Photographers Explore Daang Kalikasan (Mangatarem)

May 09, 2020 in Photo Diaries, Photography, Travel, Video

Photographer Angelo Mendoza and I explore the picturesque mountain highway of Daang Kalikasan on the Mangatarem, Pangasinan side. On this overnight trip, we witnessed a beautiful sunset, fires on the hills, a surreal full moon night with a hint of the Milky Way, and a perfect sunrise to cap things off. Shot in February 2020, shortly before its abrupt closure due to over-tourism.

Shot and Edited by Aaron Palabyab

Still Photography and Additional Aerial and Mobile Footage by Angelo Mendoza

http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

http://instagram.com/angelomendo

Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

Watch more of Photographers Explore: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAoL430ePuoOAzbm_k2xojx_DbuvWim2d

GEAR USED

Aaron: GoPro Hero 7 Black
Fujifilm X-T3 + XF 16-80mm f/4, 18-55mm f/2.8-f/4 courtesy of @FUJIFILM PHILIPPINES
Sony A7RII
Sony FE 24-240 f/3.5-6.3, Laowa 15mm f/2
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
RODE Videomic + Deadcat
Peak Design Travel Tripod (carbon fiber)
Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod
iPhone X MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod
Angelo: Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm X-T30, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel

Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.palabyab

Business Contact / Licensing: aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

Making a Travel Food Show in the Philippine Cordilleras!

May 07, 2020 in Travel, Video

Last year, I had the chance to make a indie travel + food show called Lasa Explorations! Season 1 features the cuisine of the Cordilleras, from Baguio to Kalinga. It was an amazing experience to discover and document lesser-known Philippine cuisine in a region that’s so rich in culture and history, and I can’t wait to explore more in future seasons.

Watch the first season as well as my director’s vlog below!

ABOUT THE SHOW:

No matter where we come from, nothing brings us together like sharing a good meal. LASA EXPLORATIONS is an independent food docu series dedicated to discovering hidden culinary gems around the Philippines. “Lasa” means taste in Filipino, and lasa is our gateway to learning more about our own culture and history.

The Philippines is scattered across 7,000 islands comprising several regions, each with their own distinct cultures and countless subcultures. Among these, only a relative few are known about beyond their places of origin. Lasa Explorations wants to contribute to expanding the conversation, to explore and appreciate the diversity of Filipino food and culture--one dish at a time.

MORE INFO

• Website: https://www.lasaexplorations.com

• Email address: kaintayo [at] lasaexplorations.com

Exploring the PHILIPPINE EAST COAST (Aurora to Isabela) with the Chevy Trailblazer

April 30, 2020 in Best of the Blog, Photo Diaries, Photography, Travel, Video

Travel photographer Angelo Mendoza and I go on a weeklong road trip up the beautiful, isolated east coast of Luzon, Philippines, from the province of Aurora to Isabela. With the help of local friends and a capable car, we were able to explore far past the usual spots in search of the best spots.

In Part 1, we drive up from Manila to Baler and then all the way up the coast to the northernmost municipality of Aurora, Dilasag, taking many leisurely stops to shoot (and eat) along the way.

In Part 2, we drive off the road deep into the forests of the Sierra Madre to visit two isolated waterfalls: peaceful Singip Falls in Dilasag, Aurora, and the stunning 100+ meter-high Dibulo Falls in Dinapigue, Isabela.

In Part 3, day 4 of our adventure, we begin with a perfect moonset/sunrise at Parang Hills in Dilasag, Aurora, then drive to Dinapigue, Isabela and glimpse its stunning coast and blue waters for the first time. We stay at the beach til sundown and witness a spectacular moonrise over the ocean.

In Part 4, the last two days of our road trip, we shoot sunrise along a stunning stretch of coast in Dinapigue, Isabela, then drive down to Casiguran and then Dinalungan, Aurora. We come back up to Casiguran for sunset at a rice field, then end our trip with sunrise at Tabon Beach, Dinalungan, Aurora.

Special thanks to Chevrolet Philippines for letting us test drive the 2.8L Trailblazer Z71 4x4 for a whole week! The trip wouldn’t have been possible without it. The car was an absolute dream to drive both on the highway and off road, with lots of power combined with a smooth ride and comfortable amenities. I felt a confidence behind the wheel particularly on the twisty roads leading to Baler as well as the sketchy roads going to and around Dinapigue, especially the long and sometimes sketchy off-road segment going to Dibulo Falls. Find out more about this car by going to your nearest Chevrolet dealership or visiting www.chevrolet.com.ph.

PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPLORE THE PHILIPPINE EAST COAST

Shot and Edited by Aaron Palabyab

Photography and Additional Footage by Angelo Mendoza

Watch more of Photographers Explore!

http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

http://instagram.com/angelomendo

GEAR USED

Sony A7RII + Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3
Sony A6300 + Sony 18-105 f/4
Laowa 15mm f/2
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini tracking mount
MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod
Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod
Angelo: Fujifilm X-T30

Edited in FCP X

Color grading with Color Finale Pro and SkyGrades Natural LUTs for DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

Let’s connect!

