Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant in Beijing

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Terraza Martinez Serves the Finest Spanish-Mediterranean Cuisine

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The Bailong Elevator Zhangjiajie

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The Lights of CHRISTmas/Taguig People’s Park 

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

Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant in Beijing

By on January 20, 2026

During our visit to China, we arranged for all-inclusive packages. The primary benefit of an all-inclusive package tour is its convenience. Similar to our experience here, following our day tour to discover breathtaking sights, we were taken straight to the restaurant where we could just sit down, enjoy our meal and relish the flavors. It’s really a stress free experience.

One of the most delightful aspects of visiting Beijing is not just the stunning attractions but also the incredible food. The thrill comes from the surprises in store regarding the meals as the tour groups have their dining experiences organized by the guides who choose the restaurants and the dishes that will be served.

We don’t have any issues regarding our morning breakfast throughout the entire tour from Beijing to Zhangjiajie. Since we are booked at a 5-star hotel, we enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast. Right from the start of the day, I was already relishing the meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What I can share with you is the delightful lunch we had at Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant in Beijing. Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant specializes in traditional Chinese cuisine, especially Peking Duck and Fish Head Paofan. My fellow travelers and I were happily surprised to taste the genuine cuisine that the restaurant offered us.

It’s our 2nd day on tour and we had a delightful lunch. Even though I’m not acquainted with some of the dishes presented, our guide chose the food for us, so we didn’t have to glance at the menu. Everything was already well arranged by them.

One of the great things about our daily meals while touring China is the constant presence of fresh vegetables. Whether they are stir-fried or steamed, there’s always something fresh served at the table. This really helps in maintaining a healthy diet.

Upon our arrival at the restaurant, we were split into two groups, each assigned to a round table. The food was already prepared on the table when we got there, and additional dishes would be served one by one afterwards.

I managed to sneak some candid photos of my group inside the restaurant before the food was served.


The Peking duck is looking great, perfectly cooked, and the smell is fantastic. It was incredibly delicious, and the skin is wonderfully crispy.

The star of the meal is the delicious Peking duck, it is the restaurant’s specialty.

Carving the breast into thin pieces along the breastbone, then do the same on the other side. It seems quite simple to carve since the knife is sharp, that’s the key to achieving perfect slices.

So far, the best among the rest.

This is how it looks before wrapping. Wrapping roast duck is crucial as it helps to create the ideal bite that brings together crispy skin, tender meat, fresh scallions, cucumber, and a delicious sauce.

Sautéed thinly sliced chicken, cucumber, black fungus, and finely cut strips of carrots. Healthy dish prepared, it’s a Sauteed vegetables.

Sauteed mixed vegatables.

Beef and potato stir-fry.

Sautéed beancurd cubes with black fungus and bell pepper.

Sauteed thinly sliced chicken breast with bell pepper.

Sauteed cauliflower is a flavourful dish.

Sauteed vegetable spaghetti strips. It looks like a pasta.

 The private dining room of Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant

This restaurant specializes in traditional Chinese cuisine providing a taste of the Tang dynasty with their Peking duck. Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant Beijing,China Catering to both locals and tourists seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.

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Terraza Martinez Serves the Finest Spanish-Mediterranean Cuisine

By on January 16, 2026

It has been quite a while since I last savored Spanish cuisine. I think the most recent occasion was at Las Flores and Corazon. In the first week of the new year 2026, we made the decision to visit this Spanish restaurant.Terraza Martinez, a Spanish Mediterranean restaurant owned by Luis Martinez genuinely captures the spirit of Spain. It offers a variety of dishes intended for shared enjoyment, all within a stylish and welcoming environment which has earned it a spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Bravo Chef Luis! Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, it emphasizes quality, consistency, and value.

Terraza Martinez G/F, Shangri-la at, The Arcade, 5th Ave, Taguig, 1634

It was Luye who arranged this family lunch date and she suggested Terraza Martinez situated on the ground floor of Shang-Rila The Fort. She also recommended trying the restaurant’s specialty such as the Calamari Plancha and Paella Negra. We also sampled other dishes from the menu, we’ll come to that later.

