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Niño church"},{"term":"Strawberry Fields"},{"term":"Street photography"},{"term":"Sunken Cemetery"},{"term":"Sunrise"},{"term":"Susan Calo Medina"},{"term":"Taal"},{"term":"Tagbina"},{"term":"Taguig City"},{"term":"Talaandig"},{"term":"Talisayan"},{"term":"Tatus Island"},{"term":"Thai Airways"},{"term":"The Ruins"},{"term":"Thomas Cook"},{"term":"Tia Carrere"},{"term":"Tibetan Monastery"},{"term":"Tigwahanun"},{"term":"Transfiguration of Jesus"},{"term":"Travel Digest"},{"term":"Travel Time with Susan Calo Medina"},{"term":"Travel Tips"},{"term":"UEP Catarman White Beach"},{"term":"Umayamnun"},{"term":"V-log"},{"term":"Valencia"},{"term":"Valencia Church"},{"term":"Valentine's Day"},{"term":"Ver Overview"},{"term":"Villa Escudero"},{"term":"Vulcan Point"},{"term":"Withlocals"},{"term":"World War II"},{"term":"Wow Philippines"},{"term":"Zambales"},{"term":"Zamboanga City"},{"term":"Zamboanga del Norte"},{"term":"Zip line"},{"term":"airport parking Birmingham"},{"term":"back strap weaving"},{"term":"bahalina"},{"term":"bed and Breakfast"},{"term":"burial cloth"},{"term":"cable bus"},{"term":"cat"},{"term":"cheap flights"},{"term":"coastal community"},{"term":"commuting"},{"term":"dinumog"},{"term":"ecotourism"},{"term":"flower festival"},{"term":"free calling apps"},{"term":"gatwick airport"},{"term":"hanging bridge"},{"term":"haunted house"},{"term":"homestay"},{"term":"hotels"},{"term":"international calling"},{"term":"jeepney"},{"term":"kabayan Mummies"},{"term":"life"},{"term":"lodging"},{"term":"macaques"},{"term":"monkey bridge"},{"term":"natural wonders"},{"term":"neoclassical architecture"},{"term":"online casino"},{"term":"reflexology"},{"term":"road stops"},{"term":"road trip"},{"term":"sea"},{"term":"stream"},{"term":"street food"},{"term":"sugar"},{"term":"sutukil"},{"term":"travel souvenirs"},{"term":"tulahan"},{"term":"upland community"},{"term":"weaving"},{"term":"wine"},{"term":"woodcarving"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"THE PINOY EXPLORER"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain"},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/-\/Region+3?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/search\/label\/Region%203"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/-\/Region+3\/-\/Region+3?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Admin\/Author"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14506841021276992068"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--rhUgUZ9j_I\/WErLYpzavaI\/AAAAAAAABdA\/1OmeVDRzZwkcAbMotcRK9Xn13gy8ZzekwCK4B\/s113\/photographer-silhouette-image-16.png"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"7"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927213677563111390.post-6444708670136428243"},"published":{"$t":"2012-04-10T01:52:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-04T15:29:56.772+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bataan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dambana ng Kagitingan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"history"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Luzon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Mount Samat"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pilar"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Region 3"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Shrine of Valor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"World War II"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Of Valor and honor: a glimpse of Dambana ng Kagitingan"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\" trbidi=\"on\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/04\/of-valor-and-honor-glimpse-of-dambana.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6915357800\/\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7111\/6915357800_611e6c26fe.jpg\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EStories Told\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs a kid, I have always been excited about stories of the Japanese occupation. We would huddle up by the feet of my late father as he recollected their grueling but exciting life during the World War II.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs told, they were in their high school when the war broke. They had to stop schooling but were later accelerated after the war. They lived with meager means. While they had their houses still intact, they had to go underground in the dugouts built by their elders near the thick bamboo groves. They—young and old, men, women, and children—would scamper whenever they hear Japanese planes hovering above them, whenever there is shelling between Guimba and Muñoz, or when there are Japanese soldiers patrolling their \u003Ci\u003Ebarrio\u003C\/i\u003E. They would stay for days under their dugouts which can hold up to 3 families. They cooked, slept and ate in this humble refuge under the ground. Their source of fresh air were hollow bamboo shafts hidden in the thick bamboo groves above them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMoscuvado \u003C\/i\u003Eor \u003Ci\u003Epanucha\u003C\/i\u003E, or \u003Ci\u003Esinuklob\u003C\/i\u003E or \u003Ci\u003Etagapulot\u003C\/i\u003E in Ilocano dialect were their emergency daily fare. Rice was a luxury and they had to line up for rations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHe also told stories about my uncle Tinoy who was a sergeant of the USAFFE. If I remember it right, one of his legs was hit by a bullet, which made him limping for the rest of his retirement life--and that earned him a Purple Heart. Later did I realize that the laminated Purple Heart certificate hung on their wall that I have always been admiring as a kid was not just about a\u0026nbsp;simple\u0026nbsp;feat, after all. It was an\u0026nbsp;honorable\u0026nbsp;recognition of the bravery of the men who were wounded during the battle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThen there was his next of kin, Aunt Aurea, who worked with the Filipino soldiers as a spy of sorts. The story about her was not clear. But I could vividly recall anecdotes that she would ride her horse and “patrol” between our town Guimba, and Muñoz to get information about the Japanese soldiers. The way it was told, she worked as a pseudo-spy for the Filipino soldiers who were keeping guard at the time. She would hide under traditional \u003Ci\u003Ebaro’t saya\u003C\/i\u003E, acting as a common barrio folk, but actually wore denim under them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere were many more stories told. But these are the two stories that I could still vividly recall. I could just imagine the travails and agony of life during the war—and this is because our town, Guimba was a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Battle_of_Bataan\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E“D3”\u003C\/a\u003E—a part of a series of defense lines put up by General Douglas MacArthur\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn a lighter note, it is good to know that my hometown, Guimba, has a place in Philippine history, after all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVisiting Dambana ng Kagitingan\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EInscribed in a huge tablet on the wall where it says:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOn this ground, gallant men chose to die rather than surrender.