From Clueless to Content Creator: A Guide For Beginners!

Excited to share that I’ve launched my first-ever online course on Skillshare! Check out the video above for a preview of what you’ll learn in this beginner-friendly course on the fundamentals of creating quality content that attracts and builds an audience.

Sign up for Skillshare Premium FREE for 14 days and check out my course here! https://skl.sh/3uqNOvj

FROM CLUELESS TO CONTENT CREATOR goes over:

THE QUALITIES OF GREAT VIDEOS

- The single crucial element every successful video needs to have

- Identifying the value you want to bring--and why that is crucial

- Why having a point of view is far more important than production value

- What skills to work on and dive deeper into

- Gear and tools - what you ACTUALLY need to invest in

- Case studies in each lesson to illustrate the principles being discussed

PRE-PRODUCTION

- Effective planning and pre-production and the impact it can have on your content

- Practical video script structure for maximum engagement

PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTION

- Tips for shooting high-quality video

- Tips for being great on camera

- Top tips for a better edit

- How to share your video and eventually build an audience

- Success as a creator and why building a huge audience isn’t necessary

Video creators at any level can benefit from this course, whether you’re just starting out or have experience but need refocus on what really matters.

Hope to see you there! Drop me a message or comment anywhere if you need help accessing it or want to give or get helpful feedback!

My Post-Lockdown Travel Plans || Dream ROAD TRIPS in the Philippines

By now, it’s clear that with Covid-19, there is no going back to the old normal in the near future. Travel will be changed—for years, and possibly for good. International air travel especially might become a huge pain, even more than it was after 9/11. Nobody knows much for sure yet, but to me one thing is clear:

In the near future, road trips in one’s home country will be the safest, most accessible way to have an adventure in the age of social distancing.

Specifically, road trips to places away from crowds and off the beaten path, where social distancing is not just possible, but effortless.

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Exploring Zambales by car. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography

Fortunately for us who live literally anywhere in the Philippines, there is no shortage of options. I’ve spent the past year going on long, beautiful road trips north of Manila with photographer Angelo Mendoza. In the process we’ve both realized that we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible right here at home.

After traveling to dozens of countries, even living abroad for months at a time, and then coming home and doing these road trips, I learned one life-changing lesson:

You can have the most epic, life-changing travel experiences without leaving your own country. What matters is not where you travel but having a spirit of discovery and appreciation—to see your home country with the eyes of a visitor.

You don’t need plenty of money, but you need plenty of TIME.

My first time really exploring off the beaten path in my own country for an extended period of time was, I’m embarrassed to say, only in 2019, on a road trip through the Philippine Cordilleras. I realized fully then that I really didn’t need to hop on a plane or go through the hassle of getting a visa to have an unforgettable and unique travel experience, as I had previously been inclined to think, just for lack of trying.

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A stunning road in the Central Cordillera in Ilocos Sur.

There are obvious benefits to choosing to travel by road at home instead of flying or going abroad. First, it’s extremely affordable, with an abundance of cheap local food and great options for affordable accommodations all over the Philippines. When you take your own car, you have space for plenty of supplies to last you a long time and virtually unlimited flexibility with your itinerary. Stretching your peso means you can spend more time and do more things with the same amount of money—and likely still have a lot left over compared to traveling abroad that you save or use to splurge. You can even stay in hotels without breaking the bank if you want.

Moreover, you don’t have to deal with a foreign language, although knowing Bisaya, Ilocano, or any major language in the Philippines would be a huge help as you venture further out. And finally, wherever you go, especially in far-flung places, you can have the opportunity for life-changing experiences of Filipino hospitality. And you, in turn, can help support local economies that have been badly hit by the lockdowns.

I can’t wait to get on the road again and explore the Philippines with renewed enthusiasm. Here are just a handful of my post-lockdown travel goals:

Rediscover Greater Manila and its food

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A new day dawning over Metro Manila.

While waiting for travel services to be allowed to operate again, I already want to start my adventures close to home. As things start opening up, everything old will feel new again. We’ll appreciate the smallest tastes of normalcy. The freedom to have a beer at a bar or sit at a café will seem like the greatest thing in the world (albeit with social distancing enforced).

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Mood.

I’ve learned after working on a local travel food show that sharing food with the people who make them and people who are passionate about food is one of the best ways to explore and learn about a place. This newfound awareness has opened up a delicious new world to discover right in my own backyard.

So I want to hop on my scooter and go around Maginhawa, Poblacion, Chinatown, etc., discovering great food in every place from famed local institutions, to little-known holes-in-the-wall, to revered local legends. I could venture north to Bulacan, south towards Alabang then on to Laguna and Cavite, or head east to Rizal, taking recommendations from friends in each place. The possibilities are virtually inexhaustible without even having to travel far from home.

