Nat Geo Winner, Backpack Photography Workshop and a Year Ender Contest
First of all, thank you very much to all who joined my Facebook Group Page and those who participated in the contest. I filtered out the list and there were 54 names I included at Random.org list. And the winner that came at the top is Jamie Tan! Congratulations! You’ll get the National Geographic Expedition Journal and a copy of Mango Magazine. I’ll contact you later regarding the details on claiming your prize. And now for some important announcements and another contest.
Congratulations to Jamie Tan!
Ironwulf.net is pleased to launch the first Backpack Photography Series Workshop. The first workshop will be Backpack Photography 101 which is designed for beginners yearning to kick start their passion for photography. It would be held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banaue. So you’ll learn Photography while immersing into the rich culture of the Ifugaos. Check out the complete details here at Ferdzdecena.com. There are more planned for 2010 for advance series on Palawan, Batanes and Sagada.
National Geographic Pocket Notebook
And here’s the last contest for the year. I’m giving away National Geographic Pocket Notebook this time. It’s a 192 line pages notebook with an embossed National Geographic Society logo on the cover. It’s a perfect pocket notebook to take anywhere for your travels in 2010.
National Geographic Pocket Notebook,Moleskine Weekly Notebook Planner and Mango Magazine
Also included with the prize is a Moleskine Weekly Planner Notebook and another copy of Mango Magazine. I’m an avid user of Moleskine Planner and it has been a very useful tool during my travels. Plus you get a slot at the Backpack Photography 101: Banaue Workshop for free (transferable)!
If you would like to get these prize, the mechanics is simple. I’m gonna give these away to avid readers for this blog. Just answer this question:
What is your favorite blogpost here in Ironwulf.net and why?
Comment here and make sure you have a valid email address. Contest deadline is until December 31, 2009. I will be having a few judges to decide the winner on this one. Good luck!
Tags: Contest, Events, Photography
Posted on
Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 11:32 am 
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December 14th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Ay kung andyan lang ako, I’ll join your workshop. Congratulations to the winner.
December 14th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
The most memorable entry for me is “Baguio: The Lost Cemetery of Negativism”. The week before it was posted, I was thinking about bailing out on my 3-month sabbatical leave plans. Who would be crazy enough to leave a great job during a time of recession? Even my family and closest friends thought I have gone bonkers.
However, reading the epitaphs on the tombstones confirmed what I’ve been avoiding for the longest time. I was clearly afflicted with the “WHYDIDENT I” and “LETZ STUDY IT” syndrome. How would I know if I won’t try and face my greatest dream/insecurity? Do I really want to live in fear and die wondering? Hell, no. So I pushed through with my plans and I’m now on my second week of sabbatical. I’ve gotten myself a few small projects to test the waters. The pay is not even decent, but then again, I’ve never felt this alive!
They say money can’t buy you happiness. Sorry but I have to disagree. You could if you have the only real currency: Courage.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
anuba, #2. hahaha! congratulations, jamie!
December 14th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
grabe mahirap ito! how could you name one favorite posts among so many. pero sa lahat ng series mo ang pinaka naging effectual sa akin is your cambodia series and i have to name this post my favorite:
http://www.ironwulf.net/2007/04/18/cambodia-angkor-thoms-bayon/
why? gusto ko din kasi magkaroon ng ganyang passes. hehe. seriously, it made me appreciate the culture of asians. i used to dream only of exploring europe for it’s architectural wonders but the cambodia series sparked this interest in me for not just the architectural but the spiritual heritage of asia.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hello, Ironwulf! I am joining your contest.
My favorite blogpost here in your blog is your “Singapore: Birding at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve” blogspot. (http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/12/07/singapore-birding-at-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve/) simply because I love nature and I am aiming to visit Singapore in the soonest time possible. Singapore is included in my to-visit list next year. I hope I could go there soon.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:00 am
My favorite blogs of ironwulf.net is the series on Batanes. Ive’ve benn dreaming to go to Batanes but with he blog of ferdz happy na ako. complete ang data that i need to be able to go there at ganda ng pics as if I’m in Batanes too.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:30 am
whoa! na release na pala ang photography session. ill post it in my blog ferdz by weekend. congratulations sa nanalo!
December 15th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Hi Ferdz,
Congratulations for all the awards, invitations and accompanying rewards resulting from this blogsite. From the time I saw it, I already subscribed, so i will not be amiss in any of your posts.
It actually is difficult for me to choose the best blog entry as most of them qualifies in that level. However, since we are obliged to, then i will choose the one which helped me and my friends most. http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/05/13/batanes-accommodations-and-places-to-stay-in-basco/ . This is the entry about accommodations and places to stay in Batanes. We have been planning to go there for years without accomplishing anything. Your other posts and photos about the area heightened our interests more and this chosen post totally helped us choose the potential accommodation. We like your style of not judging them by your standards, but just laid out what you experienced and what they offer. We practically just trusted your words, “hook, line, and sinker” (ika nga!) about them, look at your photos and choose the top 3 possible accommodations. At the Basco airport we tried the listed phones from your list, starting from the top 1, and we immediately liked the offer of the first one, Shanedel’s Inn. From there on, the food arrangement, the guided tour arrangement, transport, etc went on smoothly. Our guided tour included Sabtang which we accepted gladly because we are equipped with readings also from your other posts about Sabtang, its environs, what to see, expect and beware of; e.g. waves if unexpected typhoons arrive! Your post keep us forewarned so we have made provisions in case of the unexpected; e.g. extra clothes, food, medicines, toiletries, money (because no ATM), etc.
In other words, we went there without any preparation except for the readings and photos from your blog post. That means we practically put our whole week vacation, our hard-earned savings in your hands!!! This is already too long. I am sure you will be reminded of my thank you comments immediately when we reached Manila again…as if we know each other when actually we don’t. Thank you very much.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Sakin yung halloween ritual sa Sagada. Dito ko unang narinig yun e!
December 16th, 2009 at 8:32 am
[...] Nat Geo Winner, Backpack Photography Workshop and a Year Ender Contest [...]
December 16th, 2009 at 11:22 am
My favorite blogpost was the one about Laos. I’m getting married next year and we are seriously considering a honeymoon in Laos (with friends in tow!! hehe.).
http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/08/20/laos-chronicle-summary/
December 16th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
It was really hard to choose my favorite blogpost here in Ironwulf.net. It has been a helpful site whenever I plan to out of town and also appreciate things that I do not notice in Philippines. But for the sake of the contest I’ll choose your post of the National Museum http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/03/21/manila-the-national-museum/. I’m 28 years old and I’ve never been to the Philippine National Museum. I never thought that it’s that beautiful inside, some many things to learn and love about being a Filipino. I thought it was some neglected and unmaintained Filipino heritage again since it’s residing in Manila but it wasn’t, and with this post it makes me want to bring my twin boys there and experience it for themselves, or, probably a city tour.
We’ll take the ferry from Guadalupe http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/05/28/manila-the-pasig-river-ferry-cruise/ going to Manila, go to the museum, then shop around Tutuban by riding http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/08/24/manila-philippine-national-railways-old-and-new/ before going home. I’m glad that the local government are finding ways to improve these neglected facilities that they’ve invested before, both the train and the ferry are good means of trasnportation to avoid the awful city traffic jams.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Hi Ironwulf,
My favorite blogpost here was about Vietnam: Hopping through Cat Cat and Ta Van villages http://www.ironwulf.net/2008/09/10/vietnam-hopping-through-cat-cat-and-ta-van-villages/. Visiting Vietnam was one of my dream and this site will surely help me a lot in the future.
December 18th, 2009 at 10:37 am
for me it would have to be the first part of your Laos Chronicles, Manila to Pakse, Laos blog post. sleeping in Bkk’s Suvarnabhumi was a unique part of the trip going to Laos. hope i could also try that in the near future.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Dear Sir Decena,
Good day to you. My favorite blogpost are your blogs on Tawi-Tawi (http://www.ironwulf.net/tag/tawi-tawi/). That is because I’m bias. I have long been dreaming to visit this place but because of my wrong perception that the place is dangerous and risky for travelers I was certain that my dream will just be a dream. However, your blogs gave me new hope and rekindle my desire to visit the place again. Furthermore, your blogs are quite informative and exciting to read (with matching ‘wonderful’ pictures). It’s complete and readers could not ask for more. Especially, these blogs on Tawi-Tawi, from the places to see, place to stay and even the names of contact persons in the local tourism office.
Salamat po.
ed padua
December 19th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Laos would be my first pick. Why, i would say it was the sign that im going back to laos for my work. Indeed it is. Now, my plans of going to those places featured at that blog is one by one coming true..
I was here during the Sea Games…
Sabaidee der and Kop Jai Lai lai.
December 19th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
My favourite blog post here in Ironwulf.net is ‘A festival of lights’. It was actually what drew my to your site. I was researching for the best time to go to Sagada that time when your site appeared in my search. I’ve been a subscriber of your blog since then.
December 20th, 2009 at 10:19 am
First of all, I would like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
When I found your site in happenstance a couple of months ago, I knew that I’ll be an avid reader. I started reading your posts from the very beginning, sometimes, I tend to jump from one post to another. And there’s one blogpost that I take into heart and that’s Sagada: Morning Unwind. Years ago, I’ve started dreaming of going to Sagada. Been discussing it with friends, but until now, the trip never materialized.
Your picture of the window overlooking the greeneries outside made me yearn for such experience. To unwind, commune with nature or simply let the time pass by. Because I planned to also make a trip [not in Sagada, though] next year for my birthday, but alone. It’s always a longing for me to have it that way.
You wrote that it’s your 4th time in Sagada. It’s a blessing to claim that one place as your own favorite dwelling. That one place that captured your heart. I’ll look forward to that moment when I’d claim mine. I’m indeed inspired with this post and it serves as a reminder that some kind of wonderful will eventually happen in my life, travel-wise.
Again, thank you and continue ‘to share the joys of travel and photography.’
December 21st, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Many to mention, but my favorite and my brother’s favorite was your blogpost about Marian Rivera. http://www.ironwulf.net/2008/05/03/ironwulf-meets-marian-rivera. Lalong gumanda sa kuha mo Brother kaya lalo kaming nahumaling sa kanya, for sure ikaw din hehe.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:09 am
Baguio’s Famous Haunts: The Dominican Hill’s Diplomat Hotel
http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/11/25/baguio-famous-haunts-diplomat-hotel-dominican-hill/
I like this blogpost the most because it made me realized the ¨other side¨ of Baguio. All these years, Baguio has been a paradise to me.It was indeed my favorite destination (aside from Batanes). But when I saw the pictures, I got scared. The power of those pictures were so strong that it made an IMPACT to me.
I hope to win. More power!
marselei@yahoo.com
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
My favorite blog entry of yours is the one on Angkorwat (Cambodia)…as it is one of my favorite travel destinations ever =)
Keeping my fingers crossed, wanted to win this contest so badly, hehehe =)
December 24th, 2009 at 11:43 am
The best entry I read is on Changi Airport, Singapore…….the world’s best airport where visitors and transients get to kill time enjoying its’ many facilities and duty-free shops before continuing on to their next destinations…….
December 24th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
For me it’s the places to stay in Batanes. I’m planning to go there some time next year
December 26th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Pampanga: A Sparkling Christmas at the Giant Lantern Festival 2009 – i am form pampanga !
December 26th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Manila: The Dancing Jellies of Manila Ocean Park because i love ocean park. i love creatures and sea-views and stuff.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:36 am
i like the Ironwulf’s Nat Geo Expedition Journal Giveaway! because i love contest. joining and winning. i am challenge by contests.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:40 am
For me it is about the Baguio: Art and Nature fuse at BenCab Museum because i am from Baguio.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Video: Wonders of Manila Ocean Park i never been to ocean park so all i can do is read your blog, and i love it.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Manila: World Pyro Olympics 2009 Launches at The Fort, Taguig. i just love it.
December 26th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Every traveler in us have that certain picturesque “dream” location- that perfect little escapade we all want to see and experience. To Mr Ironwulf or kuya ferdz to most reader, you simply lived the dream of many, if not all readers ( of your blog). We, readers lived our dream to travel in your blog. Your travels and photographs really do capture what it is like to be there personally and yet at the same time let us readers ( be both jealous and yearn to travel there at the same time). Your stories are more of the unique and the less traveled road feel to it. It’s what makes it personal and call it your own adventure.