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003Eis, needless to say, the most bitter and most heart-wrenching part of that history. At the same time, however, it is liberating a thought—that we, Filipinos, will choose to die for our freedom.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe visit to the Dambana ng Kagitingan was short but it was worth the trip. I did not even make it to the gigantic cross that stands on the top of Mount Samat [because it was already closing time].\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith all the stories told, the visit to Bataan’s \u003Ci\u003EDambana ng Kagitingan\u003C\/i\u003E or the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EShrine of\u0026nbsp;Valor\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, made the shrine even more meaningful for me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere I could make a clear connection between common people’s tragedy, bravery and heroism, and love for the country during the war. I am neither a Marcos fan nor a loyalist, but if there is one Marcos legacy that is worth mentioning, it is this Shrine, which he built between 1966 and 1970.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith this, I am just proud to be a Filipino again. Images of the \u003Ci\u003EDambana ng Kagitingan\u003C\/i\u003E is all over the net. Be that as it may, I am glad to share some photos with you, just the same.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/7061440457\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7140\/7061440457_1ac9b91ef9.jpg\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe Collonade\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6915356698\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm6.staticflickr.com\/5349\/6915356698_a379bd88e2.jpg\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe Altar with the stained glass murals by Cenon Rivera\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6915357556\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7270\/6915357556_ec098ea7dd.jpg\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOne of the two urns on the top of the stairs, symbolizing 'eternal flame'\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6915355674\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7140\/6915355674_b5e083c624.jpg\" height=\"640\" width=\"480\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOne of the huge stained glass murals.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6915354108\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7073\/6915354108_0f72e99e85.jpg\" height=\"640\" width=\"480\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe historical tablet\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/7061437801\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7205\/7061437801_60b9c25ff0.jpg\" height=\"640\" width=\"480\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EA view from the Collonade\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/7061435897\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7090\/7061435897_6639d4d555.jpg\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe Memorial Cross and the Philippine Flag\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003EFor more photos, visit \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/sets\/72157629777967615\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EShrine of Valor | Dambana ng Kagitingan\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the full description of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, visit \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mount_Samat\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWikipedia\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/04\/of-valor-and-honor-glimpse-of-dambana.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-comments\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/04\/of-valor-and-honor-glimpse-of-dambana.html\" data-num-posts=\"5\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript language=\"JavaScript\"\u003E\u003C!--  \/\/Disable right click script III- By Renigade (renigade@mediaone.net) \/\/For full source code, visit http:\/\/www.dynamicdrive.com  var message=\"\"; \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ function clickIE() {if (document.all) {(message);return false;}} function clickNS(e) {if  (document.layers||(document.getElementById\u0026\u0026!document.all)) { if (e.which==2||e.which==3) {(message);return false;}}} if (document.layers)  {document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=clickNS;} else{document.onmouseup=clickNS;document.oncontextmenu=clickIE;}  document.oncontextmenu=new Function(\"return false\") \/\/ \u003C\/script\u003E  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv id=\"fb-root\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cscript\u003E(function(d, s, id) {   var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];   if (d.getElementById(id)) return;   js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;   js.src = \"\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\";   fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDo you like this article? \u0026nbsp;Like us on Facebook, too!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like-box\" data-header=\"false\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thepinoyexplorer\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-stream=\"false\" data-width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003EThe Pinoy Explorer is a blog that highlights places, events and festivals and events, and culture and heritage.\n\nThank you for subscribing to The Pinoy Explorer!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/feeds\/6444708670136428243\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=3927213677563111390\u0026postID=6444708670136428243\u0026isPopup=true","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/6444708670136428243"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/6444708670136428243"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/04\/of-valor-and-honor-glimpse-of-dambana.html","title":"Of Valor and honor: a glimpse of Dambana ng Kagitingan"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Admin\/Author"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14506841021276992068"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--rhUgUZ9j_I\/WErLYpzavaI\/AAAAAAAABdA\/1OmeVDRzZwkcAbMotcRK9Xn13gy8ZzekwCK4B\/s113\/photographer-silhouette-image-16.png"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927213677563111390.post-5456066140919962000"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-04T21:53:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-04T16:01:19.904+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"It's more fun in the Philippines"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Nature"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pura"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Region 3"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sunset"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Tarlac"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Eureka! : Glorious sunset in Pura, Tarlac"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\" trbidi=\"on\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/01\/eureka-glorious-sunset-in-pura-tarlac.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/6634719857\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"Sunset in Pura by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Sunset in Pura\" src=\"https:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7016\/6634719857_e0f35f3f4d.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGoing home for the Christmas in Nueva Ecija, we traversed SCTEX and exited at La Paz, Victoria, and Pura all in the province of Tarlac. While at Mabalacat area of SCTEX the boys keep telling me there is a beautiful cloud formation of on the left. Of course, we could not stop along SCTEX just to take a photo. You see the kids are already used to seeing beautiful sceneries knowing that I am a photography buff. Their eyes are trained, so to say.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen we reached Pura, Tarlac, I noticed a spectacular cloud formation on the left, and the boys (my son and my nephew) saw it too! So we had to stop for a while and I took some quick shots. I took this in RAW so I can easily adjust exposures later on in Lightroom, and I am just so happy it came out after tweaking on the exposure and colors.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENo need to mention but I am a sucker for beautiful sunsets and rarely do I chance upon a beautiful cloud with a silver lining, with the rays of sun seeping through it. I think this is one of my best sunset photos, ever.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd this is definitely a fitting photo for a eureka moment!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/01\/eureka-glorious-sunset-in-pura-tarlac.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-comments\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/01\/eureka-glorious-sunset-in-pura-tarlac.html\" data-num-posts=\"5\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript language=\"JavaScript\"\u003E\u003C!--  \/\/Disable right click script III- By Renigade (renigade@mediaone.net) \/\/For full source code, visit http:\/\/www.dynamicdrive.com  var message=\"\"; \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ function clickIE() {if (document.all) {(message);return false;}} function clickNS(e) {if  (document.layers||(document.getElementById\u0026\u0026!document.all)) { if (e.which==2||e.which==3) {(message);return false;}}} if (document.layers)  {document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=clickNS;} else{document.onmouseup=clickNS;document.oncontextmenu=clickIE;}  document.oncontextmenu=new Function(\"return false\") \/\/ \u003C\/script\u003E  \u003C\/div\u003E--\u0026gt;  \u003Cdiv id=\"fb-root\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cscript\u003E(function(d, s, id) {   var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];   if (d.getElementById(id)) return;   js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;   js.src = \"\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\";   fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); \u003C\/script\u003E  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDo you like this article? \u0026nbsp;Like us on Facebook, too!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like-box\" data-header=\"false\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thepinoyexplorer\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-stream=\"false\" data-width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003EThe Pinoy Explorer is a blog that highlights places, events and festivals and events, and culture and heritage.\n\nThank you for subscribing to The Pinoy Explorer!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/feeds\/5456066140919962000\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=3927213677563111390\u0026postID=5456066140919962000\u0026isPopup=true","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/5456066140919962000"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/5456066140919962000"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2012\/01\/eureka-glorious-sunset-in-pura-tarlac.html","title":"Eureka! : Glorious sunset in Pura, Tarlac"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Admin\/Author"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14506841021276992068"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--rhUgUZ9j_I\/WErLYpzavaI\/AAAAAAAABdA\/1OmeVDRzZwkcAbMotcRK9Xn13gy8ZzekwCK4B\/s113\/photographer-silhouette-image-16.png"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927213677563111390.post-3259259157225928556"},"published":{"$t":"2011-08-01T06:42:00.004+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-04T16:31:43.927+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bataan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Beaches in the Philippines"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Culture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Fisherfolks"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Luzon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Morong"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Morong Pawikan Conservation Center"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Nagbalayong"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Nature"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Region 3"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"water adventure"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Water Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Water World"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The charm of Nagbalayong beach"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\" trbidi=\"on\"\u003E\u003Cdiv id=\"fb-root\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#appId=217592168274362\u0026amp;xfbml=1\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cfb:like font=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/ding-explore.blogspot.com\/2011\/08\/charm-of-nagbalayong-beach.html\" send=\"true\" show_faces=\"false\" width=\"450\"\u003E\u003C\/fb:like\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5993614807\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"The charm of Nagbalayong beach by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The charm of Nagbalayong beach\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6127\/5993614807_b5939251aa.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAside from its famed \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/ding-explore.blogspot.com\/2011\/07\/morong-bataan-brief-encounter-with.html\"\u003EPawikan Conservation Center\u003C\/a\u003E, Brgy. Nagbalayong in Morong, Bataan also boasts of its fine and pristine coastline and wide beach.\u0026nbsp; Although not fit for swimming because of its strong undercurrents, it's rustic charm still awes the senses.\u0026nbsp; Nagbalayong beach, which is seven (7) kilometers long happens to be a nesting ground for \u003Ci\u003Epawikans\u003C\/i\u003E (sea turtles).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith nothing to do after a quick lunch during our visit to the Pawikan Center, I took a short photo-walk to capture what the place can offer.