Strictly Dumpling takes on Binondo!

Are we going to let the food vloggers have all the fun and food? Let’s dive into those hidden gems in and around our home cities. There’s never been a more important time, too, to support the restaurant industry.

Take on the Halsema Highway on a motorcycle

Video by motovlogger SEFTV on Youtube

Driving across the beautiful and perilous Halsema Highway from Baguio to Sagada for the first time in 2018 was my baptism into venturing far beyond Manila by car. As I mentioned above, it was my 2019 road trip here that made me realize just how intense and fulfilling local travel by road can be: sticking to our own time, creating our own itinerary day by day, and exploring as if we were foreigners.

Having recently learned to ride on two wheels and finally purchasing my own scooter, it’s my goal to work my way up to traversing this entire stretch of road from Baguio to Sagada and beyond. While cars are comfortable and great for hauling lots of gear, there’s nothing like riding a motorcycle for forcing you to travel light while also connecting you to the elements, nature, and the locals along the way. It’s sure to be an exhausting challenge for a newbie like me, and I’m sure to be exposed to all sorts of danger and weather. That’s precisely what would make it so much more stimulating, exhilarating, and worth the effort than going by car.

Trying my future bike on for size. Not sure how I can afford one soon but I’m claiming it, hehe.

Explore Bicol by car

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Admiring Mt. Mayon from a lesser known road

After the north, it’s time to head south! I’ve been to Bicol several times for work, and the region has always impressed me with its awe-inspiring volcanoes, stunning coastlines, and unbeatable food. Every time I fly over it on the way further south, I see terrain that I’m dying to see up close.

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Flying over Bicol on the way to Mindanao

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A spectacular view in Camarines Sur

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Majestic Mt. Isarog dominating the landscape

For years we’ve wanted to take on this region by car, and now feels like to the perfect time to time rise to the challenge. A longtime goal has been to find the best, little-known views of Mt. Mayon and finally get a shot of the Milky Way behind it.

See the sunrise on the east coast and see it set on the west coast—in a single day!

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Sunrise in Aurora

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Sunset in Zambales

This is another dream project that Angelo and I realized might be possible, just looking at the map: to wake up on the east coast of Luzon in Aurora to catch the sunrise, then cross over to La Union, Pangasinan, or Zambales to catch the sunset in the same day. While we would need to have weather conditions line up perfectly, this arbitrary goal would make for a truly excellent adventure.

Take the Long Way Down to Davao

Video by TheBoyWhoWandered in Youtube.

This seems like the ultimate road trip in the Philippines, and it would be a badge of honor to complete it. We could begin in Quezon City or further north if we feel ambitious, then drive all the way through Bicol, down to the Visayas, and eventually all the way to Davao City, hopping on RORO ferries in between the islands. This might take around a month, depending on how long we linger at every region, and it could easily turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime. A tiny taste of some of the sights we could see along the way:

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The coast of Catanduanes

Sugba Lagoon in Siargao

Such a long and diverse journey would be a blank canvas for all kinds of adventures from mountains to sea, lakes and valleys, beaches and cities. Especially high on my list to explore is Agusan Marsh. Along the way, we could mix car and outdoor camping, staying with locals, and taking a break from roughing it by staying in budget hotels or fancy resorts.

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A sweeping view of Mt. Apo between Davao City and Digos City (I think)

Obviously, there are countless road trips that are possible for two and four wheels alike, but I just want to begin sharing some of my top ideas for my own inspiration and yours as well! The options even within the immediate vicinity of Metro Manila are only limited by your imagination, determination, and willingness to see home with new eyes. Let’s get out there, have great experiences, and help local economies recover along the way.

What are your dream local trips to do as we adjust to “the new normal”? Let me know in the comments, so we can all share the ideas, itineraries, inspirations, and other information! Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to travel again soon.

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Off road, all smiles. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography

***************************

This entry was inspired by the RedDoorz Philippines “Let’s Travel Again Soon” writing contest, and I thank them for giving me a reason to write down my ideas and kindle my excitement and determination to get out there and explore and make beautiful videos of these experiences again.

#RedDoorzPH #LetsTravelAgainSoon

Enjoyed this post? Check out this vlog where we explore the stunning highway of Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.

Exploring the PHILIPPINE EAST COAST (Aurora to Isabela) with the Chevy Trailblazer

Travel photographer Angelo Mendoza and I go on a weeklong road trip up the beautiful, isolated east coast of Luzon, Philippines, from the province of Aurora to Isabela. With the help of local friends and a capable car, we were able to explore far past the usual spots in search of the best spots.

