Zambales | Golden Hour Photos From Zambales

ZAMBALES | Golden Hour Photos From Zambales


“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”  - Ansel Adams

Experiencing Golden hours when I travel is not very common. Some people may refer to it as Magic Hour describing the first or last hours on Sunrise or Sunset. But on my experience, there are certain situations that may differ a Magic hour from another, hence, I use colors to describe them.

Iloilo | Aerial Photos Of Panay Island

ILOILO | Aerial Photos Of Panay Island

When my Granddad passed away, I had to make immediate arrangements to fly home to be with my family in Mambusao Capiz. With all the many options for airlines offering affordable flights; Zest Air was the only one with cheapest offer at that time but that the flight is scheduled on a late afternoon. Then I was used to flying in broad daylight, so the trip was first time. Surprisingly Zest Air was very competent, there were only a few passengers on board and the cabin crews were all males instead of the common smiling female cabin crews. What's more unusual is that all throughout; the lights inside the cabin were turned off with only the headlights to be opened as an option. This draws the attention of all the few passengers to the cabin window facing the Sunset. I requested window seat luckily but that I didn't have my Camera then. Imagine having a vivid memory of particular moment in your life, and you only have words to describe, words that can fall on deaf ears if you have difficulty expressing yourself. So on that trip, a few years back, I only have but a selfie photo of myself in my arrival during the Golden Hour in Iloilo International Airport.

Shrouded in Clouds for the most part; here you can see the Tributaries and the sunlight hitting the ridges of the mountain peaks.

El Nido | Sunset Photos from El Nido

EL NIDO | Sunset Photos from El Nido

A trip to El Nido is always wrought with unforgettable memories. Though I've been there only twice, every corner and islands that I have seen and explored has an imprint of images in my mind. It's my setting for the perfect tropical paradise, no doubt knowing that it was an inspiration to a famous movie all beach lovers should know "The Beach". 

These collections of sunset photos were taken on my last year’s trip to El Nido. Though I promised in my travel blog that I will post them, after editing most of the photos collected in my 5 day backpacking trip, I can't get myself to share most of it. For one thing, El Nido is a backpackers haven so I would expect that a lot of people would have far more amazing captures than I did, also it is personal, just looking at the photos I brought home makes me feel proud so maybe you could understand why I'm being selfish by checking the photos I'm sharing today.

One of the last photos I took for this memorable day. I've been watching and photographing this Sunset for an hour now, though I've seen the best when the sun was already below the horizon. But the final rays of yellow light didn't disappoint as it hit the cloud formations covering the entire town.

Calaguas | Golden Hour Sunset Photos

CALAGUAS | Golden Hour Sunset Photos 

A true sunset, notice that there are a lot of colors rolled into this photo. Making this my favorite from this collection, I like the streaks of red in the clouds, the shadows marking the boat, and there's light reflected by the water on its side.

Pangasinan | Sunset Photos From Patar Beach, Bolinao

PANGASINAN | Sunset Photos From Patar Beach, Bolinao
Bolinao Pangasinan Golden Hour

It has been an amazing trip, first time to be in the Province of Pangasinan. Of clear skies and endless coastal areas, at the end every eventful day I was here, I was left tired and seeking for the cold caress of a beer and a warm bed. So yet again, like any other beaches or places I've photographed during Sunset, this was yet another Sunset photo of a one lazy afternoon by the beach.

My attempts at long exposures, this was the last vestige of dusk. It was already too dark that finding a distant light in the horizon is difficult for the camera. I got this one shot, and my camera wouldn't release another if I don't punch up the ISO levels.

Food Trip | Malcolm's DELI

FOOD TRIP | Malcolm's DELI
Signature Wagyu Burgers

I wasn't digging Malcolm's as the venue for our Teams Breakfast as I was told by a few friends that they are overpriced. My opinion for overpriced deli is that they may have an underlying reason and is probably dependent on their target market, so I came willing to spend and now its time to look back.