We headed to BGC before noon because we had booked a table ahead of time. Everyone was super excited when we got to the restaurant. The restaurant had a cool and cozy atmosphere, featuring warm lighting, lovely terracotta tables, and soft, gentle music. The restaurant manager approached us with a warm welcome and guided us to our reserved table. They presented the menu and inquired if we had any food allergies. This is a testament to their care and concern for their customers. It felt warm, lively, formal and welcoming. Overall, it offered delicious Spanish cuisine too .

I already anticipated that we would have a great time. The atmosphere is also romantic, featuring a small candle placed in a container on the table. Its soft glow creates the perfect setting for intimate conversations and a leisurely dining experience.

We were served with complimentary bread, frequently characterized as warm, crispy, and accompanied by olive oil with tomato salsa. The complimentary bread was a delightfully delicious and remarkable start.

We had Croqueta de Jamon Iberico, a popular appetizer.The ham’s quality is key to the flavor of the dish, making it the most valued ingredient. The taste is truly excellent!

Bombas de Salmon Curado y Trufa Light profiteroles filled with rich, creamy truffle cheese and savory cured salmon. With the opulent scent of truffle, it’s a flavor explosion!

Croquetas de espinacas y Gorgonzola A rich and creamy filling made with gorgonzola cheese and spinach, finished off with caramelized onions. It had a wonderfully comforting flavor.

Calamari Plansa Tender grilled calamari, a dish that is simply prepared and ideal for sharing, served alongside small portions of grilled eggplant, cherry tomatoes, lemon, and more..

 Presa Iberica de Cerdo was one of the highlights of our meal. Tasty and tender piece of pork sourced from the shoulder of the Ibérico pig recognized for its remarkable intramuscular fat marbling which offers a sumptuous texture similar to Wagyu.

Paella negra is a beloved Spanish classic that you can’t resist returning to, it’s warm, comforting and perfect for sharing. This dish is a must-try, featuring rich squid ink, tender prawns, and scallops.

While the chef presented it with the components separated, he personally came to our table to mix it all together. You can see the photos above.

Ravioli de Espinacas, Queso Y Trufa  Spinach, Cheese, and Truffle. It was rich and creamy. The earthy taste of truffle is divine, This is my top choice.

Tarta de Queso Manchego for our dessert. This is certainly one of our top picks. Its delicate, silky texture and delightful sweetness.

Berries Ginger Iced Tea and Mediterranian Mule

Overall, this is currently our top pick for a Spanish restaurant It stands out from other Spanish establishments in Manila due to Chef Luis Martinez’s Valencian-style cuisine establishing it as a leading option in BGC for substantial, shareable Spanish meals.

If you’re in the mood for Spanish cuisine, Terraza Martinez offers the finest traditional cooking methods, utilizing fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner. It also accommodates family gatherings and groups of friends as well. You can indulge in crafted classic cocktails and sparkling spirits to enhance your evening.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Bailong Elevator Zhangjiajie

By on January 12, 2026

During our visit to Zhangjiajie, the Wulingyuan area was part of our tour itinerary. Wulingyuan is a scenic region located within China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. To avoid a two-hour hike, we opted for the glass elevator to access the highlights at the summit. The Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Heaven Elevator, is a glass double-deck elevator constructed on the side of a cliff in the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie. It is the world’s tallest elevator that transports visitors up a 326-meter cliff face made of quartzite sandstone in less than two minutes providing stunning panoramic views of the that inspired the film Avatar. It was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest outdoor elevator in the world on July 16, 2015 and is claimed to be the fastest passenger elevator with the highest loading capacity.

Take a quick look above.The Bailong Elevator is a two-decked glass elevator built on the cliff face in Zhangjiajie’s Wulingyuan region. From that height, you can see the entire area around it. It’s built extremely high, as you can see in this shot.

I get to ride the fastest passenger elevator that has the biggest carrying capacity. Riding the world’s tallest elevator was an exhilarating and inspiring experience. It was the most thrilling and uplifting moment I have ever encountered. As the elevator ascends, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Avatar Halleluia Mountain’s majestic limestone cliffs which are said to have inspired the floating mountains depicted in the film Avatar. The elevator offers a rapid two-minute ascent from the valley floor to the mountaintop providing spectacular views of the surrounding sandstone pillars. Now at least i can say and be proud to experience riding the world’s tallest outdoor elevator. My visit is not complete without this experience.

