RELATED POSTS:
It’s more fun in the Philippines (part deux)
OF Carabao and Caramoan
Flashback Friday: Sabang Port
Weekly Photo Challenge: SUN
Reflection. It’s always good to reflect, to contemplate, or to mull things over. When your world is revolving so fast and you’re overwhelmed, when it drops a bomb on you and you have to react, or when it presents all its magnificent nature in front of you and you found yourself so blessed. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to pause and not jump immediately to the situation, and take a moment of reflection, compose yourself and sigh to what life hands to you, good or bad.
It’s a universal feeling- returning back from a vacation of a lifetime and couldn’t return back to reality. It’s hard to wake up, especially with the annoying alarm clock. It’s hard to stand up, drag your feet, and face your responsibilities. To sit and ponder, to find your peace, when nature is staring back at you, is a beautiful thing to do. The world is vast and wonderful, but it is also cruel and unforgiving. It is unstable, and that you need to locate your balance to everything. That, in every greatness, every grandeur, every splendour and all things glory and holy, it can be deathly. While its best to have moments of reflections, you also need to snap out of it for it can eat you alive and then swallow you whole. Too much reflection can bring you down, and pondering too deep can lead to procrastination. I know it’s a difficult thing to do but you need to stand up and shake that feeling.
Survivor Caramoan premieres this Wednesday, on September 19. I do wish and plead for you to see it even just the very first few scenes where they usually show the beauty of the location they are in. I’m just proud of my motherland. I’m glad that I’ve been to Caramoan. And that, I would want you to see what Philippines has to offer despite many setbacks.
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Philippines?
Featured Blog
Capture the Colours and let Lance Romel be your guide to some of the most beautiful locations in the Philippines. Take a tour to Zamboanga, Bohol, Tagaytay and more. Clicking on his blog, it doesn’t take a second for you to realize how captivating, arresting and impressive his photos are.
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Last Call:
I didn’t have much more to say about our trip to Caramoan than what I already narrate to my related posts. But I knew, even way back then, that I still old some pictures that I’ve been dying to share. To stop me from thinking too much, and to just let it out, I decided to segue it to Jake Printer’s Sunday Post. Thank you Jake for the save. Here’s the link to participate to his photo challenge.
This post is also a part of Flashback Friday. *sticks tongue out*
Categories: Flashback Friday, Nature, Philippines, Travel
The Sophomore Slump 
I can’t WAIT for Survivor! I will soak up every drop of your motherland. It is truly heavenly to view. I can’t imagine in person. It is easy to see how it must overtake you in those pristine surroundings.
Thank you for sharing.
As always, your images deserve their own gallery. Gorgeous.
I knew you’d be here! 😀 I remember you being a Survivor fan. I’m a big Survivor fan and I’ve gone to Caramoan. It’s double-y exciting for me to see it. It’s amazing when a blogger friend share the same passion.
Your end comment is a big one, thank you!
Beautifully said…there’s is nothing better than reflecting back on photographs, especially past travel adventures, that awakens the spirit!:)
Hello Desiree. I know you posted something recently about the same topic. I apologize if I steal your thunder. Hehe. But believe me, I’ve contemplated, contemplated, and contemplated on how I’m going to post this darn thing. Sleepless hours, coffee cups and slapping my face a couple of times before I made my decision. I really reflected on it, even last week. Also, I was late for my Flashback Friday post, so I used the Sunday Post Challenge and found Reflection. It’s only fitting that I go with the topic that you also have.
Did I recently do something along the same line? I don’t even remember and didn’t even think about that, so no worries 🙂 The more the merrier!
“The world is vast and wonderful, but it is also cruel and unforgiving. It is unstable, and that you need to locate your balance to everything.” What a profound statement! Glad you had a chance to get away and relax before getting back into the every day routine. Have a great week.
tchi, your comments always go to my Spam comments? Any thoughts why?
You are about the third person who has told me that. I’ve been telling people for years that people just don’t LISTEN to me! Now I have proof. Even the computer throws me into the SPAM folder!!! Yikes!!!!
Fabulous!
Thanks!
Rommel,
WOw, so love the pictures, the water is sooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful and blue. I think I need to make a trip over that way, thank you for sharing it with us… Hope all is well on your end! God Bless 🙂
Glad to hear from you,PJ. Hope all is well to you as well.
Yes all is well, just busy with the studies and of course getting inspired to write more, so I’m loving it… My brother finally made it back to the blogging community, so dont think he was ignoring you when you ask about me awhile back. He leaves blogging and always come back…
But your pictures of the water was like woah, thats all I could say when I saw it… God Bless 🙂
Beautiful photos. I can’t believe how blue the water is! I may have to check out the first few Survivor episodes (even though I’m not a fan – sorry) just to see the scenery.
Oh that would be awesome. I think some youtube videos may suffice after the first episode. If you did, let me know what you think. Thanks for the appreciation and interest.
Beautiful colorful scenes, beautiful places I hope I can see one day! Thanks for sharing them!
