MV Doulos - Bata, bata, uso pa rin ba ang libro?

Sabi nila, laos na ang libro at pagbabasa sa mga bagong henerasyon ng Pilipino. Kaya nakakagaan ng loob makita ang mga batang tulad nito na nakipagsisiksikan at nagtitiis pumila sa M/V Doulos para makabili ng murang libro.

MV Doulos - Books, fun & faith ahoy!

MV Doulos - Doulos bookworms

Lots and lots of books to feed the mind and satiate the soul, all on board the Doulos. Bookworms, rejoice!

MV Doulos - Lining up

The lines snaked like crazy because of the volume of people who wanted to get in but it's heartening to know Pinoys still read in this internet/PSP/videogame age.

All aboard M/V Doulos

And some quarters say Pinoy readers are a vanishing breed. You wouldn't know it from the thousands of people who braved the Sunday afternoon sun and hours-long wait, foregoing the comforts of the mall for a chance to board M/V doulos. The world's largest floating library, Doulos was docked at the South Harbor for the good part of this month. I nearly passed up the chance to visit yesterday but it was a good thing I didn't. Even if only to provide support to the very worthy cause of this traveling organization -- that is, to provide a bridge for man to God. Not to say that the book selections were not satisfying. On the contrary, if I had more money with me, I would've brought home lots of books and stuff, inexpensive and some are even rare. It was also a nice gesture for the youthful duo manning the info desk to allow me to take photos while onboard (there were signs saying otherwise near the entrance). 

When I arrived at a little past 2pm, over half of Chicane's Behind the Sun album played on my iPod before I got on board. The lines were even longer when I left at 5pm, extending to the passenger waiting shed of the Macapagal Harbor! Guess I'm one lucky dude after all. Anyway, visit www.mvdoulos.org for more info.

Corregidor - Trash talk

Corregidor's south dock, especially Lorcha, is awash with trash. Nope, it's not from the island's inhabitants. Rather, the trash comes all the way from Manila Bay, Navotas, Malabon, Cavite and Mariveles. Most are plastic packaging (read: non-biodegradable).S o please refrain from throwing your trash into the bay. And please quit thinking "it's only a piece of wrapper". Not only is the scene unsightly, the volume of trash impacts on the environment as well.

Corregidor - Twilight zoned

Corregidor by day

Night falls over Corregidor

It's not the same Corregidor you see at daytime.S hrouded by darkness, it's like entering a different world. Embraced by the dark, your sixth sense kicks in and feel a thousand eyes watching. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Try it if you dare.

Corregidor after dark

If Gen. McCarthur decided to come back to Corregidor over 70 odd years ago, who am I to resist returning to this historic island? But in lieu of the day tour which we took about 2 years ago, we went one step further and spent the night on the island. While the day tour reveals interesting tidbits of history which every Pinoy should know, it feels hurried and bitin, even to non-photographers. The 10-20 minute stops are not enough to capture more interesting angles of the Mile-long and Topside Barracks, among other ruins. 

This return trip took almost 2 years to materialize but the wait's all worth it. Corregidor at night is an entirely different experience. After the day guests drift away on the 2.30 return trip to Manila, things simmer down. Grabbing a bit of rest, we looked forward to the sunset at Battery Hearn. Then, we're off to the dirt road leading to the old hospital. Scoring a direct hit from the Japanese despite the cross on the roof, even just approaching the perimeter gives one major tingles and shivers. Climbing the stairs where a balete tree has grown, we felt our faces grow numb. I, myself, felt this very strong urge to bawl and cry for no reason at all. For lack of a proper term to describe it, I call the experience one of extreme despair and sadness.

With darkness enveloping the island, we're off to the Malinta Tunnel. It looked like an entirely different world from the one daytrippers see. Night explorers get a very comprehensive tour of the many laterals not included in the daytime tour (minus the light and sound show, of course). Sporting hardhats and carrying large flashlights & headlamps, we crawl and crouch in some portions. There were even remnants of bone and sake in one lateral. I took quite a lot of pictures for posterity (I'm still thinking whether I would want to share or lock them away instead) which means I'm always at the tailend.A t times, I felt somebody following us as we navigated thru the maze-like tunnel. At one point in the tour, Bryan, our tour guide, asked us to turn off all our lights. That gave us an inkling of how it must have felt to be locked away inside, not knowing whether it's day or night, just hearing the bombs blasting away the hill.

Sleep-deprived, I slumbered easily throughout the night. My friend B2, however, did not. The resident ghost, Pot-pot, must have been busy playing around on the second floor of Corregidor Inn where we were billeted. The sunset watch at the eternal flame monument was not a photographer's dream-come-true (at least, not this time of the year). Then, we explored the nearby Japanese tunnel before breakfast. Post-breakfast and foregoing a nap, B2, Bambi and I decided to hike up Malinta Hill with Bryan. the trails are not yet fully established although the view of the head & tailend of the island is breathtaking. This activity will be included in the Holy Week promo for adventurers this year.

Thanks to Jemlu (one of our guides) for keeping us in stitches and making the trip more fun. look for this very funny, very affable and knowledgeable guide if you decide to go here. And thanks to D2, Quito, B2 and Bambi for the trip. 

Explore Corregidor details: Sun cruises (tel. 8346858) offers day & overnight trips to Corregidor • Daytour - P1,690 (incl. fare, tour, buffet lunch) • Overnight - P2,500 (incl. fare, day tour, first day buffet lunch, double/twin sharing accommodation) • Trip schedule - boat leaves CCP Bay, Manila at 8am daily, returns at 3.15pm • Most tours charge P100/head (hiking, night tour) • Accommodations - Corregidor Inn is very clean, very homey; service is highly attentive • The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly • Malinta Hill hike - allow 1 hour ascent & another hour descent; Night Tour of old hospital & Malinta Tunnel is 1-1.5 hour long

Calm

Wouldn't you know it, it's the middle of January. Work is becoming more hectic. Life is going back to normal again. Then again, my mind is wandering every now and then while my feet itch. There won't be a long break until the Holy Week. But the consolation is, there will be weekends to hie off somewhere like last weekend's Corregidor overnight. Ipon muna for the Holy Week vacation and find calmness (like what this capture of Manila Bay suggests) wherever and whenever I can.

Cycle of life • Lipa Cathedral

Saw this interesting signage at the paseo of Lipa Cathedral that succintly outlines life's cycle -- birth, mass, confirmation, marriage and death. Makes one realize life's simple realities at a glance

Visita Iglesia - Lipa Cathedral, Batangas

Capturing churches has been an endearing passion for me. Anywhere I go, they are a constant source of fascination and meditation.T here's something about them that feeds my soul, fuelling me even if it means waking up very early on the weekend to catch the sunrise.  Lipa Cathedral is well worth it, just made me wonder why I didn't visit sooner. Thanks D2 for the ride.

Visita Iglesia - San Jose, Batangas

After a week-long vacation in Batanes, it's good to shoot with D2 again. Even if it means waking up at 4am on a Saturday (what are friends for? :-) This is the San Jose church in Batangas, less imposing than the Lipa Cathedral but no less charming.

Batanes V.2 - Imagining Imnajbu

The spot that local movielandia immortalized in “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit” is breath-taking and notoriously windy. Standing on the cliff overlooking strips of boulders jutting out from the sea, one can stand 45 degrees against the rush of the wind and not fall. For a while, it gives one the sensation of what it feels like to fly and hover like a kite.

Batanes V.2 - Imnajbu in the raw

Constantly battered by towering waves and a tireless wind, these boulders stand defiantly.  Evoking awe with their raw beauty. Inspiring courage with their strength and resilience.

Batanes V.2 - Rocks & rumination

The Valugan shoreline is not meant for hurried walks but for contemplative meanderings. Sit on a boulder and watch the waves, feel the breeze. Pick up stones and cast them (like your worries) to the sea. Slowdown to catch up with yourself.

Batanes V.2 - My favorite haunt

The ghost town of Songsong in a word - haunting. the ruins are a reminder of nature’s power to reclaim the sea. Learned from our guide, Manny, that some of the ruins have been demolished by the landowner to give way to new stone houses. While other countries treasure relics of the past, here the past readily gives way to the present. Can’t we do anything to preserve these treasures? In any case, catch a glimpse of these before they’re gone.

Batanes V.2 - The life rustic

The rolling terrain of Viang rises to an elevation that gives one a splendid, panoramic view of Basco bay on one side and valugan on the other. The pastulan scene looks like one ripped from the pages of travel books, only thing is, it’s right here in Batan.

