shutterBlogs

Captured: CARAMOAN

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:42:00 +0000

December was a family bonding month. Aside from the usual get-togethers during the holiday season (and the trip to Boracay that I shared on my previous post), the entire family went to Caramoan. We were a 25-pax group. With a 4-car convoy, we set off with our 45-minute trip to CWC, where we transferred to the shuttle which brought us to Bongalon Port. The boat ride from Bongalon port to Guijalo port in Caramoan is one hour and a half. Good thing, the M/V LRay fast craft was quite roomy, giving you chance to move around during the trip, watch the waves and landforms on the sides, take pictures or simply snooze a bit.

Upon arriving at Guijalo port, we were picked up by vans for another 20-minute road trip to Gota Village. Gota was the location for at least three foreign survivor series – France, Bulgaria and Israel.

(Gota Village will again be closed to public from February 16 due to the shoot of another edition of Survivor Israel)

Caramoan is a peninsula. Gota is part of Caramoan. It’s on the edge of the mainland. Gota Village is the most developed resort and the Hunongan Cove. These two are the best spots, since they are on the beachfront, but there are other cheaper accommodations located at the town proper, which I think, are only 5-10 minutes away from the beach.

In Gota Village, there’s no cable TV, but there is a Television Set and DVD player (with DVD movies available for free). No network signals for Globe and Sun. Smart, yes… though kinda erratic... but definitely better than none.

If you’re planning to visit Caramoan, don’t settle for Gota only. Make sure you go island hopping. The magnificent views are on the other islands, which are mostly untouched… virgin, at that. ;-) Matukad Island for example, has a hidden lagoon. You can also go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, among other activities.

On top of that, you can also go to the Our Lady of Peace Grotto (which we failed to do). It has a giant statue of Our Lady (resembling that of Jesus Christ in Brazil) on top of a hill. When you’re up there, you can have a breathtaking view of the entire Caramoan.

To wrap up, if you love nature, peace and quiet, Caramoan is for you. If not, go for CWC.

If you're interested to visit the place, and needs help... I have contacts on affordable accommodations and tour packages. You can get in touch with me, thru this blog. Just leave your comments. Thanks!

Captured: BORACAY

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:07:00 +0000

BORA! BORA!

The sight of Boracay’s coastline is indeed breathtaking. The fine white sand is comparable to that of a powder. The long stretch of hotels, inns, resorts, restaurants and bars on the shore are remarkable. The d’mall (along with d’talipapa) is also a plus. No other islands or beaches have this kind of amenities available right on the shore. This place is for those who loves nature and the water, yet still longs for the city life.

People who had been to Boracay during its first few years of fame, says that the island is no longer as stunning as it was in the past years. I can’t tell. It was my first time.

Yes, I was amazed by the picturesque scenery, but this is just a point I want to raise as a first-time traveler on the island. The people (tourists and locals at that), are a bit irresponsible when it comes to proper waste management. The place lacks garbage bins. Also, I think there should be a maintenance guy or someone who is in-charge of preserving the cleanliness, doing the job 24/7, on rotation of course. Maybe there is… but in my 3D/2N stay in the island, I haven’t seen one… at least carrying a broomstick. Candy wrappers, barbeque sticks, cigarette butts, plastic cups, etc. are scattered on the sand. Returning visitors also say that the water is not as crystal clear as before.

Well, I really don’t know the circumstances or the provinces regulations when it comes to this matter. Perhaps, they require or depend on the establishments to handle this. However, considering that they charge the tourists, the so-called “environmental fee”, I guess we expect a more environment-friendly atmosphere. Nonetheless, here are some other beautiful sceneries I was able to capture on-cam.

Shangrila Boracay (with a bonus tornado)

And by the way… I’m definitely going back. ;-)

SHOP and SHARE

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Calling all those who intends to SHOP for bags, and other signature items, and at the same time desires to SHARE some love to the recent calamity victims.

There's a site where you can actually do BOTH at the same time.

Please visit www.shopandshare.ph

Tell your friends about it. Let us support this noble cause.

C'mon guys, MOVE!