Thank you shofar. If not this one, I hope you do get to any serene location that are good for reflection. You don’t have to go far for that. 😉
You really are right! There are places near where we all live that we can enjoy that are beautiful, serene and a joy to behold. Like we are the only condo for blocks around that has a koi pond. We recently were gifted 3 baby koi that we’ve watched every day growing by leaps and bounds! And I sat on a bench one day at the beach, and to my surprise I spotted in very clear view, a humpback whale and her baby swimming close at her side! Thanks for the reminder to enjoy these blessings waiting for us!
Hi! thanks for dropping by and i’m glad you did, so i found your blog. beautiful, beautiful pictures. I envy all people with a travel blog and yet thanks to them i get to see the beautiful places of this world…:)
I’m sure you can create a travel blogpost of near places from yours. Thanks for the comment and nice seeing you here.
Beautiful photos…again. A very thoughtful post.
Thanks…again. 🙂
Haven’t been to Caramoan! Looks divine! Thank you for speaking beautiful things about our country…only a few does these days. Means a lot to the Filipino.
Philippine Tourism is not as booming as other countries. It’s only best to share the good things we have. I don’t have to lie anyways. 😉 😀
Gosh those little boats look funny from the end! What a terrific post Rommel, I hope I get to the Philippines in this lifetime, you’ve shown me such a beautiful place. I wonder if there are any myths and legends associated that you could share?
Yeah, most have motor boats. He holds a paddle. 😀
Myths and legends? I will find out when Survivor comes on. They usually tell stories about tribes and first settlers back in the days during the premiere. 😉
Nice series of shots. You may want to adjust the horizontal a bit on a few of the frames.
Ahihihi … The pictures are perfectly framed just fine for me. I don’t want to manipulate it that way. The boat was rocking anyways. Hehe.
Beautiful photos, love the scenery 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to comment Henriette. 🙂
My pleasure entirely 🙂
What a beautiful place that is, Rommel. I think it has to be put onto my Bucket List straightaway. 🙂 Those rock formations look very similar to the ones we saw on our visit to Thailand. Gorgeous!
You visited Thailand. Then, it shouldn’t be a problem with you visiting the Philippines. No pressure. Hehe It would be amazing to see from your perspectives.
Yes, we’ve been to Phuket a couple of times. If you look at my latest post, you’ll see what I got up to. 🙂
Gotcha! Me and my girl are planning to go to Phuket so guaranteed I’ll check that post.
Wow! Beautiful photos! I’d really like to visit there some day! So glad to have found your blog 😉
Welcome to the blog and thank you for commenting.
i hope to visit this place one day soon. beautiful 🙂
GO! 😀 If only that easy eh.
Incredible images!
Thank you, Darla!
What a gorgeous place. Stunning photos! Sort of puts you in a relective mood. Delish. Good for you!
Thanks Angelina! I think my sister on the second picture would agree. 😀
Absolutely amazing. I was in awe of every photo. What a beautiful place.
Amazing and beautiful, it is. Thanks!
Great…now I’m getting homesick for the PI! I haven’t even been back in almost 30 years, though I still have many friends in Pampanga. Mabuhay!
30 years!!! Yikes, it’d be like being there for the first time for you then. A lot has change. No matter where you’d been and where you’d go.
Yeah, I figured as much. I was long gone before Mt. Pinatubo erupted. I need to get back and visit my old friends. It will give me a chance to brush up on my Kapangpangan. Also, maybe I can make a pit stop in Baguio. I used to love going there as a kid. It would be fun to introduce my husband to my awesome past.
Ahihihi … exactly, esp. Baguio … a lot lot lot different now. I do hope your husband would nod for that Philippine visit.
Your photography and your words are stunning Rommel and your homeland breathtaking. Since following your blog I have added the Philippines to our bucket list. 🙂
That would be something if you did. Philippines in the eyes of LuAnn… sounds promising. 😀
Wow, that is breathtaking!
Thanks Fergie as always.
Thank you for taking us to Caramoan, Rommel! Amazing shots, as always! If I were there, I lost myself before “shake that feeling” 🙂 Enjoyed reading your eloquent writing!
Thanks for reading, Amy. I truly appreciate that. Have you ever had that time of being stuck after having a moment of reflection? I did once, and it was so hard to get up.
Have I ever had that time of… hummm… I normally mull things over for as long as I need, then let or make myself look at it from a different perspective. I like how you said about Reflections.
These photos are a feast for the eyes. GREAT ….!!!!
Thank you for the visit, Isadora.
These are really stunning pictures! I’ve never seen water this blue before! I’d love to visit this place soon! 😀
Not soon … pick during the Summer season. 😀 Then again, it’s either sunny or rainy in the Philippines. Thanks for the visit Vanessa.
I love the silhouette photo!
Thank you mellchan for the visit and for the comment!
‘Reflection. It’s always good to reflect, to contemplate, or to mull things over. When your world is revolving so fast and you’re overwhelmed, when it drops a bomb on you and you have to react, or when it presents all its magnificent nature in front of you and you found yourself so blessed. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to pause and not jump immediately to the situation, and take a moment of reflection, compose yourself and sigh to what life hands to you, good or bad.’