\u0026nbsp; The sun that shone brightly was piercing into my skin, but I did not mind.\u0026nbsp; It has been a long time since I have gone to the sea and feel its cool and salty breeze on my face.\u0026nbsp; This fittingly reminds me of my short but frequent sojourns in Ragay Gulf working with the fisherfolks of Quezon. The smell of fish was like an aroma that opens the door to the memory lane--of the people I communed with, the\u0026nbsp; rustling and swaying coconut leaves, the salty water crushing against the rocks on the shoreline that formed and took some shape with the passing of time, of the sea that heaves and recedes in cadence with every breath. \u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENagbalayong is a fishing community and not your typical beach resort, but it offers many photographic subjects--nature and its people.\u0026nbsp; Indeed, I was not wrong with my decision to take a walk.\u0026nbsp; The scene was very typical of a fishing community--children walking along the beach selling some wares, boats docked on the shore, and people gathering around a fisherman who just came back from fishing--all of which were just perfect for some iconic shots I wanted.\u0026nbsp; And I am glad the people are not camera shy.\u0026nbsp; In fact, the boys were just so eager to pose in front of my camera and giggled afterward when I showed them their smiling faces on the screen!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo I am sharing with you some of my photos.\u0026nbsp; See more photos in my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/sets\/72157627201785175\/\"\u003EFlickr photostream\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5993652895\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110264 by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110264\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6021\/5993652895_a5929483f5.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESome of my fellow Pawikan Conservation Center visitors walking along the beach.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5993653667\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110307 by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110307\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6007\/5993653667_532e7f5976.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ETaken from the shade outside the fence of the PCC.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5994265712\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110315 by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110315\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6149\/5994265712_61740c2c14.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EBoat parked on the beach.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5994266774\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110319 by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110319\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6011\/5994266774_27ffc377c9.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EPeople gathered around this boat to buy fish and the boys asked for some freebies too!\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/08\/charm-of-nagbalayong-beach.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"true\" data-width=\"450\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cscript src=\"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/all.js#xfbml=1\"\u003E\u003C\/script\u003E\u003Cfb:comments href=\"http:\/\/ding-explore.blogspot.com\/2011\/08\/charm-of-nagbalayong-beach.html\" num_posts=\"5\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/fb:comments\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript language=\"JavaScript\"\u003E\u003C!--  \/\/Disable right mouse click Script \/\/By Maximus (maximus@nsimail.com) w\/ mods by DynamicDrive \/\/For full source code, visit http:\/\/www.dynamicdrive.com  var message=\"Copyright 2009-2011. All Rights Reserved by Explored!\";  \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ function clickIE4(){ if (event.button==2){ alert(message); return false; } }  function clickNS4(e){ if (document.layers||document.getElementById\u0026\u0026!document.all){ if (e.which==2||e.which==3){ alert(message); return false; } } }  if (document.layers){ document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN); document.onmousedown=clickNS4; } else if (document.all\u0026\u0026!document.getElementById){ document.onmousedown=clickIE4; }  document.oncontextmenu=new Function(\"alert(message);return false\")  \/\/ \u003C\/script\u003E  \u003C\/div\u003E--\u0026gt;  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDo you like this article? \u0026nbsp;Like us on Facebook, too!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like-box\" data-header=\"false\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thepinoyexplorer\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-stream=\"false\" data-width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003EThe Pinoy Explorer is a blog that highlights places, events and festivals and events, and culture and heritage.\n\nThank you for subscribing to The Pinoy Explorer!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/feeds\/3259259157225928556\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=3927213677563111390\u0026postID=3259259157225928556\u0026isPopup=true","title":"6 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/3259259157225928556"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3927213677563111390\/posts\/default\/3259259157225928556"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/08\/charm-of-nagbalayong-beach.html","title":"The charm of Nagbalayong beach"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Admin\/Author"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/14506841021276992068"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--rhUgUZ9j_I\/WErLYpzavaI\/AAAAAAAABdA\/1OmeVDRzZwkcAbMotcRK9Xn13gy8ZzekwCK4B\/s113\/photographer-silhouette-image-16.png"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"6"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3927213677563111390.post-8546339159733871840"},"published":{"$t":"2011-07-11T21:06:00.007+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-04T16:38:49.868+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bataan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Immersions"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Luzon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Marine turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Morong"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Morong Pawikan Conservation Center"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Nature"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Pawikan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Region 3"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"water adventure"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Water Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Water World"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Morong, Bataan: A brief encounter with pawikan"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\" trbidi=\"on\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/07\/morong-bataan-brief-encounter-with.