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Visual Diary

…of things, thoughts, and happenings.

Written by Leah
Posted in Travel & Outdoor Adventures
Comments 4 Comments

Mt. Apo Landscapes

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In case you haven’t read my post where I almost broke my neck climbing to reach the peak of Mt. Apo with DownSouth and Social Climbers, click here.

Mount Apo is the largest active (but sleeping) volcano in Mindanao and the highest mountain in the Philippines. The mountain has three peaks , a flat top and it is capped by a 500-meter-wide volcanic crater (that contains a small crater lake).  It is also a source of geothermal energy and has around 270 species of birds.

Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines and is a popular climbing destination in Mindanao. The earliest recorded climb was in the 1880′s led by Don Joaquin Rajal. — Conquering mt. apo

Be.worth breaking my neck over.  I wish I am more capable of capturing landscapes so that my photos are above mediocre…but I’m still glad I got shot of the sunrise and of the mountains…and FYI — I am learning to shoot landscapes now.  My friend Olan of Olanology.com is sooo good with landscapes that I was inspired to learn it.  I have a long way to go, but at least, I”ve started!

Written by Leah
Posted in Events, Travel & Outdoor Adventures
Comments 16 Comments

Davao Bloggers visit Tagum

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Davao Bloggers were fortunate enough to get invited to the 3rd International Rondalla and 10th Musikahan Festival in Tagum this month of February. Our experience in Tagum was a series of new and adventurous learning as we discovered what Tagum City has become.
We started off in a fun photo caravan with other Tagum photographers as the City Information Office (CIO) spearheaded by City Information Officer III Edwin B. Lasquite toured us around to take photos of the city and its spots.  Being located far from the shoreline and with no integral scenic spots to boast off, Tagum decided to create parks and festivals to attract guests and visitors.  Now boasting 14 festivals in a year and parks all throughout the city, so many that even the public cemetery has one, Tagum was able to create happenings to boost business and tourism.
For the month of February, Tagum is celebrating Musikahan sa Tagum 2011: Iisang Himig, Pandaigdigang Pagkakaysa. The Music Festival is from Feb 11-20.

Written by Leah
Posted in Ideas & Inspirations, Workshops
Comments 4 Comments

Maximizing light with Lito Sy

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Camera Club of Davao recently organized a workshop by Lito Sy in Gap Farm last Feb 5, 2010 where more than twenty photographers, including myself, were invited to attend. In this workshop, he shared the basic behavior and characteristics of light and how to control it in when doing a portraiture.

Written by Leah
Posted in Events, Travel & Outdoor Adventures
Comments 6 Comments

Tagum Photo Safari

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Upon entering Tagum, you will notice palm trees magnificently planted on the side of the road.  Tagum has been crowned Palm City of the Philippines.

Tagum City is more than a city known for its paved roads.  With 14 Festivals a year, it is surely becoming famous for its events and festivities.  Davao Bloggers was fortunate enough to be invited in the 1st Official Tagum Photo Safari last January 16-17.  I was excited to be with other Tagum photographers as the City’s PIO Edwin L. toured us around the precious nooks and spots of Tagum City.

Not far, you will see a wooden dock where boats are available to take you on a 30km cruise to see the river stretch and the wildlife it carries.  On this stretch, soft-shell crab hatcheries and restaurants are available to provide meals and rest huts.
Written by Leah
Posted in Events, Travel & Outdoor Adventures
Comments 6 Comments

Sarangani Adventure

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Sarangani has earned a spot in my travel plans.  I’ve never realized that a stretch of white sand beaches exists there…and not as expensive and as crowded as bora!  Kainnneeeessss, ngayon ko lang nalaman.
The beaches we visited in Gumasa Glan, Sarangani were soooo nice! and take note…we were traveling on paved roads.  I was so sure that we were already in the middle of nowhere, but no bumpy rides on this trip…well except for the common minor ones that lasts a meter long.We visited Isla Jardin Del Mar, Davak Ridge Beach Resort, Yoshikawa Crystal Island Beach Resort, and White Haven Beach Resort — all in Glan. Enrico Dee of Byahilo.com even shared that there is an Indonesian community existing somewhere in Glan.Before, when I hear of the place Sarangani, I always associate it with the Blaan tribe. Period.  And I know next to nothing about the Blaan culture.  Needless to say, I had this ambiguous assumption that Saranggani is this place in the province.  No imagery of beaches and great cuisines pass my mind…nor have I ever thought of it as a place to go to to relax.  Now I know better.
facilities and scenery is not to be frowned at
@ Lemlunay Resort there is an infinity pool overlooking the
sea…