Just beautifully put Rommel…really beautifully put !!!!
And the images ain’t half bad either…hehehe
Hmmmmmmm…so um….why am I NOT on the ‘Blogs I Follow’ list ? Huh ? The fur babies told me to ask you that !!!!
? I’m following you, Jo. ? Long time ago … and for a long time to come … 😉
Awwwwwwwww…
🙂
Such a happy girl I am now to hear that.
Just didn’t see my pic among the photos and had a little crisis. Have lost the muse at the moment and seeking reaffirmation I guess. Oldies get that sometimes.
Owww! I see what you mean now. You mean the widget down there. It usually only shows the new ones.
That’s the one.
😉
So I’m old there too huh ?
Hehehehehehehe
😉
BWahahahahaha 😉 It didn’t give me any options. It is how it is.
Hahahahahahahhahahahah…oh shit.
ROTFLMAO…’cause I see Jackie there now.
😆
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Jo, I made it happened. 😀 See how I follow instructions from a woman. 😛
I see, I see.
😆
And following a woman’s instructions is the only safe way to live Rommel
😉
Ummmm…now…just don’t follow anyone else and I can stay on the top of the pile.
Jackie said that actually…she is a very bossy cat…and a female with claws.
I know this is how it’s like with the discussions on the comment sections of your blog. So much fun, I love it!
Oh I’m a FUN gal…wrinkled and these days I tuck my boobs in to my belt if I’m not careful [ouch] …but always fun. Weird too apparently so The Daughter keeps telling me. Nah…what would she know…she was born in the 80’s. 80’s people have no clue. They just think they do.
😉
You’re never too old for anything. i know I won’t. 🙂 how’s your cat?
She is on the ironing board in the dining room [that’s where I feed her to save her food from The Demented Fox Terrier] eating chicken that I just cut up in to bite sized pieces for her…talk about milking it….but seriously she is doing better.
🙂
Bwahahahaha! Gald to know, Jo. I knew it! I understood your energy. Hope it continues. Keep an eye on her still til she fully recovers.
I’ll be doing that for sure. Watching what goes in…what comes out. Sooooooo much fun…hehehehehe
This makes me wanna go visit my mom in the PI!
Thanks for sharing! Hope all is well
I too hope you can turn that into action.
Inviting waters! 🙂
Inviting waters, it is.
Looks like a nice place to hang out
I think my sister on that second picture agrees. 😀
What a beautiful place. That water!!!
Thank you for the visit, teamoss.
Reblogged this on I am Super Istar and commented:
Cancelled my trip to Caramoan for my birthday last July, now I regret it! 😦 I’ve read this is one of our best! Must visit next year! ♥
Oucha! I love traveling. I, personally, take travel over a birthday party. But for you, there’s always a next time. 😉 Thanks for the reblog!
You are most welcome Rommel 🙂 Have a great day!
Thank you “tukayo” for mentioning me, I’ll post more of mine as soon as i can, I’, in Zamboanga now 🙂 my dream grand adventure is in Caramoan, Hopefully next.. Kudos Meng!
No probs! 😉
I am so jealous of you right now……….!!!!! 😛 Ok, ok, love the shots!
Thank you, ioanna.
Rommel …. thanks for the follow. Looking forward to more of your beautiful pix. You have such beauty in your life.
Wow! thanks for sharing the best places in our country. I hope someday I can also travel these beautiful places. Thanks for visiting my simple blog. Salamat! God bless!
It would be like a crime not to share the beauty of our country to the world. Thanks for the visit, Lolo.
I thought this was Krabi at first. Nice photos! Makes me wanna plan a short island getaway soon.
I can understand why you were eager to share them 🙂 Gorgeous place!
This may be too late now but this post really deserves more likes. Bro, I have been quite a busy man for the past few months my apologies for being kinda numb during those times. Slowly, I am making up for the lost times amid the really tight schedule I now have.
Hope all is well with you.
I apologize from my end as well. Will get to you in time. Hehe. I’ve seen your amazing captures on FB. 😉
This post currently has 184 likes (my normal is 70 – 120). It gathered 5 FB link and 2 Tweets. 😀 I think I’m contented. The likes, WP only shows about 80+ gravatars on every old posts.
Kudos to that!
I’m happy with how far you’ve gone. Certainly, you deserved it. What you’ve been showing is really extraordinary.
oh wow you’ve been here in Cam Sur, awesome, thank you for featuring the Caramoan peninsula. it really is a beautiful place! ^^
Caramoan looks good in Survivor. Can’t wait for the next episode.
I keep on re-visiting this post because I am dreaming of the waters of Caramoan. And I always am amazed by your wonderful pictures! Hoping this year, I would be able to see and experience the place.
Beautiful! I have wanted to travel to the Philippines for a long time but there is so much there it’s hard to know where to start. This helps.
You can always go back to this blog and click my Philippines tag 😀 if you do decide to go there. 😉
Yep, you were right – it looks like paradise! Once again, beautiful photos!