Hello Hive!
The pandemic has really changed the way we view vacation. The term "staycation" became more prevalent these days. Before, I wouldn't dream of staying in a hotel for the weekend. It should be on a trip to another island here in the Philippines or a mountain climbing expedition. I couldn't appreciate staying in a hotel before because there's no thrill in that and no adrenaline rush. It changed during my 26th birthday. I guess I'm getting old. 😂 I enjoy staycation now as much as I enjoy an adventure.
View from the 22nd floor of Bai Hotel that shows the swimming pool area on the 21st floor. The controversial Cebu International Convention Centre (CICC) can also be seen below in its dilapidated state. Beyond is the greater Mandaue area comprising mostly of barangays Subangdaku, Banilad, Cabancalan, and Casuntingan.
I'm now in Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, just near where I live. We're having a "staycation" with my friends from my previous work. I don't know if it's a Chinese New Year or Valentine's Day celebration. All I know is that this is a much-needed change of scenery especially for me since I stayed at home most of the time. This has been booked last year because they have a promo and it's an opportunity to avail a one night stay in a hotel at a lower price than usual.
View at Dusk
I love the play of colours during twilight. As the sun was slowly setting on the horizon, it was covered with clouds and the darkness slowly crept in while the city was bursting into life with the different lights coming from establishments.
These photos were taken from the swimming pool area at the 21st floor of Bai Hotel.
Here are more photos of the city skyline at dusk:
The city seemed to be covered in a fog. This might be because of pollution. Might be a photochemical smog which blanketed the city and while it looks like an added effect on the photos, it feels suffocating.
View at Night
This view is on the other side, showing Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. Mactan Channel, separating Mactan Island from mainland Cebu, can also be seen in the photo. What's interesting is Mandani Bay at its different stages of development. That area of Mandaue will become a huge asset to the city in the near future.
I was shocked by the capability of my phone camera. It was my first time to really put the night mode setting into good use. I was impressed by the outcome as it's really awesome. I had a great time compiling and editing these photos. The city scene is already oozing with colours and layers that I only made a few adjustments. I think I should do this more often. I haven't made a night time or blue hour photography in Citadines because the was no suitable place. I'm really impressed by today's outcome even if I only used my phone. I brought my camera, but I decided to explore my phone.
As we explored the bar area on the 22nd floor, we went back to the city view again and here are the photos:
Note: All photos were taken from my phone (Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro) and processed in Lightroom.
I guess that's all for this post. Another random and on-time post, but one I enjoyed drafting. I haven't really fulfilled my promise to have another travel post, but maybe this weekend or next week, I can continue with the draft. Stay tuned!
Kim Ybañez
Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines). He's also a trying hard photographer so stay tuned as he shares his photos and his thought process while creating them.
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