SEAIR InFlight August – September

Excerpt from the note of SEAIR InFlight Editor:

“So what are you doing towards the end of the year? August, September and October are good months to travel in the Philippines, with good rates available for those who look.

Romblon, a grab-bag of islands known for its marble – the kind that adorns the floor and altars of most Philippine churches – and unspoiled sandy beaches, comes high on my holiday list.

I travelled to Romblon some years back and have fond memories of Looc Bay marine sanctuary, the sparkling clear waters of the deserted beach at Cresta de Gallo, the non-stop feasts laid out for us by local folks, and the general warmth and generosity of the people.

Traveling to Romblon is no longer as tedious as it was years back when I went, but there is still some trekking and roughing out to do – as our InFlight editorial team discovered. (See cover story on pages 42 to 55). From Cobrador, they trekked two kilometers in alternating sun and rain lugging cameras, laptops, and bags.

All that effort was rewarded when they caught sight of a secluded sandy beach sparkling in the sun. And as luck would have it, there was a thatched cottage by the beach that opened its doors for them to stay the night and discover a freebie patch of paradise. It’s not a five-star bling resort; there was no electricity, no fancy food, no touristy crowd, just a lovely beach, warm, invigorating sea, and fresh air.

If that’s not enough, we’ve gathered a list of some of Romblon’s most beautiful beaches – beaches that rival Boracay, but without the crowds (See sidebar on page 56). “

Credits:
Cover concept by: SEAIR InFlight
Photo by: Erik Liongoren;
Art direction by: Jocas A. See;
Fashion styling by: Janet dela Fuente;
Makeup by: Rocky Orejola;
Modeling by: Cianne Xavier Simoes for IM Agency;
Location: San Pedro Beach Resort, Talipasak Beach, Romblon Island

Coverstory inside photos by: PARC Cruz and Jocas A. See

Cover design by: Jocas A. See

Anne

“It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness.” - Paul Strand (1890-1976), American Photographer

Lust

God knows what I crave
For that I won't be save

Satan like what I desire
For that I won't deny

Poem by the author

Baguio: Revisited

The first time I was in Baguio was a company-sponsored trip back in 1998. I was so excited, mainly because I will be travelling 270km away from Manila through Kennon Road then. Second, it's going to be a memorable one for sure since I was with my closest officemates. Third, Baguio was one of the must-visit destination, long before the island of Boracay.

When we were there, we rented a transient house for 4 days and 3 nights. Then, we went to the usual tourist's destinations of Baguio -- Burnham Park, Mines View, Philippine Military Academy, hike up the 252 steps to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, bought some souvenirs at Good Shepperd Convent and even went to the Strawberry farm in La Trinindad, Benguet. It was a fun-filled experience I have shared with my former officemates. And that was Baguio in 1998.

Fast forward to 2009, while I was in the office doing my usual mundane office routine, a news suddenly burst out in the air that we will be having a flight to Baguio this coming September. As I've heard that news, a spark suddenly lit up my eyes like a boy who can't wait to open his birthday gift present. My memories of Baguio came back like hundreds of arrows from my deep memory bank fired up to the sky down in front of me — I was so excited.

Days later, I was in Baguio.

I'll be posting my 2009 Baguio experiences one by one after this post. For now, have a wonderful day ahead.

Photo: Misty Baguio. A view of Veterans Memorial Park along Harrison Road

SEAIR InFlight June – July

Excerpt from the note of SEAIR InFlight Editor:

"Experienced angler Tony Barrios hadn’t been able to make it on the flight out to Batanes for our fishing cover story. But another angler, Gordon Uy, was willing to help. Our writer wasn’t able to make it either and recommended Chip Childers, who comes from a family of anglers.

...Chip wasn’t able to catch a fish. The weather was not good, fierce waves rocked the boat, photographer Ferdz Decena was seasick and threw up. And then there was an accident at sea, when the fishing boat the editorial group was renting broke its propeller.

When I finally got the story and the photos, it was with a sigh of relief.

When you go out at sea to fish, you put yourself in the hands of the elements, and learn to respect and enjoy it. As one fisherman once said: “Fishing is like lovin. You have to take it slow.”

Cover design by Jocas A. See, Photo by Ferdz Decena

Déjà vu

Days ago I was thinking of a new blog — more of a creative outlet of my not-so-new hobby which is digital photography — so, I made anew to have a different feel and perspective. As I tinker the dashboard page down to its Widgets, I’m thinking of copying my profile’s description from my “other” blog. And when the browser opened my supposed "other" blog, and to my amaze, it said: Blog not found… Wow!

I held that blog for 2 years. The entries was so personal and I have a new list of topics I was planning to post on it soon. But come to think of it, it has a reason why it was suddenly erased.

So, to make my mourning cut short for the lost of my old blog, I welcome you to Rain Walk — my new blog.