Pasay | Shooting Fireworks

PASAY | Shooting Fireworks

If I have to be honest, shooting photos of Fireworks display is my least favorite of photographic assignments. As it is, Fireworks are a Night Sky spectacle meant to please a crowd, and these are some of the events that I prefer to be part of the crowd rather than standing behind the camera watching the sparks behind my view finder as I constantly adjust the shutter speeds and apertures of the camera.

These photographs were taken last year 2012, on the International Pyromusical Contest. One of my amateurish photography exploits, looking at them now, I can see how far I've went and develop my techniques. These are some of the moments that I have taken photos all in Manual Mode; it was such a challenge to shoot continuously while rapidly adjusting the camera's shutter speeds.

Oriental Mindoro | Beach Rockies From Puerto Galera

ORIENTAL MINDORO | Beach Rockies From Puerto Galera 

Long Exposure Sunrise Photos

These are some of the first photographs I have taken with my new Neutral Density (ND) Filter. Though it had been a couple of weeks since I started lugging it in my camera bag, demanding its own space being a specialized filter. My verdict is, that the ND filter lived up to its purpose and I love it.

Makati | Makati, The Urban Metropolis

MAKATI | Makati, The Urban Metropolis
Architectural Photography


"To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them." - Elliott Erwitt

Photography | 15 Portraits Of Children

PHOTOGRAPHY | 15 Portraits Of Children
A Collection Of Local Children's Photo

When you finally go back to your old hometown, you find it wasn't the old home you missed but your childhood. 

-Sam Ewing

It's a prerequisite that when you like to travel, you are opening yourself for the opportunity of meeting people, especially the locality in your destination. In the short time I've been around, I've met quite a few, though I had never intended to take photos of local people especially children, it's a constant opportunity that presents itself at a regular basis. I don't get to capture the most endearing moments at all times, but when I do, it send ripples to my well being. Photographing children is not easy, capturing moments that showcase their vulnerability, innocence and sweet honesty reflected in their eyes. These following photographs are a collection of photos from various locations, mostly done with just a quick snap from my camera, photos of children as they were at home, in their playground or in their environment.

Little Girl from Mahabang Buhangin
Tinaga Island, Calaguas Group of Islands

Islas de Gigantes | Sunrise On Rain Clouds

ISLAS DE GIGANTES | Sunrise On Rain Clouds

Sunrise Photographs From The Vantage View Of Gigantes Norte Lighthouse

Known as a place of beautiful group of islands in the Eastern Seaboard of Panay, Isla de Gigantes is hardly the place for where people flock to witness a stunning Sunrise or Sunset. Why should it be? Its foremost offering of back to basics trips and island hopping is more than enough as a source of distraction to visitors flocking into its shores. Who knows that finding the spot for this type of photography endeavor is as easy? It was as simple as asking a local who knows and understands the place better.

I am yet to write my own feature post about these islands, right before some big shot travel blogger friends gets their hands on these. Believe me when I say I've scoured Google for travel guides and photographs that can help me plan the trip, travel guides are fairly easy to come by, what of the many blogger's who rant about the scenic specialness of the place. But finding photographs shot in fair and meticulous manner is hard to come by. I tend to forget that people nowadays have easy access to camera that they can take personal photos wherever they go. I barely found photos that are good enough as a presentation of this place, the few good ones are from travel blogger's that I am already following because of the trail of great photography they provide. My hats off to them! More so, there are only a few Sunrise or Sunset photos that is tagged to the place, and this gave me the determination to make it, this type of lights display come to us almost everyday in this tropical country and I am just one of those that appreciate it very much.

Since my arrival 2 days ago, from the time I took these photos. I've walked to the shores on every Sunset, and woke up early for before the veil of the Sunrise, waddled through knee deep low tides along the mangrove areas near the Gigantes Hideaway Resort, finding the perfect spot while chasing the Golden Hour without finding good luck on a good shot. I was in a wrong place, period.

I came to take photographs and was feeling left out that all I might be able to bring home are photos of the islands shot in broad daylight during the Island hopping excursion. I've been to a lot of Island Hopping trips, though it remains my favorite kind of tour, I was looking for something different, and then I found just the place. I was with my brother, and we were on our second day on Gigantes Norte, before taking breakfast I was ask by my guide if I would like to visit the Gigantes Norte Lighthouse. I didn't know there was a lighthouse in here, so I didn't pass out the opportunity to take a look, and so it came as an unexpected surprise.

