Fiestas » gerryruiz photoblog mark II

Year 2011 was no doubt a year for photo enthusiasts. With an unprecedented growth in sales of DSLR’s and mobile phones, tablets and computers with digital cameras, I doubt if there ever was any other time in mankind’s history when there were just as many people snapping away photos all the time.

Looking back at the year just passed, still nursing a hangover of the holidays, I was struck with the number of subjects I was able to cover – from birding to weddings and beauty tilts to travel destinations; from the time I had a glaucoma attack and subsequent laser procedure down to baby pictures and awesome adventure rides and treks in far-flung areas.

Thus I decided to compile my favorites and share them with you for a brief replay of gerryruiz images of 2011.

I hope you like it. Cheers!

The 1st Lawig Festival Queen 2011 competition

Beauty Contests, Fiestas, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel No Responses »

Dec 072011

Here’s our photo coverage of the 1st Search for Lawig Festival Queen 2011 held December 02, 2011 on the eve of the town fiesta of Palompon, Leyte.

Festival Queen 2011 Ms. Jyca Therese V. Mancao of MBVMH being crowned by Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District Leyte) and Leyte Gov. Jericho “Icot” Petilla

1st Runner-up Ms. Almer Jane B. Damayo of Palompon Institute of Technology

2nd Runner-up Ms. Genibe Pilapil of Palompon Sanguniang Bayan

Palompon’s 1st Lawig Festival 2011

Fiestas, photography, Tourist destinations, Travel 1 Response »

Dec 062011

The first 2 days of December found us in Palompon, Leyte (again), no, not for another trip to their famed Kalanggaman Island (although, frankly, we would have loved it) nor for another kayaking stint.

This time it was for Palompon’s annual fiesta celebration with the inaugural launch of the municipality’s 1st Lawig Festival 2011 in honor of their patron saint, St. Francisco Javier.

The Lawig Festival name takes its foundation from the Bisayan word, “Lawig” – meaning, “to sail on” – which its founders and organizers envision to crystalize the Palomponganon’s relentless optimism, courage and fighting spirit in facing life’s challenges and opportunities for growth.

Organized and spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of Palompon, the 1st Lawig Festival was held December 02, 2011 and saw the participation of 12 colorful contingents, all from within its municipal jurisdiction.

Dancing to the tribal beat of their respective drum and bugle corps, the festival streetdancing parade promptly started at 7:00AM and snaked its way around town ending up at the wharf area where the final showdown competition was held.

Adjudged winners were:

Champion: Taberna National High School

2nd Place: Palompon Institute of Technology

3rd Place: LGU Palompon Contingent

Congratulations to everyone for the successful holding of the 1st Lawig Festival!

Above, 3rd placer LGU Lawig contingent

2nd Place: Palompon Institute of Technology

The Champions – Taberna National High School

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Eastern Visayas’ tuba has come a long way! Cheers!

Fiestas, photography, Special Events, Tourist destinations, Travel 5 Responses »

Oct 162011

For hundreds of years, the Eastern Visayas region has been among the top coconut producers in the country.

And deeply embedded in the festive and colorful heritage of the Waray culture is the magic of its local coconut wine concoction – tuba.

The best tuba producers of Eastern Visayas converged last Friday, October 14 for the year’s biggest tuba festival – the 4th Oktubafest at the Leyte Park Hotel Gymnasium in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines.

The festival saw the participation of some 25 local government units showcasing their best tuba products from Tacloban City and the towns of Julita, La Paz, Dulag, Mayorga, Tanauan, Palo, Alangalang, Tunga, Carigara, Barugo, Babatngon and Burauen of Leyte province; Hinabangan, Villareal, Calbiga, Lawaan, Basey, Sta. Rita of Samar province; Balangiga, Sulat, Guiuan and Oras of Eastern Samar, as well as from Limasawa Island of Southern Leyte.

Highlights of whole-day, fun-filled Oktubafest included competitions in Best Bahal, Best Bahalina, Best Kutil and the Best Tuba-infused Dishes.

Yes, the tuba, indeed, has come a long way!

The annual tuba festival is being held under the auspices of the AnWaray Partylist, the Leyte Provincial Government, the Department of Tourism Region 8 and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Cheers to all!