Unforgettable Iloilo

I had the pleasure of visiting Iloilo City through the efforts of my friends who visited Cebu City a few months back taking the EMT course. It was indeed an unforgettable experience.I was actually invited to speak about BLS-CPR topic as well as ECG Interpretation to a group of nursing graduates in preparation for their upcoming nursing board exam. Along the sideline, I was able to take pictures of some wonderful sites in the city.

If your an early riser, a great place to be would the Esplanade, this is a project of the city government which is located along the riverside in an effort to make the river clean. It is some sort of a board walk where people can jog, walk and exercise. Some establishments and settlers in the riverside where relocated and replaced with these bricks and ornaments. It's like a walk in the park....

 

Because of this, the Iloilo river has made a name for itself as among the cleanest river in the Philippines.

 


 

Iloilo City is a place of many old Spanish Houses. I am assuming that during the early times, a lot of Spanish settlers resided in the city. Old churches can also be found like this one on the left, the Molo Church

The cathedral is Jaro is also another old church where you can find the Our Lady of the Candles,
"Nuestra Señora de la Purificacion y Candelaria"

Inside the Cathedral

Candles inside the Cathedral

Fronting the Cathedral is the Bell Tower. They was erected way back during the war to warn people of bombing raids conducted by the Japanese in the area.

 While in Iloilo, don't forget to try the Lapaz Batchoy. I am sure that you have heard about the origin of this famous batchoy. Yes, I did try it and I surely agree that is one of the best.... But I tell you there are many other delicious foods that Iloilo can offer which will surely fill your taste buds.

I wish to thank my friends who made my stay an unforgettable one and for making me feel at home. Surely I will be back.... and that is a promise.

Sunsets and Sunrise

I had the pleasure of spending a few days with my family. After arriving from my business trip, I brought my family to a short vacation just within our province. Since, I have nothing much to do, I had the time of watching the beauty of nature once again and of course had the chance to take a picture of my favorite.....


Sunrise at Dakong Bato, Dalaguete Cebu




Picture taken during Sunset at Palanas Mountain Resort, Boljoon, Cebu Province...

Sunsets and more!

I had the chance today to take some pictures in our area. Though it may not be that great but I guess its a good way to hone my skills. I went under the bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan and was able to take few pictures while the sun is about to set. The picture below is the 2nd Mactan-Mandaure Bridge. Taken from down below.


While I was there, I also took a picture of the old bridge. The picture above is actually the new one connecting Cebu and Mactan. Here is the picture of the old bridge from my end.




I guess it really matter much the lighting condition. I am sure that if I took it on a noon time, the effect would not be like the ones I have posted here. Well, here are some other sunset pictures I have taken the previous day in a different location.












Well that's it for now. I am still new in the world of photography. There are still many things to learn. I hope to develop this skill and present great pictures later on. For the meantime, I will just have to be satisfied with the pictures above.

A day in Kawasan Falls

I had the chance to visit Kawasan Falls and was able to take some pictures. If in case you have not visited the place, perhaps these pictures will make you decide to go there.






The pictures above is not the main falls but just some of the d small streams of water within the area. Going to Kawasan is very easy. All you need to do is go to the South Bus Terminal and take a bus (Ceres) heading for Badian. Its actually a 3 hour ride by bus and 2 hours ride by private vehicle if you wish to go there. Once you reach Badian proper, you go continue moving until you reach Matutinao. You will not miss the place since you can easily ask any resident in the area for directions. If you take a bus, then just advise the bus driver that you wish to disembark in Kawasan.


This is the main falls (First Falls) in Kawasan. There are actually two main waterfall in the area. You can even reach the source. Cottages are available for overnight stay and the place is very safe.


This is the entry towards the main falls..... so what do you think? Just bear in mind that you need to walk around 15-20 minutes from the main road before reaching the heart of Kawasan Falls, but I'm sure its worth every step.....

Pictorial Practice November 4, 2011

Due to the long holiday, I had the chance to bring out my camera and do some practice shots. The picture below is a restaurant (under renovation) in Day-as, Cordova, Cebu Province. Picture was taken during sunset.



I have read a book that one of the important things to consider in photography is a "Good Light" This is usually a few minutes before and after sunrise and a few minuter before and after sunset. I guess, what I have read is clearly true. Look at the difference on the picture below. I did not change any setting for both. All I did was take the picture a during sunset and a few minutes before sunset... you could clearly see the difference.







Looking forward to my next pictorial practice... See you around guys!

Our Shooting Video

Just adding up to our shooting adventure. A video was taken yet I was not able to load it here. So here's the video:





Not to be outdone, here is my buddy Leo,






Well, I am back in Cebu right now and will be in Cagayan by next week. Hope to be able to take some photos from there....

A Night In Kidapawan's Grand Ficus Hotel

restaurant at Ficus Hotel

If you have been following my blog, you will surely know that I am now in Kidapawan and my previous post was the firing activity that we did. Well, though I have posted this late, after the firing activity, we stayed in our room to relax and wait for evening to come. I would have wanted to sleep, but I do not have the habit of sleeping in the afternoon. So by 3 in the afternoon, I took my favorite snacks.. a cup of coffee outside my room.


Truly Kidapawan City always have this normal drizzle of rain usually in the afternoon, most of time. It might be because of the trees in the area that always provide the cooling effect within the surrounding. I took a couple of shots on some nearby flowers and plants, just to see if I have improved my picture taking abilities... this is what I got... well, whether you like the picture or not, it truly proves that the drizzle was there proving once again that Kidapawan City is obviously cool.

So evening came, we proceeded to Grand Ficus Hotel where we had our dinner in one of the cottages near the poolside. The place is eventually great and is indeed a good place to relax and unwind...

rooms at Ficus Hotel

one of the cottage near the swimming pool

the swimming pool

the restaurant... a closer look

Well, If you happen to pass by Kidapawan and would want to stay, you can surely check out the place. Its just near the Kidapawan Terminal in near the heart of the city.. See you on my next post....