When I was still planning for the trip to Manila, I made it a point to try the Pasig River Cruise after learning about it from Bernie’s blog. The Pasig River was the lifeblood of the city during its prehistory until the Spanish occupation. Unfortunately, during the last decades of the 20th century, it has become Manila’s dumping site for trash and raw sewage. If you ask a Filipino their impression of Pasig, they would tell you that it is “mabaho” (foul smelling) and “puno ng basura” (full of trash). I was surprised to find out how the Pasig River has changed these past few years. Although still relatively dirty, it did not give off foul odors as I have expected.
Just got back from my short trip to Manila last January 10-14, 2009 with Vince. The agenda was to buy my first DSLR, a Nikon D40 with a Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens. I initially wanted to buy the 18-200mm but I wasn’t able to conjure enough money :( Read the rest of this entry »
It’s the new year and it’s time for everyone to remember how their past year was like and what the next year will be. It’s a time of mixed emotions, on one hand, we could be thankful about having lived another year and, on the other, uncertain about the future. My 2008 has been quite bumpy because it was a time of letting go being in school. 2009 will be different entirely since I’ll be finally thrown in the adult world.
Made a frame of Fort San Pedro’s ruins in Iloilo. It’s such a shame that this heritage structure has ended up in neglect. Not only did the Americans destroy most of it during WWII but the Ilonggos of today have left it for the storms to be destroyed. Fort San Pedro used to be a recognizable landmark in the city and a great place to bring tourists because of its great view of the sunset, now it’s quite shameful to bring visitors to the area.
Sometimes we lose a part of ourselves because of our decision or of circumstance, all we can really do is watch it from a distance or reminisce. We could try to do them again but things will never be the same. Life is an enduring battle of gain and loss.
This photo was taken during our day trek in Balaan Bukid, Jordan, Guimaras. The hike up the hill will take you through pathways lined with calachuchi trees.
I took this picture of Vince, while we were buying cream puffs in Zageca in Pavia. I was looking at the glass display shelf when I noticed it had cast Vince’s reflection and the scenery behind him. I took a shot of it thinking it would turn out to be a good photo processed with an “old faded photo” effect. I failed miserably doing the faded photo effect, I still have to learn how to do it well. I ended up with this photo.
Usually, I would have a concept in my photo submissions but I can’t seem to find one in this photo. It seems so uninspired. Something is missing, or maybe it’s just too cluttered.
Save for the fun meet ups with friends, my Christmas has been sucky mostly because of a big family problem. That aside, the “Christmas air” is just not as festive as before and I so hate the cold air during the evenings of late. Good thing Cebu Pacific made an announcement during Christmas day that they were giving out ZERO fares. Being slightly down, I needed a quick fix to make me excited. I quickly contacted my friends and we made the online booking the next day. Read the rest of this entry »
A week after the board exam, I was on the road again. This time, I was with Vince, one of my close friends and blogger of Explore Aklan. I tagged along with Vince when he returned home to Kalibo, Aklan. He had already planned on going to Libacao and Pandan, Antique and invited me to come along with him. So I did, since I don’t usually pass off the opportunity to travel and I’ve always wanted to go to these particular places.
My postings have been very scarce these past few months, I was quite busy reviewing for the Nursing Licensure Exam and then taking the test last November 29 and 30. I had to limit my computer usage and trips so that I can concentrate. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m a big fan of System of a Down and when I found out that their guitarist, Daron, and drummer, John, had formed another band, named Scars on Broadway, I quickly got myself a copy of their latest album. SOAD is not breaking up, they’re just currently undertaking separate projects just like their lead, Serj, who has his own solo album.
Ambot-ah is a blog about my life as a travel blogger, nurse, and freelance photographer. After my college graduation, I decided to make a living out of blogging and live out my many passions. Join me on my travels around the Philippines and South East Asia. Read my helpful backpacking journals, budget travel trips, do-it-yourself itineraries, blogging pursuits (making money online), and photography tips. 
