The Year That Was on Travel and Photography according to The Traveling Havaianas

This is one of those lists I have to make every end of the year.

I was anticipating for 2010 and I said back then that I was ready to do the unthinkable. Now that the year's going to be over in a few hours... I could say I've done, seen, been to, and experienced exceeding abundantly above all that I could ask or think. Here's how 2010 looked like for The Traveling Havaianas:

First location shoot of the year. It was at THE University. Just seeing again the Oblation brings back the pride and honor of being able to study at UP and serve the country.

RUN! This is where Pards and I started to do our 5K runs after work, in Army Track, The Fort. And sit-ups also. Sadly, when I gave up my car late this year, I wasn't able to follow through anymore. :( (Excuses!)

This Is It! In mid-January, we had our sales kick-off in Sofitel Manila. This was the view from our window, 7th floor. Somewhere over the rainbow, the sales team was hopeful for the coming 2010.

First ever photo entry. "Gates" was the theme of the first monthly contest I joined in Zone V Camera Club. (Oh, that was a controversial month). This was taken in Fort Santiago. I'm pretty much satisfied with my first! :)

First OTS (On the Spot) shoot. For March’s contest, our entries should be from our On The Spot shoot road trip around Laguna Bay Loop. This was the hardest shoot for me then as I found out that there should be NO EDITING / POST-PROCESSING / CROPPING even on the cam. We started in Antipolo, to Mabitac, then Paete (until lunch), then Cavinti (hung out in Caliraya for a while) then got ready for our sunset shots, then last stop was at Pagsanjan.

First studio shoot ever. And I actually loved doing it. During our staycation in Manila during Holy week, we were doing the 7 deadly sins. Lust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride. I never thought I'd enjoy doing it (shooting this I mean), ‘cause I’ve usually done travel photography all the time. Thanks to my top model friends Belle, Cai, and Ron. ;-)

Binondo Photowalk with Zone V. AND Food Trip! No wonder Binondo seem to be one of our favorite places to shoot in.

The Way of the Sun with fella Travelistas a.k.a. The IT girls. ;) Summertime April, we met Mr. Mandy Marino, owner of Café Lago (where we had lunch), who gave us the Viaje del Sol map and contact to our tour guide in the lakes. San Pablo is known for the City of Seven Lakes so we've toured Sampaloc Lake and swam in Pandin Lake and got a view of its twin lake Yanbo.

First photo exhibit I joined in. "The Philippines" photo exhibit with Zone V Camera Club in SM Mall of Asia, IMAX theater. One proud mama here! :)

A first try on sports photography. Swim. Bike. Run! This was in Subic International Triathlon during the May 1 long weekend, supporting Pards and Team Globe.

First out-of-the-country shoot in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This was the OTS of Zombies at KK for the May contest. Visited Kinabalu Park to see the peaks of Mt. Kinabalu in a wide range, Poring Hot Springs, Poring Canopy Walkway, Rafflesia flower site, and Kapungit waterfalls. Other interesting shoot places were in Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Center where it is covered with mangrove forests, Sutera Harbor Resort, Tanjung Aru beach, Signal Hill, and KK City Mosque.

More photography workshops and exhibits. I was able to attend photography workshops of renowned photographers such as Tilak Hettige (travel), Raymund Isaac (fashion), John Mateos Ong (weddings) at the Graphic Expo and Photo-Video Expo in SMX. Aside from that, Zone V also did Zone V Gets Back In Your Face photo exhibit.

If these walls could talk. Finally! I was able to join a walking tour of Intramuros with Carlos Celdran and a workshop on travel writing and photography by Writer's Block Philippines. Very inspiring!

Shooting Twins. Tried to shoot the opposite sides of the twins (for our July's contest theme: Opposites). I love how identical twins can look similar yet be different in so many ways. Looking forward to more fashion shoots ala 'Look Book' this 2011.

Cebu memories! P188 baby back ribs at Casa Verde, Ayala Mall. Friday RnB night at The Penthouse. Saturday 80's / Wave night at Formo. RnB at the Loft on Saturday. Taoist Temple. Magellan's Cross near Sto. Nino Basilica. Manangs asking you if you want prayers for your love life. Lapu-lapu monument (and not the fish). The Spa at Cebu. CitiChurch Cebu. I think I'll never run out of things to do here. I'd always come back.

