Double Rainbows, Caliraya Recreation Center, Lumban, Laguna, Philippines

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist." -Schumann

God, the great artist, showing His handiwork. Not only did I get to see double rainbows, I saw what seemed like the 'end of the rainbow'.

Weekend Backpacking, Cebu, Philippines

Do you miss those days when you come out of the church after mass and there's a horde of street food and balloon vendors waiting for you?  Dirty ice cream, fishball, manggang hilaw, singkamas, etc.  Don't you just wish you could experience that again?  I don't.  Because I've never had that kind of experience.  Haha.  I've always seen it in Filipino movies or heard my classmates' stories and it seemed like a fun experience.  It's not that common in Manila anymore, but Cebu's churches are very much like old Manila's.  Except the balloons are more complicated nowadays.

Anawangin Cove, Zambales, Philippines

Sea, sand and friends.

Chill Trip, Laiya, Batangas, Philippines

I am the adventurous, keep-it-cheap type of traveler.  But once in a while I look for that trip that does not include catching flights or buses, sweeping the sidestreets searching for good cheap food, running around asking for directions to the bus or train stations, or haggling tour prices.  This was that trip.  A weekend inside a resort with the shortest itinerary-- check in, relax, check out.

Mayon - A View from the Top, Albay, Philippines

Mayon Volcano, sometimes called Mount Mayon, is famous for its near-perfect cone.  It is an active volcano located in the province of Albay in the Bicol Region of the Philippines.  If Albay was a pizza pie, this volcano would be right at the middle.  Its cone is divided among 8 municipalities and cities.

Surf's Up, Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Just a weekend with friends.

To the Limit! Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

On a whim we decided to visit one of highest inhabited towns in Luzon-- Sagada.  Now that it has already become a popular tourist destination, information on how to get there was very easy to find.  This was a lightning-fast, travel light trip because it takes about 12 hours to get there and we only had a weekend to spend.  I don't think we even spent 24 hours there!  So we entitled this trip "Sagadan sa Sagada!"

There are two routes you can take to get to Sagada-- one via Baguio, the other via Mountain Province.  We took the GL Trans bus from Baguio.

Our breakfast companion. ;)

Cave tombs.  In the early days the dead were preserved and placed in cave tombs in the mountains of Sagada.  Some of the locals claim their not-so-distant ancestors were buried here.

Rice plantations.

Of all the tourist attractions in Sagada, I believe spelunking (caving) is the most common.  The famous Cave Connection is exactly what it is-- a connection of caves.  You can enter one cave and come out of the other.  Given our time constraint (and the fact that we only started late in the afternoon), we opted to take on one of the smaller caves.

"The mother"

"The turtle"

"The father"

Our group of spelunkers.

The next day we had our breakfast at the Lemon House, one of the more famous restaurants here.  They serve some lemon pies and sweets plus teas and different types of coffee.

A cemetery on top of one of the mountains.

Inside the Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

We also visited the "Small Falls".  There was a bigger one about an hour's trek away, but we wouldn't make it to the 12noon bus out if we visited that, too.

A popular place for pasalubong, where traditionally woven fabric can be bought.  During certain times of the day you'll be able to see some workers weaving.  

Surfing Fail, Baler, Aurora, Philippines

We went there to surf, but when we got there the sea was as tranquil as a tranquil sea can be.  Island hopping and jumpshots nalang!

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Poblacion, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

This rock formation can be found just an hour and a few minutes north of Laoag.  More commonly known as the White Rock Formation, these limestone 'structures' are products of weathering and sedimentation.  

It's not advisable to visit this site during the typhoon season.  Aside from the loose soil on the trail to these seaside rocks (which could be a problem for your car), the strong winds could knock you off balance on the rocky area (the "final leg") near the limestones.  And the spray from the crashing waves-- not good for your camera.

The tide was rising and 6-foot waves welcomed us.

The rock formation from afar.  

There's a rocky stretch about 150 meters before getting to the big stone.

I could only imagine how the whites would look under a bright blue sky on a sunny day.  Maybe next time. :)

Black and White portraits - makeshift studio, Makati City, Philippines

Black and white and a harsh light play. The simple, but meaningful looks on their faces make this set appear like campaign material for some org.

Black and White Easter - Leslie's Restaurant, Silang, Tagaytay City, Philippines

I spent Easter attending two services in different churches then joining some impulsive friends to Tagaytay. I think taking really clear photos are cool, but sometimes a little blur and distortion can be a good thing. It gives a dreamy feel.

Remembering War Heroes in Capas Shrine, Capas, Tarlac

A few kilometers from Mt. Pinatubo is a war memorial dedicated to Filipino and American soldiers who died in the infamous Bataan Death March.  

The "main attraction" of the monument is the 70-meter obelisk surrounded by a black marble wall containing the names of those who died.  

A poem by Juan Luna

Tired, hungry defenders, like heroes old,

Held their groud, brave and true to the last man

The smoke of the battle cleared.  A crimson flood

Lay like a carpet on the hollowed ground.

O heroes, you died not in vain.  New blood

Picked up your cry in one united sound

Until victory the fight must go on,

Each Filipino heart, A Bataan!