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5926289912\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"A brief encounter with pawikan by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"A brief encounter with pawikan\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6140\/5926289912_22eecdcd86.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPart of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/ding-explore.blogspot.com\/2011\/06\/exploring-bataan-nuclear-power-plant.html\"\u003Etour that I joined organized by the PRMM and Greenpeace-Philippines\u003C\/a\u003E, is a short visit at Pawikan Conservation Center in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan.\u0026nbsp; The Pawikan Conservation Center is a community-based program for the conservation of marine turtles.\u0026nbsp; The 7-kilometer shoreline of Brgy. Nagbalayong is a natural nesting ground of the marine turtles.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMarine turtles land on the shores of Brgy. Nagbalayong from September to February.\u0026nbsp; As part of their conservation efforts, the members of the Pawikan Center patrol the shoreline at night and gather turtle eggs, which they incubate in their secured hatchery to secure them from poachers and prevent dogs to eat the eggs.\u0026nbsp; Since 1999, Morong Pawikan Center has already released 47,000 hatchlings into the ocean.\u0026nbsp; With their dedication and perseverance in patrolling the area, the distance they have walked every night would have taken the Pawikan Center members to Sao Paolo, Brazil.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5925690397\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110239 copy by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110239 copy\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6027\/5925690397_b583556f86.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EA rescued marine turtle in captivity.\u0026nbsp; This one of those that was accidentally captured by fisherfolks.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAside from ocular inspection of the area, the visitors are also treated to a short lecture.\u0026nbsp; During our visit, Mr. Manolo Ibias gave us a short lecture on their conservation efforts.\u0026nbsp; Manolo Ibias, like other other members of the organization, were also self-confessed egg poachers before the conservation effort.\u0026nbsp; They sell the eggs to Chinese restaurants, which make these eggs into aphrodisiac dishes.\u0026nbsp; However, they are now reformed and are dedicated to the conservation efforts.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5925691023\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110333 copy by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110333 copy\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6018\/5925691023_8516880b16.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EMr. Manolo Ibias, sharing his thoughts on conservation efforts of the Morong Pawikan Conservation Center.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere are some facts about pawikan or marine turtles:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAfter 25 years, when the female turtles become mature and are ready to lay eggs, they instinctively return to the shorelines where they are hatched and released to the ocean;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThey only lay eggs only every three years.\u0026nbsp; This will give them enough time to recuperate from their pregnancy;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThey lay eggs only at night at the shoreline where they dig holes and bury them with sand;\u0026nbsp; The turtles make sure they leave no traces where they lay their eggs that an untrained eye would not identify;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThey have a life span of 75-80 years;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIncubation period is 40-70 days, depending on the temperature.\u0026nbsp; The higher the temperature of the sand, there faster the eggs will hatch;\u0026nbsp; Too hot or humid a weather will also endanger the eggs.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor every 100 hatchlings released into the wild, only 1 or 1% is the survival rate (mature turtle) due to natural predators, poachers, environmental degradation--particularly water pollution, throwing of garbage plastic bags into the ocean, and toxic chemicals.\u0026nbsp; The turtles usually mistakenly eat plastic bags thinking that these are jelly fish.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOf the 5 species found in the world,\u0026nbsp; three (3) are found in the Philippines, including the leatherback turtle which is the biggest in the world (that can grow as big as 10 feet in length)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAside from the Pawikan Center in Morong, Bataan, the other marine turtle sanctuary in the Philippines is located in Tawi-Tawi.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5926270074\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"11110346 by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110346\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6007\/5926270074_cb2849728d.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe Pawikan Conservation Center hatchery.\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe center offers guided visits, lecture on pawikan conservation efforts, as well as sponsorship for every pawikan hatchling released into the ocean.\u0026nbsp; It is just unfortunate it was no longer hatching season during our visit, but nonetheless, the experience was quite educational, at least on my part.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe center also features a souvenir shop where you can buy t-shirts, stuff toys, and other items for sale.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5925693195\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"11110342 copy by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"11110342 copy\" src=\"https:\/\/farm7.static.flickr.com\/6142\/5925693195_5d61e5a159.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the rest of the photo, please\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/sets\/72157627044457387\/\"\u003ECLICK THIS LINK TO MY FLICKR PHOTO STREAM\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E___________ \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFor more info:\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EEmail: \u003Ca href=\"mailto:nida.valdez@pawikancenter.org\"\u003Enida.valdez@pawikancenter.org\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\"mailto:manolo.ibias@pawikancenter.org\"\u003Emanolo.ibias@pawikancenter.org\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPhone: (63-928)718-5721 or (63-921)630-2842\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBantay Pawikan Conservation, Inc.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENagbalayong, Morong, Bataan, Philippines \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHelp support the cause to save the Pawikan by sending donations or purchasing their products or services.\u0026nbsp; 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The trip was cheap that covers the guided tour, entrance fees, bus fare, lunch, though sans the refreshments in between.