"Tales of a Pinoy travel junkie" lakbayPinas's Profile

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with the giant anaconda at Zoobic Safari

Just a VT newbie, so please bear with me ...

lakbayPinas is a project of a simple guy from the Philippines who loves to travel and take photographs.

Presently a web applications developer by profession, and a wanna-be travel photo-journalist and Philippine tourism promoter by passion.

Over 15 years as a pro musician during his early adult life, having worked for some time in Singapore, and in Tokyo and Yokosuka in Japan. Also has toured very briefly in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, Germany; in Brussels, Belgium; in Paris, France; in Stockholm and Linköping, Sweden; and in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Once a stranger in his own homeland, now intends to see and learn more about it, and hopefully, be able to merge his modest web programming skills and photo documentaries to convey his experiences.

And in his own little way, be able to help promote tourism in his beloved native land.

Below are just some of the reasons that inspire him to travel.

The country’s pristine natural bounty

the 2000-year old Banaue rice terraces

The Philippines is blessed with a wealth of captivating islands, majestic mountains, fiery volcanoes, sloping hills, beautiful white sand beaches, enchanting caves, coral reefs, waterfalls, rivers and lakes.

Vast tracts of land and sea spread over the archipelago have been declared as protected landscapes and marine sanctuaries. These also serve as home to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, either endangered or endemic to the country.

The color and energy of Philippine festivals

Kadayawan sa Dabaw

Almost every major town and city celebrates an annual event, traditionally in thanksgiving for the graces and bounty received from the town's patron or patroness, a culture imbibed during the Spanish era.

Other festivals commemorate historic events, while for me, the best festivals are those that showcase the rich ethnic culture of the various indigenous peoples of the country.

Colonial places of worship

the Church of San Agustin in Panglao

The Philippines is home to hundreds of centuries-old churches dating back to the early years of the Spanish colonization of the archipelago.

Today, these colonial churches, some considered as national treasures for their cultural significance and distinctive architecture, still stand amidst the country’s modern cityscapes and continue to play a key role in the spiritual development of the nation’s over 60 million Catholics.

At home with indigenous folk

Ifugao elders in Banaue

Descendants of the country's original inhabitants, the indigenous peoples of the Philippines consist of a large number of ethno-linguistic groups spread all over the country.

These cultural communities have managed to resist centuries of foreign colonization and have retained nuch of their unique customs and traditions.

Historic sites, ancestral homes

old-world charm of Calle Crisologo in Vigan

The country has gone through a rich historical past, with over three centuries under Spanish rule, interspersed with short-lived French, Dutch and British intrusions, along with over thirty years of American rule and a short-lived Japanese occupation during the Second World War.

Museo Filipino

diorama of a kulintang performer, Davao Museum

The country is not lacking either in museums and galleries that showcase Philippine cultural and historical heritage.

featured ... :)

TraveLife Magazine, March-April 2009 issue

Sometimes the images I least expect to get noticed are the ones that turn out to be what others appreciate or find some use for.

This photo of Kennon Road I did some months back was included in TraveLife Magazine's On the Road feature, March-April 2009 issue :)

original image

My thanks to Alexis Aldeguer-Aragona, Managing Editor, and of course my utmost thanks to the Lord for all the blessings He continuously and lovingly bestows upon all of us.

Intro Updated Feb 1, 2010
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Comments (12)

i-s-a May 25, 2010 at 5:59 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday Kuya Rey! More travels for you :0)
cyndymc May 24, 2010 at 9:26 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday, Rey! Wishing you the best.
monina_c May 24, 2010 at 9:07 PM Report Abuse

Rey Happy Birthday! See you at the MOA meet for Norman. :)
judayandryan Mar 4, 2010 at 12:00 AM Report Abuse

kuya...kamuzta na...long time no hear...hehehe... kuya if you have time drop by on my HP, el Nido, Sabang and Puerto Prinsesa page ha.... sige na...negra ako since nung dumating eh.......super El Nido is the best..promise yan..
missmarianne Feb 3, 2010 at 1:05 AM Report Abuse

wow naman po..
Kisses&Co Feb 1, 2010 at 6:57 PM Report Abuse

Welcome to VT, Rey! :-) Thanks for the add.
moonlighting Feb 1, 2010 at 2:51 AM Report Abuse

Welcome to VT! Such a wonderful social network...
barbie_sunrise Feb 1, 2010 at 12:55 AM Report Abuse

I love the Pics!
limledi Jan 31, 2010 at 9:00 PM Report Abuse

Yeah. Great. Try Bantayan Island also. Very near to Malapascua.
nimato Jan 30, 2010 at 6:00 AM Report Abuse

Hi! Thanks for adding me up as your friend. Welcome to VT! =)