Month: November 2012

Panam Pangan Paradise

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“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous”.  ~Aristotle I had no idea what kind of paradise I was getting into when I ventured into the southernmost tip of my country.  This island chain province of peace loving citizens are always affected by media portrayal of turmoil and violence in these parts of the archipelago. So much so that when I announced to my friends and family that I was traveling to Tawi-Tawi, the question was WHY and WHAT FOR? And my only reply was BECAUSE. Because it is there.  I have seen the tiny specks on a map and wondered what life is like in those parts.  I have seen few images of its seascape and I wanted to confirm if it was truly that stunning.  A few times, I thought I was lucky to go, then news reports of peace and order in neighboring provinces would surface, and the trip was shelved.  I’ve read blogs of a few brave journalists who went there on their own and wrote good things …

Scaling the Great Wall

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“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb”. ~ Nelson Mandela Scaling the Great Wall via Badaling Route This UNESCO World Heritage Site is very touristy and congested in the Badaling route from Beijing. It may be a little difficult to recognize from the serene pictures you see on the net and books. For a photographer, it becomes a feat trying to find a spot to capture its “zen-like” ruins, without being pushed or diverted by a shuffling crowd.  Not recommended for those suffering from vertigo and fear of heights. Then again, you will encounter a whole family gently holding on to a grandmother who looks to be a hundred, nimbly stepping on very steep stone pavements, while a throng of tourists are hyperventilating and waiting behind them.

Sunset in Tawi Tawi by Jojie Alcantara

Nature’s canvas

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“A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci This sunset can be viewed overlooking the sea where we stayed in Sandbar Lepa Resort in Tawi Tawi.  As it gave its last peek before disappearing from the horizon, we quietly captured it from our cameras, silenced in awe. If I were to relive this moment over and over, I will most likely be staying longer in this island and coming over to this spot each day. Tawi-Tawi is an island province southernmost of the Philippines, located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian East Kalimantan province.  To the northeast lies the province of Sulu and to the west is Sabah in Malaysia, which one can visibly see on a clear day from its highest peak, Bud Bongao.  Tawi-Tawi also covers some islands in the Sulu Sea to the northwest, the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi …

Food trip

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I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime “associates,” food, for me, has always been an adventure. -Anthony Bourdain Food photography for Sumo Sam Restaurant (American-Japanese fusion) for M Magazine, natural lighting …and it’s yummy too. 🙂 More of my food photography

Jojie alcantara at sunrise in Tawi Tawi © Karlos Manlupig

Embrace the unknown

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“Too many of us are hung up on what we don’t have, can’t have, or won’t ever have. We spend too much energy being down, when we could use that same energy – if not less of it – doing, or at least trying to do, some of the things we really want to do.” ~ Terry McMillan, From Disappearing Acts

When life is breathtaking

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“In the end, it’s not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away.” ~Shing Xiong Sunbather at Puca Beach, Boracay, Philippines  2006 Update:  Out of all the islands in the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose to name Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012. Located in Malay, Aklan, Western Visayas, Boracay is just seven kilometers long, and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point – a postcard-sized tropical paradise. (source)

Life is a daring adventure

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“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller Skimboarder in Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental during the 12th Sambuokan Festival 2012 © Jojie Alcantara Mati is known for its long, gorgeous coastlines of white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters perfect for surfing. View more photos here

Never stop being a kid

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“Never stop being a kid. Never stop feeling and seeing and being excited with great things like air and engines and sounds of sunlight within you. Wear your little mask if you must to protect you from the world but if you let that kid disappear you are grown up and you are dead.” ~ Richard Bach, ‘Nothing by Chance,’ 1963. Demo paramotor gliding in Dahican, Mati City during the 12th Sambuokan Festival View more photos of Sambuokan Festival here

Rise above your challenges

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“Man must rise above the Earth — to the top of the atmosphere and beyond — for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives”. ~ Socrates Demo sailing in Baywalk, Mati City during the 12th Sambuokan Festival In my younger years, I led a sheltered life. I was afraid of venturing out on my own, of taking risks.  At a major turning point in my life, in defiance of betrayal, pain, depression and anger combined, I gathered my wits together and went out of my domesticated box. Stretching my worn out limbs, I started to conquer my fears, one by one.  It included fear of rejection, of commitment, failure, and stark fear of heights. I came out a new, daring person –the process was never easy– and I never looked back. Today,  I specialize in aerial photography, among other things.  One day soon, I shall tell you how I confronted it dramatically. View more photos of Sambuokan Festival here

Nurture young dreams

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“There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality.” ~ Jonas Salk A young skimboarder dreams big in the skimboarding competition held in Dahican Beach, Mati City during the 12th Sambuokan Festival Mati is known for its long, gorgeous coastlines of white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters perfect for surfing. View more photos here

Guangzhou’s Cirque du China

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I am a long time fan of the Cirque du Soleil.  I collected every CD of their performances since the 90s. Years passed and this Canadian world class act finally invaded Las Vegas, came to Southeast Asia, and even performed in Manila. I never got to see them yet. However, in 2008, I had a wonderful opportunity of watching Chime-long International Circus in Guangzhou, China. It was breathtaking.  While Cirque du Soleil  concentrated on human performances, China’s pride has man and beast performing harmoniously together (think White Tiger with performers), and it always brings a full house everyday in Chime-long Resort.  As the world’s largest permanent circus, founded in 2000, with more than 8000 seats in the circus stadium, the circus performers are a merry mix of colorful races plus a horde of talented animals.  The spectacle equals one fantastic show combining the best international circus acts. Read my article about the “world’s largest permanent circus” or view my photo gallery. Related links you may want to view :  White Tiger of Guangzhou