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Posting this article is my way of doing my share in appealing for help. These photos are not mine, but I just want you to have a glimpse of the havoc brought by this calamity.

Philippines is in dire need of assistance due to typhoon Ondoy (International codename: Ketsana), that struck us last Saturday, September 26. The said typhoon brought about really heavy downpour, which caused the massive flooding in most cities and municipalities nationwide.

Let's all MOVE. ACT. HELP. GIVE. DONATE. VOLUNTEER.

Do your share in your own little ways. Below is a list of ways to extend help.

I'm sure this will help. Thank you superbianca for the effort.

LOCATION BREAKDOWN FOR VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF TYPHOON ONDOY.

QUEZON CITY.

- go to ateneo de manila university, katipunan avenue, and proceed to the college covered courts to volunteer. shifts are in three hour cycles. you can go as early as 6AM but it goes on the whole day.
- please bring packed/cooked food to 12 Denmark, Loyola Grand Villas, QC, and help @patriciahizon whose group was the only one helping the victims in tumana today.
- TULONG BAYAN, to volunteer, just go to Balay Expo Center in Cubao, Edsa cor McArthur, 8AM onwards. contact (02) 9137122 and look for Mary, May or Cam
- donations accepted in MIRIAM COLLEGE insa office.
- donations also accepted in UP DILIMAN student council office at vinzons hall.
- for the GMA Kapuso Foundation, you can drop your donations at Samar St. cor GMA Network drive, QC. Behind GMA complex. Beside Malayan Bank. Tel # 9284299, 9289351, 9827777.
- for those who want to volunteer for sagip kapamilya: call 4132667/4160387, or go to #13 examiner st., west triangle, QC
- the other address for sagip kapamilya is sct. bayoran corner tomas morato. look for Girlie Aragon or Jet at 0916-7227806 or 0929-5348176
- this is the REAL SAGIP KAPAMILYA ACCOUNT for your donations: banco de oro #56 300 20111 under abs-cbn foundation. to all those spreading fake accounts, please naman..

MANILA:

- DLSU along taft avenue will be accepting any and all kinds of donations starting 830AM.
- csb alumni also accepting donations at 9/f dls-csb school of design and arts building, along pablo ocampo street, vito cruz.
- UST is also accepting your donations, proceed to the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.
- donations can be dropped off at victory church in malate, call 5221212 or visit the victory website.

PASIG:

- MEGATENT, Meralco Ave, Ortigas beside Renaissance: need more volunteers and donations! Very big space! Open 24 hrs til Friday!
- according to @margaga, poveda school (beside galleria) opens 9AM tomorrow and is open to all volunteers and any kind of donations.
- according to @angel21kawaii, CFC Center in Ortigas is receiving donations in cash or in kind. Call (02)7270682-87 or 09195359036.
- donations can be dropped off at victory church in ortigas, contact 6311212 or visit the victory website.

MANDALUYONG:

- GAWAD KALINGA is accepting volunteers and donations, base is RFM gym in pioneer. Contact Raul Dizon 09178888109 and Felice Caringal 09178888304. for other GK sites you can help out, check out this blog.

MAKATI:

- White Space in Pasong Tamo ext. / Chino Roces is in need of volunteers to pack goods
- you can drop of your donations at Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati
- you can drop off your donations at the following stores in rockwell powerplant mall: aranaz, luca, greyone social.

TAGUIG or FORT area:

- donations can be dropped off at victory church in the fort, you can call 8171212 or visit the victory website.
- you can drop off your donations in embassy superclub in the fort.

PASAY:

- @elizabacud shares that Manila Doctors College will also be accepting donations. Bring anything that can help at Speech Lab., Macapagal Blvd, PasayCity

SAN JUAN:

- La Salle Greenhills, Xavier School, and ICA (right beside Xavier) are also accepting donations. Xavier will be accepting goods till 12midnight.

FAIRVIEW area:

- Help needed in Fairview and Novaliches. Please send clothes, food, water, meds & blankets to the Divine Savior Parish in North Fairview.

