Gala Pinoy Redux

Looks like this guy doesn’t like chicken. This chicken at least. Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines. July 2011.

Hi there! This post has been moved to my photography blog. Check out Camera Review: Using the Fuji X100 for Travel and Landscape Photography.

Canshoot.com is where I’ll be posting camera reviews, photography tips, and other photography-related stuff from now on. Click here to visit it.

Thanks!

- Cedric

A lady waits for her ride after shopping for groceries. Taken at Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines. July 2011.

A view inside the Calicoan Surf Camp, Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Almost two weeks ago, I went on a trip to the island of Samar for an assignment for a local magazine. And although I have been there for far too many times, the trip gave me a refreshing look at the island that I consider my second home. Its people welcomes visitors with open arms and have a fantastic sense of humor. They also know how to have fun.

On the way to Samar.

And the place is nothing short of fantastic. Sure it’s not on top of the list of many travelers, but that is where its charm lies. You won’t find lots of tourists here, not too many touts have yet discovered how to vie for your attention, and you can explore the island with relative safety. Plus, with accommodations ranging from homestays to some several-figures worth for an overnight stay, you can enjoy Samar no matter your budget.

This post is just a preview of where I’ve been on the island. And where have I been exactly? Here’s a quick list with some photos I snapped with my trusty smartphone:

The ‘Biri Nice’ Island of Biri, Northern Samar

Biri has five rock formations that come in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes, give you an astounding view of the Pacific Ocean, and seagulls that threaten to harm you to protect its young. It also has fantastic people and a 12-hour power schedule that will let you enjoy the stars on a clear night.

Click on the following link to read more about the Biri rock formations.

Jiabong Caves of Jiabong, Samar

Don’t know what cavernous means? Then you need to get inside the caves of Jiabong. That’s because there’s no other way of describing how the caves look like inside. Plus, they are wet, sparkling, and challenging cathedrals that bats call home.

The link leads you to the post on the Jiabong Caves.

Lulugayan Falls, Calbiga, Samar

If spelunking is too adventurous for you, then there’s the Lulugayan Falls just south of Jiabong. But don’t be fooled by its looks as getting there can be quite challenging too.

Click on the link to read more about the Lulugayan Falls.

Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Yes, Calicoan Island is a popular surfing spot, but when you get bored with the crashing waves, the town center of Guiuan has lots of interesting things to offer you.

You can read more about Guiuan here.

Excited yet? Check out these posts every Wednesday in the coming four weeks. For now, I’ll rack my brains writing these posts AND the articles I need to submit to my editor. Until then!

I mentioned last week that changes are coming up on this blog. A list of the first few steps towards these changes are after the break.
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