Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pangasinan | Of Giant Clams And Snorkeling


PANGASINAN | Of Giant Clams And Snorkeling
Underwater Adventure




I always like to share some of my underwater photos, but when it comes to marrying it with words then I would loose it. I'm thankful that even after a year, my amphibious Underwater Camera Lumix TS3 is still working. Out of carelessness and having subjected it to many elemental exposure, it still works for me. 

One can say that Hundred Islands of Pangasinan is the mother load of Giant Clams, because here in their sanctuary and protected by the government, they are safe. This place came into my radar after visiting the Giant Clam Sanctuary in Camiguin Island. I wasn't able to snorkel in Camiguin with their Clams as time would not permit, but I took into consideration that most of the species that they propagate were bought from Pangasinan years back. And true enough, here they are. Fascinating  creatures these Giant Clams are, very sensitive to their environment, so their very thriving prescense assures me that conditions in these waters are good. For being a famous Post Card worthy location, Pangasinan is doing great in maintaining the balance and influx of tourism. And though you see signs of civilization within the islands itself bringing with them the feeling of being closer to the mainland, these are still beautiful islands trusts out in an open sea.

This photo above inside the Imelda Cave, after my customary jump, I looked up to the ceiling and their you can see light filtering  and shining through the inside. Glorious sight, but I can't really photograph it properly because after the jump, I have to float to about 7 feet sea water. I have to swim out my way from the cave. Imelda Cave, Marcos Island.

I didn't start my snorkeling adventure with the Giant Clams right away. Considering the many things that can be seen and experienced in Hundred Islands, the Clams are just secondary, maybe better so as we are suppose to leave them alone. Adult Giant clams as big as these ones means that they're self sufficient, they even produce there own food. Those glorious colors that manifest on their flesh is indicative of the type of specie. They also reproduce on their own. Amazing!




The water condition was great. Not much strong currents, and the area is vastly filled with a lot of different corals, of all shapes, colors and sizes. With a depth of about 10 to 15 feet while I snorkel in a mid afternoon. Great time of the day, but not good for my skin though. With all the beach bumming that I did for 2012, I have a permanent tan line now. I love swimming topless with just my board shorts or trunks on. Liking the feel of the water in my skin, but alas! I have to take care of myself, so as you can see in this little dive, I'm wearing rushguards and cover alls for my arms.

If only we can talk under water, my exclamations while swiming in these waters would have astounded you. It was an amazing sight, and what makes me so addicted to swiming and snorkeling, the feeling of bouyancy, being weightless and afloat, that sense of freedom and seeing the vastness of the underwater world. This has always been something I like to tell to people who doesnt appreciate or can't swim on their own. They are missing a lot.

Investing on a Speedo Snorkeling set has been good for me. I can swim deeper now that I do before  all this adventure and even this blog started. I've bookmarked this place in Hundred Islands, for future travels and maybe side trips. I would like to swim these waters again soon. Maybe then, I've invested on another merchandise, a better underwater camera perhaps. My Lumix TS3 has done well, but it is designed so that I have to dive deeper and get closer to the corals if I want my photos to be sharp. I'm not a trained diver as of yet, so I don't know the technique to staying longer underwater while holding my breath. Heck, I'm not even a trained swimmer, at least not schooled for it. So what the hell am I doing? My conclusion is that I'm just too passionate when I turn my attention to something, may it achieving a skill or a good project. I can't count how many times I've almost drowned so I could learn to swim and snorkel without the shackles of floaters.









Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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23 comments:

  1. Hangganda ng kulay ng blog u ngayon ah :) namiss ko old template/design ng travelingmorion ko :( . Seriously, ang gusto ko dyan sa giant clams na yan indi piktyuran... kainin! sarap nyan :) hahaha

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  2. natatakot ako baka pag pumasok ang paa ko biglang magclose hahahah

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  3. Hi Jeff and Kulapitot!
    Thanks for droppin in, I know I've ladden you guys with this one of my most uninspired post.
    It took a lot of effort to change how this page looks now. I'm trying to boost this page for this year, as I want to be a serious travel blogger from now on.
    New Ideas come to me everyday, and while Im preparing for that moment, you guys have been great following my page.
    I'm really greatful for it.
    Cheers for a new blogging year!
    Gonna start putting live travel guides soon, so This wont be limited to just travel teasers and photos. Thanks!

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  4. I am looking forward to a trip inside the Philippines this July but have no idea where to. The photographs were so enticing that I am now thinking of visiting Pangasinan waters. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. omg! when i can actually do that thing right there! i am so amazed with those creatures! envy you from doing that!!

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  6. The clams is really huge. It would be nice to snorkel in hundred islands. I've been there but wasn't able to see a giant clam.

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  7. wew. I am jealous. Those are precious pictures I must say! I've never seen clams like those before. Thanks for posting this.

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  8. Wow! parang nakasama na rin ako sa adventure mo. Great photos.

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  9. Amazing shots. Nature really has this aura which pulls my desire to experience it first hand. :)

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  10. Great underwater scene! :D I usually snorkel in Davao (and Palawan when I've got the spare cash :P ) but this place isn't so bad either!

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  11. It's my fancy to dive or snorkel but I don't have the nerves doing it. Nice big clams.

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  12. giant clams lalalove, want to experience this adventure soon :)

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  13. Your photos are so clear. Great camera! I'm just wondering how people with high eye grades can see those without their eyeglasses underwater...

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  14. Very impressive shots, it is almost like being there myself to see through your camera.

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  15. superb shots underwater.. the second photo's really amazing!

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  16. I think this post can be featured on big travel sites. this post will always relive the experience. fantastic photos! =)

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  17. The underwater sceneries are really fantastic as captured by your lenses. The giant clams are so interesting.

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  18. I wish I can experience something great like this underwater photography. Nice shots Sir!

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  19. Ang ganda ng underwater views. I love how colorful corals are under the sea.They are pretty and must be preserve.

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  20. wow.. I really like those clams.. the way they are formed and they are just so interesting.. like the shots too!

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  21. Nice shots. Have you heard of Reef check Philippines. I think you can share your post to them. They are active in surveying our reefs and promoting reef protection all over the Philippines.

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  22. Underwater photography is another frustration of mine as I need to get a decent underwater camera sometime soon.

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