Category: Technology/ Learning Tips

Over the Rainbow

By livelifeandlove on October 11, 2023

A rainbow crosses a section of a lovely farm in Solana Cagayan. On the way from Tuguegarao back to Piat I took this photo. This hand-held photo captures the splendor of nature from a greater distance. Rare spectacles like this do not happen every day.

After the rain, a rainbow appears. It is a multicolored arc generated by sunlight striking over waterdroplets in the atmosphere. Simply breathtaking natural phenomena with a beautiful spectrum of diverse colors that offers optimism and vibrancy to nature.

According to the legend, a pot of gold can be found at the end of the rainbow, this appears to be extremely unthinkable. To check, you must visit the spot where the end of the rainbow touches the ground to verify the truth, although doing this seems like an impossible and difficult task. You’ve most likely been there before without even noticing it.

When I was younger, I was in my prime. I believed in this mythology that appeared to be true, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it’s simply a fairytale, a captivating story for the kids to enjoy. When you see a rainbow,given the opportunity to capture it, you should do so…

Thanks for reading my blog! Goodnight!

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Peking Duck Wraps

By livelifeandlove on September 17, 2021

Sumptuous dishes traditionally prepared and served in a grand style, the Peking Garden, 4th level Greenbelt 5, Makati City serves the best Peking duck in the city, it was the restaurant’s specialty as the name goes well with it. Tonight, is the birthday dinner celebration of my aunt, fabulous dinner served and the most popular choice. From the 10 courses meal served, the Peking duck and the Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood was my 2 best favorites although meal’s highlight and star on the table is the savory Peking duck.

Winter Melon Soup with assorted seafood

The best comfort soup and our favorite.

The Peking duck is in good shape, well-cooked and the aroma is awesome. It was very tasty, and the skin is crispy. It is bound to reign on the table.

How to carve a whole Peking duck

The Peking duck was neatly carved into even slices by the server. Started with the breast diagonally towards her holding the wing with the fork and cut through the outer layer of the breast into the joint.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel with the breastbone and repeating with the other side. It looks like very easy to carve because the knife is sharp, that’s the secret of perfect carving.

The thin flesh was carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate on a big white plate with the crispy skin at the center or it work both ways. You can see the difference from the photos up and down. The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

After the carving and preparation, the Whole plate of Peking duck transferred to our table along with the tortilla, stalks of spring onions and the sweet hoisin sauce.

See how it looks, Attractively beautiful !

How to wrap a Peking Duck Strips

Lay one fine strip of Peking duck flesh on a tortilla wrapper, followed by the stalk of spring onions, add a spoon of sweet Hoisin sauce on top and lay another strip of Peking duck.

This is how it looks before wrapping.

The filling looks like this inside.

Hold one end of tortilla and roll it halfway. Fold both borders and roll it again to enclose properly.

Almost done, I’m leaving one end open to show the filling inside and roll it once again to finish.

One bite, followed by another bite and more pls… I’ve tasted Peking Duck from different restaurants before but these, nothing can equal the flavor, I’ve never tasted like it before. So far, the best among the rest.

Ok guys! you can drop a cute note down there, simple things makes me happy…

Thanks for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Technology/ Learning Tips

Attractive Serving Dish for Fresh Fruit Medley

By livelifeandlove on May 7, 2021

There are times when you want to do something a little special that you may also want to produce an eye catching and attractive serving dish for fresh fruit medley. You can try this! After all, it is accompanied by a helpful photography to give you an idea on how to be creative and it is also easy when someone shows you how. This is very simple, it is a quick entertaining idea, half an hour is sufficient to prepare everything.

Instead of using a glass platter or bowl, you can also make use of fruit boats and cups as serving dishes for fruits itself such as; melon bowl, pineapple boat, dragon fruit boat, avocado boat, orange cup, watermelon bowl or winter melon bowl to name a few.. you can also use vegetable salad shells as well.

Different serving dishes for fresh fruit salad

Fresh fruit medley usually beautiful containing variety of nutritious fruits with contrasting colors and flavors.

Pineapple boat

Melon bowl

Dragon fruit boat

Watermelon Bowl

Avocado boat

Orange cup

Ripe fruits are best eaten in its natural state, it usually brings a nutritious flavor on its own. Can be served as a healthy snack or a perfect dessert in any meal.

Note: To follow> Attractive vegetable serving dishes next blog…

Stay healthy and always remember the benefits of eating fruit everyday

Thank you for reading my blog!

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

Sweet Love and Good Luck 2021

By livelifeandlove on February 14, 2021

This year 2021 is a double festive event the ”Chinese New Year” (February 12) and ”Valentine’s day” (February 14), merging altogether sweet love and good fortune to start the year right although this year is a different one because of the existing economic crisis brought by the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. The opening to normal life is very slow and uncertain, we don’t celebrate it the way we used to do in the past but It’s safe to celebrate at home with sweet and delicious simplicity.

If you prefer indoors at least you can move and enjoy more, you can serve at-home delicious dinner or just order out, you can also arrange DIY Valentine craft decors. Safety and health our prime responsibility. When you won’t be able to get-together in all ways, it would be better to send best greetings online and meaningful chat on screen, this would be more meaningful for both parties to be safe.

Wishing you all Happiness and Prosperity, Give Love and be Loved, ”Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Chinese New Year”

February 12, 2021 is Chinese New Year, the ‘’Year of the Ox’’ it signifies the hardworking trait, this is a good symbol that will help us through the pandemic season, it is also a symbol of spring and agriculture in Chinese art. Ox is compatible with people of rat, snake and rooster zodiac signs.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Stay Safe and Healthy!

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About the Author | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Real Life Story/ Advanced Prostate Cancer

By livelifeandlove on February 4, 2021

My hands are trembling, tears are welling up in my eyes, and a mix of jitters is making it hard to write, but I feel the need to share what I’m going through. The situation right now looks bleak, and the future is uncertain. Still, I’m doing my best to stay positive and not panic as time ticks away. I keep reminding myself to stay strong and act like everything is normal.

My husband’s troubles started around midnight; he was restless and uncomfortable. He mentioned he was having difficulty urinating, with only a few drops coming out. He kept going in and out of the bathroom every ten minutes. After that, he struggled to walk, as if his right leg had tightened up.

As soon as morning came, I rushed him to the hospital for an urgent check-up with a urologist. The doctor performed a rectal exam and immediately felt a hard lump, raising concerns about prostate cancer. It was devastating, and it felt like my whole world had crumbled. We were both caught off guard; I was at a loss for words. We had come in thinking it was just a urinary tract infection

Immediately, his doctor recommended a biopsy the following day, the legitimate outcome to identify malignant growth. The biopsy result ”Grade 5 Advanced Prostate Cancer” with a Gleason score of 9. The outcome was so discouraging and painful that it destroyed any little optimism I had.

Following a nuclear imaging test, He underwent a bone scan at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City to investigate various bone issues. I held onto hope and prayed for favorable results but the findings indicated increased activity in the T8 right ilium, left shoulder, joints, and other areas as noted in the bone scan or skeletal scintigraphy report.

The schedule for the subsequent scan had already been established, a CT scan was planned to assess the extent of cancer dissemination and to accurately identify tumors and masses. The preliminary results were already disheartening and the delay in communicating the findings only exacerbated my anxiety. Malignancy was suspected in several regions, including the urinary bladder, liver, kidneys, hepatic lobes (segments 11, 11, and IV), sigmoid diverticulum, and esophagus.

Often, by the time cancer is found, it has already spread to other organs. I was hit hard with disappointment. I hope it’s not a particularly aggressive form of cancer, but I know that with modern diagnostic and preventive methods, there’s still a bit of hope. When cancer spreads, it requires more aggressive treatment. I realize that once it hits an advanced stage, it becomes untreatable, and the chances of survival drop significantly, which really scares me.

Cancer treatment is already complicated by the COVID-19 Pandemic breakout, you have to worry about adhering to the hospital’s health protocols as you receive increasingly extensive palliative care.

We continue to make treatment decisions as a team and he just completed Antigen Deprivation Therapy the doctor had recommended as a crucial step in halting the spread of cancer. What will work best for him among the available treatments is still unclear. From that point forward the next step is an infusion for possible skeletal issues. In addition to these, the doctor prescribed oral prostate medications, all of which are expensive treatments for advanced prostate cancer; bicalutamide bicapros (BiCAPS), abiraterone acetate (Abiraterone), and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Our problem here is the risks associated with oral and intravenous cancer treatments are now my primary concern.

