I was invited several months ago by Mega Magazine to do some behind the scenes 360VRs in scenic Ilocos Norte for their June/July issues. The settings were in the grand rock formation of Kapurpurawan in Burgos and the equally eerie sand dunes of Suba.

Kapurpurawan literally means white from the local dialect; the majestic rock formation was carved out of sandstones, possibly from thousands of years of water and wind weathering. What is striking is it’s whiteness amidst the surrounding landscapes and it’s changing of colors much like the Ayers Rock in Australia as the sun sets.

The rock formation is reachable in about an hour’s drive from Laoag City; just pass the Cape Bojeador lighthouse in Burgos, there’s a small sign onto the left of the road. A short trek across sharp jagged tide-exposed landscape culminates to this awe-inspiring sight.

The sand dunes are another attraction altogether. Here, one can hire 4×4 buggies and speed along the great expanse of the dunes; the excitement added by going up and down 45-degree ridges further adds to the already high adrenalin experience. By sun down, a certain eeriness permeates the air as the landscape transformed itself akin to a cold, lifeless, barren dessert.

Here are the behind the scenes of the shot.

All VRs taken on April 15, & 16, 2011 at Ilocos Norte. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph