Category: Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

SUMMER VACATION, TAGAYTAY, 2014

By livelifeandlove on May 5, 2014

Me and my family visited Tagaytay last week. Tagaytay, one of the coolest place in the Philippines, well known for its beautiful scenery, quiet spots and all geographical wonders of nature. Everything interesting is here. It’s not our first time to visit Tagaytay, We had visited these place a countless times already.So far,the 4 days Holy week vacation gave me ample time to cover some places and people around.

I’ve made myself very busy and active touring around the green community of Taal. All things to feature such as; Beautiful landscape surrounding Taal lake, the Taal volcano, one of the world’s smallest volcano, the Puzzle Museum, the Tagaytay Highlands, the Culinary feast of mushrooms and salad vegetables, the beautiful garden flowers, the Sunflower farm, the Pineapple plantation, the Coconut plantation, the scene of the night in Sky Ranch as the newest Amusement Park, Fruit and Pasalubong stalls, Souvenir shops to name a few .

Exploring around gave me a better mood to relax, more time to do fitness routine. I love Tagaytay because it’s just an hour drive away from home and lots of activities you can do here; Cycling, jogging, walking, and hiking usually done early in the morning to reduce my stress or even by just watching the low clouds, sunrise and sunset while in the balcony. You can also enjoy Kayacking, horse riding and picnic areas is also good.

What could possibly cooler than to see the Puzzle Museum, a home for the World’s largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles listed in the Guinness book of records, and more so, to meet the present ”Guinness World Record Holder,Gina Gil-Lacuna. All interesting things I’d love to cover especially people and places, making it more exciting to have fun and bond with my family, that’s super excitement for me. To explore the nature side as well,you’ll realize how beautiful they are!

I have so much activities and more to say about it. I couldn’t possibly place in one article alone, so this is just my first version as my journey continues. With too many places to visit, people to meet and interview, 4 days is not really enough although, itineraries was readily planned in advanced, yet, so little time. I need to get back all those I’ve missed and compensated soon.

Note: Click on images to view larger

Just sit down, relax and click, I will tour you around for awhile! The first day of adventure starts. See what happens when nature takes over…

Lake Taal, total picture of calm, peaceful and cool. All wildflowers around swinging gracefully in an open air.

Taal volcano, one of the world’s smallest volcano.

So far, this is the latest photo.

Farmers in Tagaytay have to adopt where farming are practiced on slopes, Others areas inhabited by trees has transformed into commercial establishments; big hotels, golf courses, amusement parks and restaurants. Other lands abandoned has turned wisely into coconut, jackfruit and pineapple plantation. To my surprised, it was a fast growth and development. Perhaps, people always in search of better ways to improve way of life. Pieces of thoughts, they want fast growth and good profit. Some lands converted to a new development. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice one in order to bring up a new one.

Biking around the community.

Me with the famous,Gina Gil Lacuna, the present ”Guinness book of record holder for the largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles.

Puzzle Museum

Some collections of Gina.

Lots of fruits around; Jackfruit is good if you can take the smell of it. More fruits like bananas,mangosteen, mangoes, avocado, pineappled and many more..

The Sunflower farm, one of the best garden feature to highlight here. Nature’s side, It was wild and lovely in full golden yellow color. The ”Sunflower farm has been the source of attraction just like the pineapple field.

Beautiful garden flowers. It is a mass full of blooms. All flowers burst into blooms.

Full bloom under the sun.

The intensity of summer heat was not even the problem here. I can take it as well.

Lovely Gumamela

Coconut Plantation

Pineapple Plantation

My night photography. Here’s sharing you the fun of riding the ”Sky Eye, the Zip Line definitely not available at night.

The Sky Ranch Amusement Park keeps me going. Possibly, I’ve forgotten my age, LOL! I think it was called,”Sky Ranch because the ranch is just beside the amusement park. Check the horses nearby.

The color wheel while rotating, the light color changes as it brings vivid colors to brighten the dark sky.

Night ride on the sky is very relaxing, slowly as it evolves,once you’re up, you can see the colors of the starlight and the beautiful aerial view of Taal.

The color wheel of the Sky Eye is amazing! It was glittering, sparkling that filled the night sky with vivid colors.

Other Rides

It was difficult to leave the park. It was an amusement park you need to see and experience before morning comes!

For foods, It’s Josephine’s Seafood Restaurant, the ambience so relaxing.

For lunch, It’s our favorite,Oyster Rockefeller, One of the best served in the restaurant.

Crispy Pata was crispy and delicious.

