Taal Crater

I finally had the free time I needed to work on some of the photos I have taken during my Luzon trip. Though I still have some pictures that I need to work on, I am glad that I am making progress.

This is the picture of how the crater, of the active part of the Taal Volcano looks like. Contrary to what you see on almost all the post cards featuring Taal Volcano, which you can also find in my previous post, Taal Volcano , that is no longer an active volcano. It has been long dead.

Though we didn’t have the chance to be up close and be at the actual lake inside the crater, this view is already amazing in its own ways. To get to see this view is total test of endurance, especially for someone who is not used to do mountain climbing or trekking. But for someone who does it professionally, this trail is a piece of cake. Sadly, I belong to the first. Regardless how tiring it was to get this part of the volcano, it was all worth it. Mind you, what we came for is a view of the active volcano, not a dead one.

Life Through My Lens. My Photo Journal

Taal Volcano

The wondrous Taal Volcano.

When I was kid, I used to pass by Tagaytay on my way to my father’s place in Batangas. Every time I ride the bus, I make sure I sit on the left side. That is to give me a perfect view of the Taal Volcano. And wondrous place never seize to amaze me. But all the while, I just pass by this place. I never really had the chance to stop by and admire it for a little longer than usual.

That changed when I was in college. On our field trip, we stopped by Tagaytay and specifically for picture taking purposes. Finally, I had the chance to look at it at a still position, for a little longer time.

My third time stopping by Tagaytay happened just recently. This time, I have my Canon Rebel XS with me. So I took all the shots I can take until I get tired or until I get satisfied with my shot. We were at the place at around 3 pm. Too harsh for descent shot. Even if I did get a good shot, it is most likely to be an over exposed image. And if by luck I get the chance that the sun would hide in the clouds, the area going to the Taal Volcano is still foggy, so most likely, my shot would not be that sharp.

After many trials, I finally came up with a descent shot. And maybe next time, on my way to fathers’ place, I will stop by again, intentionally, and get me a better picture. And hopefully, that next time, the weather will work with me.

Life Through My Lens. My Photo Journal

Luzon Road Trip - Day Two

This is the second day of the IDC Christmas party, team building activity. This is probably the most tiring day for this trip. But I am not complaining. I am very much satisfied. This one experience I will never forget.

First stop: Home cooked breakfast. Well, it is not really our first stop but it was the first thing we did. Erick woke us up at six since it was the guys turn this time to prepare the breakfast. So we cooked some bacon, and eggs, and hotdogs. We had the typical Pilipino breakfast.

Second stop: Conquer Taal Volcano. This is the event of all the events for this whole trip. Starting off the with a very steep road going to Taal Yatch Club, from there we rode a pump boat to cross Taal Lake and on to Taal Volcano. The lake was not as calm as expected so we got splashes from time to time. After the boat ride comes the torturing task of all, to trek the Taal Volcano. With our brave hearts, we decided not rent a horse and walk the trail instead. One forth of the trail, our married companion couldn’t make it anymore, so they decided to rent a horse instead. The rest of us, we stood by our decision that we our going to conquer Taal Volcano with our own feet. And we did, when we reached the top, the site was just amazing. I have never been this close to a volcano’s crater before and I would say it was worth all the trouble. Now all we have to worry is going back, trekking the same trail again.

Third stop : Casa de Carlo. We went back to the pension house, got our bags and left.

Fourth stop : Leslie’s at Tagaytay. Now we get to eat. And boy did we eat a lot. I guess we were too tired from the trek and right now we just want to relax and pig out, but before we ate we had our exchange gifts and I got me a very cool Francis M, Three Stars and A Sun t-shirt. After we lunch, we had some photo shoots with the Taal Lake and the Volcano on our background.

Last stop: Pansol, Laguna. We stayed at another resort. We rented the place overnight with the pool left to ourselves. And it’s no ordinary pool. It is one hot pool. Natural hot spring is what’s Laguna’s know for, specially in Pansol and boy the water is hot. But who cares, it’s just us and the pool.

And so i am off to my trip

And so I finally decided I would go with the IDC team to Manila for the year end team building / Christmas party. That is how they call it. I, on the other hand, call it, the Luzon road trip.

So why did I decided to go? Well, first, the 13^th month pay is due tomorrow. That means I will have some extra cash to spend for the trip and buy some things for the trip as well. It is also pretty boring if I will be the one left at the office while the rest of the team is out on their adventure. I obviously didn’t want to be left out.

So what should look forward to tomorrows Luzon trip? I guess the trek to the crater of Taal volcano. I have never been to crater of Taal Volcano. The closest I got was as close to how visitors get to be every time they drop by and take photos of the Taal Volcano in Tagaytay. In short, an island away.

So, I am off the internet is next few hours to get me some sleep and some rest. That is because I will still have to work half of my shift