Mystique Shutterbug: Sight-Seeing

I'm still having blogger's block. Even the 30 Day Challenge didn't help me conquer it. But don't worry I will finish it, since I've already began doing it. I will not quit writing those tasks. It's just that, I'm not yet in the mood to think. My mind's still out there somewhere. I'm running out of words and thoughts to share. It's actually because I'm beginning to compose myself for another academic season (hopefully my last). I really hope and pray that I'll get back into doing what I love the most after this school jitters I'm feeling as of the moment. Good thing I have this blog series to help me deal with this darn writer's dilemma. It's again high time to bring out the photo freak in me by showing you these shots of good sights I've been to. Enjoy everyone!

Guiob Church Ruins in Camiguin.

White Island in Camiguin.

Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon.

Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin.

Fishing Village in Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Mt. Hibok-Hibok seen from afar in Camiguin.

Fishing Village in Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Maja's Cafe in Loleng's Mountain Spring and Resort.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring in Camiguin.

At Loleng's Mountain Spring and Resort.

View of Pearl Farm Malipano Waters, Island Garden City of Samal.

Angel's Cove in Island Garden City of Samal.

I'm proud to say that the Philippines is definitely a good place for travel! No doubt about that. WOW Philippines indeed!

After graduation, I’m thinking of not settling down yet. It can wait. I certainly hope so. I’ll have at least four or five years of not being bogged down by children. That span of time is dedicated for my luxury and to be noble, preparation for a higher level maturity. I'll be in for everything I’m not doing and can’t be doing now. I think it’ll be the perfect time where everything I've always wanted can happen. Needless to say, I have to get a good job to get to that. Part of my plans is  to get my own car so I can go far and wide. Too ambitious of me to even think about it, eh? The best part is tripping all over the world. I have a lot of plans as you can see. I want to travel here, there and everywhere. I pray that the Almighty One will hear what my heart beats for.

Mystique Shutterbug: Sea Vehicles

It has been such a very long time since I've last posted in this photo blog series. I got busy with other random stuffs, and photographer's block got the best of me. What's best about that anyway? I have a lot of reasons, but I don't want to rant about them anymore. Now then, I decided to get back to what I started. I went over my photo archives again, and looked for photos that I could possibly share. I noticed I have a lot of photos of boats and other sea vehicles. I love taking pictures of them because they evoke a certain drama. I took these during our recent field trip at Samal Beach. I wish to go back there with some people I miss the most in due time. So, here are what I'll be leaving you for today's episode on Mystique Shutterbug.

These photos were taken at Dayang Beach Resort, Angel's Cove, Malipano and Sta. Ana Wharf. OMG! I wish next summer I could go on an island-hopping adventure again with my friends. It's refreshing to see the waves and feel the sea breeze. I'm actually not much of a beach lover because I hate feeling sticky, but I have to admit that the sight of it allures me a great deal. From now on, I promise to myself that I will bathe in it next time, not just take pictures of it. Farewell again lovely summer. I can't wait for your return!

Did you hit the beach lately?

Once a shutterbug, always a shutterbug.

NSTP at Loleng's Mountain Spring Resort

We had our Team-Building Activity last Sunday for our NSTP 2 at Loleng's. I wasn't totally captivated by the place, Eden Nature Park and Resort is still the best serene place I've been so far. I actually love the cottages there, it's just that the place isn't so big & beautiful. One of the few things that I love about the place are the adorable white doves staying at the grounds of Maja's Cafe. Glad I captured their flight through photography. So now, let me show you some photos I had with my classmates there.

The person in the last photo page is our professor, Sir Raymundo Pavo. He finished his Doctoral Degree in Harvard University. He's actually a Philosophy teacher, and I don't know why he's even handling NSTP. Weird, eh? Anyway, let's talk about Loleng's again. The place is suitable for conventions, parties and team-building activities just like what we did. Maybe that explains why it's a little boring there. I still recommend Eden and/or Samal if you want to get a bigger and better access to nature.

Sorry Loleng's.

Biodiversity Weekend Getaway

My recent weekend was one of the loveliest. We had a field trip for our Biodiversity class. I really had fun despite the difficult life I had at the beach. After almost a year, I again felt the sea breeze and heard the waves. Before going to Dayang Beach at Samal for an overnight stay, we first went to Philippine Eagle Center. The last time I went there was in my second grade, I think. I didn't really had fun there, because the place is not as good as Eden Nature Park. The only thing that made me happy there was when I got to have a photo taken with snake around my neck. It was an experience I am proud to have. My hands were shaking while holding the snake, but I still managed to smile my heart out. That's just once in a lifetime.

I like this snake because it matches the color of my get-up.

The snake's skin made me feel like I'm holding a huge luxury wallet.