As the result, it was a wonderful vacation for all of us. It was a a broad hide-away to escape the city traffic and home worries. My journey continues next post…

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

Filipino Figure Skater, Michael Christian Martinez

By livelifeandlove on April 28, 2014

After meeting the Guinness Book of Record Holder, Gina Gil Lacuna, Here’s another famous, Michael Christian Martinez, a young figure skater and the first Filipino to qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympics. The pride of the Philippines is only 17 and the youngest skater who competed during that time.

Following the event lately, the Philippines hosted ISU WORLD DEVELOPMENT TROPHY 2014 at SM Megamall Skating Rink last April 21-26 participated by 11 countries. I was there during the last day of the event. I even met some skaters from other countries during the Junior skating free style. I really thought, it was already late when I arrived. I’m glad, was able to catch up 30 minutes before Michael will skate. The last day was the awarding of winners and the highlight of the event, a night exhibition of Michael.

It was my first time to see Michael skating live at SM Skating rink. Wearing a full black outfit, looks handsome and in perfect form. It was very entertaining to see all his graceful movements on ice with the loud music of,’’A Time for us.’’ I did video while photographing at the same time. (Video footage to be published soon) Only 17 of age, tall and slim, he was the most admired skater that night. He won the hearts of the crowd especially the teenagers around.

Holding my camera at one corner of the rink, I did horizontal and vertical shots, it’s really hard to catch the center of interest in order to get a good view. The corner was not an easy spot, the thick glass of the skating rink is blocking my view. However, catching Michael’s fast movement on ice is the center of my interests.

Michael Christian Martinez (Filipino athlete in the Winter Olympics) performing live at MEGAMALL Skating Rink. Here are some of Michael’s skating movement, exciting moves on display. It’s hard to catch up the Axel speed.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Fashion/ Health/ Beauty

Wear Something Appropriate

By livelifeandlove on April 16, 2014

Continuation of….VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

What to wear?

It depends on places you want to go to. You can wear anything but it’s good to wear something appropriate. Buying is not important, you can make yourself presentable without spending a single buck. You can make yourself extra special from head to toe using your own effort, that will make you look different if you know how to mix and match your old clothes.

It’s fun to make your own style and trendy look, you can wear attractive blouses or tight jeans to pair with or colorful dress would also be good. All you have to do is to check your closet, bring out all attractive items and accessories. I’m sure you’ll find something that fits you well. Focus to change everything like your hair style because your hair is your crowning glory that will lighten up your face and the clothes you are going to wear will change the whole of you. You can pony your hair to look young and girly, wear attractive head bands or pretty hair clips. Soft and wavy hair is also good or, just a straight hair look.

Being beautiful and presentable is good to look at. I’m sure, you want to have a photo collection of the event and do the close-up selfie shot afterwards. I remember a friend of mine, She hates to repeat the same clothes that was already photographed earlier. It was an expensive set-up to change all the time. Just enjoy the day with your escort, Make this day a day to remember.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Technology/ Learning Tips

BUYING GIFTS AND TIPS

By livelifeandlove on April 14, 2014

Continuation of VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

What to give?

Gift is not important, your presence and personal greetings on that day is indeed a big gift. However, if you want to buy one, it must not be very expensive. Here are some suggestions on what to give.

1. Heart–shaped chocolates with red ribbons and card attached

2. A dozen of roses or just a piece is also good

3. A box of Jelly candies

4. Favorite book

6. D-I-Y cards

7. Basket full of strawberries, any fresh fruits is welcome

8. Stuff toy; Cute red bears and heart-shaped pillows

Gifts are just something to remember, It’s just a one day event. Just like shoes, bags, shirts or anything, it will surely end up in the closet. The roses particularly or any kinds of fresh flowers, 2 days after, it will end up in the trash can unless you know how to make potpourri out of it, or you can use it for book marking. The point is, you can’t keep it for a long time but, memories you can save. The warmth of giving will always be remembered.

You can just imagine how many occasions in a year, from baptism graduation, birthdays, Christmas day and a day to remember love is Valentine’s day. Giving gift is just a good deed of being a thoughtful you!

Buying Gifts

Others, they keep the budget and get ready for this important occasion. If you are ready, shopping must be done earlier in order for you to hunt for a reasonable one, malls might be full and too crowded. You can also wait for a monthly midnight sale. Big malls offered selected items cutting down prices from 50% to 75% to attract buyers.

Always buy something that fits your budget to avoid spending more that can stretch your monthly allowance. Price is always an important factor to size things up particularly the branded items is a temptation. If I buy something expensive, I always compare it to other brands before making decision to purchase it, I don’t want to regret it later. Others prefer a luxury gifts without checking the difference, on the other hand, some are cutting their expenses according to their budget.