SOUTH (alabang, las pinas, paranaque):

- drop donations or volunteer at DE LA SALLE ZOBEL. Contact Ms. Angie Brazan at the Social Action Office 0917-8597602
- you can drop donations at the ATC concierge, call 8422782 or 7721860
- san beda alabang in alabang hills village is also accepting donations
- you can help pack donations 10AM at st. james church, ayala alabang village
- you may volunteer at Red Cross Alabang - ATC along Zapote Road fronting National Bookstore call 8097131 for info
- CFC center in Las Pinas City is accepting donations. it is near Verdant and in front of the construction of SM Center Las Pinas. Contact 09174493154 / 8460809
- There are two new drop-off points for relief goods. Recipients will be various areas, including flooded Parañaque & Muntinlupa areas. You can get in touch with Jeff Tagle (09178875824) and Katrina Villareal (09175298332) respectively for details.

BAGUIO:

- donations can be dropped off at the ABSCBN Baguio Office
- donations are also accepted at the Baguio Convention Center Executive Room from 10am til 4pm starting tomorrow til Friday. Volunteers are urged to come.
- Organizing a soup kitchen. Baguio donating vegetables to arrive via Victory Liner. Contact Dave at 09178396179.

BULACAN:

- RedCross bulacan accepts donations. It is located in Malolos Bulacan, near bulacan capitol :)

CAGAYAN:

- send your donations to the kkp office in xavier university, ATENEO DE CAGAYAN.

CAVITE:

- DLSU-Dasmarinas is also accepting donations, pls proceed to the 2nd floor of SBC Building

BATANGAS:

- DE LA SALLE LIPA is now accepting your donations, drop off point is at the college lobby.

CEBU:

- details on how you can donate are on noelle's blog or the living for a cause blog.

DUMAGUETE and NEGROS area:

- People here in Dumaguete or in Negros Oriental can send their donations to Silliman University. contact @princessngaako on twitter for more details.

BACOLOD:

- For your donations, drop off center is at the Coliseum in the University of St. La Salle. 435-3857
- CAFE BREIZH wil be a drop off center for donations. text 09193651101 for details.

DAVAO:

- ATENEO DE DAVAO is accepting in kind donations for ondoy. drop off at the samahan office in jacinto campus.
- BANTAY BATA 163 davao located at matina,davao city is also a drop off point for any in-kind donations.

ZAMBOANGA:

- ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA is accepting donations. You may bring them to the SACSI office. Look for Alma Curesma, 991-0871, loc 2224 or 2225.

for PETS in need of aid:

- @kimmydeleon is announcing that PARC is open for animals. Click this site for info of PAWS for helping from the flood. for the official website of paws, click here

for those in SINGAPORE:

- dropoff for relief goods is @ airfreight lucky plaza #03-09. can call 62351011, they are open up to 7pm.
- pinoys are mobilizing and gathering donations, visit this forum for more details.

for those in SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA:

- you can deliver relief goods to 303/5 Stromboli Strait, Homebush Bay 2127. you can also contact through twitter at @allorange if you want to arrange for a pick up in the city

for those in CANADA:

- TORONTO - pinoys are spearheading efforts to help, visit this website for details.
- WINNIPEG - the Philippine Community Centre of Manitoba here in Winnipeg Canada started to raise money for the victims today

for those based in BELGIUM:

- from @SayChiz, they can contact Shiera Catalan at +32485328811 if they want to donate goods for typhoon relief

for anyone in the UNITED STATES:

- you can call the ABS-CBN US Helpline at 1-800-5272820 to know how you can help
- also, you can donate through the kapuso foundation site.
- with your credit card, donate via the the abs-cbn foundation.
- for those in california, Island Pacific Supermarket is gathering donations to be shipped to the Philippines
- SAN FRANCISCO - 5750 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 For details call 510-750-3036, 209-3499576, 415-239-9576
- LOS ANGELES - Manila Forwarder Headquarters 4249 Eagle Rock Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90065 1.800.210.1019323. 478.1599
- NEW YORK - NYC Disaster Relief drop off center @ Pandayan Center 406 W40th St. Between 9th and 10th Aves. NY, NY 10018 or 212.564.6057.
- NEW JERSEY - NJ drop off Sinugba Cafe or Casa Victoria or (201)621-3156 -Yves Nibungco

for those in the UK:

- you can donate through OXFAM on their official website.

for anyone else ABROAD who wants to help:

- you can donate through the paypal account link on this site.
- the official website of the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS has a complete listing of how you can donate to them.
- the ayala foundation is also accepting your donations through their website.
- you can donate through the kapuso foundation site.
- you can use your credit card to donate via the the abs-cbn foundation.
- donate rice through the UN's World Food Programme through their official website.