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The Lights of CHRISTmas/Taguig People’s Park 

By on December 8, 2025

The Taguig People’s Park is an urban riverfront park situated along the southern bank of the Pasig River in West Rembo, Taguig is now accessible to the public providing a venue for relaxation and recreation. This December, the Lights of CHRISTmas at Taguig People’s Park in West Rembo illuminated the area with joy featuring characters such as Robot Transformer Optimus Prime, display of dazzling lights, SpongeBob, Ninja Lights and Christmas music. A walkway adorned with lights encircles every area while all palm trees are beautifully covered in magnificent lights complemented by a giant Christmas tree. Visitors will encounter a splendid and magical Christmas landscape that is sure to attract both young and old alike.

I visited on the second day of its opening and had the opportunity to capture the enchanting Christmas night scenery which illuminated the entire expansive area allowing one to truly feel the spirit of Christmas.

Taking an hour to wander and enjoy the enchanting, sparkling Christmas lights is a delight but if you plan to snap personal photos along the way, it could easily take another hour. But it’s definitely worth it! You’ll also get to savor the various food options available at the food stalls.

The park offers a variety of local snacks, meals, and desserts from food trucks and food alley making it an ideal destination for a festive holiday outing filled with food, lights and free entertainment.

It is equipped with dedicated security from PNP Taguig, a first aid station, a city vet station, and staff members in red shirts who are ready to assist with any inquiries. The park provides family-friendly fun and is pet-friendly, with operations typically running in the evenings until 10 PM.

Don’t let this Christmas park pass you by. It’s beautifully decorated with stunning, dazzling lights that are sure to entertain you.

A little note down there would really brighten my day!

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

Avatar-Beijing Tour

By on November 6, 2025

Seriously, a huge thanks to everyone! I’m so glad we got to hike those mountain trails and enjoy some really tasty food from breakfast all the way through dinner. Discovering new places was enjoyable but to be honest, it was spending time with all of you that made the journey truly memorable.Thanks for the awesome time traveling together! I am eagerly anticipating our next trip and sincerely hope to be traveling with the same group once more. Thank you very much! Here are some of our group photos taken during our tour in China. These are the only images I have in my gallery.

I am eagerly anticipating our next trip and sincerely hope to be traveling with the same group once more. Thank you very much!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Rope Swing Over the Deep Emerald Sea

By on October 9, 2025

The most unforgettable experience I had in Seven Commandos beach El Nido was climbing the rope and swinging above the breathtaking turquoise waters. My friend successfully took some fantastic pictures of me swinging and I’m truly grateful they captured my tree-swinging acrobatics.

Here are some pictures of me enjoying rope swinging. I feel really thankful to have the opportunity to engage in these fun activities. I have a deep love for unique experiences, particularly when it comes to island hopping adventures.

These pictures will forever remind me of the thrilling and unforgettable experience I had during my recent trip to Palawan.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Secret Lagoon: El Nido, Palawan

By on October 8, 2025

Everyone dreams of a stunning island escape, a chance to unwind and recharge. It could be a peaceful spot with breathtaking views or a gorgeous island where you can hop from one island to another. Either way, El Nido,Palawan is definitely worth a visit, it has everything you could want including the towering limestone cliffs, secluded lagoons, hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of white-sand beaches to pick from. When visiting El Nido, similar to Coron, the highlight of the day is undoubtedly island hopping. This exciting and well-loved activity in Palawan offers a full day of exploring various islands and lagoons. Join me as I recount my wonderful island hopping tour in El Nido, Palawan. Perhaps one day you will visit this destination or in the near future, you will gain a deeper understanding of this place.

An island hopping adventure provides a day-long maritime journey to discover several islands and lagoons, with popular activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying leisure time on the beaches usually with buffet lunch and water provided by the tour. You can anticipate sharing ferry boats with your tourmates with also a knowledgeable local guide and opportunities for nature hikes and cave explorations among other things to expect.

During our visit to El Nido two weeks ago, We joined a group tour for this exciting island-hopping adventure. Our itinerary comprised visits to 10-12 different beaches and lagoons over the course of two days. Throughout these two days, we explored approximately twelve lagoons and beaches. Among all the beaches we explored during our day of island hopping, the Secret lagoon and Hidden beach definitely captivated my attention, both have a unique charm that draws you in and their locations are simply breathtaking.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret lagoon in El Nido is a stunning hidden cove that can only be accessed by swimming or kayaking through a narrow gap in a rock wall frequently requiring the assistance of a guide.

