Six [Photo-Hunt]

Pier 66 in Seattle, WA

Posted for Photo Hunt

Caramoan: drive-by shootings [Watery & Outdoor Wednesday]

@ mirandablue

Hugging approximately 70 kilometers of mountainous coastline from Sabang to Caramoan had revealed the natural rugged beauty of this isolated area of Camarines Sur. We were expecting endless summer sunshine during the trip but got cloudy skies and rain instead. We were tired, and the unpredictable weather made us a bit anxious during the 2-hour boat ride. But the sight of green rolling hills, wild cliffs, quiet coves and sleepy villages relaxed us somehow. These are all drive-by shots---the sea was a bit choppy, and with our small outrigger boat, the ride wasn't exactly smooth. Good thing I got some not-too-blurry photos.:p

@ mirandablue

@ mirandablue

The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust

@ mirandablue

Posted for Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Culapnit Cave [My World]

Looking for some thrill and adventure while in Caramoan took me and my friends to Culapnit Cave on Good Friday. We walked for more than an hour (it felt like 3 hours) before reaching the cave at Sitio Bariw in Tabgon. Culapnit Cave got its name from "kulapnit" which means bat in the local dialect. Thousands of bats live inside the cave, good thing they were all asleep when we visited. I've always wanted to see thousands of bats flying out of the cave at dusk--unfortunately, it was in the middle of afternoon when we came out.

Various rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites are found inside the cave, marbleized patterns on the walls; a dried up cascading waterfall left a terraces-like formation. There was fresh, cool water from an underground stream. The cave is well-maintained---it's clean, no musky, damp odor and there were no graffiti on the walls. Some passages were too narrow we had to crawl on our stomachs to get to the other side.

that's me, crawling--my CAT instructor would be proud!:p
the mysterious cave-keeper

our guide/lightman

stalactites
a croc's mouth?

knee-deep in cold water

climbing to the exit

almost there!

My contribution to My World-Tuesday

Puente de Malagonlong [Sunday Bridges]

One of the few surviving arch-type stone bridges in the Philippines that was built during the Spanish regime is Malagonlong Bridge or Puente de Malagonlong. A declared historical site by the National Historical Institute, Malagonlong is a 445-foot long bridge built in 1840-1850. This was the longest bridge ever constructed during the Spanish era with approximately 100,000 adobe blocks used. Located in Tayabas, a town in Quezon province 3 hours south of Manila, Malagonlong Bridge crosses the Dumaca-a River and connects Tayabas to towns of Mauban and Pagbilao.

When I took this photo last year, motor vehicles were no longer allowed to pass this 160-year old bridge for safety reasons. A modern girder type bridge was constructed about a 100 yards from this charming stone bridge.

Posted for Sunday Bridges

Bubbles [Photo Hunt]

"Words are mere bubbles of water, but deeds are drops of gold."

~ Chinese proverb

The new president and vice-president were proclaimed by Congress the other day. People from different sectors are expecting the newly elected leaders to fulfill their promises of reforms and seriously address the issues of corruption that hounded the Arroyo administration. Noynoy Aquino promised "change" while on the campaign trail---I hope he would back it up with actions as soon as he assumes office.

Happy 112th Independence Day, Philippines!

Posted for Photo Hunt