Can't Get Enough of the Sunsets

I can't get enough of the beach and sunsets. Once is never enough. So I'm sharing these captured moments with my camera at the Acapulco Beach in La Union. I won't stop going to this place to catch a glimpse of the sunset. I was not able to conquer the waves but I will always conquer the sunsets and find these wonderful color bursts. To me, sunsets are not only the downing of the sun as the night comes but rather  beauty even though the sun bids goodbye. I will always treasure each memory of each sunset as it goes down. I hope I can capture more sunsets each day before the stars come out.

Semi-circle Sunset (lol)

It's going down... Ready to be conquered by the sea...

The Sky, Sunset, Ships and the Sea

The Sunset and the Beach

Capturing the Lights

Christmas is in the air. The streets are filled with lights. There are festivities to tune up with the Christmas spirit. This is what we witnessed during the "Simbang Gabi" at Saint Vincent Ferrer Church at Naguilian Road, Baguio City.

Although it was jam-packed, we managed to say our prayers during that early morning. Masses are held until the 25th of December every 5 a.m. in the morning.

There was also the Hundred Nite Show at Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Every year, the academy would showcase their talents on stage. This year, it was hosted by the Bagwis class and the title was "Illuminarya". I was amazed at how they were able to put up a hilarious show. Bravo to the Bagwis class of PMA!

Truly capturing the light was phenomenal!

Illuminarya: The Light and Colors Create Wonders to the Human Forms

Street Lights: Walking the Streets at PMA

"Simbang Gabi" at St. Vincent Ferrer Church

An Early Morning Greeting: Catching the Light and Skies

The After Mass

Ilocos Norte: Spell Spectacular

My favorite Photo of the Beach

After experiencing the sights and ambiance of the southern part of Ilocos or what we call Ilocos Sur, it was definitely time to set out on a new journey. This time at the northern part of Ilocos or Ilocos Norte. Where we landed there was amazing. We have set out on a journey to Pagudpud with the windy winds at the windmills and the beach at Saud. Topple it up with a visit at the Fort Ilocandia, who would ask for more? As usual, here are snapshots from our journey. This part of the north is quite far than what we expected but the journey is always worth it.
As you can see, I've already resisted having myself being photographed for I opted to keep the camera more to my hands. Most of these pictures were taken by me obviously except the one where I am in it (lol)! Happy viewing!

Obviously... it's the windmills... Kangkang Windmills as I recall... I don't actually know why they were called as Kangkang! Funny sounding names to call Windmills(lol)...

A wall I found at Villa Del Mar at Saud Beach

Mini Park before you get into a Dip in the Sea

Waves at Saud Beach... It was quite windy that day because of the tropical depression from Cagayan... The sea were far from being calm...

The Saud Beach almost near Serenity except for the Few Poeple taking a dip that day!

Wow Pagudpud: with Cess and Henz

Capturing Sights: The Restaurant and Function House at Villa Del Mar

I dont' know what exactly this is... All I know it's that they are nice to take pictures of... lol

The coconut-nut is a giant nut (lol)

Fort Ilocandia Resort

Splendid View: Inside the resort

The Gang with Me as Photographer Wannabe

Baguio City: A City Tour

It's always a pleasure going back to Baguio every now and then. After the heat of the lowlands and the provinces, Baguio City is a real breath of fresh air. So we took time to savor the perks of being in the City of Pines. Contrary to facts that it's becoming polluted, we find ways to relinquish that there are still trees and a fresh of breath air here and a beauty to behold. Here are pictures that become testaments to this reality. So if you're considering to feel in the coolness that only Baguio City can offer especially these holidays, then do check out these following scenic spots.

PMA (Philippine Military Academy)

You think the place is more for cadets but not anymore. It's a one of the gems of Baguio where clean and fresh air as well as pine trees commune. Don't forget to check their museum where you can take pictures. I think it's one of those rare museums where you can take photos!

Perfect Tree House

Replica of a Cadet's Life

The Blogger Imitating G. H. del Pilar

Long Gray Line or Is it now orange?

