Batad Dec 1,2,3 2006

3-day holidays are hard to come by. I had originally wanted to spend it in my dad's hometown, Anda, where i could catch some sea breeze. We have a place there, a fishing village but we do more of coconut plantations for copra. When i'm there, i like to have my coconuts fresh and cool.

Wait, wait, wait. We're going to Batad! and i thought i was going to have some hammock time. Batad is a nice, quiet place i could get used to to run away from the city living hassles. Cool weather, fresh air, slow pace and clean mountains.

It was me, za, nette and ai (aileen). We met a loner at the bus station, and since he was going our way, we kind of intruded in his solitude. I dont think he minded though. Also on their way to Batad were four other friends. yes, we were to stay in the same Inn but had a diferent itinerary. Jette, Cat, cynthia and Haiya were on a photo safari of some sorts.

Our day one was the waterfalls. a good two-hour trek down the valley through rice paddies from Simon's Inn. Back in the Inn, we got to know Axle more by sharing all the wine and liquor we had.

Day two was a long trek to Cambulo. Took us almost 3hrs to get there. Axle was trailing because he brought his pack and had planned to stay there overnight. We would meet him the next day in Banaue for the bus ride back to Manila. We had our Lunch at the inn in Cambulo. Rested a bit before returning to Batad.

From Batad, there is a 2hr trail to Bangaan. We left early morning on day 3 to catch a ride to banaue from bangaan. Turned out this trail had a really nice clean view of the mountains. The locals had estimated that it would take us 3hours, Ntte proved them wrong. That was after she was complaining to me consistently about the pace i led on the trail.

When we get to Bangaan, i said, we'd wait for a bus or jeep to bring us to Banaue. On Sundays, there are no buses or jeeps that pass through there. I was wrong. But just like in the movies, the group of jette were topload on a rented jeep going to Mayuyao. We were on the same bus to Manila so, we figured, we'd join them to Mayuyao.

Mayuyao, A place i had biked to from banaue three years ago with a stranger. Now, I see and compete against Robert a lot at adventure races and marathons. It took us the whole day to bike there and back to Banaue.

I remember the rice paddies were so green then. We were not as lucky this time. It was not planting season yet. Jette tried the local chew tobacco though, and made a video of it.

Going back to Banaue, we caught up with axle at the 5pm bus. Just enough time to do a little souvenir shopping and a quick meal before heading back to Manila.

A Day to Ambuklao

It was a Friday and it was Dennis' birthday. I was doing some work in Olongapo, so i decided to call him up. We had a couple of drinks but had to call it off when the bar closed. ;) No, we did not have too many, just lots of conversations from a friend who had to move from Makati for work. I had to be in Baguio tonight but my bike was in Makati.

My other AMCI friends were doing the Baguio-Halcema-Ambuklao-Baguio bike route today. A route i suggested in lieu of the Baguio-Ugo they had planned. The AMCI BMC were on their day two of the TC3 Ugo lead by Fabulous Tonyboy. Everyone was supposed to meet in Baguio Sunday night.

I was in Baguio by 8pm (bike in tow) and met up with Dennis (coming from Olongapo) and Shai. The bikers arrived Baguio an hour earlier from Ambuklao. "Was i doing that tomorrow alone? Lets see" There was a party of sorts in the Ayala Guesthouse and we 'had' to be there. As usual, drinks all over but i had to get up early. Their stories of the ride was fun and the more i wanted to do the ride tomorrow. After a couple more drinks everyone was out by 2 (or 3?).

6am. Everyone was still down and out. The weather was cold, it was freezing. But it looked like a good day for biking. So, i got my camera and bike and started off with my journey. It wasn't anything special or anything like that. I've passed by this route a couple of times on a few occasions before. It was just that, today, no one will be there with me.

Nothing much to talk about actually, maybe just some thoughts crossing my mind during the ride. Shai was kind enough to load my hydration pack before i left. Got to Trinidad valley and had breakfast at my favorite Jollibee store.
For the first twenty kilometers, it was all uphill. Nothing much to notice along the road, or maybe i was too preoccupied beating myself to reach the km18 post. Km 18 is the jump-off and the start of the 30km rocky downhill road. Came across a few locals along the trail. They were kind of nice and smiling. I was confident enough to be alone because i know the local dialect and would not have a hard time communicating.
The downhill ride was exhilerating. If i go too slow, its not going to be any fun. If i hit a big rock, my tire gets a flat. If i dont watch the upcoming traffic, i could go under. If i loose control, i could fall off the bike at 40kph. If i miss the turn, i could fall off the cliff. I did say a long prayer before i started. I prayed for a good day of safe biking. For all the bike experience i have had, i know (by now) how to be on the safe side. And a great day of biking it was. While you guys were having your fun at Mt Ugo, i was taking myself to Ambuklao.

Something so small that would seize my attention. Would you notice a small patch of tiny flowers amongst the vast mountain range? I had to take some photographs... The views of the passing mountains were beautiful. Something to stop and absorb the view and let sink in. The Ambuklao reservoir water level was the highest i have ever seen. Here, the water is being released to control its water level (and i know this because...). These were some of the times when i wish some of my friends would have been there to join in the photos. i brought my tripod this time, and i had to use it.
The whole trail wasn't all fun though. I took it in as part of the ride. Of the 77kms i had logged in, about 30kms was riding the bike uphill. It was more of a mountain actually. And to compile to the agony, it had to start raining. It was the long ascents that was really annoying. Coming to the end of the ride, i was just filled with anticipation and excitement. That just around the corner, would be the last climb.
I was just kidding myself, and i did that for an hour and a half. Something i had learned during my full marathon races, 'take it one portion at a time'.
Eventually, it was a really good day for a bike ride. A sense of fulfillment for me. Of course, there will be more rides to come and more trails to discover with friends. Once in a while, i do long for the solitude. To get focused on the challenge and work things out single-handedly.

