What else could you ask for if the two things you loved most comes handy? For me, that's what we call pleasure and I'm thankful that I'm back to blogging and photography. I finally had my second Nikon DSLR cam after several weekends of abstinence in gimmicks and fancy resto visits. Good job, right?
Last week I was also able to experience my first ever solo out-of-town trip in Lucban, Quezon to attend the Pahiyas Festival. I was actually reading blogs about Philippine festivals and randomly browsing photos as the month of May is when feasts like this are being observed and among all, my eyes captured the wonderful colours of Pahiyas in the most vivid state. Eager to learn more, I checked the date for this year's festivity and then boom, that's just 2 days away, May 15! Being the adventure girl in most ways, I planned and read everything that I can absorb so I can make things possible to reach Quezon with or without a company.
Waking up at 330 am Saturday May 15 was never dragging, unlike typical work days! I was in Cubao at around 4am choosing which bus should I take, JAM or JAC. JAM looks better but it was full and may take another hour before the next bus leaves so I crossed and took the Lucena trip care of JAM Liner, fare was Php 218. Unfortunately, the traffic was really crazy in Alabang, I didn't notice that there was a huge fire causing the delay as I was enjoying my cozy seat and superb air-conditioning. It took me 5 hours to reach Grand Central Station in Lucena and mind you, there was no stop-over at all so I was really holding my pee, my goodness! Then as soon as you stepped out from the bus, jeepney barkers would of course welcome you with their husky voices yet screaming "Lucban, Lucban! Pahiyas, Pahiyas!". So over all, commuting there is not really a challenge and taking a jeepney ride made me feel like a grade school so excited as I get near to my destination. I am also overwhelmed with how beautiful Mt. Banahaw is, God's creation is again at its finest. I don't know how to describe it but there's some sort of mystery and magical feeling just seeing its summit covered with clouds, is that eerie? Nope, I guess the holiness of Mt. Banahaw radiates that it would want you to think, look back and take part for caring our mother nature.
I took another tricycle ride going to Lucban proper as the City Council organized the parking slots in the town to give way for the tourists who's as amazed as I am looking at the gigantic, colourful and extravagant decors made of Kiping. Sobrang kinilig talaga ako! And silently, I told myself that I made the right decision to come here. It's nice to see foreigners all around, appreciating the Filipino culture, having those wide smiles as they pose in every house they passed by. A lot of photo enthusiasts were also there, flashing their high-end cameras and lenses, and enjoying each pictures they took. And me being alone also made the most of it to capture every moment and every colours that my eyes set in to. I have accepted beforehand that no one will take photos of me so I made myself busy instead configuring and setting my aperture and shutter speed to produce vibrant pictures which I will be proud of when I come back to Manila.
I also went to this restaurant, I was there twice but I don't know why on earth did I not ask for the name of the establishment. For all I know, the ceiling is inspired by a Japanese Minimalist and the Longganisang Lucban and Pansit Habhab deserves a one big burp! The sun was really perfect that day, its rays made the colours more lively but made people really exhausted I think. There was a huge human traffic in the area and I can feel my sweat flowing all over my body, my small towel didn't help at all. By the way, I also had a chance to meet Rochelle and her friends near the Parish Church. Finally, somebody took a picture of me and when I saw it, I looked like Dora the Explorer, matched with a pink hat and a backpack, haha!I left at around 4pm because I'm afraid that I might get stranded if I go home at night, I'm pretty sure that a lot have only planned for a day trip as well.
This phototrip is my kind of adventure. Mind you, if I'll get paid for taking photos and writing travel guides for a magazine, I will definitely trade my career for this. I am very proud for this achievement because not all girls can do the same thing, not all girls have the courage to go to a place they've never been before, all by herself. Not all girls are willing to step out from their comfort zone. But me, I made a difference and I strongly believe that this defines the "Independent Woman" within me.
~ Colorful hats ~
~ This house seems to be very much prepared ~
~ This is where I had lunch. Minimalist design. ~
~ The only hotel I've seen ~
~Pahiyas is all about magnificent colors ~
~ Looks like the carabao hates paparazzi ~
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