Live Life and Love

Parasailing in Boracay

By livelifeandlove on February 19, 2025

While we were on our family vacation in Boracay, one thrilling activity I really want to try is Parasailing. I took part in various activities that are considered as essential experiences, considered as must-dos, however, parasailing has truly piqued my interest, it seems to be something that really interests me. There’s no harm in giving it a try! I organized a booking that cost approximately 2,000 per person for a 15-minute ride. We opted for a tandem package which requires two people so, I rode with Gwayne. It’s a pretty budget-friendly and super easy to arrange. There were tons of operators and resorts that provides parasailing experiences. Riding together made it more fun as it eases my nerves and it’s uplifting to have a conversation while watching the white birds flying in the sky and seagulls down there.

Parasailing in Boracay is all about enjoying a quick ride, it was such a thrilling experience, you’ll get trapped into a parachute, you will be securely fastened into a harness that fits snugly around your thighs, a crew member will connect you to the parachute and pulled along by a speedboat giving you the chance to glide high above the water. Usually, parasailing takes place over water, the speedboat has a launching platform at the back to get you up in the air.

While ascending my primary concern was the possibility of being towed by the speedboat via an attached rope. I felt a slight apprehension that what if the rope might break causing us to be thrown far away. However, I reassured myself with the knowledge that the rope was made of polypropylene, a material known for its durability and reliability.

The speedboat gradually lifted us higher at a rapid pace, and i must say, it was a remarkable sight up there observing the seagulls soaring along us was delightful and the breathtaking aerial view of the landscape along with fishes leaping from the water added to the excitement at the moment, it was such a thrill!

We brought our own camera up there so, you can be assured that we captured aerial photographs during our flight. Gwayne held it securely to prevent it from slipping from his grasp as the speedboat gradually lifted us higher and higher. We’ll share more about that part later.

The Stunning View of Boracay Island from above

This is the view of the sea landscape from our vantage point in the sky. the sight below is truly stunning.The expanse of the sea stretches endlessly as far as the eye can see. Overall, it presents a magnificent and timeless panorama, an awe-inspiring aerial perspective of the coastal scenery unfolds before us.

The aerial view of the sea landscape provides a breathtaking visual experience.

I have no clue how high we were but, it felt super peaceful and gorgeous up there. We just hung out, we even engaged in casual conversation, with our feet swinging and our bottoms getting chilly. It was surreal experience being up at that height!

Up here! you can feel a beautiful world where everything is peaceful and you really can breathe freely, there’s a sense of freedom. The pleasant and clear weather enhances the overall experience.

Parasailing offers a brief yet a thrilling experience in the sky accompanied by amazing views.

Experience a panoramic perspective of Boracay island from above, it resembles a serene paradise where tranquility prevails you and you can truly enjoy the fresh air. Everything feels calm.

At first, I was thinking about trying parasailing during sunset, but I was worried because the sky turns dim immediately after sunset and we are in the middle of the sea. Although it is only 15 minutes, it can be unpredictable, and what if it suddenly rains? That is my first concern.

As summer draws near, I can’t wait to return to Boracay for another thrilling parasailing adventure.This season offers a perfect weather making it ideal for a variety of activities, a multitude of enjoyable activities in Boracay, such as scuba diving, sunset cruise, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, mermaiding, free diving, water sliding among others. with a total of more than 21 water activities available, you can be assured of a enjoyable and super-relaxing vacation here.

If you are visiting Boracay for exploration, opt for package activities for a more affordable and and thrilling experience. I’m pretty sure you’ll have a wonderful time and a story to tell back home..