\u0026nbsp; But nonetheless, it was worth the P500 trip.\u0026nbsp; Apparently, the eco-tour was subsidized by the two institutions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMore importantly, the mere mention of BNPP was enticing enough!\u0026nbsp; I was still in high school when we were barraged with issues surrounding this mothballed project.\u0026nbsp; Up to now, the issue of whether or not to operate it is still lurking upon us, the Filipino people.\u0026nbsp; This issue becomes even more contentious with the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant's failure to withstand the wrath of nature, which happened 3 months ago. Thus, being inside a nuclear power plant, which is a rare experience, makes it more interesting!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe BNPP is shrouded with political, economic, environmental, sociological, cultural, and regional and international issues, but, first and foremost, this is a travel blog, so discussions of these concerns are reserved for another venue. Thus, I would like to tackle it first the way a curious, hungry and un-involved mind would be--to know better how on earth does a nuclear power plant look like from the outside, what is inside of this white mammoth project, and what kind of animal is a nuclear reactor? Yes, something like seeing for myself what I read in textbooks and what I see on Discovery Channel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe plant tour started with a short lecture by National Power Corporation (NPC) officials--who manages the BNPP, how it operates, why is it different from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, what safety measures have been undertaken after the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown, how a uranium looks like, why it is safer (according to NPC) to operate the BNPP compared to fossil-based extraction or hydro-electric power plant, etc.\u0026nbsp; It was purely educational and expository in nature.\u0026nbsp; Thank God, no heated arguments have taken place between the participants and the NPC officials, as everyone seems to be more excited to get inside the plant!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter the lecture, we were led to the grounds for photo-ops.\u0026nbsp; Now I understand why it is best to take your souvenir photo before going inside the mammoth plant--you will also know later, of course. Before the plant tour, however, we were reminded not to take photos inside. After friendly negotiations, however, we were \"allowed\" to take photos but we were discouraged not to use it to put the NPC and BNPP, and the whole nuclear power concept in a bad light.\u0026nbsp; So now, I am doing them a favor.\u0026nbsp; I am making them more popular with this post.\u0026nbsp; Who knows?\u0026nbsp; They might eventually become a tourist attraction as what has been suggested by the Department of Tourism.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849095867\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3092\/5849095867_50578efc46.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003ESo, we proceeded to the fenced and supposedly heavily guarded compound.\u0026nbsp; Back in the day, there were already metal weapon scanners\/ detectors installed, but these are now considered ancient, thus not operational. Perhaps, NPC should upgrade those metal detectors and not allow bags inside or at least inspect bags inside the plant for security reasons.\u0026nbsp; After all, this piece of property still needs to be tightly guarded.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe feeling of getting inside the fence was exhilarating for a first-timer like me. After all, it was off-limits to ordinary people for more than two decades. As we drew near the entrance, (which is more like a backdoor to me) the other visitors got even more excited (like me!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce inside, I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie set with all those pipes and meters and gauges!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFirst Stop:\u0026nbsp; Pumping Section.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/b\u003EOur first stop was the water pumping section where the plant pumps water in and out of the plant.\u0026nbsp; Water is pumped into the nuclear reactor to produce steam, which then produces heat energy and converted into electricity. More than a hundred thousand liters of seawater need to be pumped into the reactor.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849036167\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"Exploring the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Exploring the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm6.static.flickr.com\/5078\/5849036167_25062e902e.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESecond Stop: Electrical Section.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp; We were led to a narrow corridor, leading to a flight of metal staircase, that brought us to this section where they control the electrical supply for the entire plant.\u0026nbsp; Again, this looks like a sci-fi movie set with all those metal control boxes.\u0026nbsp; It is like inside a big room with a row of huge circuit breaker panels.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThird Stop: \u003C\/b\u003EWe were led to a\u0026nbsp; maze of corridors that lead to a hollow section just outside the cooling tower.\u0026nbsp; Now, this leads me to think in case of emergency.\u0026nbsp; One who is working inside the plant should know the passageways and exits by heart because one can easily get lost inside! According to the Engineer guide, the wall encasing the reactor is 1 meter thick of high-grade concrete and reinforcement bars has a few inches gap between the main structure and is padded with foam as protection from an earthquake.\u0026nbsp; No plane the size of Boeing 747 can also break through the wall and it can withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale.\u0026nbsp; The location of the plant is also safe from the tsunami as it is already high at 18 [or is it 30 as I read somewhere?] meters above sea level, which is definitely much higher than the Fukushima plant.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849624484\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Exploring the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Exploring the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm3.static.flickr.com\/2576\/5849624484_8d2dc8e0e1.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOutside the nuclear reactor chamber\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFourth Stop:\u0026nbsp; Inside the Nuclear reactor chamber.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/b\u003EWe entered this decontamination chamber with two sealed vacuum doors, which according to the guide, is opened one at a time to prevent contamination of the entire plant.\u0026nbsp; Then we went up several meters high through a steel staircase until we reached the viewing level for the reactor and the cooling chambers.\u0026nbsp; According to the guide, the BNPP has two separate cooling chambers compared to the Fukushima plant, which has only one.