Already I've wasted the Golden Sunrise raking through muck in the mangrove area just to get a picture of Sunrise with good composition. The sun was fairly high and heating up the area fast when we arrived in the Lighthouse. I didn't expect the location in the lighthouse to be a good spot. But there it was, facing the East on a high rocky cliff, the new medium size Iron Lighthouse in stark amalgamation to the old house of red bricks and adobe beside it. I was having a great time then, as I stood on top of the tower, taking the scenic view at 360 degrees. Not until I was reminded by Kuya Marnie, the habal-habal driver that I still need to take breakfast before the island hopping so I had to take my leave, but not before leaving a promise to be back here the next day before the Sunrise. Sunset is out of the question, as it would be spectacular on the other side of the island dipping in the western horizon, the sky blocked by the limestone rocks and mountains of the Island. I'll be blogging the lighthouse and the photos with it in another post.

Hence my final day for this trip came. And I woke up at 4:30 AM, leaving my brother behind who wants to catch more sleep. Kuya Marnie thought I was joking when I requested to come back to the Lighthouse on Sunrise instead. I was literally the first guest to wake up, and was alone waiting in their Habal-habal gathering area. Every driver is probably sound asleep in their chambers. Every minutes wasted, leaves me feeling frenetic, luckily he came about 30 minutes later, looking embarrassed that I was up early and he wasn't. I didn't want to ruin my day, so without further delay I took the ride when the sky is already lightening, and the rainbow colors are splashing in the sky. It was ominous, the cold morning air is different and there is a threat of dark rain clouds gathering, I was crossing my hands all the time, luckily the lighthouse isn't very far. 

Getting there just in time, alone because the Lighthouse caretaker is nowhere to be found (probably still sleeping), and Kuya Marnie left me on my own device as he needs to fetch the other guest who also intends to visit here. Mounting my tripod, taking photos of the lighthouse behind interesting cloud formations reflecting purple and lavender colors, while waiting for the dark clouds to provide a good backdrop on the peeking Sun. I wasn't so lucky, the clouds covered most of the area in a span of an hour, placing dark shades in every frame I took, the only consolation I have is that the horizon above the water remains that of the Golden Hour Light, casting glorious colors of red, orange and yellows, while the break in the clouds provide lots of shades of blue. When the pea size rain water fell, I turned everything around, deciding to take photos of the clouds and the distant shadows of the islet nearby, it looks ominous, like the first drop of rain in a dry summer, it was full of promise. Looking at these photographs, blaming myself for not doing a better job at editing the photos, the good memories adhere with them, and it probably was what made it all worth it.

On The Map

Isla de Gigantes group of islands comprises mainly of Gigante Norte and Gigante Sur as its major volcanic islands with scattering of islets around it. Located in the western part of the Visayan Sea and approximately 18 kilometers Northeast off the mainland of Panay. The islands belong to the political domain of Municipality of Carles, Iloilo Province.

Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...

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No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

Capiz | Golden Nights Of Roxas City

CAPIZ | Golden Nights Of Roxas City

The Roxas City is the small Capital City of the Province of Capiz, and is my hometown. Warm Golden Lights lit up the Central Plaza every night, where the City's very own Catholic Cathedral, City Hall, The Capiz Provincial Capitol, The Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion the Archdiocese School, iconic Central Fountain in the Rotunda and the Roxas Bridge crossing the Estuarine Banica River. All this, exactly as I remembered since my childhood days.

 The western side of the Plaza, where the Monument of the National Hero Jose Rizal is placed, beyond it is the Halaran Plaza, a Hotel and Restaurant.

Landscape And Sunset Photos From Benguet

Landscape And Sunset Photos From Benguet
Taken Along The Scenic Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet

The Philippines is a tropical country, as it is, the humid heat can be unbearable especially during Dry Season from March until May. This is the reason why Baguio City, a City in the Highlands of Cordillera's is famed as Country's Summer Capital. We can get our summer heat escape by visiting Baguio, at any time of the year. Baguio offers a lot that to some tourist there is no need to venture beyond the borders of the City, going perhaps to La Trinidad, or to explore the rich heritage of Benguet Province. I've been to Baguio a lot of times that by just smelling its fresh atmosphere brings back lots of memories, but on the first time I ventured beyond and going into the Heart of the Cordillera's where an experience that outweigh every comfort the City of Baguio gave me.

