The Lens & The Stories Behind

Inside Mt. Isarog

The LensMaster — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:39:57 +0000

The last time we were allowed inside the forest ground of Mt. Isarog was when I was still in high school. The place has been closed to the public due to the conflict between the government and some rebel group. The situation, however, has changed now! It was great news to hear from locals that throngs of visitors are once more frequenting the place. Somehow I am thankful that because of the decade-old conflict, the forest was given a chance to recover.

Mt. Iriga from a Distant

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***The LensMaster

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>>> more STORIES on Mt. Isarog!!!

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Under the Summer Sky

The LensMaster — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:25:37 +0000

It was priceless to spend a bright summer morning at Mt. Isarog and gaze over at deers grazing on its slopes.

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***The LensMaster

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>>> more STORIES on Mt. Isarog!!!

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Aboard the Bicol Express

The LensMaster — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:09:00 +0000

The moment I saw the newly refurbished train coach of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in their Facebook fanpage, I knew right there and then that I had to take this trip. Believe me, I haven’t had this kind of excitement for quite a long time.

The newly refurbished Pasay Road station in Makati City

After several years, the PNR once again restored its famous Manila-Bicol route. This route offers two train services, the Mayon Limited and the more popularly known Bicol Express. Both services start from Tutuban station in Manila. While the Bicol Express runs only up to Naga City in Camarines Sur, the Mayon Limited extends up to Ligao in Albay.

The Bicol Express runs daily and normally takes 10 hours with the train leaving the Tutuban station at 6:30pm and arriving in Naga City at 4:00am. It’s worth wishing for a delayed trip so you can see the countryside early in the morning.

Mr. Train Man

The Mayon Limited, on the other hand, runs as Mayon Deluxe only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Note that the trips on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sundays run only as Ordinary train with no air-conditioning. No Mayon Limited trips on Saturdays.

Train No. T611

I took the Mayon Deluxe for my trip on a Deluxe Family Sleeper. Passengers heading to the Bicol region can only board either at Tutuban , España, Pasay Road, or Alabang station. Don’t forget to bring your own pillow, comforter, drink, and food. I went around different coaches and one of them smelled like an old leather couch, so bringing an air freshener wouldn’t hurt.

The Deluxe Family Sleeper Hallway

Deluxe Family Sleepers

Lavatory Area

The entire carriage with Executive Sleepers sadly was rented by one family. But they were kind enough to let me in and take some photos. I was awed by how gorgeous and enormous each sleeper was. Although three persons can fit in one sleeper, each, however, accommodates only one. So you have an entire couch for yourself! Now, that’s luxury!

Executive Sleeper on the Upper Deck

Executive Sleeper on the Lower Deck

Our train got delayed for two hours and arrived at Pasay Road station at 8:00pm. So instead of us arriving in Naga City at 4:00am the next morning, we arrived at 6:00am! That was actually good news for me since I got to enjoy seeing the countryside from a different vantage point this time. Who would want to arrive in Naga City at four in the morning anyway?

I salute the PNR for rehabilitating our neglected railway system. I’m glad that like my father I now have a story of the Bicol Express. I was afraid that taking the train to Bicol will forever be a tale of a bygone era… Not this time!

My Destination: Naga City

Thank you PNR for the experience!!! I’m looking forward to more rides and more memories!!!

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***The LensMaster

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Manila Hotel: For Old Times Sake

The LensMaster — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:17:16 +0000

Mom forgot my sister’s birthday so she made us tag along with her to spend Sunday at the Manila Hotel.

The Manila Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel in the Philippines. It’s the oldest premier hotel in the country. Being so, it’s a venue to significant historical events starting from the time it was built in 1912. During that time, it was envisioned to be grander than the grandest. For travelers who enjoy staying at heritage hotels, staying at the the Manila Hotel can definitely give them a glimpse of life when Manila was the “Queen City of the Pacific.”

Manila Hotel showcases the finest of Philippine arts and crafts. I have grown particularly fond of the indigenous materials used in decorating its interiors. Wood carvings and furnitures are made of Philippine mahogany. Its flooring is made from Philippine marble.

The chandeliers, in particular, are made of brass, crystals, and the famous Capiz shells.

There are 570 rooms in the hotel. We stayed on a standard room with 2 beds. The amenities at the hotel are commendable but definitely need some improvement. But, hey, Manila Hotel is for experiencing life in the old days. If luxury is sought by travelers, then better look somewhere else, right? On a side note, the infamous First Lady Imelda Marcos favors this hotel quite well. Her discerning taste can definitely tell so much of the hotel’s grandeur and elegance.