For me, a personal favorite of mine is your trip to Catanduanes (http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/09/30/catanduanes-puraran-beach-and-majestic-surf/). Much as I want to admit that I don’t travel much domestically (and the farthest I was able to travel here in Philippines was from Manila to Batangas. Yes, I know, its lame.). This is why I love to read your blog, your stories somehow motivates me to travel more here at our own island. Sometimes, we forget we have a beautiful place to begin with and instead we seek to travel elsewhere. Your story on Catanduanes made me want to try out Surfing and just last week, I was able to do so in La Union ( now my farthest destination here in pinas!
). Although I would want to try out surfing in puraran beach someday, my surfing trip to La Union is already a small step to my next adventure, which would be Catanduanes. It is not often I can say this, but falling in love with the sun, sand and beach is becoming me. Surfing is both challenging and yet thrill satisfying. I think I am becoming a beach buddy because of you.
Ironwulf, I hope you continue on to inspire every reader to travel, take beautiful pictures, capture that perfect moment in our travels we all want to remember in our mind and heart. To your future destinations, see you there.
May
December 26th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
This post! Since I’ll have a chance to win a planner and a notebook, hehe. Kiddin’ aside. Batanes posts. I’ll really love Batanes, and been dreaming of going there SOON.
December 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
My favorite post is “Manila: The National Museum”. My 2009 became so memorable because we got the chance to work with the National Museum, for our History Exhibit. Working with the Arts division of the Museum was a wonderful experience, not only because the crew were a bunch of nice people, but also because i got a chance to have a tour araound the museum…anytime, anyday, anywhere….FOR FREE. I’m glad that you posted something about the National Museum, it surely helped other people to realize how interesting our nation’s history.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I know that you have made several posts about the Taal Heritage town but my favorite is the one about the Taal Basilica. It is picturesque as it is insightful. Being a Batangueno, I used to attend mass as a kid at this historic church and at one point, even stayed at one of the ancestral houses adjacent to it. Your pictures brought back so many childhood memories when I would wake up at 5 am and walk that short stretch leading to the church, the air smelling of ilang-ilang and sampaguita.
http://www.ironwulf.net/2009/12/22/batangas-taal-towns-basilica-of-st-martin-de-tours/
December 28th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Kapag binabasa ko ang “Checking up on Sagada” (http://www.ironwulf.net/2008/10/13/checking-up-on-sagada/) natutuwa ako. Dahil kahit hanggang ngayon na pangarap parin lang para sa akin ang pagpunta sa Sagada, ay alam kong katulad parin ito ng itsura nya noong una ko pa lang itong nakita sa mga feature sa TV.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:51 am
That would be “Anawangin Cove and the Capones Island Lighthouse”. The url was just popped to me that day by a friend (who’s an avid fan) on our usual chat sessions. He made me guess if the first photo was taken here on our country or not. And I said no, it has to be from another place because of the pine trees. So yeah, I was amazed that it was actually here and at the same time ashamed to myself for undermining the natural beauty of our very own Philippines. That post got me hooked and inspired me to travel more locally and to take more pictures. I believe that was also one of the primary reasons why I got myself a digital camera 2 years ago! While I can only dream of going to the places you’ve been to, learning to take better photos from no other than THE Ironwulf himself would be a dream come true. Plus Banaue is on my destination wish list.
Winning this would also mean that my friend will have to lend me his DSLR by hook or by crook. LOL.
Happy New Year to all!
December 31st, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Happy New Year Ferdz
It took me awhile to decide on what blogpost to pick – I have so many favorites :p But I guess the ones that standout from the rest are the posts about Batanes. I’ve always wanted to go to Batanes ever since I was young. My dad was a part of a camera club in the 80′s and Batanes was included in one of their trips. I remember looking at all the photos of the stone houses and the lovely old women. I was a bit shocked (and really amazed) at how some areas (like the house of Dakay) still look the same from his photos then! Sadly, most of my dad’s photos were ruined in a flood a few years back. I hope to go to Batanes soon and recreate those photos that he took. I also plan to use his old cameras when i go there
Thanks for this great contest! I hope I get to join you all on the Sagada tour