555 Goes to Baler

Finally, a good way to start the year. 555 Manila is our photography group wherein we enjoy photography and enjoy each other's company. You may join us next time. Please CLICK HERE for inquiries or our FB page.
555 Manila in Pantabangan. Our first stop.



This is one way of enjoying photography and adventure. Fun and friendship makes everybody happy. First stopover was Pantabangan just to see how lovely this place is. We will get back here for a different shoot.

The Pantabangan Lake view.
The Pantabangan Dam view.

Just look at Master Noli Gabilo. Lucky to have him part of 555 Manila. He takes all wonderful photos for the group. You would see him anywhere just clicking and taking candid snaps of you.


Master Noli Gabilo in action. 
The rest of Team 555 Manila.
Taking the Groufie.

From Pantabangan, it's a hour and a half drive to Baler. Zigzag road comes in, prepare your vomiting bag! We all headed to Sabang beach, this is in front of Costa Pacifica but there were no surfers today because of the strong waves.

Strolling along the boardwalk.
The drone captain.
The Master.

From Baler proper, we always stay with our "suki" in Diguisit Beach.  Resort's name is Dela Torre and you may contact Lani through 0920-5096849 for your reservation. The place has a beach front but not perfect for swimming however perfect for photographers. You may cook in your place and 4G signals are intermittent depending on the wind and rain. 

Some photos taken from Fuji XT2 & XPro2 with 18-135mm & Samyang 12mm lens are posted below. Wasn't able to gather a perfect sunrise/sunset but nonetheless, the bonding and stories made the difference.

"MOVING AHEAD"
"OUT OF THIS WORLD"
"SHATTERED PIECES"

Just a 10 minute drive from the resort, there is this waterfall just along the road. Again, another haven for photographers as this is the easiest way to practice your photography skills!

Diguisit Falls.
Easy setup for everyone.
20 steps to test your waterfall photography skills.
Hayley in action.

And to top this off, we won't leave the area without a group shot. Here's the official delegate of 555 Manila to Baler. The other photo shows Master setting up the group shot across the road.


Master setting up the groufie.
Master, Hayley, Brands, Gid, Tynn, Jopet & Jay.

And then just a 5 minute drive, you'll hit Aniao Beach. It's another photographer's haven but too bad, we didn't get any chance because of the shy sun hiding behind the clouds.

Tynn in action.

Trying to make the most of the weather.

"WATCH IT"

And to cap it off, a sumptuous dinner cooked by our driver "Ismael" erased all tiredness to happy smiles. Just look at our faces.

Dinner time!

The following day, we had to wake up at 4AM since we will be driving all the way to Dipaculao.  This is a 45 minute drive from where we are staying and this is famous for the Ampere Rock Formations.  The sound of the waves is thunderous. Make sure to bring your flashlights before heading down the area.

Sunrise in Ampere Beach. 
The drone captain preparing the flight path.
The muses never fail to make the scene a beauty.

When the sun failed to show up, we transferred on the side. The crashing waves is a sight to behold. Just look at the size of the rock us in the following photos. Thanks to Master for doing this for us.

Look at those waves!
Awesome!

No sunrise but have to take some shots of this lovely place.


"FAST FORWARD" 
"SPOT ON"

What about our group shot? Never miss it here! Check it out.



Breakfast time! Just a minute drive and you head to this Lugawan across Ampere Beach. It's good and it's very cheap. Imagine a 40 pesos congee??? The food, the wave sound and the ambience. It's all in Baler.

557. The Magnificent Seven.
While everyone is eating, Master is doing his craft.

After burping... Off we go to our next location. This is in Ditumabo Mother Falls. It's an hour drive from where we were. This place is a classic hit. It's quite filled up with people during holidays however not this time. A perfect place to shoot wonderful falls with your camera but take note never to miss to dip in the cold water. This is a totally different feeling. Everyone just have to try it.

Take off.
First river crossing.
Second river crossing. This is the deep part.
Large rock that damaged the pipeline recently. A landslide just happened 3 months ago.
Master doing a Rexona ad.
The last river crossing.
Fill in the frame.

While we were shooting, the macho guys dipped and braved the cold water. I did too! It's a must try for all.

Batman & Robin. 
Tarzan taking a dip.

The place is very picturesque especially now that there are no people scattered and messing the area.  I used a Fujifilm XT2 + 18-135mm in all my shots. I was too lazy to replace my lens and was very excited to take a dip.

"FEEL ME" 
"OVERFLOWING" 
"PULLOVER" 
"SHAPE OF YOU"

Group shots? Anyone?





Heading back, we passed by Ermita Hill. It had this view.

"OVERLOOKING"

Again, sunset disappointed us but that's life. We still tried in our area and that's how it goes. :)

A scene outside our beach resort.
Fat & Tin.

Before we leave, make sure to check our video from the trip. Please check the link by clicking THIS.

The following day was sadder since it was raining. We had to leave early as well... Vacation is over. See you again next time 555! 

Copyright. Jopet Sy 2018.

Comments