Pyrolympics postponed

The yearly event that I love going to has been moved to January 2010. It is just so sad but who would argue when its a matter of safety. Too bad, I thought I could practice fireworks photography there before the new year’s eve comes.

According to their website the recent rains and flooding have become an issue for them. So for all of us eager folks we’ll just have to wait next year… I hope it lands on my birthday, it’ll be a bang for me!

The competition features amazing fireworks and will be held at The Fort instead of its usual venue in SM MOA.

 

Day 1 @ Digital 101

Okay, I just got through the first day of Mr. Jay Alonzo’s Digital 101 workshop and I must say I am really glad to take this course. I was a bit nervous at first… thinking what if I can’t catch up with the class… or what if their all pros already or something like it… turns out it wasn’t bad after all even to a beginner like me hehe… The only bad thing that happened was the rain. Just when I was about to walk my around ayala towards the venue, it started to pour argh.

Digital 101 by Jay Alonzo
Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati Avenue
Fee is pHp4,000

 

Next Attraction (In Bohol Part 2)

Chocolate Hills, Tarsier, Loboc River cruise… we all know that these are the popular destinations in Bohol. But did you know that the longest zipline in the country can also be found in the province? Yes, bohol is the home of Danao’s suislide. And we are very fortunate to be able to experience this when we visited bohol last May. We did not know anything about it until our tour guide (Kuya Boy) constantly bragged about it and kept saying “Ang sarap.” And ofcourse we were very eager to try it out.

Before we ride

Suislide

Danao is like 2 hours drive from Tagbilaran and it could get rough since some roads are not yet cemented. So if you’re driving there by yourselves better install some sturdy tires and good suspension. And also allot at atleast half of your day for this since you will be driving long plus you will pass by the Chocolate Hills at a much closer angle. Yeah closer! We got out of the car and took a lot of shots (our favorite jump shots).

Fight scene with cindz

The ride was fun and I will do it all over again when I get the chance. It was everything but scary. It looks like it is but once you take off all you feel is the wind on your face. You will ride it twice. One going to the opposite cliff then another on your way back.

It was around 3 PM when we ate our lunch. And Mang Fidel took us to Chicken Ati-Atihan. They have good affordable meals there plus other filipino dishes.

Danao Entrance Fee: approx 25php
Suislide: approx 300php
Kuya Boy:  09156517933

 

In Bohol – Part 1

Pack the bags. Go to sleep (or at least try). Wake up early. Then head to the airport. Atlast! We are off to Bohol. After a few days of worrying because of the rains, praise God for granting us a sunny sky. And not only that.. kudos to the new plane of zest air for giving us a safe ride. It’s an almost 1 hour fly to Bohol but thats okay it’ll be more than an hour of fun there naman.

When we landed, our tour guide Mang Fidel was already waiting outside holding the name plate high. He was a bit quiet (almost only talking to deah who was sitted upfront) but was kind naman. Our first stop – the River. Not just an ordinary river but a cool one with floating restaurant and entertainment on board. This was perfect since we are hungry and para dramatic ang umpisa ng tour.

Loboc River

Loboc River choir

As we went on, the boat suddenly approached a floating raft where a group of local children sung. It was nice to see “bibo” kids dancing to the tune as visitors join in on the tinikling dance (mommy Fe was a natural on that one). The ride was long enough for you to enjoy the food and scenery.

Our first day was really packed. We immediately head on to the rest of the tour even before we got to the resort where we were staying. Thanks to kuya Boy and mang Fidel for making it a comfortable one. Mang Fidel was our tour guide slash driver for the day, after Loboc River he drove us to see the Chocolate Hills. Yah climax kagad ang mga napuntahan namin kaya bukas na bukas ang mga mata. It wasn’t color chocolate then but green (on dry season it turns brown thus the chocolate in its name). Funny I thought we could go up the hill but it was high pala, and far from where we were but we got a good view of it naman. By this time it was mid afternoon already and I noticed that the places were a bit far from each other. I remember my friend said that someone advised her to have a rented van when touring, and he was right it’s too much hassle when you commute. The next destination is the Tarsier sanctuary. The tarsiers look stressed from the perks of being an animal celebrity. But they look really cute.. scary but cute. Just note that flash photography is not allowed and please don’t bug them.

Tarsier

After this we went to the Hanging bridge. Nothing special just a bridge that crosses a river and on the other side you will find some souvenir stores. There are some items that are cheap there such as peanut kisses (you should take home some of these) and shirts etc. We also visited Baclayon church (I think this was where Ceasar Montano got married), the python named “Prony” which by the way has a celebrated tagapagbantay, the Blood Compact site, and passed by the man made forest (nakakaaliw nung dumaan kami dito bigla kasi dumilim dahil ang taas ng trees).

Manmade Forest

It was just about dinner when we got to the resort. The name – Dumaluan Beach Resort. The room is big and I think it could fit up to 9 people in there. It has 2 queen sized beds which could accommodate at most 3 people each. Its an ordinary room but I would recommend it if you are tight on the budget. We had our dinner at the resort’s restaurant. The food was affordable but it was not amazing. But it’s good enough to fill your hungry stomach (at busog talaga).