This time, I turned to God in desperate prayers, looking for help and direction because I was surrounded by negative thoughts and feeling emotionally drained. The uncertainty of what lay ahead as the cancer progressed was frightening, but we were committed to completing the treatment in hopes of saving his life. Facing the final stage and the reality of his limited time left is a daunting thought. I often ask myself, “How much longer does my husband have?” Sometimes, I catch myself thinking, “Is this just a nightmare?” If it is, I wish someone would wake me up! The fear of losing him feels so overwhelming that I can’t help but think death would be the cruelest outcome.

We’re doing our best to keep things normal, staying committed to supporting each other no matter what lies ahead, hoping that the time we have left will be joyful. When I found myself alone and overwhelmed with worry, I turned to the internet to read about others who faced similar health challenges.

There’s really no choice but to accept what life has in store for us. I need to stay strong to meet his needs, which means closely monitoring his diet and ensuring we both eat healthy. I’m gathering all my strength to create a calm evening for our kids. Spending time with family is the most important thing right now. I just need to practice a little more patience and trust that everything will work out. I’m eager to connect with others who have been through similar situations.

Despite everything, being with my kids during this crucial time makes me feel less alone and fills me with hope for the future. I’m thankful for the love and support from my close friends and mentors who have guided me through these tough times. I want to give a shout-out to my family, siblings, friends, classmates, and my best friend nearby. Your support means the world to me. I share this in hopes of inspiring others, especially those who have faced similar challenges.

Note: For more> MG life, works and writings, Follow me Twitter, Facebook page and Instagram

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Technology/ Learning Tips

For Snails, Fork or Toothpick? Helpful Tips

By livelifeandlove on September 24, 2020

In the restaurant, they serve some of my seafood favorites like; Black tiger prawns, crabs, lobsters, oysters, octopus. Beside the seafood platters, there’s a separate saucer for toothpicks to extract flesh of snails. If you noticed, toothpicks are often provided when snails are served especially in buffet restaurants. Informal way, they provide toothpick for snails and for formal is always with tongs accompanied by steel snail fork.

Now, in Buffet restaurants, what are those toothpicks for? If you hear the word toothpick, would immediately come to mind the definite purpose is normally used for picking the dirt of teeth and now we are using for food, that’s two different thing which is not good for two different purpose of one kind. Is it a yucky thing? It is already a common practice around. Oftentimes, following a good dinner when guests are dressed up and toothpicks are served first when snails are present for appetizers. However, after eating, usually you ask for the same kind.

It is already a common practice that you can see around. It’s probably the easiest way to keep table setting simple because of the number of guests involved that they can’t provide the proper fork intended for the purpose. Normally, in rural areas, they don’t use toothpick for snails either, they use their mouth to suck up pieces inside.

Ginataang Kuhol

I will now share with you my unforgettable but funny experience. I never forget the first time I tried snail in the province. At first serious sampling,I threw up! I’ve tried it again the 2nd time, this time is a more serious tasting. The good recipe was Ginataang Kuhol, the aroma you can smell inside the house and thought it was delicious. I carefully imitate what the olds are doing. Following it, I carefully picked one and goes directly to my mouth and sucked it. Glorious! I’m a damn sucker! I sucked everything including the flesh, watery part and sandy portion. The bad thing? I almost sucked the whole piece of shell. LOL! It was here that I learned to love the taste minus the shell.

My helpful tips calling for a change

For more successful and safe results, I suggest to use and select the best fork suited for seafood. It is improper and unpleasant to see toothpicks beside the food itself. Simple rules are easy to learn following basic rules in using appropriate fork. We have different kinds of fork for seafoods like; lobster fork, prawns fork, fish fork and cocktail fork for squid and octopus too.

Which fork works best for snails? Seafood is considered safe and special using appropriate fork which is easier intended for this purpose. If you don’t have the steel snail fork or silver one, there’s a decorative fork which is plastic but firm and disposable like toothpicks too, the price is just right especially the small ones just like the price of toothpicks in a box. Check photos above of Ginataang Kuhol with decorative snail fork that has a firm pointed tines.

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!

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 !

Tower Cranes on Site

By livelifeandlove on October 20, 2016

Visiting construction sites to all parts of the city. While undergoing construction to these areas, I took few choice snapshots of the tower cranes, the load capacity is too heavy as shown. From the tower crane itself, towards the higher clouds background, you’ll view all different formation of clouds in the atmosphere; cirrus, cumulus, altostratus, stratus, cirrocumulus, nimbus to name a few. Other photos below with the presence of other formations like cirrocumulus, altostratus and stratus. The cirrocumulus and cirrus above 18.000 feet.

Note: Click on all images to view larger

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