14th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009

This is my 2nd time to see the hot air balloon or HAB at Clark . The invitation came from Mel and Surath, whom I met during the Cebu trip with Mel and her officemates. Rosahlee also joined this trip.

The group met at EDSA Shell near McKinley Road . It was a good thing that Mel and Surath had arranged a van going to Subic . It was a Friday so as expected going North wasn’t a breeze. Traffic was dreadful. Our way of forgetting our ennui was to chat and chuck joke on our way to Subic .

Mellany, Rosahlee and I spend the night at Marlim, an old hotel outside the Clark Base. In close proximity, clubs and karaoke bars were lively. Surath however stayed inside the base where US military once used as their barracks.

We got up at 4:30am and headed to Surath’s place. There’s a long queue of vehicles going to the venue of HAB. Every year, locals and tourist alike pour in to see this event.

My first HAB was actually with Rosahlee and her officemates. That time I didn’t get to see the balloons up in the air because of the strong wind. This time around I had the opportunity to see all the colorful and gigantic balloons soar high in the air.

We had lunch at the famous Razon’s. After lunch, we decided to visit Subic , about two hours drive, and checked out the yacth club as well as the go cart area. We didn’t stay that long at the Marina. We went back again at the HAB and stayed until 7pm.

HAB at night was even more alive. The balloons were lined up and were all lit up. I had a hard time taking pictures as spectators were blocking the steel fences but I managed to peek through a small opening of the tent and took some pictures. =)

Please click on the link to see HAB pictures Hot Air Balloon

The Cliff

How relaxing to see a beautiful view like this. You may thought that it's somewhere in Europe but it's not. I took this picture in Subic where I got invited by a friend to shoot a resort.

related post: The Cliff Royale photo shoot

The Cliff Royale photo shoot

Alvin and I were invited by Charina to shoot a resort called The Cliff Royale. It is located at the Ntional Road Bgy Baretto,Olongapo City.

Charina was actually recommended by her friend to the owner of the resort, Mrs. Elisa Montecastro. Since it was a “friendly/mutual” discussion among friends, there was no rate involved. In short Charina will shoot for free and invite friends along in exchange for free accommodation including transportation and food, hence the invite. Of course, I said yes. Being an amateur like Charina, it’s a good opportunity to hone my skill.

So I took a day off last Friday. Our meeting place was at Shell Gas station in Oliveros Edsa, Quezon City. When I arrived, a silvery-white-haired-woman immediately called me and asked if my name was Charina. I haven’t met Mrs. Montecastro but I got the feeling that it was her. So I introduced myself and true enough, it was Mrs. Montecastro.

Mrs. Montecastro is 78 years old. Though the white hair is apparent and with eye glasses on, she doesn’t look her age. She’s energetic and she can walk fast without stooping. She’s a retired teacher turned businesswoman. She’s an alumnae of UP Diliman and had taught at a public school for 20 years. She’s a well-traveled person. She had visited almost all the 7 wonders of the world. Wow! I hope to do that when I reached her age or even younger. =) The photos according to her will be used for advertisement purposes (i.e., brochure and for its website) to promote the resort. After a few minutes Charina and Alvin and Anthony, Alvin’s co-teacher, arrived at the gas station.

The resort was so called the Cliff because it was built along the cliff. The surrounding area is filled with establishments, restaurant and bar. You will not notice that there’s such a resort in the area. When you enter the gate, you will be surprised of the hidden view inside. The veranda is overlooking the vast ocean. There are villas with unique colors and eclectic structures, a fusion of modern concrete and nipa hut style. There’s a established walkway along the cliff going to the beach. Although it is still continuously being developed. A pool is yet to be excavated. A spa would definitely sell the resort. But it surely is a nice and relaxing weekend getaway.

Please click => The Cliff for more images. For details you may contact Mrs.Elisa Montecastro mobile no: 0917-8515273.