It’s not often we get an international Photo Tour to come here in the Philippines unlike our competing South East Asian neighbours, that’s why it’s a welcome development that the Jim Cline Photo Tours and Workshops decided to test the waters here in the Philippines where no other Photo Tour Groups have tried. On the helm is Humanitarian Photojournalist Karl Grobl where he took the group on key places around the country for a Photographic journey for two weeks. I assisted Karl on the photo mentorship and was their local guide for their Baguio-Sagada-Vigan leg of the tour which lasted for 5 days. Here’s a rundown of that very interesting segment.
Day One. The Philippines Photo Tour actually started several days before but my segment started when we had our own bus going to Baguio from Manila.
Day Two. This was a very exciting road trip as we make our way to Sagada. We stopped for a short photo shoot at the strawberry farms of La Trinidad. Then we traversed the length of Halsema Highway where we stopped by Atok, Baguias and Sabangan towns. Something you couldn’t do via public transportation.
Day Three. It was a jam packed full day in Sagada. We started early for a sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint. After breakfast we explored Echo Valley to view the Hanging Coffins and Burial Caves. Lunch was followed by observing how they prepare the Pinikpikan. An easy afternoon at Kapay-aw terraces to cap a day of shooting.
Day Four. It’s another day of full long drive on uncharted territory as we make our way to Vigan from Sagada via the Besang Pass National Park trail.
Day Five. The exploration and photo shoot continued as we went around Vigan. Calle Crisologo, Pinagburnayan and Bantay Church were our major stops.
Day Six. It was an easy day for most of us as we were allowed free time in the morning. By noon we made our way to Laoag under the rain for our evening flight back in Manila. It was the last day for me to spend with the group as they continue on down Visayas for Bohol.
Check out more photos from my Flickr Set.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
