Visit Taal, Batangas: A Photo tour

We visited the Poblacion in Taal town in Batangas. Heralded by some as the Vigan of the South, Taal boasts its majestic St. Martin de Tours Church, the largest in Asia, and other historic houses surrounding the poblacion. We were lucky to have been blessed with relatively good weather when we came.

We did a day tour of the town. We left Manila at around 7:45 am. Met up with the other members of the tour group (brothers and sisters) at Petron in SLEX and by 8:30 we were on our way. Traffic was sometimes bad especially in toll exits like Calamba and Lipa. There were some stretches of construction along the two-way road after the STAR tollway. Overall, it was not that bad.

We arrived before a little over 11am and we proceeded directly to St. Martin de Tours church.

We had lunch at Don Juan Boodle House, a short walk away from the Church.

After lunch, we proceeded to Marcella and Felipe Agoncillo's house.



I missed traveling. Good thing we decided this impromptu daytrip.

Luray

Bonnie Springs

As a big fan of the wild wild west movies and video games, I searched for nearby ghost towns or abandoned villages where we could visit and take pictures. I came across Bonnie Springs ranch, an old western village turned "theme park" where kids and adults can enjoy and make believe living in the old town west.

We had a great time looking at old western structures, riding the mini train, petting the free animals and watching the funny skits from the hometown cowboys.

Bonnie Springs

159/365

Red Rock Canyon

Just 15 miles from the Las Vegas strip, one can enjoy the marvels of nature by visiting the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park, which is officially part of the great Mojave Desert, boasts the beautiful red and orange streaks of sandstone formations.

The park has a visitor center where you can strategically take photos of the panoramic view, and a 20-plus mile scenic drive which gives you different perspectives of the canyon.

This area reminds me of my favorite video game, Red Dead Redemption. Makes me want to play that game again... :)

Red Rock

158/365

Vegas Cityscape

It was good to see Las Vegas for the first time. It was unlike any other city we've been in here in the US. First of all, it's strategically situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Second, I don't know any other city that thrives in fun... and "sin..."

Vegas was so laid back and relaxed despite the busy sidewalks and the bad traffic. It seems like everyone knows that everyone's here to have fun.

Took this photo while we were strolling along the "Strip."

Busy Vegas

157/365

Arlington Cemetery at Winter

Another throwback photo of the Arlington Cemetery. It's tough to shoot during winter but it's also good as I am able to go back and see what I have shot the past few years. :) 

Arlington Cemetery at Winter

150/365

5 February 2015

©JReyes

Such Great Heights

"They'll see us wavin' from such great heights, 'come down now!' They'll say." --The Postal Service

Photo was taken from the top of the Washington Monument. This is the view of the tower's East Side, showcasing the Smithsonian museums and the US Capitol.

Such Great Heights

146/365

©JReyes

Georgetown Strip

Georgetown Strip

142/365

28 January 2015

Constitution

Just a random photo of the National Archives while I was out with the little boy.

Constitution

124/365

9 January 2015

©JReyes

Capitol Christmas Tree

As my last post on Holidays, I present the Capitol Christmas Tree. Though the background may be framed with scaffoldings due to restoration, the tree in front of it is still a sight to see for tourists and locals alike.

This may be the last Holidays post for this season of the 365-day challenge. As I am writing this, I thought of two resolutions for the coming 2015. These are:

1. I will try to search for ways to learn and explore new things; and
2. I will try to always be a blessing to others.

Cheers to 2015! Looking forward to new adventures of the new year!

Capitol Christmas Tree

Day 120

5 January 2014

New Year's Day at the Basilica

We heard the last of the batch of New Year's Day masses in the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in NE Washington, DC. Although it was the day's last mass, the upper church was still a full house to hear the 4:30pm batch.

When mass started the sun was still shining but afterwards it was already dark. It was great to see the shrine's bell tower illuminated majestically.

Happy New Year!!! I welcome 2015 with faith and hope that everything will be better and brighter than the last.

