Shame. Shame on me. You don’t deserve me. I don’t deserve your love. I’ve hurt you so much. It breaks my heart. But all these, my doing.
Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa 
Will you ever forgive me? No, I don’t deserve to be forgiven. I’ve played around. I’ve been unfaithful. I’m frail. I’m weak.
I have no more face to show you. But I would want us to talk. Please. Let’s talk.
I’m under your mercy.
Shame. Shame on me!
The former sleepy town of Donsol, Sorsogon has awakened into a major tourist destination as it plays host to the seasonal migration of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, that gathers in its warm, plankton rich waters. The whale shark interaction is both an experience and an eye opener: its size just amazes and its behavior baffles the uninitiated especially if one learns for the first time that it feeds on plankton, not the ravenous and man-eating fish that films have been portraying.
For us, the experience was just exhilarating. Never mind that we were able to have this for free, thanx to the kind customer care officers who vouched for us, especially that the company sponsored the succeding week’s butanding festival, and the rich feast of seafoods later.
A photo of the whale shark dwarfing the diver at the Donsol tourist office where one can register and avail of the services. What makes this tourism endeavor commendable is that it involved and benefited the local community of fishermen who, in earlier times, fished and butchered these gentle giants for the shark fin trade for export that was in great demand in chinese restaurants here and abroad especially in Taiwan.
Colleagues trying out and renting the snorkelling equipment that is used to better see up close the whale sharks.
Costing around P2,700.oo (around $50) and a registration fee of P100.00, a group can avail of one motorized banca and these watchers, spotters and guides.
Getting into position for that close up interaction with whale sharks.
What we saw that day was just a baby whale shark but it was enough for me to shout with exhilaration as the fish passed under our boat. It was fast and elusive.
While visiting these churches one afternoon, I was amused that in Tiwi, Bacacay, Malilipot and Tabaco had weddings rites being held.
Tiwi Church, Albay
Malinao Church, Albay
Malilipot Church, Albay
Bacacay Church, Albay
Sto. Domingo Church, Albay
Daraga Church, Albay which is made of volcanic rocks. Located at a hill, this elevated place offers great views of Mt. Mayon.
Home to devout Catholics, Bicol is rich in monuments and structures to the Catholic faith. Dating to the Spanish era, these are usually made of corals and some in bricks. I have always been fascinated with old churches and being in Bicol is an opportunity to visit and enjoy these houses of God.
While touring though, I can’t help but feel sad too that people just don’t value much their catholic cultural heritage. Old churches are refurbished, its facade coated with a layer of cement. Whole altars are replaced. To them, old is not beautiful.
The Naga City Cathedral
Legazpi City Cathedral
Barcelona Church, Sorsogon. Touted as one of the wel preserved church in Bicol, I was quiet disappointed when I entered the church with its new interior decorated with not so old stained glass.
Camalig Church, Albay
Tabaco Church, Albay. The belfry is one of the most beautiful that I’ve seen.
350D? 20D? 350D? 20D?
So confusing at first but considering that the 20D is scandalously expensive for the same photo quality that I finally settled for the 350D. Been reading the forums and reviews and comparisons of the two equipment but I have to go with the cheaper option. List price is P65,000.00 at Canon outlets but some stores sell it at dealer’s price. I was able to get mine for just P57,000.00 with a free Canon jacket and Canon Philippines warranty. Add to it the battery grip BG-E3 and an extra battery and it went to just P67,000.00. All from JT Photoworld. I went to Watson’s at Hidalgo near Quiapo and got a 2Gb compact flash card for P9,300.00 compared to the store just beside it at P10,500.00.
Next in the horizon: EF-S 17 - 85mm IS USM to replace the not so good EF-S 18 - 55mm kit lens. Digital photography is damn expensive!
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