Batanes: 5 Best Places for Photography

Forget everything, but don't ever forget your camera when visiting Batanes. Although everything that is Batanes is picturesque, you can't go wrong when it comes to these 5 places.

1. Chamantad-Tinian Viewdeck

Run. Scream. Dance. Sing your heart out.

 

2. Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)

Lie down. Dream.

 

 

3. Naidi Hills/Rolling Hills

Marvel. Share. Call a love one.

4. Tukon

Pray. Rest. Relax.

 

5. Chanarian

Be amazed.

6. Sabtang Island

Dream.

 

Even with a place this lovely, it pays to be prepared. Always have your camera on hand. You do not want to miss a winning shot, while rummaging through your bag. Don't think of the rules. Let the creative juices flow and just keep on clicking. You will never go home empty-handed.

Not a travel post

 

 

For some reason, Angie's photo taken in Siem Reap (above) reminds me of a particular shot I took of our boatman in Virgin Island,  Bohol (below).

 

 

They wear an almost similar far away expression on their faces and both also have their hands on their legs. Ang nagkaiba lang is that feminine ang pose ni Angie at medyo masculine naman ang kay Manong. I'm not the only one seeing the similarity, am i?

 

 

 

*** The picture of Angelina Jolie was shot for Louis Vuitton, while Manong's shot can pass for bench. :)

 

California for Kids: In and Around Los Angeles

 

Children and kids at heart will enjoy Los Angeles, by visiting the following treasures, without missing the must-dos, like Disneyland and Universal Studios.

 

1. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

A fun place to spend the day. Bring along a picnic, sit under a shady tree, and meet a bunch of animals.

 

 

 

2. Griffith Park & Observatory

A place where science can be fun. A lot of hands-on exhibits. It also doesn't hurt that it is a great spot to view the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. Read more, here.

 

 

 

3. Aquarium of the Pacific

Experience the Pacific Ocean without getting wet in one of the largest aquariums in the United States. A lot of opportunities for some great animal encounter await you. Read more, here.

 

 

 

4. Disneyland & California Adventure

Who doesn't want to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse? Besides, the kids won't allow the idea of not stopping by the "happiest place on earth."

 

 

 

5. Universal Studios

Hang out with your favorite movie characters in this big movie studio and theme park. There's something for everyone.

 

 

 

6. Santa Monica Pier

Enjoy the gentle ocean breeze, listen to outdoor music, ride the solar-powered ferris wheel, and best of all, head down to the beach and play in the sand at Santa Monica's Waterfront. Read more, here.

 

 

 

7. Los Angeles Arboretum

Run. Climb a tree. Roll in grass. Smell a flower. Enjoy the great outdoors.

 

 

 

Travelling with kids is fun and can be a great bonding time. It will not be without problems, but the right attitude will get you through it. Treat it as an adventure and every little mishaps will simply be small obstacles for you and your little ones. Enjoy and take lots of pictures!

 

 

 

All Batchoys are not created Equal

There's no better place to get lost in, than in Iloilo City. Just arch your back and point your nose at the sky and get a swiff of the sweet and salty aroma that is La Paz Batchoy. The aroma will play tricks with your senses and a taste of the soup will make you forget you were lost in the first place. Better if you accidentally do it in La Paz District because this is where batchoy originated and hence avaiable at every corner.

Batchoy is a noodle soup made with pork innards, chicharon (crushed pork cracklings),  guinamos (shrimp paste), vegetables, meat stock, bone marrow, garlic, pork meat, and meke noodles.  It is best eaten with pan de sal (salted bread) or puto manapla (rice cake). Although readily available in Manila (both Ted's and Deco's have branches all over the Philippines) as well as supermarkets (ready to cook instant noodles), make your first taste be in Iloilo City. After all, all batchoys are not created equal.

 

Ted's Old Timer La Paz Batchoy
Special
Super Special
Extra Super
http://www.tedslapazbatchoy.com/

Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy
Special
Super Special
Extra Super
http://www.decoslapazbatchoy.com/

 

 

 

*** Don't be shy to ask for a second, third, or even a fourth helping of kaldo (broth).

Walking the Walk at Treñas Boulevard

If you are someone who doesn't like to skip on their fitness activities even while on the road, there is a place devoted for you and others just like you when in Iloilo City. Head on out to Treñas Boulevard. It sits along the Iloilo River and stretches from Carpenter Bridge in Mandurriao to LaPaz district.

Constructed originally as a bike road or an alternative route to ease vehicular traffic in the city, the boulevard has evolved to become a fitness avenue for walkers, joggers, runners, and the like.  It has also attracted photography enthusiasts -- as the promenade makes a great spot for viewing the sunset and the city's growing skyline.

If adrenaline pumping activity is not your thing, you may to choose to just sit on one of the benches at the newly restored Carpenter Bridge and relax while people watching or waiting for the sunset.