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)


Thursday, 7 November 2024

2010: LA MESA ECOPARK

 



 In an effort to escape the endless hustle and bustle of Quezon City, we racked off for a day at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City.

If you need a break from the drudgery of everyday life, I don't think I could recommend a better place for unwinding.




  La Mesa Ecopark, located in Quezon City, Philippines, is an awesome urban escape set amid lush greenery, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. This 33-hectare nature reserve wraps around the La Mesa Watershed, a major water source for the city, and serves a dual purpose as a recreational site and a centre for environmental conservation and education.

  Visitors to the eco-park can enjoy scenic nature trails through dense foliage, in an area that becomes hard to believe in such a busy city. For those looking to unwind, a peaceful fishing lagoon provides a perfect spot for some leisurely fishing. Families can enjoy picnics in spacious groves, surrounded by greenery and tranquility.

One of the highlights of La Mesa Ecopark is the Butterfly Haven, a lovely garden that offers visitors a chance to learn about butterflies up close. In addition to nature-based activities, the eco-park features other guff like a swimming pool area (fantastic on those hot Philippine days).

  The more adventurous can also try the park’s zipline, and there are options for horseback riding and bike rentals, adding an element of excitement to the visit. Through these attractions, La Mesa Ecopark not only provides a recreational experience but also encourages an appreciation for the environment. The eco-park hosts programs that promote sustainability and conservation, funded in part by entrance fees and activity charges, which directly support the preservation of the watershed and the park itself.

  La Mesa Ecopark is truly an accessible oasis within the insanely busy Quezon City area, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a day in the outdoors. It is also an incredible place for the photographers like me.

----------------------------------------------------


One of many relaxing pathways to be enjoyed around the park.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Above and below.
What an idyllic scene.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Nhing and Jenlyn enjoying the warm afternoon at the park.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Above and below.
La Mesa Dam Reservoir.
Photos: Brad Peadon






Not the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.
The La Mesa Ecopark amphitheater.
Photo: Brad Peadon


A reminder of how close suburbia is.
Photo: Brad Peadon





Don't forget to bring a camera for your day out.
Photo: Brad Peadon





So much nature to take in.
Photo: Brad Peadon



More locals enjoying some bonding time.
Photo: Brad Peadon





There is no doubt that the La Mesa Ecopark is a popular place for photographers.
These were here doing a photoshoot with the model seen three images below.
Photo: Brad Peadon




The model who was being photographed by the people above.
She kindly allowed this photographer to get a shot as well.
Photo: Brad Peadon



Statue of Neptune and Aphrodite.
Photo: Brad Peadon


Let's go for a row.
Photo: Brad Peadon





yeah, I had quite a thing for photographing this small part of the park.
Photo: Brad Peadon

-------------------------------------------------------------



-------------------------------------------------------------

Nhing, Onyo, Kuya Pia, and the forever talkative Jenlyn.
----------------------------------------------------





We have many sites and forums, check out our Link Tree below:
Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.

----------------------------------------------------
Don’t let your past hold you back.
 Why keep worrying about yesterday’s mistakes when you have tomorrow’s to look forward to?



Friday, 1 November 2024

2023: SM NORTH TRANSPORT ACTION

 

Another monumental 'Brad N Virls' adventure.

  The air was thick with the sounds of bustling engines, horns, and the distant hum of chatter as we made our way to SM North on North Avenue, cameras in hand and excitement on high alert.

 This wasn’t just another day in Manila—it was a mission to capture what is quickly becoming a rare sight: the iconic traditional jeepneys, a staple of Philippine streets for generations.

   With each visit, the need to record the traditional jeepney, the Philippines' heart and soul, becomes increasingly urgent.




 It was only the start of a four-week holiday, and 'Brad and Virls' were already immersed in Manila’s vibrant energy, cameras clicking away.

  This Philippine trip promised to be a journey across the islands, with adventures on Negros and Panay still to appear here on the blog, and our YouTube channel. But today, the mission was clear: capture the spirit of Manila’s street icons—traditional jeepneys, their modern counterparts, and the bustling local buses.

   These photos, along with more tales from the islands, will soon find a place on this blog, along with our main railway site, sharing every kilometre of this fun adventure.

  You're welcome.



----------------------------------------------------


NAO-9790 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


NBI-2745 - No idea - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


PWX-464 'Bacolod' - Real Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon



NAC-9956 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


NIJ-5094 - Fakeney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon



TWK-425 - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


TWK-425 - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


NAR-1188 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Quezon City Hall to Munoz.
Photo: Brad Peadon


NAR-1188 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Quezon City Hall to Munoz.
Photo: Brad Peadon


TVE-589 - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


PVE-487 - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


VEJ-756 'Biomed 2' - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


TWZ-498 - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


UVJ-754 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Quezon City Hall to Munoz.
Photo: Brad Peadon


NDC-8723 - Vil 5000 - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


UVY-874 - Citybus - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


TVE-801 'Shalom' - Jeepney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


WQM-583 - Pascual Liner - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


WQM-583 - Pascual Liner - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon


NFZ-9448 - Fakeney - SM North (Manila)
Photo: Brad Peadon

-------------------------------------------------------------




-------------------------------------------------------------

Nhing, Virls, Cherilyn.
----------------------------------------------------





We have many sites and forums, check out our Link Tree below:
Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.

----------------------------------------------------
I once saw a dinosaur in my back garden.
 It didn’t look much like the dinosaurs we see in the movies tho.
 It was small and black, and said “meow” a lot.
 True story.