eIrKCO4ftj6llPKcTaEOhNAKVpnLhc30f_-YXil_hBnzjkScQhKp9EhA/s1600/birding_others_007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yWCk4vSc8zyXFfnP5MQ1HLBbiUlIS6rQj2O2R0eV1TIiPuZsCV_IOnLjYAO0PQzWQ0oTJbAcxYTD7gbm5i-eIrKCO4ftj6llPKcTaEOhNAKVpnLhc30f_-YXil_hBnzjkScQhKp9EhA/s320/birding_others_007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taraw Resort</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We arrived in Sabang Island around 430pm and proceeded to check-in in Taraw Resort’s cozy huts. It was just a picturesque site with all the huts surrounded by tall palm trees with waves pounding through the vast seashore. Only downside? Electricity is good only from 5am in the morning till 10pm in the evening. Not to mention we only had one power outlet in our room while the rest had at least 2 (sorry BAP I just have to let this out hehehe)!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Come dinnertime, Nicky again broke the news we’ve all been dreading to hear from him. We all have to wake up again early for our trip to Puerto Princesa Subterrenean River National Park (a mouthful ain't it)! Our only solace is we don’t have to wake up at an ungodly time of 3am like our first day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm3_QWRtBeZ6IzwyQH5MSnfqA6ts46bwA0dMwOpDeYU3ZbGZde00ZMxDyJfNoKeRaSpCXmRr0eL_JKmkCqOXFuWSC9xeMDxah_aA6YGhocWuiQ7DUXwjXELLgJ4p11QC8V7Asj4dmdPA/s1600/birding_041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm3_QWRtBeZ6IzwyQH5MSnfqA6ts46bwA0dMwOpDeYU3ZbGZde00ZMxDyJfNoKeRaSpCXmRr0eL_JKmkCqOXFuWSC9xeMDxah_aA6YGhocWuiQ7DUXwjXELLgJ4p11QC8V7Asj4dmdPA/s320/birding_041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Palawan Peacock Pheasant</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Day 4 saw us braving the waves and rain as we went our way to PPSRNP. My concern for the day was not the rain but the lighting I have to contend with while taking my photos. Gloomy, hazy, low light with fast moving subjects…it was a photographer’s nightmare! I just have to psyche myself to say to hell with the pho</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">tos! I came here to enjoy and get a glimpse of rare and endemic birds! And did I get more than my share of birds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">A few meters into our hike we were greeted by monitor lizards casually strolling the park. Talk about wild life! Then a commotion took place after seeing that lizard…it’s the star of PPSRNP! The <i>Palawan Peacock Pheasant</i>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Again we were greeted with rain showers as we continue our hike but we were still able to saw some interesting species like the <i>Green Imperial Pigeon, Hill Myna, Palawan Tit</i> and Juvvy’s favorite the <i>Palawan Hornbill</i>! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LHq8lQd6xylLhWXlhkIbWhOwdlzU6v1ovAntonx5TbnmnlZ_cOMWV95a4rhm8B6fLKiiaBIOhk4k29nxLjcsXg0T63lFsg4NuxIaAKDOn6a7n7sWXg4Zz6P9CUBzZENdeWEFM7GhMHI/s1600/birding_canon_037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LHq8lQd6xylLhWXlhkIbWhOwdlzU6v1ovAntonx5TbnmnlZ_cOMWV95a4rhm8B6fLKiiaBIOhk4k29nxLjcsXg0T63lFsg4NuxIaAKDOn6a7n7sWXg4Zz6P9CUBzZENdeWEFM7GhMHI/s320/birding_canon_037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me and Juvvy at PPSRNP (obviously)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Nicky was kind enough to arrange a tour for us of the Underground River as well. Given all of them already experienced it, only the first timers which was me, Juvvy and Arnel went through the tour. I actually have hesitations to go as I’m more akin to taking photos of the <i>Palawan Hornbill</i> but what the heck! I’m already there so I might as well experience the Philippine’s leading candidate for one of the new 7 Wonders of the World!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Our next IT for the day was to do some birding at the “The Last Frontier”. I was a bit disappointed as I was expecting scenery close to that in Jurassic Park or the Discovery Channel special The Lost World. Add to this that we only saw a handful of birds like the <i>Green Imperial Pigeon</i> and a <i>Common Iora</i>. But all of it changed when out of nowhere a <i>Blue Naped Parrot</i> flew on top of one of the trees and just stayed there for us to marvel at. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCuKWcVgi-Y9BN0owjbbVGIZo_yxSh6TOXCnX5LhThMdF6aYnCqfx14TNAX6l_50a0u8-4H-7kz7Qo6OUpzKQQMg1byt97c9KYve1450hyphenhyphenzi6d9JGghyphenhyphenAepxoS1zKczKKbrM7OGiJJgU/s1600/birding_bobe_020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCuKWcVgi-Y9BN0owjbbVGIZo_yxSh6TOXCnX5LhThMdF6aYnCqfx14TNAX6l_50a0u8-4H-7kz7Qo6OUpzKQQMg1byt97c9KYve1450hyphenhyphenzi6d9JGghyphenhyphenAepxoS1zKczKKbrM7OGiJJgU/s320/birding_bobe_020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No Javan Frogmouth at 430am</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">As with Day 3, it was a very fruitful birding day for all of us. But that evening, Nicky had to be again the bearer of bad news. We had to wake up really early again for our birding trip! But he gave us a valid reason to…to catch a glimpse of the <i>Palawan Owl</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Day 5 saw us struggle to get up from our huts and drove 4am in the morning to a roadside 30mins away from our resort. It was an eerie atmosphere as it was very silent and pitch black. Nicky then proceeded calling the <i>Palawan Owl</i> using his iPod + speakers. It took some time for him to get a response but when he did, it was not from our target bird…a <i>Javan Frogmouth</i> replied him instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It was a back and forth communication but unfortunately there was no sighting. First strike for the group! And fortunately proved to be the last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VHrEz8NEhUZ7PRvKT4OmIlNKHy42MbkH9344n26rs9juw93nBmRw5csQRpgT3W-IINjNEoV4VNNdgoqdHaB-Z1CIXHhzyXL6EppuGc0QUBj4MQILaAU6cSluifulfkOLILtmSAL_kqE/s1600/birding_083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VHrEz8NEhUZ7PRvKT4OmIlNKHy42MbkH9344n26rs9juw93nBmRw5csQRpgT3W-IINjNEoV4VNNdgoqdHaB-Z1CIXHhzyXL6EppuGc0QUBj4MQILaAU6cSluifulfkOLILtmSAL_kqE/s320/birding_083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me and Juvs' favorite...Palawan Hornbills</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Going back with an L in our forehead, we vowed to go search for the Javan Frogmouth in Lion’s Cave that evening. Then the L on our forehead turned to W as on our way back, we passed by Balete Tree (a name the group came up with) that turned out to be a buffet for a diverse specie of birds like the Palawan Flowerpecker, Grey-Cheeked Bulbul, Asian Fairy Bluebird (Male and Female), Striped Tit Babler, Blue Eared Kingfisher and again Palawan Hornbills! If not for our growling stomachs, we could’ve stayed there the whole day!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9mgXuSvO_fIhNsVW7V05cj6lY7z2zAW2Er9M-FO-TRRCFYdadn4GiBwrfxSuSeR2T40vQfEx1VIdeNmUkJjjCEQUWKIWkmN6MRuceRhUEEf8VzmOpWaT3HX-nZDyW6eRmY3G9g9ra3w/s1600/birding_067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9mgXuSvO_fIhNsVW7V05cj6lY7z2zAW2Er9M-FO-TRRCFYdadn4GiBwrfxSuSeR2T40vQfEx1VIdeNmUkJjjCEQUWKIWkmN6MRuceRhUEEf8VzmOpWaT3HX-nZDyW6eRmY3G9g9ra3w/s320/birding_067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eastern Reef Egret in flight</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">After a hearty breakfast, we proceeded to hike the Mangrove Trail. Given that rain started to fall down again, we had to abandon the route and hike back to our vehicle. But as always this adversity resulted to another good sighting by Nicky. At the top of one of the dead branches a hundred meters away is a <i>Crested Goshawk</i> standing tall probably looking for a possible prey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We sighted a pack of <i>Whimbrels</i> as well playing in the rain when I saw what I thought was a common <i>Egret</i> but turned out to be a rare <i>Eastern Reef Egret</i>! And I caught a photo of it in flight! So again we went back for lunch a happy group of birders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">After lunch, a couple of birders joined us to Lion’s Cave and we passed by again the buffet tree to give our new birder mates the opportunity to see the birds we saw earlier. Again birds of different kinds flew here and there and fortunate for me, saw a new batch of lifers like the <i>Slender-Billed Crow</i> and <i>Yellow-Throated Leafbird</i>. Oh…and I saw another batch of <i>Palawan Hornbills</i>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsrY9A-_cRGCSZWT4gZaa6HeGWFLC5K0T0L_FgmuhdRobtEw_CuP-PX_1IW8x3i034uispoaG2iX-px1QWgM2gT0osHQkfFjq0dJbt49AzI3dJQOlBH2QMMslT2VZI3VGxHSlMGID2xU/s1600/birding_077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsrY9A-_cRGCSZWT4gZaa6HeGWFLC5K0T0L_FgmuhdRobtEw_CuP-PX_1IW8x3i034uispoaG2iX-px1QWgM2gT0osHQkfFjq0dJbt49AzI3dJQOlBH2QMMslT2VZI3VGxHSlMGID2xU/s320/birding_077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yellow Throated leafbird</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We arrived at the Lion’s Cave around 530pm It was a long wait for us searching for the <i>Javan Frogmouth</i> but the wait was well worth it. In the middle of the trail, pitch black and the only noise you can hear is Nicky’s bird call. Then out of nowhere it flew and landed on one of the branches. I fleet footedly sneeked my way to take a photo of this endemic specie but it flew away prior to me getting a photo of it. It was unfortunate that I missed a great shot but still deep inside I was fulfilled to have seen this rare bird.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv04DATV4Rb4j2AC1r8nygG97u3fO5PHn54H2gsCzAydztcCL7iA1bgVpv9AFdcfkvKT57K6jaYeKu85ZGhzo9JFZeqZYz0YJ7E6wpPjqCKGLMjKKjlICHBg42goHbisLn1q7R17VFUs/s1600/birding_091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv04DATV4Rb4j2AC1r8nygG97u3fO5PHn54H2gsCzAydztcCL7iA1bgVpv9AFdcfkvKT57K6jaYeKu85ZGhzo9JFZeqZYz0YJ7E6wpPjqCKGLMjKKjlICHBg42goHbisLn1q7R17VFUs/s320/birding_091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palawan Tit</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">Day 6 was the day we dreaded the most. Not because we need to wake up early but it was the day that we get back to our real world that is Manila. But of course Nicky made sure we go home with a bang. On the way back we managed to see again a <i>Chestnut-Breasted Malcoja</i> and a <i>Crested Goshawk</i>. We even stopped for a 10-minute birding activity that turned out to be a 40 minute birding spree! Like the buffet tree in Sabang, this birding site was a home for <i>Palawan Tits, Fiery Minivet, Nightjar</i>, and a lot more.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6TiDa5NmSMvl9CZ2ZNfG6zQJpUmP-Yw2kT6QPHefSHhZxix9VwW33GHVv34jGyFYrpN2u4oy03TqWC3v6G5tGB1BvMg-94ng86AlpQUguHrMblfEcC7Fuqc54LsZvgWXGkqLCaWNHaw/s1600/birding_canon_049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6TiDa5NmSMvl9CZ2ZNfG6zQJpUmP-Yw2kT6QPHefSHhZxix9VwW33GHVv34jGyFYrpN2u4oy03TqWC3v6G5tGB1BvMg-94ng86AlpQUguHrMblfEcC7Fuqc54LsZvgWXGkqLCaWNHaw/s320/birding_canon_049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aint in the 6 or 7 digits type of a ring but it gets the job done!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">So yes, me and Juvvy are now CERTIFIED BIRD-NUTS. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">And this trip adds another chapter to our adventures that we will cherish for a long time if not the rest of our lives. And it's not just because of the lifers we saw, but gaining new friends in the likes of Nicky, Trinket, Adri, Tere, Alex and Arnel. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;">Now you may ask, which was my best catch/ favorite during this birding adventure? It’s actually not a matter of what but who. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b><i>It’s Juvvy accepting my marriage proposal!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff; font-family: Tahoma;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff; font-family: Tahoma;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b>Gear Info:</b> All bird photos taken with a <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200">Nikon D200</a> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm">Nikon AF VR 80-400 f4-5.6</a>. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>More Photos from our Birding Adventure</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><b></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3yrih2EGtQKKpKYYL5qhhMgjTKuiHRJYgH7lByMg7orJp92o1cTlCdFPWRZA7iTcPn9kLtAGo05wuqXhqAP5hGzhJJpg3CtTVHKkOsR8j4PhP-7xcYvb4XUwxp-GQv5Fm2sGjbJHQCE/s1600/birding_bobe_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3yrih2EGtQKKpKYYL5qhhMgjTKuiHRJYgH7lByMg7orJp92o1cTlCdFPWRZA7iTcPn9kLtAGo05wuqXhqAP5hGzhJJpg3CtTVHKkOsR8j4PhP-7xcYvb4XUwxp-GQv5Fm2sGjbJHQCE/s640/birding_bobe_002.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Juvvy with Tere and a local guide. This was her first try of digi-scoping. We were looking at a Chestnut-Breasted Malcoja during this time.</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pAiIRYqmZ7lppMbGQVQTMEqx970R-NV6IgyC0iyrWth-2paT4qDrWvV6-uSJlV7uDjMmI_hmfprHAvGh1K3G_4ZUyiUwy3hWeMbjH8CT4Zc1nPk2en9VqNsqa0YJ4mU41UIUdK4cr1Q/s1600/birding_canon_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pAiIRYqmZ7lppMbGQVQTMEqx970R-NV6IgyC0iyrWth-2paT4qDrWvV6-uSJlV7uDjMmI_hmfprHAvGh1K3G_4ZUyiUwy3hWeMbjH8CT4Zc1nPk2en9VqNsqa0YJ4mU41UIUdK4cr1Q/s640/birding_canon_002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Us and our birder friends on the way to Honda Bay and other islands of Puerto Prinsesa. From left: Nicky, Trinket, Tere, Adri, me, Juvvy and Arnel.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrwP_lm7neHfywR-1XidSePWErzXsZCsm55Zl0V4kFixEKw2GFhFqtQ_iDuxfQPtI1Nm14iGnc2xC-QhSG_6GkXuWqumSaOjbfdtCcY5vcvZsri5daM5RM4cl91gWOXf6Jvi46PF5_58/s1600/birding_canon_009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrwP_lm7neHfywR-1XidSePWErzXsZCsm55Zl0V4kFixEKw2GFhFqtQ_iDuxfQPtI1Nm14iGnc2xC-QhSG_6GkXuWqumSaOjbfdtCcY5vcvZsri5daM5RM4cl91gWOXf6Jvi46PF5_58/s640/birding_canon_009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juvvy playing around with a starfish. I was supposed to have the same pose but the little tentacles underneath it scared the bejeebers out of me. </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzg3ler4kEReb93ZQb8QeHRGQ0u8uWOSrvvwVuxKUx7i0s7-jtACd_vMmWSe6yRY27XC4XCbJNpuzL-n6SeNge-snjMNVrDPJSrRIANgirWIkOoDU81tdbLwzmckbXh6_rGzOkL30-4I/s1600/birding_canon_025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzg3ler4kEReb93ZQb8QeHRGQ0u8uWOSrvvwVuxKUx7i0s7-jtACd_vMmWSe6yRY27XC4XCbJNpuzL-n6SeNge-snjMNVrDPJSrRIANgirWIkOoDU81tdbLwzmckbXh6_rGzOkL30-4I/s640/birding_canon_025.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Still all smiles in our village hut within Taraw Resort.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s3BsHLVVoynRFyHsCg5thMPqWY5mSNKWs7xCtvO4aNAr5LRK2MN4UYdYItFniOe0HkcrJymJQrDvKt6KJ7-UbC-3_zuBeBvk15XGAgO8btAMQhmzhUMJjqLbY0Ycfp54-JZg2Zqvhjc/s1600/birding_canon_047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s3BsHLVVoynRFyHsCg5thMPqWY5mSNKWs7xCtvO4aNAr5LRK2MN4UYdYItFniOe0HkcrJymJQrDvKt6KJ7-UbC-3_zuBeBvk15XGAgO8btAMQhmzhUMJjqLbY0Ycfp54-JZg2Zqvhjc/s640/birding_canon_047.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Me and Nicky treading the rice fields after following a couple of Palawan Hornbills.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVvtWRT86SodzhEXvY_JHEBnfMRXYoqH_mZNerf_2lt4RU7pI3BXgt6Z_25Hh7mzxuYknpo85lu0yLUmCCtsu7nw10MO30WIm9Fx0hzXZBAzB4oUBQom3zThzqlwA5N-ATivz5bbSpkg/s1600/birding_others_009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVvtWRT86SodzhEXvY_JHEBnfMRXYoqH_mZNerf_2lt4RU7pI3BXgt6Z_25Hh7mzxuYknpo85lu0yLUmCCtsu7nw10MO30WIm9Fx0hzXZBAzB4oUBQom3zThzqlwA5N-ATivz5bbSpkg/s640/birding_others_009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Early morning view of the sea/ mountains from our resort.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ddddff; font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-20817336730325079512012-09-03T02:19:00.003-07:002012-09-15T02:25:21.453-07:00RANDOM THOUGHTS - Game Face On!<b>GAME FACE ON!</b><br />
<br />
This was something I thought I'd never be able to do until my son Liam turns 5 or if we're back in Manila already. A major hike that requires 3 days of hiking and almost a full day of travel time. This was the life I enjoyed back then but ever since I became a family man, this has been non-existent.<br />
<br />
