Marian and Vince Prenup

I have this friend Frenchy, a long time gal and high school mate, who buzzed me proposing a prenup project. Of course she knew I am a desperate photographer and should I also say she has high hopes for me. Maybe because we're too close, we love our own (haha). Marian, the bride, is her best friend and my heroic friend wants this prenup be a wedding gift. In a nutshell, I was the sacrificial lamb. I was absolutely thrilled, as it has always been for first timers.  I thought this could be a stepping stone of my ever changing journey. These are just some of the pictures I took last April 17, 2011.

The shoot was at Papa Kits, Lilo-an Cebu. That day was like heaven and hell. The heat was scorching but we were so fond we did not realize our skin were already sun kissed. The couple requested some photos for display, of which I took the liberty of editing. I chose this one as the banner picture.

This one is the backdrop for the picture taking of A-list-hollywood-star-fever guests.

Later that night, I posted some photos on Facebook then Risa came claiming that Vince, the groom, was her high school mate. To top it all, it was one small world. Marian and Vince shall wed this coming Saturday, May 6, 2011.

Island Hopping

It was fun today. Our family and the extensions all went to Mactan Island for some culminating summer getaway. Unsatisfied with our beach resort, we decided to go island hopping. Our first stop was Supa Island. It was beautiful, though it did not have a long stretch of shoreline. There were newly developed corals and the rock formations were also defined. The water was crystal clear, enough to temp us to jump right after the boat anchored. After the plunge, we dig ourselves to authentic Cebuano food. Of course the lechon was there. Then we headed to Olango Island. It’s one of the rare islands in the Philippines where migratory birds rest during winter season. The water was clear but was dominated by sea grasses and algae. I think the island is better off for birds. I did not have my camera or my phone. Although I did not have photographic memories of those islands, I was happy I detached my self from the “connections”. Sometimes it’s the only way to breath and find peace. We all went back home, exhausted not because we had too much fun but because it’s work again tomorrow. Who does not hate Mondays?

BOHOL, without the adds!

Bohol is perhaps one of the most favorite island destinations among locals and tourists in the Philippines. Thanks to its fine stretch of white sand beaches, a province and a paradise at once. Parallel to these is the best choice for Bohol to be one of the most heavily studied and fought between business sharks and active environmentalists. Your Bohol trip won't be complete without the tarsier encounter, which by  the way is not a monkey. It is a primate and its not endemic to Bohol. So now lets travel Bohol minus the beaches and Chocolate hills but still get the same fulfilling experience. First is the travel from Tagbilaran going to Bilar, one of Bohol's biodiversity pride. It will pass through the man-made forest which is a project of DENR. That was a very sunny day but being in the forest feels like the sun is about to set. 

Then we reach the Bohol Biodiversity Complex, which is maintained by the SWCF.

Here you can hold conferences, workshops etc. at a very low price. Guaranteed no mosquitoes because the ecosystem they have is completely balanced. So there is enough frogs to kill the dengue causing insects.

Nothing energizes your day, than a load of delicious breakfast. Together with the friendly people, we dig in to a sumptuous egg omelet and freshly baked bread the Bohol way. You can also try the native cake exclusive only to Bilar, which is a cassava mixed with rice and coconut.  

Then the trail starts. In some instances, we have to cross small tributaries of the Bilar river. 

We also passed the entrance to the Bilar cave but since we did not have the equipment we were not able to take a glimpse of the treasure down below. Along the way, we spotted beautiful wild plants as well as fauna. 

We saw a very huge centipede, which already has a body about 1 inch wide. This species is an indicator of a healthy environment. I saw one of this kind in only the forest of Leyte and beside the river of Matutinao, Badian in Cebu. 

It is also in the Biodiversity complex I saw a Kaong tree, and its the real thing.

Not those canned by Dole ready for fruit salad on Christmas eve. The best way to end a trip in Bilar is to have a memory tree. It is called as such because you get to put your name beside on the tree and its guaranteed to be there till your grandson's generation.