Author: livelifeandlove

Hi! I’m Mari. My blog is all about me, my experience, wildlife, photography, travel and adventure, culture, tradition and other people that will give you a better perspective of the time in which you live. In here, You’ll discover the things I love most and passionate about. I usually focus to more educational and informative topics expressing my own thoughts using my own words, ideas, and honest statements. Included here are my collection of facts and dreams with beautiful photographs to make it visible for your inspiration and browsing pleasure. I would like to share my stories with the world, with photographs that will serve as a support to see what I’m describing as you read it.This is to share reality and show the best and good things in life. To the photograph itself, can make your own thoughts and my feelings visible to share with you and my site serves to store my thoughts and ideas. Of course, I can tell a lot of things by looking at the photographs alone following my explanation to achieve my purpose eventhough, photographs can speaks for itself, the author can simply fill up the missing part of it. This is what I want to do in my life, to write, share my learning and stories to make you a part of it. When you come to know more about yourself, you’ll know what you can offer to the world. This is what I can offer to you! I feel great to share with you not only my interesting stories but also to inspire you viewing spectacular and timeless photos. Read my articles about the birds, with my conservation message,and my lifelong dedication and contribution to wildlife.Thank you readers for the positive feedback.I have learned a lot from you. Note: If there is any oversight may have been made is unintentional and will be corrected. If there is any resemblance to any actual place, events, locales or persons is entirely coincidential.

Home Cooking During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By livelifeandlove on July 31, 2020

The pandemic season has given us more opportunity we never thought we would experience but up to now we are still facing similar crisis following the given protocols and restrictions under each level of quarantine from ECQ—MECQ—GCQ and of all measures, ECQ is the strictest. The COVID 19 stay home orders to keep us safe and minimize the risk of spreading, the great concern to wear mask and comply with social distancing measures to stay homebound but our country cautiously to loosen slowly back to the new normal life adopting to new rules to follow. Since it is impossible to predict when the pandemic will end or how long it will take to recover, people should not be expected to remain indoors indefinitely.

There are many things to ponder in times of great unpredictability, such as the current state of our economy and the hardships faced by those who have lost their jobs or are struggling to make ends meet due to the closure of businesses hit hard by the pandemic. However, I would like to express my gratitude to the government aid programs that have provided unemployed citizens with cash handouts and food packages.

I think I’ve finished up after the lockdown. Since everyone in my family now works remotely, I’ve been spending most of my time seeing to their needs and ensuring their safety. I’m afraid the worst is yet to come. I’ve recently deleted Facebook for five months so that I can devote my full attention to my family and their needs, shop online, and narrow my focus to the bare minimum.

Despite the difficulty of the situation, I was able to maintain a positive outlook by taking pleasure in learning about exciting new cooking techniques and delicious new recipes. The summer season (March–May) was fruitful, with a plentiful supply of in-season fruits at discounted prices, including nearly the best fruits and some of my favorites at their peak. Having a stocked fridge gives me a wide variety of meals to choose from. The only way I know to keep loving and happy while quarantined during a pandemic is to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. Do you agree that everyone needs a break after being locked up for so long?

Here are the meals I cooked for my family at home and documented with photographs before serving them during the pandemic

Breakfast in the garden (with Frosty, the family dog, joining us, of course).

Cooking from the garden features seafood dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily.

My Chicken Congee with Century egg

We look forward to our favorite breakfast together each and every Sunday. The most important meal of the day is breakfast, and it’s even better when it’s eaten with people you care about.

Bulalo is a dish made with beef, and the bone marrow that is present in all of the bones can be plainly seen in the dish. It has always been a fan favorite.

Steamed Crabs with Black Bean Sauce

Sizzling Sisig They can be made to look like this with some extra work on your part. This is the type of recipe with which I grew up, so I know I can trust the results.

Sizzling Spicy Squid with Vegetables is another sizzling recipe of the day.

Beef Burger with Mushroom Gravy, Additional side dishes, such as steamed broccoli and French fries, are presented in a base formation.