"BLEISURE" (Business and Leisure) at La Union, North Luzon. San Juan Surf Resort (too bad there was no "swell" of the waves). A few cutie surfers. Then at Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point in La Union where I felt like I was in Greece. Baguio is just an hour away, so we did a side trip over there!

Doing Sports Unlimited in CDO and Bukidnon; Seeing the legendary Twin Falls in Iligan. Conquered the white water rapids of Cagayan de Oro river. Drove to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon from CDO to experience Asia's longest dual zipline (840 m.) at Dahilayan Adventure Park. Passed through the vast fields of Del Monte's pineapple plantation. Also made a side trip to Iligan to see Ma. Cristina Falls.


2010 was a year of slipping into marital bliss! First, it was Len who tied the knot with Terence. Then there were two more destination weddings: it was Cai and Nowell in Boracay and Kristine and Tim in Singapore! So friends, who's getting married next? :)


Sat on top of the world in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. And that's just one of the things I did there. Next goal is to really CHECK-IN there. :)

Our last photo exhibit for 2010. Standing Tall: Zone V Camera Club's year-end photo exhibit using vertical panoramic format.

Whew! What a year! Thank you, 2010, for capping off this decade with a blast. I just can't thank you enough, Lord. TWENTY ELEVEN is going to be UNCONTAINABLE! :)

Standing Tall: Zone Five Camera Club's Year-end Photo Exhibit

It's our camera club's last photo exhibit for the year and you gotta check out our larger-than-life photos!

Here's a write-up from our 2010 President, Jorem Catilo:

The Zone Five Camera Club has chosen to go vertical for their much anticipated year end exhibit. Of late, the club has gone with more conceptual approaches to their exhibitions rather than a traditional theme driven style. This allows the photographers of the club to select their own subjects while keeping a common thread in their exhibits.

In the past, some of the concepts have been: “In Your Face”, a set of images shot in macro mode but more abstract in nature ; “Two Colors” where the artist could have anything in an image as long as it was limited to two different colors; “Zone Five Sees Red” where the entire image was in black and white except for one element which had to be in red; and of course “Wide” and “Wide Too” where the club showed their talent for seeing beyond the limits of the camera viewfinder.

The title of The Zone Five Camera Club’s exhibit this year is "Zone Five Standing Tall". This time the panoramas exhibited take on a new perspective as the club points their lenses up, down and forward. Once again the club reveals a different view of the world around as the viewer’s eye is gently led to beyond what is at eye level. The idea is show the world on a vertical approach, lined up neatly.

The club has chosen to present an exhibit of panoramas but staying with their philosophy of doing things unconventionally, they are going in another direction. Some of the images presented may cause the audience to feel small. Other images give a feeling of depth drawing the spectator inside the scene being presented. Either way, the viewer's eyes are drawn up and down or vice versa as the photographers of the Zone Five Camera Club once again give a different perspective of their passion for photography.

The Zone Five Camera Club celebrates 32 years of ground breaking photography with this exhibition. Please join them as they look down, up, and ever onward anticipating many more years of great photography. "Standing Tall" at the SM Mall of Asia runs from November 28 to December 12, 2010.

Symphony of Parols (and more!) at the Ayala Triangle Gardens

It's beginning to look a lot like like Christmas at the Ayala Triangle Gardens! I'm back as an office girl in Makati but I hardly pass this route daily and tend to take for granted this lights and sounds show thing every evening. Last year, I had the chance to see and shoot the dancing lights during its LAST show. There was also the brass and copper art and structures exhibit at that time. Good thing I brought my tripod and camera that day -- Perfect timing.

This year, the lights and sounds show are back to entertain us. Get ready for your cameras because it's something you'll really love and get you on a Christmas holiday mood.

Here's the 2010 schedule posted in Ayala Land's site:

November 17, 5:30pm - Beginning of Symphony of Parols, a Lights and Sound show and formal launch of restaurants at the Ayala Triangle Garden

November 17 to December 23, 6:00 - 8:00pm - Beginning of Symphony of Parols, a Lights and Sound show (every 30 minutes): Weekdays with special weekend shows on December 18 and 19.