Basilica Bell Tower

Day 116

1 January 2015

NYC Skyline

We were back in DC this day but just wanted to share another photo I took of NYC skyline from the 86th floor view deck of the Empire State Building. I needed to push the ISO up a bit but to my surprise the noise is still fairly minimal. 

Can't wait to go back in the summer to shoot the Brooklyn side of the city skyline. 

NYC Skyline

365-day challenge, Day 112

©JReyes

Lost in Times Square

You will definitely get lost in Times Square during this season. Millions flock the streets of Times Square to see the sights, sounds and scenes of Holiday New York.

Lost in Times Square

365-day challenge, Day 111

27 December 2014

©JReyes

Lost in New York

We made a quick pitstop to NYC to see some Christmas scenes and sights. There were LOTS of people in New York, mostly probably would be staying there until the New Year's ball drop. 

Lost in New York

365-day Challenge, Day 110

26 December 2014

©JReyes

Boathouse Row

On Christmas night, I asked my cousin to take me to Philadelphia for a quick photo walk before dinner. Here's one of the photos I took that night.

Merry Christmas!!!

Boathouse Row

365-day challenge, Day 109

25 December 2014

©JReyes

Monster Unleashed

When you walk along National Geographic Building in M Street you will never miss this gigantic model of what is believed to be the biggest carnivore in the Cretacious period: the Spinosaurus. Juancho and I decided to do a father-and-son activity by visiting the NatGeo museum and view the exhibit of this enormous discovery. Being in DC surrounded by 10 free Smithsonian museums, I initially though that this museum is a ripoff for charging $11 just to see two exhibits. But then after we went through the two exhibits I sort of appreciated the extra charges as these exhibits bring out new perspectives at history and pre-history.

By the way, the other exhibit is called Food: From farm to fork. It was equally interesting to know where the food on your plate comes from and how it gets there.

Monster Unleashed

365-day challenge, Day 92

8 December 2014

Tracks

Days off give me the opportunity to explore a few parks close to where we live. On the way home from DC, I decided to drive by Old Town Alexandria, VA. Instead of taking the usual route in King Street, I decided to take the sides streets. Then I passed by Oronoco Bay Park by Madison Street. It's by the Mt. Vernon trail, where, beside the running trail, runs an old train track.

It's a great park for walking pets, children, or simply for those looking for a relaxing view of the Potomac River. 

I took a photo of the train tracks. I waited for a train to pass by but then after 3 hours of waiting (jk), I figured this is no longer operational. :) 

Tracks

365-day challenge, Day 57

3 November 2014

©JReyes

Georgetown in Autumn

While waiting for a visiting former classmate from Singapore, I decided to take a quick stroll of Georgetown. Instantly I brought out my camera to take a few shots. The streets were filled with foliage and most trees were burning bright orange.

This time, I'll post not just one but a few more autumn pictures from Georgetown.

Dumbarton

Street

Climb

Loner

Autumn Streets

365-day challenge, Day 52

29 October 2014

All images ©JReyes

Adoring Autumn

Autumn for me is the most beautiful season (no offense to the other three). I so love the mix of colors, weather, even the people's mood are just so... beautiful. A good mix of fire trees and the thought of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all approaching probably contribute to it's beauty. That is why I spend time to stop and take lots of pictures of people, landscape, and other scenes related to autumn.

Here's one of the photos I took of DC Autumn this year.

Adoring Autumn

365-day challenge, Day 45

22 October 2014

©JReyes

PS: Shoutout to my Dad on his 60th birth anniversary. Love you dad!

DC Basilica

Among other towering structures and beautiful architecture, the District of Columbia is also the home of The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, by far the largest Roman Catholic basilica  in the United States, and of North America. It is also one of the ten largest churches in the world.

My family frequents this beautiful church to attend masses and pilgrimages, and we also insert this place to our list of destinations for our regular tour duties. :)

Photo of the day is brought to you by: The Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC.

DC Basilica

Day 42, 365-day challenge

©JReyes

19 October 2014