My Japanese Gyoza

My Special Cheezy Morcon is delicious and addictive.

Steamed Shrimps with Fried Slices of Eggplant. Beautifully arranged on a plate, the circular order or rounded form presentation, my family will be able to enjoy the rest of the meal.

Snacks and Desserts

My sister Anne is a registered nutritionist-dietitian, so she is an expert when it comes to calorie counting, but I am not, so I gained a little bit of weight while cooking, cooking, and more eating.

During the pandemic season, it seemed like my family’s meals were specifically designed to be exciting new experiences. It’s easy and straightforward no matter which of the many available simple courses you choose to pursue. What should I do to get ready? Sorry, but you’ll have to wait until your next post to share more photos.

Late afternoon, I’m fortunate to view the sunset from our own garden.

The fact that we have our very own pomelo tree gives us a sense of pride, and the presence of pomelos in our very own backyard is exciting.

I used to wake up earlier on Friday nights so that I could blog, but in order to make up for lost time on Saturdays and Sundays, I made it a point to turn off all electronic devices, including my laptop, my cellphone, and the television, so that I would not be disturbed while I was trying to fall asleep. It’s almost time for me to head off to dreamland now. Good night to everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Stay Home and Keep Safe Always

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My Quarantine Activities

By livelifeandlove on July 3, 2020

Its been more than 3 months since ECQ but still infection rate is high, to the rest of the world we see similar numbers raging. Coronavirus pandemic, dangerous as it sounds, more and more people being infected, it’s effecting the entire country and the world.

From my previous blog last month, I have mentioned (with back-up photos) on how pandemic has quitted Pasig city and my hometown Piat Cagayan. Before I forget, today is the feast day (July 2) of ”Our Lady of Piat” the patroness of Cagayan Valley, the Sambali celebration deferred this year but devotees will gather for a special mass at Santo Domingo Church on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. You can just imagine how coronavirus disrupted our lives, no more public events, no gatherings, the need of wearing mask and social distancing, it seems to be a normal part of life already. This year 2020 is a big blow following 2 patterns of events, after the major eruption of Taal volcano in Batangas last January and now faces COVID 19 pandemic, this is a big blow to our economy and its relatively hard to face the crisis.

The government COVID 19 Task Force extended quarantine measures with new rules to adopt, we are still undergoing new restrictions except for essential purposes following appropriate measures. During challenging times, we are experiencing concerns, many have been working from home for almost 11 weeks now, we don’t know how long coronavirus last with another new rules to adopt upon reopening this coming July and still raising hopes there is vaccine. Other countries cautiously reopening from months long shutdown and Phils slowly reopening.

Oftentimes, my sisters would talk about fiestas, missing social events like birthday celebrations, fancy night out parties, graduations, buffet gatherings, get- together with friends and traveling. Mindful of social distancing blues, no more face to face bonding, other people are very eager to go out as I’m also missing social gatherings with my buffet friends too. Months of March-April-May and July, it was a summer homebound for the family and now, rainy season coming up next, we are really facing a new phenomenon, summer 2020 is not like no other this year. Coronavirus has disrupted everything and I’m trying to live by it.

What’s the impact might be? Would be sharing some of my quarantine activities here, got 5 family members here, a sort of, like prisoners staying inside the room for long hours working that I have to feed them, preparing home cooked food and of course clean water for them, not to mention all the alcohol, hand sanitizers all around ready to use.

Mobile Palengke in Pasig to lessen public trips around, it is ”Presyong Palengke” and it’s very convenient.

My daily life is no boredom, being flexible coming up with a schedule that keeps me busy all day long, the entire day devoted to my family, it’s a home to share bringing family closeness together, the good bonding and dedication will hold us firmly.

While at home, it’s really a homey feeling of togetherness, my family is complete and I’m keeping a master list on hand, there are a hundred things to do and this is also the best time to appreciate the beauty in our own backyard, we are the Backyardigans experiencing beautiful adventures in our own backyard. Moving productively, more and more things done in one day and in the coming days and months. The things I’ve missed before, those things I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet, this is the perfect time to get things done, it’s a big opportunity to finish and not to rush. Cheers!

Here’s sharing with you my stay home ECQ activities that keeps me going from day to day, just a few list of stuffs:

Enjoying my daily cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My Mango Float is an easy recipe and it’s everybody’s favorite.

Everyday Photography

I have captured few morning visitors in the garden, this kind of pleasurable activity keeps me going from day to day.

Gardening/Landscaping

Gardening includes planting, morning visit in the garden and harvesting fruits. Photo above, just one of few snapshots taken around, a lovely butterfly pollinating a wide variety of flowers.

Morning walk with my favorite pets

Excellent date to take out our dogs and cats for a morning sunshine.

Among others, of course I need to update my blog, daily exercise, cleaning, afternoon nap, playing piano and electric guitar, listening to my favorite songs, reading my latest books and watching TV for the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. All these activities saved me from boredom blues during this pandemic season and dreaming we would be back to normal life soon, to welcome friends without any mask and social distancing.

Take time to take to check my daily photography snapshots going on for the best subject in our own backyard. I’m really hopeful we will overcome this crisis soon and hoping our economy will bounce back before the end of this year. I wish you all well and keep updated.

To all those who are in the frontline,”our COVID Warriors” I’m inspired by your courage, Thank you very very much and May God bless us all. Keep safe and Take Care!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Battle Against Coronavirus- Piat Cagayan

By livelifeandlove on March 18, 2020

Coronavirus cases continue to rise globally, Municipal mayor of Piat, Atty. Carmelo Villacete made similar announcement asking all people of Piat to stay indoors( home quarantine) to minimize transmission of coronavirus. Within responsibility, this is an emergency power to protect health and safety of the people. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 disease and the best way to avoid being exposed to the virus is to avoid people, most often, virus spreads mainly from person to person and do transmit even in the absence of symptoms.

Causing fear and panic in Piat, in its response to the coronavirus outbreak leaving empty spaces and businesses as our town responds to concerns of the spread of COVID-19.

Scenes Revealing the impact of Coronavirus Outbreak

Info-sharing and this is how our beloved town, Piat Cagayan looks like now. All photos taken from inside the car no longer than 5 minutes.

Normally, devotees line-up to offer prayers, the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is temporarily closed till April 13, 2020.

Where have all the people gone?

**Following the restrictions, streets of Piat are now deserted.**

**Emptying streets with fears of the highly contagious disease.**

**Piat Central Elementary school, my alma mater is temporary closed.**

More pictures coming up very soon…

Thank you fellow Piatenos. Stay safe ! ‘’Apo Baket’’ will bring an end to disease and sufferings. May God bless us all!

Piatenos are worried but generally glad, the town is being cautionary. Thank you again Mayor! Atty. Carmelo Villacete, municipal mayor of Piat Cagayan

Note: I would like to thank Bud Baculi for sharing Piat photos taken 4 hours ago.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Empty streets in the Philippines Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

By livelifeandlove on March 17, 2020

Yesterday, President Duterte ordered the ‘Enhanced Community Quarantine and Social Distancing of the whole of Luzon to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 – ( COVID – 2019) Effective March 17 until April 13. The government is struggling to stop the spread of coronavirus as death toll rises and number of cases still climbing, there were checkpoints around and people movement being restricted. This is quiet good as it will slow the spread of virus.

To reduce the growth of coronavirus, cities have establishments closed, school closures, travel restrictions, temporary closure of Metro Manila Malls, work suspended for a month and public transportation are suspended but supermarkets will still remain open and ATM banks will remain operational.

Scenes Revealing the impact of Coronavirus Outbreak

As part of measures against the spread of coronavirus have left streets and public places deserted. Taken this morning along Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong. Photo shows a normally, busy street major route, now it’s empty.

A quiet morning along Shaw Boulevard. Empty streets in Pasig avid coronavirus outbreak.

Aerial photo of Shaw Boulevard taken from the flyover in front of Capitol Commons, it looks like a ghost town.