November 23, 6:00pm - Holiday dance fusion at the gardens. Free dance lessons from professional instructors

December 1 and 8, 6:00pm - Christmas Serenade at the gardens. Free concerts by renowned performers.

December 15 to 23, 6:00pm - Anticipated Simbang Gabi

The show is free except for parking, but if your office is near, it’s just walking distance.

What's more Ayala Triangle Gardens, being like your little Central Park of New York, recently unveiled the new row of restaurants into the scene. From Click the City, here's a list of them. Some must-trys here are:

Wee Nam Kee - a franchise of Wee Nam Kee originating from Singapore. Known for its chicken rice, roasted chicken, veggies, and more.

Omakase - I first tried this is in Casa Susana, Madrigal, Alabang and I must say, one of the best Japanase restos in town with its good value.

Bfast by Chef Laudico - All day hearty breakfast meals. I haven't tried it yet, but coming from the success of Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino, I'm sure it's a hit.

Bon Chon Chicken - This is the official Philippine franchise from Korea and according to Anton of OAP, this original double-fried chicken from Korea removes all the fat and makes it "paper-fried crisp" and then the second fry includes the secret sauce.

Banapple - from Katipunan and Tomas Morato, Banapple is now in Makati offering its freshly baked pies, cheesecakes, and other comfort food.

Now I'm getting hungry. A good way to end all in a day's work. (I must go there tomorrow after a manic Monday.)

Despite the headache traffic, the rush, and celebrations piling up, I think I'm beginning to feel Christmas in the air. :)

My Own Version of Eat. Pray. Love. -- in Boracay

In Liz Gilbert's memoir of her life, Eat. Pray. Love., she writes about her trips across the world in search for everything... Though she supposedly has everything a woman would want and dream of -- a husband, a house, a successful career -- still, she found herself lost and in search for what she really wanted in life. She ate in various restaurants and enjoyed life in Italy (Eat). She found her spirituality in India (Pray). And finally, she met her true love in Bali, Indonesia (Love).

I could totally relate with her story because almost a year ago, I was in the same page as hers. I was confused, in the middle of a crossroad, just hanging by a thread. Looking back, I thank God for getting me out of that brink of giving up. I'm now slowly discovering who I am and what my purpose is as He continues to guide me along the way.

But that's a whole another story right there. I could also write a book and perhaps won't finish because I'm always a work in progress...

It's in my recent trip to Boracay where I can say I experienced these three verbs to the full.

I ate. I prayed. I loved.

EAT

I've been trying to limit my food intake before I went off to Boracay (who wouldn't want to be beach-body ready?). But surely when I got there, I didn't want to control myself eating since I want to enjoy the different types of food the beach has to offer. From the simple hamburger joint or inasal chicken in D*Mall, or fresh seafood in the D*Talipapa to the finest restaurants in the triple A resorts of Boracay, you are sure to find something that you would like to eat. Station 2 has always been a staple where you can find most of the restaurants, bars, and establishments. We just diligently walked there even if we were booked in Station 1. If beach laziness hits, one could always take a trike on the way back to your place.

There's always a few hits and miss in Bora's restos though. I ordered a "bolognese" in this resto in front of a resort (the food was so bad, I forgot the name--and I didn't take a picture). When the pasta came, I was surprised to see that it was like a spaghetti from a typical Filipino children's party.

I also had experienced seafood allergy in one of the paluto in D*Talipapa. I guess I was too confident that I didn't have shrimp allergies anymore. Combine that with bad ventilation inside on a hot afternoon lunch. Note to self: always bring an anti-histamine.

I felt sad when I found that our favorite fruit shake in town (and only the best) Jonah's, was already located on the roadside and no longer by the beach. I can't blame them since the cost of rent beside the beach was rising.

Sipping fruit shake by the roadside just isn't the same...

It's in Mañana in Station 2 where I got really satisfied with their real Mexican food. Finally, I found what I was craving for...

Quesadillas favorite.

Burritos another favorite.

Top it off with their banana shake, which can be good for two.

PRAY

Nothing beats starting the day at the beach by praying, having quiet time with God, then capping it off with a good jog.

My friends having their alone moments.

And it's in those long walks alone that you can find sights such as this.