In Part 1, we drive up from Manila to Baler and then all the way up the coast to the northernmost municipality of Aurora, Dilasag, taking many leisurely stops to shoot (and eat) along the way.

In Part 2, we drive off the road deep into the forests of the Sierra Madre to visit two isolated waterfalls: peaceful Singip Falls in Dilasag, Aurora, and the stunning 100+ meter-high Dibulo Falls in Dinapigue, Isabela.

In Part 3, day 4 of our adventure, we begin with a perfect moonset/sunrise at Parang Hills in Dilasag, Aurora, then drive to Dinapigue, Isabela and glimpse its stunning coast and blue waters for the first time. We stay at the beach til sundown and witness a spectacular moonrise over the ocean.

In Part 4, the last two days of our road trip, we shoot sunrise along a stunning stretch of coast in Dinapigue, Isabela, then drive down to Casiguran and then Dinalungan, Aurora. We come back up to Casiguran for sunset at a rice field, then end our trip with sunrise at Tabon Beach, Dinalungan, Aurora.

Special thanks to Chevrolet Philippines for letting us test drive the 2.8L Trailblazer Z71 4x4 for a whole week! The trip wouldn’t have been possible without it. The car was an absolute dream to drive both on the highway and off road, with lots of power combined with a smooth ride and comfortable amenities. I felt a confidence behind the wheel particularly on the twisty roads leading to Baler as well as the sketchy roads going to and around Dinapigue, especially the long and sometimes sketchy off-road segment going to Dibulo Falls. Find out more about this car by going to your nearest Chevrolet dealership or visiting www.chevrolet.com.ph.

PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPLORE THE PHILIPPINE EAST COAST

Shot and Edited by Aaron Palabyab

Photography and Additional Footage by Angelo Mendoza

Watch more of Photographers Explore!

Follow us on Instagram:

http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

http://instagram.com/angelomendo

GEAR USED

• Sony A7RII + Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3

• Sony A6300 + Sony 18-105 f/4

• Laowa 15mm f/2

• Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8

• DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

• Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini tracking mount

• MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod

• Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod

• Angelo: Fujifilm X-T30

Edited in FCP X

Color grading with Color Finale Pro and SkyGrades Natural LUTs for DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

Let’s connect!

• Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Business Contact / Licensing: aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

A Photo and Time-lapse Journey Through the CORDILLERAS

For five days, travel photographer Angelo Mendoza and I explored the Philippine Cordilleras, going off the beaten path in search of grand but unseen views and waiting to catch the most amazing light. In the process, we had one of the most incredible travel experiences of our lives, right up there with my most memorable adventures abroad.

CORDILLERA MOUNTAIN LIGHT is the time-lapse film that came of it, also including footage shot over the past year in Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Kalinga.

The first two episodes of our PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPLORE series documents our unforgettable journey in search of those shots.

In part 1, we explore along the Halsema Highway, following it across Benguet and into Mountain Province, fall in love with Mt. Mogao in Tadian, and eventually stumble upon the most spectacular, unforgettable sunset.

In part 2, we move on from Tadian into the lesser-known Central Cordillera of Ilocos Sur, starting with the town of Cervantes. From there, we head up and explore up and down the dramatic, steeply-rising Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road, with its majestic views of the valley in Cervantes and the mountains of Mountain Province. We visit Bessang Pass and search for viewpoints while dealing with erratic weather, and finally drive all the way down west to the coast, seeing some of the most beautiful little-known mountain roads of the Cordillera along the way.

CREDITS

Produced by Angelo Mendoza & Aaron Palabyab

Shot and edited by Aaron Palabyab

Still Photography by Angelo Mendoza

Aerial and time-lapse photography by Aaron Palabyab

Additional videography and time-lapse by Angelo Mendoza

Additional Still Photography by Aaron Palabyab

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

http://instagram.com/angelomendo

How to SHOOT THE MILKY WAY - COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE

Get your first good shot of the Milky Way! This week’s video is a complete beginner's guide on how to shoot the Milky Way, covering gear, planning, shooting, and editing in Adobe Lightroom.

