Bulusan in black and white

Seascape, Mabuhay, Bulusan

Seascape, Dancalan, Bulusan

Seascape, Sabang, Bulusan

Seascape, Riroan, Bulusan

Bulusan Volcano viewed from Dancalan, Bulusan

Photos: Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Community Portraits

Memorable summer for these young locals enjoying cozy afternoon moments at the beach, Dancalan, Bulusan, 2013.

Drawing sand graffiti is playtime for kids at the seawall, Barangay Dapdap, Bulusan, 2013.

Candelaria celebration in Bulusan,  Feburary 2014.

Guest bikers wait for the go signal at the start of the Bulusan Mountain Bike Challenge  2013.

Happy hat weavers of Barangay Mabuhay in Bulusan, 2013.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Mindful along the road

Bulusan is a visual community that can inspire so many photographs even those coming from an amateur like myself. Photography is the main reason why I created this blog. To be true to this site's original calling, I will be converting this site into a gallery of photos from my hometown Bulusan.

'Mindful along the road' will be my first set.

Countryside, Bulusan, February 2014.

Overlooking an old lava flow, Sitio Porog, Bulusan, 2014. 

Bulusan Volcano, February 2014.

Coconut grove, Dancalan, Bulusan, February 2014.

Road view, Dancalan, Bulusan, February 2014.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines, February 2014

Sunday stroll at Saint James the Greater Churchyard's Garden

The garden at the churchyard of Saint James the Greater enclosed by its historic Punta Diamante's thick coral stone wall is always a favorite destination for my photo strolls. Its easy access from my residence around two blocks away is not the main reason why. The real draw is Punta Diamante, the muralla or stone fort. It is a Spanish colonial period fortress and definitely one of the best kept secrets of Bulusan town. The place is even older than the famed Ruins of Barcelona located in the neighboring Barcelona town.

The historic ambiance of the place easily gives a hint that this place has the potential of a tourist spot similar to the 'Father Blanco's Garden' of the historic Intramuros in Manila often featured in magazines and national dailies. 

At present, the Saint James Parish's garden is planted with local ornamental plants that are familiar in the locality. It seems that these are perennially flowering dotting the expanse of the churchyard with colors. With variety of colors and patterns, I can spend hours inside its perimeter without being bored. 

I was not alone though, I spotted two boys playing 'play golf'. No idea though how they were able to have access to a real golf ball and club :) I did not bother to bother them with trivial questions because I was also busy with my shoot.

There are so many endless subjects in the vicinity that I know will register well in photographs. I started with the ornamental flowers and end up taking photos of interesting leaves and wild flowers as well in the sprawling churchyard.

Related post: http://bulusanruralvagabond.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/punta-diamante-bulusans-testament-to-a-glorious-past/

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Bulusan Fiesta 2013 Gallery (1)

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Bulusan's Heritage Trees

Pili trees in Odikin rule the village landscape.

Vernon, Wildlife Photographer : My List of Bulusan's Coolest (1)

I have at least 8 in my list right now. Not necessarily in the order of importance because they are all excellent in their chosen field and passion. Thus, I decided to deal with them separately to highlight their awesomeness and will not announce the names of the others in advance to build an element of surprise.

My first Coolest Person from Bulusan is Vernon, world-class photographer. His photographs will tell you why. Upon seeing his works, I realized that it is true --talent knows no country.

More photographs can be viewed at Vernon's site. I did not play favorites. The photos were chosen from among his photos at random. In all of his works the quality of exquisiteness in the composition is always present. It is as if his eyes filtered the best images for our viewing pleasure.

All Saints' Day Photography 101 in Bulusan

The cemetery never fails to yield dramatic photographs. This is true whether in its ordinary desolate days and during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day celebrated November 1 and 2 when the cemetery is full of life.

For those living in the city a trip back home during these days to visit their loved ones (both the living and the dead) are customary. And the visit to the cemetery is the highlight of the trip.

But for some young ones who tugged along with their moms and dads this can be a boring activity. So a little creativity is needed to inject interest to my nieces for the obligatory visit.

My teenage niece Ging dubbed it as Photography 101, Subject: Todos Los Santos in Bulusan. The younger ones Yapa and cousin Angie acted as the models. Me and Ging as the photographers.

The above photos were some of the captured scenes.



Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines