Field of Weeds

Morning Rain

Here's a picture I took on the bus ride to Bicol. We were running very late on our schedule, thanks to the heavy traffic caused by the roads being developed. In a way it's good since the bus being late led us to have the perfect beach bon fire.

Zao @ Eastwood

Bicol: Camarines Sur - Caramoan

View from the cove on our island number 2

Caramoan is one of the country's emerging favorite destinations with its very exotic beauty. Its name has been taking prestige not only locally but internationally having been the set for 3 survivor series.

View en route to Caramoan

Travel will still be a little inconvenient since there are no major roads going to Caramoan's town proper. The easiest way to Caramoan is by a 2 hour boat from Sabang Port. The transfers will be worth the hours of painfull sitting when you see the beauty of the changing colors of the sea and the very scenic view, an appetizer for what's next to come.

At the town proper. Some stores were closed since

there was a power outtage when we visited.

When you reach Caramoan, you'll be greeted by a very warm and simple town. At the islands, expect pristine water, lush vegetation and white sand - Perfect setting to relax in.

Back to the Resort

On our way back to the resort, after the long wait at one of the islands, with RGH feeling the wind. Twinkle and I wanted his spot but the roof won't be able to handle all 3 of us, and so we settled to feeling the wind at the head of the boat. Thanks to Twinkle who took the shot.

The Mourning Papu

Here's a picture of our Papu, our family's saint, dressed to fit the occasion to mourn the death of Christ. It was a Good Friday then and he's all ready for the night.

Papu had been with the family for quite a long while now and I would always hear of strange but totally amazing things about him. It was said, and I notice this too, that there are times when you look into his eyes and you'll know if he's sad or happy. I swear! It gives me the goose bumps but I know this first hand.

The time I took the picture, I felt he was sad and I understand entirely why. Weeks after, Cho Herrar, my lola's brother, passed away.

There have also been stories that Papu would at times wink at my Titas and Titos, and my cousins. Very playful Papu I should say.

It's been very nice to see Papu that time after years of haven't been visiting the province. Next year, I'll try to visit again. I hope to see him dressed up for the Wednesday procession. That's his most handsomest and the one I always miss. :)

Traffic Guy

Here's another picture I took while on the road to Pangasinan. This traffic enforcer was standing still and the traffic was slow (the most natural thing to do, for me, was to take the picture). I never knew what he was supposed to do. Well, he kept his spot and was just observing. Maybe he's waiting for something to happen. I was hoping I could go out and ask if I can take his spot to take photos.

En Route To Pangasinan

Took a picture of this road sign near the the toll gate along the NLEX on the way to Pangasinan with the "Happy Shiny People."

Daet Dried Fish Market

The rows of tiled counter tops are meant for fresh fish, I think. Daet still is majorly, an agricultural community. At least the area that surround it are. Most still live by fishing, with it being near the sea, it's not surprising that they also make a living out of selling dried fish.

Right at the back of the rows, in the picture, are where they sell dried seafood. They sell my favorite daing na pusit. That's the only one I like. The rest are just all the same to me.

20-Peso Ticket

We went to Mercedes, it's a town about 10 minutes away from our province, Basud, and 5 minutes away from the town proper of Daet. In there is a port or wharf (I don't know the difference) where fishermen market their day's catch. People go there to bid for fish at the time when they're sold wihtout the mark-up. And yes, it's a bidding process you have to go through when you're there.

They only sell using a type of silent auction. We call it "Bulungan," which directly translates to whispering. Buyers will have to whisper their bid to the auctioneer and, of course, the highest bidder wins.

Though we would go there on a Good Friday, this time we went on a Black Saturday and we came late in the morning, little near noon, and so all the biddings have been done and the churn of people mumbling has been replaced by fishermen hoping to sell their late catch. I missed the sun rising from the dark sea into the purple and orange sky. The feel of the cool morning breeze has turned into the scorching of the mighty sun.

Nonetheless, it was good going back to the place. The unpleasant stink helped me reminisce what I had missed (ironically, it was the unpleasant that reminded me of the pleasant memories). But going back to the photo, it's a picture of the ticket we paid as entrance to the port. Twenty for cars and five, I think, for tricycles. A small price to pay when you can buy at really cheap prices. We went home with shark, crabs, and different types of fishes we don't know the names of all for a little over 500 (mind you, we bought a lot). The bad part is that they all stank at the back of the car.