But this is different. Or perhaps this is just a way I can justify being away from my family with no means of communication for almost 3 days? Let me share how I went about making this decision...<br />
<br />
<b>Work</b><br />
I have been fortunate enough to be involved in a work that relates to my (previous) lifestyle. This is something I can actually talk myself out of but this is also a key initiative that I have to be present and make sure that objectives are met. <br />
<br />
<b>Photography</b><br />
One of my regrets was not being engaged in photography when I climbed this mountain years ago. Amazing views, remote villages, local tribes, etc...it was an outdoor photographer's haven. Being a family man, my field of photography has been very much limited to taking photos of my son (not that I'm complaining) so the chance to do what I have always wanted to do was just too good to pass up. <br />
<br />
And the thought of having a porter carry my stuff? Not too thrilled with his sweat all over my backpack but the back and shoulder ache I will be spared of should be worth it.<br />
<br />
<b>Companionship</b><br />
We have the opportunity to climb with an explorer extra-ordinaire from the US. I'm really excited on the opportunity to personally sell and see his appreciation of what our country has to offer. And hopefully, share it to the world.<br />
<br />
<b>Unwind</b><br />
I very much had zero outdoor adventures the past 4 years. This provides the opportunity for me to unwind and relax, which has always been my reason for going outdoors. I think the hair on my noggin thinning out is reason enough for me to do this.<br />
<br />
<b>Motivation</b><br />
I always use the excuse of not having much time for me to exercise. This opportunity/ challenge is a perfect reason for me to go out of my shell and get things done. Failure is not an option in this case and I will make damn sure that I am 100% up to the challenge.<br />
<br />
Now if you will excuse me, I have to lace up and run...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-4260178314371812442012-08-31T23:11:00.002-07:002012-10-03T02:44:38.216-07:00PHOTOGRAPHY - My Camera History Finale<b>MY CAMERA HISTORY Finale</b><br />
<br />
Being spoiled by the results I saw of photos taken from full frame cameras, I made the big decision to dispose my Nikon DX system. I wanted to stay with Nikon but its FX system is just too pricey for a casual shooter like me. And by this time, Canon just released 2 major DSLRs in the likes of <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 5D Mk2</span></a> and <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-7D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 7D</span></a>.<br />
<br />
It was a tough decision to go back to Canon but it provided the best line-up of FF lenses for my budget. What was a tougher choice is deciding among the 2 cameras. I went with the latter as its features are just too good to pass up and the money I saved, I invested on full frame L lenses. It was a short term solution for a long term goal of going full frame. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP5O5b4SwCp_2-cuiyhibPnBA1gDv2nKyqkL3l1oiVOismfZR-20q3SvZ50C3_TPha_oT6wiZ9U1U1RaGUl29qNRnrg2ERwzCtP5Oa3s-M0JzpbqTxJkcaMQMy86khBZf87Sm-uAuG0I/s1600/liam_bedroom_09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP5O5b4SwCp_2-cuiyhibPnBA1gDv2nKyqkL3l1oiVOismfZR-20q3SvZ50C3_TPha_oT6wiZ9U1U1RaGUl29qNRnrg2ERwzCtP5Oa3s-M0JzpbqTxJkcaMQMy86khBZf87Sm-uAuG0I/s320/liam_bedroom_09.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife and kid...taken with a Canon 7D <br />
and 24-105 with ambient lighting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Current Digital Gear List</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-7D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx">Canon EOS 7D</a><br />
- high ISO capability, rugged body, top notch AF system, this camera offered so much features it swayed me to delay my investment on a full frame body<br />
- all the improvements it has over my past cameras make this more than enough of a camera for me...and as one reviewer said, "<i>best APS-C camera Canon has ever produced!</i>"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx">Canon EOS 5D</a><br />
- my strategy was to invest on lenses that will serve me in the long run and I already have the 4L trinity lenses...yet I still lack an ultra wide angle lens<br />
- instead of getting a <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-10-22mm-f-3.5-4.5-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF-S 10-22 f3.5-4.5</a>, I saw it best to just get a full frame body within my budget<br />
- for some reason, I find my photos from this camera having more "pop" into them than the Canon EOS 7D<br />
- it's like hitting two birds with one stone...I get another body and I get to try full frame<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijkVr6a7GM0qqsmO79EOzH9knKIOHNyDCyzcDMOx-K4o6GVyijpkFKMH5V11uzYgPyg9AI2MqZHbuzps7cWE7QI7pd_A8IjihtmpJo2zPnWP8iEgjhIA3cerc8DV0WkDsGBIGODzMln8/s1600/cebu_churces_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijkVr6a7GM0qqsmO79EOzH9knKIOHNyDCyzcDMOx-K4o6GVyijpkFKMH5V11uzYgPyg9AI2MqZHbuzps7cWE7QI7pd_A8IjihtmpJo2zPnWP8iEgjhIA3cerc8DV0WkDsGBIGODzMln8/s320/cebu_churces_03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carcar church taken with a Canon 5D, 17-40 and Hoya CPL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-17-40mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 17-40 4f L</a><br />
- best valued L lens in the market<br />
- this was a no brainer as I bought this as a landscape/ all around lens...and with this type of shooting I can live without the f2.8<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 24-105 f4 L</a><br />
- my all around lens and a staple part of my <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx">Canon EOS 5D</a><br />
- it was a tough decision to either get this or a <a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 24-70 f2.8 L</a> but in the end, each lens has its own purpose<br />
- with my type of shooting, the extra reach outweighs the faster opening<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmovMKct4eDq4jNnU394cU1DM8CNIFFc5fmOiDZjqAe1DHbAQ9zR4b8m-Vf14WJ6i-kaThHR0Wi0-xdSuTIXJ2Wpnj-lsvMjf8uXwiX1ngjvqlPANMfwVUR5TWyEJnGBx5Hv_EO-hqOmU/s1600/deleon+7D+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmovMKct4eDq4jNnU394cU1DM8CNIFFc5fmOiDZjqAe1DHbAQ9zR4b8m-Vf14WJ6i-kaThHR0Wi0-xdSuTIXJ2Wpnj-lsvMjf8uXwiX1ngjvqlPANMfwVUR5TWyEJnGBx5Hv_EO-hqOmU/s320/deleon+7D+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister's wedding...taken with a Canon 7D and 70-200</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 70-200 f4 L IS</a><br />
- another tough decision between this or its 2.8 counterparts<br />
- looking back at my Nikon line-up, while happy with my <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm">Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8 VR</a>, its weight was a major reason I didn't use it that much<br />
- as a portrait lens, this lens can manage to deliver pleasing bokeh and sharpness...given this is my purpose, I bought this instead of the 2.8<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-300mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 300 f4 L IS</a><br />
- bought this as a birding lens...which unfortunately I still haven't fully utilized, so much so that this is the only gear in my entire line-up that I am set on selling<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLMHr12d6bdZ3llOZFtToee4_iVXWzTMjy0Nx4GM3tc19EYgpsVNqQnjP2ArtZx-nsOAty9ZALRMVvfjwPTT2R1uShY89pCiwMhz1HJXTRZ3crXIuKwGeyBHXAPII-wN1bjtwg_7pI-g/s1600/300+4L+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLMHr12d6bdZ3llOZFtToee4_iVXWzTMjy0Nx4GM3tc19EYgpsVNqQnjP2ArtZx-nsOAty9ZALRMVvfjwPTT2R1uShY89pCiwMhz1HJXTRZ3crXIuKwGeyBHXAPII-wN1bjtwg_7pI-g/s320/300+4L+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard birding...taken with a Canon 7D and 300 + 1.4x TC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- performance wise, output is top notch but matched with a tele-converter, it deteriorates a little<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-converters/kenko/teleplus-pro-300-1-4x-converter/prd_85102_3132crx.aspx">Kenko PRO 300 1.4x Tele Converter</a><br />
