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.

In Your Face!

Even if I don't own a macro lens, I do enjoy macro photography. I had a chance to practice doing this a few months back (thanks to my friend who owned a macro lens) when Zone V Camera Club had a photo exhibit entitled Zone V Gets Back In Your Face at the Graphic Expo and Photo-Video Expo, SMX Convention Center. It featured ordinary objects shot up close, taking on a new meaning and showing abstract beauty. According to Jay Camus, one of our members, the concept was to make the viewers wonder exactly what they were looking at. The “in your face” claim does not stem from any attitude on the part of the photographer. It comes from the idea that one would have to place the subject of the image right into one’s face in order to see it in the same manner as it is presented in the images.

Those are my two images up there! Guess what they are? See answers below.

Other photos from fellow photogs: a closer look on the colorful ice candies and corn kernels

A micro beauty of a rose and a leaf through the lens of other Zone V members.

What I like about the concept is that it makes viewers (and photographers as well) appreciate and capture the beauty of an object even in its minute detail. I remember this verse in The Message Bible:

Psalm 8:3-4 (The Message)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,

your handmade sky-jewelry,

Moon and stars mounted in their settings.

Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,

Why do you bother with us?

Why take a second look our way?

After seeing these photos, I realize that God also does see each of us the same way -- He appreciates this little me inside this gigantic universe... Almost so inconsiderable and puny, yet He favors me and loves me!

* * *

Answers: The colorful back of a CD and a red lipstick mark on a coffee cup.

* * *

PS. Watch out for Zone V's next exhibit on vertical panorama. I'm really excited for that!

My First Travel Photo Exhibit entries

I was estatic to see my photos in"The Philippines" Travel Photos Exhibit held in IMAX Mall of Asia last April 21-25, 2010. "You're now famous!" commented my uncle in my Facebook album of the exhibit. Hmm, I don't think so, but I'm sure Zone V Camera Club is.

Quoting from our club's site, our name draws its inspiration from the master photographer Ansel Adams' zoning exposure system - an enduring discipline in the basics of photography. Zone V actively holds regular photo contests, exhibits, joins various photo–related activities, since its inception in the late seventies. It was in 1978 that Zone V Camera Club came to see the light of day to fulfill the needs of several photo enthusiasts seeking for a venue where photography as both a hobby and an art can be fostered and encouraged. Thus was born the Zone V camaraderie. Thirty years have passed; the same ideals for which the club was formed still exist. I'm so happy to be part of this 30-year-old photography club in which several masters are also member. I'm hoping to be a full-fledged member soon (it's not easy as it seems to be a member of this club).

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my probee period here. Even if I'm still a probee, I get to enjoy being a part of a photo exhibit such as this. Here are two of my photos in the exhibit:

Title: The Scenic Boracay Sunset

Description: I think I already have an obsession with sunset shots and they never cease to amaze me. Everyone must get a glimpse (and a shot) of the orange-filled dusk sky of Boracay. It’s just one of the most beautiful things God created. Sweet sailing in Boracay, world!

Title: The Next New Wonder of Nature

Description: This is the entrance to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which features stunning limestone formations and is known to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. Show your support to the Philippines’ official entry in the 7 New Wonders of Nature by voting in http://www.new7wonders.com/ and visiting the river itself.

Slowly, I'm realizing my dreams... :)

"The Philippines" Travel Photography Exhibit by Zone V Camera Club

Zone V Camera Club has been invited by IMAX SM Mall of Asia to join their travel expo this coming April 21 to 25, 2010 (Wednesday to Sunday). We will feature a photo exhibit in the theater lobby entitled "The Philippines" which showcases our travel photos within the Philippines. I'm sure you'd love to visit those places captured by my fellow members.

