 I'll never get over the sunrise beauty in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. I waited for interesting subjects to come around at 5 in the morning. These kids started playing around on the raft. Suddenly, this boy went for a dive, and I was ready. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was his "olympic" stance. I looked at my image in the camera, and noticed how perfectly straight his legs were up in the air. I sure hope this kid goes places. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
   These flowers in the garden of Eden Resort are very beautiful in their simplicity and purity of images. Sometimes, I wish photography will stay this way. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
 I saw this "astig-looking" silver cricket in the gardens of Eden Resort and was so attracted to its unusual color and texture. Strangely, it reminded me of "The Iron Man" (or maybe Robocop?), as it puts up a shining stance on a leaf, probably giving me a steely look as I quietly approach it. I actually thought if any closer, I could see my reflection on its handsome exterior. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
  This bald, dark child caught my eye during my 5-day stay in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. I took photos of him, but his friends kept joining in. His eyes and smile, however, melted my heart. These innocent children will always be one of my fondest subjects in photography. Will share more of his photos and other kids in my gallery. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
  I was fortunate enough to get a wonderful sunrise in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, and even luckier to find my subject who just arrived in a boat, and was dragging it to shore. As his frame hid the sunrise from view, it cast a golden background to his wonderful silhouette...that of a hardworking boatman who wakes up early for his first catch on a beautiful day. (Images taken straight from cam, no post processing)* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
 During one of Rhonson's photo shoot for Pearl Farm Resort's brochure, I took one Filipina-German model named Sharon aside and asked her to pose by the pool. She wasn't aware which angle I was shooting from, just that I was behind her. I was dreaming of doing a glossy ad for an exotic Caribbean resort. She makes for a lovely sharp contrast to the pool's enticing blue color, where I left a big space above for title and words. Ad agency, anyone? * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
 Got attracted to the pine trees in Dole Kalsangi, Polomolok, South Cotabato. The leaves (or needles) create patterns so intricate and beautiful up close. The smell is fresh and heavenly. Makes you want to replace that plastic Christmas tree back home.
* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
Chanced upon this flower in Dole Kalsangi Golf Course, Polomolok, South Cotabato. Its color cheered me up.
* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
A journalist's work is hard and most times, risky. Let us pray for their safety and well-being, since we do not really know the actual events unfolding yet. I can only gather news tidbits from different new sources below. And to think I was thinking of visiting the place to write about tourist attractions.
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Ces Drilon kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu (Manila Standard Today)
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news1_june10_2008
ABU Sayyaf bandits have kidnapped ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and her two assistants in Sulu, demanding P20 million for their freedom. A military intelligence report said Drilon and two colleagues, cameraman Jimmyfred Encarnacion and a driver, were taken to an area near Mt. Tumatangis in Indanan, Sulu. Drilon’s team arrived in Jolo, Sulu, from Zamboanga City on Saturday and stayed at the SSC Hostel. They were supposed to interview the one-armed Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron. Sahiron, who carries a $200,000 bounty from the US government, planned the 2004 bombing in Jolo that killed 11 Filipino civilians and an American serviceman and wounded more than 200 others. Known as Commander Putol because of his amputated right arm, Sahiron is also considered one of the masterminds of the April 2000 kidnapping of 21 foreign tourists in Sipadan. At 8 a.m. Sunday, Drilon’s team met with Octavio Dinampo, a professor at the Mindanao State University-Sulu, who is affiliated with the Moro National Liberation Front. Bandits led by Albader Parad and Gapul Jumdail blocked the yellow Tamaraw jeep that Drilon and her team were riding in Kulasi village in Maimbung, Sulu. Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao, police chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said they were surprised to learn that Drilon was in the area. He said Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan would head any negotiations with Drilon’s captors. Intelligence reports put the ransom sought at P20 million, but Goltiao said the bandits had made no demands as of 5 p.m. He said Drilon arrived Saturday via SEAIR “to cover a special event” on Dinampo’s invitation. “The following day, Sunday, they were sent a text by Dinampo from the Sulu State University hostel where he is staying. Along the way, they were flagged down by Parad’s group,” Goltiao said. The police chief said the group that took Drilon was the same one that held Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino for a few days in Sulu before releasing him in February. Sources in Camp Aguinaldo said the Armed Forces had offered Drilon two Marine colonels to serve as security, but she declined the offer. Presidential Adviser on Sulu Affairs Amilbabar Amilasan confirmed that