Catching the Golden Hours, the Pines are good silhouette in a background of sharp ridges.

Interesting Landscapes With Cloud Formations Part II

Interesting Landscapes With Cloud Formations
A Collection Of Photos From Various Destinations In The Philippines
Part II


A continuation of Landscape photos made interesting because of Clouds formations.
Click here to see Part I

Cloudy Cordillera Sky
Municipality of Tanudan, Kalinga

Old And Imposing
Basilica de San Martin de Tours
Municipality of Taal, Batangas

Bantayan In My Dreams
Bantayan Island
Municipality of Bantayan, Cebu

Cadlao's Peak
The Rocky Beach of Calaan
Municipality of El Nido, Palawan

A Giants Missing Shoe
Sabitang Laya Island, Caramoan Peninsula
Municipality of Caramoan, Camarines Sur

The Monsoon Has Arrived
Laiya Beach
Municipality of San Juan, Batangas

Rain Falling On The Islets
Rocky Islets of Diguisit Bay

Municipality of Baler, Aurora

Of Greenland And Turquoise Waters
Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Tinaga Island
Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte

The Way To The Sky
The Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Trekking Mt Manalmon
Municipality of San Miguel, Bulacan

Home Of The Biggest Church Bell In Asia
Santa Monica Parochial Church
Municipality of Pan-ay, Capiz

The Waves, The Sun And The Rocks
Bolinao Rock Formations
Municipality of Bolinao, Pangasinan

Looking Down From The Abys Of Heavens
Climbing Mt Timbak, The 3rd Highest Mountain in Luzon
Municipality of Atok, Benguet

The Halsema Highway Sunset
Municipality of Atok, Benguet

Sunset Of Fire And Ice, And Something In Between
,Liw-liwa, San Felipe Beach
Municipality of San Felipe, Zambales

Gone But Not Forgotten
The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Municipality of Nagcarlan, Laguna

Mountains Of The Gods
The Holy Mountain of Mt Banahaw and The Devils Mountain of Mt Cristobal
Camping In The Summit of Mt Mabilog
San Pablo City, Laguna

Fabled and Pristine
Pandin of Laguna's Twin Lake
Lake Pandin, San Pablo City, Laguna


Wanna Go Back to Part I of this collection
CLICK HERE

Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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All Rights Reserved

Pala-lagaw reserves the right for any watermarked pictures posted

No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

Interesting Landscapes With Cloud Formations

Interesting Landscapes With Cloud Formations
A Collection Of Photos From Various Destinations In The Philippines

Clouds, some of the most regular accessories of the skies, I say accessories because they adorned our skies in whatever season. Makes up for what would have been an empty and plain cloudless horizon.

 Gone fishing in Siquijor
San Juan Beach, Poblacion
Municipality of San Juan, Siquijor

Baguio | Where To Stay In Baguio

Baguio | Where To Stay In Baguio
Baguio Food Tour 2013

When in Baguio, I prefer comfy lodgings as compared to when I visit other cities in the country. The cold weather is a big excuse to lie in a comfy bed and indulge in a refreshing sleep enjoying the fresh air instead of the aircondition rooms. It's common for Baguio accomodations not to have Air Conditioners, but instead you would have to look for one that has hot showers or you will end up shivering in the bathrooms.

My December Moon

My December Moon
A Year End Love Affair

A flitting image in the night sky, peaking through grey clouds, taunting, giving light and taking it back, seeking redemption, a chance to inspire, a moonlight in a polluted Manila sky, these are but a few fleeting thoughts I had in me while I stared at the moon on a chance night of weekend before Christmas.

Watching the waning moon as it light the cloudy Manila Night sky, there are no stars to accompany its tableau, still it is visibly hovering in the heavens, alone as it seemed conveying a message of hope.