Travel: Danao Adventure August 2007

Danao Eco-Adventure Tours
Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol



Our Danao Adventure trip was really special to me for a host of reasons. Top three reasons are:

1. August 26, wedding anniversary
2. my dad is from Danao
3. we were with the "shiny happy people" gang
   

Reg and I got married last August 26, 2006. Since then, our life has truly been blessed. I will not say we didn't have our share of tears but the sad moments are overwhelmed by the happiness and love that we've shared together with friends and families. As a couple, we always count our blessings. We always pray there is more to come.

My dad, is from Cabatuan, Danao, Bohol. He spent his childhood roaming the jungles and woods, the rivers and caves, the simple beauty of what Danao was before. Now, we are enjoying the town in a whole new level. The long foot trails that my dad used to walk during moonless nights singing haranas to ladies in other barrios are now replaced with tire tracks of trucks, multicabs and habal-habals. We are spared from the 15-kilometer hike from the poblacion to the barrio, for sure.








And of course, without the "shiny happy people" we were with, the trip won't be crazy. Here's the list:

1. Ryan (me)
   
2. Reg
3. Kinz
   
4. John
5. Weng
6. Liza
7. Joyce
8. Jijaw
9. Jeff
10. Tuff
11. Miriam
    

We were the wickidest and craziest fun-loving, thrill-seeking, tanduay-drinking group out there. It was hella fun.









(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Photobin: Sail Away!

The Craft of Allan Gomez



Model maker and craftsman, Allan Gomez, uses indigenous and found-objects for his works. He makes boats, galleons, bancas, and other crafts from leaves or barks of local plants like bamboo or bananas.




He started making model galleons ten years ago when he was intrigued with how galleons look and thought about making a tiny version for himself. These days, people buy his galleons for at least 7T pesos. Not bad for a skill that seemed to have started as a mere hobby.

Allan has probably done more than a hundred different models to this day.



(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Gear: Nokia 6300

About a year ago and some months, my wife (girlfriend then) and I were cruising along the highway on a motorbike. Suddenly without notice, my Smartphone plopped out of my pocket and fell hard on the road. As if it was not enough, a huge-ass bus behind us finished the little gizmo off into little tiny pieces. Back to using my trusty old N3310 again.

Until recently, I got this, the new Nokia 6300:



Sleek, nice and spiffy. Easily connects to a PC too with a USB. Came with a 128mb micro-SD card. Best of all, it came with Sudoko, a very useful game if you got lots of time to burn away.

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600, white illustration board
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Gear: Shoot Thru Umbrella

Basically, the output and diffusion level of a white umbrella and the silver one can be the same really if used skillfully. But the main difference is that you can actually stick the shoot-through nearer to the subject to get more of the wrapping effect of a huge light.

Here's the set-up of the photo above:


Had I used the silver version, the umbrella would have to be much farther from the subject.



The lovely light fall-off on my semi-clenched hand also shows the effect of the white umbrella being really near. The light source is now bigger which translates to a more softer light.

Learn to Light at Strobist.

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600, umbrella, lightstand
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Photobin: Wooden Gates to Eden

While segment-producing for a documentary film crew around places in Bohol, I shot this photo. This is the wooden gate of Amarella Beach Resort one of the best resorts in Panglao, Bohol. What amazed me was, while looking very old and weathered, these carved wooden planks are only "copies" actually.

Sometimes, I'd like to be a carpenter.

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600, umbrella, lightstand
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Places: Doljo Point, Panglao, Bohol

In Bohol, there are still places unspoilt. One just has to go to the right places, know the right people. Take for example Doljo Point. I was here once a few years ago when it was clean and pristine. Now, it still is as beautiful as before.

Only about 20 minutes from the city, Doljo offers locals and visitors alike a slice of paradise.





Uhm, apologies if the "models" above kinduv spoiled the beauty of the beach. Pardon! =)

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Gear: Nikon D80, SB-600, umbrella, lightstand
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Products: Digital Storybook Album

Aldner & Michelle's Digital Storybook Album




Although the couple had not include an album with their wedding photography package, the husband Aldner had ordered this after the wedding, without Michelle knowing it. It was supposedly Aldner's surprise for his wife on her birthday last August. And well, as was expected, Michelle cried with joy as soon as she received the gift.



Used for weddings, the digital storybook may be used for any other purpose or events though. It is a perfect gift to your loved ones (or even to yourself). The digital storybook album is a collection of beautiful photos which can last for many years to come because of its durability.

Order yours now! Please text or call 0921-570-6574 for more details.

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Photobin: Party Photography

In recent months, parties and photography merged into a whole new level. Parties are now made way cooler with photographers who've brought their "studios" to parties. And party animals are getting crazier. The portable photo booth is hotter than the bar.






And they're not even drunk yet.





But then again I lie. Because after all the pictures were taken and all the poses exhausted, the videoke machine still ruled -- until the wee-est hours of the dawn.



It's not time, to make a change.
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young.
There's so much you have to go through.

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Shot using a Nikon D80
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Music: Suitcase 101 rocks hard

Bohol's band scene is very anemic. One can only count the number of bands around. (Not counting the regular show bands,) There are about 8. But more recently, these few who survived playing gigs here and about are starting to rocky really hard. Take Suitcase 101 for example. These kids are winning regional contests and are starting to record their own stuff. Yeah, it's been slow but the lack of record labels/companies picking up are not a hindrance. The bands are coughing up their own dough to finance their recordings. I salute.



And BTW, Arvin the drummer passed the recent Nursing Board exams. Gratz, pre!

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Shot using a Nikon D80
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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Places: Puntod Island getaway

Except for the "No Trespassing - Private Sign" sign, this deserted island/sandbar just a few minutes from Panglao was left to ourselves as we frolicked on it's white sand beaches and basked under a not-so-hot August sun. When we arrived only a few "wild" cats were seen roaming around in bushes. Apparently, these "feline islanders" were left to tend for their own by their heartless owners. The thought had Liza imagine of things only Stephen King would be interested in.



Our French friends, Miriam, Tuff, Lalol, Olivier and Rachel were obviously having a relaxing time dipping into the (shallow) water before we had lunch. Scott, the new guy (he's Australian), felt more adventurous and trekked around the island. It took him 5 minutes. Kinz, Liza and me stayed on the abandoned shack, bored. (Or hungry because the others were still swimming, and it was already 2 pm.)



Lunch was great. I showed the group how to peel a mango like a banana. They already knew how to, but told me only after a lengthy explanation. Bastards.




I dipped and swam also a bit.



All in all, the trip was worth it really. Not counting the expensive boat (P1500), I recommend coming here every week to meditate and relax. Panglao is just a 20-minute ride from the city.

(More of this set, here.)
_________________________________
Photos by Ryan Macalandag
Shot using a Nikon D80
Copyright ©2007 All rights reserved.

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