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

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Celebrating Chinese New Year 2025 in Binondo

By livelifeandlove on February 11, 2025

Lunar New Year is a significant cultural event celebrated across Asia particularly in countries with Chinese heritage. In the Philippines, Thousands of people celebrated Lunar New Year in Binondo, a district in Manila recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world making an ideal spot for the celebrations. A large crowd of spectators filled Ongpin street renowned as the jewelry capital of the Philippines and this is the main street that serves as the central gathering and focal point for various activities organized by the city Government to celebrate Chinese new year. Numerous events and activities such as parades, fireworks display, Feng Shui talk, acrobatics as well as the lion and dragon dance and various cultural performances are commonly anticipated.

Red oval lanters hang gracefully around the lengthy streets of Binondo illuminating the path with a stunning glow.The rhythmic vibrations of drum and the resonant clangs of gongs reverbenate through the chest. Lion and dragon dancers showcased their artistry captivating people around with their impressive performances. Each year Fil-Chinese community in Binondo joyfully welcomes the new year embracing the vibrant red hues that are believed to ward off evel spirits and misfortune while inviting goodluck.

Binondo is buzzing with a vibrant and dazzling Chinese celebration. The night is filled with continous non-stop street parties.

They even set up a stage right in front of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel where various performances by singers take place, their melodies and voices creates a happy ambience for the audience. The area in front of hotel is bustling with a large crowd, the event resembles the Mardi Gras in its lucky spirit.

The magnificent lion and dragon dance lands out as a cherished tradition of Chinese culture that Filipinos have wholeheartedly embraced as it also stands as my favorite photography subject. Additionally,Filipinos have taken the custom of wearing red symbolizing wealth, positivity and good fortune. With a billion Chinese worldwide reflects a rich tradition that has evolved a thousand of years serving as a significant Chinese influence that resonates throughout Asia.

There’s another street performers out here. A marching band jamming along with gay fire eaters right in front. The fire eaters exhibition takes a flaming object and put in his mouth and extinguishes it, however, before the act, they’re handling out red envelopes for small donations. People around showed their generosity by handling out red lucky envelopes known as ”ampao” to the performers, this is the most fantastic way to kick off the year with giving and receiving good blessings.

Entertainers in quirky and unusual costumes were also around drawing people to snap photos for a little extra donation.

Many customers gathered to grab fruits such as: oranges, apples, pineapples, persimmons, tangerines, cherries, dragonfruits to name a few.

Street vendors were all set up chowcasing variety of Tikoy, a sweet glutinous treat available in various flavors that includes: White sugar, brown sugar, buko pandan and Chocolate flavors.

The Magic Water is a perfect drink to chill you out on a hot day celebration. at First, I was just curious, i don’t know how it would taste so I gave it a shot! It tastes like gelatin with a sweet vanilla but it looks like crystal clear water. Another refreshing option, I really loved the Sugarcane juice with calamansi. It was such another refreshing drink to cool me down while I was wandering through the busy street. It quickly became my go-to favorite even before.

Roasted chestnuts on hot stone can also be found along the bustling Ongpin street where they are the popular choice among Chinese.

Pineapples surrounded by native green oranges and adorned with red ribbons represents a festive decorations. In Chinese culture, pineapple is a fruit of great importance especially during festivities of Chinese new year. The term pineapple”Ong Lai” resembles the phrase for incoming fortune. In Hokkien dialect linking the fruit to themes of goodluck, wealth and prosperity.

People of all ages hurried to grab lucky charms designed as sophisticated bracelets that symbolizes wealth, health, career safety and financial success. The most popular items in high demand this season.

Streets foods that a lot of people love, I waited in a long line to buy these favorite Cantonese barbecue treats.

There are two traditional stalls that offer Chinese cuisine located next to each other. They both specialized in Fried Siopao, Machang, Siomai etc.. Attracting long lines of eager customers. The queue seems endless with people continously coming to buy.

When it comes to food, Chinatown serves as an ideal location to celebrate New year’s offering, a variety of esteemed restaurants that provides authentic Chinese cuisine which has consistently proven its enduring quality over the years, known for their lasting excellence which has stood the test of time. The President Grand Palace Restaurant among the best and popular was the venue for our family dinner on New year’s eve. Thanks to the lovely ambiance and delectable menu options. Although we initially intended to order Peking duck but it was no longer available, so we choose another delightful dish instead. The restaurant was bustling with patrons. Thanks for the treat Maro!

We decided not to attend the fireworks display at Jones bridge where the Chinese new year countdown was taking place, as we are aware of the challenges associated being in a large crowd. The good thing, the glass window of our hotel where we are staying offers a splendid view of the stunning fireworks illuminating the sky in various shapes and brilliant colours. We are relishing the opportunity to capture photographs of fireworks which are distinctly visible from afar.

I was super excited, it was my first time to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chinatown. I have long desired to visit Binondo Chinatown initially planning to stay for two nights encompassing both New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. However, I’ve encountered fully-booked hotels in the past, At long last, my aspiration has materialized this year as we made an advance hotel reservations to avoid disappointment of being fully-booked again. I can’t wait to share this experience with you, you can partake and enjoy visual celebration while reading this blog!

Overall, it was a delightful experience to partake in celebrations with the Chinese communities in Chinatown Binondo, Manila

Cheers to 2025 The Year of the Wooden Snake

Kung Hei Fat Choi !

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure | Uncategorized

Chinese New Year 2025

By livelifeandlove on January 28, 2025

Lunar New Year begins on January 29 for this year 2025 with dazzling lights and fresh starts. Every year, Chinatown and Asia as a whole witness a spectacle Chinese new year, it is the most highly anticipated cultural event and a revival of rich tradition that will again come to life. Fil-Chinese community invited me to watch the Lion and dragon dance, Wushu exhibition as well as other cultural shows in Chinatown, it is the most important traditions during Chinese new year. As a blogger, I never miss the opportunity to highlight Chinese new year celebrations on my blog, it is the best subject to be featured, I started showcasing Chinese activities as a tradition and it became a customary for me to feature major events and activities related to Chinese new year.

This year 2025 would be different from previous years, I would like to engage in something new, thus this year of the wood snake would be something unique and memorable. I’d be celebrating Chinese New Year for the first time in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. It would be nice to experience the festival’s positive spirit and wonderful atmosphere. I can just imagine, it would be a lengthy day chasing and photographing the lions and dragons as they danced and paraded around the streets. Given how many people are expected to witness, it’s hardly surprise that there will be a big crowd.

Note: I apologize for turning down few invitations to capture the Lion and Dragon dance performed in major malls and big hotels due to conflicting performance of date and time. They perform sumultaneously and located far apart making it difficult for me to catch up.

Join me to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown. Watch Chinatown kick off the ”Year of the wood snake.”

What to expect:

Lion and Dragon Dance
Wushu exhibition
Feng Shui talk
2025 Parade
Stunning fireworks
Festive fair
Long street food fair

and lastly, you’ll also experience to try out food tripping, try the traditional restaurants that stood the test of time. You’ll also enjoy Chinese performances worth a visit at this time of the year. It’s a new year with a bright loud spirit. See you there!

Kung hei Fat Choi! 恭喜发财 It’s the year fo the Wood Snake

I wish you all a prosperous year full of good fortune, health and pleasure. May the year of the snake a time for rejuvenation and progress bringing you closer to your goals and desires.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Merry Christmas Greetings

By livelifeandlove on December 14, 2024

I wish you all a happy holiday season filled with your favorite things. Wishing you peace and joy on Christmas Day ”Merry Christmas and a New Year full of love and happiness”

With my Christmas greetings for this year 2024 and in conjunction with the holiday scene, I have included 3D pictures of me with Santa together.The following 3D pictures as follows; Santa giving gifts, skiing with Santa, snowboarding and Santa’s reindeer and sleigh.

May this holiday bring you and your homes an abundance of love! Warmest regards and have a wonderful holiday!

Cheers!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Reclining Buddha- Phra Buddha Sai Yat

By livelifeandlove on October 29, 2024

During our Thailand trip, we visited several temples and witnessed Buddhas in various postures including the standing, sitting, walking and reclining Buddha. There is an enormous Reclining Buddha image at this temple which is regarded as one of the most significant in Buddhist history .

Reclining Buddha Sai Yat Phra Buddha in Ayutthaya, Thailand

The huge statue of Reclining Buddha is the representation of Buddha lying on his side with expression of calmness and contentment look shortly before he entered afterlife. In the latter stages of his sickness, it shows the historical Buddha on his way to of parinirvana.

Wat Lokaya Sutha’sreclining Buddha underwent significant restoration in 1954 resulting in its current stage. The Reclining Buddha image measures 42 meters from head to toe and 8 meters high oriented with its face facing west and head pointing to the north, Buddhas head is supported by lotus flowers. One foot of the buddha on top of the other perfectly straight angle to the other foot, all Buddhas toes are of similar length. There are evidence of 24 Octagon shaped brick pillars encircling the Buddha image showing it was once enclosed by a viharn. The Reclining Buddha image is usually wrapped in brightly colored orange cloth but wasn’t the case when we visited.There is a small altar beside where visitors can make offerings but there was no orange cloth.

Wat Lokaya Sutha is a reconstructed temple ruin located in the Pratu Chai Sub-district’s Ayutthaya Historical Park, west of Bueng Phra Ram. It is part of the park with three reconstructed ruins. It is situated straight west of the royal palace. The site can be easily accessed through the western side of Khlong Tho.

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is to hire a taxi or tuk tuk if you are in Ayutthaya or you can join a group tour or a guided day trip from Bangkok.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure | Uncategorized

The Best Places to Take Pictures of the Iconic Mt. Fuji

By livelifeandlove on September 18, 2024

During the booking process for our trip to Japan, we planned to visit the iconic Mt. Fuji as the first tourist attraction to be visited but since arriving in Osaka, we have preferred Nara Park and nearby attractrions in the area. When we moved to Tokyo five days later, we favored visiting Mt Fuji, which is only an hour drive away from Tokyo to Chureito Pagoda Arakura Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, it was our primary objective anyway.

Although Japan has countless beautiful attractions, time is a prime factor that you may need to pick the best to be your first priority however, when we had our objectives met, the highlight of each day tour was the landmarks in and around Japan.

The tallest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji, is well-known for its volcanic cone. I have taken pictures of Mount Fuji in various locations throughout Japan. It never ceases to be breathtaking and amazing from any viewpoint, even in the winter. However, it is not always visible because the clouds can sometimes obscure the view, we were fortunate on the day we visited, it was clearly visible.

Are you looking for the best spot to photograph Mt. Fuji? I will give you the best recommendations on the best places to capture the beauty of Mt. Fuji. Let me show you some photos of the Iconic Mt. Fuji taken from various locations throughout Japan.

Remarkable Pictures of Mt. Fuji Captured in Various Locations

Note:The main purpose of this blog is to share the best locations for photographing the Iconic Mt. Fuji.

Chureito Pagoda

(Perched atop a hill in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Arakurayama Sengen Park stands the five-story Chureito Pagoda)

This is the first location when I first captured the view of Mt. Fuji when we visited this pagoda. To get to the observation deck, we had to ascend 398 steps, which may seem challenging, but it was quite easy because it is winter, and the cold motivates me to succeed.

It was increasingly enjoyable to capture photos up there and climbing is worthwhile. Efforts pay off as it gets progressively better.

Fujiten Snow Resort

(Fujisan, Narusawa-Mura, Minamitsuru-Gun, Yamanashi-Ken)

Located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Fujiten Snow Resort is a small ski resort at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. Just right in front of Mt. Fuji.

On a clear winter, the views are jaw dropping. This is the full panoramic view of Mt. Fuji against a snowy landscape, a stunning wide postcard style of Mt. Fuji captured from the observation deck.

