Lake Sebu (HDD digging)

[Mark Itol]

Hi guys. Allow me to join the scouring of HDDs, albeit for photos of different subjects. Sharing shots of the wonderful Lake Sebu (South Cotabato). Albeit a little far from city conveniences such as banks, malls, etc., the generousity and hospitality of the people, the simple way of life, and the place's natural beauty, not to mention the birds in the area, makes this one of my favorites among the places I've visited so far. These photos were taken in April but I always forgot posting them here. ;D

First Of Seven. The first drop of Lake Sebu's Sevel Falls, highest among the seven. Was also able to go and see the second falls but the mist made it difficult to take decent photos from the vantage point I wanted.

D40 + 18-55mm, 26mm, ISO 200, 1/100s, f/8, Manual Exposure, Tripod/Ballhead Support

Serene Sunrise (HDR). Before heading out to a nearby mountain with my local guides, I took photos of the sunrise over the lake turned tilapia-rich fishpond. This is where the restaurants beside get the fresh tilapias and load them into a basket attached to a pulley going up into the restaurants' kitchens -- all these on an almost per-order basis.

D40 + 18-55mm, 18mm, ISO 200, 5-1/4s, 5 exposures, f/16, Manual Expsoure, Tripod/Ballhead Support, Remote Shutter

Here's another HDR shot of the same lake taken near noon. Had quite a time cloning and patching the ghosting caused by the moving clouds.

D40 + 18-55mm, 18mm, ISO 200, 1/13-1/250s, 5 exposures, f/22, Manual Exposure, Tripod/Ballhead Support, Remote Shutter

Traan Kini (HDR). This is where I and my local guides stopped, took shelter from a slight rain, and decided to head back after seeing the weather conditions become more unpromising. Before the hike, they told me this was once a popular resort but was closed due to a kidnapping incident (by insurgents) years ago. Almost made me go back to the resort and shoot the lake instead. ;D

D40 + 18-55mm, 18mm, ISO 200, 6-1/3s, 5 exposures, f/16, Manual Exposure, Tripod/Ballhead Support, Remote Shutter

Jamal & Salim. These two boys strike a pose for me as they head out to play in the lake.

D40 + 18-55mm, 55mm, ISO 200, 1/640s, f/5.6, Manual Exposure, Handheld

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

Mark! These are incredible! Should rename that body of water to Mirror Lake. Ganda!

[Ed Matuod]

Beautiful landscape photos and nice reflection shot, Mark!

[Elvin Sansona]

Lake Sebu is really beautiful. I was been there many times but didn't have a good picture. Thanks for sharing

[Mark Itol]

Thanks Edu, Ed, and Elvin. Yes, the place is really beautiful and pictures can only do enough to show the beauty.

_{LOL. Just realized I wrote hospitability instead of hospitality. Already corrected.}

[Toto Gamboa]

Great landscapes Mark! More of them please!

[Lydia Robledo]

Yeah, beautiful landscape, beautiful people... till when? I hope my dreaded word "development" never reach this place. telyds

[Mark Itol]

Thank you, Toto and TeLyds.

[alainpascua]

Excellent shots Mark! Bravo! I love the perfect mirror reflections and the creamy water flows. Hope to learn shooting that way too, and to one day visit Lake Sebu!

[Ding Carpio]

Beautiful shots, Mark.

Been to Lake Sebu many times but not lately. Aside from the scenery, I also always enjoyed the food!

[Mark Itol]

Thanks Alain and Ding.
Yes, the food is really good. And I had to devour almost a kilo of tilapia in one meal.
You should visit the place, Alain!

[alainpascua]

I plan to go there someday, Mark. And when I do, hope you can lend assistance as to directions, guides, etc. Or we might go there as one team!

[Mark Itol]

Would be glad to do so, Alain, though I had been there for only one and a half day. I'm hoping to be able to revisit the place someday.