OTHER FORMS OF HELP FOR YOU:

NEED TO SEND YOUR DONATIONS? Mail & More, FedEx & Air21 outlets are now accepting donations. For locations please call 8794789 or log to their official website.
PAL IS OFFERING FREE AIRLIFT FOR DONATIONS. for details, click on the pal website.
TO REPORT MISSING LOVED ONES OR AREAS IN NEED OF HELP: call the SAGIP KAPAMILYA HOTLINES at 4110011, 4110012, 4110013.
HOTLINES FOR MISSING PERSONS:marikina - 09209389914qc - 09216555262pasig - 09189356318cainta - 09175606241.
DATABASE OF ONDOY VICTIMS AND EVACUATION CENTERS: click on the ateneotaskforceondoy website.
FOR CAR TOWING NEEDS: HONDA and NISSAN offer free towing! call 09228504452, 09224452242, and 09228997959.
DONATIONS ON WHEELS!! if you have donations to give but no means to transport, contact 09189791229, 09177974098, 09326991794. don't worry guys, this is not a scam! its by friends of @jiggycruz!
WANT TO OFFER YOUR MEDICAL SERVICES? please submit your name and contact details to Dr. V. Gisbert 0917-8922807 and Dr. J. Sinon at 0917-5261345

INA visited our home

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:59:00 +0000

Our Lady of Peñafrancia, devotedly called INA, is the patroness of Bicolandia. Her feast, popularly known as the Peñafrancia festival is celebrated every 3rd Saturday and Sunday of September.

The Traslacion or the transfer of the image of Our Lady from its sanctuary to the Cathedral, which was held yesterday, marked the start of the festival in Naga City.

The last day of the commemoration is the fluvial procession, wherein the image of the Virgin Mary is carried on a barge and is returned to her shrine (Basilica) through the Naga River route.

And this afternoon, INA visited our home.

"VIVA LA VIRGEN!"

(credits go to the photographers.)

Sa Naga Mismo

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Finally... Bicolanos, here is your chance.

On Saturday, July 18, 2009, be at Plaza Quezon, Naga City from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm -- AKO MISMO will be in Naga City with the theme, "Ako Mismo Kikilos para sa Nagueños".

Activities include:
* Feeding program

* Riverside clean-up

* Tree planting

* Bloodletting program

* Sale of Ako Mismo dog tags and merchandise

The event will culminate with a concert featuring local talents. For more details contact Mr. Mac Adriano at mac@akomismo.org

Lago del Rey @ CWC

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:23:00 +0000

We were at CWC (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) recently. Unfortunately, my camera battery was drained, so I was not able to get snapshots of the area. I planned to blog about Lago del Rey, the new attraction in CWC and thought of sharing some personal shots. But obviously, I was not able to capture anything.

The photos you are about to see are from their website. You can check it out for more details.

Aside from the now-famous cable park, which is intended for sports enthusiasts and people who loves extreme sports, CWC has lago del rey for the entire family. Situated just beside the wakeboarding area, this new facility features giant water slides, aqua wall climbing, water polo, water volleyball, kayaking, aqua obstacle course, paddle surfing, boat-towed wakeboarding and skiing, other aqua sports and, of course, pure and simple swimming.

CWC also has a regular swimming pool aside from lago del rey. There's also a Clubhouse restaurant and bar within the complex and an area where guests can play billiards, table tennis and other indoor sports. There is even a store which sells mostly wakeboarding gears and items and CWC souvenir items. By the way, the complex also features a skateboarding rink and bike park which is open to the public and is currently free.