Lake Kamaguchiko

(Yamanashi Prefecture)

Lake Kawaguchiko is the main entry point to this well-known lake, the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes. Among the greatest locations for close-up photos of Mount Fuji, the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji amid a landscape of water.

I also managed to get different perspectives of the mountain set against different backdrops. Additionally, the famous viewpoint with the lake in the background is the best place to take photos of Mount Fuji. Observing the ducks and their ducklings swim on water is an additional wonderful experience as well as the stunning birds that circle and wade in the sky is another amazing sight.

Every location I’ve seen and experienced in Japan. It is among the greatest locations and a top pick because it is nice and clean, safe, cozy, and serenely quiet. It should come as no surprise that a lot of tourists travel to Japan, there are just too many things to do and places to explore.

Everyday will be a different story, you’ll find an exotic charm and unexpected surprises for the visitors. We made sure to visit every destination on our itinerary, and it was rewarding to see each one in all its glory. We had a fantastic time and came home with a ton of great memories from the trip.

Wintertime Tips> Before you explore outdoors, make sure you are scout ready to load up your winter essentials

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Goodnight Fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Magnificent Sunset in Japan

By livelifeandlove on June 10, 2024

In the midst of chasing the sunset, I could’t resist the desire to take a picture of this stunning sunset near Osaka Castle, a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. As part of our itinirary on our second day, we visited Osaka castle in the afternoon and stayed for an hour for family photo shoots, I was a delighted to see the sun setting and seized the opportunity to capture it.

Sunset occurs when the sun disappears below the western horizon creating a more vivid sky. Viewed from everywhere on earth, it is a phenomenon that occurs approximately once every 24 hours.

A reflection of red, blue, yellow, cool blues and purples create vibrant colors in the sky. It’s wintertime here and it prolongs the show of colors dispersing with an extended period of gorgeous hues in the sky, however, the sunset is not complete without the clouds above which is an important component of a sunset.

As you pass by and see the sunset, stop what you are doing for a moment to enjoy the sky show and take in the spectacle.

Initially, I was unsure of what the sunset I photographed was exactly, I’m uncertain as to what it turned out to be. My fingers were trembling from the cold, the temperature dropped so significantly during the extremely cold winter that I ended up having to wear handgloves which made it difficult to adjust my camera. Finally, It was a bit of a good result from my photography shots, a postcard worthy sunset and I hope you’ll like them..

Thank you for reading my blog!

Goodnight fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Gorgeous Winter Sunset in Japan

By livelifeandlove on May 6, 2024

It was winter when we visited Japan. That day, it was on our itinerary to visit Fujiten Snow Resort, we stayed there for short hours, as we are about to depart, it was getting dusk, it was about sunset time and promptly caught my attention the moment i saw the sun descending on the horizon. I never thought I would get a chance to witness and capture such a beautiful winter sunset. Fortunately, it provides memorable recollections as a momento of Jujiten, a good souvenir to recall as Fujiten is one of the top destinations we visited throughout our Japan tour.

Stunning sunset blues over the snowland. Freezing but captivating. All that glitter glows, beautiful golden blues and ice colours of winter sunset resonate in the cold. Sunset photos taken at the foot just in front of Mt. Fuji located at the first station Narusawa Village on the northern foothills of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Thank you fellas for reading my blog! Goodnight!

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Peking Garden Serves the Best Peking Duck in the City

By livelifeandlove on December 13, 2023

At Peking Garden Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center Makati city, we celebrated the 90th birthday of my aunt Conchita with family, relatives and close friends. The fine dining hosted for more than 50 people, we all occupied 5 round tables leaving one table for food platform. The food was served at 7:30 as guests began to arrive as early as 7 in the evening allowing time for conversation and getting to know each other.