CONTENTS:

• 0:22 GEAR

• 3:09 PLANNING

• 7:36 SHOOTING

• 13:51 POST-PROCESSING

Shooting the Milky Way with a mobile phone: https://youtu.be/wToXZHpUwUc

LINKS TO GEAR AND APPS (Lazada links for PH viewers are affiliate links, the rest are normal links)

LENSES (2019)

• Samyang 24mm f/1.4 (Canon EF) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bfSR

• Samyang 14mm f/2.8 (Canon EF) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bXmc

• Sigma 14mm f/1.8 (Canon EF) https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1321306-REG/sigma_14mm_f_1_8_dg_hsm.html

• Laowa 15mm f/2.0 https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-15mm-f2/

• Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master (Sony FE) https://cameras.ph/product/sony-fe-24mm-f-1-4-gm-lens/

• Samyang 16mm f/2.0 (Canon EF-S) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.b07T

• Fuji XF 16mm f/1.4 (Fuji X) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.b07h

• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 (Sony E) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.0Atg

CAMERA (2019, selection only)

• Entry-level DSLR: Canon EOS 200D Kit with 18-55mm lens https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.b077

• Entry-level Mirrorless: Fuji X-T100 kit https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.b07i

• Mid-level Mirrorless: Fuji X-T30 (body only) https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.0AtT

• Advanced Mirrorless: Fuji X-T3 (body only) https://www.henryscameraphoto.com/FUJIFILM-X-T3-BODY-BLACK

• Full-frame Mirrorless: Sony A7SII https://www.henryscameraphoto.com/Sony-Alpha-A7SII-BODY

TRIPODS

• Benro FGP18A Go Plus Tripod https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bfSk

• Zomei M8 Go Travel Tripod https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.b07R

APPS AND WEBSITES

• Light Pollution Map https://www.lightpollutionmap.info

• Dark Site Finder https://darksitefinder.com/map

• Dark Sky app https://darksky.net/app

• PhotoPIlls app https://www.photopills.com/

• Sky Guide (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sky-guide/id576588894

• Star Walk 2 Free (Android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vitotechnology.StarWalk2Free&hl=en

• Moon Calendar https://www.moongiant.com/

• Accuweather https://www.accuweather.com

• Milky Way Exposure Calculator https://www.lonelyspeck.com/milky-way-exposure-calculator

• Adobe Lightroom Classic https://www.adobe.com/lightroom

• Lonely Speck SharpStar 2 Precision Focusing Tool https://www.lonelyspeck.com/sharpstar/

Gear used for tutorial:

• Sony A6300

• Sony Zeiss FE 55 f/1.8

• MeFoto Roadtrip Tripod

• Saramonic UwMic9

Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

Subscribe to my channel - http://www.youtube.com/AaronPalabyabChannel

Instagram: http://instagram.com/aaronpalabyab

Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.palabyab

Twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronpalabyab

Website: http://www.aaronpalabyab.com

Business Contact / Licensing:

aaron [at] aaronpalabyab.com

ABOVE - Zambales Time-lapse Film

Watching the sun, sky, and stars move over the Earth, shot over three trips to Zambales while exploring with photographer Angelo Mendoza.

Watch the behind-the-scenes vlogs here:

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/_dEmEhCb05s

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/XVz5ax20iRw

And follow Angelo to see his amazing shots from these trips: https://www.instagram.com/angelomendo

Shot and edited by Aaron Palabyab

GEAR

• Sony A7RII

• Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3

• Samyang 24mm f/1.4 (EF mount)

• Sony Zeiss 55mm f1.8

• Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini

• MeFoto RoadTrip Tripod

• Varavon A7 Battery Pack

EDITED IN

• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic

• LRTimelapse 4

• FCP X

MUSIC

“A Place of Refuge” by Dustin Lau

100% Clearance through Musicbed

Watch more of my time-lapse work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAoL430ePuoOJsxbeUMBbAt6zQTQJdxgw

Our first award-winning collaboration!

Excited to be able to finally share this! Almost exactly a year ago, my artist partner Agnieszka Rowińska and I won the Creative Filmmaking Award at the Syrp Everyday Humans Short Film Competition for our very first collaboration, a profile on her that we made at Nes Artist Residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland. It features my video and time-lapse work alongside her art and animations, along with music from fellow resident, American composer Jason Richmond. You can watch it below:

Since then, Agnieszka and I have collaborated on numerous other projects, including more short films, an installation, and a photography series. We now call ourselves Kometa—check out some of our other work here!

The Light in the North - 4K Northwest Iceland Time-lapse Film + Behind-the-scenes Vlog

It's finally here! Exploring a place of ever-changing sunsets and strange, beautiful light, THE LIGHT IN THE NORTH is a time-lapse film shot over two months in the transition from autumn to winter in a single remote town between a mountain and the sea in northwest Iceland. Produced during the Nes Artist Residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland.

Watch the behind-the-scenes here:

Gear used:

Sony A7RII
Sony 24-240 f/3.5-6.3
Samyang 24mm f/1.4
Samyang 14mm f/2.8
Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8
Sony RX100IV
Edelkrone SliderPlus XL with Action Module
MeFoto RoadTrip Tripod
Varavon Battery Pack for A7 series

Edited using LRTimelapse, Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, and FCP X