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bul-og
Rivers expand and shrink with the rains in the Philippines. While streams in urbanized cities shrivel to a trickle during summertime, rivers thrive in the mountains of Negros. The rush of waters herald the promise of abundance. Idyllic and rustic, this stream in Mambucal are cold and clean enough to quench anybody's thirst.
Mambucal, Negros Oriental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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duyug
Traditional funerals are accompanied by brassband music. Funeral dirges are played by community musicians who will lead the mourning march, first, from the house of the deceased to the church (for requiem mass) and last, to the cemetery. One always knows a funeral by the slow sad music being played. Nowadays in urban centers not like Loboc where I took this picture, bands are slowly replaced by loudspeakers blaring out taped music or song. Sometimes, there will be none at all for expediency.
at Loboc Church, Bohol, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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pangangailangan
The burgeoning populations of Asian megapolis cities like Manila have immense requirements for food. While these fish ponds may in part contribute significantly to the needs of of the capital, there is the immediate question of sustainability and adequacy. From 30,000 feet, the mosaic heralds man's attempt to feed itself.
Laguna de Bay (?), Manila, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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jolo
Flying over the southernmost islands of the Philippines takes my breath away. The next island as as fantastic as the next. Pearl white beaches compete in ringing each of the islets that show no sign of humanity. Partly protected by distance and the reputation of strife, these isles lay unwasted, undiscovered.
islands off the province of Jolo, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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pulo
Over thousands of years, the action of wind, weather and water created forms on land. Archipelagos like the Philippines are more than blessed with coastlines that are yet undeveloped if not undiscovered. Isolated islets like the ones in farflung Tawi-Tawi are a joy to watch from above. Without vestiges of humanity, they showcase on what is still pristine and immaculate.
an islet near Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Sulu archipelago, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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ani
It was high noon and the tide was ebbing. Families were harvesting the seaweed which they have cultivated for 45 days. The boat I was in literally crawled over the coralline reef. Navigating was most hard as the water was too low. What I remembered most was the most eerie feeling of silence. Except for the occasional swish made by the farmers the mirror sea was still.
Sitangkai, the Southernmost islands of the country in Tawi-Tawi province, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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hiyas
Batanes is a crown jewel in the Philippine map- geographically settled in the northernmost part of the country. Like a gem, it constantly reminds me of how a constantly storm-swept land can be cultivated and developed within the framework of sustainable living and ecotourism. Obviously its isolation is thrust on the island chain cruelly but gracefully too. That is how it survived. May it thrive free from spoil and exploitation.
at the hills of Chadpidan, town of Basco, Batanes islands, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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pagtuo
People have been asking me how the lava of light was done in my photo damgo (dream). Patience was the key. For the image to be effective, I waited for the carrozas to pass by so that only the stream of people with candles will be left on the streets- the well-lit processional floats will only overexpose and digress from the imagery. Luck also played a part as the slow shutter speed damgo necessitated that in the entire 20 seconds I took the photo, the people had to continue their passage, uninterrupted and regularly paced. Here is a preliminary photo I took 3 minutes before.
at the Good Friday procession in Bantayan town, Bantayan island, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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tusok
You are not seeing a dome. It is shaped like one but it is just a one meter wide flat spire of a native designed gateway arch. The challenge was to wait for most of the clouds to clear as I wanted only just a few wisps. Moving about to get the spire to seemingly pierce right through one is not that difficult. It was only about 20 minutes after sunrise at Tawi-Tawi and the light was not harsh at all. Early morning came out resplendent blue.
at Bongao Island, the capital of Tawi-Tawi province, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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Hinagdanan
There's a long standing superstitious belief in the Philippines that caverns are inhabited by spirits. Enchanted spaces therefore are taboo. No wonder then that caves like this one are well preserved. Nowadays, modernity is catching up and swimming in this underground pool is no longer rare- quite a respite especially to the discomfitting humidity inside the cave. The hope is that people still remain watchful and respectful of nature lest the enchantment becomes lost forever.
Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Island, Bohol, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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lapok
Across Zamboanga is the island group of Basilan. One of its many islets has a distinctly bleeding body of yellow colloidal water. I originally thought that the site was a former mine but it could just be a a heavily silted marsh. I contrasted and processed this to present the jigsaw puzzle of forms I saw from above.
Basilan, the Philippines
(I will be in Zamboanga for a quick visit tomorrow but will be back Friday morning)
Photo by Farl
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balay
Peace is a commodity that cannot be bought nor demanded. It is earned and toiled.
at the Bais-Manhuyod sandbar, Negros Oriental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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hiss
Statistically, everyone of us is entitled of at least one phobia. Mine I think is ophidiophobia. Or maybe partly so. I know I could not touch or handle snakes. Yet somehow, I mustered the courage to come close and get this shot. Framing it against the woods without any of my companiones was another challenge and so was getting snake look at us meanly. Honestly, it was just as scared as I was.