Batanes V.2 - Pacita Abad lives on

Fundacion Pacita, the museum housing the works of the late Pacita Abad overlooks Tukon Bay. A treasure trove of the late artist’s works, it is now a haunt of visiting artists as well as local talents.

Batanes V.2 - Wild on Chanarian

I did get my wished-for lens last Christmas - a Sigma 10-20 Ultrawide. Hopefully, I was able to put it into good use in captures like this one, the Chanarian rocky shoreline where one treads 155 steps from the Viewdeck. Feeling the spray of waves lashing out and the constant battering of the wind halfway down.

Batanes V.2 - Chanarian revisited

A re-take on the Chanarian Viewdeck, a capture used by the Ateneo Business School last year for their newsletter. One of my most favorite spots in Batan.

Batanes V.2 - Lighthouse family

Basco & Mahatao lighthouses, revisited. I promise to add the Sabtang lighthouse on my next visit, God willing.

Batanes V.2 - Dalaw sa St. Dominic

St. Dominic is still far from being half-finished, one year after seeing it. Must be the lack of funds. Pity because this is a highlight of Batan and of Batanes, as a whole.

Batanes V.2 - Fresh catch

Tito Shane (yep, he's the Shane in Shanedel's) goes out to sea almost every morning ever since the weather improved, bringing home a dorado, two yellow fin tuna and a barracuda for our first breakfast.

Batanes V.2 - Iba na sa Ivana

The church of Ivana overlooks the channel that separates Batan from Sabtang island. The sea breeze wafts in as the clouds drift by.S abtang beckons. The sea foams, if only a little. another fine day to sail. Another fine day to thank for.

Batanes - White beach meditation

Another trip. Another chance to ponder on life and the road ahead. (Photo of J2 meditating on White Beach, Batanes)

Batanes V.2 - Batanes calling

I didn’t realized how much I missed Batanes until I saw Batan and Sabtang as we approached for a landing last Tuesday (Dec. 26). I got goosebumps as the plane made a turn toward the familiar-looking bay which we called home last year. 

I am grateful to be granted a week-long vacation – this trip was one year in the making as I wasn’t able to take a long break in the interim of Christmas and new year in 2005. The forecast said bright and sunny weather was expected for the week leading to the new year. We were blessed with good weather for the first two days alright. But on day three, the weather fouled up, deferring our plans of going to Sabtang to another trip. So much for weather forecasts. Next time, we intend to come in during the summer months and head straight to sabtang from the airport. Proves the point that here, nature rules.

But all is not lost. Having been here before, I first thought maybe the novelty has worn off. Truth be told, Batan still amazes me. There are plenty of ooh-and-ahh-and-wowww moments. The wild shores of viewdeck in Chanarian. The rocky shores of Diura and Valugan. The incredibly beautiful Imnajbu scene where one can stand almost 45 degrees and not fall because of the gale-force wind. The seclusion of White Beach. The beautiful churches of Basco, Ivana, Mahatao and Uyugan. The charms of Basco and Mahatao lighthouses. the beyond-words-beauty of Viang sunsets.

The sights are breathtaking, no doubt. But what endears Batanes to me is its people. In the chill of the December winds, they are as warm as I remembered them to be. I don’t normally endorse establishments here in my blog but I guess Shanedel’s deserve a special mention. Tita Del and her family made our stay a real blast. That they didn’t mind our nightly-karaoke is a big plus, hahaha. We even got invited to their private Christmas party with close friends like we are part of an extended family. It’s also a blessing to have Tito Shane as our host since a good catch would mean we’ll have fresh dorado, tanigue or yellow-fin tuna with every meal.

We were also lucky to have Manny as our guide. More than just showing us around, he regaled us with stories and repartees. and he has an uncanny way of timing the trips so we photographer-hobbyists can catch the optimum light.

There were plenty of memorable moments as well. Like the tsunami alert on our first night and the rather strong earthquake (B2 & I just kept on with night shooting like anything). Pushing our jeep so it can start at Valugan. Going crazy and pretending we were kites on our second visit to the incredibly-beautiful (and very, very windy) Imnajbu cliffs.

Will I be back? Definitely.A fter two times of trying to get to Sabtang/Itbayat, I hope and pray that the third time will be the charm. Thanks to my buddies, B2, Junjun & Erwin for the fantastic trip. I haven’t boarded the plane going back to Manila when B2 and I were already making plans to come back hopefully this summer. Until then, Dios mamajes.