I was going through some old files when I stumbled into these pictures my wife took during a vacation trip to the provinces. I was struck by the beauty of the simplicity of life presented. She told me that the pictures show family members riding the beast of burden, the carabao, their produce that they will sell in the market. You can also see the family dog that chose to swim. The second picture is the same people but riding a raft made of bamboo. They are on their way home and I bet their house is as humble as their means of transportation. It made me think, with the kind of complex life we have, maybe these people are the lucky ones.

Jun

See the dog swimming beside the carabao?


This took my breath away. You can feel the coolness of the air, the sound of nature and the anticipation of rest.

Beautiful. Jun, where in the Philippines were these photographs taken?


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

Hello Bulleye. It's in Nueva Ecija, northern Luzon. Have, you by any chance visited the country in the past?

Really some good pics jun.Well past my bed time here.Yet I always enjoy your post.Take care and keep on posting,I've never been to your part of the world.It looks like paradise.

DG

DeathGrip, I'm glad you like the pictures. There are really a lot of places here that are worth seeing. Unfortunately, we also have people here that gives our country a bad name. The paradise have it's own share of 2-legged snakes.

Jun

Jun,

Yes, I spent two weeks on Bantayan Island around Christmas in 2007 and another week in Cebu around New Years. I have never been more touched by the sincere and humble faith of a group of people than I was in the Catholic Church in Santa Fe on Christmas morning, 2007. What lovely people. Photos attached.


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

Define "simple". I do Revolutionary War reenacting, when people say life was "simpler" back then I reply live there for a month then come back and report.

Bullseye, those are very nice pictures. Good for you that you got to visit and go around the place. Did you get a chance to see the shrine where Magellan supposedly came and introduced Christianity? Anyway I'm glad you had a good time.

Jun

I think I'd rather ride the carabou - it looks less likely to tip over.

Really beautiful and exotic - a whole other world.

Jun,
Wonderful photos, thank you for posting them.



Barb,
Google tells me a carabao is a domesticated water buffalo sub-species (I learned something today). Carabou look like this (top) and you would not want to ride one!

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"I also cook."

I did visit it, Jun. In Lapu-Lapu as I recall. And, saw the Lapu-Lapu Shrine. Went to the sea shell market on Mactan, which was simply amazing. Spent some time at the Daoist Temple ("The Purple Bamboo Forest"), which has got to be one of the most outstanding examples of Daoist architecture anywhere, including inside China.

I recall having to go through a secured gate to get into the community where the Temple is located in Cebu. I remember the guard was one of the toughest looking individuals I have ever met anywhere. Armed with a cocked-and-locked 1911, by the way. . . .and an M-16 slung over his shoulder.

I'd love to return to the Philippines soon. Where do you recommend? I presume northern Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, Iligan) would be considered safe for an American who likes to strike out on his own (with a hired driver), but I don't necessarily want to focus on Mindanao. Best volcano for an amateur landscape photographer?

A few more pictures of where we stayed on Bantayan, a place called the Hohoyoy Villas, are attached. Really lovely staff and setting. The villas are modeled after traditional rice granaries, but the main structural supports are reinforced concrete painted to look like wood. Air-conditioned indoor living area, indoor-outdoor shower with orchids growing in it! Mangos, Philippines' sausage, and great coffee in the morning. We sang Christmas carols on Christmas Eve in English, Spanish, and Cebuano. Fantastic!


Best,


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

Nice pics Jun. I did notice in the 2nd one, that the dog is a passenger instead of a swimmer. Must have gotten tired out by the end of the day! As far as having some bad people that give the country a bad name, I think everywhere has that problem. People just have to look beyond the bad to see the good.

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Misty

Bullseye, you can visit Luzon too. You can go to the former US bases Clark Field and Subic Naval Port. From there Zambales is not too far and they boast one of the best mangoes you can find. Mt. Pinatubo is in that area too, Mt. Arayat in Pampanga(they are renowned for their cooking skills), Taal volcano in Tagaytay City and more. We also have Mayon Volcano (perfect cone) in Bicol.

Here are a couple of pictures of Taal volcano area.

The Volcano is in the middle of the Taal lake.



Jun

BTW, although it's fun, I would suggest to always be with people that you truly know and trust and not be too adventurous by just going out and flagging down a jeep or taxi alone. Just to be on the safe side my friend.

Jun

Jun,

Thanks so much for this. Could do a volcano tour. I appreciate your advice. I always make arrangements for a driver through someone trusted (hotel, consulate, etc.) but if you want to recommend someone on Luzon, I'd appreciate it. I will let you know how this trip shapes up for later this year.


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.