More cabanas were built to accommodate the volume of visitors wanting to spend a night (or days) in the area.

So, if you want total FUN and ENJOYMENT for the entire family, CWC is the place to be.

For more information and photos, please visit:

http://www.cwcwake.com

http://www.lago-delrey.com

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Whoa! I'm back from the grave!..

Post.. Post.. Post..

That's my immediate goal. So, watch out..

DOG TAG Day

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Mark your calendar -- June 12 is DOG TAG Day!

visit akomismo.org for more details.

The Date: November 30, 2006

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:50:00 +0000

This story happened almost three (3) years ago, but i decided to post this to remind people of how something so magnificent, so beautiful, like Mayon Volcano, can cause damage to this extent. Also, this can serve as a reminder on how nature can get back at us due to our own negligence.

Last November 30, 2006, Typhoon Reming (international code name: Durian), packing sustained winds of 265 km per hour, hit the Bicol region. The wind was so strong. I think the strongest I experienced so far. It seems the earth was moving and our house was shaking! Good thing it happened at daytime. People are awake. It was the most destructive typhoon in recent history of Bicol. Our city was also greatly affected. But the worst hit was the province of Albay where more than a thousand lives were lost. Several neighboring towns were covered with ashfalls and other volcanic debris, while a number of barangays at the foot of Mt. Mayon were totally buried in lahar.

I had a first hand account on how vast the destruction was. Weeks after the tragedy, my boss from my previous job, together with her family, decided to extend help to the victims of the calamity. I was their contact person. We went to the town of Guinobatan, particularly in Barangay Tandarora and Maipon, where most number of casualties were found.

These photos were taken during our relief operation.

-----This is what's left of a two-storey house ---------------- another submerged structure ---------------

-------------------------- an elementary school and a classroom where most evacuees -------------------------- ------------------------------ sought shelter, but were never able to get out... ever... -----------------------------

-------------- entrance to Brgy. Tandarora ----------------------- volcanic debris from Mayon --------------

---------------------------------------------------------- residential areas ---------------------------------------------------------

--------------- coconut plantation in Albay ------------------------------------- Lahar path -----------------------------

It was such an experience. Hearing the stories about the disaster from the townsfolk, gave me goosebumps... up to this day. The images of the enormous destruction still lingers in my mind from time to time. The smell was... whew! I don't wanna remember. There was an instance while were walking on one of the areas badly buried in lahar, a local told us that just a day ago, a cadaver was found on the exact spot where we are standing that very moment. It was a grim scenario.

The photos below were just along the national highway.

Let us all hope and pray that nothing close to this will happen again. Along with prayers, let us act on preventing these sort of events from happening.

NOTE: Please excuse some of the shots because those were taken on board a moving car.

Majestic MAYON

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Mayon Volcano is one if not the Philippines' most active volcano. It is said to be part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

It is also the main landmark of albay province in the Bicol Region.

Mayon Volcano was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And for me, it still is. It will always be one of our greatest natural treasures.

Mount Mayon is known for its perfect cone shape. If we will look at the old photos of the volcano, it indeed appears to be "perfect". But if we will have a closer look at the present state of this landform, we can see that the recent eruptions somehow damaged this distinctive quality.

Nevertheless, Mayon Volcano is still the world famous Mayon Volcano. That is the case and no change.

***************************

Do you happen to notice that lone edifice in front of the Mayon Volcano? That is a church belfry. The Cagsawa town's church before February 1, 1814. On that date, the most devastating eruption happened. Lava buried the entire town and only the bell tower of their church remained visible. It is now known as the Cagsawa Ruins and became one of the most visited tourist spots in the province.

TINAGBA Festival

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:10:00 +0000

This post may seem outdated. I just thought of blogging about it. Have you heard of Tinagba?

Tinagba is an annual festival held in Iriga City every 11th of February. It is an activity which reenacts the offering of first harvest. It also coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

This ancient Bicolano festival features a parade of bullcarts filled with fruits, vegetables, crops and other farm products. It also showcases streetdancers in colorful costumes.