Upon your arrival before reaching the secret lagoon, the first sight to welcome you is the white sandy beach encircled by towering limestone cliffs perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming as well.

You will be astonished to witness the stunning beach, and the first thing you will want to do is capture its beauty.

The beach image is incredibly beautiful, featuring limestone cliffs and plants that add to its stunning appearance; however, the concern is that it’s a rocky beach, so wearing beach shoes is essential to protect your feet.

This lagoon is really just a hidden spot. You might not even realize there’s an emerald lagoon when you first go through the entrance. There’s a small hole, a rounded opening that is too narrow for your body to pass through but once you make it inside, you’ll discover a breathtaking secret lagoon beautifully framed by cliffs.

This is the access point leading to the lagoon, it is a tube-shaped opening.

The hole you came through is the only way out. It’s unique because the limestone cliffs around have small openings curve in an intriguing manner, highlighting beauty of nature.

Inside the Secret lagoon, what makes it unique is the journey through a hidden entrance.

The lagoon’s breathtaking natural limestone formation is another feature. Additionally, there are unique rock formations featuring tube-like circular openings that serve as entrances to other areas.

While traveling by boat, we also passed a towering limestone cliff with a hole resembling a cave showcasing the splendor of natural world.

The photo above shows a small hole of limestone cliff where water passes through when the current is strong. I’m curious about how limestone formations can produce such remarkable features.

This beach is distinctive as the dramatic limestone cliff formations showcase a unique and remarkable wonder of nature. Visitors can snorkel in the nearby seas to see colorful fish and coral reefs, which is included on El Nido island-hopping adventure.

Important items to pack include sunscreen, a hat, water-friendly shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and a waterproof bag, with safety precautions like life jackets offered by the guide. Of course cellphone or camera is important. Do keep in mind that the planned schedule may vary due to weather conditions, which is part of the overall experience. Expect to share ferry boats with your fellow travelers.

Make sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, beach shoes, sunglasses, a towel and a waterproof bag. The guide will provide safety gear like life jackets. Don’t forget to protect your cellphone since water splashes from the boat can get it wet. And of course, having a cellphone or camera is key. Just remember that the schedule might change depending on the weather, which is all part of the adventure!

El Nido is a protected environmental area and local regulations forbid the collection of shells, corals, plants, and other items. This prohibition, which may lead to fines or legal consequences, aims to preserve marine life and protect the ecosystem. Tourists are encouraged to take photographs as souvenirs instead of taking any natural items from the beach.

Everything I have shared here is a valuable experience that you will soon come to enjoy as well. I highly recommend visiting El Nido, Palawan, it offers an unforgettable dream destination.

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Euro Xtreme Circus Arcovia

By on September 22, 2025

The arrival of the Euro Xtreme circus in Arcovia excites me. This circus show in Manila has been something I have been looking forward to. Euro Xtreme Circus is a traveling circus that showcases its talents across various locations worldwide. Lauren and I promptly purchased two tickets as we believed it would be an extraordinary experience of a lifetime. It was a rainy Sunday evening when we went there, we arrived early to allow sufficient time for dinner prior to the performance. We dined at Popeye’s, which the nearest establishment to the circus venue and after dinner, we made our way to the circus tent where the show would take place.

The show kicked off right at 8:00 with a comedy clown act followed by a variety of acrobatic performances such as high-flying trapeze, ground hula hoop, energetic dancers along with the wheel of death and globe of terror. Notable performers include Chupetin the clown along with artists from countries like Colombia, Ukraine, and Romania. Absolutely. There will be something for children, teenagers, and adults to enjoy. No animals involved, just pure human-driven excitement.

They arrived in the Philippines last year, 2024, but kicked off their show in the southern region of the country, moving from various cities. The Philippine tour made stops in Gensan, Tagum, CDO, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and more. Just imagine how long we waited for this circus to finally perform in Manila. It was nearly a year.

The performance lasts approximately 2 hours, featuring a brief 15-minute intermission for relaxation and refreshments. You will be entertained by an exciting blend of top-notch performers. All human-powered stunts.

The renowned travel circus has arrived in Arcovia to perform from July 9 to August 30, 2025. Just a heads up, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in the venue. But no need to stress, you can buy snacks inside, along with soft drinks and bottled water once you’re in.