My friends and I have been looking forward to this trip since early this year because we're attending our dear friend's ultimate beach wedding. A week before the big day, there was a major glitch on the bride's wedding gown. Then a day before, we found out that she was still feeling sick. On that morning, we woke up seeing dark clouds hovering over us. And, by mid-morning, we went swimming in the beach and it started raining! Even with those series of unfortunate events, we have been continuously praying and having faith that God is on the move, up to the day we've all been waiting for.

We just thanked God for the shower of blessings. After an hour, there was like a spotlight over us as heaven started opening up and the skies clearing up. A big sigh of relief.

It was God and with our prayers who made all things work together for good. It was indeed a beautiful day!

LOVE

No, I didn't exactly fall in love. I felt the looove in Discovery Shores, Boracay. Just witnessing this wedding and hearing the couple's vows put tears to my eyes because I saw how genuine their love is for each other and how God blesses two people who make Him the center of their relationship.

I loved? Oh yes I did. I loved my friends even more with all the adventures we've shared in Boracay (Zorb balls, Zipline, sharing a big family room, eating breakfast in a veranda, late night games and more) . I loved the quirkiness (or OC-ness?) we've discovered of each other. I loved God even more because I know He also has a love story He's writing for me.

* * *

You don't have to search and travel the world to find these three. Everyday, right where you are, you can always eat and savor life, pray, and love.

CouchSurfing: A new way to do backpack traveling?

Recently, a friend told me to check this site called CouchSurfing (http://www.couchsurfing.org/) which is a community of people around the world sharing hospitality with one another. In short, "couchsurfers" open up their homes to a fellow couchsurfer / traveller who is visiting their country. At the same time, when they visit a certain country, they can get in touch with a "couchsurfer" in that country willing to take them in their home.

From their site:

These exchanges are a uniquely rich form of cultural interaction. Hosts have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world without leaving home. "Surfers," or travelers, are able to participate in the local life of the places they visit. We also give more people the chance to become travelers, because "surfing" lowers the financial cost of exploration.

And what about Safety?

Through CouchSurfing, it's more like meeting a friend of a friend. You have the chance to read all about other members' experiences with that person, whether positive or negative. You have a full profile's worth of information about their interests and perspectives. You can see who their friends are and how they know them. And you have the ability to correspond with them as much as you want before you meet them.

Do you really have to host your home?

Regarding your hosting availability, there's an option when you register that if you select "Coffee or a drink", this means that you can show someone around your city for the day or meet up for a quick drink, but not host.

What are the steps to join?

1. Register your name and address and other pertinent details.

2. Confirm your identity by donating via credit card. (Minimum verification amount for the Philippines based on the economic sliding scale is USD 11.47 ~ PHP 516.15)

3. A postcard will be sent to your home address to verify your location.

With CouchSurfing, you are not actually limited to travel with just a backpack. It just enables you travel in a budget without spending too much on hotels and accommodations. It is for the adventurous. It IS for those who want to meet people in that culture and make their travel experience richer and more memorable.

It's always been my dream to do backpack traveling (before I get married?!) in perhaps at least 5 countries in Asia. And why not also Europe. I've always traveled with my suitcase or a big travel bag -- but never a backpack. Hmm, CouchSurfing may be a way to finally have this dream.

As what I've told my friend, there's GOT to be a purpose while we're traveling to a certain place. It's not just about seeing the exotic places, taking wonderful photos, eating local delicatessen, or maybe finding your true love or knowing your purpose in life. It could also be about touching other people's lives, sharing about the love of God you've seen and experienced. :)

So, let's go?

Walk Write This Way with Carlos Celdran and Writer's Block Philippines

Why was June 19, 2010 memorable for me? Nope, that wasn't a holiday. I didn't even go out of town that day. It was a normal sunny Saturday -- but I woke up early, prepared my camera and drove my way to Manila.

Yes, the Old Manila.

I was just on my own! As soon as I read about this event promotion in Travelife Magazine's Facebook page, I didn't even bother to ask my friends to join me in this walking tour of Intramuros with Carlos Celdran and Walk Write This Way workshop on travel writing and photography by Writer's Block Philippines. Haha, I guess that was selfish of me.