In the past, the parade always ends at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto atop the so-called Calvario Hill, where the harvests will be offered. In the recent years, i learned that it was no longer that. They made use of the parish grounds or the city park to culminate the event.

After almost six years of not witnessing the said festival, I finally got the chance last 2007. The photos on this post were taken last Tinagba 2007 since I was not able to watch the festival these past two years (again).

I hope to catch the event next year and get better pictures... and stories, as well.

FYI | For Your Information |

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:58:00 +0000

It is official. This site is reactivated.

Watch out for new posts.

Have a Good Time

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 17 May 2009 06:38:00 +0000

I can no longer remember how I came across this particular site. But I am thankful I did. GTM got me!

If you are a frequent visitor or at least had a taste of deejay's "sensational news"... then you know what I'm talking about.

If you're feeling blue... has nothing to do... just wanna vent... or wanna be entertained... go to this site -- GOODTIMESMANILA.

this site is awesomely funny! well, some may be "brutally" mean... but still, it's funny... and that's about it. Fun.

Word of caution... DON'T TAKE ANYTHING YOU READ SERIOUSLY!... because it isn't.

I suggest you read the disclaimer and the About GTM before any other posts. That will save you from any possible feelings of shock, hatred and disbelief. It can also save your face from possible embarrassment... if you got yourself commenting on impulse without reading the disclaimer. Don't fall into the trap!

This is mean... okay, soooo mean, I know. This is actually against my principle... (laughing at the expense of another...) *sigh* But... but I was BORED and DEPRESSED when I chanced upon this site... and it just hit me! It is something intended to cheer up bored souls. I was helpless... *merciful*

Anyway, I think the site's owner/writer/moderator, in short, deejay... won't bring us with him to jail, if ever he'll be found guilty of libel!... hahaha!...

Click that link now. Make sure to back read. Give me feedback. Happy reading!

"Re-activate"

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Grabe, it's been five months na pala since I had my last entry. How time flies... It's the last day of April but this would only be my first blog for 2009.

However, I plan to "re-activate" this site. Actually, I am planning to take blogging seriously (kinda not-so-serious this time). I am thinking of coming up with a totally new blog or just continue with this blog. You'll know when I come up with a decision.. For the meantime, give me some time to think bout it...

As of now, I am not so concerned whether i will have readers or followers. That will come... later on... Every blogger were in this stage when they were just starting... just like me now. This idea comforts me. It's just a matter of time (to go online and write), patience (to wait for people who will have time and interest to read my blogs), and endless thoughts (obviously, you cannot write something you cannot think of). I love to write and I've got a number of "reserved" ideas already. What I am quite concerned about is the idea of blogging "regularly". I hope i can live up to the demands of blogosphere.

So, let me do some thinking and you'll see what I'll come up with in the coming days... until then... ciao!

a WOW wedding

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:02:00 +0000

My niece, pinky, tied the knot with sheerman last October 26, 2008 at Fernwood Gardens.. it was one great event!!.. superb!.. a wedding with a WOW factor.. shempre, i was in-charge eh.. haha!!..

but seriously, despite some pressures and minor glitches, which guests hopefully didn't notice.. (except for the archbishop's arrival), the event was a real success.. they were were amazed and awed with the flow and details of the celebration.. and that didn't come from me.. honest!..

for those who were present on the event, go say your piece.. for those who didn't make it.. judge it based on what you'll see.. and hear.. but you still have to wait for me to upload everything.. including photographer shots of the entire celebration.. check out the video by jason magbanua, who's evidently one if not the best wedding videographer we have now.. astig!.. idol!..

i am working on having the video uploaded to be viewed online.. whether through youtube or other video-sharing portals.. i am also getting in touch with jason magbanua to have the onsite video posted on his website..

by the way, for those who wanted to have a digital copy of their shots from the photo booth, please go to the fotoloco site... or to flicker...

so, whenever you go online, do drop by multiply account to check if the photos and videos are already available.. thank you..

CARAMOAN, Camarines Sur

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:22:00 +0000

Presenting the Caramoan Peninsula!..
A newfound paradise in Camarines Sur..

Nope, i haven't been there.. i got the photos i'll be showing you from Google..to the rightful owners of the photo.. my apologies for using them.. i cannot acknowledge you since i've got these photos only for personal use and to show to some friends how beautiful the place is.. and that was way before i decided to come up with this blogspot.. nevertheless, thank you so much...

As of this writing, the place isn't that accessible yet.. since it is still so "virgin".. still underdeveloped.. still unexploited.. you have to go through a "not-so-long" bus ride from Manila (or take a 45-minute plane ride), then another van or jeepney road tip to the port and then a boat ride to the island. but most, if not everyone, who have been there, said the trip was worthwhile.. Caramoan is indeed the place to be.. let the photos speak for themselves..

** Some recent "important" happenings in Caramoan Islands **

-- Just this summer of 2008 (for about three months), the French survivor series was filmed in the island.. and there's a "buzz" going on that Survivor America is also considering filming here.. as well as two Hollywood films.. but of course, these are unconfirmed report..

-- PGMA spent a night on one of the islands (Gota beach) along with her cabinet officials and some congressmen.

-- Caramoan is also being referred to as the "next Boracay".. but as tourism secretary, Ace Durano puts it.. "...this will be better than Boracay." So, let's watch out for that..

Now.. friends.. let us discover, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Caramoan..

Wakeboarding Madness

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:48:00 +0000

Have you heard about Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur? most probably, you've had?.. you might have been there already.. so, how do you find it?.. some says it's one of the best wakeboarding spots in the world.. ("The Best Cable Park in the World!" -- according to Wake Magazine, Australia and New Zealand's No.1 wakeboard magazine, January 2007 issue).. i can't agree.. because i haven't been to any other than CWC.. but as a true-blue bicolano.. yes, I do agree! (said with conviction!)..

For those who haven't seen the place yet, here's an aerial shot of the complex which i got from thier website, cwcwake.com.

a closer look at one of the blue, red and green "boxes" in the previous photo. those are container vans converted to trailer homes which you can rent for as low as P1,000 for the green trailer (2pax) and P2,850 for the red and blue trailers (4pax) for 24hours.

this is also the trailer home where we stayed..

inside shots of the trailer homes

these cabanas are available for P1,250 (2pax) for 24hours

if you prefer a more private ambiance, you can opt for the Villa del Rey Villas or The Mansion Suites

below are some personal shots of the wakeboarding area

if you're interested to visit, you can contact:

Bicol Office

Provincial Capitol Complex,

Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur

(054) 4750689; 4754784

email: info@camsurwatersportscomplex.com

or through

Manila Office

Unit 2401, #139 Corporate Center,

Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

8170831

or you can visit the following websites for more detailed information and enticing photos

www.cwcwake.com

www.camarinessur.gov.ph

www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com

hey!.. i don't get any fee or commission here, okay?.. this is pure public service.. hehe..

Landscapes

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:28:00 +0000

These are some of the landscapes that i usually see in my everyday life...

Cagsawa ruins with Mayon @ d background

Lake Buhi Resort

Mayon's Silhouette
Mt. Isarog
Pecuaria
Skyscrapers @ Manila Bay
Manila Bay sunset Mt. Iriga (Mt.Asog)
Countryside

i'll just add more.. soon!..

IRIGA sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:13:00 +0000

i seldom catch the sunrise... so, this is a rare moment which i had to capture...

2 people i miss most

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:22:00 +0000

written 04.20.07 4:25pm

Napagsarhan ba kayo ng Hollywood?.. hehe..

Gone are the days when we would share outrageous stories,
corny jokes, and funny faces...
Altogether in one place...

Gone are the days when we would discuss some serious matters...
Face-to-face...

Gone are the days when we would indulge in "food trip"...
"Giling" time!..

Gone are the days when we would scavenge for food...
Breadsticks time...