After four hours of roaming around the center, we finally went to our next stop -- at Dayang Beach Resort. Finally! I really thank our professor for not discussing about reflection paper or whatsoever during the trip. He just wanted us to have fun. One thing I love about Samal is that the water is really clear that you would mistake it for a swimming pool if you will just look at the pictures. On the other hand, what I hate about the place is that, the water flowing in the comfort room is also salt water. We couldn't use soap at all! Since I was really itching to take a bath, I decided to buy five gallons of water for 20 pesos at the store nearby. I used it for my bath the next day.

We alloted the whole Sunday for island hopping, snorkeling and intro diving. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join my classmates have fun. I wasn't in the mood to get wet that day. I didn't want to feel sticky. Naligo na kasi ako nung Saturday afternoon. Too bad, nobody took a picture of me kayaking and swimming with life vest. Since that was the case, they asked me to document their experience. I didn't feel bad at all, because taking pictures is really my thing, and swimming isn't. Let me share you some of the photos I took.

Picturesque view of Samal.

Another scenic view of Angel's Cove.

My wet and wild friends.

The intro divers. I envy them!

Pearl Farm -- such a beautiful place!

Make a wish at the Wishing Island.

Stop over at Punta del Sol.

What can you say about the place? It's what you can call heaven on earth. Well of course, the trip will never be complete without my solo shots. Here are some of my photos.

I'm in love with the sea breeze!

Taken at Punta del Sol.

Samal is definitely a place to beat. We must all help in maintaining its beauty by not throwing garbages in the sea. Stop destroying our aquatic animals' habitat. In that way we can also help in the balance of our ecosystem. I'm pretty sure we don't want to lose the beach, because we crave for it once in a while. Thank you Sir Obsioma for helping us understand the importance of Biodiversity. We will surely cherish this trip. I can't believe it's over now. I hope this "getaway" will keep us sane for the rest of the months. Thesis, here we come!

Principles of Photography

I am an art enthusiast. That’s why I never missed the chance to enroll in the Arts and Humanities 5 under the very exciting, Prof. Julius Quiz. One of the best things I learned from that class, aside from those paintings and sculptures, is the “Principles of Photography.” It is very helpful especially for my course, since pictures are also a form of communication. As what the famous adage goes, one picture is worth a thousand words.

I’m just so sad that Sir Quiz is no longer in UP Mindanao. Too bad he no longer handles the Basic Photography subject. He is by far the best photography teacher in school. Not everyone gets the chance to have his valuable pieces of knowledge, that’s why I somehow feel lucky. Learning the basics of this sought-after hobby helps me feel confident that I don’t just take pictures, I MAKE pictures. Here, I’m going to share you what I’ve learned, for FREE!

Rule of Third (applying balance)

Classic-S Curve (line of beauty)

Natural Cropping (removing unwanted space)

Funny Perspective

Natural Shadowing

Natural Framing

All the shots were taken at Camiguin Island during our field trip last February 28, 2010. I hope this information helped you. Let this be your guide in making pictures. Bear in mind that it doesn’t really matter whether you’re using a Point-and-Shoot or a Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. Always remember that knowing and applying the art of photography matters more than the kind of camera you use.

The Road I wish to Tread

I can’t surely wait for that moment to finally come. It’s like I want to rush every little instance just to get to that very minute. Could somebody take me to a fast ride towards the future? Somebody take me there please.

I bet you don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s the graduation day. Yes, it is. It’s the time where I get to wear that legendary “sablay”, So to speak.

My very core can’t help but rush with intense excitement whenever I talk about graduation. I may be a bit unsure when will it happen, but one thing I’m quite sure of is that I will graduate. No matter what. I want to travel here, there and everywhere after graduation. And some of the places I want to visit are here in my list:

ABROAD:

1.) France
2.) Las Vegas
3.) South Korea
4.) Singapore
5.) Hongkong
6.) Thailand
7.) Malaysia
8.) China
9.) Hawaii
10.) Texas
11.) Mexico
12.) Brazil
13.) New York
14.) Canada
15.) England

PHILIPPINES
1.) Palawan
2.) La Union
3.) Boracay
4.) Baguio
5.) Camarines Sur
6.) Intramuros
7.) Cagayan de Oro
8.) Bohol
9.) Tagaytay
10.) Sagada
11.) Bukidnon
12.) Cebu
13.) Iloilo
14.) Makati
15.) Dakak

I’m actually thinking of more places but my mind just can’t get enough that it can’t think of anything more. I must admit that not every place I’ve included in my list is destined for me to visit. If it happens then I’d be so much happier, but if it won’t, it’s still fine. I’ll have to take extra effort and triple extra monetary measures to get what I want.

Within those places are restaurants I’m so after. I want to know how well they serve their delicacies and other specialties. I absolutely love food, but my body doesn’t really define how much I love food.

However, I think talks about food trippin’ should be reserved for another blog entry. Let me explore different restaurants and indulge in their sumptuous cuisines even with just their photos. Gotta research ahead.