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Bucket List ✅️ in an intimate experience with our ancestor's heritage.

Words and pictures can't do justice to my experience at this place. Every step is a vantage point that offers breathtaking views that my camera couldn't capture. Escaped the urban grind for a weekend getaway to this charming rural spot, complete with unlimited coffee and stunning vistas courtesy of the locals.

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Last weekend, I embraced a daring opportunity to travel solo. I did not even know if the Joiners group was legit until the tour coordinator was very accomodating, but still i payed my downpayment and pushed through. Leaving my work for a while was kinda risky but i put all my faith that all things would go well.

Traveling to Buscalan was terrific 😈🤣 but atleast the views was all that mattered. My main goal was to witness the pre-colonial building structures of the Rice Terraces. It even greeted me during the 30 minute hike towards the town.

My visit was quick and it checked everything I expected; unlimited local coffee(one of the best i tasted), an honor to meet Whang Od(107 years old National Artist of Traditional Tattoo) and finally touched the Rice Terraces.

I wrapped up my last day savoring coffee and capturing photos of the rising sun over the Buscalan Rice Terraces. Grateful for this experience, thank you, God!

#archilovers #travel #heritage #buscalan #apowhangod #tattoo artist #rice terraces #nature #solo travel

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#architecture #archiphoto #archilovers #architecturephotography #heritage #nationalmuseumph

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#architecture #archilovers #archiphoto #architecturephotography #sugbo #cebu #pedrocalungsod #chruchof100walls #carlosarnaizarchitects #CAZA #light and shadow

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Exploring the intriguing parallels between Cebu's gloomy skies and London's, our city embraces a cool, windy atmosphere reminiscent of the United Kingdom. (Although our climate is not the same as their climate) As I ponder the week's weather, I can't help but question: Is the unexpected snowfall in Baguio a subtle reminder of the impact of Climate Change?

#climate change #cebuskyline #cloudy #windy day

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There is art in a gloomy weather

#architecture #archilovers #archiphoto #travel #architecturephotography #heritage #rome #italy #italytravel #italia #castelsanangelo #gloomyweather #gloomysky #sunset skies #europe #eurotour

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Reuploading the mejestic interiors of St. Peter's Basilica.

#vatican #baroque #interior #st peter's basilica

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A journey along this serene river offers a 360-degree panorama of breathtaking views, weaving through three caves and a dam. Amidst glimpses of man-made structures, nature stands as the dominant force, providing a welcome distraction from future and past concerns. The river serves as a live-in-the-present remedy, heightening awareness of the surroundings. Special recognition to the mute man in the photo, skillfully rowing us through the river using only his toes. His silent efforts, occasionally punctuated by attempts to make sounds, guided us to discover remarkable spots along the way.

#ninh bình #vietnam #travel #travelphoto #travelphotography #nature #naturephotography #naturelover #raw #serene

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Vietnam has proven itself as the ultimate nature tour destination. This river offers a journey to witness a variety of wild animals. Rarely do you encounter wild boars, cranes, and bats in caves, with the exception of the carabao, the national fauna of the Philippines.

#wild boar #crane #carrabao #bats #cave #ninh bình #vietnam #travelphoto #nature #naturephotography #naturelover #raw #serene

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I usually see lotuses in man-made ponds, but this time, I had the opportunity to observe them in the wild. I know I didn't capture the best shots, as I was fully immersed in the present, savoring the wonders of this river.

#lotus #reflection #ninh bình #vietnam #raw #serene #naturephotography #naturelover #nature

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Bich Dong Pagoda is a sacred place for Buddhists. This temple is located in a majestic mountain and cave on top of the mountain. Upon entering the temple compound, you are welcomed by reflecting waters of the rice field. More lotus and beautiful flowers are present on this place. Much like Catholic Churches, this Buddhist gate displays Buddhist figures. The tropical forest conceals more of what is inside the compound.

Inside the Bich Dong Pagoda, there are a number of ancient pagodas combined and hidden in a tropical forest. The area is an ideal place to meditate and pray because of its peaceful environment. During our visit, it was almost sunset, and the interplay of light and shadows on the forest and buildings bestowed upon me a conscious sense of the sacredness and spiritual essence of the place. There are more places in Bich Dong that require climbing up towards the cave, but my family and I are tired from travel. Overall, we were glad to stroll through these peaceful and spiritual grounds.

#ninh bình #archiphoto #archilovers #architecture #architecturephotography #heritage #bichdongpagoda #vietnam #travel #peacefulliving #temple #spiritual

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Ninh Binh province is a land version or a rural counterpart of Ha Long Bay. In my previous post, Ha Long Bay can be compared to Palawan because it has similar majestic rock formations. Our tour guide took us on a bike ride here for sightseeing, with rice fields reflecting these majestic steep cliffs. This simple, peaceful place is ideal for a getaway from urban bustle. Too bad I didn't capture the best shots, as there are many breathtaking views in this place; we had to keep up with our tour guide. He led us to a spot with a cave, a small waterfall, a river that has lots of ducks, bamboo bridges, and even a native coffee shop. I'd come back here without a tour guide to have more control over my time and capture more photos of this beautiful place.

#ninh binh #vietnam #travel #naturephotography #nature #naturelover #landscapephotography #simple living

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Unexpectedly exploring this hidden gem! Drawing parallels to Palawan from my previous post, this destination offers a distinctive experience. Unlike Palawan's resort islands, here, a small cruise ship becomes your gateway to navigating these enchanting waterways. Truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.

#halongbay #vietnam #vacation #morning #cruise ship #getaway

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I woke up with this view without any snooze. This get away still didn't let my thoughts of work, problems and ambitions forget. It isn't about forgeting them but this vacation makes me reflect about them.

#grateful #cruise ship #morning #halongbay #vietnam

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What I learned about Vietnam is they have preserved their diversity of trees and other vegetation. We share similar fauna with our country, the Philippines. Even though Hanoi's climate is not humid, it is a plus that they have integrated many trees into all development. I wish we could have bigger parks and more trees in our cities in the Philippines. When will our country realize that it is a necessity and a priority for climate change?

#climate change #trees #urbanexplorer #architecture #architecturalphotography #architecturephotography #urbandesign #vietnam #hanoi

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French architecture and design have a prominent influence on Vietnam's buildings, especially in Hanoi and its municipalities. This is much like the Philippines, which bears influences from Spanish colonial architecture. Although I haven't delved much into its history, Hanoi showcases a well-blended mix of Vietnamese, French, and modern vibes. You can also spot numerous coffee shops scattered across every street corner, their coffee is a must-try when you visit here.

#happysunday #hanoi #vietnam #frencharchitecture #coffee #vietnamcoffee #architecture #urbanphotography_city #mobilephotography #explore #asia #architecturephotography #architecturelovers #archihunter #architravel

#happysunday #hanoi #vietnam #french architecture #architecture #archilovers #architecturephotography #archiphoto #architecturalphotography #urban photography #mobile photography #travelphoto #travelphotography

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Exploring the Temple of Literature: Stepping out of the van, I was immediately drawn to the majestic gates of the Temple of Literature. Despite our guide's warning about pickpockets, the day unfolded peacefully. Trees embraced the heritage site, and four tall pillars greeted me on the road leading to the Great Gate.

Journeying through the second courtyard, the expansive middle gate revealed a rare sight: lotus flowers, a rarity in my homeland.

The allure of Khue Van Pavilion guided me to the Well of Heavenly Clarity, housing statues of Vietnam's Holy Creatures—the Turtle, Dragon, Unicorn, and Phoenix.

In the sacred fourth courtyard, Confucius and Chu Văn An's statues stood amidst lacquer-finished columns and distinctive shell-shaped roof tiles, unique to Vietnam.

Entering the fifth courtyard felt like a voyage to another era, hosting a museum and a temple for learning/ crafts. Learning about its history, I discovered it's a space designed for students and their classrooms.

Reflecting on the overall layout of the entire complex is organized, starting from its welcoming gate, guiding you through pathways, trees, gardens, and ponds. In the third and fourth courtyards, you walk spiritually before delving into learning and studying. The fifth courtyard marks the end, where I realized that it is a step-by-step process to learn. It's amazing that Vietnam has built a place honoring the educated.

#architecture #archilovers #archiphoto #architecturephotography #architecturalphotography #naturephotography #vietnam #hanoi #templeofliterature #asian architecture #history #heritage