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel
Facebook
Twitter
Business Contact / Licensing: aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

A Photo and Time-lapse Journey Through the CORDILLERAS

September 29, 2019 in Best of the Blog, Video, Photo Diaries, Photography

For five days, travel photographer Angelo Mendoza and I explored the Philippine Cordilleras, going off the beaten path in search of grand but unseen views and waiting to catch the most amazing light. In the process, we had one of the most incredible travel experiences of our lives, right up there with my most memorable adventures abroad.

CORDILLERA MOUNTAIN LIGHT is the time-lapse film that came of it, also including footage shot over the past year in Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Kalinga.

The first two episodes of our PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPLORE series documents our unforgettable journey in search of those shots.

In part 1, we explore along the Halsema Highway, following it across Benguet and into Mountain Province, fall in love with Mt. Mogao in Tadian, and eventually stumble upon the most spectacular, unforgettable sunset.

In part 2, we move on from Tadian into the lesser-known Central Cordillera of Ilocos Sur, starting with the town of Cervantes. From there, we head up and explore up and down the dramatic, steeply-rising Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road, with its majestic views of the valley in Cervantes and the mountains of Mountain Province. We visit Bessang Pass and search for viewpoints while dealing with erratic weather, and finally drive all the way down west to the coast, seeing some of the most beautiful little-known mountain roads of the Cordillera along the way.

CREDITS

Produced by Angelo Mendoza & Aaron Palabyab

Shot and edited by Aaron Palabyab

Still Photography by Angelo Mendoza

Aerial and time-lapse photography by Aaron Palabyab

Additional videography and time-lapse by Angelo Mendoza

Additional Still Photography by Aaron Palabyab

http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

http://instagram.com/angelomendo

FIND YOURSELF through VISUAL STORYTELLING - Workshop Series in LA UNION

August 09, 2019 in Photography, Video

My weekend at MOUNTING STORIES, a 2-day visual storytelling workshop in San Juan, La Union organized by Open House. Participants were guided on a journey of self-rediscovery through Photography, Videography, Writing, and Illustration.

SUBTITLES AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH - turn on CC in toolbar to access them.

Workshops included: The Story and The Telling by Camille Pilar

IG: https://instagram.com/camillepilar

Doodling For Self-Discovery by Guada Tagalog

IG: https://instagram.com/guadatagalog

Photography as a Means of Exploration by me

Visual Storytelling: Videography by Chino Nero

IG: https://instagram.com/lachinoheat and https://instagram.com/kurrent.ink

Special thanks to Mara Andres and Open House for the invitation to participate and facilitate! Visit https://www.openhouseph.com/ for information on current and future events.

Gear used:

Sony A6300
Sony 16-50mm kit lens
Sony A7RII
Sony 24-240mm
Rode Videomic v2
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

Edited in FCP X

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabC...

Instagram: http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.palabyab

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronpalabyab

Website: http://www.aaronpalabyab.com

Business Contact / Licensing: aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

ABOVE - Zambales Time-lapse Film

June 29, 2019 in Best of the Blog, Photography, Video

Watching the sun, sky, and stars move over the Earth, shot over three trips to Zambales while exploring with photographer Angelo Mendoza.

Watch the behind-the-scenes vlogs here:

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/_dEmEhCb05s

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/XVz5ax20iRw

And follow Angelo to see his amazing shots from these trips: https://www.instagram.com/angelomendo

Shot and edited by Aaron Palabyab

GEAR

Sony A7RII
Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3
Samyang 24mm f/1.4 (EF mount)
Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini
MeFoto RoadTrip Tripod
Varavon A7 Battery Pack

EDITED IN

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic
LRTimelapse 4
FCP X

MUSIC

“A Place of Refuge” by Dustin Lau

100% Clearance through Musicbed

Watch more of my time-lapse work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAoL430ePuoOJsxbeUMBbAt6zQTQJdxgw

Beach Volleyball Republic Dumaguete Open 2019

June 12, 2019 in Video

Mini-movie featuring highlights from the 2019 BVR On Tour Dumaguete Open!

Watch the previous BVR On Tour highlights from Puerto Galera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fhXI...

Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) was founded in 2015 by volleyball players Bea Tan, Charo Soriano, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, and Fille Cainglet-Cayetano. Their goal is to make the Philippines Asia's Hub for Beach Volleyball offering high-level competition and breathtaking beach destinations.

Follow them here:

Shot, edited, and narrated by Aaron Palabyab

Made possible by Beach Volleyball Republic with the LGU of Dumaguete Cit

Special thanks to Bea Tan, Alexa Arabejo, and CJ Salvador

Announcer: Alexine Sy

Photographer (thumbnail images): Kevin Prudon

Thanks to Sorrento Sunwear for my HD polarized Waves sunnies https://sorrentosunwear.com/

MUSIC

“Rachel” by Particle House

“Priddy” by Fashion “Wait Till the Summer” by Origo

Licensed via Epidemic Sound

“Oh My My” by Summer Kennedy

“Real Good Feeling” by Oh The Larceny

100% Clearance through Musicbed

Thumbnail photo by Cherry Yao https://www.instagram.com/cherisseyao/

GEAR

Sony A7RII
Sony A6300
Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3
Sony 16-50 f/3.5-5.6
Sony 18-105 f/4
Zhiyun Crane V2
Boya BY-MM1 Mini Shotgun Mic
RODE VideoMic
Feelworld F6 Field Monitor
MeFoto Roadtrip Tripod
iPhone X

Edited in FCP X

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel

Instagram: http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.palabyab

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronpalabyab

Website: http://www.aaronpalabyab.com

Business Contact / Licensing:

aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

Eco-friendly Hotels For Weekend Getaways from Manila!

June 05, 2019 in Video, Travel

Checking out Villas by Eco Hotel, Cabins by Eco Hotel, and Containers by Eco Hotel! These properties are each just a few hours drive from Manila and are interesting options for weekend getaways from the Metro.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & BOOKINGS: https://ecohotels.com.ph/ (not affiliated)

Jump ahead:

0:05 Villas by Eco Hotel, Batangas

2:03 Cabins by Eco Hotel, Tagaytay

3:09 Containers by Eco Hotel, Tagaytay

4:17 Roofdeck Camping and Grilling at Containers by Eco Hotel

I was invited by Eco Hotel Philippines for their Bloggers Day event where they took a group of us around their Batangas and Tagaytay properties. They run a chain of "green service hotels" that apply "green principles to its structure and practices in order to minimize its impact on the environment." Their websites states that "As one of the top eco-friendly hotels in the Philippines, we set a benchmark for our establishments through a series of concrete environmental initiatives. Our practices go beyond ensuring the lights are off when not in use. We apply waste reduction practices wherever and whenever possible. We also have a recycling program integrated throughout the hotels. We reduce carbon emissions and energy use with low-energy generators and highly efficient cooling systems."

With sustainable practices a critical shortcoming in most of the local tourism industry in the Philippines, I decided it would be good to see if and how they lived up to their word while also delivering a compelling experience for guests.

Eco Hotel Philippines May 2019 Bloggers Day Event. Photo: Eco Hotel Philippines

#iAManEcoWarrior | #EcoFriendly | #WeLoveNature | #TravelResponsibly | #ILoveEcoHotels

Gear:

Sony A6300
Sony 18-105 f/4 G
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Rode Videomic

Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel

Instagram: http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.palabyab

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronpalabyab

Website: http://www.aaronpalabyab.com

Business Contact / Licensing:

aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

Trying out My Dream Travel Cameras! At the #VlogWithSony PH Launch

June 04, 2019 in Gear, Video

Checking out my dream travel cameras at the #VlogWithSony event and the official Philippine launch of the Sony RX 0 II! And even got to see the #1 lightweight lens on my wishlist!

Ever since Sony announced the RX 0 II, it's been constantly at the top of my wishlist. At time of posting (mid-2019), there's nothing on the market that matches its unprecedented combination of a larger 1" sensor, flip out screen, action-camera like 4-way "proofing" (waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and crushproof), internal 4K, mic input jack, and advanced features like a built-in intervalometer, all in an extremely small and light body that's truly pocketable. I need to really get hands-on with it to give a balanced, detailed review, and to see if the reportedly short battery life (just over 30mins) is really a problem.

Aside from that, I was also able to check out another camera high on my wishlist, the Sony A6400. Its headline features are its flip out screen and advanced Real-Time Tracking autofocus, which are geared squarely towards vloggers, but it also has improved overheating performance and eliminates the 30min recording limit that previous iterations had.

Finally, I was also very happy to have finally gotten my hands on the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, which is at the very top of my lens wishlist. This shockingly small and light lens (compared to other 24mm f/1.4s on the market) may be the best wide (not ultrawide) astro landscape lens currently available--at a price to match.

All in all, it was very interesting to see how Sony's new push into the the vlogging and content creator market, with lightweight cameras that offer features and accessories (like the Sony grip that offers electronic zoom and shutter control) specifically thought out to aid selfie-style shooting. As a filmmaker who's recently gotten into vlogging, I think the combination of their heritage of advanced pro and prosumer camera features along with features designed to appeal to vloggers is nearly perfect for me, at the very least, as an owner of two Sony Alpha cameras already.

Gear used: