For over four decades I have been a rail and bus photographer.
However, during this time I have aimed the lens at other subjects, be they different transportation, scenery, buildings and other bollocks.
Given these do not really fit the scope of my other sites, I felt compelled to set up a new site so as to inflict my other photographic garbage upon the world.
While primarily Philippine and Australian content, there will be the occasional forays into Fiji and Hong Kong. Perhaps other locations should the current pandemic ever allow it.
So sit back and enjoy, or hate, even be indifferent. That choice is purely up to you.

Official Home Of the 'Brad N Virls Adventure Series' - Images are copyright, so contact us if you would like to use any photos on your site/video! (We don't bite)


Saturday, 29 February 2020

MAHON POOL


Despite having spent most of my life in the area, and driving past on many an occasion, it was only last week that I had reason to go check out Mahon Pool.
Mahon Pool is a rock pool, located amongst the cliffs just north of the more famous Maroubra Beach (NSW, Australia).
The Tuesdays afternoon that we arrived saw a very busy pool, with people coming and going in a continuous stream.
But it is more than the pool, the views are a winner as well.








Buses serve Jack Vanny Reserve quite frequently. From here it is a very short walk to the pool.



Randwick City Council
sen e of community.
I think 'sen e of' is a French term.





Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia
Helping the kids and their families.
Website: https://kidswithcancer.org.au/

Saturday, 22 February 2020


BRGY HOLY SPIRIT


Sto Ireneo Street
Barangay Holy Spirit
Quezon City, Manila

  I guess this is a location of no real tourist, or historical, significance. Just one of the thousands of little barangays that make up what is Manila. Endless squeezed in houses, almost matched in number by the sari sari stores and street vending businesses, more corrugated iron than the Colourbond factory, and people, lots and lots of people.
  It was, however, the first location I stayed in the Philippines that was not a hotel. Quite a eye opening event for someone who had, for 31 years, been used to living in Sydney. Until 1999, my only experience overseas was a short visit to Fiji back when I was five years old.
 One night stay, 21 years of bad back pains :-)

  However, as with all little barangays, it had it's photographic charm, with much of interest for those of us with an interest in modelling (structures that is, not the latest G-string designs from France).
  The thrilling selection of images, following the ending of all this written guff, were taken in 2007 when I was next to visit.
  I hope they are all that you hoped they would be.

Brad 







A very young Scotty looking quite bored.


Lane-way parallel to Sto Ireneo Street.


Holy Spirit National High School can be seen in the background.
School is out, and a virtual tsunami of the local offspring comes forth.


A relatives dog.
 Dog, in Tagalog, is 'Aso'. When pronounced there, it sounds like a rather rude Aussie curse word. It often raises a laugh in the kids.

Totally irrelevant to the post, but another interesting Tagalog word is that for rice.
Rice is called 'Bigas' which sounds like a rude nickname for a large persons sitting part. Again, a chuckle usually ensues!


View from above.


The locals are entertained by Brock and Scott's shenanigans.



A couple of local lasses discussing the presence of a weird white fella with a camera.


Jeepneys on Commonwealth.
Twas here we would change over for those horrendously small trikes down deep into the barangay.
How much longer these amazing vehicles will last is unknown, with the government having set their sights on removing them from the streets. It will be a very sad day should this ever come to pass.

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Thursday, 13 February 2020

LANTANGAN 2007


The little Barangay of Lantangan (part of Mandaon) is situated on the western side of Masbate Island (part of Bicol region).
My one and only visit was back in 2007, as part of an island hopping trip that took in Panay, Jintotolo and Masbate Islands. The stopover mostly being so I could see the location where my wife grew up.
Lantangan is a lovely little seaside location, one that many people would consider paradise. It could be considered a local beach paradise, but without the rampant tourism that can infest the more well known locations like Boracay.
For that reason, it is well worth a visit. However, the closest accomodation is likely to be Mandaon.
The idea of returning is often raised and, while the opportunity to get more photos (I really did not make the most of this visit) is quite enticing, advanced age makes such adventures far less appealing.
Who knows.........one day. When 24 hour airconditioning becomes a thing there ;-) 



No photo description available.

Lantangan from above.
Images copywrite of Google and used as per terms and conditions.


Basketball Court.


Bangka at sunset.


View from the dunny, at rear of the inlaws.


Unsure if this is Jintotolo or Lantangan to be honest. The lack of an island background would suggest the later.
However, this was our Uber between the two islands.


Random locals.


In-laws beach house with sari sari (local convenience store) store at the front.


Looks like she has so many troubles to think about.




Three more photos of random locals.



Travelling around the island, in the middle of the night, is an experience in itself.
Little more than a canoe, with buggar all light to speak of, someone at the front notifies other craft of our presence by occasionally flashing a torch.
Thankfully, we managed to get back to Mandaon without any Titanic type experiences, ahmmmmm, experienced.


Sunset brings all sorts of photographic opportunity on any of the 7,641 islands..


Riding a Carabao.


Riding yet another boat.
Nowadays, I am told that there is a dirt road serving Lantangan. So, gone are the days where you are forced into the sea to gain access to the outside world.
Hmmmm, another good reason