- bought this together with the <a href="http://www.The-Digital-Picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-300mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon EF 300 f4 L IS</a> as a birding combo<br />
- while IQ deteriorates, output is still very good<br />
- only caveat is the lens AF tend to hunt when you do your initial focus but I found a work around to this by focusing manually at first, then fine tune it using the camera's AF<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0tLmB0cqiw5rEghCfKVMP7YeGqr6hqARpp8QCTNElSkAF6WjzXWoeGb0zOqQ8odMOF_zHVxUHvcnlceoRJa3HnaoHVZW_QREqFoCU0xhaYZ6xAIR9Sv2_LzjOOaTjMcqrVVkYawPM_o/s1600/liam_5D_083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0tLmB0cqiw5rEghCfKVMP7YeGqr6hqARpp8QCTNElSkAF6WjzXWoeGb0zOqQ8odMOF_zHVxUHvcnlceoRJa3HnaoHVZW_QREqFoCU0xhaYZ6xAIR9Sv2_LzjOOaTjMcqrVVkYawPM_o/s320/liam_5D_083.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kid at 7 mos...taken with a Canon 5D, <br />
24-105 and 2 Speedlights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=39363">Metz 58 AF-1</a><br />
- I was really hesitant to purchase a <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx">Canon 580 EX 2</a> as I have no use of its extra features and is way too expensive at the time<br />
- I chanced upon this flash at a bargain price and Metz has always been a highly regarded brand for flash units<br />
- having a secondary flash that serves as a fill-in light when you do bounce flash is a welcome and major advantage<br />
- for P15K, no question I would get a brand new unit of this instead of a used <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx">Canon 580 EX 2</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-E-TTL-2-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx">Canon 580 EX</a><br />
- with Metz flashes being hard to come by, I looked for used copies of this flash for strobist work<br />
- I bought this flash mainly as a strobe light and backward compatibility with my <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx">Canon EOS 5D</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-harddrive-backpack.aspx">ThinkTank Streetwalker HardDrive Backpack</a><br />
- with my gears growing, so does the need for a larger bag<br />
- looking back at my past camera bags, ThinkTank proved to be the best performer and with the release of their StreetWalker series, decision was easy<br />
- lightweight, laptop compartment and better design was just icing on the cake...what endears me to this brands is their harness system which fits me well<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
So here it is, my Perfect Camera System. As with my motto in life, it all boils down to priorities and having an appreciation of what you have. I am lucky wherein my talent/ knowledge of photography is below the level of what all my gears has to offer and this is what I wish to share.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvMHqjsp2Of4TXz-VadCWRXsDiQbubAV-bLWfyoTNtexjL_qQMTgWKjbv-1jIDuPrgxrWxRpWNPb2DE5CJBXDHGeiRylNmV5FL3lVAAXp3qP4JoH86-HuDJoRd1vOH77Sxf51vDMGUXY/s1600/liam_7D12_077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvMHqjsp2Of4TXz-VadCWRXsDiQbubAV-bLWfyoTNtexjL_qQMTgWKjbv-1jIDuPrgxrWxRpWNPb2DE5CJBXDHGeiRylNmV5FL3lVAAXp3qP4JoH86-HuDJoRd1vOH77Sxf51vDMGUXY/s320/liam_7D12_077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portrait shot of me and my son taken with a <br />
Canon 7D and 17-40</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before you spend all that hard earned money on a new body or lens, think how much it will help you in your photography. Throughout the years I saw how my photography improved (not in the level that I can compete professionally but more on my personal expectations). And its not because I have better equipment.<br />
<br />
I knew this when I am more satisfied with a photo that is not super sharp but have a deeper meaning and appreciation from my peers/ viewers rather than a super sharp/ contrasty photo which comment is "<i>is this photoshopped</i>?" or "<i>where was this taken?</i>"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-18495968232707991682012-08-29T18:20:00.000-07:002012-10-03T02:44:38.214-07:00PHOTOGRAPHY - My Camera History 3<b>MY CAMERA HISTORY Part 3</b><br />
<br />
While the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond2h"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D2H</span></a> has served me well, I was not that happy with regards to its low light performance (gearhead is never satisfied). Nikon then released a new model and created a lot of fuss as well with the release of it's first DX long zoom lens. So here we go again...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4qxr6lk3XL9vZSapbLAXxQEcFGS1g9qa-2jmF1tbE-oMaMEe0HFw4YJ6td6VXXT5ckgFFcjiXuF6RAx9J4fRQ8eVHqsnYiAO1rUCyCbdMvFXunqaC7nvs5_PlcDQUuN2GzEGyoOQIF4/s1600/frontview+d200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4qxr6lk3XL9vZSapbLAXxQEcFGS1g9qa-2jmF1tbE-oMaMEe0HFw4YJ6td6VXXT5ckgFFcjiXuF6RAx9J4fRQ8eVHqsnYiAO1rUCyCbdMvFXunqaC7nvs5_PlcDQUuN2GzEGyoOQIF4/s320/frontview+d200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from dpreview.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Third Digital Gear List </b><br />
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D200</span></a><br />
- a superiorly upgraded <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</span></a>...this was the only selling point I need<br />
- if there was a disappointment for me, it's the high ISO performance<br />
- it was an improvement compared to the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond2h"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D2H</span></a> but I was expecting more on the range of 800-1250<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/nikon_18-200_3p5-5p6_vr_afs_n15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200 f3.5-5.6</span></a><br />
- the ultimate all around and travel lens<br />
- I almost never took it off my D200 as it covered 95% of my needs...unfortunately, its IQ and distortion issues on the wide/ tele end was a huge let down for me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KYT58tY3eQKUgNyOHXMh1q7Jn7Q0LKs_nOwC_7xSGm5djAiln8BbCOOnrMdYoodZ-Ztx7hTucir-2eu4zpzUWB6etQz13OzOaSTQgRz7GukVWlHi5RrXK_kHPu4hzr5EijvA10F_Bpo/s1600/ilocos_sites_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KYT58tY3eQKUgNyOHXMh1q7Jn7Q0LKs_nOwC_7xSGm5djAiln8BbCOOnrMdYoodZ-Ztx7hTucir-2eu4zpzUWB6etQz13OzOaSTQgRz7GukVWlHi5RrXK_kHPu4hzr5EijvA10F_Bpo/s320/ilocos_sites_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with Nikon 20-35 f2.8 coupled with Hoya CPL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2035af.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 20-35 f2.8</span></a><br />
- not being that happy with the IQ of my <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/nikon_18-200_3p5-5p6_vr_afs_n15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S VR 18-200 f3.5-5.6</span></a>, I bought this as my lens for "professional" work<br />
- I was surprised with the IQ of this lens...very sharp and contrasty<br />
- only issue was it's limited reach specially on the wide end on a DX body<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/5018daf.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 50 f1.8</span></a><br />
- another lens I got for "pro" work (my excuse to buy it)...never got to use it much though as I was too lazy to switch lenses not to mention I got a 2.8 zoom a few months later<br />
- this lens is indeed a true bargain...very sharp and bokeh was much better compared to its Canon counterpart<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/85AF.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 85 f1.8</span></a><br />
- another lens I got for "pro" work (my excuse to buy it)...as with the Nikon "nifty fifty" I never got to use it much<br />
- another reason I bought this lens is to replace the <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 80-200 f2.8</span></a> that I sold<br />
- overall it's a keeper except for the fact that I upgraded to a <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8</span></a> thus making this lens redundant (yup...I know the meaning of the word).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx-6mZE-gLz99al_DLhFj7pWtUuXPBszIIs7n-DNbEIrP3Wf141Lm7qYkhgrz1iRSl7ipA8HTaSRyAHCY-mJxPdQjBOWIvY18DWruLUzSuecgAHF1DghQiC9pou5e2G4PaT97bonCDzw/s1600/backyard_birding_023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx-6mZE-gLz99al_DLhFj7pWtUuXPBszIIs7n-DNbEIrP3Wf141Lm7qYkhgrz1iRSl7ipA8HTaSRyAHCY-mJxPdQjBOWIvY18DWruLUzSuecgAHF1DghQiC9pou5e2G4PaT97bonCDzw/s320/backyard_birding_023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird photography at our backyard using the Nikon 80-400</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF VR 80-400 f4-5.6</span></a><br />
- it was a back and forth decision but I finally decided to sell my <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 80-200 f2.8</span></a> for this<br />
- I had the chance to go birding (for the first time) in Palawan...it was a good thing I enjoyed bird photography!<br />
- IQ wise it is very good...not 2.8 good but very close to it<br />
- my main issue with this lens is the super slow focusing and flimsy tripod collar<br />
- unfortunately, upon seeing photos taken with 500 - 1000mm lenses, my appreciation of the bird photos I get have diminished<br />
- this is a popular lens for wildlife but it also delivers the good in portraiture providing a pleasing bokeh specially at the 300-400 length<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGOPcHZmxLQSKOTdU71aegInd1OdI85GaVA291Ld0SUtet2KRMXau3z3HPVY_rNnK9NcPlfvzTKMiLsojLaiD_cFISx1yOK94F02z4QH1EBjTtDIxXFpY-ingB8TvCaA1Qw4J-JfWkQ/s1600/siquijor_020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CGOPcHZmxLQSKOTdU71aegInd1OdI85GaVA291Ld0SUtet2KRMXau3z3HPVY_rNnK9NcPlfvzTKMiLsojLaiD_cFISx1yOK94F02z4QH1EBjTtDIxXFpY-ingB8TvCaA1Qw4J-JfWkQ/s320/siquijor_020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikon 80-400 at 400 cupled with Hoya ND400</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Others<br />
- having developed interest with landscapes done with long exposures, I got myself a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/155266-REG/Hoya_A77ND400_77_mm_Neutral_Density.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hoya ND400</span></a> and upgraded my cheapo CPL to a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/116783-REG/Hoya_A77CRPL_77mm_Circular_Polarizer_HMC.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hoya HMC Circular Polarizer</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cambags.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/331"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Thinktank Airport Antidote V1</span></a><br />
- got this to replace my shoulder bag<br />
- this bag will not win any design awards nor will make you look sexy but it does the job<br />
- when we talk about quality and comfort...it beats the hell out of Lowepro and Tamrac<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>More of a Photographer than a Gear Head</b><br />
It took me almost 6 years to really consider myself more of a photographer than a gear head. Having used all those lenses, I now have a firm grasp of what to shoot, how to go about it, and most importantly the gears I need...NOT WANT. Thus again...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YV6YGGCTOUq5Z3KNKizqTiltVDvY72VNs8uUShISjLjFLNHwkmFzMO48hhmWNIGuYGcafB_-Drprzl7EpVmKD0kwwFGi_gXEYIYWnZnX9-VwHjzNwVD-K5bfbVbnNXjjPE8Nkfk6JFY/s1600/cambodia_050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YV6YGGCTOUq5Z3KNKizqTiltVDvY72VNs8uUShISjLjFLNHwkmFzMO48hhmWNIGuYGcafB_-Drprzl7EpVmKD0kwwFGi_gXEYIYWnZnX9-VwHjzNwVD-K5bfbVbnNXjjPE8Nkfk6JFY/s320/cambodia_050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with 17-55 and Graduated ND plus Hoya CPL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fourth Digital Gear List</b><br />
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D200</span></a><br />
- yup this one remains<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/tokina_12-24_f4_review.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tokina 12-24 f4</span></a><br />
- built as tough as its Nikon counterpart with comparable sharpness/ color<br />
- I always made it a point to stay away from 3rd party brands but this is an exception...and I was not disappointed<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1755.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S DX 17-55 f2.8</span></a><br />
- got this for a bargain and even if I didn't, I wouldn't be sorry<br />
- perfect lens for me...good range, sharp, good bokeh, metal body...only took it off my camera when I need to shoot telephoto/ tight portraits<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDzly1vbiQ63SLWECvmpA-YpjncgxK86ebTDlywdbJkT06WNd3tJqAxC0yqIClLTruvGLDtVoC1m72tYYKQflLV9epZIejTmazkFFhyYX8NcagjPXF_gPj3fVAZOUtp7Y_luBL5cO-uA/s1600/laguna_shoot_038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDzly1vbiQ63SLWECvmpA-YpjncgxK86ebTDlywdbJkT06WNd3tJqAxC0yqIClLTruvGLDtVoC1m72tYYKQflLV9epZIejTmazkFFhyYX8NcagjPXF_gPj3fVAZOUtp7Y_luBL5cO-uA/s320/laguna_shoot_038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambient light with a Nikon 70-200</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8</span></a><br />
- every Nikon user's dream lens...until the 2nd version came along<br />
- it was close to perfect...no complaints except for the weight<br />
<br />
Others<br />
- as I travelled more, it came to the point that I'm leaving behind my tripod due to its weight thus I upgraded to a <a href="http://www.vistek.ca/marketing/procentre/benro/tripodsc.aspx?t=C-Series+HVC"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Benro Carbon Fiber</span></a> tripod...and what a difference it made!<br />
- I got myself as well a <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb28.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon SB28</span></a> for some strobist lighting<br />
- my purchase of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8</span></a> </span>came with a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.kata-bags.com/product/0/KT%2BDL-3N1-22/_/3N1-22_DL_for_DSLR_wmid-range_zoom_lens%2B_3-4_lenses%2Bflash"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Kata 3N1 22</span></a> which proved to be just perfect to house all my camera gears...only issue is the lack of a laptop compartment.<br />
<br />
<b>Preview to Final</b><br />
Just as I'm settling in with my photography and gears, full frame was building its momentum. During a couple of shoots I took part of, I saw the results of a <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 5D</span></a> and man what a difference! There is just something about it that makes it standout.<br />
<br />
When Nikon released its FX line-up, it was a big disappointment for me. The body and lenses were just way too expensive and not to mention my favorite lens, the <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70200vr.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S 70-200 f2.8</span></a>, have some serious compatibility issues with FX cameras. Then the "white" troopers came calling...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-87188269265972923912012-08-27T22:46:00.001-07:002012-10-03T02:44:38.219-07:00PHOTOGRAPHY - My Camera History 2<b>MY CAMERA HISTORY Part 2</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
With the lack of option on Canon consumer models and budget for its pro models, I looked at it's Nikon alternatives namely the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond70"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D70</span></a> and <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</span></a>. I was actually set to buy the former but having the chance to hold and use the latter, I fell in love! And just like that, I am now part of the dark side...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbrx0lh6aB-SutLuXzALJ2KDHNBsrzUdu7dIqtHE2oBI2QbWMShQmgVmH_sesdg0NEUfLF0jV70bnHf5E_AkRs2rnWBc2QtVlY6s8IBff62gBNchsn2nRQu1IfAuTkKTAWr-3ErR1siI/s1600/frontview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbrx0lh6aB-SutLuXzALJ2KDHNBsrzUdu7dIqtHE2oBI2QbWMShQmgVmH_sesdg0NEUfLF0jV70bnHf5E_AkRs2rnWBc2QtVlY6s8IBff62gBNchsn2nRQu1IfAuTkKTAWr-3ErR1siI/s320/frontview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from dpreview.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Second Digital Gear List</b><br />
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</span></a><br />
- if we talk about my all-time favorite cameras, this has got to be it<br />