**Packed with panicked shoppers, Coronavirus is causing panic buying in the Philippines.**

Coronavirus poised to disrupt everyday lives of the people, a very straining and stressing disease. As we are preparing for the worst, people are rushing to stock-up food and other supplies during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Coronavirus is causing panic buying in the Philippines. Supermarket empty shelves is already a common scene since coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread panic. Consumers stockpiling goods such as; hand sanitizer, spray cleaners and shoppers leave supermarket runs out of toilet paper. As we prepare for social distancing, which means having at least 2 weeks worth of food and supplies. It is good not to go out and be prepared all the time.

**Supermarket empty shelves is already a common scene since coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread panic.**

To be considerate and to prevent panic buying, City Gov’t of Pasig implemented Anti-Panic buying and Anti-Hoarding. This is an ordinance to limit buying amount of goods may purchase everyday. Anyone caught violating the ordinance will have business permit revoked and penalties to all violators. I live in Pasig around Kapitolyo , a home to business districts, schools, commercial hubs, condo communities and a short distance to Estancia Mall Capitol Commons. Thanks God! throughout our area are relatively quiet and coronavirus-free as of now.

Stay aware of the latest information. May God Bless us all and stay safe.

Goodnight !

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Mountain Float-Chiang Mai

By livelifeandlove on February 25, 2020

Following our comprehensive itinerary Thailand tour starting in Bangkok, On our third day, we flew to Chiang Mai, the Northern part of Thailand. Our aim here is to enjoy the best of Chiang Mai from start to finish. This is the much-needed vacation we’ve been waiting for, no urgent concerns, no rushing obligations, just a well-deserved time leaving work and other worries behind but I don’t think one week vacation here in Thailand is the right amount of time, this is just a short time and plenty of travel sites transferring from location to another, not enough time to explore the whole of Thailand. I know for sure, sooner I keep coming back for more.

Day 1- Journey into the heart of Chiang Mai

Aerial View of Chiang Mai, Thailand from airplane window.

Departed on-time, we arrived in Chiang Mai early morning, not very far from the airport, we went straight for breakfast at Thai restaurant that serves the most popular Thai breakfast generally at reasonable prices, we really don’t want to miss this, it’s the start of the day. We ordered the most delicious and popular breakfast dishes. We had Thai congee, steamed siomai (pork dumplings, fried tofu, and other varieties were a bit less spicy. Our breakfast was so good, it gives ample energy to tour for the day.

After our breakfast, we went to relax in the spa for a duration of 120 mins massage, the AYURVEDIC & Wellness a health land massage, it is the most popular stress relief spa here in Chiang Mai.

**Health Land Chiang Mai Massage for Health**

What a Wow thing! Not only the soothing treatment, just after the massage, I immediately achieved the best feeling of well-being.

**AYURVEDIC & Wellness**
**Health Land Chiang Mai Massage for Health**

It’s about lunchtime when we finished our spa and another 30 minutes drive to reach Huen Muan Jai, a Northern Food Restaurant, one of the best places to eat and it is the most famous Thai select cuisine awarded by Ministry of Commerce in Thailand. As always, Thai food plays a central role renowned for its quality and diversity. This is really a traveler-oriented restaurant, food served was good, I was impressed with the taste and presentation techniques and enjoyed the succulent taste, it’s a bit expensive but worth trying sharing a selection of Northern dishes if you are heading to Chiang Mai, try this restaurant. More on that, a bit later.

After our healthy breakfast, a spa treatment and sumptuous lunch, I now have a better memory and energy level to cope with different activities throughout the day. It seems my energy is now best designed for long tour. I’m now ready to climb the mountains of Hill tribes. Here we go!

This is the best plan for an adventurous visitor like me to venture into the Karen territory, any visitor can seek out an inner territory of the Nomads.

Heritage Village
Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai

From my journey to the North, it is worthwhile meeting the hill tribes. People here were very friendly and accommodating. So far, the longest time I have ever personally been on, anyway, I enjoyed every moment of it and I would be benefitted to learn about their cultural heritage.

**Baan Tong Luang Eco-Agricultural Village**

Continuing along the Northern part around Chiang Mai, the surrounding countryside is dotted with day-trip options in all directions. Climbing the hills en route to the mountains of hill tribes. A hill tribe is a term for all of the various ethnic groups in Thailand. The Heritage site, the home of the hill tribes originating in all various parts of China and Southeast Asia, the ethnic groups settled in Thailand who came from Burma, Laos, and Cambodia. They are often described as the 4th world people, they are simply migrants who continue to migrate moving frequently from one village to another.

Hill tribes sell locally produced products (crafted goods), no inflated costs if you buy directly from them. Support the ethnic group, buy their products!

The traditional mode of ethnic expression, the ethnic groups identified by their colorful traditional costume decorated by silver jewels and embellished by elegant bodices.

Meet the Karen tribe, my favorite of all the ethnic groups living there, Karen group scattered throughout the villages deep in the forest up high the mountains bordering Myanmar.

Legendary ”Giraffe woman” with extremely long necks adorned with gold rings. We usually call it a weird adornment but for them is a beauty treatment, this is to testify the richness of craft tradition and wealth of their own tribe.

Mountain Float Resort Chiang Mai

This is the major highlight of this blog that introduces more of Chiang Mai and suggesting when to go and what not to miss. I’m now sharing every aspect with you, dear readers.

Of greatest interest, the day will not end up here, it’s nearly 4 pm and the sun begins to set while a cool wind blows heading to our floating house.

Our excitement grows into every aspect of whats Chiang Mai is going to offer next. We were all excited to experience on-the-water home accommodation as our new hideaway destination is waiting for us.

After the Heritage site, We directly went to Sri Lanna National Park to catch the speed boat and from here, we were taken to the ”Mountain Float. It took 35 minutes to reach our new destination, The Mountain float or Houseboat, or Floating house, our new on-the-water home. Mountain float resort, a 4-star floating hotel in Chiang Mai.

Mountain Float resort taken by flying camera, Drone, I love the results from that drone.

**Mountain Float taken by flying camera drone**

As we approached the floating house, the hotel crew was already waiting at the arrival area, ready to assist us. What a warm welcome!

Mountain Float Resort located in the Mae Taeng area of Chiang Mai. This is a floating house well-suited to families who want to experience a bit of privacy and to enjoy not only the food but also the peacefulness of the picturesque waterscape and watersports. For more dominant features coming up next, scroll down please, this is such a long blog.

The crew immediately offered us healthy snacks and local delicacies for the whole family to enjoy.

We have our own patio dining table just beside our room.

What a beautiful patio with a full lake breeze, it’s a unique geography to connect with nature overlooking across Sri Lanna National Park.

Foods served are the ones I’ve been craving for, How can I resist? A basket of Crispy Fried Chicken on a crepe basket with a side dish of Caesar salad, that’s a good part of my diet.

I have never had a more relaxing vacation just like this before, this is a beautiful spot to fuel the day. Plateful of nutritious food consists of fresh slices of ripe guavas, melon and dragon fruit.

Our assorted snacks for the day; that white jelly on a white plate is Khanom Tako or pudding, a Thai sweet Jelly with coco cream on top. On a native basket is Pork cracklings and the on a big platter is Pad Thai made out of fresh ingredients; rice noodles, shrimps, chicken, tofu and scrambled eggs. What an impressive food scene with light aromatic components.

This is something new to experience for the whole family and it’s ready to serve us.

**Mountain float or comfortable Houseboat**

There’s plenty of privacy, perfectly comfortable and spacious with dramatic waterscape. All houseboats have the buoyancy to make the raft float stably and with 24 hours electricity and water have been filtered through a series of standard equipment.

Each houseboat has an area of approximately 100 square meters divided into 4 large bedrooms with one double and twin beds. Each room has its own clean bathroom and toilet.

From the patio, you’ll feel the mellow atmosphere with a piece of soft music, to while away an hour or two during a pleasant conversation.

Enjoying the luxury lifestyle of a floating house for a few nights but adding considerable charms makes me feel like home. I felt the intimate connection with the serenity of the misty surroundings and nearby mountains.

The dramatic waterscape is truly beautiful that blends with the land and water breeze and that makes this place special.

I’m enjoying being alone even for just a moment, atmosphere around gives me exhilarating sense of peacefulness.

Wooden walkways going to the restaurant. Mountain float is just the right balance fairly offered us modern comfort.

You don’t have to worry about anything, everything is included; the boat trips, water sports, buffet breakfast and dinner and they also served the most nutritious snack.

Mountain Float Restaurant dining area. Our buffet breakfast going on here, somehow, very appealing and well-organized food presentation, it’s a modern twist display.

At first, it took a while to get used to a floating home, on our first night, it was uneasy and couldn’t sleep because our new bedroom is entirely different to our usual one. The only problem, the temperature is fine daytime but at sundown, the temperature drops abruptly and you will experience a chilly night till 6 in the morning. Absolutely no buzzing nightlife here but there’s a billiard hall for the boys to play with no time limits.

Dining on separate houseboat with a lounge, it’s lovely and romantic venue, it’s a home away from home.

It offers exceptional fishing, Kayaking speed boating, swimming and other water sports just ready to use.

There’s also a kid’s play platform and jumping stumps for them to enjoy.

There’s also a floating boat lift for speed boats, you can even wander from your houseboat to another houseboats nearby, the floating platform is stable.

Another perspective on this water world, getting closer to nature on a kayak.

The blissful solitude at its most whimsical and surreal.

Visibly stunning sunrise

Wooden walkways with potted plants

My favorite spot to catch up the sunrise, great ambiance, excellent food and a pleasant space to hang out for long conversations.

Thinking of people I care about, the right moment for me to reflect on the things I should be grateful for, a reminder for the many things we have to be thankful for. God is good!

This is really a wonderful place to enjoy the serenity of life and to nourish my soul.

Buddhist Monk collecting alms arrives at Mountain Float Resort early in the morning.

There’s never been a more exciting time than to stay here considering dramatic views and the serenity of the lake.

There’s plenty to enjoy here in Chiang Mai Mountain Float, escape your busy life, pick your travel destination to experience a perfect place to unwind.

To document my experience staying here was such an amazing treat for the whole family, I wished vacation would never end….

Chiang Mai, Thailand, this is the kind of place to fall in love with, I was emotionally sad to leave this place. Definitely, it reminds me of my friends; Dear Pat, Jam and Sorakhom’s family. My special thanks goes to you guys! Words are certainly not enough to express my gratitude to you. Thank you so much Papatsorn! Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality !

Note: Eyewitness and Entertaining with travel pictures rich in detail and subjective texts, As always, accuracy of information contained in this blog.

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

5 Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand

By livelifeandlove on January 29, 2020

Making most of our visit to explore the best tourist attractions in Thailand, with so many beautiful and captivating places to visit, you’ll appreciate a variety of culturally rich tourist beauty spots; historical sites, ancient ruins, Chiang Mai blooms, elephant show, best Thai cuisine to mention a few. It’s really hard to adjust adding more and narrowing our itinerary but we can’t afford to miss the sacred places, the spiritual navel of the world with so much history happened here. To see the religious shrine, sanctuary of truth and monument, it gives me a sense of peace, serenity and enlightenment.

Representing Thailand’s identity, the house of worship dedicated to human faith. From here, we took short, an easy loop hike to visit all 5 famous temples here in Thailand. At first glance while exploring other facets of the temple surprisingly, it’s difficult to imagine how it was built, it offers spiritual and unbelievable statues. There are over 40, ,717 temples in Thailand out of which 33,902 are currently active. The majestic exterior, every part is unique but it’s impossible to explore everything. Many of Thailand’s temples reflect Indian, Chinese, Burmese and Cambodia influence.

I was inspired to see all the temples richly decorated with creative carvings of gold-covered structure and you can see murals often adorns outdoors with giant statues. A temple is is an enclosed area set aside for religious worship, a dwelling for a deity.

Most of the people in Thailand are Buddhist. Temples have been common to most religious people in their own religion, each story has a symbolic representation of different level of Buddhist faith. All temples are tower-like structures built with many stories to share.

Tips and Reminders to all visitors visiting the temple

Temple is a Buddhist religious place and should be respected, all visitors are required to wear appropriate attire but if you are not ready with your proper attire, you are welcome to borrow outer clothing provided by the temple to be returned after using. ( other temples, charges for laundering/washing is 20 Bath per clothing. Buddha images must be treated with respect so treat Buddha images appropriately and not to use Buddha as a form of tattoo art, it means no respect. It is strictly prohibited to step or climb on Buddha statues. Please take note!

Note: ”Wat means ( Thai language) city of temples or place of worship.

5 Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand

Wa Maha That Temple

Wa Maha That Temple is a royal temple that houses the Buddhas relics. It is located in the central part of Ayutthaya. It was built in the early Ayutthaya kingdom early 20^th BE, the temple was the object of full attention receiving occasional additions and restorations. It is stated in Ayutthaya’s Royal Chronicle that the construction of Wa Maha That’s main pagoda (Prang) started by King Borromaracha in 1374 and completed During the reign of King Ramesuan. The pagoda collapsed during Songtham’s reign and renovated in 1633 after King Prasat Thong ascended to the throne.

Ayutthaya fall in 1767, the monastery was set on fire during the Burmese attack. The abandoned pagoda fell in decay during the reign of King Rama v1, only the symmetrical base and staircase remains.

Wat Arun

The missile-shaped temple that rises from the western banks of Mae Nam Chao Phraya river is known as ”The Temple of Dawn” named after the Indian God of dawn, Aruna. Wat Arun is the most famous landmark of Bangkok. I’ve never seen anything like this before, the temple was decorated in seashells and porcelein tiles. The God of Dawn pretty huge, sunrise or sundown with so many things up high.

Wat Lokayasutharam

It is an interesting temple and the 4th longest reclining Buddha in an old city of Ayutthaya. The eye catching feature is the relaxed looking Buddha in an open space. I was inspired to be a part of historical temple stories shared by my friend, it is worthwhile to visit all the beautiful temples of Thailand.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

A sacred temple in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) enshrined on Doi Suthep 1000 meters above sea on west side of city Thailand. A naga staircase of 500 steps leads to the temple at the end of long winding road up the mountain

Pattaya Buddha Mountain

It is the biggest carved Buddha image in the world, 109 meters high and 70 meters wide. It was carved on a cliff of Chi Chan mountain in 1996 (using laser beams) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Majesty’s accession to the throne. His Majesty King Bhumibol named the Buddha image sculpted on the cliff using laser beams as ”Phra Buddha Maja Vajira Uttamophat Satsada” which means ” The Buddha that enlightens and shines with brightness and sublimity” The Buddha image in the sitting form in the style of Pang Man Wichai as Phrawarachabopit.

Pattaya Buddha is a combination of Lanna and Sukhothai arts. Beside the cliff is a beautiful prayer garden, a large garden landscape for the visitors to meditate. The whole area is spacious enough to accommodate maximum number of people visiting the temple mountain.

Note: More stunning images of the 5 temples of Thailand done in single entry post, you can read full details and view the complete picture of Thailand’s temple gallery next post.

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

Kaibigan Movie Holds Successful Premiere

By livelifeandlove on December 6, 2019

Jesse and Christian Perkins also known as the Perkins twins received support from celebrity friends, family and fans at the Red Carpet Premiere of their movie, Kaibigan. Hosted by by Rico Robles, the Red Carpet Premiere was held at SM Megamall cinema December 3, 2019, Tuesday. Weather may not have been good but despite the bad weather, the Red Carpet Premiere was a huge success.

Some of the cast were on red carpet for the screening and premiere night of the Perkinspiredflix original film. Stephen Andrew Baldwin, an American actor, producer, director, author. He is the father of model Hailey Baldwin, wife of singer Justin Bieber) plays a significant role in this movie, ‘’Kaibigan’’ Jean Garcia cast as the role of Beth Anderson, Mocha Uson as a reporter in this movie, Victor Basa and many more….

Kaibigan is an inspirational movie starring Filipino-American Jesse and Christian Perkins (flaternal twins) were born in the Philippines to an American father Tarny Perkins from California and a Filipina mother Tess Pazziuagan, is a former flight stewardess from Tuguegarao, Cagayan. Tess is also a former classmate of mine. I’m a big fan of the Perkins Twins, I was amazed to see how their acting talent and nice vocals shines through . I’m excited to see your next movie again. Congratulations Jesse and Christian Perkins and to the proud parents, Tarny and Tess.

Kaibigan Movie

NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

I recommend that you watch this movie

A must- see movie the “Kaibigan” There are exciting and impressive sequences in Kaibigan but in the end is the most memorable touching scene, you’ll also find facts that will surprise you, it’s an inspiring movie with meaningful life lessons to learn and to satisfy every film enthusiast.

Tarny Perkins, father of the Perkins twins thanking everyone who watched the film, Kaibigan.

Red Carpet Premiere of the movie KAIBIGAN

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Cat Watching The Lion King

By livelifeandlove on November 26, 2019

My cat loves to watch the American musical film,”The Lion King”. He even tried to touch and hug one of the main characters, ”Simba” Note: Don’t forget to watch my cat video displaying his emotional expression from the sad scene of the movie The Lion King on tv. Coming soon, see you next post..

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Brilliant Red Dragonfly Pictures

By livelifeandlove on November 7, 2019

I’ve photographed my morning visitors, it’s a daily ritual to welcome all winged insects such as honeybees, butterflies and of course, today’s subject is a sleepy one, a brilliant red dragonfly or Red-veined darter Dragonfly landed on a small tree trunk. Using only a single subject and constantly changing position to consider the best creative angle to choose from. Let me show you the result, it’s a fresh shoot taken this morning.

Stunning Pictures of Red-veined darter Dragonfly

Brilliant red dragonfly or Red-veined darter Dragonfly is not widespread, it is rare here in the Philippines.

You can clearly see the three distinct segments here.

This is the best advantage of macro you can see and discover what is hidden behind.

The center of interest is the visual appeal of the dragonfly.

When photographing dragonflies, it usually requires macro to see tiny details that even the naked eye can’t see.

How I wish to create a clear detailed dragonfly image.

Morning atmosphere is just right this time. Following the basic rules, Macro photography is not always as easy as you think but it is rewarding.

Point of focus to my subject to which I think is suitable for my morning hobby. Just a closer shot from a distance.

Morning light works well this time. I just hope you’ll enjoy viewing my dragonfly images. Thank you for visiting my website.

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Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

By livelifeandlove on November 2, 2019

The Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood standing on a large holder for support. The winter melon shell is a very attractive serving bowl for soup although it’s quite heavy and tough but it can hold up to the heat of the soup. Peking Garden, 4th level, Greenbelt 5 Makati City serves the best Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. The big size is suitable for 10 to 12 persons, it is a hot clear soup almost boiling when served. The most delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness on the table, the natural freshness of seafood and vegetable brings up the good flavor.

Peking Garden, 4th level, Greenbelt 5 Makati City

Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood, the shrimp tails hanging over the edge of the winter melon bowl.

It’s not oily, it is clear and tasty as I’ve mentioned previously, you don’t see any tiny floating particles on top.

Individual serving, Small bowl of Winter Melon Soup.

How it was served? The Double-Boiled Winter Melon Soup brought inside the room by the server.

The winter melon flesh It’s still smoky hot!

Wheeled by the server using a service cart ( 2 shelf cart with wheels) along with soup bowls and a ladle.

The server carefully ladled in assorted seafood inside the shell and scraped the flesh of winter melon using a long-handed cup-shaped spoon followed by the clear soup to fill each bowl. For our finale, picking a piece of shrimps over the edge of the winter melon bowl.

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