Merry Christmas!

I started this blog to stay in touch with far away friends, specially those who often take time to write me an email even if they hardly get a reply. I know that there are only about a dozen of them out there, so I was surprised to learn that 50 people have actually visited this blog (according to Google Analytics) and half are repeat visitors. It's not a big number but that's more than what I expected. I would like thank you all for dropping by.



In the spirit of the season, I am giving away a handsome leather-bound 2008 Starbucks Planner. It was earned from all the coffee that I drank during the past few weeks. If you want the planner, just email me the address where you want it sent, and type "I want that planner!" on the subject line. There's only one planner in my possession, so it will be given to the fifth person to email. If there are less than five takers by January 31, it will be given to the first person to email. This is open to anyone in the world with an address reachable via FedEx.

I am going to take some time off to sit around, read a novel, and listen to my iPod. Merry Christmas everyone!

Beyond White Beach

I usually associate Boracay with days of idylic laziness, drinking parties until dawn, and waking up with a bad hangover around noontime. During a recent assignment to cover a press trip for Cebu Pacific Airlines, I discovered life beyond White Beach and other island activities for those who would rather stay active and remain sober.

Along the road leading to Puka Beach, several operators rent out ATVs that are ideal for exploring the island. A guide took our group up Mt. Lohu, the highest point on the island with the best panoramic view. There are no guided ATV tours being offered (ours was specially arranged) and operators only provide the vehicles. Boracay is a small island, so it should be easy to get around using one of the maps found in the gift shops.


Our ATV convoy heading for Mt. Lohu

For those who want spend time with marine life underwater without the hassle and expenses of a PADI course, JAL Marine Sports offers 'Reef Walking' as a quick and easy alternative. A diving method that goes back as far as the 18th century, you submerge with nothing but a heavy helmet connected to a long umbilical hose that supplies air from a surface-based compressor. The dive master explained that it's based on the same principle as having a cup over your head. It is a daunting idea, but I appreciate the simplicity. No need to bother with classroom lectures, decompression tables, or awkward struggles with buoyancy. You just go down from the boat using a ladder, walk around the seabed (yes, walk!), and watch the fishes swim around you.


Going down for a reef walk.

Water sports, in one form or another, is a staple experience in Boracay. I was not geared up for a water-based shoot, so when the rest of the group went off for para-sailing and wakeboarding, I was able to find time to enjoy my first jet-ski ride. I was suprised by the amount of speed and power that you can get out of these things. Riding at almost 100 mph while surrounded by other equally inexperience riders, all moving at about the same speed or more, was a real thrill.

As much as I wanted to stay sober, I was not able to resist Temptation: the signature cocktail of Boracay Tropics Resort. It's an unassuming yet lethal concoction of fruit juices and five different liquors that I didn't bother to remember. Don't be fooled by the refreshing flavor. Drink it with respect, and preferably while watching a Poi Fire Dance performance.


A Poi Fire Dance performance during a party hosted by Boracay Tropics Resort

Star Struck

It seems to be my time for meeting sports celebrities. I spent most of last week covering the ING Golf Tournament at the Wack-Wack Golf Club. Well, I did not exactly cover the event. I just sat around Hole #3 and waited for each flight group to have their photo taken with Jennifer Rosales. I don't play golf but I read the sports pages often enough to know that she is the first from the Philippines to win an LPGA tour championship.


Me with Jenifer Rosales

During the weekend, I joined a portofolio review at the Silverlens Gallery, and presented a hastily prepared set of my work to Issa Lorenzo, Derek Soriano, and Romy Vitug. It was a very
insightful session. I learned very valuable things about my work, and I am very thankful for their time and advice. (The photos that I presented can be viewed here)

I met several other photographers who also participated in the portfolio review, and one of them invited me to a photo projection, titled Larawanology, at the North Avenue MRT Station. Focusing on the issue of human rights, it showed an impressive body of work from local photojournalists such as Veejay Villafranca, Paolo Picones, Bahaghari, and my friend Estan Cabigas.


Larwanology Photo Projection at MRT North Edsa

The portfolio review and projection show was a badly needed reminder of why I took up photography. It has nothing to do with meeting celebrities, but I must admit that's one of the job perks that I really appreciate.