The vista from its window is definitely something to look forward to. If you know a thing or two of the country’s history, its windows can definitely show you the city’s decay through time. Nevertheless, these windows offer a great view of the old Spanish walled city of Intramuros, the bay that has been the location of countless maritime battles, and, of course, one of the most stunning sunsets in the world.

The management might consider putting up some garden with this space on its rooftop.

Unfortunately for us, the view from our room on the third floor was disappointing during the day. But the sunset from this spot was as equally spectacular.

Being unbelievably stressed with building my business in the last few months, staying at Manila hotel was definitely a most welcome escape.

Thanks mom and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sister!!!

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How Home Away From Home?: 7

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***The LensMaster

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>>>For inquiries and reservations, check out the Manila Hotel here!!!

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Why Choose the Philippines?

The LensMaster — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:21:32 +0000

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With all the bad news on the tube about the country, why choose the Philippines?

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…because you have 7,107 reasons to choose from!!! (^_^)

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***The LensMaster

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It’s the People that Makes a Place

The LensMaster — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:20:33 +0000

What I like most about traveling are the people with whom I am able to walk the journey with. Our destinations, I realized, are always present and unchanging but the companies you have with whom you shared laughter, joy, wisdom, and struggle with are in constant change… and all that what’s left from your journey with them are the moments you’ve shared and goodness you’ve brought them that you’ll live by for life… Good thing I have my camera with me to immortalize every moment I’ve spent with my travel companions…

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***The LensMaster

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The Philippines is a Beach Nation

The LensMaster — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:23:04 +0000

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Yeah, you heard it right! My country is a Beach Nation!!!

Wherever you go, north, south, east or west…you’ll find plenty of Beaches here.

And they are the most stunning…the most spectacular…out of this world Beaches.

When you see one, you’ll end up remarking, “Yeah, this is heaven, no doubt!”

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Come and experience it for yourself!!!

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***The LensMaster

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>>>more STORIES on the Beach!!!

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A Beer Is All It Takes

The LensMaster — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:35:40 +0000

A beer is all it takes…to relive memories...and make new ones!!!

It’s been millions of years since my kababata and I were able to chill out. I’m glad that despite our busy schedules we were able to make time for each other like how we used to. This lass and I go back to diaper days. Although we spend most our lifetime fighting over nonsensical matters, we somehow always end up better friends at the end of the day. I guess, that’s what really friends do – argue most of the time…and, in the process, get polished.

We really do deserve a drink every now and then, Megan!

(Washington & Sycip Park then Spicy Fingers, Greenbelt 2)

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***The LensMaster

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Mommita’s Place (Coron, Palawan)

The LensMaster — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:52:15 +0000

Address: National Road cor. Rosario St. Brgy. 3, Coron, Palawan
Contact Number: 0927.559.5981
Website: Like their Facebook fanpage here

Mommita’s Place is without question one home away from home. Going to Coron, Palawan and staying at the place is like going home to the province and staying at one’s grandma. Mommita, the owner, does not only make you feel at home but also makes you feel like your family. I could hardly feel I was merely a guest in her place. Every time I get reminded of our vacations in Coron, I would always end up smiling and feeling an inexplicable peace and happiness inside. Coron, Palawan would definitely not be the same without Mommita. Just like what I always say, “it’s the people that makes a place”! I can describe in detail how our needs have been well attended to by Mommita but it would be best you experience it yourself!

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How Home Away from Home?: 9
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***The LensMaster

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>>> Check out our vacations in Coron, Palawan here!!!

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Fun Coron

The LensMaster — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:25:29 +0000

It’s great to be back in Coron, Palawan in just a year! The place is so beautiful, we just had to share it! Pictures and tales, however, wouldn’t be enough so we had to fly all 26 of us to the place.

Coron is undeniably heaven on Earth! Without a doubt, it’s the ultimate vacation destination!!!

With the itinerary prepared by Mommita for us, I realized that Coron is not just a place to relax and unwind but also a place to have the best adventure with one’s family!

Aside from the usual island hopping, we played all sorts of beach and water sports!

…went shipwreck diving and cliff jumping!!! I definitely have to bring my own underwater camera next time!!!

…snorkeled all day!!!

…trekked mountains!!!

…and made unforgettable memories!!!

With all the fun that we were having all day and night, Maquinit hot spring never felt better!!!

But with all the old and new things we’ve done so far in Coron, still plenty of things await us for our next adventure!!! Can’t wait to shipwreck and scuba dive when I get back in the future!!!

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***The LensMaster

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>>> more STORIES on Coron, Palawan!!!

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