Against The Wind
Net Net Mo.
I know this entry’s title is from a cheesy 90′s love song. I still wonder whey the band is called Michael Learns To Rock when most of their songs make you want to kill yourself on valentines day but again, I digress.
The world’s climate has gone awry and Malapascua is feeling it. In the last few weeks the sky has been gray that I am starting to forget what to call that big ball of fire behind the clouds. The last 3 days have been a little different. Although not very much so. The sun (oh yeah, that’s what it’s called) has been playing peek-a-boo and the wind has been quite strong. Not strong enough to change the landscape but enough to prick your skin on the beach at it whips the sand. It is more evident on the north end of Bounty Beach beyond most of the resorts. I was walking this after noon and saw a fisherman fixing his net. Judging by the pile behind him, I think he’s got so much done. I also realized that weaving is a necessary fishing skill. There goes my fishing dream out the window.
Imminent Mist
in HDR
It has been raining in the past weeks. There are days when the rain seem to have exhausted itself like today. It’s nice to see the sun during the season when it’s supposed to be sunny. I hope there will be no precipitation tomorrow as I am not ordering it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The Ax Man
A coconut's greatest nightmare.
Mounds of coconuts were on the sandy ground of Malapascua this morning. 3 men we busy working on removing their flesh to be dried under the sun and be shipped to the mainland for refining. It reminded me of my grand parents’ farm. The only difference is they dried the coconut flesh over fire on a smoke house. Ahh…the smell of the cooking coconut. It makes me want to abandon the beach for a bit. Nah! Maybe not. LOL!
The Other End
in HDR
Colors of Movement
unWatered Colors
When the light is low, the subject is moving and the flash just ruins the shot it is not the end of the world. Drag the shutter. The longer exposure will blur the image. Depending on what you want to achieve it can create a sense of, but not limited to movement, speed, chaos and time passing.. Spoken like a true master eh? LOL!
With the number of shots I had to make before I got this I can’t really call myself a master. However, it does really require a little bit of experimenting. A tad too long and the ghosting will be too much, a little to short and it will look like a panning shot gone bad. Just keep shooting. Throw the rules out the window, but make sure the viewer can still see a little definition of your subject. But then again I have already broken the rules so you can pretty much destroy it if it satisfies your vision.
Sinulog: Malapascua Style
Team People Power
No, it’s not EDSA revolution but the noise definitely made it seem like people are overthrowing a dictator. “Pit Señor” was their battle cry and they danced as if it was their last.
Sinulog: Malapascua Style
Flower Power
UnPrisoned
Eager to see.
Before we get to the main event, let me show you some of the festival’s sidelights.
The Malapascua Sinulog Grand Showdown was held in the basketball court next to the islands main church in the Barrio. With the whole place crowded with locals, tourists and the occasional photographers some resort to watching the show from inside the church. This girl was looking around before the show started. She made a short contact with me and that was my cue to press the button.
Sinulog: Malapascua Style
Spirit Toes
Most of the boys were rehearsing barefoot under the late morning sun.
Sinulog: Malapascua Style
Spirit Fingers
The resort received a solicitation letter from the office of Malapascua’s business sector. The letter was asking for sponsorship for the island’s Sinulog Mardigras. Last week, Cebu’s festival of festivals was held in the city. I did not know Malapascua holds it annual mardigras and dance competition as well. For the unfamiliar, Sinulog is an annual festival done in the honor of Sr. Sto Niño (the child Jesus). You could read more about the festival and it’s schedules here.
Last night and early this morning I heard drumbeats. I was certain it was coming from one of the nearby basketball courts. So with my camera in tow, I searched for the source of the sound. I only had to walk for a good 3 minutes before I found the group of kids learning their moves to the beat of a drum ensemble. I feel for these kids, some of them were rehearsing with no shoes on under the heat of tropical sun. This being a religious festival, I am sure they are all doing it in the name of the Sr. Sto Niño. And perhaps to win tomorrow’s competition.
For those who want to witness tomorrow’s festivities, there will be a fluvial parade at 10 am. Those staying in resorts along Bounty Beach need not move much as it is the main route of the parade. At 2 pm, have your cameras ready as the “Grande” parade will be painting the beach in multitudes of color, dance, smiles and good spirit. Head to the Barrio’s basketball court to witness the Grand Showdown of the contingents at 4pm.
See all y’all there and send me some love when you see me with my cameras.