Photographers Explore

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

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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

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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

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A Photo and Time-lapse Journey Through the CORDILLERAS

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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

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