Starfish at Guimaras

 

Dear

 

Before we go, I’m sending you this blue starfish [Linckia laevigata] from the peaceful island of Guimaras.

 

Room with a View, Villa Igang, Guimaras

 

Hello!

 

Still here in Guimaras. While our room is nothing grand, I love the view it offers especially when the sun bursts in the morning. Love this peace while sipping our morning coffee.

 

Villa Igang, Guimaras

 

Dear

 

After a 15-minute boat ride from Iloilo, we’re finally here at Guimaras and we’re staying at Villa Igang’s. This their beach, not what I’m expecting, but I love the privacy. Pardon the overblown sky, but the sun’s already up and light at its harshness when I took this shot.

 

Dragonfly at Butterfly Garden, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 

Hello

 

I visited the city on the third day. After a quick tour of the Crocodile Farm, Kuya Raul [trike] took me to the Butterfly Sanctuary. Unlike all the butterfly gardens I’ve been to, this one’s pretty small. There I found this orange dragonfly, looking peacefully like a quidditch player greedily clutching on his broomstick.

 

Pandan Island, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 

Dear

 

Just had a hearty lunch here at Pandan Island, still part of the Honda Bay Tour. After a quick nap, I decided to go ‘round this small island. While walking, I notice that the skies are getting darker. I just have to have a shot of those mean clouds, and then this lone boat just came into view. Perfect for some drama. Some things just come out when you need them.

 

Btw, it didn’t rain. Those clouds are just showing off.

 

Starfish Island, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 

Hello!

 

It’s a beautiful day here at the Starfish Island! Sands and Skies!

 

Starfish Island, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 

Hi

 

I’m on my second day here at Puerto Princesa and just had my Honda Bay Tour. This is the Starfish Island. I found some usual horned starfishes, a bunch of them actually, so imagine my joy. What I found unusual are the mangroves pictured above. I mean, in the middle of the sea?

 

Starfish at Bolod, Bohol

 

Hi

 

I did one last stroll along the fine sands of Bolod, Panglao before I head back to the hotel and pack my things. Found me some green glass stones and this. Almost stepped into it. I found her in the shallow waters. Isn’t she pretty? Time to head back to Manila. Sigh.

 

Café Lawis, Bohol

 

Dear

 

Beside Dauis Church, I found this unassuming souvenir shop with its own café. They’re [souvenir shop] selling unique stuff, mostly native items, but what really wowed me is this avatar-ish giant acacia tree at the back of the shop. The moment I stepped out and found this, my jaw dropped. For lack of proper words to describe this spot, I really think it’s beautiful. This actually belongs to the mini café. I can imagine us talking endlessly while sipping our cups of coffee here. We’ll come back here, right?

 

Starfishes at Virgin Island, Bohol

 

Hellow!

 

Sea stars never fail to astound me, like I can spend all day at the beach just looking for them. These are giant horned sea stars, or Protoreaster nodosus [googled them hehe], however you want to call them. These are the most common starfish found here. So does it look that these beauties were set up for a photo op? Heheh I was one overjoyed kid to have found a multitude of them at Virgin Island, yep still in Bohol. So yeah I asked them to gather round for an exclusive photo op. *Smiles

 

Love them.

 

Bolod, Panglao, Bohol

Dear

You know I’m not really a beach person, but I’m havin’ a blast here. Am all pruned up and fried, as you can see the sun has almost set but am still beachcombing. The sand here is so freaking powder-fine and white! And as I wanted it, the beach ISN’T OVERCROWDED. This is in front of Bohol Beach Club by the way.

Oh I love it here. Will come back.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

 

Hello !

This is freaking epic! That’s how they say it, right, epic? Well it really is! Again, Sibika Kultura days. This is the famous Chocolate Hills, more popular among kids I believe, because of ‘chocolate’. Well, I have been ‘curious’ about this choco thingee for the longest time and am finally here! And it’s really cool! I mean these hills just go on and on and on. They look like they’re covering the entire Bohol island! You should be here!

Well, it has been photographed so many times, different angles, and I just couldn’t resist. Some chocolatey hills for you dear!

Fundacion Pacita, Batanes

 

Hi ,

You must be thinking that I’ve left and has gone to Europe, stayed in a fancy hotel with a lush jardin à la française. But this is actually in Chanarian-Tukon. To be exact, it’s Brgy. Chanarian-Tukon, Basco, Batanes. This is Fundacion Pacita’s owners’ beautiful garden, which I have accidentally barged into upon inspection of the place. This place is actually off-limits to visitor, but curiosity took me there, and after a few more steps, I found myself face-to-face with the house caretaker. He wasn’t mad, but I can tell he’s not pleased. Hehe. But as I told you, Ivatans are the nicest of nicest, he let me took a shot of this wonderful view anyways, having sensed that I mean no harm and the only weapon I carry is my trusty D40.

I’ll see you soon!

Tayid Lighthouse, Batanes

 
Hayiii!

Now Batanes has several lighthouses and this is one of them, right smack in the middle of the hills. Batanes has been really generous. It has given me breathtaking views of the seas and hills, the nicest locals on the planet, and as seen in the postcard above, beautiful light that helped me freeze this moment and send it to you. 

Morning View, Batanes

Hello !

I know I just have to capture this moment! I just have to! You know one of my favorite albums from Incubus? Yeah Morning View! Kinda reminds me of this shot.  But nah, this ain’t Malibu baby, this is Batanes!

Hay wish you were here *wink*

Vayang Rolling Hills, Batanes

Hi ,

 

The hills are alive! This place has been bookmarked, dog-eared, whatever, in my mind ever since Sibika at Kultura days. So the first time I laid my eyes on these rolling hills, I can’t help but whisper: “Done. I can die now.” Kornik I know.

 

This was taken at Vayang Rolling Hills [Northern Batan] by the way.