\u0026nbsp; If one cooling chamber fails, then they can easily redirect the hot water to the other one.\u0026nbsp; This was one of the redesign measures they installed after the Chernobyl meltdown.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn this note, we noticed that while going near the reactor chamber, the temperature goes up.\u0026nbsp; As expected, we were all dripping with sweat due to humidity as there is no longer fresh air coming inside.\u0026nbsp; Hence, it was more convenient to have the picture perfect souvenir photos taken before the plant tour, unless you'd like to see yourself in pictures--yucky and in a total mess! When operating though, the temperature inside the chamber is controlled.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849648604\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/farm6.static.flickr.com\/5160\/5849648604_1f477de108.jpg\" width=\"478\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENuclear Reactor\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849649622\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3361\/5849649622_24783c07cc.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESteam Tank\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFifth Stop: Control Room.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/b\u003EThis is the brain of the entire plant.\u0026nbsp; It is equipped with a control panel of gauges, monitors, knobs, keys, and buttons that only trained people can manipulate.\u0026nbsp; For this entire section, only three (3) technical people are authorized during the operation.\u0026nbsp; If other personnel (even officials) and visitors would want to look into or inspect the control room, they are not also authorized to go beyond the viewing room which has a one-way bullet-proof mirror.\u0026nbsp; Again, this is one of the security measures they installed after the Chernobyl accident.\u0026nbsp; Apparently, even unauthorized personnel were allowed inside the control room of the Chernobyl plant, which caused further confusion and added problems during the meltdown.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849650716\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3233\/5849650716_5e7aaa0ca6.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EControl Panels in the Control Room\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESixth\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E and last stop: Power Generator section\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp; This is where all the steam and heat energy is converted into electricity which is stored and is connected to cables for distribution.\u0026nbsp; Going up here, though requires one to go climb several flights of narrow steel staircase.\u0026nbsp; This is a big space enough to play basketball or badminton, or perhaps, an exhibit area if the plant is converted into a museum and art space.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849094919\/\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3257\/5849094919_d6d29d9d9b.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPower Generation and Storage\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003EGetting inside the plant is one beautiful educational experience especially among students who would want to learn more about nuclear energy.\u0026nbsp; The National Power Corporation has opened this nuclear energy facility for public awareness and social marketing, which it did not have during the construction phase.\u0026nbsp; With billions of dollars in the budget, I wonder why there was no PR done or community relations done on this project. Although it is not too late, NPC hopes to educate and inform the people what the BNPP looks like, how it operates and how it will benefit the country in its bid for industrialization.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn my part, I could say I am better informed and perhaps more ready for an informed discussion about the pros and cons of the BNPP.\u0026nbsp; The question of whether I am for or against its operation, will not be answered here.\u0026nbsp; Let us enjoy the photos in the meantime.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5849647580\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bataan Nuclear Power Plant\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/farm6.static.flickr.com\/5156\/5849647580_b1968851d2.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the rest of the photos, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/sets\/72157626998201312\/\"\u003Eclick this link\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #336666; padding: 1em; padding: 1em;\"\u003EFor eco-tour inquiries, you may contact:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENational Power Corporation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBIR Road corner Quezon Avenue\u003Cbr \/\u003EDiliman, Quezon City, Philippines\u003Cbr \/\u003ETel. Nos.: (632) 921-3541 \/ Fax No.: (632) 921-2468\u003Cbr \/\u003Ewebmaster@napocor.gov.ph\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMr. Francis Joseph dela Cruz\u003Cbr \/\u003EGreenpeace South East Asia\u003Cbr \/\u003ERoom 301 JGS Building, #30 Scout Tuason Street,\u003Cbr \/\u003E1103 Quezon City, Philippines\u003Cbr \/\u003ETel: +63-2-3321807\/ Fax:+63-2-332-1806\u003Cbr \/\u003Eemail: info.ph@greenpeace.org\u003Cbr \/\u003EWebsite: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/seasia\/ph\/News\/news-stories\/Greenpeace-organizes-first-ever-eco-tour-to-BNPP-\/\"\u003EGreenpeace Philippines\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/06\/exploring-bataan-nuclear-power-plant.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"450\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-comments\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/06\/exploring-bataan-nuclear-power-plant.html\" data-num-posts=\"10\" data-width=\"600\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: blue;\"\u003EDo you like this article? \u0026nbsp;Like us on Facebook, too!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like-box\" data-header=\"false\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thepinoyexplorer\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-stream=\"false\" data-width=\"600\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"border: 1px solid #336666; padding: 1em; padding: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-g5AV7ENAuVg\/TtihOlrwwII\/AAAAAAAAALc\/IueHaQA8fqI\/s320\/explorer5.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThank you for reading \u003Cb\u003EThe Pinoy Explorer\u003C\/b\u003E!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAll contents of this blog, or otherwise stated, are copyrighted. For syndication, the use of articles and photos, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/p\/contact.html\"\u003Esend me an e-mail\u003C\/a\u003E. 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Its\u0026nbsp;historical nature, plus the adjacent museum and church courtyard are, likewise, quite interesting for a hobbyist photographer like me.\u0026nbsp; In particular, I have an affinity for old and quaint architecture, which makes this place close to my heart.