Vigan: Day Three
The trip home is uneventful.
We first dropped the two of them at
PhilCOA.
Then, I was dropped off at
Boni Avenue where I took an MRT ride to Ayala. Waited for Manong to pick me up at
Glorietta 4.
Thank God for the safe, interesting, learning and enjoyable trip to/from Vigan...
Vigan: Day Two
Woke up. Were still on the road to
Vigan. It was agreed earlier on, one of us should be awake to talk the one who's driving. I failed my part... hehehe!
Since the sunrise is about to happen, we stopped to take some images. Should have stopped earlier when we were still the area of plant fields, where the sky and the silhouette of the mountain showed different colors of blue.
Then, stopped by at
Jollibee, Candon for our early breakfast. Took some pictures and proceeded on our way.
When we saw scenes that we like, we stop to take our fill. One is in Santa.
Another is
The Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Caridad. While there, there were four funeral processions leaving the church.
Finally, we're on our way to Vigan.
Our first stop is at
Pagburnayan Jar Factory where you can see potter/s at work. Here, we can see the traditional burnay jars made in perfection.
We then went to the
Abel Weavers at Barangay Camangan. Since it was lunch time, there were no weavers by then. Decided to take our lunch.
We had our lunch at
Grandpa's Inn where we tried the local dish of
pinakbet with
bagnet,
papaitan, and Vigan
longganiza. What is interesting about the inn are the antiques. They gladly allowed us to take images of the house and items on display.
We, then, went back to the Abel weavers. They offer a variety of intricately-designed colorful Abel clothes. We bought some blankets, placemat, even mats.
Then, it's
Gov. Chavit Singson's Baluarte. It features a mini-zoo and free palomino rides.
We then went back to the plaza. Dropped by
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. There was a wedding ongoing.
We met the cousin of one of our friends in the group. But first, the guys went to McDonald's to refresh themselves. Bought soda while we waited.
Then, we tried their famous special
empanada and
okoy, which is being sold at the plaza.
Finally, what we really came for: take images of
Calle Crisologo at night. When we had our fill, went back to McDonald's in preparation for the travel ahead. This time, I was the one who changed clothes.
Since we know that everyone would be tired, it was agreed that the two drivers would change every two hours. If there is a place to stop to stretch and rest, we would.
Dinner is at
Chowking, Candon.
Vigan: Day One
Today would be the day we would be travelling to
Vigan.
But first, took a half-day off in order to go to the dentist. The jacket for my tooth has arrived and it has to be put in place. Besides, it pays that everything is OK (including my tooth) for the 3-day photo trip our group is planning.
Our meeting place is at
Violago Chapel, E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard, Quezon City. Two of our companions are attending the marriage encounter. After it, we would be pushing our way to Vigan.
We ate first
arroz caldo and
lumpia, which was the treat of one of the marriage encounters' member. Then, we left the place around 10:15PM.
We stopped by a
Petron gas station along the
North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to relieve ourselves and buy a map. There was a discussion whether to take the
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), but the map shows that it ends at Zaragosa and we have to turn left again to get to the main road. Thus, decided to take the regular route. There are two ways to get to Vigan: one is through Concepcion (longer route) and the other is through Bambang (shorter route). Opted to the shorter route.
The trip was uneventful until we reached the Cutcut bridge. It was under repair!!! We were not the only ones who did not see the sign that the bridge is under repair. Thus, we have to double back. That was 30 minutes lost travel time.
Guess what? We did take the SCTEX. Since we are unfamiliar where to get off the SCTEX, we followed where most exited: at Hacienda Luisita. My goodness! The rough road we passed to get to Tarlac is scary. There are no lights, and there were tall trees and grass. Our imagination played on us--afraid that a white lady would suddenly appear infront of us. Hehehe!
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer
The new filling fell yesterday when I ate again my
merienda. Considering our plans of going to Vigan this weekend, my teeth must be a-OK. Thus, went to the dentist once more, this time, to put a jacket on my tooth. The procedure took some time; but still, wanted to watch a movie.
Watched
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer. It's about a boy (Jack) who saw his his family brutally killed by an unknown creature. No one believed him. He brought this trauma until he's grown--reflected by his inability to control his anger. This movie is supposed to be a horror movie... it made me grin. c",)
PCCI: More on Wedding Photography
PCCI: Wedding Photography Workshop
TOSH! Quantum of Solace
Met a friend for lunch who was sent by her office abroad on official business. It's in our usual haunt:
The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH). c",)
She brought me a
pasalubong from Indonesia. And say... she stayed at The Ritz!
Since my tooth's filling broke, took a half-day off and went to the dentist. And since there is still sometime left, decided to go back to
Glorietta and watch a movie, which I have been missing lately. LOL
It was
Quantum of Solace. A James Bond movie wherein Bond was on a personal vendetta. He seemed on a rampage and cannot be controlled by his corporation. Started with a car chase, then a foot chase, then a water chase, even a plane chase. If that's not action, don't know what is.
Corregidor
It's
Corregidor day!!!!
We invited the
Tilak Hettige to join us; but, unfortunately, he has previous engagement. So, he invited us to his house after we landed from Corregidor... c",)
Woke up really early. With Manong, he would be dropping me off at at
Jollibee, Harbor Square, CCP Complex; but first, planned to have breakfast. Since we're early and Jollibee is still close, looked for another place to have breakfast. We had them at
Chowking, Vito Cruz.
