Photography Experience

Known for its beautiful scenery and aquatic resources, Guimaras Island is one of the most visited places here in the city of Iloilo. If photography is one of your hobbies, then Guimaras should be listed as one of your subject. Summer is yet to come; however, going to the beach is not something I can only do during summer. In fact I could come as often as I can especially if the beautiful island of Guimaras is just around the corner. I mean, literally. Guimaras Island is just about 20 minutes away from Iloilo travelling via pump boat. And Island Hopping is just one thing you could do aside of course from swimming in the clear waters of Guimaras.

The journey to the island is already a start of a wonderful adventure. Knowing that you have to travel via boat is something that doesn’t happen every day. Unless of course if you live in the island, but for someone like me who live in the city. Riding a pump boat surely is fun especially with salt clear water splashing all over your face, makes the ride more exhilarating. So the travel from Iloilo to the port of Guimaras is something that is really worthwhile. We travel 45 minutes by land from the port of Jordan, Guimaras to Alubihud beach resorts where we chose to settle with our things. Because the island is yet to be developed, we traveled in the high mountains where you can see a magnificent view of the beach lined with white sands and rocky shores. I could really use some expertise in photography with the sites before me. We also saw vast lands planted with mangoes which are the main product of Guimaras that they export throughout different countries. It is amazing knowing how this small island contributes a lot in our countries exporting business.

As we set foot in Alubihud beach resort, the view of the water kissing the white sandy shore makes me want to jump out of my clothes and into the deep blue clear water of the sea.  Good thing we arrived early for at the middle of the day, the resort was jam-packed with local tourists. I can’t complain, the place is perfect for relaxation, especially as we settle down in our cottage we could feel the cold-warm breeze of fresh sea air which makes me want to close my eyes and sleep, which later on I did. After lunch we decided to go on with our activity, Island hopping!! We rented a pump boat that will serve as our tour for the day.

First stop, “Tortoise Island”. We visited a small island where Tortoise lay their eggs and the inhabitants of the island ensures the safety of these eggs until they hatches and starts returning to the sea.  You could also touch a mature tortoise if you want to, but we chose not to, we’re afraid we might stress out the animal. Next stops are the different private beaches of the island. We also went through the “Baras island” cave where bats flew everywhere. “Baras” is the local term for sand which primarily describes the island which is famous for its white sands which could be seen through the crystal clear water. We went through the different islands for almost two hours, saw different coral reefs and exquisitely built mansions standing magnificently on the rocky shores of the islands which are privately owned and silently wishing that I could someday have my own island, which makes the trip more gratifying.  Lastly, we settle on a small island with white sand where we chose to swim with the fishes. As we go back to Iloilo, a beautiful view came to the picture, the Sun setting.

I was able to practice photography all throughout our journey, pictures of the different islands we visited was taken and of course of ourselves too.  We went home exhausted but with a satisfied grin and smiles in our faces. We may not have an agreement, but I know one thing, we would surely go back. It is not actually the pleasure that the place could give which makes people like me coming back, but having the feeling of contentment of having been able to witness nature in its most glorious state.

“The Ruins” as what the Bacolod natives called it, is one of the best places that i’ve visited in Negros Occidental, Phillipines and also the perfect place where i was able to put into practice my skills in photography.

Having been listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage, “The Ruins” is a must-see for everyone. I was really amazed at the beauty of this place giving me a feel of Greece. The mansion itself is a picturesque and magnificent view leaving me in awe. The 4-tiered fountain fronting the mansion and blooming flowers around it is a beauty as well. Everything around it is so beautiful and they even have this “camera trick” wherein they use a piece of glass  to make the picture looked as if there’s a river in front of the mansion reflecting its beauty. It’s so awesome that you really have to try that one! It is a perfect place to do a photo shoot for weddings, birthdays and some events to add up in your portfolio.

Another thing which is so interesting about this place is its history and the story behind this magnificent structure. Well as you can see “The Ruins” is actually the remains of the mansion during World War II. It was built in the early 1900’s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson but unfortunately the mansion was intentionally burnt to prevent the Japanese soldier from using it as their headquarters. So there goes the sad fate of this house considering it was built in memory of his wife Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau who died during her 11^th pregnancy. No wonder “The Ruins” is always top listed for wedding receptions because it was built with love that they even call it the “Taj Majal” version of Philippines.

How romantic indeed, and to add up the romance here’s really something to look forward to as explained by our tour guide: Every sunset “The Ruins” turned into a mystic palace with shades of purple and pink, then at sundown the blue and golden sights of the mansion is an utterly beautiful ambiance. Oh I could have just imagined how it looked like…too bad we were not able to see it ‘coz we are in a hurry to catch up for the last trip. I will definitely go back there and take photos of that other side of “The Ruins”. Can’t wait to experience photography again in such a breath-taking place like this one so for now enjoy the photos.