- pound for pound it was the best camera of its generation and its ergonomics has no equivalent<br />
- I had to replace it due to a tear on one of its shutter blades which scratched the sensor as well<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond2h"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D2H</span></a><br />
- being used to the semi-pro features of the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</span></a>, the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond70"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D70</span></a> didn't appeal much to me thus I decided to get this despite a lowly 4MP sensor<br />
- the low MP didn't matter much as the images that came out of it just have that "pop" to it which I didn't see in my former camera bodies...the built was something to behold as well<br />
- this unit made me realize that it's not all about MPs if I want the best IQ<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2iTA2axeZuou4dyeDABK8dEKoEhM-MZfm-WPn3KWKSv_N0fPNX32BIWIcdyIBE1QoxYRQVr_XD_iDuDcdHujDwxQ9SyAghyphenhyphen6fTViPa6SjMZzTcEsAi1wnFrXi5s8UYPwgVndeIrBh2o/s1600/mitch_pasay_055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2iTA2axeZuou4dyeDABK8dEKoEhM-MZfm-WPn3KWKSv_N0fPNX32BIWIcdyIBE1QoxYRQVr_XD_iDuDcdHujDwxQ9SyAghyphenhyphen6fTViPa6SjMZzTcEsAi1wnFrXi5s8UYPwgVndeIrBh2o/s320/mitch_pasay_055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with a Sigma 10-20...had to do some heavy duty<br />
correction of distortions though</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_10-20_4-5p6_n15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sigma EX DC 10-20 f4-5.6</span></a><br />
- talk about ultra wide!<br />
- it served me well on my trips to Europe and our adventure trip in Cagayan/ Bukidnon but surprisingly, I utilized it where it is not really intended to be used...architectural photography.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1835.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 18-35 f3.5-4.5</span></a><br />
- ever since I made the decision to jump to Nikon, this was my "must have" lens and it delivered<br />
- paired with my D100, it became my all around lens<br />
- looking back, it performed as well as my more expensive lenses...you really have to pixel peep to see the difference<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2485afs.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S G 24-85 f3.5-4.5</span></a><br />
- my supposed all-around lens but it's range was just not that ideal in a DX format<br />
- it has decent optics though and the AF-S was a welcome experience back then<br />
- this lens, while having decent IQ, became an expensive paper weight for me<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhIdCOSh-8a58Rr2HNjO95vt1ED3hk4ExXfTuHXVHcdPfDclWy_0eD70mrU2RTEr2IIDirMH4Uu44zgbeTRiFqhau9jLLdag7LdAYo8eMs0Bq4bpmaQfT0uvIONJxGljzVB06_PyxEBM/s1600/eco_trail_011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhIdCOSh-8a58Rr2HNjO95vt1ED3hk4ExXfTuHXVHcdPfDclWy_0eD70mrU2RTEr2IIDirMH4Uu44zgbeTRiFqhau9jLLdag7LdAYo8eMs0Bq4bpmaQfT0uvIONJxGljzVB06_PyxEBM/s320/eco_trail_011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was only able to do macro as this insect is dead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/60mm-afd.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 60 f2.8 Micro</span></a><br />
- my first macro lens...super sharp and is everything I could ever want in a macro lens<br />
- only issue is that I found the range to be too short (my excuse to the fact that I don't have the patience for macro photography)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/7021056.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 70-210 f4-5.6</span></a><br />
- as i splurged my budget on the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</span></a>, <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1835.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 18-35 f3.5-4.5</span></a>, <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2485afs.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-S G 24-85 f3.5-4.5</span></a> and <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb800.htm">Nikon SB800</a>; my budget for a telephoto zoom is now pocket change<br />
- I bought this thanks to <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Ken Rockwell</span></a> who Nikon should regard as the best salesman for this lens<br />
- optics is not that bad and the push-pool zoom barrel was a welcome change...auto focus speed leaves a lot to be desired though<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwStadWlpP9dFqjTU2AtZU8IYCO_-mdow1BYAwoR4bdO90631yvt0Vbys5ZmrKCPWkz6KWVTlm3zu0l7GdTimvTcunAkqqriSCKL98rWH5of0jP9s_8WZFp41699vpGe30MUJeDq6bnt0/s1600/daddy_0010000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwStadWlpP9dFqjTU2AtZU8IYCO_-mdow1BYAwoR4bdO90631yvt0Vbys5ZmrKCPWkz6KWVTlm3zu0l7GdTimvTcunAkqqriSCKL98rWH5of0jP9s_8WZFp41699vpGe30MUJeDq6bnt0/s320/daddy_0010000.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of my dad taken with a Nikon 80-200 f2.8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 80-200 f2.8</span></a><br />
- as with me getting the <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2035af.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 20-35 f2.8</span></a>, I got this lens to replace my <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/7021056.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 70-210 f4-5.6</span></a><br />
- WHAT A LENS! super sharp...amazing bokeh...I loved it!<br />
- if I wasn't short on cash when I needed a super telephoto lens I would've kept this<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/105af.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 105 f2.8 Micro</span></a><br />
- since my <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/60mm-afd.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 60 f2.8 Micro</span></a> is too short for Macro, I got this lens<br />
- it was as sharp as it's shorter sibling...really nothing to complain about except for its built that is quite plasticky<br />
- unfortunately, I didn't find macro photography to be that much easier even with this lens...I just had to accept that fact that this is not the field for me<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/3004af.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF 300 f4</span></a><br />
- I got this lens because it was offered at a good price and what a pleasant surprise!<br />
- super sharp...amazing bokeh...only issue is it's focusing speed and minimum focusing distance<br />
- this lens together with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AF-D 80-200 f2.8</span></a> </span>was just too much for my back...and I don't have much use for it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq0jUb32mMOTD_8-BGPXHqUG-WPvDua6rGzIrI3aPpzUvDC3xcGWpsAgfISXCvDQ-qfVQZ3oOgbk0Yreztw9YpXC2A0m0ufQbjrrkqmnk_RkOwJQ9XykYgAqrdNYRGi-K2tKt1P3WDWI/s1600/feu_007_filtered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq0jUb32mMOTD_8-BGPXHqUG-WPvDua6rGzIrI3aPpzUvDC3xcGWpsAgfISXCvDQ-qfVQZ3oOgbk0Yreztw9YpXC2A0m0ufQbjrrkqmnk_RkOwJQ9XykYgAqrdNYRGi-K2tKt1P3WDWI/s320/feu_007_filtered.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambient lighting and SB-800 mounted on my D2H</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb800.htm">Nikon SB800</a><br />
- my first proprietary flash unit<br />
- coupled with the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond100" style="color: blue;">Nikon D100</a>, it was like hot pandesal and coffee...unfortunately Nikon made this almost obsolete to use with the later models.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/169549-REG/Tamrac_560801_5608_Pro_System_8.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tamrac Pro 8</span></a><br />
- with my gears rapidly increasing in number, I had to find a bag to fit them all and provide easy access<br />
- my experience with a backpack bag swayed me to get a shoulder bag instead<br />
- it served it's purpose in terms of housing my gears but portability wise, it's not the most ideal<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Film Again!?</b><br />
