FPPF was invited by the Batangas government to join this tour along with its affiliated camera clubs. Despite not belonging to a club, we were lucky to be included in the list of people to join the Tour.
This is in connection with the Ala Eh Festival... considered as the "mother of all the festivals in Batangas".
This is also to promote their Photo Contest that even non-Batangueno can join.
I was with my FPPF Basic Photography Workshop classmate, Boyet Mabini II.
Our first stop is Nasugbu. We were welcomed by the Tourism officers of the province. Snacks were served as we were on our way to Hamilo Coast Pico De Loro Cove. A property owned by SM.
Jump shot!
Boyet my Men!!!
Nyarp! hehehe...
Locals
A marker of the Landing of the Nasugbu Liberation stands honoring the liberation of Batangas from the Japanese Government during World War II.
Here's Boyet again...serious!
Photographers reflections.
Fisherfolks hauling their catch for the day.
I like the color combination... of the outfit of this gorgeous fellow photog... ; - )
After some clickings, we boarded the bus for the Enrique Zobel Foundation in Calatagan where they make candles. But the candle makers were on a field trip although we were entertained by it's Chairperson, Miss Dee Anne Hora-Zobel.
Chairperson Dee Anne Hora-Zobel.
It's about 12noon and our next stop is the Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park in Brgy Quilitisan which is popularly known as "Ang Pulo".
The guidelines that you must follow when you enter it's premises. Take note of item no. 9... wapak!
One should walk this long board walk made of bamboo to reach the boarding edge. Squeaks as you take a step.
The participants boarding the "balsa". We were not able to board it all at once and we needed a second raft to bring us to the Ang Pulo.
I was part of the second batch. We tried to while the ennui and the hunger by taking pics.
Sir Amir sharing the secrets of the trade.
Side view.
Shot taken bago muntik ng mag swimming kasama ang camera...
Sumakay kasi sya sa balsa ni Manong e hindi balanse kaya tumagilid... buti na lang swerte pa nakahawak.
Here's our ride.
let's go!!!
Sir George Cabig in orange shirt. He let us joined this tour despite not belonging to a legitimate camera club.
SIRENA!!!
Ate.. may jollibee ba dyan??
Parang disyerto
It's almost 3pm and we haven't had our lunch. Its an hour travel to reach Calaca where our lunch is at. Snacks were distributed to augment our hunger. The ensaymada will not taste the same again after this trip.
After almost an hour and "madaming tulog" we reached Calaca who is celebrating thei 7th Calacachara Festival.
I was smitten by the their Municipal Hall. It was so big and modern. No pictures were taken after this because we had our lunch. Sorry, Tom Jones na e.
It was the most fulfilling lunch in my life, to exaggerate a bit. It was 4pm and it was a combination of lunch and snacks. They were expecting us at 12pm but due to the activities we lost track of time although being reminded by the occasional crumbling of our stomach. I'll say the lunch was superb!!! The adobo and the mechado goes well with the atsara! and the atsara i'll say is the best! They would not have an Atsara Festival for nothing!
Sarap ng Atsara dito. Promise!
We were taken to a photowalk around town by the Calaca Camera Club.
Old store where the "istante" is full of "paninda".
When my little daughter saw this, he asked why I did not buy her one.
Kakainin...
...este... kakanin.
"pano naman kami?"
This is their old municipal hall. Quite a contrast on their present hall and a big improvement!
St. Raphael Archangel Parish Church
Altar boys
The church's altar
Church's Dome
may pusa...
There's a lot of old houses around.
Rasta-grapher!
The goat oblivious of what's happening around him.
Silip
This was customary before.You will immediately know who lives in the house
Sayang! We said our gratitude for the warm welcome and accommodations as we boarded the bus for the capitol. Daming tulog na naman ito!
Past 7pm when we arrived at the capitol. Evidence of rain was seen as the foreground to the Provincial Capitol Hall was wet, reflecting the lights that illuminates the facade.
As I was taking long exposure shot of the hall, an organizer approached me carrying a box where the ensaymada was earlier placed. Snacks were served, the last for the trip. We were expecting the same but it was different this time. It was "mamon"! Maiba naman.
After some shots, an announcement from the megaphone instructed us to board the bus for our return to Manila. We settled and the organizers also said their gratitude for the well received tour. Reminded us of the photo contest and distributed application forms. Said our thank you and good byes and as we travel back, I felt my back ache as a result of the whole day of travel, sights, scenes, people and PHOTGRAPHY but no regrets!
As Ms Cecille Andres wrote in her Hymn to Photography:
"Photography has taken me
Beyond the hills across the sea,
From verdant fields to mountain peaks,
Long beaches white and winding rocks"
Beyond the hills across the sea,
From verdant fields to mountain peaks,
Long beaches white and winding rocks"
Enough said.
All photos, Property of Jonathan Hernandez. Please do not reproduce or publish without the author's permission or knowledge. Copyright 2011
All photos, Property of Jonathan Hernandez. Please do not reproduce or publish without the author's permission or knowledge. Copyright 2011
