Canon Powershot SX50HS Captures: Moon

Test shot: Moon photo taken using Canon Powershot SX50HS

Last December 21, 2013, I finally got the chance and money to buy the camera I've been eyeing for months, the Canon Powershot SX50HS. It's definitely an upgrade to my ancient Canon Ixus 80IS. Don't get me wrong, that point and shoot has served me efficiently for years. It's a very light camera that captured 99% of the pictures seen in this blog. A travel buddy for six years that I decided to give the Ixus a rest for a while now that the Powershot is here.     

My main reason why I choose the Canon Powershot SX50IS over any newly released DSLRs out there? It weighs lighter than usual dslrs (which makes it a great travel camera), it's cheaper (need I say more) and best of all, it's a super zoom camera - 50X baby! It simply makes this camera an outstanding photography gear.

So on the first night that I bought the powershot, I took one its famous test shot - the moon shot. To make the shot even more special, the night of December 26, Philippines experienced the longest night of the year or what experts call the winter solstice. It marks the time when the sun lies at its farthest point south of the equator, PAGASA said. Darkness will set in at 5:32 p.m. and last until 6:16 a.m. the following day, or 12 hours and 44 minutes of nighttime. 

moon as seen from our house window

handheld: more zoom and you get to see this amazing view of the moon...

Tourist Spots in Sagada (Photos)

scenic view from the road (Banaue to Sagada)

Below are some pictures of the most visited sites in Sagada.

Sagada: Marlboro Country Photos

The Marlboro Country of Sagada may not be that famous as that of other tourist trails but still equally beautiful and breathtaking. We chose this off the beaten path and braved the morning chill as we trek the hillside offering a vast of mountain silhouettes and a playground for photo enthusiasts. Let me share a series of photos shot during the actual trek.

Photos: Sabang Beach, Palawan

panoramic view of Sabang Beach

We stayed and took our lunch at Sabang Beach while waiting for our scheduled afternoon trip at the Underground River. Sabang Beach is hugely popular to tourists as it's the where most packaged tours with free buffet lunch is given.

Palawan: Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour

hundred year old mangroves

The province of Palawan has the longest coastline with the largest remaining stand of mangrove forest (40,000 hectares approximately). It contains 43% of the total mangrove forests of the Philippines and Puerto Princesa is a city in the country where the total area of mangrove forests do not decline, but are increasing. Thanks to responsible locals and a supportive government, the Palaweños surely knows how to conserve, protect and care for the environment that relatively supports the community's livelihood back.

The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour is a highly recommended activity when in Palawan. Aside from being an educational tour, it will help make tourists realize "why" the province cradles many of the world's most clean and beautiful beaches and other natural wonders because of the bakawan or mangroves existence in the area. Below are some pictures taken during our educational boat tour with Lady Mangrove as our tour guide :)

Garden Shots: Colours in Bloom

closer look at yellowbell

Had a hunch to get my camera one misty morning and just roam around the garden and take some gorgeous blossoms. The digital macro feature of my Canon Ixus 80IS did a really wonderful job.

Admiring Full Moon

There seems to be some sense of mystic when one sees a full moon. The night is much brighter and the dramatic blend of colors from the clouds would a just make one wonder with awe. My eyes recently wandered to the night sky 2 days after the famous "supermoon" phenomenon happened. The photos below were captured as usual using my canon ixus 80IS with the help from it's digital zoom feature, a 2 sec exposure time and a steady hand. I certainly recommend using tripod when you want to capture the night sky with a much lower ISO, say 80 and play with exposure.

Full Moon

 2 days after the supermoon phenomena

Lake Sebu Summer Hiking Adventure

I had the chance to catch a quick look up on the forested mountains of Lake Sebu during our family’s Gift Giving Mission to the Tiboli Tribe. Last summer of 2010, I came back along with new faces as well as adventure seeking personalities.

hillside view from the road going to Barrio Siete, Lake Sebu

The adventure starts here!

Southern Blooms (Amazing Floras and Faunas Up Close) Set 2

More flower photos taken from Balben Family Cove in Lake Sebu. Discover more of this hidden garden charm at their official website: http://balbenfamilycove.blogspot.com/
To view Set 1 click here

are these Cinderella's glass slippers? :)

Southern Blooms (Amazing Floras and Faunas Up Close) Set 1

A day of relaxing at Lake Sebu means strolling around the naturally landscaped garden of Balben Family Cove and taking photos of plants in full blooms. This piece of land nourishes a collection of flowering plants in vibrant colors and indigenous ornaments in varied hues, shapes and textures.

Philippine Farm

My parents would always make sure to bring me and my siblings to their respective farms whenever we get a chance to spend some long vacations at the province. I will never forget my very first farm trip experience – my first ride on top of a carabao, when we ate our lunch placed in banana leaves, the thrill I felt walking in the rice field, how I was amazed by the way the locals pick their fruits, my first taste of a sugar cane…and I was so young back then! These memories that retained in my young mind inspire me to know more about how life in a farm is. Yes, it always excites me to see new sites but what I love the most about travelling is visiting the familiar places that bring back some good old memories – like a Farm! Read more of our farm trip from my travel blog "It's a Farm Life"

Sarangani Highlands: Great Food and Amazing Views

Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant changed their name this year to Sarangani Highlands Resorts after expanding hotel rooms and spa. A great way to attract more tourists coming in, after all this is Cong. Manny Pacquiao's official jurisdiction.

Philippine Skies

These photos were taken during my solo flight from Manila to Mindanao. I had a great time taking pictures up in the air!