spidey's back in boracay

check out the rest of the pics here:
http://twistedgrooves.multiply.com/photos/album/47/boracay_2009

sd 550 met an accident

my everyday shooter had an accident. i can still turn it on and off and view, delete, etc. the problem is the zoom lens, it's now misaligned so i can't shoot anymore. i'm taking her to canon's emergency room asap.

5dmkII video

astig! our country's best videographers working together for this project.
The First All Canon EOS 5D Mk. II Wedding Video Shoot in the World from Mayad Studios on Vimeo.

rest in peace papapipopu

the only time i had an encounter with "the man from manila" was during the days of zach and joey in the morning. Pia or pkarroyo, his wife, was active in the group and quite a few times francis would join the ym conferences. i got to chat with papapipopu a few times and we usually talked about photography as we were both new then on the hobby. it was a starstruck moment for me as i grew up watching and listening to this guy. too bad i didn't get to meet him in person even after stalking their house in antipolo hehe.

anyway, i'm really sad but i'm sure he's in a better place. we lost him here on earth but heaven gained another soul to make music for all the angels and saints.

rest in peace papapipopu.

Best balls ever in Bantayan

Post notes of my cebu trip (my first).

1. The place is mini Manila - there's traffic, pollution and hawkers; there are big malls and hotels; the downtown area is similar to Cubao, Recto and Divisoria; the street food is dangerously full of oil haha. But I didn't see squatters, hmmm.

2. CNT Lechon is NOT the only litsunan in Cebu, so you better try the lesser known ones like the ones infront of Prince Warehouse club because they taste better. I had 4 meals of lechon in 5 days and i didn't even get to the famous Talisay and Carcar towns. I must go back for more pork adventures.

3. Bantayan island is a must for weary souls. It's not the most beautiful and not the next Boracay (thank God) but it's charming, quiet and mysterious. If you've been to General Luna in Siargao, that's where I can compare it to.

4. Check out the homemade balls (shrimp or fish) infront of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, a 16th century church in Bantayan town. If Anthony Bourdain says that Cebu lechon is the "best pig...ever", these shrimp balls for me is the "the best balls...ever".

5. I just read Ivan Dy's blog and now I hate myself for not trying the buffet dinner at D' Jungle restau in Bantayan. 30 courses with bottom less iced tea for 245 pesos and I let it pass. GRRRRRR!!!

6. Other highlights - seeing the candle sellers/praying women at Magellan's cross and Basilica (this is where the Sinulog dance originated from); eating at SNT and a sutukil type restau; seeing the Cebu night scape; riding the habal-habal 11 kms to Bantayan market and another 11 kms back to Sta Fe town with all the seafood, liempo and pandesal that we bought; catching two magnificent sunsets at the beach; and finally praising and worshipping God with my GG and 7,000 other Singles for Christ brothers and sisters.

That sums up my 5 days in Cebu and I hope to be back soon to explore the other islands like Malapascua, Olango and Camotes. I would also love to have some more foodie outings when I go back. Photos to follow. :)