Canons and War

PMA Museum: A Maniature

Momentous Monument

The PMA Seal

Botanical Garden: It is a fusion of the indigenous and the floral array. Often unkempt and unimproved nowadays. (Too sad...)

Thing You Find at the Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden: Floral Allure

Wishing Well: Do all wishes come true?

Tam-awan Village: The Venue for the Arts that is truly Cordilleran

Indigenous and Ingenuity

The Dream Catcher

Snails: A Natural Habitation

Let's Dance

Jack of all trades but master of none. Yes, I am a self-confessed jack of all trades. If there was no word for what I wanted to express, perhaps I'll be creating my own dictionary (lol)! Yes, I am a dreamer. Besides being a frustrated pianist, I too wanted to be a ballerina. But my bones are too brittle that I thought it would crack at bending (lol)! Luckily, I didn't have 2 left feet at all. Yes, I love dancing - from jazz to hiphop and the other dances, I sure did it all once in my life! Whether in school as a requirement, at different occasions or at home, dancing with the music or without any music at all (lol)!

That is why I had the time of my life when my sister invited me to watch her at one of the University of Baguio concert entitled UB Graces. To my amazement, they featured dances from Ethnic to Folk Dance to Ballroom Dance to Contemporary Dances including that underground dance style called "Crumping or Krumping "! If there was versatility in dancing, I give them not only a thumbs up but hands up (lol)!I was awed and wowed by the performances that I so wanted to capture every moment but they were too fast for a newbie like me. But the photos by CSA who was working her feet and hands to keep up with the beat of capturing moments were pretty good. So I'll let you in to the groove and say, let's dance!!!

This says it all: Everybody has the inner G for Grace!

An Ethnic Dance Called Pattung: Consists of Putting Together Clay Pots on the Head without Breaking Them. (Good thing, not one pot was broken or else the floor manager would have to clean up the whole place... lol!)

A Muslim Dance: Sitting Like a Queen on Two Bamboo Sticks (Wow!)

The "Pinasikat na Baso" Dance: I never thought there was this kind of Folk Dance using glasses as an accessory other than for drinking. Filipinos really are imaginative (lol)!

Rigodon Dance: By my Sister "Cha"

Real Ballerina: Wish I could be in her shoes (lol)!

A Contemporary Jazz: With lifts and all (this was one of my favorites during the performance)

A Contemporary Jazz: With lifts and all (this was one of my favorites during the performance)

A' La Broadway: Spell Spectacular!

Girl Power and the Swagger

Crumping: How I wish I could do that (lol)!

Coron, Palawan: Mt. Tapyas Hotel

After going to Coron for the second time around, we know that finding the best accommodation deals traveling in the Philippines generally lies in staying in lodging houses (I know it's so "kuripot" but why spend too much when you can save more???). But, oh boy, we were wrong! This is what we proved when we were booked in Mt. Tapyas hotel in Coron (Busuanga), Palawan. After the staff attended to our every request, we were really glad we stayed here.

Compared to the typical lodging houses in Coron which consists of nipa-like houses, Mt. Tapyas is a spell of class, comfort and affordability. You can even walk from the hotel to the port (which happens to be where the market and plaza is located together with the boats you will use for island hopping) in 15 minutes. You can dine sumptuous meals which by the way are really delicious (and which I forgot to take pictures of because we were really famished!). You can choose a mountain view or sea view of their rooms which ever suits your taste.

Indeed, our stay was a spectacular stay. Every request, every problem and every need were responded with warmness. Thanks to Mt. Tapyas Hotel!

So if ever you're planning to visit the spectacular Coron, Palawan, do consider a stay in Mt. Tapyas Hotel. You'll never regret it! We never did!

The Entrance Header

Garden View of the Hotel

Waiting by the Entrance

My Bed for 3 Nights (This was before I turned it into a choatic whirlwind... lol)

View from the Bar

Bar Snapshots: 1. Zye looks at the Spectacular Ocean View; 2 and 3: Views of the gang with Lot

View of the Bar at Night: Where we commune every night to discuss financial affairs and dine and drink!