It happened once when I bought a pair of jeans and colorful blouse, I really thought it was a cute one but, when I arrived home to refit it, It came up to be different. It fits well but, I noticed there’s an itchy thing inside my blouse that makes me so uncomfortable. I regret buying all those things then, it was a lesson learned previously.

If you don’t have the time to go out, go online shopping. You can choose almost everything from shoes to bags, shirts, jeans, accessories to name a few.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Fashion/ Health/ Beauty | Technology/ Learning Tips

VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

By livelifeandlove on March 24, 2014

People buy gifts to any occasion like; Birthdays,Mother’s day,Father’s day, Christmas day and Valentine’s day was no exception although, it will only lasts for a day, it’s the time for boys especially the teenagers would choose a girl to pair up with. Following the hearty day with gift-giving of flowers, cute red bears, chocolates, exchanging love notes, sweet text messages, phone calls, and romantic dating. The day before, may be a whole day session of thinking and planning on where to go,Perhaps, you no longer needed to be coach, but, there are some suggestions you need to know just to ensure a wholesome Valentine’s day. It’s good to plan ahead of time.There might not be enough hours on that day that you’ll find yourself confused and rushing on where to go and what to give and what to wear. Whether you are single, loveless or married, whatever,t’s great to show your love on this day. Always remember that Love is…what you make it. Here are some tips on what to do before the occasion. This is applicable to any occasion not just Valentine’s day. Before anything else, Let me begin with few don’t’s.

What to avoid:

1.Set aside any problems first. Don’t discuss any problems from the past and present. Remember that this day is a special interests to both of you.

2. Avoid any embarrassing moments.

3. Skip tough conversation. However, if conflict arises, your partner might respond differently that may hurt your feelings. Stay cool and lower your tone to handle it safely. Learn to hug and make up a few words and tell him/her how you love him so much. Save the trouble, that’s a good sign of relief to make up before the day ends.

Where to go?

For the Lovers: What thrill and excitement do you have in mind? If you are going with a special date that you may want something romantic? Treat your partner to a candle dinner for two, or a dinner in a restaurant with a romantic view of the sunset. This is the right setting wherein you may want to propose or you may want to bring out the feelings you’ve been keeping for a long time. Any place with beautiful scenery while eating is perfectly good. The location would simply make your day romantic and memorable.

Family Celebration: A restaurant with large serving wherein you can enjoy different kinds of foods. A buffet or eat –all- you- can restaurant is a good choice. It would be a good treat to surprise all family members.

For the Internet Explorers: Make it heard, first hour greetings is great. Give free electronic greeting cards, stickers and photos taken a day ahead. You can make personalized greetings in Photoshop editing, using your own photos, add meaningful captions and humble words. You can attach your emails and send it through application. You can also inbox beautiful messages with love songs attached, get it U-Tube. Revive your play lists and do the Facebook tags.

For Single and the Loveless:

This is what you call a humble sacrifice if you don’t have a pair during Valentine’s day. Of course, it’s gonna be lonely without your love but, don’t waste your time inside your bedroom. Always remember that, your family is your true love. The good thing about being single; you are in the best situation to have a freedom to do everything, a complete full time for yourself. However, you can invite your bestfriend or group of friends to take a stroll on this day, it might be a night out to grove, that’s the best time to wear your dancing shoes or, you may want to sing, bringing our your golden voice that wasn’t heard for a long time. Karaoke bar with group of friends is fun! Choose a group more likely who have the same interests as you. A wholesome dinner with your family is surely appreciated too.

Note: To be continued…it was such a long blog! See you next post

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ROSES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

By livelifeandlove on March 18, 2014

Roses, as highly recommended during Valentine’s day, it’s the time of the year that million of rose lovers throughout the planet remember their favorite presents for their loved ones. If not chocolates or cute stuffs, it’s roses because majority prefer fragrant flowers as a gift. Giving such, is particularly appreciated. It creates an attitude of praise between the sender and the receiver.

How it works? Let’s make a bit review.The sender wants the best gift to represent the character side and nature of the receiver that she’s lovely and sweet. These flowers will represent and reveal the exact personality of the receiver. It speaks for it. However, on the other side, the receiver simply thinks that the sender is not only thoughtful and loving as well. It will reciprocate the same admiration to both sides.

It’s a practice believed that roses are spice of love and soon it brings a spice for life. Clearly, it’s a symbol of love. Me, myself still receiving the same kind of flowers from the same person up to the present. It’s just like saying, I’m still lovely and sweet after all these years, Honestly speaking and not to be proud off, still I am! LOL!

When getting to know more about someone,giving roses is a great way to catch attention or, you may want to start a relationship all over again. I’m sure you’ll earn a good impression while it lasts.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

Importance And Uses Of Rose Flowers

By livelifeandlove on March 4, 2014

As years bring tremendous changes and a new growth, a new variety of roses are being introduced worldwide. The new tone and various coloured roses that gives contrast of colours and fragrance, no matter if it’s miniature or hybrid on a pot or on a ground, everyone takes the pride in producing their own garden of roses.

Not surprisingly, the presence of multiple buyers and strong market inspired the rose farmers and gardeners to produce more. Even the breeders won a prize in different shows, just as the best. It grew more popularity as the production steadily increased as years went. Roses, as already known for centuries, it is always the flower of choice for home, flower arrangement, surprise gift in any occasions and events. People used rose flowers for this purpose. Throughout the years of using roses at home and occasionally,I would like to share additional uses, I’m reviewing all the wonderful benefits of it.

Uses of rose flowers

1. Good centerpiece on the table

2. Flower arrangement

3. Corsage

4. Medicine

5. Perfume

6. Recipes

7. Garlands

8. Sweet freshener (house,car,cabinet drawers,office)

9. Fashion and accent pieces for; Hair, cloth, gown, shoes, bags

10. For business

11. Window garden decors

12. Bridal veil, bridal flower

13. Confetti

14. Potpourri

15. Flores De Mayo or Mayflower festival

16. Bookmarks

17. Boutonniere for black suit

18. Favorite model subject of photographers, artist, printers, and wood carvers

19. Wall decors

20. Rose designs for arts, paintings, jewelries, tattoos, wood and food carvers,embroidery, schools,billboard, printing,( dresses, Prom gown, bed sheets and pillow cases) glass wares( tea sets, coffee cups, glasses, plates)

21. Perfect for landscaping in parks; amusement parks, industrial places, mansions, castles, schools, cemetery.

22. Float decorations

23. For offering; altar, grave

24. For human names, song lyrics and animal names

25. Bed of roses for newly married couple

26. Rose oil and rose water

27. Fragrant rose petals as a refreshing bubbles on a bath tub

28. For decorations in any event like; weddings, Valentine’s day gifts, festivities, birthdays, appreciations, graduations, inaugurations and ceremonies.

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

Chinese New Year 2014

By livelifeandlove on February 12, 2014

Lavishly decorated Shang-rila Plaza Mall shows the best.The glamorous modern and traditional decorations and exhibits throughout the mall, you’ll be charmed by the looks of pretty horses all around. (Click on images to view larger)

There’s no permanent date for Chinese new year.It starts on different date every year, this year, falls on Friday, January 31 ” The Year of the Wooden Horse”. Last year, it was Sunday, February 10, It’s the ”Year of the Snake”. Year 2013 was a snake , this Year 2014, represents the animal, horse. There’s a cycle to follow, 12 years cycle represents 12 animals in Zodiac form that’s why, each year represents different animals.

The horse zodiac signs nature ; hardworking, commands, energetic, loyal, diplomatic, entertaining,popular,well-groomed, independent and many more. It seems, this year would be better than last year based on animal nature. I hope so. For the first time, it was declared Non- working holiday in the Philippines.What a lucky holiday for the people, it was weekend and a good timing for pay-day. Big malls in the city cut down selected items into big discounts from 50% to 75%, it was a good offer to attract shoppers. It doubled people’s mood to celebrate the New Year. However, other places like China and Taiwan, It is a special public holiday, the long week vacation gives them the opportunity to prepare for the Spring festival.

If you are born in the year of the horse, this year is favorable for you. According to the Lunar calendar, New year will begin on the 2nd new moon of winter solstice. The birthday of my sister falls under the month of February. Definitely, following the lunar calendar, She was born in the previous year.

Our New year celebration was even merrier than last year. We spend the day visiting relatives and friends.We also manage to spend 3 hours in Shang-Rila Plaza Mall and a night out for a big family dinner in a restaurant. What a glorious mall to celebrate Lunar new year. I was enjoying to take free photos around. Appreciative view was awesome! Feng Shui stalls all around displaying horses and lucky charms. Before I forget, Feng Shui objects to those who wants to improve luck, health, and to be safe always.

The Dragon

This year’s Chinese new year, There are lots of activities and folk customs. Indeed, Chinatown is the best place to see all these wonderful festivities. It includes; the Dragon and Lion dance, Chinatown street parade, Chinese trick performers, as you know they are good in performing special tricks like the dish spinning,acrobatic show, puppet show, Chinese Opera show and Chinese musical show with their traditional musical instruments. You can even meet new Chinese friends and hang with them around.Whether you are a Chinese or not, you’ll learn something about their history.

Here’s some photos taken around the city during the Lunar celebration. I took some for you to see!

Shang-rila Plaza Mall was decorated with variety of horses . Other stalls display horses made of glass, porcelain, silver, mosaic, bronze and other wax figures.

The hanging Chinese lanterns was a perfect view above.

Hanging lanterns from above.

The Prosperity Tree

The lucky decorations from the Prosperity tree.

The hanging ”ampaw or red envel0pe” hanging from the Prosperity tree.

It will not end up here because every year we celebrate Chinese New Year. I just hope this year,”We will all prosper! Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI 2014

By livelifeandlove on January 30, 2014

‘Kung Hei Fat Choi” Good health and prosperity await as we welcome the ”Lunar year of the horse.” Happy Chinese new year everyone! This year 2014 is a good year to start and it would be better than last year.

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

MERALCO’S LIWANAG PARK 2013

By livelifeandlove on January 16, 2014

Meralco compound shines again, Knowing what to expect for this year 2013, Meralco bringing the gift of light for everyone.The light as a symbol of hope for good upbringing and a brighter future to behold. Maliwanag ang Pasko is a project to light up city parks in the Philippines, a project that gives a scent of hope and happiness ahead.

The intention of the project shines through.You’ll witness the creation of the night just like in the holy land, the refreshing sound of Christmas carols playing continuously, creating a romantic atmosphere to feel the scent of Christmas spirit.

Although, many concluded that this year 2013 was a bad year for us. Many people in the south were effected by Super typhoon” Yolanda” that hit the Philippines months ago. It was the world’s strongest storm on record, the deadliest ever putting the dead count at almost 6,000 according to reports and still counting because others still missing up to this time. It’s so sad to think that majority were children. You can just imagine, the foul odor of dead bodies everywhere, the mass burial on the deep ground seen publicly on television and newspapers nationwide. Many groups have put up donation centers for Yolanda’s victims. Thank you very much for the kind donations.This year, mostly our gifts goes directly to the typhoon victims, sparing some gifts intended for personal friends. I just hope they will understand this cause, the spirit of Christmas works and blessings from above will shower for them. Many typhoon victims was relocated from the South to Manila. Some of them visited Meralco with the nuns, to see the brilliant lights will surely give them a brighter outlook in life. After the tragedy, as I have mentioned in the past posts that we continue to live and hope for a good life, we continue to do what is right and have faith in him, God will always direct the good way for us. I just hope and pray that it will never happen again.

After giving help and support to the typhoon victims, it’s time to start all over again. Christmas time is a gift giving that everyone on this day are happy for the presents they had received especially the children, Christmas toys, food and money are given to the children of typhoon victims.

Of course , I feel the warmth to do this kind of activity to share, not only my thoughts, hopes and dreams but also to capture vivid shots for you. It’s my way of sharing , just a sort of close interaction for my readers.I just hope you’ll enjoy reading my experience as well as my night photography too.

Let’s get started! Here’s some shots taken before the holiday season.

The main entrance,visitors greeted with splendid lights lined along the way. Both sides,sparkling with different colors of light. The whole place was brilliant.

(Click on images to view larger)

Meralco building adorned with big lanterns hanging overhead.

The Meralco logo can be seen at the center.

The bold Christmas greetings,”Maligayang Pasko” means Merry Christmas.

The giant Christmas tree that changes colors of light continuously.

The ”Holy family” Mary,Joseph and Baby Jesus.

A huge space for the ”Holy family.”

The chapel.

In the bible, The 3 kings holding gifts; Gaspar, Melchor and Baldazar brought gold, myrrh and Frankincense to the newborn Jesus.

The first view, looks like a real one. It’s a life sized replica.

The King pointing the direction of the star.

Christmas lights brighten the whole area.

The Tsu Tsu train is a treat for the children.It’s a free ride for the kids.

All corners was decorated with Christmas lights, it was full of bulb that glitters.

The Christmas houses, its just like a Toyland.

I’ve captured this from a distance.

To avoid the crowd,Plenty of options. I keep on moving from far distance to get a good view. But still, It is tough to wait for the people to empty the place. They all took time to appreciate everything. Meralco compound is huge with a beautiful landscape, it was all adorned with Christmas decorations and lights. The night ended after an hour and I was exhausted. I’ll be back to visit Meralco again soon.

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