Salisbury River Swans

Salisbury, UK - April 2012

It was spring and swans were happily swimming in the river. I approached to take a closer photo. I expected them to swim away as most swans do when people approach them. But no, they eagerly swam towards me, as if running. They looked mad and was ready to attack this stranger that dared disturb their peace. It was funny.

Wildlife Wednesday - Giant Fruit Bat

Giant Fruit Bat, Boracay Island - May 2010

These are the biggest bats I've ever seen so far. This one here was actually hanging upside down eating mango and papaya but I rotated the picture to highlight the face. It looked scary but it was gentle and surprisingly accommodating. He allowed me to touch and spread his wings.

There were about 20 of them and they were housed in a big aviary with many plants and trees. It was meant to preserve them (I hope they're doing the right thing) and visitors are charged a small fee to see them.

Wildlife Wednesday - Doe a Deer

A Young Deer at Willisbrook Preserve, Malvern, PA - Oct 2014

There was a managed deer hunt going on at the Willisbrook Preserve but it seemed like the deers were also hunting and sent this young one to lure me deeper into the forest. Everytime I take a few steps to get closer and get a better photo, it would run away but would stop at a distance to make sure I was still following. Feeling like Alice in Wonderland, I followed it for a while until I noticed I was getting far away from the trail and got scared of getting lost.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 14 - Manila Bay at Night, Manila

 Manila Bay at Night

Manila, despite the concrete jungle and endless traffic, still has its charms. One of them is the view of Manila Bay which is famous for it's picturesque sunsets. But as soon as the sun goes down the bay is transformed. To cap off this challenge, I give you a view of Manila Bay at night.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 13 - Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

The most beautiful beach I've ever seen so far. Pristine and unspoiled. I hope it stays that way forever but I know it's wishful thinking. As soon as the construction of the airport in El Nido is done, it's just a matter of time before resorts will start to sprout in Nacpan.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 12 - Calamian Islands, Palawan

Give me sun, sand and sea!

That is what you'll get at Calamian which is a group of islands in the Philippine province of Palawan. It includes Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Calauit, Malcapuya, Banana, Pass, Calambuyan and others.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 11 - Concepcion, Basuanga, Palawan

Concepcion, Basuanga, Palawan

Met a couple of Brits here who chucked out their normal jobs back home to live in this picture perfect sunset everyday.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 10 - Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol

Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol

These are definitely eye candies. The hills are covered with grass but turns brown during summer as the grass withers, thus the name. The shapes are also similar to Hershey's Chocolate Kisses. Legend has it that long, long time ago, giants inhabit the island. One day, they had a fight and have thrown rocks at each other.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 9 - Rice Terraces, Benguet, Mountain Province

Rice Terraces, Benguet, Mountain Province

Imagine waking up in the morning to be greeted by this grand sight. It's like the concrete and glass high rises and gruelling traffic is from another world and you've entered a fantasy world thru some magic door.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 8 - Mayon Volcano, Albay, Bicol

Mayon Volcano, Albay, Bicol

The Mayon with its almost perfect cone is simply majestic. You can just stare and wonder at its beauty all day.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 7 - Aninuan Beach, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental

Sunset at Aninuan Beach, Puerto Galera, Philippines

What more can I say, it's a paradise waiting just a few hours away from busy Metro Manila. A perfect weekend getaway.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 6 - Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

This beach is the gateway to the world famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or what is simply known to the locals as the Underground River. The beach itself is no less stunning, with long stretch of fine white sand. Towards the north end you will see this rocky formations, a perfect spot to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 5 - Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

The azure blue of the water on a clear summer day, the cool wind blowing and gentle rolling of the waves, the quiet swirling of the windmills in the distant horizon, and a cool drink in hand, makes up a perfect lazy day on the beach.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 4 - Tahusan Beach, Hinunangan Southern Leyte

Sunset at Tahusan Beach, Hinunangan Southern Leyte

The beach looked nothing special, the sand is fine but dark grey which is much less attractive than the famous beaches in Boracay or El Nido but wait for the sunset...and the place turns magical!

Sunset at Tahusan Beach, Hinunangan Southern Leyte

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 3 - Sumilon Island, Cebu

Sumilon Island, Cebu

Sumilon Island is located in the southeastern tip of Oslob, a municipality in the province of Cebu. It is operated by the Summon Bluewater Island Resort which developed the island into a haven for those who want to worship the sun and see.

I don't want to reinvent the wheel so for more info, read this wonderfully written blog.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 2 - Mount Pinatubo Crater

Mount Pinatubo Crater

Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano located in the Philippine island of Luzon, near the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga and lies 55 miles northwest of Manila. After lying dormant for almost 500 years, it erupted on June 15, 1991 which according to Wikipedia, "produced the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century after the 1912 eruption of Novarupta in the Alaska Peninsula".

The eruption left a beautiful crater which rewards trekkers of a relaxing swim after a long walk and climb. Women can also enjoy mud baths in the abundant volcanic ashes which is said to have a lot of health benefits and result in softer, more youthful skin.

Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge: Relax - Day 1

Sailing the Sunset- Boracay, Philippines

I'm taking the Tsu 14 Day Original Content Challenge by Kathy Hull. I've chosen the Relax theme and aim to post my own photos of scenic places around the Philippines.

Nayon Contest - Sleep Part 2

I decided to also include this one to the contest so I will have 2 entries. And it turned out to be a good decision as this won 10th place. Thanks Nayon!

Taken at the Manny Librodo Great Gatsby Charity Shoot 2015

Model: Jimmica Felix

Designer: Jun-g Bayona Candelario

HMUA: Jet Babas

Nayon Contest Sleep - Part 1

Taking a break from my China photos. I was looking for an entry to our photography club's contest toady on the theme "Sleep" and came across this portrait taken last year from our Boudoir workshop in Singapore with the master Manny Librodo.

Model: EMMERIE CUNANAN

HMUA/Stylist/Designer: SWANTI SUWANNEE SETHI

Happy Lantern Festival

Chinese Lanterns

Today is the Lantern Festival in China, marking the last day of the lunar New Year celebration. Happy Lantern Festival!

Bored By The Traffic

Steet Scene - Quanzhou, Fujian, China - Feb 2015

A Child's Play

Boy with a toy gun and a Chinese flag, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Feb 2015.

The Most Charming Starbucks So Far

Starbucks, Shamian Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China - Feb 2015

I've been to a fair number of Starbucks around the world but this is the most charming one I've been to so far. The location, its exterior and interior could easily transport you to the timeless Victorian era.

They asked as to try the Nicaraguan blend which the staff claimed to be available in this particular branch only and has to be prepared in a special way. 

Worship - Shuixin Chan Temple, Anhai, Jinjiang, China

Shuixin Chan Temple, Anhai, Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Feb 2015

Cow With A Red Ribbon

Cow gets to wear a pretty red ribbon for Chinese New Year. Quanzhou, Fujian, China, Feb 2015

Anping Bridge, Quanzhou, Fujian, China

Anping Bridge, a 1.29 mi long Song Dynasty stone beam bridge in Quanzhou, Fujian, China.
Feb 2015