After breakfast, went back to
Harbor Square to catch a glimpse of the sunrise and take images. My friend is already there taking pictures.
Slowly, the rest of the group arrived and ate breakfast at Jollibee. By 7AM, we are on our way to the
CCP Bay Terminal to take the ferry of
Sun Cruises since boarding time is 7:30AM. It was 1 hour and 15 minutes ferry ride to Corregidor.
Everything is very efficient. Making the tour enjoyable. They even provide time for taking pictures. But for us photographers, it is not enough! Hehehe!
Our tour guide also injects humor from time to time.
Something unusual happened to me on the tour. In one of the ruins, there is an interesting heavy metal door that is deformed and riddled with bullet. Decided to go inside the dark room and take pictures of the door from the inside. I did not think twice to go in since I have been doing that since the tour started. A feeling of heaviness enveloped me. Took one shot and immediately went out saying, "Nakakatakot..." One of my friends decided to accompany me back. She went ahead of me. I have not yet followed suit, she also went out immediately and relayed the same experience...
The departure from Corregidor is around 2:30PM. Arrived Manila at 3:45PM. Decided to go to
Esplanade, behind the
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) to get images of Manila Bay's sunset. This is to while away the time before going to Tilak's house around 8:30PM.
We had dinner at MOA's food court, strolled around and went to Tilak's house. There were lots of stories shared that we left his house around 12 midnight!!!
Rainclouds
A meeting in
Makati, decided to stay there the whole day.
Thus, stayed at the
Pacific Star, borrowed a computer so I can remotely access my computer at
Ortigas and managed to do some work.
As the day moved on, the view from the floor I am in allowed me to see the rainclouds being formed. There would be rain. Sure hope the weather would be fine on Saturday, day we are planning to go to
Corregidor Island.
Framed Shots: Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit
Today's the monthly meeting for
Framed Shots. Had one a-OK image for the theme (but not awesome.. hehehe!) and forced to take images last night to meet the minimum of two images that has to be submitted. Still our house without power due to the fire, I cannot retrieve the files of my stock photos.
It was also the election of the board for next year and discussion on the amendments on the club's by-laws, and rules and regulation.
Inner Vision Master Class Exhibit
Finally, the final activity to graduate from our
Inner Vision Master Class under the
Tilak Hettige would open today.
At 9AM, we are already at the
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI) to fix our panels. Used the
sinamay I bought from
Divisoria as backing for our panel's frame. Since bought the material for two of the three teams that would be displaying their images, two of the panels are similar in "look", the other team used a white board for their backing.
Tilak had each team draw lots for the position of their panels (in actuality, he already has preference which panels should be where... hehehe!). As Noel, the PCCI staff who is ever ready to assist, keeps on making
kulit to already put up our images says, "
Kaya nga kayo nasa bukana, eh!" I think, that's the reason why we are at the front, our friends' panel at the back and the other team is in the middle.. What do you think? To impress at the start and leave an impression at the exit? Hehehe!
My friends were the first to arrive. And I believe they enjoyed the exhibit.
Our images would be displayed at PCCI until December. Please do drop by...
After a short celebration with Tilak and my classmates, proceeded to Ayala Center. Since initially, I thought, they would be attending Mass at Greenbelt, directly proceeded there. All along, they were able to catch up with the anticipated Mass celebrated at Glorietta.
Had dinner at Phobac.
VP
Today's the kick-off of the camera club formed by our company. Curious, decided to attend the meeting scheduled after office.
After introducing ourselves, we were welcomed by someone from HR responsible for the different clubs being formed by the company. Then, there were bylaws and election. Now who's got elected? Me (as VP)!!! Same day Barack Obama won as the first black President of US.
Picked up the photos I have
Fans developed for the exhibition we would be having on Saturday. My! That metallic paper truly have the colors of my image jump.
Ziebart, City Hall, Divisoria
Took a leave today from work as I wanted to fix my car. It is the last day for the warranty of my car's annual rebuffing and rustproofing; thus, brought it to
Ziebart. Also have the damage caused by the motorcyle, which hit the car and ran off, repaired.
Then, proceeded to
City Hall to meet with
Tita because she would be accompanying me at
Divisoria to buy
sinamay, which we would be using as the paneling for the frame where our images would be hanged. It is 60+ percent cheaper than that being sold in the mall. Given that I bought 32 yards, going to Divisoria for the item is a good decision.
It is a good excuse to eat at
Aling Simang. When I was younger, I usually accompany my
Nanay to Divisoria. It is quite OK with me to carry all those things she buys as long at the end of the shopping, we would be eating at Aling Simang. I usually take two orders of Halo and two orders of Sotanghon plus 7-Up.
Undas 2008
Woke up really early to avoid the heavy traffic at the
Manila Memorial Park where my aunt is buried. By 4AM, we (Nana, Manong and I) are already on our way. When my
Nanay was still alive, she makes it a point to visit her older sister's tomb. Took it upon myself to continue for her now that my
Nanay has moved on.
Then, stopped by
McDonald's to have a very early breakfast. After, visited my
Nanay at
Sgt. Mariano Public Cemetery to light some candles for my
Nanay and other relatives.
We, then, proceeded home and continued my sleep. Woke up almost lunch time. We are to return to the cemetery where my
Nanay is buried around 3PM. There were fewer people at the cemetery compared to last year.