Gone are the days when I would see them struggling
with their cousins to catch money from Wawa on New Year’s eve…

Gone are the days when we would dine out
and they end up laughing at me when I fix the “kalat” on our table…
OC-OC!... They would call me…

Gone are the days when they would come to me to ask for my help
with their school stuff… paperworks… or anything for that matter…

Gone are the days when we would stay up all night
just reminiscing our “so-happy-childhood-days”…

Gone are the days when we would walk into the bathroom,
each carrying her own basket of toiletries…
Dormitory style…

Gone are the days when we were just learning household chores…
it was a trial and error experience…

Now, they do their own chores…
Now, they miss the “chichirya” from the “sari-sari” stores…
Now, they no longer use shampoo nor toothpaste sachets…
Now, they do their own nails and stuff like that…

Now, they resort to more instant and microwaveable food…
Now, they live on their own…

Everything’s different now…
Why? Because for some reasons…
They’ve gone to Uncle Sam…
And experience white Christmas…
But they found out that there’s truth in the saying,
“There’s no place like home.”...
Yet, they have to stay there…

We only communicate through phone and the internet…
Thanks to technology… It made situations like this simpler…

I know this is not easy for them…
It requires a lot of sacrifice… A lot of effort… KAYOD!!...
It just pleases me to know that they’re safe...
They’re doing well… And they’re happy…

I miss their giggles and crazy antics…
Their tantrums and “senti” episodes…
I miss the TOXIC days…
How I wish we could be altogether again…
Just like our Baguio escapades… Remember?...
Moments like that… they seem so precious now…

I miss you PINGKAY and BINING… “LIPUNGOW!!!

being a photography enthusiast

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:44:00 +0000

i love taking photos. it has been a hobby eversince.. since the good ol' film camera days.. though i never thought of having photography as a profession. it is just something i like to do.. it's more of an outlet.. an expression of my deeper emotions.. (naks!) i take snapshots of anything.. from butterflies, to kittens, to children.. i also take still photos.. flowers.. chairs.. as well as landscapes and other outdoor shots.. i also enjoy capturing candid moments.. from sunrise to sunset..

right now, i am still contented with my compact digital camera.. i have to.. because i am still raising the money i need to buy a digital SLR. mahal eh!.. hehe!..

and since i don't have the time (and the resources) to travel.. my subjects are confined to the four corners of our house, my family and friends' houses, the city where i live, and when lucky, during out-of-town travels.. plus anything i come across with.

I posted some photos here. sadly, these are only few of the many.. some files got corrupted.. mostly, we're my considerably "best" shots.. and.. to make matters worse.. i don't have any backup at all.. double jeopardy!.. but of course.. lesson learned!..

please don't expect much.. i don't have any formal training in photography.. i am not a pro.. so please bear with my shots.. wala lang.. trip-trip lang.. napa-pindot lang sa shutter..

this is just my way of sharing my snapshots.. whether you like it or not.. hehe.. so.. come on.. and have a glimpse..

My First ShutterBlog

noreply@blogger.com (the shutterBlogger) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:30:00 +0000

according to an old song -- "a picture paints a thousand words..." if that's the case, then there's no need for me to write weblogs on this site..

but since my site's title is shutterBlogs that means, there should be blogs.. it should have been singular -- shutterblog -- but somebody else is using it already so i have to settle with my current title.. actually, my original title would have been shutterbAg.. okay.. okay.. i know.. it should be shutterbUg.. kaya lang i coined that term to use instead of gallery.. since i can consider myself a shutterbug.. (pagbigyan nyo na ko..) eh, i thought of changing U to A.. to make it bAg.. and what's a bag?.. it's something where you put your stuff.. so parang it's something where i put my snapshots.. parang compilation or collection of photos ba.. =) corny!.. well, i don't know if i was the first or the only one who thought of that word ("shutterbAg").. but im quite sure.. im not.. so i don't totally take full credit.. but i am definitely sure i didn't plagiarize.. i really thought about it.. same goes with my title ("shutterBlog/s").. when i checked it with Google.. there where already several hits.. but let me reiterate.. i didn't plagiarize..

now, to live up to my title.. i'll continue adding more photos and i'll try (but i can't promise..) to write blogs whenever i have the chance..

please consider this as my first.. ciao!..