My Vietnam Trip…

Weekend travel is really non-stop (and soon will). After diving at Dayang Island in Malaysia, my same travel stuffs (e.g. nike gym bag, lowepro bag that contains my D300, D70, wide angle and portrait lenses and tripod) will be off with me again – with the usual travel attire of walking shorts, comfortable shirts and slippers.

It’s time to go to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

It was a trip that’s much anticipated. Not because of some personal expectations, but because of the company that I went with – closest friends here in Singapore – the trip that succeeded the ever-long forgotten trip in Bintan, Indonesia.

It was an early flight, unlike my other previous travels which where done after work - by bus or by plane. With a normal itinerary, I woke up 4:30am, prepared for the journey, met up at the airport, boarded and gone to the destination. In a very short while, Ho Chi Minh story started upon arrival to the city airport.

My first impression with their airport was – “nanliiit tingin ko sa airport ng pinas”. It’s clean, not that big but sufficient and looks like a mini-Hong kong airport for me.

Our general Vietnam itinerary focused on 2 places – Ho Chi Minh and Cat Tien. We arrived early at HCMH so we had time roaming around the city and stroll to their known landmarks. On the way to the Renumeration Mansion, there’s one thing that shocked us all – Jollibee! May Jollibee sa Vietnam. Though we dreamt of eating it before leaving for Singapore, it was not achieved, unfortunately.

Diving at Dayang Island

What’s the common factor between Shawshank Redemption, A series of Unfortunate Events, The Incredibles and The Man of the Year? Think hard! None (as far as I know, baka mapahiya ako haha!). But for sure there’s one common thing that Finding Nemo, Spongebob and Dyesibel share and it has something to do with underwater world.

As one of my items in my “bucket list”, it’s now time to fulfil another dream – to discover the underwater world.

Sai, a fellow photographer and the award-winning comedian from Davao who keeps on speaking to me using ‘our’ native dialect (gamay makasabot bai, dili dako. Nosebleed ako lagi) referred his officemate to me because he knew that I want to pursue diving (and eventually, underwater photography). So he introduced me to Jerric Gan, a master diver. Jerric then introduced me to James Ng; who eventually became my divemaster for the Open Water Diving Course. James handed me a thick book that I need to read and some questionnaires to answer. That’s the main ingredient for the written examination.

By the way, Sai is also a divemaster.

Theory days came, then written exam (that luckily, I was able to pass) and then the confined open water dive. It’s time to apply what I’ve read – from a book, to a deep swimming pool. But before the actual lesson started, every student performed the prerequisites of diving – swim 200m (the pool is 25m long so I had to swim 4 rounds) and float for 10 minutes. That damn first requirement made my joints soar.

Actual open water diving came. We left Singapore last Friday (April 11, 2008), travelled 3 hours to Mersing, Malaysia and rode a ferry for 4 hours to Dayang Island. We stayed 1 night in the ferry and 2 days and 1 night in the island.

The weekend was full of fun, excitement and thrill. I completed the 5 dives, including the leisure dive and I really felt extraordinary during my last weekend trip to Dayang.

Alexandra Macro EB…

I always wanted to try macro photography but didn’t have time to do it. It’s either I didn’t have time (because of out of Singapore trips) or there’s no one who initiates the EB. That’s why, most of my macro photo shots were more on flowers and plants.

Last week, someone initiated an EB. Thanks to Sai, the award-winning comedian from Davao. I got the interest and that day was blocked.

Early morning last Saturday, we met. But the day before that, we met for Tanjong Rhu EB. What an addiction! Haha! Although Rhea came, it was only Sai and I who spent the whole day shooting the butterflies. By the way, we went to Alexandra Hospital’s mini-botanical garden with ample butterflies to shoot.

It was a test of patience at first. It’s just like, I already positioned myself, my tripod and already viewing in my viewfinder and the only task remains is to press the shutter when suddenly, your target flew. It happened a lot of times. But then again, as advised by Sai – chill, relax and don’t be pressured. So I did his advice. I positioned myself in a certain area where butterflies normally settle then kept myself composed so that they won’t be disturbed. That plan was so effective.

All in all, I got some satisfying shots. But not yet good though. Macro photography is so strict; I failed to follow them to most of my photos. But then again, first timers normally commit mistake.

Here are some of the photos I got:

Tanjong Rhu Night Shots…

It was a night to remember in Tanjong Rhu. Maybe because it’s my first time to be in that place. But I guess more than that, absolutely, because it’s EB time again with PinoyGraphers@SG. It happened last friday.

The day was started with a good one. I didn’t realize that until Sai sent me an SMS, “and ganda ng ulap na gawa ni Lord!” (the clouds made by the Lord is beautiful). I didn’t have time to get my camera from my lowpro bag because I’m a bit late. No, not a bit, but so late.

End of work, gathering time and so we headed to Tanjung Rhu. It’s actually just in front of my office window (I’m working at Millenia Tower) but we actually took it a bit long cab ride, because a coast way separates the Central Business District (CBD) from our target place.

We were so blessed to have a very good sunset scene, inspite the weather’s threat to pour rain. Thanks to Eman and his answered prayer.

Over the fence, walked thru, then pwesto (position)! We’re right in front of the Singapore CBD and the Singapore flyer. Setup, then we started to shoot. Here are some of the photos I got during that day: