feature fine earth created by volcanic ash.
Shooting Location Mid-way through the journey, the group decided to stop at a point that was optimal to view both the spectacular sunrise and Mount Bromo on opposite sides of the mountain trail. This was not the original intention of our tour guide who was not experienced in catering to the needs of photographers. The decision proved to be a good one as the group members were able to take their best pictures of the trip so far. If you have watched “Lord of the Rings”, you will swear that you are looking out at the scene where Frodo and Sam look down at Mount Doom. The scene was eerily similar with nothing but total desolation in the valley below. Despite the desolation, the scene was so picturesque. There was a time when the team had difficulty in deciding which way to point their cameras. Mount Bromo continuously erupted while spewing volcanic ash towards us. We were fortunate that the team had brought surgical masks to combat against the smell of sulphur. The masks worked well as the team happily took arguably their most memorable pictures of the trip.
heavy Rain & WateRfaLL The team headed back to the hotel for a quick lunch and to retrieve their luggage. Before the team headed off to the airport, however, they made a side trip to Madakaripura Waterfalls. This trip was not fruitful, however, as the team was greeted with pushy locals who were hard selling “guide” services to the waterfalls. The group eventually decided not to proceed to the waterfall due to time restrictions and to avoid a confrontation with the pushy “guides”. If I were to name a low point in the trip, this would be it and I would urge anyone travelling to Mount Bromo to avoid the waterfall side trip if you have a choice. Nevertheless, the side trip was not a complete waste as some of the braver ones were still able to take pictures of the flowing water as it surged through the rocks during a strong downpour.
RetuRn tRip The group finished checking in at Surabaya International Airport with only 15 minutes to spare. Fate had given us a wise nudge as we could not have made our flight if we had successfully reached the Waterfall. Upon arrival at Singapore, the team had their last group picture taken inside the plane before going back to the reality of life in Singapore.
SynopSiS This is the first overseas trip of Pinoygraphers@SG in 30 Bagong Bayani JUNE 2011
2011 and it has proved to be another milestone for the group. So far, this is the biggest overseas photo expedition by the group in terms of number of participants. Although the trip itself was physically demanding, the experiences learned by the group-not just in photography, is well worth the hardship. The fun, camaraderie and bonding that are trademarks of events organized by Pinoygraphers@SG were indeed present during this trip. Personally, what I took back from this trip was a renewed interest in the splendour of nature. During the hectic work life of an overseas Filipino worker, it is very easy to take for granted life’s simple pleasures like watching the beauty of a setting sun. After three days of chasing after the rising and setting sun, I now can’t help but pause and watch with awe whenever I see the sun setting on buildings near my work place. Overseas trips like the Mount Bromo Photo Expedition help the Pinoygraphers@SG members to remember that they should also stop and smell the flowers by the roadside. Life is indeed a journey. But in this life journey, the trip itself should be as enjoyable as the destination. Jude Lim is a Filipino photography enthusiast and is the current President of Pinoygraphers@SG. Wheng Dichoso is one of the latest members of the Pinoygraphers@SG and is fondly known to the group as the Cloud Interpreter. For more information about Pinoygraphers@SG, please go to www. pinoygraphersg.org.
Whether you are a newbie or a professional
photographer, if you are Filipino and own an SLR camera, you are warmly welcome to join the group.