Prayers before meals was offered to thank God for our blessings.The birthday music (Chinese version) playing in the background to match the birthday celebration.The celebration brings family members, relatives and special friends closer together on the table, not only on this occasion but to every event. All the guests elegantly dressed in red and that includes me.This kind of gathering serves as a good bonding for us, helps us to strengthen relationship and connections especially to the business group.

For family celebrations, we normally had dinner in a closed-door room to ensure our own privacy. Scent of good food surrounds us, we are surrounded by the aroma of delicious cuisine throughout the evening. No significant Chinese occasion would be considered complete without an abundance of delectable cuisine involved. There was enough food served and mouthwatering. Awesome! It was an evening with a well balanced meal that contains all necessary nutrients. It not a fatty dishes, not even hot or spicy.

The birthday menu checklist, best selection of favorites are rare treats, variety of Chinese dishes contains low in calories and fats. Obviously, an expensive choices. The soothing effect of all seafood is irresistible so with the signature dish, the ”Peking Duck” How else to explain the sight of good food that gives such a burst of appetite.The presence of more favorites gives more excitement to eat. It’a an oriental feast!

Elegant and beautiful setting

Peking Garden Restaurant

The 90th birthday of my aunt is a significant milestone in one’s life, it is frequently marked by a grand celebration. In general, the older the person the larger the celebration.

The beautiful celebrant, Aunt Conchita cutting her birthday cake.

Birthday cheers and singing the birthday song. While the guests were enjoying, the menu goes a long way creating a good mood. The assortment of food becomes the focal point here. The 12 courses meal, a selection of Chinese specialties. You can see from the menu itself. Yum! I love this food, some are my favorites…

Lively look on the table,sparkling and superb! Everything was arranged oriental style. It’s a 12 courses meal for the celebration. Lets get started,this is such a long list of courses up to 12 and one vegetable salad not on list, that makes it 13-course meal all in all!

Vegetable salad complimented the meal. The best starter going to the main course.

Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom

In Chinese culture, the custom of eating noodles are thought to bring luck and long life so, everybody must eat noodles served for longer life. My appreciation for all courses, I was trying to get a picture perfect for the first course. The first course, it’s a Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom.

The 2nd course is a Doubled-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. It is clear and tasty. Why clear? well, you don’t see any tiny floating particles, totally clean and clear! Winter melon was considered to be healthy, nourishing and cleansing to the body.

For me, a delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness of natural flavor of seafood and vegetables.

Each round table is good for 12 guests and to every table, one Broiled-Winter Melon Soup bowl each. What a huge and heavy shell. It’s just perfect enough for 12 people. You can see the assorted seafood individual bowl down there, nourishing and full of flavor. The 4 empty wintermelon shell which serves as a serving dish for the soup.

In a small bowl, it is hot and delicious.It gives specific taste as it is appealing.

The 3rd course is Peking Duck, the restaurant signature dish. Peking duck can be prepared in a number of ways. In spite of the variety of specialties, the Peking duck still remains the favorite dish of the night.

In here, it is served two-ways, you can see below as details shown on photos and the other one is Minced duck with Fresh Lettuce.

The crispy skin of Peking Duck with a stalk of spring onion. How to wrap a Peking Duck? Click this link

Cutting the Peking duck breast in thin slices

The clever way of dividing into pieces. Thin flesh of Peking duck carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate.

The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

Strips of Peking duck served with tortilla, stalks of spring onions and Hoisin sauce.

The whole Peking Duck is a special treat for all of us, full of flavor and deliciously fragrant. It’s addicting, once you start eating it, you just can’t stop, you want more and soon craving to eat again.

The 4th course is Deep Fried Almond Prawns.

Prawns breaded with thin almonds.The perfect match.

The 5th course is Braised Sliced Abalone with Vegetables

Pretty Oh so good! The sparkling abalone is tender and tasty. The fresh green color of the vegetables was completely preserved maintaining vegetables green color and nutritive value.

The 6th course is Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White

Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White served on a big oval platter, looks deliciously elegant.