To be continued …

 

Where Will You Be This Summer?

While rains have invaded (weirdly) this summer’s blue skies, excited bakasyonistas are still flocking the country’s vacation spots. Who would not right?! You have been dreaming all year round about that long stretch of beach, or the cool breeze at an amazing mountain top and most of all you get to relax.

Yeah it is really fun to go around the 7,107 islands of Pilipinas and see the sights you only see on postcards but will our bank account accommodate it? For a lot of us this is really a problem. But the good thing is there are really a lot of affordable ways to spend a nice vacation.

First of all – and the most workable way, SAVE. Use the time when it’s raining in the country and your stuck at work to save for the trip your planning for the summer. Remember it should be months before so you’ll have plenty of time to work it out and plenty of money for your grand treat. Second, plan a trip with your friends. This way you’ll be spending less for group packages available out there. You can split the total expenses amongst yourselves plus it will be more fun than travelling alone (unless of course you intentionally want to). Third, use the internet to layout your plan. Search for packages, resorts, pictures and feedback from previous visitors (this is a good way to get useful tips). I would recommend looking for packages that include the tour, accommodation, transfers, and some would  even have airfare. This will help you save the hassle. Also (fourth), lookout for airline promos. Local airlines offer a lot of promos everyday. And I say really cheap ones. Just note that these promos are usually on limited seats so book ahead of time.

If it helps, some of the places one should not miss are: (1) Puerto Galera, I have only been here once and I stayed at Coco Beach resort. It is a really nice place and you can’t help but admire the scene of coconuts trees surrounding you. Try staying at those coconut huts because it gives you a really beautiful scenery but you have to bear the long walk up. And never forget to go snorkeling. The corals there are AMAZING. (2) Boracay, if you want beach this is the place for you. The long stretch of white beach sand is just wonderful. The first time I went there I stayed at Courtyard resort, it’s an affordable place good for those under the budget and needs no luxury. When I came back months later I stayed at Le Soleil. This place is more classy but with really accommodating staff. Both at station 2. You can do a lot of water sports in bora and party life at night is always nice. (3) Palawan, now I have never been to this place before but it is something I am planning some time soon. That long island surrounded by water east of Philippines boasts of clear waters and amazing islets. Home of famous underground river and coral reefs. I heard that a trip to Palawan will really cost some bunch. So I guess I have to be saving for next summer already. (4) Bohol, home of chocolate hills and tarsiers. I will blog more on this after my visit next month. I am so excited!

Make the most of your summer. Plan and have fun.

 

Huwebes

I found out a few things when I left early from work yesterday. It might help you so let me tell you about them:

1. Comelec registration is ongoing
2. … at konti lang ang tao kaya mabilis ang processing
3. Mas mataas ang exchange rate sa mga money changer
4. Avocado season is around the corner
5. The best camera shops in hidalgo street have almost the same prices
6. … but what’s inside the package varries
7. When inquiring for items in those stores, as much as possible go directly to the owners
8. They got really nice eggplants and lettuce around quiapo
9. Nikon D40 is really light

 

Visit My Photoblog

My photoblog is now up. Do visit and see what I’ve busying myself with. What better way to tell stories than a photograph right?!

http://photoblog.com/dreydel

 

MV Doulos In Manila

The largest floating bookstore sets in Manila from March 5 to 31. Go visit, you might just find your favorite books and other new finds at an affordable price. But a little advise – try to go on a weekday as there will be fewer visitors to crowd you. The weekends are just too much hehe. We went there this afternoon to look around but ended buying only ice cream. Still though, book prices are lower than usual from a wide range of cooking books to novels to home literature and a lot more. They have a good entertainment show too for the kids. And the best part – group picture taking!!! (thanks to je’s nice k100d, hmm when will I get mine kaya..) They even provided costumes for added fun.

MV Doulos
Manila South Harbour, Pier 13
Admission 10Php

 

Eraserheads Final Set: Complete

After waiting for 6 months, the Reunion concert is now complete. Pero this time it was totally different. You feel less tension between them – they were like eraserheads with the love (o baka nagpapaka senti lang ako hehe). The seriousness in their faces was gone. I even saw ely smiled early on the show. It was a sight ang gwapo talaga! Everyone could not react parang gusto mo lang silang titigan at antabayanan ang bawat gagawin nila careful enough not to miss one. Nakakaaliw nga eh, for a rock band eraserheads probably has the most behaved crowd. But for me I had to live this moment where I can see them play together again. I know that chapter already ended pero last night parang di mo na maiisip na bukas paggising mo tapos na. Ang swak nga ng set nila it puts you in this mood na parang fade effect. Ma-drama man (lalo na when ely burned the sticker happy piano) pero masaya pa rin (I really love marcus’ version of huwag mo ng itanong and the fireworks).

Great music. A happy ending story with a bite.

Eheads fever is up again.

 

Lemery meets Luau

Awesome weekend!

Fun and insightful are the words I can say from our trip to Lemery Batangas for a beach party. Ofcourse the long trip was uncalled for – more than 3 hours of long drive plus missing the supposed turns (hehe still thanks to ate Malen for driving us there!) But sharing laughs with friends was timeless.