Jump Shots in El Nido

Tourist arrivals has hit an all-time high in the first quarter of 2012. A record 1.148 million tourists visited the Philipines from January to March. It seems like the number will just get bigger and bigger from now on as the Department of Tourism launch their "It's More Fun in the Philippines" tourism campaign.

We better get ready.

Graceful Jump Shot in El Nido, Palawan (Entalula Island)

In a recent trip to El Nido, some topics of interest that are probably uniquely Filipino, during conversation with foreigners were:

Ketchup and how in some countries they don't have ketchup and they just refer to it as "Tomato Sauce." Then segue to BANANA Ketchup!
The Filipino trait of nodding our heads with a matching friendly eyebrow raise when we cross paths with someone we know, someone we thought we know, or simply when we're in a happy mood. I referred to it as the Filipino way of "small talk." Instead of saying "hi" or "hello" we simply nod our heads in acknowledgement. Didn't actually observed this behavior on my own. A German priest pointed it out to me way back when I was still working in Japan.
And there's the Filipino way of taking pictures. Wacky poses are preferred plus the iconic jump shots! Everyone is getting into the jump shot craze that some photography workshops actually teach you how to take jump shots already.

In this trip alone, I got the opportunity to teach and take the pictures of 2 foreigners doing the jump shot. The first one was a Canadian citizen who joined us for El Nido Island Hopping Tour C. She was so happy on how in the picture she appears to be flying. She had a yellow Sarong with her to maximize the effect. Too bad I don't have a copy of the picture because I used her camera to take the pic.

I do still have lots of other pictures to share with you. (^o^)/

Souvenir Masks at El Nido Boutique and Artcafe.

Wanted to get a souvenir mask but decided to just have our pictures taken with it at El Nido Boutique and Artcafe.

Jump shot with a Sarong in El Nido. (Hidden Beach)

While jump shots are still great, the fact that everyone is trying to do them already, the next time you take one I suggest you try and come up with unique jump poses to set your picture apart.

Superman in El Nido

Imitating superman's flying action to bring a new flavor to the usual jump shot.

Madame Auring and her magic ball in El Nido.

Making use of this unique ball that lights up. It changes color from time to time as well. It actually is battery operated and you can take it with you where ever you go. Only saw one at Cadlao Resort.

Finally, inspired by this girl from Japan called Yowa Yowa Camera Woman Diary, I tried my own take on LEVITATION SHOTS! I was so happy with the results! You should try them next time.

LEVITATING IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN