Live Life and Love

Paradise Found: Sumilon Island Sandbar

By livelifeandlove on May 28, 2026

In the Philippines, during the summer months from March to May, nearly everyone seeks a getaway destination to explore. There are numerous beautiful tropical island destinations to select from. Having already completed our getaway to places such as Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay, we decided to try another getaway destination for a new experience. This time, our top choice is Cebu and Bohol. So, here we go!

Initially, I considered traveling to the Maldives and the tropical islands of Bali; however, I have decided to first explore what my own country has to offer. It is preferable for me to discover all the beautiful islands within my homeland before venturing elsewhere. You may not realize that the tropical island paradise in my own country could potentially surpass those found in other locations. Our first adventure exploring the islands kicked off in Cebu. After that, we hopped on the Ocean Jet, sailing away from Cebu and heading towards Bohol to keep the adventure going.

Since our trip is a day tour, the van picked us up and took us to Oslob. From there, a boat transported us to our paradise island destination, the Sumilon sandbar. The enchanting experience of island hopping at the Sumilon sandbar! There is an abundance of beauty awaiting discovery.

Sumilon Sandbar is the most stunning tropical paradise I have experienced this March. The beach features powdery white sand and crystal-clear electric blue waters. This is the reason why numerous tourists flock to Cebu, establishing it as a favored destination for beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

I could not resist the warmth of the sun, feeling embraced by the allure of this breathtaking paradise. I ran barefoot, feeling liberated to appreciate the beauty of the island.

The Sumilon Sandbar is a shifting expanse of soft white sand located off the southeastern coast of Cebu, near Oslob. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its constantly changing shape due to the tides and seasons, it is recognized as one of the best destinations for day trips and snorkeling in the Phils.

One of the things I adore about this island is the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings. The long stretch of the beach, with its beautiful white waves crashing and sea birds soaring above, creates a picturesque view, complemented by large boats in the distance. Unfortunately, we could only explore for two hours due to our limited time before heading to the next attraction in Cebu.

Here are a few photographs capturing moments while exploring this tropical paradise. A cherished memento from my journey in this tropical haven. A delightful narrative of my adventure to take back home.

From these images, a story unfolds that you can easily connect with and it will soon persuade you to explore the same tropical island paradise, the Sumilon Sandbar.

Island hopping magic at the Sumilon sandbar! There’s so much beauty just waiting to be discovered. Here are a few photos capturing the joy of exploring this tropical paradise. A lovely keepsake from my time in this beautiful place. A wonderful story from my experience to take home.

What to bring: As I prepare to visit a beach destination, I also select my attire, which includes light summer dresses that complement the atmosphere, Light towel, trendy hat, breezy resort wear, and stylish one-piece swimsuits. Additionally, I ensure to pack my sunblock, which is essential along with a well-fitting mask, snorkel, fins, and reef-safe sunscreen to safeguard my skin. Naturally, I also bring my GoPro camera for capturing underwater moments.

How to get there: The easiest way is to fly directly to Mactan-Cebu International airport. From Cebu city, you need to travel to Oslob. Once you arrive in Oslob, There’s a boat transfer to take you to Sumilon sandbar.

I’m blessed to witnessed the beauty of Sumulon sandbar this summer. It’s a photographers dream come true.. If you wish to fully experience the sandbar, plan your visit during low tide to swim, snorkel, and take in the expansive views of the Cebu coast.

My adventure will not end up here, more Cebu attractions next posts..

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Goodnight Fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Photographers Corner | Travel and Adventure

Stunning Sunset Over Manila Bay

By livelifeandlove on March 10, 2026

March is generally regarded as the beginning of summer. This month, which spans from March to May, is perfect for capturing sunset and other landscape images. These images showcase my first efforts in landscape photography for March 2026. Although sunsets last only a few minutes, they make for wonderful subjects to capture. The best way to showcase the beauty of a sunset is through photographs, as they accurately depict its splendor, revealing a variety of colors in close-up views.

As the sun dipped below the western horizon, it painted the sky with vibrant colors during the golden hour, signaling the end of the day.

I have captured sunsets from various angles across different locations. Exploring wild and uncharted areas is invaluable, but some of the most captivating spots for sunset photography in the Philippines include Manila Bay, Bayview, and Harbour View Park. These three locations are often referred to as the “Photographer’s Backyard” and are my preferred sites for capturing sunsets.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Lunar Eclipse Visible in the Philippines

By livelifeandlove on March 9, 2026

The ”blood moon” during the Lunar Eclipse was visible throughout the Philippines. On the night of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, I took these photos. The eclipse lasted for 59 minutes, almost an hour. I began watching the sky at 7:10 PM and fortunately, the night sky was clear, allowing me to see and photograph it from the perfect spot.

The moon turned completely red around 7:20, and it was incredibly dramatic to see against the clear sky. It was truly spectacular.

I took these pictures at home, and I also used some of them for my Facebook reels. I’m really happy that I was able to photograph and witness the blood moon because I have no idea when it will appear again and I’m not sure if it will be visible from my location anytime soon.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Photographers Corner | Travel and Adventure

Chasing the Beautiful Sunrise

By livelifeandlove on February 27, 2026

This breathtaking sunrise marks the start of a new day. It turns the sky into a dynamic canvas of yellow, pink, and radiant gold, often shrouded in morning mist. When I see the sun rising above the eastern horizon, it energizes me, fills me with hope, and brings the invigorating scent of cool morning air to begin the day.

The golden hour and shimmering golden rays fill the sky with dreams, while my heart brims with hope. It serves as a reminder of a new day to be grateful to God for the gift of life, waking up each day to rise and shine.

Chasing the beautiful sunrise is an inspiring and common practice that represents new beginnings. What about you? How would you describe the sunrise?

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Road 99 Bends Tianmen Mountain Winding Road Zhiangjiajie

By livelifeandlove on February 8, 2026

Road 99 turns or 99 Bends in Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie,Hunan Province China is renowned for its 99 sharp hairpin bends that climb the mountain. It’s a well-loved yet challenging and thrilling drive that showcases significant highlight providing breathtaking scenery rising from an elevation of approximately 200 meters to 1,300 meters.

Road 99 turns or 99 Bends

This image clearly illustrates the winding road that ascends steeply from the mountain base to the higher peak, featuring a total of 99 continuous bends, which include several 180-degree hairpin turns.

The Tianmen Mountain Winding Road Referred to as the Number One Wonder Road in the World this route, exceeding 10 kilometers in length, ascends sharply from an elevation of 200 meters to 1,300 meters above sea level. It features 99 uninterrupted curves.

Note: I snapped these photos while we were riding the Tianmen Mountain cable car to the top which gives access to some amazing high-altitude views. It was raining at that time which made these photos a little blurry. It was hazy and the temperature dropped below 3°C you could see the clouds from the mountain peaks were really misty and foggy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Goodnight Fellas!

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

Tangshi Rongyao Restaurant in Beijing

By livelifeandlove 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.

We enjoyed approximately 8 courses of food, so let’s get started!

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.

Here’s how we wrapped the Peking duck. Lay one fine strip of Peking duck flesh on a tortilla wrapper, followed by the stalk of spring onions and cucumber, add a spoon of sweet Hoisin sauce on top and lay another strip of Roast duck and wrap.

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.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Goodnight!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Restaurant Review | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

Terraza Martinez Serves the Finest Spanish-Mediterranean Cuisine

By livelifeandlove 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.

Let’s begin with the dishes we ordered. I guarantee that every bite is flavorful and delightfully exquisite as everything was elegantly arranged on the table. Let’s get started!

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.

Give this restaurant a try to enjoy its food; it’s worth it, and you won’t regret it.

This restaurant comes highly recommended!
Terraza Martinez
Address: G/F The Arcade, Shangri-La, 30th St cor 5th Ave, BGC, Taguig.
Contact: +63 966 700 5801

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Goodnight Fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Bailong Elevator Zhangjiajie

By livelifeandlove 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.

Bailong elevator is the world‘s tallest outdoor elevator

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.

Thanks for taking the time to read this short blog!

Goodnight Fellas!

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

The Lights of CHRISTmas/Taguig People’s Park

By livelifeandlove 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!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

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

Avatar-Beijing Tour

By livelifeandlove 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.

Avatar-Beijing Tourmates Discovering the Finest Destinations in China

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

Lucy, our amiable and diligent tour guide during our time in Zhangjiajie. We appreciate your efforts in exceeding expectations to make our tour truly memorable. Your expertise was remarkable, and your willingness to assist was greatly valued. I would strongly endorse your tours to anyone. Thank you, Lucy!

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