Mambucal, Negros Oriental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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Manila, Manila!
Being a stranger to Manila, I am glad for them coming over, sharing food and swapping conversations.
RonnieErwinDiaWillyWaltz
at Seafood Wharf, Manila, Philippines
Photo by Farl
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non sequitur
She may be based 1.5 hours away at Subic but Jen (non sequitur in flickr) took time to meet Dia and me at the airport at Clark and treat us yummy Mexican lunch.
Salamat talaga!
at Zapatas, Clark, Pampanga, Philippines
Photo by Farl
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tutok
Growing up along the banks of a grand river like Loboc must be fun. This boy was diving in and out of the Loboc river in abandon. While he was hitching a ride on our slowboat along Loboc River, I had the opportunity to train my lens at him while he was looking away. It did not take long before he turned into my direction. Click went the shutter.
Loboc, Bohol, the Philippines
(Tomorrow- Wednesday- I will be out on a 6-day business trip to Surabaya, Bali and Kuala Lumpur. I hope to be around somewhat. Cheers!)
Photo by Farl
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tarsier
The tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world. They can only be as tall as 3.5 to 6.25 inches. A highly endangered species endemic in parts of the Philippines and Indonesia, it has big eyes that provide acute night vision. They are reputed too to be able to rotate their necks to almost 360 degrees.
from a Tarsier sanctuary in Loboc, Bohol, the Philippines.
Photo by Farl
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buwak
I just got bored with landscape and long exposure water shots. I knew I had a colorful shot of an unknown orange flower in Talisay last week so here it is. Well, the hues may be gratuitously bright but they are as vibrant as I remember. The pink backround are fallen makopa (rose or water apple) flowers lying on the ground. I was shooting the bloom straight down.
at Talisay, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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The TOP
A popular mountain deck in Cebu is the TOP, a small 24-hour park with a 180 degree promontory overlooking the metropolis and Mactan Channel. Although getting there is an arduous zigzag climb, the view compensates for the effort. Circular in design, the place has an elliptically shaped stone building at one end which looks like a curled up innard of a nautilus.
at The Top, Busay Hills, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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hulug
Just watching water cascading several storeys gives me some mental rush. It must have something to do with the speed and sound of the rolling waters. Like this water rollercoaster, life lately has been wild. Between trying to take my visiting sisteraround, tending to my always toxic work and preparing for my trip next week, I have been having one breathless day to the next. Hope yours are less stressful. Have a nice weekend.
at Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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pang-pang
Maybe I have acrophobia but I probably could not make this dive that this boy was about to make. I am not really squeamish with heights but I can't imagine adrenaline winning over the fear of falling.
at Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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Mambukal
Hot steam spas are a feature of Mambukal which is saddled on the active volcano that is Mount Canlaon. This is the hottest spot of the resort where sulfurous steam emanates. The waters from this hot cauldron have to be pumped and diluted with cold spring water into the nearby dipping pool and in the hot Ishikawa onsen baths, where temperatures are a soothing and comfortable 35 degrees centigrade.
Here, we did not even dare dip our hands as the temperatures are approaching 80 degrees C already. Dangerous scalding, this pool is only for sauna steaming.
phototip: We had to wake up early at dawn to get a shot that shows off the steam playing against the heavy morning mist. In brighter light, the hot white steam gets lost.
the sulfur spring of Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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sapa
Located 30 km from Bacolod City, the Mambukal resort sits roughly 2,000 ft above sea level on the north-western foot of the active volcano that is Mt. Kanlaon. From Cebu City, we had a 2 hour land trip to Toledo City, crossed the straight in a ferry (1.5 hours) and enjoyed a leisurely 2 hour ride to the town of Murcia. What awaits you is a wondrous nature spa of steaming hot springs, cascading waterfalls and cold mountain retreat.
Mambukal, Murcia, Negros Occidental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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dome
The dome of the Cathedral of Silay is stunning. Beautifully restored and classical, the symmetry creates an ordered tapestry for the eyes. Built in 1925 by Lucio Bernasconi, the church has recently been restored to its original grandeur. It truly is a gem for the old hacienda town of Silay.
the San Diego de Alcala Cathedral, Silay, Negros Occidental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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hudyaka
My mom is such a sport when it comes to posing. Splashingly, in complete abandon at that!