Drilon and her crew were missing, but Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgar Arevalo could not say if she had indeed been kidnapped. A high-ranking official from the Western Mindanao Command declined to give details on the abduction, citing a request from ABS-CBN for a news blackout for the safety of Drilon and her two colleagues. Drilon has covered skirmishes between the Muslim separatists and government troops before. She also covered the release of Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi by the Abu Sayyaf last year. Drilon’s group was the second from the TV network to be kidnapped in Sulu. In July 2000, reporter Maan Macapagal and her cameraman Val Cuenca were also kidnapped. Freelance journalist Arlyn dela Cruz was similarly kidnapped in Sulu while covering the Abu Sayyaf in April 2002. Florante S. Solmerin, Rene Alviar, Joyce Pangco Pañares, Jaime Pilapil Related Stories Peace advocate, ABS-CBN's Ces Drilon feared kidnapped in Sulu Official Statement of ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN explains news blackout on Ces Drilon
 THINGS ARE LOOKING UP! Out on a travel adventure, my fellow lifestyle columnist Jinggoy Salvador (front, sitting in his 6 foot frame) and I (at the back) looked skyward as we boarded a typical tricycle in Pagadian City, capital of Zamboanga del Sur. Our driver told us not to fear, for these are heavy duty vehicles pointing upwards in mobile. I asked fellow writer Claire Dy to take photos of us from my camera. Up, up and away!* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself in my long journey as an artist. Jojie Alcantara
 Took this photo of kids swimming not far from their houses on stilts near Felis Resort, in Matina Aplaya while we were waiting for a sunset to shoot. The kids had this natural bonding that when I asked them to come closer, the oldest informed me the water gets deeper from where I was. So I told them to move back. He instead carried his younger companion to safety. It was a sweet gesture. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 This is a natural habitat called Pod-ok Mangrove Boardwalk in Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur, which cradles century-old mangroves lining the coastal area. In the 70s, an earthquake and tsunami devastated this municipality, but what saved the townsfolk from total damage were the mangroves deeply rooted in the soil. I took this photo and turned it into a painting to honor their safety and blessing.
* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 SOME THINGS ARE LEFT UNEXPLAINED. Taken in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (May 31, 2007), in one of its waterfalls. The atmosphere was serene and very quiet, bordering on a little eerieness because we were the only people in the enclosed area. The cascading falls was powerful and high. The view was magnificent.
When I took a photo of the waterfalls, I immediately saw the vision in my small LCD. This is a resized version with no enhancements or adjustments of color whatsoever, taken straight from my then trusty old Canon 350D.
Some say it's a woman with long hair and a face. I say it's a long bearded old man with a face, shoulder, arms and hand beckoning. Try to convert it into a negative, and your hair will stand on end.
Whatever it was I saw, the cool spooky mist really played tricks on my eyes, and I enjoyed it. You be the judge. :-)
More of the waterfalls and shots in Lake Sebu here:http://jojiealcantara.multiply.com/photos/album/58* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 The newlywed Mrs. Sarah Palmones-Soliban in the wharf of Malipano Island, just as we were finishing the shoot. The wind gently tossing her hair caught my attention. This is the "painting" I see of her in my mind. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 I took this photo of the new Mrs. Sarah Palmones-Soliban in the wharf of Malipano Island, just as we were finishing the shoot and she was making her way back to the shore. The wind gently tossing her hair caught my attention and the way she was holding her bouquet so high. Candid moments like these make for a better capture because she wasn't aware how beautiful and glowing she was at that moment. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 A fisherman basks in the glow of the morning sun. This golden view is a normal spectacle in Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City on a beautiful day. I love it. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 I am simply in awe of sunrises. Sunrise beckons a restart on life. Yesterday is past, and today is another beginning. This little old boat will start its travel in the sea. At sundown, it will unload its catch and empty itself of the burden. Let us do what this banca does, empty ourselves of stress at the end of each day, and strive to keep our mornings beautiful. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 I found these friendly local women of Tabina Municipality in Zamboanga del Sur, scattering fish food (mainly worms) on the shore, waiting for the fish to come and get them. This is how they catch their meal. The sight of them on the beach with their hats on made me think of Vietnam. * * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
 In another sunrise photo shoot early this morning at the Sta. Ana Wharf here in Davao, I was very inspired with the beautiful colors of the sky that I had several favorite images in my series. This is one of them. The rest can be found here:
http://jojiealcantara.multiply.com/photos/album/132/Sta._Ana_Wharf_Sunrise_Shoot
* * * Each day, I shall try to post a photo of my choice and tell a little story about it. These are images from my travels and experiences as a photojournalist. I wish to share with you a part of myself. Jojie Alcantara
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