MANILA, Philippines ? Participants in our third Batanes Photo Safari have bonded like brothers and sisters. For three days, they took photographs of glorious Batanes and prayed in the chapels and churches we visited.
Extra challenging for them was the rock-climbing activity at the Diura Fishing Village. They explored the Japanese Tunnel and learned about fashion photography at White Beach, where they saw high, ?Hawaii Five-O?-like waves.
Values
For Tim Gucheco, the experience was one of a kind. Dan Ferreras said seeing 40 people working together on the thatched roof of the Honesty Caf in Sabtang allowed people to re-experience traditional Filipino values like the bayanihan spirit.
In Batanes, the terrain may be rugged, the climate hostile, and the winds harsh, yet its people are gentle. Dong, Tetat and Nicole Aquino noted how picture-perfect the place was ? it was hard not to be amazed by its natural beauties like the Rolling Hills, the rock formations, and the lovely sunset.
Karen, Mark, Linda and Mario Madrid plan to return soon. Mike Villavicencio likens the experience to bonding with friends and nature?s beauty. For Tin Gotauco, the place was like a picturesque painting come alive. Rainer and Lora Mae de Guzman draw inspiration from the island paradise?s purity and simplicity.
Helen Sia and Irene Tan agree that Batanes made them feel at home. The Calderons remember the province for its good people and great food. And, very appropriately, Rod Sollesta calls the place ?the brightest gem among Philippine jewels.?
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Join our Amazing Batanes Photo Safari on April 28-May 1 and May 8-11. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767. Learn portraiture, naturescape, jumpology, architectural, abstract and fashion photography. Fly via Seair and stay at the Batanes Seaside Resort and Restaurant.