With my lust for gears and some nostalgia settling in, I invested on a Nikon film camera and a couple of AIS lenses. It fulfilled my lust of playing with a high-end (make that semi) classic manual camera but that's just about it. After taking it on a trip to Batad-Bangaan I immediately sold it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0lynDyb8wCvtdTBahsSESJxQMfW8zHcktCmsZ87Z3QQT0OTKCAu9ZwEk8E_SiO0-3ZiEFcwVYyxnMZ2t7yt4f8drjhqXYSg4G8S1CIvfcPHhWLQk0hzZJookZXrLMJzDZ8r1p8ePDcc/s1600/fm3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0lynDyb8wCvtdTBahsSESJxQMfW8zHcktCmsZ87Z3QQT0OTKCAu9ZwEk8E_SiO0-3ZiEFcwVYyxnMZ2t7yt4f8drjhqXYSg4G8S1CIvfcPHhWLQk0hzZJookZXrLMJzDZ8r1p8ePDcc/s320/fm3a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from kenrockwell.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/fm3a.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon FM3A</span></a><br />
- one of the rare times I can say classic yet sexy in one sentence<br />
- if I have a lot of cash to spare I would've kept it as a collection<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/nikon/25-50mm-f-4-ais-zoom-nikkor/prd_130251_3128crx.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AIS 25-50 f4</span></a><br />
- a very rare and capable lens<br />
- output from the camera is so-so but I would blame it on the developer (yeah right!)<br />
- used on a D2H, results are not that good...reason why I'm blaming the developer<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/135f28.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon AIS 135 f2.8</span></a><br />
- was expecting better bokeh but then again, the film developer screwed my photos<br />
- used on a D2H, it's super sharp...bokeh is not bad but not great either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Bridge Camera</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As I am still an avid outdoorsman during this time, I noticed that I cannot bring my camera and lenses as the weight of my outdoor gears is heavy enough as it is. Instead of streamlining my equipment, I invested on a point and shoot with a long optical zoom lens. It was probably the best decision I made as this made me realize that I need not have all these gears with my way of shooting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStyyMr2iits7e37yiskhweHXeXz_TWJah6pKbl6P8O3lV_9_XkMlCEhhRKk7mW4S21Qrpyg1XJBvEXHO736MuRGybpkrDra_E6l0F-6tZMry53e5f6YfevO6b8GEZHjTBODInB1Rvtnk/s1600/mt_ugu_0650000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStyyMr2iits7e37yiskhweHXeXz_TWJah6pKbl6P8O3lV_9_XkMlCEhhRKk7mW4S21Qrpyg1XJBvEXHO736MuRGybpkrDra_E6l0F-6tZMry53e5f6YfevO6b8GEZHjTBODInB1Rvtnk/s320/mt_ugu_0650000.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the peak of Mt. Ugu </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms6000fd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Fuji s6500fd</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it was the most highly regarded bridge camera at it's time and it certainly lived up to the hype</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- image quality up to iso 800 is workable and the long optical zoom is a big plus</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- only issues i had with it was the long "lag" in reading/ processing images and a foreign raw file that can only be converted using Fuji's proprietary software<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Preview to Part 3</b><br />
Strobist lighting became the in-thing and I got married. Something has to give...or does it?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949203522601749291.post-65555787641051612872012-08-27T02:21:00.001-07:002012-10-03T02:44:38.217-07:00PHOTOGRAPHY - My Camera History 1<b>MY CAMERA HISTORY Part 1</b><br />
<br />
I chanced upon a topic in a photography forum wherein a guy shared his take on building the perfect camera system. This prompted me to look back on my gear line-up and how I came across it. I always believe that the best system is the one that serves your photography needs and doesn't necessarily mean being limited to the f2.8s or the Ls (for Canonites like me).<br />
<br />
Anyway, I thought it would be interesting if I share a history of the camera gears I used and how I went about having the "perfect system"...<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer</b><br />
I don't have plans to go into a debate whether what I shared is accurate or not as these are all based on my personal experience. <br />
<br />
<b>Intro</b><br />
I am proud to say that I went through the process of shooting with film prior engaging in digital. My interest in photography actually started with a love for gears; photos being secondary. Being an avid outdoor enthusiast, I loved outdoor gears as much as going outdoors. Same goes for my passion in photography.<br />
<br />
On a rafting trip I organized last January 2003, I already have interest in pro cameras but always thought of it as a sophisticated and "soft" hobby. What caught my attention during that trip was the Lowepro bag our photographer was using. I thought it was a knock off of Lowe Alpine but was surprised to find out that it is a brand on its own and is actually ideal for the outdoors. The lure of being an outdoor photographer was just something I cannot resist.<br />
<br />
A month later during Photoworld Manila, I took the plunge...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylpYD9X37__2qPbZOfp8nUi46JbzTDLS-98GHOcmlkMP1t4tbxxS_8csKvlvSvnaHIH3D6IqiQ9pfGajjyqohAjRIE_KNB5mHS3ph_sQClvbsqvsbqiDY-TwNqGFkVFdD7TG-1rDJVaA/s1600/Pentax_ZX-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylpYD9X37__2qPbZOfp8nUi46JbzTDLS-98GHOcmlkMP1t4tbxxS_8csKvlvSvnaHIH3D6IqiQ9pfGajjyqohAjRIE_KNB5mHS3ph_sQClvbsqvsbqiDY-TwNqGFkVFdD7TG-1rDJVaA/s320/Pentax_ZX-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Pentax Forum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Film Gear List</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-mz-m-zx-m.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pentax MZ-M</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- a fully manual camera with auto exposure</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it was a dream to hold as a first time user but as I got to know it better, it was just too crippled of a camera </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-35-80mm-F4-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pentax A 35-80 f4-5.6</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- the everyday lens...it's cheap but build quality is not that bad...only let down is the plastic mount</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-A-80-200mm-F4.7-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pentax A 80-200 f4.7-5.6</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- stupid enough, I bought the tele zoom first as I got sold on the longer reach of the lens</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- same comment as with the former lens in terms of built quality.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Others</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- I got myself a cheapo flash and tripod which brands I cannot remember and a Lowepro beltpack similar to the current <a href="http://products.lowepro.com/product/Outback-100,2153,7.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Outback 100</span></a> albeit smaller and cheaper.</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b><br />
