10 Top Photography Composition Rules | Photography Mad

10 Top Photography Composition Rules | Photography Mad

The Hundred Islands Adventure 2011

Too tired of writing some details. I might write an article about this trip sooner or later. Meanwhile, enjoy watching the slide show. Thanks! :-)

The Hundred Islands Adventure Slideshow: YANNICK’s trip to Alaminos City, Luzon, Philippines was created by TripAdvisor. See another Alaminos City slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Mobile Phone Prefix Digits in the Philippines

Smart/Talk 'n Text/Red Mobile
0907
0908
0909
0910
0912
0918
0919
0920
0921
0928
0929
0930
0939
0948
0949
0999

Globe/Touch Mobile
0905
0906
0915
0916
0917
0926
0927

Sun
0922
0923
0932

I posted this for the benefit of those people who are quite confused on our local mobile phone network's prefix digits (+63-XXX-123-4567). One of them is my mom who always asks me whenever someone not from her phonebook sends a message. We normally want to know this since the local networks are into promos and we do not want our phone credits to be wasted just because we thought we are sending a message to a person having the same mobile phone network with us. I hope this list will help them.

If you happen to have any updates for this list, please do inform me so we can update this list. Thank you.

Note: Image courtesy of Sierra Express Media.

Los Baños Protects Bikers!

oK, I know you might think I'm quite promoting Los Baños that much. But yes, I do! I am from that small town, obviously! Hahaha!

Now, I'm posting this one because this is another law our town is implementing. This is, I think, already running about more than a year now. I mentioned before that many years ago, cigarettes were banned inside the public utility vehicles such as jeepneys as a sign of respect for other passengers. Then we had paper bags all over the town replacing plastic bags for our people to be more environment-friendly. And now, the helmet thing.

Maybe I just forgot to post this since I don't drive at all. But last Sunday, as Aian and I went somewhere in Los Baños' town proper, I was obliged to wear one since the policemen will surely give us ticket for not wearing helmet. Helmets may be uncomfortable for many people, but I find it interesting since this will protect your head from being hurt if an accident happen. People might think it's another way for policemen to earn extra income but for me, it's the municipality's another way of showing concern to individuals.

I hope, even if you are not visiting or passing by Los Baños via motorcycle, you'll still wear your helmet, it's for you and your passenger's protection from accidents - and, oh well, from policemen's tickets also. Hahaha! Drive safely, people!

Bañamos 2009!

(Photos below courtesy of http://scarereyes.blogspot.com/)

"We bathe! We bathe! We bathe!" That's the English translation for the term Bañamos! Very appropriate since this town of Laguna called "Los Baños" literally means "The Baths" and the name speaks for itself - the town have lots of natural springs, especially the hot springs. But you should also know, the town's not only offering natural springs but a lot of surprises from it's natural and human resources.

Every September of the year, Bañamos is being celebrated by the people of this humble town where lots of activities are being held in a week-long celebration: street dancing wherein most of the local's schools are participating, beauty pageant with candidates from all fourteen (14) barangays (villages), games like Buko-Pie-eating contest, battle of the bands, and more. And since Los Baños is not only known for the buco products and hot springs as well, it also showcases exhibits and Science-related displays as it is the only Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines declared on August 7, 2000 under the Presidential Proclamation 349.

This year, it will be held on September 16th-20th. We all look forward to see you there as we all bathe under another year of good festivities like Bañamos!

Bohol...

As I write this one, I am also watching Trip Na Trip at ABS-CBN. Their episode? Bohol. They just reminded me of my trip to Bohol way back January 2006, more than three years now. I've visited Bohol for the first time and it was also my first plane ride! Also, my first trip to the Visayas Region. My friends know me as the traveler from our group and I've been to almost every part of Luzon (the Philippines' largest island) but never been down south until this trip. My first stop was at Panglao Island (yes, straight from the airport! Hahaha!). I cannot also believe that I first traveled to Panglao Island before visiting Boracay Island, and remind you guys, these beaches are, not just here in the Philippines, just two of the few finest beaches in the world! I enjoyed the water so much, it was very calm. In fact, I have some pictures with my camera almost touching the water. A few hours of swimming, then sunset came and dinner as well.

I woke up early for day two. Headed straight to the Chocolate Hills where you can see numerous hills naturally made from limestones in which trees do not grow but just grass and moss. During summer, these green view actually turns into brownish humps that's why it is called "Chocolate Hills." It's an awesome view especially if you visit the place first thing in the morning. Headed lunch at Loboc River, can you imagine dining on a boat serenaded by some local folk singers while the boat is sailing towards a small waterfalls? Ahh, yes! As I was taking pictures and njoying the sight, I really prayed and thanked God for giving me such an opportunity of visiting this place. Then a few steps from Loboc River's boat terminals, you can practically see some trees with the world's smalles primates called the tarsiers. Aside from being small, another thing why these creatures amazed me is that they can practically rotate their heads 360º. I also had the chance to see the country's oldest church (Baclayon Church), the blood compact site, the man-made mangrove forest, some caves, and museums. Spent dinner at Bohol Tropics while being entertained by some local bands from Tagbilaran, the province's capital.

Day three, my last day, still got some surprises for me. Visited the mall for some souvenirs and pasalubongs. I did this first thing in the morning because I don't wanna be rushed before I leave the place. My last stop was at Mag-Aso Falls. It was named after the term "aso" which means smoke because the waterfalls produces a lot of smoke. Brought some packed lunch there so I will also enjoy my last stop with some food and mangoes.

It was really a privilege for me to visit Bohol. Like I always say from all other places I've been, I know someday, I'll be back to that place. I hope you can also visit Bohol and enjoy it just the way I did.

Ugu Bigyan

A few minutes from Villa Escudero, you might wanna try visiting Ugu Bigyan's place in Lusacan, Tiaong Quezon Province, one true artist when it comes to pottery... oh, I'm not talking about ordinary pottery here but very unique clay arts! Not just clay pots but he also produces dinning sets such as plates, mugs, and drinking glasses, accent pieces for walls and floorings and decorative tiles. I was really amazed when I had the chance to visit his place. Why? I am considering visiting his place is such a privilege. You can have a rest at one of his nipa huts within his garden, hearing some chimes being blown by the soft wind, with some ponds and fountains where you will also be serenaded by some Filipino classical/instrumental music played all over the place.

His works are can be seen in some well-known places around the country such as in El Nido, Amanpulo, Campo Travieza, Casa Patricia, Hidden Valley, and to its neighboring tourist destination, Villa Escudero. He also hold trainings for those people who want to learn more about the art of pottery and clay crafts. Just inquire first before visiting the place so you would know the schedules of his classes. You also need to reserve a day in advance for lunch or snacks for a minumum of five (5) person. This is one part I really like about this place, Ugu is the one who prepares your food.

If you are buying a lot of his works, you might wanna visit him on his sale seasons: [1] during the Pahiyas in Quezon Province, that's every May 15th of the year, [2] on his birthday, August 14th and the discount depends on his age (43% discount this year, I think), and lastly [3] during the first Sunday of October.