MORNING

I kinda regretted not inviting any of my friends to join me here (after all, I thought they might not be interested in the writing workshop in the afternoon, or even the Philippine History Carlos was going to talk about). As soon as I arrived in Manila Cathedral, the steps of the church were almost filled! "Are we this many?" I thought. Later on I found out half of it were in there for the workshop and the other half were Carlos' group of tourists who were also booked. I admire him for being able to handle such a big crowd (we were combined for the morning walking tour) and all of us were intently listening to his entertaining stories. It was such a treat!

Carlos starting off with Lupang Hinirang

Carlos and his hat!

"If these walls could talk..." Carlos kept on saying. He indeed puts words and life to the walls of the churches in Old Manila and Intramuros through his storytelling, music, props, and old pictures. It was like Philippine History 101 but Carlos delivers it in a flamboyant and theatrical way. Unlike most of the kids in school, History was my favorite subject in highschool and college. Probably because I had interesting history teachers back then who would incite our imagination and stir up good discussions regarding history, its characters and its issues. I would love to have Carlos to be my history professor any time and surely I'd have a 1.o grade. If we were to have a quiz and ask what I learned from the walking tour, here are some of the things I'd enumerate:

• Kilometer zero in this present age is in Luneta Park (or the Rizal monument) which is our reference in measuring distances. Kilometer zero during the Spanish colonial times was considered to be at the cross on top of Manila Cathedral, which symbolized that the center of society was the Church.

• When the Americans came, they made Jose Rizal the national hero (pushing other heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and Emilio Aguinaldo like second-class heroes), plucked him out of Paco Park and moved his remains of what is now known as the Luneta Park. It was then known as Kilometer zero. The Church was no longer the center of power.

A kalesa ride from Manila Cathedral to San Agustin Church and Museum. We then crossed to Casa Manila.

• San Agustin Church was just one of the seven beautiful churches in Old Manila. The other churches were utterly destroyed during the war. It merely survived because a red cross was painted outside, and inside was where all the wounded and dying were nursed during the 2nd World War. (It felt heavy to hear this part especially when Carlos was sharing this story inside the tombs).

There were so many lessons learned in this tour that I could list down but I want you to experience this yourself. Before, I would only remember Manila as where I've spent my college years -- with all its noise, pollution, and poverty. Somehow it made me ponder and imagine how beautiful Manila was -- the center of culture, art, religion and it made me quite sad that it could be hard to bring back its original beauty. At least in Carlos' efforts, this walking tour will change the way we see Manila (the way it did to me) and how we see ourselves as Filipinos one step at a time.

AFTERNOON

I've never been so inspired to hone my writing skills after the travel writing workshop in the afternoon. The ladies of Writer's Block Philippines treated us for lunch in the Syquia Apartments (courtesy of Victoria Court catering which was surprisingly good!). We had a fun ice-breaker with Ana asking us to introduce ourselves and answer the question if we were a city or a place, what would we be and why. (I said I'd be that white sand paradise under the sun and palm trees like in Maldives!)

Each of the ladies then lectured about feature writing (by Ana Santos), travel writing (Nikka Sarthou), art and culture writing (Nina Terol-Zialcita). These ladies have gone a long way especially now that they have their by-lines in different magazines and newspapers. Ena Terol also gave us quick tips on travel photography. I was also able to network with people from Travelife Magazine and other travel and photography enthusiasts.

Ana Santos with her students

I said I was inspired to write but months passed and a long series of events and schedules have piled up after that writing workshop. I've been putting off practicing my writing skills and I even told myself before I will definitely start by submitting and contributing to publishers. I didn't even have time to blog. I know these could be excuses but I've got to start somewhere! So here, I'm back on my PC typing and recalling my favorite adventures with my camera and Havs.

So why was June 19, 2010 memorable for me? I didn't realize this was my way of having a post-Independence Day celebration with a remembrance of Jose Rizal's birthday (remember: June 19, not December 30) and an appreciation of the beauty of the Old Manila -- Thanks to Carlos Celdran and Writer's Block Philippines!

Next time... I want to go to a writing retreat! :)

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To know more of Carlos Celdran's walking tours, visit http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/

(He now has tours in Intramuros, Chinatown, Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, and CCP Complex)

To find out about Writer's Block Philippines' workshops and events, visit http://www.writersblockphilippines.com/