Category Archives: Photography

My dad, his kids and the Vespa (1960s)

Posted on by

Yesterday, while browsing my FaceBook wall, I came across a photograph that my cousin shared from All About 1960 Facebook Page.  A closer look of the post, A red Volks Patrol Car cruising Dewey Blvd. by JC,” I realized that it was my Dad on the Vespa with 4 of my siblings.(Not yet born yet) Unbeknownst to my cousin, he did not realize it was his Uncle on the picture.  Back in the sixties, he had several Lambretta’s and Vespa’s. After work, he would take the kids for a ride.  Back then, Dewey Blvd. now Roxas Blvd., had no traffic and no strict enforcement on tandem rides with children. What a coincidence, ironic shot though as the police didn’t even stop my dad with his kids on the Vespa.  According to JC who posted the picture, it was Captain Hutchkins, an American Veteran, who gave him the well preserved picture to post. My sister-in-law emailed JC asking if Captain Hutchkins is still alive….so we are still waiting for an answer. Cannot wait to track him down and say our thank you’s.  What a beautiful memory of my father!

RIP Papa! Love you always…

My dad, his kids and the Vespa

My dad, his kids and the Vespa (1960s)

Carmelite Monastery

Posted on by

The photos were taken during the morning off the family reunion last July 2012.

Thanks to Pepermint-Media.com, they made the memory of that day last forever.

A place so solemn, nothing but God’s peaceful presence.

If you are planning to visit Naga City, please feel free to stop by Carmelite Monastery

Camarines Sur Tourism Guide, please go here.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church

Posted on by

Do not know much about architecture, but I am a big fun of NEO Classical Architecture in Churches. Its purest form in style was derived from Classical Greece and Rome – very Baroquish (Baroque in short). At the back of the church, also lies an old cemetery. Blast from the past!

Lovely day spent with my brother…

History of Peñafrancia Church, please go here.

Camarines Sur Tourism Guide, please go here.

Dear Santa Clause my biggest wish for 2013 is……………PART 1

Posted on by

Source Photo: Chaz11 Blogspot

Dear Santa Clause,

Since the world did not end on the 21st of December and if I could have my hearts wish, I would like to travel a little more for the year 2013.  I see a lot of travel bloggers who get paid for doing the thing they love most write and travel.  It would be nice if someone or a company can sponsor me to grant my wish.  Yes, I might be pushing the limit here but who knows. This wish list to Santa Dearest will be a series of posts as their will be other parts of the Philippines and other places overseas I would like to see as well.   

For this post, first stop is Bicol.

I listed 3 big tourist attractions in this post that I have not seen yet but there are lesser known places in Bicol that I, Jenny, needs to visit.

1)      Check out Caramoan Island and stay in Gotta Beach

Out of the 7000 islands in the Philippines, Caramoan is probably known for its international exposure.  Caramoan has been the favorite site for international franchise – Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian, Israel, Bulgarian, Swedish, India and lastly, US Survivor versions. Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Caramoan Island

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur, Philippines (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com)

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com) 

Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur, Philippines (Source Photo: Caramoanislands.com)

2)      Check out Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island– the luxury island playground!

Misibis Bay is a private tropical hideaway built on a pristine stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay. Misibis Bay Resort is a wonderful place to visit for its relaxing atmosphere, the surroundings looks so fantastic and beautiful, and a haven afar the crowded and polluted cities elsewhere. However, looking at the prices of foods, drinks and room rates are pretty steep compared to other similar places and 5-star hotels in the big cities, nonetheless, it still does not stop me from wishing to visit Misibis Bay Resort one day.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Misibis Bay

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

3)      Donsol, Sorsogon to see Butanding, Whale Shark

I visited Sorsogon once but only came there for a bit for my Pili Oil Blog but did not have the time to check Donsol out. 

When you are coming from Albay, it is one hour drive south of Sorsogon. Donsol is a host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for many generations.

 Although Whale Sharks, or ”Butanding” as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. I am not a daring person but I don’t mind doing basic snorkeling in order to get closer to the gentle giant. My biggest wish!

