Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk 2018 Experience
Last updated on November 22nd, 2018 at 05:45 pm
The annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk is considered to be the world’s largest social photography event. It has rapidly grown in size and popularity over the years, where photographers and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe gather to socialize, gain new friends and take pictures of their beloved hometowns every year.
This year, our group, Mobile Perspectives, has decided to hold the event in the island paradise of Bantayan in Cebu, Philippines. Here’s what transpired during our 2-day activity here:
Day 1
Photography Workshop
The photography workshop kick-started the event, and was held at the multi-purpose hall in the Bantayan Government Center. It was attended by young, keen and aspiring mobile photographers from different schools in town.
The workshop was graced by Jinri Layese of Bugsay Media, a Bantayan native and a prominent photographer in Cebu. Jinri shared his know-hows in street photography in particular, and photography in general.
Also present was Dannea Moneva, a travel blogger, mobile photographer and an avid Huawei user all rolled into one. She shared some tips and tricks on how to maximize the usa of the smartphone in your travels, and how to elevate your mobile photography game.
Day 2
Sunrise at Sta. Fe Port
We started the day with a light stalking session and captured the sunrise in all its glory. We, then, proceeded to our next destination — the barrio of Obo-ob.
But first, a group shot was in store. Then on to our first stop, the Omagieca Mangrove Garden. 
Omagieca Mangrove Garden
The Omageica Obo-ob Mangrove Garden is a protected mangrove forest in the town of Sta. Fe. The aim of maintaining the forest is to raise awareness on how significant mangroves are to the marine ecosystem.
After spending almost an hour there, we regrouped for there were new arrivals fresh from the city, and headed on to Bantayan town, the main location for the event.
Town of Bantayan
We arrived in Bantayan Town at around 10 in the morning welcomed by the student participants who took part in the workshop. All of us, then, had our lunch at the town’s gymnasium. With stomachs full, we moved on to our next port of call.
The Big Cross in Kabangbang Quarry
The Guiwanon Marine Sanctuary was supposedly our next destination after lunch that day, but we thought it unreasonable because of the low tide. So we changed course and went to see the Dakong Krus (translation: Big Cross) in the quarry site in Kabangbang instead.
Trivia: There is this insider joke that says, “Mag-abot lang unya ta sa dakong krus,” which refers to a meet-up place that is easy to find.
The quarry in this part of Bantayan has gained numerous visits from locals and tourists alike for its interesting formations made by limestone miners not-so-long ago. It also has a chapel underneath, which makes it interesting.
As we reached our journey’s end, we all headed back to town and gave out parting words to each and everyone, carrying along a fulfilled heart.
It was, with no doubt, a fun-filled and beyond-the-usual Bantayan Island experience. And this wouldn’t have been made possible if not for these special people.
We would like to extend our warmest appreciation to the Tourism Department of LGU Bantayan for the support and for facilitating our stay on this beautiful island.
We would also like to thank Huawei Mobile Philippines for your undying support to the Huawei Sugbo community; and to Macy’s Camera Shop for the unwavering support to all local photography groups since time immemorial.
A big thank you to XtremeGadgets and Wandersoles for believing in our cause. You guys are awesome!
To our hosts, Stevrena Cottages and Bantayan Island Nature Park, thank you for letting us know what Bantayan’s brand of hospitality feels like.
Lastly, thanks to Bugsay Media for sparing your time to make our activities on the island fun and extraordinary.
Madamo nga salamat!
