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.
The ongoing project of sorting through my collection of photos from Philippine trips in 2010 and 2011 continues, and as with previous updates, I'm excited to share many of them on this blog for others to hopefully derive a little bit of interest out of. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed, but here we are in 2025, and I’m reminded that it’s been a decade and a half since I took these photos. Even more surreal is the fact that it's been over 26 years since my very first visit to the Philippines. Time is flying by in ways that feel almost unreal as I grow older.
While fifteen years might not seem like a huge span in the grand scheme of things, the changes in Manila, and many other parts of the Philippines, during that time have been nothing short of monumental. The city’s transformation, especially in terms of transportation—which is my main focus both in photography and research—has been striking.
There’s no specific theme or deep storyline behind these photos; they’re just a random selection of images from 2010/11, snapshots frozen in time that offer a glimpse into a very different era. It’s fascinating to look back at them now, seeing how far things have come in such a short period.
One of my favourite photographic subjects is the Carabao in a provincial scene. It is one of those things remain the same in a world of so much change.
On this day we were gradually heading back towards Manila and came across this along the Rolando R. Andaya Highway somewhere between Sipocot and Ragay.
Hit the brakes and jumped out while we may have not been quite stationary to make sure we didn't miss this shot :-)
Photos: Brad Peadon
Reya enjoying all the spectacular Mayon Volcano views from Ligñon Hill. The location is absolutely amazing, but at certain times they close the road off to vehicular traffic and it is quite a hard walk to get up there. Photo: Brad Peadon
Lantangan is a barangay in Mandaon, a municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. It is one of the 26 barangays of Mandaon and has a population of approximately 2,776 people, based on the 2020 Census. This makes up around 6.29% of Mandaon's total population.
The name "Lantangan" is believed to have come from "Gantangan," which refers to a traditional wooden box used for measuring rice. The term is derived from "gantang," a unit of volume used in the Philippines, which is equivalent to a gallon or 16 cups.
Lantangan is located at coordinates 12.1841°N latitude and 123.2721°E longitude, with an elevation of around 25.1 meters (82.3 feet) above sea level. The barangay is known for its natural beauty, including caves located on Mount Pingganon, a feature that has drawn attention from local media.
Corrections and additions welcome.
Images all copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
Part 2: Trikes, Sunsets & Sleepy Villas
11-12 March 2025 | Barangay Lantangan to Balud Road
11-3-2025
Still riding the wave of our first day in Barangay Lantangan, I decided to linger by the beach, camera in hand, chasing one of those legendary Philippine sunsets. You know the ones — so stunning they make you forget you insanely tired due to that lack of sleep..
It had already been a marathon of a day, starting with a very early rise in Mandaon and a boat ride that is always the king of relaxation methods. By the time the sky started putting on its fiery orange and pink evening show, I was running low on energy but high on excitement.
We later returned to "Sunset Villa" — fitting name to be honest — where we stuffed our faces before crashing out for the night. And by “crashing,” I mean we basically face-planted into our beds and didn’t move until morning.
12-3-2025
Next stop: Lantangan Motorway — via a thrilling, borderline chaotic tricycle ride.
Forget your comfy sedans and air-conditioned vans. This was a three-wheeled roller coaster with no seatbelts and all the fresh air (and sudden bumps) you could ask for. If you’re lucky enough to ride on the back and not crammed into the sidecar like a loaf of bread in a metal toaster, the views of the island are top-tier. Just hold on tight — both to your stuff and your life. :-)
This leg of the journey covers the scenic stretch along the Lantangan Motorway all the way to the Balud Road junction. It is rough and bumpy, with little investment money reaching it over the years, but that's part of the fun (at least o\for those of us who don't need to use it daily).
The rest of the trip to Masbate City deserves its own posting (and probably a neck massage), so I’ll save that for another post.
Stay tuned for more adventures, more trike rides, and definitely more sunsets.
One of the many residences fronting the beach of Lantangan.
Photo: Brad Peadon.
A local fisherman about to set off towards the setting sun.
Photo: Brad Peadon
First time I have ever used the panorama setting.
Something that Virls had shown me some time back.
Wish I experimented with it far more while over there.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Those arvo cloud formations always added to an image.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A random local doing a random local thing of some sort.
I never usually make enquiries due to the understanding that my voice causes nosebleeds. Personally, I am thinking they may wish to get themselves checked for high blood :-)
With no access to a car, and being to lazy to get up for the 06.30am departure of the only jeepney each day, we opted for a trike to get to Masbate City.
Having done cars, vans, and eventually what passes as a jeepney there, I have to say that being on the back of the motorcycle is the best way to enjoy this arduous 2 hour trip.
Above and two below.
The mountains at the entrance to Lantangan proper have always impressed me. They not only look amazing, but a forever are a lovely bright green colour.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Sari-sari store across the road from the Lantangan High School (seems to also be named Yaneza Landed Estate Elementary School)
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and six below.
Numerous images of the Lantangan Motorway between the high school and Balud Road.
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