I was able to use this on a trip to Baguio, hike of Mt. Ugu and covering an event in Cebu. I wasn't able to get any spectacular photos with it but this was what got me started in serious photography. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>First Digital Gear List</b><br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos300d"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 300D</span></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit04ExHAstmB3_cx-ABxdLWY-B-E2BE0uyKZjDfLK6s_vlu5LS8j0UwaMkw1oDjeqjXEWYcfkroe6lX9FECk5aBdpETa4DQYiIRh7Dt-u-HYiMCojVL0-DsO0VBY8GLWOJrJRncRwa1HU/s1600/--_tcm14-52352.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit04ExHAstmB3_cx-ABxdLWY-B-E2BE0uyKZjDfLK6s_vlu5LS8j0UwaMkw1oDjeqjXEWYcfkroe6lX9FECk5aBdpETa4DQYiIRh7Dt-u-HYiMCojVL0-DsO0VBY8GLWOJrJRncRwa1HU/s320/--_tcm14-52352.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Canon UK<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- a few days after it was introduced in the market, I immediately got myself a unit...even applying under time just to secure the unit reserved for me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- auto focus, spot metering (albeit 10 deg), DIGITAL...I was in photography heaven!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it was the perfect camera for me until the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond70"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nikon D70</span></a> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/film-cameras/35mm/canon/eos-3/prd_83221_3105crx.aspx">Canon EOS 3</a> </span>came along.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/film-cameras/35mm/canon/eos-3/prd_83221_3105crx.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 3</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- as I progressed, I was feeling the limitations of my <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos300d"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 300D</span></a> so I invested in a pro body despite it being a film camera</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it was a bad decision as not only did I get spoiled by it's pro features/ built...I only shot 2 rolls of film with it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL1MBaJlwhViGgrs0Sy_yX3sB5ryLnKhkv3zmYhrnuU1SSQxqNazj64z-HuGmMOVmd5vIkDjcyy8Q0hoKGS4QENPzilQIDB3mQq4WrHy4oAaTLqzfg98U_lQyY8Jsjte9SfSnPqUoV5k/s1600/pinatubo_crater_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL1MBaJlwhViGgrs0Sy_yX3sB5ryLnKhkv3zmYhrnuU1SSQxqNazj64z-HuGmMOVmd5vIkDjcyy8Q0hoKGS4QENPzilQIDB3mQq4WrHy4oAaTLqzfg98U_lQyY8Jsjte9SfSnPqUoV5k/s320/pinatubo_crater_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped down the kit lens can deliver surprising results.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-Lens-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EF-S 18-55 f3.5-5.6</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
- first time I looked into the viewfinder of my 300D "WOW" was just the word as I now have a true wide angle lens!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
- as with my 300D, it was the perfect lens until I found out about those damn L lenses</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
- this kit lens is now at it's 4th version and is now dubbed <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-II-Lens-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EF-S 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS II</span></a>...other than the IS, built has been improved so if you think you have it bad, think of the version we got before!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/sigma/28-70mm-f2-8-ex-aspherical-df/prd_289851_3128crx.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sigma 28-70 f2.8 EX</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- lusting for L lenses and being limited by my kit lens, I invested on this cheaper alternative </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- first thing I noticed was the much better built compared to the kit lens but that creaking sound it make as it focuses was just irritating. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- was it better than the kit lens? My answer to this is yes it is better...at f2.8 and in the range of 56-70.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.8-II-Lens-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EF 50 f.18</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- everyone says this is a must have so I got one without any idea how to use it as it was dirt cheap (selling for only PHP 3,500 then)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it was a great lens for product shots and has a matter of fact served me well as my first commercial shoots were done using this lens.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBOgV2jizHR5YYBcjEWEw8tVRQwjZQfuiuT57kTLvhmm64IGX09fA2qaaB_AwKubfOI9dXsEkZjMMupc2nNlPoDyxbOr7avBV_yP7qozvD0fAfhH3pdi0qklCbSzF1WYxrk_xMwyi1W0/s1600/hundred_islands_020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBOgV2jizHR5YYBcjEWEw8tVRQwjZQfuiuT57kTLvhmm64IGX09fA2qaaB_AwKubfOI9dXsEkZjMMupc2nNlPoDyxbOr7avBV_yP7qozvD0fAfhH3pdi0qklCbSzF1WYxrk_xMwyi1W0/s320/hundred_islands_020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macro feature of the Sigma ain't that bad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/326-sigma-af-70-300mm-f4-56-apo-dg-macro-test-report--review"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 APO Macro</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- I was hoping to buy the <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EF 70-200 4L</span></a> but a lack of budget made me buy this lens instead...not to mention it sports a red ring just like an L lens! ;)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it opened my eyes to the photo opportunities of a long telephoto lens and IQ is very good but the length the length the lens barrel extends make this quite a challenge to use on a tripod.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2008/12/vivitar-285hv-review"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Vivitar 285HV</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- manual flash for a fully automatic camera...well, at least it was an improvement compared to the flash I bought for my Pentax system</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it has no TTL and is very much limited to Automatic when used with cameras right now so you can pretty much cross out this model in your "to buy" list</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- it has resurfaced though with the growing interest of strobist lighting</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- I just have to add that the old school adjustment settings/ knob of this flash is so cool to use!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Others</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- One investment I got right was a sturdy tripod and head combo with the <a href="http://www.manfrotto.com/classic-tripod-black"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Manfrotto 055 Pro B</span></a> and <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272449-REG/Manfrotto_486RC2_486RC2_Compact_Ballhead_w_Rapid.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Manfrotto 486 RC2</span></a>. This set-up served me well for 6 years and I only sold it as the weight has caught up with me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- I invested as well on a bigger and sturdier topload zoom bag with the <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Lowepro-Toploader-70-AW-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lowepro Toploader 70 AW</span></a> which I'm using until today. I got as well a <a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/camera-cases/backpacks/lowepro/mini-trekker-classic/prd_84106_3139crx.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lowepro Mini Trekker</span></a> to house my 2 Canon bodies and multiple lenses but the harness system was just not right for my lean frame. It caused quite a strain on my shoulder during a trip to Japan thus off it goes to the FS section after one use.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Summary</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am both proud and regretful in being there when digital photography went mainstream. Proud that I learned photography the old school way and cherished more the small stuff like auto focus, spot metering and seeing my photos right after I press the shutter. My regret?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It's not really me spending my money on those stuff I never got to use. It's me paying P5,000 for a freaking 512MB card which brand is not even the best! ;)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Preview to Part 2</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Given all the so-called "limitations" (or excuse to upgrade) of my camera, I decided to sell my whole system and upgrade it. I was eyeing a <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-10D-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Canon EOS 10D</span></a> but there was just something wrong with it's ergonomics. Then came the call from the "dark side"...</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02867802249592654834noreply@blogger.com0