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.