The Lonely Planet Guidebook describes the Donsol experience as the “quintessential Philippine adventure.” The Time Magazine called swimming with whale sharks the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia,” in one of their issues in year 2004.

Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines (Source Photo: Xoprivate.com)

Genie, in the bottle! Please grant all my wishes……….

Source Photo: Treasure Trove Blog

 

 

 

Bicolano Beggar

Posted on by

Today, I am posting another picture of the beggar in the Naga City market steps.  This pic I took when I was leaving the market.  I find that street pictures are more powerful especially the ones that speak of poverty.  This beggar is just one of a billion people struggling, not for their shelter and belongings but they struggle with their life day to day. Usually people born with poverty never get out of it. If their parents are born below the poverty line; usually, the children grow up the same way. A sad reality not just in my country but all over the world.

Bicolano Beggar

Peñafrancia Grey Marble Artisan

Posted on by

The pictures were taken during the last day of Peñafrancia Festival.  During the fiesta, you will see loads of artisans from all over Naga City and from other parts of Bicol selling their crafts. Fiesta’s is their busiest time.

I got myself a mortar & pestle and used it as a paper weight in my office to hold down my receipts. Not really a cook so I used it as an ornament. I think it’s pretty.

Bicolano Beggar

Posted on by

Bicolano Beggar

Sorry again for not posting lately. I have been busy but loving it. Anyways, I have been collecting pictures since I moved here in Naga City. I will try to do one picture post a day and show you around my province.

The picture was taken today in Naga City Market steps. I had to go and check out the markets for a wedding give away. No, I am not getting married. I am very single. This is for somebody else. Anyway, I spent the afternoon snapping up pictures of native handicraft bags. So every time I go to the market, I see this beggar. I always stop by and give money to the beggar upon leaving. It just breaks my heart. I asked him to smile to me but he was very shy. I think this photograph is very symbolic because despite the big economic improvement in my province; I still see a lot of poverty when I am out and about. Mostly these beggars have syndicates; they have a master. Despite knowing this, I still give money because how can you not too?

The world is in your hands !!!

Posted on by

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best,and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

Christian D. Larson

American Author and Educator

Photo Source: The World in Your Hands by Kelsievent of deviantART

Where was I this weekend?

Posted on by

Mayon Volcano, Legaspi

Where was I this weekend?

Legaspi!

The trip was mainly for my second blog: Canarium The First Virgin Kernel but I did squeeze in some pleasure with this weekend trip. Engineer, Victor Goyena, or Bogg’s in short, invited me to attend the Albay Pili Industry Federation (APIF) mobile meeting in Daraga Legaspi. The meeting involved not just Pili Oil but all aspects of the Pili Industry.  I will post the details of the APIF meeting on a later date together with my 6 hectare Pili and fresh produce organic farm visit in Anislag Daraga.

Anislag Daraga Organic Farm Visit

My first stop was A. BICHARA SILVERSCREENS ENTERTAINMENT CENTER to say hello to my dear cousin, Anna Marie. The Bichara Silverscreen is located in the heart of Downtown Legaspi.  The building has an art deco feel and the building showcases innovative interiors and state of the art technology for film viewing. If you are into the past, present and future Hollywood memorabilia,this is the place to go. So if you are around Legaspi, come visit The Silverscreen.

Me & my cousin

Embarcadero is also my usual hangout when I go to Legaspi.  The La Mia Tazza Coffee Shop and the native bazaar section are my favorites.

Me in Embarcadero

I also stopped by Red Continent Diner & Bar for drinks and to have dinner as well.  It is located in the third floor of The Silverscreen. If you are looking for Bicol, Indian, Mediterranian or Thai spicy cuisines and you are currently in Legaspi; then, head over to Red Continent Diner & Bar . You should also try the Pili Butterscotch shake. (Yummy and to die for!) I would like to thank the manager for the 25% discount on my tab.  I will surely be back.

Me in Red Continent Bar