Can't wait to see one of my photos mounted up there! Finally, I'll be part of a photo exhibit which I never thought I would be. Guess what my entry is... ;)

Shooting around Laguna Bay Loop

“Meeting time at McDo Silver City at 4am,” said one of the Zone V Camera Club members regarding our Laguna Bay loop On-The-Spot shoot (OTS) the night before. Deep inside, I was saying, “Are you serious?” But I replied “Sure!” and I really did come on the agreed time. Who was I to complain—it’s actually a privilege to shoot and participate in the Club’s first OTS of the year. With my sched blocked off for that event, I was motivated to come up with great photos to submit in March’s contest. Along the way, I realized this is also going to be one of the hardest shoots for me yet since I found out that there should be no editing / post-processing / cropping even on the cam. The challenge is, you have to have the right settings even before you click. Good luck to me, I thought. Nevertheless, I was determined to have a great time shooting and bonding with the gang.

The sunrise must have shaken off our sleepiness that early morning because as soon as the sun started to peep out of the clouds, we went down our cars and prepared our full battle gear—cameras, tripods, filters, the works. We caught the beautiful sunrise in one of the viewing decks in Antipolo, Rizal together with the residents and motor bikers who were resting and sipping their coffees. The morning sunshine made the fishponds in the bay and the mountains looked like gold.

We seemed to have warmed up already after numerous clicks on our cams so we were ready to go to our next destination in Paete, Laguna where a local councilor was waiting for us to tour around Paete.

But wait, along the way, along the vast plains of Mabitac, Laguna, we saw several farmers toiling under the sun. No questions asked, we went down immediately as it was another photo op moment. “Ngiti ka dyan! Baka mapadala ang litrato sa Amerika! (Smile! Your photo might be sent to America!)” said one of the farmers to his fellow.

We reached Paete and met with Councilor Obet Pascual. He first toured us to a couple of churches (where interestingly, I saw an old man with a weather beaten face that says he has lived through a lot), then to Wawa Park where fishermen set out to fish and dried small shrimps under the sun. After smelling quite fishy, we then went to the councilor’s brother-in-law who had a carving business, which Paete is known for. He said we actually went on the same date of their carving festival where they showcase all the great works of different carvers in their town. Unfortunately, it was scheduled in the afternoon, we were already in Cavinti by that time. We also went to a hill called Tatlong Krus (and by this time I felt dizzy because of the heat), with Matabungka Falls down its slopes.

"I've seen it all... Today is just like one of those days..."

A bicycle under the sun, waiting for a Wawa Park fisherman to ride it.

Three heads soon to be carved and become works of art.

Tatlong Krus pilgrimage.

At lunch time, we finally caught up and had lunch with the other group who started shooting around the town. Thank God for pancit ulam and other orders as I could already hear my stomach rumbling. It was like a feast with the rest of the members, sharing meals, catching up with jokes and stories.

After more shots around town, such as the paper mache products being painted on the side streets, we then set out mid afternoon to Caliraya Resort in Cavinti, Laguna where the rest would stay for the night. Others still got busy shooting around, while the rest hung out for a while and ordered merienda and a round of cold beer. Another group went out on a different shoot mission to Pagsanjan Falls.

Everyone was looking forward to the reservoir and sunset shots in the late afternoon. This was one of my favorite memories in the OTS when we went to the reservoir—suddenly everyone was like child again, excited to go down the slopes to have a better view, find a better angle, to take the best shots.

Here's my take on the Cavinti reservoir. Everyone must have a stock photo of it. :)

And of course, my favorite: sunset shot!

My group set-off to Manila after sunset. Our last leg of the loop tour was at Pagsanjan, Laguna where we shot this monument which every car, bus, jeep, tricycle passes thru whenever you go in and out of Pagsanjan.

The whole OTS experience with no editing / post-processing / cropping was quite liberating for me. I realized that sometimes the best photos are those that happen “serendipitously.” What made it more fun was being able to shoot with a group of people who share the same level of enjoyment for photography—people who love looking at and looking for beauty. I’m already looking forward to the next OTS with my Havs (or this time, my Sanuk) and cam. :)