Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

Monarch Butterfly in the garage

By on June 3, 2015

It came to the right place when I’m about to leave in minutes suddenly, a gorgeous butterfly appeared in front of me. It was a good timing because I was holding my iphone that time when I was still in the garage, I immediately point it out to photograph. Just a brief moment and the butterfly flew away. Thanks God! the focus was quiet good. I’ve captured it using iphone and my first butterfly click using iphone.

Continue Reading

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

MORNING POLLINATORS-HONEYBEES

By on July 31, 2014

The most wonderful time to be in the garden may be just when the sun is up, the first shine of the day is still cool. Around, lots of flowering plants looks and smells most brilliant under the early morning mist.

As the wind blows  scattering to perfume the air and attract morning pollinators, it was here, the most likely places where honeybees and butterflies can be found. Here  are the morning pollinators of the day! Just taken hours ago.

(Click on images to view larger)

IMG_3575 copy

Honeybees, as today’s pollinator.

IMG_3681 copy

Continue Reading

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ANGEL’S TRUMPET OR TRUMPET FLOWERS

By on July 23, 2014

IMG_9309 copy

Angel’s Trumpet or Trumpet flowers

Swaying gracefully as the wind blows, Angel’s trumpet or Trumpet flowers has a bell shaped flower hanging downward. Flowering profusely during summer, the best blooms will appear under full sun and the kind of flowering plant that works well in any types of soil.

Unlike other flowers, Angel’s trumpet is scentless but attractive. Other flowers which is similar to Angel’s trumpet which has a bell shaped form flowers; Carolina, Silver Bell, Morning Glory, Four O’Clock, Abelia, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Yellow Bell and many more..

Continue Reading

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

2014 NATIONAL BONSAI EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION

By on June 3, 2014

IMG_4509 copy

The Philippine Bonsai Society celebrated its 41st year anniversary with the primary aim to promote bonsai growing and appreciation in the Philippines. This year’s major event, ”National Bonsai Exhibition and Competition  2014”  showcasing the best and the most popular bonsai collections in the Philippines from May 23-June 1 was  held at People’s Park 1& 2 Tiendesitas with participants from Metro Manila  and provinces such as Palawan, Pampanga, Ilocos to name a few.

With the presence of foreign visitors came all the way through from USA, Indonesia and Taiwan. Among the guests of honor and judges, BCI president Dr. Thomas Elias, from USA, Budi Sulistyo from Indonesia and 2 from Taiwan, Yen Tzu-Ching and Tan Chin-Fen. All 4 judges will provide top awards and merits of excellence for the winners. A lot of activities during the exhibition period like;free Bonsai lectures and workshops by bonsai artists.

I was there during the 2nd day and the 5th day. Hundreds of precious collections and winning entries displayed during the exhibition. Some displays are huge and others are miniature, I guess that’s hard to move and transport. It was my first time I had ever seen multiple kinds of bonsai in a beautiful art form, widely set bonsai displays favoured a great welcome.

The precious collections are beautiful and styled in a very unique way although, you can see the common type presented but in  a different setting. Perhaps,the great bonsai artists today are now more impressive and current. The different perspective of bonsai artist transforming each into a styled bonsai art, the unique art expression and wild imagination to create such one is impressive. Perhaps, sharing their passion creating a bonsai art form, the huge contribution and quality work always shine. We are fully blessed to have talented bonsai artists of today.

I’ve learned that the most beautiful and rare bonsai are found in the mountains. I’m really interested to have a part collection but, I don’t have the time to hunt in the mountains. I was also told, that bonsai in the mountains are for keeps and it’s our precious treasure but, threatened. The rare ones are being cleared from the mountains where they grow. Others, they don’t care as long as it fits their own interest bringing some in the city for repotting. The good thing about it, bonsai today are being multiplied and produced by collectors to reduce further hunting in the mountains.

I took some photos during the exhibition. I was very happy to keep some precious photos of winning displays and stored it here just for you!

Let me take you around to check all the exhibits. It’s just like a time machine that could take me back in time. Bonsai landscape and unique appearance, those I’ve seen in the movies,’’Harry Potter,’’  Fairy tale setting and ‘’Lord of the Ring. Others in the jungle setting from the movie ‘’Lion King’’ you’ll see everything here.

Click on images to view larger

IMG_4554

First of all, read the reminder!

IMG_4669 copy

You can see here the best bonsai styles that can change your mood; single trunk, Twin trunk and tri- trunk, Multi-trunk, Literati, Cascade, Raft, Root-over-rock, Exposed root, Shari trunk and Landscape.

IMG_4523 copy

Wiring lecture and demo. The sample bonsai that was used during the lecture, it was already trimmed. Various lectures and demo presented by the bonsai experts.For me, I think the wiring is the most difficult part.You need a metal wire  to modify the shape of the bonsai and to prevent the branches from being damaged.

Cutting it, will stimulate growth of a new leaf. If you let me describe everything, It feels like it’s a long term relationship between the owner and the bonsai because of continues beautification. However, the forming seems to be a torture to the plant itself because you are controlling the old growth to give way to a new growth and to add more the bending form, that is to deform the original direction just to make it gorgeous.  Am I right? If not, I think, I need to attend more demos and lectures but, I have mentioned the good aim above.

IMG_6332 copy

Free Bonsai lectures and workshops by bonsai artists. Sharing passion for creating an art form.  The experts will demonstrate about leaf trimming, cutting methods and wiring.

The best and the most popular display are expensive. Other bonsai presented are large enough. It takes 20 to 30 years and above to reach the peak of perfection. Bonsai nurtured by artificial method, they survive according to the wishes of the bonsai artist unlike those in the mountains that they can easily adapt to the environment without any disturbance.

IMG_4739 copy

What a  beautiful form!

IMG_4592 copy

Very artistic.

IMG_4853 copy

Impressive! It looks like a double frog down there.

IMG_4746 copy

One of a kind. I love that old trunk.

IMG_4776 copy

It looks like a tree in the ”Paradise Island.”

IMG_4767 copy

It looks like a tree in the jungles of Korea.

IMG_4733 copy

It looks like a walking tree.

IMG_6337 copy

It resembles the tree in the movie ”Harry Potter.”

IMG_4802 copy

Gorgeous!  It looks like hunted, the ghost scene and the spirits just around.

IMG_4550 copy

Very beautiful.

IMG_6347 copy

It looks like a creepy setting.It looks like the one I’ve seen in the movie ”Harry Potter”.

IMG_6353 copy

 

IMG_4568 copy

It’s a fairy tale paradise.

IMG_4575 copy

Nicely curved bonsai.

IMG_4577 copy

 

IMG_4582 copy

 

IMG_4586 copy

When the branches grow downward is a cascade style.

IMG_4594 copy

 

IMG_4597 copy

 

IMG_4600 copy

 

IMG_4602 copy

 

IMG_4604 copy

 

IMG_6342 copy

 

IMG_4605 copy

 

IMG_4609 copy

 

IMG_4613 copy

 

IMG_4615 copy

 

IMG_4618 copy

 

IMG_4660 copy

The Wow display, fresh and luscious approach, seems to be the crowd’s favorite. It was the most photographed one. I heard grandma saying”this one is a real fruit tree, snap me beside the fruit tree. We call the fruit”Lumbuy” in the north but they call it ”Igot” in the south.I would like to pick some fruits but, how can I? there was a notice not to touch any of the display and there will be penalty for each branch and tree damaged. While there, I will just wait for the fruit to fall naturally.

IMG_4666 copy

Bonsai clinging to a rock.

IMG_4676 copy

Attractive  landscape. (up and down Photos) It looks like a nesting place of the dragons.

IMG_4685 copy

The winning Bonsai.” BCI Excellence Award” (the owner Roberto Bobby Gopiao)

IMG_4686 copy

 

IMG_4690 copy

 

IMG_4727 copy

Simply the finest surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

IMG_4736 copy

 

IMG_4741 copy

 

IMG_4742 copy

 

IMG_4744 copy

 

IMG_4757 copy

 

IMG_4761 copy

 

IMG_4763 copy

 

IMG_4769 copy

 

IMG_4773 copy

 

IMG_4778 copy

 

IMG_4813 copy

 

 

IMG_6345 copy

 

IMG_6350 copy

 

IMG_6344 copy

The bonsai roots was exposed.

IMG_6355 copy

 

IMG_6358 copy

 

IMG_6360 copy

 

IMG_6362 copy

The single trunk.

Thank you guys for sharing your beautiful collections! I’m not done yet. See you next posts.

Continue Reading

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

Beautiful Orchids

By on May 23, 2014

Orchids are beautiful but they are not fragrant flowers, which unlike other flowers like roses and gardenias have a delightful fragrance. Problems around when it comes to growing of orchids, I don’t know why our orchids lose leaves in darker spots, I really thought they can easily adopt to cooler environment.So much more to know that it lacks sunshine but, over powering sunshine is not good also. I can still remember the good kind of orchids we had before; Cattleyas and Miltonias, it’s probably the most spectacular with the striking colors of bright yellow and dark pink combination.However, the most loved around is the Jungle spots and Rangers”AOK”, I love the raffles on petal edges,it has full shape and beauty. I think, it’s ideal for bridal centerpiece.

The most glamorous when it comes to petal shapes, the” Odontoglossums,” Other species we had before are ”Lyoth Rotonda,” it was so beautiful like the Lyoth Fantastique but these kind tend to be very expensive. If ever to collect again, I make sure to install a greenhouse to filter the sun and insects. Must probably be the most suitable ones.

Continue Reading

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

BIRDS IN THE GARDEN

By on May 22, 2014

IMG_4230 copy copy

Gray Wagtail

How wonderful to see and welcome my morning visitors in the garden.It gives me the right energy in the morning. Love that charming movement and the beautiful sound of songbirds around.

Commonly seen birds in the garden are the Woodpeckers,Tree sparrows, Humming bird and the Gray wagtail. Tree sparrows has Grey brown upper parts with white  cheeks underparts.  Other familiar species are present although some are beneath the roof too.I don’t know their names, it appears to be like House Martin. For now, I can’t remember any clues of identity to some that was seen before.

IMG_4252 copy copy

 

My garden visitor 

Soon, I will care to place a good tree as nesting site and shelter for the birds as well as a big  container for bird’s bath. The old chico tree has dried up, still looking for a good replacement. Some sparrows prefer to feed on the ground, the scrap of foods intended for the dogs are welcomed by most birds around. Lots of birds will adore my surrounding because it is a feeding ground for them, the presence of  wild red berries that produces a sweet juicy fruit usually attracts the birds to come indoors. The fruit berries not only for the birds, they are safe for children to eat.

Continue Reading

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ORCHIDS-RELIABLE,LOVABLE

By on May 21, 2014

IMG_4002 copy

 Dendrobium Hybrids

Some flowering plants are reliable during hot days  that makes my daily  activities in the garden l going on ; the watering 2x a day, weeds removing, cutting, re-potting, shading, and cultivating. Although, the soil is still rough and rugged, hot days seems to give more problems to our plants.The more dry it gets,the more attention needed.It’s already middle of May and the transitional period is fast approaching. The end of May would already be rainy season. I can just imagine 3 months of ground wet and I just hope there would be no tropical depressions, I just hate another ”Ondoys and Yolandas” to come. 

IMG_4008 copy

Some orchids are available during hot days.

Just 2 weeks of waiting and soon, green grasses will quickly spread again to invade all spaces in the backyard. Soon, there would be another set of flowering plants to fit the season.

Continue Reading

Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects

ORCHIDS-LASTING COLORS

By on May 19, 2014

IMG_3990 copy

     Dendrobium Hybrids

Big tree beside the greenhouse is partly shading the orchids. Definitely,it makes the surrounding cooler. Usually having a greenhouse, orchids will receive less light but at the same time, the most sun exposure. It really depends on how the greenhouse is constructed facing the direction needed to protect the orchids. (Click on images to view larger)

IMG_3988 copy

Dendrobium Hybrids, common type of orchids available during hot days. Light levels clearly shows certain amount of sunlight. That can make a different kind of exposure  at different time of the day. Other varieties of orchids are sensitive to the direct rays of the sun that’s why, a good foundation is needed to protect the orchids.

IMG_4004 copy

Yesterday, I visited the Garden Orchids along White Plains. I observed the greenhouse, insulation was added like; polythene and plastic sheeting. Other orchid gardens in my friends backyard, they prefer the glass sheeting which is more expensive but it looks neat and durable. To some, they want polythene tunnels.

Continue Reading

Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

SUMMER VACATION, TAGAYTAY, 2014

By on May 5, 2014

IMG_0127 copy

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…

IMG_4649 copy

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

IMG_0018 copy

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

IMG_5032 copy

So far, this is the latest photo.

IMG_9677 copy

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.

IMG_9360 copy

 Biking around the community.

IMG_9872 copy

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

IMG_9818 copy

Puzzle Museum

IMG_9819 copy

 Some collections of Gina.

IMG_9060 copy

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..

 IMG_9466 copy copy

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.

IMG_9983 copy

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

 IMG_0036 copy

Full bloom under the sun.

IMG_9934 copy

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

IMG_9297 copy

Lovely Gumamela

IMG_9518 copy

Coconut Plantation

IMG_9048 copy

Pineapple Plantation

IMG_0382 copy

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

IMG_0268 copy

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.

IMG_0207 copy

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

 IMG_0432 copy

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.

IMG_0207 copy

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

 Other Rides

IMG_0284 copy

 

IMG_0293 copy

 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.

IMG_0117 copy

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

 IMG_0104 copy

 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…

Continue Reading