A visit to say farewell.

I will never know where we will all end up. Here is a trip i would have enjoyed more in other circumstances.
KL was more business than pleasure. Three weeks of technical stuff i would rather discuss in another topic in another lifetime. The free time i had was spent in solitude. I do not know if i will ever be back again; if i do visit this place again, plan it to be more of pleasure with close friends. Then again, things might have worked out for the better. Will find out soon. The sun does not shine here as it does in manila. Taking the kind of photos i am used to was as difficult as shooting in the rain. But i had fun shooting when i could.

The petronas Twin tower is a beautiful site. It took me two weeks and a couple of visits to the Suria KLCC mall before i could finally take photographs. The building is magnificent. Up close, its just so huge and covered a large portion of my viewfinder. An organized stack of glass and stainless steel, up in front of my eyes.

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without visiting the central area. Here, you can get lost and find your way to familiar places. Well, sort of. Chinatown, Little India, a few filipino voices here and there... eateries on the sidewalks. All of these, a walking distance from each other. Of course, St John's Cathedral is also in the vicinity.
How could i ever get by without transport? Eight LRT lines and fleets of bus, and if you cant find one nearby, there's always the teksi. Honestly, transport is affordable, but i did the walk when i could. KL Sental is here. All the LRTs and trains that make up the transport system is in one location.

The world's tallest flagpole is here in KL also, just across the street of the Supreme Court on Jalan Raja. The Supreme Court is decorated with lights, and when you visit it at the right time, see how really nice the lights blend in with the building and the sky.
A few minutes away from the business centers, The Batu caves were not as far from KL as i had imagined. The long walk up the flights of stairs werent as hard either. But the visit was pleasant. I felt peace and solitude.


I did not get a picture of the Menara KL. I purposely left it out. Something to come back for, and more.

Leaving KL was with a heavy heart. Life in another country where not many friends are around tend to bring out the adventure and survival instincts in a person. Bringing into mind that there is a purpose in all that you do. But the choices are yours. What you decide now will affect your future in all its fate. Trust your heart because it will bring you places.

AMCI Kids' Camp '06

Its been a challenge organizing the event for the children. The AMCI Mountaineering Club, Inc. has done this event annually for four years now, and every camping out with the kids has been a fun experience.
The kids experience a 3-sorey rappel, a mini adventure race, outdoor camping and a lot of fun games.

Dragonboats at Manila Bay
I asked Rey one day if i would be allowed to shoot one of their training sessions. I got to know Rey through a cycling egroup where one time, he posted a message describing his route from QC to CCP where their team trained. What got my attention was how he described, in detail, how portions of his route came to be.

I too, am into outdoor sports and have always wanted to try Dragonboat Racing. But as a photographer, being in the action is all I can think of.

Their morning starts with warm-ups and training tactics. As we load on the boat, I am praying I don't tip the boat over. But the team is very considerate and accommodating. The training goes on in sprints back and forth with rests in between along the bay.

If you are looking for a good workout, I strongly recommend you try this out. I love how well they work together as a group. And individually, they are just so focused ahead but very evident also working to synchronize with the team. Their Intensity is just so amazing.>

Here is a light moment in between their sprints. Or maybe they just got a little distracted with me in the middle aiming my camera at them.


This is the UP Dragonboat team.

Sagada in January 2006
Hopped on Frank (Anna's mini Pajero) with Lorraine, Anna and Mae. Our journey begins as we visit Sagada. It is Lorraine and Mae's first time here. Normally we would just stay at a place near the town proper. But Rocks Inn is new and we thought we'd give it a try. We were not disappointed. They have a large orchard where we can pick the oranges ourselves.




This is the entrance of Sumaguing cave. One of the most visited caves and sites around Sagada. Other sites to see are Echo Valley, Burial Cave, Big falls, their church and a lot more. Dont forget to pass by the yoghurt house and sample their menu.












photo by: Lorraine
Our short vacation was over and it was my turn to drive. Lorraine figured out how to work the camera and fired away. A common site along the roads here in the Mountain Province, she captured this in three shots.

An Interview with Romy Garduce after Aconcagua...

Interviewed by Toby, Romi Garduce is at the North Face Store in the Power Plant Mall.

Eusebio Polar Adventure Race June 18 2005



Teams plan out routes and tactics prior to start of the race. Race started and finished at Mega Mall.


Teammates Rienzie, Miguel and Tricia with writer friend Toby (in brown shirt) sharing a light moment before the start of the race.

Crossing the finish line is a high. Still full of energy, teammates Miguel and Tricia are ecstatic.

Finish Line photo opportunity. In adventure racing, having a strong team sometimes is not enough. You have to know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses.

Whale watching in Pamilacan May 2005

Off the shore of Pamilacan Island, tourists chance at observing dolphins or pilot whales.

Along the Loboc river, the Nuts Huts

Resort watches ferries pass by as their passengers have their meals.The Loboc Church stands in the way of a bridge under construction. Unfortunately for the bridge, The church had its way.

In the Antiquera public market, baskets are waiting to be picked up for distribution.



The Bohol Bee Farm. An assistant points to the queen bee in one of the honeycombs they cultivate.

Testing the New Balance 890 model