Globe of Terror

High-flying Aerial and Trapeze Acts

Aerial acts of flying trapeze artists

Gracefully glide through the sky and various stunts that challenge the laws of gravity.

Intense Wheel of Suspense

Albert and Alejandro executed the most perilous stunts I have ever witnessed.

It was absolutely amazing to see, though it was a bit scary!

These performers were truly thrilling especially those who took on the Wheel and Globe of Death. It was a loud spectacle.

Performers stand or run on the inside or outside of these hoops while the apparatus rotates. They even blindfold themselves while they jump as the wheel keeps on rotating.

 The Wheel of Death is an expansive, rotating metallic apparatus featuring wheels at both ends where acrobats execute perilous feats balancing and tumbling both within and outside the revolving wheels.

FMX High-energy Motocross-style Stunts

Stunts that feature motocross motorcycles and various high-energy motorcycle tricks soaring above the crowd.

A free style huge jump. It’s an exciting sport recognized for its exhilarating acrobatic performances on motorcycles.

Visually striking tricks and once again, I felt scared to watch because they might land in the wrong place.

A significant performance art entails performers skillfully manipulating multiple hoops at once. Featuring acts that challenge the limits of conventional hula hooping techniques.

The performance also includes acrobatic displays and spontaneous, lively comedic acts.

Thank you Max!

Albert and Alejandro, Thank you very much!

Thank you ladies!

The EuroXtreme circus has been extended twice due to the increasing number of spectators attending. They host shows every day except Mondays, with weekday shows starting at 8:00 PM and weekend shows at 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

Lastly, to all Euro Xtreme Circus performers! Thanks for visiting the Philippines! You really brought joy to everyone especially the kids, with your hilarious clowns, thrilling stunts, and exciting performances featuring lively dancers. I really hope you’ll come back to the Philippines again.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

By on September 19, 2025

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, recognized as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a river that meanders through an expansive limestone cave. This underground river is among the most popular attractions in Palawan and it is the world’s longest navigable underground river.

Cave Entrance

The cave was dimly lit, yet our boat was equipped with a powerful light that illuminated the cave as we navigated through. The cave’s formations were breathtaking, each one unique from the ceiling down to the depths below. There were various rock formations including ones resembling a church, a mushroom, and an umbrella, just to name a few…

The underground river can be found within a cave network typically in a limestone or karst environment where the riverbed remains concealed and the water navigates through chambers and tunnels in the rock.

The water was not the clear turquoise it used to be due to the rain that persisted throughout the day, the river’s color appeared somewhat muddy but this was only the case for that particular day.

As we explored the cave, it was peaceful and calm and the thrilling experience came from certain spots where the cave walls were dripping with cold water leaving us a bit wet.

There is a section within the cave that serves as a habitat for bats where they can be observed hanging.The only sound you’ll hear inside the cave is the water dripping from the ceiling.

Underground River tour includes boat excursions to the cave followed by a guided 45-minute exploration of the 8.2 km navigable river that flows through a stunning limestone cave system.

Visitors are observed here wearing life vests and hard hats, which are mandatory before embarking on a cave tour with a paddled boat. A boatman is present to paddle the boat during the tour while visitors take pleasure in listening to the audio that provides information about the cave.

Audio Guide

A portable device that offers recorded information for visitors exploring a cave, it provides information about the cave’s formations and wildlife, all while emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.

The river is bordered by mangroves and palm trees.

As the river exits the cave, it flows into a coastal lagoon, which is separated from the sea by a sandy beach where the water eventually drains into the sea.

Underground River in Puerto Princesa is a famous example showcasing a river that winds through a stunning limestone scenery and flows straight into the sea.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Emotion Egg Artwork

By on September 11, 2025

While I’m waiting for my beef to get tender, I like to pass the time by doing something wonderful. It’s a fun and simple egg art piece that showcases facial expression. The great part is that kids will enjoy these amusing egg arts. You can also teach your kids how to make this kind of artwork which will boost their creativity and help them grasp different facial expressions, an art appropriate for various age groups and skill levels.

It is referred to as emotion eggs, a mom and child artwork. I’ve also added my collectible plastic hen and chicks. Making this kind of artwork brings back fond memories from my childhood. I used plastic eggs, a black paint and a small brush for the facial features, a small hen with chicks, a real egg, and a sprinkle of imagination to bring all the facial expressions to life. That’s it!

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