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5841381403\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"Photographing Barasoain Church by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Photographing Barasoain Church\" src=\"https:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3139\/5841381403_d5fc1bceec.jpg\" height=\"356\" width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe first time we went there, I had no time to photograph the interior of the church.\u0026nbsp; There was an ongoing mass, and, being a Catholic, and as a matter of respect, I think it was inappropriate for me to take photos of the interiors.\u0026nbsp; So I just knelt down and prayed, instead.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe next time around, the church was closed.\u0026nbsp; I think they have a specific time to open (something like 3:00 PM or so).\u0026nbsp; I did not want to lose any chance anymore.\u0026nbsp; So, while my wards were watching the \u003Ci\u003E\"Lights and Sound Show\"\u003C\/i\u003E about the Philippine Independence (which I have already watched) I asked around if it was okay to go inside, which led me to one lady directing me to the sacristy.\u0026nbsp; It was also locked. I knocked on the door (which I later learned, led to the altar) and a sleepy man, obviously roused from a siesta, opened the door for me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUpon entering, I was quite disappointed because it was dark inside.\u0026nbsp; Thanks to my cheap but trusty tripod! I just have to take long exposures or make overexposure instead, I thought.\u0026nbsp; It worked for some, but not for many shots.\u0026nbsp; Thanks to Lightroom 3.0 which allowed me to tweak on some photos and voila!\u0026nbsp; I got some relative good photos to share (which were \"gathering dust\" in my hard disk!).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPhotographing inside a dark church at past 1:00 PM was quite challenging. What with the humid, dark, dusty, musty, and seemingly haunted choir loft!?\u0026nbsp; I was praying to the saints and even to the ghosts not to show up on me, because I was just interested in taking pictures of the church.\u0026nbsp; Thank heavens, I never captured an apparition!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother challenge that I encountered is shooting the church facade.\u0026nbsp; I do not know the reason, but we always get to the place when there are no more blue skies!\u0026nbsp; Blue skies would have been a postcard-perfect backdrop for this interesting and historical piece of architecture.\u0026nbsp; I thought that, perhaps, I should be there in the morning, instead, which of course did not happen.\u0026nbsp; I just hope that I would be able to go to Malolos one of these days--in the morning.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, posing a challenge to photographing the church facade are the lamp posts that get in the way of the viewpoint.\u0026nbsp; Again, I have to find a perfect spot where I can omit from the viewpoint those distracting lamps right in front of the church.\u0026nbsp; The last time I went there, there was a renovation of the church grounds, and I hope they get to place those lamp posts in more inconspicuous locations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMost importantly, however, is the fact that I got the chance to capture one of the most important facets of our history as a Filipino people.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHave I captured every nook an cranny of the church?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENot so, but the spirit of Philippine Independence, I did!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/5841951222\/\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" title=\"Photographing Barasoain Church by Inkblots™, on Flickr\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Photographing Barasoain Church\" src=\"https:\/\/farm3.static.flickr.com\/2440\/5841951222_a028304e00.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"400\"\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom the tablet markers on the church, here are some interesting historical facts:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe first old church was constructed by Rev. Francisco Royo, OSA, but was destroyed by fire in 1884\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERebuilt by Rev. Juan Giron, OSA, in 1885\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe seat of the Revolutionary Congress that was convened in from September 1898 to February 1890 under the presidency of Pedro A. Paterno\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe Malolos Constitution, chiefly drafted by Felipe G. Calderon, was enacted by the Congress\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003EThe Original copy of the Malolos Constitution, which looks like a small pamphlet, is in the historical archives of the current House of Representatives in Batasan Complex in Quezon City.\u0026nbsp; Unfortunately, this is not available for viewing.\u0026nbsp; A photocopy, however, is available in the Barasoain Museum.\u0026nbsp; I could not take a photo of the said replica since photographing inside the museum was and is prohibited.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cobject height=\"375\" width=\"500\"\u003E \u003Cparam name=\"flashvars\" value=\"offsite=true\u0026amp;lang=en-us\u0026amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fding-inkblots%2Fsets%2F72157626980869680%2Fshow%2F\u0026amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fding-inkblots%2Fsets%2F72157626980869680%2F\u0026amp;set_id=72157626980869680\u0026amp;jump_to=\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"movie\" value=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/apps\/slideshow\/show.swf?v=104087\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cembed type=\"application\/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/apps\/slideshow\/show.swf?v=104087\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true\u0026amp;lang=en-us\u0026amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fding-inkblots%2Fsets%2F72157626980869680%2Fshow%2F\u0026amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fding-inkblots%2Fsets%2F72157626980869680%2F\u0026amp;set_id=72157626980869680\u0026amp;jump_to=\" width=\"475\" height=\"356\"\u003E\u003C\/embed\u003E\u003C\/object\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you have a slow internet connection, please see the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/ding-inkblots\/sets\/72157626980869680\/\"\u003Erest of the photos of Barasoain Church.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-like\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/06\/photographing-historical-barasoain.html\" data-send=\"true\" data-show-faces=\"false\" data-width=\"450\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"fb-comments\" data-href=\"http:\/\/www.thepinoyexplorer.com\/2011\/06\/photographing-historical-barasoain.html\" data-num-posts=\"5\" data-width=\"475\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cscript language=\"JavaScript\"\u003E \u003C!--  \/\/Disable right mouse click Script \/\/By Maximus (maximus@nsimail.com) w\/ mods by DynamicDrive \/\/For full source code, visit http:\/\/www.dynamicdrive.com  var message=\"Copyright 2009-2011. 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