The 7th course is Sauteed French Bean with Minced Garlic. The only vegetable being served aside from the salad, preserving the fresh green color, it is sweet and crisp.

The 8th course is Golden Crabs with Salted Egg

The 9th course is Minced Duck with Fresh Lettuce

The Minced duck serves with iceberg lettuce cup and Hoisin sauce. It’s an iceberg lettuce wrap.

The 10th course is Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling.

Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling, something that will suit your taste.

Champagne Moët & Chandon, French champagne appropriate for the event. The world’s most loved French champagne.

Cheers! Happiness and good health for everyone! Long life for aunt Conchita!

The 11th and 12th courses are desserts; Birthday Bun and Chilled Mango Shake with Sago. I’ve missed to photographed the last one.

Sweet dessert, the Birthday Bun, What’s inside the Birthday Bun? A sweet bean paste.

This is my plate. How good is that? Always on the go for my favorite choice! My appetite grows stronger for food, after the first bite and another bite leads to another bite, there seem to be more…

Bravo ! Highlight of the evening’s entertainment was a special number,violin solo rendition by Jason Gan.( one of Aunt Conchita’s grandchildren) The audience were all quiet as excited to hear the musical piece. Jason’s twin sister a lovely girl, Daniela, check photo above beside Aunt Conchita.

Other photos taken during the celebration. You will see here all the guests who flocked to the elegant and fabulous evening gathering; family members, relatives and special friends. It was a celebration full of laughter and excitement. The birthday treat is a blessing and sign of thoughtfulness. Thank you so much aunt Conchita!

Peking Garden Restaurant specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine. When we have celebrations, we usually host them here, we are frequent customers at this restaurant, whatever dish was ordered, it was always excellent and the ambiance made you feel comfortable while dining.

I’d like to give a round of applause to all foods served on the list item. I would like to thank the chefs for all the dishes that are offered. Congratulations and Best wishes!

Peking Garden offers package rates for private functions and special events

For updates and more information

Peking Garden 4/L Greenbelt 5 Phase 2, Ayala Center, Makati City

Contact Numbers: (02) 729-0567, (02) 729-0719

Thank you Fellas for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Mali, the Saddest Elephant Dies after Decades of Solitary Confinement

By livelifeandlove on December 5, 2023

The only elephant in the Phils and one of my favorite photographic subjects has passed away. Mali, aged 43- 49 sometimes referred to as Vishwa Ma’ali, a popular attraction at the Manila Zoo passed away November 28, 2023, at 3:45 PM at the Manila Zoo. She was the first captive elephant in the Philippines to have lived in solitary confinement for more than 40 years. Mali, a Sri Lankan elephant was given to the Manila City Government in 1981 but later became a zoo attraction, you can only imagine how difficult life would be inside the cage in solitary confinement. I was sorry to hear of her loss.

I was one of the activists who advocated for her release so that she may go to safety living a free life. My dream for Mali is to have a free life connecting with other elephants. It was really a lonely existence living inside the cage, the elephant sanctuary ought to have been the ideal place for her to call her home. My hopes have been shattered that she’ s no longer with us now, she’s gone…

Mali and I had a particular bond and I frequently visited her at the Manila Zoo. She was also one of my favorite photography subjects and featured on my blogs a couple of times. I remember from my previous blog post featuring Mali, I took a picture of her against the setting sun. It was a dramatic photograph of an elephant with a sunset backdrop, it was a relatively rare shot.

I went to look over our old images and tears rolled down my cheeks. I lost a dear friend who always gave me her beautiul glance. My dearest Mali, thank you for the lovely photographs. I will always remember you. My final farewell, and may you rest in peace…

Note: Now that the elephant cage is empty and prepared to host the next generation, what about housing humans there? Simply choose the appropriate person to experience what Mali has gone through in captivity.

My apologies! I’m only exercising my right to free speech in the Philippines, which is a democratic country.

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