On Friday we will be on a road trip to Negross Occidental with family and friends. Destination is Mambukal, a hot spring hideaway way up in the active volcanic peak that is Canlaon. I am excited to unwind. It has been a terribly hectic week.
at the Bais-Manhuyod sandbar, Negros Oriental, the Philipines
Photo by Farl
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kadlawon
Dawn and the sea are a fantastic combination. Lighting is primally soft and gentle. And literally, one can wait until the skies get bright enough to get the exposure that one needs. I remembered that a shot at shutter speed at 10s or longer made the stirring waters more of a floating fog. So I settled for 5 seconds which was possible about 20 minutes before sunrise.
at the Bais-Manhuyod sandbar, Negros Oriental, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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pisi
Frayed and chaffed, the ropes by the bow of the boat have seen their share of passages. Yet no matter the length of the ropes, boatmen always can systematically wind them without tangling. This makes me realize how impatient we are. At home, even shorter computer wires get coiled disorderly.
(NB: I overexposed this shot 2 stops to focus on the details of the ropes. As a result, the boat flooring got washed out as extremely white.)
off Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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the hundred islands
I bet these are the Hundred Islands. Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by these specks of coralline islets off the northwest province of Pangasinan in Luzon. I never had the chance to visit them but definitely, after seeing them 36,000 feet above land, I will.
the Hundred Islands, Pangasinan, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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antwanga
The adaptor macro lens got my curiosity. I tried using a telephoto lens (70-300mm) with the adaptor lens but the clarity fades at higher zoom. The sharpest result was this shot, achieved at 80mm. Above that, the details get blurry. I guess, macro is not for me. And flower shots too. Sort of.
at Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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conversations
The Abads is the most prominent Batanes family. Not just in politics but also in art. Pacity Abad of the trapunto fame is a daughter of the couple depicted in the sculpture. They also are the parents of Butch Abad, the congressman. He had this place built in the hills of Radar Tukon. A place to imbibe some peace and quiet.
at the Abad House, Basco, Batanes Island, Northern Philippines
Photo by Farl
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dagat
Sad but summer has to end. After 3 glorious months of generally uninterrupted sunny weather, the rains have arrived with a vengeance in the Philipppines. The monsoon season has started. Going with it are stronger currents and wet weather. Life goes on in the every part of the country. After temperatures would still remain in the high twentys and low thirtys centigrade. But the unpredictability of the weather prevents us from getting assured that the sun will keep us company.
at Danahon Reef, Leyte, the Philippines (at a summer flickr adventure in March)
Photo by Farl
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sa'min
In our Saturday flickr meetup in the Day-as port of Cebu, we chose a promontory at Cordova known for its almost 360 degrees view. Framed by the looming Cebu island in the west and government-protected mangrove forest at the sides, the port of Day-as is perfect for sunset viewing. With a cooling breeze and slow motion scenes of fisherfolks calling it a day, the place invites quietude and introspection.
at Day-as, Cordova, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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windmills
The windmills of Mahatao depict the ecologically-sound approaches Batanes is taking. The rush of gales in the islands after all are strong and constant. That these windmills were unmoving seems to indicate that operations may have been halted. Temporarily I hope.
the Mahatao Windmills as viewed from Radar Tukon, Basco, Batanes, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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puwa [2]
We, at Cebu flickr, decided on a meetup at the grand old bridge spanning Cebu and the island of Opon, my hometown. Everyday, I pass by this bridge so I always have these images that I wanted to convey since way back when. I knew I had to take this shot. Today's early misty sunrise was a bonus- the heavens went peach on us. Another surprise was that when I viewed the downloaded pics, the sun was bordered by a trim of yellow and wisps of gold.
the sun over the Mactan Export Processing Zone, Lapu-Lapu City (island of Opon), Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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Dakak
My lost picture boxes have been found! Three shoeboxes-full of memories were found last Saturday in the office, after having been misplaced for almost a year. These were print photos from 1991 to 2003. I only have been able to skim over a third of the photos and I was purely documentarian then. Just pointed and shot. Exceptions like this are few and far between.
This one was taken during a vacation way back in 1996. I guess even then I have been awed by sun scenes.
at Dakak, a fabulous resort in Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippines
Photo by Farl
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hunasan
In non-overcast conditions, about 30 minutes before sunrise, the sky will already be well-lit in the tropics. The brightness will most likely be sufficient to take photos even with a point and shoot. As I have a manual camera, I could indulge myself with relatively long exposures so as to create a dreamy effect, especially if there was movement. In this instance, I used a narrow aperture to maximize the exposure which was at 2.5seconds. I would have loved a slower shutter speed but I didn't go out earlier when the conditions were darker (nor do I have an ND filter). Still not bad.
at Sta Fe beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu, the Philippines
Photo by Farl